The SKYLINE View The Voice of Skyline College, San Bruno, Calif.
Oct. 22, 2020
theskylineview.com
Issue 1
College holds town hall meeting for students, faculty and staff
The Skyline community was given information about the latest updates to the college’s operations and programs By Faisal Gresalfi Chief Copy Editor
An informational town hall meeting for the Skyline College community was held Oct. 16, during which attendees were updated regarding COVID-19 preparedness, buildings being built or remodeled on campus, and the Promise Scholars Program. After opening remarks from Skyline College President Dr. Melissa Moreno, SMCCCD Emergency Preparedness Manager Ben’Zara Minkin, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning Dr. Aaron McVean, and Health Branch Director Ray Hernandez spoke about new developments relating to COVID-19 precautions in the district. Something that I want everyone in this town hall to glean from this presentation is that while we are recovering from COVID-19, what can be distant will be distant,” Minkin said while explaining the predicted turn of events in terms of Skyline’s distance learning. “There will not be a normal operating procedure as there was prior in the district, and with information that has recently been released, we can’t expect the new normal until late Q3 of 2021. So, we’re looking at another year before our normal district and campus rhythms are actually
represented.” Jose Nunez, vice chancellor of facilities planning, maintenance and operations, and Project Managers Heidi Rank and Marie Mejia spoke about places around campus that are being remodeled presently or in the near future. They de-
scribed plans for the remodeling of or addition of new features to Buildings 1, 2, 3, and 19. Mejia showed images of what new offices that are going to be built in one of the buildings are going to look like when construction is finished. “We are trying to complete a ‘refresh’ for 25 offices, so these are some of the offices that we have completed,” Mejia said about the
images. “All offices will be done at the end of November.” Project Manager Jesse Saavedra presented information concerning Skyline College Ridge, a housing complex for the college’s faculty and staff, that is under construction in an area adjacent to the campus.
community amenity area with a built-in barbecue as well. A surface parking area and open spaces are included. ... We are looking to go to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 9, to start construction in January 2021, and to complete construction March 2022.” The last segment of the meeting before closing remarks from Dr. Moreno consisted of Kim Davalos and Ellen Murray, a counselor for and the director of the Promise Scholars Program respectively, discussing what the program offers, who’s eligible, what is expected of applicants, and the program’s history and achievements. “The Promise Scholars Program prioritizes low-income students, first-generation students, and homeless foster students, given that we have limited spots each year to offer to our entering first-time full-time student body,” Illustration by John Harrison Murray said. “This prioritization The housing is expected to be open serves to ensure that eligible disto occupants Q2 2021. proportionately-impacted students “The project consists of two and minoritized students on camthree-story apartment buildings pus have a greater opportunity to with approximately 15,000 square access support as they navigate our feet,” Saavedra said. “Each build- systems to achieve their educationing will consist of 15 apartments. al goals. ... When disaggregating They range from one-bedroom by race, ethnicity, and gender, our units to three-bedroom units, as scholars are representative of the well as 500 square feet of ground overall Skyline student body, with floor garage space. It does have a some slight overall increases in our
“The Promise Scholars Program prioritizes low-income students, first-generation students, and homeless foster students, given that we have limited spots each year to offer to our entering first-time full-time student body.” multiethnic- and Filipino-identifying students — But generally aligning with the demographics of our overall college student population in those respects.”
CSM to host college district’s first TEDx conference SMCCCD students are urged to submit their proposals for TEDxCSM By Chrstian Carlo Ceguerra Focal Point Editor
For the first time ever, College of San Mateo (CSM) will be hosting the community college district’s first TEDx (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference, dedicated to empowering students’ critical thinking through public speaking. CSM Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), in partnership with the CSM Honors Project program, brings TEDxCSM, a self-organized event that invites students from CSM, as well as from Cañada and Skyline Colleges, to speak about their ideas virtually in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. PTK students Manraj Gill and Mark Wong are the minds of this initiative. With the pandemic causing employees and interns to lose their jobs, and with the events being cancelled because of restrictions on face-to-face meetings, Gill and Wong looked for an alternative where “collaborate and work on something meaningful.” “(Mark) saw TED talks as, to be honest, initially somewhat of a joke, because we didn’t think CSM would be capable of getting that license, or that we couldn’t qualify,” said Gill, who is the PTK chapter president, revealing how the idea to host a TEDx at CSM started. “But eventually we got it. ... Mark and I started this whole event sometime in summer. We worked with an Honors coordinator at CSM — That’s how we got approval from some faculty.”
With the help of a TED representative, Gill and Wong were able to receive the TED licensing within a day, which, according to
out and invite their students their speech proposals. Gill finds it easier to organize this event, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEDxCSM
them, could have ended up taking around eight weeks to receive approval. “After that, we start to recruit the people hosting the event,” said Wong, the chapter’s vice president for finance. Different students across CSM have joined, and partake in the initiative as part of the organizing team, with each having specific responsibilities and each representing their respective clubs and organizations. Gill also mentioned that they have spoken with the Honors program coordinators from Cañada and Skyline Colleges to reach
“I think, to be honest, that it’s a lot easier doing it online than it is doing it in person because the structure of communication is more consistent,” Gill said. “TED talks have been done virtually for like the past decade, I’m sure. So it’s not a new thing, in terms of it being open to being online.” However, he said that communication can also be hard at times, especially with people not being aware or not being able to email. The conference’s theme, “Living in Uncertainty”, refers, of course, to the uncertainties people are facing while being quarantined
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event urges students to “present their thoughts under these uncertainties.” TEDxCSM posted their proposal submission guidelines on their Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. Under these guidelines, students are given the opportunity to submit proposals in the areas of STEM, humanities, arts, history, literature, etc. The organizers are flexible with the topic choice, but it is highly encouraged for the topics to relate to the theme, according to Wong and Gill. “If it’s a bit different, we can help them align with the theme, but if it’s completely out of scope, then it’s kind of difficult for us to put them on the platform,” Gill said. Selected presentations are also required to create a 10-15-minute presentation with a visual aid. They encourage the use of pictures, graphs, and charts, if necessary, and ask that sources be properly cited. The deadline for the proposal submission is on Oct. 26 at 11:59 pm, and proposal acceptance notifications will be sent on Oct. 30. Gill also provided reassurance that they will be guiding them through every step of the way: from polishing up their proposal to helping them improve their public speaking skills. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate as audience members and should expect emails containing the Zoom registrations. While this is a first in the history of SMCCCD, it is not the first TEDx event to be held in San Mateo County. Some TEDx events that have taken place around San Mateo County
in the past are TEDxSanMateo, TEDxYouth@TheNuevaSchool, and, more recently, TEDxBurlingameHS. “Giving a TED talk is something of its own,” Gill said. “Organizing it
TEDxCSM
“Giving a TED talk is something of its own.” is even more unique. Not many people have that opportunity.”
