Volume 73, Issue 09 by The Highlander- UCR

THEHIGHLANDER

Service

and healthcare workers hit the strike-lines

UCR service, auxiliary and healthcare workers protest UC bad-faith bargaining

By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor

Thousands of workers who are part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME 3299) from all University of California (UC) campuses and health centers went on strike on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21. Around 100 members were present at UC Riverside’s (UCR) picket line between Bannockburn Village and the Arts Building.

On Nov. 14, AFSCME Local 3299 announced the strike on their X account. In their post, they shared, “Frontline Service and Patient Care

UC workers are on strike to protest UC’s bad-faith bargaining and unfair labor practices. UC’s illegal con-

duct has left workers who take care of students and patients every day with no choice but to go on strike,” and encouraged both union members and community members to join them on their strike line.

The statewide strike was authorized with 99% of members voting in support. A few weeks prior, on Oct. 18, AFSCME Local 3299 posted on X that they had filed a Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against the UC system. This charge was made against “UC’s bad faith bargaining, including illegal and unilateral increases in healthcare costs.”...Read More on page 6, News

Potential federal budget cuts under a second Trump presidency poses challenges for UC

With looming federal budget cuts to financial aid and research, UC must protect accessibility to higher education and preserve critical research.

By: The Editorial Board

If President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks, including high-profile figures such as Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are any signal, a drastic and concerning change in the country’s policy direction is coming. No area, including higher education, will likely be spared.

Based on the former president’s track record and campaign promises, Trump has indicated he would reduce financial aid, privatize student loans and decrease research funding. As one of the largest recipients of federal research funding and serving approximately 76,000 low-income students across the state who receive federal financial aid, the University of California (UC) faces significant risks in a returning Trump administration...Read More on page 7, Opinions

Holly Dawson // THE HIGHLANDER

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CorreCtions

Volume 73 Issue 08, published on Nov. 19, 2024.

The Highlander recognizes its ethical responsibility to maintain transparency in its coverage and promptly correct any issues published, large or small. Located on page 11, an error was made in the Norm’s Nook crossword where 19-Across should have said “Actor Michael?” not “Basketball Michael?” We apologize for this mishap and have updated our publication online to display the proper article. Our online version of the Issue has all updated corrections and can be viewed at https://issuu.com/ucrhighlander.

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The Highlander is published and copyrighted by the Highlander for the students, faculty and staff of UCR. All rights are reserved. Reprinting of any material in this publication without the written permission of the Highlander is strictly prohibited. Readers are allowed one free copy of the newspaper. For additional copies or for subscription information, please contact the Highlander. The Highlander fully supports the University of California’s policy on non-discrimination. The student media reserve the right to reject or modify advertising whose content discriminates on the basis of ancestry, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, age, sex or sexual orientation. The Highlander has a media grievance procedure for resolving complaints against it. All inserts that are printed in the Highlander are independently paid publications and do not reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the staff or The University of California or the Associated Students of UCR.

IRENE TU / THE HIGHLANDER

SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief

TThe Burdens of Responsibility: The City of Riverside Sues UCR

he City of Riverside has requested a court order against the University of California (UC) Board of Regents regarding UC Riverside’s (UCR) 2021 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) — a document considered to be a roadmap for UCR campus growth over the next 15 years.

Approved by the UC Regents in Nov. 2021, the LRDP aims to guide UCR’s development over the next 15 years. With expected enrollment numbers set to increase, this plan includes expansions to both housing and academic buildings.

The City of Riverside is alleging that “UCR’s plan and its accompanying environmental report ignores or minimizes the campus’ impacts on air pollution, wastewater and stormwater, light pollution and the off-campus housing needs of thousands of more students. Riverside also contends that the university doesn’t plan to pay for additional demands on police, mass transit and city parks.” Before filing the lawsuit, the City of Riverside and UCR engaged in discussions to resolve these issues but failed to reach a resolution.

Arguing that UCR has not sufficiently addressed the environmental and community impacts of the LRDP, the City is claiming that the UCR Environmental Impact Report (EIR), included in the LRDP, does not comply with the 1970 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA is a state law that requires public agencies to assess the environmental impacts of proposed projects and take steps to reduce or mitigate these impacts.

The City of Riverside is alleging that the EIR inadequately analyzes the issues caused by the LRDP, such as housing shortages, air quality and strain on public services. The city has requested a court order to nullify the LRDP approval, demanding that UCR address these perceived environmental concerns and comply with CEQA before proceeding with expansions to the university.

Multiple concerns surrounding the LRDP were raised by the City of Riverside in this suit. Primarily, the City is concerned about the environmental and economic burdens to the local Riverside community. According to an article by the Orange County (OC) Register Riverside resident and co-chair of the University Neighborhood Association, Kevin Dawson expressed his concerns about the LRDP, “UCR likes to push the costs of their growth onto other people … They push it off onto the neighborhood. They push it off onto the city.”

Riverside’s August legal filings allege that the EIR failed to consider the LRDP impact in

multiple forms. The City claims that the plan disregards Riverside’s 2018 ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution and fails to document the impact of this growth on historical sites and areas of tribal cultural and archaeological significance. They also claim that UCR’s LDRP does not account for greenhouse gas emissions from transportation to and from campus, nor does it address the effects of additional runoff on the city’s storm drainage system — which the campus relies on.

Amid an ongoing housing crisis, the LDRP assumes that 60% of students will live off campus, which the city believes could potentially strain the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. The city also alleges that the partially defunded

UCR Police Department is underprepared for the anticipated increase in crime and livability issues tied to UCR’s planned growth.

UCR’s LRDP also proposes a new Metrolink station to accommodate increased enrollment but, according to the lawsuit, provides no plans or alternatives should the station not materialize. Finally, the City of Riverside argues that UCR is discharging more wastewater into the city’s system than what is indicated in the EIR.

The City of Riverside is demanding that the UC fully address the environmental impacts of the LRDP for UCR and implement proper mitigation efforts before expansions to the campus can continue. They are seeking a Memoranda of Understanding with UCR to share costs for public services and infrastructure improvements.

Proposing an alternative plan to the LDRP, Alternative 3, the City prefers a plan that would house a greater percentage of students on campus to reduce perceived local impacts, as “This Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative and would result in fewer impacts related to air quality, fuel consumption, GHG emissions for Scope 3 sources, population and housing, and transportation.”

In response to these allegations, UCR alleges that according to the California constitution, the UC system is exempt from local regulations because it is a “sovereign state entity” not subject to the rule of the city.

■ H

CONCERN ARISES OVER SUSTAINABILITY OF PREDICTED CAMPUS GROWTH.

NEORAH DAVIS, EMYR ORTIZ, AND SENNA OMAR / THE HIGHLANDER

The BDS Movement Impact

THE BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT, SANCTIONS MOVEMENT HAS BEEN IMPACTING MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES LIKE MCDONALD’S AND STARBUCKS.

SARAH TABEL Contributing Writer

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has made itself known as the global campaign that advocates for ending international political and economic support for Israel. Their main goal is to pressure Israel to comply with international law.

BDS was inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement and calls for boycotting any products tied to Israel, divesting from companies who are in support of Israel and sanctioning Israel until they abide by international law. The movement started gaining momentum after the conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and has since then increased its interest in multinational companies with ties to Israel such as McDonald’s and Starbucks.

McDonald’s is a global corporation, but its franchises are owned locally and operated independently. In Israel, Alonyal Limited owns and operates the McDonald’s restaurants. The fast food chain has faced boycotts following Alonyal Limited’s announcement that McDonald’s would provide free meals to the Israeli

military following the October 7 attack. As a result, McDonald’s has been added to the BDS boycott list. Due to the protests, McDonald’s has decided to buy back the 225 McDonald’s in Israel, ending a 30year long franchise.

Similarly, Starbucks is facing global boycott calls following the company’s response to a tweet by Starbucks Workers United expressing their support for Palestine. The Company went out to condemn these statements and subsequently sued the union.

