February 23-March 2, 2021
Vol. 117 NO. 7
Men’s basketball returns to action Mitchell Roland Editor-in-Chief
W
hile its excitement in the first two games didn’t match the results in the box score, the CWU men’s basketball team was just relieved to be back out on the
court this weekend. Over the past year, the team had its season suspended, virtual workouts, social distanced practices and a lack of clarity when it could compete again. While it looked like the season would start on Feb. 12, that game was postponed after someone in the program tested positive for COVID-19. The team returned to action on Feb. 19 and 20 against Seattle Pacific University (SPU). The first game was a tough four-point loss after it took a lead into halftime. The second game was not as close, as the team lost by 18. Head coach Brandon Rinta said the realization that the team would be competing against another program came a couple of hours before tipoff. Rinta said his feelings before the game surprised him since he has been around the game of basketball his entire life. “I wasn’t expecting to almost get emotional about the opportunity to play a game,” Rinta said. “Making plans, for any part of our lives over the past year, has almost been a pointless task.” Rinta was impressed by the energy and effort the players had during their first game and said he could “see the excitement” of the team. Rinta attributed Saturday’s deficit to the fact that the team only practiced four times in an 18day period. “To get to play two games in 24 hours, it was great and we’re going to be better because of it. But it was tough on the legs the second night,” Rinta said. “You have to look at it with some perspective. With the limited amount of time we’ve had together, and the limited amount of time they’ve been on the court, I think that everybody’s keeping in perspective.” Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson Photo edited by Rebekah Blum
See Basketball game, Page 12
ASCWU primary elections set for March Max Hughes Staff Reporter Primary elections for ASCWU start March 5. The primary election narrows down the number of candidates in each category to just two. This quarter, only one position is on the primary election ballot. The Director of Student Life & Facilities position has three candidates, the most of any category this year.
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Usually, positions might have up to four candidates, according to ASCWU Director for Government Affairs Edgar Espino. After the primary election, students will have the opportunity to get to know more about the candidates through debates and open forums online. “We are shifting away from in-person flyers, in-person posters and a lot of in-person campaigns because we also want to be equitable,” ASCWU President Mickael Candelaria said.
In past years, members of ASCWU would promote voting around the SURC and engage face-to-face with students around campus. The online format benefits those that don’t live on the Ellensburg campus, or even on this side of the mountains. “We do have, which is really exciting, we have two candidates that are actually based on the west side,” Candelaria said. In previous years, the website used for voting for ASCWU members was more
Page 2 The art of global protest
Page 8-9 Double masking
difficult to use. Candidates platforms can now be found on Presence, a campus engagement website that CWU has been putting information about clubs and other on-campus organizations on. “Honestly, I think when I remember my freshman year, voting was a little confusing, not gonna lie,” Espino said. “Presence made everything just so much easier.”
See ASCWU, Page 4 Page 15 COVID-19 test results
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February 23, 2021
NEWS
CWU’s Art of Global Protest series connects outspoken voices worldwide Salam Awad is a political science professor and lecturer at CWU, who hosted a virtual panel as part of The Art of Global Protest series. The event took the audience through the Black Lives Matter movement and through protests throughout the world, sharing similar struggles other minority groups have faced. She was joined by supporting panelists who presented: Marwa Ghazali from CWU Anthropology, Masonya Bennett from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Anthropology, and
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Cece Carpio, an artist whose pieces draw inspiration from topics like racial solidarity and protesting. The panel, held on Thursday, Feb. 19, was co-sponsored by the CWU Museum of Culture & Environment and the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Awad’s introduction on Black liberation and the universalist messages served as a preface to her presentation about Palestentian and Black solidarity. She shared about martyrs who had died standing up for their rights and protesting militarized police brutality. In 2020, Black Lives Matter protests peaked heavily after George
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Salam Awad hosted the virtual event as part of The Art of Global Protest series.
Floyd was killed by police brutality on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to ABC, a poll revealed that 74% of Americans felt that the killing of Floyd was part of a broader problem in the treatment of African Americans by police. That tragic event sparked the largest protests in U.S. history as an estimated 15-26 million people participated by summer 2020, with at least one protest held in every state and Washington D.C. At least 80 international cities also participated in their own BLM protests in solidarity but also as a way to introduce the parallels to similar experiences they were facing globally in their own countries. Carpio’s artwork reflects how powerful art becomes during politics. She shared her thoughts on artwork near her in Downtown Oakland, CA and how Carpio felt compelled to create. “Within my community, my visual arts community, this is our means of protesting. This is our means of speaking and getting our voice heard, through visual images,” Carpio said. “Just because we know that as protests are happening, what are the images left behind?” Dr. Ghazali’s presentation about Egyptian uprisings and ongoing anti-police brutality protests, she said, explain that this is a global phenomenon that people are becoming aware of, and need to be addressed. The depth of the presentation comes from how personal this topic is to her research and her community.
Dr. Bennett was able to share about Black Lives Matter in relation to activists in the Carribean and Latin America. Her striking presentation about transnational Black resistance in both of these areas highlighted the strength and resilience of people across the world. The messages from these panelists served as an inspiration to the audience to expand what they knew about American experiences and help them understand the civil unrest other groups around the world are also facing. Awad’s classes this upcoming quarter at CWU will focus on topics such as American politics, contemporary issues in comparative politics, and the history of Muslim American experiences in the U.S. She said her Palestinian background is one of the reasons she became interested initially in the politics she now teaches about. “Growing up there were challenges rooted in my identity,” Awad said. “My objective with political science was wanting to understand the politics to lead the world where it is now. Once I got in, one of the things I realized was I wanted to teach because I wanted young kids to engage and be aware.” When asked about what she hopes the audience will take away from the panel, Awad said she hoped the takeaway would be the idea that every human being on the planet is entitled to their human rights and that audience members would leave with more determination to actively combat racism.
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February 23, 2021
3
NEWS
Daudi Abe to present on racial disparity in classrooms Levi Shields Staff Reporter
HumanitiesWA Speaker Daudi Abe is scheduled to present on Feb. 24 for Black History Month. Abe’s presentation “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Principal’s Office?” touches on the disproportionately high suspension and expulsion rate of Black students from preschool through high school and the “school-to-prison pipeline.” According to their website, HumanitiesWA is an organization that believes in exploring different perspectives and sharing opinions openly. HumanitiesWA is the event’s sponsor, and has partnered with Brooks library, the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) and the College of Education and Professional Studies to invite Abe to give his presentation for Black History Month. The event is from 3-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Anyone interested in attending can register by clicking on the event on the CWU events calendar. Student Engagement & Community Outreach Librarian Maureen Rust said that capacity is unlimited. As of Feb. 19, 111 people have registered to attend, according to Interim Dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies Heidi Henschel Pellet. Rust said that Abe was chosen to present because his topic was compelling and readily lent itself to Black History Month and public schooling. “We’re delighted to be in collaboration amongst ourselves as a university. Our mission is that diversity,
equity and inclusivity and just really Photo courtesy of Daudi Abe working together,” Pellet said. “I was thrilled to be part of that.” Abe has been teaching and public speaking for over 25 years. Abe is a lifelong resident of Seattle and graduated from Garfield High School. He then taught at a private, predominantly Black pre-K through eighthgrade school called Zion Preparatory Academy. He did not initially plan to be a teacher and majored in Economics as an undergrad student. Abe later earned his Ph.D. in the College of Education at the University of Washington in 2004, where he wrote a dissertation on the nationwide issue of disproportionate discipline amongst Black students around middle school and some strategies to prevent this issue. Now, he teaches Humanities at Seattle Central College. Abe has also had his latest book, “Emerald Street: A History of Hip Hop in Seattle,” published last November by the University of Washington Press, which includes a foreword by Sir Mix-A-Lot. He also wrote “6 N The Morning: West Coast Hip Hop Music 1987-1992 & the Transformation of Mainstream Culture,” which was published in 2013. “Right now, schools are overrun Daudi Abe is a Seattle-based professor. He’s been teaching and writing for over 20 years. with what we’re calling ‘sympathetic destroyers,’” Abe said. “These teachers Monroe Correctional Complex, and to this research that I was just citing in who may not be overtly racist per se, the Clallam Bay Corrections Center, front of them,” Abe said. Abe says that he has been workbut are still having trouble for whatev- both in Washington. Here, Abe said, er reason, either the will or the skill, to he was able to interact first-hand ing with the Washington State Police reverse these negative outcomes that with victims of the very issue that he Academy to work discussions of race, attitudes toward race and how that are so often present for low-income is speaking out on. “I just thought that that was so pow- may affect a police officer’s job into the kids and students of color.” The two most notable places erful because here are these living hu- curriculum, right alongside defense Abe has spoken at, he said, are the man beings who are kind of giving voice tactics classes and target practice.