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News
The Staff Editor-In-Chief John Harrison News Editor Umaima Ejaz Focal Point Editor Christian Carlo Ceguerra Opinions Editor Marco Milani Sports Editor Daniel Archuleta Chief Copy Editor Faisal Gresalfi Photo Editor I-Wei Chang Social Media Editor Daniela Ossa Lopez Multimedia Editor Misha Berman Staff Writers Enrique Liganor Alfredo Carrillo Ashley Hernandez Steven Rissotto Antonio Maffei Jasper Lindsey Bless Cadayona Samuel Isonio Hunter Feiner Faculty Adviser Nancy Kaplan-Biegel
Want more news? www.theskylineview.com Or maybe you have news for us? (650)738-4302 Want to yell at us? theskylineview@gmail.com Or use snail mail: The Skyline View c/o Language Arts Room 8-8110 Skyline College 3300 College Drive San Bruno CA 94066
The Skyline View is a First Amendment Publication. The Skyline View is published bi-weekly during the spring and fall semesters by the journalism students at Skyline College. The Skyline View is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writers and should not be interpreted as the views of Skyline College, SMCCCD, the faculty, administrators or the newspaper adviser. Additionally, the paper does not endorse any of the products or services advertised. The Skyline View welcomes Letters to the Editors; letters must include full name, address, and phone number for verification. The Skyline View reserves the right to edit letters for length, libel, clarity, and taste.
Oct. 22, 2020
Trustee Maurice Goodman speaks to students
Trustee Maurice Goodman took time out of his re-election campaign to speak with Skyline students about how his views on racial injustice and how COVID-19 will effect campuses going forward By Jasper Lindsey Staff Writer
Trustee Maurice Goodman spoke to students via Zoom Oct. 2, in a lunch Q&A cohosted by the ASSC and The Skyline View. “I thought the event was a great way opportunity to bridge the gap between our politicians and citizens by bringing folks to the same table. The lunch time conversation format allowed for free flowing and purposeful conversation about important topics,” said Student Life and Leadership Manager Alvin Gubatina. During the Q&A, Trustee Goodman touched on a variety of topics, including racial injustice, COVID-19, his re-election campaign, and what inspired him to run for public office. With the Nov. 3 election less than a month away, Goodman emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of underrepresented students, specifically when it comes to district-wide legislation. “I think that not just the board, but the district, really need to understand that this is not just a moment in time, but a time that we need to seize, and acknowledge that the more work we do around race relations, equity, and understanding, (the better we can) serve our young people as future leaders and current leaders within our community,” Goodman said. He continued by describing the power that students have when they band together, pointing out how it is extremely important for students to voice their concern if they aren’t seeing the action the district has promised. He also said that while being a member of the associated students is a great opportunity, it is important for the board to be held accountable if students are
not seeing the action they believe to be necessary in order for real change to take place within the community. Goodman, who has been a
He also touched on how COVID-19 is affecting students in the district, and his commitment to protecting international students’ access to the district’s programs, providing
on the importance of conserving electricity by ensuring the district only takes what it needs from the power grid and avoids wasting such valuable resources.
Trustee Goodman (fourth from right) speaks to Skyline students during lunch Q&A
member of the board since 2016, cited current US senator Diane Feinstein as the person who inspired him to run for local government. The two met when Goodman was just a child, when she gifted him a bike at a community Christmas celebration. “What inspired me about her as a young child was the fact that she took time out of her day to focus on underserved communities,” Goodman said. “To have someone that didn’t look like me pay attention to me — It was a tremendous feeling, and I think that that started the fire in me to serve others.”
reassurance that the board has not considered any policy changes regarding international students, and that they will receive full access to online classes. Goodman then shifted gears to talking about the strides the district has been taking to combat the growing issue of climate change. Goodman told those in attendance that the board has not only committed themselves to racial justice, but to environmental justice as well. Goodman highlighted an increase in reliance on solar energy and in the replacement of current fuel-powered vehicles with electric ones. However, Goodman also shed light
Courtesy Zoom
He concluded his time with the students by speaking on the importance of voting, even if that means voting for a candidate other than Goodman himself. “(Voting) is very important — While I want your support and need your support to continue doing what I do, I want you to just vote,” Goodman said. “As young people, it’s great to say, ‘Hey, I got an opportunity to hear Maurice speak, but this other guy (is more appealing) to me,’ and if that gets you to vote, that’s what I want you to do.”
Wildfires impact Skyline College students Many SMCCCD students, faculty and staff are facing more than just poor air quality from the recent wildfires By Misha Berman Multimedia Editor
Many Skyline College students, faculty and staff have been impacted by the frequent campus closures and poor air quality due to the high number of wildfires that have occurred in recent months. NBC News reported that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection stated that there have been more than 8,200 fires this year, and that these fires collectively have burned more than 4 million acres. According to multiple sources, the wildfires this year are record-breaking, and wildfire season is still not over. “It goes back to our basic needs, so students, faculty, and staff have been impacted, with housing, being able to have secure spaces to go to, (or) not knowing where they are going to lay their heads next,” said Tykia Warden, executive director for the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation (SMCCCF). Warden pointed out that students financial ability to access food was impacted as well. She also addressed the impact the fires have had on students’ ability to get to and from classes they may be enrolled in. “I know we are (learning remotely) right now in the college
district, but some students still have to come to campus for some courses, so (we’re) working with those students who might have transportation issues due to fires,” Warden said.
assistance. Both Michelle Batista, the director of student support at Skyline College, and the SMCCCD website said that in order for Skyline students to be eligible, they have
Illustration by Marco Milani
Eligible Skyline students that have been affected by the wildfires can now apply for a wildfire emergency fund. The SMCCCD website said on their website that the San Mateo Community College Foundation released an emergency wildfire fund on Aug. 28 for Skyline students who have been affected by the recent wildfires. This will benefit students who have had to evacuate and need financial
to be taking one or more units the fall 2020 semester. Batista also said that applicants have to reside in an area that has been impacted by the wildfires. “I mean all of us were impacted … (by) the smoke from the fires the last couple of weeks, as far as our air quality and our physical health,” Batista said. “However, this fund was for students whose housing situations or livelihoods were affected.” She also said that in order to
qualify, students would have to either have lost their homes to a fire or evacuated by order of the appropriate authorities. “I think quick access to these funds (can) help them pay for motels, hotels, (and) food,” Batista said. “Because people have had to evacuate from their homes so quickly, it’s possible that they weren’t able to go to work, so they also were impacted by their own livelihood.” According to Dafna Kapshud, marketing and communications manager of SMCCCF, there are things we can do to better prepare for wildfires.
