Volume 69 Issue 08

The Highlander

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

For the week of Monday, November 23, 2020

VOL. 69, ISSUE 08

est. 1954

RADAR

ASPB welcomes Highlanders into the school year with a virtual Homecoming Bonfire

LEO YUE / THE HIGHLANDER

ASPB’S HOMECOMING BONFIRE 2020 CELEBRATES HOMECOMING WEEK WITH A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND GIVEAWAYS

LEO YUE / THE HIGHLANDER

RYAN POON / THE HIGHLANDER AMANI MAHMOUD Editor-In-Chief

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n Friday, Nov. 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Associated Students Program Board (ASPB) hosted the annual UCR Homecoming Bonfire.

The virtual event was a night filled with lively performances, giveaways and more.

The event traditionally takes place on campus and celebrates the kick-off of the UCR basketball season and is celebrated with the burning of the opposing team’s mascot in a massive bonfire. The event would feature food and treats, live performances, carnival games, carnival rides and fireworks. While the event looked a bit different this year, ASPB did a great job trying to keep students engaged and

school spirit alive through this virtual event.

This year, students could livestream Bonfire via Vimeo, a video hosting, sharing and services platform. The event kicked off promptly at 7 p.m. with radio host EJ in LA from 102.7 KIIS F.M. ASPB’s decision to go with a professional radio host was a smart move on their part, as EJ in LA had an engaging presence, which is difficult to achieve when you’re speaking to an anonymous mass of students. Hiring a radio host for the event also made it feel more professional.

After welcoming UCR undergraduates, EJ in LA presented the first performer of the night, JSTJR, a DJ and producer. According to Insomniac Music, JSTJR employs a unique hybrid of hip-hop and experimental

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electronic production. He’s also worked with Diplo as a credited artist on Major Lazer’s “Peace Is The Mission” in 2015. His set was filled with lively music; however, he struggled to keep his set personal and engaging, failing to address the UCR students watching his performance more than once or twice. However, managing to keep his set lively at all was an impressive feat for a virtual event, which can often get awkward.

JSTJR’s set ended at approximately 7:30 p.m., and EJ in LA then instructed UCR students to email ASPB. Specials@gmail.com for a chance to win a Bonfire sweater. After students had a chance to enter the giveaway, EJ in LA introduced the next ► SEE BONFIRE PAGE 9

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NEWS 3

OPINIONS 5

FEATURES 8

RADAR 9

SPORTS 10

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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Humans of UCR

Upcoming Events: Week 8

DEANNA DE LEON | BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | FOURTH-YEAR COMPILED BY THE HIGHLANDER STAFF

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In Conversation with Mashuq Mushtaq Deen 1:30 p.m.

Virtual Event

Anthropology Open House for Prospective Graduate Students 10:00 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Virtual Event

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Chat with the Attorney 12 p.m.

Virtual Event

Around the Block with Bretman Rock 7 p.m.

Virtual Event

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Kickbox Conditioning 5:15p.m.

Virtual Event

Dismantling & Understanding Your Gender with Alexis Ungerer, PhD 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Virtual Event

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Thanksgiving Holiday No classes

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

“My family is so incredibly important to me.

I would do anything for them. Coming from a low income background, it is very difficult to stay afloat financially. This is the

Thursday

sole reason that I have dedicated years to my higher education — to be able to make a better living for myself and my loved ones. In the past couple of years, I’ve attended school full-time while working multiple jobs at once. It’s never easy, but at the end of the day when I take a step back to see what my reason is for working 40 or more

27 Friday

Holiday No classes

hours every week, having breakdowns, pulling all-nighters, passing out after work, my mind always focuses on one reason. Family.”

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Saturday

CONTACT US

HIGHLANDER STAFF Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Silvia Ferrer

Amani Mahmoud

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managingeditor @highlandernews.org

News Editor

Asst. News Editor Davina Garcia dgarc084@ucr.edu

Laura Anaya-Morga

news@highlandernews.org Opinions editor

Asst. Opinions Editor Evelyn Homan ehauthor19@gmail.com

Madison Rheins opinions@highlandernews.org Features Editor

Asst. Features Editor Alexandria Estaban aeste005@ucr.edu

Adriana Mandujano Angel features@highlandernews.org A&E Editor

Asst. Features Editor Kevin Sanchez Neri ksanc034@ucr.edu

Colin Carney

radar@highlandernews.org Sports Editor

Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Contreras kcont012@ucr.edu

Production Manager

Art Director

Amanda Joy Teano

Celine Hoang artdirector. highlander@gmail.com

productionmanager @highlandernews.org

Production Assistants

Kathy Garcia Brinly Den Asst. Photo Editor Leo Yue lyue003@ucr.edu

Photography Editor

Ryan Poon

photo@highlandernews.org Staff Photographers

Isuru Karunatillaka Martin Lopez

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Video Editor

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highlanderads@gmail.com Marketing Coordinator

Hannah Chung

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Highlander 101 Highlander Union Building Riverside, CA 92521 www.highlandernews.org editorinchief@highlandernews.org TIP LINE: (951) 827-2105 Help the Highlander stay on top of what is happening on campus and in the general UCR community. Call this number and leave a message for the Editorial Board with your tip. Be sure to include your full name, relation to UCR, and a number or email address where you can be reached for more details.

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Topics should be UCR-centric and/or pertain to our generation of students. Contact Opinions Editor Samuel Harrison at opinions@highlandernews.org by Wednesday if interested in writing a letter and submit the completed letter by Saturday at noon. Letters can and will be rejected if it does not meet requirements.