Daniel Herman: A closer look at the history professor and author Milenne Quinonez Staff Reporter
History Professor Daniel Herman has been teaching here for over 22 years. “The Feudist: A Novel of the Pleasant Valley War” is his most recently published book. “It took me eight years,” Herman said. “I worked on that thing for eight years, believe it or not. I was like a crazy person.” Herman was recently featured as a speaker in CWU’s Author Talk series where he discussed the writing experience and research of both his Novel “The Feudist: A novel of the Pleasant Valley War,” and recently published nonfiction monograph “Hell on the Range.” “The Feudist” tells a story about Arizona’s Pleasant Valley War in the 1800’s. The narrator is a rancher named Ben Holcomb,
the story begins as Holcomb begins to reflect on his youth as stockboy working in Globe City, Arizona. Holcomb grows bored of his job and agrees to become an apprentice cowboy. Throughout his journey to his employers ranch he gets caught into a violent range war. Over the next years he meets many people along the way, and finds himself in love as well as battling through chaos. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Herman says the story originally began as a screenplay that his father had written. Herman says although the story was good, it was not historically accurate, so his father agreed to hand the project over to him so he could revise the story to fit the time period it was written about. He decided to change the plot and the characters of the story, which
led to his decision to turn it into a novel. Although Herman said he worked on the book daily, it started off difficult before it got better for him. He said he slowly began to figure out how fiction writers wrote and how to stick with short chapters and disregard unnecessary information. “Pacing is very essential in fiction,” Herman said. “The reader has to feel like things are happening, so that was one of the lessons I learned.” Herman said he was not familiar with writing fiction at all. He referred to fiction books his wife and he would read, as well as get help from colleagues. He sent out early chapters to them and received feedback from Joe Powell, a retired creative writing professor from CWU, and historian friends.
As a child who lived in Tucson at one point in his life, Herman says he grew up on television westerns, and had a very narrow understanding of what the west really was. But as he became a historian, he grew familiar with the tragedy and violence of the west. “My novel, I guess, is an attempt for the boy version of myself and the adult version of myself to speak to one another and to play out these contradictions,” Herman said. Herman said that not only is the book a good read, but the purpose is also for readers to understand history from the novel. “I hope that people will just give it a try,” said Herman. According to CWU’s website he has produced three books, 12 scholarly articles, 30 book reviews and encyclopedia articles.
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NEWS
February 23, 2021
Photo courtesy of Keegan Goldrick
Student creates car detailing business to save money Nidia Torres Staff Reporter
A
s students enter the college phase, many rely on the student services schools provide for them. Washington ranks number 11 in the total usage of state financial aid, according to the Education Data research website of 2021. Researchers determined that Washington spends a total of $403.7 million. 13.4% of undergrads at twoyear institutions receive an average of $5,549 in loans and 25.1% of undergrads at four-year institutions receive an average of $6,214 in loans. Senior Safety and Health Management major Keegan Goldrick has come up with a way to make money without having to rely only on financial aid or loan packages. Goldrick began detailing his own car and then his family and friends’ cars. Because he saw an opportunity to expand, Goldrick began to publicize his “side job” to earn extra money for school. With the help of his dad, Goldrick managed to acquire customers. Goldrick also created his Facebook page, Keegan’s Detailing, to promote his business and seek potential customers. “I had about 30 or 40 people in like the first month,” Goldrick said. “I was like, ‘man, this is actually doing really well,’ so I just decided to keep doing it.” Goldrick said that with this opportunity he can save money for college. He gives his customers a variety of services to choose from. “I charge at a base rate. I don’t charge anything extra for anything special,” Goldrick said. “I do $150 for a full detail and then $75 for just an interior or exterior.” Recently, Goldrick also purchased a clay bar and ceramic wax package for customers. “It’s just to really get all the contaminants and everything that are stuck on your cars paint off and then the ceramic wax, which lasts a lot longer than regular wax, I do that for $200,” Goldrick said. When it comes to pricing, Goldrick said he keeps his prices low for his customers rather than making it a higher price. He said he also makes it a priority to come to his customers rather than they come to him. Ellen Tombleson, Ellensburg local and Goldrick’s aunt, also believes that his prices are low compared to other businesses.
ASCWU from Page 1 Candelaria said that Presence is more user-friendly and more aesthetically pleasing than the previous software. The platforms on Presence allow students to utilize information and better understand who they are voting for.
Tombleson has had her car worked on before by Goldrick three times. She said she thinks Goldrick’s prices are low and is grateful for Goldrick’s work ethic and availability. “Even though [he’s] close by, I don’t have to go anywhere. I don’t have to disrupt my day,” Tombleson said. “I don’t have to take it or pick it up or wonder what time it’s going to be done. So, I think that’s a really good strategy.” Tombleson said she is not surprised at Goldrick’s success. She said Goldrick is “more or less self-taught.” “His dad, my brother, is pretty meticulous on [how] you do things the right way and you don’t take shortcuts and so he probably always kind of had that influence in his life,” Tombleson said. “[Goldrick] just does it the right way you’re supposed to, he’s not lazy. He doesn’t take the easy way out.” Over the span of two years that Goldrick’s business has been active, he’s serviced about 300 customers. Even through the pandemic, he said his business did not take a direct hit. “It’s probably increased a little bit actually because more people are usually available and it almost seems as if it’s like, ‘oh we got some time to do this right now.’
People are trying to get their cars nice and clean, [which] they haven’t done in forever,” Goldrick said. Kristin Everson, Ellensburg local and family friend of Goldrick, agrees that with the pandemic, services are limited. Her busy schedule also made it difficult to get things done. Everson appreciates the fact that Goldrick comes to customers and shares that his mobile service is a “huge plus for us.” Everson said she and her family have been consistent clients of Goldrick. “He does a huge thorough job. It’s amazing [that] he offers inside and outside [work]. We usually always do both,” Everson said. Goldrick plans to continue his business until he graduates or until the beginning of summer. With a job already secured and lined up in Goldrick’s future, he plans to pass on the job to his roommate. Junior Business Administrator Ryan Reed has also been helping Goldrick with his business to save money for college. “It’s just nice to make money right now. I didn’t have a job before [Goldrick]
had me come help him out and asked me to do that. It’s tough to find a job right now too and I just need to pay for school and stuff like that so that’s the main goal right now,” Reed said. This year is Reed’s first year officially helping out. Reed said he learned how to detail cars as well with the help of Goldrick’s mentoring. With this experience, Reed said he has learned a lot about business management. “It’s nice because even though obviously we’re not business right now, we’re providing service, making some money off of it,” Reed said, “but it’s nice because it’s kind of given me a sense of what it’s like having a business partner and it’s good to have piled up experience honestly with clients and just stuff like that.” Reed believes that he is ready to take on the reins and manage the business for Goldrick. He hopes to meet new people, build relationships and keep the business going. When it comes to saving money, Goldrick recommends students to “think outside the box.” “It really makes you think about what else is out there and it just gives you more outlets to go from,” Goldrick said.
The debates also give students a place to hear and understand what a candidate stands for. “That is next quarter … but that is also a way for students to kind of gauge which candidate is who they want to represent them in these leadership positions,” Candelaria said.
Espino said students have the right to choose who will represent them. “There will be plenty of opportunities for students to come and listen to what we have to say and see who the best candidate they think is for the institution,” Espino said. “I think what makes a good ASCWU candidate is someone who’s transparent and connects with students.”
Candelaria said he encourages students to do their best to get to know who will be representing them. He also said that taking student feedback and concerns are the two most important parts of any position. “There’s definitely been a lot of different personalities in the president position,” Candelaria said.
