The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: Opinion

  • Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

    Charmaine Lawson, mother of David Josiah Lawson: In response to APD’s Press Release

    Dear Humboldt County Community Members,

    I, Charmaine Lawson (Mother of DJ Lawson), was disheartened and outraged at the press release issued yesterday from the Arcata Police Department (APD). For the first time after almost two years of allegedly investigating the murder of my first born son, APD set up a 24-hour tip line and released images of potential witnesses. Why weren’t these actions taken two years ago? And, why is the APD primarily releasing images of African American attendees of the party?

    As a Mother who raised two ambitious, amazing, brilliant, outstanding, young Black men (that both went to college), I am deeply disturbed by the recent actions of the APD. When I viewed the blurry images from the press release, all I saw was Black and Brown young people leaving the scene. Why didn’t the officers on the scene that night obtain their names, contact information and statements at the time of the murder? Why – after two years – is the APD just now trying to identify people in attendance at the birthday party? This is beyond negligent.

    I was told by the three chiefs of police from APD and a city official that Kyle Zoellner’s DNA is on the knife that was used to murder my son. It is time that Humboldt County residents call out and address the Arcata City officials and Humboldt County DA Maggie Fleming regarding DNA evidence appearing on the knife that wasused to murder a young college student. I cannot bring my son back, but we can help take a murderer off the streets. Why should a murderer walk the streets with your loved ones? If he killed once, he will kill again. Do you feel safer as a result of the actions the APD has taken in connection with this case? If not, then I encourage you to demand answers from your local representatives.

    ***I demand that the DA’s office hand over a copy of the official Grand Jury transcript to my lawyers.***

    This case must be immediately turned over to the CA Department Of Justice (DOJ). DA Fleming has previously called in the FBI and State Attorney General for help during the Sheriff’s Office corruption investigation. Fleming emphasized the urgency of the need for assistance to these outside agencies during that investigation. Why did she not push for the DOJ to take over the investigation of the murder of my son (especially after she failed to present adequate and/or sufficient evidence at both the preliminary hearing and grand jury proceedings)? The DOJ will not decline a county official request.

    I have been informed that there are only two major DNA contributors on the knife. DNA does not LIE. But, the DA has decided that in order to take any further action on this case the investigators need to find an eye witness. In other words, District Attorney Fleming wants the public to believe that eyewitness testimony is more reliable than the results of scientific DNA forensic testing. This is beyond absurd.

    ● Ann O’keefe was 11 years old when she was strangled to death in Southern California in 1973. DNA evidence brought her murderer to justice about 3 weeks ago.

    ● Anna Hiavka was found murdered in Portland in 1979. DNA evidence identified her killer as Jerry “Animal” McFadden.

    ● Grim Sleeper, serial killer Lonnie Franklin, responsible for decades of murders, was caught through DNA evidence.

    ● The Golden State Killer – 13 murder counts from 1970s to the 1980s – was caught through DNA evidence.

    These are just a few examples of how DNA evidence can identify a person(s) responsible for committing crimes. How long will I have to grieve before my son’s murderer is brought to justice?

    Two years ago, my son and his friends were leaving a birthday party when they were approached by a young woman and her friends about a missing cell phone. My son lost his life over a cell phone. A phone that was later found by Lila Ortega.

    I will fight for justice for my son. I will fight for justice in Humboldt County. There are many murder cases on DA Fleming’s desk that she is unwilling to prosecute. I am fighting for those families as well. The failure of the APD to protect and serve this community is an issue that is greater than my son. I will not accept the lack of justice for families (like mine) that have suffered as a result of incompetence, lack of proper training, and/or intentional or negligent mishandling of serious criminal investigations. My son is not the only murder victim whose case has been buried and swept under the rug in Humboldt County, California. Enough is enough. It is time to speak truth to power.

    I would like to offer my condolences and heartbreak to the family of Brandon Brocious, for the loss of your son, and miscarriage of justice today. The Lawson family stands with you. Justice for Brandon.

    “To be a man is to be responsible, is to feel shame at the sight of unmerited misery” – David Josiah Lawson, my beloved DJ.

    REST IN POWER MY SWEET LOVE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. ALWAYS AND FOREVER,

    MOMMYS ANGEL.

    In love and justice,

    Charmaine Lawson

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    Oh man, there must have been something in the air the week before Spring Break. Someone turned himself in for an outstanding warrant, there were multiple fights on campus and on the bus, slit car tires, drunk people on campus and finally, multiple skateboard violations. Oh yeah, and some folks got their pieces seized, bummer! But don’t worry, the week of Spring Break had its own eccentricities.

    The Rolling Count:

    · Possession charges = 5

    · Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 6

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday March 18

    · RAAAGEEEE FACE!!— “A vehicle owner who was irate with Parking staff regarding a parking citation was warned and advised of proper complaint procedure.” I get it, tickets suck. However, the parking staff are just doing their jobs, don’t scream at them.

    · The circus is in town— “A male who was balancing on a large red ball while juggling bowling pins in the parking lot was asked to move to a safer location.” I don’t know what a “safer location” would entail, but the dude is literally standing on a ball while juggling. I think he has it under control. But maybe not, ya’ never know.

    Tuesday March 19

    · This isn’t your room, it’s down the hall—So someone in Fern Residence Hall was “staying in a different room than the room which was rented to him.” Dude, just go home. If it smells, tell your roomies to clean the eff up.

    Wednesday March 20

    · Someone stole a scooter and that is about it for Wednesday.

    Thursday March 21

    · Open window policy?—Someone was spotted climbing through a window at the Fern Residence Hall. UPD was unable to find the person but concluded, “it was a resident who possibly lost his key.”

    Friday March 22

    · Take it outside—Someone was warned for skating inside of the Science D building.

    Saturday March 23

    · Stop it kid!—Literal children called UPD from one of those blue light emergency post things. UPD heard the “voices of children” in the background. Don’t worry, “the parents will admonish their children.”

    Sunday March 24

    · GHOSTS!!—I freakin’ knew it!! One of the librarians called UPD because she believed “there may be someone on the second or third floor.” UPD showed up… and found someone on the third floor. Dang it, I was psyched for some paranormal activity. One of these days, we will find some legit ghost activity.

  • OPINION: The World Surf League is just a glorified hobby

    OPINION: The World Surf League is just a glorified hobby

    Will professional surfing be here to stay after the fifth attempt?

    Surfing can be defined as a cutthroat sport to the Australians and Brazilians, and as a hobby by pretentious hipsters who are all about the vibe and the feeling they get from the waves. The fact that anyone can find enjoyment in surfing is what makes it great, so forget about the money or professional aspect and ask yourself, is surfing a sport?

    From 1964 to 1982 there were three attempts to make surfing a sport, none of which stuck until now. The WSL formed in 2015 and is the current platform for professional surfing. Before, there was a 31-year failed effort to represent surfing from the Association of Surfing Professionals. During the ASP professional surfing was not considered a sport because of the notion that burnouts, potheads, druggies and alcoholics were the ones competing. During the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s surfers didn’t command much respect from the general public, leaving them without any corporate sponsors or backing. Without money the ASP was forced to hold competitions at low-level spots that were accessible to all.

    Humboldt State senior Liam Salcuni questions the playing field.

    “It’s hard to consider surfing a sport when they have to rely on the ocean to just give them the opportunity to compete,” Salcuni said.

    After a spark in young talent, the WSL adopted the ASP format and began work to give surfing an excellent professional representation. One of the WSL’s first actions was to provide men and women equal pay. The equal pay when broken down for the 32 men and 22 women averages between $250,000-$400,000 a season considering where they place in the ten events.

    This average doesn’t account for the cost of equipment, entrance fees and the hefty amount of travel expenses when competing in remote destinations ten times a year. There’s only so much money that can be made during these ten events to fund a world sport. This brings into question how many people pay attention to the WSL and how much money are they making?

