HARDLY STRICTLY a preview SEE PAGES
8 9 AND
Gospel Gators win second place See the story and video
GOLDEN GATE XPRESS //
STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER PROUDLY SERVING THE SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY SINCE 1927.
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
// 10.03.12
VOLUME LXXXXV ISSUE 6
State assembly gives students voice in raising fees
BY ERIN DAGE | erindage@mail.sfsu.edu
Costly remodel draws mixed reviews BY CHARLOTTE BOUDESTEIJN | cboudest@mail.sfsu.edu
With shiny iPads and HD flatscreens, the remodeled information desk at the Cesar Chavez Student Center is trying to attract more students, but not everyone seems happy with the high-tech remodel. While students can go to the Student Information Center to see Muni and BART schedules, purchase Clipper cards and ask around for general information, the recent renovations have been met with mixed reaction. The desk project, which included the desk area’s wall, ceiling and electrical work, was estimated to cost $68,000. Each student pays $82 per semester to the student center. Guy Dalpe, managing director at the student center, couldn’t tell how much was spent on the remodeling of the information desk. The money came from the student repair and replacement fund. Dalpe thought the renovation was necessary in order to freshen up the student center. “The desk hadn’t been renovated in over 37 years. The reactions of the students are really positive, especially with the layout in general,” he said. SF State student Lauren Harrington thought the design of the nformation desk was visually appealing but not much else. “My first thought when I saw it — and the iPads that are locked down to it — was that the money used to pay for this would have been better spent on paying for much-needed classes,” the 20-year-old broadcast and electronic communication arts major said. “If there is enough money coming in from student fees to pay for a complete restructuring of the student information desk, two iPads, heavy locking security equipment to (lock) down the iPads, ergonomic chairs, a disco light and to rent all of the blow-up and carnival equipment, plus who knows what more, then there is too much going towards the student government.” The student center gets 65 percent of its total revenue from the student body center fee and the other 35 percent from operating revenue. The operating revenue consists of commercial services, support services, food services, the recreation center and general programs. The remodel of the student center took longer than initially planned, with the final project completed in mid-September, a jump from the original SEE FACULTY ON PAGE 5
C
OME JAN. 1, CALifornia State University trustees are required to consult with and justify tuition and fee hikes to students. Assembly Bill 970 by Assemblyman Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, requires CSU and University of California trustees to consult with their respective statewide school associations at least 30 days before a tuition raise. In addition to consultation, tuition hikes are now required to have a 90 day period from when they are instated to when they become effective, instead of a fee immediately being posted. Trustees must give justifications that include why there is a fee increase, the purpose of the money, how students in financial need can be helped
and possible ways of avoiding the fee increase through alternative proposals. Student representatives from all 23 of CSUs are required to meet with CSU trustees before a scheduled fee hike, according to the California State Student Association. Adenike Hamilton, president of Associated Students, Inc. is a representative of SF State. Fong believes fee increases have made higher education difficult for many students. “Our economic challenges have made access to higher education more difficult for many of California’s students and working families,” Fong said. “Student fees at our public colleges and universities have skyrocketed with little advance public notice, minimal consultation, little to no transparency and little to no accountability.” Meredith Vivian, director of government and SEE BILL ON PAGE 3
FULL TIME tuition fees
$5,000 $4,500
Tuition costs have risen by nearly 50 percent since 2006
$4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 Source: California State University Budget Office
2006 and
2007
2007 and
2008
2008
2009
2010
2011
and
and
and
and
2009
2010
2011
2012
Prop. 37 raises issues for food industry
ACADEMIC school years
BY ALEX EMSLIE
aemslie@mail.sfsu.edu
and CRISTINA RAMOS
cjramos@mail.sfsu.edu
PART TWO IN A SERIES OF SIX STORIES EXAMINING CALIFORNIA’S PROPOSITIONS
SEE POLL ON PAGE 11
The nation and the world are watching California for the outcome of Proposition 37, which would require food companies to label products that contain genetically engineered ingredients if passed in the Nov. 6 election. The proposition would set a regulatory precedent for the biochemical food industry, which consists of global conglomerates in control of much of the world’s food supply. Prop. 37 supporters say consumers have a right to know if their food contains genetically modified ingredients. Opponents argue that GM foods have never been proven unsafe, and requiring labeling will raise food costs and invite frivolous lawsuits. Opponents also claim the initiative contains exemptions that play favorites with some food sellers while targeting others. “Prop. 37 sounds simple but it’s far from it,” Kathy Fairbanks, spokeswoman for the No on 37 Coalition, said. “It will increase
grocery bills by $350 to $400 per year, per family.” According to Fairbanks,1 the proposition excludes dairy, alcohol, meat and restaurant foods. “But you have to label pet food,” she said. Proponents of the proposition reject the argument that the initiative would raise food costs. Food companies would have more than one year to implement the new labels, according to the text of the proposition. “(Proposition) 37 is absolutely vital to the democratic process,” Dave Murphy, founder of Food Democracy Now, said. “People have the right to be informed. Nobody should circumvent that to protect profits.” The Yes on 37 campaign had raised $3.9 million as of Sept. 23, according to donor disclosure records. Opponents had collected almost nine times as much, or $32.5 million.
2 CAMPUS
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
SF STATE SPEAKS OUT WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO TRUSTEES REGARDING RISING TUITION?
NINO DIANO, 21
HIDDEN TREASURES: The Sutro Library, located on the fifth and sixth floors of the J. Paul Leonard Library, houses historical artifacts including Shakespeare’s first folio and a King James Bible. These items are kept in a climate controlled-room for preservation of the tattered artifcats. Photo by Jessica Worthington
CIVIL ENGINEERING MAJOR
I’m already working 20 hours a week. The more I work, the less time I have to study.
BY JESSICA SCHIMM jschimm@mail.sfsu.edu
History lies within Sutro Library
T GRACE BIGLER, 22
ENGLISH EDUCATION MAJOR
We need degrees for a successful career. Don’t ask for fruit from a tree if it hasn’t blossomed.
CHRISTOPHER DUFF, 40 LIBERAL STUDIES MAJOR
HE VAULT THAT SITS ON THE SIXTH floor of the J. Paul Leonard library is more a hidden treasure to students than a wellknown resource. Rows upon rows of books, hundreds of years old sit on shelves in a restricted vault in a climate-controlled room. Most of them are tattered and worn down with yellowishbrown pages that are crispy and thin. Among these treasures are Shakespeare’s first folio and a King James Bible, along with an original copy of the map of the world drawn by Pieter Van den Keere – the only original copy in the world. King Cada, 25, a chemistry major, had little knowledge about what happens on the fifth and sixth floors of the library, even though he frequently works on homework in the building. He said he probably wouldn’t use it for research or academic purposes, but might go just to check it out. “You know what’s funny? I see the sign in the lobby that says Sutro Library on the fifth floor and I think ‘what’s in the fifth floor?’” Cada said. “There’s not enough advertisement for whatever that is.” Sutro Library is a part of the California State Library system, but is currently housed by SF State and contains more than 250,000 resources all containing historical information with some of the oldest documents being pre-1550s. The documents within the collections range from old city directories to records from U.S. wars prior to 1900 and more, according to a resource page written by the library staff detailing the services and resources the library provides. Old resources are not the only draw. Sutro Library manager Haleh Motiey-Payandehoo said most patrons come to use Ancestry.com for free, a site that costs $22.50 for a monthly membership. In addition, there is an index base where individuals can look up their surnames and find a history book that
The costs are rising, so maybe cut down on defense money and put more into education.
