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Women’s
ASUCR
Committee removals, election timelines and climate change projects
THE SIXTH ASUCR MEETING OF THE YEAR WAS CALLED IN ORDER TO DISCUSS THIS YEAR’S
Fourth year, Christopher Buchanan, spoke during public comment of the sixth Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) meeting. Buchanan brought up concerns regarding students balancing post-college endeavors with completing their degree requirements. To remedy this, he suggested a modification to the degree audit platform, recommending that external certifications, such as the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and brokerage license are included with their requisite degrees on the audit.
President Pro Tempore (PPT) Leila Haidar added on to his statements saying that this was an issue across the UCR colleges. Executive President Choy mentioned that she could bring it up in her regular meetings with the Provost, Chancellor, University of California Students Association (UCSA), and Jordan Steinhauser who is the Graduate Student Administration president.
Elections Director (ED) Kevin Arizmendi then opened up the prospective timeline for ASUCR elections for the 2025 to 2026 school year. ED Arizmendi explained that the timeline spans across winter and spring quarter with candidacy applications opening up Jan. 1, and election results being posted May 2nd.
This year the Belltower, Lothian, Glasgow, the Associated Students of UC Riverside (ASUCR) office and the Highlander Union Building (HUB) will be polling locations. Concerns were brought up over candidates not being allowed to loiter near polling locations, given that so many of the polling sites were close to ASUCR offices. However ED Arizmedi assured senators that there would be “watchdogs” and volunteers monitoring the sites to make sure that no candidates would be abusing the set locations.
Senate Bill F24-006 detailed the need for a stipend for the position of external executive assistant under the Office of External Affairs. Vice President of External Affairs Vivian Herrera described the aid of the current executive assistant as a “huge support.” Senate Bill F24-007 also reflected this change in the list of paid positions for the External Affairs Office, detailing the $990 stipend for the 2024-2025 school year that the assistant would be getting paid. Both bills were approved 14-0-0.
Senate Bill F24-008 would mandate transparent committee documentation in the form of quarterly reports from all the ASUCR committees detailing their goals, what they have accomplished and other information to better inform the Senate as to their activities. There will be an option to submit a report, for which the commit-
tee members will need to follow a pdf with instructions on what to write, or another option to simply schedule a meeting with ASUCR.
President Abby Choy shared that this bill would ideally make it easier for committees to draft their end of year report as well as for ASUCR to check in on their progress throughout the year. College of Humanities & Social Sciences Senator Anahita Hooshyari Far brought up transparency concerns on how the public would be able to view the committee reports. The bill was rejected 14-0-0 so it could be sent back to the Legislative Review Committee for further edits.
Senate Bill F24-009 discussed the new criteria for committees to be removed from ASUCR. President Choy explained that as of right now it is very easy to add or create committees but very hard remove them, even if they no longer serve their purpose. She continued, explaining how this is problematic when committee functions overlap or are no longer being held to a high standard of quality.
SB F24-009 mandates that committees will be evaluated on select criteria and reviewed during week nine of spring quarter to see if it is a good idea for them to continue. However, because the Government Relations and Highlander Action Committee were not included in the list of commit-
tees immune from evaluation, the bill was rejected in a vote of 14-0-0 and sent back to legislative review committee.
Both Green Grants proposed by the Green Campus Action Plan were approved. Senator Hooshyari Far detailed how the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at UCR requested $3,500 to bring new chemical engineering students onto their initiative to create a sustainable innovation project. This project consists of making two cars to compete with each other at the end of the academic year — $3,500 is the maximum amount of money they would be spending on the project including testing and the creation of the actual competition course.
UCR’s R’Garden has also applied for a $4,000 grant, to “continue [expanding] the growth of fresh organic produce in an efficient and sustainable way ... [and] help them with providing higher crop quality, increased yields and longer growing seasons for students”
CNAS Senator Anthony Wei, CNAS Senator Karen Vo and Bourns College Of Engineering Senator Uma Akundi were excused. CHASS Senator Carter Anderson and CNAS Senator Vinisha Lalli were late.
SANJANA THATTE News Editor
Unpacking the polls
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 2024 ELECTION.
Currently receiving 312 electoral votes, and polling at 50.4%, On Nov. 6, Republican candidate Donald J. Trump was announced as the 47th President of the United States (US).
Vice President (VP) Kamala Harris who received 226 electoral votes and 58% of the popular vote in California, on Wednesday night, conceded the election to President Elect Trump. Losing in every swing and battleground state, in her concession speech, at her alma mater, Howard University, VP Harris rallied the crowd, emphasizing that her cause will continue: “Sometimes the fight takes a while … That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
Continuing a long line of election tradition, only broken by Donald Trump in 2020 who never conceded to the election results, during her concession speech, VP Harris told the crowd “When we lose an election, we accept the results.”
In his victory speech, Presidentelect Trump expressed how happy he was and how “this is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”
He continued on, boasting the
extreme margins that he won the election by: “[we have] won the battleground states of North Carolina, I love these places, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, we are now winning in Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and Alaska, which would result in us carrying at least 315 electoral votes … We also have won the popular vote, that was great … Winning the popular vote was very nice, very nice.”
Stressing promises he made during his campaign, President Elect Trump continued, “We wanna have borders. We wanna have security. We wanna have things be good, safe. We want great education. We want a strong and powerful military and ideally, we don’t have to use it … I’m going to stop wars. But this is also a massive victory for democracy and for freedom. Together, we’re going to unlock America’s glorious destiny. We’re going to achieve the most incredible future for our people.”
California State Senator — Democrat, Adam B. Schiff
In the race to replace California State Senator (Sen.) Dianne Feinstein, Democrat candidate Adam B. Schiff beat Republican candidate Steve
Garvey. Currently polling at 58.1%, receiving 6,563,971 votes, compared to Garvey’s 41.9% and 4,740,590 votes, the Associated Press (AP) declared Schiff the winner shortly after the polls closed.
Following the election, Schiff told a crowd of supporters gathered at the California Democratic Party event in downtown Los Angeles (LA), “I will spend every day trying to repay the trust that you have placed in me by serving this Golden State with all of my heart and soul.” Continuing, Schiff reflected on the legacy of Sen. Feinstein, recognizing her as a “giant of the US Senate.”
In an event hosted by the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, joined by a crowd of 400 supporters, Tuesday night at the Ranch Mirage, Garvey took the stage addressing his loss of the senate race. Calling the night “bittersweet,” Garvey emphasized his hope that President Elect Trump “[will] be supported by a strong [Republican] Senate,” but also wished that he too could be a part of that senate.
Riverside County House of Representative:
District 25 — Democrat, Raul
Ruiz
According to the 2020 redistricting map, which outlines all the borders of California’s voting districts, the 25th congressional district is located in the Mojave desert, and encompasses Imperial County, most of Riverside county and the eastern edge of San Bernardino.
Democrat Incumbent Raul Ruiz rewon the vote for US House of Representatives District 25 seat, polling at 56.5% and receiving 93,934 votes. His opposition, Republican Ian M. Weeks, currently polling at 43.5%, lost the election with 71,572 votes.
District 35 — Democrat, Norma J. Torres
California’s 35th congressional district encompasses parts of the Inland Empire and includes cities like Chino, Eastvale, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland.
Incumbent Democrat Norma Torres rewon her seat this election; currently polling at 56.6%, she received 82,423 votes. Republican candidate Mike Cargile lost the election, polling at 43.4% with 63,129 votes.
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
COURTESY OF GABRIELA ALMENDAREZ
District 39 — Democrat, Mark Takano
Including cities like Jurupa Valley, Riverside, Moreno Valley and Perris, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is located in California’s 39th congressional district.
Rewinning his seat this election, Incumbent Democrat Mark Takono is currently polling at 55.8%, receiving 89,868 votes. His Republican opponent, David Serpa is currently polling at 44.2%, receiving 71,160 votes, losing the race for this congressional seat.
District 40 — Republican, Young Kim
Encompassing Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Republican incumbent Young Kim has rewon her seat. Polling at 56.2% and receiving 176,617 votes Kim beat her opposition, Joe Kerr, who is currently polling at 43.8%, receiving 137,472 votes.
District 41 — Republican, Ken Calvert
California’s 41st congressional district is located in Riverside County, and includes the cities of Palm Springs, Menifee, Calimesa, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and most of Corona.
