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October 17, 2016
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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
CSU Chancellor’s office talk budget and graduation rates
Prop 55, the CSU, and You Carlos Gomez
Production Manager
Photo courtesy of The California State University
J. Aaron Delgado Photo Editor A common concern for students in the Cal State University system is how they will be affected with the current financial problems and how the Chancellor’s office is going to resolve these problems. The Office of the Chancellor for Timothy White addressed all these issues and plans in excelling student success for those attending California State Universities statewide in an exclusive online web conference in the early morning of October 14 presented by Ryan Storm, CSU Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget, James T. Minor, CSU Senior Strategist for Academic Success and Inclusive Excellence, and Rob Shorrette, CSU Association Executive Director. The issues with the budget were addressed at the top of the conference stating that the support budget meets the “core” mission to state-supported instruction, applied research, public service, and general operations of the university. The support budget works on an incremental model with the value of $5.3 billion, tied directly to the state budget. Its primary sources are from the State general fund, provided by
the state legislature and governor, and system-wide tuition and fees paid by students and their families. Since the drop of the State General Fund appropriation was down one third, or approximately a billion dollars of the support budget. Ryan Storm, CSU Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget, stated that the loss had a significant impact on the Cal State campuses and still lingers to this day, though the CSU is recovering slowly from the impact. “The state has been slowly reinvesting in CSU,” Storm said, adding, “we are now about 65% of the way out of that billiondollar hole.” A multi-year funding plan has been implemented in recovering from the recession and in result the state has met or exceeded the governor’s plan. The factors for 2017 – 2018 fiscal year relies on the State Budget and economy, where if the state’s economic expansion continues for the next three years, revenues could grow from 1% to 5%, according to State projections. The outcome of the economic expansion continuing could result in higher education for the CSU system. Student
Success is also heavily rooted in the mission of the CSU. “Our campuses have exceeded our graduation rate goal set back in 2009,” Storm said. “Building on that success, grad initiative 2025 establishes more ambitious student completion in equity targets to meet the future recourse needs of California.” The birth of the Graduation Initiative 2025 is a goal that was set up by the CSU Chancellor’s office to increase graduation rates. To meet these goals the advisory committee established guiding principles to ensure accomplishment. The first principle is to set goals that are ambitious and challenging but are realistic enough that the CSU system can tackle. The second principle is to sustain a high level of academic rigor among the 23 campuses across the state. Providing access to education opportunities by admitting diverse students is the foundation of the third principle. The fourth principle is to meet the CSU’s students where they are, while helping them to graduate in a timely manner.
Many California voters have their eyes on the election. Many items will be up for voting on the November ballot, but one item should stand out to students and faculty: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act, otherwise known as Prop 55. Prop 55 is an extension of Prop 30, which was passed in 2012. Prop 30 provided an increase on sales taxes, as well as an increased income tax for high-income taxpayers. These effects will last until the end of 2018 under Prop 30. Prop 55 would extend this end date by 12 years, and direct its revenue to fund state education. The California Faculty Association (CFA) hosted a news conference call to discuss Prop 55 with student journalists and its impact on the CSU system. Joining the call was State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. Dr. Jen Eagan, the CFA President, stated, “Prop 55… would generate $4 - $9 billion in revenue each year to public K-12 schools and community colleges in California…” While the money generated by Prop 55 does not directly affect the CSU, Dr. Eagan encourages others to
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Annual Think Pink event raises awareness and funds through fun and games
advocate for it. “Prop 55 would free up money in the general funds for other needs, such as funding the CSU…without it, the CSU could lose an estimated $250,000,000 per year from its base budget.” Over the past three decades funding has haunted the CSU system. Every year more and more students are accepted into the CSU system the budget, however, does not seem to increase accordingly. “The CSU’s budget actually declined by 2.9%...during that same thirtyyear span.” “I’m urging voters to pass Prop 55,” Speaker Rendon said. “Especially when they receive their vote by mail ballot. It’s important because it impacts class sizes, impacts budgets, impacts staffing levels…if we have to cut overall funding, then that will certainly affect the Cal State System.” While Prop 55 receives support, there are also those who oppose it. The argument against this proposition is that Prop 30 was passed because it was temporary, but Prop 55 wants to extend the timeframe that voters in 2012 agreed on. Whether you vote yes or no, make sure your voice is heard on November 8.
Richard Duarto Exhibit See Page 6 For More!
The 2025 goal starting at freshman year is at a forty percent (Continued On Page 3)
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University Times
October 17, 2016
Golden Eagles ‘think pink’ for breast cancer awareness
Annual Think Pink event raises awareness and funds through fun and games Anthony Karambelas Staff Reporter Take a look around. At this very moment, a breast cancer fighter or survivor may be closer than you think. Now look into a mirror. Whether you like it not, you could be staring into the eyes of a future breast cancer victim. According to breastcancer.org, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. And although men are far less susceptible, they can still be diagnosed. With every passing second you grow more prone to this fatal disease. Clearly, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Luckily, Cal State LA has just the event for this. Think Pink, a trademark of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, is orchestrated annually by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) to promote breast cancer awareness. Last Wednesday, CSI hosted the event for the second time at the University-Student Union plaza. Attracting over 400 students, the plaza was enveloped in a plethora of pink.
Students engaged in numerous activities such as Brapong, a game in which players try to land balls into bras. Winners took home breast cancer bracelets and pins. A spin-the-wheel game dished out prizes such as Think Pink scarves. Students also had the opportunity to acquire Think Pink shirts by writing a letter to breast cancer fighters or survivors. For all those hungry Golden Eagles, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Badass Burgers food trucks provided culinary delights, including the most scrumptious burgers. CSI partnered with several organizations for the event including City of Hope, Cancer Research & Awareness Society, Her Campus, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Susan G. Komen. Johanna Gutierrez, senior Microbiology major, is the Wellness, Travel, and Recreational student assistant and served as the lead coordinator for the event. “Think Pink is the number one event I look forward to programming every year because so many students come out to support and we build a community at Cal State L.A. that helps spread awareness for the cause,” Gutierrez said. Breast cancer is an important issue to Gutierrez, especially
Photo by Anthony Karambelas
since her aunt was diagnosed. “Seeing how tough the battle is makes me appreciate life so much more,” she said. Katherine Belknap, a CSI P3 volunteer, lost her grandmother to breast cancer. “It runs through my family so I’m a big supporter. It could happen so suddenly. You go into the doctor, you’re healthy. Next time you go in, you are stage three cancer. They might have to remove part of your breast and as a woman, losing that is like losing part of your identity,” said
Belknap. Vicky Silva, another volunteer, brought attention to the importance of social media awareness. “Just post it anywhere. If you have a Tumblr, post it on that. If you have a Twitter, post it on Twitter. Just XYZ, let people know. It’s not just for being who have breast cancer or who are affected by breast cancer, It’s for everyone; It’s an inclusive community.” These are small things we can all do to support the breast cancer community.
