PG 18 - 19 PG18-19
IRENE TU / THE HIGHLANDER
“Música de España: Life and Music in Spain,” Junko Ueno Garrett
New bill set to regulate AI companies in California
NEWSOM SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ADVANCE TRANSPARENCY AND SAFETY AROUND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
On Monday, September 29, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate-
ligence (AI) focused regulations for leading industry companies, mandating transparency measures and the reporting of AI-related safety incidents.
While multiple states have recently enacted laws addressing various aspects of AI, SB 53 stands out -
vanced and high-risk AI models. In a statement, Newsom said: “California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive. This legislation strikes that balance. AI is the new frontier in innovation, and California is not only here for it – but stands strong as
frontier AI safety legislation that builds public trust as this emerging technology rapidly evolves.”
The law is expected to have a global impact, given that 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies are headquartered in California. This new law demands that top AI companies release public reports outlining how they adhere to best practices for developing safe AI systems. It also establishes a process for
reporting serious AI-related incidents to Califorprotections for whistleblowers who report health and safety concerns.
In a statement posted on the bill’s author’s ofsaid, “With a technology as transformative as AI, we have a responsibility to support that innovation while putting in place commonsense guardrails to understand and reduce risk. With this law, California is stepping up, once again, as a global leader on both technology innovation and safety.”
The passage of SB 53 comes amidst recent moves by major tech companies to ramp up lobbying ef-
regulation. In an announcement on friday, Oct. 3, 2025, about a new super PAC formed to oppose AI legislation, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy, Brian Rice, told Politico, “Sacramento’s regulatoryress and put California’s technology leadership at risk.”
The initiative is currently under review by Congress and multiple state legislatures as a potential regulatory framework, as policymakers seek to address the challenges posed by an emerging technology that has been actively promoted by the Trump administration in the context of strategic competi-cerns regarding its potential for harm.
SB 53 faced strong criticism from industry orga-
nizations such as the Chamber of Progress and the the legislation received support from leading AI
In a statement released Monday afternoon, OpenAI spokesperson Jamie Radice said: “We’re pleased to see that California has created a critical path toward harmonization with the federal governimplemented correctly, this will allow federal and state governments to cooperate on the safe deployment of AI technology.”
The federal bill, as currently proposed, would establish an Advanced AI Evaluation Program withintion in this program would be mandatory, mirroring its required transparency and reporting obligations.
As concerns over the risks posed by advanced AI systems continue to grow, world leaders are increasingly advocating for stronger AI regulation. Speaking before the United Nations (UN) General that AI “could be one of the great things ever, but it also can be dangerous, but it can be put to tremendous use and tremendous good.”
One day later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the U.N., warning that “we are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL
California’s largest immigrant detention center is two hours away
ICE REOPENED THE CALIFORNIA CITY CORRECTION CENTER AS A DEPORTATION CENTER
KASSANDRA AGUIRRE
When protests surrounding the Trump Administration’s strict immigration policy began to sweep the nation, some of the most robust were reported to have occurred in
carry out mass deportations in all states. One of California’s largest detention center, located two hours from the University of California Riverside’s campus in California City, late August at the former prison California City Correction Center.
Managed by the national private prison and detention center company CoreCivic, the facility currently holds approximately 500 detainees but is equipped to hold up to 100,000. Since its opening reports of severe neglect have begun to emerge.
According to a Los Angeles Times article many of those detained have suggested conditions within the facility are similar, if not poorer than, incarceration.
Abuse alleged by detainees include neglect to provide sanitary items and cleanly facilities such as toilets, the threat and use of prolonged
small-single cell) for minor infractions. Other reports include excessive use of force from guards and exposure to coercive messaging such as posters being placed around the facility
enticing detainees to submit to deportation. Most pressingly, they report being denied necessary medical aid, even after making prior requests.
The Los Angeles Times article also reported that over 100 of the detainees currently being held in the facility had engaged in hunger strikes to protest their conditions. Some only ending theirs once they became too sick for facility
The facility’s opening is currently being contested by both advocacy groups, such as the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ), and the city’s government.
According to an article from The Guardian, the CCIJ and other advocacy groups have protested at the detention center to no avail.
The Guardian’s article also reported that California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins and the city are exploring means to legally hold
adhere to Senate Bill No. 29, a state bill that prohibits law enforcement agencies from creating or renewing housing contracts for non-citizens in immigration’s custody.
Because California City is located in the struggling with unstable leadership and with a quarter of its population living in poverty, city to combat the federal government.
reports of abuse within the facility. CoreCivic spokesman Brian Todd shared with the Los Angeles Times that they “… strive to ensure detainees are cared for in the least restrictive “individuals in restrictive housing (CoreCivic’s term for isolation) still have full access to courts, visitations, showers, meals, all medical facilities and recreation.”
Although the city is exploring legal contract with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stands until Aug. 2027. Facility operation is projected to earn the company $130 million annually.
United States Government Shuts Down
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN ALL NON-ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
ANGELICA BRIANNA ACOSTA
The United States government six years. On Oct. 1, 2025, Congress failed to pass a budget bill for the essential government services to temporarily halt. Services deemed essenthe National Guard, will remain open; however they will not be paid during the duration of the shutdown.
Essential services may still be majorly impacted, as the American people may start to see delays in things like their social security or even essential employees.the longest government shutdown in opposed the border wall budget. To-cans want to do severe budget cuts to
American health care.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, commonly known as “AOC,” pushed back against Republicans who pinned the blame on her for the government shutdown. She shared in an interview
you are free to walk in and negotiate with me … what I am not going to do is tolerate four million uninsured
decided one day he just wants to make sure that kids are dying because they don’t have access to insurance.”
On the opposite end Republicanslow undocumented immigrants access Trump posted on Truth Social “The of them VIOLENT CRIMINALS, to receive FREE health care,” a claim that both AOC and Senator Bernie Sanders have denied.
Government shutdowns are not new to American politics, both for-
mer President Barack Obama and Bill Clinton had a government shutdown during their terms; however what’s administration’s reaction. Both Presi-
of using this shutdown to identify all non-essential government employees and agencies, to move towards cutting unnecessary government funding.
porters “We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people and cutting things that they like, cutting programs they like.” He [penguin]“They’re taking a risk by having a shutdown.”
