C A L I F O R N I A
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U N I V E R S I T Y ,
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F U L L E R T O N
Valentine’s week heats up sales for local businesses
n OPINION: Unrealistic expectations of Paris disappoints student’s vacation
sports: Kirk Saarloos leads Titans to 7 nseries victory over BYU with a one-hit shutout
—see News page 6
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F e b r u a r y 20, 2001
Families fight release nMURDER: After 25 years of quiet struggle, families of Edward Allaway’s victims are encouraged by support By Marlayna Slaughterbeck Daily Titan Asst. News Editor
In 1976, Paul Paulsen’s sister Debbie was gunned down and killed by Edward Allaway in the basement of Cal State Fullerton’s library. Since then, Paulsen and the relatives and friends of six others murdered that day have battled to block Allaway’s release from state mental hospitals where Allaway has lived for the past quarter century. Until now, their struggle has gone largely unnoticed. “For 25 years, I’ve been in the wilderness,” Paulsen said. “I’m gratified to see all this support today.”
In the midst of dozens of reporters, cameras and microphones, along with several onlookers carrying protest signs, those dedicated to preventing Allaway’s possible release made their case in front of the Santa Ana Courthouse Friday morning. “Their loved ones are gone —but they’re here for the community now—to save other lives,” said Orange County 3rd District Supervisor Todd Spitzer, who recently formed the Responsible Justice for Communities (RJFC) committee to organize family members of Allaway’s victims. The committee includes Paulsen, along with Patricia Almazan, daughter of Frank Teplansky, and Judith Scholtz, daughter of Seth A. Fessenden, both of whom died at the hands of Allaway. Both Almazan and Scholtz expressed surprise and gratitude at the increased media attention. “We’ve never had support like this,” Scholtz said, expressing her belief that the more exposure the public has to the facts of the case, the more likely it is to rally behind efforts to prevent Allaway’s release. “With all this support, I think it’s probably not going
to happen.” Almazan concurred.“Now that we have the community behind us, we’re not going to rest,” she said. Allaway, who entered a plea of insanity at his 1976 trial, was found guilty on all counts of murder. The jury, however, deadlocked on his insanity plea, leaving the decision to Judge Robert Kneeland, who ultimately ruled Allaway not guilty by reason of insanity. Allaway was then remanded to Atascadero State Hospital, 20 miles north of San Luis Obispo. Since then, Allaway, infamous as the perpetrator of the worst act of violence in Orange County history, has petitioned for his release on three occasions; all three of which prompted medical experts to testify against his release. The difference between the previous three requests and this most recent one, however, is significant. Psychiatrists at San Bernardino’s Patton State Hospital where Allaway currently resides, are now
ALLAWAY/ 3
kira horyath/Daily Titan
The living memorial of the tragic event is located adjacent to the library.
CSUF basketball freshman makes his After surviving a drive-by-shooting, missed teammate returns to classes
nLUNCHEON: Associated Students sponsors “Pizza with the Presidents” today at noon
By Damian Calhoun
Daily Titan Asst. Sports Editor As students shuffled hurriedly across campus during the first weeks of the new semester, Rodney Anderson took his time. While students drove up and down the aisles of the parking lot unsuccessfully searching for somewhere to park, Rodney Anderson was dropped off and picked up. As the Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball team practiced and prepared to take on their Big West Conference rivals, Rodney Anderson went home, unable to play the game that he has loved and played his entire life. “It is hard to watch my team play,” Rodney said. “At first it was OK, but now it is extremely hard to watch.” With his basketball career now over, Rodney focuses on his academics. Things have certainly changed since the last time Rodney Anderson was enrolled in classes last March. Rodney takes his time because he is in a wheelchair recovering from paralysis and he doesn’t have to worry about the crowded parking lot because his mother drives him to and from school. Despite the changes to his life, Rodney returned to classes this semester for the first time in nearly a year. Rodney Anderson had his world turned upside down last year. Standing outside of his parents’ home last March, Rodney was crippled in a drive-by-shooting, thus ending his freshman year. The good thing is, the police finally caught the suspect, helping Rodney and his family slam the books shut on a chapter of their life that has changed their lives forever. “It is a closing in a way,” Rodney said of the suspect’s arrest. “To know that he was caught and that he wouldn’t be able to do this again makes me feel
RODNEY/ 8
By Sara Stanton
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Mayra beltran/Daily Titan
Rodney’s mother, Martha Anderson, helps her son get to his classes every Monday and Wednesday.
Zero tolerance attitude against harassnCAMPUS: Unique to the CSU system, CSUF has two separate policies against sexual harassment By Amy Rottier
Daily Titan Staff Writer A teacher gives a student a pat on the back. Maybe the hand lingers too long. When is touching considered inappropriate? The recent lawsuit against sociology professor Clarence Tygart raises the question of how well the campus is educated on sexual harassment. Cal State Fullerton is unique to all other schools in the CSU system because it has two separate policies against sexual harassment and amorous relationships between any two people of unequal power. Barbara McDowell, director of
Students invited for pizza
the Women’s Center said that in the past few years the issue has prompted a huge movement on campus. The understanding and knowledge of sexual harassment and appropriate behavior has increased tremendously since the 60s and 70s, McDowell said. The policies on campus have been revised to reflect a zero tolerance attitude against sexual harassment. Although there is a smorgasbord of information on sexual harassment and its available procedures, much of it must be sought out. All new employees are put through a short training on the facts and policies of the campus on sexual harassment. Brochures are sent to all faculty about once a year and are also handed out at student orientations. Extra brochures are outside campus offices, information is available on the Web, and videos are available in human resources. “We could always use more publicity to heighten awareness,” McDowell said. “However, I’d like
to think that the professional people who seek jobs here should already know—it’s in the mainstream of our society.” Dean of Natural Sciences and Math Kolf Jayaweera feels that the new employee orientation, available training sessions and various other educational tools keep his staff adequately informed on sexual harassment. Caroline Cosgrove of CSUF’s Diversity and Equity Program said she believes some sexual harassment is inevitable in a community as large as this one. Cosgrove added that the majority of the complaints are from female students against their professors and the next largest complaint group is from female professors. The campus brochure on sexual harassment states: “Sexual harassment occurs when a person who is in a position of trust or authority engages in behaviors of a sexual nature that are inappropriate, unwanted, and/or nonreciprocal.”