In one of California’s most competitive races, Democrat Will Rollins is polling at 48.6%, receiving 136,596 votes, against California’s longest-serving Grand Old Party (GOP) Congressman Ken Calvert. Receiving 133,976 votes and polling at 51.4%, Incumbent Calvert is currently in the lead, and presumed to win this election; however, with only 56.94% of the expected vote reported for this seat, the results of this race are still too close to call.
District 48 — Republican, Darell E. Issa
Covering most of East County, San
Diego and the Temecula Valley, Republican incumbent Darell Issa has rewon his seat representing California’s 48th congressional district. Polling at 59.9% and receiving 168,332 votes, Issa beat Democrat Stephe Houlahan, who is currently polling at 40.1%, receiving 112,690 votes.
State Ballot Measures
Proposition 2: “Bonds for Public School and College Facilities” — YES
Polling at 57.3% and receiving 6,288,670 yes votes and 4,685,319 no votes, Proposition 2 polling shows that this measure will likely pass. This bond will allow the state to borrow $10 billion to repair k-12 schools and community colleges.
Proposition 3: “Constitutional Right to Marriage” — YES
One of two measures aiming to make amendments to the California Constitution, Proposition 3 will constitutionally guarantee same-sex couples equal marriage rights in the state of California. Currently polling at 61.6%, receiving 6,793,867 yes votes and 4,235,247 no votes, this measure has passed.
Proposition 4: “Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks” — YES
Authorizing a $10 billion bond to address climate change, by improving Californians’ access to drinking water and implementing extreme heat and wildfire programs, preliminary results show that this measure is likely to pass. Polling at 58.4%, Proposition 4 received 5,447,598 yes votes and 4,594,873 no votes.
Proposition 5: “Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure” — NO
This measure would have made it easier for local governments to
borrow money for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects by lowering the required vote threshold to pass bonds from two-thirds to 55%. Polling at 43.9% and receiving 4,801,450 yes votes and 6,129,917 no votes, Proposition 5 did not pass.
Proposition 6: “Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work” — NO
Proposition 6, the second measure on the ballot aiming to make amendments to the California Constitution, based on preliminary polling results, is headed for defeat. Receiving 45.6% of the yes vote, 4,908,775 votes in favor and 5,860,198 against, this measure would have removed an exemption in the state constitution that allows prisoners to be forced to do unpaid labor; because this proposition failed, this slavery clause will remain in the California Constitution.
Proposition 32: “Raises Minimum Wage” — NO
Currently Proposition 32, which proposes raising California’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, has received 5,3289,691 yes votes and 5,717,091 no votes; polling at 48.2%, this measure is most likely to not pass once results are finalized.
Proposition 33: “Local Government Residential Rent Control” — NO
Backed by the tenant advocates and the LA nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in its third time on the ballot, this local rent control bill has failed. Preliminary votes on Proposition 33 show that 38.7% (4,226,288 votes) of voters casted yes and 61.3% (6,691,469 votes) casted no, making it unlikely that future polling will change the failing result of this measure.
Proposition 34: “Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues” — YES
Passing with 51.2% of the
vote, 5,422,123 people voting yes and 5,174,079 people voting no, Proposition 34 preliminary polling results show that voters are undecided on this measure; until future polling numbers are released, it is too early to call this proposition passed. Only applying to companies that spend at least $100 million on expansion other than direct care, if passed, Proposition 34 will require health care providers to utilize prescription drug revenue on their patients.
Proposition 35: “Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal” — YES
Passing with an overwhelming 67.1% of the vote, 7,298,812 votes in favor and 3,583,066 votes against, Proposition 35 makes permanent taxes to fund Medi-Cal programs in California. Backed by the healthcare industry, this measure guarantees that the new permanent tax on health care plans is spent on providers who treat low-income patients through the state’s Medi-Cal program.
Proposition 36: “Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes” — YES
Pushed by some moderate Democrats and Republicans, but opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, Proposition 36 has passed and is currently polling at 69.8% yes, with 7,669,403 people voting in favor and 3,315,447 people voting against. Proposition 34 passing reclassifies some drug and theft crimes as felonies, creating a new category of drug crimes called “treatment-mandated” crimes, requiring defendants to either undergo drug treatments or face felony jail time.
All figures, results and information is current as of Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.■ H
350 miles and 40 years later
FEARS OF TRANSNATIONAL AGGRESSION GROW AMONGST SIKH COMMUNITY.
Attempting to call attention to growing threats to the Sikh community, the 40 year anniversary of a three week long Sikh massacre taking place in India, in October, a group of Sikh activists walked 350 miles up the spine of California’s Central Valley.
Intentionally tracing Caesar Chavez and the farmworkers path during their 1966 strike, on this 350 mile walk, protesters marched along the old 99 freeway. Taking place Oct. 9 to Nov. 1, marching from Bakersfield to Sacramento, the Fearless for Justice March was organized by the Jakara Movement — a Sikh advocacy group.
California’s Sikh community has been farming the Central Valley for over a century, fleeing here in 1984 to escape anti-Sikh violence following the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Last year, in 2023, California Legislatures recognized the 1984 Sikh massacre as a genocide, and earlier this month a federal resolution to do the same was introduced in Congress.
During the Fearless for Justice march, Simarpreet Singh remarked on how it feels to be a Sikh activist living in America: “We have evidence that the Indian government is going around literally naming people who are in this building today, calling them things like ‘they’re a terrorist,’ because we represent something that they are trying to repress.”
On June 18, 2023, Sikh
separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated by masked gunmen outside the Sikh temple he led in Surry, Canada. Canadian police arrested and charged three Indian men with the murder of Nijjar, and are alleging that India’s Interior Minister Amit Shah, the chief aide of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plot to target the Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
In New York, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, one of the main leaders of the Khalistan movement — an independence movement seeking to create an ethno-religious sovereign state called Khalistan for Sikhs in Punjab, India — faced assanation attempts.
After Pannun received warnings from Canadian officials about a “serious threat to his life,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to stop the assassination attempt on the activist’s life. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted two Indian nationalists, one of whom is former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, with orchestrating this attempted assassination.
India has denied all involvement with both cases.
These are both alleged incidents of transnational repression. Defined by the FBI as “foreign governments reach[ing] beyond their borders to intimidate, silence, coerce, harass or harm members of their diaspora and exile communities in the United States.” Transnational repression has been a growing issue for the Sikh community.
Addressing this transnational repression, Assemblywoman
Jasmeet Bains, the first Sikh California elected state official, stated, “This is an attempt by the Indian government to annihilate and destroy an entire community.”
Assemblywoman Bains recently introduced AB 3027, attempting to enact policy providing a concrete definition for transnational aggression, to protect “individuals and organizations against transnational repression,” and provide training to local law enforcements on how to deal with these types of threats.
Following the proposal of this bill, Assemblywoman Bains says that she received death threats and other messages accusing her of terrorism. She continued that this bill was killed in committee for alleged fear that naming India as a county engaging in translational repression would put a target on the backs of Hindu Americans. Despite the pushbach, Assemblywoman Bains plans on introducing the bill again in the next session.
One of the main groups opposing AB 3027 is The Location of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) — CoHNA Pushpita Prasad stated “AntiIndia hate or laws, if they came to be, would be used as a cover for anti-Hindu hate.” Prasad continued, emphasizing her belief that hate for Hindus has largely been ignored in America and that a translational repression could be used against that work that she and groups like CoHNA do.
“This bill didn’t call out any religion or dialect, it called out a country,” she says. “India belongs to a lot of different religions and dialects and ethnicities, not just
one,” Says Prasad.
Following the attempted asination of Pannun, Congressman and Senator Elect Adam Schiff, introduced the bipartisan Translational Repression Reporting Act of 2024. If passed, this bill would require “the Attorney General, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to submit a report of cases of transnational repression against U.S. citizens or people in the United States.”
Harman Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition, emphasized his gratitude to Congressman Schiff for proposing this bill. “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Schiff for proposing this legislation and taking the continuing threat of all transnational repression, including India’s recent targeting of Sikhs, seriously.
“It is essential for our national security that the United States is not seen abiding such egregious violations of democratic values or international norms — including India’s harassing, harming and plotting to kill US-based Sikhs–without consequence. We hope that others in congress will join Congressman Schiff to support this significant step forward,” stated H. Singh.