McDonald’s and Starbucks have both seen declines in their international sales. Over the past year, McDonald’s and Starbucks have reported increases and decreases in global revenue. McDonald’s reported in their Third Quarter 2024 Results that the global comparable sales decreased by 1.5%, marking this the company’s most substantial contraction since the pandemic in 2020, which showed a 1% decrease. The company points out that there were varying sales trends across the international markets. As of September 30, 2024 the International Operated Market segment reported a 2.1% decrease, whereas in 2023 it increased by 8.3%.

The company also reported that in 2023, prior to the Middle East conflict, system wide sales increased by 11%. In the following year, system wide sales were flat and sales did not uniformly rise across all regions, specifically in Middle Eastern and European markets.

In 2023, Starbucks reported an 8% increase in global comparable sales, but a 7% decline in 2024. The company reported a 39% increase in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) earnings per share, which measures how much profit each share of the company’s stock made, in 2023 prior to the Middle East conflict. In 2024, they reported a 25% decline in GAAP. Starbucks has faced flat revenues from European and Middle Eastern markets, where prominent BDS boycotts play a role in consumer behavior.

This shift in public perception of these companies is influenced by social media campaigns encouraging boycotts of both McDonald’s and Starbucks. The main target of these campaigns being younger consumers advocating for international social justice issues, who call for these companies to take accountability in their business practices.

Political Recap: Sabrina Cervantes wins State Senate seat to represent Riverside

MOVING ON FROM HOLDING STATE ASSEMBLY POSITIONS FOR EIGHT YEARS, SABRINA CERVANTES WILL ASSUME THE 31ST STATE SENATE SEAT ON DEC. 2.

While the presidential race, as in all general elections, took the spotlight in both the leadup and outcome, there are hundreds of local races and elected officials preparing to move into new positions. Sabrina Cervantes, recently elected to the 31st State Senate seat for California, has won one of those races. The Associated Press (AP) called the race at 5:46 pm on Nov. 13, with Cervantes winning 54% of the vote. The 31st State Senate seat represents 43% of the county of Riverside, including Corona, Highgrove, Moreno Valley, Perris and the City of Riverside.

Cervantes, a democratic candidate,

listed her most important issues and stances as she campaigned for this position. As on her campaign website, they are protecting abortion rights and healthcare, addressing the housing crisis, fighting climate change, addressing gun violence and ensuring funding of public schools. These are issues she has worked on addressing in her political career so far, and intends to continue to support, “to build a brighter future together”.

Cervantes’ political career so far has comprised of holding a State Assembly seat. She held the 60th State Assembly seat from 2016 to 2022, then took the 58th, which she now still holds until the new elections take effect for the state house and senate positions on Dec. 2.

In this position, she has authored many pieces of state legislation that have passed, including restoration and preservation efforts to combat climate change, designated millions in health and wellness funding and strengthened state anti-discrimination laws, as she works towards her goals for her targeted issues. She served the Inland Empire in environmental justice, transportation infrastructure, public education, housing, ensuring voting rights and much more.

Riverside has been a lifelong home for Cervantes, who was born in Riverside County and pursued her higher education at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), receiving a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science. She still involves herself at her

alma mater, serving on the advisory board for the School of Public Policy and the UCR Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies. Cervantes also advocated for the $2 Million grant for the UCR School of Medicine.

Having been holding State Assembly seats for 8 years now, Cervantes will be moving on to take her Senate seat on Dec. 2. Being part of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the California Legislative LGBT Caucus. Having the experience to represent the people of Riverside, Cervantes is continuing her efforts for civil rights, voting rights and the overall wellbeing of the everyday person.

COURTESY OF MONTECUZ FOTO

ALEX KUPISIEWICZ Contributing Writer

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Senate meeting addresses statement from VCSA Brian Haynes to recall divestment legislation

In the eighth Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) senate meeting of the year legislation was discussed regarding the removal of the Student Voice Committee from Executive Cabinet Assembly Board (ECAB), a formal removal process for committees was reviewed and a response was drafted to statements made by administration.

Prior to the discussion of Senate Business and Legislation, ASUCR President Abby Choy discussed ASUCR’s statement in response to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brian Haynes deciding not to go through with the Ethical Spending Clause and ASUCR Boycott and Divestment from Corporations Complicit in the Ongoing Genocide in Gaza Bill passed last winter. The statement calls upon the student body to email Vice Chancellor Haynes to retract his statement and cease pressuring ASUCR to “undemocratically remove our bill.” The response was published on ASUCR’s social media platforms.

Senate Resolution F24-002 centered around support and increased funding for the R’Garden, UCR’s campus sustainability and food security project that seeks to grow fresh produce to distribute to the student body. Once implemented the resolution would increase fees by $10 for all students, excluding those who rely in some measure upon financial aid, to further contribute to the R’Garden.

The increase in fees would allow for not only sustained crop maintenance, but also teaching opportunities and community engagement such as the Fall Harvest Festival which could not be held this year due to a lack of funds. The bill also approved the addition of three new positions and as well as the creation of five intern positions to further support the project. The bill was passed 14-0-0, however, Executive Director Asha Nettles explained that the bill will take time to be enacted as it has to go through a formal review process at the administrative level.

Senate Bill F24-010, authored by Aushee Heagney, Assistant Elections Director, would require pro-

spective Senate candidates to attend senate meetings. Heagney explained that this was to familiarize future candidates with job responsibilities and ensure they are “not getting into [the position] blindly.” The bill also increases candidate budgets by $50, changing total candidate spending from $350 to $400. Additionally, it allows the time needed to fill out the violations report form to increase from two to five days. The bill was passed 13-0-0.

Senate Bill F24-011 updates the Student Voice Committee’s (SVC) bylaws to accommodate their departure from the Executive Cabinet (ECAB). Given that SVC is no longer part of the Executive Branch, Senate Bill F24-011 attempts to outline the new logistical concerns posed, namely in regards to when reports would be read. The bill stated that the committee would be allocated time during the bi-weekly ECAB meetings to present their findings and data to the Executive Cabinet.

After concerns were brought up regarding having enough time to present SVC’s findings at ECAB meetings, a debate ensued regarding the validity of this request considering SVC ability to allocate time within ECAB meetings given that they are no longer apart of ECAB and the SVC’s representation within ASUCR. After multiple attempts to pass the legislation, a motion was made to table the bill 10-3-0.

Senate Bill F24-018 was brought

before the Senate once again after having been sent back to the Legislative Review Committee with no changes having been made. The changes that were proposed mainly centered around including the Highlander Action Committee and not including the University of California Student Association (UCSA) in the bill. Vice President of External Affairs Vivian Herrera, urged the Senate to reconsider passing the bill because of how an imbalance of workload would be created within the External Affairs Branch as well as how issues regarding student activism could be severely limited due to funding issues that the two organizations deal with.

Further concerns were brought up regarding a potential abuse of power even within the two year evaluation period as well as a potential issue regarding checks and balances as ECAB would be the sole governing body overseeing committee removal. President Pro Tempore Leila Haidar warned against hypotheticals stating that there is currently no process for the removal of committees and that committees could hypothetically be removed with the deletion of a Senate Bill. If passed, the bill would allow for a formal removal process for committees. After some continued back and forth the bill was tabled 10-1-2.

CNAS Senator Anthony Ching and BCOE Senator Uma Akundi were absent and CNAS Senator Vinisha Lalli was excused.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE R’GARDEN RESOLUTION AND CHANGES TO ELECTIONS.

SANJANA THATTE News Editor

SANJANA THATTE

Service and healthcare workers hit the strike-lines

UCR SERVICE, AUXILIARY AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS PROTEST UC BAD-FAITH BARGAINING.

MATA ELANGOVAN Managing Editor

On Nov. 14, AFSCME Local 3299 announced the strike on their X account. In their post, they shared, “Frontline Service and Patient Care UC workers are on strike to protest UC’s bad-faith bargaining and unfair labor practices. UC’s illegal conduct has left workers who take care of students and patients every day with no choice but to go on strike,” and encouraged both union members and community members to join them on their strike line.

average $800 cut to take home pay for service and healthcare workers.

Representing about 37,000 employees in the UC system, including 25,000 members in its patient care technical unit and 11,400 workers in its service care workers unit, AFSCME claimed in the ULP that the University came to the negotiation table unprepared, presented AFSCME with predictably unacceptable proposals, changing health care costs and failed to provide AFSCME with critical information during time-sensitive negotiations.

