THE HIGHLANDER
FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO ‘DO IT FOR KO’”
UCR COMMUNITY MOURNS THE DEATH OF KYLE OWENS.
Former University of California, Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball standout Kyle Owens passed away on Sep. 30. after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was 24.
Owens played two seasons with the Highlanders (2022-2024) under former head coach Mike Magpayo.
“‘This is so unfair’ are the feelings of his former teammates… and I feel the same. I’m also inspired that, hopefully, God put him in this position to inspire all of us to live as he did. I’ve cried and laughed with many of his former teammates over the last [few weeks]; we are reminding each other to carry on his legacy. To live each day on purpose. Rest in Peace KO,”
were coach Magpayo’s parting words on a tribute from UCR Athletics.
the court, where he managed to graduate with two degrees with honors (including an MBA), or it was the work ethic he showed to make himself a great player…Kyle had it all: a great mom, dad and brother, a wonderful girlfriend of many years and many best friends who all looked up to the 6’8 lefty because everyone knew Kyle’s heart was pure and true.”
Owens was a key player that facilitated the growth of UCR men’s basketball under Magpayo and his legacy will continue to be felt with Highlanders today and in the future.
Former Riverside Deputy Sentenced for 2014 Killing of Romantic Rival
OSCAR RODRIGUEZ SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL AND 10 YEARS OF FELONY PROBATION FOR THE VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND’S EX-BOYFRIEND.
Oscar Rodriguez, a former deputy, was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2025 to one year in jail and 10 years of felony probation for the 2014 killing of 39-year-old Luis Carlos Morin in Coachella. The sentence followed a June conviction by an Indio jury that found Rodriguez, 44, guilty of voluntary manslaughter and a gun use enhancement. He was acquitted of the more murder. Despite prosecutors
pushing for a prison term, Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling imposed a 10-year prison sentence but suspended it, allowing Rodriguez to serve just 365 days in county jail. The incident stemmed from a “love triangle” involving Rodriguez, Morin and Diana Perez, the mother of Morin’s two children. Rodriguez met Perez in late 2013 when responding to her 911 calls about Morin, who she claimed had a criminal past and outstanding warrants.
SEE RIVERSIDE IE DEPUTY ON PAGE 5
Spanish culture and music is put on full display at UCR
JUNKO UENO GARRETT PERFORMS THE WORKS OF PROMINENT COMPOSERS FROM SPAIN
On Oct. 4, 2025, Japanese-American pianist and Occidental College professor Junko Ueno Garrett made an appearance at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) as part of the Florence Bayz Music Series program. Unveiling her project “Musica de España: Life and Music in Spain” at Arts Building 157, Junko played arrangements of late 19th and early 20th century Spanish composers, much to the delight and awe of the audience. Performing these songs on a piano, Garrett’s performance evoked a sense of intimacy and fervor that could be felt throughout the room. Garrett opened her perforand sixth sequences from the music piece “Danzas Españolas, Op. 37.” Originally composed by Enrique Granados, Garrett’s interpretation of the piece evoked a spirit of Romanticism falling in line with the period where created. Switching between a melancholic symphony and an energetic beat suitable for
part served as an interesting introduction to the types of
TERRY NGUYEN
IAN PALMA
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL
COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF JUNKO UENO GARRETT
COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY DA’S OFFICE
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[At my high school newspaper] I worked on sports. [I would go to]
never something super competitive. I play intramurals (IMs). IMs
I remember because the tickets used to be dirt cheap. My dad
loved them even though they lost every season.”
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Former Riverside Deputy Sentenced for 2014 Killing of Romantic Rival
OSCAR RODRIGUEZ SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL AND 10 YEARS OF FELONY PROBATION FOR THE VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND’S EX-BOYFRIEND.
9:40 p.m., Morin and his mother arrived. As Morin exited the vehicle to assist in parking, Rodriguez approached from behind.
Oscar Rodriguez, a former Riverside County sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced on Sept. 23, 2025 to one year in jail and 10 years of felony probation for the 2014 killing of 39-year-old Luis Carlos Morin in Coachella. The sentence followed a June conviction by an Indio jury that found Rodriguez, 44, guilty of voluntary manslaughter and a gun use enhancement. He was acquitted of the more serious pushing for a prison term, Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling imposed a 10-year prison sentence but suspended it, allowing Rodriguez to serve just 365 days in county jail.
The incident stemmed from a “love triangle” mother of Morin’s two children. Rodriguez met about Morin, who she claimed had a criminal past and outstanding warrants. Their relationship quickly became intimate, with credit card records showing regular motel stays together throughout 2013.
judgment and that he engaged in reckless, self-ini-
Garcia, Rodriguez used “cowboy tactics,” bypassing proper protocol to carry out what amounted to a personal vendetta against Morin.
On Jan. 27, 2014, Rodriguez learned that Morin would be returning to his mother’s home in Coachella after attending a family birthday party. Without informing his superiors, Rodriguez drove to the neighborhood in a patrol vehicle, parked out of sight and began surveillance on the home. Around
legs. Both fell to the ground, and Rodriguez landed on his back. A witness, Maria Gomez, reportedly weapon and shot Morin in the chest, killing him. Rodriguez claimed he feared for his life and believed Morin was reaching for a weapon, though no weapon was found on the victim.
The defense emphasized Rodriguez’s law enforcement experience and described Morin as a dangerous individual with a criminal record who
Months before the shooting, Morin allegedly sent -
guez: “Cop lover ... Tell him to bring his A-game, because no matter what he does, he’s going to lose.”
lash. Morin’s family sued Riverside County and the sheriff’s department, eventually receiving a $7 million wrongful death settlement.
the case, charged as an accessory to a felony. However, the charge against her was dismissed in April, more than a decade after the initial incident.
The sentencing concludes a years-long legal saga that began with the shooting in 2014 and included a 2017 grand jury indictment. Rodriguez now faces a decade of formal probation following his brief jail term.
H
Crime Watch: Murderfor-hire plot
TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN MURDER FOR HIRE INVESTIGATION.
On Sept. 29, 2025, at approxiresponded to a shooting at an automotive business on Orange Street, where 27-year-old Horacio Montero Jr. from Riverside was found with gunshot wounds. He later died at the hospital.
Kenny Andrew Johnson as a suspect and arrested him hours later. The investigation revealed a murder-forhire plot involving a second suspect, 43-year-old Alonzo Jeffery Monk Jr., who was arrested on Oct. 2, in the city of Colton.
Authorities believe Johnson conspired with Monk Jr. to kill Montero, though the motive remains unclear. Both suspects were booked for murder and conspiracy, and are being held without bail.
This investigation is still ongoing and there are no other details at this time. Anyone with additional informaGlover at (951) 353-7134 or RGlovAnthony Watkins at (951) 353-7105 or AWatkins@RiversideCA.gov.
ASUCR Senate Meeting
WOMEN’S EQUITY LIAISON IN RESPONSE TO WRC AND LGBTRC FEEDBACK, PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Associated Students of the University of California Riverside (ASUCR) meeting on Oct. 6, 2025,
meeting minutes were approved. Infairs committee shared that applications for the annual Students of Color Conference are now open. ASCUR
upcoming meetings with University of California Riverside (UCR) leadership to discuss systemwide concerns and campus advocacy.
Haidar emphasized transparency, support for smaller academic programs, and increased inter-college collaboration. The Senate ratiand discussed the vacant School of Business senator position. Legis-
to WRC and LGBTRC feedback,nance Hearing Minutes were also approved (16-0-1). Announcements highlighted changes to senator bylaws, a live legislation tracker, and the return of R’House.
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL News Editor
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL News Editor
JOSÉ DEL ÁNGEL News Editor
Threats to Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood
On Sept.11, 2025, The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit allowed the Trump Administration to go ahead with cutting Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was initially signed into law on July 4, 2025. The federal ruling overturns a lower court’s preliminary injunction that provided temporary protection from attacks on Medicaid reimbursements.
-
tients in regards to exercising their right to Medicaid insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers, putting many individuals saving care. Nearly 200 Planned Parenthood health centers are also on the verge of closing down due to the lack of certainty
on how they can provide for their patients.