February 23, 2021
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Washington State Department of Health gives insight to the process of vaccine distribution in the state Star Diavolikis Senior Reporter
Questions, concerns and explanations regarding Washington’s vaccine rollout were answered in a panel hosted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The DOH’s Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah discussed why the vaccination timeline can be lengthy. While there are phases in place, the amount of supply given to Washington cannot keep up with what the DOH hopes to administer. With the limited supply in mind, the DOH agreed to make these phases. “If we had enough vaccines to go to everybody, we would simply snap our fingers and vaccinate the whole state of Washington,” Shah said. Washington State Health Care Authority worker Dr. Christopher Chen said the vaccine should not cost any residents any money. Chen explained that providers who agreed to administer the vaccine agreed to not charge patients, and they cannot refuse anybody who does not have insurance. While patients do not have to pay, providers may still collect insurance information to receive funding to administer the vaccine. If there are providers charging patients, Chen said, individuals can file complaints online at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. All panelists agree that equity has been a great concern regarding the distribution of vaccine doses. Shah said
WASHINGTON’S COVID-19 VACCINE PHASES
Phase 1 Estimated Start Dates (Tiers A and B) Find out if it’s your turn at FindYourPhaseWA.org WINTER
1A 1A
TIER 1 TIER 2
• High-risk healthcare workers in health care settings • High-risk first responders • Long-term care facility residents • All other workers at risk in health care settings
SPRING / SUMMER
1B
1B
TIER 1 • All people 65 years or older • All people 50 years or older in multigenerational households (home where individuals from 2 or more generations reside such as an elder and a grandchild)
SUMMER / FALL
1B
TIER 2
• High-risk critical workers 50 years or older who work in certain congregate settings: Agriculture; food processing; grocery stores; K-12 (educators & staff); childcare; corrections; prisons, jails or detention centers; public transit; fire; law enforcement
TIER 3 • People 16 years or older with 2 or more co-morbidities or underlying conditions
1B
TIER 4
• High-risk critical workers under 50 years who work in certain congregate settings (as noted in B2)
FUTURE PHASES • Information on who is eligible for Phases 2, 3 & 4 coming soon.
• People, staff, and volunteers in congregate living settings: Correctional facilities; group homes for people with disabilities; people experiencing homelessness that live in or access services in congregate settings
FOCUS ON EQUITY: This approach prioritizes population groups that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to external social factors and systemic inequities. The timelines represented here are estimates and subject to change.
to support the efforts, there have been mass vaccination sites for rural communities, and they are working with local partners to gain communities’ trust. Shah said he understands there are communities who have reasons why they do not trust them, and that local health departments can provide essential insight to their communities and hopefully gain trust. “Local health departments are so important, tribal partners, everyone is so important,” Shah said. The DOH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Director SheAnne Allen said the DOH is utilizing the social vulnerability index tool. This tool helps locate where vaccines should be distributed and helps
figure out ways to deliver the vaccine, such as by working with hospitals, pharmacies, workplace clinics and setting mass vaccination sites. There are also appointments reserved for those who call in rather than placing an appointment online to include those who may not have internet access. Recently, the CDC made an announcement regarding schools returning to in-person learning. The information discussed included efforts to safely conduct in-person learning, including topics such as altering classrooms, enforcing masks and providing alternative virtual options for students and teachers who are classified as at-risk. Regarding the state’s stance on teachers being vaccinated, Shah said,
“We know that education is so important, and we absolutely value our teachers … We want to make sure that we recognize that.” While Shah said teachers are very important, they do not want to sacrifice vaccine doses that can be given to those 65 years of age and above. Allen said over 20 Washington tribes have decided to receive vaccinations through the state, and around 10 have chosen to go through Indian Health Services (IHS). As the tribes receive vaccine doses, they can choose what phases they want to go through when it comes to administering vaccinations to their tribal members. Allen gave the example of potentially choosing to vaccinate elders before healthcare workers. The state guidelines are not mandatory for tribes to follow. With the current rollout of vaccinations, there have been some notable successes made in that time. Allen said one million doses have been administered in nine weeks. Over 1,200 providers and facilities enrolled to administer the vaccine, however some cannot be allocated due to the limited supply of vaccine doses Washington is receiving. Shah said as soon as late next week, Washington could be receiving the first shipment of a third vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson. Chen said the public can prepare for vaccinations by being patient and continuing the current public health measures.
Kittitas County health officer weighs in on double masking David Snyder Staff Reporter On Feb. 10, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study suggesting that how people mask up in public can significantly increase protection against COVID-19. The CDC tested the effectiveness of double masking (wearing a cloth mask atop a surgical mask) as well as what’s called a “knot and tuck” technique, where the ear loops on a surgical mask are knotted to improve fit and reduce edge gaps. The study found that double masking could block up to 85% of infectious particles, while knotting and tucking could block around 77%. When both the germ source and potential germ receiver use these masking techniques, exposure risk can decrease as much as 95%. The same study looked at how cloth and unknotted surgical masks fared by themselves. Against a standard cough, the surgical mask blocked up to 56% of germ particles, while the cloth stopped 51%. Washington’s state-wide masking mandate has been in effect since May 23, 2020. According to Kittitas County Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson, this mandate might last until next winter.
To lift the mandate, it’s possible over 70% of county residents would have to either be vaccinated or have had a previous COVID-19 infection. However, Larson said double masking could be a “major game-changer” in speeding up the timeline toward normalcy if done effectively. “It certainly would lower the risk of the disease in our community,” Larson said. “The [CDC’s] data is pretty clear.” According to the CDC, fitted N95 respirator masks can filter at least 95% of airborne particles. They effectively prevent germ exposure and dispersal, which is why the CDC recommends the current stockpile stay in the hands (or, to be technical, on the faces) of medical workers. Larson said double masking is an option that, in terms of effectiveness against exposure, comes closer to fitted N95s than other standard masking techniques. Another factor Larson said would play into lifting masking mandates is the rise of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant, which appears to be more contagious and harmful than other variants. He said it’s likely it becomes the predominant strain in the United States by the end of March.
Graphic by Ilse Orta Mederos
Larson indicated that concerns over the B.1.1.7 variant could explain why the CDC’s study, as well as other studies regarding mask fitting techniques, are now surfacing. “I’m sure that, at least on some level, the scientists that did these studies said ‘okay, well we’re going to have this much more contagious variant of the virus… what can we do for the general public to lower their risk?’” Larson said. As of Feb. 19, the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCHPD) hasn’t publicly recommended double masking or published anything regarding the CDC’s study. The county takes cues from state guidance before making those decisions.
According to Larson, the state endorsed the CDC’s guidance regarding masking on Feb. 16, so KCPHD will soon follow suit. He said that double masking would be a suggestion, not a mandate. Larson said if he could say anything to encourage people to double mask, it would be similar to his response to people hesitant about taking a vaccine. “I would ask, ‘What’s the most important thing to you?’” Larson said. “[If you] want to get your kids back to school five days a week, I’d say, well, then you should get vaccinated … that would be the same thing I would say with masking.”
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February 23, 2021
SCENE
Washington transportation and law enforcement respond to recent Snoqualmie Pass conditions Deacon Tuttle Staff Reporter Snoqualmie Pass is critical to travelers across Washington and beyond. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) works to notify and prep drivers for the winter conditions. Additionally, state troopers continue to enforce speed laws and recommend safety measures for public welfare in this season. Meagan Lott, a communications manager for WSDOT, is responsible for informing the public about weather impacts, delays and responses to natural disasters. One night last week there was a total of three feet of added snow, which led to recent closures. “What’s been different with this snow is the fact that it’s increased the avalanche danger,” Lott said. According to Lott, they continue to conduct avalanche control missions which involve detonating explosives to bring down the snow as opposed to the potential dangers of natural snowfall. Lott said this season isn’t out of the ordinary for volumes and average. However, the snow has been arriving later in this season. “We average about 370 inches in winter and right now we are at 340,” Lott said. Lott’s advice for drivers is to check the WSDOT website or social media, then measure your own comfort and preparedness for travels. Harry Nelson, the maintenance and traffic manager for WSDOT, coordi-
Photo courtesy of Deacon Tuttle/The Observer
Updated information regarding pass conditions or pass closures can be found on WSDOT’s website or social media accounts.
nates with five separate regions to ensure they equip various crews with the correct materials for their jobs. Previous work as a plow driver shapes his current approach in his position. “It’s been very helpful to have the full background from the ground up. Boots on the ground to the office,” Nelson said. Nelson said working like a big wheel and in conjunction with every other department is what has led to success this season. He said the neatest part of the job is how everyone bands together.
