The Orion - Fall 2012, Issue 13 by The Orion

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Editorial

“Effective immediately,

this entire Greek system is

suspended.”

Drinking death, hazing allegations prompt shutdown

the orion •Photography BY LIAM turner and frank rebelo

in memorium The university flag flies at half-staff in memory of Mason Sumnicht, who died after celebrating his 21st birthday with members of Sigma Pi, the fraternity he aspired to join. Chico State President Paul Zingg, announces the suspension of the Greek system. The Sigma Kappa sorority has covered its Greek letters on its chapter house, bottom right, in response to Zingg requiring all social fraternities and sororities to do so.

Quinn Western Katrina Cameron The Orion

s students were leaving for Thanksgiving break, a cold autumn breeze blew the lowered university flag. It waved in memory of senior communication design student Mason Sumnicht, who died Nov. 15 at Enloe Medical Center after being taken off life support. Sumnicht had been Mason rushed to the hospiSumnicht tal nearly two weeks Died Nov. 15 after being taken earlier on Nov. 4 for poisoning to the hospital alcohol after celebrating his for alcohol birthday. poisoning. The day Sumnicht died, Chico State President Paul Zingg stood before approximately 400 fraternity and sorority members in the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium and announced the immediate suspension of Chico State’s Greek system. “We will reset, we will review and we will think about our future

together,” Zingg said. Sumnicht is the second Chico State student to die of alcohol-related circumstances this semester, and his death marks the fourth alcoholrelated student death in Chico since August. These deaths are the most recent consequences of a drinking culture that takes a toll on the city, jeopardizes the reputation of the university and hinders Chico State’s student organizations. “Have you read your charters?” The last time Chico State’s Greek system underwent major review was in 2005, after hazing incidents killed one pledge from the Chi Tau fraternity and left another pledge from Sigma Chi in critical condition. That same year, university administrators also learned that Phi Kappa Tau members participated in making a pornographic video at their chapter house. In response, Zingg assembled a task force to diagnose and improve the Greek system. He instituted new requirements that included eradicating drugs and alcohol from Greek houses and establishing a

minimum GPA requirement for Greeks. But this semester, three fraternities, Kappa Sigma, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Pi, are under investigation after accusations of hazing, said Connie Huyck, the student life and leadership program coordinator at Chico State. In February, the university suspended the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity following allegations of members drinking with potential recruits at a private home after recruitment activities, as reported by The Orion. Sigma Nu is on probation for violating Greek alcohol policies, and Lambda Sigma Gamma is on probation for an altercation between multiple sorority members and a non-Chico State student. When Zingg addressed representatives of the Greek organizations in the BMU Auditorium, he asked if fraternities and sororities were following through on their stated missions. “Have you read your charters?” Zingg asked. “Once you get that reputation, it’s hell to change it.” There were three other alcohol>> please see alcohol

For more on Chico State’s party culture, See A3:

What the university, the city and police have done to curb large drinking events

How policy changes reduced the number of students who said they were drunk at parties and bars

The financial toll Halloween, Cesar Chavez Day, Labor Day and St. Patrick’s Day have on the city’s budget

INDEX

| A3

A time to reflect for Greeks, all When President Paul Zingg suspended Chico State’s sororities and fraternities on Nov. 15, many Greek students, parents and alumni expressed outrage and disappointment on The Orion’s Facebook page. Their main argument claimed that it is unfair to punish an entire group of students for the actions of a few. But an inherent part of being Greek is the idea that those students will be held to a higher standard. Those recognized by the university are supposed to be accountable for the actions of their brothers and sisters, in good times and bad. A student who was pledging a fraternity died from an alcohol overdose at the same time that three other Greek organizations were being investigated for hazing — given the history, the suspension shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise. “Letters today, leaders tomorrow” is the motto of Chico State’s fraternities and sororities, but instead of acting like future leaders and acknowledging that it is time to reflect on their charters and the past, they immediately jumped onto the defensive, pointed fingers and harkened back to the “us vs. them” mentality that permeates this system. When The Orion asked Greek students for comment on the suspension, most declined, which isn’t unusual considering the attitude Greeks have often responded with when we try to document some of the more negative incidents tied to them. No matter how much positive press they receive, or how objective our reporting, we can’t seem to shake their belief that they are unfairly targeted. The decision to suspend Greek life was not a way for the university to scapegoat the problem; it was simply one way Zingg could send the message that Greeks will be held to the standard they set for themselves by pledging. The four alcohol-related student deaths in Chico this semester are consequences of a drinking culture that should make every student at this college reflect upon themselves and the decisions they make. As students tied together as a part of this university, our actions not only put our reputation at risk, but also our lives. It’s not just a Greek problem by any means, but it is an opportunity for Greeks to reaffirm their commitment to the values to which they pledge and become the leaders they aspire to be. The university, in its part, faces the difficult task of reinvigorating the fight against student alcohol abuse in a city that many call “a drinking town with a college problem.” The guidelines, programs and education efforts they have implemented and are working to improve are one part of the puzzle. The city’s increased enforcement on holiday weekends is another. The Orion’s role of providing context and holding Chico State institutions accountable is one we take very seriously. And we’d hope that the students, who all of these groups are designed to serve, would do their part in examining who they are, why they’re here and how they can help prevent more of their friends and classmates from dying.

INSIDE

World News

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

Sports

TODAY

54 49

high low

full week A2 >>

Fantasy leagues are just too fake. Story B2

Features Two students challenge each other’s beliefs about the existence of God. Story B5

Opinion Chico Compact for Student Success a gamble for students Column A6

A2 |

WORLD

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

WEATHER >> today | rain and wind

thursday | rain and wind

54 49

55 50

friday | rain and wind

saturday | rain

57 51

sunday | rain

56 50

monday | partly cloudy

58 43

tuesday | mostly cloudy

58 42

59 45

Police make burglary arrest The Bangladesh government launched an investigation of a clothing factory fire that killed 100 employees and injured at least 200 over the weekend. A second apparel factory went up in flames Monday, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the incidents “planned arson.” Source: CNN

Twenty bodies were discovered in secret graves in La Colorada, Mexico last Saturday. Several were U.S. citizens who were allegedly murdered two years ago, but they have not yet been completely identified.

Source: Fox News

CALIFORNIA

Police say students on West Fourth Street were burglarized while they were out of town during Thanksgiving break.

Quinn Western A sst. Ne ws Editor

University Police discovered narcotics and numerous pieces of property stolen from Chico State students when officers stopped a car Friday for running the Warner Street bridge stop sign. One man fled the vehicle while the vehicle’s driver yielded to police.

The driver, 41-year-old Chico resident Joseph Carlucci, was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and stolen property. Police found property from at least one student residence during a search of the vehicle, according to a press release from University Police. All of the occupants were out of town during Thanksgiving break and there were signs of forced entry at the residence. The second man who ran on foot has still not been identified. Police described him as a Hispanic male between 20 and 30 years old wearing dark clothing and a black beanie. The department is

courtesy photo • Vectorportal via Flickr

Sherri Wilkins, a substance abuse counselor, was charged with murder and drunken driving Tuesday after she hit a pedestrian and continued driving for more than two miles while the pedestrian was embedded in the windshield of her car. Source: The Associated Press

2159

The number of burglaries reported in Chico in 2008, the worst year for burglaries in the past decade.

