Tuesday December 1, 2015

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Tuesday December 1, 2015

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Faculty salary talks continue

Volume 98 Issue 45 INSTAGRAM & TWITTER @THEDAILYTITAN

CSUF golfer thrives on both sides of the pond

Fact-finding sessions to wrap up Dec. 7 BREANNA VASQUEZ Daily Titan This is the third part of a series investigating faculty salary issues.

The California Faculty Association (CFA) had its first scheduled fact-finding session of the collective bargaining process with California State University (CSU) management Nov. 17 to discuss the potential 5 percent General Salary Increase and 2.65 percent Salary Service Increase for all CSU faculty.

The fact-finding session was comprised of one CFA representative, one CSU management representative and a neutral fact-finder. The panel is examining facts presented by both sides and will recommend how a consensus can be reached at the end of the bargaining process on Dec. 7.

THE LATEST On Nov. 28, the CSU Board of Trustees voted 8-4 to eliminate salary caps for new campus presidents in order to recruit more qualified applicants to the CSU system. Presidential salaries currently range from $257,500 to $420,240.

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RENZY REYES FOR THE DAILY TITAN

Even though Martina Edberg has gone through two significant transitions in her life – gymnastics to golf, then Sweden to the United States – she has still managed to compete at top levels, leading the CSUF women’s golf team.

Titan starlet Martina Edberg hopes to go pro in the future DAVID LEOS Daily Titan On Mondays and Wednesdays during the Big West Conference season, 20-yearold golfer Martina Edberg hit the links at 7 a.m. sharp.

As she sifts through her golf bag, examining her personal arsenal of Ping irons and woods, the Cal State Fullerton junior also reflects on her course presence.

Before her arrival to Orange County, almost two and a half years ago, Edberg had no idea what to expect.

“Before I came here,” she said, “I didn’t even know where California was on the map.”

Edberg admits that she

used to have an impulsive demeanor. But now, the business administration major says one key advantage she has in competition is her ability to stay composed under pressure.

Edberg’s laxed demeanor stems from the fact that she’s been put in many of those pressure situations in the past said Pearl Sinn-Bonanni, Cal State Fullerton women’s golf coach and former LPGA player.

“Martina has a very good understanding of the game,” Sinn-Bonanni said. “She is a very good player who can compete at a high level.”

Growing up in Glumslov, Sweden, Edberg became serious about golf at the age of 13. Her family, consisting of her father Jonas, her mother Julia and her younger sister Madeleine, has always been supportive of her professional endeavors.

When she was young, Edberg was most interested in gymnastics but took full advantage of the fairways of the Hooks Herrgård Golfklubb near the city of Hok. Instead, she looked to emulate her idol, Swedish springboard diver Anna Lindberg, who competed in five Summer Olympic Games from 1996 to 2012.

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8

Fullerton armory opens doors to homeless Facility offers shelter for local transients GRAHAM MCTAGUE Daily Titan The Fullerton National Guard Armory opened its doors Monday to provide overnight shelter to the local homeless population, inviting them to line up for the first time this season.

After waiting in line for intake — a mandatory registration process that happens every season — homeless people are offered food, a place to sleep, access to showers and the occasional movie for entertainment.

The armory offers 200 beds for the homeless, said Joe Felz, Fullerton city manager.

The county delayed this season’s opening in order to keep the shelter running longer into spring with the anticipation of

El Niño in 2016.

Felz said the armory shelter is funded by the county and is operated by representatives from The Mercy House, a nonprofit organization that aids the homeless population.

Though the cold weather brings new faces every year, many of homeless people who come to the shelter are returning veterans who are on a first name basis with the volunteers.

Volunteers donate clothing, such as knit hats and scarves, to the shelter every Monday evening. The volunteers have even been supplying food.

“Last year their food wasn’t very good, so we started bringing stuff ourselves to supplement their diets,” said Dolores Gilbert, who has been volunteering at the armory with her church for at least four years now.