Harassment differs from flirting because it is unwelcomed and usually occurs in a relationship in which one party is subordinate. The brochure further emphasizes that sexual harassment is an abuse of power and not limited to explicit demands for sex. Also stated in the brochure: “Amorous or sexual relationships are inappropriate when they occur between a faculty member or officer of the university and a student or employee with whom that person has a professional relationship. The difference in power makes it uncertain if the relationship is fully consensual or welcomed and employees or students may find it difficult to refuse a request for fear they have something at stake, according to the brochure. Professors and supervisors are responsible for maintaining professional boundaries at all times, even if a student approaches them. The Diversity and Equity Program on campus is responsible for han-
http://dailytitan.fullerton.edu
dling complaints of sexual harassment. The role of the department is to uncover the facts. “We are required by law to do something,” Cosgrove said. “We are fact finders.” Explaining procedure in the event of a complaint, Cosgrove said that after a meeting is held with the student or employee with the complaint. The staff will then contact the person against whom the complaint was made. Cosgrove said most complaints are handled informally. “Many international students get offended at things that they probably wouldn’t if they grew up in the United States,” Cosgrove said, explaining that in our culture we have much more physical contact than in others. A pat on the back or other such casual contact can often upset certain students. If the complaint is informal, the solution usually comes from a meeting between the two parties.
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Have you ever wanted an answer to the parking situation on campus or wondered where the money from the increased student fees is going? Have no fear, for today, there will be answers. At least that is what President Milton Gordon and Associated Students President Mary Grace Cachuela are hoping to do for students this afternoon. AS and Gordon are hosting a luncheon titled “Pizza with the Presidents” today at noon in the Titan Student Union Legislative Chambers to hear students’ questions and comments regarding campus issues. Students are welcome to free pizza and to participate in an open forum with Gordon and Cachuela. Students are encouraged to come with questions for discussion. Pizza will be served on a first come, first served basis. “This is an excellent opportunity for President Gordon to hear student issues on an informal basis,” Cachuela said. This is the first time that students will have the opportunity to meet in an informal manner with the University and AS presidents at the same time. Gordon and Cachuela have been planning this event with AS representatives for the past semester. Gordon, whose busy schedule rarely allows him to make a public appearance on campus, now has the opportunity to meet students that may never have the opportunity again. Cachuela says she looks forward to hearing students questions. “I need to know student concerns and students need to know who I am,” she said. She also said that this forum is part of her goals to increase student communication with university officials and with AS. “We promised students to increase communication and being a student, I know that some people only get to meet President Gordon on rare occasions,” Cachuela said. Cachuela says that she anticipates some common topics to be discussed. These topics include parking, building developments, the recreation facility and campus growth. All campus organizations are encouraged to attend the luncheon. Invitations and fliers have been cir-
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2 Tuesday, February 20, 2001
two
A guide to what’s happening
BRIEFS Fullerton Chamber of Commerce presents State of the City Luncheon
for a table of eight. For tickets or more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at (714) 871-3100.
Fullerton Mayor Dick Jones will speak at the Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural State of the City Luncheon on March 1. Joined by Bob Fraschetti, President/CEO of St. Jude Medical Center, Jones will address the city’s economic growth and where he sees the city in the future. Jones, who is currently serving his second term as mayor, has been involved in leadership roles in Fullerton for the past five years, previously serving as councilman, Mayor Pro Tem, and Chamber president. “This is an exciting event for Fullerton,” said Chris Lowe, chamber executive director. “It will be a great opportunity to assess where we have been and where we want to go in the future. We are fortunate to have Mayor Jones sharing his insight, as well as Bob Fraschetti, who heads the city’s largest employer.” Fraschetti will address the state of health care as it pertains to the community of Fullerton. Along with leading St. Jude Medical Center for the past five years, Fraschetti is the CEO of St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare, which, in collaboration with the St. Jude Heritage Medical Group, operates medical clinics in Placentia, Fullerton, La Habra, Brea and Yorba Linda. The event, presented in conjunction with the Fullerton Business Council and the city of Fullerton, will be the commencement of what the chamber plans to offer as an event for the city. The luncheon will be held on March 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Erickson Education Center at St. Jude’s Hospital. Tickets are $45 per person or $300
Student Academy Awards
Denise Smaldino Vu Nguyen Joel Helgesen Collin Miller Gus Garcia Seth Keichline Darla Priest Marlayna Slaughterbeck Raul Ascencio Damian Calhoun Magda Liszewska Jamie Ayala Lorraine Dominguez David Rivera Lori Anderson Samantha Gonzaga Debra Santelli Darleene Barrientos Kari Wirtz Robert Kelleher Jeffrey Brody Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Sports Main Photo
278-5815 278-5814 278-5813 278-3149 278-2128 278-2991
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is accepting applications for its 28th Annual Student Academy Awards competition. For the program, the country is divided into three regions, the first of which includes California. The regional coordinator is Meagan Atiyeh at the Northwest Film Center in Portland, Oregon. Entries must be submitted in one of four categories: alternative, animation, documentary or narrative. To be eligible, entries must be produced within the curriculum of an accredited college or university, in a student-teacher relationship, and must have been completed after April 1, 2000. Students selected as national winners will participate in a week of industry-related activities and social events in Los Angeles that will culminate June 10 with the awards presentation ceremony at the academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Along with trophies, Gold Medal winners in each of the four categories will receive $5,000; Silver Medal winners take home $3,000; and Bronze Medal recipients will be awarded $2,000. An Honorary Foreign Student Award will also be presented at the ceremony. Interested students may download an application from the academy’s web site at http://www. oscars.org/saa or send their application request, along with a selfaddressed, business-size envelope to: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 8949 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hilkls, CA 90211
Editor in Chief Managing Editor Business Manager Advertising Sales Manager Advertising Production Manager News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Detour Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Internet Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Production Manager Production Manager Associate Editor Faculty Adviser Advertising 278-3373 Editorial Fax 278-4473 Advertising Fax 278-2702 DT online: http://dailytitan.fullerton.edu e-mail: dailytitan@yahoo.com
The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Tuesday through Friday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan and its predecessor, the Titan Times, have functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The mail subscription price is $45 per semester, $65 per year, payable to the Daily Titan, College Park 670, CSUF, Fullerton, CA 92834. Copyright ©2001 Daily Titan
news CALE NDAR F EVE N TS C ALEND AR O OF EVEN Campus Financial aid workshops are scheduled for Feb. 20, 21, 22, and 23 on campus. Today’s workshop is at noon in EC579. Workshops are scheduled through March 2. For more information visit: www.fafsa. ed.gov Business Week 2001 is being presented on campus from Feb. 20 through 22. Today’s Breakfast with the Professionals is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday’s Career Expo is from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday’s Keynote Luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Events will be held in Portola Pavillions A and B. Bring resume. Network opportunities.
