CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
VOL. LXVIII, ISSUE 34 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016 STUDENT LIFE
D49er
Women’s volleyball sweeps Cal State Fullerton 3-0. To read about the game, see page 8.
Here comes Trebel The music sharing app can connect CSULB students with students who have a similar taste in music. By Michaela Kwoka-Coleman News Editor
Music and social media are coming together in the form of the new music-sharing app Trebel Music. Originally launched in April of this year, Trebel Music offers users a unique experience that, according to CEO Gary Mekikian, can’t be found on other apps such as Spotify or Pandora – specifically, its university and high school campus social media aspect. Mekikian said that by releasing the social media aspect at Cal State Long Beach and other universities, the development team is hoping to receive feedback from students. “We want Long Beach kids to download the app and start using the social features,” he said. “We’re going out reach out to them and ask for their advice on how we make it more useful and fun.” In setting up the free app, the user can select which college campus they attend. This then allows the user to see what songs and artists are popular on campus and which other students are using it. When a user selects a song, they will then watch a 30 second advertisement before listening to the chosen song. The song can then be downloaded and saved to their music library and will be available to play offline, advertisement and data free. After listening to a song, users can “like” it by tapping on a heart icon or comment on it the comment section. “We want college students to have a conversation about the songs, about the music,” Grace Mekikian, a co-founder of the app, said. Aside from talking about songs within
Long Beach State outside hitter Nele Barber (6) digs the ball at the game against Cal State Fullerton Tuesday.
Bobby Yagake | Daily 49er
see MUSIC, page 2
CULTURE
Lively celebration for Day of the Dead RGRLL department holds annual Dia de los Muertos event. By Caitlyn Mendoza Staff Writer
For the past eight years, Cal State Long Beach’s Romance German Russian Languages and Literature department has brought the tradition of the Day of the Dead — also known as Dia de los Muertos – to campus. This year’s Day of the Dead took place at the Anatol Center Tuesday from 5-9 p.m..
The RGRLL department organized displays, traditional dances and guest speakers to introduce the holiday to students who are unfamiliar with the cultural celebration. The event sought to connect the historical origins of Dia de los Muertos to students, both in and out of the Hispanic community. Full time CSULB lecturer Patricia Amécuza wanted to promote this tradition to students, staff and faculty. She says this celebration is important for the Latin American community and also allows them to display their culture to others. “It’s when we Latin Americans come to remember our dead with
happiness, with food, with color, with laughter, with good thoughts — and we believe if we always remember them, they’ll always be present,” Amécuza said. Dia de los Muertos is a cultural celebration that has culminated in Mexico as well as Central and South America. The holiday focuses on the relationship between the living and the dead and is celebrated heavily in Mexico. At the event, the RGRLL displayed shelves filled with skull candies and pictures of passed loved ones. Next to
see TRADITION, page 5
Trang Le | Daily 49er
Traditional Mexican dance known as Baile Folklorico was performed by student dancers in the Anatol Center for the RGRLL Day of the Dead celebration.
2 NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | CITYD49ER@GMAIL.COM
ON THE
PROPOSITIONS: Proposition 59 California Overturn of Citizens United Act Advisory Question. By Amber Costa Staff Writer
California voters will deciding whether or not to overturn the Citizens United ruling this November. Proposition 59, the California Overturn of Citizens United Act Advisory, would limit the rights of corporations by not allowing them the same constitutional rights awarded to people. In 2010, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that, under the First Amendment, an orga-
nization’s contributions to a political candidate or party and spending are protected as “free speech.” The ruling from the Citizens United case established that independent political broadcasts would not be limited in corporate funding due to it violating the rights of the First Amendment. The ruling brought up the debate on whether or not corporations should have the same kind of freedom as speech as people do. Those in support of Proposition 59 believe that if the Citizens United ruling is not overturned, corporations will continue to overpower people’s voices by contributing excessive amounts of money to political campaigns. Supporters of Proposition 59 include Tom Steyer, the founder of
Farrallon Capital Management, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, the California Democratic Party and the California Peace and Freedom Party. The opposition for the proposition includes Congressman Tom McClintock, a Republican representing California’s 4th Congressional District, Senator Ted Gaines and Representative Rocky Chavez. Opponents believe that the proposition would hurt smaller businesses and would be ineffective. Opponents also believe that it would allow California congress members to “tinker” with the First Amendment. “The legislature placed this non-binding advisory measure on the ballot to say they want campaign finance reform and want to curb the
FAST FACTS
CITIZENS UNITED
power of special interests in Sacramento, but it actually does nothing of the kind,” California State Sen. Jeff Stone and Congressman K.H. Achadijian said in an official statement. “Instead, it argues that free speech should not apply to small businesses and other s who choose to incorporate as a corporation.”. So far, supporters of the proposition have raised $422,770 and opponents have raised none. *This article is part of a weekly series informing students on the propositions up for vote on the November ballot. **All information comes from Ballotpedia.com, a nonprofit organization that provides nonpartisan information on American politics and elections.
