Vol. 71. Issue 00

THE HIGHLANDER

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

VOL. 71, ISSUE 00

NEWS

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A PETITION IS RECEIVING TRACTION IN RESPONSE TO THE INEQUITY IN

In the Spring Quarter of the 20212022 academic year, many students took Organic Chemistry or CHEM008B, the second of a three-part series. Two professors taught the course during this term, Professor Matthew Casselman and Professor Michael Pirrung. Out of the 178 students that took this class with Professor Pirrung, 112 people received a D or below equating to 63% of the class having failed. As a result, a petition was established to seek valid justification for the grading practices that took place, with many students who took the class describing them as unfair and this situation as a matter of inequity within

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OPINIONS

Prosecute Trump or risk American Democracy

Backlash has risen regarding Organic Chemistry ABHIJIT REGE News Editor

est. 1954

the education system at UC Riverside.

Organic Chemistry is notorious around many campuses for being one of the most difficult classes that can be taken, and the subject is often a requirement for a number of STEM majors such as chemistry and biology. It is unfortunately common for 20% to 30% of students taking an Organic Chemistry course to receive a failing grade. However, 63% is nearly unheard of.

Professor Pirrung’s class utilized the following grading policy: “This class will be graded on a curve, not an absolute scale. This means that letter grades will be assigned on the basis of natural spacing in the point distribution to minimize the ► SEE NEWS PAGE 4

AS THE JAN. 6 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNRAVELS THE EXTENT OF TRUMP’S FAILED COUP, ATTORNEY GENERAL MERRICK GARLAND MUST PROSECUTE THE FORMER PRESIDENT IN ORDER TO PRESERVE DEMOCRACY.

HARRY STOLTZ Staff Writer

“Hang Mike Pence!” The events of Jan. 6 shocked the nation. Never before had a violent mob stormed the capital and threatened the lives of elected officials.

More shocking, still, is that this mob had the full support of the sitting president, Donald Trump. Most egregiously, former President Trump had relentlessly cast doubt on the 2020 presidential election for months leading up to this point.

Screeching about the evils of at-home voting, fake ballots and dead voters, even before the election, some in Trump’s base were primed for a revolution.

While many might dismiss Jan. 6 as a

harmless mob storming the capital, the Jan. 6 House committee has revealed a much more expansive plot to steal the election.

These plans to invalidate key swing states under the guise of “election fraud” are clearly unconstitutional, and worse yet, a blatant attempt to destroy democracy.

Failure on the part of Biden’s Attorney General, Merrick Garland, to prosecute the former President risks everything our democratic institutions stand for.

As outlined by testimony shared in recent house hearings, President Trump had a comprehensive step-by-step plan to steal the 2020 presidential election. ► SEE OPINIONS PAGE 6

RADAR ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season one gives a finale filled with action and emotion that satisfies its fan base

THE SHOW ENDS ITS FIRST SEASON WITH A BANG, LEADING UP TO AN EPIC AND DRAMATIC SHOWDOWN.

KIMBERLY BEJEC Staff Writer

Since the launch of the streaming platform Disney+, Disney has been releasing new “Star Wars” projects that tell various stories in its franchise. The most recent miniseries, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” features Ewan McGregor, reprising the titular character from the prequel trilogy. The series premiered on May 27 and has released a new episode every Wednesday since.

The series is set 10 years after the events of “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith” and Order 66. During these events, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden

Christensen) turns to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader and all Jedi are ordered to be executed. The series follows Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is hiding on the planet of Tatooine. After Obi-Wan is sent out on a mission to rescue a kidnapped Leia Organa, he encounters Inquisitors, who are on the hunt for Jedis. Throughout the season, the looming anticipation of an encounter between Obi-Wan and his former padawan Anakin is present.

The actors’ performances, particularly from McGregor and Christensen, are highlights of the show. ► SEE RADAR PAGE 11

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A hot girl summer is in the cards ► SEE FEATURES PAGE 7

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NEWS

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Backlash has risen regarding Organic Chemistry (CHEM008B) and unfair grading practices

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A PETITION IS RECEIVING TRACTION IN RESPONSE TO THE INEQUITY IN GRADING PRACTICES ► FROM NEWS

number of students near borderlines.”

This policy, as described by the official petition, was used to the disadvantage of students. “The grading scale was made so ambiguous without clear cut lines on where letter grades start or stop,” a student anonymously described, “Throughout this whole class many students thought that being near the average of the midterm scores would result in successfully passing the course. But when the average is considered ‘failing’ this becomes an issue.”

Comparing the averages between Professor Pirrung and Professor Casselman’s class show that Professor Pirrung’s students scored consistently lower than Professor Cassleman’s students by a margin of 15% to 30%. Organic Chemistry is a difficult class that commonly sees low test averages; however, a fundamental problem can be noted if one professor’s class exhibits double the scores of another.

As described by the petition, “If Professor Pirrung consistently yields such low results for midterms and finals, does it mean it is the fault of the students or the instructor for not properly educating the students? ... It was evident that the level of difficulty for Professor Casselman’s exams did not equate with that of Professor Pirrungs.”

Another source of complaints comes from many students claiming that the

Professor did not provide the level of material needed to ensure success in this class. The petition describes this issue stating, “The practice problems he assigned were not reflective of the exams given and therefore unhelpful to our success.

Additionally, no SI sessions were linked to our class and so we struggled with seeking additional help as these tutoring sessions were not correlated to the material we needed to learn.” Many STEM courses face this issue especially with material that is often difficult for students to grasp or with examinations on material that are considered to be too unique.

Practice materials such as a practice midterm and final were provided but were described as having “little to no correlation” to the actual tested content. “Comparison between the practice and actual exams shows that very few topics were similar to each other, and we strongly believe the content provided to study was ultimately ineffective in preparing us for these exams,” the petition described. “Additionally, there have been instances where Dr. Pirrung tested us on topics he had initially told us we did not need to know for the exam.”

Students of the class have been vocal about their frustrations regarding their grades and the exams that they had to take.

