Winter Week 2 - Issue 205.3 by CSULA University Times

NIVERSITY IMES

Jan. 21, 2014

www.csulauniversitytimes.com

C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S

Kinesiology Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobility Center pg 5

Issue 205.3

Social Work with Christine Devine pg 4

Grubbing in the University Club pg 5

On that Work Out Grind pg 8

The Right to Bear Arms pg 6

University Times

Jan. 21, 2014

Letter to the Editor: Capitol Fellows Program Golden Eagles! It is with great pleasure that I am writing this article to talk to you about an opportunity that I received prior to graduation this past June. My name is Addison Peterson and I am a former student at CSULA. For two years I was involved in Associated Students Inc. (student government), and I served on the board of directors for the UniversityStudent Union. During my time in Associated Students Inc. I had the opportunity to represent you on a statewide level at California State Students Association, an organization that represents all 23-student governments in the California State University. While training to lobby for student issues in the state capitol, a former student at Sacramento State University talked to us about the Capitol Fellows Program. The Capital Fellows Program is a fellowship program that allows people who are going to graduate college, or who are college graduates to have an opportunity to work in one of four different levels of the

state government for eleven months. They are the Assembly, Senate, Executive, and Judicial fellows. The Assembly and Senate are the legislative bodies of the State of California. The executive branch is the office of the Governor and state departments such as the Department of Treasury. The judicial fellowship is a program where a fellow will be able to work in administrative offices in California courts. Because of this the judicial fellowship is the only fellowship that does not require you to reside in Sacramento for eleven months, but allows you to live almost anywhere in California. The fellowships are a great way to learn how not only how state government works, but also have a direct hand in the development of policy. For the past four years the Capitol Fellows program has been voted as one of the top ten internships in the country by vault.com. For instance I am currently a fellow in the Assembly and I have already had an opportunity to staff the Assemblymember

I work for on the floor of the Assembly, watching the California legislative process at work, and I am currently working on my own bill AB 1451, which will improve concurrent enrollment for high school students that would like to attend community college. If you are interested in applying the deadline is February 10th and each fellowship program has different application requirements. I recommend applying for all of them to increase your chances. There are no specific degree requirements so any major may apply and yes it is paid. You receive a stipend of $1,972 a month plus health care benefits the same as any employee of the California State University. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at addison.peterson@asm. ca.gov. If you want to apply go to: www.csus.edu/calst/capital_ fellows_programs_overview. html Thank You, Addison Peterson

Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech Contest CAMPUS

Gerardo Amezquita Contributor In commemoration of the lasting impression Martin Luther King, Jr. achieved throughout his lifetime, we must hold the underlying themes of racism, equality, and activism as constant markers in our mind. As college students we are given a role that insists we recognize, analyze, and expose these themes to others in our community. Therefore, one mode of voicing your concern for our social injustices is in the embodiment of CSULA itself. The Pan African Student Resource Center is promoting a speech contest that promises to allow every student who is willing to participate, the chance to articulate their stance on what it is they advocate. The Center reinforces

Breakfast At The University Club Patio 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Fresh Coffee & Breakfast Burritos Regular Hours Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 323-343-6777

NIVERSITY IMES

Managing Editors Yzzy Gonzalez Timmy Truong

Production Manager Liliana Arrazcaeta

Web Editor Carol Venegas Copy Editors Angeline Bernabe Carol Venegas

Business/Advertising Manager Jim Munson

Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan

Distributor

Contributors

Jennifer Amador Gerardo Amezquita Angeline Bernabe Addison Peterson Aaron Wilson Columnists Sean Buer David McMillan

Photographers Jennifer Amador Angeline Bernabe Yzzy Gonzalez Timmy Truong Cartoonist Sean Buer