references them, she said. “It’s one of those things where you don’t really think about it until you need it,” English major Abe Kanae, 26, said about the Sutro Library. The fact that students are not allowed to bring anything but a pencil into the fifth floor discourages student participation according to Motiey-Payandehoo. Although the sixth floor is off-limits, with the exception of some small groups with special permissions, librarians are allowed to bring resources down for visitors to use. Most times the librarians will brainstorm with visitors in order to define which documents would be most helpful. Motiey-Payandehoo said that she is “looking for professors to assign research projects to their students” so that more students will make use of the space. SF State history lecturer Mark Sigmon thinks highly of the room and believes it can be very beneficial to students. “I think it is a fantastic idea to have a room dedicated to historical collections because students can actually experience with their own eyes materials they might hear about in the classroom,” Sigmon said. “It is very valuable because students can feel the legacy of the past and they can consider what SF State students a hundred years from now will be thinking about their stuff. SF State is an incredible school with some very impressive ‘hidden resources.’” Assistant professor of history Sarah Crabtree is new to the University, but plans on incorporating a visit to the Sutro Library with her future classes. “As a historian, I believe it is important to provide students with opportunities to work with primary sources in addition to secondary sources,” Crabtree said. “By having the Sutro at the library, it encourages users to think about both stages of research and provides the space and the resources necessary to pursue these twin goals.”
CRIME BLOTTER Comedic interpretations of criminal events at or near SF State
09.26 through 10.02
CHELSEA AKITA, 22 FINE ARTS MAJOR
In my opinion, school shouldn’t cost money because I’m not getting the help and facilities I need. Photos by: Tearsa Joy Hammock Reporting by: Charlotte Boudesteijn
Skate, Die or Lie
Don’t Cross Me
While on patrol Sept. 27, officers observed a skateboarder at Burk Lane. Officers made contact with the subject and he was cited. To make matters worse, this little shredder was also charged for providing false identification to the officer. Come on man, what are you trying to hide? You’re already negatively stigmatized as a hooligan with your four-wheeled satan stick, but get your bearings straight and learn how to keep the 5-0 away. Must be how he rolls.
Officers viewed a subject illegally crossing the street at South State Drive Sept. 28. Upon review of the subject’s records, it was determined that the gentleman had an active felony warrant out from San Francisco County for possession of burglary tools. Steal this piece of advice, sir: However minute your jaywalking act may have been, you should probably stay under the radar if there is a warrant out for your arrest. This sounds like a repeatable mistake, which is a lot like tripping over your own feet — it’s avoidable with a little attention. Reporting by Brad Wilson
This Is Trash An officer took a case regarding a subject who threw trash over the fence onto University property at Lake Merced Boulevard Sept. 28. Is this really necessary? Where does the importance lie in taking a case number involving littering? There are much more shocking events taking place on campus. Maybe officers should take a trip to Cafe Rosso and write down some case numbers involving how students get milk all over the condiment counter because they don’t know how to properly pour cream in their coffee. Talk about a thirst for justice.
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
CAMPUS 3
| 10.03.12
Bill aims to create informed campus constituency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
community relations at the California State Student Association believes the bill will usher in an era of transparency. “AB 970 is a huge achievement and helps increase transparency and accountability for CSU and UC schools,” Vivian said. “The consultation allows students and families of students more time to plan when a fee hike comes in.” Monica Mendez, a sophomore studying geography, pays for college through financial aid. “I pay for college by FAFSA entirely,” Mendez said. “I have never been affected negatively because my FAFSA has always been enough, but I know many people who could be helped by the notice that this bill gives.” Erik Fallis, a CSU spokesman, believes that warning students of fee increases has always been a priority for the CSU system. “As a general principle, we always support the student’s side,” Fallis said. “Sometimes we have to account for a budget being turned in late and that’s where fee increases come in.” Mendez sees fee increases as a burden to students. “It’s frustrating because people have to think about where the money is going to come from halfway through the year,” Mendez said. “It just adds more stress to school.” However, Fallis made the point that, although AB 970 has been passed, there is still a difficult re-
“
lationship between the CSU system and the state. “There is a disease — state support for California State University schools has decreased,” Fallis said. “The As a general state provides less principle, we than 50 percent of always support resources for CSU. the student’s side. They provided 80 percent of reSometimes we sources in the late have to account 1990s.” for a budget being Fong believes turned in late and the bill will that’s where fee improve relations increases come in. between the public and the University Erik Fallis, as a result. CSU spokesman “Sponsored by the California State Student Association and the University of California Student Association, AB 970 will improve communication between the UC and CSU, students, the public and the Legislature,” Fong said.
Get PAID to work on a local campaign in San Francisco
TODAY!
We are looking for bright, responsible, energetic students to work on our campaign. Thea Selby is running for District 5 Supervisor in San Francisco. You will work directly with Campaign Staff on events, canvassing, fundraising, doing office work, etc. This is an amazing opportunity to get real life PAID experience in the fast-paced, exciting world of San Francisco politics. This is Great Experience that will look dashing on your Resume and provide you with invaluable Networking Opportunities while having Fun!
$10.24 an hour and we’ll feed you too! Weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings. Please contact Saudia Campaign Volunteer Coordinator at 415.713.0362 or thea.volunteer. coordinator@gmail.com
4 CAMPUS
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Students express creative visions with film At the fifth annual SF State Campus MovieFest, students will show off their skills with five-minute shorts and compete for the opportunity to enter the national Campus MovieFest Hollywood contest June 2013
BY MICHELE BIRD | mbird@mail.sfsu.edu
REEL TALK: With the contest officially launched Sept. 26, students arrived at the Cesar Chavez Student Center to pick up to film equipment and start on their projects. Students were given the proper equipment to compete, from video cameras to 24-hour technical support and training sessions. Photos by Melissa Burman
S
TUDENT FILMMAKERS are preparing to reel out their visions onto the silver screen for the fifth annual SF State Campus MovieFest. With only a week to do it, University students were been tasked with creating five-minute shorts on any topic, which are filmed, edited and produced for free courtesy of the festival. “Year in and year out, students at SFSU have made some of the best films in the country, winning big prizes and recognition at the school and international level,” said Nishant Gogna, promotions manager for the CMF NorCal Tour. “Even though many SFSU students participate without any prior film experience, we are still amazed to see how bright and creative SFSU students can be.” Students arrived to a line that passed the doors of the Cesar Chavez Student Center Sept. 26, to pick up their film equipment and start the competition. Participants were given all necessary equipment from video cameras to 24-hour technical support and training during the process. As they waited to gather their supplies, budding creators spoke among themselves about their film ideas and excitement. “I really hope we can produce a video that’s educational and inspiring,” said Sharon Daraphonhdeth, an
environmental studies major in her senior year. Daraphonhdeth, who is competing for the first time, heard about the event after seeing fliers around campus. She planned to devote her team’s film feature to the three-bin recycling system and the importance of using them correctly. Students from all different majors, ranging from cinema to criminal justice, entered the competition this year. “My favorite part of CMF is the bringing together of the film community,” Andrew Wong, a freshman cinema major, said. “CMF also brings the great element of giving equipment to those filmmakers who do not own any. It’s something that not many other contests, if any, do.” According to Gogna, more than 150 teams submitted their films Oct. 2 where they will be judged by a panel of SF State students, faculty and staff. The top 16 films will be screened Oct. 10 at Jack Adams Hall during a red carpet finale. “It’s a great opportunity,” Brittany Delaney, a junior cinema major, said. “When are you going to be able to do this again?” Students will be competing for best picture, best drama, best comedy and Norton crime drama. Winning films will advance to CMF Hollywood June 2013. Prizes include professional gigs, $30,000 in cash prizes and having the film screened in Los Angeles as well as the next
Cannes Film Festival. “Students should enter the contest because it’s a great chance to show your work and test your ability to dish out a quality video in a short amount of time,” Wong said. CMF is currently on its 12th annual world tour and travels to 70 college campuses worldwide, according to Gogna. Films chosen from SF State will join winners from other college campuses at CMF Hollywood in June to compete for the national title. “I know students will take away a rewarding experience and a strong feeling of accomplishment of creating their own short film,” Gogna said. “But best of all, and I hear this all the time, CMF will open their It’s a great hearts and minds to opportunity. the world of film and When are you media production, a going to be able to field that is growing at an exponential rate.” do this again?