Many were disappointed and outraged at the lack of a curve, despite such low scores for notoriously difficult material. “Exams should be made to allow students to get a

fair chance to showcase the knowledge that was taught rather than an expectation for them to fail and then just curve it. To expect students to fail, but then form a curve around those who failed the least, is an issue in the way courses are taught. Either large curves should be in place for classes with such problematic examinations or make fairer exams where students are able to pass with no curve.”

Professor Pirrung had no set grading policy in place that determined the criteria for students to pass or fail the class and as such, many voiced their concerns regarding this ambiguity. “The course was set up without a concrete grading system in which you could reference back to and say ‘yes due to me results in midterm 1 & 2 and the final I would be falling roughly in this range.’” In a Canvas announcement sent out on June 13th, 2022, Professor Pirrung had firmly stated that, “A grading scale will not be provided.”

This ambiguity, in conjunction with the low testing averages, has many students of CHEM008B claim that Professor Pirrung did not properly prepare his students for the material he tested on. The petition also notes that, “Dr. Pirrung had indicated during his lectures that anyone who was on the average should be fine. This false sense of security is what kept students from dropping the class.”

Students had reached out via email to both Dr. Pirrung and the Dean of CNAS,

Kathryn E. Uhrich, along with the Professor of Chemistry & Chair, Leonard J Mueller, to seek answers regarding these issues but were met with more ambiguity. In an email to a student, Dr. Pirrung mentioned “[I am confident that those who failed are not prepared]...I know this because I did not merely do a numerical analysis, I went through the final exam of all students close to the pass-fail line and looked seriously at what knowledge they actually demonstrated.”

As a result of the petition, Professor Pirrung has agreed to meet with the students of the Spring quarter class on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Students are hopeful for changes to be made and aim to ensure equitable grading practices are implemented, but this may not occur.

In this regard, the students of Professor Pirrung’s class have called upon the students of UCR to support the cause and provide a collective resistance against an inequitable grading system.

Through the petition, students’ are hopeful that equity can be achieved for classes such as this one. A student explained, “To ensure collective success, we must support each other and causes like these because this situation alone is not a stand alone case. By advocating for it now, I hope that in the future professors are more transparent about their grading policy and students feel empowered enough to advocate for themselves and each other.”

UC Riverside joins the new Hispanic Universities Alliance

UCR CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LATINE AND HISPANIC COMMUNITY

HARU CHANG Assistant News Editor

On June 9, twenty universities announced the formation of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities which is dedicated to increasing opportunities for those historically underserved by higher education. These universities – including UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Riverside – were categorized as R1 or – very high research activity – by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education.

UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox was among the speakers at the June 9th announcement at the University of Arizona Washington, D.C. Center for Outreach and Collaboration. He commented on the kind of impacts that would result from improving Hispanic representation in academia and forming this Alliance would have on the research conducted within these institutions.

In 2008, UCR was federally recognized as the first Hispanic Serving Institution within the UC system, having an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic.

UCR has continued to serve its Latine community, and making higher education more accessible for underrepresented communities.

The HSRU Alliance intends to double the number of Hispanic doctoral students enrolled at Alliance universities and increase the number of Hispanic professors in Alliance universities by 20%. The 20 HSRU Alliance universities represent nine states and together enrolled 766,718 students in the Fall of 2020. According to the U.S. Department of Education statistics, 33% of enrolled students were Hispanic. The National Science Foundation calculated that the combined research spending of these universities in 2020 totaled more than $5.9 billion.

This nationwide effort to increase educational opportunity highlights the efforts already underway across the UC

campuses to increase faculty diversity and support the success of students of underserved communities.

The HSRU alliance universities are engaged in thousands of research projects in the arts and humanities, STEM, health sciences, social sciences, and other fields.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, Alliance universities produced 11,027 doctoral graduates, 13% of which were Hispanic.

The universities were already working together on several initiatives prior to the formal announcement of the HRSU Alliance. The Mellon Foundation funded the first project that focused on supporting more Ph.D. students in Latine humanities studies and guiding them to academic careers. The National Science Foundation funded the second initiative to expand opportunities for Hispanic students in computer science.

The conversations and distance-enabled meetings that occurred during the pandemic among presidents and chancellors, as well as faculty and administrators coordinated by the University of Illinois Chicago,

formalized the relationships that proved to be vital for this alliance.

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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

Students are now opting to attend junior colleges first instead of four-year universities

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s a result of the pandemic, universities across the country saw a decrease in enrollment. Many students were unable to continue their higher education due to the conflicts that COVID-19 brought. Some did not have access to technology or other resources to continue online learning, while others felt the cost was too high to continue. The economic strain of the pandemic caused families to cut costs, and in some cases obtain more jobs, as those who became sick were no longer able to work. With people becoming more conscious of their spending, some students felt that they should not have to pay the same amount of tuition to attend a four-year university online when they could receive the same quality of education from another institution or a junior college. Due to these conflicts, universities and colleges were forced to shift their curriculum and provide more resources to support students.

From the tragedy of the pandemic came the acceptance and inclusion of online and hybrid courses. Needing to adapt to the new world circumstances, higher education institutions did not want students to fall further behind and moved online.

Allowing students the flexibility to take courses this way made higher education more accessible for parents, minorities and other groups that were unable to previously attend school in a traditional in-person setting. Taking courses online may have previously been looked down upon but became the new norm.

The downside of online courses is that tuition costs have largely remained the same. Some institutions gave students credit or refunds for certain services like housing or dining plans but tuition saw little to no decrease. Monetary relief was seen through government aid, yet it was still not enough to relieve everyone. This led to a large movement of students opting to leave to take courses at a junior college or start there first.

Junior colleges have been accepting of students from all backgrounds for several years. They advertise themselves as being more inclusive and cost effective while providing a

quality education. Those in school when the pandemic began, or those wanting to start their higher education journey, realized this and opted to support junior colleges seeing that they also supported them back. In California, there is ample aid for our community colleges and students attending right after high school are able to attend free for two years.

Now that colleges and universities have started resuming in-person courses, students have become upset that hybrid and online options are now limited. Those who become sick or have circumstances where they or someone they live with are immunocompromised do not have the same support or resources they did during the first two years of the pandemic.