Statement from the University of California President to all 10 campuses
UC PRESIDENT JAMES B. MILLIKEN ADDRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT CHANGES UNDER THE NEW TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL
On Oct. 3, 2025, the President of the University of California (UC), James B. Milliken, released a statement. As the UCs begin the new academic year, which UC leadership is calling one of the most UC campuses are currently under federal investigation for issues ranging from antisemitism and admissions practices to foreign gift reporting.
eral government suspended hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding for UCLA, demanded changes for the campus.
cials warn that the implications are system-wide. “This may well represent the greatest threat to the University of California in its history,” UC Presi-
Just this week, the federal administration announced plans to impose a wide array of new compliance requirements on universities seeking federal funding. UC leadership plans to discuss these changes in upcoming meetings with faculty leaders. Amid this climate of uncertainty, the UC Board
chancellors are working to safeguard the university’s core mission. Their goals include protecting academic freedom, preventing potentially devastat-
ing funding cuts to research and medical centers and ensuring the continuity of teaching, research and public service.
With more than $17 billion in annual federal support, the University of California is the largest research enterprise in the world and a vital economic engine for the state and nation. Federal partnerships make possible the work of tens of thousands of facmost serious test.
Like all universities that receive federal funds, UC is subject to oversight from federal agencies. Noncompliance could result in severe consequences, including loss of funding, disruption to research and reduced services at UC’s renowned health centers.
One of the most contentious cases involves
gating the university’s response to allegations of antisemitic discrimination. Federal investigators reports. After months of negotiations and partial document submissions, UC ultimately complied in
a “last resort” after weighing legal obligations under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against concerns over privacy and institutional integrity.
“This kind of compliance is not unique to UC,”
2024 settlement agreement between the University and the Biden administration, which resolved simi-
Cruz. As part of that agreement, UC committed to sharing detailed information about civil rights com-
COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
The Highlander will not be silent
A
MESSAGE TO THE UCR COMMUNITY.
Freedom of speech has long been a fundamental aspect of the United States’ identity, particularly on college campuses where students have historically led protests and driven social movements across the country.
From the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations of the 1960s to the recent Gaza Solidarity Encampments, student activism and the right to free speech have compelled leaders to take accountability and enact meaningful change.
However, under the second Trump administration, the boundaries of what people can say publicly — without fear of retaliation — are now changing. According to CalMatters, international students on University of California (UC) campuses are censoring themselves by changing “the routes they take on campus, the topics they research and what they post on social media.”
national student visa revocations by the Trump administration in recent months. In April 2025, former Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox announced that the federal government had revoked six UC Riverside (UCR) international student visas — two currently enrolled students and four alums. Without a valid enrollment status or visa, international students could face federal immigration enforcement. Publicly speaking on issues that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deems as a threat to “public safety” or “national security” can put these students at risk of becoming targets of deportation.
And it’s not just international students whoumented individuals or those from mixed-status
families, are also highly vulnerable due to their immigration status.
As a minority-serving institution with 58 pergeneration, UCR is profoundly impacted by these federal actions. The Trump administration’s attacks on free speech and immigration policy do more than silence protests; they undermine the very culture of our campus. This hostile environment directly threatens on-campus organizations, such as student journalism, which play a critical role in fostering open discourse and engagement.
UC student newspapers, such as The Aggie at have reported removing bylines or entire opinion pieces to protect the identities of international students. The Highlander has also made accommodations for students upon request, but this raises serious concerns around credibility, transparency and integrity for student journalism.
At The Highlander, our mission is rooted in the “pursuit of truth, the free exchange of information and ideas and maintaining a fair and independent student voice,” while providing “accurate information relevant to the experiences and interests of our readers.”
But if members of the UCR community no longer feel safe sharing their perspectives freely and truthfully, student newspapers cannot as easily report accurately on what’s happening on their campuses and local communities.
The Editorial Board acknowledges the fear and uncertainty many students and community members are experiencing. The actions taken by
in this country are cruel, unjust and inhumane.
But silence is complicity.
The opinion and news sections of The Highlander will continue to focus on the UC and UCR administrations, student government and local, state, national and international issues with a critical and factual approach — even if this sparks debate or is considered “controversial.”
The safety of our writers and sources is our top priority, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect them. However, this will not stop us from continuing to publish student voices, especially those that may be challenging to hear.
At the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, The Highlander Editorial Board published a statement highlighting the importance of student protest at UCR and the real change it brought about. This includes initiatives such as the Youngtition to end UCR’s licensing agreement with Starbucks, as well as on-campus protests urging the UC Board of Regents to pass Policy 4407, also known as the Opportunity for All Plan.
As we begin a new academic year, it’s essential to re-engage in that activism and not to remain silent. Student voices and protests matter now more than ever.
If you are a member of the UCR community and would like to share your story as a writer email us at editorinchief@highlandernews.org. Your voices are essential, and at The Highlander, we will continue to ensure they are heard.
H
ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Take It or Leave It: Decorating your apartment is a waste of time
THE ART OF WASTING TIME BEFORE YOU MOVE OUT.
Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but it can also be stressful and expensive. When I make a lot of decisions about where to put my limited time and money. Naturally, I focused on the essentials — the kitchen and the bathroom.
These are the parts of an apartment you use every day. A good kitchen and a clean bath-thought, a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. Still, I ended up spending extra time and money decorating my room, hoping it would make my space feel more like home.
Here’s the reality: decorating doesn’t make your apartment function any better.
No matter how many rugs you buy or how carefully you arrange your posters and lights, none of that changes your practical day-to-dayment more livable or comfortable in a real, tangible way.
In contrast, investing in the kitchen and bathroom upgrades improved my life dramatically. Those improvements were worth every penny because they are areas in my apartment that I other hand, is more like a cosmetic upgrade with little lasting value.
The biggest problem with decorating, especially for students living in apartments, is that these spaces tend to be temporary. Most of us don’t live in one place for long. Whether it’s due to graduating, changing jobs or other life changes, we’re often moving after a year or two. So, all the time and money spent decorating feels wasted once you have to pack up and leave. I saw this
gers around the house.
I’ve seen many students living in college apartments, and most love decorating their space with posters, fairy lights, rugs and all sorts of personal touches. At the time, it made the apart-
But after you move back home, those extra items have become a problem. They’re just extra clutter taking up space in your house. Most of the items aren’t being used anymore; they’re just stored away, forgotten and collecting dust. What once made your apartment feel like home has turned into a cluttered mess that needs to be sorted, organized or discarded.
This example perfectly shows the downside of decorating — it creates physical clutter and extra work, especially when you have to move. The sentimental value attached to decorations doesn’t always translate into practical value, and often these items become burdens rather than assets. You spend time and energy personalizing your space, only to end up with more things to store or discard later. For many people, that’s frustrating and exhausting.
Some might argue that decorating is about more than just practicality; it’s about feeling comfortable and expressing yourself. And I
achieved in simpler, less costly ways. Instead of buying expensive decorations, you can use a few meaningful items or rely on a minimalist style that’s easier to move and maintain. The key is to prioritize what truly matters.