Carol Venegas students to walk in the steps of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his magnum opus “I Have a Dream” speech by exposing the true ailments our society is continuously suffering through. The requirements are humbly elementary to complete: (1) you must be a current CSULA student and (2) fill out an application with your essay/ speech included. The applications can be obtained in the Cross Cultural Centers on the second floor of the University Student Union building. The deadline to submit all parts of the application process is on January 29th before 5 P.M. Through a careful refinement of all the applicants, a panel of judges will choose the top five individuals. The final-

ists will be notified on February 5th in order to give them appropriate time to prepare for oration. Once competition begins, the top three students will be awarded as follows: (1st) a $200 Bookstore gift card, (2nd) a $100 Bookstore gift card, and respectively, (3rd) a $75 Bookstore gift card. With the best orators ready to compete for the top prizes, you can bet there will be many students prepared to take on the role of an activist. It’s like Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Let this serve as a warning that if you as an educated student do not take this chance to fulfill King’s mission, then we are to take blame on ourselves.

All opinions and letters in the University Times represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UT or the university. Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification. Letters may be edited for grammar and length. University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising. University Times is published every Monday. Copyright 2014 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270 www.csulauniversitytimes.com csula.ut@gmail.com

University Times

Jan. 21, 2014

On Second Thought...Roomates

ADVICE

Sean Buer Columnist To the Students of Cal State LA, Are you dealing with an issue that seems unsolvable? Need advice from an outsider’s perspective? I’ll be here to lend an ear. As a sixth year TVF student and soon-to-be-graduate, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of what college life has to offer-I’ve been single and in longterm relationships, gone from many friends to a few worth keeping, traveled the city in every form of transportation, and lived at home, on-campus, in a studio, and a condo-all with people from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. From

getting

the

president’s list to almost getting kicked out… I’m familiar with life’s ups and downs. But through it all, I’ve gained understanding. Which is why I’m opening up and willing to help you with my honest and unbiased advice—Send me an e-mail! Let me give you honest and unbiased advice; Send an email. Today, I’ll be giving advice on roommates. They can be a blessing or a nightmare in the world of young adults. If you don’t get along with your roommate(s), there certainly are ways of making the cohabitation bearable. First off, be open and honest with your roommate(s) at all times. Make guidelines of

#Here4You Campaign CAMPUS

Angeline Bernabe Contributor Do you sometimes find yourself going insane over the madness of college, and need to somehow re-direct or re-focus before finals come along? Well, have no fear; the Here4You team is here and they’re here for YOU! You might even recognize their superpowers without

even knowing it. If you follow CSULA’s main Facebook Page, you’ll probably notice some posts beginning with #Here4You. These particular posts are created by the student interns at the Public Affairs department, junior, Diana Miranda, and fourth year, Michael Chien. Diana and Michael work together to bring awareness to the Here4You campaign by broadcasting the available re-

what you expect from each other and set some ground rules. Ignoring issues only hurts you in the long run. In the case of my exroommate, he pushed boundaries until he got a rise out of people. He scratched my car multiple times, never did any cleaning, borrowed things without consent, and had a negative vibe. When I ignored the blaringly obvious elephant in the room, his negativity became mine. Only after I confronted him with a calm, collected demeanor, he opened up and became more conscious of his actions. If talking doesn’t work, leave your apartment and do something positive/fun.

When you eventually return home, avoid engaging your roommate(s) unless they’re willing to address your concerns. That being said about personal expectations, remember that your roommate is not your parent or in-house maid. If you hate cleaning up after yourself, at least clean the common area. Keeping a clean environment keeps a clear mind. If you do get along with your roommate, don’t push the social aspect of your relationship. They have their own lives and don’t want a Single White Female scenario when they return home.

Sometimes the best roommates make you feel like you live alone. That being said, a friendly greeting in the morning and acknowledgment of your roommate could make their day and yours a little better. Lastly, remember to be flexible. Your roommate(s) compromised their lives to share walls with you, keep that in mind when if all of your preferences aren’t met. Nobody will get exactly what he or she wants; it’s just not life. If you have any questions involving roommate troubles, relationships, family-life, work… pretty much anything, I’m here to help. Send an e-mail to sean.buer@gmail. com!

year. Last Year, and this year alone, there was an increase in student involvement.

other centers on campus who support Here4You impacts the students greatly at CSULA.”