To remedy the situation, The Public Employment Relations Board ordered the University “to remedy, and cease and desist from, all of its bad faith conduct, to suspend implementation of any changes to healthcare benefits” and to “promptly provide AFSCME with the information it has requested.”

On Nov. 19, UCR Housing Services sent an email to UCR Housing Residents sharing that they received notice of a systemwide Labor Action by AFSCME Service Workers. In this email they shared that “Due to the impacts of a reduced workforce, custodial and dining services will continue, but in a reduced format,” but that during this time basic cleaning services and maintenance services will be provided. Dining halls offered a

reduced menu but continued with their regular hours while several other venues had reduced hours or closed for the duration of the strike.

Jesse Hernandez, a senior cook who has worked for UCR for 25 years, executive board member and acting organizer for the Riverside campus and Placentia Linda Hospital was one of many workers present at the picket-line. He shared that “we’ve been bargaining for 11 months. Today and tomorrow, the strike is really about health care. It’s about the increases that we haven’t even got an agreement on, and they want to implement increases on the workers who can’t afford [these] increases.”

People from various departments across UCR came to strike. Hernandez explains this is a school-wide issue, “We have facility services. We have auxiliary services, which is housekeeping in the dorms. We have dining services, which is all the food...if you see any physical labor, it’s us, in addition to the Student Health Center… if you see a cook, you see a gardener, you see a custodian, these are the people who actually run the University of California. Without them, without this hard labor, the university will shut down.”

Jeanette Obeji, a cook in student dining shares her perspective, “We went on strike because UC is

breaking the law by not bargaining in good faith. We deserve the dignity and respect of a fair contract and will keep fighting until we are heard.”

Hernandez ends by stating, “We got a lot of old timers here. And all these old timers, if it wasn’t because we love working with students, we would have left. But we’re here because we love working for UCR.”

On Nov. 8, a statement was released by the University of California in which they shared, “We fundamentally disagree with AFSCME’s claims of bad faith bargaining and characterization of unacceptable bargaining proposals” and that “Collaboration ceased in May when AFSCME stopped responding or even acknowledging the University’s proposals, including the University’s most recent economic proposal which raised wages to $25 an hour across the institution by July 1, 2025.”

In a previous statement released on Nov. 1, they claimed that AFSCME’s statements are “unfounded, confusing and not consistent with the parties’ bargaining history” and that issues raised in the ULP are “false and further, reflect issues that are endemic to the nation: increased cost of living and the economic disparities the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated.”

THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

Potential federal budget cuts under a second Trump presidency poses challenges for UC

WITH LOOMING FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS TO FINANCIAL AID AND RESEARCH, UC MUST PROTECT ACCESSIBILITY TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND PRESERVE CRITICAL RESEARCH.

If President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, including high-profile figures such as Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are any signal, a drastic and concerning change in the country’s policy direction is coming. No area, including higher education, will likely be spared.

Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda by the Heritage Foundation and believed to be the playbook for the second Trump administration, states that a Republican White House should consider “returning to a system in which private lenders, backed by government guarantees, would compete to offer student loans” and that President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plans “must end.”

Trump slashed the Education Department’s budget every year during his first term and his 2020 budget called for a $5.6 million reduction in funding. In particular, his administration called for a $630 million cut to the Federal Work-Study program — approximately half of its total budget

— and proposed an end to the federal reductions to the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs.

These potential financial aid cuts directly threaten universities like UC Riverside (UCR), primarily serving low-income, minority students. According to UCR’s demographics, approximately 87% of its undergraduates receive financial aid, with about 48% securing federal Pell Grants — the largest federal grant program. Additionally, half of UCR students identify as Hispanic or Latino, and half are first-generation students.

As the number one university for social mobility, UCR plays a crucial role in students’ economic advancement. Eliminating federal financial aid will impact lowincome and minority students who can only get their degrees with this support. Without enough funding for essential Pell Grants or work-study programs, students will need to look for alternative sources of income to make ends meet — a frankly unsustainable way to live as full-time students or succeed academically. Public officials should make higher education more accessible, not privatize it for the elite.

Another major concern under the Trump administration is federal budget cuts for research. The Trump administration’s funding for research is expected to favor areas of “corporate welfare,” such as space science, while other areas of study the President-elect has criticized, including climate change, will face opposition.

Conducting groundbreaking research across various disciplines, the government’s involvement in determining what should be taught or studied in higher education is extremely dangerous to academic freedom and intellectual progress. Higher education should not be used to spread political agendas. Research produces objective knowledge that is important for innovation and addressing societal challenges. Trump’s political biases and agenda should not impede what higher educational institutions can teach or examine as it leads to suppression of perspectives and compromises academic independence.

While these ideas are not universally popular with all Republicans, the Republican trifecta — holding majority control in the Senate, House of Representatives and the presidency — allows Trump’s agenda to be accomplished with fewer obstacles.

In addition to potential federal risks, UC is facing a $500 million budget gap this year; questions are being raised about how UC will make up for possible budget cuts and continue funding its billion-dollar campus projects. The UC Board of Regents approved a policy to address this shortfall by increasing supplemental tuition for new non-resident undergraduate students enrolled in the 2025-2026 academic year by $2,208. The Board of Regents argues that the tuition increase will help the looming budget gap “without raising costs for current students and California students.”

Higher public education is an essential

national and state economic driver. The federal and state governments should do their jobs by funding public education to be accessible to all students. While it’s important to prioritize educating California residents, increasing tuition is not always the answer.

Gov. Newsom promised to allocate $2 billion in funding over five years to support the growth of the state’s three public university systems. However, with California facing a budget deficit in recent years, he has reduced UC funding by $125 million. For a university like UCR, which receives 45% of its core budget from state funding, it is more important than ever that Gov. Newsom keeps his promise. The federal government shouldn’t defund public higher education either, as it will affect the lives of millions of financially vulnerable students and stymie critical research. With so much at stake, the State of California and UC must work together to protect higher education and vital research.

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.

EMILY MATA / THE HIGHLANDER

The Democratic Party’s failure to rally support from pro-Palestinian voters cost them the 2024 presidential election

ALIENATING KEY VOTERS AND USING POOR CAMPAIGNING STRATEGIES, DEMOCRATS LOST THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF THEIR OWN ACCORD.

SENNA OMAR

Editor-in-Chief

During the 2024 presidential election, the Democratic party failed to provide their constituents with concrete policies and a political candidate of their choosing, costing them this election.

Throughout his term and campaign, President Joe Biden was framed as a “transitional candidate” — a political leader serving as a temporary bridge, focusing on stability over change. Despite this, when it came time to campaign for the 2024 presidential election, Biden threw his hat in the ring, ignoring voters who were expecting a primary to choose their next President.

The narrative was that Biden’s presidency would restore a sense of normalcy post-Trump while paving the way for a new generation of Democratic leadership. This positioning appealed to moderates and independents but left some progressive voters feeling sidelined, as they viewed it as a dismissal of the structural changes they sought.

Continuing this narrative, when it came time for the 2024 election, instead of making space for a new, younger candidate to campaign, Biden insisted on running for reelection. This cost the Democratic party valuable time to host a primary and find a candidate that their constituents wanted to stand behind.

Four months before the election, after multiple public failures on the 2024 campaign trail — most memorably, his disastrous performance during the presidential debate against Presidentelect Donald Trump — Biden reluctantly left the race. Instead, he and many other Democrats endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.

With many American voters extremely unhappy with the current presidential administration, Harris did not seem like the solution that Democratic Party voters were looking for. Throughout her time on the campaign trail, Harris maintained the same political

stances as the Biden administration with their only redeeming campaign policy being “I am not Donald Trump.”

In fact, despite not being Trump, Harris’s very few policies are almost identical to the president-elect, with both candidates maintaining their support for fracking and taking pro-Israel stances. The Democrats failed to understand that they could not run an eight-year campaign on the idea that they are not Donald Trump, when, during the entire Biden presidency, and since his loss in 2020, President-elect Trump has been growing his voter block tenfolds, resulting in his landslide win.