The funding cut threatens not only the ability of clinics to support access to birth control and abortion procedures, but also for crucial non-abortion services like screenings for cancer and sexually transmitted infections.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson has reinforced Planned Parenthood’s commitment to providing education and care even in the face of attacks on reproductive care access and funding. More
Southwest (PPPSW), which serves 19 health centers across Imperial Valley, San Diego and Riverside counties, has echoed the same sentiments, openly revealing that their commitment will not falter in the face
of the federal defunding decision. For uninsured patients or those whose insurance policies do not cover necessary care services, PPPSW suggests patients turn to the Patient Assistance Fund.The Patient Assistance Fund will help patients costs of those services.
Newsom warns California schools to not ‘sell out’
GOV. NEWSOM
THREATENS
TO CUT DOWN BILLIONS IN FUNDING FROM ANY SCHOOLS THAT COMPLY WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S COMPACT.
On Oct. 2, 2025, Governor of California Gavin Newsom issued a statement threatening to cut down billions of dollars in funding for any “sell out” schools complying with the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education proposed by the White House. Newsom called out the Compact for being “a hostile takeover of America’s universities.”
Divided into 10 points with the last two addressing exceptions and enforcement, the Compact addresses eight areas in which the Trump Administration seeks to assert policies favorable to them over higher institutions. It covers eight categories: Equality in Admissions, Marketplace of Discourse and Civil Discourse, Nondiscrimination in Faculty and Administrative Hiring, Institutional Neutrality, Student Learning, Student Equality, Financial Responsibility and Foreign Entanglements.
The Compact lists policies which are aligned with conservative agenda such as prohibiting consideration of ethnicity, religious beliefs or gender orientation in the admission process, abolishing institutional units against conservative ideas, enforcing sex-based distinctions in sports and capping the total population of foreign students at 15 percent with no more than 5 percent of students from a single nation.
to nine schools across the country including Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Arizona (UA), University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia (UVA) and Vanderbilt University.
The Compact has faced many criticisms. Higher education organizations such as American Association of Colleges & Universities issued a statement in which they denounced the Compact as a government overreach to impose their ideology and a hindrance to the schools’ freedom. The University of Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of University Professors also issued a statement urging their school to refuse the proposal, whatever the consequences may be.
Of the nine schools that received the letter, the faculty senates at both UVA and UA overwhelmingly rejected the Compact. At UVA, 97 percent of members voted against it, while at UA, the resolution urging the university to reject the Compact — and any similar proposals in the future — passed with 40 in favor, eight opposed and one abstention out of 75 voting members.
Newsom expressed a similar concern about the Compact in his statement. Further,
he countered it with his own threat to take away state funding, including Cal Grant, to any schools. Cal Grant is California’s statefunded college aid program which is the larg-
to UCs for tuition purposes.
He addressed the issue again on Oct. 3, 2025, when he signed the legislation for Quantum Technology and Fusion Energy Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley. He emphasized that the White
urged California schools to “do the right thing” for the academic freedom of the country.
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
COURTESY OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
States push back against the federalization of the National Guard
TRUMP FEDERALIZES THE NATIONAL GUARD IN CHICAGO, WHILE TROOPS ARRIVE IN OREGON.
ANGELICA BRIANNA ACOSTA
Contributing Writer
The president explained his decision on Truth Social, “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of
later blocked by Judge Karin Immergut, granting a temporary restraining order on the National Guard complaint against the Trump administration.
members of the Texas National Guard to both Chicago and Oregon. In response, Immergut stated “I am certainly troubled by now hearing that both Cal-
ifornia and Texas are being sent to Oregon, which does appear to be in direct contradiction of my order.”
Since then, Oregon’s block on the National Guard has ended, allowing them to mobilize in the state. However, they have taken legal steps in order to prevent the Trump administration from mobilizing
Both states have pushed back against the mobilization of the National Guard, with Chicago follow-
administration, seeking an immediate block on the denied the request, instead giving the administration
until midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 8, to respond.
In order to federalize the National Guard, there must be particular legal circumstances to do so as to support his legal claim, in which both states refute the administration’s reasoning. The Trump adJackson, a White House spokesperson, said in an interview that the president, “will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities and we expect to be vindicated by the Court.”
post on X, “We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion.” The president in a later press
the Chicago lawsuit saying, “You can go to places like Afghanistan and they probably marvel at how much crime we have.” The Chicago governor has repeatedly denied the alleged rise in crime, pointing where they found a 25 percent decrease on murder.
called on Texas Gov. Gregg Abott in a statement, asking him to pull his support from the administration’s decision. Abbott responded in a post on X, “I fully authorized the president to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety
CDC ends mandatory COVID Vaccine, recommends MMRV shots separately
IN A POLICY SHIFT, THE CDC CHANGES ITS COVID-19 VACCINE GUIDANCE AND UPDATES MEASLES-RELATED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
ALEXA RODRIGUEZ
Contributing Writer
On Oct. 6, 2025, the Centers forline that removes the universal COmost healthy adults under the age of 65. The update also changes guidance for the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine in young children.
The changes were made by thevisory Committee on Immunization
85 percent of American adults have least once. However, recent evidence shows only 23 percent now follow the personal shift.
tion guidelines for the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles,recommends receiving the MMR and varicella vaccines separately instead of the combined MMRV vaccine for
implementation across healthcare settings, schools and vaccination clinics to engage in shared decision-making
will update immunization protocols beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
These recommendations were ap-munization schedules on its website on Oct. 7, 2025, making them effective immediately.
tion for adults aged 19 to 59 be based on “individual decision-making,” encouraging people to consult their healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is right for them.However, routine vaccination is still recommended for adults over the age of 60, due to their susceptibility to illness.
This change comes based on dataing an increased risk of febrile seizures (fevers that can cause convulsions) in children who receive the combined vaccine in the range 12 to to six years, the combined MMRV vaccine remains a safe option as a second dose in the vaccination series.proaches provide protection against these diseases.
To make these new changes easy
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The quarter system is here to stay
UC’S FOCUS ON AN EXPENSIVE ACADEMIC CALENDAR SHIFT IS THE WRONG FIGHT AT THE WRONG TIME.
CECILE DIROLL
As students return to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) for the fall quarter, the 10-week quarter system as we know it could look
Since fall 2024, UC has been considering a transition to a semester system for all campuses.
Provost Katherine Newman and UC Academic Senate Chair Steven Cheung established an Academic Planning Council (APC) Workgroup to create a “Systemwide Academic Calendar.”
The 28-member working group — including Academic Senate representatives, administrators and students from across the UC system — has studied the logistics of a potential switch, consid-
uling, registration and student success.
sented four calendar options for consideration: a common semester calendar, a common quarter calendar, a hybrid option of a semester calendar with aligned start dates and maintaining the cur-
President (UCOP), the workgroup reviewed 90 questionnaire responses and more than 200 emails submitted to the group.
shifted between academic calendars.
In 1966, UC adopted the quarter system to accommodate the rise in enrollment from baby boomers. With shorter classes and expanded course availability, the move mirrored that of private universities like Stanford University that had been operating on the quarter system since World War I. Today, UC Berkeley and UC Merced remain the only UC campuses that use the semester system.
But higher education is now moving away from quarters. The California State University (CSU) system is transitioning all its campuses to a semester-based system by 2026, and 113 of California’s 116 community colleges (CCC) will follow suit
with the same academic calendar.
Theoretically, shifting to semesters doesn’t sound so bad.
Longer classes give faculty members more time to dive deeper into their subjects, while students can build stronger connections with their professors. A typical schedule across the UC, CSU and CCC would also make transferring and applying for summer internships and jobs much smoother.
regular semester calendar used by most universities nationally.
But the reality is more complicated.
UC is facing some of the most devastating funding cuts in recent decades. In August, the Trump -
ment demand from UC Los Angeles after freezingsity engaged in “antisemitism and bias.”
In a letter addressed to dozens of California lawmakers, UC President James B. Milliken stated the university is facing “one of the gravest threats in UC’s 157-year history” with federal and state funding cuts looming. According to President Milwere to be withheld, the UC would “need at least the damage across its 10 campuses.