The number of burglaries reported in Chico during the first six months of 2012, an 11 percent increase from the first six months of 2011.

The number of instances of crimes against property reported in 2011. Crimes against property include burglary, larceny or auto theft.

The percentage that crimes against property decreased in 2011 from 2010.

Student fund ready for new project ideas this semester

The largest grant given with the Student Learning Fee for the 2012-2013 school year. The award went to the College of Natural Sciences after a biology professor requested new human and animal physiology equipment.

Quinn Western Asst. Ne ws Editor

The number of awards given with the Student Learning Fund in 2006 for a total of $350,700. The money was divided among seven of the colleges in the university. SOURCE •2012 student learning fee allocation report

Management. Each college chooses members for the fee Staff Writer committee, one member as the dean or dean’s Chico State faculty, students and staff are representative, one lower division student, encouraged to submit electronic proposals for two upper division students and two faculty the Student Learning Fee by Monday. or staff members, Wei said. The collected suggestions will be reviewed by Committees don’t see the proposals until the university’s colleges, according to the Learn- after they have been submitted, said Joel Ziming Fee Proposal website. The fees are then belman, dean of the College of Humanities distributed to the provost and and Fine Arts. vice president for academic Funds collected may be affairs office. used for field trips, student “Faculty, staff, and Belle Wei, the provost assistants, purchasing equipstudents are able to and vice president for acament and software or licenses, submit proposals for a according to Executive Order demic affairs, is responsible for deciding where the funds variety of expenditures 1049. will be used to enrich stuThe received funds have that enhance student dent learning in consultation been particularly helpful in a learning and CSU, with the Campus Fee Advisory number of areas, Zimbelman Chico,” Committee, Wei wrote in an said. The college has been email. able to afford equipment it norBelle Wei A total of $435,000 is genermally wouldn’t have such as Provost and vice president for ated from the Student Learning electronic pianos, mobile proacademic affairs Fee and may be applied to the jectors and essential lighting. proposals. “My college alone “Faculty, staff and students are able to has benefited in about $60,000 in the submit proposals for a variety of expendi- past three years,” Zimbelman said. tures that enhance student learning and CSU, The fee has been a huge success, Ward said. The Chico,” Wei said. college has been able to purchase many items College fee committees rank the suggestions that are unaffordable on state funds alone. and then submit them to the college deans, said Mike Ward, dean of the College of Engi- Katrina Cameron can be reached at neering, Computer Science and Construction kcameron@theorion.com

Oct. 15

The university sends out a campuswide request for Student Learning Fund proposals.

The Orion staff strives for accuracy in all it publishes. We recognize that mistakes will sometimes occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, please email the editor-in-chief at editorinchief@theorion.com.

Monday, Dec. 3

April 1

The deadline for proposal submission is 5 p.m. Committees begin reviewing the proposals.

SOURCE •Chico Police Department

Incoming CSU boss requests smaller salary, gets approval

$29,100

Katrina Cameron

The article “Council race decided by fewer than 300 votes” that ran on A2 of last week’s newspaper mistakenly stated that all of the votes in the city council race were conted. In fact, the Butte County Clerk-Recorder’s Office was still counting votes at press time, and did not release a final tally until Nov. 20. Randall Stone won the fourth city council seat with 222 more votes than Andrew Coolidge.

qwestern@theorion.com

284

courtesy photo • Martin Luff via Flickr

Source: The Fresno Bee

Quinn Western can be reached at

862

The university is accepting project proposals for grants from the Student Learning Fund, a pool of money that comes from campus fees. The family of a deceased 7-year-old boy sued the city of Fresno Monday, as well as a high school basketball coach who allegedly struck the boy while driving drunk. The boy, Donovan Maldonado, was killed in July, and his father was also seriously injured.

continuing the investigation to find victims of other burglaries that occurred in the area. Burglary reports more than tripled this September compared to September 2011, going from 33 in 2011 to 110 this year, said Bob Woodward, a crime analyst for the Chico Police Department in a previous interview with The Orion. “It is significant for our department,” Woodward said. “It is obviously very significant for the entire city.” Two hundred eighty-four burglaries were reported in Chico from July to September.

The provost for academic affairs presents a final list of awards to the Campus Fee Advisory Committee.

The California State University system now has about $40,000 less to worry about in next year’s budget. Incoming Chancellor Timothy White requested the CSU board of trustees cut his $421,500 salary by about 10 percent at a Nov. 14 meeting in which the cash-starved system requested a larger budget from the state government. Pedro Ramirez, the California State Student Association vice president for legislative Timothy White affairs, was at the meeting The incoming when board of trustees Chairchancellor requested a pay man Bob Linscheid read cut Nov. 14. White’s request. “It was definitely shocking,” Ramirez said. It was a noble decision from White, who is a strong leader and wants the best for the CSU, CSSA executive director Miles Nevin said. Times are tough, and White wants to feel the >> please see cut | A4

5 TOP-EARNING PRESIDENTS

$350,000

Elliot Hirshman, San Diego State

$350,000

Jeffrey Armstrong, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

$328,200 $325,000 $324,500

Mohammad Qayoumi, San Jose State James Rosser, Cal State LA.

Mildred Garcia, Cal State Fullerton

SOURCE • Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

SOURCE • Campus fee advisory committee

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NEWS

WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

| A3

ALCOHOL: University looking into pledge’s death continued from A1

related student deaths

in Chico this semester. According to police: • On Aug. 19, Shaun Summa, a 22-year-old Butte College student, was found dead in the backyard of a Chico home on the 800 block of West First Street. ShauN Summa Toxicology results showed Came to Chico to attend the Butte that Summa choked on his College fire own vomit and had a blood academy alcohol level of 0.34. • On Sept. 9, fishermen found the body of Brett Olson, a 20-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student who went missing Sept. 2 after attending the Labor Day weekend float on the Sacramento River. A brett olson toxicology report revealed Was visiting that Olson had alcohol and Chico to attend the Labor Day cocaine in his system at the float time of his death. His blood alcohol level was 0.28. • On Sept. 16, Carly Callaghan, a 22-year-old Chico State graphic design major, was found dead in her home by her roommate. A toxicology report revealed that Callaghan’s death was caused by a combination carly callaghan of alcohol, morphine and Studied graphic Prozac. design at Chico Party school repuState tations contribute to alcohol-related deaths, said Juliana Del Beccaro, a longtime friend of Olson and a junior international economics student at San Diego State. “People know that when they apply to party schools like Chico, SDSU or ASU that they’re going to a school where having a very active social life is a priority,” Del Beccaro said. Chico State was named the No. 1 party school by Playboy magazine in 1986, 26 years ago. The school held that ranking until Playboy published a second list in 2002, when Chico State dropped to second place. The party school influence impacts the university’s ability to change its behavior, Zingg wrote in an email to The Orion. “Although we have not been on anyone’s top party school list for a long time, the reputation lingers and it hurts us,” he wrote. There is a perceived relaxed attitude toward alcohol in the south-campus area, so