    Local surfer Mike Krakauer had little to say about the WSL.

    “I don’t pay attention to professional surfing until the season,” Krakauer said. “Even during it, I never watch any of the events live.”

    The surfing industry generates around $13 billion a year even though surfers don’t care about watching professional surfing live on a screen, they want to be surfing. The WSL is owned by Floridian billionaire Dirk Edward Ziff, who has invested a good chunk of his own money in making sure the WSL survives. With a billionaire’s bank roll, wave pools on the horizon and an invite to the Olympics, professional surfing seems to be on track, right?

    Hurley sales representative Mark Simpson shared facts about WSL viewership.

    “They average just over 1,000 viewers per event worldwide,” Simpson said.

    Even with all the positive steps professional surfing has taken the WSL still can’t seem to get the viewership to validate their success. It’s hard to consider surfing a sport because of a lack of viewership. They’re the World Surf League, where some of the most athletic surfers compete, but if only 1,000 people in the world are watching can you consider it a sport?

    Some facts show both sides, one being that Australia’s national sport is surfing, and two, surfing is the state sport of California. On the other hand, thousands of people surf and hundreds of people can surf better than the WSL competitors, but hey, they have day jobs. If you ask me, surfing isn’t a sport, it’s entertainment that a billionaire is trying to profit off of.

  • OPINION: Reddit is the sports fan’s best friend

    OPINION: Reddit is the sports fan’s best friend

    It’s only the way almost all of us stream our sports

    With six simple steps, you can master the art of streaming any live sporting event for free. All you need is a computer, internet, and the ability not to question something possibly illegal.

    Stealing a sporting event broadcasted by Comcast, ESPN, ABC or any network is illegal, but that doesn’t stop streamers from catering to the people. These streamers take live, national and local sporting events, and manipulate them to stream to thousands of viewers, which takes the athleticism of a 400-pound person sitting in a La-Z-Boy sipping on diet coke. In my eyes, they are athletes, nay, heroes. Streaming live sports from Reddit gives students the ability to watch their home team, a big game or even some college lacrosse.

    HSU alumni Tanner Wise uses Reddit often for streaming sports.

    “Reddit is my savior when it comes to streaming sports,” Wise said. “Because for one event, there’s always multiple streams.”

    You can stream any live event from award shows too little league baseball. Reddit makes the illegal seem legal by giving streamers a platform to help the viewer. If you can’t pay for sports or entertainment packages, turn to Reddit and embrace it. Streaming off Reddit is almost too good to be true, as you can go from one sporting event to the next all day to help get you through that Sunday hangover.

    HSU senior Brad Smith also uses Reddit to stream games and likes that it’s free.

    “I like the convenience, price and that I can watch MLB and NFL games anywhere,” Smith said.

    To better understand the six easy steps to stream live sports off Reddit pretend you’re hunting for a basketball game to watch. First, open your preferred internet browser and search ‘best NBA streams Reddit.’ Second, click on the first result, most likely titled ‘NBAStreams Reddit.’ You’ll get redirected to the happy place, where there’s a list of all the games in progress. From here choose your game and click. Once you do, a lengthy list of links and streams will appear.

    Veteran tip: stick to the top links that are in the box titled ‘Verified Streamers.’ Nobody knows who these fine verified streams are, but they’re legends to all sports fans. Countless viewers will remember their work.

    Step four, click on one of the top four links from the list of streams. You’ll enter a questionable website that makes you want to put duct tape over your laptop camera. But that’s the least of your worries, because, well…sports. The last step, click play, and experience freedom. Make sure to go full screen, as the advertisements on the side are a bit suggestive, and will make a stranger cringe.

    College of the Redwoods student Alex Wohlberg has embraced the convenience of Reddit but reminds us there are other ways to watch sporting events.

    “I sometimes go out to watch sports, but that’s only when there’s a big game,” Wohlberg said. “It’s more fun to be part of the crowd.”

    There is no right way to watch sports. Some pay thousands to be there in person, and others spend hundreds to watch it on their television. Sounds like a waste of money when you could be streaming it all for free via the almighty Reddit.

  • OPINION: R. Kelly is not the victim

    OPINION: R. Kelly is not the victim

    Robert Kelly is just one man and he had a whole team of people who allowed him to be foul

    Most of you by now have probably seen the meme of R. Kelly crying in front of Gayle King. The R. Kelly Gayle King interview has millions of views online. This has probably been the most ratings CBS morning has had in awhile, I now understand why the network agreed to take the interview. There’s also this nagging voice telling me, ‘At what point do we say R. Kelly has had his chance to talk and we can finally mute him?’

    Even though Kelly was acquitted of all charges in his 2008 trial, it does not mean there wasn’t a video of him with an underage girl. Let’s also not forget him marrying Aaliyah when she was only 15. While not being successfully prosecuted (yet), I feel he has had his chance to make his imprint on the already vulnerable African American culture and community. When we stop trying to listen, hear and understand Robert Kelly we should only be focusing on the real victims he has caused pain to.

    I think that anyone who helped Kelly in facilitating young women should be prosecuted too. Including the people who have been allegedly extorting Kelly for now three confirmed tapes with underage girls.

    I think the saddest thing about this situation is that once again young black girls are being failed by everyone who was supposed to protect them. In some cases, victims were given to Kelly with the parents’ permission.

    I think fame is one hell of a drug that many people are chasing. I think, while Kelly is a sick disturbed man, there were adults who allowed him to do what he wanted because of his status and perceived powers.

    I am not going to lie about being happy to see a man who has gotten away with ruining lives for 30 plus years finally being taken down (hopefully for good). I am not happy however with how the mainstream media is handling an extremely sensitive situation. While to the world we see the Kelly situation as this week’s drama or meme, we all must remember there are real victims and real pain.

  • Letter to the Editors

    Letter to the Editors

    SQE students demand disarming campus police as part of statewide campaign at Board of Trustees

    Starting at 10:00 am on March 19th, members of the Students for Quality Education will be advocating for disarming campus police and security along their peers at the Board of Trustees meeting at the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, California as part of their “No Harm, Disarm!” campaign. The demand is one of many to address student safety on campus, which also includes working to create community-led crisis intervention and response teams, investing in more mental health counselors and supports, investing in Black resource centers and other cultural centers, mandatory de-escalation and unconscious bias training for all campus police and security, and more.

    Members of the campus and local news media are invited to attend:

    Board of Trustees meeting/March 19th at 10:00am

    Office of the Chancellor/Long Beach

    Office map with parking information: https://www2.calstate.edu/maps-and-directions-to-chancellors-office

    Members of the Students for Quality Education will be at the meeting.

    Following the meeting, SQE students will be available to speak to media and reporters.

    BACKGROUND

    We want ALL students to feel safe on our campus. Instead of funding more firearms and officers on our campuses, our CSU’s should be investing in proactive and preventative solutions, like more mental health counselors and cultural centers for students.

    Regardless of how students react to police, campus police officers should undergo mandatory de-escalation and unconscious bias training to adequately deal with situations regarding all students. We recognize the over-policing of black and brown students and demand our CSU work with communities to explore alternatives to police and find solutions to police and student disparities. We want our schools to start adopting restorative justice practices to redefine what justice looks like in our communities, focusing less on punishment, and more on healing and repairing harm.

    More information about our “No Harm, Disarm!” campaign and our demands can be found here: http://csusqe.org/noharmdisarm/

    ABOUT STUDENTS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION (SQE): Students for Quality Education was formed in the 2007-2008 academic year by students in the California State University (CSU) system to build the student movement for educational rights in public higher education. They are assisted in their efforts by the California Faculty Association. For more information about SQE and information about chapters, go to http://csusqe.org.