ND sheriffs deny political presence By David Chanen
Citizens United is a Political Action Committee founded in 1988 with major funding from the Koch Brothers. The PAC represents corporate interests, socially conservative policies and political candidates. According to its websites, Citizens United “seeks to reassert the traditional American values of limited government, freedom of enterprise, strong families, and national sovereignty and security.”
MUSIC
continued from page 1
Star Tribune
William Yardley | Los Angeles Times
Clyde Bellecourt, 80, who helped found the American Indian Movement in the 1960s, said he sees “ fresh energy” among younger Native Americans fighting to stop the Dakota Access pipeline.
protest site and who violated a curity Emergency Management, federal court order to leave the confirmed the state and the govarea. ernor’s office received North DaThe National Guard and kota’s request. Kelly approved the state troopers request from North for depand South uties Dakota had and the already been terms We respond when dispatched to of the communities need us... the site bereimfore a state bursewe are trying to do what’s of emergency m e n t right, but you know you was declared agreesometimes will get second- ment. Oct. 15. Hennepin County “ We guessed. received two respond requests for w h e n -Sheriff James Stuart, assistance, c o m Anoka County Sheriff Department which it dem u nied because nities North Dakota n e e d authorities didn’t follow proper us,” said Anoka County Sheriff protocol of the national EmerJames Stuart. “We are trying to gency Management Assistance do what’s right, but you know Compact (EMAC) for mutual you sometimes will get secaid, Stanek said. ond-guessed.” On Oct. 20, Joe Kelly, MinneWashington County Sheriff sota’s Director of Homeland SeWilliam Hutton and Jim Frank-
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Politics played no role in the decision to send 40 county sheriff deputies from three metro counties to assist in maintaining public safety at the Dakota Access Pipeline protest in North Dakota, the sheriffs of those counties said Tuesday. For the first time since the deputies were deployed more than a week ago, the sheriffs from Hennepin, Anoka and Washington Counties — who sent deputies from their departments to the protest site on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation — publicly discussed the agreement approved by the state to allow the officers to assist in Morton County, N.D., and the controversy surrounding the decision. All the deputies returned home Sunday and Monday. Thousands have gathered in recent months to oppose the oil pipeline’s potential negative effects on drinking water and sacred sites on the reservation. Demonstrations escalated last week when law enforcement evicted protesters from private property in the path of the pipeline. The deputy deployment, which lasted one week, included protests at Minneapolis City Hall and questions from state lawmakers about the process that sent the deputies to what they described as a peaceful protest. “Some said we should look at the political winds before deploying resources,” Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said Tuesday. “You can’t do that. We assist in keeping public safety and preserving the rights of protesters.” Stanek said the Morton County N.D. sheriff ’s department and its 22 deputies had been overwhelmed by the number of protesters that descended to the
lin, Executive Director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, reiterated that politics has no role in law enforcement. Hennepin County Commissioner Randy Johnson also supported the deployment of deputies. Stanek said Lt. Governor Tina Smith’s comments against sending the deputies and her claim that the governor’s office wasn’t aware of the sheriff ’s plan “went a little far.” He said he received several calls from Gov. Mark Dayton in which the governor said he didn’t know about the deployment and that somebody from his cabinet should have informed him about the signed agreement. Stanek said he and his staff have spent the past week educating legislators and Native American community leaders about the EMAC and the deputy’s role in North Dakota. “We want to be good partners,” Stanek said. “We don’t want politics to play a role.”
