Volume 68 | Issue 6 | February 26, 2021
@cbulancermedia cbubanner.com
Film industry —
CBU clubs —
California churches —
The world of film production sees changes during the pandemic.
Campus clubs find ways to stay connected remotely.
The Supreme Court rules to allow California state churches to meet indoors.
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Magnolia Crossing wins award
Luc Stringer | Banner
Magnolia Crossing is California Baptist University’s newest housing facility, located at the intersection of Monroe Street and Magnolia Avenue.
BY LAUREN BROOKS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
On Jan. 29, 2021, Magnolia Crossings won third place for the new construction with landscaping category of the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful awards. Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful is a city-sponsored organization that has aimed to plant more trees, eliminate graffiti and litter and further city beautification since 1992. Events are held all year, bringing a total of 29,913 volunteer hours to participate in yearly. According to the official website, the awards are held annually and presented at the
mayor’s State of the City Address. The nominees are judged by a specific set of criteria. “All nominations are judged the first week of December and judges look at architectural design, landscaping, building improvements, general maintenance, screening of utilities, historical preservation, and parking lot beautification,” according to the Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful website. Joe Ojeda, residence director of Magnolia Crossing, remarked on CBU’s general architectural theme and the hard work of the upkeep staff as the reason for success. “Magnolia Crossing is consistent with CBU’s overall
Mission Revival and Spanish architecture design, which is characterized by red clay tile roofs, wood trellises, thickened walls and covered walkways,” Ojeda said. Ojeda said there are several factors that set Magnolia Crossing apart. “While I have not seen the judges remarks on the building,” Ojeda said. “I can only imagine the new building design and our facilities and grounds teams work to keep our landscape clean and manicured contributed to the award.” Mackenzie Hernandez, sophomore communication disorders major, spoke on the aspects that she loves about living in Magnolia Crossing.
“It is definitely a great place to live for on-campus housing,” Hernandez said. “It has a beautiful lobby with many TVs and lounge areas, and the study rooms make space seem even bigger.” She also touched on her favorite spots in the living complex along with the landscape. “The landscape is very uniform and looks beautiful from the outside and inside,” Hernandez said. “The back patio space is fun for grilling, hanging out and doing homework outside.” Magnolia Crossing is planning to continue further beautification projects focusing on the landscape in the future.
CBU students start their own podcasts College costs
increase as student debt crisis worsens
BY TEDDY PEÑA
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Listening to podcasts is a growing trend among college students across America in the past decade. These spoken-word specials have a spectrum of different genres intended to spark an interest for anyone. Many students have taken the initiative to go beyond listening to their favorite podcasts to starting a podcast series of their own. Students at California Baptist University who host their own podcasts say they believe that their experience with podcasting expands their worldview allows for networking opportunities and provides them with a unique creative outlet to share their voice. Allison Weaver, junior English major and host of The Locals podcast, said that the inspiration to start her podcast was ignited when she would listen to podcasts regularly during a summer internship. “I listened to a lot of podcasts when I was an intern over the summer of 2019,” Weaver said. “I would be working at my desk listening to a lot of podcasts then I had the idea that I wanted to start a podcast my-
BY SOFIA ENEQVIST MANAGING EDITOR
Photo Illustration by Luc Stringer
Podcasts are great ways to consume diverse and interesting content delivered straight to your ears. self. It was sparked by my enjoyment of podcasts but also by the fact that I wanted to meet people, whether it be meeting more people at CBU or meeting people who inspire me outside of CBU like on social media. It was sparked by my passion for people.” Jacob Cook, senior psychology major and host of the Post-Credits podcast, said that his inspiration was found from an exterior source. “I have a podcast where I talk
about movies and TV shows,” Cook said. “My barber gave me the idea, and I enjoy movies and could talk about it for a long time, so I decided to do it.” Since podcasts generally fall into a certain genre, the hosts typically express an interest in the genre their podcast falls into. Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, professor of communication and co-host of The Professor and the PIO, was inspired to launch her own podcast with her colleague, C.L. Lopez, be-
cause of their passion for communications, public relations, and media. “We both love all things media,” Pearson said. “I listen to many podcasts myself, as does C.L., and we were doing many speaking events, like speaking at different universities. We would talk to students about preparing to get out on the field and certain areas of communi-
SEE PODCASTS PAGE 7
Paying for college is an intimidating task for students and student loan borrowers. The rising cost of a college degree can often turn people away from attending universities or mean students graduating will be met with an abundance of debt. Ellen Kaminski, assistant professor of business, said the biggest problem with student loan debt is the balance of debt compared to earnings coming right out of college. “Often your first job out of college is low-paying,” Kaminski said. “If you have a 10-year plan to pay off your loans, sometimes the cost of college is higher than what’s affordable when they just enter the workforce.” According to the Federal
Reserve, the average student in America graduates with $32,731 in student loan debt, this is not counting masters or doctoral degrees. Although undergraduate debt is capped at $57,500 for students not supported by their parents and $31,000 for students who are, this does not apply to graduate or doctoral programs. Considering the average cost of a graduate program can be anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000, by the time some people graduate they will be met with burdensome loans and a median starting salary of $50,000. Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science, said the issue with student loan debt is a systemic one.
SEE STUDENT DEBT | PAGE 10
NEWS
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
THE BANNER
Clubs celebrate Black History Month
staff PRINT
Editor-in-Chief Jane Robertus
Lifestyle Editor Teddy Peña
Managing Editor
Asst. Lifestyle Editors Will Anton Hannah Tudor
Photo Editor Camille Grochowski
Sports Editor Kelly McKittrick
Asst. Photo Editor Luc Stringer
Asst. Sports Editors Adityastha Wratsangka Aiden Hobson
Design Editor
Public Relations Director Victoria Buszinski
Asst. Design Editor Emily McGinn
Social Media Manager Kaylee Elrod
News Editor Emily McGinn
Courtesy of Black Student Union Students in CBU’s Black Student Union participated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s 27th annual Walk-A-Thon in downtown Riverside on Jan. 20, 2020. BY LAUREN BROOKS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Asst. News Editors Lauren Brooks Business & Tech Editor
Alex Iannone Distribution Manager Joshua Lomelí
ONLINE
Asst. B&T Editor Luc Stringer Arts & Entertainment Editor Jackson Waldrop Asst. A&E Editors Cole Stillwagon
Managing Editor Casey Maldonado National Editor
Photo Editor Luc Stringer
Asst. Director of Student Publications Sonya Singh
Black History Month each February is a time to observe, remember and further educate oneself on Black history. Despite the restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, California Baptist University found opportunities to celebrate this month. Both Community Life and the Black Student Union (BSU) held virtual events. “Due to the virtual nature of programming at this time, we have been able to put out passive content each week through our Trivia Tuesday series,” said Taylor Altizer, assistant director of Campus Activities. “Each Tuesday, we
put out different themed trivia questions related to Black history. So far, we have done questions about the creation of the month, important Supreme Court decisions and inventions by Black individuals that have impacted American society.” Altizer also said Community Life worked on an event with BSU. The women’s basketball game between CBU and Grand Canyon University on Feb. 20 included videos about Black history. “BSU hosted a virtual watch party of the women’s basketball game against GCU where they heard from different videos highlighting CBU students and their contributions to Black history,” Altizer said. “Before this game, Community
Life handed out snack packs that had information about black history and the sport of basketball.” Jordan White, junior sociology major and BSU treasurer, mentioned some of the events that BSU has put on throughout the month. “Every single week we have done one or two events,” White said. “The last two events have been student forums for us to communicate and have those really cool or difficult conversations. Coming up, we have an event with United, another club on campus to have fun and cook together.” Kene Thomas, freshman biomedical science major, expressed her gratitude to CBU for doing its best to create
events despite COVID-19. However, she mentioned some things that could be shifted slightly for the next year. “I appreciate Community Life and the university for recognizing Black History Month,” Thomas said. “I think they did their best given the current circumstances of COVID-19. However, I do think there could be some improvements with educating people on broader topics. To know Black history is to recognize the pain, strength and resilience of my culture.” Chef It Up, the cooking event with the United club, will occur at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27. @bsu.cbu will post updates on events later in the year.
Dr. Mary Ann Pearson
Trump acquitted Theater hosts We want your help! community time in second trial Write, take photos or design with us. Email us at BannerEditor@calbaptist.edu for more information.
About
THE BANNER
The Banner newspaper is an award-winning, bi-weekly campus publication that publishes 12 issues a year at California Baptist The newsroom is located in the James Building in Room 060 and can be reached at 951-343-4787. The Banner, a student-run accurate, timely and factual reporting on life and subjects of interest or concern to its readers. Students, faculty, staff, administrators and react to published material or to comment on matters of concern. The Banner retains the right to edit your letter upon publication based on grammar and word count. Send letters to Jane Robertus, editor-in-chief of The Banner at BannerEditor@calbaptist.edu. please let us know. If a business would like to Alex Iannone at AlexanderJordan.Iannone@ calbaptist.edu.
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BY SOFIA ENEQVIST MANAGING EDITOR
California Baptist University’s theater program hosts a weekly community time for students and faculty. The event is an hour of spiritual formation that encourages students in the theater program to integrate faith with their art. Community time consists of a worship service and meetings in small groups every Tuesday. The event is mandatory for all theater majors, minors and any students on scholarship with the theater program. The student-run community time features an outreach team, recreation team, prayer team, audiovisual team and worship team. Sophia Oliveri, junior theater major, is the main student lead for community time and oversees the big picture of what community time is about. “I develop the content that we are going over each week,” Oliveri said. “During our meetings, we have a time of worship and we look at something that has to do with faith integration and discuss it in small groups after. In that time, we are really hoping people can take their identity as an artist and their faith and merge them.” Since taking over community time 10 years ago, Frank Mihelich, associate professor of theater and community time adviser, has worked to make CBU one of the premiere faith-based university theater programs in the country. “We thought about not doing it during COVID-19, but we made the decision as staff and faculty that we have to be creative (and) we cannot just hide under a rock,” Mihelich said. “As theater majors, they have to spend a lot of time with each other, and sometimes that can be good because it creates community and sometimes
that can be bad because they are with each other all the time. To actually have time to focus on community and spiritual life makes it lean towards the good. For staff and faculty, we want to take faith integration seriously and sometimes that is hard to do in class, so we have created a special time to celebrate Christianity that is represented in this school and this student body.” Brianne Jackson, sophomore theater major, is one of the student leads for community time. This is Jackson’s first semester as a student leader, and she has already seen the benefits of community time in her art. “Faith integration is a new concept for me,” Jackson said. “At community time we learn things about how God is working in the theater realm and how we can take that into our schoolwork and our shows. Community time helps shape your worldview towards Christ. At the end of the day, we are all just Christian artists coming together to learn more about Christ and theater.” Since the onset of COVID-19, 40-50 students and faculty have been meeting over Zoom for community time. Mihelich credits community time with being the reason the members of the theater program are so close. “Community time reminds us of our identity and relationship with God and, as a result, our relationships with one another,” Oliveri said. “The theater community is already so close and to be able to have a theater community that is not only doing art together but also rooted in Christ means a lot. It is an opportunity to be a witness and testimony to people in our program who do not have faith in God. There is a lot of openness about faith and conversations that would not have happened apart from community time.”
