2002 11 13

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Month Honors Native Americans nCULTURE: The Inter-Tribal Student Council hosts a celebration to promote awareness day in the Quad on Thursday

By Jill Daloria

Daily Titan Staff Writer

PERSPECTIVES: A writer’s visit to Cuba reveals an island made beautiful not by by its landscape, but by its history and remarkable people

Native American Awareness Day, an event sponsored by the InterTribal Student Council, will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Quad.

The event is a way in which the council could celebrate the Native American Awareness Month of November.

“People are very unfamiliar of the idea of Native American Awareness Month,” said Inter-Tribal Council’s President Leya Hale.

“Many people don’t know it exists. In 1990, the president designated November as Native American

Awareness Month,” she said.

The day will showcase modern and traditional dancers. The opening act will be the Acjachemen Singers and the main event will be a performance by the Eagle Spirit Dancers.

“The program that we are going to present is in an educational, storytelling format,” said Ben Hale, coordinator for the Eagle Spirit Dancers.

“We want to make people aware of our stories and traditions. The way we express ourselves and our values and traditions are still even more valuable today than ever before,” he said.

There will be vendors set up on the side, who will be selling Native American arts and crafts such as pot-

tery, jewelry and beadwork.

“Without cultures and traditions, we are people who function in society not knowing our true self,” Leya Hale said.

There also will be contests such as best costume and best children’s costume.

“People who are not Native American will be able to see the differences in dress,” said Rosalina Camacho, coordinator of the Women of Color Resource Centers. “The typical stereotype of the American Indian dress is big feathers and bright colors. Many of the dresses are more subdued with colors like tan.”

Prayer circles also will take place during the event.

“You don’t ever enter a circle unless you are invited,” Camacho said. “People don’t realize that there are rules of respect in the Native American culture. They don’t just walk in and sit down.”

This event is one of the many cultural events on campus that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone to take part in celebrating our diversity.

“The more we learn, the more diverse our campus can be,” said junior and liberal studies major Thanh Nguyen. “I’m planning to go and learn about the Native American culture. I want to learn about their values, what types of traditions they have and what types of foods they make.”

People will get a chance to see Native Americans pass on their traditions through the ceremonies, prayer circles and showcases that will take place.

“I think there is a great need for events like this around campus because if you don’t experience somebody’s beliefs, great value and identity will be lost,” Ben Hale said.

An event like this will give students a chance to experience the Native American culture.

“There are many Native Americans who go to this school, but do not know or practice their traditions,” Leya Hale said. “An event like this

EVENT/ 5

TribeTries to Shake Bad Rap

Enough with the Mind Games!

Please see page 4

nLECTURE: A slide show was presented by the Tohono O’odham Nation to defend group

to the negative publicity, some of the Nation’s members have been involved in the trafficking of drugs and undocuAmid accusations of misconduct, mented immigrants.

In the meantime, federal agents have members of the Tohono O’odham Nation are speaking out and educating been responsible for the destruction of cultural and archaeologithe public. cal cites. Other allegaCal State Fullerton tions include verbal students and facabuse and suspicious ulty were introduced Monday to the chal- “I am the only scrutiny, he said.

“I am the only one lenges that confront these members at a slide one known to known to have asked an agent what they are show and commentary doing as opposed to them titled “La Frontera: have asked asking us,” Garcia said.

Indian Sovereignty, “We need to let the Drug Trafficking, Death audience know what & Life Along the U.S./ an agent people are being faced Mexico Border,” prewith,” he said. sented by David Garcia, what they Recently nominated to councilman for the the Arizona/Mexico comNation at the Pollak are doing as mission, Garcia plans to Library. voice the Nation’s con“We want to educate cerns. the public, to inform opposed to “As people we are and clarify the situation going to have an impact knowing the bad pubthem asking on what’s going on licity we’re being faced behind closed doors,” with, responsibility for Garcia said. us” death,” Garcia said.

Garcia provided imagGarcia referred to the es that portrayed the conincreasing death toll-of David Garcia, ditions of the region durimmigrants crossing the ing the discussion.

United States/Mexico Councilman for the “These people are border. walking around without The Tohono O’odham food and water with no Nation is a federally idea of where they are recognized indigenous going, and they end up entity in Southern Arizona, here,” Garcia said of the immigrants. with a membership of 25,505.

As communities within the Nation It is the second-largest reservation in the United States, extending 76 continue to provide blankets, food and emergency services to people in need, miles across the border.

Members of the Nation are scruti- human rights and economic issues nized by government agencies such as remain at the forefront of the Nation’s the Border Patrol for not having docu- agenda.

Garcia urges students to visit the mentation such as birth certificates on their person, Garcia said. Adding FRONTERA/ 5

By Micole Alfaro

Special to the Titan

NEWS: Students take advantage of convenient flu and meningitis vaccinations sponsored by the Health Center and Vaccess Health Please see page 5

SPORTS: For the aspiring Tiger Woods’, take a look at the numerous local golf courses and how much it will hit you in the pocketbook JAIME NOLTE/Daily Titan

Please see page 8

David Wilcox stands at the corner of State College Boulevard and Nutwood holding a sign.

Wilcox, 51, has been holding similar signs at high-traffic intersections for 16 years.

TITAN

Exhibit Fosters Mexican Culture

online

nART: The Titan Student Union’s Center Gallery showcases 14 pieces

by Samuel A. Baray, including acrylic, silkscreen-based and iris prints

extras n

Check out the Daily Titan online this year at http:// dailytitan.fullerton.edu.

New features and sections will be available this year!

u p co m i n g n

Learn all about HipHop when its off the heezy for sheezy in the Dizaily Tizitan in tomorrow’z issue

By Edna Silva

Daily Titan Staff Writer The Titan Student Union’s Center Gallery is featuring an exhibit titled “East Los Angeles Images and Reality,” until Nov. 20. The Chicano Resource Center, ENLACE and the Chicano Studies Department sponsored the exhibit.

Displayed in a garden setting, Samuel A. Baray’s 14 pieces shared a common theme reflecting his Mexican background and the Los Angeles community where he was born and raised.

His works include silkscreen-based prints, acrylic and iris prints.

“He has a very good sense of color and design,” said Poli Marichal, who attended the opening.

She has seen many of Baray’s exhibits and owns several of his pieces.