For more information call (714) 278-4220. A class on Creative Topiary is scheduled for Feb. 24 at the Fullerton Arboretum from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information call (714) 278- 3579. “Tuesday Serenades,” will be presented in the TSU Garden Café Feb. 20 at noon. An outdoor concert will be presented in the Becker Amphitheater on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at noon. An “Underground” pub series performance featuring a local band will be presented in the TSU Round Table Pizza on Thursday, Feb. 22 at noon.
Movie night in the TSU Titan Theater is on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Community The Brea Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant is presenting Pure Comedy Night on Wednesday, Feb. 21. It is located at 945 E. Birch Street. For more information call (714) 961- 1010. The exhibition “The World of Reggae,” featuring Bob Marley is at the Queen Mary all spring. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information call (562) 499-1620. Bob Marley is being awarded the Grammy Lifetime
Achievement Award on Feb. 21. A Madonna convention will be held at The Palace in Hollywood on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $25. For more information call (714) 778-4966. The Santiago String Quartet is performing at the Bradford House in Placentia on Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. It is located at 136 Palm Circle. For more information call (714) 993-2470. The music of composer Jeremy Beck will be presented in Recital Hall on March 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $8. For more information call (714) 278-3371.
CALECOP BL N DAR O F EVE NTS OTTER Monday, Feb. 12
Lot E at 4:11 p.m.
At 7:58 p.m. a white man about wearing a red jacket threatened a tech in McCarthy Hall for denying him access to the lab.
Grand theft from a white Honda Civic was reported at 6:25 p.m. The car was parked on the third level of the parking structure.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Graffiti on the mirrors of both men’s restrooms on the lower level of the Titan Student Union was reported at 8:07 a.m.
Medical aid was requested at the loading dock of the Science Lab Center. A female student was moving oxygen cylinders and dropped one, smashing the middle finger on her right hand.
A green Dodge was stopped on West Campus Drive at 8:36 a.m. The subject was driving with a suspended license. The owner of a white Aura reported his car stolen from
At 9:19 p.m. a vehicle going southbound on Chapman was stopped and taken to Orange County Tow.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Friday, Feb. 16
Vandalism in the southwest side of the physical education building was reported at 11:09 a.m. The WO was scratched off the women’s restroom door on the second floor. The reporting party said that a man walked in on her last week and stared at her in the restroom stall.
Shoplifting at the bookstore was reported at 11:53 a.m.
At 1:03 p.m. grand theft from Physical Education was reported.
At 9:46 a.m. a prisoner was taken to the station for resisting an officer.
At 3:23 p.m. medical aid was requested at McCarthy Hall. The subject was taken to St. Jude Hospital.
At 5:51 p.m. an iguana in the middle of the access road by student housing caused traffic to back-up. The iguana was helped back to Arboretum and traffic began to flow.
A woman tripped over wires and fell in section D of the Titan Stadium at 8:31 p.m. The woman refused help and her daughter took her home.
Saturday, Feb. 17
news
Tuesday, February 20, 2001
3
Magic shares success with nSPEECH: Former Laker focuses the majority of his multiple business ventures into minority neighborhoods By Jonathan Hansen
Daily Titan Staff Writer
David Rivera/Daily Titan
Magic Johnson speaks at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center.
In a culture that idolizes its sports heroes, Earvin “Magic” Johnson has done what few have managed — achieved greatness both on and off the court. The former guard, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships in 12 seasons, spoke about his philosophy of success, his current business ventures, basketball and his struggle with the HIV virus to a crowd of about 3,000 Tuesday at the Bren Events Center on the campus of the UC Irvine. “Set your goals up here,” the 6-foot9-inch Johnson said with an outstretched arm raised over his head pointing to the rafters. “Go for your goals strong and hard, and you can become whatever you want to become.” Johnson’s simple message ignited applause and cheers from the rowdy young crowd of junior high, high school and college students. Johnson was forced on more than one occasion to hush the crowd and wait for silence. “If you dream it, you can become
it,” Johnson said “Dream it, see it in your dreams and go from there.” “UCI invited Johnson as part of a university program to empower children to proceed with education at the college level,” said Alice M. Parsons, UCI programs manager. Parsons said Johnson was a positive role model for children because he emphasizes the importance of personal achievement through education. Johnson has several growing businesses targeted at underprivileged and largely minority areas. “I have 3,000 employees and a company worth $200 million because I kept dreaming,” Johnson said. “I am the only partner with Starbucks,” Johnson said. “I own 24 Starbucks now and plan to have 50 by the end of the year, all in minority communities. They forgot that we drink coffee too.” Johnson also said he owns five movie theatres, but is expanding his business called Magic Johnson Theatres to more minority communities in and around the Los Angeles area. “I also own three banks with Janet Jackson,” Johnson said. “I knew [my business career] would be something, but I didn’t know it would be all this.” Johnson seems to have his hand in a lot of business ventures. In addition, he is part owner of the Lakers, owns a record label, owns a T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant, works with Lowe’s to develop more Lowe’s stores in minority areas and is working with 24-Hour Fitness to develop a Magic Club.