many come to Chico because such partying “For the most part, most of them were very would not be tolerated in most other commu- young,” Warren said. “They shouldn’t be nities, said Drew Calandrella, vice president drinking in the first place.” for student affairs. Sixteen Chico State students were arrested Masses of guests are prominent during over Labor Day weekend, according to Chico holidays like Labor Day, Halloween, St. Pat- Police. Two of the arrests were for DUIs, and rick’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day and Cinco de 14 were made for public intoxication. Mayo. The mentality that students are supposed “Once you get that reputation, it’s hell to to drink and act foolishly in college contribchange it,” Chico City Councilor Bob Evans utes to Chico’s alcohol problem, Chico police said. “It’s not an easy task. It would be a hard Sgt. Scott Franssen said. reputation to break.” “A vast majority of the students are here for In 2003, the university and the city advi- one thing, and that’s to get an education.” sory committees agreed to put an end to The cost of increased staffing and overtime Halloween partying. Uniwas more than $88,000 versity Police, California for this year’s Halloween Highway Patrol and Alcohol weekend festivities from Beverage Control officers all Oct. 26 to 28, according to a increased enforcement. press release from the Chico The city also conducted Police Department. more high-profile drunken Fifteen Chico State stuThe number of alcoholdriving checkpoints and dents were arrested during related student deaths in implemented “party Halloween weekend, and 11 Chico from 1996 to 2005. patrols” that shut down of the arrests were for public Three were connected to rowdy parties, said Robert intoxication. fraternity hazings. Three Saltz, a research scientist Alcohol influences crime were male students celat the Prevention Research and acts of irresponsibility, ebrating their st birthday. Center in Berkeley. Franssen said. After those changes were “It’s all kind of a senseimplemented in Chico and less idea that revolves seven other university citaround alcohol and drugs ies, an average of 900 and people acting foolThe number of alcoholfewer students were intoxiishly,” he said. related student deaths in cated at off-campus parties Chico has to fund police Chico this semester. per campus per semesovertime when it needs to SOURCE • “Intervention Chico,” a ter and 600 fewer students commit officers to other presentation from Chico State were intoxicated at bars or things, assistant city manrestaurants. ager John Rucker said. These changes were measured over the “In these times of tight budgets, our next two years, and it’s unknown whether resources are pretty thin,” he said. the decreases in drinking were sustained, Saltz said. “Yes, we have an “In these times of tight budgets, our alcohol problem here.” resources are pretty thin.” The university’s suspension of recognized The city must use funds to accomodate the fraternities and sororities is the most recent increase in demand for police presence dur- act against alcohol abuse that Chico State ing alcohol-infused holiday weekends to pay has made. for additional staffing and overtime. Chico State has a drinking culture, said The Glenn County Sheriff’s Department Nicole McAllister, Associated Students direcspent more than $30,000 on the Labor Day tor of legislative affairs and a member of the float this year, Sheriff Larry Jones said. The Alpha Chi sorority. weeklong search for Olson cost Glenn County “I’m glad the university is taking steps $15,000. on retroacting the issue,” McAllister said. About 10,000 tubers attended the annual “There is an issue with the Greek life.” Labor Day weekend float on the Sacramento The university is not alone in its battle River this year, and 2,000 crowded Beer Can against alcohol abuse, Zingg wrote in an Beach, an island on the river. email to The Orion. During the event, police performed 63 river “Yes, we have an alcohol problem here,” rescues, Glenn County Undersheriff Rich he wrote. “It is not unlike the problems that Warren said. Ten people were arrested for many colleges and universities have, espedriving under the influence near the river. cially residential institutions.”

BY THE NUMBERS

The Chico State campus works with the city, Butte College, the Chico Unified School District and property owners to provide educational and intervention information and to strategize about the “party weekends,” Calandrella wrote. The Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center is a university program that provides workshops, classroom presentations and AlcoholEdu to inform students about alcohol use and abuse, he wrote. AlcoholEdu is required of all incoming freshmen, and “despite many students’ complaints that ‘they know all this stuff,’ they do acknowledge the review of the information is helpful,” Calandrella wrote. University Housing also provides alcohol programs for residents, including its two-strike program, which gives first-time offenders a more in-depth alcohol training program through CADEC and a referral to judicial affairs, he wrote. All athletic teams, Greek organizations and many clubs participate in alcohol education programs. The university has done a lot, but it is obvious that more needs to be done, Zingg wrote. “We make some progress, then experience setbacks, as we have seen this fall,” he wrote. “Today decides tomorrow.” The university is investigating what happened to Sumnicht on the night he was taken to the hospital but will not disclose details during the investigation, said Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publications for Chico State. It is still unknown how long it will take, but the university will try to complete the process this semester, he said. Students and organizations can face disciplinary sanctions from the university, and Student Judicial Affairs can discipline, suspend or expel individuals. In addition, students could be subject to investigation if police suspect criminal activity, Wills said. The university is working on new regulations for the Greek system and will re-evaluate fraternities and sororities under those guidelines next semester, he said. Each sorority and fraternity will be assessed by the university for reinstatement, Calandrella said. “Some won’t come back,” Calandrella said. “Some won’t choose to come back.” Editor’s note: Pedro Quintana and Ben Mullin contributed reporting to this article. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

A4 |

POLICE BLOTTER Information cited directly from Chico Police Department or University Police Department. University Police Thursday, 12:09 a.m.: Facilities maintenance requested in Taylor Hall. “First floor female bathroom, water continued to run after flushing toilet, negative flooding.” Thursday, 8:03 a.m.: Fire alarm reported on 1300 block of Nord Avenue. “Reporting party is resident adviser, advising his shower just set off the smoke detector.” Friday, 9:49 a.m.: Vehicle burglary on Mechoopda Street. “Black Nissan Cube, driver window smashed.” Friday, 10:19 a.m.: Vehicle burglary reported in A Lot. “Owner out of town. GPS system taken to have unsecured vehicle out of town.” Friday, 12:01 p.m.: Vandalism reported on west side of Langdon Engineering Center. “‘Acid freak’ in green marker.” Saturday, 10:21 p.m.: Assist other agency requested at Children’s Park. Possible receiving stolen property. Saturday, 11:17 p.m.: Vandalism at Physical Science Building. “Graffiti on dumpster ‘RLGS.’” Saturday, 11:57 p.m.: Routine vehicle stop at West First and Ivy streets. Saturday, 6:11 p.m.: Verbal disturbance reported in Yuba Hall lobby. “Lobby walk-in, female vs. male.” Sunday, 2:06 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle reported at Bidwell Mansion lot. “Unoccupied and secure.” Chico Police Thursday, 1:10 a.m.: Prowler reported on 2100 block of North Avenue. “Reporting party says that there is a prowler in her backyard. Subject in black seen going through their gate. He saw her son and went back out. Gate is on the side of the house. Subject last seen going toward North Avenue.” Thursday, 2:49 a.m.: Counterfeit bill reported on 2400 block of Cohasset Road. “Subject passed fake $20 bill. When reporting party tried giving him merchandise and realized it was fake, tried to get subject to stop. Subject continued to his vehicle and left. Reporting party holding onto fake bill.”