These developments follow other blows over the past academic year, with federal cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) funding. Last March, the UC also announced a systemwide hirin response to the Trump administration’s sweeping budget cuts.
The proposed transition to semesters carries a
systemwide. For CSU, the shift to convert from campuses.
At a time when the Trump administration’s funding cuts threaten the foundation of higher
education, UC should not be prioritizing an expensive academic calendar overhaul in the name -
of shrinking budgets. With every dollar carrying
Representation is another concern. UCOP noted that the workgroup members “did not represent all interests” and emphasized that their process included both quantitative and qualitative data. This included a 90-day comment period, meetings with the UC Student Associations, UC Graduate and Professional Students Association and UC Council of Presidents, as well as nearly 5,900 responses
Yet, with 299,407 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled across the UC system, that represents feedback from less than 0.02 percent of the student body. If the goal is genuine student and community input, UCOP must invest in broader students in this decision.
The APC working group also has only one UCR member, while most other campuses have two or three. As the only campus without multiple representatives in the workgroup, this raises serious questions about whether UCR’s interests are being adequately represented in these discussions.
The transition from the semester to the quarter system should not be ruled out completely. If a the transition is worth the short-term costs, and students, then it deserves serious consideration.
However, given the current threats to the foundations of higher education and the underrepresentation of student input at UC, a costly change to the academic calendar should not be a priority.
For now, the UC quarter system should remain unchanged.
ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER
Recognize why you’re burning out
YOU’RE RUNNING OUT OF GAS.
With the start of a new school year, there’s a lot of excitement. New classes and new goals bring a fresh sense of motivation. But for many students, a quiet feeling of stress also begins to build.
Burnout is becoming a common part of the college experience. And burnout doesn’t always mean feeling tired. Sometimes it shows up as low motivation, procrastination or perfectionyoung students navigating careers and societal expectations, it can feel more like relentless striving. The feeling of falling behind, of not being “enough,” can be ever-present — even when it’s unclear who or what they’re trying to catch up to.
Some people wake up each day with a mental
goals: the job they don’t yet have, the business they haven’t started, the life they thought they’d be living by now. These internal pressures often go unnoticed until they manifest as chronic fatigue, anxiety or self-doubt. According to mental health professionals, this form of burnout is more mental than physical. It stems from a deeply ingrained belief that worth must be earned through constantly achieving.
But that belief is a myth.
The most beautiful things in life are not the things you can add to a resume; instead, they are the quiet mornings where sunlight spills across your bed and the friends who make you laugh unthose used to pushing them-
selves to meet ever-rising standards, embracing rest can feel radical. But experts emphasize that prioritizing well-being isn’t laziness — it’s survival. Taking breaks, setting boundaries and saying “no” when needed are valid forms of self-care.
much of yourself you can give away, so stop settingers warm.
Remind yourself that a real connection does not require self-erasure.
Another major driver of burnout is chronic peoplepleasing. Many people, particularly those who -
tations of others. This can mean over-apologizing, minimizing emotions or seeking approval at the expense of personal needs. Your worth isn’t in how
ing at a screen, hoping for a message that will change everything.
Burnouts don’t just come from relationships. It also shows up quietly in classrooms, study sessions and late-night deadlines. Academic burnout can leave
show up in relationships where individuals wait —
be seen, chosen or validated by others. This waiting can turn into self-abandonment, in which a person’s own needs are ignored and they instead focus on earning someone else’s approval. To those people, there is a world where you don’t sit in front of your phone, star-
students feeling drained, unmotivated and disconnected from their goals. The constant pressure to achieve, keep up and perform can lead to a cycle of stress and self-doubt. It’s not just about doing too much; it’s about feeling like you’re doing enough.
There are so many things that lead to burnouts, things
you wouldn’t even think twice about. Some people overwork themselves not out of ambition, but tocult emotions — particularly grief. Staying active can serve as a distraction, a buffer against the quiet moments when grief may arise. Work also provides structure, control and a sense of purpose, which can be reassuring when everything else appears unclear or broken.
However, frequent motion eventually takes its toll. Ignored emotions do not go away; they accumulate, quietly wanting to be felt. Over time, fatigue sets in, not simply from the effort, but also from the weight of all that remains unprocessed from your grief.
about lowering ambition; it’s about shifting priorities. It means recognizing that your value does not depend on your output, your ability to make others comfortable or whether you’ve “arrived” at a socially approved milestone.
You’re allowed to seek joy in the ordinary. You’re allowed to rest without guilt. And most importantly, you’re allowed to belong to yourself before you belong to anyone else.
If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic stress or emotional burnout, support is available. Contact a licensed mental health professional or visit mentalhealth.gov for more information and resources.
RUBAITA IQBAL Assistant Opinions Editor
Adelia Urena / The Highlander H
The time to recognize animated films for their emotional weight is now
health as he tries to walk a tight line between being
medium that specializes in colorful and intricate depictions of landscapes, characters and more, are unable to capture something as complex as emotions.
Unlike live-action movies, emotions have the ability to be emphasized and enhanced by artists so that the audience can understand and resonate -
Neighbor Totoro” have captured the hearts of viewers while winning numerous awards in the process. To undermine the emotions that these animated
insult to the writers, directors and artists who’ve worked on them.
Take, for example, “The Spider Within: A Spi-
look into the power that animation has when portraying natural feelings. The genius behind the friendly neighborhood hero is usually known for, but in Miles Morales’ personal struggle with mental
two lives begins to weigh on Miles. His fractured mental state is placed on full display with ragged breath and visible sweatline pouring from his head. Voice cracks can be heard as he tries to dispel all of his bad thoughts.
in the form of a giant spider, in which Miles selfdestructs from all of the pressure that he’s bottled up, where viewers can visually see his anxiety. Al-
ing, it is worth noting that the stressed feeling that Miles gradually accumulates is almost reminiscent of that of the Carmy’s cooking scenes from “The Bear.” Viewers are more likely to relate to animated characters because they can better visualize their own struggles and anxieties in them, especially when it comes to relatable challenges like balancing work and personal life.
In addition, the movie “Soul” portrays existential themes more boldly than any other live-action
struggles to choose between chasing his lifelong
dream of being a jazz musician and being content with where he’s currently at. After falling into a manhole and reaching the afterlife, Joe meets a soul known as “22,” in which they head off on a series of
What sets “Soul” apart is its ability to paint complex emotions through simple human experiences, such as having meaningful conversations, eating food and feeling the wind. The feelings of euphoria and satisfaction that the characters share surpass what traditional live-action movies attempt to show for human emotions and feelings. “Soul” also shows viewers beautiful colors, sounds and expressions which make the human experience special — something that hasn’t been matched in live-action movies with actors.
as “The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story” and
portray human emotions with depth and nuance by crafting creative visuals that just can’t be achieved in live-action movies.
It’s about time that people start to acknowledge this.
Live action films reign supreme
When discussing the current cinema landscape,Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” That being said, it is however important to reinstate that as good as antional resonance that its live-action counterpart provides.
Simply put, cinema is a medium of faces. Whethof Arc” or Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” the ability to cut to a reaction of a character’s face. built their careers around capturing the human face in close-up. This is not to diminish the work of animators because, in a lot of ways, they are using the same tools, but the effect of capturing a human face
There is something psychological that happens
when a viewer watches a human face get emotional. The camera can almost trick the brain into thinking the actor that is being viewed is physically in front of the viewer. The subtlety in the change of emotion that can be shown on a face is a result of the fact that there are over 40 muscles that can shift at
impossible to replicate.
The magic of acting at its best is seeing an actor become completely immersed in their character’s world. Watching Heath Ledger become the Joker or Mikey Madison embody Anora is a transportive experience. When that happens, it makes any emotional reaction the characters have seem realing takes on the power of a documentary. You are actually watching somebody cry, get angry or feel joy. Animation will never communicate this effect because even at its most realistic, it’s a recreation or rendering. And to its credit, this is where animation succeeds.
stand how to harness the abstract qualities of animation and use it to its potential.