“I think for students, and for all of us, it is important to have a plan in place.” “I think for students, and for all of us, it is important to have a plan in place,” Kapshud said. “Know where your loved ones are, know how to contact people if something happens with a fire. … Know where all your important documents are, and have second copies of them, and a go-bag during fire season.”
Oct. 22, 2020
TSV Election Section
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Breaking down the 2020 California Propositions We simplify the 12 Propositions on this years November ballot By Daniel Archuleta SPORTS EDITOR
Leading up to Election Day on Nov. 3, it seems you can’t go five minutes without seeing or hearing a political advertisement. While very little come from the two presidential candidates, most are in regard to the California ballot measures. This year, there are 12 propositions on the California ballot; and while some are more important than others, we break down each of these propositions in order for you, the voter, to have as much transparency as possible.
the courts say that a recent state law makes drivers employees. Drivers would have less choice about when, where, and how much to work but would get standard benefits and protections that businesses must provide employees. Prop 23: ESTABLISHES STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR KIDNEY DIALYSIS CLINICS. REQUIRES ON-SITE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 23 means: Chronic dialysis clinics would be required to have a doctor on-site during all patient treatment hours. o No: A NO vote on Prop 23 means: Chronic dialysis clinics would not be required to have a doctor on-site during all patient treatment hours.
Prop 14: AUTHORIZES BONDS CONTINUING STEM CELL RESEARCH. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 14 means: The state could sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California. o No: A NO vote on Prop 14 means: The state could not sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California. Prop 15: INCREASES FUNDING SOURCES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES BY CHANGING TAX ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 15 means: Property taxes on most commercial properties worth more than $3 million would go up in order to provide new funding to local governments and schools. o No: A NO vote on this measure means: Property taxes on commercial properties would stay the same. Local governments and schools would not get new funding. Prop 16: ALLOWS DIVERSITY AS A FACTOR IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND CONTRACTING DECISIONS. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 16 means: State and local entities could consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting to the extent allowed under federal and state law. o No: A NO vote on Prop 16 means: The current ban on the consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting would remain in effect. Prop 17: RESTORES RIGHT TO VOTE AFTER COMPLETION OF PRISON. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 17 means: People on state parole who are U.S. citizens, residents of California, and at least 18 years of age would be able to vote, if they register to vote. o No: A NO vote on Prop 17 means: People on state parole would continue to be unable to vote in California. Prop 18: AMENDS CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
Prop 24: AMENDS CONSUMER PRIVACY LAWS. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 24 means: Existing consumer data privacy laws and rights would be expanded. Businesses required to meet privacy requirements would change. A new state agency and the state’s Department of Justice would share responsibility for overseeing and enforcing state consumer privacy laws. o No: A NO vote on Prop 24 means: Businesses would continue to be required to follow existing consumer data privacy laws. Consumers would continue to have existing data privacy rights. The state’s Department of Justice would continue to oversee and enforce these laws.
Daniela Ossa / The Skyline View
TO PERMIT 17-YEAR-OLDS TO VOTE IN PRIMARY AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS IF THEY WILL TURN 18 BY THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION AND BE OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 18 means: Eligible 17-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the time of the next general election may vote in the primary election and any special elections preceding the general election. o No: A NO vote on Prop 18 means: No one younger than 18 years of age may vote in any election. Prop 19: CHANGES CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX RULES. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 19 means: All homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would be eligible for property tax savings when they move. Only inherited properties used as primary homes or farms would be eligible for property tax savings. o No: A NO vote on Prop 19 means: Some homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would continue to be eligible for property tax savings when they move. All inherited
properties would continue to be eligible for property tax savings. Prop 20: RESTRICTS PAROLE FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES CURRENTLY CONSIDERED TO BE NON-VIOLENT. AUTHORIZES FELONY SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES CURRENTLY TREATED ONLY AS MISDEMEANORS. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 20 means: People who commit certain theft-related crimes (such as repeat shoplifting) could receive increased penalties (such as longer jail terms). Additional factors would be considered for the state’s process for releasing certain inmates from prison early. Law enforcement would be required to collect DNA samples from adults convicted of certain misdemeanors. o No: A NO vote on Prop 20 means: Penalties for people who commit certain theft-related crimes would not be increased. There would be no change to the state’s process for releasing certain inmates from prison early. Law enforcement would continue to be required to collect DNA samples from adults only if they are arrested for a felony or required to reg-
ister as sex offenders or arsonists. Prop 21: EXPANDS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS’ AUTHORITY TO ENACT RENT CONTROL ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 21 means: State law would allow cities and counties to apply more kinds of rent control to more properties than under current law. o No: A NO vote on Prop 21 means: State law would maintain current limits on rent control laws cities and counties can apply. Prop 22: EXEMPTS APPBASED TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY COMPANIES FROM PROVIDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO CERTAIN DRIVERS. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 22 means: App-based rideshare and delivery companies could hire drivers as independent contractors. Drivers could decide when, where, and how much to work but would not get standard benefits and protections that businesses must provide employees. o No: A NO vote on Prop 22 means: App-based rideshare and delivery companies would have to hire drivers as employees if
Prop 25: REFERENDUM ON LAW THAT REPLACED MONEY BAIL WITH SYSTEM BASED ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND FLIGHT RISK. o Yes: A YES vote on Prop 25 means: No one would pay bail to be released from jail before trial. Instead, people would either be released automatically or based on their assessed risk of committing another crime or not appearing in court if released. No one would be charged fees as a condition of release. o No: A NO vote on Prop 25 means: Some people would continue to pay bail to be released from jail before trial. Other people could continue to be released without paying bail. Fees may continue to be charged as a condition of release.