BY MISTY SEVERI NATIONAL EDITOR
The second impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump ended in an acquittal on Feb. 13. The former president was not found guilty of “incitement of insurrection” in the riot in Capitol Hill. The verdict was 57-43, with seven Republicans joining the Democrats in the final vote to convict. Despite the simple majority, 66 votes were needed to convict because of the Constitution’s requirement of a two-thirds majority. Dr. Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science, said the trial was a legitimate use of congressional powers, but this time was used for show. “Unfortunately, the trial was largely nothing more than political theater, in the sense that the conclusion was known before it began,” Porter said. “Neither side really desired an extended trial that would take a careful look at what happened on Jan. 6 and whatever role President Trump may have played in the events.” The trial occurred over five consecutive days, with each side allowed 16 hours to present and argue their cases. Darren Logan, adjunct professor of history and political science, said the trial showed the polarization of the country in unhealthy ways. “I think it does say something about the character, personality and style of former President Trump; however, I think my greater concern is what it says about the state of our country,” Logan said. “Our ordered democratic federal republic really depends upon some core shared values on the most important things, coupled with a dynamic spirit of compromise on the rest of things upon which we do not necessarily agree.” Logan said he felt conflicted about the trial because he felt there were legitimate
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Our ordered democratic federal republic really depends upon some core shared values on the most important things, coupled with a dynamic spirit of compromise on the rest of things upon which we do not necessarily agree. Darren Logan, Adjunct professor of history and political science
arguments on both sides. “On an emotional level, I found myself sympathizing with some arguments both for and against the trial,” Logan said. “For example, I can appreciate the desire to hold someone accountable for wrongs done in their official capacity even after they have left office. If not, what prevents a future leader from wrongdoing knowing they will be let off the hook once off the job? At the same time, it also seemed like impeachment, in this case, may have been used primarily as a political weapon by one party against another.” Danielle Penn, freshman political science major, said she stands by the results of the trial. “First and foremost, American democracy is essential,” Penn said. “As a political science major and one who wants to study law and one day represent this country politically, I have to stand firm that our justice system is sufficient. If trial and majority vote find Mr. Trump not guilty for impeachment, I stand behind my country’s choice.” Trump was the first president to be impeached twice by the House of Representatives.
NEWS
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
Riverside opens vaccine site
NEWS Briefs
BY MISTY SEVERI NATIONAL EDITOR
To help speed up the vaccination process for Riverside residents, the city of Riverside opened its first major vaccination clinic Jan. 30. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have been on a downward trend nationwide in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This trend is also present in Riverside county and the state of California. In a partnership with Curative, a biotechnology company, the city of Riverside has injected approximately 450 shots a day since the opening of the clinic, according to Phil Pitchford, city of Riverside’s public information officer. “It has been a great cooperative effort between the city, which set up the site; Curative, Inc., who administers the shots; and the County of Riverside, which supplies the vaccine. We have been very encouraged by the way that Riversiders have embraced this approach,” Pitchford said. “Curative has been extremely professional and a great partner. They have dramatically increased the
BIDEN’S IMMIGRATION PLAN
Elijah Hickman | Banner The new vaccine site is located in a parking lot north of the Riverside Convention Center. amount of testing we have been able to do, and are still providing testing at many sites around the City of Riverside.” The city is currently administering the virus to those who fall within the Phase 1A and Phase 1B tiers, and people aged 65 and older. Those who fall into these tiers include healthcare workers, long-term care residents, agriculture and food workers, education, childcare and emergency service workers. James Martin, a Riverside
resident over the age of 65 who received the Moderna vaccine, said the process was smooth and efficient. “I had no problems, the staff was friendly and, from the time I checked in for my appointment until I was injected with the vaccine, it was smooth sailing,” Martin said. “I had to wait a couple of minutes once it was administered, but everything went well.” Rebecca Tucker, senior creative writing major, said she thinks it’s important that everyone be vaccinated.
“COVID-19 is a very real and serious threat, and in taking the vaccinations, people are ensuring not only their own safety, but also the safety of others they come into contact with.” Because of the vaccination schedule, college students are not allowed to receive the vaccine unless cleared by a medical professional due to an underlying or dangerous condition. Students who do meet the criteria for the vaccine can receive it starting March 15.
Local churches open indoors BY EMILY MCGINN NEWS EDITOR
The Supreme Court ruled that California cannot ban indoor worship services in a 6-3 decision on Feb. 5. This decision was in response to the state’s earlier prohibition of indoor worship services in counties in the purple tier, the category with the most restrictions in the state’s four-tier system for reopening. Before the court decision, church services could only occur outside or virtually. “According to the concurring opinion of Chief Justice Roberts, California failed to present a clear scientific justification for banning all indoor worship services,” said Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science. “Roberts was skeptical that a ban on indoor worship, no matter the size of the building or attendance, could be justified by the evidence that California presented.”
The case, South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Gavin Newsom, ruled that the state cannot prohibit indoor services, but it can place capacity limits on the services to 25% normal capacity and limit singing and chanting. Porter said the decision will allow worshippers to return to indoor services and exercise their rights, but some concern remains regarding whether or not this shift could spread COVID-19. However, since capacity limits and other restrictions aim to reduce close contact between attendees, he said churches can take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. “I am inclined to think that restrictions on capacity can be more easily justified than blanket bans,” Porter said. “The dissenters brought up an important constitutional issue; that is, that churches are now being treated more favorably than venues like movie
theaters, which have similar risk profiles for the spread. But capacity limits take into account possibilities for social distancing that outright bans do not, and thus they strike me as a prudent course of action. The Court is ultimately correct on the point that we must consider constitutional rights when weighing appropriate public health measures.” In response to the decision, some California churches have reopened for indoor services. For example, The Grove Community Church now offers two indoor services in addition to an outdoor service and livestream each weekend. The church requires preregistration, social distancing, masks and a limited capacity. Taylor Mowers, junior psychology and preoccupational therapy major, attends The Grove Community Church and attended one of its new indoor services.
“I think that when people are searching for a church that they can call home, they base some of their decision off of the feel of services,” Mowers said. “People tend to choose what they are comfortable with, and indoor services are an essential way to decide that for sure. Even though COVID-19 is still definitely around, the church is doing a great job being careful.” Hannah Lee, freshman film major, attends Antioch Church in Riverside, which she said has begun to offer indoor services. “An essential factor in the church is fellowship and you lose a large connection when you are outside,” Lee said. “The weather is a factor, but most important is the connection achieved when the congregation is together under the same roof, bringing unity.” Porter said the decision could affect future decisions regarding the power states have during the pandemic.
Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders to initiate his administration’s new approach to immigration. These orders have rescinded many of former President Donald J. Trump’s immigration actions, including funding the border wall. Biden’s executive actions also aim to provide legal ways for people seeking asylum to enter the U.S., according to The White House website. Other executive actions have focused on making paths to naturalization for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
MARS LANDING The National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) announced that their rover, Perseverance, landed on Mars on Feb. 19. Unlike past rovers sent to explore space, This rover transmits color photographs back to NASA, and it sent pictures documenting the successful landing. The rover has several cameras, including navigation and science cameras, to help the rover navigate and take photographs of the surroundings. Perseverance will complete astrobiology research on Mars and will be the first rover to collect samples that will be collected by subsequent spacecraft and brought to Earth for research.
PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT The U.S. officially rejoined The Paris Agreement on Feb. 19 after former President Donald J. Trump completed withdrawal from the agreement officially in November 2020. This agreement, signed originally on Dec. 12, 2015, by 196 nations, outlines the goal of reducing global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by limiting the emission of greenhouse gases. The agreement operates on a five-year cycle in which participating countries set climate action goals that become more ambitious each cycle, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website. Biden plans to establish 2030 emission goals by April 22.
MODERNA • Received emergency use authorization from the FDA on Dec. 18. • It is an mRNA vaccine. • Recommended for administration to people 18 or older. • Requires two shots administered four weeks apart. • Mild or moderate side effects are common. These side effects include pain, redness and swelling in the arm and chills, fatigue and headaches. • Some people have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that is treated with epinephrine. If a person experiences a reaction, he or she should not get a second dose. • The vaccine is 94% effective in preventing COVID-19. • The vaccine must be refrigerated when in storage.
ON & JOHNSON S N H O J
PFIZER-BIONTECH • Received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Dec. 11. • It is an mRNA vaccine, meaning it inserts mRNA that codes for a certain protein into the body. The protein triggers an immune response to produce antibodies, which protect the body against COVID-19 infection. • Recommended for administration to people 16 or older. • Requires two shots administered three weeks apart. • Mild or moderate side effects are common. These side effects include pain, redness and swelling in the arm and chills, fatigue and headaches. • Some people have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that is treated with epinephrine. If a person experiences a reaction, he or she should not get a second dose. • The vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. • The vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures.
COVID-19 VACCINES
• Announced submission of an application to the FDA for emergency use authorization on Feb. 4. • It is a viral-vector vaccine, which uses an altered version of another virus to bring instructions into the body. It causes the cell to produce a protein from COVID-19, which triggers an immune response. • Requires one shot. • The vaccine appears to be 66% effective in preventing COVID-19, but it is 85% effective in preventing severe cases. • Zero deaths or hospitalizations occurred in the trial 28 days after administration. • The vaccine must be refrigerated when in storage. *Information according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Emily McGinn | Banner
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
A collection of past Banner articles showcases California Baptist University’s history of celebrating Black History Week and later Black History Month.
Ways to learn more about and celebrate Black History Month Books
Films & TV Shows
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Self Made - Netlix
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Hidden Figures - Disney+
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Selma - Hulu
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Soul - Disney+
The Truths We Told by Kamala Harris
13th - Netflix
Ella Baker & the Black Freedom Movement
Just Mercy - HBO Max
Resturants & Businesses in the Inland Empire Johnson’s Garden Back to the Grind Coffee Shop The Under Chiefs Urban Eats Dhat Creole Grill Grams Mission BBQ Forum Blues Cafe Hilltop Jamaican Restaurant Dirty Penguin Coffee Co. Sweet Dough Cafe
Harrington Hair Lab Just Kweenin (Soy Wax Candles & Jewelry) BijouxLou&Co Bohemian Blooms Stone Sweets Skool Boiz Meetch Business (Barber) Hour X Hour Bath Co. Vital Pomona (Gift Store)
Find more at https://www.theartlands.org/black-owned-business-ie
VISION
February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
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Q&A with Dr. Krystal Hays
Assistant Professor of Social Work & Program Director, Doctor of Social Work
Q
How do you feel the celebration and acknowledgment of Black history has shifted since you were a child? When I was a child Black History celebrations were much more active. We had parades, class presentations, special projects, etc. I don’t believe current generations understand the importance or the value. However, we do see more media and corporate acknowledgement of Black Heritage. It would be nice to see more families, schools, and communities engage in learning about and celebrating Black Heritage.
is it important that Black history is learned and Q Why celebrated? Black history is American history. We can’t fully understand or appreciate everything we enjoy now without a deep understanding of what it took to get us to this point in time. The history of the Black experience also highlights the amazing grace of God and demonstrates the power of faith and God’s unending love for his people; especially those who are oppressed and marginalized. have any Black role models who are prominent figures in your life? Q Do you Most of my role models are people in my life who inspire me to live my purpose and provide a model for me to follow. Although mentors can be come from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, there is something important about seeing someone do great things who looks like you. My mother, Ph.D. adviser, grandparents, and close friends have all been mentors in my life.