the app, users can also create playlists with specifics tags. Other users can then search for playlist genres under the “moods” search filter. For CSULB, some of the “moods” to search for are “chillin,” “study,” “pregame” and “weights.” Providing a legal, free way to stream music without using data was what Mekikian said drove him to create the app with the help of his daughters Juliette and Grace. “The product is for millennials,” Mekikian said. “It’s for young people, it was designed by young people.” Corey Jones, chief product officer for M&M Media, said that free, off-line streaming is what sets Trebel apart from other apps such as Spotify, 8tracks and Pandora. “The Spotify the model, at the end of the day, is very different… the goal is to get people to pay $10 a month,” he said. “The truth is... when you’re on a college budget every dollar matters… instead of paying per month, [with Trebel] you just watch an ad before you download a song.” In addition to not using data, Mekikian said that Trebel uses about 90 percent less battery than other apps such as YouTube. “For a lot of kids, listening to music and using data is a big issue,” Jones said. “We take feedback very seriously and we’re developing this thing in hand with our audience.” For the future, Mekikian said that he and his team are working on two new features. The first is an interactive feature that will pair with ticketing and artist merchandise sites. An alert will come through the app when a user’s favorite artists are having a concert near them. The next update, dubbed “music mates,” is a social feature that will allow users to see who on their campus listens to and likes the same type of music as them. “When you get together with someone, one of the first things you talk about is what kind of music you like,” he said. “Through Trebel, you’ll know what kind of music they like and that’s a terrific ice breaker.” Trebel is available to download from the App Store. Currently, Jones said it is only available for iPhone, but an Android version is being released within the next few weeks.
NEWS 3
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | CITYD49ER@GMAIL.COM ELECTION
It’d take a bombshell for FBI to charge Clinton By Del Quentin Wilber Tribune Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Even if FBI agents discover classified information on a newly seized laptop, Hillary Clinton is unlikely to face criminal charges, according to legal experts and former federal prosecutors. That’s largely because the Justice Department and FBI Director James B. Comey have already declined to prosecute based on a legal conclusion that there was no evidence that Clinton and her aides intended to violate laws governing the handling of classified information, a key element of such a criminal offense. To change the calculus, the FBI would have to find correspondence that clearly demonstrates Clinton or her aides knowingly broke the law, exchanged materials they knew to be classified or attempted to interfere with the investigation by withholding or destroying evidence, according to former federal prosecutors and legal scholars. “Such an email itself would have to be one of those things you would be saying, ‘I can’t believe you wrote that down,’” said Roscoe Howard Jr., a former federal prosecutor and U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia during the George W. Bush administration. “I would be shocked if they found such a thing.” The chances of the bureau missing such evidence after what Comey had described as a comprehensive inquiry would appear to be slight, former prosecutors said. “Short of a truly inculpatory email, the existence of which I find hard to fathom, I don’t see a situation that comes out of this that justifies the hoopla,” said Stephen Vladeck, a law
Irfan Khan | Los Angeles Times
Huma Abedin, an aide to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at a Women for Hillary event at West Los Angeles College on Friday, June 3, 2016, in Culver City, Calif. professor at the University of Texas. The analysis comes as federal agents and analysts are scrambling to review emails found on a laptop used by former Rep. Anthony Weiner and his estranged wife, Huma Abedin, one of Clinton’s closest aides. Agents came across Abedin’s correspondence while searching the computer for evidence that the disgraced former lawmaker may have violated federal laws when exchanging sexually explicit messages with a 15-year-old girl. During its nearly yearlong probe, the FBI interviewed dozens of witnesses, conducted forensic tests and examined tens of thousands of messages that passed through the private email server
used by Clinton and some of her aides while she was secretary of state. In the end, agents uncovered classified information in 193 emails that were part of 81 email chains, though none of the emails was marked with a classified header. Of those chains, the department concluded that eight should have been treated as top secret, the highest level of classification, the FBI reported. “So if there were 100 examples of classified information before and now they find 10 more, how is that going to change the analysis?” asked Peter Zeidenberg, a former federal prosecutor who signed a public letter critical of Comey’s decision last week to publicly reveal the new inquiry. “It’s the same
question. It’s the same issue. That’s even assuming the emails they find on the laptop are classified emails. There may all be duplicates, or emails that don’t have any classified information. We don’t know.” And even if agents discover evidence that warrants an indictment, Comey’s past public statements could undermine a future prosecution, legal experts said. Defense lawyers would certainly seek all records associated with his public announcement in July, when he declared Clinton’s actions were “careless” but not criminal. An about-face by the FBI would permit defense attorneys to attack the