“If people come prepared that’s the best we can ask and we will do our best to help them out,” Nelson said. Darren Wright is a Sergeant with Washington State Patrol (WSP). Wright said Snoqualmie is always a challenge for the job due to its rapidly changing conditions. “Our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safe,” Wright said. He said WSP is always working to prevent dangerous driving behaviors. Wright said that even
if someone is driving safely, there is the possibility they could face an accident such as running into a drunk driver, and a seatbelt could save their life. He said the objective is to place people in the best position possible for protection. According to Wright, essentials are chains and a warm set of clothes in case of emergencies. The State Patrol wants people to be ready for any situation going over Snoqualmie.
Photo courtesy of Deacon Tuttle/The Observer
TBD February 23, 2021
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The Beat Drop
Welcome to The Beat Drop by Sean Bessette, my weekly column where I’ll write about the music I listen to on a weekly basis. My music taste focuses around hip-hop/rap, a little R&B and a little pop. I’ll review recently released songs and albums plus general events that have happened in the music industry lately.
“The Voice”
Lil Durk released his sixth studio album, “The Voice” on Dec. 24, 2020. On Jan. 29, 2021, Durk released the album’s deluxe version, making the total album 28 songs long. A 28-song tracklist is long, especially for trap music. With albums that long, beats start to blend and the album becomes uninteresting. Unfortunately, that’s sort of the case for Durk here. Some of the songs seem too similar for them to be included. That’s my biggest complaint with “The Voice”. After I look past the long tracklist, it’s only positives from that point on. While some songs sound repetitive, they’re not repetitive in a bad way. “The Voice” is consistently very good. The best song on this album is easily “Stay Down” for me. 6LACK and Young Thug provided great additions to this track. This was a dream collaboration. 6LACK performed like an MVP with a catchy hook and bridge connecting to Young Thug’s verse. The song includes one of Durk’s best performances on the album. It’s only fair to mention the great Metro Boomin beat on this song as well. Other highlights include “Finesse out the Gang Way”, “When I’m Lonely”, “Still Trappin’” and “Coming Clean”. King Von’s posthumous appearance on this “Still Trappin’” was special. Outside of those songs, not much else stands out. I enjoy most of the album but I’m left feeling like Durk has more left in the tank. Admittedly, I’ve never been a very big Durk fan. This definitely isn’t Durk’s peak and his future is bright but additional refinement of a tracklist is important for his next project.
Written by Sean Bessette Scene Editor
The first anniversary of Pop Smoke’s death
New Music 2/19
Another week, another Friday without an inspirational album release. The best thing released last Friday, Feb. 19, was the new Tory Lanez single, “F.E.E.L.S.”, featuring Chris Brown. Lil Yachty’s new single featuring Kodak Black named “Hit Bout It” is whatever. I don’t like it and I don’t dislike it. It’s nice to hear Kodak on a song after being recently released from prison but his energy is low and his verse is way too long. Yachty’s part is rather uninspiring. I found “NEON SHARK vs Pegasus”, Trippie Redd’s rock-infused deluxe album to his release “Pegasus” from October 2020, to be a complete miss. I liked the idea behind this album but the execution is poor. Another bright spot was R&B artist ELHAE’s newest single, “Separated”. I’m absolutely in love with the chorus of this track. I highly recommend ELHAE to anyone who hasn’t heard of him before. “Go Crazy” by Chris Brown and Young Thug was one of the biggest songs in the world last spring. Last Friday, it got a remix with new verses from Future, Lil Durk and Mulatto. This remix is so unnecessary, especially since the main song released last May. It comes off as a bland attempt to profit off of an old hit.
Last Friday marked the one year anniversary of Pop Smoke’s death. He was murdered in a home invasion in Los Angeles on Feb. 19, 2020, only 12 days after releasing his mixtape “Meet the Woo 2” (MTW2). Pop Smoke’s death is the most impactful celebrity death I’ve experienced. His music clicked for me as soon as MTW2 released. His harsh tone and electric energy set him apart from every other artist. He had mastered the Brooklyn drill sound. He was an upcoming superstar and I have no doubt he was going to dominate the industry for a long time. His debut posthumous album, “Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon” (SFTSAFTM), was a landslide success. I was on a camping trip without cell service or internet when the album released and I literally drove 40 minutes into town so I could download it and listen for the rest of the trip. The album debuted as the #1 album in the country and sold 251,000 units in first-week sales. It spent the most weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart since 2012. SFTSAFTM was my most listened to album of 2020 and MTW2 was my third most listened to album of 2020. When I look back on 2020 in a decade, I’ll remember it as the year of Pop Smoke. I miss Pop Smoke. The smoke will never clear.
Designed by Meghan Salsbury
Photo by Casey Rothgeb/The Observer
Phase Two allows The Palace Café to rehire full staff and open indoor seating
Written by Libby Williams & RachelAnn Degnan Designed By Rebekah Blum & Meghan Salsbury
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fter a data error that temporarily prevented Washington’s Southern Central Region from moving into phase two, Kittitas County companies and citizens are looking forward to the new freedoms the new phase offers. Phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Healthy Washington–Roadmap to Recovery” said indoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity with alcohol service ending at 11 p.m. Open-air or outdoor dining is limited to six people per table from no more than two households. In Kittitas County, The Palace Cafe is known for its ability to adapt to the times. The restaurant has been open for over 100 years and most famously survived its closure during World War II. PJ Bugni, owner of The Palace Cafe for over 30 years, said that COVID-19 has been difficult. “We were phase one until January 15, so that was two months almost. Then there was a new provision that was put into the mandate at the beginning of the year that was kind of confusing,” Bugni said. “You could have airflow through your building and it’s considered [an] open-air concept, so we took some windows out.” While in phase one, about one-fifth of The Palace Cafe had to be let go and put on unemployment. Phase two meant that those who were available could be brought back and that the windows could be put back. “The minute that we got that [notification about phase two] we closed the windows because it was so cold out that no one would sit by them. It was taking up half of the 25% capacity that we could do,” Bugni said. Bugni said he was proud of his staff and their flexibility through this challenging time. “Our staff is very communicative on letting people know that they can’t be up
away from their table without a mask on, they can’t gather,” Bugni said. “I think they all understand our hardship, even though they maybe want to have things like they used to be, but they also don’t want us to get infractions that could shut us down.” As Ellensburg adjusts to phase two, Bugni said he is hoping to continue moving forward. “Hopefully, we get to cruise like this for a while. Everybody’s pretty happy to get back to work … all of my staff that was still in town was ecstatic to get back to work, even if they were on unemployment, to have that extra $300 a week,” Bugni said. “Everyone wanted to get back to work.” Alex Splattstoesser, a senior studying theater and a dishwasher at the cafe, said he was proud of how his restaurant had handled COVID-19 guidelines so far. “We are required to wear masks and protective hand equipment the entire shift. The only times that I’ll take my mask off is when I’m off and in my car,” Splattstoesser said. “There were open windows, we were operating at quarter capacity with that open-air concept [and] it’s a full window, we literally [took] those full windows out over the winter, because we knew that we would have to allow for open-air ventilation.” Now, moving into phase two, Splattstoesser said he was most concerned about customer’s compliance with the regulations. “If anything I’m just worried about making sure that people that come into the restaurant are being safe,” Splattstoesser said. Splattstoesser said he is excited to see customers returning, but that he recommends showing caution in eating out because eating at home is always the safest option. “Order take out or something … You can order take out at The Palace or do curbside,” Splattstoesser said. “Stay home.”