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TSV Election Section
Oct. 22, 2020
What is Skyline Doing to Get More To Increase Voter Turnout With Their Student Body? By Misha Berman
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Skyline College can do multiple things this year to increase the voter turnout among their students. Fernando Montanes, a Skyline student studying political science, pointed out that one of the ways the college can get more young people to vote is to have more workshops that discuss all the steps that are involved in registering to vote, and when the deadlines for these things are. “At this time of digital news and information, I think Skyline can also provide resources for students to use to look up unbiased and legitimate information on propositions, state and local issues, and candidates,” Montanes said. “Students don’t have the luxury of enough time to look into those issues. Skyline has the potential to be that space for them.” In their section “4 Reasons Young People Don’t Vote... and What To Do About It,”, Youth Service America states that one of the reasons why many young people don’t vote is because many of them are not told to vote by people such as family members, friends, people who live near them or people running for office themselves, and that young people who have family members who vote and are politically informed are more likely to vote. They also stressed
Marco Miliani / The Skyline View
the importance of campaigns contacting young people as a way of increasing youth voting. “This is based on what I know from my friends, but a lot of young people don’t vote because they feel it doesn’t matter — Like, whatever they say, it’s not really going to be worthwhile,” said Zachary Navarra, a freshman studying political science who wants to eventually transfer, and who’s a first time voter. “I know for the current presidency, a lot of my friends don’t like other options, so they feel like it is not worth voting at all.” Navarra additionally described how many of his friends don’t realize that there are additional things on the ballot.
“If they are kind of tuned out, or don’t care about politics, they don’t realize that there is stuff that is directly affecting them that they can vote for,” he said. Michael Cross, an English and literature professor at Skyline, said that he thinks it is harder to know what the voting trends among Skyline students for this election are due to the feeling of separation that comes from being remote because of the pandemic. “We Zoom, and we have office hours, and we communicate and connect as much as we can, but a lot of my conversations with my students about politics would usually happen in the hallways in between classes, when seeing
students I haven’t seen in a while going to student events, and during events that were put on my student clubs,” Cross said. He pointed out that he felt inspired by students in the past, such as during the 2016 election, when Dreamer students came together to try to make people on campus aware of the Trump administration’s stances on the issue of DACA, and how it connects to immigrants attending college. He described the difficulty in keeping tabs on what political issues students are concerned about due to the pandemic preventing anyone from being able to go to the quad or see student clubs organize events that
raise awareness of those issues. “I think the thing I can say about the students at Skyline across the board, for the last six years I have been at Skyline, is that I never taught at an institution in which students have been so politically motivated,” Cross said. Cross expressed his belief that Skyline is a social justice institution, and that many students study at Skyline for this reason. “Our last president, Stanback Stroud, was very committed to questions around diversity, to questions around immigration, and questions around equity when it comes to all of our students,” he said. “So, our mission has been built around that, and as a result, it’s kind of the bread and butter of what we do, so if students don’t come in politically-minded, they almost always leave much more politically-minded. I hope that their time at Skyline will at least convince them that they do have a voice, and that agency matters, and being a passive citizen is about the worst thing you can do in the
How To Vote In San Mateo County
Vote by Mail/Drop Box
Every registered voter in San Mateo County will be mailed a ballot beginning 29 days before Election Day. Beginning October 5, 2020, voted ballots may be placed in any secure Ballot Drop Box location throughout San Mateo County. You can then track your ballot to see when its been counted @ Wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov
Voting Centers
You may visit any of the following accessible Vote Centers in the County to register to vote, vote in person, return a voted ballot or request a replacement ballot There will be 45 vote centers open throughout San Mateo County on November 3.
You can find a vote center closest to you @ smcacre.org/VoteCenters
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Opinions
Oct. 22, 2020
Editorial
Skyline Students: GET TO THE POLLS THIS NOVEMBER! The United States has an issue with young people voting. Millennials, Gen Z-ers, and other young people who are of voting age just aren’t voting. While voter turnout among 18- to 29-year-olds has, according to the Census Bureau jumped from 20% to 36% between 2014 and 2018... It’s still only 36%. It’s great that there was such a jump — the largest percentage point increase for any age group — but that still means that in 2018, 64% of 18- to 29-yearolds didn’t show up to the polls. So… Why? According to Youth Service America (YSA), what’s to blame is a combination of obstacles such as scheduling conflicts, lack of encouragement from family and peers, poor civics education, and a general feeling that voting won’t make a difference. The fact of the matter is that voting is the BEST thing that young people can do to make a difference in this election. In filling in a bubble on a voting sheet, or pressing on a screen on a voting machine, you can have so much power. You can influence the way your city is run, the way the state of California conducts itself, and, most importantly, who runs the country and makes decisions on your behalf. USAfacts.org, a nonpartisan government data website, did a study on voter turnout in which they discovered that
Marco Milani
the gap between senior and youth voting rates has typically lingered around 20 percent. For example, 68 percent of seniors voted in 2016 versus a mere 39 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds. That is a staggering difference, and something that those 18- to 24-year-olds have the power to change. The impetus to make that change, however, is often blocked by a lack of representation in our government. Many of the policies discussed
in debates pertain to families and older generations. A great example of this is the ongoing debate on healthcare. Discussions revolve around low-income families and Medicare for all, and often ignore topics that are of more interest to younger generations, such as climate change. According to a Harvard poll, only 16% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 believe that elected officials from the Baby Boomer generation care about them.
Whether or not the opinions of those who were polled reflect the truth of the matter, it is sad to think that young adults feel that they aren’t being represented. This shows that there needs to be a change in the way these older politicians think about this generation or, at the very least, the talking points they choose to bring up. If the concerns of young people aren’t being considered, of course they’re going to be less likely to vote.
So why not go to the polls on Nov. 3? Make a plan, get to the polls, maybe even vote early by mail — But the important thing is that you vote. Voting is the biggest loudspeaker you can use to make sure your voices are heard loud and clear during this election. You have some power to change what happens in your city, your state, and your country.