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2

Spanish professor’s passion fuels success

Features

CSUF educator thrives in the world of academia, despite a hard transition from Puerto Rico to the 4 United States

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Eileen Pheland, who has been homeless for 20 years, hopes that this will be her last year staying at the Fullerton National Guard Armory for shelter, as she expects to get back on her feet with the proceeds from a self-help book she is writing.

The NBA is sadly losing its best player

Opinion

With all of the achievements he has racked up during his NBA career, Kobe Bryant is one of the best players 5 in the league

Men’s basketball to host the Toros

Sports

Titans will look to further improve on the season when Dominguez Hills visits Titan Stadium trying to 8 redeem itself VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

NEWS

PAGE 2 DECEMBER 1, 2015 TUESDAY

DTBRIEFS Obama appoints antiISIS adviser

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Members of the local homeless community, such as Eileen Pheland, rely on the Fullerton National Guard Armory for shelter during the cold winter months.

Armory: Homeless find help at shelter CONTINUED FROM

1

“Sometimes all they really need is a conversation or a kind word,” said Ernest Mims, a security officer who has returned to volunteer for his sixth consecutive season.

Mims said that the shelter also offers a bus system for homeless people who aren’t within walking distance of the Armory.

“The bus pick-up is for the people at La Palma Park,” Mims said. “They migrate over there during the day and the bus picks them up and brings them over here between 5 (p.m.) and 5:30 (p.m.)”

Mims said that people can then stay overnight and the bus will pick them up the following morning.

“I’ve been forced here for three years because of what the county’s been doing,” said Ralph Moyer, who has been going to the armory ever since

being evicted from his apartment. “They took my kid from me and I’m fighting with family court to try and get my kid … so I come here for warmth.”

For some people, this has become their routine, but others, like Steve Toledo, are just trying to get back on their feet.

“Everyday is a nightmare and every day is a wasted day,” said Toledo, who is returning to the shelter for his third year.

“The clock is ticking.”

Toledo said that there are two options out there for the homeless community: seek help or work hard to get back on track.

Eileen Pheland, a homeless woman of 20 years, uses her faith to help her through homelessness and hopes that this is the last year she’ll be returning to the shelter.

Pheland always felt close to God, but it wasn’t until

after 15 years of being homeless that she began seeing the benefits. She said she was saved by God at a church dinner in a parking lot sometime during her first five years of homelessness.

“I felt His anointing, I knew His directions for my life, I knew what His messages were, what He wants,” said Pheland, “and in fact what I’m going to do in here this year in the armory is give Bible studies.”

She said that God helped her write a book about being homeless.

Pheland is currently finishing a book she wrote titled “The Brighter Side of Homelessness,” which she describes as a self-help companion gratitude guide for overcoming homelessness or any adversary in life.

She hopes the book’s profits will help put her back on her feet by next year.

COURTESY OF CSUF

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has chosen three finalists for the position of dean: David D. Bowman, Marie C. Johnson and Robert L. Gannon.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Search Open Forum Schedule Three finalists have been chosen in the search for a dean for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. They will each visit campus this week for interviews with various committes and to take part in public open forums.

Each open forum will be at Pollack Library North, room 130, from 2 to 3 p.m. on the following days:

Tuesday, Dec. 1: Marie C. Johnson

• Johnson received her undergraduate degree in geology at Harvard University and her master’s degree and doctorate in the same subject from Brown University before beginning her career in higher education at West Point. She’s worked at West Point for 21 years researching environmental security and teaching undergraduate science courses with 15 years spent as the volunteer Army Women’s Lacrosse club team head coach.

Wednesday, Dec. 2: David D. Bowman

• Bowman has served as Cal State Fullerton’s Interim Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics since 2014 after having spent 13 years in the Department of Geological Sciences, six of which were spent as that department’s chair. He received both an undergraduate and graduate degree in geology from the University of Southern California with a research specialty in earthquake physics.

Thursday, Dec. 3: Robert L. Gannon

• Gannon graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Aquatic Biology before receiving his doctorate through the pharmacology program at the University of Texas Medical Branch. After receiving his doctorate, he did postdoctoral work with the National Academy of Science to research the chemistry of synapses in the hippocampus and has worked in the biology departments of Dowling College in New York and Valdosta State University in Georgia.