“ Brittany Delaney, cinema major
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
| 10.03.12
CAMPUS 5
Faculty optimistic despite costly center desk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
pleted in mid-September, delayed from the original date of Aug. 17. The information desk had a soft opening Sept. 19, with the official grand opening scheduled for Oct. 12. “This is to blame on the complexity of the design, this took some time,” Dalpe said. Urban studies and planning major Colton Coty enjoys the new appearance on the whole. In the past he rarely used the information desk, but said that it is a great service for school organizations and outside visitors. “It offers a very contemporary look and it seems to be fitting the school’s ‘look’ for new buildings. My only criticism is that it is too plain. The white gives a cool look, but there is really nothing else eye-popping,” Coty, 21, said. “As of now I do not think that the money that went into it was worth it. Yet, there is a lot of potential for it. Hopefully they make it more aesthetically pleasing and offer more services that students would actually use.” John Doctor, associate director of facilities and maintenance at the student center, explained that the project should not be taken at face value. Included in the revamp was the renovation of walls, ceilings, the fire system, and lighting and storm drain pump alarm panels in the area. “A smaller budget would not have been as successful with (the) depth of the deliverables, the specifications
needed, added services and value added,” he said. “I’ve personally received great positive feedback that the desk has a ‘cool, iconic’ look to it where you can reserve a room, have better access to Wi-Fi and see the Muni schedule.” Not everyone is as enthusiastic as Doctor. According to Matt Bacon, a computer science major, the large sum of money it took to renovate was not spent wisely. “The older information desk was useful because it was made for business,” Bacon said. “The info desk does not need to be fun, it just needs to be helpful. It does not matter what technology or design is used. People will go there when they need something, not just for fun.” The 22-year-old was headed to the NEW LOOK: Adorned with plasma televisions and iPads, the new Cesar Chavez Student Center information desk space for tabling permits and also to has been critiqued by some for being too plain, by others as a representation of misspent money. The project, includcheck BART info. The fact that the ing the desk area’s wall, ceiling and electrical work, cost an estimated $68,000 to complete. Photo by Andy Sweet television screen displays these times on a rotating basis annoyed him. “Any info posted on the screens is “There can be times where students don’t the remodel, except that many students are useless unless I need info on the quick. have a platform to access the internet. Stulooking for more money to go toward their I’d rather look at a poster or piece of dent staff at the information desk can assist education rather than the aesthetics of campaper with the exact information I with the process of room reservations, events, pus buildings. need. I don’t know how much of the giving and showing directions and answer “The futuristic styling makes me feel as student fee was spent on it, but in the any questions guests may have,” he said. though I am walking through a science fiction end that does not matter. Wasteful “The information we provide is not just genschool. I don’t see anything bad about it, I’m spending is still wasteful spending, no eral, but includes detailed and guidance for all for avant garde tables,” Max Maddox, 19, matter where the money comes from,” students in navigating the campus or learning an aspiring BECA major, said. “But don’t get he said. about procedures, departments and events on me wrong — if we’re spending money that Doctor does not share the same campus.” could go somewhere else, I would rather see sentiment. There seems to be no clear-cut view on it not go to waste on desk renovation.”
6 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Fashion Blueprint Fashion connoisseur Bryan Vo outlines ways to avoid the fashion walk of shame. It’s true, you are what you wear and for him, every day is a runway.
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Park provides safe skate haven BY MATT SAINCOME | saincome@mail.sfsu.edu
BY BRYAN VO | bryanvo@mail.sfsu.edu
Skinny jean trend may be dangerous
F
ashion has a cost — and I’m not talking about the price tag. The skinny jean trend is infecting the world, spreading beyond hipster and punk rock fashion scenes — but if the jeans are too tight, you may be checking yourself in at the doctor’s office. According to Karen Boyle, a specialist in urology at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, men have to face the fact that tight jeans reduce airflow around the crotch, resulting in higher genital temperatures. Sadly, a negative side effect of warmer balls is a lower sperm count. In addition, fungal infections are also consequences of skin-tight denim. Tight pants can even cause numbness and nerve compression, according to Boyle. Despite the supposed health risks, it’s safe to say men will continue sporting the trend. Skinny jeans are a unisex item — but should they be? “I think women should be the only ones wearing tight pants,” said Adam Prazer, salesman for Lucky Brand. “It doesn’t look right on guys and it also looks very uncomfortable for men and their private areas.” Some say it’s not a matter of gender, but age. “Skinny jeans work well with younger adults and you see a lot more older adults wearing boot cut or loose-fitting jeans,” said Alyssa Nevarez, jeans saleswoman at Lucky Brand. “It all depends on the person’s preference of comfortability as well.” Wearing a pair of skinny jeans does not necessarily mean you’re in the “scene,” nor does it make you any more of a self-spirited hipster. The look just means you have an eye for fashion and you’re in tune with the fad. “Hipster fashion has been in effect for a few years now with the tight, fitted jeans and overall clothing style,” communications major Nate Garley said. “I like it to an extent and I feel like a lot of people just try way too hard and look stupid.” If you’re looking for something to tighten up, make it your style, not your jeans.
