The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: Safety

  • Face coverings are vital to preventing spread of COVID-19

    Face coverings are vital to preventing spread of COVID-19

    Humboldt State University taking necessary first step by requiring students and faculty to wear face coverings on campus.

    Humboldt State University, after being closed since March, has reopened six months after the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. HSU was approved by the California State University system to offer “limited face-to-face courses this fall,” according to the HSU website. Considering the circumstances, HSU is taking the right precautions to keep both the students and faculty safe.

    The university announced safety precautions on Aug. 4, which includes wearing face coverings with at least two layers of 100% cotton. These are required on campus at all times, both indoors and outdoors. HSU will provide students with face coverings at the campus Police Department, the first floor of Student and Business Services building, Jolly Giant Commons, College Creek Market and the Parking Kiosk.

    Other precautions include practicing social distancing of six feet at all times when possible, refraining from gathering in groups, staying away from crowds, frequent washing of hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. The commitment to the precautions established by HSU represents a social responsibility that keeps us safe, as long as we follow them.

    Although wearing masks is uncomfortable, research has shown that they prevent transmission of coronavirus when worn correctly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the spread of COVID-19 mainly results from settings where people are in close contact with each other, so the use of masks are especially effective in environments such as universities.

    Different kinds of masks “block [the] virus to a different degree, but they all block the virus from getting in,” said Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease physician at the University of California, San Francisco, to The New York Times. No matter what type of face coverings people wear, it is still much more protective than not wearing one at all.

    It’s also important to wear masks correctly, covering both one’s mouth and nose at all times. They need to be secured to the face without being too loose or too tight, making sure people are still able to breathe. They also need to be worn hands-free. Working at a grocery store during this pandemic, I’ve seen multiple people’s masks fall to their necks and they try to hold it up to their face, which leads to the spread of particles. Touching masks is unsanitary, so washing hands with soap and water is critical. The risk of spreading respiratory particles is much higher if the mask is not worn correctly.

    Masks are only one of many protocols HSU has enforced. Students were instructed to follow safety protocols on Aug. 15 when over 200 of the 800 students moved into on-campus housing. All students were expected to self-quarantine for 14 days following their move-in day. Considering the risks of the spread of COVID-19, the university made the correct decision to reduce the number of students allowed to live in on-campus housing. It was also decided to make all rooms single occupancy.

    Following health protocols is crucial, especially during a global pandemic. Wearing masks on campus has been mandated for all students and faculty members, and will be a major part in limiting the transmission of COVID-19. It will be especially important this fall when some students and faculty will be taking part in hybrid learning, which includes limited face-to-face contact.

  • Motorcycle Tips for Riding in the Rain

    Motorcycle Tips for Riding in the Rain

    It’s always important to drive safely, but especially for motorcyclists in the rain

    Riding a motorcycle is a very exhilarating experience, and just like driving a car, it becomes a little more dangerous in the rain.

    Humboldt County is no stranger to the rain, and if two-wheel transportation is your main way of getting around, here are some things to think about before you ride.

    Proper Gear: Pants and a sweater aren’t going to cut it. Water resistant gear is highly recommended so you don’t freeze, it can impair both your decision making and ability to maneuver the bike. If you can afford it, heated vests and gloves are a great investment. You are better off with boots than sneakers, and luckily a dual-purposed pair of water resistant hiking boots will do the trick.

    Check Your Bike: Wet roads mean less traction. After it rains, oil comes up to the surface of the roads, so make sure your tires aren’t worn out. Leaning and shifting your weight is a critical part of riding. You don’t want the bike to go sliding because of bad tread. Check your brake pads, lights and do any other regular maintenance you may not have kept up on before riding out in bad weather.

    Puddles are NOT Fun: In a car or truck it can be fun to make huge splashes. However, puddles can be deceiving and even a small pothole can send you flying off your bike. If possible, always safely maneuver around puddles.

    Rainbow Roads Are For Mario Kart Only: The pretty little swirls of color you see are just oil puddles waiting to send your bike swerving. Be extra careful at stop signs and lights; cars and trucks sometimes sit at intersections for a while and any leaking oil adds up.

    Stay On Pavement: Try to avoid riding on painted lines, manhole covers or any other shiny/metallic surfaces in general. If it was slippery when dry, it is even more dangerous when it rains, especially given that the reduced tire grip can lead to hydroplaning. If you have to go over something, avoid any sudden inputs such as quick acceleration or slamming the breaks.