thoroughness of the entire investigation, pointing out that it failed to turn up Abedin’s emails on a laptop she shared with her husband. “A classic defense in any criminal case is to accuse the investigating law enforcement agents of ‘shoddy police work.’” said Mary Pat Brown, a former federal prosecutor. “When there are inconsistencies in the evidence itself, or any delays or missteps in collecting evidence, the government’s case is vulnerable to attack.” Comey’s unusual move to publicly discuss the case with reporters and Congress in July was in part to demonstrate that the bureau’s inquiry was meticulous and independent. But Vladeck agreed his action could now backfire. “Those statements make it difficult for there ever to be a prosecution,” he said. “Comey laid a trap for himself in July.” Perceptions that the new emails won’t dramatically change the case are part of the reason Clinton supporters were so incensed by Comey’s surprise and vague announcement last week that the bureau would examine the materials over the coming weeks. Agents are hoping to have a preliminary assessment of the Abedin emails completed by Election Day, though it remains unclear whether the FBI will make a further public statement about the case, despite calls for more information from both Democrats and Republicans. Agents will need to sort out Abedin’s emails, discard duplicates and then examine what’s left to see if anything is relevant to the Clinton inquiry, a federal law enforcement official said. The laptop contains hundreds of thousands of emails – most of them Weiner’s – and it will take weeks to fully vet them, the official said.
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4 ARTS & LIFE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | ARTSNLIFED49ER@GMAIL.COM
Painting a bigger picture CSULB student artist puts a face on the agricultural industry. By Daniela Alvarez Staff Writer
Growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico, Narsiso Martinez helped his father work in the fields. For Martinez, this was just part of his family duties, but little did he know it would become the center of his personal and professional work. At the ripe age of 20, Martinez moved to the United States, as most immigrants do, to pursue better opportunities. Now 39, Martinez is a second year drawing and painting major showcasing his art throughout the Cal State University Long Beach campus and the country. “I grew up poor in Oaxaca. [My family’s] goal was to have enough to eat,” said Martinez. “We didn’t really have time to dream.” Martinez’s artwork is a collection of portraits of agricultural workers painted or drawn on recycled produce boxes he collects from grocery stores who have thrown the boxes away. The majority of his pieces are done in charcoal pencils, ink wash and oil paints. He has showcased at several galleries including the University Art Museum on campus, the National Immigration Law Center in Koreatown and Firehouse Gallery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Martinez is now making his dreams a reality displaying his art, most recently at the Sustainability Showcase on Oct. 24 at the Speaker’s Platform. “Before I decided to be political in my art, I would get critiques about how I was making statements that were too social and political – so, I decided to embrace it,” said Martinez. After graduating from Los Angeles
This six by nine foot, ink and charcoal on a produce cardboard box by Narsiso Martinez has no title. City College in 2009, Martinez took time off to save money and worked in various fields and orchards. Last year, Martinez transferred to CSULB and delved deep into his research of the lives of field workers. “I started to notice a lot of inequalities in the fields, like a few porta-potties to every hundred workers,” said Martinez. “We shouldn’t be going through this in 2016.” Every summer, Martinez works in fields across Washington while documenting the lives and struggles of agricultural workers. Although many of
these workers are undocumented and would reasonably decline to be the subject of such public work, Martinez says that the workers feel comfortable with him and most asked to be painted. Not all of Martinez’ family is on board with his decision to pursue art, but a few of them are supportive and even help him financially. He has found reinforcement, however, in his professors and academic life. Art professor Marie Thibeault recognizes Martinez’s skill and passion to provide compelling subject matter. “Narsiso has a great talent and ex-
ceptional depth and life experience,” said Thibeault. “He is dedicated to a personal narrative that functions universally and has a curious and inventive approach to process and materials.” Martinez says his art is an outlet for him to share stories people wouldn’t otherwise hear. “I’m shy and not that talkative, so art is a way to express myself and tell stories,” said Martinez. With each piece, he hopes to raise awareness of the workers who pick the food people buy and eat. “My main goal right now is not to
Courtesy of Instagram
sell [my work] since I’m still experimenting,” said Martinez. “But showcasing gives me the chance to expose important issues.” Martinez maintains his optimism for the future. He says he hopes to someday travel the world after he graduates and explore the lives of agricultural workers, especially in South America to learn about the cultivation of bananas. As for now, Martinez is currently showcasing his work at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park for the exhibit “S/election,” and will be running through Jan. 8.