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News

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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ASUCR

ASUCR approves bill to stand in solidarity with the School of Public Policy LAURA ANAYA-MORGA News Editor

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, ASUCR held their eighth meeting of the quarter where the senate passed four pieces of legislation surrounding the fate of UCR’s School of Public Policy (SPP), the allocation of certain budgets and amendments to the ASUCR constitution.

SR-F20-005 Standing in Solidarity with the School of Public Policy was aimed to push back against the Budget Advisory Committee’s (BAC) recent recommendation to eliminate the SPP in order to offset the steep budget cuts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The senate resolution highlighted the accomplishments of the SPP, including its commitment to ensuring their students’ success through internship and peer academic advisor programs. SR-F20-005 also addressed the four research centers provided under the SPP: The Blum Initiative, the Center for Social Innovation, the Inland Center for Sustainable Development and the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies whose purpose is to “conduct renowned research” and “have had successful achievements both in the Inland Empire and in the state

of California,” as stated in the resolution.

SR-F20-005 passed with a vote of 180-0 and ASUCR will be sending it to Budget Advisory Committee Co-Chairs, Thomas Smith and Gerry Bomotti. They hope to showcase their dissatisfaction with the recommendation, and they will demand an in-depth budget proposal and statement regarding the process in which the SPP was chosen as a primary contender of elimination relative to other programs on campus.

The next senate bill, SB-F20-008 Amendments to Orders of Business and Regulations for the Meetings of the Student Senate, proposed to change the time limit for individuals to speak during public forum and public comment from three minutes to five minutes, stating that the three-minute is exclusionary to students with disabilities. “At ASUCR meetings, there are no interpreters, there are no live transcription devices used to transcribe these meetings … which may be inaccessible to students who are hearing divergent or cannot process information very quickly … [this legislation] proves to be much more accessible,” stated

Preeti Juturu, primary author of the bill and chief of staff of Campus Internal Affairs. The motion was passed with a vote of 18-0-0.

Up next, SB-F20-009 Adding Budget to Chapter XLVII Student Voice, was proposed to assign the Student Voice Committee’s budget from the ASUCR president’s budget to their own independent budget in order to have direct autonomy over their funds. The bill passed unanimously with a vote of 18-00.

Finally, SB-F20-011 Chapter LV: ASUCR Social Media Guidelines enacted certain guidelines that shall be added to the ASUCR bylaws. The new bylaw was created over the summer after social media became the main source of communication for many organizations on-campus due to the campus closure and remote learning, ASUCR included. The chapter includes guidelines on the steps needed to create a new ASUCR affiliated social media account and who gets access to the ASUCR social media accounts. The motion was passed with a vote of 18-0-0.

Towards the end of the meeting, CHASS Senator Juan Morales was chosen as the senator of the month for October. He was chosen for his dedication to UCR and his ability to connect with fellow students, his professionalism and his outreach to his fellow ASUCR constituents according to ASUCR Executive Vice President Natalie Herrera.

H The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.■

LAURA ANAYA-MORGA/ THE HIGHLANDER

SENATE APPROVES FOUR PIECES OF LEGISLATION AND AWARDS SENATOR OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER.

The UCR on-campus community faces uncertainty as Thanksgiving break draws near THE ARRIVAL OF THANKSGIVING BREAK AMPLIFIES CAUSE FOR COVID-19 CONCERNS. DAVINA GARCIA Assistant News Editor

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, health experts and government officials are urging citizens to maintain social distancing practices, fearing potential outbreaks due to large, widespread gatherings. There are no concrete restrictions upon students and faculty who wish to spend the long weekend at home with their families; UCR is striving to maintain a balance between keeping community residents safe and allowing individuals to enjoy the upcoming break as well as possible. However, students who live in the residence halls are expressing particular concern at the risks that come with allowing people to travel home.

One student, Jenni Quoi, a firstyear Asian studies major, assured The Highlander that UCR has been doing relatively well in terms of taking precautionary measures against the virus thus far; however, she also added that the school could work on better enforcement of social distancing in general. With the impending Thanksgiving break, this criticism has become that much more pressing to Quoi, considering the possible repercussions of students heading to different areas for the break while planning to return to school afterward. Though she is also spending the holiday at home with

RYAN POON/ THE HIGHLANDER

family, Quoi harbors qualms over UCR’s plans to mitigate a potential viral spread when students come back to their dorms.

“I think the majority of my fear is them bringing back a potential risk of COVID.” she stated.

Another student, Julie Vasquez, a firstyear global studies major, shared a similar sentiment. She praised the university’s COVID-19 protocol, from the weekly testing requirements to daily common area sanitization, but expressed strong apprehension over what might happen due to the upcoming break. Vasquez affirmed that she is choosing not to go home for Thanksgiving or the subsequent winter break, as she does not want to entertain any risk of spreading the virus.

“I’m worried that many people who do decide to go back fome for the holidays won’t be so cautious and possibly come back positive with the virus,” she stated.

Vasquez went on to say that the potential

lack of caution will undoubtedly endanger the health of students who are living on campus, and increase the likelihood of all students being sent back home. “There’s always someone who doesn’t follow the rules, so it is likely to happen,” she stated, adding that if the university reaches around a 10% positive test rate, then all students will have to move back home. To Vasquez, the situation is frustrating, and especially unfair to those who are going to be spending their holiday time off adhering to social distancing rules and avoiding gatherings.

However, Bob Brumbaugh, senior director of UCR housing services, assured The Highlander that the school has set up a comprehensive plan for those students going home for Thanksgiving. Since Riverside County regressed to tier one, the university faces “a profoundly inconvenient influence on residents post-Thanksgiving and Winter break.”