As Gutierrez said, “It is such a common topic, but we must continue to keep raising awareness and never lose hope that we will find a cure. As Golden Eagles we must come together as a community and continue making pink powerful.” Gutierrez hopes that Think Pink made a positive influence on Cal State LA students. “As long as one person is being impacted I know I did my job right.”
University Times
October 17 2016
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One Campus, One Book chooses its next novel Book selection teaches students of compassion and redemption. Kyle Frizol Intern Each year, a special committee at Cal State LA selects one book that provides a central theme for the entire academic year, aptly titled: One Campus, One Book. This year, the One Campus, One Book chose, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Father Greg Boyle. This book, which is a composition of multiple individual essays, tells the tale of love and the power it holds within each of us. Tattoos on the Heart is beginning to be explored in English classes, guest speeches, student response competitions, and in accentuating and emphasizing ‘boundless compassion’, a key theme that the author hopes to teach. Cal State LA provides resources architected around the book, including, author events, professor involvement, and student panels for those that have passionate and intricate feelings and ideas pertaining to the book. By collaborating under one book that stretches the course of a school year, each page, paragraph, and even phrase has the opportunity to be analyzed under the intricate lens of every participating member of the campus community. The University Library, which created this initiative, wishes to, “…encourage a
common reading experience and sense of community at Cal State LA.” The author, Father Greg Boyle, presents the concept of love and its unconditional nature in the form of letters that he writes to tell his own individual story. He attempts to help those that have lost their way and have found themselves surrounded by violence and fear. As a Catholic priest, Boyle spends much of his time on mission to parts of the world to assist those that do not have the ability and resources to help themselves. Early in his life, Boyle finds himself in Bolivia, learning Spanish and discovering new powerful and lasting ways to help the poor and those that have lost their power of choice. From there, he relocated to East Los Angeles, where his next mission was at the Dolores Mission Church, which he described in his book as “one of the poorest and most perished places in Los Angeles.” It is there that his story of struggle to help gang members recover their lives and find jobs began to unwind. The main focus of the book lies in the lives of gang members who have found themselves in situations that they continuously struggle to withdraw from. Interviewing the gang members around the area, he learned that they all share a desire in having a job, to gain some sense of redemption by living a normal life and escape their adapted suffering. As a result, Boyle created a non-profit organization, cleverly titled, Homeboy Industries. This organization, led by Boyle,
helps gang members learn how to successfully attain jobs, obtain an education and learn to remove their unwanted tattoos associated with gangs. It is in this journey that Doyle discovers the true power that love can have on another person. The beauty lies in the process of taking gang members who were previously cold and hopeless and teaching them how to better themselves in a way that has long-term effects both to themselves and their communities. As Cal State LA students uncover the stories that Boyle illustrates in each letter, they have the opportunity to observe how unconditional compassion and support for another person can drive them to new levels previously unimaginable. With this newfound information and by focusing an entire year’s worth of dedication via staff and faculty, students have the opportunity to translate the themes displayed in the book into their own lives, both on campus and elsewhere. In his constant attempt throughout the book to juxtapose the difference between finding joy in loving others versus living without the compassion and support of love, Boyle allows the reader to observe and differentiate between the two. Once students have witnessed how these differences translate into actual lives, they have the resources that Cal State LA provides. The faculty believes, “One Campus, One Book allows students to explore important concepts in their lives through the eyes of another person who has experienced it.”
Photo by OSD CSULA
By applying the resources of the campus and staff over the course of 2016-2017, students can develop an understanding and feelings associated with the book on a more complete and analytical level. What One Campus, One Book attempts to do is to enrich an organized and relatable theme to students who will find this book in some of their classes’ curriculums, their clubs and organizations, and in their own unique discovery. Each year, the committee’s task of choosing a book that is both relevant, and enriching to the students on campus leads
them to broader and unique stories. Recent book choices include, The Madonnas of Echo Park in 2012-13, and The Soloist in 2015-16, each focusing the plot setting in Los Angeles. By applying lessons learned from the themes of Tattoos on the Heart and past book choices, students and staff at Cal State LA are given the opportunity to change their lives and those around them. The love students’ witness in the book has the potential to translate into their own experiences, as they get involved in the campus’ yearlong event.
Photos courtesy of The California State University
(Continued From Page 1) graduation rate while the six-year goal starting freshman year is 70%. In contrast, the graduation rate in 2015 for 4-year grads starting freshman year was 19% and the 6-year rate was 57%.
Transfer students aren’t left out as the 2-year graduation 2025 goal is 45% and the 4-year graduation 2025 goal is 85%. In 2015 the 2-year transfer graduation rate was 31% and 4-year graduation
rates was at 73%. The fourth principle is critical in order to meet these ambitious goals when comparing them to 2015 graduation rates.
The fifth and final principle is to understand that goals will require increased resources, intentionality and innovation, along with a relentless focus on student success. In the coming
years, the CSU Chancellor’s office will be dedicated to gradually raising the standards on academic life for students in the Cal State system.
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October 17, 2016
University Times
Virtual Reality headsets may not be so safe
VR poses problems that we can try to avoid by taking preventative measures.
Cristian Velez Contributor
Virtual reality (VR) is here, and companies like the Oculus, Sony and Samsung are taking VR mainstream with their VR headsets. VR is an immersive experience in which your head movements are tracked in a three-dimensional world, making it perfectly suited to games. Developers have created mind-blowing experiences that are revolutionizing gaming. Headsets like Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR and the HTC Vive are a few models on the market today. The Google Day dream will be releasing in November, just in time for the holiday seasons. These VR headsets are bound to make the top of children’s wish list this year. Young people are fascinated by technology and always want the latest technology. These sophisticated headpieces
go over your eyes, and you connect to your smartphone. Once connected to the virtual reality world you are left vulnerable to potential threats in the real world. Many VR devices are coming with age restrictions. With age restrictions and the surrounding real world risks, is this technology safe?