President Barack Obama has appointed political scientist and conflict resolution specialist Robert Malley as a senior adviser on fighting the global threat of ISIS, according to CNN. Malley was originally the senior director at the National Security Council for the Middle East and Africa. His appointment comes alongside an announcement for tightened security in the visa waiver program, which allows foreign nationals visa-free entry into the United States.

The announcement came amid this year’s United Nations Climate Change Summit in Paris, where new anti-terrorist measures were discussed along with climate issues following the recent attacks in the host city.

- JASON ROCHLIN

Teacher arrested for sexting Capistrano Valley High School math teacher Justin Verducci was taken into custody early Monday morning for allegedly sexting with a 16-year-old female student, according to the OC Register.

Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested Verducci on suspicion of child annoyance and sexual communication with a known minor online. This was after being contacted Friday by the parents of the girl with whom he was exchanging sexually explicit messages.

Verducci is set to make his first scheduled appearance on Tuesday in the Orange County Superior Court and is currently booked at the Orange County Jail on a $20,000 bail.

Verducci is on leave pending the trial’s outcome.

- JASON ROCHLIN

Woman found dead in cooler Los Angeles County Sherriff’s officials have identified the woman found dead Monday inside a cooler in a stolen car in Whittier, according to the OC Register.

Sheriff’s deputies discovered the body of 19-year-old Huntington Beach resident Dawn McEveety after responding to a call regarding a 1991 Toyota Celica abandoned in the 8600 block of Bradwell Avenue around 1:10 p.m.

Sunday.

According to the sheriff’s department, McEveety died from a gunshot wound.

Maura McEveety-Sepa, the victim’s mother, said that her daughter had previously been arrested for drug-related offenses, attributing her involvement with drugs as a possible contributing factor to her death.

- GABE ESPIRITU

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NEWS Salary: Critics say CFA should budge

PAGE 3 TUESDAY DECEMBER 1, 2015

CONTINUED FROM

1

The CFA filed an unfair practice complaint with California’s Public Employment Relations Board on Nov. 19, citing the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), according to the CFA. Section 3572(a) of HEERA states: “The duty to meet and confer in good faith requires the parties to begin negotiations prior to the adoption of the final budget for the ensuing year sufficiently in advance of the adoption date so there is adequate time for agreement to be reached,

or for the resolution of an impasse.”

However, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the state budget and approved CSU’s funding request in June, while the bargaining process began in May. According to the CFA, the chancellor’s budgeting practice fails to be in compliance of bargaining in good faith and has violated HEERA. OPPOSING POINTS OF VIEW

Not all faculty members stand in solidarity with the bargaining process and tactics of the CFA.

on

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Don Matthewson, a Cal State Fullerton professor of political science, believes that it is unfair to compare presidential salaries to faculty salaries.

“That’s like comparing apples to oranges,” Matthewson said.

University presidents have an entirely different set of responsibilities than professors, he said. As for CSUF President Mildred García’s salary, “it’s well in line with all the other CSUs.” “Given the fact that it’s a 40,000 student-plus university, it’s a big responsibility,” Matthewson said. “I don’t think she’s overpaid at all.”

Whether she’s doing a

good job is an entirely different question, he added, but her compensation is reasonable and fair by all comparative standards.

However, the issue lies with the growing disparity between presidential and faculty salaries, said Michele Barr, vice president for the CSUF chapter of CFA. “We’re seeing (the CSU administration) go higher and higher, while we’re (faculty) essentially stagnated,” Barr said.

But it’s not only the CFA’s comparisons of administration and faculty salaries that some faculty do not agree with. The

bargaining process and strategies of the CFA have been met with criticism.

A CSUF professor, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said that the CFA’s all-or-nothing bargaining tactics have been disagreeably unwavering.

“Negotiations don’t work like that,” he said. “I see nothing in what the faculty is arguing where they are willing to give up something.”

According to Barr, the CFA negotiates for what its members want, based upon a CSU-wide survey.

“Anyone who is a member can contribute to that (survey),” Barr said. “The truth is the response rate is not

that high, and so we can only bargain for what our members tell us that they want.”