According to Brumbaugh, student

residents in all housing units, from residence halls to family housing, are required to “sequester” themselves for at least 14 days after returning from Thanksgiving break and winter break, regardless of whether or not they plan on leaving campus.

Sequestering means that the students are not to leave their rooms or apartments, unless they are going to secure essentials, such as medical services or food. Those residing in the residence halls will be required to obtain four negative COVID tests during that time in order to be released from the sequester period; while those living in campus apartments and family housing units will be mandated to secure two negative test results during that time frame.

For those who live in the residence halls, the staff is taking an extra precautionary measure by asking returning individuals to sign up for a self-selected appointment time and date in order to move back into their room. Brumbaugh explained that this will decrease the amount of students moving around the buildings at one time, hopefully increasing the ability of students to physically distance themselves from others.

A mass email from Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox confirmed this information, adding that students in need of extra support or help navigating this phase of the pandemic can and should take advantage of the university resources. Still, in spite of the newly instated restrictions and guidelines, Wilcox concluded on a positive note.

“Your resilience and commitment to our community throughout the pandemic has been remarkable.” He finished, “Please remain diligent in your personal efforts to stay healthy and safe while also supporting H those around you.” ■

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NEWS

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UCR pilots cellphone-based program used to notify users of coronavirus exposure LAURA ANAYA-MORGA News Editor

UCR students are now part of the California program aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The California Department of Public Health, Department of Technology and the University of California (UC) are using privacy-preserving coronavirus contact tracing to quickly notify users when they have come in close contact with someone that has tested positive for the virus, even if they do not know the person. The program, known as California Notify, uses Google/ Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) technology, which does not use location information nor does it collect and transmit any personal information.

CA Notify uses Bluetooth technology to notify users when they have come in close contact with another user who has logged that they have tested positive for coronavirus. Users will be asked to opt in to the notification system which will generate and transmit anonymous keys used only to communicate with other cellular devices in your proximity;

the keys cannot be used to identify your location. Epidemiologists have developed a system to determine and assess an individual’s level of risk after being exposed using the date, duration and signal strength of the encounter.

Those who are notified of an exposure will be directed to instructions on how to preserve the safety of themselves and those around them.

“As COVID cases increase in the county, we need to utilize all the tools at our disposal to fight the surge,” said UCR Chief Medical Officer Andres Gonzalez, “UCR Health and UCR want to be in the forefront of technology to make sure we keep our communities safe.”

UCR launched the campus wide program on Nov. 16 and since then, the university has provided information and a brief video with instructions on how students can activate the notification system on their smartphones. iPhone users must have their

phones updated to the latest version of iOS to download the California COVID Notify app. Android users must download the app from the Google Play store. Both must make sure to have their notification and Bluetooth settings turned on.

The pilot program was first introduced at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco early this fall and later expanded to UCR, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA and UC Santa Barbara in order to reach a broder, more diverse audience.

“Contact tracing along with testing and isolation are some of the best strategies to combat the virus. This project enhances the existing contact tracing/investigation process that the university already has in place,” said H Gonzalez.■

THE APP IS BEING PILOTED AT SEVEN UC CAMPUSES AND WILL BECOME AVAILABLE STATEWIDE IN DECEMBER.

COURTESY OF FREEPIK

NEWS IN BRIEF:

UCR COVID-19 laboratory expands in response to growing demands

DAVINA GARCIA Assistant News Editor

THE DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY INCREASES STAFF AND EQUIPMENT IN RESPONSE TO RISING COVID-19 CASES.

COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise, with Riverside County’s coronavirus-related hospitalizations doubling since the beginning of November. In response, just two months past its official opening, the UCR diagnostic laboratory has expanded, adding more space and staff members in order to meet the increasing demands of COVID-19.

The new additions include two graduate students who are now working part-time and assisting the regular staff, as well as an entirely new room for testing with a third pipetting robot and assorted equipment. The university also purchased a second thermocycler, a machine that performs the test analysis, in order to make the

process faster and more efficient.

According to Kathy Borkovich, professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, the current procedure of testing involves the collection and analysis of saliva samples with a modified methodology derived from the University of IllinoisChampaign known as “SHIELD.” She affirmed that this technique is able to detect three SARS-CoV-2 genes as well as a positive control that is purposely dispensed into each sample.

With the laboratory expansion, Borkovich stated that their original goal was to reach proper processing of around 600 samples per day; however, they grew unsatisfied with the number and are now seeking to analyze approximately 900 to 1,000

samples per day. After reportedly having opened the laboratory for a couple months, they began identifying issues that had been limiting their abilities, allowing them to successfully surpass 300 sample analyses during just one testing run of three per day.

In spite of the progression, Borkovich asserted that she and the other lead of the laboratory, Isgouhi Kaloshian, professor and chair of the Department of Nematology, are far from complacent. “Since we are university scientists, we are always trying to improve the testing protocol and our processes,” she stated. As of now, they are working to better their cooling procedures for samples and to provide long term storage for reagents in the near H future.■

Opinions

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OPINIONS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

California lockdowns without proper relief will cause more harm than good CALIFORNIA NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A RELIEF PLAN SO THAT SMALL BUSINESSES CAN HAVE THE SUPPORT AND SECURITY TO CLOSE DOWN.