Johnson also maintains a strong interest in the team of which he owns 10 percent. “Kobe and Shaq need each other,” Johnson said. “That’s why we won last year and when we come together we will do the same thing this year.” Johnson discussed past generations versus the generation in the NBA now. “In my day we were better,” Johnson said. “We weren’t as athletic, but we were better. Jordan and Bird were the two greatest players.” “The problem today is guys lack fundamentals,” Johnson said. “Guys who go from college to the NBA especially lack fundamentals, and it takes a long time to learn them in the NBA.” Johnson said that for the sake of the game he hopes a rule is passed requiring NBA players to go to college before being drafted. Johnson said he was blessed to play basketball with the best. “I had Kareem sky-hookin’, Cooper d-ing up, Riley looking good, Rambis diving in the crowd, Worthy gliding through the lane and they made it easier for me,” Johnson said. Johnson spoke candidly about his struggle with the HIV virus. “We were on the road in Utah when the team physician called me and told me to come home,” he said. “I drove straight to his office and the doctor told me I had the HIV virus. I was devastated.” “Facing Michael Jordan was nothing compared to the drive home when I had to tell my wife that I had HIV,”
Tet celebration brings students closer to nCULTURE: Vietnamese Student Association ring in the Year of the Snake with food and fun By Taylor Goldman
Daily Titan Staff Writer The Vietnamese Student Association had its first big event of the semester by holding a luncheon in honor of Tet, the Vietnamese celebration of Chinese New Year. Although Tet actually took place on Jan. 24, the students chose to honor the event Wednesday at one
ALLAWAY
n from page 1
recommending his release into a carefully supervised halfway house. Because of the pressure put on the state to keep individuals confined, the psychiatrists’ recommendations are highly unusual, particularly given the magnitude of violence involved in the case. The fact that the staff at Patton State has submitted a report declaring that Allaway is healed and no longer a danger to society makes the possibility of his release more likely. It is that very prospect which has steeled the opposition. CSUF librarian Kathy Morris, who witnessed the shootings twenty-five years ago, remarked upon the dedication of those such as Almazan, Scholtz and Paulsen. “I’ve relied upon them for years to
of their meetings. Kevin Bui, the president of the association, said that one of the major goals of the club is to teach Vietnamese-American students about their culture in a fun environment. This was accomplished Wednesday by the presence of authentic Vietnamese food and music. Loan Nguyen, a member of the club, entertained the crowd by singing a song about Valentine’s Day. Son Kim Vo, who has been the club’s advisor for the past 13 years, spoke briefly about some of the traditions of Tet and some of the ways that Vietnamese people welcome the New Year. According to Vietnamese tradi-
tion, there is a cycle of 12 animals that are symbolic of each year. Vo said that the year 2001 is the Year of the Snake, which is characterized in the biblical story of Adam and Eve as intelligent, yet sneaky. He added that many families do not like to have children born in the Year of the Snake because it is thought that these individuals “crawl on their bellies.” She spoke of some women she knew of who had cesarean sections before the new year just so that their children were born as dragons, rather than snakes. She also said that VietnameseAmericans spend New Year’s Eve much differently from AngloAmericans. Rather than going to a celebration, Vietnamese-Americans believe that they all must be home
handle just what they’re handling today,” Morris said, adding that although some have not been as vocal as others, all those connected to the murders undoubtedly feel pain. “It hurts,” Morris said. “Different people have their own ways of dealing with it — some will talk about it, but others cannot.” While some have criticized the university’s handling of the situation, Morris is not so quick to lay blame. “I’m not sure anything the administration could do would change that,” she said. Allaway’s lawyer, Deputy Public Defender John F.F. Bovee said he believes the pressure represented by RJFC to keep his client in custody is misguided and that Allaway’s condition warrants his release under the law. Bovee, who is so confident in Allaway’s sanity that he said he would pick him as his next-door-neighbor,
responded to questions about Allaway’s plans if his petition for release is granted. “One of the first things he’d like to do is go fishing,” Bovee said, emphasizing that Allaway would not return to Orange County were he to be released. “Any program would call for extremely close supervision and would of course be located elsewhere,” Bovee said. “Absolutely not in Orange County— that would be the very last place in the world.” For victim Debbie Paulsen’s brother Paul, Bovee’s reassurances fall far short of consolation. After Judge Frank F. Fasel set a pretrial hearing date for March 16, Paulsen waited as Bovee turned to exit the courtroom. Reacting to Bovee’s comments about Allaway’s desire to go fishing, the visibly shaken Paulsen called after Bovee. “I’d like to take my sister fishing.”
when the clock strikes midnight because at that moment, their dead ancestors will return to them for a brief moment. These stories that Vo delivered about the holiday served to give students a greater understanding of their backgrounds. Howard Diep, the club’s treasurer, was born in Vietnam, but moved to the United States at the age of nine. This club helps him to escape from the fast-paced culture of the United States and remember his roots. “This club helps to close the gap between the older generation and the newer generation,” Diep said.
Flower Trieu, the club’s vice
president, said that the Vietnamese
Student Association has helped her
to become more aware of her back-
ground. Trieu had never understood her parents’ perspective before joining the association. She grew up in a white neighborhood, and this club has given her the opportunity to interact with people of her own culture for the first time. Those who did attend the luncheon to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture were all able to participate in a raffle that was meant to welcome the students and the New Year. They all handed in tickets encased in red envelopes with gold writing on the outside. Winners of the raffle were awarded with club paraphernalia.
Johnson said. “The real problem was my wife, Cookie, was pregnant at the time and I didn’t know if she or the baby was infected as well.” “The words wouldn’t come out,” he said. “I just closed my eyes and asked God to say it for me.” When Cookie said they could beat the disease together Johnson said he knew he would be okay. He said the disease has been “asleep” in his body for the past 10 years and he is healthy and feels great. “The safest sex is no sex,” Johnson said. “Talk to your parents, or your pastor about sex. Your future can go just like that,” he said with a snap of his fingers. Many people consider Magic Johnson to be a hero. Magic said his hero is his father, who worked two jobs to support his wife and 10 children. “It hasn’t always been good,” Johnson said. “Some of you kids have the same problems I had. Don’t let peer pressure stop you from achieving.” Johnson emphasized the importance of an education to the young crowd. “Young people, you can change the world — change the way people think about race — through education,” Johnson said. In closing and before being enveloped by the enthusiastic crowd and autograph seekers, Johnson said, “If my limo crashed tonight when I leave here, don’t be sad —I have done everything I wanted to do, I have lived a full life.”
6 Tuesday, February 20, 2001
news
Sexual awareness elevatnSEX: Students receive free condoms and photos with mascot during Sexual Responsibility Week By Heather Blair
Daily Titan Staff Writer Wendy Wegner, clad in a big heart costume on Valentine’s Day, strolled up and down the Titan walkway where there were numerous fraternity booths. She got the attention of many with her red tights and bright smile, but Wegner wasn’t dressed up just for fun. She was trying to get people to come take a free picture with their loved ones and her, as the mascot for Sexual Responsibility Week. The Peer Health and Education Program and the Health Center sponsored a booth on Wednesday and Thursday of last week to inform students about sex-related issues and to give out free pictures with a computerprinted frame.
Across the United States there were many college campuses celebrating the week that corresponds with Valentine’s Day. According to the University of Southern Colorado’s Web site, www. uscolo.edu, their Student Health Center is sponsoring a game of “Sex-Tac-Toe” with a host known as “Condom Man.” However, other universities may celebrate the week to inform and educate on condoms, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases. The CSUF studentrun booth was filled with pamphlets about sex, pens with the Health Center’s number on it and condoms stapled to covers that read, “Titans, cover your trunks.” Jennifer Barber, a member of the Peer Health Education Program, said the condoms should be a big hit with the men. After Wegner had paraded through all of the people, slowly students came over to take their picture with her. One student posed with his fraternity’s house puppy. Another man grabbed his girlfriend for a quick photo with Wegner. “I think everyone was a little intimidated at first,” Wegner said. “But it’s a free picture, and if that doesn’t get them over here, I think the free condoms will
bring them in.” Tim Ong, a senior at CSUF, said he didn’t care about the picture. “I just wanted the free condoms,” Ong said. The students could also find out about other services the Health Center had to offer including couples counseling, STD screening and contraception workshops. This is the first time that the Health Center and Peer Health and Education Program had sponsored an event like this. Erin Hoch, who joined in this program over a year ago, said they usually participate in other events. For the Great American Smoke-Out, they passed out suckers to students so they wouldn’t smoke. Hoch said they plan on sponsoring other events on campus, but they don’t have any exact plans as of yet. The Peer Health and Education Program is also looking for volunteers, and they had sign-ups at the booth as well. It is a one-unit class, but Barber said that anyone can join. “Our meetings are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and we discuss things from nutrition and diet to breast cancer and World Aids Day,” Barber
Lorraine dominguez/Daily Titan
Wendy Wegner takes photo with Nico Saldana, Robert Valenzuela, Leonel Sanchez and Kenny Murray.
said. Janet Emery, a nurse at the Health Center, said she thinks this week is a great idea. “We live in north Orange County, which has a very low incidence for STDs, but we still see some cases
here,” Emery said. “The best way to protect yourself, if you’re going to be sexually active, is to use a condom.” Emery said a STD screening at CSUF costs under $20, and if you think you may be infected, it’s a good idea to get checked.