Is there a moderator who can control the modern presidential debate? By: Jasper Lindsey Staff Writer
No matter where on the political spectrum you may fall, one thing was clear in the first presidential debate: Chris Wallace failed to control one of the more chaotic debates in our nation’s history. Wallace, who has found success as a moderator in the past, appeared to be a solid choice to umpire one of the cornerstones of American democracy. Unfortunately for Wallace, this was no traditional debate — It was an hour and a half of pure chaos. On one side of the stage we saw Joe Biden: a seasoned debater who connects with his audience through personal anecdotes that remind one of a long-forgotten “American Dream”. To his right, Donald Trump: A bull in a china shop whose only goal is to drag his opponent down to his level. The aftermath of this utterly insane debate left us, the viewers, with only one question: is there anyone who can control these guys? So, without further ado, here are my picks for moderators who could maintain balance in such an unorthodox debate. Martha Raddatz Martha Raddatz found success keeping President Trump on task in 2016 by doing one simple thing: asking him the same question until he gave an answer. Everytime the President got off track or chose
Chris Wallace and President Donald Trump at the first of three 2020 presidential debates.
to insult his opponent rather than respond to the prompt, Raddatz would just continue to repeat her question until he gave a coherent answer. Raddatz ultimately carries with her a no-nonsense style, which proved successful in keeping Trump focused on the question. However, she still struggled to keep his constant interruptions to a minimum. Megyn Kelly Whether you agree or disagree
with her politics, Megyn Kelly does one thing well: getting on Trump’s nerves. In the 2016 Republican debates, Megyn Kelly held nothing back, attacking the future president’s past insults towards women. Kelly doesn’t back down, which is what made her successful in keeping Trump at bay. While many may choose to take the high road when it comes to the President’s bullish tactics, Kelly chooses to drag race Trump on the low road, ultimately asserting her dominance as the moderator.
Joe Rogan Okay, okay — I know this last pick is a little out of nowhere, but hear me out for a second. Joe Rogan, though controversial, combines Raddatz’s no-nonsense style with Kelly’s “you hit me, I hit you” mentality. However, Rogan is also very good at inciting critical thinking — something that many undecided voters will find themselves doing a lot come November. Rogan may not be the
Chip Somodevilla
most conventional moderator, but for an unconventional debate that feels much like a UFC fight, he just may be the guy. In conclusion, the fact that we have to consider who could successfully moderate this debate is symbolic of just how unconventional this election is. But if the Commission on Presidential Debates doesn’t figure out a better format, we could likely hear Jake Tapper’s descriptions of the next two debates get even more obscure.
Opinions 6 Ruth Bader Ginsberg dead at 87: a life and legacy remembered
Oct. 22, 2020
By Marco Milani
Opinions Editor
There’s an old saying that says that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. This was the mentality of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, whose death was caused by metastatic pancreatic cancer — cancer that started in the pancreas, and spread to other parts of the body. According to The New York times, she was nominated in 1993, under the Clinton administration, when she was 60 years old, and served all that time — totaling 27 years — until her death Friday evening at age 87. Anywhere you look, you will see nothing but positivity about her. In a Business Insider article from 2017, she was described as “a firecracker on the bench”. In an article on CNN, a former law clerk for Ginsberg, Amanda Tyler, had nothing but the highest praise for her as she was interviewed by Anderson Cooper. “She was meticulous,” Tyler said. “She had the highest standards. I like to analogize working for her with being on a sports team with someone like Michael Jordan. She was so great, that she made everyone do their best work, and be at their best.” To be compared to one of the greatest basketball players to ever step foot on a court, you must’ve done something really, really special. Ginsberg was also resilient. Another article on CNN, by reporterAriane de Vogue, tells of how she worked through not one, but FIVE bouts of cancer. “At one event sponsored by the Library of Congress last August, she revealed that during her bouts with cancer she has often turned to work to distract from her health,” de Vogue writes. “‘I love my job,’ she said. ‘It’s kept me going through four cancer bouts.
Announcement of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as nominee for Associate Supreme Court Justice at the White House.
Instead of concentrating on my aches and pains, I just know that I have to read this set of briefs, go over the draft opinion.’” Most people would hear the word “cancer”, and automatically think the worst. For Ginsberg, as we can see, the diagnosis didn’t even phase her. That is truly incredible. Finally, she was an icon. Not only did she have a movie written about her, “RBG”, which received many good reviews, but she wrote two books on Swedish law, one on sex based discrimination, one on equality, and a biography called “In My Own Words”, which was published in 2016. She was a feminist icon, with her four famous
Sharon Farmer
The book cover for the book “Notorious RBG”, by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhink about the late justice herself.
quotes on Google being all about women. “My mother told me to be a lady,” one of them reads. “And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” Ginsberg is survived by her two children and four grandchildren. There is a hole in the supreme court, and a hole in many people’s hearts, for sure. Rest in peace, RBG — You will truly be missed.
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A policial cartoon on the first Presidential Debate.
Hunter Feiner
A policial cartoon on the Vice Presidential Debate.
