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Extension of Megan’s Law postponed Bill allows landlords to suggest tenants check Web for sex offenders By AMANDA PENNINGTON Daily Titan Staff
Assembly Bill 438, a bill to amend the penal code regarding sex offenders, was postponed in the California
Disney park is turning to gold
Legislature on April 19, giving the creators of the bill two years to gain more support for the legislation. The bill deals with high-risk violent sexual predators living in rental units. It was proposed to allow rental owners and managers to tell tenants to check for violent sexual predators in the area through Meganʼs Law. Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford), who authored the bill, hopes to gain more support for AB
438 in the coming two years. “We intend to work with the apartment associations and create more awareness for our district to what [AB 438] would do,” said Mary Gutierrez, Cal State Fullerton alumna and spokeswoman for Parra. Parraʼs office said the bill sought to clarify what a tenantʼs responsibility is in accordance to Meganʼs Law. “It would clarify that the rent-
al housing providers must inform the tenant via the rental agreement of the sex offender Web site and encourage them to go on the site,” Gutierrez said. The bill was designed to help monitor high-risk sexual offenders who committed acts against children, which by law, labels them as violent sexual offenders, said Asael Sala, a fellow for Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez (D-Norwalk), co-
By JULIE KIM Daily Titan Staff
By COURTNEY BETH PUGATCH For the Daily Titan
DAVID BARRY/Daily Titan
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Clear Channel’s “Los Angeles, Mexico” billboard (above) is causing controversy. Someone placed the U.S. flag over “Mexico” on this sign, located on the corner of State College Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue.
Billboards ignite controversy
Governor says TV ad campaign encourages illegal immigration By CAROLINA RUIZ-MEJIA Daily Titan Staff
Billboards advertising a Spanish language TV newscast, KRCA Channel 62, have sparked heated political and community reactions. On the billboards, California has been crossed out and Mexico writ-
ten in big, red bold letters instead. The billboard that says “Your City. Your Team,” can be found at the State College Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue intersection. In the center of the billboardʼ s background stands the Angel of Independence, a national symbolic monument in Mexico City. According to an article of the Pasadena Star News, about 75 billboards went up last week in the counties of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles. The billboards are diving the
Pongo takes a ride
country. “[The TV station] wants to rip the country apart,” said Mike Spence, California Republicans Assembly president. “Itʼs a bad marketing tool.” “[They] exploit illegal immigrants to make money,” Spence said. “They donʼt want people to become Americans to continue exploitation,” he said refusing to say in what way the TV station exploits illegal immigrants. MEXICO 3
station or calling a “900” toll number to access the registry. Currently, it is illegal for renters to alert tenants if there is a sexual offender living on the premises, but they are also not suppose to put the lessor in danger. This bill would seek to eliminate lawsuits from tenants or the offender. “There have been past lawsuits BILL 438 4
Titans alarmed over violence on the roads Eleven new shootings, including four deaths, terrorize local drivers
Fifty-year-old rides will feature special cars in celebration
In the case of Disneyland, all that glitters is gold. Today marks the kick-off of an 18-month long celebration hailed as the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth,” which commemorates the parkʼs 50 th anniversary. Not only is Disneyland celebrating its own anniversary, all 11 Disney parks are joining in on this worldwide festivity. “Since this is Disneyland's golden anniversary, the park has been given the golden treatment in design, decor and even horticulture,” said Disney Guest Relations Supervisor, Adrienne Marquez. “Every attraction that was here for the opening of Disneyland has a golden vehicle available for guests to ride.” As with old favorites, there are also new attractions for park guests to enjoy as well. The Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride is the newest Disney Fastpass attraction, which is based on the Disney/Pixar animated film, “Toy Story 2.” The attraction opened on March 17 and is one of the only rides in the park to offer an interactive experience. “The ride was actually more enjoyable than it sounded from the description,” said Sara Levinger of West Hollywood. “I sat in this car that looked like an arcade game, and I shot at targets with a laser gun for points. While my score wasnʼt the best, it was really fun to compete with the person sitting next to me.” Rides arenʼt the only new addition to the park. A new fireworks spectacular mixes music, pyrotechnics and fireworks, with a new flight path for Tinker Bell. There is also a history of Disneyland movie starring Steve Martin and Donald Duck, which documents the parkʼs creativity, storytelling and innovation over the last 50 years. It plays in the theatre that used to showcase the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln exhibit. The focal point of the celebration is the restoration of Sleeping Beautyʼs castle. The castle has been repainted in pastel hues and five golden crowns top the turrets, each one signifying a passing decade. Several store fronts on Main Street have also been given new coats of paint, trying to have them appear as they did when the park first opened. New Orleans Square has also had some of its shops made over