With the campaign being “By Students, For Students,” it was created to get students more involved on this campus and to let them know where particular resources are. Created by the department of public affairs and developed last academic year (2012-2013), Diana Miranda explained that “Public affairs wanted to have a program that’s not run by staff members, but personal, so that it’s something run by students for students.”

Miranda, English Major, and Chien, Business Administration major in the option of Marketing Management completing the Social Media Certificate, both started in the Fall of 2013 and since have both used their knowledge from their major courses to their advantages when trying to get the word out there about certain events. As an English Major, Miranda pointed out, “English helps because we do part marketing and writing at this job.” Chien added, “… So she could create and write about events, and I could be the social person on how that information can be reached on all platforms.”

Overall, as representatives of the Here4You campaign, Chien and Miranda are constantly pushing for having all the free resources broadcasted on all social media sites, which appears to be the best way that information is received on campus. However, they are also working on ways to display a handout of resources in many areas on campus and to connect with professors to let them know that Here4You exists.

Since it was created, students have responded with as many as 50 and more likes for Here4You posts on Facebook, and an increase in followers on Social Media Sites in the past

What makes the job more fulfilling for the 2-person Here4You team is the involvement of other organizations and programs on campus. Chien shared, “Partnering with

sources that CSULA has to offer from the free scantrons in the A.S.I. office, to the several microwave locations (King Hall, Library, Cross Cultural Center—Just to name a few) and to the fun events on campus hosted by different departments.

“Here4You encourages a sense of pride and that we’re a community…that’s what we’re trying to push for. Not only faculty helping students, but us helping each other out. We’re here for YOU.”So please like and follow on facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest and tumblr, Golden Eagles, because Michael and Diana are Here for YOU.

Hello UT Readers! Corrections from Issue 205.2 Christine Tran’s name should have been included in the masthead box under “Contributors.” We incorrectly listed the date for the Eagle iJobs event for January 18. The event, Eagle iJobs, will take place on Tuesday February 18 at 3:30pm at the Career Center. In the article “Statement Magazine” by Angeline Bernabe, co-editor Jamie Tice and Dean Karin Elliott Brown were supposed to be mentioned for all of the work they put into the magazine.

Jan. 21, 2014

University Times

Fox 11 News Anchor, Christine Devine Visits Cal State L.A. CAMPUS

it that growing up, her family decided to adopt her brother and sister.

When one thinks of the word, “Adoption,” or “Social Work,” the thought of television usually wouldn’t be coined with those themes at all. Sure, there’s the fairly new hit television drama, “The Fosters” on ABC Family that tells the story of a family that adopts orphaned children, but in retrospect, “adoption” and “social work” would and could mean a variety of different things to others—especially those who are personally affected by those terms.

She explained the reason why “Wednesday’s Child” means so much to her because her adopted brother was greatly affected by the foster care system and didn’t appear to be a great fit with their family. Her brother later on sadly died over a drug overdose. Prior to his death, it broke Christine’s heart to know that something like foster care could do great damage (emotionally) to a child.

Angeline Bernabe Contributor

Fox 11 News Anchor, Christine Devine, is no stranger to the experience of what it feels like to know a foster child. Last Thursday, January 16th, Devine visited CSULA on behalf of the Association for Student Social Workers (ASSW) -- an organization on campus tailored to promote the professional field of Social Work through events and activities—to speak about her experiences with kids through FOX 11’s, “Wednesday’s Child,” a segment on the news program that features a child every Wednesday who is in the system waiting to be adopted. The process of how adoption worked was explained, as well as how older children are harder to place in foster homes were conducted through the event of a presentation and Q&A forum hosted by the ASSW. At first a bit hesitant when asked to do the “Wednesday’s Child” segment (previously known as “Sunday’s Child” when the segment ran on a different news program) for the first time on FOX 11 in 1994, Devine shared during her vis-