SHREDDING: Chris Jatoft, 22, transfers from the bowl to the quarter pipe at the Balboa Skatepark opening ceremony Sept. 29. Hundreds came to skate at the new Balboa Skatepark that features Skatelite, a specially designed wood that adds extra grip for improved manuvering. Photo by Andy Sweet
W
ITH HIP-HOP PLAYING OFF in the distance, there is a notable and collective silence as spectators hold their breath in awe of Chris Jatoft, as he launches himself out of the bowl and soars through the air before planting on a wooden handrail. Standing still on his skateboard planked on the rail, Jatoft jumps backward, clutching his board mid-air, and lands back in the bowl to continue his run as a crowd of skaters cheer, clap and slap their boards on the rails to show their appreciation for his daredevil creativity. While the trick only took Jatoft a matter of seconds to execute, it took community members roughly five years to put together the new Balboa Skatepark where he performed the feat. The skate park is only one part of the renovations that the community helped implement at Balboa Park. It all started when Chris Campbell, along with several other parents and local residents, wanted to upgrade the old wooden play structure for the kids. Residents formed Friends of Balboa Park Playground and got funds from the Trust for Public Land to create a completely new playground. A few years and another influx of funding later, the group took on the task of building a safe place for kids to skate. “It was an effort to turn a regional sports park into a neighborhood park as well. Part of that was doing a skate park, so I kinda grabbed that and ran with it,” Campbell said. Campbell, who moved into the neighborhood six years ago, has been a skater and surfer since he was young. He used that experience to spot the problems with proposed designs for the Balboa Skatepark. “If just the city did this it wouldn’t have the same impact. Everyone was engaged,” said David Hooper, president of the New Mission Terrace Neighborhood Improvement Association, showing excitement about how active the parents and residents have been in this project. Hooper feels a strong tie to the city. He has lived in San Francisco his entire life and graduated SF State in 1975 after leaving the University of San Francisco. For 12 years he worked as what may just be the most San Francisco-y job out there — a cable car conductor. And now he sits at a brand new skate park, at the corner of Ocean and San Jose avenues, where a fire station used to stand. It was torn down in the 1960s when Interstate 280 was constructed. The skate park is just the newest feature in Balboa Park, which also features four revamped baseball diamonds, an expanded soccer field and resurfaced tennis courts. As a child, Hooper played
baseball on those very diamonds and, now as an adult, sits in the bleachers basking in the opening celebration of the skate park. “You can’t go wrong by doing something that engages families and children. You cannot go wrong,” Hooper said, looking out over the park. According to Phil Ginsburg, general manager of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department, Campbell “shepherded” the project, getting the right people involved and using his experience to make sure the park would be the best it could be. “Really truly, the city put up some money, the trust for public land put up some money. But it’s one thing to have the money — it’s another thing to have the vision,” Ginsburg said before the ceremonial bowl drop. “Chris Campbell, who’s from this neighborhood, this is his baby ... Now look at what we got. Look at what we got!” Campbell explained his commitment to the project after seeing the original designs for a new skate park. “I wanted to make sure we didn’t end up with a concrete slab and some metal ramps,” Campbell said. Jatoft and other skaters appreciated the attention to detail. According to Jatoft, the wood used to build the bowl is superior to concrete — or just any regular wood — since it is made out of Skatelite, a specially designed wood for skate ramps that has the perfect amount of grip. “This park is generated by the community and were using it as a community,” David Strother, a local resident and parent of a young skateboarder, said. Ace Annese, master of ceremonies of the event and host of Reality Check TV, supported the purpose of the park. “Anything that gets kids active, off the couch and out in the world doing stuff. So, you fall down and get hurt? Big deal! You get up and do it again!” Annese said. San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos agreed completely, adding that the park is a place where kids can do something positive. “Young people need places to go and things to do. This is a great place to go and skating is a great thing to do,” Avalos said. “Clearly, if you build it, they will come. And people came weeks ago before this place was even opened up.” But parents saw the eagerness of the skaters as a sign of how important the park would be for youth in the community. “We couldn’t keep ‘em out,” Hooper said through a big grin. But local politics aren’t on the mind of 14-year-old Nico Hiraga as he flies through the air, with a barrage of photographers standing by to capture the action. He plans to “skate every day after school until it gets dark.”
A RTS A N D EN T ERTA I N M EN T CALENDAR
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG Sharktoberfest Nightlife Oct. 4 6 to 10 p.m. $12 California Academy of Sciences
Pancakes & Booze Underground Zombie Fashion Show Oct. 5 8 p.m. $5 Gallery 4N5
Castro Street Fair Oct. 7 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. FREE Castro and Market streets
Mission Trivia Night Oct. 8 8 p.m. FREE Gestalt Haus
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
| 10.03.12
7
THE INS & OUTS A WEEKLY SEX COLUMN BY CASSIE BECKER cassbeck@mail.sfsu.edu
Coaxing climax from frustration
S
OME WOMEN SAY THAT AN ORGASM is like fireworks going off all over your body. Others experience a warm wash or glow that spreads through the body. But some — and usually not for lack of trying — have no idea what an orgasm feels like. According to Planned Parenthood, 15 percent of women have difficulty reaching orgasm — the muscular contraction that releases sexual tension — while 10 percent have never had one at all. And those who do orgasm only do so 50 to 70 percent of the time. So why the problems? Sexologist Betty Dodson thinks it's all pressure. "Do not think about orgasm! Just enjoy the feelings you are getting and leave it at that," Dodson says on her blog DodsonandRoss.com. "Striving or trying to have the Big O can work against you. So for now, forget about orgasms. Stretch and breathe and enjoy your body as it moves. ... Just enjoy your life in general. Pushing, striving and driving yourself to come is the opposite of pleasure. It's more like a job. Time to take a vacation!" Men orgasm nearly every time they have sex, and it's pretty obvious when it happens. Women have a much bigger challenge. With a series of internal cues from muscle spasms to a sensitive clitoris, it's just not as easy to tell when a woman has achieved orgasm. Sometimes, she might not even know it. Dodson suggests in her blog that some women may be ignoring the natural sensations of orgasm due to the fact that they are expecting to Since breaking up with her feel something different. inner prude, Cassie Becker "(T)his sounds like has done it all. Her interest you are having an orin sexual exploration has led gasm. But you are unable her to write several blogs and to identify the release break even more beds. She’s due to your expectations extensively researched and of what you 'think' an written about it — all with a orgasm will feel like. ... sexy smile. Poor body! It comes and then your cruel brain denies it. Get out of your head and trust your body," she says. As Dodson says, you might be thwarting your own orgasm by considering it the goal of sex. If you're a woman who is experiencing problems with achieving an orgasm, you might want to rethink your expectations of sex. It's possible to have a positive and extremely pleasurable sexual experience without an orgasm. Plus, the journey is the fun part. "If you're reluctant to embark on a sexual experience unless satisfaction is guaranteed, you're cheating yourself out of the joys of the unexpected. New toys and techniques may not set you on a tried-and-true path to orgasm, but they will open up entirely new horizons of sensation," according to "The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex" by Cathy Winks and Anne Seamans. So take a few deep breaths, clear your mind, grab some toys (and maybe a partner or two) and go at it!
Guide to the Big O:
Take your time. Focusing only on the need to orgasm will kill it before you even get to come, so forget about it and enjoy the journey! Set aside a good amount of time to play and experiment. Focus on sensations! Tell your partner what’s going on. Letting your partner know that you’re not quite sure how you’re going to orgasm is key. After all, it means they get to use you as their own personal plaything, an invitation they won’t turn down! Encourage yourself and your partner. Keep in mind that an orgasm won’t necessarily come the first time you try, or the second, or even the third. Stay positive and keep encouraging yourself and your partner along!
Check Us Out Online!
http://goldengatexpress.org 2010 winner of the CA College Media Competition Best Online Multimedia Award!