author of the bill. “The apartment owners … often get put in a difficult situation when they become aware that a violent sexual predator lives within the complex,” Sala said. In 2004, a bill was passed to expand the sex offender registry to the Internet, allowing residents to view the list from their home at no cost. Prior to this, residents accessed the list by visiting their local police
Cal State Fullerton students – many of them commuters – expressed concerns Wednesday over Southern Californiaʼs recent bombardment of freeway shootings. Since March 12, local freeways have had 11 apparently non-related shootings – four of which have resulted in fatalities. And yesterday, KABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News reported another possible shooting on the 710 Freeway near Lynwood when a big rig driver noticed a bullet hole in his vehicle. Two motorists died on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles and one on the 60 Freeway in Riverside. The recent surge of vehicle violence began when a 26-year-old Fontana man was shot and killed on the 55 Freeway in Tustin. Several law enforcement officials speculated that the shootings were related to common road rage; some guessed the accidents were gang
Safe driving tips from the AAA • Slower vehicles should drive on the right since the left lanes are reserved for faster-moving vehicles. • Don’t make eye contact if you can; some motorists view random glances as threats and challenges. • Avoid honking your horn if possible. • Don’t flash your high beams to “punish” other drivers. • Move to a slower lane if you have more than five vehicles trailing behind you. • Evade all conflict – even if you’re right.
related. CSUF student Mark Zambon, a senior mathematics major who occaSHOOTING 4
Advocacy group recruits volunteers At-risk youth are in need of mentors, local speaker lays out details By KRISTINA RIDENOUR Daily Titan Staff
An information session was held Wednesday in the Titan Student Union to recruit and inform the Cal State Fullerton community on how to become an advocate for children in need. Court Appointed Special Advocates, a non-profit organization, trains and seeks out volunteers to work with people in the court system and work with children under the age of 18. Three million people live in Orange County, and one million of them are
minors. From this million, the Child Abuse Hotline receives more than 25,000 phone calls about possible child abuse, said Karrah Lompa, a communications relations representative for CASA. The organization has worked with 434 children in the past year, which is 13 percent of the children in the court system. Lompa said they hope to work with 600 children a year by 2007. Lompa spoke to students in attendance about the requirements of being a volunteer, the training and the rewards of being an advocate. The volunteers work with children who are in situations ranging from having drug-addicted parents, to simply living a life riddled with neglect. Most of the children live in group homes or foster homes, and are looking for stability and an authority figure that is interested
in taking the time to help. To volunteer, the organization expects at least 10-15 hours of commitment a month, which includes face-to-face time with the children, and calls to various authorities in their life; such as judges and social workers. Also, they expect a one to two-year commitment. “You serve as the judgeʼs eyes and ears and have to be the voice of the child in the court,” Lompa said. After deciding to volunteer, many steps must be taken, such as training. The training is 30 hours long, with classes on the roles and responsibilities of being a volunteer, child development and child abuse. After the training is over, the staff pairs each volunteer with a suitable CASA
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Foundation tells CSUF to ‘take a hike’ Eighth annual ʻCelebrateʼ event promotes outside activities, natureʼs beauty By JOSEPH GAVICA Daily Titan Staff
APRIL MILLER/Daily Titan
Blaze, a 7-year-old Dalmation, sits atop the 1902 coal fire steam engine, which was found rusted in a barn. It has been rebuilt by retired fire captain and his wife, Dave and Barbara Hurbert. The steam engine, now valued at more than half a million dollars, will be on display at Railroad Days on May 7 and 8 at the Fullerton Train Station. See full story on page 3.