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OPINION
February 23, 2021
How my love for “Star Wars” was killed and then revived Levi Shields Columnist When I was a kid, I was obsessed with “Star Wars.” I have fond memories of pulling out the VHS box set for the original and prequel trilogies, standing on my parent’s bed, holding my invisible lightsaber, and pretending that I was Darth Maul fighting off the advances of Qui-Gon Jinn and ObiWan Kenobi. However, a lot of time went by between the releases of “Revenge of the Sith,” the last prequel movie, and “The Force Awakens,” the first sequel movie, and my love for the franchise was not as strong as it was before. When Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the creators of “Star Wars,” I was only 11 years old. Being a naive child, I was struck with nightmares of Mickey Mouse running alongside a happy-go-lucky Darth Vader. I feared that Disney would run one of my favorite childhood franchises into the ground. While the changes made by Disney were not as drastic as my child’s brain had imagined, Disney’s “Star Wars” films did end up disappointing me. Despite my childhood fears, I was certainly excited when the first teaser for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” released in 2014. Eventually, the movie was released and I saw it in theaters. My initial reaction was one of excitement. “Star Wars” was back! I was overwhelmed. However, as the smoke cleared and I looked back, I began to notice how underwhelming the film was. The entire plot was essentially a rehashing of that of the original movie, but with some major flaws added on. My biggest issue with “The Force Awakens” would continue throughout the entire sequel trilogy. The protagonist, Rey (just Rey, not Skywalker, fight me), never seems to earn her accomplishments and fails as an effective protago-
nist when compared to Luke Skywalker, the protagonist of the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Luke Skywalker started off as a flawed but relatable character. He was a whiny teenager who would rather run about with his friends picking up power converters than help his impoverished aunt and uncle who acted as his guardians. Throughout the trilogy, he would train and grow to become a wise Jedi master and an expert duelist. On the other hand, Rey is able to get the best of a Sith Lord, Kylo Ren, who has been trained by the likes of Luke Skywalker and another assumedly powerful Sith Lord, Supreme Leader Snoke. In her first movie, no less! This exact flaw is pointed out by the character Supreme Leader Snoke himself in the second film of the trilogy, “The Last Jedi.” “You were unbalanced, bested by a girl who had never held a lightsaber, you failed,” Snoke said. Each movie in the sequel trilogy that was released seemed to be disliked more by the “Star Wars” community as a whole. The franchise that I had once loved was now surrounded by a permeating air of disappointment and controversy. It was at this point that I stopped considering myself a “Star Wars” fan, and began considering myself someone who used to like “Star Wars.” Flash forward to January 2021. The final movie of the sequel trilogy, “The Rise of Skywalker,” had been released for over a year and I still hadn’t bothered to see it. The 2017 video game “Star Wars Battlefront II” was being given away for free for a limited time on the Epic Games Store. I saw no reason not to pick it up, it was free after all. I installed it and decided to give it a shot. As the game loaded, I was struck with nostalgia by John Williams’ iconic score. When the main menu loaded, I was greeted with the menacing visage of General Grievous. I admired the expert modeling work
Graphic by Ilse Orta Mederos
and attention to detail. I was hooked by the atmosphere already. I started by playing through the single-player campaign, and throughout the course of it I was continually pulled in by the immersive graphics, audio design and setpieces. Over the course of a couple of weeks, “Battlefront II” single-handedly dragged me back into loving “Star Wars” with its constant immersive feeling and barrage of references to the franchise as a whole, both easily understood and more obscure. From the perspective of a mere soldier in a universe as vast as “Star Wars,” I can even find appreciation in things that I actively disliked from the sequel trilogy. While I still think that her role in the movies is deeply flawed, I can’t help but be filled with confidence when I’m playing as some unnamed resistance fighter in
a massive battlefield and I see Rey run onto my screen, yellow lightsaber in hand, charging down the First Order Stormtroopers in front of me. After having played “Battlefront II,” I’ve now watched “The Rise of Skywalker,” began replaying “LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga,” a cherished video game from my childhood, played through and thoroughly enjoyed “Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order,” a video game I had not played before, and am now constantly catching myself thinking about and referencing “Star Wars,” much like when I was a kid. Disney’s sequel trilogy murdered my love for “Star Wars,” and “Star Wars Battlefront II” played the role of Dr. Frankenstein. I give it full credit for refilling the “Star Wars” shaped hole in my heart.
The problem with “second chances” in American pro sports David Snyder Columnist There’s a systemic issue with sports in this country that starts at the top in professional sports leagues and trickles down to the amateur ranks. We prioritize competitiveness over decency. Nothing recently illustrates this idea more than the case of two former Seattle Seahawks players: Chad Wheeler and Frank Clark. Both players have committed domestic violence against women in their lives, but one is looking at a long career in the National Football League (NFL), while the other isn’t. Wheeler’s story grabbed headlines just recently. He was charged with first-degree domestic violence assault after allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend within an inch of her life. According to CBS News, the ex-girlfriend claims Wheeler had choked her unconscious twice after she refused to “bow” to him. After being released from his contract with the Seahawks, Wheeler is now facing possible prison time, and the consensus amongst sports media, players and fans alike is that he doesn’t deserve to play another snap in the NFL. Clark, on the other hand, was arrested for domestic violence in 2014 while in college. He was only charged with disorderly conduct after his victim chose not to press assault charges,
despite alleging that he had struck her in the face and restrained her to a bed. Even though Clark was cut from his college team for the incident, the Seattle Seahawks selected him with their second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He just recently played in the Super Bowl with his second team, the Kansas City Chiefs, who signed him to a five-year $104 million contract in 2019. What separates these two players? Why was Clark given a second chance to play football on the highest possible stage, while Wheeler has become public enemy number one and has no prospects for the future? Well, if you base your answer on the NFL’s “, you might assume it has nothing to do with the outcome of Clark’s trial. Chad Wheeler was a low-profile, backup offensive lineman that went undrafted, and Frank Clark was a firstround talent who predictably turned into a Pro Bowl defensive end. That’s the difference. And that’s the problem with American sports. We often believe that players who commit awful crimes deserve second chances in sports, but that’s only if they can make our team better. Clark’s situation is a microcosm of pro sports at large. In the NFL, look no further than Clark’s teammate on the Chiefs Tyreek Hill, who has multiple domestic violence incidents but is now one of the highest-paid wide receivers in football. In Major League Baseball (MLB), pitcher Roberto Ozuna’s domestic as-
sault arrest didn’t scare away the Houston Astros from trading for him in 2018. He would be a cog in a World Series push that year. Long-time National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jason Kidd pleaded guilty to spousal abuse at the height of his career in 2001, and yet, he stayed in the league until 2013. Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Mixon, Ezekiel Elliot, Lawrence Taylor, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Ramírez and Kobe Bryant are some names linked to crimes against women. But those crimes are not what comes to mind when we think about the players and their legacies. Pro athletes, like everyone else, are not perfect people. Nor should we expect them to be. But I think professional sports leagues’ reluctance to uphold strict standards for their most valuable employees reinforces a bad message. That message tells fans, “it’s okay that abuse happened. We can just move on,” even though the victims will probably never be able to move on. It tells coaches, at all levels of competitive sports, “you can let abuse go unpunished, as long as you have guys who can help you win.” And it tells players, especially young kids, “if you’re talented enough, you’re untouchable.” Suppose pro sports leagues truly have no tolerance for domestic violence, rape or any crime against a woman. In that case, they shouldn’t be employing people who contradict those values in any capacity. If fans truly believe in those values, then it’s their responsibility to uphold those values with their consumer dollars.
The underlying problem I’m trying to address here is that it’s a double standard, and we all play a role in enabling it. We buy tickets to watch abusers play, we buy abuser’s jerseys, we cheer for abusers when they light up the stat sheet. In turn, we give their employers an excuse to keep them on the payroll. Through the rose-tinted glasses of success, we all lose sight of the morals we claim to believe. If our consensus answer to the question “Is it ever okay to harm an innocent woman?” is “no,” then everyone should be held to that standard, even the best athletes in the world. I’m certainly not advocating for a world without forgiveness. People deserve a second chance to personal welfare, but that chance doesn’t belong with organizations representing America’s 1%. On a stage as high as pro sports, the way athletes conduct themselves leaves an impression on the general public. So, that opportunity shouldn’t be handled recklessly. Another question we should be asking in this discussion is, are the abusers themselves learning by getting a second chance in the pros? If the goal is to rehabilitate abusers and make them feel remorseful for their actions, how is awarding them a new lease on the career they took for granted a step in that direction? While they probably won’t make the same mistake, they face no real repercussions and thus have no reason to reflect on what they did. Just like that, it’s on to the next game.