The opening on Thursday included

musical group Trio Chapala who performed for over 60 viewers in attendance.

An altar of La Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, is also displayed as tribute and additional adornment.

“I saw his work in an exhibit in Los Angeles and felt that it would bring added cultural awareness to CSUF,” said Tammy Camacho, Chicano Resource Center coordinator who organized the event.

Camacho admires the works for how Baray embodies the beauty and deep-rooted culture of East Los Angeles.

His work centers around the religious, spiritual and cultural themes of Chicano and Mexican art, Baray said.

However, it does not necessarily focus on political issues. His artwork reflects the beauty of a community

that has not typically been portrayed as such. It is not a nationalistic type of art but an art that he hopes can be enjoyed by many communities, Baray said.

“It (art) comes from a community … it has to ring true to where you come from,” Baray said.

East Los Angeles has a lot of history and beauty, which he tries to reflect in his work as he calls attention to the beauty of a community that he holds close to his heart, he said.

Baray’s works are vastly colorful, some particularly concerned with abstract forms to create images that “are a blending of [his] life experiences in family, work, and community,” Baray said.

Baray has a notable background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in art education, at California State University, Los Angeles, and a master’s in urban educational policy and

EDNA SILVA/Daily Titan

Albert Ornelas admires one of Samuel Baray’s art pieces. planning, from UCLA. He also stud- Some exhibitions include “Chicano ied Spanish art and literature at the Expressions” at the Pretoria Arts University of Madrid, Spain. Since Museum in South Africa during 1996 he has been a full-time artist, 1994; “Virgens and Madonnas” at leaving a teaching position at Roosevelt the DADA, in Los Angeles during 1996; and “Millennium Exhibit” in High School in Boyle Heights.

His work has been seen in exhiEXHIBIT/ 5 bitions both foreign and domestic.

2

2 Wednesday, November 13, 2002

page a guide to what ’s happening

BRIEFS Fullerton Recognizes New Clerk Services Manager Beverly White, chief deputy city clerk for the City of Tustin, was recently appointed the new clerk services manager position with the City of Fullerton.

The appointment will become effective on Nov. 18.

The position was created by the Fullerton City Council following the retirement of former City Clerk Audrey Culver in July.

White also will be responsible for managing the city’s records retention program, administer and computer imaging system and will help coordinate elections and update and publish the Fullerton Municipal Code.

“Beverly automated the entire City Council agenda preparation process making the entire agenda packet available online,” said Fullerton City Manager Chris Meyer. “I am certain her contributions to Fullerton’s City Clerk Office and the city will be significant.”

White is a native Californian, who was born and raised in the Anaheim and Northridge areas.

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State Long Beach and an associate degree of liberal arts from Rancho Santiago Junior College.

She has been working for the City of Tustin since 1981, where she started as a police records clerk and in 1986, she became a secretary in the Community Services Department.

In 1990, she was promoted

deputy city clerk and has served as chief deputy city clerk since May 2000.

Science Fiction Presentation at Fullerton Museum Center The Fullerton Museum Center will present “Science Fiction Meets Science Fact,” on Nov. 23.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature special guests Bob Gounley, spacecraft systems engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and Walter James, a specialist in trajectory design and orbital mechanics for LockheedMartin.

The program is recommended for children 8 years of age and older who are interested in space exploration and is being presented in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit “Barsroom to Blade Runner: Science Fiction in Southern California,” which runs through Jan. 26.

Admission to the museum is $4 for adults, $3 for students with student identification and senior citizens 65 and older, $1 for children 6 to 12 and free to children under 5 and to members of the Fullerton Museum Center.

The Fullerton Museum Center is located at 301 N. Pomona Ave., east of Harbor Boulevard, in downtown Fullerton.

Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

For further information, call

Daily Titan

NEWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS On Campus Nov. 13 TSU Governing Board will hold its meeting in the TSU Legislative Chambers from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Men’s soccer versus UC Santa Barbara. The Big West Conference match starts at 7 p.m. in Titan Stadium. For more information, call (714) 278-CSUF. “Self-Esteem: It’s in You.” Sherry Bene Stevens, marriage and family therapist, will answer your questions about self-esteem. Sponsored by the Women’s Center. University Hall Room 205, noon.

“The Financial Planner in the 21st Century,” a lecture with New York Life Tax & Financial Group. Sponsored by the Center for Insurance Studies.

In the TSU’s Titan Theatre, 2:30 p.m.

“Worker Prosperity and the Owner Workers,” a discussion of William Greider’s book, “One World, Ready or Not.” Part of the Continuing Look at Globilization Lecture series. In the Ruby Gerontology Center’s Room 15, 1:15 p.m.

Nov. 14 Camp Titan Holiday Toy Drive starts today and runs until Dec. 13, in the TSU.

Film Series features, “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.” In the Titan Theatre at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Please note: Natalie Portman sure is purty.

“Fall Dance Theatre” performs in the Performing Center’s Little Theatre under the direction of Gladys Kares.

Performances are at 8 p.m.

Nov. 14 to 16: 2 p.m. Nov. 16: and 5 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets are $10. For more information, call (714) 278-3371.

“Opera Scenes Performed” a series of opera excerpts and one-acts, presented under the direction of Janet Smeigh and Mark Salters in the Performing Arts Center’s Recital Hall. The performances run until Nov. 17.

Tickets are $10 and $5 with advance Titan discount. For more information, call (714) 278-3371.

“Alexander,” a presentation by retired Orange County Superior Court Judge Luis Cardenas. Part of the History of the Byzantine Empire Lecture series. In the Ruby Gerontology Center’s Mackey Auditorium, 10 a.m.

“The Galileo Project to Jupiter–Agony and Ecstasy,” a lecture by Bill O’Neal of the California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in the Ruby Gerontology Center’s Mackey

Auditorium. Part of the Frontiers of Space Lecture series. 1:15 p.m.

Nov. 15 Nine-ball billiard tournament in the TSU Underground from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Confused on how to use Microsoft Excel? The Mainframe in the TSU can help with its tutorial on the subject.

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“My Mother’s Castle,” a French film, will play as part of the Foreign Film Classics series. All films have English subtitles. At the Ruby Gerontology Center’s Mackey Auditorium, 1 p.m.

