04-22-2024

California State University, Bakersfield April 22, 2024 | Vol. 49 No. 6 therunneronline.com

The Last Run: CSUB class of 2024 is ready for commencement

NEWS

therunneronline.com

Title IX and informing students on the severity of sexual violence By: Ashleah Flores Editor-in-Chief of Publications

A study done by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center describes that one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted on college campuses across the United States.

Sexual assault is an umbrella term for different types of sexual violence.

Sexual assault can include attempted rape, molestation, or unwanted touching, convincing someone to engage in sexual acts without consent or using persuasion, and lastly, rape. A common form of rape that happens on college campuses is known as date rape. Date rape is defined as using a foreign substance or a drug to take advantage of someone to engage in intercourse with them without consent.

With 21 being the legal age to consume alcohol in the United States, it is common that sexual violence is more likely to happen as 21 is the age of most college students.

California State University, Bakersfield’s annual security report from the year 2023 is available to all students and faculty. These records are made public due to the Jeanne Clery Act. The Clery Act requires that all college campuses release and make available records of all campus crime, including sexual assault.

This act was created in honor of Jeanne Clery, a student at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania who was raped and murdered in her on-campus dorm. Her parents stated that if they had known the crime rate/ statistics at that campus, they would have never sent her to that specific university. Therefore, the Clery Act was signed to prevent these crimes or any crime from happening due to the transparency of these types of records.

According to the auditor of California, there were 40 cases reported of sexual assault or harassment in the fiscal year 2022-23 throughout the 23 CSU campuses.

As far as CSUB goes, only one on-campus case of statutory rape has been reported and filed in the past

five years. The case occurred in 2020.

The creation of Title IX in the early 1970s created an expanse for students and faculties of all universities in the United States to be protected of things such as discrimination based on sex, gender, race/ethnicity, as well as sexual harassment and assault, including rape, sexual battery and sexual coercion.

It is law that every university in the U.S. must have a Title IX coordinator, a policy against sex discrimination or Title IX violations and a known procedure

The Runner Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ashleah Flores aflores212@csub.edu DIGITAL EDITOR-INCHIEF Jordan Vickers jvickers2@csub.edu MANAGING EDITOR Jocelynn Landon jlandon@csub.edu

SECTION EDITORS Melissa Jorge, Jocelynn Landon, Alexander Knaak, Elijah Callahan, Haydee Barahona REPORTERS/ WRITERS Evelyn Castillo, Bella Gonzalez, Marina Gonzalez, Brittany Oceguera, Erik Ortega, April Reed, Angela Torres, Brayden Snyder, & Hector Soto COPY EDITORS Adriana Fimbres & Joe Bejarano

COPY CHIEF & WEBSITE EDITOR Chloe Blanton

MULTIMEDIA TEAM Blake Burton, Flor Bautista, & Yandi Dominguez

PHOTOGRAPHERS Blake Burton & Cristian Gutirerrez

MARKETING TEAM Ashlie Ryan & Ramazan Razagov

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Julia Cervantes

BUSINESS MANAGER Fahdima Sultana TRANSLATORS Jacquelin Garcia Garcia, Adrian Rodriguez

ART/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lily Rodriguez PODCAST TEAM Elijah Rosales & Jay Cortes

FACULTY ADVISOR John Harte jharte@csub.edu

outlining steps students can take if they are in a situation that includes a Title IX violation/ crime.

Marcus Brown, the director of Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance as well as CSUB’s Title IX coordinator described the importance of Title IX and what it does for students.

“An incident report form would allow any individual that either had an experience, witnessed an experience, or somehow became aware of something concerning to them that they wanted us to be aware of [...] that allows them to put as much information as they have about the experience in that form and send it to us,” Brown said.

The form mentioned is on the CSUB Equity, Inclusion and Compliance website. The website has six menu tabs at the top of the page, directing whoever is reading to different resources. On the second menu tab, which is named Title IX, there is a list of not only the things covered by Title IX, but on the side of the page there are different resources including the incident report and formal complaint report.