Q What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of obtaining my doctoral degree. At my graduation luncheon I gave a thank you speech, and in it I mentioned that my great-grandmother’s grandparents were enslaved in this country. To think that the sacrifices and perseverance of so many generations of Black people paved a way for me to accomplish such a high honor is humbling. I pray that my children will seek to do even greater things and exceed their ancestor’s wildest dreams.
Understanding the colors behind Black History Month Green represents growth and the natural fertility of Africa.
Black represents the race.
Red represents both the blood shed by Africans who died in their fight for liberation, and the shared blood of the African people.
LIFESTYLE
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
Accountability pushes students to stay motivated BY WILL ANTON
ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR Accountability is an essential part of social development. As people mature, they develop an expectation that friends, family and significant others will be there to help guide and encourage them. This is primarily through the process of being transparent and fully honest with one another. There are different avenues that require people to be accountable for one another, ranging anywhere from the professional world to the church altar. Students at California Baptist University learn about accountability in a variety of ways, and each has its own intention and function. Brayden Walker, freshman computer science major, said he believes accountability is a
personal decision that requires initiative and follow-through. “The process of being held accountable mainly surrounds the concept of trying to live up to your own word,” Walker said. “When you hold up your end of the deal, it shows that you are a person of your word and are capable of being trustworthy and dependable.” Aside from a social view, accountability can also be held in a religious connotation. People who hold the same beliefs are able to keep each other accountable according to how their actions and words line up with what they claim to believe. The need for accountability within the church has been present since the birth of Christianity, initiated by the instruction of Paul, who was only echo-
ing the greater command of growth and maturity in all of Christ. Accountability groups the participants who open their can be found in almost any heart to learn from one anothchurch in the current age, and er.” Accountability also has a most serve their purpose well. large role to play Megan Hom, in the professionsophomore raal world. Without diologic science accountability, major, said she business deals believes accountbetween comability is an espanies would sential part of the potentially Christian life. collapse, envi“Accountabilronmental reity is an essential Brayden Walker, strictions would part of our spiritual walk, particuFreshman Computer go completely unchecked and larly as Christians Science major business ethics because we need would run the our brothers and sisters to count on when we en- risk of being ignored. Additionally, if a business atcounter problems in our life,” Hom said. “For instance study- tempted to function without acing the Bible together fosters countability, it could be in dan-
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Being held accountable mainly surrounds the concept of trying to live up to your own word.
ger of collapsing from within. For example, if upper management was not held accountable to the employees (and vice versa), then communication would fall apart, and some employees may their work. Dr. Marc Weniger, professor of business, elaborated on how accountability works within a professional setting, by using the illustration of a manager and their employees. “In almost all instances, managers have to be held accountable to their employees,” Weniger said. “They have to hire correctly, train correctly, and supervise correctly in order to maintain a healthy work environment. If one of these objectives is not carried out correctly, then the responsibility and consequences fall heavily
on the manager. Accountability, in this instance, must work from the top down.” Accountability is believed to be capable of building and sustaining strong relationships, even if it requires an openness to others in ways that would sooner be resisted than embraced. Additionally, it is needed today more than ever. The vast amounts of information and misinformation - that can go largely unchecked causes mass confusion. Numerous students at CBU believe the practice of accounability in many conexts is effective. There is hope, and that hope can be found in restoring transparency and sense to how we interact with each other through the reintroduction of accountability.
Students pause from work to recharge, rest and recuperate BY TEDDY PEÑA
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Photo Illustration by Luc Stringer | Banner
A CBU student takes a mental break from her work by reading and drinking tea.
Stressing over classes, struggling with deadlines and dealing with sleepless nights. These are all real situations in which college-aged students find themselves. Finding time to intentionally rest and let the mind take a break from the pressure of academia has been said to be helpful for students at California Baptist University. The practice of resting and relaxation has been described as important because, without downtime, students and faculty alike have said that they would feel overwhelmed. “We can all get overwhelmed when we get busy or don’t know exactly what the future holds,” said Tyler Cox, director of Recreation Programs. “It is important that we taking some time to rest when we are feeling overwhelmed.” Students often have additional commitments outside the classroom. This makes finding intentional resting time even more difficult because they struggle to find the time to simply wind down and take a moment to disconnect from external responsibilities. “Finding time to rest during the week can become extremely difficult when you are not only a full-time student but also a worker who needs to make enough money for rent, groceries and other things,” said Cali Steffens, junior environmental science major. “However, I do try to take mental health breaks throughout the day to either stretch, do yoga, nap and even just wind down and watch TV. Even with a busy schedule all of those activities can take as little as 30 minutes and they give me
a chance to rest and recharge between school, homework and work.” “Two things that are my non-negotiables for me are exercise and friend time,” said Kirsten Sommer, junior nursing major. “I always make sure to wake up, work out, shower, brush my teeth and get ready for the day. It really helps me to unwind. With friends, even in the midst of a hectic week I always make sure I at least see one friend and get food together or something to recharge and reconnect.” CBU Recreation is making the effort to stay as engaged with students as they were pre-pandemic. Cox elaborated on the ways Recreation Programs is staying up-to-date with students alongside their academic and professional careers. “There are multiple virtual events that are happening this semester,” Cox said. “We have a virtual 5k, 10k or our NBA Pick’em contest. We also have several Esports that students can sign up for at intramurals. calbaptist.edu. They include Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, MLB the show and NBA2k 21. Our Rec Rentals shop is open for students to rent outdoor equipment like snowboards, hammocks and surfboards. All reservations must be made online at https://calbaptist.edu/campus-recreation/ outdoor-adventure. We are also having trivia contests on our Instagram where students have a chance to win prizes, @cburecreation. We are posting different workouts and nutritional information every week to help keep students healthy.” Steffens said her time away
from work and school is beneficial because it leaves her feeling motivated and even happier. “When I effectively take time to rest, I always feel much more motivated and even happier,” Steffens said. “When my life is consumed with my schoolwork it seems to seep into other areas of my life as well and just gives me a lingering feeling of stress. Finding a good balance of work and rest overall leads to me simply being happier.” Sommer described her rest time as an opportunity to reset and refocus on the work she needs to get done. “Rest helps me reset and refocus,” Sommer said. “Resting helps me feel refreshed and ready for schoolwork and whatever else may be pressing me.” Lancer Wellness, an eightpart chart that can be found at calbaptist.edu/campus-recreation/online-resources, exists for students to balance their wellness in different subcategories: medical, spiritual, social, career, physical, emotional, nutritional and academic. Cox explains that this chart exists so students can have a healthy, balanced approach to wellness. “The main goal is to have a balance,” Cox said. “A lot of times people will focus on just one or two aspects of wellness. Our hope is that with the proper tools our students will be able to establish a balanced approach to wellness.” Wellness, rest and time away from work and school have been called beneficial for a multitude of reasons. Students work with deadlines and assignments all semester long. CBU Recreation is established and eager to assist students in their journey with wellness.
LIFESTYLE
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
CBU clubs continue amid pandemic
BY TEDDY PEÑA
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Clubs at California Baptist University play a key role in the student culture of the community on campus. Ever since the beginning of virtual learning, campus clubs have had to follow suit and meet virtually, not in person. This has presented a unique experience for all clubs as they do their part in keeping students safe. Taylor Altizer, assistant director of Campus Activities, explained that clubs are staying safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “At this point, clubs are still operating virtually, so they are remaining COVID safe by hosting virtual events,” Altizer said. Campus clubs have become creative in how they approach a virtual format. Mary Shanks, senior liberal studies major and president of the Disney Club, elaborated on how the club has adapted to a COVID-safe arrangement. “We went from weekly
movie nights to meeting once a month,” Shanks said. “This spring we are incorporating more interactive virtual events and trying to add some movie nights in to bring together our fellow CBU Disney fanatics.” Shania Martin, senior sociology major and president of United Club, said that they have had their own experience with creating a pandemic-conscious space in United club. “United has adapted to the pandemic by putting all our meetings online,” said Martin. “We have had scavenger hunts, movie nights, and are planning a collaboration with the black student union later this month - all have been over Zoom.” According to Altizer, resilience is key when it comes to running a club on campus. Club presidents have done an outstanding job at staying flexible during a turbulent time for the CBU community. “The club presidents at CBU are some of the more creative and resilient leaders that I have
seen in my professional career,” Altizer said. “It is easy to be discouraged when you can’t meet in person and are having to virtually engage with people who might already be experiencing virtual fatigue. The club presidents have risen to the occasion and have put on creative and engaging events.” Hosting club meetings and events is a new challenge that has never been dealt with before by CBU club presidents. Shanks explained what challenges the Disney club is facing during the pandemic. “It is really important that our meetings be a time of relaxation and friendship between Disney fans,” Shanks said. “With CBU being mostly virtual we have to work hard to find ways to make our meetings and events not ‘just another Zoom,’ instead we still want members to enjoy their time with our Disney Club community.” Martin stressed that a larger challenge for clubs is to also find the motivation to engage with
TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED WITH ONLINE CLASSES Set small and attainable daily or weekly goals for each class. This will help limit getting overwhelmed if you go into each week knowing exactly what you need to accomplish. Using the reminders app or sticky notes can help to keep track of progress throughout the week.
Use a physical or digital planner that can help you stay on track throughout the day. Schedule times to do homework, classes, and seeing friends. Creating reminders of due dates and having a visual representation of your day is a great way to stay organized.
1. SET GOALS
2. CREATE A SCHEDULE
Since going online, it has been harder to connect and form relationships with classmates. Try interacting with friends through FaceTime or Google Hangouts. It is a great way to keep your spirits up and connect with friends.
3. GET SOCIAL Treat yourself to coffee or a fun dinner after a week of hard classes. Recognizing achievements can help you to stay motivated and keep a positive attitude.
5. REWARD YOURSELF
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help improve your academic performance by investing time in yourself. Eating healthy, exercising and getting plenty of rest will keep your brain sharp.