Biden and Harris’s vocal and unwavering support for Israel alienated progressive and proPalestinian voters. Many historically democratic voters spent this entire campaign pleading for President Biden to change his stance on Palestine, however, despite their continued efforts, the administration remained steadfast in their support for Israel.

During a campaign rally in Michigan, a crucial swing state with large Arab and Muslim populations, former United States (US) President Bill Clinton took to the stage and said Israel was forced to kill civilians in Gaza, essentially dismissing the concerns of Palestinian voters in the audience.

In another display of blatant disdain for Palestinian and proPalestinian voters during a separate campaign rally in Michigan, Harris was interrupted by a group of pro-Palestine protesters. Instead of hearing out their concerns, Harris spoke over them, emphasizing her only campaign point, “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.”

While Harris and Democrats were alienating one of their most loyal voting blocks, simultaneously, President-elect Trump

was campaigning for their votes, making promises to Arab and Muslim communities that he plans to end the war in Gaza.

As election day drew closer, Trump targeted groups that felt marginalized by the Democratic party’s current campaign. At a rally in Michigan, Trump was

attacks proved themselves to be a waste of money and resources that could have better been spent appealing and campaigning to these on-the-fence voters.

While the Harris campaign focused on gaining moderate Republican votes, a group that historically votes Republican,

endorsed by multiple prominent Muslim leaders, because as Imam Belal Alzuhairi of the Islamic Center of Detroit says, “We are supporting Donald Trump because he promised to end war in the Middle East and Ukraine.”

By neglecting this voter block, the Democrats cost themselves this election. Instead of appealing to the wants of their constituents, the Harris campaign prioritized smear campaigns against thirdparty candidates like Jill Stein, publishing advertising content comparing a vote for Stein to a vote for Trump. These unfounded

they neglected the far-left and liberal voters that gave them their place in office. Campaign advertisements featuring white women secretly voting for Harris were emblematic of this strategy, alienating loyal voters who felt taken for granted.

Instead of doubling down and rallying support from their core base, the Democrat party’s strategy to appeal to moderate Republicans backfired, costing them the election.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

There is no Thanksgiving without turkey

SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor

Thanksgiving can sometimes be a stressful holiday. Despite forced awkward conversations with relatives about the trajectory of your life and the distinct need to unbutton your jeans halfway through dinner, Thanksgiving is a celebration grounded in gratitude. It’s a time meant to be spent with loved ones, reflecting on what we have been given and how we can give back. It’s also a time meant for eating copious amounts of food.

While the Thanksgiving menu can consist of mouth-watering dishes ranging from mashed potatoes to stuffing, turkey remains the heart of this holiday. Turkey is more than just a wellseasoned meat, it symbolizes togetherness and Thanksgiving itself.

Turkey has a long history of being the center of Thanksgiving celebrations since the holiday was first recognized nationally by Abraham Lincoln. Sarah Josepha Hale, who lobbied for the observance of Thanksgiving, wrote about the significance of a grand family meal with turkey as the main dish. Chapters within her book, “Northwood,” are dedicated to describing the decadence of placing turkey at the center of the table.

TURKEYS ARE MORE THAN JUST A BIRD — THEY ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF THANKSGIVING.

Over time, the tradition of turkey solidified. During Thanksgiving celebrations in the 19th century, turkey was not only the best choice of meat but also the most convenient as there was an abundant population of turkeys roaming in the New England area — making it the best choice to buy more than one turkey and feed large groups of people.

Despite overwhelming love for this bird, turkey slanderers persevere in their spirit of crushing Thanksgiving, claiming the meat to be dry and tasteless. But let’s be honest: if you hate turkey because it tastes like nothing, then you are probably seasoning it with nothing. If you skip seasoning or overcook your turkey, you’re the reason behind a ruined Thanksgiving dinner.

For those willing to put in the effort, the results speak for themselves. From stuffing the bird with herbs to basting it with butter and wine-soaked cheesecloth, preparing a turkey is a celebration and an act of love combined. The steps in preparing the turkey, from the overnight work to the final display, can bring family members closer, making the process of cooking the turkey just as meaningful as eating it together.

Today, turkey continues to be the practical choice of meat for Thanksgiving. It’s a cheaper alternative to beef and pork with a lower environmental impact. A large turkey can feed a crowd without breaking the bank or producing excessive greenhouse gas ses. While chicken is a great substitute for a nice week end dinner, Thanks giving demands a grander main dish.

There are, of course, exceptions. For those who don’t eat meat, Thanksgiving traditions can still be enjoyed through side dishes and alternative recipes. However, for the 88% of Americans who do eat turkey on Thanksgiving, the bird is a matter of tradition. Even if it’s not on every one’s plate, turkey will inevitably find its place at the table. Ultimately, Turkey remains the main symbol of Thanksgiving. Wheth

er you love it, hate it or simply tolerate it, Turkey ties the holiday together. And without it, Thanksgiving would feel just a little less complete.

Thankful for a turkey-less Thanksgiving

Turkey. The bane of my existence. For as long as I remember, turkey has been touted as the staple meal during Thanksgiving. Bland, dry turkey.

I still remember the very first time I had turkey. My predominantly white elementary school was going on a field trip to a local farm, and all the children were raving about how we would get turkey sandwiches for lunch. The excitement had gotten to me and I could not wait to eat my sandwich. Alas, as lunch finally rolled around and my sandwich bag was handed to me, a feeling of dread settled in my stomach as I opened it up and smelled my sandwich. My first bite only confirmed my apprehension and I decided right then and there that I hate turkey.

Since then, I have never fully comprehended why people eat turkey during Thanksgiving. The side dishes often outshine what is considered the main course. Cheesy mashed potatoes, candied yams,

bread rolls and various pies all full of flavor and life, yet so much importance is stressed upon this sorry excuse for a bird dish. For the star of the meal, there are so many better protein options than a whole turkey.

With the assortment of side dishes typically found at the dinner table, the options are endless for a protein option that can take the centerpiece. A gorgeous cranberry roast pork, an oven-roasted chicken stuffed to the brim with breading or a beef tenderloin roast. All these options are easy to make and pair so well with the other side dishes available.

This Thanksgiving, go turkeyfree. I know I will. Plans have already been made in my friend group to ditch the turkey this year and instead feast upon other marvelous dishes. A steak for each, some macaroni and cheese and hearty stew, we’ll be going to bed well-fed and happy. While it’s not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, we’ll still be rocking it in our own way. Definitely a bonus because we do not have

the space nor the materials to cook a full-sized turkey in the residence halls.

a Thanksgiving dish for too long. Even during colonial times, there was no solid proof that this colonial settler holiday featured turkey in its celebratory feast. According to a historical account by Ed ward Winslow, one of the first colonizers, he noted that during their feast they had consumed “fowle,” meaning it could have been any wild bird that sat upon their table. It wasn’t until the Lincoln administration that Thanksgiving as a holiday was proposed, and it was then that turkey became linked with the holiday.

change. With over 200 years of turkey being the heart of Thanksgiving, we can finally make a difference in the lives of many. Not only does cut

MATA ELANGOVAN Managing Editor

Scotty-Scopes:

Weekly warnings

(Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):

Remember that real wealth does not come from money, Libra. You’re becoming a little bit of an Ebenezer Scrooge and missing out on what’s really important in life.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):

Your free-spirit may be your downfall. If you can’t redirect your energy to one path, all of your different ideas will never leave the planning stage.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Judgement

You’re ignoring the call, Aries. Don’t back down from the challenge just because you believe you can’t. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22):

Your pessimism is going to try to get the best of you, so try and keep it light this week.You have to overcome your personal setbacks if you want to stay optimistic.

(Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):

Your disconnection to your surroundings will lead to your downfall Scorpio. The world still spins even if you don’t want to pay attention to it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Ace

You’re becoming all talk and no action Aquarius. If you are taking action, it’s haphazard and not done with real care; tighten up or people will start to notice.

(April 20 – May 20):

Your planning has been incredibly poor lately. You need to organize and prepare or else nothing will magically happen the way you want.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):

Your inner critic is what’s holding you back, Leo. Every time you listen to it, it grows stronger and louder, so fight back.