Universities, especially the University of California system, often operate as a business and see students as merely a source of income. This has caused the UC system to push for in-person courses knowing they will make more money from students being on the campus. Junior colleges appear to still have a large catalog of hybrid and online courses that universities no longer do.

Other resources, like more access to counselors and mental health aid, have also come from the pandemic, but are not enough to satisfy students and increase enrollment at four-year universities. Now that the world state is pushing to return to normal, these institutions are doing the same. Although they should have followed suit and kept these resources in place like junior colleges have, they are more focused on the money they receive. Students should ultimately be prioritized, but have been left to face the ramifications of the pandemic and stand up for themselves when needing more accommodations.

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.

UNIVERSITIES ARE PROVIDING MORE RESOURCES TO HELP INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY AS ENROLLMENT DECLINED DURING THE PEAK OF COVID-19. THEIR EFFORTS, HOWEVER, MAY NOT BE ENOUGH.

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Prosecute Trump or risk American Democracy

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AS THE JAN. 6 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNRAVELS THE EXTENT OF TRUMP’S FAILED COUP, ATTORNEY GENERAL MERRICK GARLAND MUST PROSECUTE THE FORMER PRESIDENT IN ORDER TO PRESERVE DEMOCRACY. ► FROM OPINIONS

Specifically, the Jan. 6 committee focused on a memo written by conservative lawyer John Eastman on the President’s behalf. When certifying a presidential election, it is a formality for the sitting Vice President, in this case Mike Pence, to lead this process. In a break from the norm, Pence would personally count each state’s ballots. Usually, this process is done by “tellers,” not the vice president. Pence would then be instructed to declare seven key swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as invalid. Pence would justify this decision by stating that these key states had “multiple slates of electors.”

As a result, Trump would be declared re-elected, since he would have a majority of the electoral votes. If this ruling were contested, the presidential election would then move to the House of Representatives in a special vote.

The Senate would decide the VP, and this would not be the first time in U.S. history that a presidential election would be decided by Congress. Notably, the House would divide into “state delegations,” where each state has a single vote in deciding the next president. At the time, Republicans commanded a 26 to 24 majority

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of these delegations. Eastman further outlines how Republican state legislatures could “formally support the alternate slate of electors,” and thus give the election to Trump.

Eastman’s memos are deeply disturbing, and legally shaky at best. Had former Vice President Pence backed this plan, it likely wouldn’t have gone very far. The vice president has far less control over election certification that Eastman suggests, and Democrat opposition would be unfathomable. Coupled with a complete lack of evidence for any of their claims, Trump’s administration would have no chance of actually stealing the election. Even Trump’s own appointees agree that there was no justification for tossing the aforementioned swing states. The Department of Homeland Security called the 2020 election “the most secure in American history.”

Regardless of how ineffective the coup attempt was – and it was a coup attempt – the Eastman memos

reveal Trump’s disregard for democracy, and a failure to prosecute normalizes further attempts in the future.

Over a year after Jan. 6, roughly 70% of Republicans think the election was stolen from President Trump.

With numbers like these, Liberals should take seriously the threat to democracy posed by demagogues like Trump. Consider: if someone truly believes that a democratic election was stolen from them, wouldn’t it be perfectly acceptable for them to stage a coup to install the true winner of said election? This is why it’s so important for the media and congress to expose the lies put forth by Trump and his administration. This is also why Merrick Garland needs to formally prosecute former President Trump. At this point, it’s clear that he was not only aware of – but pushed – for a coup over the 2020 election. If Garland fails to prosecute, it sends a signal to people like Trump that they have the freedom to overturn the democratic bedrock of this nation.

Our constitutional rights vs Border Patrol and the 100 IN EGBERT V. BOULE LIMITS THE ABILITY TO KEEP BORDER CONTROL AGENTS mile border zone US SUPREME COURT RULING ACCOUNTABLE, LARGELY AFFECTING RACIALIZED AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES HARU CHANG Assistant News Editor

On June 8, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling, following the case of Egbert v. Boule, that makes it more difficult for civilians within 100 miles from the U.S. border to seek compensation for the invasion of privacy or damages from searches and seizures. In general, most warrantless searches of private premises are prohibited under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

It is only through specific applicable exceptions that warrantless searches are allowed: instances where warrantless searches are conducted with consent, if the search is incident to a lawful arrest, if there is probable cause to search and there are exigent circumstances calling for the warrantless search.

These basic constitutional principles do not fully apply at the borders. In 1952,

the Immigration and Nationality Act gave border security certain additional authorities. Within a “reasonable distance” or 100 miles from the U.S. border – a huge segment of the country predominantly occupied by racialized and marginalized communities – federal authorities do not need a warrant or even suspicion of wrongdoing to justify conducting searches through luggage or a vehicle at the border to prevent illegal entry into the U.S. Agents still need legal justification to enter a home or business.

Closer to the border, however, within a distance of 25 miles, the law gives agents some additional access to private lands, but not dwellings, for the purpose of patrolling the border to prevent illegal entry into the U.S. The law explicitly prohibits Border Patrol agents from entering homes without permission, a warrant or probable cause.

The 1972 Supreme Court case,

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Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, established a precedent for suing individual federal agents in court for constitutional violations, and obtaining more extensive damages. The original Bivens case laid out a narrow framework for the circumstances under which such suits can be won. Later Supreme Court rulings narrowed that framework even further.

In Egbert v. Boule, Robert Boule alleged that border agent Erik Egbert violated his Fourth Amendment rights by coming onto his property without permission and then attacking him when he protested. The 6 to 3 conservative majority ruled that Boule’s claim did not fall within that framework: making it almost impossible to win a Bivens action.

The justices placed the responsibility on Congress to decide whether citizens should be able to sue individual federal agents for damages. This was intentional, serving the ultimate goals of expanding deportations and decreasing pathways to lawful immigrant status and citizenship.

The case does not involve the Immigration and Nationality Act or the actual rules governing search and seizure near the U.S. border in any substantial way. However, by severely limiting the power of Bivens actions, the court further restricts options for recourse for citizens whose constitutional rights may have been violated by federal agents.