Hunter Feiner
7
Focal Point
Oct. 22, 2020
Dr. Masare retires after 35
By Steven Rissotto STAFF WRITER
It’s a long way from Tanzania to San Francisco — to be more specific, nearly 10,000 miles. The trip by plane from San Francisco International Airport to East Africa’s second largest country is a brutal day-long journey. Although the traveling itself may be a forgettable experience for some, it wasn’t close to a distraction for one particular Tanzanian man in his late 20s as he went on the trip in the late 1960s. Johannes Masare needed a different challenge from his occupation as a political science instructor at Dar-es-Salaam University, a local college a few blocks from the Indian Ocean in Tanzania. After taking his seat and buckling up on the airplane to California, the experience that awaited him was unimaginable. On Aug. 28, Skyline College officially announced Dr. Masare’s retirement after roughly five decades — 35 years at Skyline — educating young students about the political science landscape. 2020 marks his 80th birthday. “He approached his work with a unique understanding of how education can empower and transform and the important role of teachers in this process,” Skyline Shines said in their weekly newsletter. Born in 1940 in Tanzania, Masare was one of seven children that grew up in a cozy environment that heavily emphasized compassion and love. “My sisters carried me on
their backs,” Dr Masare told The Skyline View in September 2019. “I was not allowed to walk. I was loved; I grew up in an environment of being loved.” Due to remarkable challenges like droughts and floods in Tanzania, it was a normal occurrence for a young boy to help around the farm. Masare’s mother was incredibly special to him, and she knew that he was destined for more success than just growing sugarcanes and beans all day long. As a result, she committed to work herself to make money for her son’s education. When he was around 10 years old, it became clear that his intelligence was off the charts, declining an opportunity to become a priest within the Catholic Church. When he finally landed in the Bay Area, Masare committed himself to furthering his education by earning his masters degree in political science from UC Berkeley in 1970. Eight years later, he acquired his PhD. Aside from his efforts in educating college students. Masare’s work also features his Tanzanian roots. Since 1996, he’s been an essential part of the Tanzanian Community Organization, currently serving as the chairman of the Conflict Resolution Committee. He’s a member of the board of directors as well. Dr. Masare accepted a job at Skyline College in 1985, a place he wouldn’t leave until three and a half decades later. Known for his thick African accent, Masare often rolled into every one of his classes prepared
to teach a variety of different subjects. After eight presidential elections and countless historic moments along the way, it was difficult for him to find something uninteresting to speak about. While he wasn’t reviewing diverse talking points such as being black in America, Masare would often enjoy hyping up his own children. “Dr. Masare is a gentleman,” said Masare’s fellow Skyline political science professor Jeffrey Diamond, having worked with him in the past. “He is always friendly and gracious with colleagues, and kind and generous towards students. Students love him. Hopefully he will swing by for visits once we again begin teaching a regular schedule back on campus.” A pandemic, a historic election, and protests against racial injustice — Masare has taught about these kinds of situations, and similar ones, for many years. Now, all three are occurring simultaneously. While he won’t stop speaking on the issues that he’s most passionate about, Dr. Johannes Masare strolls into sunset with his message sent — one he’s been composing for 53 years.
Dr. Masare seen attending the Fall 2017 Flex Day. Kevin Perez/Skyline College
A return to Batman Returns By John Harrison EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
If you’re anything like me, a thirty-something elder millennial who went through a goth phase, “Batman Returns” was the movie that defined your spooky kid status. When it hit theaters in 1992, this sequel to Tim Burton’s wildly popular “Batman” was deemed too dark and scary for the young audience it was marketed to, which, of course, meant I loved it. When box office numbers were also deemed too dark and scary (“Batman Returns” made a mere $282 million, whereas “Batman” raked in nearly $412 million), Joel Schumacher was brought in to make movies that could sell. And by sell, I mean sell toys. Fast forward to today, when the buzz has been steadily growing for Matt Reeves’ reimagining of the Batman franchise. In the newest trailer from DC FanDome, Robert Pattinson (who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19) looks broody in his dark makeup. There are dings and scratches on the batsuit, and everything seems to be shot through a filter of grit. I’ll admit, the teenage goth in me is intrigued. However, I’m of the mind that “Batman Returns” is probably more relevant today than it was in ’92, and here’s why it deserves a re-watch: Spoilers for a nearly thirty year old film ahead. Kids in cages. At one point Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. The Penguin, a short man in an ill-fitting suit with deformed hands
Three of the most important figures from the 1992 “Batman Returns” by Tim Burton: the Penguin,
and a propensity for non-consensual fondling, runs for mayor of Gotham City. Then, with the help of a private civilian army, he kidnaps children and puts them in cages. Sound familiar? Corporations screwing people over. Selina Kyle is shoved through the window of a tall building because she discovers that the multi-million dollar company she works for is stealing electricity from the citizens of
Gotham. Furthermore, it is later revealed that this same company is responsible for the irresponsible dumping of toxic chemicals. Catwoman is the hero we need. The journey she, aka Selina Kyle, goes through is too familiar: She can’t get ahead at work because it’s a boys club, a powerful man performs a horribly violent act against her, and, through her suffering, she discovers a power deep within herself, using it to
seek vengeance on those who wronged her. Absolutely relatable, aside perhaps from the death/rebirth scene where a bunch of cats nibble on her fingers… I hope. Batman is a murderer. Sometimes, the police-sanctioned vigilante dispensing justice in custom tactical gear against the downtrodden, desperate citizens of a cruelly violent city who turn to a life of crime in their hour of need… kills them. With a bomb. In cold blood.
John Harrison/The Skyline View
Danny DeVito has never been better. There’s no cultural commentary on this one, he’s just amazing. If you’re jonesing for some caped crusader and you just can’t wait until 2021 for the new film, dust off an old VHS player and adjust your tracking, because “Batman Returns” is a nostalgic treat in our current times. If tapes aren’t your style, it can currently be streamed on HBO Max.
8
Oct. 22, 2020 Focal Point Latinx Heritage Month: Discourses in the contemporary setting
How we celebrate old traditions in the 21st century
Today’s dialogues include acknowledging trans people in the Latinx community.