    For more information contact: ealcantar@calfac.org

  • Letter to the Editors

    Letter to the Editors

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  • EDITORIAL: Badass womxn exist

    EDITORIAL: Badass womxn exist

    Represent the badass women in history

    It’s Women’s History Month and we want to talk about something that has been bothering us in the Lumberjack Newsroom: the lack of badass female representation in media.

    When there are badass female characters in a film or tv show, they’re usually relegated to the side for a male lead. Even when it comes to video game box art, you have publishers being pressured to not have a female on the front cover.

    With a surge of films and tv shows with female leads like “Wonder Woman” (2017), “Jessica Jones” and “Glow” we’re slowly getting more badass female representation. We would like to highlight some women in history that fall under this title.

    In 1941, Lyudmila Pavlichenko was 24 when she joined Russia’s Red Army to fight the Nazis. She joined the Red Army’s 25th rifle division as one of 2,000 female snipers. She rose to the rank of lieutenant in her division and killed 309 people, most of them Nazis.

    In June 1942 Pavlichenko met with President Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in an effort to convince the U.S. to support the European front of WWII. Pavlichenko and Eleanor Roosevelt got along well and developed a friendship with one another. When Reporters spoke with her, many of them criticized Pavlichenko for not looking ‘pretty enough.’ She was quoted as saying, “I wear my uniform with honor, it has the Order of Lenin on it. It has been covered with blood in battle.”

    In ’60s and ’70s Japan there was a gang known as the Sukeban girl gang that grew popular among high school girls. They were known to wear longer skirts and/or pants as a protest against the sexualization of young teens, and to give the middle finger to the traditional shorter skirts that girls were required to wear.

    They functioned similarly to the Yakuza gangs at the time with a strict code of honor, but focused on petty crimes like shoplifting and beating people up. Because of their popularity more films were made with a focus on all-female gangs like “Girl Boss Guerilla” and “The Pinky Violence.”

    When the Black Panther Party grew in Oakland in the 1960s, many young African Americans joined the group. One of them was 18-year-old Fredrika Newton. Newton disagreed with the image of how society portrayed the Black Panther Party as young African Americans carrying guns. Newton saw them as a group that helped African American communities by feeding them and getting them involved in local government.

    Newton married Huey Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, and founded the Huey P. Newton Foundation after his death. The foundation serves to carry on the Black Panther Party’s efforts in helping predominantly black communities while archiving the history of the Black Panther Party.

    This is just a small selection of badass women in history. There are many more out there who’re ultimate badasses. Maybe there’s even a badass woman in your life who doesn’t have as much recognition.

    Whether it’s your mom who took you to your first football game, or a friend who gave you the best advice to make you feel better, give the woman in your life thanks for being a badass.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    No new weed incidents to report. However, there was a report of a mountain lion on campus, a guy throwing a brick through his car window and some “suspicious circumstances.” A few incidents of mental health breakdowns also took place. If you are experiencing a tough time and need someone to talk to, reach out to the Counseling and Psychological Services folks at (707) 826-3236. Hopefully the blotter bytes can bring a few laughs to your life!

    The Rolling Count:

    · Possession charges = 5

    · Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 4

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday, March 4

    · Aww pretty kitty—A mountain lion was hanging out on the softball field around 8:30 p.m. Don’t try to pet wild animals, please.

    · Good guy alert x5—UPD helped with some jumpstarts and locked doors. Thanks!

    · Skating is not a crime…yet—Three people were warned for skating on campus. One blew through a stop sign and two “juvenile boys” were “riding tricks on the front steps” of the library.

    Tuesday, March 5

    · Nothing really happened on Tuesday. A couple people didn’t like stop signs and decided to ignore them and one person had a speeding problem. Maybe Wednesday will have something more interesting?

    Wednesday, March 6

    · Hit by car—A pedestrian was hit by a car on Plaza Ave. around 5:00 p.m. and was taken to hospital via ambulance. Listen up everyone, make sure to drive slow on campus and to be aware of your surroundings.

    · You get the boot!—Two vehicles received “vehicle immobilization” boots due to unpaid parking tickets. A lot of us are guilty of not paying parking tickets (what up Denver, CO!), but UPD can be lenient at times. Check in with them if you get one, or two. But after that you too may get the boot!

    Thursday, March 7

    · “Suspicious circumstances”—Two people were standing in the parking lot talking and “watching passersby.” So, someone called the cops. Pretty lame…

    · Harassment—Someone reported being harassed by an “unidentified male subject.” If you feel unsafe at night, or at any other time for that matter, don’t hesitate to call UPD for a safety escort. The phone number is (707) 826-5555.

    Friday, March 8

    · Loud noises!—There was a report of a man yelling at women near the Plaza Circle. However, when UPD showed up “no subjects were yelling.”

    · Maybe it was a fart?—Someone reported a gas leak near the sculpture lab on LK Wood. UPD showed up and were “unable to locate any issue.” The smell must have “up and vanished like a fart in the wind.”

    · Does it look like I’m camping?—Two people were thought to be camping on campus. Turns out one guy was charging his phone and the other was just in the Art B building around 6 a.m. Art is like the news, it doesn’t wait for anyone. Or something like that.

    Saturday, March 9

    · WTF?—Someone reported seeing “an unknown subject throwing a brick through the window of his vehicle.” Y’know, UPD will unlock the doors for you. You don’t have to shatter a window bro. There is another way.

    · Mistaken identity… kind of—UPD arrested a man for 148.9 PC. Which means that he falsely identified himself “as a fictitious person to…evade the process of the court, or to evade the proper identification of the person by the investigating officer.”

    Sunday, March 10

    · Outside assist—UPD helped the Arcata police look for four people who were “looking into vehicles.” I looked into a vehicle once, I wonder if the cops were called on me?

    · Mental health awareness—There were two incidents on Sunday that touched on aspects of mental health. Reports of mental health incidents have gone up in the last few weeks. Reach out to friends or family or the folks in the Student Health center. Also check out the mental health art exhibit outside of the Kate Buchanan room. It is titled Invisible Battles.

  • EDITORIAL: Our code of ethics

    EDITORIAL: Our code of ethics

    Students serving the Humboldt State campus and community since 1929

    The Journalism Code of Ethics is what every journalist follows, whether they are a writer from a multi-media conglomerate or a student run newspaper. We of the Lumberjack newspaper hold these code of ethics to heart, as it helps us navigate the world of becoming a journalist and presenting our stories to readers or viewers.

    One of the most vital rules we follow is to never show our work to the sources. We strive to make our stories as accurate as possible, and when we are asked by sources to preview a story before it’s publish, it will most likely not happen. We follow this rule because it takes away the independence of a journalist from gathering, writing and editing their story. If we were to share the story it would no longer belong to the writer, it instead implies that it belongs to the source. Our job as journalists is to seek the truth to a story and report it. Allowing someone to preview the story takes that away from us.

    Previewing a story for a source also sets a precedent of having to allow every source in the Lumberjack newspaper to preview a story. Hypothetically speaking, say we allow a story to be previewed by source. But because a minimum amount of sources for a story is three, that means having to allow those sources to preview the story as well. Not only that, but other stories have to follow the same thing as well. It not only takes away the story from the writer, but it takes time needed for the news to be published.

    The only time a journalist is allowed to share what they wrote for a story, is if they are talking about something complex like quantum physics. In this case, an expert can be consulted for accuracy.

    We understand the concern of a source wanting to preview a story is for accuracy purposes, but it’s up to us as journalists to be accurate in our story. If more clarity is needed in a story, the journalists will most likely ask for it.

    Student journalism can be an unpaid profession. Some students have to juggle running the news, while also attending classes. We have a rare luxury of making mistakes in the Lumberjack, but we learn from them.

    Mistakes are bound to be made. When we make mistakes, we answer questions of accuracy and make necessary correction as soon as possible. For us it’s a learning experience to run the Lumberjack. We are held to a high standard for delivering an accurate and fair story to our readers, so much so that we’ve won awards for our excellence. We pride ourselves in delivering stories for our readers.

