By Sierra Marrero |Assistant Community Editor| During an investigation exploring the adversaries of San Bernardino's homeless population, questions have been raised as to why vacant San Bernardino buildings are not renovated into homeless shelters. “There are so many unused buildings in downtown San Bernardino, I just don’t know why they can’t use them,” says Sierra, a homeless woman who often resides near Seccombe Park. “If it were up to me, I’d put them to use, like, the Carousel Mall, ain’t nobody using it.” Sierra explains that it is often hard to get into shelters because there is often a waiting list for people to be approved. While certain qualifications do exist, … [Read more...] about Converting San Bernardino’s vacant buildings for shelter use
CSUSB Art Department engages in the Community-Based Art Program
By Sierra Marrero| Assistant Community Editor The CSUSB Department of Art was awarded $15,000 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), to use towards a program of their choice until December of 2018. The grant was given earlier in 2016, and will be used for allowing selected individuals to have the opportunity to teach inmates about painting, drawing, writting and printmaking through the Community- Based Art Program (CBA). .According to Annie Buckley, an associate professor of visual arts who is the founder of the CBA, says that the NEA awards are are not easy to achieve. "It is incredibly competitive on a national level," said Buckley. "In nearly a decade here, I only remember … [Read more...] about CSUSB Art Department engages in the Community-Based Art Program
Deconstructing the Types
By Sierra Marrero | Assistant Community Editor Stereotypes—a method to categorize people, can not only used to diminish an individuals self worth but also causes a division from ones own culture. Whether it’s subconsciously or consciously, sociology research shows that we all use stereotypes. Stereotypes are not limited to just race, but are made within the contexts of gender, religion, class, sexuality, etc. As cliché as some people may think stereotypes are when discussing its relevance in society, many underestimate the power it truly holds on people. One riddle included in research conducted by Mikaela Wapman (CAS’14) and Deborah Belle, asked participants to solve this riddle: “A … [Read more...] about Deconstructing the Types
CIMES response to “Debunking: ‘Who Are the Refugees'”
This letter is in response to the opinion piece “Debunking ‘Who Are the Refugees’” on behalf of the Center for Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (CIMES) board, which includes a diverse group of CSUSB scholars of different disciplines versed in the study of the Muslim and Arab worlds. Unfortunately, we found the piece very problematic, with slanted characterizations of both the content and intent of panelist contributions. Our panel consisted of community organizers who have been working very closely for years with both refugees as well as the U.S. government, which has funded many of their projects. They are experts on the resettlement of refugees, how they are vetted, and the kind of … [Read more...] about CIMES response to “Debunking: ‘Who Are the Refugees'”
Rec Center encourages body positivity
By Sierra Marrero |Assistant Community Editor| The CSUSB Recreation & Wellness Center (Rec Center) hosted its annual Celebrate EveryBody Week starting on Feb. 27 and ending on March 2. The event has been held every year since 2010 to promote positive self image. The Personal Training staff explained that the purpose of the event is to remind people that we come in all shapes and sizes, and to encourage body appreciation. "We all come into the gym for different reasons, whether it is to lose weight, gain muscle, or relieve stress," said personal trainer, Jennifer Item. "The event is to serve as a reminder to appreciate your body in whatever stage it is [...] and for students … [Read more...] about Rec Center encourages body positivity
OPINION: The Dominance of the GOP & the Conservative Movement
By Dylan Murphy |Contributing Writer| The modern GOP that has hardened its stance on social and fiscal conservatism as the American Electorate has become increasingly polarized. The role of Immigration and National Security have become arguably the most critical issues in contemporary political discourse. The conservative political media machine ability to connect with the masses and control the discussion has placed the party in control of the presidency, Congress and a large number of governorships across the country. I believe it is the conservative media’s ability to simplify its message and communicate with the masses has been the deciding factor in delivering such effective … [Read more...] about OPINION: The Dominance of the GOP & the Conservative Movement
Oroville Crisis
By Emily Anne Espinosa |News Editor| The spillway of the Oroville dam has caused statewide concerns about water resources, especially within the affected Butte, Yuba, and Sutter counties. On Feb. 7, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) took notice that there were signs of erosion in the Oroville spillway, and then decided to suspend the flow of the spillway in order to investigate the signs of erosion. At the time, DWR reported no anticipated threat to the dam or the public. First sign of erosion included a 200-feet wide hole in the dam. On Feb. 11, the Oroville spillway reached past it's capacity, causing the dam to spillover into it's emergency spillway. This is … [Read more...] about Oroville Crisis
Independent is the new dependent
By Sierra Marrero |Asst. Community Editor| This past weekend Chancellor "Chance the Rapper" Bennett became the first independent artist to receive a Grammy for Best Rap Album. "Glory be to God [...] I claim this victory in the name of the Lord," said Bennett during his acceptance speech. “I wanna thank God for my mother and my father who supported me since I was young […] and for Chicago!" he continued. The award is attributed to his 2016 album Coloring Book, which features other artists like: BJ The Chicago Kid, Chicago Children's Choir, Future, Anderson.Paak, and many more. The album features a dynamic combination of themes reflecting hope and positivity which includes … [Read more...] about Independent is the new dependent
Freeze on Environmental Protection Agency
By Kassandra Garcia |Contributing Writer| Over 2,300 CSU and UC faculty members signed an open letter that addressed concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s freeze on the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter was released to Trump and his cabinet after he and his administration ordered the EPA, created for the purpose of protecting human health and the environment, to remove the climate change page from their website. Trump made it clear that the EPA is on a media blackout until Scott Pruitt, his nominee to lead the agency, is confirmed by Congress on Jan. 24. From the start of his transition period into presidency, Trump and his administration have shared … [Read more...] about Freeze on Environmental Protection Agency
With or without shelter, an inside look at San Bernardino park residents
By Sierra Marrero |Asst. Community Editor| This story was published in print on Feb. 13, 2017. To view the PDF version of the print copy, click here. In efforts to help the County's homeless population, different groups, organizations, and programs, often come together to offer some type of help. However, controversies are continuing to be raised. "I've stayed at a battered women's shelter and only had to go there once. You don't get much sleep in a shelter depending on who you are and what problems you face," says Sierra, a woman living in and out Secombe Park. "A lot of times the people who come in [the shelters] take your stuff," explains Sierra. Another homeless woman, Elle, … [Read more...] about With or without shelter, an inside look at San Bernardino park residents