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NEWS

WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

Friday, 6:36 p.m.: Shoplifting reported at Wal-Mart on 2000 block of Forest Avenue. “Female in custody in loss prevention office. Was shopping with mother, who left with merchandise. Reporting party called the mother and gave her a chance to come back, but she refused. She left on foot toward the bus stop to go to the transit station. Both were taking clothing.” Friday, 8:21 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported on 700 block of Chestnut Street. “Heavyset young female in hoodie carrying a clipboard going door to door saying she is trying to raise money and offered reporting party yesterday’s newspaper. Reporting party thinks this is odd because most students are out for the holidays.” Saturday, 12:46 a.m.: Drunk in public reported on 1500 block of Nord Avenue. “Group of subjects pushing, pending fight. Reporting party heard someone yell about a knife, however, reporting party did not see a knife. Reporting party now states subjects are trying to get inside apartment. He is hiding, locked in the bathroom.” Saturday, 7:01 a.m.: Suspicious subject on 700 block of Pine Street. “Female wandering from house to house looking into parked vehicles. Reporting party asked the female what she was doing, and female said, ‘I am going to take a metal ball out of my mouth!’ Female insists that the reporting party’s vehicle is her own. She is now out front screaming she needs a bathroom. Female back and forth now from reporting party’s vehicle and the middle of the street where she is squatting down, hard to see.” Sunday, 9:22 p.m.: Hit and run, no injury on 300 block of East Park Avenue. “Male subject very intoxicated. After hitting a parked vehicle, went off the curb.” Monday, 2:09 a.m.: Noise complaint on 1100 block of Cedar Street. “Loud party with bass music. Reporting party has already tried having security take care of the problem twice, but as soon as security leaves, the music is turned back up.” -compiled by Laura Hass

Fiscal cliff could cause $34 million cut to CSU Quinn Western A sst. Ne ws Editor

The California State University system won the battle for Proposition 30, but it faces another financial struggle from Capitol Hill. The CSU will lose $34 million from federally funded programs if Congress does not come to a compromise to avoid automatic cuts that will be made to federally funded education programs, according to a memorandum from the CSU’s office of federal relations. Congress could allow the current policy to continue, which would result in tax increases and spending cuts that would reduce the deficit by half. Or it could cancel all tax increases and spending cuts, which would increase the deficit. In the 2011 debt ceiling arrangement, Congress pushed all of these cuts back a year, said Mike Uhlenkamp, CSU spokesman. If there’s no further agreement made, the tax cuts will expire Dec. 31 and federally funded education programs will automatically receive cuts two days later. Except for Pell grants, all federally funded

education programs will be cut by 8.2 percent, according to the memorandum. This will reduce the funding for programs in the U.S. Department of Education by more than $4 billion. The “super committee” created by The Budget Control Act of 2011 was supposed to come up with some sort of compromise to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff,” said Miles Nevin, the California State Student Association executive director. “The super committee failed at coming up with a solution,” Nevin said. The college preparation programs TRIO and GEAR UP, along with other programs for underserved CSU students, will be cut by up to a combined $3.3 million, curtailing services to approximately 3,700 students, according to the memorandum. The current policy cuts work study, educational opportunity and financial aid, Nevin said. “It’s a much bigger issue than specifically with higher education,” Uhlenkamp said. Quinn Western can be reached at qwestern@theorion.com

CUT: Chancellor hasn’t asked Chico State President Paul Zingg to take pay decrease continued from A1

pain the rest of the system is undergoing. It’s unfortunate that someone coming into the largest four-year university system in the country is in a position to request a salary reduction, Nevin said. If he had not requested a pay cut, White would have received the same salary as outgoing Chancellor Charles Reed, said Erik Fallis, a spokesman for the CSU system. The board of trustees thought the initial salary was fair but unanimously approved White’s 10 percent pay cut. His new salary is $380,000, not including a $30,000 supplement from the CSU university foundation. If all system presidents reduced their salaries by an additional 10 percent as well, the amount cut would be about $600,000, Chico State President Paul Zingg said. That’s less than one one-hundredth of a percent of the reductions to the CSU over the last three years. Most presidents give a significant portion

of their salaries back to the university every year, Zingg wrote in an email to The Orion. Presidents of CSU campuses make commitments to their campuses that “run a lot deeper than a symbolic salary reduction,” he wrote. Zingg donates about 15 percent of his $180,000 net salary back to the university every year and is one of the largest donors to Chico State year after year, he said. Before taxes, Zingg’s salary is $279,000. “My salary, like most CSU employees, has been frozen since 2007,” he wrote. “And, like most CSU employees, was reduced by 10 percent during the furlough year we had a few years ago.” That 10 percent cut to CSU employees is still implemented, and the pay has not been restored. “These men and women are highly underpaid,” Nevin said. Quinn Western can be reached at qwestern@theorion.com

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NEWS

WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

| A5

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 2012

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

Actions of few put unfair blame on entire Greek system Dani Anguiano Opinion Columnist

The university administration would like you to know it is tough on Greek life. Following the death of student Mason Sumnicht, Chico State President Paul Zingg suspended all fraternities and sororities on campus. The Greek organizations must remove or cover letters on their houses, cannot hold socials and must stop any recruitment activity. Sumnicht’s death is extremely tragic, and there is no question that an investigation of his fraternity must take place, but it is unfair to punish all groups if only some are the problem. Students have been debating whether this decision was justified. With three different Greek councils, the

Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, and the Panhellenic Council, there are many chapters on campus. There are 1,200 students affiliated with the 26 university-recognized fraternities and sororities, according to the Chico State website. A decision to suspend all Greek organizations affects all of those 1,200 students, not just the ones involved in the problem. If multiple violations are taking place within particular groups, those specific groups should be punished. However, punishment for organizations with outstanding records that have done nothing wrong is not only unfair but also unnecessary. The suspended groups are recognized by the university, which means they must abide by school rules. Many of the Greek chapters have done exactly that and are still subject to the suspension.

The administration’s actions are authoritarian and do not encourage a good relationship between the Greek community and the university. The requirement that Greek houses remove or cover their letters is an ineffective way to combat this situation, as well as a wasted and showy effort on the university’s part. The goal should not be to punish all groups. It should be to punish those who act negligently and irresponsibly and to educate others to prevent things like this from happening in the future. For those involved, suspension is absolutely necessary. Their suspension solidifies the fact that the bonds of brotherhood require members to look out for friends and avoid letting them drink to the point of no return. While Zingg’s actions show that Sumnicht’s death has not been taken lightly, there is much more to be done. The real

issue at hand is not the role of fraternities and sororities on campus, but a culture that promotes binge drinking. Binge drinking is not exclusively a Greek problem. It is a school problem, and the university should not condemn all groups. In order to change the cultivation of debauchery, the entire campus community must contribute, and a university review of the Greek system is not enough. The actions following Sumnicht’s death must be preventative rather than solely disciplinary. Although it is unfair to punish groups that are not at fault, everyone can contribute to ensure this does not happen again. Responsibility to change does not fall only on Greeks. It falls on the university and its students. Dani Anguiano can be reached at danguiano@theorion.com

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

Chico State students will automatically fork over whatever amount is decided on and get minimal benefits.