It’s not uncommon for today’s youth to be well versed in technology. Today, five year-olds know how to operate iPhones and tablets. VR does pose some actual problems that we can try to avoid by taking preventative measures. A common problem is motion sickness caused by some VR games. Some people are more prone to it than others, but players may feel dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented when they emerge from VR into the real world. We know that some companies are giving age restrictions, but some are encouraging children not to use the technology all together. A CBS News article titled Are virtual reality headsets safe for kids reads, “The Oculus Rift and Samsung’s Gear VR headsets are recommended for ages 13+, while Sony’s recommendation for its PlayStation VR is ages 12 and up.
HTC’s Vive is not designed for children, according to the company, and HTC said young children should not be allowed to use the headset at all.” The Oculus Rift Health and Safety manual clearly states, “This product should not be used by children under the age of 13, as the headset is not sized for children and improper sizing can
lead to discomfort or health effects, and younger children are in a critical period in visual development.” It also gives general precautions like, only using the headset in a safe environment and being aware of your surroundings. A non-physical danger is the cost of the technology. Products like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive,
and PlayStation VR cost hundreds of dollars on their own. Chris Neiger from Business Insider wrote, “A high-end headset like HTC's Vive or the Oculus Rift will run you $599 and $799, respectively.” That being said, we can come to the conclusion that these VR headsets do require sensible caution. They are not safe for children under thirteen, or people’s wallets.
University Times
October 17, 2016
Screamfest conjures up frightening films and special guests The popular horror film festival introduces new blood Nathan Ambrosioni Janice Peregrina Staff Reporter
Ready for some terrifying news? Screamfest Horror Film Festival begins October 18th and runs up until the 27th, a perfect way to get in the spirit for the Halloween. Screamfest will celebrate its sixteenth year running, and will be held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. For nine days, attendees will have a chance to view countless premieres of horror films and shorts, sit in on exclusive Q&A’s with the filmmakers, and mix and mingle with the creators themselves. Screamfest is the longest-running independent horror film festival in American history. What makes the film festival unique is that submissions for full-length and short horror films are open internationally, which means that indie filmmakers from around the world can send in their work for
Photo Courtesy of screamfestla.com
an affordable price and have it screen in Hollywood, the heart of the movie industry. Rachel Belofsky, the director and founder of the festival, believes that Screamfest is important for budding filmmakers because “it offers a great venue to showcase their work and there’s plenty of networking opportunities.” Some famous success stories of films that have premiered at Screamfest include Paranormal Activity, The Collection, and American Mary. Belofsky commented that her favorite moments
as the director of Screamfest have been attending the premieres for the 2008 premiere of Trick ‘r Treat and the 2010 premiere of Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil. Screamfest also holds an awards ceremony at the end of the festival run. All the major categories are included, such as Best Feature and Best Director, and there are also special categories recognized as well, such as the Trailblazer Award and Future Icon Award. Winners receive honors for their features, as well as a wicked golden skull trophy
originally designed by special effects master Stan Winston. One film in particular this year is already grabbing the attention of Screamfest. Therapy, a found-footage style horror film about teenagers being hunted down in an abandoned building and the police officers that come looking after them, is the second feature length film coming from French seventeen-year-old director Nathan Ambrosioni. Therapy will make its Los Angeles premiere at Screamfest on October 23rd. Ambrosioni was only sixteen when filming completed. Ambrosioni went through the standard obstacles during production, but “on set there was a very good atmosphere, and as we were a little team, each one of us brought his knowledge.” Though he did encounter some difficulties filming at his location, “a huge abandoned building with no windows, and lack of time to shoot some scenes in the commissariat,” overall he is excited about his movie and is hoping to make the premiere at Screamfest. Ambrosioni also offered some advice for budding filmmakers. “Make films, even without money, make film, feature or short. Find friends, meet people who want to help you, create your crew and make your film. It's difficult but if
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you are really motivated, you can do it. The goal is not to make the ‘best film of the year’, the goal is to make YOUR film.” Because of the interactiveness of the festival, and the ability of attendees to meet and greet with some of the filmmakers, Screamfest has a very relaxed and fun atmosphere. This year there will be the return of a creative horror-themed photo booth, and a red carpet available for both selfies and seeing the stars. Screamfest has had its share of surprise and special guests. Previous attendees have included Corey Taylor of the band Slipknot, director of The Conjuring and Insidious James Wan, and actor James Franco. For an extra price, attendees can also go to the opening and closing after parties to drink and dine with friends and filmmakers alike. The sixteenth year of the festival promises exciting screenings of over seventy feature and short films. Tickets and more information on the festival is available on the Screamfest website, screamfestla.com. Screamfest also has a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram account that you can follow for more updates. Screamfest is truly a can’t-miss event for ardent horror and Halloween fans alike.
The Queer Community united for National Coming Out Day The lives lost in Pulse Nightclub were honored on National Coming Out Day Marcela Valdevia Staff Reporter On June 12, 2016 a single mass shooter killed several innocent people of the Queer community during the celebration of Queer Latinx Night. The shooter was Omar Mateen, who killed fortynine people and injured fiftythree after the fatal attack. This day marked the worst mass shooting by a single gunman in American history. On October 11, The Gender &Sexuality Resource Center hosted NCOD: The Pulse of Our Community, to commemorate the lives lost in the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Queer individuals across the United States did not feel safe after the tragic incident and felt an immense pain for those who passed away. The violence targeted to such a specific group on a significant night highlighted the difficulties people from the Queer community encounter. Several Cal State LA students shared their thoughts on an open mic night at the UniversityStudent Union.