‘The Crown,’ your next ‘Downton Abbey’ By Ellen Gray
Philadelphia Daily News
A complicated inheritance. A scandal-prone sister. A prominent family ruled as much by those who serve them as by traditions that put them out of step with the march of history. And footmen everywhere. Any of this sound familiar? Fans of “Downton Abbey” are probably tired of hearing that Suchand-Such is “the next Downton,” but Netflix’s “The Crown” deserves the title heir apparent more than most. Ten episodes of you-can’t-makethis-stuff-up drama from Peter Morgan, who scripted Helen Mirren’s Queen Elizabeth II for film in “The Queen” and for stage in “The Audience,” “The Crown” premieres Nov. 4, starring Claire Foy (“Wolf Hall”) as the young Elizabeth and Matt Smith (“Doctor Who”) as her husband, Prince Philip.
It’s a treatment so intimate that it begins with the future queen’s father, King George VI (Jared Harris, “Mad Men”), coughing up blood on the day before her wedding _ foreshadowing the death that will make his daughter queen _ and sweeping enough to place the private lives of the royal family against the backdrop of a postwar Britain where Winston Churchill (“John Lithgow”) is in his final years as prime minister. It’s that scope that makes the $100 million Netflix reportedly paid for this first season seem almost reasonable. Which doesn’t mean Foy and Smith didn’t laugh when I asked about the money during a phone interview Wednesday. He: “I’ve got a really big house.” She: “I’ve got a Ferrari!” “We’ve bought five Ferraris each,
see QUEEN, page 5
Alex Bailey | Netflix
John Lithgow (left) plays Winston Churchill and Claire Foy plays Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown,” which begins streaming Friday on Netflix.
ARTS & LIFE 5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | ARTSNLIFED49ER@GMAIL.COM
TRADITION continued from page 1
these displays was an ofrenda, where pictures of love ones were displayed along with their favorite things. “[An] ofrenda is where we offer [items]to our dead [ones] — it is believed that our dead had the permission to return to the world of the day of the living — they come and feed themselves with the aroma. In the ofrenda, you place the things your loved ones used to enjoy,” Amécuza said. The event had three lectures about the origins of the Day of the Dead from the Maya perspective, the Aztec perspective and how it became what is it today. The event also featured traditional dances such as baile folklóricos and the “Danza de los Viejitos.” This event was introduced eight years ago when Amécuza joined the CSULB faculty. Being from Mexico, she wanted students to connect or reconnect to this tradition. With Hispanic students making up 39 percent Students perform and pay tribute to their loved ones in the Anatol Center for the RGRLL Day of the Dead celebration. of the CSULB student body, Amécuza knew this could be successful. are, what our identities are. We want Amécuza said she has gained more to show the beautiful aspects of our support each year, particularly by the cultures— how interesting, how deep, College of Libhow important they eral Arts. Adare and how to also ditionally, the understand who we d e p ar t me nt s are, to know why of Religionist are we are the way It’s when we Latin Studies and we are today. It’s Americans come to Anthropology important for them remember our dead with help organize to know about us, the event each as we know about happiness, with food, with year. their history. We color, with laughter [and] The event would like to invite good thoughts. hoped to them to the beau-Patricia Amécuza, connect with tiful aspects of our CSULB lecturer non-hispanic culture,” Amécuza people as well said. by providing Dia de los Muerthem with intos celebrations formation about the cultural holiday. will continue today with more music, “It’s important for non-hispandancing and food at the USU ballic [people] to come, to understand rooms, presented by La Raza Student where we come from, what our roots Association starting at 5 p.m.