It’s through “Wednesday’s Child” where Devine found solace in the system. Partnering with several sponsors and fellow social workers such as CSULA’s very own, Professor Will Wong of the College of Health and Human Services, Devine was able to spread the message of hope in the system that the journey for kids to find a family doesn’t always have to be a painful one. Since “Wednesday’s Child” began on the FOX 11 network, CSULA Professor Will Wong joined Devine by providing his own insight as a Social Worker to make the segments more sensitive to tailor more to each featured child’s necessities. By involving himself with the “Wednesday’s Child” Project, the message of community engagement is a must when it comes to the welfare of children and families, which makes it important that everyone is aware of the system. Since working with the 16-time Emmy Award Winning Journalist, he’s become a co-producer of the news segment and has won an Emmy himself. “He’s probably the only So-

cial worker I know who has won an Emmy,” commented Devine during the presentation portion of the event. In addition, she also recognized, “Everything that I’ve learned about Social Work, I learned from you, Professor Wong.” In which Wong responded, “Everything that I’ve learned about Social Work, I learned here at Cal State L.A.” The presentation ran for about an hour in which Devine shared video clips about the stories of several kids she featured on “Wednesday’s Child” and how she keeps up with their lives after the news segment, which comes in the form of reunion days--which are featured on the news program as well. In the past, Devine has helped Wong bring in high profile speakers for students who are on the path to pursue a career in social work, as well as community engagement opportunities. When asked about what her main take away from the experience of “Wednesday’s Child”, Devine who is also the author of Finding a Forever Family, a book about her experiences with adoption and the foster care system, responded, “Professionally, it’s an honor, but as an individual, it’s a very healing and spiritual thing.” She continued on by saying that being a part of the experience is rewarding. Professor Wong added that “ ‘Wednesday’s Child’ is a mechanism to engage the community” and his main take away from working with Devine is that it has given him particular skills to get people involved with their (His and Devine’s) goal of social justice.

Christine Devine | Photo by Angeline Bernabe In regards to the media and Social Work mixing, Professor Wong shared, “…It’s an empowering thing. My relationship with her (Devine) was kinda rocky because social workers traditionally don’t work closely with the media…there’s almost a level of distrust, but in terms of how things could be spun or misrepresented, I found in her the inherent goodness of her as a person, and helping me as a practitioner rekindle the trust in humanity—which is a very powerful thing.” From a student’s perspective on the event, Erica Roman, a Masters Student in the Social Work Program said based on the presentation she stat-

Food at the University Club Story on page 5 photos by Timmy Truong and Yzzy Gonzalez

ed, “Media plays a big role in finding a match for these kids… ‘Wednesday’s Child’ is good to match families.” In addition, Jessica Navarro, also a Masters Student in the Social Work Program said based on the event, “I think those personal stories (like Christine’s) can relate to the audience. I appreciate them discussing that adoption is never going to be easy, it will be challenging… but there are challenges everywhere! It was a good presentation.” For more information on more events from the Association of Student Social Workers, please visit their Facebook Page or e-mail them at csulabsw@gmail.com .

University Times

Jan. 21, 2014

The Mobility Center

HEALTH

David McMillan Columnist The final point in the mission statement of the CSU system explains that each of the 23 state universities is “to provide public services that enrich the university and its communities.” Service comes in many forms, and here at CSULA, each department provides services in their own way. The kinesiology department does so via the Mobility Center. The Mobility Center is a facility in Physical Education 128 that provides exercise therapy to students and community members who have injuries, mobility impairments, or disabilities. Exercise therapy is a form of physical medicine that employs a regimen of physical activities with the purpose of restoring musculoskeletal function or reducing pain caused by disease or injury. The most recognized forms of exercise therapy are Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, but other practices fall into this field. It’s through the practice of exercise therapy that the Mobility Center is able to benefit a clientele as diverse as our school, everyone from students in wheel chairs to community members who are simply interested in exercise.

