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ISSUE 1
VOLUME 73
October 10, 2025
Monument honors CBU President Ellis BY ALANNA RIVERA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
California Baptist University revealed a monument dedicated to Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, the president of the university, and his 30 years of leadership on Sept. 26. Located near the Kugel, the monument resides in the Ronald L. and Jane Dowden Ellis Great Commission Plaza for all to see upon arrival. Presented by CBU’s Board of Trustees, the monument was built “In honor of three decades of faithful service, visionary leadership and transformative results,” as written on the top of the plaque. The monument references one of Dr. Ellis’ signature phrases, “May the Lord continue to bless.” According to an article published by CBU News on Sept. 29, 2025, Dr. Anthony Dockery, chair of CBU’s Board of Trustees, recognized this adage and some of the blessings that have touched CBU under Dr. Ellis’ leadership. “That blessing is not abstract — it is seen in lives changed, in students sent out across the globe and in a university that continues to flourish,” Dockery said. “Per-
haps the greatest blessing has been God’s provision of faithful leadership. Building CBC into the wonderful institution it is today did not happen overnight. It took a targeted vision — strength to stay the course yet a nimbleness to pivot when needed.” By the grace of God and Dr. Ellis’ dedication to the Great Commission, CBU flourished, consistently growing and reaching record enrollment numbers. Paula Hau, junior accounting major, shared her thoughts on how this addition to the university honors its president. “I think it’s an amazing way of giving back to him too,” Hau said. “Like, he gives so much into this university and it’s just a way of honoring all the work and time and effort he puts into us, and just showing how much we appreciate him.” Anthony Frazier, junior film and broadcast and digital media production double major, discussed the legacy this monument will leave behind for future generations of CBU students. “I believe that it’ll let people in the future know what type of president he was for the campus,” Frazier said. “It can lead people into looking into who
Sydney Holloway | Banner California Baptist University commerates Dr. Ronald L. Ellis with a plaque near the Kugel dedicated to his 30 years of leadership. he was, what he did, how he helped build up this program from when he started to what it is now to what it’s gonna be in the future.”
In the article published by CBU News on Sept. 29, 2025, Dr. Ellis shared a few words from him and his wife, Jane, at the monument unveiling cer-
emony. Dr. Ellis expressed his appreciation and gratitude for this honor from the Board of Trustees. “I extend my sincere and
deep gratitude to the trustees for allowing us to live our dream,” Ellis said. “This recognition really touches our hearts.”
Indie music’s mainstream moment BY YEDID FUENTES A&E EDITOR
Indie music, once a genre reserved for underground listeners, is steadily reshaping the mainstream. Artists like Laufey, Dhruv, Keshi and Sombr climbed the charts and spread across social media, changing how young listeners connected with music. At California Baptist University, students noticed the shift while also reflecting on what made indie resonate so strongly. According to Andrea Zarczynski in an article written for Forbes, independent musicians captured more than half of the global recorded music market in 2023. Thanks to streaming platforms and shortform video apps, indie artists are no longer limited to niche audiences but could reach listeners worldwide. Many use digital tools to bypass traditional labels, giving fans direct access to their work and creating communities built around authenticity. One example is Laufey, whose music became popular after she independently posted videos on TikTok. This accessibility has blurred the line between alternative and pop, making indie a cultural force that extended beyond just a music genre.
Zarczynski notes that indie artists are “taking more control over how their work is released and shared,” a shift that in her view allows them to bypass the constraints of conventional industry gatekeepers. For Daniel Arriola, senior photography major, that sense of authenticity is what made indie stand out. “I find it much more personal than other genres,” Arriola said. “It meshes quite well with my vibe in that it tends to be pretty chill but also takes on a wide range of emotions in kind of brief stints in the music.” Arriola also saw how the meaning of “indie” evolved. “The term ‘indie’ used just to mean ‘independent,’ but now it has a very specific sound attached to it,” Arriola said. “I used to have to specify what kind of indie I listened to, but now it seems that indie folk like Noah Kahan, dominates the genre.” For Melanie Dieguez, junior criminal justice and political science double major, indie music’s appeal lay in its tone and lyrical depth. “The lyrics and melancholic vibe [are] almost like the perfect rainy day song without being too sad,” she said. She also noticed indie music’s broader exposure. “I do
Sophia McGilvray | Banner Grace Oliveri, sophomore graphic design and visual experience major, listening to her favorite Indie artist in her dorm. think indie music has become more mainstream,” Dieguez said. “It’s heard more on radios, there’s more exposure for indie artists on social media, and it’s beginning to be a preferred genre.” On campus, however, both students agreed Indie has yet to make a strong presence. Ar-
riola pointed out that he only noticed it through pop culture references, while Dieguez said she had not seen it gain traction at CBU. Still, both believe the culture behind indie music explained its strong pull on young audiences. Arriola saw it as a rejection of mass-produced sounds. “In-
Sophia McGilvray | Banner CBU student playing their favorite Indie artists on their record player. die culture is basically anti-big companies,” he said. “We don’t want mass-produced music. We want something handmade and real. Indie seems to fill that need.” For Dieguez, relatability is key. “I think people can relate to the music and the lyrics, which is why indie culture
resonates with young people,” she said. While indie has yet to fully dominate campus, its quiet rise in personal listening habits mirrored its larger cultural takeover. The appeal is simple: music that feels handmade, heartfelt, honest, and shapes the sound of the genre.
CBU receives property
Matcha shortage
A local Riverside couple donated a historic home and botanical garden to California Baptist University.
Japan’s matcha shortage affects local Riverside coffee shops, like Mikey G’s.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Single-A affiliate launched their new identity with construction of new field.
News, pg 3
Business & Tech, pg 10
Sports, pg 14
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Ontario Baseball Club