QUEEN
continued from page 4
and we bought a small island, and all we do is we dress up in royal garments and drink pressed juices all day,” Smith joked. “No, the thing is,” he said, “we don’t see any of that money, and I think a lot of that is speculation,” but with the costumes, “the wonderful locations, great wigs, they’ve spent it wisely.” Said Foy: “All of the decisions that were being made, none of them were being made because they were short on time or (money). They always went for the most ambitious, the most beau-
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Photos by Trang Le | Daily 49er
tiful, and the most appropriate choice.” “And really the most truthful,” Smith added. “Because, when the royal car is pulling up, you do sort of need eight people to open a door. Apparently. It needs that scale. And without it, it would have taken away from the reality. So they really supported, ultimately, I think, the reality of it. “And we bought an island.” American viewers may be more familiar with the travails of Princess Diana than those of the queen’s late sister, Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby), whose love affair with the divorced Peter Townsend (Ben Miles) becomes a royal headache in the first season. The media firestorm it ignites is both an echo of the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII (Alex Jennings) and a hint of roy-
al scandals that still lie far ahead. Even Foy and Smith, who grew up as subjects of the now-90-year-old queen, didn’t know much of their characters’ early history. “I just had no concept of that fact that she was a young mother. I had no idea that Philip had a naval career and that they had a life before the life that they now have,” Foy said. “And I’d never thought about the emotional significance of her father dying in order for her to become queen,” she said. “You just think people can take it, I suppose. People who are in public life, you think they’re prepared for it and kind of seasoned for it in some way. And I just never thought of her being vulnerable and unsure and scared and grieving.”
For his part, Smith was surprised to find that the prince was “sort of the alien of the group and the outsider.” Philip, who was related to several royal families, had a rockier childhood than Elizabeth had. “He’s never really belonged anywhere ... (although) I think the navy felt like a home in many ways,” he said. “My understanding and affection for him opened up and grew enormously.” It didn’t hurt that Philip, who chafes at becoming subservient to his wife, has a sharp tongue. “One of the things that I’ve enjoyed playing is the fact that he can say, not the outrageous thing, but that he can say the thing that everyone’s thinking but no one dares say, particularly in the context of the time and particu-
larly when you join a new family. And not just any new family,” Smith said, “but the most notorious family in the world.” Notorious, but still relatable, in Foy’s eyes. “I suppose the royal family _ people never wanted to know them as human, because you don’t want to know that those people who you think are magical and the perfect sort of Christian family,” she said, “you don’t want to know that they’re struggling and are having a hard time, and they’re having difficulties like everybody does.” Playing Elizabeth, “I really sympathized with the fact that she suddenly had a role that she just didn’t want and ... she was upsetting the people that she loved the most.”
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Islamic State intimidates war correspondents The future seems bleak for journalists hoping to cover news in war-stricken Middle Eastern areas. By Chrystina Schwartz Staff Writer
O
ver the past few years, there has been a noticeable decline in international news coverage in war-filled countries like
Iraq and Syria. The rise of the Islamic State and their brutal executions of journalists have struck fear in reporters hoping to cover Aghani, Syrian and Iraqi affairs. The terrorist group’s form of merciless murder is a threat to everyone who is not apart of their extremist jihad — this, of course, includes journalists. The Islamic State only heightens the dangers these journalists already face while reporting. Journalists are regularly confronted with the risk of being killed in gunfire, explosions or arrested in Middle Eastern countries with little to no freedom of the press, such as Egypt. The decline of war correspondents is due to the rise of terrorist organizations like the Islamic State and their indiscriminate killings. These killings have created an abundance of new challenges for news agencies attempting to send journalists into areas where the Islamic State’s presence is heavy. Although a job as a war correspondent may turn out to be fatal, I believe with better funding from news agencies toward protecting these reporters, this job can become far less hazardous. According to information found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employment of reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts is projected to decline nine percent from 2014 to 2024.” I’m convinced this is because of the increasing unpopularity of reporting directly from Islamic State controlled areas. The Islamic State is a terrorist group unlike Al Qaeda; they’re better funded, tech-savvy and incredibly brutal. Members of the Islamic State use multiple cameras and editing techniques to enhance videos depicting their barbaric murders of reporters. Major war coverage dropped steeply
Illustration by Miranda Andrade-Ceja | Daily 49er
after the death of journalist James Foley in 2015, a moment that shocked many viewers with a graphic video of Foley being beheaded. The video of execution was published online for the world to see. The decline in news coverage from areas like Syria and Iraq is proof that the Islamic State’s methods of intimidation are
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working to keep western journalists out. Most media outlets, such as CNN, use b-roll footage of war-riddled areas submitted by someone on-site. Then a reporter, who is not on site, narrates over the video based on the information they have acquired — usually from allied militaristic forces. However there is little live-reporting be-
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ing done in these areas by reporters hired by major news agencies. The world is entitled to the truth, therefore making this lack of coverage a disappointment. According to Committee to Protect Journalists, 36 journalists have been killed this year alone – more than half whom were war correspondents.