Some of the most affecting moments of “Grave makes the viewer emotional comes more from the narrative than it does from the reaction of its characters, because their facial expression can never be
This is where voice acting comes in. Voice actors carry the world of animation by voicing the experiences of the characters on screen. But the nature of voice acting asks for a level of drama that is not required in a live-action performance. It would be occasionally boring to hear a voice actor speak the same way an actor would in live-action if their character is not experiencing an intense emotion. And this is because, once again, there is a lack of detail in the faces of these animated characters to communicate the nuance that a more muted vocal performance would contain.
The ability of animation to abstract the real world is something live-action can only attempt to replirealism and fantasy at the drop of a dime. This is -
There is nothing wrong with enjoying an anisuggest that this will ever reach the heights of emoinsincere. H
IAN PALMA Radar Editor
AAKIF IQBAL Assistant Radar Editor
Adelia Urena / The Highlander
Scotty-Scopes:
Your cosmic forecast awaits.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):
You’re juggling friends, classes and vibes includes rest. Stop trying to please everyone. “No” is a full sentence.
You’re treating week three like week 10. Your discipline is unmatched, but burnout is a silent killer. Schedule rest like it’s a meeting.
loud, you’ve made your presence known. yourself. Having energy is great, burnout not so much.
You’re taking things slow and getting a feel for everything. Trust your emotional intuition. After all, it is your superpower, so don’t downplay it.
You’re staying low-key but calculating every move with intention. When you
timed and unforgettable. Mystery looks good on you.
You’re improvising and somehow staying ahead. Don’t overthink it as this might be your best approach yet. Your version of organized counts too.
DIVE IN TO SEE WHAT FATE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU.
You’re mentally on vacation but somehow passing every quiz. Keep it up but don’t wait too long to lock in. Fun can take the wheel for now, but make sure focus isn’t in the backseat for too long.
You’re moving through it all with a calm and creative energy, even if that means no one else sees the work you’re doing. Your progress might be discrete, but ultimately steady and real. Slow growth still blooms.
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while everyone else scrambles. Comfort and consistency are your secret weapons. Keep your pace … It will save you in the long term.
You’ve already met half the campus and one conversation before starting another. Focus is what makes your charm hit harder.
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You walked in like you owned the place (and honestly you might). Keep shining, but make space for others too. A generous Leo is unstoppable.
You’ve already got a plan for everything. Planning ahead is your strength but leave room for the unexpected. Not everything needs to be under control.
LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
KARMEN LEON
Fall traditions to explore during this season
DISCOVER SIX FALL TRADITIONS THAT WILL ENHANCE YOUR AUTUMN EXPERIENCE.
NOLA PERIFEL
Assistant Features Editor
The fall season is a great time to participate in old traditions and create new ones. You can make memories with family and friends all season long by partaking in these fun autumn-themed activities!
An oldie but a goodie. Pumpkin picking in a patch is a great fall tradition that you can do with anyone. You can pick out your very own pumpkin to either carve or decorate your home. Also, at some pumpkin patches, you can enjoy corn mazes and hay rides, or play some fun pumpkin-themed games like ring toss. You can even take part in the littleknown activity pumpkin bowling! Food is probably available for purchase as well, with treats like apple cider donuts, kettle corn and cotton candy. If you have a pumpkin patch like this near you, make a day out of it and take your family and friends to participate in a fun pumpkin-picking tradition.
Another fun activity is apple picking. Because apples are in season from September to October, now is the best time to take a to an apple orchard with some friends andder, take advantage of the moment — grab a
cup and enjoy the sunset peeking through the branches of apple trees.
A beloved fall tradition is making those classic baked goods. All year long, people wait for the fall season to make certain desserts like pies and spiced cookies. If you’ve never baked before, autumn is the best time to try it out. Gather your nutmeg and pumpkin-spice butter because it’s time to make your favorite fall-themed desserts. Fill your kitchen with heavenly smells as you let your oven. Make an outrageous amount of cookies so that you have an excuse to give some to friends and family. You can even host a baking night where you and your guests can make treats to share.
Some people just like to curl up at home with a hot beverage and good entertainment as the rain patters on the roof. Watch your favorite fall show as this time of year rolls around and create a nice tradition that announces the season’s arrival. Be it “Gilmore Girls,” “Scooby Doo” or “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” enjoy the cool fall weather from inside your home while burying yourself and your
worries in layers of blankets. Detach from your fears and anxieties and take some time for yourself.
After picking up your perfect pumpkin, grab a pumpkin carving kit and get to work. This 400 year old tradition is still beloved to this day and carved pumpkins can be seen on the front steps of many houses in the days approaching Halloween. This messy activity is fun to do but make sure you have the right equipment or you could hurt yourself. Create simple or intricate designs in your pumpkin and light it up using a small tea light candle. carving abilities, try entering in a contest!
Of course we’ve all heard of decorating for Halloween but maybe it’s time to decorate for fall. On every 21st of September, take the time to make your home bright with warm orange and red colors. Bring the autumn palette to your living room and stack mini pumpkins against your windowsill. String fairy lights across your walls and sprinkle colorful leaves around your home. Create a warm and home-y atmosphere for yourself to bring you and everyone you love into fall!
Some advice from me to you
AN UPPERCLASSMAN’S ADVICE TO UNDERCLASSMEN.
SANJANA THATTE
Welcome to college! You have reaped the re-ing high school and have landed a place in the best public university system in the country. The next four years are going to be where you will make treasured memories, learn who you are and the world. But to make sure this adventure of a lifetime is everything it’s cracked up to be, here’s some advice from a seasoned veteran to a freshfaced newbie like you.
1. Plan, plan, plan
It’s easier said than done but it’s absolutely imperative to making sure that you can enjoy the highs and the lows of being a college student. Being a student in our day and age means that you have to plan out your next steps to the T to make sure that you are going in the right direction by the time graduation rolls around. Thesereer Center to clean up your resume or creating a four-year plan for your classes, planning is essential to making sure that your college experience is a relatively stress-free one.
That being said, planning should also apply toter college and your classes get you down, and if you aren’t careful, these years could pass you by. Make time to grab tacos with your friends, take a trip to the beach and if you weren’t planning to already, go to a party! Anticipate the good, the bad, the annoying and the exciting and you’ll
look back on every memory of your time at college with a smile on your face.
2. Talk
Talk to your roommates, talk to your professors, talk to your classmates, talk to the main-
University of California, Riverside (UCR) has their own unique story and there’s so much to learn simply by engaging in conversation with them. College is about broadening your perspectives and learning more about the world you will be entering as a young adult.
The people around you can teach you about
person you want to become. They introduce you to new ideas, values and ways of thinking that would have never been a part of your life until you came here. By putting yourself out there and choosing to interact with all the people that make this school great, you can learn what matters to you and understand who you want to be.
3. Say “yes” to everything
When I was in high school my hobbies consisted of doomscrolling and occasionally baking brownies. In the time that I have come to college, I have started watching anime, learned to crochet, joined the school newspaper and realized I could squat around 40 pounds. All of this happened because I decided to take the plunge and try new things. You have a fresh slate here! Don’t be afraid to get out there and explore different hobbies or try new things. If someone asks you to come with them for a sunrise hike, say “yes!” If you get the chance to try salsa dancing
bies allows you to practice self care, and trying new things allows for plenty of fond memories to look back on.
4. Be kind
Be kind to everyone, but especially yourself. College can take a toll on you and it’s easy to get bogged down by all the hurdles life throws your way and the challenges that come with being a
family or even just a bad day, we’re all human and we all have our own unique struggles. Don’t be too hard on yourself and make sure you lean on those around you for support. Remember no matter how bad it gets there is always someone who is willing to go through it with you.
So that’s it. Four pieces of advice from one dusty upperclassman to a bright, young freshman like you. College is meant to be a time of exploration and discovery. What that means is entirely up to you, so be sure you stay safe, plan it out and make time for yourself. H
First-Gen Life: Real college isn’t like social media
KARMEN LEON
The purpose of this column is to support you. First-ries and guidance to help just survive, but thrive here at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
Welcome back Highlanders, it’s week three alof college always feel like a blur of meeting new people, running around campus and trying to look like you have your life together. However, the hype starts fading around this time. It’s easy to start your daily doomscroll and think to yourself, “wait… am I doing it all wrong?”