The women’s tennis team will hold it’s annual faculty/staff and alumni tennis afternoon.

Current team members will take on various faculty and alumni in the fund-raiser at the tennis courts. The event starts at 2 p.m.

Nov. 16 Family Night, TSU Underground. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“An Enchanted Evening: the Music of Broadway,” featuring Lee Lessack and Joanne O’Brien. Tickets are $25 for orchestra seating and $20 for balcony seating. $2 off with advance Titan discount. In the Plummer Auditorium, 8 p.m.

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Creative Conceptions 4*4

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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 has 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.

Copyright ©2002 Daily Titan

Taboo 4*4

Nov. 17 The French Film series continues with Jean-Luc Jeunet’s, “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain.” In Humanities Room 110, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 “Leaders Bridging Cultures,” a weeklong event for international education and multicultural leadership will take place throughout CSUF until Nov. 22.

Community Nov. 14 Violinist Joshua Bell guestdirects and performs with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the Fields at the Cerritos Center.

CSUF students can get a two for one special with a valid school ID. For more information, call (800) 300-4345. 8 p.m.

Nov. 16 Even though Howie Mandel might not put latex gloves over his head then blow them up with his nose, he still might be funny. To find out, go see him at the Grove in Anaheim.

Tickets are $45. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, call (714) 712-2700.

Event of the Week Three days, you bugger, until “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” comes to theaters near you.

Daily Titan

NEWS

Wednesday, November 13, 2002

3

CSUF Animators Finalists at Channel Islands nCOMPETITION: A rainy weekend at the CSU Media Arts Festival brings thrills, praise, but no awards

By Jessi McFarland

Daily Titan Staff Writer The clanging of pipes echoed through the dark, hollow corridors that encompass the CSU’s newest campus, formerly Camarillo State Hospital – a mental institution. The group of Cal State Fullerton animation students eagerly crept through the Science Building, decorated in pale green tiles reminiscent of the 1960s, on their way into a room formerly used as the morgue.

“It felt so creepy, it was the perfect place to set a horror movie,” Michael Williams, a graduate animation major said. “It was the prime key to setting the mood for the weekend.”

Williams joined fellow CSUF students Peggy Wang and Justin Ridge as finalists in the CSU Media Arts Festival 2002, held for the first time at Cal State University Channel Islands.

The university was chosen as the site of the 11th annual festival because of its relative intimacy to Los Angeles and to the media industry. The festival featured seminars from members of the entertainment industry, Joanne Bartok, director of the Media Arts Festival said. It would be more enticing for them to contribute if they didn’t have to travel very far, Bartok said.

The spooky factor may be what enticed the large turnout this year, she said.

“This year there were 179 entries, breaking our record by about 30,” Bartok said. “We had 120 students show up last year and anticipated between 150 to 200 students this year. We ended up with about 300, plus 30 faculty members [from the CSU’s] who came to the event.”

“The judges took into consider-

COURTESY OF PEGGY WANG

“Something Smells Like Fish” was one of three CSUF entries. ation what resources students had available, how students worked with those resources, how the film was edited and paced,” Bartok said. “If we had trouble deciding between two films [to become finalists] I would ask the judges, ‘Which one would you want to see again?’”

The ambiance of the festival

seemed informal and amateurish, Williams said.

“The main theater was like a lunchroom, it felt like we were at camp,” he said.

But the facilities that housed the festival carried the entertainment for the weekend.

“I would do it again, if it was

going to be another rainy weekend at a mental institution,” he said.

Bartok said the setting was crowded and hot, but it brought people closer together.

“It was a little informal, but it was an environment where people felt like they could talk to one another,” Bartok said. “It (the film viewing) was on a nontraditional stage. It was a converted church. It makes a nice venue and it had good projection quality.”

The nominated films varied in time from two minutes to a half an hour. Other than animation, there were documentaries, music videos and short form TV programs. The three nominated media arts pieces from CSUF were animated shorts.

“No Bull About It” was William’s first submission to a film festival, outside of the CSUF film festival.

Wang, a graduate animation student, has submitted her film to over a dozen festivals over the past year.

The idea for Wang’s film sprouted when her curious cat, Hanna, leapt on the stove to see what was cook-

ing. Hanna’s tail caught on fire and Wang’s first complete animated short film took to life. “Something Smells Like Fish” was completed in the beginning of 2001 and began its run in the festival circuit. Wang’s film is filed in the comedy category on the Internet at http://alt.show.com.

Wang brought a video camera along for the weekend, documenting the adventure at Channel Islands and interviewing residents of the outskirt of the school, which is still in the process of being transformed from its former state as a mental institution.

While none of the CSUF films won awards, Bartok, who viewed each presented film several times over, was left with an overall good impression by the CSUF students, emphasizing Williams’s film. “‘No Bull About It’ was my personal favorite. I have a soft spot for traditional animation,” Bartok said.

“The animation from CSUF was super, super strong this year.”

Older Students Continue to Learn nCAMPUS: On the far reaches of campus at the Ruby Gerentology Center, senior citizens take part in classes

By Melissa Bobbitt

Special to the Titan Bob Burke clutches his favorite textbook with a smile on his face.

“It’s great,” he said. “I can’t understand a of word of it, but it’s great.”

Burke is enrolled in a Russian language class, one of many unique courses offered by the Continuing Learning Experience, part of Cal State Fullerton’s Extended Education program.

CLE is located in the Ruby Gerontology Center and has nurtured the liveliness of Orange County’s active senior citizens since 1974.

“Many young people envision older people in wheelchairs, inca-

pacitated,” said CLE President Barbara Talento. “That’s only about 10 percent of older people.”

The nearly 800 participants of this nonprofit organization do not fit in that 10 percent bracket. Talento’s office is a testimony to the talent and energy exuded by members of CLE. The walls are adorned with portraits painted by CLE members. On a nearby table sits a book titled, “Footsteps in Time,” written by CLE members, who funded the entire Gerontology Center. According to a pamphlet distributed by the Gerontology office, the CLE was housed in the Golleher Alumni House from its inception in 1974 until 1988. The orga-

“Many young people

envi-

sion older people in wheelchairs, incapacitated. That’s only 10 percent of older people” Barbara

Pulse 3*10.5

nization’s membership outgrew the facilities, so they paid for the Ruby Gerontology Center to be built.