Zingg’s mystery bag of success not best option for students Tercius Bufete Staff Writer

Between rent, groceries, Buck Night and an incurable addiction to toilet paper, I have no money left to spare. Even with student debt at an all-time high, Chico State President Paul Zingg has proposed a fee that would further increase student tuition. Zingg and the administration have also decided a vote is not the appropriate method to receive student input on what the Chico Compact for Student Success fee will be used for. I am usually in favor of any measure as specifically named and as meticulously defined as a student success fee, but this is just wrong. Here’s the truth, the majority of students do not want another fee. After the passage of Proposition

30, Chico State students celebrated the tuition rebate of $249. That rebate would be erased with the potential $400 student success fee. It’s simple arithmetic really. What Zingg wants is a blank check. It’s as simple as that. I don’t know about the rest of the student body, but I usually want to know what I’m paying for. On the rare occasion that I do take my chance and buy a mystery grab-bag, I never get what I want. It is never that shiny iPod the salespeople tease me with, but instead that piece of crap brown Zune nobody bought in 2006. That is how this success fee is shaping up. Chico State students will automatically fork over whatever amount is decided on and get minimal benefits. Never what was wanted. What I want won’t even be discussed in Zingg’s consultation with the representative student

sample. You know what I want? I want two-ply toilet paper in all of the bathrooms at Chico State. When I’m being a student – you know, sober – I never really care about how big my class sizes are or whether I have to share a computer because there aren’t enough of them in the lab, but about the essentials. Most of my concerns center around whether there will be toilet paper in the bathroom. And when there is, it is usually that off-white, sand-textured, dismally thin, bloodletting kind they torture terrorists with. I hate it. I want the kind that uses science and has pillows. The kind that a cartoon family of bears uses. If Zingg cared about me, toilet paper would be the first thing on his list. But even when Zingg does consult with students, is there any safeguard that makes sure our

voices are heard? “No! Shut up and pay your fees,” is what this initiative is telling me. Zingg needs to tell us exactly what the fee will go toward. Then let us vote. That is how the California propositions were decided and that is how the future of this proposed fee should be determined. Next time any administrator proposes a fee so vaguely named, we should TP Kendall Hall with that sorry excuse for toilet paper they force on us and call it a “Student Redecoration Initiative.” This is what it comes down to – taxation with mysteriously defined and unquantifiable representation. Please don’t just give Zingg your money. Make sure you’ve seen the grocery list, and make sure the toilet paper is on there. The good kind. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

| EDITORIAL BOARD | FALL 2012 Editor-in-Chief Kacey Gardner Managing Editor Jenna Valdespino Chief Copy Editor Dan Reidel

News Editor Ben Mullin Opinion Editor Isaac Brambila Sports Editor Blake Mehigan

Features Editor Juniper Rose Photo Editor Frank Rebelo Multi. Manager Samantha Youngman

Art Director Lindsay Smith Online Editor Lauren Beaven

OPINION

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WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

THUMBS

Suck it up: first world problems blown out of proportion

Thumbs up to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Palestinians and Israelis get a rest from the violence at last.

Thumbs down to freeways flooded with brake lights. There’s nothing more frustrating than traveling back to Chico after break at 20 miles per hour with the rest of the student body.

Tara Miller Opinion Columnist

“The Internet’s too slow.” “My phone isn’t getting any service.” While we don’t automatically smash our electronic devices into pieces when we face these types of problems, our reactions sometimes reach melodramatic levels. We all complain about things like these. Don’t try to deny it, because you do too. But the sad part is that many people in our country feel the need to whine about their menial problems and expect others to genuinely care about their text taking too long to send or missing TV remote. We’re selfish creatures. What can I say? All we’ve done is dig ourselves deeper and deeper into what people have come to call first world problems. When things don’t perfectly work out according to plan, our world crumbles. We’re all so used to a fast-paced society and to things going our way that we want everything we use to work quickly and efficiently all the time. If something doesn’t work the way we want, we go and moan about it to our friends, because we know they’ll understand our pain. But it’s not just about annoying technology. I’ve heard complaints that include things like, “I didn’t have time this morning to put on makeup,” “The person in front of me is driving too slow,” and “There’s nothing in the fridge I want to eat.”

Thumbs up to basketball season starting up again at Chico State. Time to get rowdy, Wildcats.

It’s all about the things that don’t work for us right away. We complain about a problem and expect someone to fix it for us. No food in the fridge? That’s Mom’s fault, and she needs to fix it. The Internet’s too slow? That’s the company’s fault, and it should fix that. I’m sure every bone-thin child in Africa who has to walk 10 miles to bring water to their village can sympathize with our problems, but how can we live in a world where Internet videos still actually have to buffer? I occasionally face first world problems too, but sometimes it’s not all about us. Some people have it way worse than we do. It sometimes feels like a competition when it comes to these complaints.

Most awkward goodbyes

I’m not big on social graces, but I try to say goodbye to friends and family before I depart a gathering. This is not because I am particularly fond of farewells but because it is our cultural custom to acknowledge the people we spend time with. It shows respect and appreciation, so I abide. But that doesn’t mean farewells always go smoothly. The missed high-five Spirits are high, and the departing person wants to take some of the energy with him by connecting with the satisfying slap of a high-five. The rogue high-fiver goes too hard, not high enough or trips and the clap fails. People sigh in disgust, and the room fills with shameful snickering. Then somebody steps in for damage control by saying, “aim elbow to elbow.” Too little too late — even a sideline witness to a failed high-five can feel the damage done to the self-confidence of the one making a swift exit. Standing/sitting hug If you have been on the receiving end of one of these, you probably had a face full of boob or crotch, depending on the inclination and the body type of the overzealous hugger. If it’s too much trouble to stand up, a handshake or a tender caress easily resolves this recurrent goodbye miff.

Car window hug It would be a shame to injure the object of your affection by throwing your torso head-first into the driver’s side window — facial bruising, chipped teeth and car accidents have happened as results of the car window hug. Step outside the heavy machinery and onto the curb. Cars may honk but let them. The occupants are probably victims of failed car-bound farewells. The proximity wave This one is a favorite for those with perpetually clammy hands. They stand within arm’s reach and give a shy wave like an estranged uncle to his prepubescent nieces or nephews. Everyone is relieved afterward — thank goodness old spongy hands didn’t try to touch anyone. I have no suggestions for the resolution of this particular adieu other than gloves and sanitary napkins. The unexpected kiss Although this can sometimes come as a pleasant surprise, more often than not it derails the goodbye altogether, especially when a tongue is forced into the equation by a new acquaintance. Making my rounds I say, “Hey, it was really great to meet you” and reach out with a polite smile for a casual embrace to end up with somebody’s lips pressed against my own, coupled with a feral groan that sounds uncannily like a cat’s warning noise. Chivalry remains dead for reasons like these. Kevin Crittenden can be reached at kcrittenden@theorion.com

The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.

We love hearing what others are going through, just so we can top their complaint with something better. I’m not trying to put people down about whining, even though it is often about things we take for granted and don’t realize are luxuries. We just often have these ideas that everything needs to work instantly and food should magically appear in the fridge so we don’t have to make a trip to the store. So just remember that some people have it worse than you when it comes to the problems you face. Think about what you’re saying, be careful who you complain to and make it a little less dramatic and a little less competitive.