February 23, 2021
OPINION
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I refuse to buy another parking pass Jake Tilley Columnist
Campus parking should be free to students who attend CWU full-time or part-time. Currently students either walk, bike, find street parking or pay the fees for a parking pass. The fees range from $116 for one quarter to $247 per year at CWU. The University is essentially forcing students to pay hundreds of dollars just to get to class on time, as if the thousands of dollars they already pay for their degree isn’t enough. Not to mention, many commuting students have to pay for parking at their own residences as well. Believe me, I understand that CWU has a limited number of parking spots and they need a way to monitor the amount of people parking. But why give out more parking passes than spots available? I have had so many occasions when I had a pass where I am trying to find parking at the school to get to class and there are simply no available parking spots. According to the CWU parking services website, “Money paid for a parking permit does not guarantee or reserve a specific parking space.” So why is CWU selling us a service that they can’t guarantee delivering? Dogs look for food as much as the CWU campus security looks to find people to give tickets to. It’s almost like
they have a competition to see who can give out the most tickets in a week. I’m an athlete. Why should I have to pay to park in the Nicholson Pavilion parking lot when my locker and practices are inside the building? Athletes are pretty much paying to go to practice if they have a parking pass. Then I got to thinking, why am I paying for a parking pass that doesn’t
Photo by Abigail Stowell/The Obsever
even guarantee me a parking spot? After realizing I could save $247 a year just by walking farther I quickly decided to stop contributing to the school’s piggy bank. It felt like the school was stealing my money and I hated it. All we are to the school is a source of income, and they will get that income any way they can. I will walk the extra distance 10 times out of 10 to get
to practice or class even though it pisses me off and makes me think, “This is stupid, I should be able to park at the university I pay to go to for free.” I have even been ticketed for parking with a pass at a different school just because I parked in the wrong area that was poorly labeled. It was very frustrating getting a ticket knowing I had a pass even though I was technically in the wrong spot, I just didn’t know. I tried talking to the school about it but they still made me pay. And just to remind everyone, we go to school in Washington, one of the most beautiful states in the country. Students want to have a car here so that they can go hiking in Leavenworth on the weekend, visit friends from different schools, ski and snowboard at Snoqualmie pass, or even just to make a trip to the grocery store. Part of the reason I came to CWU was because of the great location. Having a car is, I would say, a must if you want to fully immerse yourself in all that central Washington offers. However, some of us risk missing out because having a car is expensive. My whole point is students already pay enough in general for their degree at CWU. So students should not have to pay extra just because they have a vehicle they use to get to school.
Mental health’s love/hate relationship with social media Dakaline White Columnist Social media can have a good effect on our mental health if we use it in a different way than it is set up to be used. According to an article published by Our World in Data, Social media became very popular in the mid 2000s when MySpace took over the internet. It attracted many young adults because they could form connections with people across the country from their computer. MySpace ended up dying down, but then Facebook became very popular. According to Statista, Facebook is the largest social media platform and has 2.8 billion users world-wide. People use Facebook and other social media sites for many different reasons including sharing photos, life updates, memes, etc. Around when Facebook became popular, so did smartphones. These smartphones introduced the idea of having immediate internet access in your pocket. The world went crazy over this idea. Following Facebook, most social media sites became downloadable apps on smart phone devices. To this day, people spend hours on end scrolling through status updates from friends, complete strangers, their favorite celebrities and businesses they like. Since people spend so much time logged into their social media accounts, it has become as addictive as a drug. The common opinion is that social media has a negative impact on our mental health. Teenagers are strongly impacted by social media because their brains are still growing, and they strive for attention from those they are connected with online. While this is a popular issue with teenagers, we can see it is an issue with people of all ages.
When you post something online, it does not have to be correct. You can post anything you want on your social media as long as it follows the company’s guidelines, and it will be on the internet forever. The battle of likes, comments and views is a huge problem and can impact someone’s mental health negatively or positively. Social media causes the user to isolate and compare themselves to those they see online. This can lead to severe mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. According to an article from Forbes, “We fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others as we scroll through our feeds, and make judgements about how we measure up.” Comparing ourselves in a negative light can also feed into mental health issues. If used in a way where we stop comparing ourselves to one another, where we take advantage of the platform that social media is, society can then realize that there is a huge upside to being active on social media. I truly believe that this upside makes social media good for our mental health. The issue isn’t the platform, it is the way it is used. Social media can allow quick connections to almost anywhere in the world, this helps with school, work, fun and so much more. COVID-19 has led our state government and many others to mandate a socially distanced society. We are having to isolate ourselves from face-to-face contact. Social media has been a great way for people to stay connected and interact with one another. We can all share our stories and stay up to date on what is happening out in the world surrounding us. While social media plays a big role in one’s mental health, it is also important for spreading knowledge of mental
Graphic by Ilse Orta Mederos
health issues. Social media users often use their platform to share resources for mental health issues in case someone is not aware of them. Some people do not have immediate access to these resources but with social media accounts they do. Social media has proven to benefit us during the Black Lives Matter movement, as we can share our stories, our truths and our opinions. We have seen social media give everyone a voice and a platform to show their views and experiences. This is important. Social media directs us to the next protest, helps us come up with money to bail out our brothers and sisters who are arrested for exercising their right to protest and
helps us expose police officers and government officials for the mistreatment of people. Social media is set up to hook the user in, it is a drug. If we learn to use it for the right reason and we learn to limit our screen time each day, social media will prove to be good for our mental health. Anything that is abused has the ability to become detrimental to ourselves and those around us. We can take a lot more out of social media than society usually admits. Use social media to update your family on your life, they miss you. Use social media to help one another out, spread love. Remember to log off and enjoy the people around you, these are some of the hardest times most of us have seen in our lives.
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SPORTS
February 23, 2021
Basketball game from Page 1 Rinta said the adversity the team has faced over the past year has forged better relationships amongst the players and coaches. “Maybe one of the most challenging parts of this year, is how we have all had to live,” Rinta said. “We have not been able to build that feeling of oneness that a team needs to be successful.” With a lack of games, the last four months also allowed the team to work together “without the pressure of winning and losing games” Rinta said, which has allowed them to develop “a different, and in some ways deeper, relationship with each other.” Rinta said with no championship game at the end, the games during this shortened season are about preparing the team and making them better for next year. Athletic Director Dennis Francois said after the postponement of CWU’s first two games, it was “almost surreal” and a “milestone” to see the team on the court. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson “Regardless of the outcome of the game, it was a victory for our athletic de- Harry Cavell (pictured) finished the first game of the season with 14 points on 4-14 shooting. He also had 4-6 from the charity stripe. partment, and all of the people who put in the time, energy and work over getting us said. “There’s a few things of course we’re fans would be one more thing the degame to remind both sides to wear their to this point,” Francois said. going to tweak after we’ve been through partment would need to monitor and masks, the issue didn’t arise. Francois said overall, the COVID-19 the drill.” account for, and an empty arena allows “Coaches did a really good job, and protocols put in place were successful in Parts of the protocol include so- the focus to be on the game. our student-athletes did a good job, keeping both teams safe. cially distanced seats for players on the While coaches can briefly lower and there’s did as well,” Francois said. “I think things went very well in terms sidelines, a requirement for players and their mask to talk to a referee or player, “I spoke with both coaching staffs priof how we operated within the confines coaches to wear masks if not in the game they must mask up afterward. Francois or and said, ‘one thing I’m going to be of the [COVID-19] protocol,” Francois and a lack of fan attendance. Francois said said while he was prepared during the on you about, if anything, is keeping your mask up.’” Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson While COVID-19 protocols were followed during the games, rust from a yearlong break from the competition was evident. When the team traveled to Seattle to play SPU on Saturday, CWU’s uniforms stayed behind in Ellensburg. SPU accommodated their visitors, and the wildcats played the game in SPU’s alternate uniforms. The men’s basketball team will return to action against Saint Martin’s University on Feb. 26 and 27, in what are currently the last two scheduled games for this season. The athletic department previously announced the team’s first two games of the season against Northwest Nazarene University, which were postponed, would be tentatively rescheduled for early March, though no dates have been announced.