Let’s be honest, on social media, everyone looks like they’re having the “perfect” college experience. You see group pictures at the Bell Tower, late-night boba
study sessions that somehow make homework look aesthetic and friend groups that formed overnight. But remember, you don’t see what is between those moments, like the walks to class where you feel invisible, the quiet lunches alone or the days when you’re just trying to keep up.
That strain is much more
eration students. You may feel the need to demonstrate that you’re doing things put in to get here was all worth it. However, the reality is that there is no single correct approach to college.
version, and the sooner you realize that, the less time you will spend worrying about whether you are living your life correctly.
If your college life con-
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YOU’RE NOT MISSING OUT, YOU’RE JUST LIVING YOUR VERSION.
sists more of studying alone at the library, FaceTiming your family in between classes or eating leftovers in your car, that doesn’t make you less successful. If anything, it makes you authentic. You need to realize that you are creating something from the ground up and it will take time. Don’t be afraid to move at your own pace.
a professor, discovering a club where you feel seen or ending a demanding week, are not displayed on social media. Though the small victories aren’t shared online, those are the times that truly demonstrate growth. If your experience differs from what you see online, that’s authenticity, not failure. First-generation strength is in the chaotic center, which is hidden by
everyone’s highlight reel. Remind yourself that you are simply creating your own narrative and are not falling behind. Believe me, it’s worth more than any post could ever convey.
NORM’S NOOK
SPOTLIGHT
The land acknowledgement plaque
The Student Success Center’s (SSC) new land acknowledgement plaque is a beautiful oak display that proudly decorates a hallway of the
the tribes of Southern California, the permanent display features glass plaques with the names of over 15 tribes including the Chumash, Tongva and Acjachemen tribes. The land acknowledgment can be read on the top left section of the oak plaque. It honors and respects the original caregivers of the land that the
University of California, Riverside now stands on. On the bottom left corner of the plaque, you can see an apology to the oaks as well as a message of gratitude to the trees that were removed from the soil to give place to the SSC. Those same oak trees were used to make this 20-foot wide plaque and the wooden benches that face it. If you get a chance, stop by the SSC to admire the beautiful display and the message it imparts on this campus. H
K-POP GROUPS
35. Midwestern tribe
“Sick!”
Simba’s wife 38. Sacred bull of Egypt 39. Have their own AI alter egos
40. Razor scooter target
41.. Pool table triangle
42. The “m” in E = mc²
43. “Gotta make that money make purse” artist
44. YG’s very own ________ chest
46. Fashion designer Bartley
47. Nintendo’s Super ___
48. Drummer Ringo
50. Boy group formed on “I-Land”
BY KIRTI S CONTRIBUTING WRITER
54. Ask for love shots at a bar
“Eleven” has two songs
58. Timber wolves
59. Had a song featured on Overwatch 2 (we forgot an “s” forgive us)
62. Tehran native
63. Military acronym referring to a simulator
64. “___ _ known then...”
65. Buenos _____
66. Perfectly
67. Can be exchanged for a tat
1. Salad with bacon and
eggs
2. “Stop right there!”
3. “Take __ __ a compliment”
4. Active ingredient in marijuana
5. Pizza’s birthplace
6. One of twelve in a Scrabble set
7. “___ of a gun!”
8. “___ you thought!”
9. Star in Draco
10. YG’s newest girl group
11. Son of Judah
12. One-quintillion th:
13. Pigeon-____
18. Joanna of “Growing Pains”
23. Tyler Perry’s alter-ego
24. Request for backup?
25. Waste products
27. Fools every Facebook
mom
28. Without face value
29. Considered to be the “Nation’s Girl Group” by many
31. Omar on “House”
32. Saharan region
33. One of the Saarinens
34. “Who’s the Boss?” costar
36. ____ John
39. Tickle the funny bone
43. Ministry of Magic ofwizard catcher” in Harry Potter novels 45. T cells can’t help you with this one
46. Most easy-going
49. “... if you want to ____ _ man’s character, give him power”: Lincoln
50. “East of Eden” director Kazan
51. Onigiri ingredient
52. Letter-shaped beam
53. Line above the equator:
SHEELAM UTING
NOLA PERIFEL / THE HIGHLANDER
NOLA PERIFEL
Assistant Features Editor
SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
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What is your fall aesthetic?
Answer a couple of questions and find out what fall aesthetic suits you best. By: Nola
Perifel, Assistant Features Editor
1. What activity would you participate in to relax on a fall day?
A. Drinking a warm chai latte while reading a book
B. Taking a walk in the woods
C. Cooking your favorite meal
D. Picking pumpkins in a pumpkin patch
2. Which weather do you like the most?
A. Cloudy with light rain
B. Dark and stormy
C. Cold but sunny
D. Warm and sunny
3. Which color palette do you prefer?
A. Caramel, tan, light orange, cream
B. Burgundy, dark grey, forest green, deep brown
C. Light green, light pink, honey, light brown
D. Orange, oatmeal, amber, white
4. Your perfect autumn Airbnb is…
A. A cozy chalet in the woods
B. A mysterious mansion with an enormous library
C. A fairytale cabin in a prairie
D. A farm house by an apple orchard
5. Which fall scent do you prefer?
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A. The crisp fall air after the rain
B. The earthy smell of the forest
C. A delicious pie baking in the oven
D. Pumpkin spice
If you got “A” for the majority of your answers, your aesthetic is cozy fall. You are introverted but have a bubbly personality. You love to snuggle up with a warm blanket, a nice hot drink and a good book, TV show or movie. You like staying at home on a rainy day and you probably like warm colors. You like baking sweet treats with loved ones and candles are your go-to decorations.
If you got “B” for the majority of your answers, your aesthetic is dark academia autumn. You like being mysterious and you crave some time alone. You are very studious and you like dark settings decorated by bright green plants. You like peace and quiet and you love seeing the leaves turn red during autumn.
If you got “C” for the majority of your answers, your aesthetic is cottagecore fall. You are a bright and positive person. You like all things pastel and you love cooking delicious meals for friends and family. You love meeting new people and being surrounded by old friends, but animals are your best friends.
If you got “D” for the majority of your answers, your aesthetic is rustic farm fall. You are very outgoing and welcoming. People are comfortable with you and love to be around you. You love all things pumpkin: pumpkin patch, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice. You your autumn traditions. H
COURTESY OF RAWPIXEL
Tim Boba : UCR’s favorite late-night snack stop
TIM BOBA HAS EARNED ITS PLACE AS A FAN FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR HIGHLANDERS.
SANJANA THATTE
Tim Boba has become a staple at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), known as the go-to spot for late-night snacks and boba on campus. Its cheap food, late hours and specialty drinks attract plenty of club meetings, late-night hangouts and
tiles, all of which are varying shades of grey and silver, give the space a washed out yet seemingly comforting feeling. The leather couches are worn and wrinkled and the shelf with cutlery and straws had a stack of wellloved board games right under it.
But more than anything, it was the people that gave Tim Boba its character. Bustling conversation, laughter, ideas and energy. It was clear to us that Tim Boba was loved, but can it be respected? We decided to put them to the test and review their food and drinks.
Rating: 3/5
The fruit tea somehow managed to strike a surprising balance between subtlety and uniqueness. Fresh, fruity and bursting with grapefruit and lime pieces mixed in. The tea was very subtle and not overpowering, with the orange syrup creating unique key notes.
could have been stronger to avoid the drink tasting watery. The ice and fruit pieces were a bit cumbersome to maneuver around but
added to the character of the beverage as a whole.
Rating: 4/5
and can ruin a dish easily. On the other light fragrant taste that you are looking for will completely disappear amongst other components. Tim Boba’s Rose Milk Tea nailed the milk to concentrate ratio. The rose was well mixed into the tea and barely contained the usual bitter aftertaste that overpower the taste of the tea and accentuated chunks were fairly average, but didn’t ruin the overall composition of the drink.