For Theatre Arts major Ozzy Arias, the day of the mass shooting changed thousands of lives forever. The United States has had several dark days, but people fail to change the situation as shootings continue to occur. The damages are unrepairable, and with a constant amount of shootings it is becoming normalized in the daily lives of Americans. “I'm offended that our children are growing up in a world afraid of going to school, movies, or clubs,” said Arias. “Places meant to help us grow as individuals are being turned into graveyards.” Other students expressed their feelings of being a part of the Queer community through music. Alberto Valdez, theatre arts major, performed a rap called “Welcome to my Life.” The song highlights the dull side society, which chooses to disregard the Queer community. These individuals subjected to criticism and discrimination constantly live their life hidden in pain. Anthony Canapi, TVF major, talked about how people constantly want to blend in with the crowd than rather be themselves. Living in a world of stereotypes people are bound to be someone who they do not want to be. People grow up feeling they have to meet the social expectations of others in order to
feel accepted. Nevertheless, selflove is more important than selfdoubt. Jose Trinidad Castaneda, Anthropology major, read his poem called “Racialize Me.” The poem explained how people question ethnicity based on the physical appearance of a person. People automatically identify a person a certain race without knowing the history behind their ancestors. “We already know that we live in a world where people put these stereotypes on other people and we have to work to undo all of those stereotypes,” said Jose Trinidad Castaneda. Alejandra Rodriguez, Communications major, expressed the reality of being opening identified as Queer. Only months entering into the Queer community, Alejandra immediately experienced the violence, stares, discrimination, and comments. In a world that does not recognized the existence of the Queer community, she emphasized to celebrate the resistance of this group. The incident in Orlando is a day she will never forget. She compares this day to 9/11 because she was too young to remember exactly what happened the day the twin towers fell. “The more visibility we have as a community, the more scrutiny
Photo Courtesy of Twitter @Castazel
we will get,” said Alejandra Rodriguez. “That is why we must keep resisting and that is why we have to keep fighting for our rights to exist as humans as we always have.” Organizations present in the event were the Latino Quality Alliance Mi Centro, Bienvenidos Project Safe LA, Healthy Young Men's Study, Colors LGBTQ Youth, Bienestar, Immigration
Youth Coalition, The Walls Las Memorias, and API Equality to provide resources that are available in the community. The next event held by the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center is the Clothesline Project on Tuesday, October 18 at the University-Student Union in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month.
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October 17, 2016
University Times
Chicano artist Richard Duardo celebrated through exhibit
The art exhibition showcased Richard Duardo’s influential Latino pop style and featured guest speaker Cheech Marin from Cheech and Chong.
Mimi Li
Staff Reporter The Cal State LA Fine Arts Gallery held an opening reception for the art exhibition Richard Duardo: Artist and Master Printmaker last Monday. Cheech Marin, best known from Cheech and Chong, gave a speech at the reception, having been a longtime friend and supporter of Duardo’s. The exhibit, which features the artwork of Duardo and other artists, will be on display until November 2 where there will be a Dia de los Muertos closing memorial.
Duardo, who was born in the Los Angeles neighborhood Boyle Heights, is a prominent figure in the Chicano art community. After finishing his studies in Fine Arts at Pasadena City College and UCLA, he worked for Self-Help Graphics, co-founded Centro de Arte Público in Highland Park, and later founded his own print studio, Modern Multiples, which lives on today in downtown Los Angeles. Using serigraphy, he has crafted silk-screen masterpieces in various art styles: pop, punk, rave, and street art. Dubbed the ‘Warhol of the West,’ he is best known for inventing Latino pop, integrating political activism with art by producing prints of famous figures such as Frida, Che Guevara, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, among others. He has produced prints for famous
artists such as Banksy, David Hockney, and Keith Haring. The master printmaker had passed away in November 2014 in his Los Angeles home. “Richard was a great artist,” said Marin in his address. “You are very privileged to have this show here.” As an avid supporter of Chicano art, Marin holds one of the largest private collections of Chicano art in the U.S. He recounted fond memories with Duardo, like the time when Duardo came to his house on a Sunday morning with menudo to have a discussion on making Chicano art an institutional significance. In reference to Duardo’s roots and dedication to his community, especially his unwavering support for young Chicano artists in the Eastside, Marin told the audience, “You can be at the center of your community and
the world at the same time.” An ice cream party began following Marin’s presentation. Though Marin was scheduled to present at 7pm, he arrived earlier than anticipated due to health issues. This resulted in frustrated fans, who were unaware of the circumstances leading to his early departure, turning to the University Times office to complain about missing his appearance. The event was a collaborative effort between Cal State LA Art Professor Richard Wearn, Duardo’s sister and nephew, Lisa Duardo and Montana Mills, and many others in the Art Department, Fine Arts Gallery, and University administration. “He was political, pro-active, a natural leader who did not take no for an answer and was exceedingly generous to others,”
said Wearn, in an interview with University Times. “This generosity was manifest in many ways, from his involvement in community activism, his motivation to make art an anti-elitist, democratic field, that was purposed to challenge various suppressive mechanisms found in society.” Duardo’s nephew, Mills, was also in attendance at the reception. The University Times had the pleasure of interviewing him. “It’s incredible… going from his ‘fight the system’ days to the punk days of the 80s and his days with Fatima Records, to being a main artery in the music scene, to his recent stuff which is iconic and celebrity,” said Mills. “His whole life, he’s been a master of reinventing himself. He can’t just be nailed down to just one world of art. He’s an amalgamation of all of them.” Photos by Joseph Delgado
University Times
October 17, 2016
UN I V E R S I T Y T IMES
Editor-in-Chief Gerardo Amezquita Managing Editor Marrian Zhou
Production Manager Carlos Gomez
Web Editors Carlos Gomez Linda Anguiano Copy Editors Ricky Rodas Gerardo Amezquita Erron Franklin Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan Distributors Celeen Arce Xavier Jones
Anonymous Eagle
Interns Kyle Frizol Sylvia Valdez Emmanuel Maresca
My girlfriend’s friend slid into my DMs. Do I tell my girlfriend, or reply to her friend?
