The Corsair - Issue 1 (Spring 2021)

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CONTENT News | pg. 3 Culture | pg. 4 Arts & Entertainment | pg. 4 Opinion | pg. 5 Photo Story | pg. 6-7 Sports | pg. 8

EDITORIAL STAFF Carolyn Burt | Editor-in-Chief Aja Marshall | Managing Editor Allie Leeds | News Editor Rebecca Hogan | Arts & Entertainment Editor Marcos Mackey-Darden | Culture Editor Sarah Nachimson | Opinion Editor Taylor DiPrimo | Sports Editor Marco Pallotti | Photo Editor Johnny Neville | Social Media Editor Morrea Ollila | Assistant Social Media Editor Sam Plascencia | Multimedia Editor

CORSAIR STAFF Drew Andersen | Octavia Anderson | Michael Beeson | Sue Benistant | Maryann Chavez | Citlalli ChávezNava | Ashley Cox | Jorge Devotto | Aminata Diop | Elan Donel | Maxim Elramsisy | Maya Estuani | Stephanie Gallinar | Michael Goldsmith | Ruby Gomez | Joanna Gonzalez | Hon Hoang | Josh Hogan | Michael Johnson | Pietro Kron | Apollo Kuranage | Jaime Leon | Aibhle Lynch | Vincent Marcel | Jorge Martinez | Brooke Matteson | Neil O'Loughlin | Guadalupe Perez | William Phelps | Jonathan Putman | Naomi Ruiz | Vasily Samoylov | Willow Sando-McCall | Erich Schroeder | Yuka Seike | Alex Serbowicz | Ayanna Smith | Morgan Spillman | Paige Strickland | Kevin Tidmore | Deven Townsel | Evelyn Tucker | Brad Wilhite

FACULTY ADVISORS Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins | Journalism Adviser Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser

CONTACT Editor in Chief | corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram | corsairnews Twitter | the_corsair Facebook | thecorsairnews YouTube | thecorsaironline

WEBSITE www.thecorsaironline.com

FRONT COVER GETTING BACK IN MOTION Instructor Clayton Bailey leads the 5 p.m. class at Barry's Bootcamp in Santa Monica, Calif. on Thursday 25, 2021. (Brad Wilhite | The Corsair)

Illustration by Carolyn Burt

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR There is a phrase that has stayed with me since my freshman year of college, “just take it bird by bird.” In a passage by Anne Lamott, she tells the story of how her brother has found himself in a homework crisis, having waited until the last day to finish a report on birds that he had three months to write. Rather than stress his son out further, their father goes up to his child and offers the simple advice, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.” It has been a reminder in times of feeling overwhelmed and stressed with everything on my plate, to breathe, and focus on one task at a time.

There’s been mention in recent weeks of how we as a society are hitting the “pandemic wall.” To be quite honest, I feel as though this is not the first time I’ve hit this wall.

As an optimistic person, reality hit hard over the summer. Businesses began to reopen and it became visible how residents of L.A. County were not following guidelines, leading us back into another shutdown. I began to realize that “safety” is a loose term.

During this time at home I’ve witnessed how people justify their actions, explaining “we were being safe”, but the definition is never the same. For some it means only leaving their home for essentials, for others it's been creating a “bubble” with a few households or friends, and in extreme cases safety has meant getting a COVID-19 test to show you don’t currently have the virus, before traveling to wherever your passport allows for a much needed vacation, rationalized by the need to “support the economy.”

As difficult and draining as this year has been, I consider myself to be fortunate for what I have. A group of friends who understand the severity of the situation we’re in, opting for socially distant hangouts at the park to get some quality time away from screens. Parents who pay close attention to the news, since the pandemic first came to the U.S., and follow social distancing guidelines. Having resources such as a laptop and internet so that I’m able to continue my college career from the safety of my home.

But there have also been parallels to each. Frustration when my zoom screen informs me I have an unstable internet connection. Emptiness after signing off from class, with no one around to converse with. Feeling completely gaslit and hurt as I explain my concern of veering away from the precautions I’ve been following, while others try to tell me that adjustments need to be made since we’re in this situation for the long haul. Anger as I look at social media and watch how Los Angeles based influencers parade around the city as if nothing is happening, other than having to wear a mask in public.