BEWARE, BECAUSE TROUBLE MAY BE COMING YOUR WAY.

22 – Dec. 21):

Heartbreak is coming your way, so be prepared for sorrow. You will not be able to out-run this emotional pain.

(Feb. 19 – March 20):

Don’t be resistant to change — it will be your downfall. The current version of yourself is not the best it can be, so let yourself improve.

June

Watch your wallet this week Gemini. Whatever purchases you think you need to make this week, you’re wrong. Think about if you really need that item or if you’ll be happy to save the money for a rainy day.

23 – Sept. 22):

is not a good look for you. Take some time for yourself and resist the urge to have to be with or talk to someone every second of the day.

Codependency

Libra

Ten of Pentacles

Scorpio

The Star

Sagittarius (Nov.

Three of Swords

Page of Wands

of Wands

Pisces

Death

Taurus

The Magician

Gemini (May 21 –

20): Five of Pentacles

Five of Cups

Eight of Swords

Virgo (Aug.

Queen of Cups

NATALIE DAHL Features Editor

I’m thankful for my Glorious King LeBron James. If I’m having a bad day, I’ll watch LeBron highlights, and my day feels a lot better!

I am thankful for the Disney channel original movie “Radio Rebel.”

I’m thankful for all of my favorite sports teams. They never fail to disappoint me :..)

I’m thankful for the countless people that helped me keep going and continue to support everything I do even when it’s hard for me to support myself!

I am thankful for the opportunities that 2024 has brought me in the sense that I feel really involved in different things that bring enrichment to my life and make me feel like my life has purpose.

I am thankful for art, and the honor and privilege it is to be able to walk the artist path and have people who support me and my dreams.

I’m thankful for matcha lattes. Matcha gives me a reason to keep going and motivates me to lock in.

I am thankful for having a gaming community who is just as passionate as I am. I get to geek out over Splatoon.

I am thankful for Indomie Ramen. It has become a staple comfort food in these stressful days. Spicy, sweet, salty... What more do you need? This year would have been infinitely harder without it.

I’m thankful that most guys on campus have bad fashion, it makes me look better.

I am thankful for spicy carne street tacos, boba and the unexpectedly good combination they make!

I am thankful that the Taco Bell near campus is open 24 hours so that I can get a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze whenever I need to feel like a human again.

Terry Nguyen Assistant Sports Editor

Dinara Godage Assistant News Editor

Sonali Whittle Assistant Production Manager

Emily Mata Comic Artist

Senna Omar Editor-in-Chief

Edwin Basurto Video Editor

Isaac Solnick Sports Editor

Paul Lewis III Production Assistant

Cinthia Meza Distribution Manager

Sanjana Thatte News Editor

Spandana Janapati Assistant Opinions Editor

Allison Fry Ad Rep

NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT

Campus Cuties

Cuties galore! Strolling along the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) grounds, one can’t go without noticing the ever-vibrant and fruitful nature of the campus. These bountiful bunches of citrus greenery, while offering campus its natural beauty, also highlight UCR’s great fruity origins. What once was recognized as the Citrus Experiment Station, responsible for impactful citrus related research and the curation of thousands of citrus variations including the beloved, easy-peel cutie variation, is now what is recognized as our university. UCR’s citrus research is now led by The Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection, a research and development resource dedicated to expanding and sustaining the history and exploration of citrus. The citrus varieties found on campus are plentiful and include anything from the inviting aroma of mandarins and sweet oranges to the odd variety of kumquats and pummelos. Don’t hesitate and give into picking the delicious fruit from UCR’s community garden!

STUDENT POLL

QUESTION: Which Thanksgiving dish would you rather not see at the dinner table?

Answer our weekly question on the Highlander Instagram for the opportunity to get featured in the next issue!

Mashed potatoes

Green bean casserole

Cranberry

Ham

Senna

Lizbeth

Gracie

Joanna

GABRIELA GALVAN

Assistant Features Editor

GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

IT’S GIVING THANKS

MAIN ST

cheese better

By Natali FEaturEs

choice

28. Christmas tree topper

30. Potatoes on Thanksgiving 35. Woeful word 37. Egg cell

39. “Now ___ done it!”

40. What brought Napoleon to power

41. Mexican moolah

43. Homophone for blue

44. How many blind mice there are

46. Type of dogs that are bred to be displayed

47. What the Joker is not

48. Cranberries on Thanksgiving

50. Component of fertilizer

52. Pigpen

53. Freeway exit 55. What makes wine and

57. Attribute 61. Beans on Thanksgiving 65. Like a golden retriever

66. Like the man in “The Wizard of Oz”

68. Former term for Odia

69. Buzzfeed’s recipe reporter

70. Letters before an alias

71. Like notebook paper

72. Withdraws, with “out”

73. Permit

74. Legal document that transfers property ownership; Plural

Down

1. Kind of race that happened during the cold war

2. Vegetarian’s no-no

3. Hokkaido native

4. Star Wars, Dune or Star Trek

5. Mine passages

6. Ran, as colors

7. Dark time for poets (Hint: contraction)

8. “Saturday Night Fever” music

9. It’s softer than gypsum

10. Singular form of 18-Across

11. “iCarly” and “Victorious” parody of Apple

12. What a boat between ports is

ORANGE ST

15. RuPaul’s goodbye when a drag queen is eliminated: “_____ away”

20. To prevent a party from asserting a claim, right or

argument in court

ANSWERS (DON’T PEEK!)

22. 24-hr. banking convenience

24. Refresh one’s memory on a topic

25. Treaties

26. Hello and goodbye

27. Island nation whose president is Baron Waqa

29. Scientific class that birds belong to

31. Blubberring cries

32. Luau dances

33. Javelin, long jump, shotput, etc.

34. Inventor of the library decimal system

36. Design detail

38. Anchor’s resting place

42. Say “@#$%!”

45. Adjective form of 56Down

49. 2015 dance move fad

51. Ancient, like a saying or proverb

54. Au, Fe, etc.

56. Spooky

57. Voice below soprano

58. It’s sold in bars?

59. Dermatologist’s growing concern

60. Supporting characters in Ratatouille

61. Pesky insect

62. “____ to 5” by Dolly Parton

63. Got a good look at

64. Who’s celebrated on the third Sunday of June

67. Eisenhower’s nickname ■ H

COURTESY OF FREEPIK

UCR’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” Delivers Whimsy and Heart

UCR’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” charms with its imaginative storytelling, lively performances, and poignant themes of friendship and destiny. Despite, perhaps, relying more on visuals than sound.

By: Ingrid Ollikainen, Contributing Writer

Star stuff filled the air at the University Theatre as “Peter and the Starcatcher” transported audiences to a world of pirates, mermaids and the origins of Peter Pan. Directed by Daphnie Sicre, the production embraced the play's creative spirit, using extravagant sets and dynamic performances to weave a tale of courage, friendship and finding one's place in the world. However, while the visual and emotional storytelling soared, uneven audio occasionally clipped the wings of an otherwise stellar performance.

Adapted from the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, “Peter and the Starcatcher” serves as a prequel to J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, about how an orphan boy becomes the boy who never grows up. The University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) rendition leaned into the fantastical elements using imaginative props, engaging fight choreography and a highly energetic cast to bring the script's humor and heart to life.

Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the set featured intricate ship decks, lush tropical greenery, and atmospheric lighting that brought each scene to life. The transitions between locations were seamless, allowing the audience to feel fully transported from the stormy seas to a mysterious island. This visually stunning design complemented the imaginative storytelling, enhancing the magic of the production.

The cast shined, particularly in their commitment to the play’s fast-paced and quirky tone. Sasha Brown, who played Molly Aster, captured the character’s determination and vulnerability with a commanding presence. Her chemistry with Josiah Alpher as “the Boy” was palpable, grounding their growing connection in authenticity and emotional depth as he brought forth a real free spirit and innocent wonder.

Eric Ortiz as Black Stache delivered a delightfully overthe-top performance that had the audience in stitches. His comedic timing and physicality breathed life into every scene he appeared in, cementing him as a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, the cast proved essential in creating the dynamic world of the play, effortlessly switching between pirates, orphans and even Italians with boundless energy.