During a training session by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) earlier this year on Hinduphobia materials included allegations that Sikhs for Justice is a hate group, suggesting law enforcement “monitor the social media platforms for US-based groups and individuals with ties to Khalistan terror groups who advocate violence and fundraise in furtherance of Khalistan.”
Present at this training session were some of California’s police chief’s, district attorney, members of the DOJ and homeland security. HAF also asked law enforcement to “investigate Khalistan attacks against Hindu temples and devotees as hate crimes.”
In a public statement addressing the training secession, The Sikh Coalition, denied all allegations of vandalizing Hindu temples in California: “First, we are deeply disturbed to know that advocacy groups have been pushing a political agenda in their training to law enforcement. It is in the interest of all communities that crimes — including acts of vandalism at houses of worship — are investigated promptly and transparently so that perpetrators can be held to account; to our knowledge, there is no evidence that pro-Khalistan or Sikh individuals are responsible for any such crimes in California.
Addressing the HAF directly, The Sikh Coalition stated “we are angered by the insinuation of Hindu America Foundation (HAF) Community Outreach Director Ramya Ramakrishnan that northern California gurdwaras (Sikh houses of worship) are somehow institutionally connected to drugs, weapons, and organized crime.”
The Sikh Coalition called on the HAF to give me a public apology, stating, “Given the shared reverence in the Hindu and Sikh faith traditions for the importance of houses of worship, we fully expect that HAF will issue a public apology for these remarks immediately.”
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
COURTESY OF NPR SIKH PICTURE
Gov. Newsom’s “ surge operations ” is a temporary fix to reducing violent crimes
A NEW “SURGE OPERATION” IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REFLECTS CALIFORNIA’S EVOLVING STANCE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS.
On Oct. 28, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new “surge operation” for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the City of San Bernardino to address the growing number of violent crimes, including property theft, gun violence and street sideshows.
As part of the state’s ongoing effort to crack down on crime, the “surge operation” will place “additional CHP personnel” on the ground and in the air to help the San Bernardino Police Department target violent crimes.
According to recent data, San Bernardino’s violent crime rate is “nearly double the statewide average,” with one of the highest rates of vehicle theft and more than a triple homicide rate from the statewide average. In 2023, the San Bernardino Police Department reported an estimated violent crime rate of 1,059 crimes per 100,000 residents in the city.
This area’s trend of increasing violent crime numbers isn’t unique. Gov. Newsom launched similar surge operations in other crime hot spots, including Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield. Reports show that CHP’s muscle enforcement operations have been relatively successful in controlling violent crime, with more than 3,200 arrests, approximately 170 seizures of illegal firearms and the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles.
However, while the governor’s surge operations in hot spot cities appear to be reducing violent crime rates for the time being, these stricter public safety policies are seemingly more of a response to residents’ growing frustration over rising violent crime rates.
Just a few years ago, California voters supported different approaches to criminal justice, including voting for reform-minded district attorneys and supporting progressive policies, such as providing more intervention and treatment services to offenders.
But if Californians have supported progressive policies previously, why are they suddenly backing stricter penalties for violent crimes?
A significant reason is the visible changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, including the growth of homeless encampments and cases of fentanyl overdoses throughout the state. More locked-up products in local retail stores and viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies on social media have fueled fear and frustration about crime. As a result, voters have determined that the only way to reverse these dangerous trends is the adoption of stricter police enforcement and penalties for theft and drug possession.
This change is evident in the results of the recent 2024 general election ballot propositions and the recall of progressive district attorneys. Proposition 36, a measure that will increase punishment for theft and drug crimes, passed by a
margin of 70% despite opposition from notable Democrats, including Gov. Newsom, who worry the policy will unduly criminalize offenders and those experiencing homelessness.
In Los Angeles County, incumbent District Attorney George Gascón, one of the most well-known progressive criminal justice reformers, lost to Nathan Hochen, a tough-on-crime former federal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Accused of perpetuating the increase of local crime, such as smash-and-grab robberies in retail stores through lax prosecution of offenders, Gascón is one of two progressive prosecutors, the other being District Attorney Pamela Price in Alameda County, who was recalled on Nov. 5. However, finding a solution to reduce violent crime isn’t that simple. Tough-on-crime policies disproportionately affect people of color, destabilize families and communities and promote mass incarceration in the criminal justice system. During the “war on drugs” in the 1970s and 1980s, for example, millions of Black and Latino Americans were locked up for crack cocaine and other drug violations. The result was an increase of “600 per 100,000 people in 1970 to 1,808 in 2000” in Black incarceration rates.
More importantly, communities affected by tough-on-crime policies are historically victims of systemic racism who live in neighborhoods with high poverty rates, gang violence and a lack of educational and mental
health resources. In the City of San Bernardino, approximately 68% of residents identify as Latino and have a median household income of $61,323 — barely over the cutoff for California’s middle-class income range. The other cities where Gov. Newsom has launched the surge operation, namely Oakland and Bakersfield, also have high rates of low-income communities of color.
To prevent repeating the mistake of widespread mass incarceration of communities of color, which did little to alleviate the core causes of continued criminal behaviors within specific communities, California voters must exercise caution in supporting popular tough-on-crime policies. Gov. Newsom’s aggressive police enforcement operations may produce reduced crime but it is not a sustained solution to the ongoing problem of increased crime in these hotspot cities.
Rather, the state must prioritize uplifting residents in these communities by funding and increasing access to essential programs, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment centers and work programs for those incarcerated.
Public safety is essential, but surge operations are a temporary solution.
CECILE DIROLL Opinions Editor
Riverside’s encampment ban is not going to solve homelessness
RIVERSIDE’S NEW BAN FAILS TO ADDRESS LACK OF ACCESSIBLE SHELTERS AND NEED FOR RESOURCES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinion Editor
The Riverside City Council passed a 6-to-1 ban on homeless encampments on public property within a two-block radius of schools, city parks and homeless shelters. This ordinance requires city officials to post a notice on encampments, giving homeless individuals 24 to 48 hours to leave the area.
While it claims to prioritize public safety, the ban seems only to push the problem out of sight without truly addressing the root causes or providing humane alternatives. The city council’s decision marginalized vulnerable populations and failed to recognize this as a systemic state-wide issue.
Supporters of the ordinance, like Councilmember Jim Perry, argue that it will encourage people experiencing homelessness to use “low-barrier” shelters and other city services, assuming that these resources are readily accessible and available. Many shelters in Riverside already operate at or beyond capacity, leaving few viable options for the homeless population.
Across California, data from Continuums of Care shows that shelters statewide consistently lack enough beds to meet the demand, especially in densely populated areas. This shortage of shelter space combined with stipulations such as the need for identification documents to access housing services, reveals a series of hurdles making it more difficult for homeless individuals to find shelter.
homeless encampments by Santa Ana railroads. Displacing an already displaced population overlooks basic human rights and dignity for individuals who require immediate access to supportive services.
Moreover, homelessness in California reveals a series of social inequities. Black Californians, who make up just 6% of the state’s population, represent 30% of its homeless population. Policies like Riverside’s encampment ban are not addressing these systemic racial inequalities in the homeless population. Rather than addressing the underlying factors that make certain people more vulnerable to homelessness, this ordinance punishes individuals for conditions outside of their control.
Riverside’s financial commitment to addressing homelessness also falls short of what’s needed to make a meaningful difference. The county was recently allocated $34 million by the state to address homelessness, yet this funding will directly assist only about 100 individuals which is nowhere near enough people.
The city needs to invest in more low-barrier shelters within all communities, alongside transitional housing and affordable housing initiatives that provide long-term solutions. Without a more comprehensive approach, the city’s funding paired with the ban on encampments will not create a meaningful impact on homelessness.
This ban on encampments also raises ethical concerns regarding the treatment of Riverside’s homeless population. By criminalizing encampments near schools and shelters, the city is pushing individuals into more isolated and unsafe areas. Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, local governments have greater authority to regulate encampments, even if shelters are at full capacity.