It’s daunting to look at the world around us and the state we’re currently in. Hope is on the horizon as vaccines begin to be dispersed, however this is not a quick fix.

Our lives as we knew them a year ago will not return overnight. It will be gradual, it will take time, but step by step, day by day, and bird by bird, I believe we will get there.

Editor-In-Chief Carolyn Burt

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Sun Sets on Santa Monica Airport Ashley Cox | Staff Writer

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n 1919, the City of Santa Monica made history as World War I planes began to touch down on a grassy spot of Southern California deeming it an “unofficial landing site.” Today, life looks very different for that patch of grass we now know as the Santa Monica Airport (SMO). Since the early 1980s, the city of Santa Monica has been making arguments to close down the SMO — with some citing that the airport causes increased pollution and incessant noise. The city plans to shut down SMO as early as 2028.

For locals, the airport is the birthplace of future dreams. “I basically grew up on the observation deck. It's what started my love of aviation,” said Sammy Cockrell. The Santa Monica native learned to fly and is now employed at Proteus Air Services, a flight school based within SMO. “I learned to fly when I was 16. I’m 21 now and the idea of the airport closing is really depressing for me. I understand reducing jet traffic, but I completely disagree with shutting down the airport.”

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the hours of flight are limited from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This means

no aircraft shall start-up or depart, unless there is a bona fide emergency such as a medical situation or public safety emergency. With reduced hours, and planes emitting less pollution than ever, it calls attention to the true motive of the airport closure.

The Santa Monica Airport once was home to Douglas, an aircraft company famed for producing much of the warera aircraft for the United States Government in both World War I and World War II. By the 1970s, however, the City of Santa Monica, who'd owned the airport for almost a decade by then, developed an Airport Neighbors Forum. It consisted of local representatives from the neighborhoods surrounding SMO who initiated the noise ban for jets coming in and out of the airport.

The current recommended flight tracks, a service that involves tracking flights, aircrafts, and aircraft activity, were a direct result of the Airport Neighbors Forum. So is the maximum DB SENEL, which is the Sound Exposure Level the planes give off. It has since been lowered to 95 DB SENEL — similar to a motorcycle whizzing by.

The Santa Monica Airport is a staple of the city itself, with its rich history drawing in pilots and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. "[SMO is]

The sun sets over the Santa Monica Airport, on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Brad Wilhite | The Corsair) essential infrastructure [for] the economy of the city. Once you tear it down, it's not coming back. They’re really not building new airports anymore,” Cockrell said.

In 2016, the FAA initiated an investigation into SMO for a series of actions being carried out by the city. The FAA cited the City of Santa Monica for planning to close the airport prematurely, and renting to others outside the airport that weren't using it for aviation.

Santa Monica Mayor Tony Vasquez is quoted in an LA Times article stating, “This is an overreach by the FAA, Our priority is putting the community first and exercising our rights as owner and operator of the airport. Despite the FAA’s efforts, we will not falter on our commitment to safeguard our com-

munity from the negative impacts of the airport until the courts make a final determination.”

Airport supporters contend that SMO is necessary relief for the more busy LAX, which handled 400 landings a day before the pandemic. With the City of Santa Monica completing the project to shorten the runway from 4,973 feet to a mere 3,500 feet, the closure of the historic airport is inevitable.

The City of Santa Monica has now proposed a park in SMO’s place. This interesting decision may stir local residents to ask whether that is the best use of the land. SMO will officially close its doors on Dec. 31, 2028 — to the relief of some, and grief for others. Regardless, it will end the 50-year-old debate for good.

A Jab Hard to Nab: Why Essential Workers Need But Can't Recieve COVID Vaccines Sarah Nachimson | Opinion Editor

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n March 1, anyone 16-64 who works in education and childcare, emergency services, and food and agriculture will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Starting March 15, many individuals with high-risk medical conditions will be eligible to receive their vaccination. Additionally, certain caregivers of family members are eligible, as detailed on the California Department of Public Health’s website.