While the production excelled visually and emotionally, it struggled in one key technical area: audio. In a show that relies heavily on rapid dialogue and witty banter, clear and consistent sound is essential, yet some actors were difficult to hear. The issue appeared to stem from both projection and the limitations of the sound system.

During group scenes, overlapping dialogue occasionally got lost in the mix, forcing the audience to strain to follow key plot points. Additionally, softer spoken moments were hard to capture in detail as many in the audience were left wishing there were subtitles to follow. Addressing these audio concerns in future performances would

significantly enhance the production’s accessibility and overall effectiveness.

One of the production's strengths lies in its ability to bal ance humor with heart. The script’s sharp wit was matched by the cast's playful delivery, particularly in scenes fea turing Black Stache’s bumbling antics and the uproarious mermaid song-and-dance number. These moments of lev ity offered a delightful counterpoint to the more poignant themes of identity and loss, making the play a well-round ed experience.

The director’s choice to emphasize the ensemble nature of the piece also paid dividends, allowing each actor to shine while reinforcing the play's themes of camaraderie and re silience. The fluid transitions between scenes and charac ters created a feeling that the audience was peeking into a storybook coming to life.

As the cast waved ‘goodbye,’ it was impossible not to feel a sense of childlike wonder. UCR’s “Peter and the Starcatch er” didn’t just tell a story, it invited the audience to revisit their own imaginations. The elaborate set, heartfelt perfor mances, and creative energy is a reminder of what it felt like to dream boundlessly as children, believing that anything was possible.

Despite its audio shortcomings, the production succeeded in delivering an engaging and heartfelt experience. For those seeking a whimsical escape or a fresh take on a clas sic tale, this show offered plenty of magic. With a little finetuning, UCR’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” could not only take flight but truly soar, leaving audiences spellbound long after the final bow. It was truly an adventure worth having.

IN DEFENSE: Radar Replay: ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is a Thanksgiving classic.

By: Aakif Iqbal, Contributing Writer

After ‘Peanuts,’ there is no competition in film as to what is the definitive Thanksgiving movie. It’s ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’.

Whetherit’s horror movies in October or old jazz music during December, the festivities associated with preparing for holidays are often undebatable. Few would object to watching a spooky movie on Halloween because that’s what Halloween is all about. Similarly, others indulge in listening to cozy jazz classics because the winter holidays are all about tenderness and love. But, it seems like Thanksgiving is different.

Though people are more than happy to watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” on the harvest holiday, this seems to be the only movie that people can agree is a Thanksgiving classic. A movie that contains the vibes that Thanksgiving is all about. And though other media during the fall is recognized as fall classics (for example, “Gilmore Girls”), the movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is often overlooked—when it certainly shouldn’t be.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is the 2009 stop-motion animated film directed by famed American auteur Wes Anderson. Renowned for his strong color compositions, symmetrical framing and vintage aesthetics, Wes Anderson is widely regarded as a master filmmaker.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” was the first movie he made in full stop-motion animation. It took multiple years to complete and involved a star-studded cast, from George Clooney in the titular role as Mr. Fox to Meryl Streep voicing Mrs. Fox. It is an adaptation of the famous Roald Dahl book “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”.

Though it was released to initially mixed reviews when it came out back in 2009, it’s since developed a cult following online. Pieces from Alexandre Desplat’s infamous banjo score heard in the movie have even gone viral on TikTok (the piece “Mr. Fox in the fields” has over 100,000 videos made to the sound).

What makes the film such a Thanksgiving

classic, and why it should not be up for debate as much as it is, is because of the same vibes that horror movies hold during Halloween or cozy movies hold during the winter holidays. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” just has the perfect fall vibes.

In the movie, the entire color palette uses strong warm colors like yellow and orange. This color palette is as mentioned before, not new to the work of the filmmaker. However, the specific colors being used are unique in being synonymous with fall as the browns and reds used invoke the colors of the leaves of trees changing color and the oranges invoking pumpkins as well.

Every character is dressed in a cozy outfit, whether it be sweaters or coats. Mr. Fox wears a corduroy blazer. Corduroy is the fabric of fall. It is cozy, has a strong aesthetic, and is oftentimes worn in browns or colors of this sort.

And finally, the message of the movie is about gratitude. Mr. Fox’s central conflict resolves on him being grateful and content with who he is and feeling accepted within his family. This theme of gratitude is ultimately what Thanksgiving is about. In the fall we gather in our cozy sweaters and decorate our homes with pumpkins and warm colors in order to remember what makes us grateful. The film itself may involve robbery and inner conflict about what it means to be good or great, but at its core, it’s about gratitude.

‘Say Nothing’: an extraordinary historical series worth talking about

By: Ian Palma, Contributing Writer

It was only 26 years ago when the Good Friday Agreement was ratified between Ireland and the United Kingdom, ending most of a decadeslong campaign of violence and chaos that became known as The Troubles. Although what followed was a new era of peace and equality for the Irish, grisly images of death, kidnappings, and torture remain etched in the minds of those who lived prior to the signing of the treaty. Alongside this, feelings of guilt and reflection are felt by those who had a part in the bloodshed.

Many of these emotions were captured as years went on through works such as the films “Belfast” and “In the Name of the Father.” However, many of these works were artistic representations that happened to be set during The Troubles rather than historical accounts of what actually went down during that time.

This was all changed with the release of “Say Nothing,” an FX Productions miniseries based on a 2018 historical non-fiction book written by Patrick Radden Keefe. The series sets out to explore the conflict from a bird’s-eye view, focusing on historical events and the active participants that lived through those harrowing times.

Spanning across three decades, the series mainly follows the lives of two Irish-Catholic sisters: Dolours and Marian Price. Outraged by the poor treatment of Catholics throughout Ireland as well as the overall British occupation of the country, they decide to take up arms with the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary group with the goal of uniting Ireland.

What follows is a series of violent and defiant acts against the British government for which the sisters become widely renowned for. But as time progresses, disillusionment with the IRA becomes evident when the sisters are forced to commit acts of terrorism against their own friends and neighbors as Irish citizens accused of consorting with or even helping the British are marked for death by the organization. The series touches upon many of the events that the sisters were involved in, such as the 1973 Old Bailey bombings in London, their subsequent hunger strike in prison, and most notably the kidnapping and murder of Jean McConville.

The show deals with themes of complacency and blind faith as the Price sisters realize that the group that they’re working for is no better than the British themselves when it comes to unwarranted acts of violence and destruction. The

lines between friend and foe become blurred when the IRA switches their agenda from uniting all of Ireland against British occupation to suppressing all those who oppose them.

The fear of suffering the same fate as those accused leads many within the Irish community to stay silent, with some even telling on others. The series further touches upon the kidnapping and killings of citizens accused of aiding the British government, many of which are people such as mothers and children. The remains of those murdered at the hands of the IRA are still yet to be found even today. The show takes an obviously neutral stance between the IRA and the British troops which is understandable due to the numerous atrocities both sides have committed during the event.

The series does a remarkable job of portraying a turbulent time in Ireland’s history. The set design distinctly displays the streets of Ireland as an active war zone in which there is nothing but debris from the aftermath of car bombings and shootouts. There is a sense of tension throughout each episode as characters are skeptical about where their comrades’ allegiances lie. The prisons used to house and break those affiliated with the IRA, alleged or not, are depicted as pallid, claustrophobic corridors where torture is the usual order of the day.

The series furthermore excels in portraying Irish communities becoming tight-knit when it comes to opposing British occupation while bringing aid and information to the IRA, though it remains unclear as to whether they do it out of allegiance or fear. The show makes use of eraappropriate music with nostalgic pop-oriented artists like The Kinks, Small Faces, and Cher while highlighting other prominent Irish acts of the time such as Rory Gallagher and The Undertones.

Despite having a multitude of positive aspects, the most laudable feature of the series comes directly from the actor’s performances. The sisters’ transformation from being die-hard fanatics of the IRA to being disillusioned critics of the cause was meticulously paced throughout the show. Actors Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe excel at portraying the emotional journey of the sisters, particularly as they begin to question and lose faith in the IRA’s cause. Alongside the sisters, many of the side characters of the show were well developed, especially when it comes to demonstrating their unwavering faithfulness to the organization.