However, the Mobility Center isn’t only for exercising clients; it’s also for training students. This is because nearly all the exercises delivered in the Mobility are facilitated by kinesiology students. This novel platform for simultaneously treating and teaching is the work of Professor Connie Wong, a practicing Physical Therapist who teaches kinesiology courses on campus. Dr. Wong’s students, mostly kinesiology majors interested in rehabilitation, take a concurrent lecture and laboratory series on “mobility training” where theory is taught in a classroom and then applied in the Mobility Center. The experience is invaluable as an undergraduate, where academically mediated application of knowledge to “real-world” clients is sparse. In fact, we know of no other CSU where undergraduate kinesiology students are able to participate in a laboratory where they prescribe exercise to paying clients from the community. The benefits to the students don’t stop there. Aside from Wong (who herself attended CSULA), every employee of

The Mobility Center | Photo by Timmy Truong the Mobility Center is a current student or recent graduate of CSULA. Joyce Librando, who manages daily operations and trains the staff and students, graduated in June of 2013 and is in the process of applying to graduate school. Below her are the “head trainers,” current kinesiology students with multiple quarters of experience who are paid staff in charge of managing individual clients. Below them are volunteers who excelled in the mobility training course and decided to continue their contributions and learning. And finally, they are the current Mobility Center lab students. This unique chain of command puts students in charge of students, advancing more than just their knowledge on exercise therapy, and ensures that each client receives quality care at the same time that

the current students are getting their feet wet. I sat down with current head trainers Ermerlin and Kevin and asked them about their journey through the continuum of the Mobility Center student experience. “It was different than any other class I’ve taken,” said Ermerlin, “Instead of getting a syllabus on the first day, we get a real client.” The staff embraces the early uncertainties of incoming students, as it’s all part of a process, which produces cohorts of self-sufficient students. “We’re like a family,” shares Kevin, “Even outside of class we’re always helping each other with things.” And Kevin admits that it’s the influence of the faculty, and the atmosphere they foster in the Mobility Center, which has him and many of the other students so deeply involved.

The implications of this level of student immersion are clear, as Dr. Wong and her system are priming CSULA kinesiology students for a future as exercise professionals. But it’s not just in their post-graduate professions that these students will benefit others; they’re doing it right now. “Everywhere I go I’m constantly thinking about new exercises for my clients,” shared Ermerlin, “Even when I’m at home, it’s always in the back of my mind.” What’s inspired this level of commitment? Every new exercise Ermerlin and her peers envision will actually be performed by a client to improve their mobility. This purpose, to improve the health of another person, breeds autonomy in Dr. Wong’s students as they get a head-start in mastering their craft.

Up in The (University) Club FOOD

Timmy Truong Managing Editor When it comes to dining on campus, students have very few options. Fast food from the food court is the most accessible option and if students want a nice sit down meal and to be served, the only choice is The University Club. The University Club is known for being the only place on campus that serves alcohol and that the food can get pricy for the average college student. Because of the later, I have never tried the University Club and no one would go with me, my friends are cheapskates. In fear of being labeled a loner if I went alone, I never tried it, so I resorted to staring into the window drooling, while hold-

ing onto a greasy bag with a squashed burger and soggy French fries inside. This quarter I finally found two friends who were planning to eat at the University Club and I invited myself into their lunch. The Décor and atmosphere was nice but nothing to write at home about, it was clean and other than the tablecloths, it was casual. Some of the restaurant did look a bit outdated. The cabinet where they keep the cutlery looked like something I saw on the PBS TV show, Antiques Roadshow. I looked down at the menu and was pleasantly surprised the prices were not that bad, prices ranged from $4.95 for a bowl of soup to $13.95 for