One group of essential workers who have vied for vaccinations are teachers.

Jennifer Smith, a member of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) board, says that the rollout to faculty in her district has gone

smoothly. "The district has an agreement with [Providence Saint John's Health Center] to be able to allocate doses to have available for our staff and teachers," said Smith. According to Smith, SMMUSD does not mandate vaccines for COVID-19, but many teachers have volunteered to receive the vaccination.

As a member of the school board, Smith sees vaccines as playing a key role for students to safely return to school and start learning as they did pre-COVID. "I think education runs best when people feel safe in their environment,” said Smith. “We want to make the most workable situation to be able to educate our kids the best we can.”

She believes that teachers should have been part of a higher priority group to receive vaccinations along with the first tier in California. However, Smith remains glad that teachers are considered a priority and will be getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, like all other essential workers, there are some roadblocks for teachers to get vaccinated. The slow national rollout, as well as unpredictable anomalies in weather across the Midwest that stopped delivery of vaccines, have delayed plans to vaccinate teachers. “I think if we could ramp up the availability of the vaccines out there, we would be getting on the right road,” said Smith.

As vaccines roll out over the next

few months, more of America will start feeling safer as COVID-19 begins to pose less of a threat to vaccinated people. However, the CDC still recommends that vaccinated persons wear masks to avoid transmission until the American populace has reached herd immunity; meaning more than 70% of the American population is less likely to contract COVID-19 due to receiving vaccinations or prior infection.

In an interview with CNN on Feb. 16, the infectious disease expert and White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci predicted that the vaccination will be available to all Americans by mid- to late-May or early June, and that America will reach herd immunity by late summer.

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A Glimpse of Fair Fun: Foodie Fest Drive-Thru at the Rosebowl Alex Serbowicz | Staff Writer

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s the COVID-19 pandemic continues through 2021, choices for safe and fun entertainment are more limited than ever. The virus and social distancing policies have made public fun and entertainment scarce. Fortunately, people and businesses alike have learned to adapt by taking classic events and forming them in new innovative ways.

Family-owned companies, like Helm and Sons Amusements, are excellent examples of pandemic ingenuity.

Since Feb. 5, Helms and Sons Amusements have sponsored Fair Foodie Fest Drive-Thru, a drive-thru of 13 coordinated food stations in the parking lot of the Rosebowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Admission to the drive-thru is free, and guests are able to purchase food from vendors at reasonable prices.

The drive-thru begins as drivers pull into the entrance of parking lot K, event staff greet them, and hand out a sheet with a course description. The pamphlet contains a map of the drive-thru, a menu for each of the food stations, and guidelines for partaking in the event to

A line of cars makes their way through the Fair Foodie Fest on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at the Rosebowl Stadium, parking lot K, in Pasadena, Calif. (Alex Serbowicz | The Corsair) ensure COVID-19 safety protocols are being enforced.

The rules are straightforward: a face mask must be worn at all times, standing outside the vehicle is not permitted, littering is not allowed, and respect for neighboring vehicles is to be given.

The idea for the drive-thru came

when Helm and Sons Amusements, an amusement park company from Colton, California, had to adapt to the COVID-19 safety protocols for Los Angeles County. Much like other small companies, they couldn’t operate the way they had before. The typical fairs and festivals that they organize aren’t

allowed under COVID-19 restrictions, which impacts their livelihood.

“We had to think outside the box. We knew drive-thrus were open so we decided to open our own drive-thru,” said Colleen Helm, a family member of the owners. “We’re doing this until fairs can come back, but also to keep people going. We don’t want to let people down.

We want to keep everyone’s spirits up."

Their idea has greatly benefited Los Angeles. “We’re able to pay 100 employees and we’re averaging about 2,000 cars a day for the weekend. And as for the future, we’re planning to secure more locations to put on more events like this,” Helm said.

With a single creative idea, and a community-minded company like Helms and Sons Amusements, Angelenos can find a fun way to add some variety to their day. The Fair Foodie Fest Drive-Thru at the Rosebowl continues through weekends in March. Detailed information about the event can be found at their website.