The court’s ruling did not say that within the 100 mile zone Border Patrol agents can enter homes without a warrant or use excessive force however they see fit. What the court did say, is that if this happens, citizens will not have Bivens action to remedy the damages. This particular remedy can serve as a strong

deterrent and can function as an essential mechanism to hold officers accountable.

Without it, the Fourth Amendment fails to provide any substantial protection: especially for those of racialized communities.

Roughly two-thirds of the United States’ population and 72% of the U.S. global majority population live in the 100 mile zone. Some of the highest concentrations of racialized peoples are in areas where the border patrol presence is the heaviest. Cambodian Americans experienced a 279% increase and Vietnamese Americans a 58% increase in deportations between 2017 and 2018 alone. As of June 2018, 43% of Vietnamese detained had lived in the U.S. for over two decades; the percentage of Lao and Cambodian even higher at 86% and 75% respectively.

In practice, Border Patrol agents routinely ignore or misunderstand the limits of their legal authority, resulting in violation of constitutional rights. These problems are compounded by inadequate training for Border Patrol agents, a lack of oversight by Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the consistent failure of CBP to hold agents accountable for abuse.

This federally sanctioned expansion of border control is part of a movement towards expanding police and national security powers without regard to the effect of such expansion on our most fundamental constitutional rights. If we do not continue to challenge these intrusive federal systems, we risk forfeiting our fundamental rights and freedoms.

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FEATURES

FEATURES

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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A hot girl summer is in the cards

NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE AND GIVE INTO THE UNEXPECTED.

By: Ysabel Nakasone, Staff Writer Aries (March 21 - April 19): Four of Swords You are feeling a bit burnt out — totally understandable. You are going to need some time to recharge before you are at full capacity again, Aries. You may have gone through a breakup, whether it be with a romantic partner or a friend, and it is okay to take time before jumping back into everyday life. Just remember not to let making memories pass you by and do not cut off the idea of new relationships completely. Prepare yourself to open up to new connections with new friends or new romances.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): The Fool Your free spirit is emerging just in time for summer! Take those leaps of faith and find all the adventures you can. Stay out late, go hiking, do all the things that allow you to explore who you are as a person and allow you to grow into someone more fearless. This is not recklessness; it is exploration with a healthy dose of uncertainty. Embrace not knowing where your personal adventures will lead because what you are looking for is approaching in the most unexpected way possible.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): The High Priestess

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Three of Wands This is going to be a time of progress for you.

Maybe you’re starting an internship or job to further your education or career. It’s important to think about having professional foresight, but don’t push aside concern about your emotional state. Think ahead and prepare yourself by taking care of yourself. You cannot achieve your goals if you’re not well-rested and serene.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Eight of Swords Don’t listen to that inner critic, they are far too harsh and inaccurate. Trust that you deserve to be confident and release negative thoughts. Find opportunities which highlight your skills and remind you of your talents. Sometimes an ego boost is just what someone needs. The positivity you feel your life is lacking will come in the form of self-acceptance far more than acceptance from others.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Page of Pentacles Now is the time to be manifesting the energy you want, Sagittarius. The opportunities and growth you are searching for will make themselves known as long as you remain steadfast in your efforts. Your goals are within reach, you just have to believe in yourself. Others are going to doubt your judgment and that will be your greatest challenge.

Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Hanged Man The Hanged Man indicates that it may be time to put some things on hold. Perhaps there are stressors in your life that need to be pushed aside for a time. Getting space from these issues could give you a clearer perspective on the situation.

Engage in meaningless and just plain fun, let go of what is creating a mental prison. Do things just because.

Libra (September 23 - October Aquarius (January 20 - February 22): Seven of Swords 18): The Hanged Man

The High Priestess reminds you to embrace the Divine Feminine within. This means that you should trust that voice inside your head, your own intuition. This applies to all genders as it tells you to allow the emotional side of yourself to reign.

Give in to your feelings rather than overthinking every last detail. Trust and believe in yourself as you go forward this summer and chase the things that you want.

Libra, you have a lot on your plate this summer and it’s time to start prioritizing. Everything may seem like it is equally important, but that’s not true. If you do not delegate and conserve energy you are going to burn out. It is time to start thinking about yourself beyond the basics and think about what you want and not just what you need. Hot girl summer doesn’t just happen, you have to make it happen.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): The World

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Page of Swords

Cancer, it’s time to think about the journey and stop focusing so much on the destination.

The answers are not at the finish line. Try to think about what challenges and accomplishments you are grateful for as you embark on new journeys.

Whether they are literal or metaphorical, you’re going to learn truths that have been long hidden about yourself and about the people around you.

Be ready for the new beginnings these truths will bring.

This summer is going to be a passionate one for you, Scorpio. Be open to people and new ways of communicating. Maybe the relationships you’re about to enter aren’t the traditional ones you were expecting, but they are going to teach you that you need to advocate for yourself. Communicate with your partners and friends when you feel cheated or disconnected. They are probably feeling like having a conversation is necessary too.

No unhinged energy over here, Aquarius. You are in a period of emotional stability as you know what you are looking for this summer. You have decided what you want and you’re sticking to it.

Remember that you have to express yourself to others just as well as you do it to yourself. Do not assume people know what’s going on in your head and are on the same page, it will only lead to long lasting conflict.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Knight of Wands You are inspired lately and have an untapped passion for adventure. Be impulsive and take chances, because right now all of that energy has nowhere to go. Do not wait too long to give in to the journey ahead and leave yourself feeling trapped. If you wait for the right time to go after what you want, you’ll be waiting for a long time.

ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF FREEPIK

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HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/features

FEATURES

Features

TOP 3 RESTAURANTS AND TAKEOUTS THAT ARE WALKING DISTANCE FROM HOTTIES FRIED 7LEAVES CAFE UCR CHICKEN HOT SPOT RESTAURANTS NEAR CAMPUS THAT WILL FULFILL YOUR EVERYDAY CRAVINGS.

BY: ASHLEY CHEN, FEATURES EDITOR Tired of eating dining hall food and not having a car to drive you outside of campus? UCR is surrounded by many restaurants, boba shops and fast food places! Here are a few popular restaurants that are a few minutes away from campus.

All of these restaurants are also walking distance from campus so you never have to ask a friend to drive you!