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t the time of writing, California has surpassed one million confirmed COVID cases, and Governor Gavin Newsom is implementing large reopening rollbacks along with a curfew for 41 out of the state’s 58 counties. Many counties are going to regress to the purple tier, meaning their statuses of cases will be classified as widespread. Businesses will not have much of a say in what Newsom imposes, and they question what these strict lockdowns mean for them. If California is to ever stop the spread of the virus, businesses have no choice but to abide by these regulations for the safety of the communities they serve. Ultimately, everything must shut down again in order for cases to decrease. Nevertheless, the California government must also be proactive in providing better relief so that small businesses affected during this lockdown are protected from potential bankruptcy and closures.

According to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a county falls into the most restrictive tier, the purple tier, if they have more than 8% of positive tests and 7% of new cases per 100,000 residents a day. As such, many non-essential businesses must cease indoor operations to adhere to the circumstances of the pandemic.

This means that places such as movie theaters and museums must close their

doors, and restaurants can only operate outdoors at a limited capacity. Other places such as shopping malls, stores and swap meets can only be open at 25% capacity, and while indoor gatherings are banned, outdoor gatherings can only include people from up to three households.

Although the new regulations for gatherings and businesses are important, they should have been implemented from the very beginning.

While it is important that California takes as many precautionary measures as possible in order to get the case count down, it is ridiculous that California is just now figuring this out when action could have been taken months ago.

Despite counties being put back into the purple tier is effective, this is still not enough to ensure that cases will go down. It does not make sense to close restaurants but still keep malls and other retail stores open. The idea that contracting the virus is only exclusive to restaurants is absurd, and with the holiday season approaching, malls and retail stores will undoubtedly receive an influx of customers that will put each other at risk. The best way to avoid these potential issues is to simply shut everything down altogether, and while people might disagree or protest this, it should be understood that Governor Newsom is imposing these restrictions for the greater good. The best thing to do right now is to be proactive and

not have anything open in general.

However, if this were to be done, the Californian government needs to take responsibility in having a statewide relief plan.

Large reopening rollbacks are ineffective if California does not have a method of providing support for small businesses. While large corporations have the financial cushion to wait out a statewide closure, mom and pop shops or other non-franchise restaurants may not have the money to completely close their doors. In reality, many small businesses depend on regular, consistent customers in order to stay afloat. It is imperative that the California government lend their support to these small businesses because without the proper relief, they might have no choice but to remain closed even after the pandemic. On the other hand, although there have been small programs per county that businesses can apply for, there needs to be an organized, statewide response.

California has one of the largest economies in the world, so there is no excuse as to why they cannot come out with their own relief plan, especially when the federal government has failed to take leadership on the pandemic.

In fact, small businesses still struggle to stay afloat, despite federal loans such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. California needs to set an example and COURTESY OF PEXELS have a better relief plan for its citizens, and while it may be preferred by

GAGE SKIDMORE VIA FLICKR UNDER CC BY-SA 2.0

some that California abides by federal government mandates, there is not a strong enough federal response to the virus in order to support this argument.

Those who might argue against California taking action are not recognizing the fact that California can no longer stand by when the current administration is doing everything but providing adequate coronavirus relief.

It is unlikely that the U.S. will have a federal plan until Joe Biden is in office.

Therefore, in the meantime, it is the responsibility of California, as such a big state and one of the states with the highest case count, to come up with a stronger relief plan for small businesses to close safely.

In truth, the best thing California can do now is close everything down and give people, especially small businesses, a stimulus that is more widespread.

If California had their own plan and provided their own stimulus to citizens, it would help with mitigating financial insecurities during these unprecedented times. It is California’s responsibility to shut everything down and make sure all H its citizens are taken care of.â–

The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.

6 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

OPINIONS

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The Pfizer vaccine has the chance to change the course of the pandemic, but vaccine distribution poses an issue EVELYN HOMAN Assistant Opinions Editor

After an arduous year of endless bad news surrounding the pandemic, the world now has a glimmer of hope. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer has announced that they have developed a coronavirus vaccine that has shown a 90% effectiveness rate in clinical trials. Once this vaccine is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the vaccine will be available for people to start getting immunized. The next challenge, however, is distribution; Pfizer doesn’t really have a distribution plan for the vaccine as of yet. Though there will be no easy way to go about distributing the new vaccine, it would be wisest to allow the states to choose where vaccines go first rather than to allow the federal government to call the shots.

Pfizer has insinuated that it will, in fact, let state governments decide who will get the vaccine first. This is the best course of action because if it were up to the federal government, vaccines would likely be directed to hotbed areas like New York and the Midwest rather than methodically attacking the virus in every state at once. In contrast, governors know their states best and have been in charge of handling their respective states for the whole of the pandemic. As such, they know where the hotbeds in their own states are and can work to distribute the vaccines where they are most needed before moving out to the cities that are less COVID-heavy. The states having control of vaccine distribution will lead to a much more fine-tuned approach to how cases are tackled, and this approach would be both efficient and effective.

Unfortunately, this approach still isn’t quite as smooth as it could be. There is still a matter of what communities

should be vaccinated first within these states. When looking at a map of California’s COVID cases, it is clear that some of the most affected counties are those with high populations of low-income communities, such as San Bernardino, Tulare and Fresno counties. It makes the most sense, then, to send vaccinations into these counties first, as the people who live in those counties may not have the same access to medical care as those in counties with less cases might. By protecting these lowerincome communities first and foremost, hotspots will be conquered before the vaccines are then distributed to counties that are less at risk.

However, even this slightly more streamlined approach would have its dissenters. With 23% of Americans saying that they wouldn’t trust any COVID vaccine coming out this year, state governments could face some pressure when distributing these vaccines. Nevertheless, if the vaccine is reliable — and it has shown to be so — then any potential pushback from the public should not stop state governments from acting on a COVID vaccine plan.