4. STAY HEALTHY
*According to http://learnmore.uncg.edu/blog/6-strategies -to-stay-motivated-while-learning-online
Leave Emily McGinn | Banner
extracurricular activities. “I think the biggest challenge is keeping people excited and engaged,” Martin said. “If you think about it, our whole lives have moved to be online. The boring things are online and so are the fun things, which makes it hard to find the motivation to stay on a screen any longer than we have to.” Club turnout was one of the concerns shared by club leaders. Altizer explained how club turnout has stayed steady, with some differences from when clubs were meeting in-person. “What has been a surprising find from this season of virtual programming is that clubs are reaching a wider audience because students who are further from campus can participate in ways they were not able to before,” Altizer said. “On the flip side, there are clubs whose activities require in-person participation, so those clubs have been experiencing less participation. I would say that club turnout has been relatively
Podcasts
Continued from Page 1
Inspiration can be drawn from many places for podcast hosts to continue their passion for the projects to which they devote time. Both Weaver and Cook said that some of their inspiration for their podcasts comes from listening to other podcasts. “I listen to so many podcasts,” Weaver said. “I love the ‘Real Reel’ by Natalie Barbu. I feel like we have a similar format for our podcasts and I would say she was the biggest influence for me to start my own podcast.” “My inspiration comes from other podcasts like ‘Armstrong and Getty’ and the Ron Burgundy podcast,” Cook said. “I just want to make my show funny and interesting.” Cook said his favorite part of hosting a podcast is the opportunity he has to be his authentic self and talk about his interests. “I enjoy just being able to be myself,” Cook said. “I get to make jokes and talk about things that I enjoy and I like seeing that others enjoy it too.” Podcast-making provides the host with the opportunity to
similar to what it was last year when you take into account the increases for some and the decreases for others.” Shanks said that students would enjoy joining CBU’s Disney Club because there is joy to be had after a difficult year. “I believe that Disney Club is the happiest club on campus,” Shanks said. “It is a great place to find community with students who have a similar love for Disney. The past year has been rough for many and our goal as a club is to give CBU students a place to find joy.” Martin said that CBU’s United club exists to be a safe space for students amid facing a heavy global climate. “Students should join United because we are a nice, welcoming, safe space for everyone to be themselves,” Martin said. “We welcome and invite people of all grades and backgrounds to join us in having a good time because the climate in American society is really rough right now, and we want to provide so-
lace for everyone really feeling the weight of that.” Throughout the course of virtual learning, Community Life has been supportive of all CBU clubs and welcomes those who feel disconnected. “Through this time, community life has been supporting club presidents by training them as well as we can, being available to troubleshoot any club struggles, and to elevate their social platform by sharing posts through our main Community Life Instagram,” Altizer said. “Clubs are student-run and staff-supported, so if you are feeling disconnected and do not know where to go, clubs are a great way to get involved. The club presidents are your peers and they get it. They know how you are feeling because they are going through it too, which makes them highly motivated to foster community. You can sign up for a club on InsideCBU, but most of our club information is going to be found through personal club Instagram pages.”
talk to people they would have otherwise never thought they would be able to connect with. For Pearson, one of her favorite aspects of having a podcast is the ability to make those connections with a diverse group of people. “You can reach people from all across the globe,” said Pearson. On our podcast, we have had interactions with people from Russia, Paris and more. I
Weaver said. “For example, I get to see who I follow on social media and decide to have a conversation with them. It is awesome to have a platform to amplify voices that may not have an outlet to speak their mind.” Starting a project that requires commitment and time, like a podcast, requires investment. Weaver said that it is good to be patient, invest both time and money and keep yourself accountable. “It is going to take time,” Weaver said. “It is smart to invest in equipment. I had to save for a good microphone that I love to use for my podcast episodes. Also, stay consistent with your podcast. If you want to have a co-host, make sure you know your co-host is always going to be there for you. If you want to have a solo podcast, make sure that you keep yourself accountable.” Pearson had specific tips for anyone who wanted to start their own podcast. “It is so important to do your research,” Pearson said. “In public relations, the RPIE model is research, planning, implementation and evaluation. Explore what others are doing in your genre of interest. Create your own space within the area you want to specialize in.”
“
It is awesome to have a platform to amplify voices. Allison Weaver, Junior English major
like the idea that anyone anywhere can be exploring and listen to us. I have learned so much from my students about podcasts and I love hearing what they love to listen to as well.” Podcasts allow for a community to flourish digitally. For Weaver, her favorite part of having a podcast is connecting with others and allowing different voices to be heard through her podcast. “I love that I can network,”
DIY clay earring trend rises during summer 2020 BY ANNA CHILSON CONTRIBUTER
Polymer clay earrings have been around for years, but it was not until recently that the pieces began to trend across social media. As people around the world sought out quarantine hobbies, clay earrings just so happened to be a top contender. Rachel Bolinger, sophomore international marketing major, was inspired to start creating homemade jewelry when she visited her grandparents this summer. As she watched them both find joy in creating homemade items she wanted to find that same sense of enjoyment in a creative outlet. As she began researching trends she quickly happened upon polymer clay earrings. “I found lots of people starting to use clay as a creative outlet to process everything going on,” Bolinger said. “There were lots of videos about how to start, the process, and different styles that we’re trending. Some of my favorite styles were 3D designs and the stained-glass effects.” After watching a substantial number of YouTube videos Bolinger took the plunge and hasn’t looked back. Now months later, her creative outlet has turned into “Marie Jo-
cale,” her own small business she runs from her bedroom in Japan. “While the trend hasn’t quite caught on in Japan yet, I can see that is slowly shifting,” Bolinger said. “I hope to still be here when polymer clay makes its way into the markets and hopefully be on top of it.” Ally Creed, California Baptist University alumna, has a similar story behind her small shop “Clayed by Al.” About a month into quarantine Creed began making clay earrings with the intention of keeping them for herself and giving some to friends. “Before I knew it, my friends and family were complimenting them and telling me I should sell them,” Creed said. “I had so much fun making them that I thought why not? I’m going to be making them anyway so if there is anyone who would want to buy them, great. I didn’t expect anyone to actually buy them, though, but before I knew it, it became something, and that was a ton of fun.” As the polymer clay jewelry industry continues to grow so does Creed’s small business. When asked if she felt compelled to keep up with the particular trends within the clay making community, Creed said
she finds one of the best parts of being one of many people who make clay earrings is the individuality behind it. “Every shop has different styles that stay true to the maker,” Creed said. “I never strive to make earrings that are ‘trendy’ because, for the most part, every style can pass as trendy. Each different piece can add so much personality and help bring something fun to the mundane quarantine life. A huge mood booster.” While many people have taken this quarantine hobby and converted it into a small business, other individuals have strictly found a passion for creating on their own time. Faith Hyden, senior psychology major, said she found that creating clay jewelry was not only a fun skill to learn but is something that is able to challenge her in a healthy way. “There are always new styles and designs to try and experiement with, which keeps the hobby interesting and makes sure that there is something for everyone’s unique taste,” Hyden said. “People are drawn to the look of clay jewlry and how simple and minimalistic it is. They are really good statement pieces without being too distracting.”
Courtesy of Rachel Bolinger
Rachel Bolinger, sophomore international marketing major, hand makes clay earrings and sews masks that she sells as part of her small business @mariejocale on IG.
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PERSPECTIVES Feburary 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
CBU celebrates Black history in pre-pandemic campus activities
!
% Artist’s Statement
What inspired me to create this piece was Black History Month, especially Black women and women’s rights. We’re still really fighting for our rights and our respect and so when I saw Rosa Parks’ chapter in the book, “Women,” I just knew I had to create something with Black women, so I took a page out of her chapter and I feel like I just retold her story as if I were rewriting history. I’m proud of my lineage. I do come from a very strong line of educated Black women, women who have fought cancer and fought for their education. They also paved the way for me to continue my education at CBU. My Creole blood inspired me to create this piece dialoguing how our voices matter and how much respect women deserve. I’m asking the viewer to think and see what could be different, especially in America. Are you going to stand up?
$
"
1. Michael Nelder, 29, of Los Angeles reads a poem he wrote about his experiences with growing up biracial at the CBU Black History Month Celebration on February 21, 2019. 2. At the Black History Month Celebration on February 21, 2019, Community Life staff set up a table of pictures and biographies on important figures in the Black community. 3. A black-out poem created by Jordin Bella, sophomore art thearpy major, that reads: “WOMEN, black women, ignored his demand; walking all night, tired of giving in; trying to save the soul of America. Are you going to stand up?”
#
4. Jordin Bella, sophomore art thearpy major, cuts out photos from a magazine to add to her black out poem collage piece in honor of Black History Month. 5. Patricia Ssebakijje, Brina Russell, Miranda Hald and Ausjulae Mercadel pose together during a shoot on September 24, 2019 that focues on the significance of one’s natural hair in Black culture.
Photos by Elijah Hickman, Kia Harlan and Phillip Ndowu
SPORTS Men’s water polo succeeds
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
BY AIDEN HOBSON
Los Angeles to host Super Bowl BY ADIT WRATSANGKA ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR The California Baptist University men’s water polo team has started its season receiving a No. 7 ranking from the Collegiate Water Polo Association. According to the CBU Athletics website, “California Baptist University men’s water polo built on its best-ever preseason ranking by securing the best ranking in program history.” The CBU men’s water polo team was ecstatic about the rankings, with coaches and players excited about the rank that their team received. “I’m very pumped to be ranked as high as we are, the team competes hard every day and we deserve it,” said Zachary Lowery, senior engineering major and captain of the CBU men’s water polo team. “It’s exciting that we’re in there (in the top 10.) It shows the work that the guys have done to be ranked that highly,” added Kevin Rosa, head coach of the men’s water polo team. After the news broke about the CWPA rankings, the CBU men’s water polo team went on to dominate some of its ranked opponents. CBU split its series of games against No.6-ranked Loyola Marymount University. After
The men’s water polo team during a game against UCLA in Septemper of 2018. losing the first game of the series, CBU came back with two consecuitve wins and lost the final game against LMU. “LMU is a strong team and good competition. It will be a battle with them until the end of the season,” said Lowery. “I’m very excited we get this opportunity to play and represent CBU weekly.” Rosa said he believed his team played well despite the loss. “We played really well, it looked like a mid-season level defense out there,” said Rosa. The CBU men’s water polo
team has worked hard to maintain its top-10 ranking. The team has picked up wins against ranked opponents such as the Air Force Academy and other Western Water Polo Association conference opponents such as Fresno Pacific University. The team has also battled against high-ranked opponents like No. 5-ranked Pepperdine. Due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the men’s water polo team has had to adapt to safety restrictions and schedule changes. According to the CBU Ath-
Elijah Hickman | Banner letics website, while the team was away at the Air Force Academy, one of their scheduled opponents pulled out of a game, causing the Lancers to play the third game against the Air Force Academy. “It’s a day-by-day process. To look too far into the future can sometimes be daunting. We’re focusing on the here and now because we know we can’t control the future,” Rosa said. The team will continue competing with games against Air Force and Pepperdine in the coming weeks.