If you’re deciding how to spend your limited resources when moving into a new apartment, I
pliances, furniture and repairs that improve your day-to-day life. Make sure your bathroom works well, your kitchen is functional and you have a and convenience far more than posters or rugs ever will.
these priorities. It can be tempting to focus on how your place looks rather than how it works. But if your apartment isn’t comfortable or practi-
ing time on decorations might delay taking care of the things that actually matter.
Another important point to consider is thating, cleaning and arranging — it all takes time. When you’re busy with school, work or other responsibilities, this extra upkeep can become a burden. Plus, decorations can get damaged or worn out, especially in a rental apartment where you don’t have full control. The result is more wasted time and money.
Even though I don’t regret decorating my room, I realize now that it was more of an emotional choice than a practical one. I wanted my space to feel like home, and adding personal touches helped me with that. However, in the bigger picture, it didn’t improve my living situation in any meaningful way. The kitchen and bathroom upgrades had a far greater impact on my daily comfort and convenience.
So, if you’re moving into a new apartment, save your resources for what really matters. Fixover, add a few personal touches, but don’t let decorating distract you from the essentials. Your future self will thank you.
Office hours may quite literally change your life
FROM MARKETING TO MEDIA: A LIFE OF WHIMSY.
Riverside (UCR) in the fall of 2022 was a night-
style class with 12 people, and I was completely bewildered by the (lack of) energy the class brought and the sheer unhinged behavior of the professor. It was completely unlike anything I had ever experienced during my time in high school.
When I was younger, I was not the most academically motivated student. In fact, I was quite the opposite. I only went to school for the joy I had in playing sports. So, being thrown into a college setting was my own personal hell. There was not a thought in my head nor an inkling of an idea for what I was going to do with my future. Rather than taking steps to improve my chances of discovering who I want to be, I devoted myself to not engaging with anyone at all.
Now here’s the catch: while I despised the idea of talking to my professors, I was so fascinated by my seminar class. Who wouldn’t be enamored with watching old-timey cinema in your media and cultural studies class and arguing about it in an intimate group setting?
changed my life. My respect for my professors
I had hope that there was more out there beyond
fact that I wasn’t shackled to only talking about
class-related topics. I was free to question my professors on any topic of my choosing, whethersional development or even just chatting abouter to just be heard and not have people I respect judge me for it.
One of the biggest changes in my life hap-
point of my college career, I had succumbed to the idea that I would be a marketing major who would simply hate their job but would earn enough of a living wage to survive.
Every day was a struggle; I hated my classes, I hated my internships and I hated waking up in the morning to even go to school. That all changed when I went to my favorite professor’s
most enlightening of words: “Go back to being a media and cultural studies major. At least you were happy.”
So of course, instead of listening to her words of wisdom, I trudged through another two quarters of my business degree. Happiness at that point in my life was obsolete; all I could see was a corporate hellscape designed to torture me with uncomfortable chairs, scaldingly bright computer screens and miserable small talk with my coworkers.
In order to regain my passion for life and studying, I decided to take another seminar with class I took as a freshman during my second year of college.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I was lit in my life once again. She would encourage me to simply try new things and pursue what ideas in my head: marketing, advertising, even dropping out of school to take a gap year and
It was in the midst of one of these soul-searchmy professor was right from the start, I should change my major. So I changed my major, and with no other thoughts in my head, I picked the most absurd career route and decided I wanted to one day become a media and gender studies professor.
I wanted the freedom to speak about what I want to study in front of impressionable young souls. I wanted to make crazy course plans about topics that I feel are relevant to modern society and encourage active debate. I wanted to make a change in someone else’s life and also encourage them to pursue their own interests, just as my professors have done for me.
Life isn’t all about having a palatable major or getting a job that makes tons of money. Sometimes it’s just listening to your heart and hearyou were happy.” My life is forever changed bediscovered where my true interests lie.
So, make the time to visit your professors’ of-
MATA ELANGOVAN H
ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER
Scotty-Scopes:
Your cosmic forecast awaits.
Libra (September 23 – October 22): Daria Morgendorffer
You see through everyone’s nonsense instantly. Keep your standards high and maintain your dry humor.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Lisa Simpson
You work harder than most and still get stuck explaining things to people who didn’t study. Stay ambitious, but don’t forget to breathe.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Tony Stark
times without reading the directions. Channel Stark’s mix of bold ideas and
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Shuri
your brainpower. Like Shuri, you can be both the problem-solver and the one who keeps everyone in check.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Wednesday Addams
You don’t sugarcoat, ever. Like Wednesday, your honesty cuts deep—but hey, it gets the job done.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Luna Lovegood
You’re the one who says something totally out-there in class — which turns out to be genius. Keep leaning into the weird—it works for you.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Hermione Granger
You actually do read the directions twice. Like Hermione, you know hard work beats shortcuts, even if your friends roll their eyes at you.
Leo (July 23 – August 22): Elle Woods
which makes proving them wrong that much sweeter. Just remember: pink is still a power move.
DIVE IN TO SEE WHAT FATE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): The Doctor
You get bored easily, which makes you the perfect adventurer. Bring the same curiosity and chaotic energy to your classes this year.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Abed Nadir (Community)
You live in your own world of references and daydreams, but it somehow makes total sense. Like Abed, your imagination is your superpower.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Tyrion Lannister
You talk fast, think faster and occasionally annoy people by being right. Tyrion’s wit is your secret weapon this year.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Sherlock Holmes
You notice the tiniest details no one else cares about. Like Sherlock, you’re brilliant, but maybe try not to scare people with how fast you connect the dots.
RUBAITA IQBAL
THE RESOURCEFULNESS AND RELENTLESSNESS OF A LEGACY CLUB AT UCR
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is home to countless hours, honing their craft and getting ready
sport that they love with friends. Fencing at UCR is no such exception to this as their dedication to their team, love for the game and perseverance in the face of adversity has shaped their journey at UCR.
One of the oldest clubs on campus, Fencing at UCR started in 2012 as explained by Alex Knight, third year computer science with business applications major and club president. Knight described how the club had started as a couple of students who practiced fencing together and formed a club with people in the area. They hired a coach from a local fencing academy and started to build the club, slowly joining competitions and competing with other universities in the Southern California area.
Prior experience is not required, as Vice President Lawerence Wang recounted how he decided to join, “I ended up joining the club after I saw [them] tabling and I found it interesting…I’m a competitive person, so I stuck around.”