The homeless population in Riverside and surrounding counties are particularly vulnerable to this change as officers have already cleared out
Ultimately, the city council’s ordinance is only helpful for people concerned with the appearances of homelessness within the community. It fails to offer a tangible solution to the problem, leaving the homeless population struggling against systemic barriers. Riverside deserves a better approach, one that prioritizes lasting change over quick fixes and respects the dignity of every individual in the community.
SIGN COURTESY OF CREAZILLA
GRAPHICS COURTESY OF FREEPIK
Where democrats went wrong this election and how to move forward
TRUMP’S VICTORY OVER HARRIS SHOWS HOW OUT OF TOUCH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS WITH WORKING-CLASS AMERICANS.
In a stunning comeback, Former President Donald Trump won the presidential race over Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5th.
Winning the support of voters from different socioeconomic and demographic groups, from middle-class communities in Pennsylvania to Arab voters in Wisconsin and Latinos in Arizona, Mr. Trump’s victory was decisive.
Now, as President Elect Trump — a convicted felon and adjudicated sex offender — returns to the White House, many of his opponents are pointing fingers at each other about who is to blame for Harris’ disastrous loss. Some claimed that this win was due to the backing of 46% of Latinos and 39% of Asian Americans while others say it was the 60% of white men and 53% of white women who voted for the former president.
While the Democrats’ loss can be attributed to multiple factors, a few things are clear. First, the Democratic Party, which has built its coalition upon working-class Americans and minority groups, failed to recognize what their voters care most about right now — the economy.
According to APVote, 96% of voters said that “high prices for gas, groceries and other goods” were a factor in their vote. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy has become a significant concern for many voters. The current administration has taken the brunt of responsibility for inflationary rates due to President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and the supply shortages caused by the RussiaUkraine war and the pandemic.
Harris tried to separate herself from Bidenomics by advocating for her own ban on “price gouging” for groceries and handouts for firsttime homeowners and childcare, but she was ultimately unable to do so, as she often avoided tough questions about how her policies would differ from Biden’s.
Trump’s campaign strategy wasn’t much better. He attacked and faulted Biden and Harris for inflation and couldn’t provide a comprehensive plan of how he would help Americans, aside from pledging to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay or Social Security benefits. But, with his constant reminders about how much better life was four years ago, he persuaded many Americans to vote for him. Unsurprisingly, 80% of Trump voters agreed that their financial situation under his administration was better.
Second, the Democratic Party’s disconnect was exacerbated by the issues it ran its campaign on. In other words, the majority of American
voters — from all different backgrounds — don’t care about Trump’s threat to democracy, loss of reproductive freedoms or climate change issues as much as they care about their ability to pay for groceries or buy a house. In prioritizing these issues over kitchen table issues, the Democrats failed to address what matters most to their historical voter base.
Third, President Biden should’ve kept his promise to be a “transitional leader” and passed the baton earlier to a younger generation of Democratic leaders so the party could have held an open primary and selected from a slate of diverse candidates.
Even if Harris had emerged as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate after winning the primaries, she could have had more time to run her campaign, better define herself as a candidate, explain her changing position on issues like climate change and fracking, and gain the trust of American voters — something she wasn’t able to do.
Finally, there’s also the unfortunate fact that there are many people who will never vote for a woman, no less a woman of color. For an unapologetic figure like Mr. Trump, who personifies white wealth and appears invincible from every scandal and assassination attack, he fits the political “strongman” archetype who can solve the country’s problems through brute force and control. Current examples of this archetype include his allies, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin and the President of China, Xi Jinping. However, these leaders also show us that authoritarianism doesn’t solve a country’s problems.
Moving forward, the Democratic Party needs to take a hard look in the mirror and think about how they can return to the roots of their coalition. For too long, Trump’s political chaos has defined American politics to the point where both Republicans and Democrats have lost their way. As Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders said in a statement about the election, “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them.”
In such an uncertain time, young people must come together — including the Generation Z men and women who voted for Trump — to have some real discussions about how to move forward. This election shows that the country’s future depends on redefining the two-party system, which needs new leaders to step up.
CECILE DIROLL OPINIONS EDITOR
COURTESY OF AP NEWS
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EMILY MATA / THE HIGHLANDER
Scotty-Scopes:
Your focus for the week.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):
Don’t dwell on the old — focus on the new. If you don’t let go of the past, you’ll never be able to make progress in the present.
(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):
Your finances and career goals need attention this week. The planning stages of these goals are even more crucial than taking action at this moment.
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
You need to both give and receive love this week, Aries. Be open to sharing your time and your ear, and the same gestures will return to you in due time.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Your loved one(s) need your attention this week Cancer. Maybe your communication has been lacking, or maybe you haven’t made time to see one another, but whatever it is, focus on your partnership.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):
This week focus on your goals. Remember that there can be no forward progress on long-term dreams if you don’t take small steps to achieve what you want.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):
Take care of family matters this week, Aquarius. Whatever has been set up for you generationally or legacy-wise, make sure you’re really appreciating it.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
Don’t avoid the obstacles that have come in your way. Unless you face them head on, they won’t go away.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):
Help the people around you know that they are secure. Offer to help a classmate with homework, listen to a friend’s rant or go grocery shopping with your roommate; it will help them know that they are loved.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SPEND YOUR TIME THINKING ABOUT.
NATALIE DAHL Features Editor
(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):
Sagittarius, let your light shine this week. Even if it may feel like everything is not going your way, try to breathe through it and consciously be more joyful this week.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20):
This week you should focus on new opportunities. You’ve been putting too many of your eggs into one basket, and you shouldn’t set yourself up for such a slim chance of success.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Focus on taking initiative this week; this is a good time to practice your leadership skills so that you can feel prepared later down the road.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22):
Look at one thing this week Virgo. Your multitasking is not going as well as you think it is, so harness your energy towards one actionable cause.
Death
Knight of Swords
Sagittarius
The Sun
Capricorn
Knight of Pentacles
Ten of Pentacles
Page of Pentacles
Six of Pentacles
The Chariot
The Empress
Two of Cups
Queen of Pentacles
Seven of Wands
Happy Birthday, Penrose Record Room!
Your favorite local record shop just hit a big milestone.
BOBBI MONAE MANDOUR Assistant Radar Editor
One whole year is no small feat when it comes to running a small business. For shops that specialize in niche hobbies of the past, like musiccollecting, existing successfully in the everchanging economy and whimsies of the public deserves more than a pat on the back.
To celebrate that, the Penrose Record Room in Downtown Riverside hosted two full days of anniversary festivities right in the heart of the subterranean shop, turning the relatively smaller store into a huge space of music, smiles, friends and community.
Over the two-day weekend celebration, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, the Penrose Record Room featured a full house of record aficionados, slickdressed disc jockeys, Penrose Records label musicians and their hoards of fans packed into the basement of the Life Arts Building.
In some ways, it really did feel like a house party. The shop’s mini living-room setup — equipped with a sofa, vintage chairs and a coffee table — hosted a revolving collection of new and old friends catching up, resting in between searching through the record bins and swaying to the music being played on-stage and at the DJ booth.
As patrons filled the aisles, audience members cheered for performances from soulful bands like The Altons, Los Yesterdays and Vicky Tafoya and The Big Beat. And even more customers were filtering through the checkout line snaking through the shop and out the door, searching through the “Just In” bins to find stacks of fresh vinyl records to purchase.
The weekend’s musical lineup included DJ sets by KUCR’s very own Mr. Blue, longtime contributing host of Radio Aztlan, local favorite Dylan Trebizo (@papatrebizo on Instagram) and a fan-favorite set by Trish Toledo ending the evening after her live performance on Saturday.
The weekend also saw The Emkays, The Escapers and Junior Scaife bringing a crowd of fans looking to purchase 7-inch single vinyls and get them signed by the bandmates. Artists and
their supporters alike traveled into town for the weekend from cities like Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo and even Las Vegas.
Both of the store’s owners, Gabe Roth and Matt Beld, took on the role as emcee, with both of them behind the register at various times throughout the days, handling the microphone and giving warm welcomes and thank-yous to the eclectic stage personalities and friends of the label.
Most Penrose artists are used to performing in sold-out, ticketed live music venues, so to experience the intimate and stripped-down sets in between record bins, and directly under the recording studio where Roth and the artists make the music happen, is an experience that you can only get at Riverside’s very own Penrose Record Room.