Miguel Perez, an international business and MSIS major at CSUF, said he thinks all of this is too much. “The best form of disease prevention is abstinence. It works like a charm,” Perez said.
Last minute shopping benefits local businesses on Valentine’s nBUSINESS: Although the economy has slowed, sales at Godiva Chocolates in Brea have soared By Rita Freeman
Daily Titan Staff Writer It’s between 6 and 7 p.m. Men in business suits fill the store as they shop for last-minute gifts. Lines form out the door as many carry red, heart-shaped candy boxes in their arms. At the Godiva Chocolatier shop in the Brea Mall, signs of a slowing economy did not stop shoppers from spending plenty of money on gifts for a significant
n from page 1 If a formal complaint is filed, it will be investigated. Investigations are confidential, although witness may be contacted. A review of documents and evidence and interviews with the parties and witnesses may also be included. A complaint should be filed no longer than 30 days after the harassment incident. The Director of Diversity and Equity has five working days after receiving the complaint to decide whether an investigation will be held. Within ten days after the investigation, both parties will receive the final decision in writing, as stated by the procedures for the implementation of UPS 240.100 Sexual Harassment Policy and Resolution of Employee Complaints California State University, Fullerton. “We deal with all complaints responsibly and appropriately and with understanding,” said Rosamaria Gomez-Amaro of the Diversity and Equity Department. Cosgrove said many students wait to report sexual harassment until after the semester is over for fear of receiving a lower grade, Cosgrove said. Cosgrove suggests that when dealing with sexual harassment, first try telling the offender to stop and explain that the actions or words make the learning or working environment uncomfortable. The next step is to go to the chair of the department, the Diversity and Equity department, the Women’s Center, Career Planning & Placement Centers, or Human Resources. It is also advisable to always write down a list of things that happened, including dates, times and any witnesses. In addition to strengthening a particular case, writing this down is also good therapy, McDowell said. More information regarding sexual harassment policies and procedures is available on the Web at www.fullerton/diversity.edu.
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other. “Comparing with the sales of last year, sales went up 10 to 15 percent over plan,” said Traci Sanchez, an employee at the Godiva Chocolatier. “This year it seemed like people waited until the last minute to buy gifts.” Like the sales at Godiva Chocolatier, the slowing economy did not affect local businesses during Valentine’s Day, in fact many sales increased this year. Floral shops, restaurants, gift and lingerie boutiques all benefited from the holiday this year. Popular items included halter teddies and gowns, toys, lotions, chocolate-dipped strawberries and long-stem red roses. “It was so hectic this year,” said Arjelia Ortiz, a florist at Flower Allie in Fullerton. “All the florists had to arrive early because everyone wanted flowers in the morning.”
Ortiz said in the time she’s worked as a florist, this year was one of the busiest Valentine’s she had ever seen. “I have worked in three other shops and I have never seen a shop get so busy,” Ortiz said. Several businesses attribute the last minute shopping as the reason for the increase in sales. Bob Soutar, owner of the Erogenous Zone in Fullerton, said that most of the volume of Valentine’s Day spending came the final three days of the holiday. “I noticed that Valentine’s Day was more compressed than in prior years because our larger volume came in the final three days,” Soutar said. “I was surprised this year because there was an increase on lingerie and vibrators.” Soutar added the weather might have influenced the last minute shopping.
“I think that with the rain, people put off shopping even longer than they normally would,” he said. The local businesses also noticed less people were buying yet they were spending more money on gifts. “People are more particular, more specific about giving a gift,” Sanchez said. “Valentine’s Day is intimate, and people are willing to spend more because they are spending it on that one special person.” Soutar said he noticed people were buying gifts because the holiday was spread out over the week. “I had a better Saturday afterValentine’s Day than the Saturday before,” he said. Restaurants, such as Bucca Di Beppo and Claim Jumper, noticed an increase in consumer service. Ahmad Arshi, manager at the Claim Jumper in Brea, said there was at least a two-hour waiting list
to sit . “We close the doors at 10 p.m., and we were still sitting people at 25 minutes after,” Arshi said. “About 99.9 percent of the parties were couples.” He added that one point in the night, he set up one large table with five couples. “The table was sort of like a community couple’s table.” “It was funny, but the couples took it well and it worked out in all ways.” Frederick’s of Hollywood noticed a small boost in sales despite problems it faced last year since filing for bankruptcy. John Parker, direct marketing manger for the industry, said catalog sales did better this year than in stores. “This is not a typical experience in this industry,” Parker said. “We had a 20 percent increase over last year.” Parker added, though sales through-
out the industry are soft, business has increased from Christmas and he said he anticipates it growing. “Sales for Christmas was 28 percent over plan and I am hopeful since consumers are responding much better than last year,” he said. Since the holiday fell on a Wednesday, consumers shopped the days after and bought belated Valentine’s Day gift. Stephanie Farrell, an employee at Judy’s Hallmark in the Brea Mall, said that people asked for items even after they were stored. “One of our more popular items was the “Kiss-Kiss Bears,” two bears that kiss with magnetic noses, and we sold out of them two weeks before the holiday,” Farrell said. “Two days after Valentine’s Day, people asked for cards after we had already put them away, and for the bears. After telling them the bears were sold-
8 Tuesday, February 20, 2001 RODNEY
LUNCHEON
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great.” Fast forward to January 2001 and Rodney returning to school. Not as a member of the CSUF basketball team, but as a regular member of the student body, having already survived the toughest game of his life. “It is a blessing to be back,” Rodney said. “It feels good to start school again. I never finished my freshman year.” This semester, Rodney is finishing the second half of his freshman year. The workload is relatively light. Rodney, a human services major, is enrolled in only six units: Intro to Human Communication and American Government — both general education classes. As Rodney sits in the front of his classes, his freshman classmates are oblivious to his life and the struggles and battles that he has persevered through just to stay alive. “I do not believe that the freshmen in the classes know about me and what I have been through,” Rodney said. “I like it that way. But I’m not worried about them finding out anything about me.” The transition back to school has been eased by the benevolence of CSUF President Milton Gordon, who reinstated the athletics scholarship that Rodney lost when he was unable to return to the basketball team. “The basketball team has been like my family away from home,” Rodney said. “Their support has been a blessing to me. Head Coach [Donny] Daniels has been real supportive, even though he wasn’t the coach when I first came here.” Someone took the generosity to a much higher level and the funny thing is that the Anderson family doesn’t even know the identity of the person. In November of 2000, a saint of a woman came forth and bought the family a brand new Dodge Caravan, making Rodney’s trip to and from school much easier than it would have been. ”She came forth with a brand new van,” Glenda Anderson, Rodney’s sister, said. ”She chose to be anonymous — we do not know who she is and we still do not know. But it was definitely a blessing. The support and prayers from everyone has been great.” Anyone who has been through the trials and tribulations that Rodney has would try to hide in the back of the classroom or probably not even return to school, but the overflowing love and sincerity that Rodney has received
culating on campus since the beginning of the semester. At Club Fest, over 1,000 fliers were passed out to students. Evan Mooney, director of administration for AS, will act as the master of ceremonies at the luncheon. He said that he will open up the forum and “start with basic questions that are student directed to get the ball rolling, then open up the floor to the students.” Mooney also said that there will be no other agenda for the day except for students to connect with Gordon and Cachuela and to have fun.