By Christian Carlo Ceguerra FOCAL POINT EDITOR
On Sept. 15, the country started to commemorate the Latinx Heritage Month (originally Hispanic Heritage Month), a celebration dedicated to the members of the community whose ancestors originated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This commemoration originated with several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrating their national Independence Days on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico and Chile’s on Sept. 16 and 18 respectively, and the Columbus Day on Oct. 12, all occurring within the 30-day period, and are therefore observed to be celebrated at the start at the second half of September up to the first half of October. “Hispanic Heritage Month” was first observed as the name of the festivity but was changed to “Latinx Heritage Month” as the trend of using Latinx by scholars and the academe have given light to gender inclusivity. However, research shows only 3% of the Hispanic population use “Latinx” to identify themselves, with the majority preferring to use the words “Hispanic” or “Latino”. The name of the celebration is used interchangeably between “Hispanic” or “Latino” Heritage Month due to its population which are Hispanics — people who speak Spanish and Latinos — descendants of people from Latin America. Localizing the event The Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC), the college’s student governing body, lead this year’s Latinx Heritage Month, organizing events in a virtual manner. ASSC’s Commissioner of Activities Ellaine Arroyo discussed how the celebration could have been different if it were not for COVID-19. “If the situation is different, the ASSC could have connected more with our peers and faculty to have people join our events,” Arroyo said, explaining that in-person interaction would have encouraged more people to
come, and would have made the planning of the events different. “The initial plan would probably be similar to how we celebrated Latinx Heritage Month last year, but with more events than what we finalized for this year due to COVID-19,” Arroyo said. Arroyo mentioned one of the difficulties they faced is promotion and outreach but was secured and handled accordingly with the instructors making announcements and spreading the word in their Canvas pages. On intersectionality On Sept. 23, ASSC hosted an event titled “Celebrando La Identidad Interseccional (Celebrating Intersectional Identities) within the Latinx Community”. Gia Cordova spearheaded the forum as the guest speaker and discussed important dialogues about intersectionality inside the spectrum of the Latinx community. Cordova is a transgender activist and a Latinx cultural practitioner who is also part of Transgender Law Center, the largest transgender-led organization grounded by legal expertise. Cordova presented four ways ways non-trans folks can show for trans people: 1. Looking around and commemorating the works and efforts of organizers and movement builders, as well as artists, poets, our family, and community. (“Celebrating our people: Bringing everyone to the table.”) 2. Understanding that gender is a social construct and deconstructing is a way towards gender justice. (“Building a foundation — Where can we start?”) 3. Machismo and patriarchy as forces that pushed trans people out of community. (“Here at home are trans folks — We’ve always been here.”) 4. Allyship is acknowledging names and pronouns, passing the mic as to when to speak up or listen, and breaking down our own internal gender binary. (“Showing Up 4 Trans Folks: What can allyship look like?”) During the question and answers, Cordova was asked how to integrate events as safe spaces. Cordova said that having forms and
registrations asking for pronouns could be a great way for people to know that organizers care and are welcoming towards their identity. When asked about her insight with people using biology as rhetoric against in the discourse, Cordova said that biology is used as a weapon against trans people. “Gender and biology have a complicated relationship, and oftentimes biology is used against trans folks to erase what we say and what we experience,” Cordova said. “For me, I know who I am and I don’t think biology can erase that.” Cordova also paid honor to Sylvia Rivera, a gay liberation and transgender rights activist who was part of the 1969 Stonewall Riot and fought alongside Marsha P. Johnson. Cordova also mentioned how Sylvia Rivera played a pivotal role of advocating rights of trans people of color, sex workers, drag queens, and “people who did not fit the mold.” Among the audience was Vincent Chandler, who is an associate professor inside the academe. He described Cordova as “the most kind” as she presented on Zoom without any of the audience speaking or opening their cameras. “It’s a tough being the speaker — You might feel like you’re just coming into a community or situation, not having as much verbal cues as who you see in your audience, but that didn’t seem to faze the speaker,” said Chandler, who teaches communication studies. Chandler brought up the importance of having these topics brought into light, and not having to see these discussions as taboo. “No one wants to feel like who they are needs a special accommodation,” Chandler said, explaining how people who accept and support your identity, but keep you hidden to stay away from trouble, do not make one an ally, but an enabler. “If the taboo is removed, and if (there’s) the option to have these conversations, for example, to be able to change your name … That’s a big deal,” he said. “It can potentially allow for less anxiety, more of a sense of belonging, and everything that the speaker talked about today.”
Significance and moral For Alexis Lopez, a multiracial Skyline College Student, celebrating Latinx Heritage Month is significant, as it celebrates who she is and her cultures, and it pays homage to her ancestors and their sacrifices to provide what was best for them and their descendants. One of the favorite things she liked about the commemoration is being able to perform in front of the city hall in South San Francisco. “I do Mexican folk dance,” Lopez said. “Performing was a huge part of Hispanic Heritage Month.” Lopez believes that commemorating Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect where the country stands towards Hispanics and Latinx. “Racism still lives, and it never really died down,” Lopez said. “You want to show off and be proud of where you come from, but there is that slight chance that one person will tell you to go back to your country or tell you to ‘speak English, because this is America.’” Professor Vincent Chandler also gave his sentiment in connecting his ancestors’ plight to what the community is still facing today. “Dominion and domination over a group — always, always, always — that part of humanity I’ll never understand,” Chandler said. “I can’t understand the interest that those in power have to make sure certain groups are kept a certain way. I don’t have to believe that I’m less than because of a certain aspect of my identity. And it’s powerful to be more critically conscious about who we are and how we are in this world so that we see that we’re not actually less than that. They’re perhaps sick and delusional that they buy into that power structure.” The aforementioned Ellaine Arroyo believes that learning ethnic history from heritage months or classes will be beneficial to learn each other’s cultures, understand other people’s perspectives, and to fully educate ourselves to be open-minded and more united as a community. “We see from their stories that not everyone has equal access to
educational resources and opportunities to succeed; therefore mental health challenges arise and affect how they view themselves in their society due to their background and/or status,” Arroyo said, pertaining to the celebration’s opening event, where Dean of Counseling Luis Escobar and Student Equity and Division Assistant Martin Marquez shared their educational experiences as part of the Latinx Community. “The worst thing that could happen if we are not being educated about ethnic history/identity is that we can continue having a bias or prejudice towards a certain group of people, which affects how we treat others everywhere.” According to the 2019 Pew Research report, there are currently 60.6 million Hispanics in the country, amounting to 18% of the whole US population. In research released by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), it was revealed that the Hispanic community in the United States “has contributed significantly to US economic growth in recent decades and will continue to do so over the next 10 to 20 years.” With the Hispanic educational attainment soaring to an average of below college graduation, it is likely for it to increase and have their “skills profile” match the rest of the US population. Such inferences led for the researchers’ analysis that the community “will in the future earn the same wages as the rest of the country, on average … (and) will continue to contribute to US economic growth from increases in employed labor in the coming decades.” The Latinx Heritage Month celebration started with the event “Latinx Student Success,” with Dr. Luis Escobar and Martin Marquez. In partnership with Puente Learning Community, the ASSC launched their mini digital museum, “Heritage Items from La Casa”, for students to share their heritage through household items. The ASSC also hold their digital community ofrendas for students, faculty, staff, and the admin to honor the memory of their loved one. The celebration ended with “Noche de Entretenmiento” (Evening Student Event) on Oct. 14.