Barr encourages all CFA members to respond to the surveys and tell the CFA what they desire in the bargaining process.

The next fact-finding session is on Dec. 7. After the fact-finding session, a report will be compiled and both sides of the party will not be able to publicly share any reports for 10 days, according to the CFA. The CFA will only strike next year if both sides cannot meet an agreement after the report is published and a consensus cannot be met.

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FEATURES

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 1, 2015 TUESDAY

Professor reflects on tribulations

Teacher’s love of Spanish forges bond with students DAISY CARLOS Daily Titan

It’s early afternoon. Spanish professor Lydia Velez gathers her papers as she prepares to conclude her class for the day. Giving her closing remarks, she folds her glasses back into her clutch handbag and looks up at her students, a warm smile on her face.

“Nos vemos en la próxima clase. Que Dios me los bendiga. Los quiero. I’ll see you all next class. May God bless you. I love you all,” Velez said to her students.

Genuine passion for teaching lies within Velez.

Part of the Cal State Fullerton community for almost 17 years, Velez’s profound connection with her career and her students sets her apart from the rest.

“Most of them are immigrants, as I am,” Velez said. “There is a tremendous connection when I’m in the classroom with my students. Those similarities make my class more responsible and dedicated … even, I would say, emotionally involved.”

This connection does not go unnoticed by CSUF Modern Language Department Chair Reyes Fidalgo, Ph.D., a longtime friend of Velez.

“One of the things that is very obvious to me is that she has been an extremely good role model to students because she walks the walk,” Fidalgo said. “She talks the talk of what she’s gone through. She knows where students have the biggest problems and she is extremely sensitive to them and approaches them without invasion, which is a very rare quality.”

Velez was born in Puerto Rico in 1946 to Antonio Velez and Gregoria Roman, the only daughter in a family of five. Education was a necessity to Velez. Guided by her mother’s influence, Velez recognized early on that her path in life would involve education.

From the start of her education, Velez demonstrated a keen ability in the classroom. In elementary school, she took part in a Puerto Rican government-funded program that catered to advanced students. Always receiving support from her mother and from her government, Velez strived for greater goals.

In high school, she passed her college entrance exam “with flying colors” and was awarded a fellowship to one of the most

YUNUEN BONAPARTE / DAILY TITAN

Lydia Velez, Cal State Fullerton Spanish professor, moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in pursuit of a better education. Upon landing in New York City while married and pregnant, with nothing but one pair of shoes and a borrowed jacket, Velez never gave up on her dreams.

prestigious institutions in Puerto Rico: the University of Puerto Rico, Velez said.

Growing up in a relatively conservative home, her father strongly opposed her leaving the family in order to live and study on her own in a metropolitan area.

Driven by fear of what could happen to his daughter, Antonio told his wife she would be held responsible for any harm done to young Lydia. Unable to handle that responsibility, her mother felt helpless.

“My mother got very anxious, very nervous because she didn’t want to be responsible for something like that, and she cried,” Velez said. “I don’t remember crying. I just remember my big eyes open, looking at everyone and seeing what’s the next step.”

True to her then soft-spoken nature, Velez said she remained silent and waited for her father to calm down, which he eventually did.

“His opposition was not for me to continue my education, but mainly it was out of love, concern and worry about my well-being,” Velez said.

In August 1965, Velez began her studies at UPR, where she lived with an aunt, a decision that Velez

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felt was made to keep her trapped among the family.

Just as her educational goal seemed to be within reach, Velez hit a roadblock. Before finishing her bachelor’s, she found herself married and pregnant and left Puerto Rico.

On Jan. 22, 1970, with only a pair of white shoes and a winter coat borrowed from a cousin, Velez arrived in New York, a place that brought her tribulations and opportunities. By August 1970, Velez delivered a baby girl and refused to give up on her dreams.

Advised by a cousin, Velez contacted ASPIRA, an organization named after the word “aspire” in Spanish. ASPIRA is dedicated to assisting New York City youth and improving education in Puerto Rican and Latino communities.