Dedicated regulars at the shop will remember past in-store acoustic performances by groups like The Charities, The Jack Moves, The Silvertone, Johnny Rui and Joey Quinones — and appearances by San Diego legends Thee Sacred Souls — all of which helped to build the community of music lovers that have gathered around the shop throughout the past year.
Patrons attended the anniversary weekend celebration not only for the live performances, but also the fun and kind personalities of the owners themselves, who have worked immensely to build the brick and mortar shop. The celebration itself was a long time in the making, as Beld collected and purchased tirelessly for the brand new 45s bin, stacked to the brim with familiar and rare Oldies, Blues, Soul, R&B and (my personal favorite) 60s Rock 7-inch singles, which is an offering that reflects the personal pride of Beld himself, whose favorite form of vinyl is the iconic 7-inch single.
Guests were invited to linger and make themselves at home on the couch and chop it up with strangers, transporting the experience to resemble something out of 90s movies like Empire Records or High Fidelity. Adding to the old-school
fun, Beld and Roth customized a Penrose wheel of fortune, designed to mimic a vinyl record in the center, which stood by the cash register and was spun for prizes by anyone spending a hundred bucks.
Customers received free tote bags, slipmats, ballcaps, record cases and even Penrose Showcase records. The two also collaborated with long-time friend of the store, Brandon Lobo, to set up the raffle of a beautiful, red, vintage Schwinn bicycle donated by Lobo for the festivities. On Sunday evening, winner James T. was called and went home with a shiny new bike!
Needless to say, the weekend spawned high spirits for the state of record stores today and the growing local music scene. When asked to reflect on the successful year of store ownership, Beld expressed the importance of giving back to the community that frequents the shop and supports the label’s music, “because without them, we really wouldn’t be here.” It seems that the key to having a thriving small business is to connect deeply with the people you’re serving — and with a music store, they’re already one step ahead of the game.
Beld and Roth hope to be around for a long while, and in local opinion, they’re already making history. Since the anniversary weekend, the two haven’t stopped preparing for their next big event, the annual Record Store Day that lands on the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. The day will see special releases that collectors can only find in participating stores, like the Record Room, which will have something for everyone, from old-heads to pop culture loyalists.
Inside sources even say that there might be more in store live performances — but you’ll have to get down to the shop or follow their Instagram page, @penroserecordroom if you want to find out.
Cheers to many more years of music, friends, family and records at the Penrose Record Room!
NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT
The "C”
The “C,” a brand that stands for all University of California (UC) campuses, or should I say, “controversy.” As tradition followed all around the UC campuses to mark their surrounding mountains in honor of their universities with the initial “C,” students at the University of Califor nia, Riverside (UCR) quickly advocated for their representation of school spirit. Elaborate efforts were taken to execute the project on Riversides Box Springs Mountain, just behind the univer sity’s campus. By 1958, the largest “C” of the UC campuses was made official and finally represented UCR’s grand Highlander spirit and pride. The “C” remained an insignia for grand events and a hotspot for student pranks. And for many years, it was the trailhead for many hikes taken by students and the local Riverside community. However, controversy lies in the vandalism that has overtaken the “C” and its surrounding area, and the trespassing it takes to access some trails. While rich in history and Highlander soul, UCR’s “C” maintains a habitat occupied by local wildlife and native plants that should be considered when making the excursion!
STUDENT POLL
QUESTION: How are you decompressing after the stress of election week?
Answer our weekly question on the Highlander Instagram for the opportunity to get featured in the next issue!
Self-care and stand-up comedy specials
Crochet
Taking naps
By writing down my thoughts
Prioritizing community, even if it feels easier to isolate
Vash C.
Alexis S.
Kaitlyn T
Sofia M.
Naia A.
GABRIELA GALVAN Assistant Features Editor
GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
EDWIN BASURTO / THE HIGHLANDER
FAMOUS MICHAELS
Grave-robbing demon
What an oozy thing might ooze
Dove competitor; or an obsolete phone feature
Apple TV’s “Ted _____”
What psychics claim they have
Blue-footed _____
Someone who leaves their car stalling
Mr. Potato Head piece
“Come in!”
Basketball Michael?
Copy or mirror
Cunning, like a fox
Bug-eyed or awestruck 25. One syllable nickname for Grandma
28. Two-masted sailboat
30. Murder Michael?
35. Made a touchdown
37. Greens eggs ands ____
39. Semicolon : cemi_____
40. On the side of a ship that is sheltered from the wind
41. Shoe used in the N.H.L.
43. Cartoon bear
44. Chocolate source from pods
46. Wednesday’s pastelhaired friend in the 2022 series
47. Newspaper piece placed opposite of the editorials
48. Swimming Michael?
50. Greek war god
52. Poet’s palindromic preposition
By NataliE Dahl FEaturEs EDitor
Down
53. Soft mineral used in baby powder
55. More, in Spanish
57. What organic shampoos advertise not having; Singular
61. Singing Michael?
65. Italian word meaning “little egg”
66. Adam’s counterpart
68. Cackler of the African Savanna
69. Arrive, like darkness
70. It has moles: Acronym
71. Fencing swords
72. A kiln used for drying hops
73. The Little Red ___
74. International society for people with high IQs
1. Smooth-talking
2. Muslim pilgrimage
3. Capital on a fjord
4. ___ manual
5. Of the lord
6. Hammer’s rounded end
7. Red-white-and-blue
initials
8. Bit of parsley or rosemary
9. “Stop that!”
10. Wee bit
11. Aid and ___
12. Instrument for Orpheus; similar to a harp
15. A mix of brown shades and white shades
20. Ladies’ maids in India, historically 22. Who always brings the
ANSWERS (DON’T PEEK!)
oranges: soccer ___
24. “The Old Farmer’s _____;” or, a reference book
25. Civil rights org.
26. To whom a Muslim prays
27. Not nephew
29. What a boat leaves behind
31. American cellist _____
Ma
32. Skip the big wedding
33. “That’s a copy” or “_____ that”
34. Like some malicious remarks
36. Green-ish blue
38. Cookbook direction that requires a bowl and spoon
42. A condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tis-
sues, causing swelling
45. Alternative
49. Down in the dumps
51. The chief of a North American Indigenous tribe
54. Bloodsucker
56. Popular video chatting option pre-Zoom
57. Just okay
58. Middle layer of the eye
59. Oodles
60. Move swiftly and lightly, like a fairy
61. Denim fabric
62. Witnessed
63. Aces, unless they count as thirteens
64. Moon landers’ org.
67. “La ___ en rose”
TXT: Reach for the stars in their latest album
By: Stela Noelle Abasta, Contributing Writer
On Nov. 4, fourth-generation K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) released their seventh mini album “The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY.” The members are credited as songwriters for the six songs.
The album is introduced by “Heaven,” a disco-pop track. This number is about reuniting with that special someone and exploring all the deep depths love has to offer. As the title of the album suggests, “Heaven” begins with dreamy synth chords that make listeners feel like they’re floating amongst the stars. This song lives up to listeners’ expectations, fitting the “star” theme of the album well. In the background, there is a short sound bite of a high-pitched whistle, which adds to the playful whimsy of the song. To fully enjoy the track, it has to be listened to more than once. The number itself is nothing particularly special, but it fits well alongside other songs of TXT’s discography.
The title track is “Over the Moon,” a pop-R&B song with a slight rock twinge. It’s all about the joy of living in a world full of love after meeting that special someone who brings color to life. The beginning leads listeners to think this will be a slower, more sensual track before the drums kick in for the first verse. Some can’t help but be a bit disappointed, going into the number thinking this would be a slower song that would better display TXT’s vocal talent. Ever since their release of “The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE,” TXT has been experimenting with elements of rock in their songs. “Over the Moon” is no exception with electric guitar framing the chorus alongside many other strong stylistic choices influenced by the genre.
The third on the tracklist is “Danger,” an electro-pop and R&B number about the parts of love that, although thrilling, could potentially be “dangerous.” Yeonjun begins by whispering, “Tomorrow by together,” in a deep voice, reminiscent of the beginning of his solo song, “GGUM.” He raps the first verse in a raspy tone that is a nice change of pace from the other members’ softer vocals.