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10/16/20 9:23 AM
10
Focal Point
Oct. 22, 2020
Former Skyline pitcher Julian Merryweather’s long road to MLB debut By Steven Rissotto STAFF WRITER
Julian Merryweather was sitting down in the waiting room of Dr. Meister’s Orthopedic Surgeon clinic in Arlington, Texas. It was March 9, 2018. There were a million places Merryweather would’ve rather been instead of the alarming atmosphere of a medical clinic. One of them was on a pitcher’s mound, where he thrived as a minor league pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Instead of throwing baseballs, he was about to undergo a pitcher’s ultimate nightmare: Tommy John Surgery. The operation was first performed in 1974 on Tommy John — that’s where the namesake comes from — to reconstruct his pitching elbow, which had a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The recovery time is roughly 12-15 months, which meant a full baseball season. Fast forward nearly 44 years later to Merryweather undergoing the same surgery that hundreds of pitchers have received over the years since. For a lot of players, it was a hazardous case of hitting rock bottom, a level some gifted ballplayers have yet to endure. Not for Skyline College’s Class of 2012 alumni Julian Merryweather; for him, it was a level he’s experienced and conquered before. He was not among the attractive prospects while pitching for Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, despite his excellent four complete games, astounding eight victories, and a 3.00 earned run average during his senior year as a Padre.
In 8 games with Toronto, Merryweather pitched 13 innings with 15 strikeouts “He was a pretty self-directed, self-motivated, intrinsically motivated player that loves to compete with fierce makeup. He was just an overall really, really good athlete.” said Craig Gianinno, his high school baseball coach at Serra during his senior year. Merryweather’s success led him down a sunny path to Skyline, where Head Coach Dino Nomicos led the effort to recruit him away from College of San Mateo to be a part of the pitching staff. In his first season, Merryweather went 4-6, with a 4.35 earned run average over a team leading 68 ⅓ innings pitched. “I used him like a workhorse,” Nomicos laughed. “We kept him in a little longer than we should’ve a couple times, plus he didn’t want to come out of the game.” The high praise to his character was common among teammates and coaches, but his second year at Skyline proved to be a strug-
gle. Although he was still fifth in the league in strikeouts, Merryweather’s well-below average 86 MPH fastball wasn’t fooling a ton of junior college hitters, as they pounced on him. The end results flashed a 6.57 earned run average and zero victories to show for it. He struggled off the field, as his personal life featured his father, James, battling a tough fight against cancer. The future didn’t look bright for Merryweather until he received the opportunity to transfer into Oklahoma Baptist University, a school widely known for pure dominance in the NAIA baseball community. It was there he gained velocity on his fastball and started to grow as a pitcher. In two seasons at OBU, he went 22-5 with a 1.73 earned run average in 182 innings of work. Sure enough, that record turned some eyeballs in the professional baseball industry and he was
selected in the fifth round of the 2014 draft by the Indians. “He throws really hard, he can spot up really well, and keeps the ball down. It was fun catching him because he threw a lot of strikes. He wasn’t really wild, super efficient, and he was actually pretty nasty. He didn’t make me work hard.” said Grant Nelson, who played with Merryweather as a kid in travel ball, in high school, and at Skyline. As he rose through Cleveland’s minor league system, Merryweather was met with the alarming diagnosis that he had to repair a torn UCL. The surgery not only knocked him out for the 2018 season, but he only started two games in 2019. As he was recovering from the surgery, he was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays for former American League MVP Josh Donaldson. “He had this unique ability to know what he wanted to do, and
always stood by his convictions. He’s a winner. He’s battled and overcome a lot during his career and I couldn’t be happier for him.” said Gianinno, who now works as the Director of Player Development at USF. The change of scenery presented another challenge, yet open opportunity. The Blue Jays needed pitching and Merryweather’s transformed fastball reached the high nineties, which fits the blueprint to every big league relief pitcher’s fastball. He was called up to Toronto and made his big league debut on August 20 against the Philadelphia Phillies at 28-years-old. He became just the third player to ever make it to the big leagues from Skyline, joining outfielders Larry Herndon and Justin Christian. “He deserves everything he’s gotten and he’s worked very hard to get where he’s at. It’s a tough road to get to the big leagues, so it’s a huge accomplishment. It’s great for us as a program.” Nomicos said. As he struck out third baseman Alex Bohm swinging in the top of the fourth inning, a section of Northern California and Skyline College applauded as one of their own made an impact at baseball’s highest level. “I’m super proud of him. He certainly wasn’t a guy who was highly scouted out of high school — or even junior college — so I’m really proud of him,” Nelson said. “This is all 100 percent earned by Julian. He’s got an even better career ahead of him.”
Santa Clara County hesistant to open stadiums to fans California annouced guidelines for fans to watch professional sports By Daniel Archuleta SPORTS EDITOR
California Health and Human Services agency released guidelines for fans to attend professional sporting events throughout the state on Tuesday, October 21. These guidelines issued by California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly specified that in order for stadiums to reopen, counties must reach enough low infections to get into the orange tier, the second-least restrictive of four. From there, teams can play with up to 20 percent capacity, with additional restrictions such as ticket purchasers having to live within a 120-mile radius and a face-covering mandate. Despite the abundance of professional sports that California has, the news was really only relevant to the two teams that play in Santa Clara County: the San Francisco 49ers and the San Jose Earthquakes. Unlike the other counties that hold sporting venues, Santa Clara County is within the orange tier and can possibly move forward with these latest state guidelines. The only thing is, they are not. Santa Clara County Executive Dr. Jeff Smith did not
Daniel Archuleta / The Skyline View
hold back his objections to the idea of in-person spectators. “It makes no sense whatsoever to have audiences at stadiums, particularly when there is a model to do it without audiences in a much safer way so that the
only individuals who’d be put at risk are players, the refs, and their families [who are] getting constant tests,” Smith said. “Putting an audience in a stadium in large groups is just asking for trouble. It’s like a Petri dish.”
In a separate statement, the Public Health Department of Santa Clara wrote: “Audiences at professional sporting events will not be allowed anytime soon in Santa Clara County, and theme parks will not resume operation. We
must all continue to prioritize reducing the spread of COVID-19, creating conditions that will allow our businesses, schools, and other organizations to operate safely.” Both the 49ers and Earthquakes put out statements thanking Gov. Gavin Newsom and how they look to work with their respective leagues as well as public health officials with the goal of possibly welcoming fans in the near future. Depending how one might see it, California is behind other states in terms of allowing fans inside stadiums. This past week the NFL saw 10 games with fans in attendance, ranging from 250 family members at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings to 25,000 fans at AT&T Stadium to watch the Dallas Cowboys. Given how the Bay Area has been able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no surprise to see Santa Clara County stay on its path to keeping the public safe