news Adam Byrnes, a member of the board of the directors for the department of communications, has been coordinating campus leaders and organizations to attend the event. All faculty and university officials are invited to attend and participate as well. “I think that it would be interesting if administrators asked Mary Grace [Cachuela] questions,” Byrnes said. With Cachuela and Gordon preparing to answer questions and AS supplying the pizza, all that is needed for a successful meeting is a group of students with concerns that need answers.
Tuesday, February 20, 2001
Pacific’s shooting stars bring storm down upon nBASKETBALL: Last minute clutch free throws help Tigers secure victory against struggling Titans who control their own postseason fate By Mark Villarroel
Daily Titan Staff Writer
David Rivera/Daily Titan
A healthy Ike Harmon gives Titans a viable shot at conference tourney.
After mounting a courageous comeback from a scoring drought that continued for more than fifteen minutes, the Cal State Fullerton Men’s Basketball team, came up short as Pacific swiftly took the win 63-50. The Titans began the game strong as Josh Fisher helped to get his team one up on the opposition by sinking the first field goal. The starting forward would end up as the Titans leading scorer finishing the night with 12 points. Pacific in return promptly contested the Titan’s momentum as they quickly swung the ball around the Titans defense looking for the open
man. The open man came in the form of downtown-technician Jono Metzger-Jones who led Pacific in scoring with 15 points, going 5-6 from three-point territory. Fullerton went on a scoring drought from the 7:25 mark of the first half to 12:08 of the second half as they went without a field goal. The Titans 15 minutes of scarce offensive production abruptly ended when shooting guard Kevin Richardson rained on the field goalthirsty crowd by sinking a floater in the middle of the lane. “Their defense caused us to go on a scoring drought,” said Head coach Donny Daniels. “Although the depth of their bench probably hurt us the most.” Pacific’s supporting cast greatly
contributed to their cause primarily due to Mike Preston who went 50 percent from the field and scored 14 points off the bench. Preston capped off his scoring by throwing down two spectacular dunks in the second half, which rattled the crowd of over 700 Titan faithful. Pacific’s David Butts who was silent for most of the game, drained a crucial three-pointer which expanded the deficit to the largest of the game 47-21. Closing the gap for the Titans was veteran Ike Harmon in his second game back on the floor due to reoccurring ankle injury. The senior forward modestly contributed to the Titan comeback as he went 8 for 8 from the line and ended the night with a total of 10 points. With the game barreling into the 19th minute, the Titans pulled together a barrage of impromptu offensive schemes that brought them within 9 points. The scoreboard read 59-50 in the
Perfect game barely escapes Saarloos’ nCSUF: Senior loses chance at history, but for second consecutive start goes the distance in grand fashion By Damian Calhoun
Daily Titan Asst. Sports Editor Warming up in the bullpen before his start against BYU, Cal State Fullerton pitcher Kirk Saarloos knew that Saturday was going to be a good day. He was right. The senior right-hander stifled the Cougars’ attack en route to his second consecutive complete game shutout as the Titans won 5-0 to take the series two games to one. Saarloos (2-2) had a perfect game for seven and two-thirds innings and struck out a career high 11. The outing earned Saarloos National Pitcher of the Week by Collegiate Baseball. Cougar third baseman Kainoa Obrey broke up Saarloos’ bid for Titan history with a bloop single that dropped right out the reach of both second baseman David Bacani and right fielder Kyle Boyer. “When I got to three balls, I told myself to make him hit my best fastball,” Saarloos said. “I threw it as hard as I could and it rode in on
him and got it in and he fought it off for the hit.” “At first I thought that David (Bacani) was going to catch,” Saarloos added. “It was frustrating, but not as frustrating as it would have been if it had happened in the ninth inning.” With his performances this season, Saarloos has definitely proved himself worthy of the preseason AllAmerican honors that he received. Saarloos’ ERA is 1.41 and he has 33 strikeouts and only three walks in 32 innings. “The key was throwing the first pitch for a strike,” Saarloos said. “I had all three pitches working. My slider, fastball and changeup.” Saarloos did not allow a walk and had only three three-ball counts, running his scoreless streak to 20 consecutive innings. It is a stretch that CSUF Head Coach George Horton marvels at. “His first start was uncharacteristic of him,” Horton said of Saarloos’ first outing of the season against Pepperdine. “But since then, he has been awesome. You do not see performances like this in college baseball. To have a no-hitter into the eighth inning is special. CSUF (6-6) jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the second inning on freshman right fielder Kyle Boyer’s three-run home run off of BYU starter Jeff Stone. The second inning blast was not only Boyer’s first as a Titan, but it
Seven wins and title for Softball in Hawaii By Caesar Contreras
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Michelle Gutierrez/Daily Titan
Freshman right fielder Kyle Boyer’s three-run home run in the second inning Saturday against BYU starter Jeff Stone, gave Kirk Saarloos all the run support he needed in the 18th ranked Titans’ 5-0 was the Titans’ first home run since Feb. 3, a span of eight games. It was also the team’s first home run with runners on base. “It was fastball down the middle,” Boyer said. “I was ahead in the count 2-0 and I was looking for a fastball and I got it.” Making up for their own power shortage, Titan first baseman Aaron Rifkin added his first home run of
the season in the sixth inning to put the Titans up 5-0 and turned all the attention to Saarloos and his bid for perfection. “We knew that it was going to be tough to score off of Saarloos,” said BYU Head Coach Vance Law. Saturday wasn’t the only game that displayed All-American quality pitching. In the series opener on Thursday,
CSUF stifled by persistent press
nBIG WEST: Titans are unable to solve Cal Poly’s suffocating fullcourt pressure which caused 36 turnovers By Jonathan Hansen
Daily Titan Staff Writer The CSUF women’s basketball team turned the ball over 36 times in Sunday’s 85-52 loss to Cal Poly San Louis Obispo at Cal Poly. Cal Poly came out in a tight fullcourt press, blanketing the Titans, forcing turnovers and creating a season-high 22 steals for the home team. Kari Duperron, a 5-6 Mustang sophomore, had seven steals for Cal Poly, a career-best. “We didn’t handle the full-court press very well,” said CSUF coach Barbara Dee Ehardt. “We forced plays a little and panicked a little bit and it had a snowball effect - it continued to build and build.” Dominating defense opened up Cal Poly’s offense. The Mustangs jumped out on a 14-to-1 run and outscored the Titans 49-22 in the first half. The Mustangs had the hot hand early hitting five first half threepointers and shot 45 percent from the field.