“Judas and the Black Messiah”: Revolutionary Down to the Tunes Paige Strickland | Staff Writer Rebecca Hogan | Arts & Entertainment Editor

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ewly released on HBO Max’s Black History Month lineup, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is based on actual events surrounding 17-year-old petty car thief William O’Neal. After posing as an FBI agent in an attempt to steal a car, he was given the option to face years in prison or go undercover. His assignment was to grow a close relationship with Black Panther Party Chairman, Fred Hampton.

The moving and intense plot is backed by a niche set of songs that make up its original motion picture soundtrack (not to be confused with “Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album,” which is a separate music project inspired by the film). This film’s music features jazz artists that veer off from the mainstream, creating a distinctive sound enforced by artists like Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Outlaw Blues Band, Duke Ellington, and more.

Although corporate Hollywood typically focuses on the financial aspect of movie soundtracks and what will sell, director Shaka King had specific tracks in mind to create a particular feel and atmosphere for “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

Music editor Marvin Morris worked closely with King to build the musical landscape of the film. “Shaka [King] has a wide range of music that he loves,” said Morris. “He wanted to add more acoustic and natural sounding instruments to the score and the music… Not only because of the time period, but because of the feel he wanted for the movie.”

Jazz is an uncommon choice for music in many contemporary films. “In the history of film when it comes to jazz music, a lot of it kind of doesn’t work, but a couple of these songs had a more driving feel to them, meaning it would push the scene,” said Morris. “In the last maybe 10 years of films, you haven’t seen any jazz scores that carried a film through.”

The main reason for choosing par-

ticular songs in a scene is to elicit feeling and draw into the mood, according to Morris — aiding its movement, without distracting or pulling the audience out of the scene. “Like with the Duke Ellington song, that song, just because of the bass and the driving piano in it, it kind of pushes the scene forward,” said Morris. “There’s not a lot of dialogue you have to pay attention to, it’s the song that’s pushing the scene.”

“The main theme, actually, for O’Neal is the Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

So every time you see O’Neal in a bad situation, you hear the Rahsaan Roland Kirk theme on him,” said Morris.

Throughout the film, the sounds of revolutionary musician Kirk, followed the tangled character arc of William O’Neal. Kirk was known for his eccentric music skills, including playing three saxophones at once, something that is nearly impossible to replicate in feeling.

KCRW Jazz Radio Program Host LeRoy Downs carries a heavy background in the world of jazz from all generations.

Downs concurred that the music used in “Judas and the Black Messiah” cre-

ates a response to the visual aspects of the plot. “As soon as I heard [the song] ‘Inflated Tear’ I jumped...Rahsaan Roland Kirk is really pretty extraordinary…

It just made me realize, woah, somebody is on top of it to play this music at this time because the music gave a sense of fear, sense of awareness, and tension.”

The historical context of the musicians also gives reason to why it supports the film’s overall message. “Jazz is really always a reflection of the times,” said Downs. “You have musicians that write their music with the feelings of society and social things that are going on, and injustices that Black people have to incur. There’s different ways of protesting or sending a message.

They’re not always verbal, and a lot of times those feelings are inside the music. A lot of the music that was used in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ was from these artists who are experiencing some of these things...They give back to society to try to teach a lesson or to have people of all colors and cultures just feel.”

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The Alone Star State: Texas Energy Failure Allie Leeds | News Editor

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have been staying at my parent’s home just north of Houston since October, due to the pandemic. When Uri hit us on Feb. 15, all of the houses in my neighborhood lost power for just under 20 hours. Without the electric heater functioning, our house dropped to a chilly 47 degrees. My family and pets spent the day huddled together next to the gas fireplace, with countless blankets, multiple layers of clothes, and sheets hung around the doorways to keep the warmth in our living room.

Almost every house on our block had pipes burst from the frigid temperatures, including our own.

My experience is just a fraction of what other Texans have lived through.

We were lucky enough to get our power back the same night we lost it. We were lucky enough not to be hit by rolling blackouts. We were lucky enough to have a gas fireplace and stove to warm our home and food.