At the bottom of the page, there are two boxes that describe important information regarding reporting an incident as well as filing a formal complaint.

Brown also mentioned the Campus Advocate, which is a resource CSUB offers to anyone who may be dealing with the after effects or the current state of their experience.

“The Campus Advocate is someone that an individual can go to and share this information, talk about any of the details they are going through in an absolute confidential bubble,” said Brown.

He also notes other resources such as the Student Health Center and the Counseling Center on campus.

The Title IX section on CSUB’s website provides resources as well as definitions to things that are protected under its policy.

To learn more, visit CSUB’s Title IX menu.

THE RUNNER California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published daily online with a monthly printed edition and PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield.

CONTACT US Send corrections requests, letters to the editor, op-ed submissions and press releases to runner@csub.edu.

Send advertising inquiries to jharte@csub.edu.

DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless.

COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield.

| NEWS | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 | therunneronline.com

Trigger Warning: The following content may contain triggering topics such as sexual assault and violence.

3

NEWS

therunneronline.com

ASI candidate seeks out Title IX investigation

| NEWS | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 | therunneronline.com |

By: Melissa Jorge, News Editor and Jocelynn Landon, Managing & Features Editor

4

California State University, Bakersfield announced the new Associated Student Inc. Board of Directors for the 2024-25 academic year on March 22. Three CSUB students ran for ASI President, with Erin Pruitt, current ASI director of Students with Disabilities, receiving 39.8% of the vote, and Minaya Valentine, current director of Special Populations, receiving 37.9%. While both candidates gained the majority of votes, neither received more than 50% of campus votes, resulting in a runoff election.

ASI’s runoff elections were set for April 3, giving both candidates two weeks to do additional campaigning. Pruitt and Valentine campaigned for the elections by handing out flyers, posting flyers and creating social media campaign videos. But on March 29, Valentine received an email from a professor that most of her posters were removed in Dorthy Donahoe Hall.

Valentine printed out over 200 posters for campaign materials, which were approved by ASI Elections Coordinator, Jamie Pacheco. Yet, throughout the re-election campaign process, Valentine received information from friends and supporters that her posters were torn down in DDH, Science Building III and the bulletin boards around campus. There was no evidence of Valentine violating posting materials for election campaigning.

As a result of Valentine’s posters being removed, she filed a formal complaint with the University Police Department and filled out a formal elections grievance form, which students can fill out if they feel someone has violated the elections code.

The University Police Department was brought into the investigation after Valentine and some of her friends informed UPD about the removal of her campaign posters. UPD informed Valentine that they could not identify individuals in DDH removing posters.

After gathering evidence, Valentine filed a formal complaint per ASI election codes 4.9: Sanctions to report a violation of Section E, removing and defacing candidates’ information. During the meeting with Pacheco, Mike Kwon, ASI executive director, and Ilaria Pesco, assistant vice president for student affairs & student success, Valentine was informed that because the alleged person who removed her posters ran for elections in the first round, and is not an active candidate, no actions can be taken to postpone the election results. Pacheco directed Valentine to report the incident to the Title IX department at CSUB.

“I have witnessed unethical behavior amongst everyone during the run-off elections.”

King said she supported and motivated Valentine during the elections, and was hurt to see what she experienced.

Valentine had additional support from Emily Poole Callahan, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students for student integrity and well-being, Natasha Harris, Excel Scholars director of special programs & student

retention initiatives, Claudia Cotoda, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president, Tamar Anthony, co–chair of the Balck Faculty and Staff Canva Graphic by Jocelynn Landon / The Runner Association, and members “They [Pacheco] also said that I have to report it for of the Black Women on Campus student organization.