Located in the University Village (UV), Hotties is one of UCR’s favorite fried chicken restaurants. Hotties is a Nashville style fried chicken restaurant that serves large portions of chicken tenders that will make you full after a few bites. Their spice levels range from no spice to mega for those who enjoy taking their spice tolerance to the next level. Their housemade lemonade and hot shake fries are also a must-have!

If you’re craving boba, 7Leaves is the place for you! Also located in the University Village, 7Leaves has a variety of different flavors from a basic house milk tea to a strawberry hibiscus tea. 7Leaves is also popular for their Vietnamese house coffee and sea cream black coffee. They also serve macaroons if you’re craving something sweet. If you have a class at the UV theater, don’t forget to stop by 7Leaves before or after your class as it opens at 7AM on weekdays.

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CHA2O Craving banh mi or pho? Cha2o is your best option! Open until 11PM, this Vietnamese fusion restaurant serves all kinds of meals and snacks from popcorn chicken to fried rice that will fulfill your late night cravings. They also serve delicious desserts and a variety of tea options if you’re craving boba! It’s also the perfect place to study or meet up with friends and family.

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A SUMMERTIME SALAD THAT WILL SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

BY: ALEXANDRIA LACHMAN, STAFF WRITER

A QUICK A SWEET TREAT THAT’S PERFECT FOR SUMMER

With the summer heat just around the corner, finding simple and easy recipes that leave us feeling refreshed is key.

Easy and quick is the way to go when it comes to making any summer afternoon snack. What better way to do that than a fruit salad that will surely leave you satisfied and refreshed! Stuffed with delicious fruits and Cool Whip, it’s perfect for summer afternoon or sharing with friends. The best part about this salad is that it only takes 5 min to prep! What’s best is that this dish is customizable. Don’t like strawberries? Use mandarin oranges! The possibilities are endless.

SERVINGS: CUSTOMIZABLE INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Cool Whip

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After rinsing your chosen fruit, chop bigger fruit pieces into smaller slices. Add in an even ratio of fruit to Cool Whip into a medium bowl. Fold Cool Whip gently with fruit. Don’t over mix or the texture will be watery.

For a bonus, add toppings to your fruit salad. From coconut shavings to peanuts, again, possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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Don’t miss out: 10 most anticipated films Looking to get out of the heat? Here are ten movies this season Highlanders should check out over the break.

Courtesy of Pexels release of “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

Based on Delia Owens’ novel of the same title, the story follows a young woman being framed for the murder of her exlover. Only time will tell when Daisy Edgar-Jones stops playing characters who only experience bad dates. If the plot is not enough to visit the movie theatre, Taylor Swift wrote and performed a new song for the film. For an exciting drama-thriller, take a trip to the cinema on July 15.

JAELYN GONZALEZ Assistant Radar Editor

The perfect way to escape the Riverside heat is a trip to the movie theatre. The movie theatre will be filled with exciting films all summer long for all audiences.

From horror to animated films, here are just a few highlights of the exciting lineup.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures Distribution

Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

“Elvis” June 24 Biographical films in the past few years have been a popular trend in the world of film. “Elvis” is expected to add to the collection of great stories next to last year’s critically acclaimed“Spencer” and “King Richard.” The film explores Elvis’ earlier career and the challenges he faced towards stardom. The Australian director, Baz Luhrmann, is predicted to make a big comeback with “Elvis,” as he has not directed a film in quite some time. In addition, Luhrmann’s directing has always been grand and striking. This can be seen in his films “The Great Gatsby” and “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet.”

As for performances, it is anticipated for Austin Butler and Tom Hanks to give respected portrayals of the so-called King of Rock and Roll.

Courtesy of A24 Distribution

“Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” June 24 Marcel is back! The online short film series from 2010 now has a full-length film. “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” is a sweet and wholesome film about an animated talking shell. Marcel is a unique character with Jenny Slate returning to voice him. Dean Fleischer-Camp is A24’s shining gem in this year’s roll-out of films.

The advertising campaign for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” was minimal, yet its fanbase has kept the conversation in rotation online!

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” July 1 The sequel to “Minions” is arriving this summer with a stronger excitement than ever for yellow creatures in glasses.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru,” tells the story of young Gru and how the character rose to villain-hood. Universal Pictures grew anticipation for this film by engaging Gen Z’s favorite musical artists for the soundtrack. Will its hype live up to the film? See “Minions: The Rise of Gru” in cinemas starting July 1st.

are here to stay.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing

“Bullet Train” Aug. 5 If horror movies are not for you, “Bullet Train” may be a better selection. The American adaptation of “Maria Beetle” by Kōtarō Isaka, takes an interesting spin on the adventure genre by adding humor to its assassin characters. Did I mention the Puerto Rican heartstopper Bad Bunny also makes a feature in the film?

Courtesy of Universal Pictures Distribution

“Nope” July 22 The long-awaited Jordan Peele film was announced earlier this year and was met with excitement. This film explores the horrors of extraterrestrial life that will surely get your skin crawling. With stars such as Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun and Barbie Ferreira, “Nope” is bound to become an instant classic. The haunting UFO film will be widely released at the end of July.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

“Emily the Criminal” Aug. 12 Aubrey Plaza plays a serious role in “Emily the Criminal.” The movie is a social commentary on wealth inequality and the dangers of capitalism. Her character is a college student who becomes involved in a credit card scam to stay afloat. Watch the film in theatres on August 12 to unveil the secrets of this thriller.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

“Thor: Love and Thunder” July 8 What is summer without a Marvel blockbuster? Taika Waititi returns with another Marvel movie featuring Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale. In the film, Thor undergoes a new quest filled with action and comedy. “Thor: Love and Thunder will undoubtedly be an exciting watch for Marvel fans, movie-goers and the family.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing

“Where the Crawdads Sing” July 15 Exciting news for bookworms is the

Courtesy of A24 Distribution

“Bodies Bodies Bodies” Aug. 5 On the topic of horror, “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is the film every twenty-yearold needs. “Shiva Baby” and online star, Rachel Sennott as well as Pete Davidson are expected to steal the show with anticipated performances. The plot follows a group of young people who decide to play a game that takes an unexpected twist.