But, what about the millions of Texans who weren’t as lucky as my family and I? Over 4.5 million people were without power on Feb. 15 in my home state, according to The Texas Tribune, and millions more continue to suffer from the after-effects of the storm.

While these were record-setting cold temperatures, the big issue came from the state’s isolated power grid and energy resources that were not properly weatherized. Texas’ policies that prioritize profits over people have directly resulted in historical death and destruction.

While most areas in North America get their power from either the Eastern Interconnection or Western Interconnection power grid, Texas sits on its own energy island — the Texas Interconnection. The problem with the state’s isolated power grid is that power can’t be routed from an outside source in times of extreme weather conditions or system failures. About 90% of Texas residents get their power from Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Texas’ state-run power grid, according to their website.

Texas has a long history of anti-federal government energy isolation. “[T] he Texas electric power industry sought to remain clear of federal regulation,” wrote U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit Judge, Richard D. Cudahy, in a 1995 article in the Natural Resource and Environment Journal. “Freedom from federal regulation was a cherished goal.”

Things in my home state could have gotten much worse. Bill Magness, president and CEO of ERCOT, said in an in-

terview with the Texas Tribune on Feb. 17 that catastrophic system failure “was seconds and minutes [away,] given the amount of generation that was coming off the system…[blackouts] could have occurred for months.”

While we know that this was a deadly, destructive event, a death toll likely won't be known for weeks. The storm and resulting power outages have resulted in the loss of life from automobile accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicles and portable heaters, fireplace burns, and exposure to the elements. Unsafe driving conditions prohibited Texans from accessing healthcare, medical supplies, and food.

While power outages continued to wreak havoc across the state, a new crisis emerged. On Feb. 19, seven million Texans went without clean water, according to The Weather Channel. Powerless water treatment plants weren't able to properly treat tap water, making it unsafe to use without boiling.

Last fall, California found itself in the midst of a record-setting heatwave.

As a response to the spike in demand for energy, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom urged residents to do their part in conserving energy.

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz responded by tweeting, “California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity.” This attack has aged horribly, considering Texas’ energy failure six months later.

During the storm, on Feb.17, Cruz took a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico. If you can get past the irony that a man who voted to use taxpayer dollars on the border wall literally took his family to a different county to give them a better life, this trip was an insult to the millions of Texans worried about their safety during the storm.

Another local politician who kicked the hornet’s nest is former Texas Republican Governor and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry. In an interview posted on Republican House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s blog, Perry is quoted saying, “Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business.” The implication that Texans are happily freezing in their homes as a political stand for states' rights is not the truth for millions of my fellow Texans, especially the 5.2 million who voted for Joe Biden last November.

C.J. Godkin, a recent political science graduate of Texas A&M who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from the school, disagreed with Perry’s

Infographic by Allie Leeds and Johnny Neville | The Corsair assumption, saying, “I think Rick Perry is extremely out of touch with the people in Texas…I think it’s a stupid comment for him to make.”

Not all politicians insulted or deserted Texas this week. Beto O’Rourke, the former Democratic Rep. from El Paso who narrowly lost his 2018 Senate campaign against Cruz, spent the week organizing a virtual phone bank that conducted welfare checks on senior citizens across the state. Texans are surely keeping tabs on who was and wasn’t there for them during this crisis.

Being both a Texas native and a recent California resident, the difference in responses from these states to the larger issue of climate change is striking. California has made active efforts to combat the acceleration of climate change by requiring all new passenger vehicles sold to be zero-emissions by 2035; transitioning away from fossil fuels; and upgrading its energy infrastructure to protect against climate events like wildfires and rising sea levels.

Drew L. Johnstone, the Senior Sustainability Analyst for the City of Santa Monica, notes, “In 2019, the Clean Power Alliance became the default electric-

ity provider for Santa Monica...Today, about 95% of Santa Monica electricity customers are receiving 100% renewable electricity.”

According to statistics from ERCOT, around 69% of Texas’ energy comes from non-renewable sources; including natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal.