Another club member, Mac Boyd, shared a similar experience: “I had a little fencing experience growing up when I was real young, but I didn’t do it for very long. I ended up joining the club just because it had been something I’d been interested in picking up again. It’s hard to do sports when you’re a little kid. So now that I had gotten older, [it] had been something that I wanted to try. And so I found out UCR had a fencing club, and I was like, well, that sounds fun. I could do that again.”
The club has a coach now, who they credited to as help them practice for their competitions. Both fondly recall how learning with their fellow students helped create a friendly atmosphere that dissolved any awkwardness that might have arisen.
r ning with a wkward-
The club holds most of its meetings on Monday and Wednesday nights, spending
up, followed by drills to re-
nd d g t ion
ond hour of practice is spent simulating bouts in a competition format.
he Intercolof Southern n erence hostts chools such ne, UC San nhis as well as eir h schools in the mes
SANJANA THATTE H
Boyd, who joined prior to having a coach, explained what their training was like as students, much just two dudes who knew a lot about fencingdents … there’s a couple of techniques that I almost never really used, but I ended up practicing a lot and got decently good at just only because they were favored by these two guys.”
Fencing at UCR is part of the Intercollegiate Fencing Conference of Southern California (IFCSC). This conference hosts an annual competition with schools such as UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine, UC San fornia. The club prepares for this as well as other local competitions in their practices. They often do scrimmages with schools in the area, namely UCI and sometimes host competitions themselves.
Knight explained that competitions have both team and individual formats with victories deciding which school wins over another: “So let’s say there’s three people on your team and three on your opponent’s. Everybody will have a chance to go against everybody. That’s a total of nine bouts, everybody will have a chance to fence everybody. And then you add the points up at the very end …
al fencing is done individually, but you work as a team to gain points.”
The club has faced struggles in regards to
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addition to the regular club stipend that the SRC gives competitive sports clubs along with their Associated Students of UCR budget, the club is fundraising more to buy better and safer equipment.
The team is optimistic about the future with goals to have fun and to perform well in competitions.
Boyd emphasized that despite their struggles they have a strength in their resourcefulness, “When I
the underdogs in a lot of cases. I went to a competifew people. And it was really kind of a sight. We all went to UCLA, and every other team with them had a coach. All of their equipment was super shiny and polished.”
She continued, “We didn’t have a coach, we
we held our own in a lot of bouts, and we did pretty well. I think what’s kind of unique about UCR fencing is that even though we do have a coach now and a lot of our equipment is in a lot better shape now, we’ve kind of got this legacy in … we know how to do more with less, right?”
PHOTOS BY VASH CHEN / THE HIGHLANDER
NORM’S NOOK
SPOTLIGHT
The UCR Bell Tower
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is home to the Inland Empire’s only 161-foot Bell Tower. Built in 1966, this tower has become UCR’s most famous landmark and the ultimate student meet-up spot. A popular skateboarding and club tabling location, the Bell Tower is the second tallest building in Riverside and was gifted to the university by Philip Boyd, a former UC regent, and his wife. Visible from the Pomona Lothian, this Bell Tower marks
the center of the university. Its 48bell carillon’s music can be heard throughout the entire campus, most notably at 12 p.m. on Mondays. Of its 48 bells, the largest and heaviest one weighs 5091 pounds, with its lightest one being 28 pounds. So freshman, throughout your years at UCR, you may hear someone say “I’ll meet you
worry, after a while it’ll be hard to miss. H
LOCATIONS AT UCR
Part of Caesar’s boast
Personality type characterized by being a go-getter
Scottish vernacular for a girl or young
Main science library on campus
Pub orders
Next available
Clichéd company claim
BY SANJANA FEATURES
Male deer 46. Some printers
UCR landmark that marks the center of campus
Nobelist Wiesel
Running behind
Goes out with
Stages before pupas
“Today” co-host Kotb
Mimic
Respond
Roughhousing
Woman’s name that
anagrams to “air”
12. Hosp. areas 13. Perry the Platypus’s voice actor
21. Spanish queen
22. Monopoly token
25. ____end
26. Simple
27. Blog feed letters
30. Tennis great Arthur
31. Water sources
33. Some voters
34. River bank deposit
36. Aglio e ____
37. Another attempt
39. Thesaurus author
40. Six-pack muscles 43. Go over again
46. The 50th state 47. Ancient Roman magistrate 48. Peaceful
Letter-shaped construction piece 52. They’re easy to catch
Red Muppet
Fibbed
Commercials
KELLEY MANZO / THE HIGHLANDER
NOLA PERIFEL
Assistant Features Editor
GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY: EASY
MAIN ST
By: Nola Perifel, Assistant Features Editor
Test your tartan soul with this quick quiz.
A. 1986
B. 1973
C. 1907
D. 1954
A. A citrus research facility
B. An equestrian center
C. It’s always been a school
D. A large park
A. 10,252
B. 524
C. 1,074
D. 127
A. More than 1,000
B. Around 200
C. More than 600
D. Around 900
ORANGE ST
A. It is the #1 most diverse public university of California
Student Resource Center
C. UCR’s famous donkeys, or burros, belong to the university.
Ph.D in Dance Studies
1. D
faculty on February 15, 1954.
2. A - UCR started out as a research facility for citrus fruits in 1907. It was called the California Citrus Experiment Station where researchers aimed to create better quality citrus fruits, especially oranges.
3. D - There were only 127 students on UCR’s
4. C - There are more than 600 clubs on campus, which can be found on the Highlander Link website.
5. C - The donkeys that can be spotted around campus are actually wild. Their arrival to UCR is a mystery but there are rumors that they were brought to UCR by miners during the Gold Rush or that they may have arrived at UCR because of ranchers during the 1950s. H
NOLA PERIFEL / THE HIGHLANDER
Features Fiction: The Accident
PAULA IS A CHILD THAT FINALLY SEES HOW GROWING UP COULD COME FASTER THAN SHE WANTS IT TO.
PAULA OMOKHOMION
When my mother told me not to run that particular afternoon, I didn’t listen, because I was a child, and I was meant to be able to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. She was an adult, which meant she was a hater, an old lady whose favorite pastime was watching the news, waiting for the next greedy politician she would bash, or celebrity that was acting too much out of line. She always interrupted my cartoons, and instead
would wake up and I would be a hater, an old lady who loved the news and didn’t know what a Beyonce was. Beyonce was a person, and that was the whole point of it.
my friends were waiting for me. Those were the days when friends were truly friends, because we all agreed that aliens existed, and
whoever thought anything else was a loser, and shouldn’t stand with us. Everyone wanted to stand with us and so they lied if they thought otherwise, not knowing that we also lied, because we wanted to stand with us, or the others except ourselves, or whatever it was that we weren’t sure of.