Title IX because it was a hate crime that happened,” “I think that the election should have been paused Valentine said. during the time that Minaya complained that her flyers Valentine shared that she made it clear on her posters were ripped down. An investigation of her allegations that she would be the first ASI black president if she should have been taken seriously and a message should won. She felt that it was clear she was being targeted have addressed all candidates about the fair and proper based on the pictures she received from friends that her way to campaign, prompting a re-election,” Anthony posters were torn down, or in half, at bulletin boards wrote in an email to The Runner. on campus.

Anthony said she also believes that although a final While Valentine was going through the ASI election’s winner was selected, there should have been a re-elecgrievance process, she hoped that the runoff election tion and the individuals involved should be held would be delayed and further investigated by ASI, the accountable for their actions in the situation.

Dean of Students and Title IX because as she wanted to Valentine said she felt targeted, dismissed, and sabobe given a fair campaign process. taged during her process of running for ASI presidency.

In an email to The Runner, Pacheco wrote, “Through She also shared that she feels disappointed and hopes the process of investigation Minaya’s complaint other to shed light on the ASI organization so that students potential violations arouse. As a result, the complaint can understand what the student government is really was forwarded to the Title IX/DHR department and like.

Dean of Students office for review.”

Valentine said she hopes for a re-election where she The CSUB Title IX department is taking lead on the can campaign on fairgrounds. According to Valentine, investigation, and are not able to disclose complaints or she has started working with the BFSA to see what her acknowledge active investigations due to sensitivity and options are moving forward. confidentiality of individuals involved. According to Friday April 5, students received an email with the Jorge Villatoro, Assistant director for Equity, Inclusion, new ASI board members resulting in Erin Pruitt being and Compliance, the Title IX department does not deal the next ASI president for the 2024-25 academic year. with ASI candidacy and referred further information to ASI. This is an ongoing investigation. For further updates, Pacheco did not provide reason why the election please visit therunneronline.com. results were not put on hold during the Title IX investigation.

Mike Kwon, ASI executive director, and Daisy Alamillo, ASI president, did not respond to comment after several emails or requests for an in-person or a phone call interview with The Runner.

“I feel like the ASI elections runoff was unfair,” said Deajah King, ASI Director of Clubs and Organizations.

FEATURES

therunneronline.com

Fresh faces and produce at the Sunday’s Farmers Market The Haggin Oaks Farmer’s Market is where the Bakersfield community can come together to support local vendors and spend their Sundays. The market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Ming Ave Kaiser Permanente parking lot. Every Sunday, vendors will come and set up in the early morning to bring delicious food, drinks or produce to the community.

The environment is family-friendly, with children running around the market and groovy music playing in the background. It feels just like you are hanging out with your family at a Sunday barbecue. All the vendors are polite, inviting, charismatic, and seem to look forward to selling their products and are grateful to interact with the people.

Kathleen Armstrong, owner of KR Farms in Bakersfield, is a business specializing in flower production that gives a touching view of the farmers market.

Armstrong spoke about how grateful she is to have the opportunity to share the beauty of her products.

She began attending the farmers market in 2019 and was enchanted by the “tightness of the community.”

The set-up of her flower booth is overflowing with colorful, vibrant and youthful flowers. Armstrong has seasonal flowers like ranunculuses, snapdragons and a gorgeous variety of tulips currently in season.

“Come out and support your local businesses, coming to the farmers market is a great way to do that,” said Armstrong. “We put in a lot of work and effort, and we love seeing you guys all out here.”

La Margherita is a pizza spot that comes every Sunday to the Bakersfield farmer’s market. Owner Eduardo Zepeda began his business four years ago in 2022 at the farmers market in downtown Bakersfield.

Zepeda said that the farmer’s market has created a sense of community in Bakersfield, especially because it gives people an opportunity to buy farm table items from local farmers.

Zepeda calls the community at the Bakersfield farmers market “a little family away from home,” with his customers overflowing his truck throughout the whole day.

TeaLucky was a business started by chance by Isias, “Chai,” Saavedra. He started making his own tea in 2009 after accidentally stumbling into the business.