Rating: 5/5
Subtle, soft, chewy and juicy. These night snack craving. Perfectly salted, moist
The texture provided an extremely satisfying eating experience without the usual drab seasoning or dryness one braces for while
the snack to another level with an added sweetness and a touch of spice. An overall amazing dish to split with friends and worth the price.
Rating: 3/5
to split with friends for relatively cheap, then this popcorn chicken would scratch that itch. However, it is by no means extraordinary. The chicken was standard in terms of quality. It was well-cooked, crispy and juicy. Even though we ordered the chicken at the spicy level, it was not spiced at all, which was somewhat disappointing. That being said, it was salted well and the portion size was well worth the price as it could have easily been split amongst three people.
Tim Boba is undoubtedly a part of our campus’s fondest memories, best laughs and much needed pick-me-ups. In a city that often struggles to support its small business, Tim Boba has thrived not just because of the quality of its products but the home it gives to those who go there. College life can run long into the night and late-night snack spots can be the comforting pat on the back that students need as the weeks go by and the work piles up. Pick me up spots like this become small cornerstones of people’s college memories, and we are happy to say that Tim Boba deserves that spot in the hearts and minds of Highlanders.
Spanish culture and music is put on full display at UCR
JUNKO UENO GARRETT PERFORMS THE WORKS OF PROMINENT COMPOSERS FROM SPAIN
On Oct. 4, 2025, Japanese-American pianist and Occidental College professor Junko Ueno Garrett made an appearance at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) as part of the Florence Bayz Music Series program. Unveiling her project “Musica de España: Life and Music in Spain” at Arts Building 157, Junko played arrangements of late 19th and early 20th century Spanish composers, much to the delight and awe of the audience. Performing these songs on a piano, Garrett’s performance evoked a sense of intimacy and fervor that could be felt throughout the room.
Garrett opened her performance by playing the “Danzas Españolas, Op. 37.” Originally composed by Enrique Granados, Garrett’s interpretation of the piece evoked a spirit of Romanticism falling in line with the period where the composition was symphony and an energetic beat suitable for interesting introduction to the types of musical numbers that would be played throughout her performance.
of the composition was practically seamless, with slow and energetic tempos. She was promptly greeted with a round of applause by the audience at the end of the composition.
Giving a brief background on the composer Manuel de Falla, Garrett continued her performance by playing his piece, “La Danza Española No. 1,” from de Falla’s opera “La Vida Breve.” With a rapid tempo and a tone that feels
grandiose and adventurous, her take on the musical piece practically encapsulates the culture and essence of Spain. Garrett’s use of the piano when playing the composition brought out a certain sense of class as well as a Baroque aesthetic.
The way that Garrett briskly played through the faster components of the piece was nothing less than virtuosic and stunning. The looks of astonishment on the faces of the audience in spite of their respectful silence made it evidently clear that they were fully attentive and enjoying the program.
For her third act, Garrett returned to the work of Enrique Granados as she played one of his most famous pieces, “Allegro de concierto, Op. 46.” Famous for winning a competition at the Madrid Royal Conservatory in 1903 all the while putting Granados in the national spotlight, the composition was done justice by Garrett as she powered through the intricate tone switches and motifs that the song is known for. Junko’s she interweaved various major and minor notes, producing a swelling and harmonious wall of sound. The longest and arguably most complex piece in her setlist, Garrett’s iteration of “Allegro
Along with the works of Manuel de Falla and Enrique Granados, Garrett also played a few Albéniz, being “Tango” from “Espana: Seis hojas de album, Op. 165,” served as a slow, intimate piece compared to the other songs that she covered up until that point. With the composition lasting only two minutes, performance of “Tango” served as a brief but mellow resting point for the
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audience to take in.
She then transitioned to “Asturias” from “Suite Espanola, Op. 47.” One of Albéniz’s more recognizable works, Garrett managed to play the composition’s complex trills on the piano, making the rendition sound like a mix between traditional
Garrett concluded her established setlist with “Malaguena” from “Suite Andalucia,” a musical number from Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. Just like with de Falla’s “La Danza Española No.
to it. Just by listening to it, one could imagine themselves traversing the golden hills of Spain in search of adventure à la Don Quixote. With a rhythm that gradually becomes livelier as the composition progresses, her rendition of the song served as a bombastic conclusion to the program
To the appeasement of the audience, Junko Ueno Garrett answered a few questions from the audience regarding the composers and their works before ending her performance with an encore. To many of the audience members, her performance acted as a wonderful deep dive into the world of Spanish music. If anything, Garrett’s performance sound of Spain as well as the nation’s long-lasting
VERDICT:
Junko Euno Garrett does a superb job of conveying the vibrant art and long-lasting for how cultural music should be.
IAN PALMA
Sandra Cisneros at UCR: Stories, Identity and the Power of Voice
CISNEROS OFFERED AN INTIMATE LOOK AT HER WORK, HER INSPIRATIONS AND THE STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS OF LIFE AS A CHICANA WRITER.
“The House on Mango Street” is required reading in hundreds of schools across the United States. The book tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Chicana girl navigating life in Chicago, and marked a breakout moment for author Sandra Cisneros. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Cisneros visited University of California, Riverside (UCR) for the Palabras y Poder event, held at the University Theater.
Cisneros opened the event with a reading from her novel-in-progress, “Infinito.” The novel centers on a gay, male protagonist who is in love with a man who, in turn, loves a woman. Cisneros shared that both her and the character shared a set of “gifts” that she hopes to explore through her character. The excerpt, titled “How to Create an Altar,” explores themes of love and connection.
ed on her journey to becoming a writer. “I saw in my mind’s eye a book with my name clearly on its spine,” crediting a trip to the library of her as a writer.
Cisneros then commented on how she saw her beloved neighborhood fall into despair due to what she deemed “city neglect.” All the peo-
ple and small businesses she had known to enjoy had been driven out. This neighborhood was the one she wrote about in “The House on Mango Street.”
Unlike a traditional novel, “The House on Mango Street” is a collection of vignettes. Cisneros described writing the story as collecting words and sorting them out later. She grabs inlife. She also talked about the struggle of balancing the two countries she calls home, something many Chicanos can relate to: “Which parent country do I claim as mine when I travel? Which parent country will accept me as authentic when I return?”
Cisneros said she was struck by “how relevant the stories are for what is happening in the world today.” She spoke further about the struggles faced by people of color in today’s society, documented and undocumented.
Cisneros emphasized the importance of writers, especially in today’s world. “Who will tell the story … when citizens are afraid to criticize their government for fear they will be jailed or deported?” She went on to address a range of issues, including people with disabilities, wom-
en’s rights and sexuality. She also touched on climate change, greed, corruption and other societal challenges.
Following her speech, Cisneros participated in a question and answer session, answering questions from both the audience and moderator Alex Espinoza, a creative writing professor at UCR. When asked about her life path, she reminisces about the people she has met and people who have spoken to her about the profound impact she has had on their life. Cisneros was also asked about the future she envisions for the literary world. In response, she shared her belief that “Chicano writing is looked at as the illegal letters” and emphasized that moving forward “we need to be extraordinary.”
She joked that the question and answer session felt like a talk show and asked whether she should start one, prompting loud applause and cheers from the audience. She also made light of her book being banned, and recently unbanned.
The evening concluded with a book signing, as fans lined up for over an hour to meet Cisneros and get her autograph. It was a memorable end to a night that blended humor, insight and the enduring power of her words.
ELENA VERSAGE
ALONDRA ORDAZ / THE HIGHLANDER
“PITCH
Radar Replay: ‘Pitch Perfect’
PERFECT” IS TRULY ABOUT BEING ONESELF
EVEN IN THE FACE OF
ADVERSITY FROM EXTERNAL
AND INTERNAL
SOURCES.
One month and 13 years ago, the fanLos Angeles. Today, it is a franchise enjoyed by acapella-lovers and comedy-lovers alike.
On the surface, “Pitch Perfect” is about university and joining her university’s allwoman acapella group, The Barden Bellas, break away from the shackles of tradition. However, at its heart, this iconic movie is also about embracing the “weird kid” within.