Guard Kristy Baker led the Mustangs by scoring 12 points and contributing four assists. Center Heather Journey and reserve guard Stephanie Osorio added 11 points a piece for Cal Poly. CSUF settled down in the second half and were outscored by just six, 36-30. However, the Titans struggled from the field the entire game, shooting only 30 percent. “We certainly competed in the second half,” Coach Dee Ehardt said. “It’s been one half or the other for us this season. We are working on competing for the entire game.” Titan center Allison Parks led all scorers with 20 points, a careerhigh, and added four rebounds in the game. Freshman guard Tamara Quinn scored six in just 14 minutes before leaving the game with an injury in the second half. “She’s tough,” Coach Dee Ehardt said about Quinn. “She’ll play injured and gut things out.” Titan Sophomore Heather Hansen pulled down a team-high nine rebounds, dished out two assists and scored four points. With the win, the Mustangs improve their record to 10-13 overall and 4-6 in Big West play. Cal Poly will travel to Idaho to play the Vandals on February 23rd. The loss is the third in as many
final minute. But the Titan newfound scoring streak was short-lived as they were reduced to fouling Tiger ball-handlers to regain possessions. Pacific’s point guard Nathan Davis was on the receiving end of many of the desperation fouls and single-handedly silenced the home crowd by converting on three of four down the stretch. Although Pacific only shot an overall 52 percent from the freethrow line, its proficiency in the final seconds proved to be enough to halt the last minute Titan drive. Coming away with a win, the Tigers improve their record to 149 overall and 6-6 in the Big West, clinching a position in the post season tournament. The Titans dropped to 3-20 overall and will host Idaho Thursday as both teams battle for the eighth and final position in the Big West tournament. The 5 p.m. game will be broadcasted on Fox Sports West.
Titan starter Jon Smith (2-0) pitched eight innings, struck out nine, allowed one run and Saarloos pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of the season in the Titans’ 2-1 win. In the second game on Friday, BYU starter Nate Fernley (5-0) pitched a complete game and shut down the Titans allowing only two first inning for an 8-2 victory.
There’s just something about tournaments that bring out the best in the Cal State Fullerton softball team. Over the weekend, the Titans went a perfect 7-0 as they captured the Chevron Paradise Classic title in Honolulu, HI. It was the second tournament championship won by the team in the 2001 season and improved CSUF’s record to 12-3 overall. In convincing fashion, the Titans were once again led by powerful pitching and key hitting from a variety of players as they outscored their opponents by a impressive 47-8 margin, with four of the contests coming in shutout fashion. The tournament lasted from Thursday until Sunday as the Titans defeated Centenary University 16-0 and Hawaii 3-0 in the first day of action. Over the course of the weekend, the Titans scored victories over Auburn and two wins against UC Santa Barbara. In the tournament’s final day of action. CSUF took two games from the host Wahine as they won the tournament. Throughout the Classic, CSUF only found themselves down once, as they trailed the Wahine in game one on Sunday but came back to post a 6-4 win. The Titans went on to win the second game on Sunday against the Wahine by a 8-0 score. Four Titans were named to the AllTournament team led by Oaks, who was named the tournament’s Most OutstandingPitcherandtheTournament’s Most Valuable Player. Oaks was a perfect 5-0 in the tournament and had a 0.21 earned run average to go with 36 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched.
Titan standouts shine in team loss to Mustangs By Mark Villarroel
Daily Titan Staff Writer
michelle gutierRez/Daily Titan
Freshman forward Nikki Lee throws up a jump shot for the Titans. games for the Titans. CSUF’s record falls to 1-22 overall and 1-9 in the conference. CSUF will face the third ranked Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara February 21st at Santa Barbara. The Gauchos are coming off a victory over Stephen F. Austin,
which snapped Stephen F. Austin’s winning streak at 17, the longest streak in the country. Coach Dee Ehardt said her team would concentrate on producing offense in the post to combat center Lindsay Taylor, the Gauchos 6-8 red-shirt Freshman star. ‑
The night began with momentum sitting on the side of the Cal State Fullerton wrestlers who won two out of the 10 matches. Although as the night evolved Cal Poly San Luis Obispo went on to prevail by the final score of 38-5. The meet began with the 184-pound weight class as Titan wrestler Josh Ready took the mat against Chuck Sandlin. Ready, determined to win the match, avoided the onslaught of takedowns by Sandlin to win the first match of the meet at 6-1. CSUFseniorBabakNejadmaghaddam who boasts a team-best 13-1 record set out to extend the Titan lead. Nejadmaghaddam suffered his first loss of the season at the last home meet versus Oregon State. With the loss, Nejadmaghaddam’s appetite to re-claim his dominance on Big West opponents was immense. Staring across at the 197-pound senior standout was Cal Poly SLO’s David Shenck, who showed early that he was not intimidated as he posted an early four points. However, as the match wore on, Nejamaghaddam used his veteran knowledge and tactics to offset Schenck, resulting in a narrow 7-4 victory. Unfortunately, the driving force that pushed the Titans towards their first 2 wins in the dual meet, swapped over to the opposition as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo went on to win the next 8 matches. To impede the initial Titan drive,
Mustang Dan Leahy cheered on by over 350 Cal Poly SLO fans, wrestled one of his best matches of the season. Leahy won the match by major decision over Chad Troxler, 10-0 in the heavyweight division. Cal State Fullerton wrestler Josh Spencer at 149-pounds fought honorably against the assault of 12th nationally-ranked Cedric Haymon but faltered under the verteran’s relentless takedowns. With the win by way of technical fall, Haymon’s victories extended to a stellar count of 33 on the season. A bright spot for CSUF was the longanticipated return of 174-pound grappler Shawn Henebry, who was expected to miss the rest of the season. The Titans delight however was short-lived as Henebury’s nationally ranked opponent Steve Strange, used a series of tilts to defeat him in a technical fall. CSUF standout Brian Gilliand, who usually wrestles in the 125-pound weight class was not able to take part in the meet due to an injury suffered in last week’s home meet. The injury forced the Titans to forfeit the 125-pound match, as Jaime Garza accepted the fight-less win. The Titans also found themselves on the receiving end of a string of losses in the weight classes of 133, 157 and 165. As the regular season culminates, the Titan record falls to 2-9 and 0-5 in the Pac-10. Despite Saturday’s loss, CSUF hopes still fly high as they prepare for the upcoming Pac-10 Championships, which will be held in Eugene Oregon this coming weekend.