He worked under a tea company curating his own teas, but when he was told he could not make a commission from them, he left, creating the start of TeaLucky in 2019.

They travel from Los Angeles to vendor at the Bakersfield farmer’s market and find this community unlike any other they have seen. He now continues his brand with his wife, Scarlett, hoping to share his love for tea with the community of Bakersfield.

In his booth, Zepeda always lets people try his teas, as he knows that, in the United States, anything tea related is usually accounted with medicine. It has a more holistic and herbal standpoint that some people may think is not enjoyable, but he wishes to change people’s perspectives on tea in a country that is mainly for coffee drinkers.

“Our motto is love and action, everything we do, we do with love,” said Zepeda. “So, we try to give whatever we have in our hearts to the people. In this case…We show it with tea.”

Vanessa and Eddie Hurtado, two farmer’s market first-timers and new residents to Bakersfield, come all the way from Tracey, CA, but moved here a couple of years ago. They love to see the local people and shops.

Since they have started going to the Haggin Oaks farmers market, they have already noticed a bigger sense of community than in their hometown.

Vanessa says she enjoys seeing “the community getting together” the most about the farmer’s market.

Together, they enjoy seeing the plants, trying the fresh fruit and honey shops and, overall, supporting their newly found local vendors.

Rain or shine, you can expect to be surrounded by such wonderful people who are actively feeding their community with fresh produce and warm-hearted interactions. From flowers to tea, there is something for everyone at the Haggin Oaks Farmer’s Market.

Bakersfield College hosts program to discuss the history of housing discrimination and redlining in Kern County

center, with the partnership of the BC History Club, hosted a program event to discuss the housing discrimination and redlining in Kern County.

Hosted by Christopher Livingson, Director of HRC, and Donato Cruz, Archivist of HRC, they provided information on the information that they have been uncovering through quality sources and research in order to discover what’s going on between the lines of Kern County.

Livingston started off by providing information on the 1934 Federal Housing Association. An association that was established and was recommended to use racially restrictive covenants in housing contracts. Thus, marking the beginning of how Kern County, and Bakersfield, started their role in redlining, historical term for real estate race-based hosing discrimination tactics.

Gabriel Sorio, BC custodian and amateur historian, since 1992 has been writing music, and for the past thirty years he has worked on a song called Red Lining Blues where he sings about Redlining in Kern County. ”What inspired me to write the song was growing up in Bakersfield and seeing how the neighborhoods were stagnant… and came to find out it was usually through redlining,” said Sorio.

Cruz also shared with the audience an interactive map that the HRC has worked that highlights different neighborhoods.

Through the covenants there were neighborhoods for white only, in areas such as 24th Street, and others for blacks only in areas such as Brundage Lane. You can view the research the HRC has completed by visiting the interactive map on hrc.csub.edu Jolianna Soliece, Environmental Science and Chemistry

major and ICC representative of the History Club at BC said how she had imagined that Bakersfield had segregation issues just based on what she observed in the way that the town is set up.

“It makes me mad…the noticing of potholes… lack of urban renewal on the east side in neighborhoods that are black and latino, it’s just disheartening….” said Soliece.

Through Assembly Bill 1466, community members are now able to remove racial restrictive language on housing contracts. With the research the HRC has conducted, and the California Humanity Grant, they have a database with information on about 90 percent of the Kern County area neighborhoods from 1930-50, and you can now request the documents from your neighborhood in order to start the racial language removal on a housing contact.

The HRC program is beyond the campus history as it aims to expand history research throughout communities surrounding Kern County as well as foster epidemic activism; a term the HRC uses that makes sure they focus on marginalized communities and how they can effect change from the work they uncover.

By: Jocelynn Landon, Managing and Features Editor

Have you ever wondered why communities that share a backyard oftentimes can look so different from each other?

From one side having innovation, multiple resources, and quality life, to the other having potholes, poor healthcare, and a lack of quality education, this could all be due to Red Lining and housing discrimination that started back in the 1930’s.