a steak. My friends both got a chef’s half sandwich special for $7.95 that comes with half of a sandwich and cup of soup or half a salad. I decided to go all out and spend the rest of my life savings and get a sirloin steak with cabernet demi-glace (the steak was not the most expensive steak I have ever had, I was just broke). I had my steak rare and it came with some steamed vegetables on the side. The meal was great, the steak came rare like I asked and the cabernet demi-glace was wonderful, and my friends also enjoyed their lunch. The service was also very good . . . until it got busy and more professors started to pile in. When we had finished eating we ended up asking a few different servers before we fi-

nally got our bill and we ended up waiting a good 10-15 minutes for the bill but it was understandable, because they were very busy. I hope to come here at least a few more times while I’m still here at CSULA, especially after I’m old enough to drink alcohol. I’m sure my review then will be 110 percent positive and half of it will consist of words I just made up. But in all seriousness, I would definitely recommend it to a friend to try at least once. It would be a great place for a lunch date if you’re both stuck on campus and want a nice meal before class. Overall, I had a pretty good experience at the University Club. The food was good,

and the prices were decent but could have been cheaper. I would still rather pay a bit more and have the convenience of good food on campus, than having to drive off campus to eat and having to come back and spend an hour looking for a parking spot close to the elevator because I’m too full to walk. Walking out the restaurant, I still wondered why more students don’t eat here and I realized it’s not the food or the prices, it’s the temptation of having forks and knives in your hands and seeing the professor that gave you C last quarter sitting at the table across from you. I recommend just glare at your professor instead and enjoy the food.

University Times

Jan. 21, 2014

Guns Kill People and People Kill People OPINION

Aaron Wilson Contributor The statement “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” is a true statement. It’s a poor reason to enforce the option however, of caring a firearm around with you and having the chance to use it whenever you find it necessary. In a perfect, world guns would not exist and no one would own one, but because of the second amendment, it states “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the se-

curity of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” It’s okay to have a firearm in your possession. In some states such as Florida, Arizona, Alabama, and Nevada the Stand Your Ground rule allows you to claim the Stand Your Ground laws in the case of self-defense instead of being forced to remove yourself from a situation of using force in order to protect your self. This absurd law gave the gun-wielding maniac, George Zimmerman the right to gun

a movie. Reeves was claiming self-defense and that he was hit by an foreign object, which no witness claimed to see.

er, because you never know what the outcome could be after speaking your mind on a certain situation.

Maybe the same excuse will work for the retired police officer from Florida Curtis Reeves, who shot Chad Oulson and injured his wife, Nicole Oulson at a movie theater on Monday, January 13th.

Clearly, Curtis Reeves is crazy for not just removing himself from a forceful situation. Reeves could have just moved to another seat, but instead he decided to use his pistol and shoot a man to death in order to prove appoint that using a cell phone during a movie is just rude.

Reeves killed Oulson after being hit by a bucket of popcorn during an argument about the use of a cell phone during

As people living among each other in a community we have to be careful what we do and what we say to one anoth-

There are still people who walk around with pistols in their possession as if they were cowboys from a western movie, ready to shoot a person for calling their horse outside its name. Guns aren’t needed. People should use their words and fight for gun control, because if guns don’t kill people, why were they created?

down the innocent teen Trayvon Martin in cold blood, because he was supposedly protecting himself from a teenager who was walking home at night after purchasing a bag of skittles.

Golden Eagle Radio Covers Colby Fire On Thursday January 16th, the Colby fire in Glendora coated CSULA with a rustic colored sky. The fire started around 5:50 AM and as everyone made their way to campus, the air smelled like chalky smoke as white ashes sprinkled the ground in the East LA area. Immediately, Golden Eagle Radio made an audio report of the situation and posted it on their media sites. Their quick response on the incident has people talking and let others know about the fire. Be sure to check out Golden Eagle Radio and Golden Eagle TV’s facebook pages for more information, facebook.com/GoldenEagleRadioLA and facebook.com/csulaGETV. Be sure to also check out Golden Eagle Radio’s photos courtesy of KTLA on our website, csulauniversitytimes.com.