The center, which opened in 1988, was named after Charles and Rachel Ruby, patrons who supported the Fullerton School District.

For $90 per semester or $175 per year, CLE members engage in a vast array of classes, lectures, field trips and clubs.

Four-week computer courses are offered for $35. The PCs and Macs come equipped with SeniorNet, an elderlyfriendly software application.

Talento said the most popular CLE activities are the “Frontiers of Space” lectures in the Mackey Auditorium, the Monday and

Tuesday bridge tournaments and the organization’s field trips.

“I went to Spain about two years ago [with CLE,]” said Len Levanthal, a computer teacher for the program.

“It was fantastic.”

The program’s focus is on the adult learning theory: no papers to write and no extra textbooks to read. These methods fuel the seniors’ appetite for knowledge. Talento said she is impressed by “the passion and dedication to learning that the CLE students have.”

In addition to CLE, the RGC is home to the CSUF Institute of Gerontology.

The Institute allows CSUF students to interact directly with older adults.

Director Pauline Abbott said the Institute’s main objective is to relate aging to all fields of study.

Departments such as kinesiology and economics team up with gerontology to attribute courses to senior living.

“We’re all getting older,” Abbott said. “So it is pertinent that everyone becomes more conscious of the pros and cons of aging.” She mentioned

JAIME NOLTE/Daily Titan

The Ruby Gerentology Center holds classes for senior citizens. that seniors often fall victim to marketing scams or get abused by nursing home employees. The Institute increases awareness to protect against these problems.

The Gerontology Department gives away three scholarships for students seeking a minor or master’s degree in

Univ. Village 3*10.5

the subject. The awards range from $500 to $1,000.

Students can also join the Student Association for Gerontology Education or Sigma Phi Omega, a fraternity that pledges its time to caring for seniors.

“It’s a program for everybody

Daily Titan

NEWS

Wednesday, November 13, 2002

5

Meningitis Risky for CSUF Residents Center said. It went on to mention that recent studies have shown that college freshman living in dorms to be at a slightly higher risk of contracting the disease due to close living quarters, smoking, alcohol consumption and hanging out at a bar.

The Health Center encourages every student to consider receiving this immunization.

The Vaccess Health program Web site said the vaccination can provide protection against four out of the five strains of meningitis. The four strains cause up to 85 percent of the cases on college campuses.

Usually the vaccination has been delayed until an outbreak of meningitis occurs, however,

nHEALTH: The disease’s four strains cause up to 85 percent of the cases on college campuses

By Melissa Segal

Daily Titan Staff Writer More staff than students at Cal State Fullerton felt it necessary to receive a meningitis immunization shot on Tuesday in the Titan Student Union, Vaccess Health nurse Cora Spencer said.

Dr. Robert Aylmer, the acting executive director of the Health Center, said in a statement that meningitis is a dangerous disease that needs aggressive treatment in order to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.

Despite treatment, 10 percent of those infected with the disease die each year, a press release from the Health

“Ninety bucks seems a little steep, $20 I can spend on a flu shot but $90 for something that is so rare, not right now” Mark Richey, Business major

due to the shortage of flu shots the Health Center has joined with Vaccess Health in order to get both of these shots taken care of at once.

The only problem found by students seemed to be the price.

Mark Richey, business major, said, “Ninety bucks seems a little steep, $20 I can spend on a flu shot but $90 for something that is so rare, not right now.”

However, others seemed grateful that CSUF was participating in administering the vaccines due to the little knowledge that students have regarding bacterial meningitis.

Senior business major Vince Do said, “I know little about meningitis itself, there is barely

any information regarding it. I didn’t even know that I needed to get vaccinated.”

Students unsure of what to do to ensure their health seems to prevent students from willing getting the vaccine. Because outbreaks are rare and because the onset of symptoms is extremely rapid, for many students post-exposure vaccination may be too late to provide protection.

Some complications that occur from meningitis are bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

Vaccess said immunity can take one to two weeks to develop.

The Vaccess Health Web site said that the vaccinations should be provided or made easily available to those freshmen who wish to reduce their risk of contracting the disease, because freshmen are the ones at the highest risk. Other undergraduate students and staff who wish to reduce their risk of the disease can also choose to be vaccinated.

The influenza virus is a swift

JAIME NOLTE/Daily Titan

Daniella Twigg receives a flu shot at the TSU on Tuesday. spreader among students at the CSU’s and otherwise each year, especially in the dorms and as a result a large number of them miss classes or are sick for exams. The flu vaccine is highly effective however the Health Center is not administering the vaccine so students are urged to take the initiative and get it elsewhere.

The Titan Student Union offered the shots yesterday. Flu shots cost $20 and meningitis shots are $90.

Vaccess Health nurse Monica Britton, who was administering the shots said, “We had a good turnout, 371 total, the shot goes right into the muscle so there is little pain and just some soreness.”

Cal State Fullerton Campus Accessible to Disabled Community nSERVICES: Staff, faculty and students find CSUF easy to navigate, despite physical limitations

By Micole Alfaro

Special to the Titan On his way to class, a student stopped to chat with Ron Kamaka, field event coordinator for Cal State Fullerton. The student said, “You’ve got it made,” in reference to the wheelchair that Kamaka was sitting in. The comment appeared to Kamaka to be made in jest, since students typically walk long distances across campus to get to classes. But the long-time track and field coach later wondered if the student knew what he was saying. He thought to himself, “He could have this wheelchair if I could have his legs.”

The former track and field star was injured while bodysurfing in Hawaii

FRONTERA n from page 1 land of the Nation and get involved with the issues.

Robert Castro, assistant professor of Chicano and Chicana studies offered further insight.

“It is important for students to be aware of the issues, than to participate,” he said.

“Eventually, folks are going to

EVENT n from page 1 opens doors.”

There will also be other days during the week to experience the Native American culture.

The Alliance for the Preservation

EXHIBIT n from page 1 London during 2000. The latter was co-sponsored by Self-Help Graphics and ACAVA, a London-based artists’ cooperative, where he served as the London representative for Self-Help

12 years ago. Permanently paralyzed from the waist down, he is no longer able to walk. He is a quadriplegic.

Kamaka said that his injury has changed his experiences, and more profoundly, has altered the ways that people perceive him. Still, he does not feel an oddity in the CSUF community.