Photographers Emilio Flores Joseph Delgado Social Media Correspondent Matthew Gonzalez Photo Editor Joseph Delgado
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Para La Onda:
Column: Let's talk about sex
Janice Peregrina Marcela Valdivia Mimi Li
Contributors Anonymous Eagle Leyah Galindo Alina Ogle Cristian Velez
Jefa de Redacción: Claudia Landeros Editores: Lissette Flores Jessica Magaña Consejero de la Facultad: Alejandro Solomianski
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Contributor
Well it depends on what your girlfriend’s friend was trying to talk to you about. Assuming she’s trying to pursue something romantic or sexual with you, would you go for it? Cheating is completely up to you but just remember that you will be hurting someone if you do so. If you decide to tell your girlfriend that her “friend” is secretly trying to talk to you, I’m sure your girlfriend will appreciate the honesty from you. I know it isn’t the best idea, but if you have no other choice, where on campus is the safest place to have sex? Sex on campus is probably more common than you think. Is it encouraged? Not really. Will it continue to be done? For sure. With stress from work, life, and class, students try to relief their stress by having sex here on campus. I’m not here to tell you to have sex on campus but I’m also not telling you to not have sex in your car or the basement bathrooms in King Hall. I’m a woman so is it considered cheating if I recently messed around with another girl? I’m straight and am not attracted to girls. It was just for fun. Do I have to tell my boyfriend that this happened? Every couple has their own definition of cheating. Experimenting with sex and your sexuality is not a problem, but it does become a problem when these actions can possibly affect someone along the way. If you don’t feel guilty about what you did with this girl, then why not tell your boyfriend? Try to put yourself in your boyfriend’s position. How would you feel if you found out that your boyfriend was hiding the fact that he was “messing around” with a guy while he was with you? Can I get an STD from receiving oral sex?
Pregnant?
Free counseling & services. We come to you. Holy Family Services, Adoption & Foster Care CALL 1-800-464-2367
Sexual diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be transmitted through receiving and performing oral sex. Condoms can be used to prevent STDs. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. “Who uses condoms for oral sex?” People that don’t want to catch STDs, that’s who. Remember guys, there are different types of condoms to make sex fun, such as glow in the dark condoms and even flavored condoms. Yum! Is it illegal to have sex with a professor outside of school? I’m over 18. It is illegal to have sex with a professor, even if you are over the age of 18. Although both of you guys are old enough to make your own decisions, the professor is trained to have authority over a student. And no I don’t mean that in a kinky dominant way.
Photo Courtesy of whiskeyandwry.com
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October 17, 2016
University Times
SALUD Fracaso escolar en la educación de nivel básico Un sistema regido por extensos currículos y procesos burocráticos.
SOCIAL La noche de brujas está a la vuelta de la esquina Ya están abiertos los parques de atracciones más aterradores del otoño Por Marcela Valdivia Con la llegada de octubre, muchos esperan la famosa noche de brujas o Halloween, no solo para disfrazarse con los más espeluznantes atuendos, sino también para visitar los lugares más terroríficos y populares que hay en la cuidad de Los Ángeles. “Halloween Horror Nights” en Universal Studios es el lugar más aterrador que hay en la cuidad. Cuenta con siete laberintos que le pondrán los pelos de punta a cualquiera. El lugar más visitado del parque de diversión es el de la serie “American Horror Story”. Los participantes son atrapados y torturados entre las cuatro paredes de las salas, sin ninguna escapatoria. Sin embargo, la atracción más popular para jóvenes y adultos es “The Walking Dead” dónde personas entran a un mundo post apocalíptico. Aquí la serie tan exitosa de AMC se
vuelve realidad para el público. Otro lugar para visitar durante esta temporada es Knotts Scary Farm. El parque de atracciones tiene una serie de laberintos, trece casas embrujadas y monstruos. El laberinto más popular es “Paranomal, Inc” dónde hay espíritus demoniacos en cada pasillo para asustar a los visitantes. Otro atractivo del parque es el llamado “Red Barn”, un nuevo lugar que promete no decepcionar a los amantes del terror. Consiste en una granja empapada de sangre. Dentro de Knotts, los visitantes se encontrarán con varias áreas de terror con una gran cantidad de monstruos con trajes de colores vibrantes y música para bailar. Los parques de atracciones están abiertos de jueves a domingo con distintos horarios y precios. Los estudiantes de Cal State LA pueden adquirir un descuento por parte de ASI en la compra de los boletos. Para quienes deseen más información pueden visitar la página web halloweenhorrornights.com o knotts.com/scaryfarm.com
Por Claudia Landeros El tema de la educación está frecuentemente sobre la mesa para debatirse. Se escriben artículos, se diseñan nuevos planes educativos y nuevos currículos. Hay una búsqueda constante de culpables para justificar el fracaso escolar en las escuelas. Las personas participantes en la educación están más preocupadas por mantener el empleo, por atender reuniones de padres, de maestros y por llenar boletas de calificaciones con números que satisfagan al sistema. El dedo acusador se dirige con frecuencia hacia el maestro, pero ésta acusación sólo demuestra ignorancia. No se puede hablar de culpables sin entender la diferencia que existe entre la educación, la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, y eso nos corresponde a todos, padres, maestros y administradores. La educación es diseñada y brindada por el estado. Expertos pedagógicos y administrativos son quienes diseñan y deciden los programas educativos para los distritos escolares.
En el mejor de los casos, esas propuestas educativas acaban impresas en libros de textos, muchos con errores de contenido cultural y gramatical que algunas veces lastiman sentimientos de la comunidad. Tal es el caso del libro de texto ¡Qué Chévere!, que ha sido objeto de polémica en el distrito escolar de Glendale dónde padres y maestros pidieron a las autoridades escolares que se remueva el libro de las escuelas por tener contenido irrespetuoso y estereotipado. La enseñanza es ejecutar los currículos en clase. Es la aplicación de los planes y los programas educativos. Aquí es donde entra la función del maestro. En ellos recae la responsabilidad de reproducir lo fijado en los libros de textos. Así que, si hay errores, estos también se reproducirán, porque los maestros están obligados a acatar lo que el sistema les indica. Entre sus funciones no solo está atender horas clase, sino cumplir con deberes burocráticos que exige la administración. No hay tiempo para correcciones. Los profesores son el puente entre el sistema educativo y la sociedad. No solo atienden planes educativos, también tienen que hacerse cargo de lo que la sociedad pone en sus manos. Si
los padres de familia están criando hijos desobedientes, caprichosos, groseros y perezosos, los maestros tienen que lidiar con ellos bajo la creencia ignorante de muchos padres de que son los docentes los responsables de corregir sus fallas como padres. Los maestros son los receptores de lo que el sistema y la sociedad les da. En última instancia está el aprendizaje, el cual es el proceso que corresponde exclusivamente al niño. Es un proceso neurocognitivo y evolutivo, y que habrá que preguntarse si los administradores de planes educativos lo toman en cuenta cuando elaboran los currículos. El aprendizaje se alimenta de la enseñanza dirigida en el aula y de la influencia del medio ambiente, y no se limita solo a las horas en la escuela, al contrario, es un proceso que se lleva a cabo todo el día, en diferentes escenarios y con diferentes estímulos. No se puede radiografiar el aprendizaje de un niño, ni delinearlo igual para todos, pero si se pueden desarrollar competencias y brindarles herramientas para que encuentren sus talentos. Si se puede que cada parte cumpla su función y se deje de lado la burocracia y las disputas por el poder.