GNAC announces plans to play spring sports, hold championship games Mitchell Roland Editor-in-Chief
The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) announced on Feb. 18 that the conference plans to hold several conference seasons in the spring, culminating with conference championships throughout May. In a press release, the conference said the majority of the baseball and softball teams in the conference, including CWU, will play conference
seasons. GNAC commissioner Dave Haglund said no fans would be allowed to attend the events. Baseball will start its conference season on March 12 and will culminate its season with a championship in Nampa, Idaho on May 20 and 21. Softball will begin its season on March 5, and its season will end with a championship on May 6, 7 and 8 in Monmouth, Oregon. All five of the baseball programs in the GNAC will take part in conference play, while six of the seven soft-
ball teams in the conference will also play. Simon Fraser University, which is located in Canada, will not play their softball season due to the closure of the Canadian border. The conference also reaffirmed their plans to hold a track and field championship on May 14 and 15 in Monmouth, Oregon. “We are pleased there is a pathway to a semblance of normalcy for most of our spring sports student-athletes, whose seasons were abruptly canceled a year ago,” Ha-
glund said. “It is a testament to the work put in by our athletic directors and their staffs over many months that we are able to move forward with conference softball and baseball seasons and in planning our spring championships.” The press release said that the GNAC will continue to monitor developments around COVID-19 and will make “additional decisions as needed to ensure the health and safety of the conference’s student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
February 23, 2021
SPORTS
CWU’s pool opens for the first time in nearly a calendar year Gabriel Strasbaugh Staff Reporter
If the snow and ice was not enough water for the students of CWU, the pool has reopened for the first time since COVID-19 hit the university last March. Located in the Aquatics Center at 1699, 1601 N Walnut St, the CWU pool plays host to three different class periods during winter quarter. According to the pool section of CWU’s website, the pool is a fun environment for students to learn how to swim, improve techniques, increase conditioning and learn the process of becoming a certified lifeguard. Prior to the shutdown, the pool was open to students at any time fit for them. According to Aquatics Supervisor Debbie Nethery, the pool is now only slated for PE classes and classes specifically for swimming. Usually featuring lap swimming. “This is the first quarter since the shut down in March, that the students are able to resume their activities such as lap swimming,” Nethery said.
“A monitored numbers basis and Nethery said that she and the aquatics center have in a way, been we are allowed to have no more than 20 people in lucky with the pool at a keeping time,” NethCOVID-19 ery said. at bay. Some stu“Everydents found thing that the pool to is in the This is the first quarter be a place to water, is since the shut down in unwind after cleaned by classes. Now, the water March, that the students the only acand the are able to resume their cess to the chlorine,” pool is for Nethery activities such as lap students who said. are enrolled Nethswimming. in winery said ter quarter all stuswimming dents and -Debbie Nethery, courses or faculty are aquatics supervisor if you have still rebeen veriquired to fied with the enter the Recreation facilities Center prior wearing to entering. a mask “This is the first quarter the Recreand must continue to wear one u n l e s s t h e y a r e i n t h e w a t e r ation Center has set up and allowed lap swimming,” Nethery said. spaced out.
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With spring quarter around the corner, Nethery said CWU is slated to add a fourth class during the quarter to get more students involved. “It will be interesting to see if it increases for spring just with the knowledge they have and with the vaccine and everything,” Nethery said. Psychology major Lizz Swanson said the amenities of the pool are what attracted her to go for a dip. “The fact that it had diving boards open to the public was really cool that we got to use them,” Swanson said. According to Swanson, many of the other pools she has been accustomed to have not provided the same availability of activities, such as a diving board. “A lot of pools that do have diving boards, you can only use them for a specific time, or you had to be a part of the swim teams there,” Swanson said. For students looking to set up a time to enjoy the water, reservations for a spot can be found on the Recreation Center’s website.
College club hockey abundant in Northwest Derek Harper Staff Reporter College club hockey is abundant in the Northwest and is more popular and competitive than one might think. CWU used to have a club team up until a few years ago, but there are still places to go out and catch a game. Schools in the Northwest compete at the D2 level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Schools that field a college club ice hockey team include the University of Oregon, University of Washington (UW), Western Washington University (WWU), Gonzaga, Eastern Washington University (EWU), University of Idaho and Boise State University. A few teams such as Gonzaga and the University of Idaho play independent schedules. With the success that Oregon and Boise State have had, they’ve left the PAC-8 to explore other more competitive options. The most likely scenario for those two teams right now is to play competitive independent schedules while seeking to move up to the ACHA D1 level once other teams make the jump. Right now the closest team at the ACHA D1 level is University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) so for those in the Northwest there would need to be at least a small group of teams that make the jump together. For club teams to move from the ACHA level to the NCAA level it’s not just as simple as making the switch over an off-season. Club teams aren’t under athletics, but rather run out of their student affairs or sport club offices. So a move up to the NCAA level would require teams to be taken under athletics. EWU has been fortunate with their success both on and off the ice. However, EWU isn’t a typical club team. Travis Allen, the EWU Club Sports Coordinator and General Manager of the hockey team described their standards. These standards include name plates in the locker room
like they have in the NHL and backpacks with their name on them. “We’re extremely fortunate at Eastern to have our own facility and it helps cut the cost on some things down and allows us to have a really nice facility,” Allen said. Allen talked about how he and Marketing Director Tyler Pisani both want to make it a show because that’s how the team can bring fans in. He said to make the games feel like more than “just a night at the rink,” EWU tries to make games have the same feeling of a larger division league. “With us we try to do the lights, you know we have the smoke and the show beforehand, we have the cheerleaders and we do the announcements and we have music and we have a play-by-play,” Allen said. “I think all that little stuff adds up to give a feel of a bigger time program than what we might necessarily be, being a club hockey program if that makes sense.” A main difference between the ACHA and NCAA levels. One is the ability to provide scholarships. Since ACHA is club hockey, it can’t provide scholarships, whereas in the NCAA players can be given scholarships. For both players at the NCAA and ACHA level, academics are something players have to maintain a certain standard in. At EWU, players must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. “Really what we look for obviously is academics first because one if you can’t get into the college we can’t waste a ton of resources trying to get you there so obviously your grade point average is huge,” Allen said. “A lot of it we just want you to understand that school comes first.” Former head coach of WWU Larry MacDonald described what makes the PAC-8 special. He explained how it’s one of the most prestigious conferences and is very competitive. “I think it’s respectable, I think it’s a strong conference, it’s been around for years,” MacDonald said.
Photo courtesy of EWU Eagles Hockey
EWU strives to make its hockey games feel like a pro-level experience. MacDonald talked about why people should follow the PAC-8, especially if they attend an institution with a team. “Well I mean if you’re out here on the west coast and you’re going to one of those schools and you’re a hockey fan, why not?” MacDonald said. Current member of UW’s club hockey team, Jay Singh Brar discussed how the Seattle Kraken will help grow their brand. He explained that they’re currently in talks with the Kraken to practice and play in Seattle at their practice facility. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us if we ultimately do finalize moving to that arena,” Brar said.
Right now, the team plays out of Mountlake Terrace just north of Seattle. Brar said the team helped the Kraken with their season ticket drive and the Kraken donated money to their program. He also explained that the Kraken are letting recreation leagues play at their Northgate practice facility and how it’ll be a great opportunity if they play there. Allen said that people should get into the PAC-8 because it gives students connectability to the athletes, and they will see the hockey players in class so they can sit next to one of the guys that they’re going to go watch play. He said it’s more of that intimate feel when sitting right on the glass and seeing hockey’s “hard hitting action.”
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CWU
February 23, 2021
SPORTS
XC
2021 Photos by Casey Rothegeb/The Obsever Designed by Rebekah Blum and Meghan Salsbury
CWU hosted Seattle Pacific University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the Wildcat Winter Invitational on Feb. 20. This event was the wildcats only event of the season as a result of COVID-19 safety precautions.
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February 23, 2021
SPORTS
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The history behind Nicholson Pavilion Ondrea Machin Staff Reporter Nicholson Pavilion is known for its unique structure and hosting many events from sports to summer camps, but how it got its name is just as interesting as its design. It was built in 1959 and then was renovated in 2008 with new floors and bleachers. The building is mainly used for sport events and educational purposes. It was named after Coach Leo Nicholson, who coached the men’s basketball team from 1929-1964. Coach Nicholson had 505 career winning games and had the most wins until his son Dean Nicholson took over. They became known as the “winningest father son duo in NCAA basketball history,” Deputy Director of Athletics Gary Hyatt said. “Basketball has been really important to our community and to [CWU], we’ve had a long tradition of winning and so there’s been a lot of great games played here,” Hyatt said. The architect who built Nicholson Pavilion also built
Photo Submitted by Tyler Unsicker
Nicholson Pavilion has provided space for athletes and faculty members for years.