X
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
8
Beloved philanthropist leaves love letter, legacy
Hardly strictly bl
by Adrian Rodriguez | arrodrig@mail.sfsu.edu
Driving from stage to stage in a golf cart through crowds of hundreds of thousands of people, SF State alumnus Will White made Warren Hellman’s band wish list come true each year. Hellman, a San Francisco businessman, founded the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in 2001 because he truly loved music. He may have brought the bands, but White saw to it that Hellman enjoyed them. “It was an adventure, and we were trying to accomplish the same thing and try and see as many of the bands as we could,” White, 37, said. Together they tackled the three-day weekend for the past eight years, with each time getting progressively easier. White said 2011 was their best, logistically. He and Hellman had it all mapped out — and they conquered. Just months after, Frederick Warren Hellman, 77, passed away Dec. 18, 2011, due to complications from leukemia. Hellman left a legacy after 11 years of bluegrass, said Jonathan Nelson, friend and co-founder of the festival. The festival, which has become tradition in San Francisco, continues in its 12th year Oct. 5 through 7 in memory of Hellman and in celebration of the music. “I had no idea that that was going to be the last time that we did it to together,” White said. He remembers back to when he first started working the festival in 2003. He was a student at the College of Extended Learning at SF State studying for certification in the music/recording industry program. There he was taken under the wing of his instructor Dawn Holliday, a co-owner and operator of Slim’s and The Great American Music Hall. He recalled that the first bluegrass festival he worked was a trial run for full-time employment through Holliday. The following year he began his work as “Warren’s shadow,” he said. Like White, Hassan Khider, 34, met Holliday through the MRI program at SF State and got his career kickstarted by working in stage building and set production for the bluegrass festival. Khider’s first experience with the festival was in 2005. Since then he has taken on a handful of responsibilities and says that though he identifies more with hard rock and alternative stylings of music, Hardly Strictly has built a team that is a family and nothing can keep him from the yearly return. “It’s like a family reunion!” he said excitedly. “It’s something that you can’t just say no to. Again, it’s one of my passions.” White concurred, explaining that he still participates in the festival even though he is no longer employed by Slim’s or the music hall. “It was definitely a camaraderie that I felt because after you do that sort of experience for eight years, for that long and that intense, you sort of build that type of relationship,” White said. Nelson, who describes his role in the festival as being “the biggest fan,” said that Warren’s vision has become a San Franciscan staple. As co-founder of the festival, Nelson said that the experience that Hellman created for the team and for
the public has had so much integrity. “It’s something that’s rare,” Nelson declared. “It’s almost like (Hellman’s) love letter to San Francisco.” SF State students agree that the community and experience of the festival are one of a kind. “Free music in the park is a combination of feelings and intensity,” Anna Ruby, a 19-year-old biology major, said. “It’s exciting and I’m dying to hear some bluegrass.” Nelson explained that the festival appeals to people of all walks of life and that there is no target audience, admitting that he himself sometimes doesn’t know the artists until their performance. “Americana music appeals to a lot of people and people underestimate it. ‘Oh, it’s bluegrass.’ No, it’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass,” Nelson said. Twelve years later, he recalls that first festival and how it was just magic. Ever since, Nelson said, there is at least one moment each year that he is awakened with the nostalgia of that initial day. “The Hellman family is who we really need to thank,” Nelson said. “They get it. We are so indebted to the Hellman family for continuing this tradition.” As for White, he has moved on from the music business and has practiced law for the past two years. He came back last year for Hellman and for the reunion of friends. However, he doesn’t know what his future involvement will be. “As far as my involvement this year, that’s part of it; it’s the first year for everybody without Warren,” White said. “The only thing that I’ve ever done is be Warren’s shadow at this point so I’m really not sure what to expect. I can’t anticipate how it’s going to be different, emotionally.”
For the full story go to
goldengatexpress.org
Warren Hellman’s love of m him to expand Hardly Stric beginnings to the three-day,
First-timers fl
A LEGACY: Warren Hellman, left, and Will White, right, worked together at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass for eight years. Photo courtesy of Will White
by Kirstie Haruta | kharuta@mail.sfsu.edu
s the saying goes for many experiences — you never forget your first. Three days, six stages, hundreds of thou sands of fans and a wide variety of music fo cost make the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fes hard for any music lover to resist. What began as the Strictly Bluegrass Fe tival in 2001 has expanded to welcome artis of many different genres, who in turn have drawn bigger, more dive crowds. Since adding the “hardly” in 2004, acts like Los Angeles-b duo The Milk Carton Kids — on the Towers of Gold Stage at noon Oct.7 — have been given a chance to join the lineup. “It’s affording us to do this tiny thing and have a place,” said Jo Ryan of The Milk Carton Kids, who was reluctant to describe his own music as anything other than “impossibly quiet.” Not only is it The Milk Carton Kids’ first time performing at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, it is also Ryan’s first time at the event. Despite attending UC Berkeley for four years, he was embarrassed to admit he’d never been to the festival, but looks forward to finally being a spectator. “I’m looking forward to seeing people we I admire perform,” he said. “I think it’s great. It’s great. a huge philanthropic effort. I wish there were philan more things like it.” fort. I Seattle-based soulful rock band Pickwick were m will make its Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival l debut this year as well. Vocalist Galen Disston has his own list of performers he’s excited to see during his down time. Jo “I’m looking forward to Reignwölf, Conor Singer a (Oberst Brings Friends for Friday) and of course The Mi Elvis Costello,” Disston said. “We just played with Heartless Bastards in Colorado. They’re awesome. I’ve liked what I’ve heard of The Milk Carton Kids, too.” This will be Pickwick’s second time playing in San Francisco, and band members are looking forward to getting to know the city better. “I expect to have a fully formed opinion of your city by the end of the month,” Disston said. “We’re really looking forward to the show and hope to meet some
“
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
| 10.03.12
9
luegrass festivaL
music and his generosity allowed ctly Bluegrass from its humble six-stage concert that it is today
flock to festival
San Franciscans.” Those who are regular attendees of the festival have learned that it is much more than something to do on the weekend that won’t break the uor no bank. “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is the finest free event in San Francisco,” stival said Michael Zavala, a theatre arts major. “I want to see everyone perform.” It’s a chance to see all sorts of people, San Franciscan or otherwise, esconverge for the sake of enjoying great live music. Some fans can’t sts fathom a reason not to attend. erse “I’ve gone to the bluegrass festival for the past three years,” based Richelle Cullen, a sociology major, said. “It’s convenient, it’s close and it’s one huge party in the park. Who wouldn’t go?” The festival also gives new San Franciscans — particularly new coloey lege students — an exciting and affordable opportunity to get a taste of the city’s culture and sound. Roommates Victoria Vajgrt and Ana Mora have never been to the festival and don’t really have a game plan, but are excited nonetheless. “I hope to kind of see San Francisco, what it really is,” said Vajgrt, a first-year business and marketing major at SF State. “Just the diversity and cultures there, and just hear different types of music I haven’t been subjected to.” Neither Vajgrt nor Mora would call themselves bluethink it’s grass fans, but going in with open minds, they expect to . It’s a huge find something they’ll enjoy. nthropic ef“I’m just looking forward to kind of discovering,” I wish there said Mora, a kinesiology major. “I’m not really used more things to listening to bluegrass, so I’m just kind of wanting to like it. expose myself to it.” The accessibility and free entry are certainly features of the festival that college students appreciate. Having oey Ryan, attended the California Academy of Sciences’ free adand guitarist of mission day, Vajgrt recognizes how valued free attracilk Carton Kids tions are in the city. “It kind of shows how bad the economy is,” she said. “People don’t have any money for extra things, but if it’s free, then people are way more willing to go to it.” First-timers at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival should grab a map when they arrive and try to hit all six stages. Festival coordinators advise attendees to take public transportation, as parking will be limited. For more information, download the HSB app for iPhone or Android, or visit hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.