“This is a great campus as far as faculty awareness of disabilities,” Kamaka said.

In his ninth season as the assistant men and women’s track and field team, Kamaka continues to educate his athletes about the value of diversity and overcoming obstacles.

He teaches them, “Differences are important and don’t always have to be agreed upon,” and assures them, “It’s OK to be different.”

Kamaka believes that he has earned respect from colleagues and studentathletes.

“There is no question from the team that I am capable of holding the position I have,” he said.

He has openly embraced the nature of his job despite his disability. “I have been challenged to become a better

teacher,” Kamaka said.

When he is not coaching athletes on the field, Kamaka can be found holding seminars on diversity and assisting freshman classes for student-athletes.

Kamaka said that the CSUF campus is very accessible, but also said that he would like to have better access to the Titan House, where he is unable to retrieve his mail downstairs. The recently renovated colonial revival home was built in 1886. It is in the National Register of Historic Places and is the home of the Athletic Department management team.

Unfortunately, Kamaka said, the Titan House does not have access for disabled persons downstairs.

“My wish would be to have greater access to the mail area,” he said. “The staff is great and everyone is always eager to help me.”

Kamaka credits Director Paul Miller and the entire CSUF Disabled Student Services staff for creating a program that encourages students to be independent and proactive.

“The presence of the program invites people with disabilities to the university,” Kamaka said.

have to take notice.”

Leo Cota, a Chicano and Chicana studies major, referred to issues in Southern Arizona.

“I thought it was a good, informative and insightful lecture,” he said.

“Students do not have an awareness of what’s going on.”

Garcia concluded the presentation with a question-and-answer session and followed up with final comments about the issue.

“We are assisting government

agencies with tribal dollars,” he said.

“But it does not address funding for the international border.”

Lupe Lopez, a representative for ENLACE, who sponsored the discussion said, “Our purpose is to bring out the facts. It is important how this item is not on our agenda, we act like the border is on another continent when it is just two hours away. Yet we see and hear news about the Middle East. We never hear about death and harassment on

of African Consciousness, called “Fusion” will host an event called Native American Poets/Poetry on Nov. 16 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m, and a workshop titled “Leadership and Education: Native American Perspectives” by Benjamin A. Hale on Nov. 20 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“This event provides awareness

of the Native American culture and brings cultural diversity,” Leya Hale said. “Native Americans are not known to have higher education. We want them to know we’re still here and we’re getting an education as well. We would like to be noticed like other cultural clubs.”

Graphics. He has been active artist there since 1987.

Some of the works on display are “Nopalera,” “Xolotl” and “Virgen de la Guarda.”

His works, which are available framed or unframed, can be purchased at various prices.

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Miller said, the idea is to create a “fully integrated environment.”

It is important to appreciate people’s differences as opposed to focusing on their deficits in creating a more productive and diverse learning environment, he said.

Disabled Student Services provides a broad spectrum of services for students with learning and physical disabilities according to the student’s need and nature of disability. Tim Endicott, a business major who suffers from a learning disability called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), currently utilizes the program’s note taking services.

Endicott also contends with a physical disability. In 1995, the 41-year-old father of two was severely injured in a car accident. As a result, he is paralyzed from his chest down.

In spite of his circumstances, Endicott outwardly expresses content for his experiences on the CSUF campus.

“I am very pleased with my two semesters here,” he said. “Everybody is considerate and gets along with everyone else.”

Jason Strong, a human services major said, “I think it’s a great program and it’s made a college education extremely accessible to me.”

In addition, he said, “The program puts us on a level playing field with other students.”

Strong suffers from a condition known as cerebral palsy, caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain at birth.

Persons with cerebral palsy exhibit impaired muscle activity or muscle control, curbed by the use of medication. Currently, there is no known cure. Unable to use his hands, Jason takes five minutes to turn a single page of a book.

With the aid of the Disabled Student Services, books are scanned for Strong to read on a computer screen. In addition, he is able to write with the words that he speaks using a special program called adaptive technology.

“I can pretty much breathe and think and talk on my own and that’s it,” Strong said about his disability.

Strong further requires assistance in providing self-care, from getting out of bed in the morning to brushing his teeth.

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Despite his disability, Strong remains active in student clubs and organizations.

“I make an effort to get outside my own little box,” he said.

In his spare time, he likes to write poetry and theatrical plays, but not for publication.

“I like discovering what makes people tick,” Strong said about his interest in human services.

Looking ahead, Strong said that he would like to have greater access to adaptive technology. He says that at least four or five stations with these computers are needed in every building. Currently, CSUF houses a single station in the Titan Student Union, Pollak Library and Langsdorf Hall, while the lab in Disabled Student Services houses five stations.

Strong looks forward to greater access to adaptive technology but expresses gratitude for the assistance that the program currently provides.

“That’s one of the reasons I like being here, because I feel like when I’m on this campus, I’m not in a chair,” he said.

6 Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Students Stretch forYoga

Daily Titan

Exercise the Key toWeight Loss, Not Quick-fix Diet Pills

nEXERCISE: Anyone can “drop in” to the AS Rec Center to participate in free health and fitness classes

nNUTRITION: Although thousands of products are made and billions of dollars spent, the fact remains that dropping the

By Yvette Cornejo

Daily Titan Staff Writer

By Mayu Ogura

Daily Titan Staff Writer Exams, assignments, work and relationship problems are factors that cause students stress. One of the great ways to get away from the stress of demanding life is practicing yoga.

Associated Students Rec Sports offers a variety of “Drop-in Fitness” classes, which Cal State Fullerton students can participate in for free, and a yoga class is one of them.

About nine students usually gather in the classroom and learn a blend of many different hatha (physical) yoga styles, which focus on breath and relaxation. Instructor Lisa Grech starts the class by asking participants about how their days are. They then start their practice by focusing on a sitting pose while soft background music plays.

“Yoga is a physical discipline that connects breath and movements and has many benefits such as flexibility, stress relief, relaxation, muscular toning and lengthening, as well as the strength building,” Grech said.

She said yoga can have health benefits in terms of boosting the immune system, helping to open up injured areas, stress relief and lowering blood pressure.

“I think people are looking for not only physical fitness, but also something that adds another component, that adds to the stress relief or that adds a feeling of balance,” Grech said, referring to yoga’s popularity.

