SDSU’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT N E W S PA P E R SINCE 1913
TUESDAY October 18, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 30 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M
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New code brings more security INDEX:
SPORTS
ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR
Hutton Marshall senior staff writer The Love Library’s administrative staff has found alternative ways to ensure a safe environment for students to study. However, the resources required to periodically staff and patrol every area of the library frequented by students has been an increasingly difficult task. In a building as large and densely populated as the Love Library, monitoring activity and deterring crime is a difficult task because the resources required to do so simply aren’t available. “A year ago, if you walked into the dome, you were greeted by a lot of people sleeping. We have a lot of comfortable furniture,” interim head of Access and Licensing Services in the Love Library, Sara Baird, said. “This was due to an initiative to
make the library more comfortable. We did too good of a job.” The library administration decided this was not the atmosphere of its ideal library, so walls were repainted brighter colors, couches were replaced by chairs and tables and curtains were removed to let in light through open windows. These changes have been made to create a more vibrant atmosphere, hopefully encouraging students to be more alert and aware of their surroundings. The San Diego State Police Department recommended other costfriendly ways to discourage criminal activity. Most ideas were based around simply creating open space. Turning study carrels to face away from the walls, rearranging furniture and installing convex mirrors can eliminate blind spots, making security patrolling easier and more effective. Maureen Dotson, facilities coordina-
tor of Love Library, said she is searching for artwork that will help deter criminal activity. “I’m looking for pictures of animals, Aztec boosters, any faces. Anything with eyes is said to be effective,” Dotson said. The feeling of being watched can make criminals feel uncomfortable at an unconscious level. A committee was recently formed, dedicating itself to creating new security measures in the Love Library. Lately, the security committee has been working on a code of conduct, which is designed primarily for the benefit of its security guards. The Love Library contracts its security through a private company called Elite Services USA. The majority of Elite’s jobs are at events such as concerts and sports games. Its job at the library is a unique one, and Dean of Library and Information Access Gale Etschmaier has a specific idea of what
its job should entail. “We want the guards to be more of ambassadors, educating students on ways to protect their belongings,” Etschmaier said. Because of this role she wants the security guards to abide by, the yet-tobe-released code of conduct will provide explicit instructions about how to handle certain situations with students and community members. Because of this, a lot of extra training will most likely be required for the guards. For instance, the code of conduct will instruct how to differentiate between a person who has no affiliation with SDSU who comes into the library to sleep, and a student who uses the library as a place to nap between classes. Although the library has open access during most hours, one change that has surprised some students is that there are periods when entry is restricted to those without a Red ID.
Read about Cat Walker’s final home game as an Aztec.
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FOOD & DRINK
DREAMS
OPINION Two columnists debate the effectiveness of California’s Dream Act.
C R I M E B E AT ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR
At 1 a.m. yesterday, a female student reported to the SDSU Police Department that a Caucasian male exposed himself to her in the Love Library. The man was seen sitting at a desk touching himself when he asked the female student to join him. The victim ran and immediately called the police. The suspect was described as 6 feet tall, in his 30s, wearing basketball shorts, a green zip-up jacket and light-colored tennis shoes. The incident took place in the reference section of the library’s dome and the suspect was seen fleeing the library afterward. Since last Wednesday, there have been a number of reports of both petty theft and burglary. Three instances occurred Wednesday evening, all within a span of several hours. At around 8:45 p.m. a stolen bike was reported from the area near the
Love Library. The dark gray Giant 12-speed bicycle was locked to a pole. At 10:11 p.m. another stolen bicycle was reported near the bridge leading to Parking Structure 1 outside of the Education and Business Administration building. The bike was described as a men’s mountain bike and the brand was unknown. Half an hour later, a report was called in regarding a Caucasian male attempting to break into multiple vehicles with a hanger type of device. The suspect was described in his mid 20s, wearing a gray shirt and shorts carrying a backpack. He was last seen on the corner of Montezuma and East Campus Drive heading toward College Avenue. Last Thursday, Oct. 13, a vehicle was broken into at 11:47 a.m. in PS 1. The items reported stolen included a GPS and gift card. Also, a skateboard valued at $200
was reported stolen from an employee locker around noon. In this case however, the suspect was detained and cited. Another burglary was reported early Friday morning around 5:30 a.m. at Albert’s College Apartments on 55th Street. Various items including a firearm and Playstation 3 video games were taken. The reporting caller believes a former roommate may have used a key to enter. Also on Thursday, an SDSU student struck two pedestrians while driving under the influence of alcohol near 63rd Street and Montezuma Road. The driver was charged and the two pedestrians were transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital. Last Friday around 11:30 a.m. another bicycle was reported stolen from Storm Hall. The bike is reported as a men’s silver Trek with an estimated value of $500. Another burglary report from Friday came
from the Piedra Del Sol Apartments on Hardy Avenue at 4 p.m stating two laptops had been stolen from an apartment. Early Sunday morning at approximately 2 a.m., a disturbing the peace call was made from the Cuicacalli Suites Residence Hall where two Caucasian males were seen fighting on East Campus Drive. They were reported shirtless and wearing dark jeans, and they were last seen running westbound toward 7-Eleven with three females. All suspects in question were reportedly intoxicated. If you have any information regarding these incidents, contact the SDSU Police Department at 619-594-1991 or email police@mail.sdsu.edu.
– Compiled by Kevin Smead, staff writer.
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“The Chick Magnet. This super intelligent guy took a black shirt and glued yellow Peeps ... yes, it was me.” B A C K PA G E
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