  • OPINION: What happened on Live from HSU?

    OPINION: What happened on Live from HSU?

    Live from HSU Instagram stirred with controversial discussion

    Social media can be a powerful platform where people can express their opinions and uplift others or it can be a complete abuse of power. Recently the student-run Instagram ‘Live from HSU’ posted several photos about logging practices and the negative effects on forests. A stream of user comments responded. A mix of forestry students and plenty of science majors defended the logging industry, saying that practices have drastically changed in the past 100 years.

    Live from HSU brought this up as an open topic for people to bring different opinions to the table, and that’s exactly what happened. The posts got negative and defensive backlash as they were not backed up by factual evidence.

    The question is where does one draw the line when it comes to freedom of speech? When it comes to controversial topics the strongest amount of evidence backs up a claim the most.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Maddy Tervet” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”18″]”I don’t think that using the student-run Instagram was necessarily the best platform to relay his message…”[/perfectpullquote]

    When emotion and opinion get dragged in the waters get muddy and people lash out angrily. What came out of one post continued to come out with several other posts. Students spoke out in a way to defend the forestry department, but the account continued to respond in an emotional way.

    Maddy Tervet is an oceanography and chemistry major at HSU. Tervet said that she thinks the instagram user at the time had a valid point about these issues not being brought up enough.

    “But I don’t think that using the student-run Instagram was necessarily the best platform to relay his message,” Tervet said. “I think that if he’d been a lot less hostile in responding to people’s comments and had done his research before he posted, his message would have been well received.”

    The controversial topic about the logging industry is that people are clear cutting land due to historic intensive logging. The thing about the logging industry however, is that it has drastically changed over the years. What students are learning extensively now is how to restore the forests and fix what was done years ago. Sustainably managing the forests is what is being emphasized in the current forestry program.

    Colleen Sloan was among many of the forestry majors that responded on their defense to the Live from HSU Instagram post.

    “I see space for growth and fixing things that are broken,” Sloan said. “We’re in school to learn and go more in depth, so that what happened back in the day can be changed.”

    The ‘Live from HSU Quick Start Guide’ specifically states that the purpose of the Instagram is to show what it’s like being a student on this campus and share about their clubs and activities.

    [perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Frank Whitlatch, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”16″]“I think that in a lot of cases he crossed the line a bit, but we really try not to intervene. We don’t want to be controlling [the Instagram], we want it to be as authentic as possible.”[/perfectpullquote]

    Students receive a guide as to what they should and should not post at the start of their week and it specifically states, “because you are representing the Humboldt State and the CSU System DO NOT post…” the list goes on to show ‘views on politics or policies’ as one of the things to strictly not post about.

    Frank Whitlatch is the associate vice president for marketing and communication at HSU.

    “I think that in a lot of cases he crossed the line a bit, but we really try not to intervene,” Whitlatch said. “We don’t want to be controlling [the Instagram], we want it to be as authentic as possible.”

    Live from HSU took a student platform and abused its power, discrediting the school and some of its departments. Students took the platform as a way to defend the truth. Plenty, if not all, students responded in an emotional way, but did not fail to back up their comments with data or facts. It was a constant battle when the account responded and continued to make posts with negative rhetoric.

    Erik Van Steinburg is a wildlife major and was one of the many students defending misconceptions of the logging industry.

    “It’s just not right, a bunch of false statements were said,” Van Steinburg said. “To bash doesn’t make sense. It was emotional based and no facts were supporting [their claims].”

    The individual running the account declined to make a comment about the debacle. They took to the Instagram page to call out the journalism department and said that a journalist’s objective viewpoints can be problematic. With this came a new cycle of students and alumni responding all over again.

    “Misrepresentation in the media is seldom intentional, but it often happens to people whose viewpoint is radically different from the status-quo,” the individual said in a post.

    When emotion fights with emotion, the argument gets nowhere. This was clear as the week went on with several posts ending up the exact same way through the exact same cycle. The posts brought up controversies that should be discussed, but the individual who ran the account lacked the credibility to back up their facts.

    A platform like Live from HSU should be used to share a student’s experience here on campus, it can also be a platform where students can have open discussion about a topic they are passionate about.

    Students should know full well what kind of power comes with a platform like Instagram, especially when the platform associates with a public university.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    So, this week did not have any marijuana-related incidents. Good job guys! However, there was a stuck raccoon in a sewer grate, some ghosts and a few incidents of actual crime on campus, one involving a man trying to break into a vehicle while someone was in it. Make sure to avoid traveling alone at night and if you have to, call UPD for a late-night escort. They can be reached at (707) 826-5555.

    The Rolling Count:

    Possession charges = 4

    Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 2

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday Feb. 25

    · HELP I’m stuck!—“Solo female stuck inside the elevator” in the Jolly Giant commons. Guys, take the stairs.

    · HELP that thing is stuck!—Someone around 17 and B streets called UPD to report “a raccoon that appears to be stuck in a sewer grate.” Must have been a chubby bubby.

    · Good guy alert—Someone locked their keys in their car and UPD helped them out. Thanks fellas!

    Tuesday Feb. 26

    · Good guy alert x2—UPD helped with a late-night escort and locked car doors. And that was all that really happened this day…pretty chill really.

    Wednesday Feb. 27

    · Car troubles—Someone backed into a parked car around Laurel Drive and B Street and that’s all that really happened this day.

    Thursday Feb. 28

    · Whose dog is that?—A dog was “running loose” near Founder’s Hall. Parking officers caught the lil’ buddy and it was returned to the owner.

    · Ghosts again—UPD responded to an emergency call from the elevator at University Plaza. No one was there when they showed up so it has to be ghosts.

    · Danger bike—You know that bike that someone puts in the top rack of the skateboard rack outside the library? Yeah someone called the cops on it. Someone called the cops on a bike…locked in a rack…

    Friday March 1

    · I’m not leaving—Someone refused to leave the Kinesiology and Athletics building at 11:49 p.m., so the custodian called UPD. Late-night swole sessions have to end at some time guys.

    · Fun police!—UPD assisted the Arcata Police in breaking up three parties. Freakin’ buzzkill guys. Let us rage in peace.

    · Actual crime—Someone was caught trying to steal bikes near the Madrone Residence Hall. The person was arrested and had outstanding warrents.

    · Actual crime part deux—Someone stole a bike an hour after the other guy was arrested.

    · That is not my post—Someone called UPD because they noticed that there was a Facebook post that they did not make. I’m not a lawyer but I don’t think this is a crime and the person probably didn’t log out of their account or their friend is messing with them. Lighten up!

    Saturday March 2

    · Fun police x2—UPD helped break up more parties! This one was on 12th Street. Lame!!!!!

    Sunday March 3

    · Actual crime—Someone was “inside of his vehicle when a male attempted to break [in].” The person fled the scene but was later arrested and had an outstanding warrant. Be careful out there everyone, it seems like crime is on the rise lately. I wonder if it has to do with the lack of sunshine?

    · Graffiti—Someone called the cops because “a large piece of plastic… was spray painted” in the forest near Creekview. Really? The graffiti probably made that “large piece of plastic” look better.

    · “Suspicious circumstances”—Someone knocked over some bikes at the Tan Oak Residence Hall and someone may or may not have stolen a tire.

  • OPINION: So long and farewell

    OPINION: So long and farewell

    Bring on the pineapple?

    Upon walking around the Arcata plaza, you will notice a certain individual missing in a familiar place, William McKinley.

    The McKinley Statue was dedicated to Arcata by George Zehndery a couple of months after the Great Quake in San Francisco and was removed early Wednesday morning after watching over the Arcata Plaza since its arrival on July 4, 1906. McKinley’s absence is the result of a communal effort and last November’s election, and it is heard that his statue will be put into a museum.