Between isolating themselves from the national power grids and the avid use of non-renewable energy, Texas politicians have dug us into a hole. It is now their responsibility to get us out. “Texas seems to be subject to a lot of different kinds of weather climate emergencies and disasters. So the idea that we have a power grid that's not able to handle all those is ridiculous,” said Godkin.

If Texas doesn’t make drastic changes in its approach to handling its power grid and shifting towards renewable energy, Texans will continue to be endangered. Events similar to Uri are bound to become more frequent and severe as climate change continues to run its course.

Michael Goldsmith contributed to this article.

A full version of this article can be found at thecorsaironline.com/corsair/ texas-power

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The Santa Monica High School lacrosse team practices at Historic Belmont Park in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday, March 1, 2021.

(Maxim Elramsisy | The Corsair)

Historic Belmar Park Opens at the Location of the Former Civic Center Parking Lot

Historic Belmar Park, shown here on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Santa Monica, Calif. Interpretive panels around the park perimeter tell the story of the African-American neighborhood in this location, and remember some of the residents who were displaced when construction on the Civic Center began in 1953. (Marco Pallotti | The Corsair)

Morgan Spillman | Staff Writer

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hat started as an idea to con Monica Civic Center parking lo field, turned into a bigger effo ing the struggles that the Afri community faced in Santa Monica due to Historical Belmar Park was created to com history of the African American communi lived in Santa Monica.

In the 1950s, Santa Monica served as a African Americans to escape Jim Crow laws ically, the Belmar Triangle was where they c property, open small businesses, and enjoy was thriving until the 1960s when the comm owned businesses and shotgun homes were in the name of gentrification.

In their place was built the Santa Monica rium that was in full swing until 2013 when i ment funds to rehabilitate the facility.

In late 2019, Santa Monica Arts Comm artist April Banks to join historian, Dr. Aliso son, on the Historical Belmar Park project.

‘A Resurrection in Four Stanzas’ includes full-scale sculptures to embody the histo home. The sculpture of the porch roof has a written by Banks.

“There's the destruction and the remo there's also the joy. So, I wanted to write a p of puts people in that space of empathy, to h derstanding of these real lives,” Banks said.

Before the art installation and plaques both Jefferson and Banks took part in co gagement. These engagement activities fo oral tradition, storytelling, and conversation The park’s virtual grand opening celebrat on Feb. 28, via Zoom. The field itself open with its first Lacrosse game. The art installa ing plaques surround the field and are open

nvert the Santa ot into a Sports ort of recognizican American displacement. mmemorate the ities that once

safe haven for s. More specifcould rent, buy y the beach. It munity of Blacke burned down

a Civic Auditoit lost develop-

mission elected on Rose Jeffer-

s four separate orical shotgun a piece of prose

oval but then piece that kind have a real un-

were pitched, ommunity enocused on art, n. tion took place ned on March 1 ation and guidfor all to see.

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The entrance to the City of Santa Monica’s newest recreational facility, Historic Belmar Park, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Marco Pallotti | The Corsair)

Santa Monica’s

Latest and Greatest Marco Pallotti | Photo Editor

Historic Belmar Park, shown here on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Santa Monica, Calif.

At the east end of the park by 4th Street is a freestanding sculpture, titled ‘A Resurrection in Four Stanzas’ by April Banks, made of painted steel and aluminum. (Marco Pallotti | The Corsair)

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Outdoor Fitness Makes a Comeback in Santa Monica Morrea Ollila | Assistant Social Media Editor

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espite Los Angeles county still being in the most-restrictive purple tier with a daily average of 16,500 COVID-19 cases, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted stayat-home orders across California on January 25, 2021. In attempts to keep business afloat and cultivate community, the fitness studios and gyms of Santa Monica have been getting creative with their outdoor fitness business model.

Some establishments, such as Burn Fitness, already had outdoor facilities which they were able to use once gyms began reopening. Burn Fitness—located on the Third Street Promenade—offers a variety of classes and includes a ‘world-class’ range of cardio equipment as well as a free-weight room.

But for others, such as Barry’s Bootcamp and SoulCycle, the transition to outdoor instruction required a little more strategy and brainstorming.