Although the show captures the main points of the sister’s lives, it does so at the expense of the victim’s stories, especially with Jean McConville’s. Jean’s narrative feels somewhat rushed despite being mentioned numerous times throughout the show’s episodes which becomes pitiful especially when looking at the ramifications that her kidnapping had on her family, especially with her ten children.

The show could’ve done a lot more by highlighting the lives of others who weren’t directly associated with the war but were still affected by it nonetheless, such as family members of those who were taken and never seen again, as well as victims of car bombings prominently seen throughout the conflict. It wouldn’t have hurt to incorporate broader events that happened during The Troubles such as the 1972 Bloody Sunday incident or the 1981 Irish hunger strike especially with how significant these incidents were leading into the signing of the Good Friday Agreements.

All in all, “Say Nothing” is a poignant historical drama that serves as a great introduction to those wishing to understand the violence, terror, and ramifications that The Troubles had on the country of Ireland. Even though there are some wrinkles to iron out within the events as a whole, the series accomplishes the main goal of telling the story of Dolours and Marian Price while highlighting the complexity of their situations as well as their shifting allegiance in the IRA. The series itself serves as a cautionary tale on violence as well as political dogma, arguably being one of the most compelling and insightful works of art set during The Troubles seen in recent years.

Verdict: “Say Nothing” gives a fresh take on a violent time within Ireland’s history while serving as a forewarning for blind loyalty, making it a reflective yet exciting watch.

The series breaks the silence on the troubled history of mid to late 20th century Ireland through the lenses of those who’ve experienced it.

Courtesy of Hulu

Growth, Love, and Reflection: Cynthia Huerta’s “Las Secuelas Del Amor Propio”

Cynthia Huerta narrates her journey in self-love through flowy, colorful and thought-provoking artworks.

By: Catalina Cisneros, Contributing Writer

“Where does love start and where does it end?” Cynthia Huerta asks these questions in her most recent art show “Las Secuelas del Amor Propio” (The Aftermath of Self-Love) featuring over 100 works that she created from 2020 to 2024. The exhibition is displayed in the Division 9 Gallery in Downtown Riverside, the same venue as her first solo show 15 years ago.

A sequel to her first showcase “Las Secuelas del Amor” (The Aftermath of Love), Huerta dedicates her recent exhibition, open from November 7th to November 27th, as a reflection of how she has grown over the years. Displaying colorful works highlighting advice from loved ones and lessons learned, Huerta overcomes vulnerability to share her journey towards reaching internal peace.

Huerta has dedicated much of her career to the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community as the founder of the “Love With Joy Art Club” and through workshops she has hosted. Tapping back into her personal creative journey, she explores the significance of art to herself through the creation of emotionally reflective artworks. Growing from her first solo show that revolves around “her and her heartbreak,” Huerta focuses on rebuilding oneself, destroying boundaries, and recognizing patterns within the context of growing up as a Mexican-American artist.

Walking into the gallery, the scent of a chai candle and a view of color among white walls greets visitors warmly. Both left and right walls are filled with 104 watercolor paintings spanning from 2020 to 2024, with varying ranges of detail, color, and imagery. These works are Huerta’s direct emotional response to different hardships.

The freeing movement of the watercolor creates a sense of revitalization that encourages the viewer to look deeper and analyze the many details. As a whole, the viewer can see the growth in skill and confidence as the paintings become more detailed and expressive. Soft colors turn vibrant and crying eyes turn into flowers and hummingbirds. Huerta reflects on how death, self-love and loving others impacts one’s day-to-day life.

Moving into the second room of the gallery, people are invited to waltz around

and engage with a multitude of artworks, creating a space for conversation. Some might reflect on the subtle topics of reconnecting with nature, self-growth and grounding over time.

A hanging piece with pictures of the sky can be seen on the right side, inviting viewers to take a moment and breathe.

Huerta shares about how looking at the sky allows her to clear her head and reminds herself of the amount of love she's surrounded by, referencing how the sun represents her resilience. She recalls how her mother would say to her, “Eres un sol,” (You are a sun), which acted as an affirmation: Despite feeling terrible in the moment, everything will resolve itself, and one will continue to shine. Huerta hopes to share that same affirmation with her viewers, letting them know they have a companion during hard times, with her artwork spreading the message that they should not let others define their essence.

At the adjacent wall, a large painting titled, “Ataque Depresivo” (Depressive Bout), fills the viewers with thought, relatability and causes self-insertion. Huerta puts a portrait of herself in the center, divided by a happy half that symbolizes her resiliency, the joy life brings her and the warmth she feels from the multitude of love in her inner circle. The other half represents the sad parts of life, the depressive episodes, the struggle to overcome the past and the generational burden to be more emotionally mature than those before. This work symbolizes Huerta’s journey from loss to embracing struggle and learning how to overcome hardships while staying grateful. It also ties back into the message associated with the hanging sky piece.

The narrative of the works moves to generational burdens in terms of emotions, trauma and pondering the power of healing internally. Multimedia artworks with metal framing depict different people, such as Huerta as a child and her grandmother Margarita It showcases the concept of healing one’s inner child and healing the wounds of the generations that had to bury their voices under authority and toxic culture beliefs.

The viewer may involuntarily start to reflect on their own familial ties and the emotional burdens they might carry when viewing the piece’s composition. This juxtaposition

of these two pieces is thought-provoking and explains how the emotional weight of every generation having to be better than the past is heavy. However, it is important to not only heal oneself but also the future and past.

As the scent of the sweet candle slowly fades, a hanging artwork of phrases peaks interest as a final farewell. Coming into the gallery, one reflects on their own journey, confronting the past and reflecting on the growth ahead. On the way out, a hanging artwork with clouds of phrases bids the audience farewell with words of encouragement and clarity. Phrases such as, “If it's confusing, it's a no,” and “A veces llorar es bueno,” (Sometimes it's good to just cry) serve as a gift from Huerta to the audience in hopes that they can grow and learn to love themselves just as she did.

“Leave your ghosts behind, break down your walls of regret, and look up to the sky with hope for better to come. The aftermath of self-love might look, taste and smell differently to each person, however, all love starts with oneself and ends with oneself. I hope that people can come into this show and self-reflect, find themselves and find that beautiful self-love,” - Cynthia Huerta, 2024.

Images Courtesy of Cynthia Huerta

Tartan Tailgating: High tech separates Intuit Dome from other NBA arenas

By: Terry Nguyen, Assistant Sports Editor

Intuit Dome is the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers as they have moved out of their previous stadium, Crypto.com Arena. Situated next to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, this brand-new 2 billion dollar project is the newest arena the NBA has to offer. I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the arena and attend a Clippers game on Nov. 18 where they played against the Golden State Warriors.

One thing Intuit Dome has lots of is parking. Paying 31 dollars for parking 0.5 miles from the arena, there was minimal wait time driving in and out of the area.

Gates opened at 6 p.m., and tipoff was at 7:30 p.m. for this game. With excitement building amongst the crowd, fans began to line up around 5:30 p.m. for this clash between two Pacific division rivals.

One great feature about Intuit Dome is the facial ID recognition system that is implemented all around the property. To get into the arena, a camera took a picture of my face, and it instantly knew who I was and where my seats were.

The facial ID recognition remains in effect when purchasing food inside the arena, taking a photo of your face and linking your purchases to your Clipper account. This allows you to enter the food stand and grab whatever you want and walk out. About ten minutes later, your payment method will get charged with whatever you grabbed and the transaction is complete. This amazing technology drastically reduces the wait time to get food, allowing fans to see more of the action on the court.

Another impressive attraction is the massive 360-degree Halo Board which produces beautiful visual effects and incredible audio throughout the event. The Halo Board is very similar in design to the jumbotron at Sofi Stadium. When the game tipped off, one section of fans stood out more than the rest: The Wall. Situated behind the basket near the visitors bench, The Wall is an exclusive section reserved for the most diehard Clipper fans. The Wall features various distractions when the visiting team shoots free throws, including shaking signs, noise makers and other visually distracting objects. Fans in The Wall also made tons of noise throughout the entire game, reflecting the culture the Clippers are trying to establish amongst their fans.