While the heat surrounding Super Bowl LV was still burning, it was announced that Super Bowl LVI will be held in Los Angeles. L.A. was supposed to host the 2021 Super Bowl LV, but construction delays in Inglewood caused the need to relocate the event. “The NFL coming back to L.A. wasn’t just about a team or two playing some home games,” Casey Wasserman, chairman of the host committee, said to the Los Angeles Times. “It’s about all the other things that could bring to the city, the community, and the region. Maybe there’s never been a better time to talk about hope, optimism and recovery, having the Los Angeles Super Bowl come on the heels, hopefully, of the coronavirus pandemic.” In the 2021 matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on Feb. 7. The meeting of up-and-coming quarterback Patrick Mahomes and veteran Brady was the main attraction of this match, where Brady and Buccaneers ended up taking home a big win. “The Buccaneers’ defense was really the key in their win,” said Hunter May, freshman undeclared major and National Football Leaugue fan. “The Chief’s penalties on defense helped the Bucs get a really good lead in the first half.” May said that once Brady is able to get a lead and the momentum in a Super Bowl game then it is over for the other team. Fans discussed the Buccaneer’s major win, with some even blaming the referees. However, May said the Chiefs were not playing their best. “Patrick Mahomes did everything he could but if your wide receivers don’t do their job and catch passes in crunch time,” May said. “This was the first time I’ve seen the chiefs play so poorly and get stood up in the past three years.” The last time L.A. hosted the event was the Rose Bowl in 1993. To California native, May, L.A. hosting the Super Bowl does not mean much to him unless the Seahawks make it to the championship. Super Bowl LVI will be held in SoFi Stadium at Inglewood, Calif., in February 2022.
Athletics takes precautions for pandemic travel BY AIDEN HOBSON
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Courtesy of @cbuwomensgolf
The women’s golf team finish in fourth place after traveling to The Valley International at the Bakersfield Country Club.
California Baptist University’s athletics teams have been crisscrossing the country for competitions. The safety and wellbeing of the student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff are a top priority. CBU has instituted safety measures at its own facilities. “Following guidelines from state and local public health officials, California Baptist University athletics has announced a series of safety protocols that will be in place at the Lancer Aquatics Center,” according to the official website for CBU Athletics. “The 2021 seasons for men’s water polo, women’s water polo and swim/dive will begin without spectators in attendance. Furthermore, the men’s water polo, women’s water polo and swim/dive programs will adhere to NCAA and conference guidelines, policies and procedures, including
COVID-19 testing protocols, while also operating in alignment with state and local public health officials.” CBU has focused on maintaining the safety of all those involved in athletics competitions, while also allowing their student-athletes to compete at the highest level possible. “I honestly don’t think there has been a difference between traveling during a ‘normal’ year and traveling during COVID,” said Ian Bennett, junior history major and member of the men’s swim and dive team. “The only thing I could have thought of was being conscious of what you’re doing, the COVID testing and wearing your mask.” As the different sports teams have been traveling, they’ve been focused on staying safe. “Yeah, (the athletes) are doing all the appropriate safety protocols,” said Brandon Seagondollar, head coach of the CBU STUNT team. “We’re being extremely safe, during every
measure possible to keep the athletes safe there, their health is our number one priority. The athletics staff has done a great job organizing all that. And the same with the administration being able to work through these crazy times. But the school has done such a great job of allowing us to be able to travel and putting these protocols in place for safety.” The CBU Athletics Department has been working with the various sports teams to coordinate testing, temperature checks and other safety measures for athletes at both home and away competitions. “I think COVID-19 has greatly affected my mindset during competition. With all of the testing, it has affected our training which in turn affects how we compete,” Bennett said. Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 restrictions, CBU student-athletes are all traveling safely and training, to compete at the highest level.
SENIOR highlight
NAME:
Ashley McBay
MAJOR: Marketing PROUDEST PLAYING MOMENT:
“My sophomore year playing at the University of the Pacific, we put an infielder who had never played outfield into left field. I was playing center and she was freaking out a little, not really knowing what to do, and she asked me in a joking way what to do if the ball got hit over the fence. I was like, ‘Oh if it’s hit over the fence, just stick your glove up and jump and hope for the best.’ Well, that inning a ball got hit over the fence and she did exactly as I said and ended up robbing a home run for the third out, which as an outfielder is easily one of the coolest feelings in the world.”
SPORT:
Softball
POSITION:
Center field
PANDEMIC THOUGHTS: “Honestly CBU softball has been pretty unfazed by the pandemic and we’ve played pretty normally, just praying we get in as many games as possible this season.”
FAVORITE TEAM BONDNG MOMENT: “Just spending time with the team, day in and day out, is so much fun. We do a lot together, but some highlights have been going to Big Bear for the weekend and trips like that.”
Courtesy of Athletics
Ashley McBay, senior marketing major, hits a ball while up to bat during a game on Feburary 13, 2021.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CBU MEMORY: “Going to Hawaii freshman year and island hopping all our games.”
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
Student prepares to release debut EP BY JACKSON WALDROP A&E EDITOR
Jacob Holcomb, sophomore applied theology major at California Baptist University, has been writing music since high school. He used his love for music and strong emotions create his debut EP “Noyeaforsure,” set to be released on March 12. Growing up in Portland, Oregon on ‘70s folk and rock such as The Eagles and James Taylor, Holcomb now takes inspiration from names like Frank Ocean, The 1975 and John Mayer to create his own unique style of indie/alternative singer songwriter with themes of vulnerability and processing emotions. Holcomb played orchestra violin through middle and high school but started playing ukulele and writing music with friends. This caused him to see music as an outlet for processing different feelings and emotions, teaching himself guitar. He fell in love with it and hasn’t stopped since. Starting each song with just him and his guitar, Holcomb always wanted to release his own music but did not have that final push until he showed his good friend Jacob Gallegos, who produces and releases his own music some of his work. “We were working on some worship stuff because we go to the same church back home,” Holcomb said. “He was showing me some of his stuff and asked if I had anything so I showed him some of my songs and he was like, ‘Is this for a project?’ and asked if I wanted to bust it out while I was home over winter break, so we went to work.” Holcomb and Gallegos recorded the whole EP in Gallegos’ bedroom. Holcomb doing
all the guitar and main vocal layers and Gallegos doing drums, piano and some harmonies. Gallegos shared about his relationship with Holcomb and their creative process. “Our relationship grew with a passion for writing some sick tunes,” Gallegos said. “I remember one Tuesday afternoon listening to some of the ideas that Jacob had put together and thinking, ‘wow, this guy’s got a talent.’ So, naturally, I had been pestering him to record his stuff from then on. It wasn’t until Jacob came back from school for a month on winter break when we finally started laying some tracks down.” “The recording process was very casual,” Gallegos said. “Generally, Jacob was in charge of the creative aspects of the project, while I attempted to make the creativity come to life.Ultimately, we came to an indie-acoustic type feel with electric guitar and piano sentiments. I’m very stoked at how it’s turning out and think it sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to bump the tunes on a hot summer day with the windows down, possibly crying.” “There are four songs on the EP, and they were all written within the past four months and the emotions that came with that time,” Holcomb said. “These songs are all about the same time in my life and go together very well and speak into one another.” These songs on this EP expands a range of emotions that Holcomb was feeling and processing through last semester and winter break. Feelings of loneliness and reacting to parts of life and plans not working out, partly because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a feeling a lot of people can relate to and
understand. They were feelings of rejection and responses that left him saying “Noyeaforsure.” This was the inspiration for the title of this EP and the songs behind it. “It was a season of waiting and not knowing what I have or what I am gonna have and just sitting there feeling that way with everything,” Holcomb said. “I felt like that with all realms of my life.” Holcomb said he hopes people will be able to hear and latch onto this project and has plans for more projects in the future. “I’m stroked for this,” Holcomb said. “I think it will jump start me to be more motivated to keep releasing music. Especially if this project is received well, but even if it isn’t, this is my nudge to start doing it. I also have some plans for this summer. Even if no one listens to it — I want them to, obviously — but it is just fun for me. I will continue to write and continue to record when I can and I know what I want to start working on when this is done but I’m playing by ear and just figuring it out right now.” Mike Contreras, sophomore applied theology major and Holcomb’s roommate, shared his thoughts about Holcomb and his music. “Jacob is a super creative dude and he’s been writing for a long time,” Contreras said. “I am so excited that he is releasing his first EP. It’s super special getting to listen to him play the guitar and write in our room, and now I get to hear it come to life in this EP. I personally love the songs on this EP and I hope everyone can take a listen.” “Noyeaforsure” will be available on all streaming platforms in March. This EP is close to Holcomb’s
The official art for Jacob Holcomb’s upcoming EP called ‘Noyeahforsure’. heart and he said he has loved making it and hopes listeners will love it too. “Give it a shot — you might
like it,” Holcomb said. “It might add some songs to your playlist. And if you don’t like it, that’s OK. More than anything,
Courtesy of Jacob Holcomb
however it’s received, I’m just stoked to do it. It was a great process and I just love making music so much.”
Disney announces Legacy Passes Students reflect on history of WooFest
BY COLE STILLWAGON ASST. A&E EDITOR
The Disneyland Resort announced it would be offering a new membership program to honor current members’ loyalty. The Resort announced on Jan. 27 it would be rebranding its current membership program, retitling all current annual pass holder members as Legacy Pass holders, offering new perks and events. The California theme park announced earlier in January that it would be “sunsetting” the traditional annual passports in hopes of creating new membership offerings once its future of opening was more exact. While the park’s future is unknown, the resort wanted to treat its loyal fans to exciting new offerings and events in the coming month. The Disneyland Resort president, Ken Potrock, said in a statement: “It’s incredibly important that we recognize this group as our biggest fans, our most important fans, and a group that we want to make sure we are putting our arms around and really showing them love.” An exciting offering and event were announced for the coming months at The Downtown Disney District to kick off their redesigned program: a special 30% off at select merchandising stores in the Downtown Disney District and newly expanded Buena Vista Street. The discount is available to all Legacy Pass holders Monday through Thursday. Amy Wenger, junior interior design major, shared her thoughts about the announcement. “My first thought when I heard about the new legacy
BY COLE STILLWAGON
ASST. A&E EDITOR
Kelsie Stevens | Banner
Looking out from the top of Tarzan’s Treehouse in Disneyland, guests can get a view of the new Disneyland park Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. pass was that the Disney Company was trying to make up for the disappointment that they knew all pass holders would have when their annual passes were canceled,” Wenger said. “A lot of us had hope that Disney would one day open up again and we could go running back to Disneyland with our annual passes.” Accompanying the discount is an exciting new shop for “Star Wars” fans. The new store will be at the location previously held by The Rainforest Café. The store will offer
exclusive merchandise previously only available inside the park at Disneyland’s “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” and other classic merchandise from fan’s favorite “Star Wars” films and shows. In November, Disneyland officials announced the reopening of Buena Vista Street inside of Disney’s California Adventure. The expansion allowed guests to enter select parts of the beloved theme park, adding to the already opened Downtown Disney. Tyler Doench, junior mar-
keting major, also talked about his excitement for the new opening. “I have gone to the parks a few times since the Legacy Pass came into play,” Doench said. “And I loved being back at the parks, even if it is just for dining and shopping. Plus, the discounts are nice, as well.” As The Disneyland Resort pushes towards reopening parks in the future, they are taking steps to value loyal customers, who put them in a successful position.