Laguna Beach Wilderness Park wants Cal State Fullerton students and faculty to take a hike. A nature hike that is. The Laguna Canyon Foundation is throwing their eighth annual Celebrate Laguna Coast Wilderness Park event on May 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This yearʼs ʻCelebrateʼ event is a
chance for the public to enjoy the colorful results of a rainy year,” said Mary Fegraus, Laguna Canyon Foundationʼs executive director. “We invite visitors to hike independently or with a guide, and attend the 10:30 a.m. ceremony to hear more about our exciting plans for the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center and interpretive loop trail.” The entire park will be accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. “We want everybody to bring their mountain bikes, horses and boots,” said Steven Maffey, a public relations senior and volunteer of the Celebrate event. “We want to promote not only the beauty and awareness of the park,
but promote people going outside and getting active.” Only two guided panoramic-view tours are offered this day. Reservations are highly recommended, Maffey said. The 8 a.m. shuttle will take hikers to Irvine Ranch Land Reserve to begin a six-mile, three-to-four-hour trek over Serrano Ridge. The 9 a.m. shuttle will take hikers to Ridge Park to begin a less strenuous, four-mile, two and a half-hour hike. Another group will meet at 8 a.m. at the Willow Canyon trailer for a three and a half-mile, three-hour loop through Laurel Canyon. HIKE
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Itʼs Cinco De Mayo and cultural group M.E.Ch.A is hosting a ReadA-Thon in the central Quad from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers are needed to read Rudolpho Anayaʼs “Bless Me, Ultima.” Volunteers will receive a free copy of the book.
World
In celebration of the Mexicans defeating the French in the 1800s, you could go to a friendʼs party or watch “The Motorcycle Diaries” in the Titan Student Union once at 6 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.
Bomber kills 60 at Iraq police center IRBIL, Iraq – A suicide attacker slipped into line at a police recruitment center in this usually tranquil northern Kurdish city and blew himself up Wednesday, leaving the streets slick with blood in the deadliest insurgent attack in more than two months, police said. Sixty Iraqis were killed and 150 wounded. The explosion, part of an escalation of violence aimed at destabilizing the countryʼs new democratic government, left pieces of flesh spattered on the outside walls. Nails and shards of metal were packed in with the explosives to maximize casualties.
Free music sounds better than music you paid for. If youʼre in to listening to new bands, catch The Gris Gris in the Titan Student Union Underground from noon to 1 p.m.
al-Qaidaʼs No. 3 man arrested in Pakistan
Getting ready to graduate? Donʼt forget to view the “Graduate With Titan Pride” video on Titan Online. Itʼs the only way graduating students will be able to claim their commencement tickets for friends and family. Graduation tickets will only be available until May 8 for pick-up in the Titan Student Union.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistani commandos nabbed a senior alQaida leader, described by U.S. officials as the groupʼs No. 3 operative, after a shootout near one of his barren hideouts. Jubilant Pakistani officials said Wednesday his arrest would help in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. President Bush hailed the capture of Abu Farraj al-Libbi, al-Qaidaʼs alleged operational planner, as a “critical victory” that “removes a dangerous enemy who is a direct threat to America and for those who love freedom.”
Nation
Itʼs all about art appreciation in the Titan Student Union as two students feature some of their work in an art display in the Atrium Gallery. Ryan Ross and Anita Sinclair will have some of their sculpture pieces on display. The display will be up until the end of May. For more information, call (714) 278-3915.
Researchers tested drugs on children WASHINGTON – Government-funded researchers tested AIDS drugs on hundreds of foster children over the past two decades, often without providing them a basic protection afforded in federal law and required by some states, an Associated Press review has found. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and spanned the country. The practice was most widespread in the 1990s, as foster care agencies sought treatments for their HIV-infected children that werenʼt yet available in the marketplace.
For anyone who loves surfing, the Laguna Art Museum is holding “Surf Culture Redux,” an exhibit of surfing memorabilia, nostalgia and history. The exhibit, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is on display all through May at 302 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach.
