Thursday Feb. 5, 2015

Service dog helps blind student find courage Features Thursday February 5, 2015

Women’s tennis rallies to top Azusa Pacific 4-3

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Sports

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Volume 97 Issue 6

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Business group moves to campus Members of group hope to work with CSUF students RUDY CHINCHILLA Daily Titan

MATTHEW CORKILL / DAILY TITAN

Students walk through the Humanities Quad during the rally Wednesday. Multiple student groups came together to protest the perpetuation of rape culture following a University Police alert that went out last week warning students of a man who reportedly grabbed the buttocks of two women near campus.

Student groups rally to protest rape culture University Police email alert sparks student protest CECILY MARTINEZ Daily Titan Cal State Fullerton students from the Women and Gender Studies Student Association and the Queer People of Color Club came together to rally against rape culture in front of the Humanities and Social Sciences building.

The rally was in response to a campus-wide email sent

by CSUF police after reports of two separate incidents of an unidentified male who grabbed the buttocks of two women near campus.

The students wanted to address rape culture and the practice of victim blaming while also encouraging the idea that violators should be held accountable for their actions, said Christina Prado, a human services major.

The email generated some controversy among student

groups on campus, with some saying it perpetuated rape culture and presumably blamed victims, while attempting to give advice on how to avoid instances of unwanted physical contact.

Prado began the rally in front of the Humanities and Social Sciences building to explain why she thought the email was insulting to the community.

“We have been trying to avoid these kinds of things for thousands of years and on a day-to-day basis,” Prado said. “We ask that the campus police does not use victim blaming tactics in order to address their students of Cal State Fullerton.”

After the opening statement from Prado, rally participants chanted, demanding justice, the stop of rape culture and the stop of victim blaming before starting to march.

The march, with participants chanting continuously, went throughout the CSUF campus—from the Quad to the Titan Walk, around the Pollak Library

MATTHEW CORKILL / DAILY TITAN

Students participate in the protest against rape culture Wednesday. The groups that hosted the rally have plans to draft a letter to police and possibly hold workshops on the issue.

and back through the Quad to the Humanities and Social Sciences stairs.

The area in front of

the Humanities building erupted in applause and cheers, and even more students began to join in on

the rally as they their classrooms.

SEE RALLY

exited 3

CSUF ‘gets social’ with Vine Student personality boosts social media presence MEGAN MENDIBLES Daily Titan Communications major Jillian Boyd sat outside of the College Park building on a fall day last semester chatting with a friend when a man approached her and asked one fateful question, “Are you Jill from Vine?”

Vine is a video sharing platform that keeps with the “brevity” of the popular social networking site Twitter, which it is an offspring of. Vine gives users six seconds to create videos for followers to enjoy.

The answer to that question opened a door for Boyd, which led her to her

current position as a social media ambassador for Cal State Fullerton. That day in front of College Park, Boyd was approached by Michael Mahi, CSUF’s assistant director of news-media services and social media engagement.

Before recognizing Boyd outside of College Park, Mahi stumbled upon Boyd’s Vine while brainstorming with an intern about making the school a Vine account.

When he saw her outside of the building he already had an idea to work with her on Vine.

“I just went and kind of approached her and told her I liked her Vine and I was wondering if she would be interested in doing more of that for the university,” Mahi said.

Boyd had been making videos on her personal Vine account before

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working with the school, which boasted around 1,000 followers. Boyd would make vines for mostly herself, friends and family to enjoy.

The presence of social media is embedded into everyday life and culture today. Titans all over campus are seen with phones in hand, laptop bags strapped across their chests and headphones plugged in.

The University of Maryland’s International Center for Media and the Public Agenda did a study in 2010, which examined students going “24-Hours Unplugged,” as the title of the study was aptly named. The study observed 200 students for 24 hours as they remained unconnected to any kind of socializing on the internet.

SEE SOCIAL MEDIA

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MEGAN MENDIBLES / DAILY TITAN

Cal State Fullerton’s social media ambassador, Jillian Boyd, updates her Vine account with comedic anecdotes on campus.

Cal State Fullerton students and faculty will now have easy access to community engagement opportunities.

The Fullerton Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “building and supporting a healthy cohesive community,” will be moving to its new office space in room 106 of the Educational Classroom building.

The move gives the group a chance to connect CSUF students and faculty to the community outreach groups in Fullerton.

The collaborative’s new office is the product of months of negotiations between Cal State Fullerton and the Fullerton Collaborative, said Kathleen Costello, associate director for the CSUF Center for Internships and Community Engagement.

As a member of the collaborative’s board, CSUF is required to make a payment to the Fullerton Collaborative. However, the office space serves as a gift in kind, in lieu of CSUF’s payment, Costello said.