But two things were certain.
First, it was 2010 so, ‘us’ was a shifting term just like the world around us. And second, we were all friends. And because we were friends and a part of ‘us,’ we could play and run around, ignoring the gravel beneath our feet, and the old ladies telling us to be careful, to not fall and draw blood.
How could I draw blood? I was a superhero, so it was impossible.
I ran, my legs picking up speed like the wind, rebellious, never staying in one place. Then I fell, my arm making contact with the
jagged stone edges, not kind enough to have softer edges, as if shunning pebbles, their perceived bastard cousins. And because I on the ground turning a dirtier shade upon contact, like that of the earth back in my mother’s village, only that it didn’t make me happy. Instead, it made me sad. And because I was sad, I cried, my tears spilling onto my clothes like rain. Only that now, it was a terrible feeling, nothing like the thrill of having nature wet your clothes.
If I had known, I would have listened to my mother who told me not to run and I would have become a hater. I would be on the fast track to being an old lady whose favorite pastime was watching the news, waiting for the next greedy politician I would bash, or celebrity that was acting too much out of line.
Wafa Wonders: Why wasn’t Chiikawa raptured?
A COLUMN FOR THE QUIETLY CONFUSED AND CASUALLY CURIOUS.
While I have yet to succumb to a gambling addiction via blind boxes, my most persistent vice this year has been doomscrolling on TikTok. The latest rabbit hole I fell into was RaptureTok. Recently, a wave of Evangelical creators swore up and down that September would bring the rapture: the moment in Christian theology when believers are swept up into heaven, leaving the rest of us behind to face tribulation.
While the Riverside campus seemed … intact, I shuddered at the thought of waking up to half the world gone. The idea of facing a chaotic, hellish end of days alongside everyone else who failed to reach salvation sent chills down my spine.
Meanwhile, the same app kept feeding me clips of Chiikawa, a Japanese cartoon I’ve been not-so-quietly obsessed with. The show follows tiny, round, simply drawn animals navigating their soft, playful world together. The voices are squeaky, the plots are bite-sized, and my dwindling attention span couldn’t ask for a better distraction. Trying to live with whimsy, this silly cartoon has been the perfect addition to my life.
But here’s the caveat: for every clip of Chiikawa and friends happily slurping noodles, there’s another where they’re being stalked by grotesque monsters, or worse, mutated versions of their own species. Be-
neath the pink cheeks and sparkly eyes, the Chiikawa universe is easy to misconstrue as cute and harmless, when in reality it’s a dystopian hellscape.
Chiikawa reveals a world built on punishment, where characters scrape by in a bleaktems and even risk mutating into tragic monsters under pressure. It’s an oppressive pastel dystopia that mirrors real-world anxieties such as scarcity, overpopulation and endless survival tests. Yet Chiikawa and friends keep moving forward. It’s easy to call this perseverance, but I think there’s something more profound.
Absurdism, as described by Albert Camus, is the tension between our search for meaning and the universe’s refusal to provide any. In Chiikawa, that tension plays out daily. These small creatures face despair, failure and violence, and yet they return again and again. Sometimes, crying, singing or munching on udon. Yes, it’s silly, but also quietly revolutionary: they choose to live joyfully in the face of meaninglessness and to push forward with friends, snacks and songs, even when the world insists on cruelty.
It got me thinking about RaptureTok again … If the Chiikawa universe is hell, or at least purgatory, why didn’t these cuties get raptured? Shouldn’t their innocence count for something? Maybe innocence doesn’t matter. Maybe salvation is arbitrary, unfair
or impossible to earn. Or maybe they didn’t need to be taken at all. By choosing joy anding, they’ve already found a kind of salvation here. Because in the end, perhaps the rapture never comes. Perhaps there is no cosmic rescue, no great escape. Just monsters, exams, friends and the occasional bowl of udon, and somehow, that’s enough.
THE COPPER GOAT COFFEE FAILS TO IMPRESS WITH ITS SELECTION OF SPECIALITY DRINKS AND AVERAGE PASTRIES
SANJANA THATTE
Riverside next to a bakery and sandwich shop. The modern interior showcased a spacious front of the blue theme. The swirled chandeliers and sparse furniture gave the area a put-together, modern look
Families could be seen grabbing a quick cup of coffee, chatting with friends or even enjoying a game of chess. With such a modern and bright space, expectations were high and our stomachs were ready
missed the mark when it came to making what one would consider to be even a decent version of the
could only catch the nuttiness of a traditional coconut dessert almost as an aftertaste.
Price: $5.95
Rating: 2/5
stood out to me. Normally, in a mocha, the choco-
was strong yet somehow watery, giving the impreshad been sitting out for a couple of hours. While still hitting some of the key criteria of a mocha,
Price: $6.25
Rating: 2/5
The milky, diluted Honey Lavender Latte immediately revealed its inclination towards the honey itself was of high quality, the rest of the drink fell apart at the seams.
Price: $3.75
Rating: 3/5
The donut-like Italian cake had a tough yet breadlike springy texture that made for an interesting eatwas a welcome surprise to the texture of the dessert and the freshness of the cake was discernible. I do
Price: $4.50
Rating: 4/5
The doughy melt-in-your-mouth texture of the lemon curd combined with the soft cakey texture of the crust made this an excellent lemon tart. The curd had the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon and the texture of the crust provided a solid base for the whole dessert. The only reason it lost a point was because it was not particularly unique, but nonetheless hit all necessary criteria for it to be considered a solid dessert.
While the pleasant ambiance does lend a friendly, bright space to chat with a friend or get some homework done, I can’t say I recommend the drinks that these days and while I can say that the Copper Goat
SANJANA THATTE / THE HIGHLANDER
First-Gen Life: Expectations vs. reality
KARMEN LEON
YOUR FIRST QUARTER WILL NOT BE PERFECT, BUT IT WILL BE YOURS TO SHAPE.
The purpose of this column is to support just survive, but thrive here at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
Gen Life column of the Fall quarter! To all the brand-new Highlanders, especially those who year university, this one is for you.
Starting college can feel exciting, but also lonely at times, especially when no one at home can quite relate to what you are going feel picture perfect, but the reality is that the is perfectly okay.
Here are four ways to ease into campus life and remind yourself that you belong here:
Take a self-tour after class or during breaks. Wander through Orbach and Rivera Libraries, check out study spots and discover the small gems scattered across campus. The more you see, the more UCR will start to feel like home.
If you live on campus, take time to build a relationship with your roommate. Have an open conversation about boundaries and how you want to share your space. Taking small steps now will help you create a more comfortable environment for yourself all year long.