Judge throws out Englandʼs guilty plea
FORT HOOD, Texas – A military judge Wednesday threw out Pfc. Lynndie Englandʼs guilty plea to abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison, saying he was not convinced the Army reservist who appeared in some of the most notorious photos in the scandal knew her actions were wrong at the time. The mistrial marks a stunning turn in the case and sends it back to square one.
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United States canʼt account for $100M
WASHINGTON – U.S. civilian authorities in Iraq cannot properly account for nearly $100 million that was supposed to have been spent on reconstruction projects in south-central Iraq, government investigators said Wednesday. There are indications of fraud in the use of the $96.6 million, according to a report by the special inspector general for Iraq Reconstruction. A separate investigation of possible wrongdoing continues.
State Prosecution rests case in Jackson trial SANTA MARIA – Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday in the Michael Jackson trial after more than two months of dramatic testimony in which they sought to prove that the pop star molested a teenage cancer patient and conspired to hold his family captive at his fairy-tale estate. The defense immediately filed a motion seeking acquittal on grounds the prosecution did not prove its case. Judge Rodney S. Melville said the motion would be heard first thing Thursday. Reports compiled from The Associated Press
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Hip-hop group Soul Rock Affiliates performs for crowd during Wednesday’s “Get Up 2 Get Down” event in the Titan Quad. It was day one of the two-part show put on by Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of Hip-Hop Congress.
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match. Then the interaction can start, which can be anything from playing basketball to going to the movies. Mercedes Felix, a junior mathematics major, worked at an early intervention center for children at risk, which led her to attend the information session.
“I am interested in volunteering because I am going to have a lighter load over the summer,” she said. Students interested in volunteering must be at least 21 years old to volunteer, but there are volunteer opportunities within the organization for mentoring and office work for those under 21 years old, but no interaction with the children is allowed. Eva Orozco, a senior public relations major, has been working with
a group promoting CASA for her Public Relations Management class, and said she has learned a lot through the participation. “I might volunteer in a few years. Being a mentor first and then getting into the program would be best, because itʼs very time-consuming as a student,” she said. The next information session and training dates can be found on the Web site, www.casaoc.org.
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FORECAST
Thursday, May 5 Showers Low 55°
67°
Friday, May 6 Partly Cloudy Low 52°
68°
Saturday, May 7 Partly Cloudy Low 54°
70°
Compiled from The Weather Channel
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As an American citizen, Spence said he finds the billboards very offensive. The TV stationʼs political intentions are very clear, Spence said, saying that they want California to be part of Mexico. “We tell the story behind L.A. and we tell the story behind Mexico,” Executive Vice President Lenard Liberman of Liberman Broadcasting told the Los Angeles Times in an article published last week. “If they find that offensive, Iʼm sorry. But you just have to drive around L.A. to know that this is a Hispanic city.” Liberman was unavailable for comment in the several calls made to him by the reporter. Even though people in Mexico canʼt see the ads, the billboards promote illegal immigration to California, Spence said, adding the ads encourage illegal immigrants to remain in the country and feel welcomed. “No one is promoting illegal immigration. Everyone has to obey the laws,” said Liberman. “Our newscasters cater to them. We try to make them comfortable.” Not everybody agrees that the billboards incite illegal immigration. The billboards are not going to encourage the illegal immigration of Mexicans, said Dan Kingman, a Cal State Fullerton student. “People are already encouraged, obviously [there] are more opportunities [here],” Kingman said. Its offensive that California is being portrayed as part of Mexico,
Spence said. “The purpose was to be offensive to people who donʼt view California as part of Mexico,” Spence said. Itʼs offensive that California is not portrayed as the Americansʼ country, Spence said. There are those who see the billboards as a marketing tool. When he first heard about it, Javier Rangel, a CSUF professor of Chicano studies, said the channel was using the ads as a marketing tactic. Whether good or bad advertising, Channel 62 has obtained a lot of publicity, Rangel said. Liberman Productions probably did this to compete as a stronger channel against the two giant Spanish TV stations in the U.S., Univision and Telemundo, Rangel said. “ … Now everybody knows who Channel 62 is,” Rangel said. Whether the TV station is for or against illegal immigration, the political provocations will make people tune to Channel 62 and will improve ratings, Rangel said. Rangel is not the only one who thinks this is just a marketing tool. We all agree that California is not in Mexico,” Rangel said. “But this incites people to tune to Channel 62, whether out of outrage or agreement.” Jovanna Tinajero, a CSUF student of Mexican descent, said she is not offended by the billboards. They just did it to attract attention and theyʼre getting it because all the other channels are talking about it, she said. Tinajero found out about it from FOX News, she said. “Others also agree that California is not part of Mexico.