“Cal State Fullerton is a member of the City of Fullerton, and we want to be good citizens,” Costello said. “We want to have effective community relations. We want to facilitate partnerships where our students can participate with other organizations … in activities that promote a healthy community for everyone in Fullerton.”

At the collaborative’s open house Monday, Thomas Nixon, the organization’s board president, outlined the group’s three main objectives: connect, train and collaborate.

Through its partnership with various nonprofit organizations, the collaborative can connect students to different groups involved in community outreach.

“If we can get these students excited and then give them the tools and the wisdom from the mistakes we’ve all made, you have a better society, whether it’s Fullerton or beyond,” Nixon said.

Multiple CSUF students are already working with Future in Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless. Jacob Mize, community engagement manager for Future in Humanity, said he hopes to use Fullerton Collaborative to attract more CSUF interns to the nonprofit.

Other types of collaborations with CSUF are already happening. Nixon, who is also the executive director for Solidarity, a faith-based nonprofit organization, is currently receiving market research help from CSUF marketing students for Solidarity’s coffee business.

SEE GROUP

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NEWS

PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THURSDAY

Students search for Titan pride Scavenger hunt prepares attendees for homecoming MATTHEW CORKILL Daily Titan

MATTHEW CORKILL / DAILY TITAN

Students walked around campus today, gathering items including t-shirts, a rally towel and stickers in preperation for Saturday’s homecoming game.

It is Daily Titan policy to correct factual errors printed in the publication. Corrections will be published on the subsequent issue after an error is discovered and will appear on page 2. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page.

Corrections will also be made to the online version of the article.

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a rally towel, Tuffy stickers and temporary tattoos.

At the final station, near the Student Recreation Center, students received a free t-shirt to wear to Saturday’s game.

“Our goal is to get as many people as we can into that gym wearing orange and supporting our boys,” Director of Titan Tusk Force Lauren Vivanco said.

Homecoming festivities will continue throughout the week.

After a performance in the Becker Amphitheater

by Captain Nomad, President Mildred Garciá will speak to students, followed by an introduction of the men’s basketball team in the Quad.

The Orange Madness rally will take place Friday at 6 p.m..

The rally will include the conclusion to the Battle of the DJ’s competition and a performance by Ty Dolla $ign.

Group: Businesses, students connect CONTINUED FROM

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This type of collaboration is a good way to encourage students to get involved in their community, Mize said.

“I think it’s about finding what the students are already gifted in and what skills they already have, and then properly allocating them to some of the things that they could be doing in the community,” Mize said.

The collaborative is also interested in working with professors to make part of their curriculum connect in some way to the nonprofits, said Executive Director of the

“

We want to facilitate partnerships where our students can participate in other organizations ... that promote a healthy community for everyone in Fullerton

“

FOR THE RECORD

Students scoured the campus Wednesday during the Orange Out Scavenger Hunt, an event put on by the Titan Tusk Force as part of preparation for Saturday’s Homecoming game.

Students started in the Quad, where they received a Titan tote bag to carry items they would find throughout the course of the event.

The scavenger hunt was divided into stations, and each station had a new piece of Titan Pride gear for students as well as a quick snack, while supplies lasted.

Over the course of the event, students were given

DTBRIEFS

KATHLEEN COSTELLO Associate Director for the Center for Internships and Community Engagement Fullerton Collaborative Pam

Keller.

She also stressed, however, that students who are looking to participate in the Fullerton community should feel free to pitch their own ideas to the collaborative.

The collaborative can provide students with the resources they need to carry out their own ideas, Keller said.

“If you want to effect change and you want to know what’s going on, the collaborative is the place to be,” Nixon said.

The Fullerton Collaborative meets every second Tuesday each month at the Fullerton Main Branch Library.

CSUF health center urges vaccination Officials promote vaccines to help stop measles outbreak EVAN LANCASTER Daily Titan During what has become the worst outbreak of measles in California in 15 years, Cal State Fullerton students and faculty are being encouraged to take necessary precautions.

A Jan. 31 email from the CSUF Human Resources Department to employees cited the need for extra precaution due to the recent measles outbreak.

No cases have been confirmed on campus, but the email referenced a health advisory from Southern California public health agencies and encouraged faculty to educate themselves on measles prevention.

Two Cal State University students—one from Cal State Long Beach and the other from Cal State Channel Islands—are believed to have measles, according to Inside Higher Ed, an online publication with a focus on higher education.

The site also reported that there has been a proposal that would require students entering the University of California system to be vaccinated.

Chief Staff Physician of the CSUF Student Health and Counseling Center, Richard D. Boucher, reinforced the county’s message to seek vaccination and confirm one’s vaccination status.