stards
heartless ba
Friday (10.05) 10 a.m. Poor Man’s Whiskey and Preservation Hall Jazz Band Star Stage Noon Conor Brings Friends for Friday (including Conor Oberst, Jerry Lewis and Ben Kweller) Rooster Stage 1 p.m. Pickwick Arrow Stage 2:10 p.m. Chris Carraba Arrow Stage 5:45 p.m. Elvis Costello Solo Banjo Stage
“
Strictly must-see artists
Saturday (10.06) 12:30 p.m. Dirty Three Star Stage 2:30 p.m. The Lumineers Rooster Stage 2:45 p.m. Emmylou Harris ft. Heidi Claire and Colleen Browne of the Wronglers, and others Banjo Stage 3:50 p.m. Patty Griffin Rooster Stage 4:45 p.m. The Head & the Heart Towers of Gold Stage 6:05 p.m. Seasick Steve Porch Stage
patty griffin
All Photos Courtesy of Big Hassle
the lumineers
Sunday (10.07) HARDLY STRICTLY VIRGINS: Seattle-based band Pickwick comes to the San Francisco festival for the first time. Band members look forward to experiencing the city to the fullest in their second visit to San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Pickwick
11 a.m. Giant Giant Sand Star Stage 12:10 p.m. Tiny Telivision Porch Stage 1:25 p.m. Rubblebucket Arrow Stage 4:15 p.m. O’Brien Party of 7 Banjo Stage 5 p.m. Patti Smith and her band Towers of Gold Stage 6:10 The Civil Wars Rooster Stage
COMPILED by Kirstie Haruta kharuta@mail.sfsu.edu
10 C I T Y
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
BY ELLIE LOARCA | emloarca@mail.sfsu.edu
A
Renewable energy to break monopoly
N INITIATIVE THAT WAS almost a decade in the making will finally find its way into the homes of San Francisco residents in mid-2013. CleanPowerSF, a program that encourages citizen power in purchasing energy, intends to supply 100 percent renewable alternative energy to its customers by using Shell Energy North America to help administer the program. This legislation will allow San Francisco to gather the community’s purchasing power to buy electricity and create competition in the business of public power and utilities. Customers who decide to make the switch will be guaranteed 100 percent renewable energy coming from resources like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal power. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has paved the way for a greener tomorrow by approving this historic initiative. The goal is to switch close to half of the residential power in the city to renewable energy and provide customers with choices of which company to use, not just PG&E. “It’s a competition and a partnership, PG&E owns all the power lines and grids in the city, so we still rely on them to transmit, distribute, bill and take care of customer service,” Charles Sheehan, spokesman for the SF Public Utilities Commission, said. “But what this does is give people the option to go green and get their power from renewable sources that the city is producing.” Community Choice Aggregation programs were established in California during the energy crisis in the early 2000s. In January 2001 then-Gov. Gray Davis declared a state of emergency and cut power to several hundred thousand customers in the state because power companies including PG&E were on the verge of bankruptcy. CCA programs allow cities and counties to gather the purchasing power of the community to facilitate their own electricity. Instead of using third-party sources, what the city aims to do is create its own facilities and produce public power with the public’s money. According to Sheehan, PG&E generates about 20
percent renewable energy and uses energy sources like natural gas and nuclear power to get electricity to its customers. But this switch might raise energy bills anywhere from $5 to $50, according to Sheehan. “PG&E customers that are on tier one on average will see a $9 increase and depending on how much power you use; it could go up from there,” Sheehan said. Sheehan explained that most residential customers are on tier one, which is the baseline. Tiers are based on energy usage of a building and can be found on any PG&E bill. The CleanPowerSF website said rates will become more stable because renewable sources like solar and wind power never run out unlike fossil fuel-based power, which is subject to market supply-and-demand rates. Money issues aside, Huia Hutton, SF State lecturer in the department of geography and human environmental studies, made it clear power supply is only a piece of the green puzzle. “Do we just focus on the supply side? No. I think too many people are looking for a quick fix, but we need to look at human behavior, we’ve got this clean green energy, but it won’t do any good if people are just wasting it,” Hutton said. His big concern is whether greener and more efficient energy means that people will use more of it. “It’s part of the evolution of the human experience, it’s a transition, but it’s more of an open-ended process, rather then a solution,” Hutton said. Although he was previously undecided and motioned to postpone the discussion, San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener is one of many supervisors now on board with the program. “I am all for it. It will provide a choice for our city; going with Shell is not ideal, but Shell is our only option,” Wiener said. “In the long run we will be reusing our own energy.” Shell Energy North America is a subsidiary of the multinational energy company Shell Oil Company. The Public Utilities Commission has signed a five-year contract with the company. SF State student Ally Kagan, a biology major, weighed in on the initiative.
“I think its a great thing, San Francisco in general is already a good model and this will be another step towards saving the environment,” Kagan, 18, said. Getting on board with the program will be made easy for San Francisco locals. Residents will be sent letters five months before the switch to 100 percent renewable power takes place. Customers will be instructed that renewable power is available and those who don’t wish to make the change can opt out within the following five months at no additional charge. “After six months there will be a minimal fee if you decide to opt out, but we are putting (in) a lot of work to keep people informed. There will be outreach to educate customers, especially those who don’t speak the language,” Sheehan said. These changes are expected to start in mid2013. Until then, the SF Public Utilities Commission will be offering But what this renewable energy in does is give phases. Locations will people the option be posted on the webto go green and site once the commisget their power sion determines where from renewable to start. As the process sources that the begins, customers are city is producing. more than welcome to opt in instead of waiting Charles Sheehan, until it’s offered. SF Public Utilities “I think the switch Commission spokesman to renewable energy should be done with caution,” environmental studies major Lauren Smith said. “I would indeed see myself switching; however, if the supplier for the energy is indeed supplied by Shell and they supply that energy in an environmentally degrading way, then there is little motivation for those on the fence about the issue.”
POWER UP: Almost half of San Francisco residents will be able to switch to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal. Yet, this change could raise utility bills anywhere from $5 to $50 a month for consumers.
“
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Poll indicates Prop. 37 is ahead in California CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The No on 37 website does not list any individuals on its full list of donors, but lists 51 food conglomerates, including General Mills, PepsiCo and Monsanto. Prop. 37 proponents cite research showing decreased life span and increased incidents of cancerous tumors in rats fed corn treated with GMOs. Proponents also believe there is enough ambiguity in the science to let consumers know if foods contain GMO ingredients and let them make up their own minds. The Center for Food Safety, an environmental advocacy organization, estimates that 85 percent of U.S. corn, 91 percent of soybeans, 88 percent of cottonseed oil, 95 percent of sugar beets and 70 percent of all processed food is genetically modified or contains GM ingredients. Despite the huge funding gap between the two sides, a Sept. 27 Los Angeles Times poll shows proponents of Prop. 37 ahead by a 2-1 margin. The L.A. Times reported that the poll took place before the No on 37 campaign began an advertising blitz Sept. 25. SF State economics major
C I T Y 11
| 10.03.12
PART TWO IN A SERIES OF SIX STORIES EXAMINING CALIFORNIA’S PROPOSITIONS
Esther Harris said she plans to vote no. “I agree with the fact that it would prevent corporations from misleading consumers,” Harris said. “But most of the information is there anyway, and if you are really worried about pesticides, you should shop organic and local and know where you’re getting your food. A lot of us don’t care and can’t afford it.” Andrew Clark, a cinema studies major, said he mostly disagrees with the arguments that the proposition will raise food costs and bring unnecessary lawsuits. “It seems like it’s always the corporate argument that frivolous lawsuits will raise costs across the board, but I don’t agree with that,” Clark said. The debate comes down to two key points of contention — whether GM foods are safe for consumers and the environment and whether a labeling requirement would drive up food costs. “Companies are constantly changing labels. Costs are almost never passed on to consumers,” Malkan said. Make a decision Nov. 6.