• Letters and commentaries may be delivered to The Orion, Plumas Hall Room 001. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters are also accepted by e-mail and go directly to the opinion editor at opinioneditor@theorion.com

TALKING POINTS

Tara Miller can be reached at tmiller@theorion.com

Courtesy Photo • University of California Riverside

College life doesn’t fill homesick void

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

Opinion Columnist

Thumbs down to Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus. This brings a new meaning to secret service.

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

WEEKLY TOP FIVE

Kevin Crittenden

| A7

It’s also rare for students to graduate and land a job in this small town. With the limCarly Caumiant ited professionals roaming the Opinion Columnist streets, I just can’t take Chico The ocean spray travels with seriously. the breeze, and the Pacific coast I don’t want to be surrounded is only a 10-minute drive away. by a college lifestyle when I My skin feels the sun’s rays, and enter the professional chapter a smile fills my face. I enjoy the of my life. warm sensations of being home Because of this, I hardly in Southern California. allow myself to get too close or One of the first things I attached to anything in Chico. do when I go home, besides Friends of mine who live in embrace my cat, is head straight the city of trees year-round say to Bolsa Chica State Beach for they consider Chico their secmy routine beach-side run. ond home. They don’t go back to When the wind hits my face, I their parents’ house for breaks am illuminated with love for a as often as I do, and with their place I have dearly missed and self-built college communities, have finally returned to. they are able to feel a sensation Having to leave home to head I have yet to find. back to school after ThanksgivWith my family and boying break friend so far cements a away, it’s hard For me, Chico is a place harsh realfor me to feel ity in the sentimenof transition, where depths of tally grounded I’m like a potted plant my core that in the north waiting to be planted the ocean state. in the backyard of my breeze isn’t There are going to folaspects of home. low me back Chico I wish to Chico. I could take For me, Chico is a place of back home with me, like the transition, where I’m like a pot- changing leaves and colder ted plant waiting to be planted weather, but I don’t feel I belong in the backyard of my home. here for the rest of my life. This town is a temporary place What’s most important to me that harbors me while I get my is comfort, and having my fameducation until it sends me ily near gives me that. Sunday back home when I’m ready. nights in Chico are lonely when In Chico, I get lost in my rou- I’m not having dinner with my tine from Modoc Hall to Butte parents and neighbors, sharing Hall, from Warner Street to what we call “refrigerator surWest Second Street, and once prise” meals over wine. I break that flow, I remember Before moving to Chico I felt the comfort I’ve left behind in a sort of disconnection with Costa Mesa. my home and was searching It’s hard for me to associate for adventure. Now that I’ve this college town with anything soaked in the solace of disbut school and hard work. Con- tance, I am ready to be back trary to many other students, home where my allergies are I’m in Chico for something under control. other than partying. I am here Moving north has helped me to learn and focus. see the little things that matter My boyfriend says I’m like most about a hometown, and a samurai in training, locked I’ve never been more proud away in a far-off place concen- to have been born and raised trating solely on my craft. in sunny Southern California But this far-off land where than I am today. I stationed myself to study is I’m a samurai in training, flooded with 20-somethings and once the training’s done, wandering the streets, and I’m headed home to my family. with the lack of age diversity it’s hard for Chico to feel like a Carly Caumiant can be reached at real home. ccaumiant@theorion.com

• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.

Incoming California State University Chancellor Timothy White requested a 10 percent salary cut, resulting in a $41,500 pay decrease. While the single cut won’t do much for the current CSU economic climate unless adopted by the entire system, the gesture inspires a little confidence. Hopefully his efforts will continue past the salary cut contribution to a starving educational system. Story A2

courtesy photo • nevele otseog via flickr

AB 540 helps illegal immigrants pay residential tuition at California public universities rather than the higher out-of-state tuition. In the spring, those students may also be able to receive grants thanks to AB 131, a bill that allows students to receive state-funded money toward their education. Many of the students affected by these bills are young adults who have been in the country for a long time. While our government can’t seem to find a solution to the immigration problem, it is wise to help these members of society become both productive and successful. Story B5

STUDY BREAK

Courtesy Photo • Rhye via facebook

Band: Rhye Album: “The Fall” Baby-making music. That is what Rhye offers with the 2012 debut, “The Fall.” Eloquent horns ride the wave of ever so subtle synths that guide the beautiful Sade-like vocals. Rhye jumped from obscurity to being one of the most talked about bands on the Internet when tracks “Open” and “The Fall” found their way online. The most intriguing thing about Rhye’s album is that the gorgeous feminine vocals actually belong to singer and producer Mike Milosh. Milosh’s vocals when he belts out songs of love, loss and desire would give any diva songstress a run for her money. Rhye made sure to craft an album that makes listeners long for early, angst-filled adolescence. This album will have both young and old getting their bump on in the backseat.

• Letters to the editor should be limited to fewer than 300 words, must include writer’s name and phone number (for verification) and are subject to condensation. Please include your year in school and major, or your business title.

–Compiled by Trevor Platt

• The Orion does not publish anonymous letters, letters that are addressed to a third party or letters that are in poor taste. The opinions expressed by The Orion’s columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Orion or its staff.

A8 |

WEDNESDAY,NOV. AUG.28, 28,2012 2012 WedneSday,

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 2012

THe believer

THe skeptic

the orion •PHOTOgRAPHs by Liam Turner

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Two Chico State students will face off to debate the answer to the question: Does God exist? Mark Gaynor, a senior philosophy major and president of the philosophy honors club Phi Sigma Tau, and Devin Tarr, a Chico State graduate student and president of the Reasonable Faith club, will go head to head in a debate of beliefs at 7 p.m. Friday in Ayres Hall Room 120.

Mark Gaynor Senior philosophy major President of Phi Sigma Tau

The Orion: How will you answer the question does God exist? Gaynor: I think it is unlikely, and if we start critically evaluating the evidence we have and looking at what we draw from that I don’t think we are warranted in drawing the conclusion that God does exist.

philosophical reasoning and looking at what makes this particular belief justified. The Orion: Was your upbringing religious? Gaynor: A little bit. It was non-denominational Christian. The Orion: What do you think happens after death? Gaynor: I think basically a person dies and that’s pretty much it for that person. Life goes on and that person decomposes.

The Orion: What are your personal religious beliefs? Gaynor: I’m philosophically agnostic and think it is improbable that there is any sort of personal God.

The Orion: How do you think the planet and life were developed? Gaynor: I think we’ve got a startlingly good amount of evidence to believe that the world kind of developed as physics.

The Orion: What reasons do you have to believe God does not exist? Gaynor: I think it’s rather difficult to cite any logically necessary reason that there has to be a God. The world could be arranged in many different ways.

The Orion: What do you think our purpose is as humans? Gaynor: I don’t think we have any given purpose. I think we have a meaning, but that’s different than purpose. I think most of life is chaotic and is driven by both nature and social adaptation.