ARTE
El 12 de octubre en Hispanoamérica Celebrando la fusión de una nueva identidad cultural Por Eduardo Ramos Cada año, durante los meses de septiembre y octubre se celebra el mes de la hispanidad. Hay diferentes interpretaciones y sentimientos acerca de la historia que se contraponen y se unen al mismo tiempo.
Fotografía Crédito: www.halloweenhorrornights.com
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En 1913, el entonces presidente de la Unión IberoAmericana, pensó en una celebración que sirviera para unificar España e Iberoamérica. En 1914 se celebra por primera vez el 12 de octubre como “Fiesta de la paz”. Más tarde, en 1915, el nombre de la celebración cambia a “El día de la raza”. Nombre que es más común en los países de habla hispana. En otros países tiene otros nombres, en España, por ejemplo, se le conoce como el “Día de la fiesta nacional” o “Día de la hispanidad”; En Estados Unidos como “Columbus Day”; en Chile y Argentina, “El respeto a la diversidad” y en Nicaragua y Venezuela como “El día de la resistencia indígena”.
Fotografía Crédito: http://blogs.periodistadigital.com
No obstante, no todos están contentos con dicha celebración. Muchos consideran que el descubrimiento de América y la posterior conquista dieron lugar a un genocidio, además de la destrucción de culturas ya establecidas. Por otra parte, quienes están a favor, hablan de la prohibición del maltrato y la esclavitud indígena decretado por la Corona de Castilla en 1512. Estas distintas posturas han creado un debate sobre el motivo de la celebración en algunos países. Aunque oficialmente, en Argentina, el 12 de octubre lleva el nombre de “Día del respeto a la diversidad cultural”, los pueblos originarios lo señalan como “El día de la resistencia indígena”. Mismo nombre con el que es reconocido en Nicaragua. En este
país fue instituido oficialmente por el Ministerio de Educación para conmemorar la lucha de los pueblos originarios y la herencia cultural que legaron a los nicaragüenses. En Venezuela la nueva festividad se proclamó para conmemorar la resistencia de los nativos americanos contra los conquistadores. Fue decretada así por el presidente Hugo Chávez y sancionada por la Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela como festividad en el decreto 2008, con fecha del 12 de octubre de 2002. Dos años más tarde, durante la segunda celebración del “Día de la resistencia indígena” surgió una controversia que involucró a partidarios del gobierno de Hugo Chávez, debido al derribo de una estatua de Cristóbal Colón en la Plaza Venezuela de Caracas.
University Times
October 17, 2016
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Chemistry professor Dr. Foster honored with Minority Access National Role Model Dr. Foster recognized as a top mentor for giving women and minorities access in STEM fields
student’s objective of obtaining a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. When talking about Cal State LA and the success of the MORE programs, Dr. Foster beams with pride, stating, “ Cal State LA is the leading non-Ph.D. institution for sending students of Latino heritage to Ph.D. programs.”
Alina Ogle
Numerous students Dr. Foster has mentored have gone on to obtain postgraduate degrees and have had very successful careers in the fields of science and research.
Contributor A mentor can leave an invaluable impression on the future success of those they coach and educate, and Cal State LA Chemistry professor Dr. Krishna Foster was honored for her leadership as a Minority Access National Role Model for her outstanding achievements in the fields of science, technology, mathematics and research. The Minority Access Inc.’s 17th Annual National Role Model Conference in Washington D.C. convened on Oct. 2, and assembled high achieving innovators, researchers, faculty, students, and mentors from all walks of life. The award recognizes leaders in various disciplines who inspire others to succeed and who increase the pool of professionals that will create new technologies, address social disparities, and who will find cures for life-threatening illnesses. This non-profit organization is dedicated to increasing diversity and decreasing disparities while
Photo courtesy of CSULA/Emilio Flores
partnering with universities and implementing programs that aim to recruit, retain, and enhance underserved populations. When asked how she feels about this honor, Dr. Foster said, “I’m incredibly humbled. But I do feel like I’m speaking for an effort as part of a community, where what I do is absolutely normal. I am surrounded by people who are effective mentors.” She added, “What does make me unique, is that I’ve always been connected to my community.” Dr. Foster has always had an inquisitive mind, something that comes in handy when choosing a career in science. Her interest in chemistry sparked in high school thanks to a dynamic teacher who left a long-lasting impression.
What was her reason for choosing the path of science? “Pushing boundaries,” Foster said “I noticed in my high school AP physics and math classes, there were not many people that looked like me, as a woman and an African American; there was an absence, and that’s when I decided to keep going.” After receiving her bachelors in chemistry from Spelman College, she went on to get her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Foster is currently the associate co-director of the Minority Opportunities in Research Programs (MORE) on campus and has been with the program for over eight years. She works tirelessly with the other directors of the program to advance
“I do come from an angle where I celebrate potential, difference, and I don’t try to copy myself; I’m trying to catch as many students as I can with a broad net,” Dr. Foster said, adding, “As a mentor I realize that we come with different experiences, and in the practice of science, that’s imperative for making the most progress.” As college students, we know obstacles are a part of life, and in the role of mentor, Dr. Foster is keen on finding solutions and offering solid guidance when a problem or life challenge presents itself with one of her students. A young woman in one of her classes was struggling in her coursework, but instead of letting her fall by the wayside, Dr. Foster took the time to find out why. It happened to be the classic reason of extra responsibilities at home and a retail job that took time away from her studies. After
finding out the reason for this student’s lackluster performance, Dr. Foster was able to come up with a solution that brought her student into the lab while giving her the ability to drop the retail job and focus on her development. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in chemistry, this student is now highly valued for her research abilities in the job market. “She started at Cal State LA. She was supported in the classroom and her skills were refined in the research lab. Now she is of high value in the industry, and this is a woman who might not have graduated from college if someone hadn’t given her an opportunity.” The importance of resources when life gets challenging for a student is undeniable and Dr. Foster is not one to give up on a challenge. She won't let her student’s give up or feel alone. “ You will get stuck, you will feel hopeless, and you might leave the challenging science disciplines if you don’t have somebody to talk to about it,” she said. This is what drives her to mentor minority students and ensure that the programs at Cal State LA are of maximum benefit to the students. The one accomplishment she is most proud of is her student’s work in the lab. “To see where they started out and to see where they are going is so rewarding. It brings me real joy to see the students develop.” That is the mark of a great mentor.