Tuesday, February 20, 2001
Is this mic on? By Jamie K. Ayala
There are a lot of things I could do with $122,000. I could pay Lorraine Dominguez/Daily Titan for 40 semesters of education, Rockabilly singer Josie Kruezer performed at The Pub last Wednesday, a new form of transportation, or but students didn’t fill the tables that AS Productions reserved. maybe a new house. But thinking of educational boards throughout campus announcing upcoming events. and entertaining activities for the rest of the student body Perhaps every event is not at a convenient time or maybe is a difficult task. the gig is not of interest. The excuses are many. This is the amount of money and task Associated The point is that student fees are being used to produce Students Productions deals with each year, getting more student events that students do not attend. misses than hits on average. ASP holds a number of programs each semester. One can Have you ever been to a production? The audiences cost up to $5,000 or more if it’s a touring band or national are less than a good turnout and are composed mostly of speaker. students whose teachers offered them extra credit if they “The average speaker is over $1,000,” Gonzalez said. attended. “It’s rare if it’s under that.” For instance, only 30 students may show up to a lecI don’t know about anybody else, but I care where my ture in the Titan Theater, which can hold more than a 100 money goes, whether that be taxes, vehicle registration or people. student fees. Last semester I made it to three varieties — a forum A lot of students attend AS productions to with political commentator Susan Estrich, a conreceive extra credit for their courses. If our cert with rockabilly band, The Three Bad Jacks, money is only benefiting a classroom of and a lecture at The Pub with “ghostbuster” students’ grades that makes me a little conLoyd Auerbach. cerned. Student fees sponsor films, concerts, lecI certainly can’t possibly attend all these tures and special programs. These events events by myself in order to make sure our are organized by a part of the associated money is being put to good use. student body that is not elected into office. Students can enhance their college experience by These hired officials determine what types taking advantage of these events. At no additional costs, of guests students will enjoy through word of some guests choose to engage with students beyond their mouth, feedback surveys, and even their own interrequired time. ests. Entertain these opportunities and pop in to attend one ASP Administrative Director Norma Gonzales said that some time. they use up half of their budget yearly. Taking action isn’t beyond anyone. It’s up to you to What is all this money for though? An ill-informed stu- inform yourself and if you don’t like it, change it. Why not dent body? Bold posters line walkways and border bulletin suggest your ideas to ASP? The rest of the student body will
Commentary: Not the picturesque By Sara Stanton Paris, the famed capital of France, is known for its prolific museums, ancient cathedrals and romantic atmosphere. It had been painted in my mind as the most beautiful city in the world before I ever thought of visiting. Before I left the Untied States, I made affirmations to myself about this trip. I would eat new and interesting food, take lots of pictures, try my hardest to speak French, and fall in love with the most romantic city in the world. I expected to waltz into France, order a bottle of wine and fit right in with the Parisians. I expected everyone to understand and speak English. I expected an “excuse me” or “sorry” when someone bumped into me. I expected to see, feel and breathe nothing but the elation of Paris. I thought that an actual place could transform me. But what I discovered outside of the well-known tourist affinities was a rural, run-down community that suffered from neglect. I saw a world that ceases to exist from a romanticized mind. Bottom line — Paris sucks. All I wanted to do was get out of there and return to the English-speaking world. A lot of the good things I had heard about Paris was true. The Eiffel Tower is breathtakingly overwhelming and the Louvre Museum holds numerous artistic masterpieces that you can just sit and stare at for hours. In spite of this, once away from the major tourist venues, I encountered a reality that I have never seen on any postcard or viewed in any movie. I had always seen Paris as a clean, classic, versatile city filled with cafes and flower shops on every corner. The reality was just the opposite. Debris litters the ill-repaired streets.
Subway stations and trains reek from the stench of animal urine and feces. Buildings display the colorful insignias of local gangs in spray paint. Frenzied street fairs selling clothing at discount prices look as if a riot or a raid had occurred at the end of the day. Fliers, fast-food containers, soda cans and whatever else should be thrown into a trash can waits in front of storefronts to be sifted through by the homeless. Before the shock of a crude Paris set in, I felt as if I were right back at home. After all, Paris isn’t allowed to have ghettos.
But it wasn’t just what I saw and observed. What I ate was also interesting. Avoid all fast-food restaurants. My chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s were gray on the inside. Another fast-food restaurant served a hamburger that had hard crunchy excerpts of whatever animal I was eating inside of it. Keep an open mind, I kept thinking. I discovered that I was becoming more and more intolerant of the culture that I was visiting. Perhaps this is what is commonly known as “culture shock.” I discovered that I could not order food or purchase subway tickets due to my language impediment. Those little English-to-French dictionaries are of little help. Practicing pronunciations over and over failed me when someone who actually knew how to speak French approached me with a question. My righteous American attitude was quickly humbled. All I could do was struggle to understand menu items, hope that I was giving the correct change and collide with the people I was in the way of. I was a foreigner. The helplessness and anxiety never seemed to disintegrate and everything that I thought would be — wasn’t. Part of me was ecstatic that I even had the opportunity to visit Paris, for even my parents haven’t had the luxury. My disappointment however overpowered the thoughts that I should consider myself lucky. I think that part of my problem was that I was only there for three days and never became submersed into the culture. But I don’t believe that if I had been there a week or even two weeks that I would have felt any more comfortable. I didn’t expect to be the foreigner and to be treated as such. One thing is for certain — an American in Paris was nothing that I had ever expected. — Sara Stanton is a Daily Titan Staff Writer