The Orion: Do you consider yourself an atheist? Gaynor: I’m at least skeptical, a philosophically agnostic, I guess. The Orion: If you don’t believe in God, then what would you say you believe in? Gaynor: I think the world exists, and I think we can say that logic and mathematics are representative of a necessary structure of the world. The Orion: How long have you had these beliefs? Gaynor: I think I’ve been skeptical since I was young. I think a lot of the particulars of my beliefs have developed through some

The Orion: What effect do you think religion has on humanity? Gaynor: I think there are senses that it can be very good. It provides a common interest for people to connect. I think there’s also instances in which it justifies really horrible things like when someone justifies their actions by saying, “Well, God told me to do this.” I think it’s in that sense damaging. The Orion: What are you hoping to accomplish at the debate? Gaynor: Basically, I think it would be really nice if there were more open discussions and evaluations of what various positions have in terms of strengths of merits.

Devin Tarr

Graduate student teaching international languages President of Reasonable Faith The Orion: What are your personal religious beliefs? Tarr: In the debate, I’ll be defending what C.S. Lewis called “mere Christianity,” which would be basically bare bones Orthodox Christian theism. Not really getting into a lot of the inner Christian doctrine debates. The Orion: How can you explain the existence of God? Tarr: I think we can directly experience God. When we look at the world, it’s rational for us to believe certain things even if we can’t demonstrate it to a logical proof. It’s rational for us to believe it based on our experiences. The Orion: Why do you think evolution is so widely believed? Tarr: I think because it’s the dominant worldview within the academy and the universities, and they are cultural leaders in our society so their ideas tend to be accepted. It’s also the only way to explain how we got here if there is no God. The Orion: Was your upbringing religious? Tarr: Yeah, my mom was Catholic and took our whole family to church every Sunday until I was about 15 or 16. And my dad wasn’t really religious at all. He never talked about God or faith or anything like that. It was more of a cultural Christianity than anything. The Orion: Why do you think there are

so many different religious denominations within Christianity? Tarr: I think that people sometimes do what’s called majoring on the minors, and so I’m someone that says we should spend most of our time focusing on the things that are the most important. I call it majoring on the majors. If Christians did that and sought to be unified, I think it would give a much stronger testimony for Christianity. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, there have been various people in their denominations who want to plant a flag in the ground of a minor doctrinal issue. The Orion: What is the main difference between Christianity and other religions? Tarr: The place of Jesus. I would say that’s pretty fundamental. Most religions see Jesus as a moral or spiritual or religious teacher of some kind. Christianity sees him as God incarnate, that God has actually come down to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ and that he’s not just a teacher or leader but he’s actually our leader. The Orion: What is Reasonable Faith? Tarr: Reasonable Faith is an organization that seeks to demonstrate the rationality of the Christian worldview in the public arena. It’s a national organization started in 2007 by a professor of philosophy and theology. The Orion: What are you hoping to accomplish at the debate? Tarr: I just really want to glorify God. I love the lord, and I want to bring him glory. I’m also hoping that students will see that you don’t have to check your brain at the door to be a Christian and that Christianity is the most reasonable worldview out there. — Compiled by Corey Bruecker

AB540 student seeks acceptance Nicole Gerspacher Staff Writer

Chico State student Dilan, 18, fumbled nervously with his hands while he carefully contemplated every word he spoke. “There is nothing different about us,” the freshman political science major said. “Skin color and race — but we have dealt with that far too long ago.” Dilan has lived his life in America without legal permission and has been able to attend college with the help of Assembly Bill 540. AB 540 was passed in 2001 and allows illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public California universities. In the spring, students eligible for AB 540 will also be able to recieve grants from AB 131, a bill that allows students without legal status to receive statefunded financial aid toward their education, said Elizabeth Alaniz, a Chico State financial aid Sergio Garcia and scholarship adviser. is a Chico State Just after he turned alumnus without legal status who 18, Dilan filled out the currently works necessary paperwork in Chico as a to gain American citiparalegal. zenship with the help of a program called Educators for Fair Consideration, but he never submitted it. “I didn’t go through with it just because my parents were really scared,” he said. “My timeline closed six months after my birthday, and I started accruing unlawful status.” If Dilan had continued working with Educators for Fair Consideration, he would have had to leave the country for two months

as part of the process and this would have delayed his start at Chico State. Other programs exist to help illegal immigrants gain citizenship, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Dilan said. DACA is a way for immigrants who came to the U.S. before their 16th birthday to stay in the country for two years without the threat of deportation. However, it doesn’t give them legal residency in the country. “It isn’t that I don’t trust it, I just feel that applying to it would be accepting a piece of the cake when all the activists want is the whole cake,” he said. The citizenship case of Sergio Garcia, a Chico State alumnus without legal status, is going to the California Supreme Court. “I applied in ’94 and was approved for my papers January 1995,” he said. “I have been waiting ever since then.” Garcia passed the California bar exam after graduating from the Cal Northern School of Law in 2009, but his attorney license was taken away because of his legal status in the United States. “I always thought that they were going to take the approach that, ‘Wow, you have done so much with so little,’ and been proud,” he said. “Unfortunately, they took that stance, ‘Wow, you have done so much with so little, you must have broken the law many times.’” Garcia advises Chico State students who are illegal immigrants to make themselves and their situations openly known to others. “Being undocumented should not be a cause of shame,” he said. “You have nothing to do with where you were born.” Alaniz works closely with students who attend college with the help of AB 540, but said there is no way of knowing how many are currently at Chico State. “I thought I knew how many AB 540

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Frank rebelo

awareness Chico State freshman Dilan, a student without legal status, studies on campus Monday. A bill that passed in 2011 allows Dilan and other illegal immigrant students to attend California State Universities. Dilan works to increase acceptance of students in his position. students we had, but just met another one and I had no idea that they were an undocumented student,” Alaniz said. Students living in the country without legal permission are becoming more

comfortable with their statuses, Dilan said. He hopes this will increase acceptance. Nicole Gerspacher can be reached at ngerspacher@theorion.com

B6 |

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FEATURES

WedneSday, NOV. 28, 2012

Season spurs student food drive Nicole Gerspacher Staff Writer

Chico State student Richard Moore missed the front entrance of the Jesus Center on his firt visit. He pulled his car to the back of the building where people in search of food or helter were milling about in the parking lot. Moore, a senior construction management major, is a member of the construction management fraternity, IOTA IV, which donates food to the Jesus Center annually. Entering the Jesus Center, an unframed photograph of a smiling baby can be seen hanging amid a collage of pictures. When speaking to Richard Young, Jesus Center assistant director, Moore was taken into a poorly filled pantry. The lack of food in the store room showed Moore how important it is for IOTA IV to collect as much food as possible this year. For nearly three decades the Jesus Center has served as a safe haven providing food, clothes and comfort for the hungry and homeless. The nonprofit organization works by the hands of volunteers and relies on the community for donations. IOTA IV donates canned food to the facility along with about 10 other groups from Chico State, Young said.