Call today and get
press yourself
YOUR AD
into the Newspaper, Magazine or Online. Contact our Advertising Office
415-338-3133 echarles@sfsu.edu
12 O P I N I O N
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Student voices louder, but still too quiet
STAFF EDITORIAL KALE WILLIAMS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kale@mail.sfsu.edu
ANGELA RAIFORD
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR araiford@mail.sfsu.edu
MATT MAXION
ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR mmaxion@mail.sfsu.edu
ELISSA TORRES
ART DIRECTOR elissat@mail.sfsu.edu
JEFF SANDSTOE
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR jsandsto@mail.sfsu.edu
CASSIE BECKER
PRINT COPY CHIEF cassbeck@mail.sfsu.edu
KEVIN SKAHAN
ONLINE COPY CHIEF kskahan@mail.sfsu.edu
SAM BATTLES
PRINT PHOTO EDITOR sbattles@mail.sfsu.edu
GODOFREDO VASQUEZ
ONLINE PHOTO EDITOR gvasquez@mail.sfsu.edu
BRAD WILSON
CAMPUS EDITOR bradw949@mail.sfsu.edu
CRISTINA RAMOS
CITY EDITOR cjramos@mail.sfsu.edu
ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ
A&E EDITOR arrodrig@mail.sfsu.edu
Mixed news came out of Sacramento Sept. 27 as Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 970 into law. The Legislature is now requiring the CSU Board of Trustees to consult with students before implementing additional tuition raises. While AB 970 is a step in the right direction toward establishing a more robust dialogue between students and administrators, we feel that this new law raises some questions that need to be addressed before we’re sure that students will really have a voice in how much they pay for their education. AB 970 will have quite a few impacts on the way tuition hikes will be implemented. Trustees will be required to provide students with justification and reasoning for any fee increases — a far cry from the platitudes that have accompanied tuition hikes in the past. Students will have the opportunity to raise concerns about rising costs to the trustees. The trustees will also have to propose any fee raises at least 30 days before putting them in place to allow for adequate time for students to respond. Unfortunately, it’s not all good. Although it’s fantastic that the trustees will have to consult with students before they can decide to charge us more for our education, the law only states that the trustees will consult with statewide student associations and the vague and ambiguously worded “appropriate student representatives.” We wonder exactly who these student representatives will be and how many there will be from each of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. We wonder how many representatives will be chosen from each campus and if these representatives will truly represent us. That the trustees have to give us fair warning before they plan to up our fees is great, but we dislike the fact that this part of the law is likely in response to a lawsuit brought against the CSU last year after the trustees voted to raise tuition mid-semester with no notice to students. Doing a good deed in response to getting caught doing a bad one is not the best motivation. We also take issue with the idea of a consult. Consultation is great, but only if both sides are on equal footing. If the trustees come
to us with a fee increase and we disagree with the logic behind it, what power will we have to do anything about it? If we flatly reject a proposal, will that have any effect on the outcome of their decision? Or is this new law an attempt to placate a constituency that has suffered through numerous fee hikes, enrollment freezes and service cutbacks? Gov. Brown was on the right track when he signed the bill into law. He had the right idea when he decided that the board of trustees needed to be reigned in and couldn’t leave students without a say in the matter of tuition, but that doesn’t go far enough. Until our collective student voice actually has some tangible authority behind tuition hikes, we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that we’ve gained anything.
ART BY KALE WILLIAMS
CAITLIN BYRNE
SPORTS EDITOR cmbyrne@mail.sfsu.edu
JESSICA SCHIMM
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR jschimm@mail.sfsu.edu
RACHELE KANIGEL
FACULTY ADVISER kanigel@mail.sfsu.edu
SCOT TUCKER
PHOTO ADVISER tucker@mail.sfsu.edu
JESSE GARNIER
ONLINE ADVISER jgarnier@sfsu.edu
BETH RENNEISEN
DESIGN ADVISER gnusart@sfsu.edu
JUSTIN OROZCO
CIRCULATION jaorozo@mail.sfsu.edu
ARUN UNNIKRASHNAN I.T. CONSULTANT arun@mail.sfsu.edu
EVA CHARLES
ADVERTISING & BUSINESS echarles@mail.sfsu.edu
MARIELLE ATANACIO
STUDENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER marielle@mail.sfsu.edu
WRITE US A LETTER The Golden Gate Xpress accepts letters no longer than 200 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to Cassie Becker at: cassbeck@mail.sfsu.edu
ABOUT XPRESS The Golden Gate Xpress is a student-produced publication of the journalism department at San Francisco State University. For more information or comments, please contact Kale Williams at: kale@mail.sfsu.edu
Lifestyle changes start with food labeling BY ELISSA TORRES | elissat@mail.sfsu.edu
C
RUNCH! YUM! YOU TASTE THAT? IT looks like an apple, it tastes like an apple, but it’s not really an apple. That delicious red fruit was engineered in a lab. It consists of parts of apples, potatoes, pesticides and broccoli DNA. Delicious? Ignorance can be bliss, except when it comes to what’s in your food. Proposition 37, also known as the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, will require labels to let consumers know if their food has been genetically modified. Generically engineered foods are products that have had their DNA altered by adding DNA from other plants, animals, viruses and/ or bacteria to produce the edible version of a Frankenstein science experiment. We’ve all seen “Food, Inc.,” the documentary that exposes the cultivation, production and environmental affects of the food supplied in the United States. We have to combat what we saw in this film. We can take little steps. We can eat organically grown foods. Customers can take full advantage of farmers markets and support locally grown food. Not only does this help the local economy but it helps the environment. Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season and organic ensures they aren’t genetically modified and/or soaked with pesticides. In mid-2011 there were 7,175 farmers markets operating in the U.S., a 17 percent increase over 2010 figures, according to the United
CORRECTIONS FOR XPRESS PRINT EDITION 09.26.12
States Department of Agriculture. This is encouraging because of the health repercussions of using pesticides in our food. According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America glyphosate has been linked to birth defects, neurological disorders, fertility issues and cancer. Atrazine has been linked to birth defects, infertility and possibly cancer. Chlorpyrifos — found in apples, oranges and almonds — can cause respiratory paralysis, and children are at risk if being born with lower IQs and ADHD. Metolachlor is recognized by the EPA to cause cancer. Symptoms also include difficulty breathing, nausea, convulsions and jaundice. We eat these chemicals. Why are these even legal? Why is our government allowing us to consume food drenched with pesticides when they are aware of all the health problems they cause? Bur the main issue is labeling. If Prop. 37 passes, we consumers will no longer be in the dark about our food. We will know exactly what we are eating, which other foods have been incorporated into the products and how much they’ve been modified. Stay healthy by knowing what you are eating. Support the local economy and the environment by visiting farmers markets. And vote yes on Prop. 37. Labeling will go a long way in ensuring you know what it is you and your family are consuming, and in paving the way to healthier lifestyles.
Haley Crowell was misidentified as Ashley Vogds in the center photo of “Trainers provide healing hands.”