If anything, a “mandatory” vaccine label should not be placed on the vaccine in the case that such a label incites a public riot as to why the vaccine should not be taken.

Instead, governors should actively promote the receiving of the vaccine.

If this course of action were followed, then hopefully the course of the pandemic will be changed. If we vaccinate the most vulnerable first and foremost, then they will be safer, and cases should decrease. By not labeling the vaccine as mandatory, conspiracy theorists shouldn’t get too much in the way of the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. If a to-the-point distribution plan is followed through with, then we very well could start H seeing the beginning of the end of the pandemic.■

AS THE PANDEMIC FACES ITS FIRST MEDICAL CHALLENGER, WE SHOULD TACKLE THE VIRUS BY PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE.

ARCHIVE /THE HIGHLANDER

Shedding new light on mental health awareness as a result of the pandemic PEOPLE NEED TO BE INFORMED ON HOW TO HELP LOVED ONES DEAL WITH MENTAL ILLNESS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

RYAN POON /THE HIGHLANDER

MADISON RHEINS Opinions Editor

As lockdowns seem to have no end in sight, mental health concerns in young adults have increased. As a consequence of social isolation, students feel suffocated and misunderstood by parents who dismiss signs of mental illness as adolescent mood swings. As long as people remain uninformed on the severity of mental illness, many young adults struggling to cope alone will go unnoticed. Now more than ever, it is important that people, especially parents, learn to normalize mental health so that loved ones can get the support they deserve.

Sure, at the beginning of quarantine, many experienced relief about not having to worry about showing up to school and instead be able to do everything from the comfort of their bedrooms. However, this honeymoon stage quickly ended, and the reality of isolation struck. As stressful as social interactions can be, the pandemic has proved that they are still essential to a

person’s identity. For some, being stuck at home is draining, and without the support of school or friends to lean on, being in an unhealthy environment is a very real possibility.

The amount of mental health-related visits to emergency departments for children has increased and has remained consistently high since the pandemic. The reason for this is because young adults rely on social interaction to manage anxiety and depression. Friendships and social bonds are key to maintaining self-worth and offer support that many young people may lack at home. Without these people to confide in, a lot of young adults may feel alone and unsupported.

Those who deal with chronic anxiety and depression are particularly impacted because of how important social circles are for comfort. This is especially pertinent for people who are in families that lack understanding of mental illness. For instance, when struggling with my own chronic depression, I never felt taken

seriously by my family, and so I relied heavily on the friends I had in order to cope with my thoughts. When quarantine hit, this was a huge blow to my self-esteem, and without the proper support from my family, I was left in so much pain. Oftentimes, it seems as if parents look at their children as if they are wounded and helpless.

Furthermore, mental illness has been seen as taboo to most older generations, and without the right knowledge, this can be very dangerous for someone who is trying to cope. For this reason, people need to be given better tools in offering their support.

Truthfully, the best way to care for loved ones, especially in times of such uncertainty and isolation, is to make sure that people are better informed on recognizing key signs so that they can provide proper care to someone struggling.

Most commonly, signs of depression include constant irritability, lack of interest in hobbies and the feeling of worthlessness or guilt. Furthermore, signs of anxiety may include emotional changes such as

restlessness and physical changes such as frequent heachaches or excessive fatigue. It is important that parents learn to recognize these signs and make sure that their children know that they are not bad people for having these feelings, nor are they alone or broken. Constant reassurance and cultivating trust helps to normalize mental health so that young adults feel more comfortable confiding in family.

Mental health should not be so taboo in society today. With the awareness that this pandemic has brought, people should recognize that caring for one’s mental health is just as much of a priority as caring for one’s physical health. In short, if more people take the time to recognize key signs and educate themselves about providing adequate support and care, less young adults will have to navigate their feelings alone.

If you’re a student who is struggling with depression or anxiety, you can reach out to Counseling and Psychological H Services at (951) UCR-TALK.■

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OPINIONS

The new COVID-19 vaccines are not “the mark of the beast”

ARCHIVE /THE HIGHLANDER

REBECCA SALINAS Contributing Writer

Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out at the end of last year multiple pharmaceutical companies have been trying to find a cure. Luckily, two companies, Pfizer and Moderna, announced that they have created a COVID-19 vaccine with a high success rate, ranging from 90 to 94.5%. These announcements have sparked hope since they signify the possible end of the

pandemic. However, users on TikTok have been posting videos spreading conspiracy theories, using religious explanations to claim that the vaccines are a microchip intended to be placed in people. Users of the app have gone on to declare the vaccines as “the mark of the beast” — a story which originates from the Bible. These claims however, hold no scientific basis and are not rooted in fact.

Rather the vaccines are an assistance to the perilous situation the world is facing,

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THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS HERE TO HELP THE PUBLIC, NOT HARM THEM.

and conspiracy theories only help spread misinformation.

On TikTok, conspiracy theories have spread claiming the vaccine is actually a microchip the government wants to install in the population. One popular video made by a user of the app acts out what she believes the vaccine is.

In the clip, she claims the vaccine is a microchip, and the refusal of it leads to people being killed. In the caption, the user writes, “You’re required to take the mark of the beast (vaccine) or you die, but you know what God’s word says so you deny it.”

The creator of the TikTok video is referencing a story in the Book of Revelation about a mark placed on people who serve and worship a creature called “the beast,” enslaving them to him. In modern times, many people of the Christian faith fear technology, specifically microchips, and the government, who they characterize as evil entities.

Refusing vaccines is not uncommon; in fact, the anti-vaccine movement started at the same time that vaccines originated.