The wittiness and Gen Z humor sprinkled into the trailer are what makes the film stand out from other horror movies. Teen slashers have risen since the late 1990s and

Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

“Don’t Worry Darling” Sept. 23 Olivia Wilde’s sophomore featurelength film is the perfect way to end your summer. With stars like Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, the movie has already established a cult following. With the aesthetics of a romantic-comedy, Wilde takes the film to greater heights with a thriller mystery to discover at the theatre.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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10 books to read by the pool this summer

TIRED OF ALL THE “HOT GIRL SUMMER” BOOKS FLOATING AROUND ON TIKTOK? TRY SOME OF THESE TO LIVEN UP YOUR SUMMER READING LIST.

EVELYN HOMAN Managing Editor

The summer is a perfect time to catch up on that incredibly long reading list you’ve built up over the year, or even just explore some new books to enjoy by the beach or poolside. Here are some summery reads to enjoy this break!

“Water Shall Refuse Them” by Lucie McKnight Hardy - set during a heat wave in Wales, this book balances horror with a summery ‘70s twist as the protagonist, Nif, tries to escape her family’s grief by cobbling together her own type of witchcraft while falling in love.

“In Watermelon Sugar” by Richard Brautigan - If you’re still in love with Harry Styles’ hit song, try reading the book that inspired the title! Featuring a post-apocalyptic world that discusses the countercultural movement of the ‘60s, the setting is a psychedelic commune where everything is made of watermelon sugar and nothing is as it seems. If you want a quick, baffling read, this one’s for you.

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn - Flynn’s thriller to end all thrillers follows the story of Amy Dunne’s mysterious disappearance while her husband Nick tries to piece together and pick up the pieces of what Amy has left behind. This novel moves at a breakneck pace and it’s a perfect read to fly through.

“Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote - Everyone knows and loves Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly (and Deep Blue Something’s 1995 hit song sharing the book’s title). Capote’s novella that inspired this cultural phenomenon is a breezy summer read that has all the luxury and beauty anyone could hope for. Pair this with an eggs benedict and a mimosa for peak “that girl” vibes.

“House of Hollow” by Krystal Sutherland - By far one of the most interesting horror books I’ve ever encountered, featuring a lot of creepy flower imagery. The story follows Iris and her attempt to uncover where her missing sister has gone. At the same time, she tries to remember where she and her two sisters disappeared to when they were children that changed them forever. Though it’s set in the cooler climates of London, this book will definitely make for a quick and engaging read.

“Worlds In Shadow: Submerged Lands in Science, Memory and Myth” by Patrick Nunn - If nonfiction is

more your speed while class is out, try this work! Nunn discusses the science behind underwater cities (including Atlantis), while also talking about what submerged cities may look like as we grapple with climate change. If you’re interested in an engaging read that dissects mythology with science alongside an edge of realism, this might be a good fit for your beachside reading.

“Luster” by Raven Leilani - At once a funny yet serious look at stumbling through your 20s, race relations and romance, Leilani’s novel follows the protagonist, Edie, trying to navigate a new relationship with a white married man. With beautifully written prose, a sizzling romance and a variety of important discussions on impactful issues, this book has a little something for everyone.

“An American Sunrise: Poems” by Joy Harjo Something about the warmth of a summer evening puts me in the mood for reading poetry! Current Poet Laureate Joy Harjo has a beautiful voice that discusses the self, imperialism, colonization and the effects of all of these on indigenous people. For those who want to

learn while they enjoy art, Harjo’s poetry is a wonderful place to begin.

“The Girls” by Emma Cline - A cult, ‘60s haze, and a sinister motive underneath, Cline’s novel follows one girl’s induction and time within a “family” based on that of Charles Manson. With an eerie tone and slow-moving summer days, those looking for summer vibes tinged with some helter-skelter horror, this might be worth looking into.

“Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Gabriel García Márquez - A classic short novella translated from the Spanish version, this book is told from various points of view as members of a town try to recall the details of the murder of one Santiago Nasar and the circumstances around which his death occurred. Full of flowers, beautiful descriptions and well-written discussion of machismo and its consequences, this quick read is sure to have you hooked.

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Women over 45 are some of the biggest readers, and they deserve some representation

AGEISM IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY DOESN’T JUST STOP AT AUTHORS.

EVELYN HOMAN Managing Editor

When most people think of older women reading, book clubs and Danielle Steele novels probably come to mind. What likely doesn’t come to mind is that women over the age of 45 actually make up the backbone of book sales, especially in these last few years. And yet, the market is more and more saturated by the day with books that center on teens and twenty-somethings stumbling through life, saving the world, or dealing with frightening dystopias that our terrifying world seems to get closer to being every day.

Older women and women-identifying individuals deserve more representation in literature. Although literary fiction often does take the time to focus on people older than 30, the struggles that older women face are often not the focus of these narratives. While women over 45 in real life deal with menopause, empty nests, divorces or difficulty with finances, all the literary world often has to offer in return is younger women just barely making their mark on a brand new world. And while many read literature to escape from the reality of the world, or reminisce on these days when we, too, were once so fresh-faced and spry, representation of all sorts is especially important — now more than ever

as representation of all forms becomes an increasingly important topic.

Too often, when we see older women represented in literature, they are old crones, witches or crotchety old women who are often avoided. In my own reading excursions, I need to search long and hard to find science-fiction, fantasy or even contemporary novels that feature older women who are doing remarkable things; I have always come up, sadly, quite empty.

I may be writing this as a twenty-something myself, but I would love to read more stories featuring older women navigating their way through life. With the greater and greater push these days to make something of yourself before you cross the threshold of 25, the need for stories by and about older women has become more important than ever. Books about mothers dealing with the fact that their children have moved out and grown up. Books about a years-long marriage ending and navigating the dating scene as an older woman. Books about older women changing careers, discovering new passions and doing all the things that we see teens and twenty-year-olds doing in literature every single day.

We owe a lot to the older women in our world.

The world deserves more stories about older women saving the world, riding dragons or finding new or

rekindled love. Older women who are picking up books to talk about with their friends or to engage with their grandchildren deserve to get some love on the page as well. The literary world should offer a space for stories with characters who are middle-aged and older, and give these women a story that they can relate to.