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Of those, 18 were killed in combat crossfire and 14 have been murdered while doing their job worldwide, reported by Committee to Protect Journalists. The Islamic State has officially claimed responsibility for five of these murders. This accounts for four out of the five journalist deaths in Syria and one in Turkey. Although it’s no secret that being a war correspondent is a dangerous job, the threat of the Islamic State has increased fears to a new level. By neglecting to report news in these areas, news agencies fail to provide the public with necessary information. I have no doubt people will fill what they don’t know about these violence-stricken areas area with speculation. War correspondents are a vital part of democracy, therefore news agencies need to invest in observing and reporting in lands afflicted by terrorism like Iraq, and finding a way to keep these reporters safe. Right now, the important and risky task of reporting in a war zone is commonly outsourced to freelance journalists in the area, who are often underpaid and inexperienced. I can see how outsourcing reporters from the area is a seems like good idea for news outlets. However, there’s an issue of morality — sending someone into a dangerous place to report news for very little pay is something that should be extensively thought through before doing. The reality is, news companies need to reinvest in coverage of the war effort, but to do so means sending your own reporters out in the field to report. It also means paying them a better wage for potentially risking their lives every moment they are out there. We cannot pay war correspondents small wages and expect Pulitzer Prize winning work – it’s simply unfathomable. One wouldn’t expect a neurosurgeon to work just above minimum wage or less or expect soldiers to be on a non-paid volunteer basis, so why would we expect that from war correspondents? When reporters, particularly war correspondents, provide solid, informative journalism, I consider it a kind of public service. They’re informing the world while putting their lives on the line to get this truth to the masses. It’s infuriating to realize that there has been a decline in war correspondents because of radical extremists killing them mercilessly while they’re simply trying to report.
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Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in this issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinions of the Daily 49er are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily 49er.
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SPORTS 7
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM
WOMEN’S TENNIS
BACKHAND STRONG HAND
“It’s my life now,” Thompson said. “I go to school and play tennis. It’s all I know,” senior Long Beach State tennis player Hayley Thompson said of her playing tennis.
Hayley Thompson has put all aspects of her game together to be successful. By Matthew Simon Sports Editor
For Long Beach State senior tennis player Hayley Thompson, her hours of practicing her backhand are starting to pay off as she continues to win on the court. The senior, who has played in almost every level Flight at tennis tournaments, had her biggest win after defeating
Loyola Marymount’s Jessica Perez Oct. 9 to win the Beach Tennis Fall Tournament Flight A championship. The weekend was a culmination of the work Thompson put in over the course of her career at LBSU. “She came back from summer ready [to play],” LBSU head coach Jenny Hilt-Costello said. “That’s why we were looking for chances to give her opportunities against that top flight player, because she deserves [it].” Looking for what would bring her success, Thompson has tweaked her game constantly and winning the tournament was the biggest career moment that she could remember. “It was a tough fight,” Thompson said of her win against Perez. “But, I had my
team cheering by my side. They were making me laugh during the match and it was a good time.” Thompson credits her backhand as her biggest weapon and her main focus for winning points. “She does everything well all over the court,” Hilt-Costello said. “She really doesn’t have any weaknesses and it’s great to see it all coming together and seeing her play her best tennis.” Hilt-Costello has been coaching Thompson since her freshman year and said she is proud of all the work she’s put in to perform at a high level. “Hayley has always been a hard worker,” Hilt-Costello said. “So, [it’s] not surprising that she’s continuing with her good effort out here on the courts. What
Photo courtesy of Long Beach State Athletics
we we’re really seeing is her putting together all the different pieces and the tools she has together.” While the senior knows what her strengths are, she knows what areas of her game need work for her to improve. “My forehand [could improve],” Thompson said. “The past two years it’s been up and down, but I’m finally getting that back.” Growing up and improving her style of play, Thompson says that she’d compare her game to former professional tennis player Justine Henin – who was known as one of a few professional women players to use a single-handed backhand. While it’s easy for the senior to talk about tennis, she also knows academics
are important for her future. “It’s my life now,” Thompson said. “I go to school and play tennis. It’s all I know.” Along with playing giving her an avenue to play tennis, Thompson has had memories she won’t soon forget. “It’s a really fun atmosphere and environment for practice and playing with the team,” Thompson said. While tennis and school are her priorities at the moment, Thompson knows exactly what she wants to do when she stops playing and graduates. “I want to be a tennis coach and then hopefully open my own [tennis] academy,” Thompson said. “I don’t want an office job and I like being outside and if I can make that my career that would be the best thing for me.”