A time for wooing and impressing is now just a thing of the past. A moment that we hopefully see in our future. Woo Fest is traditionally held in Feburary every year and is hosted by California Baptist University’s Residence Life staff. What started as a small event in 2009 inside the Alumni Dining Commons has now become a packed house full of students at Riverside’s Fox Theatre for the thirteenth year in a row. Hundreds of students sit in awe of their male classmates as they perform dances and entertaining acts to win over their hearts. As this ongoing tradition has become a favorite event for many students, it is considered one of the highlights of the year at CBU for many. Although Woo Fest may not be around this semester, students can look forward to the possibility of a reunion in future semesters. One of California Baptist University’s favorite events was not held this spring due to COVID-19 despite many hopeful students waiting in anticipation of a semi-normal school experience. Unfortunately, due to another semester of online classes Woo Fest was among many other annual events that were not able to happen. Brock Mickley, senior business administration major and resident advisor, spoke on the importance of the event. “The original point of the event was to give guys the opportunity to “woo” the ladies,
but it is entertaining for anybody who attends,” Mickley said. “It gives us an excuse to dress up and go hang out with friends and watch our peers show off their talents, comedy, or whatever else.” With the cancellations of in-person learning also came the cancellations of many of California Baptist University student’s favorite events including Midnight Madness, The Festival of Colors and most recently—Woo Fest. Phillip Cuneo, sophomore health science major, discussed why he loved going to Woo Fest his freshman year. “I loved how the acts were all good and how everyone was so supportive,” Cueno said. Cueno also said he is anticipating when events such as Woo Fest come back to campus life. “We are all looking forward to when the events come back,” Cueno said. While some students look at how the pandemic has affected this school year negatively, some are grateful for the little things. Ramah Shirey, junior worship arts and ministry major elaborated on her gratitude. “It has been a huge blessing for me to be on campus this year, but it does feel weird without all the fun events that normally take place,” Shirey said. As CBU considers the future, in-person classes are scheduled to resume in the Fall of 2021. Along with in person classes there are hopes of the continuation of safe events for students.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
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CBU alumna hosts virtual creative conference BY KELLY MCKITTRICK SPORTS EDITOR
Creative design company The Shift Creative is offering a virtual conference on Mar. 20 showcasing influential businesswomen from a variety of fields as they offer advice and insight to building a successful company. Ashley Dirksen, senior graphic design major, works at The Shift Creative as their art installation coordinator under CBU alumnus Alexis Andra. The Shift Creative has helped create event installations for big brands and names. Dirksen helped the team install a butterfly room for the launch of Kylie Jenner’s new makeup collection and her daughter’s birthday party. The team also works to promote product launches for brands creating
pop-ups and interactive displays for clients. Dirksen said the virtual conference is her biggest accomplishment, as she led this project from graphics on socials to installation. “For this conference, I really am just involved with more of the behind-the-scenes stuff, helping our graphic designer to pump out graphics for social media, for ads, for all of that kind of content virtually,” Dirksen said. “I was able to design the backdrop that we did myself and then I was like the lead builder on it. And then I got to sit in front of that backdrop and do an interview with a big influencer by myself. And so that whole process from start to finish and just taking the lead has been such cool opportunity.” Andra said the whole goal of
starting The Shift Creative was to use art to reach people. Now this virtual conference will impact people by allowing them to learn more about starting a business. “It has also allowed me to think about how art is used to reach people,” Andra said. “I love creating meaning behind the work we produce in order to prompt its viewers to an action or cause them to stop and think.” Although the virtual conference was Dirksen’s idea, the whole team was involved in helping see the idea come to fruition. “This was my idea that kind of came to life. For sure it has been one of the cooler, most proud moments I’ve had,” Dirksen said. “Alexis can do all of this herself, but for her to trust
me and to give me the opportunity to be able to grow and to be able to learn through experience and to be able to apply it all is super cool.” However, Dirksen said she recognizes the installs are what sets The Shift Creative apart from other design companies because the interactive element impacts the people experiencing and interacting with them, but also the clients themselves. The users could vouch for the installations’ impact. Cameron Butler could be found on Instagram under The Shift Creative’s tagged photos and said she went to an open call for photographers to take pictures with a Valentine’s Day installation. She said the installation inspired her as she hopes to open her own party planning business.
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I love creating meaning behind the work we produce in order to prompt its viewers to an action or cause tem to stop and think. Alexis Andra, CBU alumnus and owner of The Shift Creative
“Photo ops are always great to have, and installations always help with that,” Butler said. “They’re fun, unique and inspiring because people at parties especially love photo ops
to help document their time at the party with friends and loved ones. It also doubles as big décor.” For anyone like Butler, who wants to make design their profession or learn more about starting a business, The Shift Creative’s virtual conference could be a great way to get involved. “I’m sure that there are many college students who, even if they’re not studying business or entrepreneurship, would be interested in starting their own business or having a side hustle,” Dirksen said. “And the virtual conference holds much valuable information for college students.” Tickets to the virtual conference cost $39. Lancers can learn more or sign up at @theshiftcreative on Instagram.
Film industry changes during COVID BY JANE ROBERTUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
While the ongoing pandemic has undoubtedly changed how life functions in many different areas, whether this be personal, business, or day-to-day interactions, one area that has been heavily impacted is the entertainment industry. The film production industry, in particular has had to adapt to COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing regulations, as have both scripted television shows and the reality TV industry. Michael Eaton, professor of film at California Baptist University, said the extent of these changes has affected nearly every aspect of how the industry now functions — or does not function. “The main impact has been
the economic devastation for the workers and their families, not just in the entertainment industry but throughout many industries worldwide,” Eaton said. “The forced global shutdown of economic activity for many months has impacted not just the entertainment industry workers themselves but many of the support businesses that engage with the entertainment industry in many ways, including distribution and exhibition.” Eaton normalcy within the film industry could return as soon as the end of 2021 if all goes according to plan, but the changes due to COVID-19 could make permanent changes to the way the industry functions long into the future. “There are some shifting
sands that were already trending before the pandemic, such as the shift from the exhibition sector to streaming. It’s still unclear how or if lost revenues from movie theater exhibition will be realized in streaming, but as I said that trend was already impacting the industry before the pandemic,” Eaton said. “The global appetite for filmed entertainment in whatever delivery medium, such as streaming, will remain strong throughout many cultures of the world well into the future.” Eaton also said that another area of the entertainment industry that has struggled during the pandemic are movie theaters. However, there is still hope for these establishments. “I personally believe that many people will again want to see
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COVID-19 is affecting the ways the films industry holds, shoots and puts out film. Gabrielle Flores Senior film studies major
movies in theaters with fellow audience members and that the supposedly dead drive-in movie theater sector might be an economic opportunity in some communities,” Eaton said. Gabrielle Flores, a senior film studies major, said that COVID-19 restrictions in the film industry have extended
into her life as a film student. “I was looking for a summer internship in 2021 and they canceled a majority of them. It’s affected my ability to learn as I am a very visual and hands-on learner, as well as the opportunity to do some shoots for my portfolio,” Flores said. Flores also had insights into how specific jobs within the industry are being hit harder than others. “COVID is affecting the ways the film industry holds, shoots and puts out films,” Flores said. “For example, they are releasing them straight to streaming services or drive-ins. A lot of people in the industry, such as grips and camera operators, can’t get work so they are finding alternative ways of income.” Torrin Diaz, senior film pro-
duction major said that one of the main ways the pandemic has impacted the industry is through distribution methods. “I think COVID-19 has solidified streaming services as the main mode of consuming media in everyday life. I have no doubt that there will be a huge rise in content being made for and distributed on streaming platforms,” Diaz said. “But as we move on from this pandemic, I hope and believe movie theaters will thrift as they offer us the unique opportunity to enjoy cinema within our greater community.” Considering the impact the pandemic currently has on the production side of the industry, it will certainly also impact the way audiences interact with film going forward.
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BUSINESS & TECH
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
CBU career fairs to be hosted online this year BY JASMINE SEVERI
BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR California Baptist University hosted its annual Spring Expo career fair online Feb. 17, with 60 employers from a wide range of career opportunities for students of any major in attendance. There was a wide selection of employers in attendance from many fields, from the FBI to ChildCare Careers, from churches and groups looking for people to help spread God’s word, such as Saddleback Church and Frontiers, plus healthcare employers such as Silverado who specializes in caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and many more. Heidi Jackson, recruiting supervisor at Silverado, said students can find job opportunities with their company even if they did not expect their field to cross over with it. “I have talked to people who are art therapy majors, psychology majors, business administration and public health,” Jackson said. “That’s the beauty with us; there are so many fields and disciplines that can filter into the long-term care industry, but really to be successful in it, you just have to have that heart and that love.” Lisa Birle, intern pro-
gram minister for Saddleback Church, said one of the benefits to the fair being online is knowing people are in that session specifically for that company. “I think one thing is that people who you connect with at the fair (online), they have to sign up in advance to get a slot with you, so you know those people have intentionally sought out to hear more about your organization,” Birle said. “I feel there is a level of intentionality to that. I want to honor their time and be able to share about our church with them, and I know they are specifically interested in Saddleback.” Wendy Torres, freshman communication science and disorders major, said she went the three sessions, one for Saddleback Church, one for the Red Cross, and one for ChildCare Careers and found something that interested her. “I found the ChildCare Careers one interesting,” Torres said. “I expressed interest and I got a code for an application to apply.” Lisa Singer, associate director of employer relations at CBU, said they have had to cut back on the number of employers at the fair to keep it organized online, but they still have a wide selection available. “The Spring Expo as with
Kengkue Her | Banner
Caleb Lee, senior marketing major, prepares to attend the Spring 2021 CBU Virtual Career Fair Expo online through a Zoom link from the comfort of his own dorm.
all of the fairs that we have has transferred from being live to virtual. Normally we have about 110 employers. For the virtual, we can’t do as many, but we had 60 different employers attend virtually.”
Singer said she thinks Handshake, the company they used for the expo and their other events, has been very accommodating. “I think the software system that we use has been outstand-
ing,” Singer said. “They have accommodated the students, the employers and the universities. Most universities throughout the nation use Handshake, and they’ve done a great job pivoting from the in-person fair to
the virtual.” Students interested in the remaining fairs can attend the Education Fair March 3, the first annual Architectural Fair March 4 and the Healthcare Fair April 7.
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CBU hosts business competition for students after cancellation in 2020 BY LUC STRINGER
ASST. BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR
The Annual Business Plan Competition at California Baptist University has returned in 2021 in full force after being canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Students from every major are invited to join by March 8 for a chance to present their plan in Innovators Auditorium come April 8. Last year, the unexpected arrival of a global pandemic threw universities across the country into disarray and the Jabs School of Business canceled all plans to hold the competition that year. Yet Nolan Gouveia, department lead for Entrepreneurship, said the coronavirus will not majorly affect the event this year. Initial submissions will be gathered online, and final presentations will follow governmental social distancing guidelines. “I don’t think it’s going to change the competition too much,” Gouveia said. “It will take a little more initiative. It will push the students that are serious about possibly starting a business.”
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(The plans) must have enough detail, but also enough simplicity that it doesn’t get too crazy Nolan Gouveia Department lead for Entrepreneurship
Students will not have to brave this project alone. They can enter the competition as a team, working together to create their business. Teams are paired with faculty that act as counselors throughout the planning process. Participants will be judged by a rubric, and Gouveia said there is no one aspect of the plan that is more important than another. “It is hard to pick any once piece of a business plan — it’s more to make sure that whatever is in the student’s mind can be fleshed out and explained to somebody else,” Gouveia said. “It must have enough detail, but also enough simplicity that it doesn’t get too crazy.”