Although the chorus is repetitive and gets tiring quickly, the gravely whispering of “What you doin’ to me?” afterwards really scratches a certain part of the brain. Deep voices have been highly regarded in the K-pop scene from Stray Kids’ Felix to ATEEZ’s Mingi, so it’s no surprise that TXT also wants to have a trendy deep voice in this track to give it that “killing point.”
A lot of K-pop stans have heard of “Run Away” by TXT, but many have yet to hear the catchiness of “Resist (Not Gonna Run Away)” by TXT, which is the fourth on the tracklist. It has a catchy, Latin-inspired sound with the acoustic guitar and drum elements, and starts strong with beautiful falsettos gracing the listener’s ears. The ad-libs make it reminiscent of the best parts of any 2000s track. The second to last number is “Forty One Winks,” an R&B song. This is a switch-up from the last track, going back to smooth synths and a groovy bassline. Again, there’s nothing that particularly stands out in the number, but it fits nicely within the album as well as within TXT’s discography as a whole.
The Barn hosts NASP’s Native Jam Night
As the sun set, people filtered in for Native American Student Programs (NASP) Native Jam Night, full of hope and awe for a night of music and bonding. Set in the Barn’s performance area, the [penguin] began at 5:00 p.m. and lasted well into the night.
Opening the night, Will Madrigal and Mario entered the stage with some traditional Cahuilla bird songs. Explaining that these songs are customary to open up gatherings such as Native Jam Night, Madrigal articulates, “to share your stories of where you come from, your origin, your connection to the land. That's what these bird songs are about.
“So the Cahuillas have been singing these songs since the beginning, and in fact, it tells a story of our history from beginning to the end. It starts with the creation of the people and the world and all living things, the creation of the universe and then moves forward into the migration of the first peoples and what they encountered in the new nearly created world. Then they’re coming back home and all the experiences that they had, moving through the world and through creation, and what they encountered and how they learned about their relationship to the land and to each other.”
Next on the stage was Vicky Tafoya, a talented and wellseasoned singer, and her exquisite guitarist Matt Beld. Tafoya was introduced to have a career of “passion, truth and honesty,” and through that “she connects with her
The outroduction to “The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY” is “Higher Than Heaven,” an indisputable rock track. It’s an upbeat number that ties the album together in a neat bow; beginning with “Heaven,” this album takes listeners on a musical journey. Listeners are reminded of K-pop bands, such as DAY6, with this song.
The bridge sticks to the “star” concept with Hueningkai singing, “The starlight that protects us,” likely alluding to love giving them the power to transcend the heavens. The word choices are especially pretty, and Hueningkai’s dulcet vocals only add to it. Taehyun closes the bridge with a perfectly drawn-out high note before the electric guitar kicks back in.
Verdict: Although the average listener isn’t exactly “Over the Moon” or feeling like they’re in “Heaven” when listening to this album, TXT showcases an iconic sound that they truly have made their own with “The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY.”
K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER release yet another mini album that emphasizes TXT’s staple sounds.
By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor
Lively performances in celebration of Native American Heritage month.
fans, her songs and people of all ages and all walks of life.”
She is said to be the “bridge between eras and genres,” truly bringing this to life with her bright notes and exuberance during her performance. Tafoya delivered many passionate renditions of songs such as “Who Do You Love” by The Sapphires and “My Last Date (With You)” by Skeeter Davis. Bringing to the stage a unique twist of hip-hop was Xiuhtezcatl Martinez. A bilingual artist who blends his Indigenous roots with environmental justice and activism, 21-year-old Martinez was said to have a rhyme scheme that is “raw and witted” and pushes the boundaries of the music industry by utilizing the art as a form of resistance and expression. Martinez and his band created an atmosphere of excitement and joviality, with many dancing and laughing in front of the stage along to the songs he performed. The headliner for the night was the Levi Platero band. As one of the only Native American blues bands around, they delivered songs full of soul and passion. They performed various originals during the night, such as “Memories” and “Red Wild Woman” with a bass line strong enough to feel in your bones. At one point Platero poked
a jab at younger members of the audience and played a riff from “Spongebob,” immediately getting a laugh from many.
Platero ended the show with a statement on spreading awareness to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Sharing that his aunt was abducted, Platero dedicates his final song to her, playing a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s, “Little Wing.”
Courtesy of HYBE
Mata Elangovan
CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, the Creator has outdone himself yet again with his newest album.
By: Aakif Iqbal, Contributing Writer
Having not dropped a full length album in three years, Tyler, The Creator has followed up with one of his most personal entries in his entire discography. With the album duration coming in at 53 minutes, in the 14 songs Tyler reflects and explores in detail his experiences as the child of a single mother, and the way this has affected him.
Compared with his last project “Call Me If You Get Lost” where Tyler was rapping his heart out, “Chromakopia” is more of the intersection in a venn diagram between the rapping and beats of “Call Me If You Get Lost” with the melodies and harmonies of his infamous 2019 “Igor” album. Similar to his last projects, he is yet again producing, writing, and arranging every song found on his new album. Every drum part, every music sample, every arpeggiated synthesizer– it's all played by him. Tyler’s “jack of all trades” qualities invoke musicians like Kevin Parker (the man behind the Psychedelic-rock act “Tame Impala”).
Similar to Tame Impala’s previous album, “The Slow Rush,” Tyler, The Creator is also reflecting on the presence of time in his life. Specifically how the sayings his mother said influenced the way that he lives his life in his 30s — which play at the beginning and throughout many songs on the album, featuring mantras like “Don’t you ever dim your light for nobody.”
From how he feels empowered to be himself on “St. Chroma,” to how he’s paranoid about his fans on “Noid,” Tyler delves into the struggles that shaped his life. “Darling, I” unpacks how he cannot commit to a singular person, and on the track “Like Him,” he shares raw emotions, describing how he feels about his father —Tyler is pulling back the curtains and inviting us to learn a little bit more about why he is the way he is.
The features on the album reflect a lot of the popular voices in hip hop: GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Doechii, Lil Wayne and Teezo Touchdown alongside harmonies and vocals sung by Daniel Caesar and Lola Young. Like his last few albums, there is no one genre you can classify “Chromakopia” as. It has hard 808 bass drums and heavy drum beats that feel like the popular rap played in a lot of clubs, but it will mix this with great R&B harmony sections and breakdowns similar to Zhane and Janet Jackson, tying this all together with the kinds of electronic synthesizers found on a Brian Eno album.
New to his music, is the inclusion of the guitar on most tracks on the album; though Tyler has had guitar on many albums before, this al-
bum features it more than ever. Whether it’s a sample like on “Noid,” or ”Tomorrow,” where it’s the main skeleton of the track, Tyler’s guitar feels like it’s indicative of the more mellow perspective he has towards life in general.
At the listening party for the album that he did at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Tyler, the Creator explained to the crowd how he feels like everybody around him is having children and he just has his cars to think about. This is mentioned on tracks like “Tomorrow.” This level of personal reflection has not been apparent on any of his albums since “Flower Boy.”
It’s unclear what the name of the album references. By definition, “Chromakopia,” simply means “many colors;” However, it seems Tyler is pulling inspiration from the book “The Phantom Tollbooth” which features a character named “Chroma the Great.”
In this book, Chroma’s job is to conduct the orchestra with his color-coded music book. Chroma is responsible for the colors of the sky, conducting not only its appearance, but also the weather it brings. This checks out based on the very first teaser for this album in the music video for “St. Chroma,” where the colors change from a sepia-tone to vivids at the beat drop.
The way Chroma needs to conduct the orchestra seems like both a gift and a curse. Paralleling to Tyler, on “Darling, I” he delves into his feeling of fear that he is going to end up alone with his Grammys. Similar to what artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX have talked about, he is not trying to come off as ungrateful, but is making it clear that this success is really draining — taking the listener on a rollercoaster of emotions. .
Similar to Kendricl Lamar’s album “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,” this album begins and ends with the sound of stomping approaching — footsteps getting louder and louder with each note. Simultaneously, listeners hear the album title, “Chromakopia,” shouted repeatedly under the sound of the loud footsteps in the distance.
Both Lamar's album and “Chromakopia” feel like therapy sessions. Tyler actually references Lamar by name on the second track “Rah Tah Tah” where he says “The biggest out the city after Kenny, that’s a fact now.”