From the start of the pandemic, Barry’s Bootcamp began providing numerous ways to get your Red Room sweat in from the comfort of your own home.

You can buy your own weights, bands, and towels to replicate the Barry’s experience.

They have since introduced Barry’s Outdoors, assimilating the Red Room in an outside environment. To ensure safety of their guests and staff, they have implemented a mandatory temperature check station, requiring that masks remain on at all times, and use hospital grade cleaning supplies in between classes.

Barry’s Outdoors is offered in select locations across the country, with five being in the greater Los Angeles area.

Barry’s Santa Monica is located in the lower level of the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on Appian Way. Using a silent disco sound system, classes are conducted through 50-minute floor workouts that implement weights and bands. While this new sound system might not be a fan favorite, it allows instructors to stay socially distant while also keeping the noise level to a minimum.

Anna Mogilny, Santa Monica local expressed, “I would’ve much rather them just put the music on a speaker.

They were muffled…and didn’t really stay on” She also added that “playlists weren’t as good”.

Like Barry’s, SoulCycle has also since offered safer-from-home workout classes. In March 2020 the company first announced their plans to roll

out their first at-home bike. In addition to this, they also offer outside classes, titled as SoulOutside, for select locations – including Santa Monica, where you can book a bike on an open-air rooftop deck.

Student athlete, Harper Brandt, shared her experience with SoulOut-

Standard’ is committed to the safety of their guests and staff. Health screenings are required upon entry, and masks must be worn at all times – including during class. SoulCycle seems to go above and beyond with their sanitation protocols; they have implemented an upgraded air filtration system that

Instructor Clayton Bailey leads the 5 p.m. ‘Ass and Abs’ class at Barry's Bootcamp in Santa Monica, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. (Brad Wilhite | The Corsair)

Grace Palmer, a front desk associate at Barry's Bootcamp, disinfects the equipment after each class in Santa Monica, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. (Brad Wilhite | The Corsair) side: “I was outside and it was cold… I feel like the environment was a lot different; it was the silent-disco style and even though you can hear, you don’t have the typical SoulCycle classroom environment”.

Similar to Barry’s, ‘The SoulCycle

“scrub[s] the air with PECO air-purification tech, which satisfied FDA performance criteria for use in helping to destroy the COVID-19 virus”, according to their website.

When asked about her thoughts on the safety of group fitness classes

during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandt explained, “If I were to get it [coronavirus], I wouldn’t assume it was from a workout class since they are taking proper precautions.”

While studios may be opening up again, it is clear that the experience is not the same. In a time where social interaction is condemned, the culture of group fitness has been stripped away from one of its most defining features: sociability.

Avid group-fitness attendee Katelyn Jacobson touched on the lack of community when it comes to group fitness during a pandemic.

“I love working out in environments that pump me up and make me feel like I am in a team setting,” Jacobson continued, “we are all in the same room, fighting different battles, but all feeling the release together.”

From a broader perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay at home orders have altered the composition of the fitness industry as we know it. Without gym subscriptions or regular studio-experiences, fitness establishments have greatly suffered the effects of the pandemic. Big names in the fitness industry like Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, and YogaWorks all filed for bankruptcy in 2020. 17% of fitness facilities were forced to permanently close across the US. With the closing of health clubs, studios, and gyms, the US Fitness Industry saw an unsettling 58% revenue drop in 2020, according to The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

However, COVID-19 wasn’t the bearer of bad news for everyone in the fitness industry. In March, the fitness industry went virtual, seemingly overnight. Studios and instructors were able to quickly pivot to virtual instruction through platforms such as Instagram Live and Zoom. More or less, the pandemic has offered instructors the flexibility to leverage themselves into the virtual coaching-scene and begin building a successful platform which offers services to all demographics.

With breakthroughs in new technology such as Mirror while combining both the uncertainty and general fear of COVID-19, it is hard to say what the future of fitness establishments will look like. However, there are many fitness fanatics like Jacobson who, in the end, are just simply happy to be there.

Jacobson concluded our interview by saying, “It is definitely not easy for anyone and I think that being able to access these studios and get the workout we all want is super exciting and makes me very happy”.