COME & JOIN US Korea’s Most Delicious Musical <Bibap> October 19, 2016, 7-9PM @ Luckman Theater (on campus) The Center for Korean American and Korean Studies and Korean Language Program proudly invite Cal State LA students, faculty and staff to the most delicious musical that Korea can offer. The very top-notch team of performers, led by Chul Ki Choi, presents the World's most delicious music and dance to the world. <BIBAP> features two master chefs, competing against each other to make the best Korean dish, 'Bibimbap' in the exhilarating sound and movement of cooking through b-boying and beat-boxing.
FREE ADMISSION (worth $50 per ticket) with RSVP & confirmation email You are welcomed to invite UP To 4 GUESTS of your own! Invite your parents, grandparents, family & friends!
RSVP at evite.me/KEYGsYFEyN
Have a quality family time at the prestigious Luckman Theater on campus while enjoying Korean musical!
With the compliment of Korea Foundation and the Center for Korean American and Korean Studies!
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University Times
October 17, 2016
Free hot dogs
Governor Brown signs into a law a new bill to legally rescue pets from hot cars Leyah Galindo Contributor
Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 797, the Right to Rescue Act, which allows for bystander rescue of abandoned pets in closed motor vehicles during climate-related circumstances. Southern California residents frequently experience hot and humid weather however, excessive heat is unsafe for humans and animals. Many pet owners help their pets stay cool by putting them in the pool or keeping them indoors. Unfortunately, several dogs have died or suffered while locked inside their owner’s car for long periods of time on hot days. Dogs left inside an unattended car on hot days have a higher risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and death. Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill allowing Good Samaritans to break into a car to rescue dogs and other animals that appear to be in danger. Several people believe this new law will help end animal cruelty and abuse. TVF transfer student Danielle Lavay said, “It’s depressing to let a dog die if you see it. It’s animal cruelty to leave a dog in a car on a hot day. This bill is a good way to find people and charge them with animal cruelty because come on , what are you doing letting the dog stay in there?” Stephanie Cerna, a third year criminal justice major agreed. “I think it’s a good
idea. If you see a dog dying or suffocating you should have the right to let them out.” Under this new bill entitled the Right to Rescue Act, a person must first call law enforcement to report the situation in which they believe an animal is in danger before breaking into the car. If they find that the animal is in immediate danger, the vehicle is locked, and thinks law enforcement will not arrive on time to save the animal’s life, they can legally break into the vehicle so long as they do not use unnecessary force to rescue the animal. If the person reporting the incident removes the animal from the car, they are required to stay within a safe distance until law enforcement or animal control officers arrive and immediately turn the animal
over. A person who rescues an animal from a car will be exempt from criminal and civil liability for property damage or trespassing to a motor vehicle so long as their actions, property damage, and/or trespass occurred while the person was acting in “good faith” to remove the animal from the dire circumstances. The immunity from civil and criminal liability may prompt more people to help innocent animals placed in dangerous situations. “I agree with this bill and think it should be done. If I saw a dog in the car I would let them out,” said Chelsea Mendoza, a third year biology major. Once the animal is turned over to law enforcement or animal services, they are required to take the animal to an animal
Photo courtesy of flsenate.gov
shelter, another place for safekeeping, or a veterinary hospital for treatment, if needed. The owner of the rescued animal may be required to pay fees for the maintenance, care, medical treatment, and/or impoundment of the animal. A person must also pay a maximum fine of $100 per animal for leaving them in a life-threatening situation. If the animal suffers great bodily injury, they may have to pay a fine of no more than $500, be imprisoned in a county jail for a maximum of six months, or both. The bill was passed unanimously by the State Assembly and signed into law after a series of dog deaths in hot cars. For more information, visit www.legislature.ca.gov.
University Times
October 17, 2016
Dancing to success The career of Outstanding Prof. award winner Meredith Greensburg highlighted Ricky Rodas Copy Editor
The road known as life often twists and turns, leading all people down paths they never thought they would take. Although some are frightened by situations they never planned for, Dance and Theatre Professor Meredith Greenburg has taken all her career turns in stride. Greenburg was one of the recipients of Cal State LA’s 2016 Outstanding Professor’s award, an achievement she does not take lightly. “It was awesome, it was great, the fact that the university recognizes faculty is amazing,” Greenburg said. Greenburg began working at Cal State LA in 2001, encouraged to join the Theatre
Arts (TA) dept. teaching staff by her friend TA Prof. Steve Rothman. Prior to helping her students develop valuable theatre arts skills, she worked as a stage manager in theatre and the opera, working on over 20 opera productions.
mentor… I have alums calling me all the time.” Greenburg has taught a variety of courses, from lower division G.E. to MFA courses, but her true passion has always been stage-managing. “I love teaching. I love
Despite her impressive resume, which includes working for the LA Philharmonic, award-winning director Baz Luhrmann, and creating Broadway musicals for the Hollywood Bowl, Greenburg never foresaw working a stage manager let alone a professor.
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having the students who may not want to be stage managers, but see them walk away with those skills and apply them to any job, not just stage managing.”