From there it twists and turns from the hiphop adjacent tracks like “St. Noid,” which features a super unique and addictive African sample, to the more R&B pop songs like
RULES
“Darling, I.” Songs like “Hey Jane” and “Judge Judy” are him in storyteller mode talking about a potential high school pregnancy and his first experiences of intimacy with a girl.
Throughout the entire album he wrestles with himself and his reputation through tracks like “I killed you” and “Take Your Mask Off.” Following the album’s progression, the climax of everything happens on “Like Him” — a beautiful ballad directed to his mother about how he chases “a ghost” of who his father seemed to be.
Coming out of the emotional extremes of “Like Him,” the track “Balloons” feels like Tyler, featuring Doechii, are celebrating the empowerment of living freely.
And this all ends gorgeously with the synth-heavy “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.” A beautiful note to close the album with as its instrumental fades into a gorgeous melancholic lead.
But that’s not to say that the album isn’t a lot of fun. Tracks like “Thought I was Dead” and “Sticky” are all out bangers featuring rappers like Schoolboy Q and Sexyy Red.
In his new album, Tyler is intent on making something full of hidden meanings. With each listen of the album, more is unearthed, leading listeners to have a fuller understanding of its message.
“Chromakopia” could feel repetitive for veteran listeners of the musician’s work as, at times, the tracklisting feels very similar to “Call Me If You Get Lost.” However, it is clear from this album that his consistency will always be the quality that sticks out. In the same way that fans of filmmaker Wes Anderson appreciate the strong recognizable style he imbues with every film, Tyler does the same thing with every album he puts out.
Verdict: Nobody strings chords together this way. And puts them over these beats. And sings over them like this. Or mixes like this. Or assembles the cast of musicians like this. Tyler, The Creator and his art are one of a kind.
Janet Planet’ is like folk music as a movie
By:Aakif Iqbal, Contributing Writer
Childhood is not always peaches and cream. Occasionally it can be really volatile: parents fighting a nasty divorce, getting bullied at school, experiencing a serious injury, etc. Other times, life can be really great like an awesome birthday party. But most of the time, childhood is really strange and full of awkward conversations, spent trying to occupy time — this is “Janet Planet.”
Shot on cozy vintage 16 millimeter film, this film is not like the rest of this year’s catalog. There’s nothing that specifically happens in the plot of “Janet Planet” compared to something like the battle on Arrakis in “Dune: Part Two” or the exhilarating tennis matches in “Challengers.” Instead, this move focuses on quiet peaceful feelings. The film feels warm and tender — sounds of the cicadas and night ambience, the interior of a car, a cabin in the evening — it is the folk music of movies.
Taking place in rural Massachusetts in 1991 this slice-of-life film follows an 11-year-old girl named Lucy who spends the summer with her mom Janet. Her mom rocks a shaggy, short hairstyle and a pair of baggy linen pants.
Avoiding kitschy remarks to the time period, the film does not show the fashion trends or use pop hits that would instantly cause viewers to recognize the decade. Instead it focuses primarily on Lucy in all of her boredom and the activities her mom scheduled for her, like learning piano or playing with Janet’s friend’s children. Filmmakers scattered remnants of the decade throughout the background, hiding 90s paraphernalia synonymous with the time period in plain sight.
Lucy fills up her toy cups with water in the teaparties she hosts and can never seem to get down the piano melodies her strict instructor is teaching her. She wears clothing that doesn’t exactly work well together. It would be easy to believe this
is a work of auto-fiction, and though the film does pull from writer-director Annie Baker’s own childhood with her divorced mom in Amherst, it is clear these details are part of the fabric of her artwork.
The film is divided into chapters, each being named after a significant figure in Janet’s life. Being a divorcee, the figures that orbit Janet tend to be the men she is surrounded by, with chapters on occasion featuring less significant individuals simply passing through her life.
The literary qualities of this film seem to transpire from Baker’s background as a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. In her autobiographical storytelling style — Baker shows that this is not an average film — each of these chapters strive to gradually educate Lucy on who her mom is as a person.
There are not a lot of recognizable faces among the cast of “Janet Planet,” apart from the titular character, played by Juliana Nicholson, who was seen most recently in the Nicholas Cage dark comedy “Dream Scenario.” Though, this is not to say that the casting isn’t incredibly well done. 11-year-old Lucy is played by actress Zoe Ziegler, who feels like an actress not typically depicted on film but has a look that feels much more close to home. Think of the casting of Bria Vinaite as Hailey in “The Florida Project” — no known actress could play these parts.
Comparisons to “The Florida Project” are especially apparent, not only in casting, but because of the observational nature in how the film captures everything. Both films feel extremely real and honest to life. Whereas “The Florida Project” focuses on children at an age too young for most people to remember clearly, “Janet Planet” focuses on the coming of age experience of being 11-years-old, a time when people start becoming conscious of their existence.
The film’s honesty extends to the dialogue as well — sitting in that place between hyperrealism and clearly scripted that Greta Ger-
A24’s ‘Janet Planet’ is the soft tender movie medicine everybody needs to take.
wig, Noah Baumbach and Wes Anderson have made such a home in. Its idiosyncrasies are occasionally off-putting but always have a truth to it. The film only offers glimpses of each character’s inner world, but their actions clue the viewer into who they are immediately.
For this to be Annie Baker’s first film, it’s quite phenomenal that her voice is so clear. Using longer takes — contrasting Steven Spielberg-esque “Oners” in which a camera moves through a scene with blocking and framing that feels explicitly rehearsed — her style is more akin to a transcendental filmmaking, such as the work of Japanese director Yasijiru Ozu.
The combinations of symmetrically composed but understated images, a wall of nature sounds and an emphasis on tone and ambiance, cement Baker’s writing and directing style for films to come. This is one of those debuts of an artist whose work people will go back to after decades and point to their first piece saying, “They’ve always had this style!”
With the intensity of everything going on in the world, sometimes the weight and lack of reality of these massive blockbuster films just feels alienating. It's nice to watch a film and be able to reflect on life’s experiences, extending beyond the haze and into the “grass is always greener” mentality that’s associated with nostalgia, allowing viewers to look back at who their parents were and recognize that they were growing up too.
As much as the film is a snapshot into a child learning about the world, it's also about learning that her mom is still learning, too.
Verdict: Running a little under two hours, the duration of the film may seem long for what it is but it's easy to escape into the world and atmosphere Baker creates. This movie is like medicine for the heart. “Janet Planet” is the quiet small film viewers did not anticipate needing.
Back in black … again
The newest edition to the Call of Duty games, ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.’
By: Ian Palma, Contributing Writer
With the less than average reception given to “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,” the Call of Duty franchise needed a hail mary to get fans, both new and old, back in its good graces. With a four year development cycle, the “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” development team was working arduously trying to correct the criticisms brought on by the previous installment while offering variety to keep the audience invested. With the release of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” on Oct. 25, 2024, fans of the series are left wondering if the game is worth playing.
“Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” is set during the early 90’s, particularly in the onset of the Gulf War. Throughout the game, the player will be fighting alongside rogue Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives — comprised of both original characters as well as fan favorites from the previous installments such as Frank Woods and Russell Adler — as they attempt to clear their names while facing off against a new clandestine organization only known by the name Pantheon whose influence extend beyond the United States government.
The game takes place across various locations ranging from war torn deserts to decadent palaces and casinos. Given the circumstances as a rogue agent, players need to employ other tactics rather than the traditional run-and-gun gameplay that the Call of Duty games are known for. Many of the missions within the game require a level of stealth and coercion that a secret agent would have.
“Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” would arguably be the most diverse of the franchise when it comes to gameplay. Other than spending the entire game shooting bad guys, players will need to rely on adeptness and ability to think on their feet.
In one mission set within a gala showcasing a presidential campaign, players are stripped of their usual weapons and are given methods (i.e. dirty tactics such as blackmail and extortion) on how to progress to the next stage. All of these methods require a measure of subtlety, given the high density of bystanders in the area and other agents trying to track players down.
Another level takes place in an open world desert in which players are given the freedom to complete any objective the way they want as it eventually culminates into a larger mission in which they
raid an opulent palace. The mission is heavily reminiscent of “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” in which players are dropped into an open area in which any side missions they complete within the level can have a bigger effect within the next stage of a wider operation.