“Weʼre not in Mexico, I could see why people get offended. I know Iʼm in California,” Tinajero said Rangel said he associates these billboards with some he saw at the Arizona-Mexico border, he said. Just like these ads, they had a sarcastic tone, but against immigrants. The billboard read something like “Welcome to the capital of illegal immigration,” Rangel said. The controversy is about the word “Mexico,” because there is nothing illegal about the billboard, said Alan Saltzstein, CSUF political science professor and chair of the department. If the billboard had Canada, Germany or some other country no one would be upset about it, he said. Kingman agrees with Saltzstein. If the billboard read China, Italy or Ireland the reaction would not be the one generated by the word Mexico, Kingman said. The TV stationʼs owner is trying to market his station, Saltzstein said. Nonetheless, as an American citizen, Saltzstein finds the billboards offensive and disrespectful, he said. Not every American citizen is upset about the billboards. Kingman said he doesnʼt feel offended at all by the billboards. The billboards shouldnʼt be so controversial since California is multiethnic, Kingman said. A lot of the cities and streets have Spanish or Mexican names, he added. “I donʼt really see it [as] offensive, it looks fine to me,” said George Castanéda a Guatemala native who works in Fullerton. Castanéda said that he sees no political message in the billboards. Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggerʼs
office in Sacramento declined to comment on the issue when it was contacted. However, the Los Angeles Times reported in an article last week that during a radio interview, Schwarzenegger asked Channel 62 to remove the billboards, adding that illegal immigrants would be encouraged to come here by suggesting California is part of Mexico. A better idea would be for the ad to have both California and Mexico, Kingman said. Schwarzenegger has reacted to the ads because it fits his political agenda, Saltzstein said. Schwarzenegger is sending messages about his feelings towards Mexican immigrants, he said. If the billboards continue to be critizised, the First Amendment might be jeopardized, Saltzstwin said. As long as immigrants make an effort to learn English, there is no reason to leave their culture and language behind, Kingman said. More important than the offense is the division between races. “ … [Iʼm] not offended, but worry that this will stir up a fire,” said Curtis Liem, a Yorba Linda community member who sometimes works in the Fullerton area. “Creating this kind of controversy only draws lines between people and creates more problems than it solves.” Liem thinks this is a bad marketing tool and he doesnʼt approve of it if it the intentions are to raise ratings, he said. “Heʼs playing on peoplesʼ sensitivities … [by] creating dissention between people that are trying to get along …,” Liem said.