Through it, she was able to register at the City College of New York.

In her early 20s, Velez faced trials she may not have been prepared for.

Despite having very limited knowledge of English, she had to raise a child and fend for herself. The move from Puerto Rico felt otherworldly.

“It was very difficult, but it was more difficult because my ex-husband was

an alcoholic. That made the relationship very, I wouldn’t say ‘difficult’,” Velez said.

“It’s completely like being in another planet for me because I was very sheltered in Puerto Rico. It was to me, when growing up, like paradise because we had a farm … I used to go under the rain and run around and enjoy nature, it was completely different.”

Instead of a farm, she found herself in a small apartment with very little income, a challenging relationship with her alcoholic spouse and a baby on the way. Even so, she was not giving up.

“I was determined to learn the language,” Velez said. “I would sit in front of the TV and listen and listen. I probably got one third of what was said … it did sound too fast, but it didn’t matter to me. I also grabbed the New York Times. Reading was easier. Much, much easier for me. I would read a lot and constantly listen to the language.”

She spent her mornings teaching, her evenings with her daughter and her nights with her studies. While working on her master’s in New York City, Velez began working as a teacher’s aide in a classroom, an opportunity that opened the door to her career.

“I went to teach as a teacher’s aide in a classroom in the Bronx and the teacher was dismissed,” Velez said. “The principal came to me and said, ‘If you want, you can be the teacher from now on in the classroom’ and I said, ‘Wait, but how?’”

Encouraged by the principal to take the teaching exam, Velez passed, much to her surprise. In 1972, Velez became an elementary school teacher.

It was during her time teaching that her colleagues encouraged her to apply to UC Irvine.

“I had no idea where UCI was,” Velez said. “I talked to a couple of teachers, one of them told me, ‘Of course you should apply. Not only to UCI, but you can apply to Harvard, to Yale, to any school you want because you can do it.’”

And so she did.

In 1977, Velez found herself at John Wayne Airport, once again on her own with nothing but a blue Smith-Corona typewriter and two boxes of books. For Velez, at that time there was no need to carry material possessions. Her dream was to travel the world and live in different countries.

“When I moved to California, I was already divorced from my first

husband. I came to UCI, got housing as soon as I could,” Velez said. “My daughter stayed with my parents in Puerto Rico and then came to live with me almost immediately.”

Once settled at UCI, Velez developed her calling for the Spanish language, a calling that had been knocking at her door ever since her childhood.

“The Spanish language for me … has been everything in my life,” Velez said. “I had that fascination and connection with my own language since I was a child. I enjoy words like if they were fruits. I flavor them and I like to play with them.”

It’s been the magic of the Spanish language that has provided Velez with a profound connection to her students. For her, teaching Spanish is not merely a job but an opportunity to reach out and educate students about school, confidence and life.

“Education should be the guiding force, the inspiration in your life. No matter what is going on in your life … to go on with your goals in education is not an option, it’s an obligation,” Velez said. “It’s an obligation to yourself, your family, your future. It’s a peace of mind. Period.”

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OPINION

PAGE 5 TUESDAY DECEMBER 1, 2015

Best player parts ways with NBA

Kobe Bryant’s retirement marks the end of an era ALEXANDRA WILSON For the Daily Titan His heart. His love for the game and his family. His commitment to his team, the Los Angeles Lakers. His relentless hours in the gym and his rigorous work ethic, constantly aiming to be greater. All this and much more are what makes Kobe Bryant the best. But now, sadly, it’s all coming to an end.

Many sports fans grew up watching Bryant; he was the epitome of people’s childhoods, where they fixated on the television as they gathered in their living rooms and watched him and Shaquille O’Neal create their magic together on the court.

Words cannot properly explain all that Bryant has accomplished; his achievements go beyond his five NBA Championship rings, his NBA MVP win in 20072008, his 81-point game against Toronto in 2006, his status as a 17-time All Star winner or all the other records he continually surpassed.

He persevered through his toughest moments, not unlike that fateful evening in April 2013 when Bryant and the Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors.