“I think that we are making our schedule so busy and doing so many different things that we really need to kind of balance ourselves,” she said. “We need to have some form

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Participants

of activities that slows the mind down and relaxes our mind at the same time as using our bodies.”

Grech teaches the class every Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Physical Education Building. Another yoga class takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

“It’s free and it’s a good class,” said Jennifer Robinson, a senior majoring in biology. “Usually yoga class is expensive. This is what I was looking for.”

FullertonHigh School Student Nicky Chiriboga, who came to the class with her mother, said, “It relaxes you and it really releases your stress.”

Fall Drop-In Fitness classes offer a variety

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MAYU OGURA/Daily Titan

at

“Drop-in Fitness”

“We need to have some form of activities that slows the mind down and relaxes our mind at the same time...”

of unique selections, including “Gutts, Butts, Thighs,” “Cardio Boot Camp,” “Kung Fu,” “Hip-Hop dancing,” “Freestyle Aerobics” and “Yoga.” All classes are free to currently enrolled CSUF students. Nonstudents can purchase a fitness pass for fall 2002 for $45.

“You can come if you have never done yoga before or you can come if you have been doing yoga for years,” Grech said. “I teach all levels.”

She said students can participate in any of drop-in fitness classes whenever they want and no one is keeping their scores about how often they are coming like a normal class.

“Maybe if you just feel like doing some relaxations during finals or maybe if you

For years Americans have searched for the easiest and fastest way to lose weight, spending more than $33 billion a year on weight-loss products and services alone, according to a study done in 2000 by the Orange County Nutrition Alert Coalition.

“Most people want to believe that there is a ‘magical’ alternative to strict diets and physical activity that promote health and well being, however, they are rarely told of possible side effects or other harm that might result from the promoted product or dietary regimen,” said Paula Evans, from the public relations office at the Orange County Nutrition Alert Coalition.

Thousands of products and eating regimens have been produced to supply this growing demand, while only one-fifth of people are trying to lose weight using the recommended amount of exercise and calorie intake, Evans said.

“We need a change of attitude, and just like anything else we need a commitment, to work at taking care of our health each day and become educated consumers,” said Ada Schulz, a nutritionist at the Cal State Fullerton Health Center.

Changing your lifestyle to fit the demands of certain diet programs can be a lot of work. The Atkins diet, for instance, consists of an increased protein intake of meats, eggs and cheeses, while cutting back on carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and fruit.

The theory behind this regimen is by reducing carbohydrates and increasing the foods that make you feel full, your metabolism will change allowing you to lose weight, but it has

its drawbacks, Schulz weight loss, Schulz said. said.

“We need a “Under this plan “Pills trash our carbohydrates may health,” Schulz said. be limited to a poten“We are always looking change of for a quick fix or instant tially unhealthy level, gratification, especially moreover increased fat attitude, and students who do not eat intake, a definite danhealthy and then realize ger with a high-protein diet, increases a ... we need a they need to lose weight fast, but on a healthy regperson’s risk of heart disease and cancer,” imen dropping a pound a commitment week is preferred.”

Schulz said. “Some of the healthiest people The best way to lose to work at in the world, such as weight and keep it off is the Japanese maintain a to shed pounds gradually low protein diet rich in taking care by exercising 3 times a rice and vegetables.” week for 30 minutes and If it is not a regieating according to the of our health Food Guide Pyramid, men then there are always pills to pop which helps to keep your in your mouth, after each day...” diet balanced. Even the or before you eat and Weight Watchers plan even while you sleep. works because it conAda Schulz, sists of normal balanced Metabolife, Xenadrine, Body Success or the meals, Schulz said.

CSUF nutritionist Celebrity Hollywood According to research Diet are said to burn conducted by the fat rapidly or suppress American Heart your appetite.

Association, choos“I’ve used many ing low-fat lean foods products in the past, the Celebrity from the five major food groups, Hollywood Diet I figured would be eating sensible portions, exercising easy and it was the newest thing out, moderately and using salt, fats, oils but it really did not help and I think and sweets sparingly will led to a I gained more weight after I stopped, healthier lifestyle, keeping it simple now I just make time to exercise” and balanced. Yet people continue to said Linda Fernandez, a senior at buy into products that don’t work and CSUF. companies are enterprising from it.

“We are the guinea pig generaThe Hollywood Celebrity Diet, which promotes losing up to 10 tion,” Schulz said. “There is money pounds in two days by detoxifying to be made by being on these diets the body, comes in a liquid form of and as long as Americans continue to appetite suppressants. These suppres- search for that quick fix and instant sants have also been proven to be det- gratification, companies will continrimental to one’s health due to lack of ue to supply and people will continue needed nutrients and unhealthy rapid to demand.”

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Daily Titan

Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Teefor Twoin Town

Titans’Opponent Cancels Exhibition nBASKETBALL: The Firm, a traveling team, calls just hours before tip-off to say they are not coming

By Natalie San Roman Daily Titan Staff Writer

nLOCAL: A look at golf courses that are a John Daly drive from CSUF

By Jared Kiemeney

Daily Titan Staff Writer Ever wonder where the golf courses are around Fullerton?

Well, you’re in luck. Orange County is home to plenty of golf courses, many of them just a short drive from Cal State Fullerton.

There are five public courses within five miles of CSUF. Each of them provides golfers with an enjoyable experience and a unique challenge.

Should you have a few hours between classes, want somewhere to play after school, or just want to know where the closest courses are, it’s time to hit the links.

Birch Hills Golf Course (2250 E. Birch St., Brea): An executive course, Birch Hills is a short but challenging test of golf.

A par 59, the majority of this course’s holes are par 3’s. But short doesn’t mean easy at Birch Hills. Most of the fairways are tree lined and water comes into play on three of the holes.

Birch Hills is typically in good condition, and that is what keeps golfers coming back.

"Our strongest point is that our course is usually in pretty good condition," golf pro Dave Hutchens said. "You get a good value and great quality for your money at Birch Hills."

Being an executive course, Birch is an easy course to walk; but they do have carts should you only have a few hours before you have to get back to class.