Railroad Days bring history Fullerton Railway Plaza Association organizes family event By APRIL MILLER Daily Titan Staff
Without the railroad, Fullerton wouldnʼt have become Fullerton. In fact, it still might be called La Habra, as it was in 1888. Back then, brothers, Edward and George Amerige, convinced the president of the Pacific Land Development Company, George Fullerton, to alter the original train route and have it come through what is now called Fullerton. The seventh annual Railroad Days event will be honoring Fullertonʼs train history on May 7 and 8, turning Fullertonʼs Metrolink parking lot into a train loverʼs paradise. This year, crowds can expect to see the 1926 Santa Fe 3751 Steam Engine passenger train come rolling into town a few days before the event. It will continue into Orange, where it will turn around and sit on the westbound tracks, making it more accessible to visitors. “When word gets out itʼs coming through Fullerton, hundreds of people will be watching for it,” said Fred Canfield, chairman for Railroad Days. “It will draw thousands of people [to Railroad Days].” Also parked on sidetracks ready for boarding will be the Overland Trail, a vintage Streamliner built in 1949 and the Amber Trail built in 1950. “Railroad Days is a neat deal. It draws so many people,” said Wes Warden, who has taken about 40 cross-country trips in various vintage private rail cars. “It acquaints people with the railroad because people have gotten away from traveling by rail.” Although real trains are a crowd
draw, model trains in different scales will chug along tracks, over bridges and under tunnels in a garden layout, where visitors can only dream for a turn at operating the controls. But trains are not all that will be on hand. A 1902 horse-pulled coal fired steam engine weighing 9,300 pounds, which can pump1,000 gallons of water per minute, will be on display. This piece of history once sat rusting in a barn. A retired fire captain and his wife, Dave and Barbara Hubert, found and restored it. They sent the wheels to Amish craftsmen to rebuild. Originally bought for $5,300 in 1902, it is now worth more than half a million dollars. But a fire engine isnʼt complete without a Dalmatian. Blaze, the Hubertʼs 7-year-old Dalmatian, will be on hand with her toenails painted fire engine red. Sheʼs a girl after all, Barbara said. The Huberts adopted Blaze from Dalmatian Rescue, when she was only 11 months old. Sheʼs now part of the fire prevention program. “Sheʼs an incredible dog,” Barbara said. “She does tricks to help kids remember what they are supposed to do in case of a fire; stop, drop and roll and crawl [to get out of the smoke].” Blaze also gives high-fives, but usually in a smaller crowd, Hubert said. Carnival food, games, entertainment and an auction are all part of the weekendʼs affair. Fullerton Railroad Days incorporates the golden age of traveling by train with a glimpse of days gone by through photos of how the Fullerton train station used to be. The Fullerton Railway Plaza Association has been working on getting approval for a train museum. With the enthusiasm of the 30,000 to 40,000 people who attend the event each year, it may just keep trains in the heart of Fullertonʼs heritage.
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for the festivities. However, some guests view this as a play to attract more people to buy the parkʼs souvenirs. “I suppose itʼs appropriate that a place as fake as Disneyland would celebrate by covering up the past with some paint and distracting sparkles,” said Danielle Dickson of La Jolla. “They are just trying to raise sales with frivolous updates that theyʼd probably be doing anyway.” Along with Disneyʼs new look, a renovation of Space Mountain has been underway for the past couple of years. Although the attraction should have been opened by now, plans to reopen have been pushed back to July 15. The new attraction will feature an upgraded sound system, plus state-of-the-art special effects. Other activities and functions are still in the works, but wonʼt be officially announced until later into the celebration.
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projects,” Simon Hartigan, an advertising senior and patron of the from page 1 Celebrate event said. “Itʼs nice to get away from everything and take At a 10:30 a.m. ceremony in a breather.” Hartigan has been a participant Willow Canyon, Orange County fifth District Supervisor Thomas in the Celebrate event since he first Wilson, Laguna Canyon Foundation came to CSUF three years ago. “I go because it President Michael makes me feel like Pinto and Irvine I am in a totally Ranch Land Reserve People should call different world,” Trust Executive today to reserve adds Hartigan. Director Michael “It is remarkable OʼConnell will their spot and that there is still a address the eventʼs see what Laguna place like this in theme, “Looking Beach Wilderness Orange County.” Ahead: The Nix Park is all about “Reservations Nature Center and for the guided the Interpretive Steven Maffey hikes fill up every Loop Trail.” Visitors Public Relations year,” Maffey will have the opportunity to view and said. “People discuss plans for the should call today center and the handicapped acces- to reserve their spot and see what sible trail, which are scheduled to Laguna Beach Wilderness Park is open in early 2006. all about.” Many patrons and students at Cal For guided hike reservations, call State Fullerton look forward to the 949-923-2235. For information, Celebrate event every year. call 949-855-7275 (PARK) or visit “There is always so much stress www.lagunacanyon.org. Rain will around this time with finals and cancel this event.