One thing that “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” has, which could be said for many of the games in the franchise, is its sense of atmosphere. Many of the levels have a different theme and element to them, from shooting galleries reminiscent of the previous games to more Hitmanbased stealth missions. One of the most innovative levels of the series involve mind bending visuals evocative of games such as “Bioshock” and "Control.”
The game’s soundtrack contains odes to 90’s bands such as Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails especially with its pulsating bass and electronica alongside the typical string and brass spy symphonies. “Omnimovement,” one of the game’s main selling points in which players have the ability to sprint, slide or dive in any direction they want, is a welcome addition to the series as it makes for stylish actions straight out of 90’s action films such as “The Matrix” and “Point Break.”
Alongside these milestones in gameplay and atmosphere comes a few criticisms. The game fails to take full advantage of its 90’s setting, most importantly in when it comes to addressing the Gulf War. The Gulf War notably had one of the highest coalition buildups since World War II and was a precursor to a
decades-long deterioration in relationships between the United States and the Middle East. With only a few missions that somewhat touch upon the conflict itself, exploring these themes would’ve been a lot more interesting than fighting an imaginary shadow cabal.
Additionally, the game suffers from its own ambiguity as it brings up a lot of possible plot points only to never be referenced again, leaving it up to the players to try and piece them together. Some of the visuals in the missions are bright to the point where it could almost be mistaken for a level in “Battlefield 4,” a game that came out eleven years ago. There’s also a lot of information that could’ve been filled between “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” and the previous installments Multiplayer and zombies are also featured as part of the main game. Unlike the multiplayer and zombies in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” in which many of the maps were copy and pasted from “Warzone” or the previous game, many of the maps in “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” are original in both layout and style. “Omnimovement” is also included in both multiplayer and zombies making for interesting gunfights and trickshots to be had.
Verdict: “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” offers a fresh and innovative take on the series that will leave players, both old and new, coming back for more. Although it doesn’t offer anything compelling, it’s still an adequate game to turn players’ minds off with.
SPORTS Highlanders lose season opener to Oregon, 91-76
By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor
This past Monday, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball team opened their season on the road against the University of Oregon. Oregon’s football team is undefeated and currently ranked no. 1 in the country in the Associated Press (AP) poll, and their basketball team is no slouch either.
Last season, the Ducks won the Pac-12 Championship before advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament, knocking off 6-seed South Carolina in the process. The Ducks returned three of their starters from last season and are primed for another strong season.
Meanwhile, UCR brought back most of its core from last season while also adding in talented newcomers from the transfer portal. Bringing in guys like redshirt freshman Parker Strauss from Northwestern and senior Joel Armotrading from Big West rivals California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). For the Highlanders, they looked to carry on the momentum built from last year’s second half-of-the-season surge.
As the heavy underdog in this matchup, UCR head coach Mike Magpayo had a clear strategy in mind. Magpayo spaced the floor by starting the likes of redshirt sophomore Barrington Hargress, redshirt junior Isaiah Moses and junior Nate Pickens. The Highlanders didn’t want to just shoot more threes than their opponents, they lived and died by the 3 ball. Seven of their first eight shot attempts were behind the arc as the two teams stayed neck and neck throughout the first 10 minutes of the first half.
A pair of dunks and a block from senior center Nate Bittle helped turn the tide in favor of the Ducks. It also didn’t help that Armotrading struggled to find chemistry with his teammates. Often fighting more with his teammates rather than his opponents for rebounds, Armotrading may need more time to adapt to his third team in as many years. He also struggled to run the pick-and-roll effectively with either Hargress or even Moses, his teammate while at Southern Idaho.
UCR’s success this season will heavily depend on Armotrading’s integration into the team. However, the senior center from London displayed his effectiveness while at Southern Idaho and Cal Poly SLO and is poised to do it again for the Highlanders this season.
After a corner triple from sophomore Jackson Shelstad that put the Ducks up by six, the Highlanders called a timeout. Magpayo needed his team to come out of the break with more energy. Instead, it was the Ducks that found new life.
To close out the first half, the Ducks came out in an aggressive full-court press. The Highlanders weren’t able to match Oregon’s intensity and the Ducks forced turnovers and foul calls aplenty. In just a few minutes, they stretched their lead to 15 points going into halftime.
With the crowd now into the game, the Highlanders needed to make something happen sooner rather than later. Fortunately, UCR’s microwave scorer from Anchorage, Alaska started heating up at the right time. Moses started the second half by setting up Armotrading for a twohanded jam with a no-look bounce pass. After hitting a three on the next possession, the redshirt junior guard kept setting up his teammates with easy buckets and making plays on the defensive end.
The Highlanders were able to cut the lead to seven. But after a pair of corner threes from redshirt senior Jadrien Tracy and sophomore Kwame Evans Jr., the Ducks extended their lead to double-digits once again. The Ducks continued to full-court press the Highlanders on occasion. However, the Highlanders had adjusted and were more confident bringing the ball up the court.
Moses and the Highlanders kept battling to the final buzzer, but they couldn’t find the big scoring run they needed to retake the lead. Led by Evans’s 23 points in only 20 minutes, Oregon took this one 91-76.
Apart from a shaky sequence to close out the first half, the Highlanders played up to the Ducks for most of the game. Hargress continued to build off of last season, leading the way with
Despite a tough schedule to start the new season, UCR showed promise in their opening two games.
20 points. Moses, his backcourt partner, finished with a strong 13 points and 7 assists. UCR will need their pair of 2024 All-Big West Honorable Mentions to continue their strong performances throughout the season.
On Friday, the Highlanders had another tough road test against the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars. Like the Ducks, the Cougars also made the NCAA Tournament last season. This season, BYU strengthened their squad with a pair of top high school prospects, Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings.
Nevertheless, the Highlanders represented the Big West well against another strong Power 4 opponent. Smith and Pickens led UCR in scoring with 20 and 18 points respectively. Moses added another 16 points from the bench, but the BYU offense was too much for the Highlanders to handle. Shooting 53.2% from the field, the Cougars took this one 86-80.
Despite dropping their first two games of the season, the Highlanders keep punching above their weight. Early in the season, performances are more important than results. If UCR can build off these two games, the wins will start piling up.
Tonight, UCR will play their next game against rivals Cal Baptist University (CBU) Lancers. Looking to avenge last season’s heartbreaking 70-69 loss, the Highlanders will have extra motivation to pick up their first win of the season.
Tune in at 7 p.m. on KUCR 88.3FM KUCR for commentary on the CBU game by Terry Nguyen and Francisco Partida.
UCR women’s basketball dominates against Whittier College
By: Sofia Majeed, Contributing Writer
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) hosted Whittier College in a non-conference game Friday night. Although Whittier started with possession at tip-off, the Highlanders quickly regained possession and put up multiple three pointers throughout quarter one. Junior guard Makayla Rose and senior forward Esther Matarranz played aggressively throughout the first quarter, ultimately leading UCR to end the quarter 17-8.
Graduate guard Seneca Hackley, who led the starters with 14 points, was a large part of the collaborative effort that led UCR to their win. When asked about building off the momentum of this win, Hackley shared that she is “just excited to get to play with my teammates. We’re learning how teaching each other works.”
Throughout the second quarter, Whittier attempted to step their game up, but were met by unwavering aggression from the Highlanders, which also resulted in their multiple individual player fouls. Hackley and Rose continued to push each other, even when Whittier tried to prevent UCR from getting rebounds. The first half ended with the Highlanders securing a 17 point lead.
Rose credited Hackley and junior guard Zoe Tillery for her success during the game: “100% Seneca and Zoe [really stepped up this game], especially Zoe, the energy they gave me, cheering me on. Honestly, all my teammates encouraging me really gave me the motivation to put in an effort and get multiple efforts, like steals and extra lands, on the court”.
With a 3-pointer, Hackley showed Whittier that the Highlanders weren’t taking their foot off the gas, as they continued to play aggressively throughout the second half.
UCR ended the fourth quarter fighting for every ball, going for every rebound until the last second, leading them to win by 39 points. The Highlanders will hopefully build off this momentum at their next game on Nov. 11 against Fresno State, on the road.
Looking towards the future, Hackley, highlighted her goals for the remainder of the season: “Honestly, just win games.”
Led by Seneca Hackley and Makayla Rose, the Highlanders defeated Whittier College 84-45.
Courtesy of UCR Athletics
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