Photo courtesy of Cal State LA
“I thought I was going to be a performer on Broadway, and that went away very quickly… I had no idea where this career would take me,” Greenburg said. Although teaching was never a career path she ever considered, Greenburg has grown to love interacting with her students, making sure they walk away with theatre skills that can be applied to any job. “All of theater we get closer with students because we work hands-on with them,” Greenburg said. “For me it was very important for me to have a mentor, so I try to be available to the students as a
Women call catcalling harassment, not flattery Marrian Zhou
er through guided discussions. The project actually discovered sexual harassment committed by a faculty member and made sure the administration take action on him, according to Lara.
When a girl becomes a woman, it is almost absurd if she does not get yelled “Damn baby, look at that a**” when she walks down the street. This rather offensive action has become a usual and frequent experience for modern women, and more aggressive street harassments keep happening yet not taken seriously by authorities.
“On our campus specifically, there are adults (teachers and other school personnel) who are now more comfortable with having conversations about sexual violence and who now understand that this is a pervasive problem at our school, so they are now more vigilant and are able to address these issues in their classes,” said Lara. “Students speak about their experiences more openly and have started to develop the language to combat sexual violence.”
‘No soy tu mamacita’ Managing Editor
To advocate for safe spaces for girls and to initiate plans to challenge the catcalling culture, in a session called ‘Safe Streets Initiative: Mapping Our Stories of Catcalling and Street Harassment’ local educator and doctoral student Mayra Lara presented her Girls Build LA project on campus on Tuesday, October 11. She is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership for Social Justice at Loyola Marymount University. Lara and seven Latina high school students initiated the project by providing a safe space after school for students to share their experiences and empower each oth-
encounter catcalling and street harassment, Lara did not have a clear solution. “As of now, I don't know that I have a direct answer to that question because there are numerous dangers associated with responding directly and with choosing to pretend to ignore the perpetrator. I do however think that girls must speak about these experiences with an adult whom they trust and have built a positive relationship with,” said Lara. “I don't think that there is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ response to catcall-
ing or any other form of sexual violence, but there are ways to build community and have conversations about solutions that each individual is comfortable with.” The presentation actively engaged the audience in different discussions regarding street harassment and story sharing. Lara also provided symbolic pins to empower girls to speak up, such as “No Soy Tu Mamacita”, “My Name is Not ‘Hey Baby’”, “Ally”, and more. Photo courtesy of The Odyssey
Besides safe spaces, Lara’s team also made a map of their school campus and the surrounding streets. Students could anonymously write sticky notes and mark them on the map where they previously experienced street harassment. The maps were shown everywhere on campus, as a way of visual protest. “There is still a lot of work to do, but we've started the conversation and have developed a strong presence, so that is the beginning,” Lara added. As of what girls should do when they
Living in a World of Privilege Food for Thought: Queering your Food Sylvia Valdez Intern
The hour-long seminar was informative, to say the least. From Queer Theory, food insecurity, to CSU systems innovations, the meeting on Oct. 13, started with English and Woman Sexual Studies professor, Dr. Benjamin Bateman. Dr. Bateman began by explaining Queer Theory stemming from gender and feminism studies, which questions the norm or what is “natural”, and who is excluded or oppressed. In terms
of quality of life, the main notion is whose sexuality is superior. “The concept of health is an indicator of normality,” Dr. Bateman explained. “There’s this idea of purity, how if someone who eats only organic and non-GMO is a pure person; because we are opening our world through sex, food, and breathing,” Dr. Bateman argued that the primary focus should be eating healthy in general. “We live in a world privilege,” he confessed. Bateman has a specific economic term he uses to explain vaccination. The media often shows people refusing to vaccinate their child, because they believe that their organic lifestyle will be sufficient. Who
has access to the food and who doesn’t says a lot about social class in modern day society. The free rider effect has something to do with that child not catching a disease; the children around that child has been vaccinated so they are disease free which means the non-vaccinated child is too. Dr. Batman stressed public health to be more important than non-GMO products. He made it clear that being able to receive healthy food is more important. He says, “As a service to public health, we, together, need to relinquish racial norms.” To switch gears, food insecurity is at a rise. According to the statistics from feeding America, 1 in 10 people who receive help are college students. Which means
that 3 million either full time or part time students struggle for food. The displacement of food affects students; the instability causes high stress. The CSU system is attempting to help their students find their next meal. Some CSU’s have received CALFresh grants, which allow students to purchase food on campus using their EBT card formally known as food stamps. Cal State L.A. is currently underway in helping its students. Planned for 2017 is a pantry where they hope to establish a place of support and understanding for anyone who needs help with food. They aim to comfort students and provide friendly service.
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University Times
October 17, 2016
Campus launches first-ever weekend-long ‘H4ck4th0n’
Upcoming Bio Hack event to promote innovation and successful futures Ani Nalbandian Staff Reporter
On the upcoming weekend of October 22 and 23, Cal State LA will host our first ever Bio Hack event in the Golden Eagle Ballroom. Bio Hack is 24 hour marathon collaborative event where students formulate new ideas, establish teams and build innovative hardware and/or software. Bio Hack can include up to 100 bright-eyed students and will provide free food, coffee, drinks and swag to all who participate. Signup registration ends on October
21 and any student, regardless of major or educational background, are welcome to take part. Tools for participating students will include arduinos, virtual reality headsets and 3-D printers. The event will also have a Slack team to help students write code and engineer hardware. This event is meant to promote student involvement and pride, and event coordinators have made it as comfortable of an environment as they could create. The event is being sponsored by the LA BioSpace Incubator, Make in LA Hardware Accelerator and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Any student is able to sign up for Bio Hack, whether attending Cal State LA or not. In fact students from ELAC, USC and UCLA have already registered for the event. This overnight event is meant to promote advancements outside the classroom and inspire
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students to pursue careers in the tech industry. Students from Cal State LA’s previous marathon weekends, such as Startup Weekend, have found success with and because of their ideas; some with finding investors and others with finding jobs. In an interview with Lead Organizer Barney Santos, he explained that students should prepare by researching previous hackathons and brainstorm for ideas before the event. “While people can go and have fun, which is perfect, some people may carve out a niche, build a business and do something even bigger, the sky's the limit.” Any students interested in participating in Bio Hack can register at http://www.calstatelabusiness.com/biohacklaland. If students have any questions or concerns, you may contact your ASI representative Shirali Shah at asiber2@calstatela.edu.