Black Gold Golf Club (17681 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda): The newest of the area courses, Black Gold turns a year old on Thursday. Though young, this daily-fee course is mature

SEAN DUFRENE/Special to the Titan

One of five courses near CSUF, Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda opened in 2001 to rave reviews. for its age. tively short, a creek flows throughout the "The average person probably loses Among its accolades, Black Gold majority of its design, coming into play anywhere from eight to nine golf balls hosted a qualifying tournament for last on many of its holes. out here," head golf professional Brian year’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in Coyote Hills Golf Course (1440 E. Shearan said. "So it is definitely a difNew York.

Bastanchury Rd., Fullerton): Just min- ficult course."

Fullerton Golf Course (2700 N. Nestled in the hills of Yorba Linda, utes from CSUF, Coyote Hills resides the course’s design is virtually treeless on what was once oil well property. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton): Just up the as it rolls through the natural canyon While there are still 28 oil wells on the street from Coyote Hills, Fullerton has course, the picturesque Coyote Hills something for golfers of all abilities. terrain.

"It’s a challenge either way. If you’re Black Gold is a par 72 and the longest winds through the hills of Fullerton quite a beginner it’s hard, but a good place of the courses, measuring 6,756 yards nicely.

The course provides many elevation to learn," golf pro Patrick Cunningham from the back tees.

However, they have five sets of tees, changes as well as views of surround- said.

"If you play here a lot it’s still a chalmaking Black Gold a fun but challeng- ing cities and counties, including a view lenge because every corner there’s somelooking down on the CSUF campus. ing test of golf for all.

The course is quite new, just six years thing new coming up."

Matching the beauty and challenge What usually comes up is the creek of the course are the views it provides, old.

Late PGA Tour legend Payne Stewart that runs throughout the course, coming reaching to Catalina Island on a clear was a consultant at Coyote Hills, helping into play on more than half of the holes. day.

At par 67, the course’s size is in the Though its rates are on the high end, in the design of the course.

This is the only course at which mid-range compared to the others, proBlack Gold prides itself on how they Stewart was a consultant, and the street viding a challenge to experienced golfers treat their customers.

"When you’re here, it feels like you’re leading into the parking lot bears his but still being a place where beginners can come and enjoy the game. going to a country club," manager of name.

With so much variety so close to Its fairways are narrow and surroundsales and marketing and recent CSUF alumnus Jake Epstein said. "We treat ed by natural vegetation, while water CSUF, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in a golf course, and they are comes into play on many holes. our guests like they’re our members."

Brea Golf Course (501 W. Fir St., Brea): If you’re just learning how to play the game, Brea is the perfect place Rates for Each Course to do so.

Rates : Weekday Weekday Twilight Weekend Weekend Twilight It is a nine-hole, par 29 executive Birch Hills $28 $22 $40 $27 course in which all but two holes are Black Gold $75 $50 $95 $70 par 3’s.

Brea $19 $15.50 $22 $16.50 "It’s a great place for people learning Coyote Hills $86 $46 $106 $56 how to play the game," course owner Fullerton $32 $23 $41 $26 Beth Sader said. "It’s also a great place Note: All rates include golf cart and are subject to change. to come out and have a good time."

Though most of Brea’s holes are rela-

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It is safe to say that the overall feeling due to the cancellation of Tuesday’s game against The Firm was devastating. The Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball team was extremely disappointed and not quite sure why the cancellation occurred.

“The girls are getting tired of playing their own teammates,” Titan coach Barbara Ehardt said. “It’s disappointing, but we are having practice instead and we only get better through practice.”

The Titans were scheduled to play an exhibition game against The Firm, a local traveling team.

That never happend after The Firm canceled on CSUF the same day that the game was to be played.

The coach of The Firm left a message on Ehardt’s answering machine saying that a couple of players were injured and they wouldn’t be ready for the game.

“This doesn’t typically happen, especially the same day that the game is played,” Ehardt said.

Senior Heather Hansen, who is CSUF’s forward/center was confused about the cancellation of Tuesday’s game.

“We have no idea why the game was canceled,” Hansen said. “We know he wasn’t returning coach’s phone calls but that’s it.”

Hansen and her teammates all shared the same frustration about the

cancellation but said they would try to look on the positive side.

“This just gives us more time to practice and more time to get things ready during preseason,” Hansen said.

Titan center Catherine Holman, also shared her feelings on the game being canceled.

“It is disappointing because it gives us a chance to play and to see how we are doing,” Holman said. “We could have worked on what needs to be done and could have been able to judge ourselves based on how well we did.”

Junior forward Nikki Lee felt the same way over the cancellation.

“It is a disappointment but it gives us more time to prepare for Centenary,” Lee said.

The Titans are trying to schedule another exhibition game before they have their first season game against Centenary, but don’t want to schedule the game to close to the season opener.

“We don’t want to play too close to the first game because we want to have enough time to correct mistakes and prepare for the season,” Ehardt said.

CSUF is excited to get out there and play games.

The cancellation could be a minor setback for the team in terms of preparing for their season but most agree that it won’t affect how they play.

“We might even call Love and Basketball again and see if they want to play one more time,” Ehardt said.

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Daily Titan

Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Ironically, amid all of Cuba’s beauty, life has become harder since the end of Soviet Union support to the country in the early 1990s. The average Cuban earns around 200 pesos or $10 per month; a doctor earns $20 per month while a policemen earns $28 per month. I was surprised at these findings since the cost of living was comparable to the U.S.

astL

Story By Shannon Gibson

A

Flavor

Just 90 miles from the United States and under 42 years of the same dictatorship, lies Cuba, a beautiful island.

However, the beauty rested more in the island’s resilient people and its history rather than the island’s landscape.

When I landed in the Havana airport in Cuba almost two years ago on vacation, I felt like I was walking back in time. Classic Chevy cars lined the airport waiting for eager passengers. These American antiques reminded me of an episode of “Happy Days.” When our friend Jim Sylvester, a Canadian entrepreneur, and his employees Rosa and Ernesto greeted my mother, Mary Ann, my brother Brian and myself, we started out on our Cuban adventure. As we drove into the outskirts of Havana, old crumbling buildings, time-worn highways scattered with potholes and old buses crowded with people filled the landscape Thirty minutes after arriving at the airport, we were welcomed to Rosa and Ernesto’s home, which they shared with Rosa’s parents. Extended families are common in Cuba since they are an egalitarian society. We were welcomed in this family’s home with a traditional Cuban pork meal washed down with “cuba libre,” or rum and coke. After the meal we were offered a montocristo cigar on the patio where we had conversations about our culture in the United States, despite our limited Spanish.