People found vaccines barbaric because they did not like the way Edward Jenner, the creator of the smallpox vaccine, exposed his family to pathogens of sick cows to prevent them from smallpox.

Nowadays, people reject vaccines out of fear — claiming that vaccines cause autism — or due to religious beliefs.

Yet, the rejection of this vaccine is due

to made-up notions, which is ridiculous — even more so considering how this vaccine is necessary to save human lives.

To think the COVID-19 vaccine is evil due to conspiracy theories is not logical.

Small websites dedicate themselves to creating these theories, explaining their beliefs with explanations like: “[There is] a bill currently before the House of Representatives (6666) and the very letters ‘C-O-R-O-N-A’.” This type of reasoning is not substantial. It does not make sense to link miniscule details, like the number of letters in a word, to phrases in the Bible and then claim there is an evil plot occuring.

While a majority of the public are not seeing these conspiracy theories on these websites, the conspiracies are being shared on TikTok where many people learn about them. This mass sharing of false beliefs is frightening, and it could potentially cause members of the public to refuse the vaccine.

It is understandable that the public is fearful during this time, especially considering the political atmosphere around us. Yet, we must not be fearful about this. Everyone must put aside their fears and political reservations and see that this advancement in medicine is designed to aid us. To refuse the COVID-19 vaccine is to permit the outbreak to continue indefinitely. This vaccine is not an attack on citizens out of evil intentions; it was created out of H concern for them.■

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Features MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae

Scotty the bear celebrates a virtual birthday bash ALEXANDRIA ESTEBAN Assistant Features Editor

UCR’s mascot, Scotty the Bear, had his 66th birthday party during Homecoming Week 2020. Scotty the Bear has been UCR’s mascot since 1954. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, students were welcomed to attend an online event via Zoom to celebrate the occasion. This event ran from 6 p.m to 7 p.m.

Scotty’s birthday featured DJ Medek from Power 106. He provided the music for the evening, playing throwback songs such as “This is How We Do It” by Montel Jordan and “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District. The audio was a little staticky at times, but the upbeat music kept everyone’s spirits high. Medek

used Zoom to his advantage by choosing a virtual backdrop of outer space, and he didn’t let the online platform stop him from interacting with the viewers. At the beginning of the event, he asked viewers to drop some song requests in the chat, and he included some of these songs into his set.

After Medek’s performance, he hosted the trivia portion of the event, and the first few people to answer the questions in the Zoom chat won a UCR T-shirt or a Homecoming Bonfire hoodie. Overall, there were 10 questions, each related to the UCR campus. They included: “What is the line up for this year’s Homecoming Bonfire?” and “What year was our mascot, Scotty the Bear, founded?”

ASPB HOSTED A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND TRIVIA TO CELEBRATE UCR’S BEARY FAVORITE MASCOT.

Those who didn’t win a T-shirt or hoodie during the trivia portion were still able to enter giveaways on ASPB’s social media pages. The event concluded with one lucky student winning a raffle draw for an Apple watch.

Many students in the chat expressed their excitement, commenting about how it provided them with the perfect break during midterms. No matter how students tuned into the virtual event, the combination of music, trivia and prizes made this an event worth attending. Although the campus is still closed, ASPB has continued to host online events for students to enjoy. Their next event, Around the Block With Bretman Rock, will take H place on Tuesday, Nov. 24. ■

COURTESY OF UCR VIA INSTAGRAM

Celebrating community: UCR’s first virtual Umoja Day ADRIANA MANDUJANO ANGEL Features Editor

UCR’S FIRST VIRTUAL UMOJA DAY BROUGHT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO SHARE RESOURCES TO ENRICH STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

RYAN POON / THE HIGHLANDER

The first ever virtual Umoja Day was hosted by Umoja at UCR on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The word “Umoja” means “unity” in Swahili, and Umoja at UCR is a club meant to help bring unity and community to African American students on campus, as well as enriching their educational experience. On Umoja day, the community came together and created an inspiring and event filled evening.

While waiting for the event to begin, many attendees were greeted by Allura Davis, a UCR admissions counselor whose upbeat and happy attitude transcended the screen and allowed everyone to feel comfortable and happy.

Alongside her was DJ Jwett, who played some bops. The two were very welcoming, and in no time I found myself vibing with them. It was a great way to start the evening.

Once the event began, Davis introduced a few inspiring keynote speakers to discuss the origins of Umoja and the reason for being at the event. Jennifer Brown, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, was one of the keynote speakers present at the event and she welcomed event goers by giving some insight on the origins of Umoja. According to Brown, “Umoja is about community and welcoming folks in.”

Myia Williams was another speaker who discussed Umoja. Williams’ speech was inspirational and further discussed the importance of community and unity by using an African proverb which states, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” which embodies the values of Umoja Day. Especially when pursuing an educational career, it is important to be with

others in order to excel, and that is exactly what Umoja Day and Umoja at UCR strive to do: to recruit African American students and give them the resources needed to succeed, and most importantly, to not be alone. It is something beautiful and inspiring, and hearing it made me feel loved.

Brian Haynes, vice chancellor of student affairs, and Kendrick Davis, associate dean of assessment and evaluation at the UCR School of Medicine, were some of the other keynote speakers who made impactful statements. At one point during Hayne’s speech, many people in the chat section were sharing their experience and the moments from his speech that gave them chills.

One of these statements included, “We can overcome anything.” Overall, these keynote speakers each helped create a meaningful evening.

After these speakers, there were also student panelists, including the president of Umoja at UCR, Katryna Wallace and Vice President Michael Paster, who shared their experiences at UCR and answered student questions.

It was great listening to them speak about how Umoja has impacted their lives.