On April 8 at Bakersfield College, The Historical Research

Photo by Jocelynn Landon / The Runner Gabriel Sorio, Bakersfield College Costodian, sings his song Red Lining Blues on April 8.

Photo by Izabella Gonzalez / The Runner Kathleen Armstrong sets up her flower production business, KR Farms.

| FEATURES | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 | therunneronline.com |

By: Izabella Gonzalez, Features Writer and Angela Torres, Features Writer

5

OPINION Review: Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV By: Evelyn Castillo Opinions Writer

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.

“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” has rapidly gained much attention for showing the world what really went on behind the scenes of old childhood shows such as “Drake and Josh,” “Zoey 101,” “iCarly,” “Victorious” and “Sam and Cat.” Episode 1 of the documentary introduces Dan Schneider, the main focus of the documentary. Schneider began his career doing small roles. After playing a role, and being a co-writer for the show, “Head of the Class,” Dan Schneider was contacted by a Nickelodeon executive and was asked to write and be a producer for “All That” a show that first launched in 1994.

Viewers began to notice a great number of scenes, were extremely inappropriate for a child and many of them having sexual related content. Recently, a number of the child actors have decided to speak out about their experiences with Schneider, with some of them being

“My time on Nickelodeon played a big part in how I dealt, and still deal, with racial slurs,” said Hearne.

During this time, Jason Handy, the production assistant for “All That,” was arrested and police found over 10,000 images of children with many of them including young girls in erotic poses and bondage activity. Four months later, Brian Peck, Dialogue and acting coach, was arrested and charged with molestation.

Viewers also learn about the experiences of actor, Drake Bell, from Drake and Josh, and what he went through with Peck.

During his time on “The Amanda Show,” Bell describes it as being fun and enjoyable. He enjoyed being a part of the show and working with his costars.

After some time, Peck slowly got closer to Bell and offered to help him land other jobs and give him acting lessons.

Bell’s dad, Joe Bell, described how he noticed how Peck would always want to be around Bell, often times going to his dressing room and helping him change into wardrobe.

As Schneider started a new production show, “Drake and Josh,” Joe Bell noticed that Peck would frequently try to be around his son. His father took notice of everything and refused to leave his son alone with Peck.

Peck did not like this and would often try to convince Bell to fire his father from being his manager.

Bell said, “I think Brian got a sense that my dad was on the watch and so he started to really drive a wedge between my dad and me… he just started making me believe that he was horrible for my career.”

Ultimately, Joe Bell was fired as the manager, and eventually Peck played the role as Bell’s manager. Bell did not think anything would ever happen to him, however one morning everything changed.

With difficulty, Drake Bell describes the following, “I was sleeping on the couch where I would usually sleep. And, uh… I woke up to him… uh…I opened my eyes, woke up and he was, uh… he was sexually assaulting me.”

He mentions how he was incomplete

shock and did not know how to react or how to get out of the situation. He was 15 years old at the time and didn’t know how to process what had happened.

One day Bell finally broke and told his mom what was going on. His mom immediately called the police and they arrived at the home of Bell. Peck gave a full confession over the phone, and he ended up being arrested.

With the events of Handy and Peck, Nickelodeon began to do background checks on the people who were being hired. However, nobody knew who to blame for all the crimes that had already happened to a number of children working for Nickelodeon.

Schneider became more powerful and famous for his new shows such as “iCarly,” “Victorious,” and “Sam and Cat.” With the web becoming popular, Schneider began to film videos behind the scenes of shows. In a number of these videos, Schneider invades people’s personal space, often times making the actors uncomfortable.

Schneider continued to produce scenes where he would sexualize the children.

One can vividly see the sexual references that can be found throughout shows such as “Victorious” and “iCarly,” especially with Ariana Grande who was recorded in an extremely sexual manner.

Due to how stressful the situation got on set of “Sam and Cat,” Nickelodeon launched an investigation. After the investigation Schneider was not allowed to have direct contact with the cast.