With minutes left to go, the world watched the pain and agony in Bryant’s eyes as he had what was later confirmed as a torn Achilles tendon, yet he steadily limped up to the freethrow line, making those last two shots, completing his play and securing the

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With his five NBA Championship rings, 17 All Star titles and two years as NBA MVP, Kobe Bryant is professional basketball’s best player. His recent announcement to retire from the NBA after almost 20 years of playing professionally comes as a blow to many of his fans.

Lakers’ victory.

“It’s the ugly moments that create the beauty, at the end of the film … those (are) the moments that I truly appreciate,” Bryant stated at his press conference Sunday after his announcement that 2015-2016 will be his last season.

He posted a poem in The Players Tribune titled,

“Dear Basketball,” releasing the message on all of his social media sites. The most telling verse: “My heart can take the pounding, my mind can handle the grind, but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”

Goodbye to Bryant’s signature fadeaway jump shot, his impeccable footwork and his game-winning

baskets that made even the fans seated at the very top section of Staples Center jump to their feet in excitement. For a lot of fans, Kobe didn’t just change the game — he is the game.

Although Bryant has always been compared to other NBA superstars, it doesn’t do him justice to make any comparisons.

Bryant has always had to go the extra mile to be the best at what he does. Many other superstars have a natural build to them in comparison to Bryant’s leaner physique.

He is the one up at 5 a.m. perfecting his footwork, strength and taking numerous basketball shots until he sinks 400. He is the one

who stays longer after practice, who stays long after a game has ended to practice the one shot he missed 100 times over.

The one who doesn’t compete with others, but only competes with himself.

The legend. The muse. The Black Mamba.

Thank you for inspiring fans everywhere, Kobe Bryant.

Letter to the Editor The Power of Words FROM ALEXADRA HARRIS, CSUF ALUMNA AND USC GRAD STUDENT Politically correct. Politically incorrect. How much does it matter if you are correct or incorrect when you are hurting someone’s core feelings? Even the most educated person can hurt someone’s feelings when labeling another person by his or her disability. It is vitally important to be cognizant of the labels placed on people and more importantly, not to allow others to continue to use harmful labels. This is not a social work issue or a political one, but a human rights platform to stand up and be counted among the aware.

As a student in a graduate level Masters of Social Work program at a prestigious university, I have heard peers refer to potential clients as “a homeless” or as “the cutter” when describing someone who does not have permanent housing or someone who alleviates pain through self-harm.

In a classroom, degrading terms like these were used without corrections from neither professor nor peers.

(Significantly disappointed in myself, I did not object to the use of these labels, as I followed the lead, or lack thereof, of the professor).

When examining labels such as homeless, crazy or autistic, one can dissect them by semantics. Many of these labels, grammatically speaking, are adjectives. An adjective should be used to describe a noun, which is a person, place, thing or idea. Therefore, someone should never be described as “a homeless” since it is an adjective and should modify a noun. Calling someone “a homeless” or “autistic” seems to be virtually accepted throughout our community, throughout our nation. It is wrong and it needs to be corrected.

There is a movement called People First Language. It is the idea that a person should be placed above any impairment, disability and/or handicap. A person should not be described by one aspect nor identified

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in that same manner. People with disabilities should be acknowledged for their individuality, not for any possible limitations a disability may cause to be perceived. So if you see someone who has autism, unless it is somehow an issue to your interaction, you do not need to refer to him or her as autistic. More importantly, if the person who has autism has a name, then by all means, use it! This is perfect example of People First Language.

This seems like an apparent non-issue, unless you are someone with a disability or love someone with a disability. However, if I came across this in a Master’s level graduate course, then it is definitely an issue in the community and most likely in the elementary through high school levels. It is essential for teachers to model People First Language and to correct peers and students in its usage. Children are usually receptive and generally will correct others to demonstrate their new skills, especially with their parents. The awareness on the part of teachers and community leaders is a significant part of the People First Language movement.

A movement can mean progress or regression. The People First Language movement needs to progress in a forward motion as fast as possible.