Many viewers that enjoy this movie see themselves in these characters on a deeper level than simply being someone that is feeling lost in a new environment. Rather, these watchers are often ones that have deep attachments within fandoms that are deemed strange by others. To them, being a part of a fandom is more than simply enjoying a show, musical or game — it’s a passion rooted in a sense of community and belonging. Due to the “unconventional” nature of these interests, some opt to hide this part of themselves
where they can let their interests truly shine without fear. If viewers grew up being to put themselves out there once again. Kids that were laughed at for pretending to be a “Warrior Cat” on the playground, judged for drawing “Hamilton” fanart or ostracized for liking any other “unconventional” interest
out there when trying to be a part of a community with similar interests as them, especially at a place like university.
However, “Pitch Perfect” teaches these viewers to be unabashedly themselves, and that community exists everywhere if one is brave enough to look for it.
Viewers similar to Beca may feel like they are above “being weird” even though they may have the same interests as those that they judge. Thanks to “Pitch Perfect,” they can come to realize that the judgment is a cover-up for the jealousy that others can feel comfortable enough to be themselves in
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public without feeling any sort of shame.
with Amy could be afraid that they are too overbearing and may be shunned by their own community because of it. However, this movie teaches them to not care what others all of them.
The list could go on and on. Those that feel like Audrey may be afraid to deviate from the normativity of society, because it’s what they know and they feel safe in it, but just because it’s safe doesn’t mean it’s perfect for them. And those that feel like Lilly can learn that even if they are shy, putting themselves
will appreciate them and include them wholeheartedly.
The characters in “Pitch Perfect” teach viewers to embrace the inner “weird kid” within because they deserve it (and maybe also give that kid a hug or two).
STELA NOELLE ABASTA
‘One Battle After Another’ a surprisinglymodern blockbuster
PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON’S 2025 RELEASE IS THE KIND OF ACTION-COMEDY WE NEED MORE OF.
If the movies of the 2010s were deescapism, halfway through the 2020s, it seems as though this decade is dereal world. From “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to “Barbie” to even the current age to some extent. Whether it’s the inclusion of texting, tweetpresent any longer. In this way, “One Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Reginacaprio, Taylor and Hall are all members of a revolutionary group called “The French 75.” Sixteen years after members of the group go into hiding, their past comes back to haunt them, as Dicaprio’s Bob Ferguson gets separated from his daughter Willa Fergu-
ferent genres, the movie goes from a comedy in the vein of “The Big LebIt spans throughout California as car chases, protests and bank explosions ensue. At times it gets incredibly dark and honest, but at other times it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy. Ferguson vapes and hotboxes his car, much like “The Dude.” Anderson has balanced
more central to its DNA.
it, with stamp cards being given out at theaters titled “one format after another.” Playing in six unique formats, a viewer can get a stamp for every -
the work of Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve with its release in Imax 70mm, suggesting a scope along the lines of “Dune: Part Two” or “Oppenheimer.”
from Anderson’s contemporaries is six decades to be released in this respective format made popular in the 1960s by Alfred Hitchcock in movies like “Vertigo” and “North by Northwest.”
Director Paul Thomas Anderson isery movie he’s shot being done in the medium, but the release of this movie movie apart from his previous work.
exploding him on to the 90s main-pressed.
But a constant criticism that has been levied to his work since the very beginning has been that his movies lack plot. His movies like “Inherent Vice” and “Licorice Pizza” have been criticized, among many other reasons,
for this lack of plot. Like directors Stanley Kubrick and John Cassavetes, Anderson is more interested in character than he is in conventional Hollywood narrative. But this movie is not like that.
“One Battle After Another” is a
It follows the same basic structure as most big budget movies. Whereas his earlier work was compared to that of -
of James Cameron’s “Terminator 2.” There are good guys and bad guys, intensive car chases and emotional -
ventions, Anderson has managed to secure a massive budget and utilize some of the biggest names in Hollywood in order to cleverly sneak comments on immigration and the abuse of governmental power.
Based roughly on author Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland,” Anderson takes inspiration from Pynchon’s political commentaries and underground organizations to comment on the presence of white supremacist groups in America. In the vein of Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove,” the depiction of “the Christmas adventurers club” is at times satirical but ultimately blunt. Members of this club mentioning ra-
for interracial relationships communicate clearly their ideology. They never directly interact with the majority ofvolumes.
They are introduced when Sean Penn’s Captain Lockjaw is given the opportunity to join them. As a member of “M. K. Ultra,” in his green camo uniforms, the actions his character takes suggest an abuse of power by those of similar uniforms in the real world. His own personal interests lead to the MKU falsely accusing minorityled institutions of corruption. Invading and destroying buildings in the name of investigating suspicious activity, all done to distract from his own personal mission he is investigating at the same time.
than its real world counterparts, for a dollars, to suggest these ideas about organizations like ICE and the US government is massive considering the way that the movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has worked with the American army and air force to uphold the status-quo.
All of this to say, “One Battle After Another” is an incredibly fun ride from beginning to end. Its politics and commentary color its world but it can still be enjoyed and as a fun action movie. With needledrops like Sheck Wes’s “Mo Bamba” and Jackson 5’s “Ready or Not,” it’s got something to enjoy for the whole family.
H
AAKIF IQBAL
Taylor Swift’s
“The
Life
of a Showgirl” is a glitzy,
glamorous pop fantasy
“THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL” DAZZLES WITH POP RADIO HITS AND SHIMMERING PRODUCTION BUT LACKS THE DEPTH THAT DEFINES SWIFT’S BEST WORK.
On Oct. 3, 2025, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, “The Life of A Showgirl,” a record chronicling her experience headlining the highest-grossing tour in history, The Eras Tour, and steering the public eye at the height of her career.
Bright visuals, lavish jewels and synthshift from her last album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which explored Swift’s vulnerabilities and feelings of heartbreak during the early leg of the tour, following her relationships with actor Joe Alwyn and musician Matty Healy.
With its lengthy 30-song track list, which was split evenly between long-time Dessner, “The Tortured Poets Department” faced criticism for its lack of production quality and repetitiveness.
Though Swift has said she ignores social media, it seems she took some of that feedback to heart with “The Life of A Showgirl.” The album features just 12 songs, and Swift reunites with Swedish pop powerhouses Max Martin and Shellback — the team behind her transition to pop music with “Red” and “1989.”
For longtime Swifties, who remember the excitement of her dynamic, catchy pop hits from the 2010s, expectations were high for their reunion.
So, did the trio recapture pop magic? yes.
The opening song, “The Fate of Ophelia,” reimagines Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” by altering the tragic fate of Ophelia, who in the original play descends into madness and death following her father’s murder and Hamlet’s rejection. Implying she was the narrative, “Late one night / You dug me out of my grave / And saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia.”
The song is an apparent reference to
Travis Kelce. But in classic Swift fashion, she blends a literary masterpiece with her own experience: “Pledge your allegiance to your hands, your team, your vibes.” It’s an instant radio hit.
Other standouts include “Opalite,” a sparkling track that compares creating
clapback to British pop star Charli xcx’s song “Sympathy is a Knife,” in which Charli confesses her anxiety about being compared to industry stars like Swift. In Swift’s track “Actually Romantic,” she reframes Charli’s words to a toxic, one-sided obsession with her.
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them about manifesting the life she wants with Kelce, and “Father Figure,” which explores the betrayal between a protégé and a mentor widely speculated to be about her former music mentor, Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta. With groovy ‘80s synths and catchy hooks, these tracks feel like Swift’s signature pop sound but with teeth.
However, not every song lands. Ironically, it’s not the production that to be Swift’s most emotional and heartbreaking song on her albums, is “Eldest Daughter,” a ballad about the weight of beon others as a hyper-independent person.
The soft piano, aching melody and the bridge are beautiful. But lines like “But I’m not a bad b*tch, and this isn’t savage” feel awkward and out of place — like a millennial trying to use Generation Z slang and failing. Without that line, the song would have landed better and avoided some of the criticism it’s received.
The song opens with the biting lines, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me / Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face.”
If the song is actually aimed at Charli xcx, it completely misses the point of “Sympathy is a Knife” and feels unnecessarily mean. Rather than engaging with the idea of fame and the unfair comparisons women face in society, her track comes across as lacking empathy, particularly for place in a Swift-dominated industry.