After more people spoke up about the abuse, a second investigation began, and Dan Schneider ended up being released from Nickelodeon due to evidence found of his abusive behavior.

The documentary finalizes with all the child actors giving their final statements; they reflect on their time working on Nickelodeon, the situations they were put through, how they dealt with their experiences and its impact, and how important it is to keep children safe and make sure that a work environment does not have all of these elements that can harm someone.

Read the full story online at therunneronline.com.

OPINIONS | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 | therunneronline.com | 7

Screenshot of Quite on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV from IMBd.

introduced in the first episode.

Leon Frierson and Katrina Johnson are two of the children who starred in the show “All That.”

In the documentary, Frierson expresses how he was uncomfortable when it came to having to wear leotards that showed his parts, he describes feeling exposed and judged.

Schneider also treated his workers poorly, specifically the women. Jenny Kilgen and Christy Stratton are two writers from “The Amanda Show” who were hired and given one salary to share between the both of them. Kilgen describes her time with Schneider and mentions how he would show porn on his screen, joke about being massaged, and made Stratton bend over a desk and act as if she was being sodomized, while she talked about high school.

Kilgen ended up suing Schneider for gender discrimination, with the documents mentioning exploitation, denial of equal pay, sexually hostile work environment, pornography, and illegal retaliation.

Bryan Christopher Hearne was a child who starred in seasons seven and eight of “All That”. During his time working with Schneider, Hearne expresses how he felt like he was treated differently compared to the white kids. Schneider would create scenes where Hearne would be portrayed as if he was a drug dealer and when trying to match the bodysuit to his skin tone for wardrobe, a member mentions how the suit should be charcoal.

SPORTS

therunneronline.com

Cal State Bakersfield Men’s Soccer takes down Club America U-20 By: Hector Soto Sports Writer

Cal State Bakersfield hosted a compelling scrimmage on March 21 filled with excitement on and off the main soccer field. The presence of Club America U-20 taking on the Roadrunners brought upon a packed house that ranged from families, teenagers and local youth soccer teams filling every seat.

The energy of the atmosphere was equal to that of Major League Soccer arenas: the roar of the crowd, anticipation of goal attempts and a back-andforth momentum that displayed the essence of heart and drive for the game.

One could feel the momentum shifting within the first half of the game with exceptional defensive plays from both teams. However, it was the first goal of the night by Roadrunner and forward Rashaad Ogun, who brought every spectator cheering from their seats.

At the end of the first half, the energy was at a climax, with five shot attempts and a two-point lead by the Roadrunners

and four shot attempts and zero points

by Club America.

During half-time, a variety of clubs and youth soccer teams played their scrimmages across the field. Onlookers, as well as parents, witnessed the next generation of soccer players with ambitions of one day playing for the professional leagues. One could feel the chill of the air and smell of the grass and embrace a moment of what soccer is all about. The vibe was equally exciting on the sidelines.

The display of entertainment was a combination of family fun with cultural music from artists like Vincente Fernandez and Shakira, which resonated throughout the field. A local spectator, by the name of Camarin Lee, expressed, “My first college soccer game and the atmosphere is amazing, I’m going to have to come out more,” which every soccer fan who attended could relate to.

At the end of the second half, the

CSUB Roadrunners established an impressive win with a final 5-0. However, this is just the beginning of what the Roadrunners have in store for us this season.

Contact Hector Soto at (hsoto1@csub.edu)

Photo by Cristian Gutierrez/ The Runner.

Nathan Jimenez, #10, signing autographs after the big win.

Kaia Johnson Gears Up for Another Runners’ Softball Season SPORTS | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 |

6

Kaia Johnson is a red-shirt junior for the California State University, Bakersfield Runners Softball team. She is a centerfielder with big hopes for a great season. In past seasons, the Roadrunners have been ranked last in their conference, but Johnson hopes to help turn that around this year.