    With the presence of our nation’s 25th president dominating the center of the plaza gone, it’s wondered what will fill the void. With a controversial icon removed from the plaza, it’s possible that the city of Arcata does not want to rush into anything. Yet the ideas to fill McKinley’s spot must be running through Arcatian’s minds.

    One idea floating around the Lumberjack newsroom is a giant pineapple. With the recent passing of HSU alumni and Spongebob creator Stephen Hillenburg, a giant pineapple should grace the Plaza’s presence where it is said that Arcata and HSU were Hillenburg’s inspiration for the show. Dedicating a giant pineapple in the middle of the Arcata Plaza would truly be a wonderful commemoration of the former HSU alumni.

    Here at The Lumberjack we are brainstorming ideas for potential candidates to fill the spot of McKinley.

    With such a key spot in town, something ought to fill the centerpiece of Arcata. If you, the reader, have any suggestions to what that could possibly be, post on the Lumberjack page on Facebook or Instagram and explain why you think your choice would be a great fit for the plaza.

  • Jussie Smollett calls himself the ‘Gay Tupac’

    Jussie Smollett calls himself the ‘Gay Tupac’

    Jussie Smollett’s lies affect other hate crime victims

    I was shocked but not surprised when I first heard Jussie Smollett was attacked by men in MAGA hats. I remember turning to my friend and saying, “This sounds like an episode of ‘Empire,’ it’s so crazy!” I mean we are living in 2019, Trump’s America, anything is possible. Then the details of what happened started to emerge and it made me think twice.

    If someone tells me they are a victim I automatically believe them. I will always believe the victim until evidence proves otherwise. Celebrities and politicians were coming from every direction in support of Smollett and calling out the racists who hurt him.

    I admit I had my doubts about the story from the start. I mean, who goes to get Subway during a polar vortex (Chicago was colder than Antarctica) at 2 a.m.? I think the biggest red flag is what they yelled, “Aren’t you that empire…?!” This statement made me think, “What racist white person is watching Empire in 2019?” I barely know black people who watch empire. Most of us fell off in season two. I know people are extremely racist, but who’s really trying to mess with Jamal Lyon from Empire? Before this scandal Smollett was non-problematic, which made the attack situation more shocking.

    Then we started getting reports from the Cook County Chicago police that Smollett wasn’t sharing the full story with everyone. The two white men in MAGA hats were in fact two big buff Nigerian men. Then we started to hear that Smollett paid them $3,000 to stage the attack with the fake letter and all. Even with these reports I needed to see evidence to believe it because Chicago police have a history of corruption and falsifying evidence. When the video of the men purchasing the bleach and rope emerged, I was no longer on Smollett side. As the days unraveled, we found the police had a phone record of him calling the men and the check that Smollett wrote to the men.

    The police charged Smollett for falsifying a police report. Smollett’s alleged motive was to make more money on his “Empire” salary. I believe that he was not working alone in his attempted hate crime hoax. I think there are more people involved. Who knows but Jussie Smollett decided to be the scapegoat so now he must face the consequences. I also want the two Nigerian men to be held responsible too. While they told the truth they still agreed to be complicit in the deceit. I’m sure if the police didn’t find out the real story those men would’ve never came out with the truth.

    What makes me the most upset about this situation is there are real hate crimes happening every day. Smollett used police resources for a publicity stunt. This event does affect people when they report because it makes people second guess victims when they do report crimes. In such divided times we didn’t need a Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax.

    I’m disappointed as a fan because I liked Smollett before all the drama. I thought he was a good role model for other black gay men. He never seemed like someone who would go to great lengths for exposure. It’s sad to see a someone with so much talent throw it away for nothing. We will just have to watch the justice system do their job in handling the Gay Tupac.

  • EDITORIAL: A chance to highlight pivotal African Americans

    EDITORIAL: A chance to highlight pivotal African Americans

    Don’t let Jussie Smollet’s actions ruin what Black History Month can accomplish

    Jussie Smollett is an American actor on the popular tv show “Empire” who staged a racially and homophobic attack on himself to boost his career. Smollett alleged attack has mountains of evidence that it was staged.

    The case has left Smollett’s fans and colleagues stunned. This scandal comes out on the tail end of Black History Month, which hurts more. We should not leave Black History Month on a bad note, so we want to highlight some black individuals who left their mark in history.

    Claudette Colvin was a teen in 1955 living in Montgomery, Alabama as an African American. While inside a bus, she refused to move from her seat for a white passenger, saying that it was a violation of her constitutional rights. She was arrested for the action and labeled a troublemaker by her community, leading her to drop out of school. Despite Colvin’s actions preceding Rosa Parks by nine months, little is known about what she did. She went on to be part of one of the four plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, where Montgomery’s segregation laws were found to be unconstitutional.

    Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman who passed away due to cervical cancer. Her cells were collected, and in a rare case they doubled every 24 hours. The aptly named HeLa cells are now used to study the effects of radiation and poisons without using human subjects, and were used for the development of the polio virus. Although there is controversy in the use of the HeLa cells, as Lacks’ family never received any recognition or compensation for the discovery. Despite this, the HeLa cells were pivotal in their medical uses.

    Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to stage a public flight in America. Coleman lived in Atlanta, Texas in 1892 until moving to Chicago at age 23. She wanted to explore aviation, but due to being black and a woman she faced racial and gender discrimination. Despite challenges, she broke through those barriers and received her pilot’s license after moving to France. She had a dream of starting an African American flight school in the US, but tragically died during an aerial flight rehearsal at the age of 34. Coleman was a pioneer for other African Americans who aspired to become a pilot, and was inducted in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006.

    The Harlem Hellfighters were the 369th Infantry Regiment and mainly consisted of African Americans. The Harlem Hellfighters fought in the trenches of Germany during World War I for six months, the longest any American infantry regiment fought during World War I. Two of their bravest soldiers were privates Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts, who fought off 24 German soldiers killing four during a surprise attack. Both Johnson and Roberts were awarded the French Croix de Guerre and were the first Americans ever to receive the award. This is one of many awards that the Harlem Hellfighters received.

    We wanted to move away from the negativity that came from this year’s Black History Month. Instead we want to highlight these African American individuals that had a pivotal role in shaping history and inspiring others.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    This past week had some serious crime. Someone was caught with a “weapon” while selling weed and a “casing” was found on the soccer field Sunday morning. Someone tried to fight somebody in the library and there may or may not be meth in the water. This week saw some contraband confiscations in the Jolly Giant Commons and a suspicious baby. Check it out!

    The Rolling Count:

    Possession charges = 5

    Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 4

    Blotter bytes

    Monday Feb. 18

    · BIKERS, YA GOTTA STOP —Five bicyclists were stopped and warned for blowing through stop signs.

    · Good guy alert x5—UPD helped five people with jumpstarts. They are here to serve and protect, that’s for sure.

    · Suspicious baby—There was a report of a man “[wandering] aimlessly, perhaps lost” with a small child. Must have been a sketchy looking baby.

    · A problem worth addressing—UPD warned a “male non-student” for camping on campus. The housing problem here is ridiculous and needs to be addressed. City council meetings are every first and third Wednesday at 6 p.m. Show up and demand change.

    Tuesday Feb. 19

    · DRUG ACTIVITY—Someone in the Jolly Giant mailroom got their piece seized. Bummer bruh, keep that shish on the D.L. next time.

    · GUNS AND DRUGS—Someone was arrested for “possession of a weapon on campus,” and for selling weed around the Rossow and Harpst Street area. That’s some real crime.

    · Smokin’ ciggies—Someone was busted smoking in the art quad. Smoking on campus anywhere is against the university tobacco policy. Head off campus or just start chewin’ ‘tabacka’. Dip spit is sexy in some parts of America.

    · Good guy alert x4—UPD helped with two jumpstarts, locked car doors and a late-night escort. Thanks fellas!