Still, there are moments of Swift’s brilliance that remind fans of her storytelling talents.
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In “Ruin the Friendship,” she continues the story of the previously released song “Forever Winter” and shares her regret for not sharing her feelings with a high school friend who later passed away. Drawing on the “Folklore” and “Evermore” writing style, Swift paints a wistful picture of late-night drives in her hometown and high school longing at prom.
proven she can craft chart-topping, innovative songs even when she is happy in her personal life, as shown by albums like “Reputation,” “Lover” and “Midnights” (yes, “Reputation” has love songs).
What’s missing from “The Life of a Showgirl” isn’t heartbreak; it’s the emotional depth and vulnerability that have
others that fans have come to expect from her songs are a hallmark of her work. In this album, it feels like — at times — her sharp and introspective lyrics are replaced by surface-level lines that lack the weight of her previous work.
When asked about the mixed reception to the album in an interview, Swift replied, “I’m not the art police. It’s like everybody is allowed to feel exactly how they want, and what our goal is as entertainers is to be a mirror. Oftentimes, an album is a really, really wild way to look at yourself, right?”
is a mirror to many fans, who see their her music more than in any other artist’s. But what truly connects her with fans is the raw honesty she brings to her lyrics — whether that be in pop, country or folk. That relatability is what keeps listeners coming back.
Other lyrical missteps included “Cancelled,” where she critiques cancel culture with the sarcastic line, “Did you girl boss too close to the sun?” and “Wood,” a steamy track that compares Kelce’s manhood to a “redwood tree.” These lines undermine the song, leaving listeners scratching their heads and wondering, “Why is the songwriter who wrote ‘Cardigan’ now using the word ‘girl boss?’”
However, one of the most talked-about tracks from the album is Swift’s speculated
It’s raw, vulnerable and perfectly produced with a steady drumbeat, gentle guitars and layered harmonies. Devastating lines like, “I whispered to the grave, ‘should’ve kissed you anyway,’” show that Swift can still deliver gut-punching moments when she leans into her storytelling lyricism.
This isn’t to say that her storytelling depends on personal turmoil — something Swift has expressed anxiety over in the past. Quite the opposite, in fact. She has
And who knows? This album may grow on the fandom over time (like many of her others) and eventually prove to be a favorite era as Swift is nothing if not strategic when it comes to her musical legacy.
But for the fans who seek Swift for her introspective lyrics, this isn’t that album. With sparkling visuals and synth-pop songs, “The Life of A Showgirl” is a fun, high-gloss pop album with radio hits and an edge. But for fans that gravitate towards Swift’s vulnerable, incisive and clever lyricism, this album has its shortcomings.
COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
CECILE DIROLL
The work never stops for Spenser Gonzales … literally
SPENSER GONZALES HOPES TO LEAD WOMEN’S SOCCER TO THE PLAYOFFS AND DETAILS HER LIFE OFF THE PITCH.
California, Riverside (UCR) Soccer Stadium, to six days a week [at McDonald’s and Eureka! Burger], and I try not to work on game days,” commented Gonzales when describing her day-to-day schedule.
Gonzales stays moving with her monster of a schedule, but she remains committed to the grind: “I like being busy because when I’m not busy I’m bored.”
Gonzales has practice and class in the morning and leaves school around 2 p.m. to go to work, all while commuting from Rancho
Cucamonga every She commented, “At Gonzales commented
Cucamonga every day. She commented, “At [Eureka!] I work from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and I gotta be up for practice [the next day], so I normally wake up around six. At McDonald’s fully rested for practice.”
Gonzales demonstrates excellent time management skills while also serving as a
Despite UCR women’s soccer having a conference record of 0-4-1, they can still make the Big West tournament if they win the last
Heading into the latter end of the season,
Gonzales commented on what she hopes to see: “We’re looking to score more goals … that’s the main thing we’ve been talking about. We had a rough start to the season where we
The most recent game the team played was a thriller against Hawai’i, where Gonzales scored two goals, one of them being a contender for goal of the season. In the 22nd minute, Gonzales scored her second of two goals by launching a high-arching volley from outside Brianna Chirpich and into the net.
In 2023, Gonzales was an All-Big West Honorable Mention and she’s looking to close her senior year strong.
TERRY NGUYEN
“We will continue to ‘Do it for KO’”
UCR COMMUNITY MOURNS THE DEATH OF KYLE OWENS.
“‘This is so unfair’ are the feelings of his former teammates…and I feel the same. I’m also inspired that, hopefully, God put him in this position to inspire all of us to live as he did. I’ve cried and laughed with many of his former teammates over the last [few weeks]; we are reminding each other to carry on his legacy. To live each day on purpose. Rest in Peace KO,” were coach Magpayo’s parting words on a tribute from UCR Athletics.
managed to graduate with two degrees with honors (including an MBA), or it was the work ethic he showed to make himself a great player…Kyle had it all: a great mom, dad and brother, a wonderful girlfriend of many years and many best friends who all looked up to the 6’8 lefty because everyone knew Kyle’s heart was pure and true.”
Owens was a key player that facilitated the growth of UCR men’s basketball under Magpayo and his legacy will continue to be felt with Highlanders today and in the future.
In the same press release, UCR Interim Athletics Director, Michelle Almazan the privilege of working with many talented
young people throughout my career, but
a quiet strength and a genuine heart that touched everyone around him.
“Kyle showed us what it means to face adversity with courage and grace. Even in
the power of perseverance and positivity. He will remain an example for all of us, not just as an athlete but as a human being who lived with purpose and heart.
“As an athletics family, we will honor him by carrying forward the lessons he taught us, and his legacy will continue to inspire Highlanders for generations to come.”
Kyle Owens played a pivotal role in shaping the most successful era of UCR men’s basketball. As a key leader on the court, his impact was felt throughout the program’s rise. While the foundation was built through the leadership of Magpayo and former Athletics Director Wesley Mallette, it was players like Owens who brought that vision to life.
“Rest easy my brother,” wrote former teammate and Highlander Isaiah Moses on Instagram.
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) worked alongside the Owens
family and UCR to organize a donor drive for Owens who was in need of a bonemarrow transplant. In an interview with ESPN, Owens shared, “Obviously I want to just get more people to register.”
NMDP’s mission is to “save more lives through cell therapy” and in doing so, they are “accelerating the journey to a world where every patient can receive their lifesaving cell therapy.”
The Highlander reached out to NMDP for a comment after Owen’s passing. They shared, “We are deeply saddened by Kyle’s passing. He was inspiring and courageous in sharing his search for a blood stem cell donor. Hundreds answered his call to join the NMDP Registry. His story reached far beyond his community in Southern California, and will continue to make an impact as people who joined on Kyle’s behalf are called to donate to other patients in the future. We honor Kyle’s memory
diversify the registry so that more people can receive cell therapy. Our hearts are with his loved ones at this time.”
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TERRY NGUYEN
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS
Women’s Soccer - Oct. 5
Hawai’i vs. UC Riverside
3-3 Tie
UCR: Spenser Gonzales 7’ 22’
UCR: Mia DiLeo 16’
Hawai’i: Nalani Damacion 59’
Hawai’i: Penny Noland 67’
Men’s Soccer - Oct. 11
Sacramento St. vs. UC Riverside
3-0 W
UCR: Eric Martinez 18’
UCR: Jakob Schnitzler 19’
UCR: Wes Hastings 55’
Men’s Soccer - Oct. 8
UC San Diego vs. UC Riverside
2-2 Tie
UCR: Wes Hastings 18’
UCSD: Sean Ueda 21’
UCR: Andrija Radonjic 37’
UCSD: Evan Wellerstein 50’
Women’s Volleyball - Oct. 9
Long Beach St. vs. UC Riverside
3-0 L
UCR Team Leaders: Kills: Mia Delahoussaye (11) Assists: Makena Tong (20)
Women’s Volleyball - Oct. 11
UC San Diego vs. UC Riverside
3-2 W
UCR Team Leaders: Kills: Sophia Ewalefo (26) Assists: Makena Tong (41)
Digs: Jessica Dean (30)