Being a commuter does not mean being left out. The Commuter Student Lounge is a great resource with couches and community, but it is not the only place you belong. Explore every corner of campus, join events and make your presence known. You deserve to feel at home across UCR, not just in one space.
Everyone feels overwhelmed at some point, even if they do not show it. Introduce yourself to classmates, visit professors during ofacademics with self-care.
perfection. It is about growth. Whether you are living in the residence halls or commuting from home, you belong at every part of this
ing the way not only for yourself, but for those who come after you. So take a deep breath, explore, connect and remind yourself that you are not alone.
The SRC: A deep dive
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER.
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is a University of California, Riverside (UCR) stasuch as classes, an open gym, pools and many tennis and basketball courts.
To enter the SRC, you need to download the UCRSRC Rec It app which will allow you
SRC). Once you have signed the waiver, you receive a barcode. Sign in every time you want to enter the SRC.
Then you just scan the barcode and the best
As you enter the main area of the SRC, you
Additionally, the front desk can provide you with many types of equipment you can work out with and use.
There are many sections that compose the outdoor SRC area. The most notable one is the swimming pool. Most popular during the hotter months, you can enjoy a nice swim in the recreational pool or a refreshing workout in the lap pool. The lazy river paired with a com-
laxing summer outing. The jacuzzi is also a beloved outdoor recreation spot where students can relax their bodies after a hard workout or have a deep conversation between the bubbles.
But the water activities are not the only available ones at the SRC. The beach volley-
transport you to the beach without skipping a beat. Just picture seagulls calling out and waves crashing and you’re all set.
Speaking of sports, the SRC is home to ten outdoor tennis courts, including a pickleball court, where students can play whenever they would like. If you do not have racquets, they are available to borrow at the front desk. Just bring back and wipe down any equipment you check out. -
merous wonderful ways to get your exercise in. From cardio machines to rock climbing to basketball to boxing, there are countless possibilities. The main area on this side of the SRC in the gym area. You have complete access to weights and cardio machines like any regular gym. It is open Monday-Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. The gym is enhanced with additional features such as the rock climbing wall, a combined basket-
ball and volleyball court, a designated area for boxing, an indoor running track and an open -
dents can take advantage of. It hosts classes oflates, zumba, barre fusion and much more. Ad-
therapy sessions and personal training classes. The “Ask a Trainer” workshops are free for students, but to learn more about other classes and prices, consult the SRC Fitwell website.
On the other side of the SRC, which can
be used for dance, martial arts and club practices. Additionally, more basketball courts can be found in SRC north where UCR men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball games take place. These courts can be used for open recreation as well. Students can also play table tennis, take cycling classes and play racquetball in SRC North. Some other additions to SRC North include nap pods where students can take power naps and massage chairs to enjoy a relaxing experience before or after classes.
The SRC, a UCR staple, is a wonderful place for students to disconnect from classes and be with themselves or with friends.
NOLA PERIFEL Assistant Features Editor
“The Paper” is not like other spin-offs.
IN THE AGE OF UNNECESSARY SEQUELS TO POP-CULTURE CLASSICS, THIS SHOW STANDS ALONE.
AAKIF IQBAL
The case has been made that with the landscape of television and movies right now, original stories are a rarity.
Every “new” release is actually a modern continuation of an old classic that’s become part of the zeitgeist, whether it be “That
Given this, it’s easy to judge media before consuming it.
“The Paper” is a television series set in newspaper and a group of employees who are trying to bring it back to its former glory. It’s natural to search for its connections to its predecessor, especially considering the return of characters like accountant Oscar Nunez.
The archetypes of the oblivious-but-sweet boss and the deadpan employee that Steve Carell’s Michael Scott and John Krashinski’s with this new show. “About Time” star the recent hire of the Toledo Truth Teller newspaper, as he takes on the role of editorin-chief.
is not like Michael Scott at all. He has heart and inspiration but is more-so ambitious than he is oblivious. And neither is Chelsea Frei’s Mare Pritti. Though she looks to the camera in moments of self-awareness like Jim Halpert, her character is much less miserable. She just lacks the inspiration that Sampson comes to provide.
In this way, the era of self-aware humor so prevalent in 2000s comedies that came to in this new rendition. Instead, there is a sense of sincerity and sweetness with a clear hope and joy.
In the context of 2025, it’s no surprise that this sincerity is such a clear part of the show’s be earnest. There is simply too much in the world going with ongoing genocides, mass take one’s self seriously.
or predictable, “The Paper” proves itself to
be a refreshing take on a television spinor characters as the original show, but it maintains the spirit and fun that made it such vitality of local news.
In an exclusive interview with The importance of “The Paper” to be in 2025, actors Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young and Melvin Gregg shared that what the show when it comes to reporting trustworthy local information. What social media and massive news organizations miss out on is the situations. Big organizations cannot tell you things like what roads are open in one’s town Frei explained.
VERDICT:
Whether it be for its escapism, its important message of local news in modern society or its “return” to a nostalgic world, “The Paper” is absolutely worth the watch.
COURTESY OF PEACOCK
A NOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST AT B LOCK P ARTY 2025
WITH UNORDERLY LINES, LESS AMENITIES AND A MIDDLING ARTIST
IAN PALMA , SANJANA THATTE, Radar Editor Features Editor
Nothing rings in a new academic year at University of California, Riverside (UCR) quite like the Associated Students Program Board’s (ASPB) fall concert, Block Party. Block Party has been a staple when it comes to welcoming students, old and new, back into campus life, giving them the opportunity to mingle and vibe to the performances of famous musical artists. With such enticements, it would be hard to pass up the opportunity to have what could be one of the greatest nights of one’s life at UCR.
This year’s Block Party tries to continue this tradition, going off of the theme of “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.” Opulent purple text referencing the series could be found throughout the event, most notably being seen on the screens overlooking the stage in which music artists such as Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and DannyLux performed. Merchandise referencing Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure was also given out on the day of the event.
Lines
The line for this year’s Block Party had concert goers waiting by the Bell Tower as early as noon. The line saw many freshmen, as well as some upperclassmen, who were familiar with the -
cert, expressing their eagerness to experience the renowned UCR staple. The line curved around greenery along Sproul Hall and at one point even curved around the Student Success Center. Several were caught trying to cut the line and were forced to turn back as well as others who did not comply with the bag policy.
Merchandise
who arrived at the venue as well as those who decided to stop by the Progressive Graphics booth. They quickly ran out of their t-shirts, but were enjoyed by students who were lucky enough to receive one.