Lastly, there were some breakout sessions and booths with different clubs and organizations, such as African Student Programs, Black Student Union, Graduate School of Education, R’Pantry and many more to welcome attendees and give information about transferring to UCR. Overall, the first ever virtual Umoja Day at UCR was a great success and was extra special due to the fact UCR is the first UC to have Umoja on campus and we will be able H to witness its growth.■

Bittersweet

By Katie Polanco, Contributing Writer

FEATURES FICTION IS A COLUMN SHOWCASING CREATIVE WORK FROM STUDENTS, RANGING FROM POETRY TO SHORT STORIES.

Age led me to believe

May innocence guide these lovers through

That young love is bittersweet.

The path filled with inevitable feuds.

From the first hug to the first kiss,

Their innocence will go astray.

Moments too sweet to miss.

They will break up and soon part ways.

Awkward glances across the room,

I was led to believe,

Hoping they will notice you.

That young love is bittersweet.

The romantic’s sweet yet subtle ruse

Yet I would repeat the past again,

To capture the attention of their muse.

Because it led me to you. ■ H

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae

Radar ► FROM BONFIRE

performer and midliner, OOKAY, an electronic dance music producer and DJ. His set, which also lasted approximately 30 minutes, was lively and engaging.

OOKAY addressed the UCR community multiple times, encouraging students to jump and dance along at home.

Once his set concluded and he thanked and bid UCR goodbye, EJ in LA led students in another giveaway courtesy of ASPB. This time, students had a chance to win a DJ mixer if they entered the giveaway.

Before the last performer of the night, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tamica Smith Jones discussed the Budget Advisory Committee’s recommendation to cut the UCR Athletics department to address budget cuts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and campus closure. Jones thanked the support from UCR students, the UCR community and beyond, presenting a #KeepUCRAthletics video, showcasing the support the UCR Athletics program has received. Smith also announced that the first UCR Men’s Basketball game will take place on Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. While the event is fanless, students can watch the livestream of the game at gohighlanders.com.

EJ in LA then led Highlanders in the last giveaway of the night. Students had the opportunity to win the biggest prize of the night: a brand new MacBook.

After students got the opportunity to enter to win the MacBook, Bonfire was ready for the final performance of the night.

Valentino Khan, the headliner of Bonfire, is an American DJ and producer born and raised in Los Angeles. Khan is best known for releasing material through prominent DJ’s such as Diplo, Skrillex and Steve Aoki. His set was animated and energetic and Khan maintained a vibrant energy throughout his set.

He appeared enthusiastic and high-spirited, a nice feat considering how hard it is to stay captivating via a virtual event.

After the conclusion of his set, Khan participated in a Q&A session led by EJ in LA, who asked questions submitted by UCR students. Oftentimes, at virtual events, specifically those that take place via Zoom, ASPB has allowed students to directly ask questions to performers, lecturers or guest speakers, which often proved to be chaotic and difficult to manage. By handpicking student questions beforehand and allowing a professional radio host to ask the questions and lead

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the conversation, ASPB mastered a well choreographed Q&A session.

One of the questions that EJ in LA asked on behalf of UCR students was how Khan would describe himself in one word. Khan stated that he would describe himself as “versatile … I like to keep things fresh.” When asked when he first began making music, he stated that he started at age 13 or 14, he first started in rap and then moved into dance music. His advice for those interested in DJing is to “learn how to produce. Set yourself apart from other acts by learning to do that. Build your own fan base. Be vigilant and work hard.”By participating in the Q&A session, Khan added a more personal touch to Bonfire, something that would have likely not occurred if the event were held in-person.

The event concluded at approximately 9 p.m. with a reminder from EJ in LA for Highlanders to stay safe and wear a mask. 2020 Homecoming Bonfire has proved again that despite the circumstances, ASPB will continue to find ways to make virtual events engaging and fun for Highlanders. ASPB’s next event, Around the Block with Bretman Rock, takes place on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. UCR undergraduates can RSVP to the event at H highlanderlink.ucr.edu.■

‘Dash and Lily’: A perfect Christmas present that unwraps one’s true self

The Netflix show takes us along the journey of two strangers completely transforming themselves during the holiday season.

JASHANPREET MALHI Contributing Writer

Netflix has been on a roll recently, having numerous Christmas films and shows lined up well before Thanksgiving. As audiences are on the hunt to discover a new series to binge to put them in the holiday spirit, Netflix’s new show “Dash and Lily” is a gem among many with its powerful storytelling and delightful characters.

“Dash and Lily,” based on the book by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, follows two opposite teenagers with different attitudes towards the holiday season. To escape the Christmas ambiance, Dash (Austin Abrams) visits a bookstore and discovers a red notebook placed by Lily (Midori Francis), our mysterious writer, filled with dares that intrigue him. The two become absorbed in this game and communicate by daring and opening up to each other through the notebook, which is exchanged throughout New York.

At the surface, “Dash and Lily” may seem like a cheesy rom-com, but it has excellent storytelling. The show has eight short episodes that can be easily watched in one sitting. The first episode introduces us to Dash’s introverted personality and loathing of Christmas, while the second focuses on Lily and the start of her lonely holiday season.

They soon showcase both characters as their stories are intertwined by the notebook.

Although Dash and Lily aren’t in the same scenes in some episodes, their voice-overs of the notebook entries make them ever present.

In addition, the short episodes perfectly manage to relay the plot without seeming too fast or slow. The relationship between Dash and Lily is effectively developed as they learn more about each other through the notebook, and dramatic elements are explored when they

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

encounter challenges in their “long distance” relationship.