Corban Murray, sophomore international business major, said he is considering joining the competition. His dream is to run a gym overseas as a missionary outreach. “It gives me the perfect opportunity to combine my two passions of fitness and my faith,” Murray said. “Regardless (of ) if a reward is received, students should still submit their business ideas so they can receive advice to get closer to their dreams.” Aaron Kooistra, sophomore engineering major, said he would love to join the competition if he can find the time. He wants to create a GPS hair clip for women’s safety. “Young women everywhere are targeted for sexual slavery and kidnapping — and criminals are smart enough to get rid of their phones,” Kooistra said. “A hair clip could easily go undetected and give especially young girls a chance to be found if they go missing.” Students who dream of one day running their own business should consider entering this competition. It is an invaluable way of practicing real-world business skills.
Student debt
Continued from Page 1
“The crisis goes well beyond wiping existing debt off the books,” Porter said. “Systemic-level reform is needed. For instance, federally subsidized student loans make it very easy for many students to obtain loans, regardless of their future ability to repay the loans. Easy access to loans means that the cost of college increases because students can pay more since they have easier access. Thus, an almost unbreakable cycle develops due to these various systemic causes: college gets more expensive, debt increases, ability to repay decreases because job prospects often do not match the debt burden from loans. Of course, the complexity of the problem means that true solutions will prove enormously difficult.” Due to COVID-19, a student loan emergency relief plan was put in place for students, borrowers and parents. The Office of Federal Student Aid implemented suspension of loan payments, stopped collections on defaulted loans and dropped interest rates to zero percent as of March 20, 2020. These measures have been extended multiple times
and currently are in place until Sept. 30, 2021. Along with the suspension of payments, members of the Democratic Party are urging the Biden administration to cancel $50,000 in student debt per borrower, saying it will help to boost the economy. “Conceptually, I do not think that forgiving student loans is an adequate solution to the current crisis unless it is paired with other reforms to prevent the crisis from simply reoccurring in the future,” Porter said. “There’s also an ethical question of personal responsibility — is it fair to forgive student loans when the loans were willingly entered into and the risk of debt willingly assumed?” “However, wiping debt off the books now, while beneficial to the current crop of indebted borrowers, would not be a long-term solution unless we figured out ways to prevent the crisis from happening again (by) dealing with the cost of college, the economics of job market, etc.,” Porter said. Kaminski is still paying off her student loans and encourages students to pay something toward their loans bit by bit. “Don’t wait to pay off your loans,” Kaminski said.
Not paying student loans is one of the more detrimental things to not pay on time. Ellen Kaminski Assistant professor of business “Not paying student loans is one of the more detrimental things to not pay on time. The effects on your credit of not paying student loans can haunt you for a while. Just pay something. If you can’t, call and get a new payment plan.” Austin Romito, CBU alumnus, said he is currently paying off his student loans and being debt-free has become his No. 1 priority since graduating. “I am very thankful the government has decided to issue interest forbearance on loans,” Romito said. “I’ve decided to take full advantage of that and the money I have set aside for my loans I have now invested into the stock market. As long as my loans do not have any interest I intend on growing my cash through investments until those debt payments are due.”
BUSINESS & TECH February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
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PPP changes help small businesses BY MISTY SEVERI NATIONAL EDITOR
President Joe Biden recently announced new policies that expand the criteria of those who can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program. The new policies are aimed at helping small businesses and minorityowned businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. The first step is a 14day window beginning Feb. 24 until March 9, where businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for the PPP loans. The administration is also making the application process easier. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, minority-owned businesses are more likely to struggle to get necessary loans and fear permanent closure. The new policies are intended to help those struggling businesses stay afloat. The new policies have contributed to the discussion revolving around whether the PPP can allow race to play a factor in who gets approved for a loan. Dr. Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science, said these new policies are similar to ones already in existence in Oregon, which have faced some legal challenges. “The Small Business Association currently has special assistance programs for businesses owned by economically or socially
disadvantaged individuals, so it would be interesting to see if this program would face any legal challenges, or if it will be similar enough to currently existing SBA programs to pass constitutional muster,” Porter said. The criteria will help noncitizens who are in the U.S. legally, small business owners who have committed nonfraud related felonies and business owners who became delinquent on their student loans. Lillian McConnell, junior political science major, said expanding the criteria to cover those who have committed felonies hurts the liberties of law-abiding citizens. “There are consequences of committing a crime that you carry for the rest of your life. This exists so people think about the crime before they commit it,” McConnell said. “If you take away some of those consequences, it harms those who are not breaking the law.” Biden said the intention of these changes is to help those who were unable to get relief before. “When the Paycheck Protection Program was passed, a lot of these momand-pop businesses got muscled out of the way by bigger companies who jumped in front of the line,” Biden said in a press conference Feb. 22. The program is set to end in late March. So far an extension has not been announced.
Courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr
Joe Biden speaking with attendees at the 2019 Iowa Federation of Labor Convention hosted by the AFL-CIO at the Prairie Meadows Hotel in Altoona, Iowa.
EA Sports to bring NCAA game back BY JASMINE SEVERI
BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR EA Sports has announced that it is bringing back its college football video game NCAA Football for the first time since 2013. Daryl Holt, EA Sports vice president and general manager, announced to ESPN that the company will be bringing back much-anticipated game, though it will not be back in 2021, but sometime in the future. Although the game has been very popular, it is not without its controversy. Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame University vice president and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics, said in a press release that the university is not signing on to let EA Sports use its information until details have been worked out regarding whether the college football players featured will receive payment. “Notre Dame Athletics welcomes the return of EA Sports College Football, a
video game series that has historically helped promote interest in college football,” Swarbrick and Rohr said in the press release. “Notre Dame will not, however, participate in the game until such time as rules have been finalized governing the participation of our student-athletes. As those rules are developed, it is our strong desire that student-athletes be allowed to benefit directly from allowing their name, image and performance history to be used in the game.” Preston Rice, senior architecture major, said he played and enjoyed the game back in 2013, but added that Notre Dame makes a good point when it says the real players involved should be compensated for being featured in the EA game. “The teams should be paid for it,” Rice said. “They’re putting out sponsors, they are representing their school, they’re playing for their school, and some people
NCAA Football 12, a college football video game was released on July 12, 2011 for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. can’t pay for college. … (They are) putting in the work, so if you were to represent that and getting money from it, it would be a good sponsorship and promote the players better.” In the middle of a pandemic, EA Sports will be bring-
ing its game back to possibly a bigger audience. More people staying inside as a result of the pandemic has caused a spike in esports and online gaming. Allison Weaver, junior English major, is an intern for the Riverside County Office
of Education in the Educational Technology Department, where she hosts esports competitions for schools in the county. “We found that through this season of COVID-19, there has been such a hype, like a spike, in students gam-
Courtesy of Flickr Images ing, so I think that’s why a lot of students are turning to esports,” Weaver said. A release date for the new NCAA Football has not been announced yet, but students should watch for the announcement as they continue to work on it.
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SPORTS
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
STUNT starts strong BY KELLY MCKITTRICK SPORTS EDITOR
California Baptist University’s newest STUNT Team enters the cheer world with a point to prove despite facing COVID-19 challenges affecting the team dynamic. Brandon Seagondollar, head STUNT coach, started at CBU by helping coach the seven-time national championship cheer team. Moving into a head coach role of a new team, Seagondollar said he feels pressure to maintain the successful legacy of the program. “The pressure of being head coach is really me wanting to develop them as athletes. The pressure of the athletic portion is being successful,” Seagondollar said. "As long as the girls do their best and as long as I do my best, then we will be successful. They put in the work, day in and day out. They grind, they’ve learned their routines, they’ve learned what they needed to do and they’re ready to go.” Memory Reardon, senior early childhood studies major, said she believes the team puts a lot of pressure on itself to do well. “There is a little bit of added pressure being a new team, but I believe it comes from us girls. We are all competitive and want the best for our program. If we can start off our first year strong then that will set the tone for the years to come,” Reardon said. “And I believe we will have a winning record. Coach Brandon has made sure that we are prepared for anything that may be thrown our way.” The team had an unconven-
tional start to its first season as COVID-19 canceled a lot of first games and events. COVID-19 added to the normal trials of building a new sports team. Seagondollar said the pandemic slowed down team bonding but made the team prepared for any obstacle it may face in the future. “Usually we get together over summer; we get to know each other. We’re able to do some team bonding things, more team activities," Seagondollar said. "And that’s been put on hold due to COVID-19. Because of trying to abide by safety protocols and just still being able to keep the athletes safe. But one thing that COVID-19 has done has built us up to be prepared for anything to happen. We have now learned to not stress about the things we don’t have control over and put it into God’s hands.” Vanessa Copeland, junior kinesiology major, said that despite any pressures the team is very excited to compete and has still managed to bond during the pandemic. “Our team dynamic is unique but very genuine,” Copeland said. “Because of COVID-19 we have had to miss out on a lot of regular team bonding events we would have had, but any time we do get to spend together is very organic and genuine.” The team beat Vanguard 18-5 at home on Feb. 17 and Concordia 17-8 away on Feb. 19. The team remains undefeated in its season so far. STUNT is eager to prove itself as a vital part of the cheer program this season at CBU and demonstrate their ability to achieve that goal.
Reagan Lee | Banner The CBU STUNT team performs a variety of lifts during its inaugural home competition against the Vanguard University Lions on Feb. 17, 2021.
SPORTS briefs MEN'S BASEBALL
With The CBU men’s baseball team season commencing this week, the Lancers started off strong in their season opener against the Pepperdine University Waves. The Lancers came in as the underdogs and won two out of the three-game series against the Waves, who are ranked No. 33 by collegiate baseball and favored as the West Coast Conference Champions for this season. CBU baseball will continue into the season with a 2-1 start and enter a four-game series against the Saint Mary’s College Gaels on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.
SOFTBALL The CBU softball team opened the University of Northern Las Vegas Desert Classic with a win over the Pac-12 Univeristy of Utah woman’s softball team 5-3. The Lancers performed well in game one, but in game two against University of Nevada, Las Vegas, after some delays, the Lancers were only able to get enough momentum for four hits and the Rebels six, resulting in a loss for the CBU women’s softball team 0-2. The Lancers now set their eyes on the Stanford Invitational, and to prepare, CBU will host its first home game against California State University, Fullerton.
MEN'S SOCCER The CBU men’s soccer game scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, was rescheduled due to the severe weather conditions that arose in Texas. The team started its season strong, defeating University of San Diego 4-1, on Feb. 16. The Lancers are scheduled to play the The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in Irvine, Calif.
Members of the women's swim team get ready to dive into the water during a competition on Feb. 5, 2021.