    Wednesday Feb. 20

    · I hope you’re alright—“The welfare of a student was checked at the request of faculty.” It is that time of the year when the sun leaves and the clouds drop their emotions upon us in the form of rain. If you’re experiencing tough times and need someone to talk to, check out the mental health services at the Student Health Center.

    · That’s gonna hurt—Someone twisted their ankle near the Campus Apartments and requested medical aid. Best wishes for a speedy recovery pal.

    · Good guy alert x5—Man UPD has been crushing it this week with helping people out. Two jumpstarts and three late-night escorts!

    Thursday Feb. 21

    · Fight club—“Second hand information of a fight on the third floor” of the library. This weather is really getting to people. The library is for studying, not fighting.

    · That is NOT your spot—Someone parked in a handicap spot without a placard near Redwood Hall. The driver was warned and let go without a ticket. I know parking is tight on campus but you should not park in a handicap spot!!

    · “Any type of contraband”—This just sounds cool. Talk about a cool band name, right?!?! Actually, what happened was some RA requested a pick up of “confiscated marijuana” and UPD collected it “for destruction.” I wonder if the cops smoke weed? Hmm, maybe I should follow this up for a story…

    Friday Feb. 22

    · Grand theft bicycle—There was a report of a stolen bike near B Street. It is a bummer that it was stolen, but at least it is one less person blowing through stop signs, right?

    · “Vehicle investigation”—“Subjects parked and walked down to the duck pond.” That’s literally word for word what the report says. WTF happened? Did they kill a duck? Smoke some weed? Partake in some deviant acts? You’re leaving us hanging here UPD!!

    · There’s meth in the water!!—Someone called 911 and reported that they were having a heart attack because “someone put meth in his water.” I’ve never done meth before, but I don’t think that is how it works. I could be wrong. The guy survived the night and doctors told him that there was no meth in his water.

    Saturday Feb. 23

    · It’s two in the morning… go home—At 2:38 a.m., two people went into a room in Nelson Hall East, “closed the doors and shut off the lights.” “They lit candles and started summoning demons,” officer Joe Schmoe said. “It was dope as hell.”

    Sunday Feb. 24

    · Suspicious circumstances—A casing was found on the soccer field by a coach around 11 in the morning. What the eff?

    · They can track you—Someone called 911 and when the operators called back they just hung up, multiple times. So, they used the cell towers to locate the phone. Creepyyyy.

  • EDITORIAL: Self-love is self-care

    EDITORIAL: Self-love is self-care

    Remember to take time for yourself and stay mindful of stress factors

    Here at Humboldt State University, we’re in week five of the semester. We understand that for some this semester will be stressful and we want to encourage you to love yourself by promoting a healthy body and mind.

    The most important thing you can do is sleep for eight hours or more, don’t fret on getting assignments done and absolutely do not cram assignments. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the number of students who are lacking sleep or are sleep deprived are at an all time high. Not only can this lead to poorer work quality, but it can also lead to mood swings and higher potentials for motor accidents.

    Here are some things that can help you get a good night’s sleep. Drink Chamomile tea before bed; chamomile is known to have properties that induce sleep and it’s a mild effect so it won’t completely knock you out. Another thing that can help you sleep is to exercise often, go on walks or do a full cardio workout. What matters is exerting enough energy to make yourself tired so you knock out when you hit the bed.

    Speaking of exercising, it’s very important keep your body active when in college. The NCBI has said that students in university are lacking in physical activity; that is not surprising since we are juggling classes each semester that we don’t have time to even take care of our bodies.

    If you are one of those people who don’t have time then walking to class is a good enough exercise, doing stretches is also a good way to exercise. If you do have time and energy to exercise, HSU students are able to use the HSU Student Recreation Center, you just need to bring your student ID to sign up for a membership. It beats having to spend hundreds for a gym membership.

    It’s also important to budget your money wisely. Instead of eating out, cook something instead. It’s not only cheaper, it’s also healthy. Another plus side is that it’s also very rewarding to make something delicious. HSU also has the Oh SNAP! pantry that offers HSU students with food, spices and recipes, it’s a good alternative for those who are on a tight budget.

    Last but certainly not least, step away from assignments for a little bit and do something that’s fun for yourself. Play a video game, read a book, watch a movie, talk with friends…whatever keeps your mind away from all your stresses.

    Stress is a dangerous baggage to carry, which is why you should keep a level head. Some students come from far away locations, HSU has its own Counseling and Psychological Services Resource if you are dealing with stressful events.

  • OPINION: Housing woes and worries

    OPINION: Housing woes and worries

    The vulnerability of renting as a college student

    Anyone who has to deal with high-headed college students is going to have the occasional ill-mannered day. But is taking advantage of a college student’s vulnerability in renting a home justifiable because one is having that ill-mannered day? Or is it just your way of demeaning my lack of knowledge about a topic you excel at? Just because I’m 20 and I’m attempting to learn how the real world works, doesn’t give you the right to belittle my understanding on a matter I’m trying to grasp.

    If you’re a college student living in Arcata, you know exactly what I am talking about. Property management around Humboldt State University is extremely poor, from the landlords “helping” to rent the space to the space itself.

    Young adults are leaving on-campus housing in hopes of finding a comfortable home in town and a safe place to reside for the remainder of their time in college. Several students have not only had problems with finding housing, but have found substances like mold in their homes, including myself.

    I recently moved from a studio apartment to a two-bedroom because my boyfriend and I needed more space to live comfortably. Aside from the property managers being extremely rude throughout the moving process, I found black mold in my shower the very first time I used it. I should not find mold in my home after moving into a space that the property management stated on paper, had been thoroughly cleaned.

    It is only fair that properties are kept up in terms of maintenance, and do not have substances like black mold at all! It’s as if these housing management companies around here just don’t care. They are in the office at eight in the morning, and out by five in the afternoon with no other concern.

    I mean, maybe I have this imaginary standard of how professional property managers should be and how clean new homes should look, or maybe I am simply addressing an issue that many don’t have the time to.

    If the property managements are not going to enhance their customer service or even their properties, I feel that Humboldt State should take the initiative in helping students find adequate housing as they move off-campus.

    Chant’e Catt has recently become HSU’s Off-Campus Housing Coordinator, in hopes of helping homeless students find a home as well as teaching students the do’s and don’ts of dealing with property managements with a new program called the Educated Landlord-Tenant Program. I think this project start-up is a great solution to college students figuring out their off-campus housing, but not enough of us know about it. The housing project has already held several discussions that have been open to all students and community members.

    One way or another, college students should not have to choose between living homeless or living in a dirty home with substances like mold. If a property manager is going to take money from a college student’s very tight budget, the least they can do is ensure that the home they provide is safe and clean.

    Unfortunately, this is an issue in more college towns than just Arcata. It’s a national problem and it’s something I feel should be addressed sooner than later.

  • OPINION: Humboldt, we have a problem

    OPINION: Humboldt, we have a problem

    Humboldt County needs more transportation options

    Humboldt is a beautiful place for someone who is used to an urban area like myself. Being from Los Angeles, seeing the huge redwood forest for the first time was inspiring. I do think it’s a great school to go to for people like me who lived in the city all their life. I just wish it was easier to get here and to get out.

    For starters, the only airport that students can utilize is California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport. It is not considered a major airport like San Francisco International Airport or the Oakland International Airport. ACV is pretty small and limits you to United being the only airline options for getting here by plane. More options for airlines would be great for travelers. SFO and OIA may be an option but those airports are five or more hours to get to from Humboldt.

    While there are shuttles like the Homeward Bound bus service offered by HSU, good luck getting a spot on time. The fall break bus shuttle sold out in a little over an hour of being sold in November 2018.

    A lack of train shuttles is disheartening especially after hearing of the bullet train going from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

    Greyhound and Amtrak shuttles are also here but people who have used those types of shuttles to get to Humboldt (or get out), know that sitting on a bus for hours with “interesting” people can be an unpleasant experience. I’ve personally had a very negative experience taking the Greyhound.