Of the sights and scenes of Cuba when we first arrived, the thing that stood out most in my mind were the photographs of the highly revered war revolutionary hero, Ernesto Guevara, affectionately known as Che, that could be seen all throughout Cuba. I expected Fidel Castro’s image to be more prevalent in Cuba, however Guevara’s was more apparent.

During the 1950s, Che joined Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement where he served as an important strategist for Castro and led part of the army. While playing an important role in Castro’s conversion to communism, Guevara administered the Cuban government and was Cuba’s minister of industry from 1961 to 1965, but stepped down when his relationship with Castro worsened. Guevara favored industrialization and other reforms in Cuba that never occurred, but may have improved the economic conditions of Cuba today. Guevara’s life ended tragically after forming a party of Cuban guerillas to rally support from locals in Bolivia during a small revolutionary movement.

However, Guevara overestimated the support he would receive. The U.S.-trained Bolivian Army killed a majority of the group, along with capturing Guevara who was later executed by the Bolivian Army and CIA in 1967.

As we were leaving the home of our new Cuban friends, we noticed neighbors strolling by and looking at us with curiosity. Often the conversations exchanged with locals were puzzled and confused and the reoccurring question was, “Why would we want to come to Cuba?” For sometime, my mother and I have had a deep fascination with the Cuban culture – the music, their national dance the salsa, the beaches and the cigars.

More importantly, learning more about this forbidden island would be a rush and thrill.

Our Canadian friend arranged our accommodations in an apartment owned by a former ambassador to Bolivia. Forty years ago the apartment would have been considered luxurious and in a good neighborhood.

Unfortunately, on my visit, amenities such as soap and

hot water were scarce and taking a shower often resulted in an ice-water experience. The exterior of the building was in poor condition not having seen a paintbrush in 30 years, while the curbs and stairways had deep cracks exposing the age of the decrepit complex.

Daily we took in the sights of “Old Havana.” Tidy streets, old and crumbly, were alive with animated people dancing and going about their daily routine. We stumbled upon quaint restaurants, cafes and flea markets and imagined celebrities coming to experience a grand old lifestyle filled with affluent and contented people.

Our first day in Old Havana started with a visit to the El Floridita bar, a popular haunt by novelist Ernest Hemingway. From the streets, one could hear musicians playing Cuban guitars. At 11:00 a.m., the bar was flooded with tourists ordering mojitos, an alcoholic beverage consisting of white rum, fresh limes, pressed mint leaves, sparkling water and crushed ice.

After stumbling from that experience, we visited the Cathedral of Havana. Built by the Jesuits in 1748, this famous and beautiful church was located in the center square.

We next explored Hemingway’s hotel room at Hotel Ambos Mundos where we found the room still preserved in the way it was in the 1930s. The antique typewriter he used to compose many of his works laid out as if he was still living. Displayed were many of his famous works including “The Old and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

We later toured the Hotel Nacional, a gorgeous fivestar hotel with grand luxuries and a beautiful view overlooking the city. Inside the hotel’s ruins we saw famous photos of movie actors and American baseball players.

At nightfall my brother and I were introduced to an evening of salsa dancing with Mirel, a 20-year-old former national salsa dancer who gave me instructions on how to shake my hips and move my white-girl feet.

Mirel and her boyfriend were both former competitors and they tore up the dance floor in the hotel.

Experiencing the bustling city life of Cuba, I also found time to discover the interior features of the island.

We ventured in our guide Ernesto’s borrowed Mercedes and winded our way to Pinar del Rio, known as the island’s westernmost province. Before we entered, Ernesto forewarned us not to engage in a conversation with the guard and if we were asked questions on where we were from, to respond that we were Canadians.

We were given a tour on the tobacco plantation site: one of Cuba’s main economic staples. It was here that we saw how the nation’s finest tobacco crop is rolled into the most expensive cigars.

We later stopped at the Hotel La Moka, a beautiful hotel that didn’t seem to fit into the communist country.

Ironically, amid all of Cuba’s beauty, life has become harder since the end of Soviet Union support to the country in the early 1990s. The average Cuban earns around 200 pesos or $10 per month; a doctor earns $20 per month while a policemen earns $28 per month. I was surprised at these findings since the cost of living was comparable to the United States. Most of the people take buses or ride to work. A lucky citizen owns one car and one home in their lifetime. When we dined in staterun restaurants we found the cost of meals similar to the United States. It was the paladares, privately run restaurants that offered the best food and cheaper prices. It was nice to see a side of capitalism instilled in this country.

Left:

The vast tabacco fields of Pinar del Rio, one of Cuba’s main economic staples.

Below:

A bartender pours a mojito for a thirsty tourist at the El Floridita bar in Old Havana.

Many doctors and professionals operate paladares and also work in the hotels.

During my stay, everyone I met had a degree and was proud of their education. From the elevator operator, to the bank teller, to the waiter – they all had some type of degree. Many who didn’t like Castro still praised his education system.

One of the highlights of our trip was attending Sylvester’s company appreciation party in which each employee was individually given a raise and appraisal.

The translator for Sylvester’s company was a former secretary to Che Guevara. This woman was incredibly brilliant and had over 1,000 books in her apartment. She was very knowledgeable of American politics and hopeful for Cuba, but emphasized that changes after Castro should be slow and without American influence.

Buildings and billboards with Guevara’s face are everywhere as though the Revolution was yesterday.

Che is the hero to the Cubans – not Castro. Talk is everywhere of what will happen after Castro’s regime. Some speculate that his brother, Raul will take over. Others are waiting for the end of the embargo and American loans to be revitalized. Who knows what will happen. While the Canadians, the Germans and the Dutch have invested in resorts and development projects, many fear that when the embargo does end, the United States will make Cuba into the next “Disneyland.”

Some are skeptical about change and growth but know that change is inevitable.

What struck me the most about the Cuban people is their sense of community. Assisting one another and coping with the difficult poverty conditions has made them a strong and resilient people who maintain dignity

SHANNON GIBSON/Daily Titan

A lively salsa dancer entertains tourists and passer-bys in the cobblestone streets of Old Havana.