    Slow and Smooth: Ease off the throttle sooner and give yourself more room to stop. Take turns at lower speeds so you can keep a safe and constant speed, and don’t shift your weight too abruptly. Sudden actions like slamming on the breaks and quickly switching your weight can put you down quickly even in good weather.

    Find A Dry Path: Trucks and cars clear paths when they drive, pushing away water and other debris. Ride in their tire tracks, but that doesn’t mean tailgate them. You need to give yourself extra room to brake in the rain.

    As always, remember to have fun! Riding a motorcycle is a drastically different experience than driving a car, and they’re meant to be enjoyed. Humboldt is a beautiful place to explore, from the ocean to the forests there are no shortages of great views, and the rain doesn’t need to deter you from that experience.

  • HSU Student Slashed in Arcata

    HSU Student Slashed in Arcata

    Arcata incident renews doubts of local safety and transparency

    A black 18-year-old HSU student reported being slashed with a knife near 14th and G streets in Arcata on Aug. 26, according to a Humboldt State University press release sent out Friday, Sept. 27.

    The incident occurred more than a month ago, but students are only just hearing about it. Associated Students President Yadira Cruz wished HSU had notified students to avoid feelings of mistrust.

    “To avoid that, just send out an email as soon as it happens,” Cruz said. “Just develop that transparency.”

    The press release went on to summarize the events after the student fled Arcata and returned to HSU.

    “Paramedics were called, and they were taken to Mad River Community Hospital where they were treated for the injury,” the press release, written by HSU Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management Jason Meriwether, said.

    Cruz said the student has reported being physically fine as of Monday.

    The incident, which largely flew under the radar until reporting from Lost Coast Outpost dug it up for a story published on Thursday, Sept. 26, is now under investigation by the Arcata Police Department.

    The HSU press release noted multiple media narratives and sought to clarify the situation. On the night of the incident, HSU determined that no threat to the campus existed, and did not send out a notification.

    The release also noted no evidence of the incident being a hate crime, which would warrant notification.

    “If there had been an imminent threat or evidence of a hate crime, the campus community would have been alerted by text and email using HSU Alert,” the release said.

    Cruz, along with several HSU faculty and staff, reviewed and gave consultation for the release.

    Cruz first heard about the incident from a Lost Coast Outpost reporter seeking her comment. Cruz wondered whether HSU would’ve notified students if it weren’t in the midst of an enrollment decline.

    In any case, Cruz wished HSU had notified the campus, regardless of whether the incident appeared to be a hate crime.

    “Saying it’s not race-related is not a valid excuse,” Cruz said.

    The press release emphasized Humboldt’s close-knit community and called HSU the “Humboldt Family.” However, Cruz doubted the sincerity.

    “The campus tells us they care about us only when something bad happens,” Cruz said.

  • Justice for Josiah rally

    Justice for Josiah rally

    On April 5 at 1:30 p.m., students at Humboldt State left class to attend a rally on the UC quad in remembrance of David Josiah Lawson, a student who was stabbed to death at a party in Arcata almost a year ago.

    “It’s been a year, and that is fucking ridiculous,” Barbara Singleton, president of the Black Student Union at HSU said.

    Singleton stands on the second floor of The Depot, surrounded by a crowd of students who all left class as a part of the student-led walkout for safety in honor of David Josiah Lawson. The rain pounds down relentlessly, seemingly undetturent to all in attendance. The walkout is a part of 12 days of events being hosted in honor of the anniversary of Lawson’s unsolved murder.

    Video by Surya Gopalan.

    A year ago at a party in Arcata, Lawson, a black HSU student, was stabbed to death. There are currently no persons in custody. Students walked out of class at 1:30 p.m. on April 5 to be present at the 2 p.m. rally to bring justice to Josiah and demonstrate for student safety.

    Kalyn Garcia, 18, social work major, left class to be present at the rally.

    “I think that it is way bigger than Josiah,” Garcia said. “Any black, Mexican or children of color should not be concerned to leave their house.”

    As the rally began, two students, Singleton, as well as Daniel Segura, 23, a critical race, gender and sexuality studies major, began leading the rally. They began by explaining there have been rumors about the Justice for Josiah movement being involved in illegal or destructive activities, and that they do not condone any violence or illegal actions.