“We are hoping to get 5,000 pounds, same as last year,” Moore said. The group dropped off bags at various places around town, but students can donate by dropping cans off at Langdon Engineering Center Room 100 until Dec. 8. “We were blown away at how, just on the other side of town, life is just completely different,” Moore said. One person who knows what it is like to be in need and is thankful to the Jesus Center is Joan Smith. “I went from disability to unemployment, which I have not received yet,” Smith said. She still has a home, but from lack of income she is hungry and accepts what the Jesus Center has to offer. Smith began volunteering there shortly after becoming a client and plans to continue volunteering after she goes back to work, she said. After leaving the Jesus Center the first day, Moore was humbled by the emotions and situations of the clients who were there, he said. “They were all in their own little world, and that was sad,” he said. “It made you want to do everything you can to help.”

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY orion staff

community charity Jim Secola, activities director of the Jesus Center, sorts through cans in the center’s warehouse on 13th Street and Park Avenue. Chico State students are major contributors to the food stores at the center during the holiday season.

105,000 300-500 meals are served at the Jesus Center each year.

clients accept help from the Jesus Center each day

5,000 pounds of canned food IOTA IV aims to donate this year

Nicole Gerspacher can be reached at ngerspacher@theorion.com

O-FACE: Porn with a partner considered watching porn with their partners. But six did admit to watching porn with a partner, and all six of them Aubrey Crosby said it improved their sexual experience Sex Columnist and performance in some way. I watch porn as often as a teenage boy Foreplay becomes more pleasurable whose parents are out of town. Nothing when you watch something that gets you gets me in the mood for a good both going. romp quicker than watching My boyfriend and other people fool around in Out of 20 students surveyed I start off with sex the messiest of ways. on campus movies when we’re Pornography has a bad repin the mood, and utation, but it’s one of the things pick up from greatest resources people there. Trying new have for heightening sexual things leads to hotexperiences. Some people have watched porn ter sex. Were it not for just don’t know how to use it. porn, I wouldn’t have Of the 20 students I surbeen able to master veyed on campus, 18 said that reverse cowgirl they have watched porn on position that my boytheir own. Viewers can pick haven’t considered watchfriend loves so much. up a trick or two from studying porn with their partner Watching porn, ing the professionals. You whether alone or with learn some tricks of the trade, your partner, is also new moves and fetishes that a good way to gain make everything more interconfidence. An ego esting, if not better. have watched porn with boost is probably the On the other hand, viewtheir partner and say it last thing you’d expect ing porn with a partner is improved their sex life anyone to get while hot because it heightens the watching racy films, experience and gives you but when women or something to fixate on other men watch porn and than the person you’re with. learn new moves that improve sexual satisOf the people I talked to, 12 hadn’t even faction, they feel better about themselves.  I

18 12 6

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Liz Coffee

can’t speak for everyone outside of my close circle of friends, but we have all agreed there are few things that make us happier than pleasing our lovers and getting some mind-blowing sex in return. Porn doesn’t have to be a taboo subject for college students. Most of us have seen it at least once and, even if you can’t totally reap the benefits yourself, other

than supplying the mind with tantalizing images to masturbate or fantasize about, there are definite pros to watching pornagraphic movies with your lover.  Give porn a chance and see how it heightens your sexual experiences. Aubrey Crosby can be reached at sexcolumnist@theorion.com

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FOOD COLUMN: A taste of what you’ve been missing Annie Paige food columnist

Memories of home may still linger in your thoughts or taste buds since returning from Thanksgiving break. If you miss your

family, friends or dog — that’s understandable. But this recipe is for the people who just miss the home-cooked meals. Yes, it takes some time, just like the recipes your mom slaves over in the kitchen. But if you want the nostalgic taste of home, you have

Annie Paige can be reached at foodcolumnist@theorion.com

16 2 2

WHAT YOU NEED 2 2 2 1/4 1 1

tablespoons butter tablespoons flour cups half-and-half teaspoon red pepper flakes cup feta cheese cup grape tomatoes

1/4 1/4 1/2 2 1 1 1

ounces whole-wheat penne pasta tablespoons olive oil boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper cup onion, diced cloves garlic, minced yellow bell pepper, cut into long, thin strips cup broccoli florets cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY annie paige

HOW TO MAKE IT COOK pasta until al dente and drain. SPRINKLE chicken breast with salt and pepper. HEAT 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken. REMOVE chicken from heat when golden on both sides and let rest in a large bowl. ADD 1 tablespoon of oil into skillet and begin sauteing the onions for about 2 minutes.

COMBINE garlic and bell pepper with onions in pan and saute for another 2 minutes. TOSS in broccoli and asparagus, leaving tomatoes for last. ADD cooked vegetables to the chicken in the large bowl to cool. MELT 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet to start making the sauce. STIR in the flour for 1 to 2 minutes. ADD the half-and-half slowly, stir-

ring continuously to remove any clumps. SPRINKLE in red pepper flakes. STIR occasionally until the sauce starts to boil. REMOVE from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted and completely mixed. ASSEMBLE the pasta, sauce, chicken and veggies in the large bowl and stir until completely coated and ready to serve.

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SAVVY SAVING: Help for the host

to be willing to put a little love into it. Dish up this chicken pasta creation and let your heart be satisfied.

Confetti chicken pasta PREP 30 minutes TOTAL 45 minutes SERVING SIZE 4

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 28, 2012 2012 | WedneSday, NOV.

Samantha Youngman savings columnist

spent about $100 when a friend of mine recently visited Chico for the first time. Luckily, most of my friends live in Chico or out of state so visits aren’t often, but what do you do when friends come into town and want the whole Chico experience? My friend was here from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning. That included two dinners, one lunch, one breakfast and a lot of free time. I think I’m a pretty good Chico tour guide. I made sure to take a walk around campus and talk about the haunted floor of Butte Hall and the seven foot bridges across Big Chico Creek, look at the Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater and show off Shasta Hall, where I lived my how to freshman year. show off Chico on the cheap We also took a peek into Bidwell Mansion, and I explained why the family is Bidwell Mansion tour – $6 so important to Chico. Tres Hombres happy After the campus tour hour small appetizer I like to take my visitors and margarita – $8 downtown. The first stop has to be Crush happy hour, halfthe National Yo-yo Museum. off pizza — $7-8 Where else can you find a yo-yo larger than a child? It’s National yo-yo museum – Free possibly my favorite thing about Chico. Hiking in Bidwell Park– Free Window shopping is also a fantastic alternative to spending money, even though I was distracted by a good sale at Robyn Marie’s Shoe Closet this time around. Do as I say, not as I do. On a nice day, Bidwell Park is a must. Go hiking, swimming or have a picnic. All options are cheap, and the park has some good stories to go with it. Good thing you learned about the Bidwells earlier, because Annie Bidwell gave the park to the city of Chico in 1905, and it is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. In 1938, “The Adventures of Robin Hood” was filmed there. After all that walking, it’s time for a beer if you are old enough. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. brews some of the world’s best beer. The tour is free, and beer samples are provided at the end. The brewery is home to a jaw-dropping number of solar panels and makes every move it can to be sustainable. The food at the brewery is good, but expensive on a college budget. My favorite restaurants include Tres Hombres, Crush and Madison Bear Garden, which all include happy hours so you can save some cash. No trip to Chico is complete without going to The Bear. Where are your go-to places in Chico? The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

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WEDNESDAY,NOV. AUG.28, 28,2012 2012 WedneSday,

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