“The Student Health Center does offer MMR,” Boucher said. “The vaccine status of the student can be found in the student’s medical record at the health center, but only if they have given us said information or have received the immunization at the health center.”

The Health and Counseling Center offers the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine, more commonly referred to as the MMR vaccine, for $63.05 per injection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that unvaccinated adults born after 1956 get at least one injection of the vaccine, unless certain health conditions prevent them from doing so.

Boucher also listed basic hygiene practices as an additional line of defense to aid in illness prevention. Students and employees should remember that regular hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze, getting adequate rest and drinking fluids could help maintain a virus-free campus.

In Orange County, the tally of confirmed measles cases has surpassed the county’s 2014 record total of 22.

The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed at least 28 cases in Orange County, according to the agency’s website. The agency expects that number to change.

The California Department of Public Health confirmed 99 cases of measles in California. Of the confirmed cases 39 people are thought to have been infected after visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park, according

to the department’s website.

Tricia Landquist, the spokesperson for the Orange County Health Care Agency, said Orange County’s annual total of measles cases can range from zero to one, but due to the recent outbreak at Disneyland, the community became exposed to a highly contagious virus, which spread quickly.

People should be aware of the heightened risk of exposure due to the nine unlinked cases within the community and should also be aware of vaccination options, she said.

“With the nine cases in the community right now, pretty much measles is out there in the community, people are acquiring it,” Landquist said.

“So we’re encouraging people to know their vaccination status, go get vaccinated and just encouraging vaccination at this point.”

Vaccines Student Health and Counseling Center • MMR vaccine available for $63.05 per injection

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Suggests unvaccinated adults get at least one injection

Police arrest two subjects Two subjects arrested Tuesday afternoon near campus were in possession of stolen property, according to a CSUF Police Department informational bulletin.

CSUF informed students, staff and faculty that stolen items had been recovered.

The items found included camera equipment, a laptop computer, guitar, wallet and knife.

The University Police Investigation Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this case, or anyone missing similar items, contact their investigation unit at (657) 278-2902, or (657) 278-2903.

- KATHERINE PICAZO

Rabid bat found in Fullerton A live, rabid bat was found on the Fullerton College campus last week, according to the OC Register.

The bat was found on a step outside one of the campus buildings. It was caught by animal control and the agency now has the animal.

An alert was sent out to students, faculty and staff at Fullerton College to prevent contact with the bat.

The Orange County Health Agency said in their alert that most instances in recent years in which a human is infected with rabies, the type of the disease the individual contracts is a bat strain of rabies.

- CYNTHIA WASHICKO

Jordan executes terrorists The Jordanian government executed two terrorists linked to ISIS Wednesday in response to a video depicting the killing of Jordanian Pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, according to a USA Today report.

Sajida al-Rishawi, who was convicted by the Jordanian government in connection with a suicide bombing, and Ziad al-Karbouli, a former Al Qaeda Lieutenant, were both killed after ISIS released a video showing al-Kasasbeh being burnt alive inside a cage.

Originally the Jordanian government stated it would release al-Rishawi if ISIS could provide proof that al-Kasasbeh was alive. The release of the video, however, broke that agreement and Jordanian officials pledged swift and harsh actions against ISIS. Meanwhile, tensions began to heighten within Jordan, as citizens rallied together in Amman— al-Kasasbeh’s home city—and chanted against Jordan’s King Abdullah II. - ALEX GROVES

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Donna Nicol, associate professor of Women and Gender Studies, said she hopes for an open dialogue on what rape culture and victim blaming is, recalculating masculinity and educating the campus community.

Mary Becerra, Director of the Women’s Center, said she was pleasantly surprised at the student support and the quick turnaround Prado had when putting this together.

“This is just a great opportunity to bring student voices to the forefront,” Becerra said. “I think it would be great to capitalize on that momentum and that energy and try to do something positive for the campus.”

The university responded to the rally in a statement.

“As long as sexism and misogyny remain a dominant thread in the fabric of American culture, sexual assault will remain a priority issue not only for college students, but for society as a whole,” said Christopher Bugbee, media relations officer in an email. “We are proud of our students’ passionate commitment and their

efforts to engage the campus on this issue. By their witness, they challenge all members of the Titan community to reach higher in the culture we aspire to create on campus.”

Jessica Gavilanes, a Child and Adolescent major, was on her way to class when she heard the voices and joined the rally with chanting.

Gavilanes said she felt strongly about this issue and said parties responsible for inappropriate situations should take accountability for their actions.

“I ended up kind of tearing up a little, kind of being taken back by seeing how many supporters there were,” Gavilanes said. “It was really an invigorating feeling to stand up for something you believe in.”

Prado said future plans include drafting a letter to send to campus police addressing the incident and include workshops to educate the community.