Amenities and Activities
Pierce Lawn saw popup stands of Uncle Chuang’s Bakery and Farmhouse Collective giving away free items and small snacks. Lawn games featuring basketball and football were available as well as a lounge for students to sit and watch the concert. Photo opportunities included the standard Block Party hanging letters and a vintage TV photo wall with old TV screens stacked on top of each other.
Additionally, sponsors such as Sour Strips gave away handouts, with students carrying armfuls of bags away from the giveaway table where the candy was distributed. The activities themselves lacked the usual energy that Block Party is
known to bring, with previous years seeing roller even trampoline attractions.
For what little was offered, lines were exorbitantly long and giveaways were minimal, often amounting to stickers and discount cards. In short, those who came to Block Party not entirely to see the artists lineup had very little to interact with and spent a great deal of time waiting in line.
Food Options
While several local chains such as Pucker Up Lemonade, Q’s Tacos, The Big Easy Sandwich, The Sweet Stop, MANEATINGPLANT and Packin’ Bowls were present, it was not nearly enough to accommodate the amount of students at the venue. The line for Q’s Tacos ended up being a continuous two hour wait for anyone in the venue and a similar situation could be observed for the other food trucks at the venue.
For those who got in line towards the end of the event many of the menu items had sold out and were left to buy from a limited selection of meals. The food was of standard quality, but given massive wait times, the food lost its appeal quickly. More vendors could have easily solved this problem and provided a wider variety of food options for students attending.
Concert
A substantial part of what makes people eager to attend Block Party is undoubtedly due in part to the performances of well known musical artists. UCR has had a long history of inviting famous performers, such as Ski Mask the Slump God and Playboi Carti, to showcase their music to students at the event as a way to get them excited about the school year. This year’s Block Party fared no different, with the presence of artists such as DJ Musubi, WiztheMC and DannyLux alongside headliner Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Catering to the rave and house music culture that UC Riverside has come to foster and be recognized for was DJ Musubi. Musubi, working as the event’s host, played an eclectic mix of popular songs tailored to resonate with the various music tastes of UCR students. Despite a slow start when it came to appeasing the crowd, DJ Musubi gradually won their favor by playing remixes from artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Wocka Flocka Flame.
One notable instance of the attendees getting turnt up occurred when DJ Musubi played “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District, in which students were quick to form a dance circle,
or “dougie pit.” Audience members were equally ecstatic when DJ Musubi played songs by Souljaboy in which they eagerly swayed along to “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and “Kiss Me Thru the Phone.” DJ Musubi worked the turntables in between transitions, making sure that students remained energized for the next artist to perform.
Singer-songwriter WiztheMC took the stage shortly after, swaggering in a pink hoodie and sweatpants while serenading the audience with pop tracks such as “Show Me Love,” “Take My Mind” and “IYK.” Alongside many of his recognized songs, Wiz also played older and upcoming tracks alongside a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus, in which he invited the audience to sing along. In a fashion eerily reminiscent to that of Freddy Mercury during Live Aid, WiztheMC commanded the audience in vocal work, from simple “yeahs” to gradually complex beltings.
Out of all the artists who performed during Block Party, WiztheMC was arguably the most in touch with the concertgoers, consistently asking if everyone was okay while offering water to those dehydrated. WiztheMC intrepidly went into the crowd itself, taking videos with many of the audience members. He ended his set with a reprise of “Show Me Love,” effectively gaining the approval of the crowd.
DannyLux began his performance at 6:30 p.m. rocking a leather jacket and camo shorts, playing regional Mexican pop tracks accompanied by an acoustic ensemble such as “Cielo Eterno” and “Corazón Frío.” Unlike the other artists, DannyLux’s setlist was poignant and introspective, with slow-to-moderate tempoed songs that reflected themes of love and heartbreak. Instead of the chaotic energy usually given to all the other artists, attendees stood where they were, taking in DannyLux’s prose.
A moment that stood out during the performance was when DannyLux began to share his story, reminiscing about how his immigrant parents encouraged him to pursue music. DannyLux also went on to talk about the importance of unity, in which many of the concertgoers began to cheer in resonance. After a series of songs, one of them involving a riveting guitar solo, DannyLux closed out his set with “House of Lux.”
Despite all the heartfelt energy being given out to most of the performers, it was quite clear that most audience members were there to see Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. The transition to the final set of the show wasn’t exactly smooth, as Boogie took about 15 minutes to prepare much to the aggravation of the audience stretching from-
Webber Hall all the way to Spieth. With Boogie’s personal DJ irregularly switching between tracks in -
have been occurring, or if Boogie simply didn’t care about punctuality.
After a considerable amount of time, Boogie Wit accompanied by dancers in which he played recognizable tracks such as “Look Back at It” and “Still Think About You.” In between his set, Boogie paid tribute to fellow rapper Pop Smoke before playing “Hello”, a track which features both artists. Most of the energy from the crowd came from the front, in which many of the audience members waved around glowsticks in unison with Boogie.
Graphics accompanying Boogie’s performance ranged from things such as the digital rain effect popularized by “The Matrix” as well as a backdrop of New York City.
Although energetic, Boogie’s setlist ended ten minutes before the end of Block Party, closing out with his most famous track “Drowning.”
All in all, there was a clear dissonance between the artists that were performing and the overall energy that was given by the attendees. More ob-
WiztheMC became champions of the concertgoers while those more famously known, in particular Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, did not.
Reception
Leaving the venue, there was a certain sense of disappointment felt by many for what could’ve been a decent Block Party. Lacking the usual plethora of amenities seen from previous Block Parties, many students couldn’t help but wonder if no love was shown to the event at all. Either way, something
enthusiastic when Spring Splash comes around.
Verdict:
short of lackluster, leaving students with a taste as bitter as the Sour Strips given out upon entering the event. H
Pierre Perifel’s behind the scenes journey from animator to director
READ ABOUT A MOVIE DIRECTOR’S EXPERIENCE CREATING AN ANIMATED FEATURE FILM.
it felt like the perfect time to sit down with his experience making animated movies. Pierre has “The Bad Guys” and “The Bad Guys 2.” But long before directing a feature, he was already shaping stories as an animator, animation director and short-
when he was 18. After realizing that people were actually paid to bring drawings to life, he changed his career goals from becoming a car designer to Cohl, an art school in Lyon, and later at Gobelins
Animation in Los Angeles.
like “Shrek 4,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Rise of the Guardians,” along with some canceled projects. Over the years, he went from animator to supervising
from a canceled movie he had previously worked on. From there, he began his career as a director.