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sionally drives on the 60 Freeway, thought temper problems caused these shootings. “Iʼm not getting into a car accident because of something stupid,” he said. In reaction to the public outcry, officials from the Los Angeles Police Department, local sheriffs and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently teamed up to curb such violence. The CHP formed a special task force to use more helicopters, patrol cars and unmarked vehicles to guard the freeways. In addition, bureau personnel will be riding with CHP officers. The bureau also plans on providing mobile labs for forensic testing and dogs that are trained to find guns and bullet casings. Extra precautions were made after a 19-year-old motorist was shot and wounded Friday on the 405 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley. In addition to the weekend incident, another gunshot was aimed at a windshield of an SUV, which was on the 14 Freeway in the Newhall Pass. The youngest victim, a 16-yearold, was shot Saturday morning on
BILL 438
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from sex offenders that feel that their [right to privacy] has been violated by alerting other residents [of their presence],” Sala said. “The other side of that is that there has also been lawsuits from parents of kids who have been victimized by these sex offenders that moved in.” Sala said that there was opposition to the bill from the American Civil Liberties Union, citing constitutional problems – the bill would allow renters to deny residence to a violent sexual predator and would also give the renter the right to evict that person. He said that in the next two years, the bill will need to be changed in order to find a middle ground with opposition. “I think we have to make Meganʼs Law as strong as possible, thatʼs the issue here,” Gutierrez said. “The first priority should be protecting
the 5 Freeway near Hollywood. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich is seeking a statewide law mandating life sentences to those convicted in freeway shootings and a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide information regarding the recent trend. The Board of Supervisors will consider both motions Tuesday, Antonovich spokesman Tony Bell said. But LAPD Chief William Bratton told the Los Angeles Times that the shootings didnʼt reflect reality. CHP Assistant Chief Art Acevedo agreed, telling the Los Angeles Times that the average motorist had a greater chance of being hurt by a drunk driver than being shot on the freeway. Natalie Banuelos, a freshman liberal studies major, agreed that there are other perils besides gunshots on the road. “You can die wherever and crazy people are everywhere,” she said. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association found that shootings were more common on surface streets than freeways. Statistics on freeway violence are rare, with the LAPD being the only Southern California jurisdiction to release them. According to its findings, there is a slight decline this
year compared to 2004ʼs number of firearm-related accidents on the freeway. Last year as of April 30, there were 12 shootings and one death in Los Angeles. Acevedo noted that freeway violence is “not that unusual.” Some students said they personally donʼt have any road rage problems. Nick Schaadt, a graduate student majoring in music, said he used “some jazz or Brazilian music to space out” and distract himself from temper tantrums. Bratton expressed concerns and puzzlement on why the media were covering the events with such fervency. This past December, people fired pellet guns into 35 cars, he said to the Times. News sources didnʼt pay attention then, Bratton added. “Coverage of the freeway shootings can have copycat possibilities,” communications Professor Olan Farnall said. As of now, no suspects have been arrested and there are relatively few leads. However, the suspected vehicle on the 14 Freeway shooting matched the 405 Freeway shooting. In both, people witnessed a lowered, black Honda, possibly an Accord. In addition, police reported that the suspected vehicle on the 5 Freeway shooting was a white, four-door vehicle.
California citizens. According to a resource paper by The California Coalition on Sexual Offending, “Community notification and education meetings can help citizens understand that in reality the greater danger of sexual abuse and sexual assault is posed by individuals already known to the victim, not by lurking strangers.” “The majority of sexual abuse cases occur with family members, acquaintances and people within the community,” said Valerie Russell, a psychologist at a community mental health agency. “Itʼs a very small percentage of offenders who are … like what we read about in the newspaper.” Russell, who is a supporter of Meganʼs Law and an advocate for victims, has turned her attention toward the rehabilitation of offenders to understand how to decrease cases of sexual abuse. The offenders she works with have not been to prison for their sexual offenses.
“Part of the process … is to become accountable with the community,” Russell said. “When they get out of jail, they want to start over … I donʼt want them to sweep [the offense] under the carpet.” Russell said that she welcomes Meganʼs Law because it forces them to be accountable for their offense. “I use Meganʼs Law as a tool in their recovery,” Russell said. Orange County is home to 1,866 registered sex offenders. There are 120 in Fullerton and 15 within one mile of the CSUF campus. University Police require sex offenders to register with the university if they plan to attend, teach, work or live on campus and when they plan to leave the campus community. The directory of registered sexual offenders can be found at www. meganslaw.ca.gov. Victims or offenders who are in need of help may contact Valerie Russell by contacting the Daily Titan.