    While I do think that HSU has issues with traveling options, some options do exist for students who want to travel.

    As mentioned, the Homeward Bound bus service is a step in the right direction in combating this issue but I do think there should be more buses available instead of the two buses for students to take to San Francisco or Los Angeles. If there were more buses, there could be a potential to drop off students at other locations like Sacramento, Riverside or San Diego. It would open more options for students.

    HSU also has a service called Zimride, where students can offer a carpool for students who need to get around or they can post that they need a driver to get somewhere. Nelson Hall also has a board on the second floor hallway for students to post carpool services or post that they need to get somewhere.

    There are some solutions to the issue of getting to and from Humboldt but there is still a ton of work that needs to be done to better transportation for homesick students.

  • OPINION: Surfing isn’t an Olympic sport for a reason

    OPINION: Surfing isn’t an Olympic sport for a reason

    Let’s get ready for the inevitable disaster that will be Olympic surfing

    Surfing is set to make it’s debut as an Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo summer games. Many are excited, but what I’m anticipating is a failure that compares to past Olympic blunders like Tug Of War (1900-1920) and Hot Air Ballooning (1900). Why, you ask? Because surfing is a hobby. Not a sport, and certainly not an Olympic sport.

    In Sep. 2015 the IOC (International Olympic Committee) received a proposal to add a number of events, including surfing to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A year later during the 129th session of the IOC a unanimous decision was reached to include surfing. With four years to spare the IOC was confident. Now, with a year remaining and the format still not finalized, it shows only surfers should hold surfing competitions.

    I present one question to the 90 IOC members. Have you ever watched a surfing competition? Because if one of the IOC members had, they’d know that surfing is one of, if not the most boring sport to watch live. Twenty minute videos of epic, mesmerizing surfing is filmed over months and doesn’t show the thousands of other waves surfed. That surfing can’t, and won’t be produced in Tokyo because the geniuses at the IOC are expecting video worthy, once in a lifetime waves to be produced twice in a matter of 25 minutes. Absurd.

    The event will include just 20 men, and 20 women competing respectively. Begging the question, who from the 32 men and 22 women on World Surf League (WSL) will be selected? Well, the all-respected IOC has decided to cherry pick the top 10 men, and top eight women at the end of the 2019 season and gift them a spot in Tokyo. Guess what IOC, all you’re doing is helping out America, Australia and Brazil. If 2019 is like 2018, those will be the only countries represented.

    HSU junior and surfer Aaron Friedley plans on watching the 2020 Olympics.

    “[I’m] excited to watch surfing in the Olympics, but if some countries aren’t represented that’s not fair,” Friedley said.

    Here’s a solution, just hold a competition between those three countries and call it a day. The final 20 Olympians will be decided in sub-par surf at the Pan-Am Surfing games, and at two ISA Surfing events this year to decide who will compete against the top ten men, top eight women and two Japanese representatives.

    The two day Olympic competition has been given a 16-day window to wait for the best surf, but what if good surf never comes?

    HSU senior and Surfrider Club president, Jeff Knapp also confirmed that surfing competitions are almost always held at crappy beach breaks.

    “You can’t rely on the ocean for good conditions,” Knapp said.

    This forces surfers to paddle for every wave, and surf like they’re stomping out a fire. The competition format has never represented true surfing, showing that it’s a hobby. To enforce this, the Olympic competition will be held at Shidashita Beach because of its “consistent summer trend.” Keyword trend, because it’s impossible to predict surf four years in the future. Shidashita, located 40 miles outside of Tokyo, is a shifty sand bottom beach break. Shifty because sand moves into unpredictable bars. These bars, when organized, produce great surf, but when unorganized are board-breaking machines. Go Shidashita!!!

    The IOC began disaster preparation in 2016 when partnering with the WSL and Kelly Slater to create a wave pool in Japan. This precautionary pool has remained a secret, will be done by 2020, and is supposedly not seeing any Olympic surfing. Side note, the cost of constructing a wave pool is upward of $30 million dollars, a pricey precaution for an event based off an ocean that’s free.

    HSU graduate student Taylor Team addressed wave pools, said that surfing isn’t for controlled environments.

    “You need to be at the mercy of the elements, not a pool,” Team said.

    But I’ll spare you the wave pool rant, because it requires elaboration and critical focus to see past the roller coaster bullshit. Bottom line is the IOC has no idea what they are doing when it comes to surfing.

    For consideration: I surf, and I believe that surfing is a hobby. There are numerous types of surfboards that all pertain to different wave shapes and speeds. To say you can only be judged if you ride one type of surfboard, on one type of wave, in one style, doesn’t make any sense. The IOC is putting surfing in a box by promoting an inaccurate representation of surfing that only a handful of people can do, and don’t realize that surfing can’t be judged over 25 minutes.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    The Rolling Count:

    This week in drug-related activity was pretty chill. Nobody was charged with possession and nobody was caught in the act of smoking weed. However, we do have to salute a fallen soldier. On Wednesday Feb. 6 in the Alder residence hall, “marijuana related contraband located during a fire drill was seized for destruction,” according to a police report. It is unfortunate that the individual lost their bong, bowl, pipe, vape or whatever; but let’s look on the brightside—nobody caught a charge! And that my friend is dope a.f.

    Possession charges = 4

    Contraband/Paraphernalia= 1 (no one was charged but someone did lose a piece, so I’m counting it)

    Hootie Hoo!—what the cops are up to:

    Monday Feb. 4

    • STOP! (in the name of love)—A cyclist ran a stop sign at 17th and Wildlife Lane. They were just warned, but everyone should know that bikes must obey the same traffic laws as vehicles.
    • Petty Theft—Someone stole a purse from the Student Health Center and that is lameeeee.

    Tuesday Feb. 5

    • LOUD NOISES! —Multiple burglary alarms went off on Tuesday. One of them was due to a broken window at Room 142 of the Wildlife building.
    • I swear this isn’t cocaine—Someone spilled a whole bunch of flour near the Pedestrian Underpass near LK Wood Blvd. The subject helped clean up the white powder and then went along with his day.
    • Serving the community—UPD helped with a flat tire, a locked car door and two dead batteries, all in one day. If the cops help you, make sure to give them a hug, handshake, or a “thank you.”
    • Vandalism—Someone drew something on something somewhere (Gist Hall). Freakin’ yawnnn. Who cares about vandalism anymore, I got student loan debt to worry about.
    • An issue worth addressing—A “male non-student was warned for…camping/sleeping on campus property…” Arcata’s new mayor Brett Watson said he wants to focus on helping our fellow citizens-in-need during his first term as mayor. Let’s hope he can succeed in helping those who call our streets home.
    • Whoa bro!—Somebody got warned for skateboarding on campus where they shouldn’t be. Next!
    • Help I’m stuck!—Around 1 p.m. someone got stuck in the elevator in Founder’s Hall. Talk about a nightmare.

    Wednesday Feb. 6

    • Someone literally lost their car—Someone thought they parked their car at the Children’s Center when they actually parked it in the Jolly Giant lot. That is literally on the other side of campus ya silly goose!
    • Annoying neighbor—Someone called the cops because a car was parked on B Street “for the last two days and has not moved.” Come on! You live in a college town. This person probably opposes new housing projects too. Lame!
    • Good Guys—The cops jumpstarted someone’s car. That’s pretty cool, right?
    • Drug Activity! (it’s weed again)—It’s the same thing I told you about in the Rolling Count. Next!
    • Those dang skateboarders are at it again—Skateboarding is not a crime, until they cite you for doing it on campus. This person was skating near B Street in someplace they shouldn’t be. I once heard that heaven is a halfpipe, so you got that to look forward to.
    • Grand Theft Laptop—Someone stole a laptop, which can be devastating. I mean if someone stole mine, I would probably cry and freak out and have a panic attack, because all of my school work is on here. Don’t steal laptops, or in general. Stealing’s bad, mkay?