Pierre says his inspirations range from 1990s live-action directors like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Luc Besson to comic book and graphic novel artists like Bill Watterson, Akira Toriyama, Albert Uderzo, Peyo and Hergé. In animation, he looks up most to Hayao Miyazaki and Brad Bird.
style of “The Bad Guys,” which stood out from other
Generated animation, he wanted to combine the two to create something new. As he explained: “Animation is fantastic because it is a medium that is completely open; there is nothing that stops you from doing whatever you want. Anything that is not
The idea for “The Bad Guys” came when Pierre spotted the Bad Guys comic book by Aaron Blabey taking on new challenges, like learning how to
write scripts and working with voice actors such as Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson,
Pierre said that his background as an animator gave him an advantage when it came to guiding animators and diving into character details. Some of the most rewarding moments for him were seeing
and watching a fully completed sequence.
When asked what lessons he would take into future projects, Pierre stated, “At some point the
story becomes the guide, the leader. You are not really in charge anymore. You have to let it become what it wants to become. You need to be able to
you need passion. You need to love your craft and immerse yourself in your world without becoming something new to the table and have your own voice.
NOLA PERIFEL
H
COURTESY OF GAMEREACTOR UK
Women’s Volleyball - Oct. 2
UC Irvine @ UC Riverside 3-0 L
UCR Team Leaders:
Kills: Sophia Ewalefo (13)
Assists: Makena Tong (16)
Digs: Jessica Dean (14)
Men’s Soccer - Sep. 26
CBU @ UC Riverside 1-1 Tie
UCR: Edward Castro 27’
CBU: Blake D’Agostino 79’
Men’s Soccer - Oct. 4
UC Riverside @ UC Santa Barbara 3-0 L
UCSB: Buba Fofanah 5’
UCSB: Zac Siebenlist 14’
UCSB: Kaden Standish 75’
Women’s Soccer - Oct. 2
Long Beach St. @ UC Riverside 3-0 L
LBSU: Kailey Supa 18’
Women’s Volleyball - Oct. 2
LBSU: Natalie Arnold 18’ 53’
Cal State Fullerton @ UC Riverside 3-0 W
UCR Team Leaders:
Kills: Sophia Ewalefo (14)
Assists: Makena Tong (14)
Digs: Makena Tong (10)
Men’s Soccer - Oct. 1
CSUN @ UC Riverside 1-0 L
CSUN: Zion Wagoner 86’
Women’s Soccer - Sep. 28
UC Riverside @ CSUN 2-0 L
CSUN: Paige Califf 43’
CSUN: Yasmin Azar 51’
Women’s Golf - Sep. 29-30
SeattleU Pat Lesser Harbottle Invitational
Mitzi Duarte Individual Tied-4th (-1)
WITH THE CBA DEADLINE APPROACHING, PLAYERS, COACHES, AND FANS ARE GROWING INCREASINGLY FRUSTRATED WITH THE WNBA FRONT OFFICE.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) 2025 season is coming to end with the Finals under way. Things are heat-
labor contract between the WNBA and the WNBAPlayers Association (WNBPA) (the players’ union). It outlines key terms of employment
agency rules and notably, revenue sharing between the league and old CBA expires on Oct. 31, leaving only a few weeks for the WNBPA and the WNBA to come to an agreement.
However, with both parties still in opposition, no agreement appears to be in sight. In July, WNBA players attended a negotiation session with the players’ union and the league’s executives. The meeting held over WNBA All-Star break was critical as it was the only time all players were in the same place during the regular season. The WNBPA expected to have around 20 players attend the bargaining session.
Over 40 players showed up.
Though the WNBPA submitted proposals in February, this meetinging to the new proposal. Some of the players key demands are better
a more lenient salary cap. Most notably, they are calling for a revenuesharing agreement that ties salary increases to the league’s economic performance.
WNBA players left the bargaining session frustrated, saying the league’s counterproposal was far from their demands and failed to address the core issue of revenue sharing. Two of four WNPBA Vice Presidents, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, described the meeting as disappointing and a
“wasted opportunity,” especially given the rarity of the meeting.
Players also expressed dissatisfaction with the way they were treated by the league’s negotiators. Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams remarked that the negotiators felt they could “impress [the players] with some fancy numbers, [and] some fancy language.”
Liberty guard Natasha Cloud echoed the frustration, saying she felt the league was underestimating the players’ intelligence. “We’re not just basketball players, we understand basic economics, we understand business models, we understand exactly where this league is and where this league is heading”
union and the league is revenue sharing. As WNBPA president Nneka Ogumike puts it, the WNBA is proposing a system that “leans
whereas the players are advocating for “a better share where [their] salaries grow with the business, time.”
The WNBA’s game schedule is a topic of controversy also, as the current CBA has a 44-game schedule
argues that this schedule threatens the well-being of the athletes. As Stewart puts it, players are “playing four games in six days” three times in a season, which doesn’t allow enough time for their bodies to recover.
It not only puts players at risk but also prevents them from performing at their best. A 12-player to consistently compete at a high level. With injuries, rotations often shrink to just 10 or 11 players, leaving them depleted by the league’s grueling schedule.
A key moment that highlights the lack of refereeing consistency was Napheesa Collier twisting her ankle after colliding with Alyssa Thomas in game 3 of the WNBA 2 tear, and there was no foul called on the play.
On September 30, Collier had her exit interview in which she tore
started the press conference with a prepared statement she had made. for “lack of accountability” and being negligent. She began with the the leagues cares about the players is one thing but to also not care about the product we put on the
continued to say that everyone can see that there is an issue with ofat hand.
ELENA VERSAGE
‘We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us’
Collier recounted a conversation she had with Engelbert, during which the commissioner remarked that “only the losers complain about the refs.” When asked about compensating young stars for the revenue they generate, Engelbert reportedly said that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful she makes $16out the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” adding that “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media-rights on the exchange, Collier said, “We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us.”
Collier, who co-founded the women’s 3x3 league Unrivaled, spoke about watching her husband,
Alex Bazzell, run Unrivaled. Shecult yet her husband always took time to make sure players were okay whenever he heard about an injury. She followed by speaking about well wishes she received after her injury: “you know who I haven’t heard from? [Commissioner] Cathy [Engelbert].”
“We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”
The WNBA posted a statement from Engelbert. Her statement started by saying that she had respect for Collier and all the players. She claims that her focus remains on collaborating to ensure a bright future for the league. She then
states “I am disheartened by how Naphessa characterized our conversation and league leadership.”
Oct. 3, Engelbert expressed conreached, or extensions would be made if necessary. She mentioned that the league and the WNBPA have meetings scheduled to continue discussions. When Engelbert was asked about the comments Collier attributed to her, she said, “there’s a lot of inaccuracy out there.”
For players, coaches, and fans alike, the call is clear: it’s time for new leadership.
(Benito)
The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.