It is important to realize that someone with a disability needs to be recognized first as a person. The limitations, and perhaps the perceptions of limitations, are not as important to recognize, as is the person. If we, as a community of lifelong learners and teachers, can emphasize a person’s abilities rather than their limitation, whether they have a disability or not, then the world would probably be a nicer place — and even more correct.

Remember, if you put people first, especially in language, then you probably won’t go wrong!

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OPINION

PAGE 6 DECEMBER 1, 2015 TUESDAY

TITAN TOONS

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CLASSIFIEDS

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HOROSCOPE Provided by: Tarot.com ARIES

(Mar. 21-Apr. 19)

You’re not one to keep your feelings quiet, yet you might overreact today when dealing with someone who seems to be on your case.

Unfortunately, you may not realize how overbearing you sound when defending your position.

LEO

(Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)

You aren’t feeling as casual with your heart as you expected today; something has drastically changed and you’re more inclined to play to win. You may suddenly realize that you’re in over your head as the fervent Venus-Pluto square increases the heat on a romance.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

Your thinking shifts today as you grow less interested in prolonging a recent drama. Your attention is toward the intriguing adventures down the road. You may try to avoid negativity or jealousy, but can’t get past your feelings in the present moment.

TAURUS

(Apr. 20 - May 20)

The interpersonal dynamics are more complicated than they appear today. The real reason for a conflict isn’t necessarily the obvious one while magnetic Venus squares relentless Pluto, creating discord in love or instigating an argument at work.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)

Uncomfortable feelings trigger serious issues around your basic values and how they conflict with someone else’s. Differences seem insurmountable today if you and your partner possess divergent views. Various attempts to convince the other person of his or her guilt are fruitless.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

Naturally you aim to be practical in all your endeavors, yet circumstances pull you into a heavy emotional stew today where nothing is clear. You could be annoyed with someone who pushes your buttons.

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GEMINI

(May 21 - Jul. 20)

Sharing your unfiltered desires can act as an emotional catalyst, transforming them into healthier expressions of your needs. However, talking about psychological issues isn’t that simple, especially if you say one thing while meaning something else.

LIBRA

(Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)

There might be hidden truths that need to be spoken today. Or, maybe, someone is keeping his or her true feelings secret. Removing yourself from danger is always wise, but this situation is less about being safe than it is about your fear of being alone.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

Everyone seems to be taking your dreams more seriously, yet you’re afraid this creative phase won’t last too much longer. You can make an emotional drama with one today, if he or she thinks that your long-term plans are illogical.

CANCER

(Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)

Someone special wants you to engage in a cathartic process today that has the potential to revolutionize your life. Although your initial reaction may be to run for the nearest exit, a magnetic attraction pulls you back, even if you think it’s not a great idea.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

Honoring your integrity is your top priority as you strive to uncover a complex set of emotions that have all but disappeared. However, you’re astute enough to realize that sharing all your feelings could be counterproductive now.

PISCES

(Feb. 20 - Mar. 20)

Thankfully, you’re too clever to be dominated by someone’s show of force and you can quickly escape from the clutches of insecure emotions now. Stay vigilant; it may require a few more days until you’re able to put some time between you and your past.

VISIT US AT: DAILYTITAN.COM

SPORTS

PAGE 8 DECEMBER 1, 2015 TUESDAY

Titans prep to host the Toros

Men’s basketball set to extend its streak vs. Dominguez Hills ALAN BERNAL Daily Titan

The Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball team will look to carry its momentum when it hosts the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros on Tuesday before heading off to Washington.

Last season, the Titans shut down the Toros, taking the game at Titan Stadium with a final score of 72-50.

Fullerton will face a resilient Toro squad that has won its last three games, which includes a 82-60 win over the Bethesda College Flames.

CSUDH had two players post double-doubles in the match against the Flames.

Senior guard Ivan Dooley will be a point of focus of CSUF defense, as he posted a game-high 18 points against Bethesda to go along with 11 rebounds.

Adding to the attack was junior forward Justin Sadler, who had 13 points and 11 boards to spearhead the Toro offense with Dooley.

The Toro defense has been solid all season, out-rebounding and stealing more possessions from its

opponents 220-214 and 2726, respectively.

