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MONDAY Issue OCTOBER 8, 2012 FRESNO STATE
COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU
SERVING CAMPUS SINCE 1922
Cellphones become new theft target By Mark Smith and Rogue Morales The Collegian Cellphone thefts are on the rise at Fresno State, and authorities say students need to keep watch. Eight cellphones were stolen or attempted to be stolen between August through September. C a m p u s Po l i c e S g t . John Gavel said that represented an 800 percent increase from previous years in the same time period. “For the same time period, there was only one reported last year,” Gavel said. “The same goes for 2010— there was Yoceline Gallardo/ The Collegian only one.” In the 2010 to 2011 Cellphone thefts are on the rise with an 800 percent increase, said Sgt. John Gavel. Smartphones school year, there were a are the target of choice because of their value said Gavel Eight cellphones have been stolen or total of 19 reported cellattempted to be stolen between August through September.
Collegian hosts first-ever Student Choice Awards
phone thefts on campus all year. For 2011 to 2012, there were 15. Gavel said that the main targets were smartphones because the value of such devices has increased greatly. On August 30, several robberies took place where two male suspects with guns approached individuals on campus and demanded the vict i m s g ive t h e m t h e i r cellphones, said campus police. The suspects then rode away on bicycles. Another incident took place on September 18 where an unknown suspect attempted to steal a cellphone from a victim who was walking with a bicycle near Shaw and Chestnut Avenues. The suspect approached the victim on a bicycle and
asked to use their cellphone. The suspect then tried to leave on his bicycle with the cellphone, but the victim was able to get it back. “Basically the smartphones are the target of choice,” Gavel said. “IPhones are big. But Samsung Galaxies and other similar phones are popular targets.” Gave l said th at th e main reason phones are stolen is lack of student awareness. “It doesn’t take much to get your phone stolen,” Gavel said. “Most of the time it’s people forget their phone. They go into the restroom or something and think ‘oh man, I forgot my phone.’ Then, when they come back, it’s See THEFT, Page 3
Valley weather starts to cool down
By Rogue Morales The Collegian The Colle gian is hosting the first ever Student Choice Awards at Fresno State. The awards allow students, faculty and staff to cast their votes in favor of their favorite businesses. Similar contests have taken place in the Fresno community such as The Best of Fresno and People’s Choice awards. However, this is the first time the Fresno State community will be the only voice. “I’m really excited about the Student Choice Awards because it allows students to express their opinions in a time when a lot of people feel unheard,” said Julie Waite, an advertising senior. “I think Fresno businesses will really like knowing who Fresno State thinks is the best.” Nominations are currently being accepted through The Collegian’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ TheCollegianOnline and will See CHOICE, Page 3
Dalton Runberg / The Collegian
As the sun sets in a splash of vivid colors over Fresno State’s vineyard, the Valley was noticeably cooler going into the evening hours on Sunday. After a week of unseasonably hot weather, Fresno will get a reprieve of low 80’s and mid-70’s throughout the week, with a small chance of much-needed rainfall.
USU Productions plans series of political talks By Alan Wileman The Collegian
University Student Union Productions is planning to host a series of political talks prior to the November elections. Last week, the USU hosted a talk by California State Senator Michael Rubio in the Free Speech Area, which drew a crowd of students. He discussed different topics such as Proposition 30, prison spend-
ing and education. Now USU Productions hopes to open up the talks in a panel-based discussion. T h e p a n e l i s s p o n s o re d by The Point, a committee involved in USU Productions, and is designed to help students uncover the importance of the upcoming election as well as give the perspective of some distinguished professionals. Issues will include topics
that involve the Central Valley and the state of California. The panel hopes to have at least two local and statewide political figure; which could include Califor nia S t at e A s s e m bly m e m b e r s David Valdadao and Linda Halderman, as well as local figures such as KMPH news personality Rich Rodriguez. Both Halderman, who is part of the 29 assembly district, and Valdadao, who is part of the 30
assembly district, are involved in Central Valley issues and look to serve the Valley as they see best. Bianca Maglalang, who is part of the USU Production’s public relations department, and a student at Fresno State, said that the political discussion are a way for students to better understand some of the issues that will be in the upcoming elections. “This event will be a great
open forum for students to have their voice heard and questions answered,” Maglalang said. “This event is a great way for the student body to come together and understand what political issues our nation faces.” The panel will consist of a brief introduction from the USU representative and followed up by a brief self-introSee POLITICAL, Page 3