11 buildings just like it, but Nicholson Pavilion is the only one left standing. Hyatt said Nicholson Pavilion is “architecturally unique” because there are no weight bearing walls and wires hold up the ceiling, which allows for large workout spaces and
gives the building its unique look. Also, there are underground low voltage generators that send electrical currents up the wires to prevent them from rusting. Director of Athletics Dennis Francois said CWU has proposed legislation to remodel
Nicholson Pavilion. The remodel would combine Purser Hall and Nicholson Pavilion and would increase the seating capacity, to make it more like an arena and host university events and attract Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) state events. “When you have those types of events, it’s a great attraction for our university and impact on enrollment but also a huge impact on our community,” Francois said. According to Francois, the idea is to make Nicholson Pavilion a regular site for state high school events and expose potential students to CWU. The remodel would create more seating, enhance the performance gym, enlarge the fieldhouse and allow for two new weight rooms, one for health and physical education and one for varsity athletics. Nicholson Pavilion’s remodel is pending funding approval and once construction begins, the hope is to bring more activities and economic impact to CWU and the community.
COVID-19 testing allows spring season to be loaded with many sports
Dakaline White Staff Reporter
Heavy contact and indoor sports are classified as high-risk for COVID-19. Outdoor sports If being followed correctly, safe- with less contact are classified as ty protocols set up by the NCAA will intermediate-risk, while outdoor allow student athletes to participate non-contact sports like cross country and track in their and field are respecclassified tive sport as low-risk, this fall. according to T h i s Francois. spring will Volleyinvolve The NCAA has classified difball was fall sports originally including ferent sports into high-risk, classified as volleyball, intermediate-risk and lowa high-risk women’s sport but afr u g b y , risk in terms of [COVID-19], ter the Great soccer and basketball, football and Northwest football Athletic along with rugby are all three high risk Conference men’s and sports for us. ( G N A C ) women’s voted for the basketball, -Dennis Francois, players to which is wear masks usually director of athletics during complayed in petition, the winthe sport ter. The was moved athletes down to the are beintermediing tested for COVID-19 depending on which ate risk category. Players are recategory of risk the NCAA has put quired to wear masks during practice and while playing in games. them in. “The NCAA has classified differ- Since soccer is an outdoor sport it ent sports into high-risk, interme- was also moved from high-risk to diate-risk and low-risk in terms of intermediate-risk with no in-game [COVID-19],” Director of Athletics mask requirements. These risk categories regulate Dennis Francois said. “Basketball, football and rugby are all three high how often players are to be tested for COVID-19 while in their risk sports for us.”
championship segment. Their cordance with the general student championship segment is the time body of their university. the sport is usually scheduled to According to Francois, CWU play a season and then compete for h a s h a d a t h l e t e s i n n u m e r o u s a champisports test onship. positive for “We do COVID-19. a PCR test Once the for our p l a y e r s high-risk come back s p o r t s p o s i t i ve, We do a PCR test for our during they are to high-risk sports during their t h e i r follow quarchampiantine reguchampionship segment, once onship lations. per week, for basketball right segment, “ O n e now, we’re testing them every once per thing that week,” we have not Wednesday, PCR, and we’re Francois had in any of using University of Washingsaid. “For our sports is basketnone of the ton labs for that. ball right positives n o w , have been -Dennis Francois, w e ’ r e d i r e c t l y director of athletics testing traced back t h e m to their pare v e r y ticipation in We d n e s athletics,” day, PCR, said Franand we’re cois. “More using University of Washington o f t e n i t ’ s f r o m a r o o m m a t e o r labs for that.” social gatherings.” The intermediate risk sports Even with sports starting are tested at a different rate than f r o m a l l t h r e e s e a s o n s , n o f a n s those classified as high-risk. 25% w i l l b e a l l o w e d t o a t t e n d t h e of the program’s tier one person- g a m e s t o l i m i t p o s s i b l e e x p o nel, which includes student ath- s u r e s t o C O V I D - 1 9 a n d t h i s i s letes, players, coaches and trainers, l o o k i n g t o b e i n d e f i n i t e . are tested every two weeks with a “I’m pretty confident that’s PCR test. probably going to stay in The low-risk sports are required p l a c e f o r u s h e r e a t [ C W U ] , ” by the NCAA to be tested in ac- F r a n c o i s s a i d .
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February 23, 2021
ENGAGEMENT
Black History Month George Washington Carver - born Jan. 1, 1864, died Jan. 5, 1943
Weekly Calendar
George Washington Carver was an American agricultural scientist and inventor. He was the most prominent Black scientist of the early 20th century. While he worked as a professor at the Tuskegee Institute, Carver developed techniques to improve soils depleted of nutrients due to repeatedly planting cotton. Carver was also a leader in promoting environmentalism and received numerous honors for his work, including the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. In an era of high racial polarization, his fame reached beyond the Black community, and he was widely recognized and praised in the white community for his many achievements and talents.
Feb. 24
12:45-1:45 p.m. Free Masks for Students - SURC Table 4 3-4:30 p.m. Dr. Daudi Abe: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Principal’s Office?* 6-7 p.m. ASCWU Candidate InW.E.B. Du Bois - born Feb. 23, 1868, died Aug. 27, 1963 W.E.B. Du Bois was an American sociologist, socialist, historian, civil rights troduction Session* activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor. He was the first Black per- 7-9 p.m. Trivia Wednesday: Travel son to earn a doctorate after completing graduate work at the University of The World* Berlin and Harvard. He then became a professor of history, sociology and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was also one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He strongly protested against lynching, Jim Crow laws, and discrimination in education and employment. His cause included people of color everywhere.
Martin Luther King Jr. - born Jan. 15, 1929, died April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. was a Black American Baptist minister and activist who was the most recognized leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King advocated for civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience. He was inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi. King participated in and led marches for Blacks Americans’ right to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and other civil rights. King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and later became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance on Oct. 14, 1964. In his final years, he expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty, capitalism, and the Vietnam War.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Drive - Kittitas Valley Event Center 8-10 p.m. Performance: SungBeats*
Feb. 27
Fred Hampton was an American activist and revolutionary socialist. Hampton was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and deputy chairman of the national BPP. He founded the Rainbow Coalition, a prominent multicultural political organization that initially included the Black Panthers, Young Patriots (an American leftist organization of mostly White Southerners from Chicago), and the Young Lords (a group that fought for empowerment and self-determination for Puerto Ricans, Latinos, and colonized people), and an alliance among major Chicago street gangs to help them end infighting and work for social change. At 10 years old, he started hosting weekend breakfasts for other children in his neighborhood, cooking the meals himself in what could be described as a precursor to the BPP’s free breakfast program. In high school, he led walkouts protesting the exclusion of Black students from the race for homecoming queen and calling on officials to hire more Black teachers and administrators. Jim Brown is a former American football player, sports analyst and actor. He was a fullback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) from 1957 to 1965. Brown played football during a time when Black Americans were severely oppressed and broke through the barriers of discrimination to become widely recognized as the greatest running back to ever play in the NFL. Brown was a Pro Bowl invitee every season he was in the league and was recognized as the AP NFL Most Valuable Player three times, and won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. He founded his own production company, Ocean Productions, to encourage minority participation in movie making. He also founded the Black Economic Union (BEU), which used professional athletes as facilitators in the establishment of Black-run enterprises, urban athletic clubs, and youth motivation programs. The BEU eventually folded, but Brown took his ideas to the Coors Golden Door program and Jobs Plus. In 1986, he founded Vital Issues, later called Amer-I-Can, which aimed at teaching life management skills and personal growth techniques to inner-city gang members and prison inmates.
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CWU Observer
@CWUObserver
Biographies written by Abigail Duchow
4-5 p.m. Ethics and the Pandemic: Global Responses* 4-5 p.m. Lauren Kalman: Webinar Artist Talk* 6-7:30 p.m. Parade of Nations*
Feb. 26
Fred Hampton - born Aug. 30, 1948, died Dec. 4, 1969
Jim Brown - born February 17, 1936
Feb. 25
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Women’s rugby match vs. BYU - Tomlinson Football Field
Feb. 28 National Chocolate Souffle Day Rare Disease Day
March 1 4-5 p.m. ASCWU Candidate Info Session - Student Senate* 7-9 p.m. Monday Movie Madness: Mulan (1998) - SURC Theatre Rm 210, *
March 2 2-3 p.m. ASCWU Candidate Info Session: University Centers Campuses* 3-4 p.m. Talking Gender Series* 6-7 p.m. ASCWU Candidate Info Session: Inter Club Association
March 3 12-1 p.m. Collections Chat: Focus on Asian Studies with Professor Chong Eun Ahn* 3-4 p.m. Diversity and Equity Center Living Room* *Virtual location for online events
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