The Women and Gender Studies Student Association will be holding meetings on Mondays from 4-5 p.m. in H-212 on this and other issues on campus.

MATT CORKILL / DAILY TITAN

CSUF student Sean Washburn arrives to the rally with signage in hand as students rally against victim blaming and rape culture.

Council addresses budget, fireworks Fullerton City Council rejects budgetary plan at meeting SPENCER CUSTODIO Daily Titan The Fullerton City Council rejected an amended fiscal midyear budget and also approved the sale of safe and sane fireworks by Fullerton-based nonprofit groups during its meeting Tuesday.

Councilman Bruce Whitaker pulled a budget item off the consent calendar to express his concern over the $1.32 million increase in appropriated funds in the city’s operating budget.

“Even though we’re seeing year-to-year increases in revenue, the imbalance persists,” Whitaker said.

“This is authorizing increased appropriations and for that reason, I would like to register my ‘no’ vote on this.”

He also expressed concerns over not knowing if employee contributions would increase to help offset the pension liability in the future.

The biggest increase in appropriations would have been for the legal fees of $450,000.

The Human Resource budget in the general fund is 91.5 percent, expended due to legal cases involving city employees,

AMANDA SHARP / DAILY TITAN FILE PHOTO

Attendees obvserve a previous city council meeting. During Tuesday’s meeting, the council approved a timeline for the sale of safe and sane fireworks and addressed a budget item regarding a $1.32 million increase in appropriated funds.

according to documents submitted to the council by the Administrative Services Department.

Mayor Greg Sebourn and Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Fitzgerald joined Whitaker’s opposition to the

adjusted budget, which resulted in a 2-3 vote that rejected the proposed amended midyear budget.

Sebourn also wanted the budget review workshop to be tied into next month’s city council meeting to

allow for a bigger audience within the council chambers and receive input from the public.

Though they rejected the midyear budget, the council unanimously approved the sale of safe and sane

fireworks for this year’s Fourth of July festivities.

This marks the third consecutive year the program has operated since voters reinstated safe and sane fireworks sales and use when they approved Measure X

in November 2012.

Only Fullerton-based nonprofit organizations may run the fireworks stands. Last year, the biggest fundraising amount was raised by Sunny Hills High School’s men’s soccer program, which took in $22,336 in profit, according to the 2014 fireworks lottery report.

An unidentified Fullerton resident expressed her concerns over the costs of having increased patrols during the Fourth of July festivities during public comment on the item. She said the money spent having officers patrol the streets to help regulate the discharge of fireworks was not a wise use of taxpayer money.

Whitaker said that even if the city stopped safe and sane fireworks sales, money would still have to be spent on officers to patrol the streets in order to help curb the use of illegal fireworks.

He added that the option of safe and sane helps encourage citizens to make the choice to not use illegal fireworks.

Councilwoman Jan Flory said that the cost of the additional police patrol units is covered through fees charged to the nonprofit groups who are running the fireworks stands. City clerk Lucinda Williams confirmed that the city charged as many fees as they could to the nonprofit groups in order to fund the three extra patrol units.

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FEATURES

PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THURSDAY

A companion with a purpose Service dog unleashes confidence in graduate student LEON ROMERO Daily Titan Kabira’s light brown eyes flicked from left to right as he watched students pouring out of nearby classrooms within Mihaylo Hall. The few students who noticed him lying on the ground would smile at him, and some even waved

remind her that she could do the same things that any non-disabled individual could do.

It wasn’t until Vincent was 21 years old that she received 19-month-old Kabira as her service animal from Guide Dogs for the Blind, a guide dog school located in San Rafael, CA. Kabira was estimated to be worth over $50,000 due to his professional training and breeding, but was granted to Vincent at no expense because of her visual

“

I wouldn’t have done this interview five years ago. I wouldn’t have talked to people about my vision ... Kabria allowed me to accept myself.

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JENNIFER VINCENT Graduate student hello.

He didn’t wave backor smile at them, but instead continued to hold a tranquil expression on his face. The moment Jennifer Vincent, 26, Cal State Fullerton graduate student, stroked his short, black fur, he quickly turned to face her and examined her to make sure she was fine.

This seven-year-old canine is Vincent’s personal service animal, who accompanies and assists her throughout her day.

Vincent was only three months old when she was diagnosed as legally blind.

Growing up with this visual impairment evidently proved to be difficult for Vincent, but her mother was always there to

disability.

Kabira has proven to Vincent that he not only assists her with physical activities she’s unable to complete independently, but also assists her emotionally by helping her become more social.

“I wouldn’t have done this interview five years ago. I wouldn’t have talked to people about my vision five years ago, but Kabira has allowed me to be a bit more open about it and to accept myself,” Vincent said.