Photo Courtesy of Athletics
Athletic cancellations persist in uncertain spring season BY ADIT WRATSANGKA ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
This COVID-19 season has been a bizarre experience for most sports team, but the most prominent uncertainty is in competition cancellations. California Baptist University’s swimming team has had six cancelled meets this season, not counting ones pushed back or postponed. Most of those meets were scheduled for the fall season. “It’s a completely different season,” said Rick Rowland, head coach of men and women swimming and diving. “Traditionally we have a couple of invitational meets in the fall which were canceled. We also traditionally compete against California State University
Bakersfield, but they decided to cancel their whole season.” The swim team only started competing last December, despite having started training in October. Christian Meyer, junior sports psychology major and long-distance swimmer, said the meets that they usually have provided the kind of training that they needed to improve upon and that having their mid-season meet cancelled changed how the team trained. “Usually we would back off on practice intensity for some meet. Instead, this year, we would go hard all the way,” Meyer said. Rowland said the key to facing uncertainties is to keep the team in the loop and maintain a positive tone.
“We hold team meetings every day to keep the team ready for what’s to come,” Rowland said. Having scheduled meetings keeps the team prepared for sudden changes. “Having meets suddenly canceled does not bother me too much because we kept preparing for different scenarios,” Meyer said. “Although it is a bummer that I have my mind already in race mode and then have them suddenly canceled.” The women’s basketball team has also had problems with canceled matches. Despite that, the women went strong and performed one of the best seasons in the history of the program. Jarrod Olson, head coach of women’s basketball, gives all
the credit to the players for being adaptable to the situation, which brings the promise of accomplishing the team’s season goal. “Our goal is to win the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) regular-season championship, The WAC tournament and also qualify for a postseason tournament,” Olson said. Olson and the women’s basketball team accomplished their first goal last weekend when they won the WAC championship with their 20th win in the season. The women’s swimming team finished its season Feb. 20 in fifth ,with Isabella Rhodes, senior civil engineering major and IM swimmer, finishing first in the 200-yard individual medley.
OPINION LANCER ON THE STREET
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February 26, 2021 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
What is your favorite streaming platform?
Steven Kish
Tyler Myer
Cheri Long
Kristine Johnson
Lillian Harmon
Freshman Mechanical Engineering Major
Senior Mechanical Engineering Major
Senior Liberal Studies Major
Freshman
Freshman Business Administration Major
“It’s between Netflix and Disney Plus, but Netflix just barely wins because of variety.”
“Disney Plus, because I really enjoy all of their Star Wars TV shows.”
“Netflix even though it’s slinking away. It does still have a lot of good shows.”
Pre-nursing Student
“YouTube, because it has a wide platform and I get the most off of it.”
“Netflix, because it has a lot of options and I feel that it’s good for friends and family.”
The Oscars do not always show the best films
BY JANE ROBERTUS EDITOR IN CHIEF
For years, one of the ways of defining cinematic achievement has been through awards and their ceremonies, most iconically, The Oscars. The first Oscars awards show was held in 1929, in the early beginnings of the film industry’s Hollywood
boom. This year, the 2021 Oscars will undoubtedly look different due to the ongoing pandemic and the halt in much of the film production world. However, it will mark the 93rd year of the award show’s run. Although the tradition of awards shows is a long-standing one, many have questioned the relevance today. The Academy Awards have found themselves in the middle of debates and social movements, including the #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo movements, particularly as corruption within the industry was brought to light in recent years. The process of nominating a film, actor, filmmaker or aspect of production (such as sound, editing, etc.) involves collecting ballots from members of
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who are all filmmakers or other film professionals who cast votes based on films from that year. If a candidate or film that is eligible for an award receives a number of votes above the predetermined “magic number” of votes needed to qualify, that candidate or film receives a spot as a nominee. One major difficulty that presents itself with any awards show, but particularly is prevalent in The Oscars is the fact that film — like all other forms of art — is largely subjective. Placing labels on works of art and saying one is “the best” when compared with others is limiting and can foster close-mindedness within any industry.
Post-pandemic life will not be the same as life before the pandemic
BY SOFIA ENEQVIST MANAGING EDITOR
It can be hard to wrap our minds around the “new normal” that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. It can be even more difficult to imagine life after the pandemic. One thing for sure, things will never be the same as they were before. Regardless of restaurants opening back up or returning to in-person classes. The pandemic has changed so many aspects of life for so many people. Some individuals will be coming out of the pandemic without a family member in their lives, some have had to adapt to a new career because of unemployment and others will never be able to go into a crowded place again without fear of getting sick. Whether the effects of the pandemic on one’s life have been emotional, physical or mental, life post-COVID-19 will not be the same as life preCOVID-19. The effects of the pandemic and events experienced during this time will carry over into what we consider the “new normal” of life postCOVID-19. As a way to reflect on the good that happened during the pandemic, I did a deep dive into
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Whether the effects of the pandemic on one’s life have been emotional, physical or mental, life post-COVID-19 will not be the same as life pre-COVID-19.
articles about positive events during 2020. One of my favorite finds was from a Washington Post article written by the editorial board. “We learned to appreciate the selfless dedication of nurses, orderlies, doctors and other health workers who risked their lives to save ours — and the selfless dedication of truck drivers, grocery stockers, farmworkers and so many more who risked their lives to keep the economy from collapsing.” This is one great example of lessons learned that we can carry with us into 2021 to embrace the changes caused by the pandemic. While we can work hard to create a “new normal” it will never mirror the society we once knew. However, I firmly believe that this is for the best. Outside of COVID-19, America has experienced some of its most earth-shaking, boundary-pushing, what-the-heck moments during the past year. We must take the lessons learned and carry them into post-pandemic life grateful to be here to experience it. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught me many things but one of the main lessons I will
be walking away with is the idea that life is so much more than the everyday life we are experiencing. At the start of the pandemic, it was easy to feel hopeless and lost trying to navigate all the changes happening. It felt like the end of the world when school was suddenly canceled and we had to pack up and go home. However, through this, I learned to appreciate life at home and the new quality time I was given with my family. The chaos produced happy memories and allowed me to enjoy some much needed time in my home town before graduating. When the fall semester came, I was at a crossroads of whether or not I should return to campus or stay home. Long story short, I decided to stay home and head into the unknown of college online. Reflecting back on that time, I am so grateful for the time I spent with my family during the lockdown. Being back on campus for the spring semester has been a great opportunity and solidified the idea that there is a season for everything. Focusing on the positive aspects of the pandemic has changed my perspective of my time away from campus and allowed me to feel content with the season of life I am in. While I cannot wait for post-pandemic life to begin, I understand that life before the pandemic will not be the same as life after. Too much has happened, good and bad, that cannot be changed. So, as we continue into this new year, I challenge you to reflect on life in the pandemic and ask yourself, “What will I carry with me into life postCOVID-19 and what will I leave behind?”
The debates sparked among film viewers and critics surrounding nominations and awards from The Academy demonstrate that everyone has a different idea of what qualifies a work of art — in this case, — film, as better than other works of art. In the case of The Oscars, a consuming and high-profile awards show and process, oftentimes, the films chosen do not necessarily reflect an accurate representation of what many may feel are the best films of the year. According to an article by Alissa Wilkinson from Vox, “The awards are an expensive (an Oscar campaign can cost upward of $10 million) and grueling exercise; they suck up all the conversation around mov-
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Although the tradition of awards shows is a long-standing one, many have questioned their relevance today.
ies for a good six months of the year; and they tend to reflect not the best movies of the year but the movie-est movies.” As spectacle and “largerthan-life” cinema begin to infiltrate the world of film, smaller but just as thought-provoking and impactful films, filmmakers and actors/actresses might get pushed to the side. In a 2018 article from the LA
Times, writer Jeffrey Fleishman acknowledged the blindspots The Academy often has when choosing what films qualify for the awards. “The Oscars live in a tricky no-man’s land between the real and the imagined. They aspire to be topical but are careful — some would say timid — in what they choose as a cause and how they offend, especially amid our nation’s acrimony and divisions.” Taking all these factors into consideration, it is important for people to recognize that while The Oscars remains a prominent and distinguished awards program, they should not be the end-all-be-all for what constitutes a good film or what qualifies someone as the best actor or actress.
Justified anger can help fuel necessary changes in society
BY LUC STRINGER ASST. B&T EDITOR
“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” Yoda’s famous quote from “The Phantom Menace” quickly became a widely-accepted adage after the “Star Wars” prequel hit screens in 1999. When I threw a tantrum as a kid, I remember what my belligerence would receive: “Dear, what did Yoda say again?” from an exasperated mother. As a kid, it was a golden truth. At 21 years old, I think Yoda was wrong. Anger is a powerful tool. It was anger that drove millions to protest with the Black Lives Matter movement last year. Public anger at the atrocities of World War II catalyzed the United States to fight Hitler. Interestingly, it was anger that caused Jesus to trash the Temple in Chapter 21 of Matthew. Our ultimate role model, overturning tables and banishing vendors? Jesus’ actions exemplify a theo-philosophical concept called “righteous anger.” It is the idea that sometimes, anger is justified — even right. Matthew Henry, an author and minister in the 1600s and early 1700s, wrote a popular
six-volume commentary on the Bible, where he explains: “The great Redeemer appear(s) as a great Reformer, that turns away ungodliness… The abuse was buying and selling, and changing money, in the temple. Note, Lawful things, ill-timed and ill-placed, may become sinful things.” Henry details that the antagonists of Matthew 21, the vendors in the Temple, were defiling the Temple. These “Kolbon,” or “money changers,” were exploiting Jewish worshipers and breaking God’s Levitical Law. It was this that transformed a normally soft-spoken Savior into a whip-wielding force for justice. If we just read Matthew 21, we might be tempted to act in anger all the time, but the Bible tells us otherwise. We are meant to be angry about the things that God is angry about instead of living in our personal anger. James 1:20 reads: “…human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” If this seems like a difficult tension to achieve, you’re not alone. I looked to my father, Stephen Stringer, to impart his famous words of advice. With nearly 25 years of missionary experience and a brand-new job as Vice President of Global Strategies for a Georgia-based missions organization, he might have some interesting insight. He said that the key to understanding anger is first understanding what is right. “…you know (when) your grace quotient exceeds your righteous anger quotient,” he said. “I think that (injustice) might be a part of the problem for college students—they are
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Jesus’ actions exemplify a theophilosophical concept called “righteous anger.” sometimes, anger is justified—even right.
quick to be angry about injustice, but slow to resolve it.” So what is God angry about? Here are three major issues in our world: 1. Human rights. Even in the 21st century, equality has not been achieved. Recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the conflict between the Amharic and Tigray in Ethiopia are just two examples of this. The International Justice Mission reports that more than 40 million people remain trapped in slavery. God makes it clear that all people are made in his image, and are deserving of respect. 2. The porn industry roughly 40 million Americans regularly visit porn sites, according to United Families. In the beginning, God created one man and one woman, unifying them together as a template for human relationships. Porn is slowly destroying God’s plan for sex and marriage. 3. The public image of Christianity. John 13:35 reads: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Yet Christianity is largely seen as bigoted and divided. How are people supposed to know we follow Christ if our actions are rude and confrontational?
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ETC.
February 26, 2020 · Volume 68 · Issue 6
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