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SoCal-based group, The Oddity, flourishes within Riverside as an experimental rock band

WITH THE YOUNG BAND’S DEBUT ALBUM OUT, THEY TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THEIR JOURNEY ON MUSIC AND FRIENDSHIP.

BRENDA JOVEL Radar Editor

Created in 2017, The Oddity is a SoCal rock band composed of talented members, one being a UCR student.

Melanie Reynolds, an upcoming senior majoring in music and culture, is also in charge of the band’s vocals and bass guitar. Playing with her is drummer Justin Strickland and guitarist Anthony Juarez. Together, they have recently released their debut album, “Odd Man Out,” which includes plenty of rock, pop, indie, folk and funk tones that anyone can enjoy.

Reynolds recalls the struggle in trying to think of a name when she first created the band. “We wanted something edgy but not cringe. We were tossing ideas around and ultimately chose The Oddity,” said Reynolds. The Oddity covers an array of music from the 1960s-2000s and hopes to create and play music that will bring all ages together.

The band has been aiming to create a unique reputation within the musical community through its combination of genres and lively, acoustic music as described on their website.

Between the band’s final touches on their debut album and schoolwork in the last year, both Reynolds and Strickland described it as a stressful yet fulfilling experience. “The band is definitely my number one priority,” Reynolds said, “the only point where it became stressful was during finals week of fall 2021. I was mixing and mastering our album while doing all of my final projects for school. That got a little crazy, but I eventually finished everything and it all worked out.” Strickland added, “Yeah, it can basically be difficult to work between music and 3 jobs with sleep being the thing that gets left behind, but it’s worth it to get to play and make music

with such great people.”

The group’s dynamic can be summed up as a unique trio who all “stem from different backgrounds and influences, but we all come together so well because of our friendships outside of music,” said Strickland. Juarez also agreed that friendship helps with uniting the group, but also states that everyone “likes to take their parts seriously. We keep a serious tone when trying to produce new content.”

When it comes to each member’s musical influences, each offered various bands and personal artists that inspired them. “For me personally, I’d say Heart, No Doubt, Måneskin and my dad,” said Reynolds. For Juarez, Jimi Hendrix is where he gets all his “blues licks” while Eddie Van Halen is for when the guitarist wants to get a bit more eccentric with his solos. Juarez also mentioned Bad Company, ZZ Top and sometimes The Beatles as sources of inspiration. Drummer Justin Strickland gave personal accounts about his grandfather and uncle. “My grandfather was a drummer who released an 8-track when he lived in Syria and my uncle was a small gigging drummer when I was growing up,” said Strickland.

For Juarez, he believes that their music doesn’t strictly fall into one genre. He says, “Our music sort of sounds like all of our music interests combined into one song.”

Their new album displays a distinctive take on various genres while utilizing different instruments. Strickland said, “On the album, we have everything from accordion to synth to flute, all done by Melanie, on top of your traditional rock instruments.” The band’s fruitful work will lead them to promote their album this summer and also develop new music.

As for those who wish to follow in The Oddity’s footsteps, Reynolds encourages incoming students to go for it. “It’s really not that hard to maintain good grades and pursue a music career at the same time. Start making connections now; networking is a huge deal.” E.A.R.S Student Group at UCR is a great place “to meet potential bandmates, producers, artists and friends,” recommends Reynolds. For more advice, Strickland simply said, “Send it” for those who wish to climb towards their musical dreams.

Not only offering music, but the band has also launched their own podcast, “Odd Man Out Cast” via their Youtube channel. The Oddity will be performing at Harry’s Sports Bar & Grill in Fallbrook on July 2, The Bobber in Lake Elsinore on July 30, and at Vail Lake KOA in Temecula on Sept. 29 and Oct. 28. These shows are open to the public, so be sure to check them out!

IMAGE COURTESY OF JOSEPH KING

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season one gives a finale filled with action and emotion that satisfies its fan base

► FROM RADAR

THE SHOW ENDS ITS FIRST SEASON WITH A BANG, LEADING UP TO AN EPIC AND DRAMATIC SHOWDOWN.

Since the launch of the streaming platform Disney+, Disney has been releasing new “Star Wars” projects that tell various stories in its franchise. The most recent miniseries, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” features Ewan McGregor, reprising the titular character from the prequel trilogy. The series premiered on May 27 and has released a new episode every Wednesday since.

The series is set 10 years after the events of “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith” and Order 66. During these events, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) turns to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader and all Jedi are ordered to be executed. The series follows Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is hiding on the planet of Tatooine. After Obi-Wan is sent out on a mission to rescue a kidnapped Leia Organa, he encounters Inquisitors, who are on the hunt for Jedis.

Throughout the season, the looming anticipation of an encounter between Obi-Wan and his former padawan Anakin is present.

The actors’ performances, particularly from McGregor and Christensen, are highlights of the show.

Both actors are able to ease back into the roles they

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played 17 years ago without missing a beat. Audiences, especially fans of the prequels, get to experience the actors back in the roles that they are known for. It brings in a nostalgic feeling that has fans excited to see their performances, as well as the interactions between the characters. McGregor gives a captivating performance, seamlessly disappearing into the role and enhancing the character. Through his acting, the audience is able to see how much Obi-Wan has changed since the prequels as well as through his journey in the season. McGregor portrays Obi-Wan in a way that the audience is able to understand his emotions and sympathize with him as he faces Vader.

The show brought in characters and concepts from other projects in the franchise, fans were sure to feel nostalgia when watching the show, with many noting it as a main highlight. As a result, the show brings in many parallels that connect to the past and show the symbolism. In the final showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader in the season finale, the audience is able to connect dialogue and moments to the prequels and TV series, “Clone Wars” and “Rebels.” “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is able to tie the past of the prequel trilogy with the future of the original trilogy by enhancing the stories of characters from both projects. The season finale is filled with action and emotion that presents an engaging episode for all fans. The show satisfies its fan base by giving them moments that are nostalgic to the franchise. Between the action and emotional scenes, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, knowing that the season has led to this final, intense episode.