The Disability Support Services office, located in University Hall, assists disabled students by accommodating them appropriately in and out of the classroom based on their

disability. They offer special resources to disabled students including a spacious computer lab with computers that have moveable monitors, and ZoomText software that is designed for the visually impaired to highlight text and read the words aloud— moving the screen along without having to use a mouse or keyboard. They also supply test-taking accommodations, disabled person parking arrangements and water bowls for service animals.

Many students with service animals are constantly dealing with people unnecessarily petting their service animals without their permission, according to Disability Support Services Teaching Coordinator David Guzman. He recommends students to be courteous enough to first introduce themselves to the owner and then ask if it’s okay to pet their service animal.

“Respect that the service dog is first and foremost there to serve the person that they’re guiding,” Guzman said.

Vincent received her bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent studies in 2012 from CSUF, and is currently enrolled in the special education credential program. She aspires to attain her master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in moderate to severe disabilities at CSUF in the near future. With that she hopes to work as an

LEON ROMERO / DAILY TITAN

Jennifer Vincent poses with her service dog, Kabira, who guides her around campus and throughout her day-to-day activities.

early elementary school teacher.

Vincent plans on bringing Kabira to work when she begins her career as an instructor. She mentioned that Kabira is excellent with children and that children love having him around.

She’s never let her disability keep her from accomplishing exceptional things, said Vincent’s younger brother and CSUF alumni Kevin Vincent.

Kevin has also had the opportunity to befriend Kabira over the years, and gave the inside scoop

on Kabira’s conduct when he’s off the clock.

“When he has the harness on, he’s working very hard and is very professional. When you take the harness off, he’s going to be playing around just like a normal dog,” Kevin said.

The psychology behind decisions Professor looks into how people make logical choices EVAN LANCASTER Daily Titan Life is ultimately a process of choices. Simple decisions have the ability to create and end life. The foundation of modern society is built upon the ability to make choices, individually and collectively.

For college students, the pressure is on to make the right choices.

From the essential to the mundane, it may be hard to process the multitude of decisions that need to be made on a consistent basis.

But is it possible to quantify each decision in order to understand if some decisions are made more logically than others?

For the psychology behind what truly dictates the decision-making process, Cal State Fullerton professor and decision guru, Michael Birnbaum, Ph.D., is the person to talk to.

While “decision guru” is his unofficial title, Birnbaum, a UCLA graduate, has plenty of experience in making decisions since his arrival to CSUF in 1986.

Birnbaum assembled

over $600,000 in grants from the National Science Foundation for his decision-based psychology research, according to the CSUF News Service.

Now in his 18th year, Birnbaum continues his work as professor of psychology. Birnbaum is also the founder and director of the Decision Research Center at CSUF, a department of study dedicated to research specializing in the fields of judgment and decision making, psychophysical and social judgment and mathematical models of behavior.

With the help of psychology students and professional colleagues from around the world, Birnbaum has published more than 130 scientific articles based on his findings in decision research at CSUF. His most recent work is set for publication in “Decision,” a scientific journal published by The American Psychology Association.

Birnbaum has gained some credible notoriety during his tenure at CSUF. In April 2014, he was awarded the L. Donald Shields Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity Award for his continued efforts in psychology research.

EVAN LANCASTER/ DAILY TITAN

Michael Birnbaum, Ph.D., is in his 18th year at Cal State Fullerton as a psychology professor. He is highly regarded for his research in decision making.

Birnbaum focuses on the aspects of logical decision making, through the process of analysis and using multiple psychological theories.

“We are studying research on decision making, both empirical and normative,” Birnbaum said.

“We want to distinguish two kinds of theories of

decision making, the normative theory, tells you what you should do— what’s the optimal decision given your situation? And the descriptive [empirical] theory is what people actually do, when they are confronted with a situation.”

Associate Professor of Psychology Jessie Peissig explained that everyone

can make questionable choices, but to understand the psychological processes behind decision making will enable students to make wiser decisions.

“We all make bad decisions, or decisions that are not based in logic. Part of it may be emotional,” Peissig said. “There is research showing that we are more

likely to pay off a bill that is lower in amount—even though the interest is higher, because we like that psychological feeling of paying something off. But, logically that is the incorrect decision … because you should really pay off the largest interest first.”

In order for students to fully grasp the concept of logical decision making, Birnbaum explained that students should carefully consider why they make the decisions they make to compare self interest against logic.

Birnbaum said that if all people think the same way, majority rule would favor self-disinterest.

Birnbaum said he would like to see more education on decision making available to students on campus. But, until that becomes a reality, he shared some advice that students should consider when facing pressing decisions.