NEWS
Daily Titan
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Thursday, May 5, 2005 5
CSUF celebrates Cinco de Mayo with books, beer Holiday commemorates Mexicoʼs victory over French Army in 1862 By JAIMEE FLETCHER Daily Titan Staff
Many things come to mind when students think of Cinco de Mayo. Generally good food, happy music and lots of cerveza are among the first. Although a good party is a fun way to celebrate a special day, some students are looking to celebrate this Mexican holiday a little differently. Today in the Quad from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo read-a-thon to encourage students to learn about Mexican culture through literature. “People have this idea that [Cinco de Mayo] is a day for drinking and partying, but itʼs more than
that,” said Bruno Ferreria, a MEChA member. “We wanted to do something different to celebrate.” Students are invited to visit with MEChA members and will have a chance to read the book “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudulfo Anaya. This coming-of-age novel examines the power of family, religion and tradition in Latino culture, according to enotes.com. Nayeli Madero, the organizationʼs chair, said they chose this book because of the controversy that it has caused throughout the United States “Itʼs a book that really describes Chicano culture and it has a lot of controversy,” Madero said. Madero said Anayaʼs book sparked a book burning at a public high school in Norwood, Colo., adding that parents were upset because the book challenges Western medicine and focuses on mysticism and a more natural way of healing.
Bruno Ferreria, freshman communications major and member of MEChA, said another reason they chose this book was because it has themes important to Chicano culture. In addition to the read-a-thon, MEChA said students can enjoy arts and crafts, guest speakers and poetry reads. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. MEChA will be acknowledging the life and accomplishments of Corky Gonzales, a key enforcer of the Chicano student movement in the 1960s. While some students want to celebrate in a more conservative manner, such as reading literature, others still look forward to partying in a more traditional college way – hanging out at a bar with friends. Tonight, Downtown Fullerton will be buzzing with festivities for Cinco de Mayo. The Rockinʼ Taco Cantina is holding a festival from noon until midnight outside the restaurant. Owner Joe Juarez said he expects this event to be very popular because itʼs such a big extravaganza. “Everyone does something for Cinco de Mayo, but we are the only bar and restaurant holding an outside event,” Juarez said. “We will have live music and DJs all day and night and after the outside closes, the bar is open until 2 a.m.” This is the seventh year Rockinʼ
Taco has held this event for Cinco de Mayo and Juarez predicts it will be very popular. “Itʼs a huge event. Weʼre expecting several thousand people to show up,” he said. Other bars in Downtown Fullerton will partake in the festivities. Heroes Bar and Grill manager,Joey Gomez said he and his staff prepared for Cinco de Mayo by decorating the restaurant with Mexican flair and offering Coronas and Pacificos, beers that are special to tonightʼs event. “We didnʼt do anything last year, but weʼre expecting it to be busy,” Gomez said. “Weʼre also having a live band and weʼre trying to get the word out.” Many people donʼt know why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated. Some are under the misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexicoʼs Independence Day. However, this is not the case. Cinco de Mayo originated from Mexicoʼs victory over the French in 1862. According to the Web site, vivacincodemayo. com, Americans should celebrate this holiday because it is this victory that allowed the United States to build a strong army. It explains how Mexico and America worked together to defeat the French, so this day signifies liberty for both countries. So no matter what culture you are, Cinco de Mayo offers everyone a reason to celebrate.
SHANNON ANCHALEECHAMAIKORN/Daily Titan
A “flare” bartender, Shawn Cameron, performs for bar patrons at Downtown Fullerton’s Rockin’ Taco Cantina. Cameron’s fancy flare work is always a crowd pleaser. He works and performs at the Cantina three times a week.
Correction
Mike Tharp was a reporter for U.S. News & World Report for 14 years. He was incorrectly identified in the May 4 issue of the Daily Titan.