High: 75º Low: 55º
APRIL 10, 2013
WEDNESDAY
PARKOUR PRODIGY - PAGE 5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013
WWW.DAILYAZTEC.COM
VOLUME 99, ISSUE 98
Drones flying over SD raise concern
local Michele Pluss
SDSU’s 13-game winning streak comes to an end
Staff Writer
Predator drones are now patrolling international borders in the San Diego area. The use of drones has been a longtime source of controversy and protest by the public. A group called the Electronic Privacy Information Center reportedly obtained information via the Freedom of Information Act confirming U.S. Customs and Border Protection has purchased 10 Predator drones since 2005 to protect land and sea borders. According to Channel 10 News, the documents confirm the drones are capable of “identifying a standing human being” and “recognizing a backpack.” While the drones are reportedly incapable of identifying a specific individual, U.S. Border Patrol agents say they have been effective. Since their implementation, the drones have been able to identify and locate almost 4,000 undocumented immigrants and aided officials in apprehending drug smugglers carrying nine tons of marijuana across the border. The drones’ presence have not been met with silence by some San Diegans. Protestors gathered on Friday in front of the La Jolla home of
softball Terence Chin Staff Writer
rick loomis /los angeles times /mct
President of the Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Thomas Cassidy stands with a drone that the company creates in Poway, California.
General Atomics’ CEO Neal Blue. Some wore costumes, carried props and sang songs protesting the use of drones. Others read the names of Middle Eastern children killed in drone strikes. Police were present to ensure the protest didn’t get out of hand, although no arrests were made. Police confiscated a remote control led helicopter decorated to resemble a
drone because the owner didn’t have the permit necessary to fly it, but it was later returned to the owner with a warning not to fly it again. In response to the protest, General Atomics told Channel 10 News it “is involved in developing transformational technologies, such as electromagnetic systems, airborne sensors, and energy research. It also manufactures remotely piloted aircraft
systems, which protect our troops and support national security. GA is honored that it can contribute in this way while at the same time recognizing the right to demonstrate.” The protests were scheduled during the National Anti-Drone Days of Action from April 4-7, kicking off a month of nationwide demonstraDRONES continued on page 2
Senate approves campus smoking ban
campus J. Hutton Marshall Managing Editor
Yesterday afternoon, the San Diego State’s University Senate passed a resolution outlining a plan to create a tobacco-free campus. The potential comprehensive smoking ban will now move to SDSU President Elliot Hirshman’s office. If approved, the ban could go into effect as early as the next academic year. The plan for a tobacco-free campus, created by the Environ-
ment and Safety Committee, extends further than the current
The ESC’s proposal sought to ban all smokeless tobacco, such as e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco... “smoking-zones” policy, which only addresses cigarette and cigar use. The ESC’s proposal sought
to ban all smokeless tobacco, such as electronic-cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as well, but ambiguous language in the resolution technically did not prohibit their use. A resolution seeking to correct this unclear language to encompass all tobacco products failed to pass. Another issue presented by the University Senate regarded ashtrays on campus. There was debate whether to move them to the edge of campus, where people would ideally discard their ciga-
rettes before stepping onto the tobacco-free campus, or to remove the ashtrays entirely to send a clear message that smoking would not be tolerated. Others argued removing the trays could increase the amount of cigarette butt waste on campus. The initial plan included a “phase-in” year, during which the number of smoking zones would be reduced to two, but the University Senate passed an amendment to remove the current one.
Game 1: San Diego State 6, Nevada 3 The Aztecs arrived in Reno, Nev. looking to continue their 11-game winning streak, and they did. Junior outfielder Patrice Jackson hit a solo home run in the third inning to put the Aztecs on top early. The offensive attack continued as senior first baseman Kamerin May hit a two-run homer in the fourth, while freshman third baseman Kayla Bufardeci added an RBI single. Starting senior pitcher Rebecca Arbino dominated, pitching a full seven innings, striking out eight batters, while allowing just one earned run. As a result, Arbino improved her record to 14-7. Game 2: San Diego State 8, Nevada 1 Winning in a dominant fashion, the Aztecs powered their way to continue their winning streak in game two against the Wolf Pack. Junior utility player Lorena Bauer put the Aztecs on the board first hitting a solo shot in the second inning, her ninth home run of the season. Jumping out to an early SOFTBALL continued on page 3
CA bill proposes facultyfree college degrees
Community colleges hit 20-year low
state Michele Pluss
local Jamie K. Wilde
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
California community college enrollment has reached a 20-year low, according to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California. $1.5 billion has been cut from community colleges since 2007-08 which have resulted in classes being cut, staff reductions and larger class sizes. San Diego has been feeling the effects of budget cuts as well. “San Diego community colleges cut more than 2,600 class sections, Grossmont-Cuyamaca colleges lost 1,600 classes and Palomar College halved its summer offerings,” KPBS
After staying perfect in conference play and winning 13 consecutive games, the San Diego State softball team fell short of completing a three-game sweep at the University of Nevada, Reno, taking its first loss in Mountain West Conference play. The Aztecs took two of three games from the Wolf Pack and are now 5-1 in the MWC.
Students at a California community college fill up every single seat in the class. There was also a wait list.
reported. According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, roughly half of CSU graduates were California community college transfers. Students who attend community colleges can save money on under-
don bartletti /los angeles times /mct
graduate classes. However, the price of a community college is increasing. In the past five years, the cost per unit increased by 130 percent, according to the Chancellor’s Office website. COLLEGES continued on page 2
Assembly Bill 1306 was introduced to California State Assembly in February, proposing a new state university system. Aptly titled the “New University of California,” it would be a public education system with a twist. The New University would offer degrees by examination only and would act as the fourth arm of the state’s higher-education system, which currently consists of California community colleges, University of California and California State Universities. Bucking the traditional academic structure of classes, faculty and cam-
pus life, New University would allow students to obtain associate’s and bachelor’s degrees by testing out of its institution. Students would pass the exams through self-study, paid courses or massive online open courses also known as MOOCs. The California State University System is no stranger to the pros and cons of online education. Gov. Jerry Brown, a long-time advocate of online education, has yet to take a position on the bill. Earlier this year, Brown met with University of California and CSU officials to urge them to streamline their teaching strategies by cutting back on high-profile research projects and inFACULTY-FREE continued on page 2