As for the entire crowd, there was a good mix of Clippers and Warriors fans. Many fans made the trip down from the Bay Area to experience the Intuit Dome since it was the first time the Warriors played a game there. It was loud for the entire game and there were not many empty seats. The contest came down to the final play where the Warriors trailed by three with the ball. They had

Highlander

Hot Take:

The Dodgers don’t need more hitting this offseason

By: Nik Kittilson, Contributing Writer

How the Dodgers should manage this tricky summer.

The 360 Halo Board and facial recognition technology create a unique fan experience.

two shots to tie the game, but missed both, and the Clippers won, 102-99.

FOOD

LA Street Dog: It’s a traditional hot dog you would see outside many stadiums, with peppers, onions, ketchup and mustard. The dog was really meaty with a good snap after each bite. The bun was well toasted and all the ingredients worked beautifully together.

Double Cheeseburger: Served with pickles, ketchup and mustard, it’s a classic burger that isn’t trying to do too much. It’s cooked well done and wrapped up in foil, making it easy to grab and go. Nothing flashy about the burger, but it gets the job done, à la Tim Duncan.

Churros: Served with caramel dipping sauce, these churros were incredible. The churros were hot and crispy and had the perfect amount of cinnamon coating. The caramel was the perfect sidekick, and it was the best thing I ate at Intuit Dome.

Classic Nachos: Served with nacho cheese and jalapeños, the nachos were average. The one thing which stood out about the chips was the colorful array they came in, the red, yellow and purple being a nice touch.

Empanadas: Served with salsa, the empanadas were filled with spinach and onions. The outer pastry was warm and soft, and the filling worked well with the salsa on the side. This is a sleeper pick at Intuit Dome and I would recommend this to anyone who is debating which food items to select.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series for the first time since the COVID-19 shortened season of 2020. Now in the offseason, other teams are looking to close the gap in talent and depth.

In the offseason, the Dodgers will first need to build on their strengths. While the bullpen and defense made the difference in the World Series, their offense is extremely potent with the first three batters being potential firstballot Hall of Famers: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. With Shohei only taking up 2 million in cap space because of his contract, the Dodgers have room to work with in signing some elite talent to help them on the road to a repeat.

POSITION PLAYERS

The most covered story right now is the Juan Soto sweepstakes. However, the Dodgers are risking losing a key piece to their championship season which is Teoscar Hernández. To start with Soto, the most fearsome hitter for the Yankees during their World Series run. He has a great eye and plate discipline. Shown by his higher walk rate than strikeout rate, as well as being a clear Triple Crown threat.

However, Juan Soto is expected to have an extremely lucrative salary, around 600 million dollars for 10 years. While this contract is expensive, if the Dodgers find a way to manage a great deal for both sides where it does not stunt the growth of their farm system, LA will have no problem signing him on.

However, this leads us to Teoscar. A fan-favorite Dodger who performed exceptionally well the whole season. He would also be more affordable so they can make moves on other weaknesses such as signing another rotation piece.

The Dodgers should re-sign Teoscar, easier than matching Juan Soto’s exorbitant contract ask of 600 million dollars in 10 years.

This will leave them with enough cap room to go after another starter.

The Dodgers should steer clear of signing shortstop Willy Adames, another rumored target of theirs. Their position players last year were great, and they had a deep lineup that was ready for any situation they could find themselves in. The Dodgers do not need another bat that can hit more home runs. The Dodgers were fourth in hits and batting average, second in runs scored, third in home runs, and first in OPS. Comparatively speaking their pitching was 13th in earned run average and 18th in total earned runs.

THE PITCHING

Reportedly, Ohtani may not return to pitch at the beginning of next season. The Dodgers need to look to bolster their rotation, and improve on an inconsistent season from starters Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler. They should instead use that money to sign Roki Sasaki and Max Fried. This would give them two great pitchers, Roki is a flamethrowing, right-handed pitcher and Max is a veteran left-handed ace and would balance out a very right-handed dominant starting rotation.

Roki Sasaki is the best pitcher the Dodgers could sign here. His arm talent is legitimate, with his 4-seam fastball averaging around 99 mph.

While Roki would be a slam dunk signing for the Dodgers, they should bulk up their rotation more by signing Max Fried.

Max Fried is no joke, boasting a 3.07 era. Their bullpen is extremely deep so just focusing on keeping that group together is the best route the Dodgers can take. This would mean resigning Blake Trienen and keeping Alex Vesia happy.

CLOSING STATEMENTS

The Dodgers, coming off the highs of winning the World Series, are the best free agent destination in the sport currently. It would not be too far to say the league is leaning on the Dodgers because of their star talent and dramatic postseason victory.

However, this season is a huge awakening for the league with a clear message: spend big to win big. The names are out there for the taking, and teams like the Dodgers still have cap space because of Shohei’s one-of-a-kind contract. This leaves questions over the league as to how other teams plan to adjust and adapt to the ever-changing environment of Major League Baseball.

Terry Nguyen //THE HIGHLANDER

Highlanders close out season strong against Cal Poly and UCSB

UCR look to play spoiler in their final two games.

By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor

This past week, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s volleyball team finished their season with a pair of home games against California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). While the Highlanders were already mathematically eliminated from the Big West playoffs. They still found the spirit to take it to two of the better teams in the conference.

Going into Thursday’s game, the Mustangs were in the midst of a four-game winning streak and hadn’t dropped a single set in any of those games. A spot in the playoffs was already a lock for Cal Poly SLO, but a win against the Highlanders could mean a chance at being crowned regular season champions and an advantageous bye into the Big West semifinal.

Sitting well outside the playoff picture, the Highlanders looked just like another bump in the road for Cal Poly SLO. However, UCR was motivated by the impending departure of key seniors like right side Carissa Wiles and setter Beatriz Silva and played hard for them in their final games.

The first set started as expected. The Mustangs jumped out to a quick lead and it appeared they would cruise to an easy first set victory. But out of nowhere, the Highlanders stormed back with a couple of big runs to shock the visitors. Aided by a handful of attack errors from Cal Poly SLO’s outside hitters, redshirt senior Tommi Stockham and redshirt junior Lizzy Markovska, UCR escaped with the first set.

The Mustangs would go on to win the second and third set, but UCR refused to stay down. The Highlanders jumped out to a quick lead in the fourth set thanks to a couple of kills from sophomore right side Trinity Sheridan and another pair of attack errors from Markovska and freshman middle blocker Chloe Leluge. UCR carried the momentum through the fourth set to force the all-important fifth set.

The two teams went back and forth in the fifth set and it looked like anyone’s game. But a service error from Silva followed by an attack error from junior middle blocker Layla Hooks gave the Mustangs the final push across the finish line. Cal Poly SLO got the win they desperately needed, but the Highlanders put on an incredibly gutsy display.

The energy built by UCR from Thursday’s game seemed to carry on into Saturday’s matchup

against UCSB. The Gauchos were on the playoff bubble and needed to beat the Highlanders to keep their season alive. Meanwhile, UCR refused to spoil senior night celebrations with a loss.

The first set was close with the Gauchos maintaining a slight advantage. However, they threw it away with a trio of service errors. Then, aces from Silva and junior outside hitter Kailyn Jager gave the Highlanders the lead and they never looked back. UCR closed out the set with a 10-2 run and earned the first set victory.

The Gauchos held a 20-13 lead in the second set, but the Highlanders once again rallied from behind late in the set. This time going on a 15-3 run to miraculously win the second set. The Gauchos had let a second straight set slip away from them. With their season on the line, UCSB cleaned up their mistakes and won the third set with a commanding 25-15 scoreline.

The fourth set was super tight and if the Gauchos could win the set, momentum would have been on their side in the fifth. But with the score at 1919, UCSB committed four straight attack errors and handed the Highlanders the set and match.

With the win, UCR finished the season with a 5-13 conference record. A huge accomplishment considering their 0-7 start that included a six-game drought where the Highlanders failed to win a single set. UCR could have given up on their season then, but displayed plenty of grit and passion to end the year 5-6.

Courtesy of UCR Athletics