“The first thing is, you need to get information,” Birnbaum said. “The second thing you need to understand is the principles of logic, reasoning and mathematics—and that’s why I think we need this course on judgement decision making to help people do that, because that’s what education is all about.”

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FEATURES Social Media: Six second branding

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More importantly, the University of Maryland’s study found that students saw a need for social media for “establishing and cementing social connections.”

Through these connections, the study noted the importance of the flow of information that social media and technology provides college students on an instantaneous basis.

The University of Maryland study noted that social media in its basic form is meant to connect others.

CSUF photography students in the Camera Absurda club use sites like Tumblr and Facebook to connect with each other and

those interested, James Doyle, the club’s president said.

In the fall semester Doyle had a solo exhibition as an artist on campus. Doyle used pictures of sunsets sent in from friends and others from all over the world that he gathered through connections made on social media. These connections were garnered on an Instagram and Facebook account titled, “Send Me a Sunset.”

“It ended up reaching five continents, except for Australia and Antarctica,” Doyle said.

It is important when someone online stumbles upon an artist’s social media site, to know exactly what they are producing right away

and what they are presenting is specific to their own brand, Doyle said.

Dustin Abnet, Ph.D. assistant professor of American Studies at CSUF, investigates popular culture and technology and has seen a relation to social media and branding.

“It makes us more conscious of the fact that people are brands,” Abnet said.

At the same time, Abnet sees the factor of authenticity being shown or hidden in the presentation of oneself on social media.

“It gives unfiltered access to another human being’s thoughts, but you always have to remember they’re being filtered as well,” Abnet said.

ALEX FAIRBANKS / DAILY TITAN

A spot on campus that only a skater’s eye would catch.

Skating a thin line between ban and bliss Despite ban, skaters both amateur and pro roll on campus ANDREW MCLEAN Daily Titan Cal State Fullerton offers a litany of departments and centers to help further students knowledge and prepare them for their careers as professionals, but it’s not only enrolled students who use CSUF’s campus to help further their careers.

Skateboarding on campus is banned through Presidential Directive No. 16 and the California Vehicle Code Section 21113(a).

Despite the ban, many students and avid skateboarders take their chances transporting themselves to class, or trying to accomplish a never been done maneuver on CSUF’s many skate spots.

Many of the obstacles on campus exploited by professional and amateur skateboarders go unnoticed by the average person, but skateboarders travel from different parts of California to get a chance to skate the CSUF campus, just as Jack McNulty did.

McNulty, 18, has traveled from his hometown of Torrance, four times specifically to skate at CSUF. Each time he left campus, he accomplished a maneuver on film to help further his skateboarding career.

McNulty’s skateboarding is sponsored by a number of companies including HUF shoes, Spitfire Wheels,

Thunder Trucks and Vanguard Surf & Skate shop.

McNulty’s favorite spot to skate on campus is what’s known as the shootout ledge, referring to the tile ledge in front of Titan Gym. It was there that McNulty accomplished a backside smith grind—the most difficult basic grind trick.

The move was featured in the skateboard video Goosenectar, released in 2014.

The shootout ledge in front of Titan Gym has been used by many professional skaters, including Theotis Beasley, who captured a kickflip backside tailslide featured in “ Nike SB Chronicles Vol. 2 ,” a skating video series sponsered by Nike.

Pat Pasquale, professional skateboarder and co-owner of skateboard brand Life Extention, also accomplished an innovative maneuver on CSUF’s campus when he executed a switch kickflip backside 50-50 on the shootout ledge.

That trick was featured in Life Extention’s Theatrix video, released in 2014.

Many skateboarders come to CSUF on the weekend looking to further their career by successfully landing impressive tricks on the campuses many sought after skate spots. Some feel there will be less presence of authority at that time.

In McNulty’s four visits to CSUF, he has yet to be cited for skating on campus, or kicked off campus by police.

“We always just

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leave when we want or when it’s time to go,” McNulty said.

Zane Foley, 23-yearold philosophy major, has not been as lucky.

Foley received a citation for skateboarding when he was stopped by a motorcycle cop for skateboarding from parking lot A to class.

Foley commutes from Studio City, California to CSUF twice a week, and feels the time gained on a skateboard in comparison to walking is vital to reaching class on time.

“I commute 50 miles and sometimes it’s make it or break it for me to get to class on time,” Foley said. “It can take 20 minutes to walk from Yorba Linda to Mihaylo hall. It’s imperative, especially around finals.”

Foley was placed on academic probation for his violation, which has since been rescinded. The citation didn’t discourage Foley from transporting himself to class by skateboard for long.

“For the rest of the day, I did not skate to class, but everyday since I have, along with thousands of other students, disagree with this repressive, ostracizing and discriminating rule,” Foley said.

