@cbulancermedia cbubanner.com
ISSUE 3
VOLUME 72
February 21, 2025
CBU debuts new study space, The Palm BY GABI RIGGIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
California Baptist University unveiled a new study space and welcomed a new dining option to campus on Monday, Feb. 17. A long line of students eagerly anticipating the new space stretched down the sidewalk leading up to the building. A crowd of eager and hungry students gathered outside the doors of The Palm, which features Einstein Bros. Bagels, a popular chain offering freshly made bagels, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Inside, a large room was decked in CBU colors, from the chairs to the walls. The space bustled with students sitting along the counters outlining the study area, while various tables and couches filled the floor. Even the smaller backroom, as well as outdoor seating, offered a decent selection of chairs and spaces. Einstein Bros. Bagels operated within the establishment as a coffee and food bar where students could easily order from self-ordering kiosks located at the front and outside of the building. A variety of options were available, from different types of cream cheese to a plethora of coffee and drink choices. Ramiro Martin, assistant director of operations for Provider Contract Food Service, ex-
plained the project’s timeline. “We started working on the project, I would say, about six months ago... [CBU] let us know this was going to be an office or study space, and they wanted us to offer some sort of coffee and food. So it came rather quickly.” Excitement for The Palm was evident in students’ positive feedback at the opening and their enthusiasm for the new space, which not only provided a comfortable environment for productivity but also a convenient place to grab a meal on the way to class. Mia Maspers, architecture graduate student, shared her excitement about experiencing the new area in her final year. “I actually feel really lucky that this opened before I graduate so I could experience it. But it’s nice, the lighting is really nice... it’s a nice place to study, there are outlets everywhere. It has a nice buzz to it.” Maspers also mentioned her favorite food item. “I like the cinnamon sugar bagel with the honey almond cream cheese; I’m from England, so they don’t do stuff like that.” The response to The Palm was overwhelmingly positive, as students consistently lined up for their orders, eager to enjoy the new dining options on campus. SEE B&T | PAGE 11
The Palm, a new study spot located in Harden Square, features Einstein Bros Bagels and opened on Feb. 17, 2025.
Natalie Tanaka | Banner Einstein Bros Bagels now available at The Palm.
Students studying together at The Palm.
Arielle Rodriguez | Banner
Arielle Rodriguez | Banner
Wallace Theatre presents The Book of Will BY ALANNA RIVERA A&E EDITOR
Presented by California Baptist University’s Wallace Theatre, Lauren Gunderson’s “The Book of Will” will take the stage with an opening weekend set for Friday, Feb. 21. The play takes place three years after the death of Shakespeare and followed Henry Condell and John Heminges. The two men, played by students Kaleb Bravo and Santino Alvarado, embarked on a complex journey as they compiled their late friend’s stories into the “First Folio” to ensure they were not lost forever. Zachary Bortot, director and producer of this year’s spring play, gave audience members an idea of what to expect while keeping details of the production close to his chest. “They can expect a ‘dramedy.’ It is based on historical events but takes great artistic license with how that story is told,” Bortot said. “Also, while this play is the one set furthest in the past of all our productions this season, it feels the most contemporary in style. This is not a stuffy history piece.” As the third production of
ipsum
The Wallace Theatre premiered The Book of Will on Feb. 21, 2015. this academic year, the audience could expect another performance that exemplified this season’s theme: “Artists Celebrated in Their Fields.” In addition to the unique storytelling of a seemingly well-known man, Bortot expressed themes of “love, loss and laughter,” as
performed by CBU’s talented and hardworking student actors. As the cast neared the play’s opening weekend, members spent most nights at the Wallace Theatre, whether taking promotional photos, trying on costumes or rehearsing.
Photo illustration by Arielle Rodriguez | Banner
On Feb. 11, the cast participated in the “Dress Parade,” a night when the actors tried on their Elizabethan-era costumes for the first time and the crew decided what alterations were needed before opening weekend. As actors poured out of the dressing room and parad-
ed down the stairs, gasps and cheers echoed in the theatre, exhibiting the cast’s camaraderie. Just as the cast and crew supported one another backstage, the support remained onstage, where they learned from each other and built
their understanding of theater during rehearsals. Seth Suguitan, senior playing Richard Burbage, set the scene as he described how rehearsals typically ran. “With rehearsals, there’s always gonna be some stops and goes, some choices you made that aren’t always gonna stick or land, so there’s always those, but then you have the directors and everyone around you kind of helping, giving suggestions” Suguitan said. This collaborative environment provided a safe space for the cast to learn from one another, grow in their careers as actors, and develop meaningful relationships. Bravo, junior playing Henry Condell, described what the bonds audience members saw on stage looked like behind the scenes. “It feels like family. Although they are our professors, and we do feel that, it feels more than that, so you get that connection, you get those teachings, those lessons, and it honestly makes it a joy every single day,” Bravo said. “It doesn’t go over my head that it’s truly a blessing.”
SEE A&E | PAGE 13
Healing and Hope
The Rise of Pickleball 2F302F
Mem orizing Bible Verses
From being addicted and unhoused to restored and freed Angels over Cliffs gives hope.
For three years, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America.
Strateges on memorizing bible verses and why it is important.
News, pg 2
Sports, pg 15
Faith & Lifestyle, pg 6