“Dash and Lily” really nails Christmas time in New York with bright lights, Christmas trees, skating at the Rockefeller center and Christmas shops. Christmastime is captured at every turn, such as Lily’s house, a Macy’s with excessive Christmas decorations and a subway with several Santas. Most settings, such as the bookstore and a pizza parlor, have festive fairy lights and garlands that establish the holiday spirit. Moreover, the soundtrack includes numerous holiday songs, including a cameo from the Jonas Brothers performing “Like it’s Christmas.”

Abrams and Francis exemplify exceptional acting and play characters that have depth.

Abrams portrays a socially awkward and picky teenager who just wants to be left alone from any and all human interaction. He is pensive and wears dark clothing, clearly making a statement he would rather be lost in a bookstore.

Francis captures Lily’s jolly, exuberant spirit and delivers her lines with great enthusiasm.

The audience feels sympathetic for Lily, as Francis does well at depicting Lily’s struggles as an outcast with an optimistic nature. The show fuses introverts and extroverts with the notebook that becomes an escape to another realm as Dash and Lily unfold the next chapter of their lives. Moreover, the show impressively introduces multiple characters, such as Lily’s strict grandpa (James Saito), her easygoing brother (Troy Iwata) and Dash’s friend (Dante Brown) with ideal screen time that shows their respective issues. This also works in creating a family-like atmosphere, as the cast works well with each other throughout the show.

In alignment with remarkable acting, “Dash and Lily” connects to the audience as we relate to them. In a relatable way, Dash and Lily

become self-conscious for not fitting in or think they know themselves best without having made meaningful experiences. However, Dash and Lily’s character development in escaping their comfort zones transforms them.

Dash transitions from an unhappy teenager to enjoying the present, while Lily embraces her personality and speaks up for herself. Thus, the characters portray who we may be by breaking free of limitations and challenging ourselves.

The audience receives a bit of mystery and adventure as the show’s genres alternate between coming of age and drama. As Dash and Lily are eager to meet each other, it conveys the message of embracing each other’s unique personality that brings them together. Overall, it inspires the audience to abandon judgements and to seek discomfort.

Ultimately, “Dash and Lily” is the perfect holiday watch, as it engulfs the holiday spirit and utilizes a great plot with smoothly integrated themes. The show can be easily binged and the cheesy yet heartwarming themes make it engaging. It is more than a rom-com, as the audience connects with the characters and is H inspired to get out there and try new things.■

Verdict:

The charming performances in “Dash and Lily” and remarkable plot with exceptionally developed themes make it a show you just can’t stop watching. The great storytelling and relatable characters immerse the audience in a lighthearted watch.

Sports 10

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

SPORTS

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

UCR’s basketball teams prepare for the upcoming season while following safety guidelines KEVIN CONTRERAS Assistant Sports Editor

The hardwood floors are being polished, the rims are being netted and the basketballs are being pumped with air. The 2020-21 basketball season is almost underway in the Big West conference, and UCR is doing all they can in order to be prepared.

Despite the uncertainty posed by the fluctuating state of the pandemic, UCR’s men’s and women’s basketball teams remain focused and headstrong in order to be prepared for anything this new season might throw their way.

In light of the restrictions posed by the pandemic, both the men’s and women’s teams have followed the safety protocols put in place by the NCAA, Big West and the UCR campus. Both teams are tested various times throughout the week in order to keep everyone safe, as well as taking all the necessary precautions while at home.

In an interview with The Highlander, Head Coach Nicole Powell of the women’s basketball team discussed how serious their team is about keeping everyone safe amidst their training. “The most important thing right now is staying safe and following protocols that our university and medical staff have provided for us,” said Powell. She went on to state that they are currently focused on working hard, building their culture and their foundation — getting in shape and getting ready to go.

Both teams are training intensely in order to be physically and mentally ready for whatever this upcoming season may launch their way. They are currently training five days a week, lifting four days a week and mixing in yoga and mindfulness techniques. Mike Magpayo, head coach of the men’s basketball team, has high hopes for this new season and is confident in his team’s ability.

In an interview with The Highlander, he stated,

“We want to remain the same sturdy defensive team as last year. We were 2nd defensively in the Big West, top 10 scoring defense in [the] nation. But we have to make a jump offensively and really grow there as a team by taking care of the ball above all else.”

Both teams have their eye on the prize, reaching for the top position in the Big West. While they train hard in the gym, uncertainty roams the courts. In recent months, UCR’s Budget Advisory Committee has recommended the elimination of the athletics program at UCR due to budget cuts the university is facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and campus closure. While both Magpayo and Powell recognized the difficult situation the pandemic has placed on the university, they reminded UCR’s leaders of the negative consequences this decision could have for the school and its brand. They are confident that UCR’s leadership will make the right decision when it comes to such an integral part of the university.

Both coaches are confident in their team’s ability to win big in this upcoming season, and they are doing all that they can to make sure their teams win on and off the court.

“Goals off the court are always to carry ourselves with the utmost professionalism and to represent the UC Riverside Highlander students and to make the university proud. On the court we have one goal, to get better every single day and see if that leads to the result we all want in the end. Which is to win the Big West,” said Magpayo. The men’s basketball team broke UCR program records in the past year as they came off of a 17-win season.

“My goals for the season are to again, build that culture and foundation — caring and loving one another and working really hard. Doing our best and growing as athletes and people,” added Powell.

HOPES REMAIN HIGH AMIDST THE UNCERTAINTY OF CONTINUATION OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS.

JOSHUA WANG /THE HIGHLANDER

Be Thankful.

RYAN POON /THE HIGHLANDER