In 2013 there were 586 skateboard violations through Directive No. 16, with only one citation being given out, said in statistics reported by University Police.

Cal State Fullerton’s unique skate spots have proven to be a favorite among professional and amatuer skateboarders, as long as they can escape the consequences of the ban.

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OPINION

PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THURSDAY

Kobe prevails despite injuries The Lakers star remains a crucial member of the team DEVIN ULMER Daily Titan With almost two decades dedicated to professional basketball, Kobe Bryant’s mind and body have started to disintegrate.

First the knee, then the Achilles and now a torn rotator cuff. Is it time for the Black Mamba to retire his jersey?

Despite his injuries, Bryant should return and

end his career the way he chooses.

The league veteran has arguably one of the most admired work ethics of any athlete known in men’s professional sports, yet his aging body seems to hold him back from his full potential.

After hearing that Bryant would be on the injury reserve yet again, the question of Bryant’s return to the game has resurfaced.

Bryant has two choices: retire now and spare his body from further injury or recover and get back on the court for another season.

The last thing Laker fans

want is a fourth injury for the superstar if he were to return next season, yet it’s difficult to imagine Laker Nation without him.

As a Laker fan, it’s difficult to consider the idea of saying farewell to a basketball icon and understanding the physical toll of professional sports.

The NBA legend is one of the most influential basketball players of all time.

Whether you rep the purple and gold or choose another NBA team to support, basketball spectators can admit that the third all-time leading scorer has made a significant mark in

the world of sports. He is a franchise player, a fearless leader and oftentimes runs the show.

The Lakers have struggled the past few seasons due to new management, new coaches and a dramatic roster change. Bryant has been the consistency the Lakers rely on. Bryant leaving prematurely might be the end of the Laker organization.

Although Bryant is perceived as a selfish player who won’t pass the ball, it might do more harm than good not having him on the court. When a player has had as much success

as Bryant, it’s assumed that he wants to be in control of the game, and rightfully so.

The Lakers are hardly successful right now due to the current lackluster lineup, but it could be disastrous without Bryant’s leadership.

Growing up watching Bryant make game-winning shots, winning championships and breaking records created a sense of belief that he would always be around. Determining if he can return is ultimately up to Bryant himself.

He knows what his body can or cannot do and from

past experience, it seems the Mamba has at least one more year left in him. It’s plainly uncharacteristic for Bryant to leave so abruptly.

Rewind to the game when Bryant shot free throws after blowing out his Achilles.

Unlike other players, Bryant didn’t get carried off the court in tears, but stepped up to the free throw line, sank two shots and hobbled off the court.

Bryant won’t let an injury determine whether can succeed. Bryant’s injury isn’t the end of him and if he chooses so, it won’t stand the slightest chance of taking him off the court.

MAD MIKE

MIKE TRUJILLO / DAILY TITAN

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SPORTS

PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 5, 2015 THURSDAY

Erasmus aces Azusa Pacific CSUF earns key 4-3 win, but loses Valenzuela to injury

WOMEN’S TENNIS

4

DREW CAMPA Daily Titan A three-match losing streak that had turned a winning squad into a sub.500 club is over for the Cal State Fullerton women’s tennis team.

The Titans started strong and hung on for a 4-3 non-conference victory over visiting Azusa Pacific University Wednesday afternoon.

The victory not only snapped the Titans’ threeloss slide that had extended back to Jan. 24, but the win also evened the squad’s record at 3-3.

“Our goal is to just keep improving every day and use each match to get better so that by the time the Big West Tournament comes, that’s when we’re peaking,” Head Coach Dianne Matias said. “Today was nice because we got ourselves in a situation where we played a tough team and we had to play for it today. They didn’t give it to us, we had to earn every single match.”

Fullerton freshman Michelle Erasmus delivered the victory.

Erasmus defeated Cougars sophomore Lindsey Yeom, 6-4, 7-6 (6-3) for the fourth and deciding point in the No. 5 singles match.

The native of Johannesburg showed off her closing power by securing the final two points of the opening set while overcoming a 6-5 deficit in the second set.

Even in the tiebreakers, Erasmus fell behind before

5

VS

3 scoring four straight points in taking a 6-2 lead.

“I think I managed to just keep my head steady; I didn’t let the nerves affect me,” Erasmus said. “And then I think my opponent maybe did let her nerves affect her. I feel like that was my advantage.”

Fullerton had an advantage versus the Division II Cougars, who were making their season debut.

The Titans won two of their first three singles sets and coupled with a point from doubles play, led 3-1.

After Azusa Pacific sophomore, Natalie Johnson, topped Fullerton sophomore Camille De Leon in the No. 1 singles match, 6-1, 6-1, the Titans responded with back-to-back wins.