    Angel Sylva then performed a poem she wrote for Lawson, which will be performed again on the vigil held for Lawson on April 15.

    “If it happened to one of us, it can happen again,” Sylva said.

    With no sound equipment available to students after 1:00 p.m., due to campus policy, Sylva projects her voice as her only tool to spread her message to students.

    Students then began calling out the members of administration in the crowd. Alex Enyedi, the provost of HSU, as well as Wayne Brunfield, the interim vice president of Student Affairs, were two of the members of administration in attendance.

    “They have been silent this whole 12 months,” Singleton said.

    Singleton directly addressed HSU administration, the Arcata city council and the police department.

    “They have blood on their hands,” Singleton said.

    The crowd screamed for administration to speak, one individual saying, “It’s fucked up for you to be here and not say anything.”

    Eventually, Enyedi took the stage after much student call-out. He thanked the crowd for the opportunity to speak, then began.

    “Students are told you need to be patient, but I get it. How long should you be patient for?” Enyedi said. “I share your frustration, I share your impatience. It shouldn’t take this long.”

    Enyedi is not the one the students want to hear from. The question on everybody’s mind is where is Lisa Rossbacher, president of HSU? Students call out to Enyedi, demanding answers.

    “I’ll tell her you’re unhappy she isn’t here,” Enyedi said.

    A voice from the crowd screams, “We aren’t unhappy, we’re angry!”

    President Rossbacher never showed up.

    Brumfield was not getting away with silence either. Singleton and Segura called from the stage, “Wayne, where are you?”

    Brumfield did go up to the stage and approved students to use a megaphone, but never addressed the crowd. Many continued asking why he did not speak.

    When asked, Brumfield spoke of a racial equity plan he says he is currently working closely with students on. He said students deserve a voice in how equity and inclusion are happening in the community.

    “We’re working with the two chiefs of police, students and community members to look at policies of police reacting to students, both on and off campus,” Brumfield said. “I think we are moving in the right direction.”

    As the rally continued, a song written about Josiah was performed and then different chants were yelled throughout the crowd.

    The event coordinators then relayed the message of future events and concluded the event, inviting students to continue their activism and presence in the coming weeks.

    “The Justice for Josiah movement is very peaceful,” Singleton said.

    At one point in the rally, a group of people visiting for spring preview walked past the UC quad.

    “Anything they tell you will not justify his murder,” Segura said to the passersby.

    Segura, being in his 10th semester at HSU, he says he has seen how the administration deceives students. He said HSU goes down south and recruits students of color without disclosing the violence toward people of color that has happened in the area.

    “How are we supposed to welcome students of color when they trick you?” Segura asked.

    This article has been updated from its original version on Monday, April 9 at 5:58 p.m.

  • Check It Celebrates its Three Year Anniversary

    Check It Celebrates its Three Year Anniversary

    By | Ali Osgood

    Check It celebrated its three year anniversary on Friday night. A group of students with the African American Center for Academic Excellence (AACAE) belt out TLC’s “No Scrubs” while the crowd sang along . The stage was open to any brave soul willing to belt it to their favorite song, and when the karaoke ended? The floor transformed into a sea of dancing students.

    Check It is a Humboldt State student run program working to prevent sexual assault on campus. On their third birthday, the program hosted a “lounge night”. Attendance was free, and they provided guests with food, stickers, a photobooth, and a rockin’ dance party.

    Photo by Ali Osgood

    Check It Peer Educators stand outside the Kate Buchanan room on Friday, Feb. 24 during a successful celebration of their three year anniversary. (From left) Mike Tjoelker, Celene Lopez, Mary Sue Savage, Carmen Peña-Gutierrez, Yvette Cerna, Jayda Kosar, and Marco Gonzalez.

    Photo by Ali Osgood

    Check It volunteers slice a chocolate cake while guests line up to get a piece. The Check It crew also offered free pizza and snacks for the anniversary party guests.

    Photo by Ali Osgood

    HSU alumnus Jacob Stadtfeld DJ’s during the three year anniversary Check It celebration. Nearly 300 students attended the party and enjoyed karaoke, a photo booth, button making, and an epic dance party.

    Photo by Ali Osgood

    Check It promotes consent and reaches out to students on campus through multiple social media accounts. According to their Facebook mission statement, they are a “student led project that’s about preventing and responding to sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking here on campus.”