The plot of the show allows for the audience to learn more about the “Star Wars” universe during the gap between the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy. The

audience is able to see the Jedi-hunting Inquisitors, who were only previously shown in video games. Besides the Inquisitors, the audience learns more about Leia and Luke in their childhood years. The show mainly follows Leia as Obi-Wan is often paired with her in the season.

While maintaining the story, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” adds its plot to expand the franchise and give audiences a deeper look into the timeline. While Obi-Wan is not the same character as he was in the prequels, being worn down from time and guilt, he is able to come back and redeem himself.

Alongside the performances and plot, the show presents brilliant cinematography that makes the viewing experience an aesthetic one. It helps to enhance the story as it adds to the symbolism presented in the show. The cinematography takes advantage of its sound as well as imagery from lighting and angles to heighten the viewing experience. The show often includes flashbacks to moments in the prequels that highlights the change in character for both Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. Additionally, the show makes excellent use of its famous soundtrack composed by John Williams, such as “Imperial March.” The soundtrack alongside sound effects, such as Darth Vader’s breathing and the lightsabers dueling, brings a chill to audiences.

VERDICT:

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” serves as a bridge between the prequel and original “Star Wars” trilogies.

Through the actors’ performances and recollections of past projects, the audience is able to have an enjoyable viewing experience.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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Incoming and transfer studentathletes contributing to UCR Athletics next school year.

THESE NEW STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE GOING TO BE ESSENTIAL IN THE ALREADY RAPID IMPROVEMENT OF UCR ATHLETICS.

HANSEL CHU Sports Editor

The 2021-2022 school year displayed massive improvements in sports at UC Riverside. With basketball, track and field, and softball all improving in wins and statistics, many other sports at UC Riverside have high expectations to do the same next school year. Last year’s freshman and transfer students made a significant impact on UCR Athletics, and the new wave of student athletes are looking to do the same.

Men’s Men’s basketball is welcoming six new student athletes for the next school year. Kaleb Smith is a 6’8 small forward from Damien High School in California.

In his senior year, he led Damien High School to a CIF Division 1 State Championship, in which he put up 23 points en route to a tournament MVP. Kyle Owens is a 6’8 small forward from Montana University. In 25 games played in the last year, Owens averaged 4.4 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game. Luke Turner is a 6’7 shooting guard from Wofford University. In his freshman year last year, he averaged 2.9 points per game and made 15 3-pointers in 29 games played. Jamal Hartwell II is a 5’10 guard from Mason University. His best season at Mason University came in the 2019-2020 season when he averaged 9.6 points per game and 1.7 assists per game in 29 games. Lachlan Olbrich is a 6’10 center from Australia. In the Australian State League, he averaged 18.6 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game in eight games played. Nate Pickens is a 6’3 point guard from AZ Compass Prep and ranked as the number one player in the state of Arizona. As a sophomore at Paradise Honors High School, he averaged 16.4 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, and 2.2 steals per game.

Men’s soccer is welcoming six new student athletes for the next school year as well. Nathan Scott is a 5’7 midfielder that was a part of the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, who consistently produces Division 1 talent. Alongside him is Diogo Baptista, who is a 5’11 midfielder also from the San Jose Earthquakes Academy.

Jona Martinez is a midfielder from LAFC Academy and is a Riverside native. Alfonzo Ramirez played for the Total Futbol Academy and is incoming as a freshman next year. Aleksandar Vukovic is a 6’3 defender from LSU Eunice transferring as a redshirt freshman. Westley Hastings is a 5’6 forward from Oceanside, California, in which he played for the Oceanside Breakers and San Diego Select.

Women’s Women’s basketball is welcoming two new student

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athletes for the next school year. Zoe Tillery is 5’9 guard from Laguna Creek High School. In her senior year, she averaged 17.5 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game, 3.7 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game. She was ranked 34th in the state of California and most notably had a 41 point performance in January of 2022. Hanna Hansson is a 6’3 center from Stockholm, Sweden. One of her most notable feats was playing for the Nordic WU18 Championship for the Swedish National Team.

Women’s soccer is welcoming eight new student athletes for the next school year. Chelsee Duran is 5’8 midfielder from Cal State Bakersfield. In her freshman year, she was named to the All-WAC Freshman Team.

McKenzie Moore is a 5’7 forward from the University of Hawaii. In her sophomore year at the University of Hawaii, she played in 18 games and earned the University of Hawaii’s Scholar-Athlete Award. Spenser Gonzales is a 5’4 midfielder from Rancho Cucamonga, California and played for Legends FC. Emma Gonzalez is a centre-back from Orange Lutheran High School.

Just this year, she was chosen to play for the Puerto Rico Women’s National Soccer Team. Marieke Ten Brink is a left outside back from Folsom, California and played for the San Juan Spirits. Elise Jabbour is a 5’5 forward from Escondido, California and played for the SDSC Surf.

Jenna Reinhardt is a defender from Belmont, California and scored four goals in her senior year of high school.

Frida Monsalvo is a defender from Mount San Antonio College and played in 21 games last season.

Track and field is welcoming eight new student athletes for the next school year. Raykiyat Olukoju is a sprinter from JW North High School. In 2021, Olukoju was named Inlands Girl’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year by winning multiple CIF championships and helping her school capture a section title. Zachary Carroll is a sprinter from Heritage High School and was a double-winner in the Stocking Super 7 Invitational.

Tyler Kaan is a long distance runner from Santiago High School and placed first at the 3200 meters race at the Roosevelt Invitational in March of 2022. Chelsea Aninyei is a jumper from Mayfair High School and won the Girl’s High Jump Title along with the Triple Jump Crown. Melanie Ceballos is a jumper from El Camino High School and finished first in CIF San Diego Section Division 1 Preliminary Round and second in the finals.

Riley Jones is a long distance runner from the University of Buffalo and ran a personal best 10:05.67 for the 3000 meter race. Janessa Morse is a jumper from Granada Hills Charter High School and finished first in the Long and Triple Jump at the West Valley League Finals in 2022. Jacoby Madise is a short sprinter from Paraclete High School and finished first in the Gold Coast League Preliminary and Final Rounds.

These new student-athletes will be looking to immediately contribute to their respective sports and continue to build on a winning culture set from the recent success of UCR Athletics.

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