Johnson is from Palm Springs, CA. She started playing softball when she was eight years old. She started off by playing soccer, but quickly got over it and decided to try softball. Johnson eventually realized she was good at softball and her goal was to make it to a D1 school. Johnson was scouted to come play for Cal State Bakersfield, who continuously showed interest in her. This made it an easy choice for her to come to CSUB to play softball.

Johnson worked hard to be able to play in college.

“I want to make sure that my parents wouldn’t have to pay for my education,” said Johnson about what drove her to play sports in college.

She knew that the softball program at CSUB was not often talked about, and hoped that she could make a difference by playing for the Roadrunners.

By: Brayden Snyder Sports Writer

This season, Johnson is already putting up some very impressive stats. She is currently batting over .300 and nine stolen bases this year. Johnson is nationally ranked in the 30’s and ranked second in the Big West Conference in stolen bases.

“I would like to continue on the stolen bases and create havoc on the bases,” said Johnson.

When Johnson isn’t playing softball, she likes to cook, eat, spend time with friends and family and go to the beach.

Johnson is very hopeful about the Roadrunner’s season this year. With CSUB softball having new coaches and some new players, they are ready to get out this season and prove themselves.

“We have a lot of potential,” said Johnson. “Our goal is obviously to win conference, but a more realistic goal, I would say, is to find ourselves in the middle of the pack to set us up and see where we can be for the tournament.”

Johnson is ready to get out there this season and continue her dominance on the field.

Photo provided by CSUB Athletics Contact Brayden Synder at (bsnyder@csub.edu)

OPINION RUNNER ON THE ROAD:

How do you feel about graduating this spring?

By: Jocelynn Landon, Features and Managing Editor

Gabriela Aguilar Garcia, Spanish major, Religious Studies minor “I feel very excited and happy because I am a first-gen student and I feel like that’s a great accomplishment.”

Haydee Barahona, Translations Editor

Frankie Fae Nadal: English Major with Credential Emphasis, Economics minor “I am ecstatic and jovial, slightly melancholy and sad. It’s been a long journey, and although I am happy to be done with it, I am still excited to see what the future holds– good and bad.”

Elizabeth Arevalo Velazquez, Sociology major

| OPINION | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024 | therunneronline.com |

“I feel super excited about graduating. I really feel a sense of accomplishment and I’m just super excited to walk down the stage.” we have to pay more?”

8

Monique Star Escalante, Political Science major, Philosophy minor “I’m excited and sad. It went by way too fast but I am excited to see what’s next.”

Haydee Barahona: Communications major with Journalism emphasis “I’m having so many mixed emotions about it.

I’m so excited for new beginnings but I’ll definitely miss the opportunities and people I’ve met at CSUB.”

Julia Cervantes, Communications major with Digital Media emphasis

Maria Dominguez Padilla, Communications major Journalism emphasis

“I feel like these past four years have completely flown by in the best way. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful memories CSUB has given me.”

“I feel happy. I feel accomplished because I am closing a chapter in my life and it is the beginning of a dream.”

Emmunuel Ntui, Business major

Cyrus Calhoun, Business major

“I feel like graduating is a milestone that I’ve always wanted to accomplish but I’m glad that it is finally over ...It has been a long ride and great experience overall.”

“I’m thrilled to graduate. I’m excited that everything is over, I’m ready to start my career and this new path in my life.

Elijah Callahan, Communications major with Journalism emphasis

Brizna Fregoso, Theatre major emphasis

“I feel great about graduating ... Its finally over.

Blessed and happy that I was able to receive this accomplishment man. I’m ready for life and to see where life takes me.”

Contact Jocelynn Landon and Haydee Barahona at (jlandon@csub.edu) and (hbarahona@csub.edu).

“I’m really excited to graduate. It was a really tough ride, very spontaneous ride as well, and I’m excited to spread my wings.”

| GRADUATION SPECIAL | THE RUNNER | April 22, 2024

GRADUATION SPECIAL therunneronline.com

9