    Thursday Feb. 7

    • Burglary—The Pacific Southwest Research Lab on Bayview Street was broken into around 11 p.m. A 37-year-old man was arrested. No details were listed about what he tried to take.
    • Smokin’ ciggies—An “anonymous crime tip email of two females smoking cigarettes” near the Student Health Center was reported around 2:30 p.m.
    • Paranormal activity—There were five calls to UPD from the Library elevator. The report says it was due to an “equipment malfunction,” but I think it is ghosts so that’s what’s going into the public record.
    • Good guy alert—Someone got an escort to their car from UPD at 1:39 a.m.

    Friday Feb. 8

    • Petty Theft—Someone stole a bike chain… but not the bike… hmm
    • 9:08 a.m.—“Officer contacted a subject who appeared to have a bulge in their waistband under a coat. It was not a weapon.” This occurred at the intersection of Union and 10th.

    Saturday Feb. 9

    • IT SNOWED!!!!
    • Paranormal activity 2 (ghosts are real)—There was a report of a tarp and other items left in front of the Natural History Museum on G Street. But when the cops showed up…it was gone! Ghosts came and cleaned up the mess, definitely not a person, but ghosts.

    Sunday Feb. 10

    • Paranormal activity 3—Four times throughout the day 911 was dialed and “voices were heard.” Ghosts, guys, freakin’ ghosts.
    • Heroes!—A “male non-student was transport to Mad River Community Hospital due to possible hypothermia.” Our counterparts that call our streets and wooded areas home are always in need of warm clothes and food donations. Donations can be dropped off at the Arcata House at 501 9th Street. Bedding, socks and raincoats are always in need.
    • There is stuff everywhere—Downed tree limbs, power lines and other stuff in the street were reported on Sunday. Probs due to that dang snow! Send me to L.A. I’m over this rain/snow stuff! (JK there’s too many people there).
    • HELP WE’RE STUCK!—Eight people were stuck in elevators on Sunday due to power outages (or ghosts). Eight! I’m taking the stairs from now on.
  • EDITORIAL: Support black-owned businesses

    EDITORIAL: Support black-owned businesses

    It’s time for the Humboldt community to start supporting black-owned businesses

    Humboldt County is a predominantly white community. According to Data USA 75.4 percent of the population is made up of white residents. When it comes to the business ownership aspect the numbers are even lower. While they exist, there is a lack of black-owned businesses. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2012 only 1,853 minority owned businesses around Humboldt County, meanwhile non-minority businesses make up 10,333 in Humboldt County.

    It’s important for us as students to highlight a lack of diverse groups around the Arcata community, as we strive to be a university that prides itself in having a diverse group of students.

    There are some black-owned businesses that are around Humboldt County. Over at Eureka there is Dewy’s Beauty Boutique that stocks ethnic hair care products. However, their products are on the expensive side for students who are already on a tight budget. If there were more business that provided this need, it’d be a different reality for many students.

    Last month, the Eureka NAACP chapter spoke about how important it is to support black businesses around Humboldt County, as it shows love and support to the black Humboldt communities. There are black-owned businesses like A Taste of Bim, Sistah’s Vegan and Shine Aesthetic just to name a few.

    In the first episode of Michael Santiago Render’s Netflix series “Killer Mike’s Trigger Warning,” Render lives three days supporting only black businesses in Atlanta, Georgia. However this proves to be difficult for Render, as there are no black-owned hotels or even foods in some cases, leaving him hungry and sleeping on public benches. The take-away from this episode is to highlight how sparse black businesses are in the USA.

    Luckily, there are some clubs, organizations and events to help with diversifying our community. The Multicultural Center at HSU is a student-led organization that helps the diverse student population, while also being open to everyone who is interested. They work closely with the D street community center to hold their events, such as the Home Away From Home Potluck. Also, there’s the African American Center, the Latinx center and the Native American center (ITEPP). All these organizations offer services and plan events for students and the community.

    The next locally black-owned businesses coming to campus is Shine Aesthetic and Dewy’s Pop Up. They’ll be on campus Wednesday Feb.13 from 2-5 p.m. at the African American Center for Academic Excellence in Nelson Hall 206. It’s up to us as a community to support them and other black-owned businesses as they come to Humboldt.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    The Rolling Count

    As mentioned in a previous article, it is still illegal to possess weed on campus. Since the new year, four people have been charged with marijuana possession on campus, two of them being for individuals between the ages of 18-20. Although it happened last year, it is worth noting that there were 22 cases of either paraphernalia or “contraband” being seized in 2018. “Contraband” can be considered bongs, bowls, pipes, grinders, you know all the things needed to “blow ‘dro”, “puff cheeba”, “blaze up” or whatever else you call it.

    As part of this series, The Lumberjack will be keeping track of all marijuana possession charges, as well as paraphernalia and “contraband” charges. So far the “Rolling Count” for possession charges is at four and the the “Rolling Count” for paraphernalia and contraband is at zero.

    “Hollerin’ ‘hootie hoo!’ when we see the cops”

    Monday Jan. 28

    • Ew what is that?!?!—Bloody tissues were found along side a blanket near the Rohner Admission Center around 9:00 a.m., however the owner of the bloody tissues and blanket were nowhere to be found.
    • Someone stole something—A petty theft of an item valued over $50 was taken from the Music B building at around 1:30 p.m. hopefully the item will be returned in the near future.

    Tuesday Jan. 29

    • Someone buttdialed the cops—This happens way too often as you will see in future Blotter Bytes.
    • You can’t smoke here bro!—UPD was called to respond to multiple reports of someone smoking on campus. Listen up folx, HSU is a no tobacco campus, puff that stuff elsewhere.
    • A case of mistaken identity (aka fraud)—A camera was previously checked out from the Library using someone else’s ID and was not returned and was reported at 8:19 a.m. as fraud.
    • A trespassing charge was issued to a man “asking the housing department desk for info regarding a homeless shelter.” It is shameful to think that when a person was asking for help, he was detained and arrested instead. Shame on the powers that be.

    Wednesday Jan. 30

    • The skatepark is that-a-way homie!—Someone called the cops to report “skateboarders creating a hazard to pedestrians.” Skateboarding is not a crime…unless UPD catches you.

    Thursday Jan. 31

    • An issue worth addressing—Some of our more marginalized and needing counterparts call our streets, parking lots, forested areas and underpasses home for the night. UPD was called because of a camping violation under the underpass that leads from campus to G Street. The individual was let go without a ticket.
    • Another unneeded call to 911—Arcata Police (UPD and APD work together sometimes) responded and the caller said it was an accident.
    • No Fly Zone—A man was flying a drone around campus at 11:46 p.m. UPD responded and told the individual to land his aircraft, because people thought that aliens were coming. JK JK aliens aren’t coming here, he just didn’t have the proper paperwork.

    Friday Feb. 1

    • Nothing too substantial happened. Just another unneeded 911 call (I told you this happens a lot), someone drew something on a “Telecom box” outside of Maple Residence hall and some people were pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign. I thought Fridays were supposed to wild.

    Saturday Feb. 2

    • Umm excuse me, but you don’t live here—“Two suspicious subjects” were asked to leave the Sunset Residence hall at around 10:00 p.m.
    • Drug Activity! (calm down it’s just weed)—Someone was cited for 11357 (a)(2) at around 10:15 p.m. 11357 (a)(2) is written out for marijuana possession for adults ages 18-20.
    • What the eff is that smell?—A burning smell was reported in Fern Residence hall at 3:14 p.m. Turns out nothing was on fire but a fan in one of the bathrooms stopped working.

    Sunday Feb 3.

    • Super Bowl Sunday! Things are going to get lit AF for sure, right?!?! Turns out not really. Just a couple of people got pulled over and someone accidentally went into the wrong room.