As for the Titans, they’re coming into the game against CSUDH after downing the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 75-66.

During Thanksgiving break, the Titans managed to fend off the University of San Diego Toreros, Southern Utah University Thunderbirds and University of Nevada Wolf Pack. This string of wins helped improve their overall record to 5-1.

Fullerton junior guard Tre’ Coggins was named the Big West Player of the Week on Monday for his two consecutive 25-point games against Southern Utah University and Nevada.

This season, Coggins has propelled the Titans’ offense, leading the team in minutes per game (28), points per game (18.8), and steals per game (1.8).

On the season, Fullerton senior center Kennedy Esume has not contributed much offensively, recording only 3.7 points per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field.

However, he has made his presence known in the paint, bringing down seven rebounds per game to lead the team.

The Titans have been

PATRICK DO / DAILY TITAN

CSUF junior guard Sheldon Blackwell has not produced much for the Titans in five games, but will look to change that when the team hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills. Fullerton will look to repeat the result of last year’s matchup, outscoring the Toros 72-50.

dominant on the offensive end, outscoring their opponents 479-408. They have also done well to retain their possessions, committing a

total of 79 turnovers on the season, compared to the opposition’s 93.

CSUF has found itself on a spree of efficient scoring

runs while protecting its basket to deny other teams any meaningful offensive opportunities.

The Titans will hope to

extend their winning streak against the Toros at 7 p.m. at Titan Stadium.

Golf: Swedish native thrives at CSUF 1

“I caught on really quick and I got pretty good at it,” Edberg said of her passion for diving. “That’s what I wanted to do.”

Unfortunately, her dream of diving was cut short due to ear problems, but she did not let that squash her competitive spirit. Despite the physical limitations she experienced in diving and gymnastics, Edberg channeled her competitiveness into the sport of golf.

“Martina is a person who wouldn’t let anything stop her from success,” fellow teammate Nadine Rivera said. “Her resilience is definitely one of the reasons on why she’s doing so well.”

Edberg’s success as a Titan permeates from overseas.

In 2013, she was part of the Swedish youth national team that won the gold medal in the European championships. Going head-to-head against other notable U-18 teams such as France, Spain and Denmark, Edberg learned the values of team chemistry that would translate into her career at CSUF. During competitions, her equipment is an essential part of her game. Clubs, such as have trusty Nike putter, has helped her achieve the lowest

overall average score of any Titan women’s player, at 74.81.

As a freshman, she won the Big West Conference Championships Individual Title. In 2014 and 2015, Edberg added two consecutive Juli Inkster Spartan Invitational

“

Martina is a person who wouldn’t let anything stop her from success. Her resilience is definitely one of the reasons on why she’s doing so well.

“

CONTINUED FROM

NADINE RIVERA Women’s golf senior athlete championships to her list of accomplishments.

Even though she’s accomplished plenty, Edberg has been working on improving her game with her swing that she said is being caused by a tightness in her back. The problem prevents Edberg from reaching full rotation on her swing.

“She works with her own physical therapist back in Sweden and he seems to have helped her a lot over the summer. She is approaching it with more holistic approach from inside out,”

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RENZY REYES FOR THE DAILY TITAN

Martina Edberg’s drive toward the game of golf has propelled her to earn multiple accolades such as the Big West Conference Championship Individual Title and opportunities to compete with the Swedish National team.

Sinn-Bonanni said.

Edberg has come across a great deal of successes and failures in her young career, which Sinn-Bonanni believes contributed to her ability to finish on top of her competitions.

“To maintain (her mental strength) at a college level is just to make sure you are preparing to peak at the right time,” Sinn-Bonanni said.

Edberg believes a cool-minded, restrained style of golf is the key to

accomplishing her goals.

“I want to be humble to the sport,” Edberg said. “I want to be humble to the people around me, and I want to be humble to my own success.”

Since then, Edberg has nothing but praise for CSUF

in the light of her success.

“I believe in this school. I believe in the coaching staff,” she said.

Proud to now call Southern California her home, Edberg aims to live here permanently and play on the LGPA Tour.

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