Senior Megan Sandford bested Azusa Pacific’s Danae Ingwaldson, 6-1, 6-2, before freshman Danielle Pham beat Cougars sophomore Sierra Troxel, 6-2, 7-6 (6-3).

For Sandford, the victory was her second of the day as she also paired with De Leon for a 6-4 doubles victory over Johnson and Ingwaldson.

“They were both pretty good,” Sandford said of her wins. “In doubles, we just had to stay aggressive and we had to keep poaching. In singles, I had to keep coming up, being aggressive

MATT CORKILL / DAILY TITAN

Sophomore Emelia Borkowski smashes an overhead shot in her match against Azuza Pacific’s Valeriia Kashina on Wednesday at the Titan Tennis Courts. CSUF evened up their record at 3-3 and snapped a two-match losing streak with the non-conference victory.

and playing my game.”

Down 3-1, Azusa Pacific rallied when sophomore Valeriia Kashina defeated Fullerton sophomore Emilia Borkowski, 6-2, 7-6 (6-4).

However, Borkowski did not roll over after a tough first set and rallied from a 5-2 hole in the second set to

force tie-breakers.

The Cougars also claimed the day’s final set when freshman Jackie Resler knocked off senior Jessica Pepa, 6-3, 7-5.

Perhaps the best omen for Fullerton’s success came in doubles play, where the Titans won two of three sets in taking the crucial

doubles point.

In all three victories this season, the Titans have won the doubles point.

Besides Sandford and De Leon’s victory, the combo of Pham and Alexis Valenzuela also won, 6-1.

The victory was costly for Fullerton, though, as Valenzuela was injured

and did not play in singles action.

The Cougars duo of Kashina and Resler also knocked off Kalika Slevcove and Borkowski, 6-4.

The Titans will have a 10-day break before returning to Big West Conference action against UC Davis on Feb. 14.

Softball to co-host prestigous tourney

The Titans will face No. 22 Notre Dame twice this weekend DREW CAMPA Daily Titan

Three ranked teams, four host schools and 12 overall softball programs, including a hungry Cal State Fullerton squad, will kick off the 2015 season in the upcoming So Cal Collegiate Classic.

The Titans, along with UCLA, Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount will welcome eight squads to the Southland.

The first game is at Fullerton’s Anderson Family Field taking place Friday.

USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association No. 7-ranked UCLA enters as the marquee program with No. 22 Notre Dame and No. 24 Texas A&M not far off.

Even though CSUF, which received votes but was not ranked, has an opportunity to impress, Head Coach Kelly Ford declined to label the tournament as a proving ground.

“I don’t think hosting or running the tournament has anything to do with us feeling like we have to show our fans or our softball community how well we’re doing,” Ford said. “You know what, I think we’re in the place and we owe it to ourselves ... I guess we’re ready, we’re ready. The last couple of seasons falling short of NCAA (playoffs) has left us very hungry.”

Fullerton, who finished 33-21-1 last season, will play five games over three days, with two of the matches against Notre Dame.

The Titans first face the

AMANDA SHARP / DAILY TITAN FILE PHOTO

Cal State Fullerton softball will open its season this weekend against elite teams, including two games against Notre Dame.

Fighting Irish Saturday at 1:30 p.m. before closing out the tournament play versus Notre Dame Sunday at 10 a.m.

The Fighting Irish were picked to finish second in the Atlantic Coast Conference coaches’ preseason poll, and have a local feel.

Notre Dame’s 17-player roster has four members from Orange County, just one less than Fullerton’s total.

One such area standout is Huntington Beach native Micaela Arizmendi. The infielder batted .382 last season with 15 homers, 61 RBIs and 17 doubles en route to being named a 2014 NFCA All-American.

“It’s really exciting to open the season in front of both my family and friends,” Arizmendi said in a phone interview Monday. “But I know that more than half our team is from Southern California, so it’s a really exciting time to play some good teams in front of all of our family.”

Fullerton opens against Purdue at 4:30 p.m. Friday

before closing out the evening at 6:30 p.m. against two-time Big Sky Conference champion Idaho State.

After the Titans square off with Notre Dame Saturday, they will meet Southland Conference Tournament champion Northwestern State at 4 p.m. The Titans then finish off Sunday with their second game against Notre Dame.

Aside from playing quality competition, there is an overall buzz in just getting back on the diamond.

“Oh my gosh, we are just waiting for these next three days to go by,” said Fullerton third baseman Missy Taukeiaho, who was recently named to the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List.

“We actually just talked about it yesterday too. It’s just like coach said, ‘I’m sick of practice.’ I’m sick of practice and I’m ready to start playing and we’re all that point where it’s just like, okay, we’ve prepared enough and now it’s just at that point where, just get us to Friday.”

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