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8 SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Bobby Yagake | Daily 49er
Long Beach State junior middle blocker Ashley Murray (15) spikes the ball during the 49ers’ 3-0 win against Cal State Fullerton Tuesday.
49ers sweep away Titans, 3-0
Long Beach State women’s volleyball team make quick of CSUF in 3-0 win Tuesday. By Luke Ramirez Staff Writer
In its last home game before starting a threegame road trip, the Long Beach State women’s volleyball team swept Cal State Fullerton 3-0 Tuesday at Walter Pyramid. In the first set, the 49ers went on a 5-1 run, forcing CSUF to use a timeout early. LBSU went on to win the set 25-12 thanks to a .515 hitting percentage and a number of errors by the Titans. Senior outside hitter Nele Barber set the pace with six kills, followed by sophomore outside hitter Anete Brinke and freshman middle blocker Krjersti Norveel with four each.
The second set was a repeat for for both teams, as LBSU was able to increase its lead to 14. Junior middle blocker Ashley Murray had five kills in the set on a night where head coach Brian Gimmillaro put her in a new position. “We took her out of the middle and put her on the right,”Gimmillaro said. “She was a lot more active than usual and it was good to see her do well.” The crowd at the Walter Pyramid was treated to a long rally where both defenses did not surrender the point. Norveel was able to put the finishing touch on the play with a solo block on the Fullerton hitter. The freshman maintained her presence at the net and the 49ers won the second set, 25-11. “Kjersti was great tonight,” Gimmillaro said after she came back from an injury. “She’s finally healthy and has had a great three weeks of practice, so she’s ready now.” CSUF came out looking stronger in the third set jumping out to a 4-2 lead, but did not last
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE VS.
Top Performer
long. LBSU got itself back into the set thanks to some mistakes by the Titans along with an impressive offensive attack from the 49ers. The Titans were able to make the set interesting by putting together eight consecutive points before LBSU was able to clinch the match on a 25-20 third set win. Barber finished the match with 14 kills, hitting .448 and also led the team with 18 digs. Murray was able to record 11 kills along with Norveel’s nine. Fullerton did not help themselves during the match and ended the night with 14 attacking errors, a costly mistake against a strong LBSU squad. The 49ers (16-8, 10-1) will get on a flight bound for Honolulu Wednesday morning ahead of their next match against Hawai’i (16-5, 9-1). The two haven’t met since Oct. 8 in the Walter Pyramid, where LBSU won a five set thriller. The 49ers now sit a half-game up on Hawai’i in the Big West standings. The last time LBSU beat Hawai’i twice in the same season was in 2014 on their way to a conference championship.
NELE BARBER
14 KILLS, 18 DIGS
2016 STANDINGS | WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Hawai’i Friday, 10 p.m. Honolulu
BIG WEST GAMES
DATE
MATCH
LOCATION
TIME
11/12
CSUN
Northridge
7 p.m.
11/18
CSUF
Fullerton
7 p.m.
11/19
UC Riverside
Walter Pyramid
7 p.m.
11/25
North Texas
Walter Pyramid
Noon
11/26
Denver
Walter Pyramid
1 p.m.
Long Beach State Hawai’i Cal Poly UC Davis UC Irvine UC Santa Barbara CSUN UC Riverside Cal State Fullerton
ALL GAMES
W
L
W
L
10 9 6 5 5 5 3 1 1
1 1 4 5 5 5 7 8 8
16 16 13 12 10 14 7 6 6
8 5 8 11 14 9 15 15 17