We regret the error.
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
| 10.03.12
13 COMICS! BOOKS! ZINES! ART! PANELS & WORKSHOPS! & MORE COOL STUFF!
2012 APE ALTERNATIVE PRESS EXPO
OCT. 13•14
SATURDAY 11-7 • SUNDAY 11-6
CONCOURSE
EXHIBITION CENTER 635 8th ST. SAN FRANCISCO FEATURING
SERGIO ARAGONÉS • ERIC DROOKER GILBERT HERNANDEZ • JAIME HERNANDEZ MARIO HERNANDEZ • BEN KATCHOR MIRIAM LIBICKI • JIM WOODRING AND HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS AND COMICS CREATORS!
PRESS YOURSELF Call the advertising office
415.338.3133 echarles@sfsu.edu
VISIT US ONLINE!
COMPLETE INFO & ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE
WWW.COMIC-CON.ORG/APE
http://goldengatexpress.org
14 S P O R T S
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
PLAYER
MEGAN JOHNSON
WEEK
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
of the
SP OR T S SCHEDUL E
Senior Megan Johnson has been chosen as the Xpress Player of the Week. Johnson had a career high of 24 kills in the Gator victory over Cal State Dominguez Hills Sept. 29. Johnson also collected 15 digs for her fifth doubledouble of the season.
Gators set steady pace toward postseason Women’s volleyball and men’s cross country have set the tone for SF State as they look to close out record-setting seasons
WEDNESDAY (10.03) WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SF STATE VS. SONOMA STATE 7 P.M. (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.)
FRIDAY (10.05) WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
With a strong start to the season, the Gators are in the middle of a four-way tie for first in their conference. With all four teams competing this week, a win is crucial for the Gators. Senior Megan Johnson feels no pressure playing against tough competition. “It’s time to buckle down and it’s time to talk business,” Johnson said. “We’re able to do it. We can beat all of these teams if we play our game.” Competition is fierce with opponents Sonoma State, Cal State San Bernardino and UC San Diego all leading the group with 5-1 records. With the possibility to improve
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE DOMINGUEZ HILLS 4:30 P.M. (CARSON, CALIF.)
to 8-1, the Gators are gearing up for some heavy competition. Sophomore Kelly Ostello believes the team will respond well to pressure. “This is where we need to rise to the occasion,” Ostello said. “We need to remain tough and make smart decisions. It’ll be a tough weekend.” Ostello leads the team with 166 kills with senior Megan Johnson racking up 143. Freshman Meagan Wright is close behind with 134 kills. “We’ll just focus on what we do our side,” Wright said. “And if we focus on our game and play Gator volleyball then we’ll come out winners.”
COMPILED BY ROCHELLE ROMERO | reromero@mail.sfsu.edu
MEN’S SOCCER SF STATE VS. CAL STATE DOMINGUEZ HILLS 7 P.M. (CARSON, CALIF. )
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE SAN BERNARDINO 7 P.M. (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.)
SATURDAY (10.06) MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
CRYSTAL SPRINGS INVITATIONAL 10 A.M. (BELMONT, CALIF.)
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SF STATE VS. UC SAN DIEGO 7 P.M. (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.)
SUNDAY (10.07) MEN’S SOCCER
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE L.A. 11:30 A.M. (LOS ANGELES, CALIF.)
WOMEN’S SOCCER SF STATE VS. CAL STATE L.A. 2 P.M. (LOS ANGELES, CALIF.)
For same-day coverage, go to goldengatexpress.org
CRUISE CONTROL: SF State Gators’ Bruk Assefa competes during the SF State Invitational at Golden Gate Park. Photo by Virginia Tieman VOLLEYBALLIN’: Kelly Ostello, left, Megan Johnson, center, and Meagan Wright,
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
The sweat drips down the faces of the men’s cross country team. Dirt rises as they trek down the beaten path at steady sprints. They all have one goal in mind: to get to conference championships healthy and prepared. After completing the SF State Invitational Sept. 14 and placing first out of five teams, the Gators were off to a great start heading into the rest of their season. Going into their competition at the Charles Bowles Invitational in Oregon Sept. 29, the Gators took third out of 19 teams. The team has been lead by junior Bruk Assefa, who was the
right, hope to lead the Gators to a successful week. Photo by Virginia Tieman first Gator to finish in both meets, and knocked off an entire minute in his second go at the invitational. Another team leader has been junior Ryan Woods, who has finished in the top 15 in both invitationals and also improved on his season best by almost an entire minute. Senior Tyler Deniston placed seventh overall at the SF State Invitational, and is one of the top runners for the Gators. “I guess we are at a position that no other team in this school’s history has ever been in, and that’s kind of exciting,” Deniston said. “We have the potential to be the most successful team at this school as far as cross country goes.” BOLTING: SF State Gators’ Ryan Chio, left, sprints to the finish in the SF State Invitational at Golden Gate Park. Photo by Virginia Tieman
COMPILED BY CAITLIN BYRNE | cmbyrne@mail.sfsu.edu
S C O R E
SCORES FROM THE LAST WEEK OF GATOR SPORTS
B O A R D
MEN’S SOCCER
L T
SEPT. 28 SF STATE VS. CAL STATE EAST BAY 1-3
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
SEPT. 30 SF STATE VS. CAL POLY POMONA 1-1
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SEPT. 29 CHARLES BOWLES INVITATIONAL 3RD OF 19
W W
WOMEN’S SOCCER
SEPT. 28 SF STATE VS. CAL STATE L.A. 3-1
W
SEPT. 29 SF STATE VS. CAL STATE DOMINGUEZ HILLS 3-1
L
SEPT. 28 SF STATE VS. CAL STATE EAST BAY 2-1 SEPT. 30 SF STATE VS. CAL POLY POMONA 0-2
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY CHARLES BOWLES INVITATIONAL 17TH OF 20
GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
| 10.03.12
415-586-9400
15
VALUE MENU Parkmerced/ SF State/ Ingleside $ 99 each
5
Plus Tax
MEDIUM 1-TOPPING PIZZA
OVEN BAKED SANDWICH
TWO BREAD SIDES
BREADBOWL PASTA
CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY NEWMAN CLUB St. Thomas More Church Father Labib Kobti, Pastor 1300 Junipero Serra Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 452-9634
www.stmchurch.com/newman email: newman@stmchurch.com Weekly Meeting, For Current Activities: Cesar Chavez Student Center: St. Thomas More: (415) 452-9634 Mondays: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Close to campus! Please call Verbum Dei: (415) 573-9062
DOWNLOAD XPRESS MAGAZINE ON YOUR IPAD Go to the iTunes App Store Search for previous Xpress Magazine as
Xpress Mag • Xpress Mag 2 • Xpress Mag 3 in the Education category Choose and install the FREE application For advertising contact our office: 415.338.3133 | echarles@sfsu.edu
PRESS
YOURSELF
32,000 readers will see
YOUR AD
in the Newspaper, Magazine, or Online. Contact the Advertising Office 415.338.3133
echarles@sfsu.edu
10.03.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
16
WHY V TE? Death Penalty
Human Trafficking
Tuition
Three Strikes
City College
U.S. President THEY’RE ALL ON THE BALLOT! Get registered to vote at the
VOTER REGISTRATION FAIR IN THE QUAD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
music, cool giveaways, food scan this code to find out more › Sponsored by The Educational Budget Advocacy Committee (EBAC)