The Orion - Fall 2012, Issue 14 by The Orion

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Fiscal Cliff

Cuts loom for student job program Simultaneous federal tax increases and spending cuts that could occur if a number of laws go unchanged, a concept also known as the “fiscal cliff,” are set to take effect Jan. 1, unless the federal government intervenes. Quinn Western Aubrey Crosby Orion Staff

If Congress doesn’t avoid the “fiscal cliff,” 3,000 students could be out of jobs. Federal spending cuts and tax increases scheduled to go into effect Jan. 2 will cut $34 million in federal funding to the California State University system. This would reduce all federally funded CSU programs by 8.2 percent, said Miles Nevin, the executive director of the California State Student Association, which is made up of student representatives. Affected programs include Federal Student Aid, Federal >> please see CUTS | A3

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Nicholas Kinoshita

pump dump The weekend storm blew over the metal canopy that used to shelter the gas pumps at the Highway 32 Mini-mart Sunday morning. Students flocked to the buses to avoid the storm that caused power and Internet outages throughout the weekend.

Storm kills power, fills creeks, breaks branches

WREC staff saves unconscious student employment training. in air but not expelThe employees used ling it. “I was just a couple an automated external Keenan checked of machines over. I defibrillator, which is a Bassetto’s weak pulse looked over and saw portable machine that on his wrist and uses electrical therapy to neck, said Laya, a Mike on the ground.” diagnose irregular heatsenior communicabeats, said Kimberly tion studies major. His TrOy Keenan Scott, the recreation breathing suggested senior sustainable manufacturing major sports director. WREC to them that he hadn’t staff is trained in CPR and just fainted. in the use of the AED. Laya grabbed the first-aid kit and the WREC staff members Katherine Nicca, AED, the machine that saved Bassetto’s Josh Faylor, Shelley Laya and Troy life, Faylor said. He and Laya popped Keenan immediately came to Bassetto’s the machine open and checked the stuassistance and checked his pulse. dent’s vitals, but didn’t find a pulse. “I was just a couple machines over,” “All of the sudden his breathing said Keenan, a senior sustainable man- stopped completely, and we determined ufacturing major and an off-duty EMT. that we needed the AED,” Laya said. “I looked over and saw Mike on the They took off his shirt and prepared ground.” to use the device. Bassetto’s friends were trying to The staff members stood back while pick him up, but WREC staff members the machine analyzed Bassetto’s heart pushed them away, said Faylor, a senior function and shocked him, Laya said. business management major. At that Laya began CPR, Faylor said. It took point, Bassetto was having agonal res- about 66 seconds from the time Laya pirations, which means he was sucking >> please see RESCUE | A4

Katrina Cameron Staff Writer

Two ambulances, a fire truck and a Chico police car with sirens blaring turned the corner near the Wildcat Recreation Center, where they came to a halt. Ten minutes prior to the emergency vehicles’ arrival, a WREC staff member called the emergency code word “Wildcat,” summoning all employees to the first-floor weight-lifting area. There they found a student unconscious and breathing shallowly. Mike Bassetto, a freshman exercise physiology major, was lifting weights Nov. 26 when he had a cardiac arrest and fell to the ground. “As soon as I dropped the bar down, I felt super light-headed,” Bassetto said. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh wow, this is bad.’” Four Chico State students rapidly worked together to bring Bassetto back to consciousness and save his life by using the skills learned in their

safety

Butte Hall custodian seeks workers’ compensation after elevator drop After an elevator in Butte Hall malfunctioned in March, sending custodian Tyson Thomas to Enloe Medical Center, the university shut it down. It is to set to be replaced along with the others in the building this summer. Pedro Quintana Staff Writer

Chico State custodian Tyson Thomas says he still feels sharp pain from injuries he suffered in March when the Butte Hall elevator he was in dropped, knocking him unconscious. Thomas had entered the elevator to go on break when the doors slammed shut behind him, the lights went out and it dropped to the ground floor. “It reminded me of Tower of Terror, but much faster,” he said. Thomas says he blacked out after hitting the ground and doesn’t remember how he got out. He was transported to Enloe Medical Center and examined. Thomas has since filed for workers’

compensation for his injuries and will be diagnosed in the coming weeks. The university can’t comment about the injury situation because of privacy reasons related to employees and the fact that workers’ compensation cases are confidential, said Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publication. Curtis Daniels, another custodian who works in the building, says the elevators break down frequently in Butte Hall. Several other custodians have been stuck in the Butte Hall elevators, leaving them trapped for up to an hour and a half. Chico State has put the center elevator in the building offline and will replace all of them in the summer, Wills said. The facilities management and services department had taken several elevators temporarily offline earlier in the year because of other spontaneous malfunctions that left employees and students trapped in Butte Hall and Meriam Library. The cost of replacing the elevators is approximately $1.2 million, as reported earlier in The Orion. Thomas is still working as a >> please see INJUry | A3

INDEX

Oct. 31, 2011

The elevators in Butte Hall are inspected by the Elevator Ride and Tramway Unit from Cal-OSHA. The unit doesn’t find anything that warrants the shutdown of the elevators.

March 2012

An elevator in Butte Hall drops with custodian Tyson Thomas inside. He is examined and released from Enloe Medical Center.

Summer 2013

The university will replace the elevators in Butte Hall. While they are out of service, staff and faculty members will have alternative offices so they don’t always have to use the stairs.

SOURCEs • Neil Nunn, chief engineer for facilities management and services Lorraine Hoffman, Vice President for Business and Finance Joe Wills, Director of Public Affairs and publications Tyson Thomas, custodian

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH courtesy Nancy Mantle

Saved Mike Bassetto, who fell unconscious and collapsed while lifting weights at the Wildcat Recreation Center on Nov. 26, embraces Josh Faylor, who helped revive him. The entire WREC staff rushed to help Bassetto.

No fines after month of new noise rules Laura Hass Staff Writer

There have been zero citations issued since the new noise ordinance went into effect Nov. 1. The major change to the ordinance allows officers to issue fines within 180 days of a first warning. Previously, violators could only be fined within 72 hours of their first warning. First-time offenders of the noise ordinance have to pay a $250 fee, second-time violators pay a $500 fee and third-time offenders pay a $1,000 fee. “As of this point we have zero citations,” Chico police Lt. Linda Dye said. “This would mean the noise complaint was either a first-time warning, within 180 days, or if it fell within the exceptions to the warning.” Those against the noise ordinance said there was already enough enforcement and it was working for them, assistant city manager John Rucker said.

There have been 47 verbal warnings given for noise complaints but zero citations issued, according to police. People in favor of the amendments to the noise ordinance say there was previously no incentive for repeating noise violators to stop because they only had to be quiet for 72 hours before they were clear from being fined, Rucker said. There are two exceptions to the general requirements that permit a citation without a warning. One is if the responding officer has received two or more complaints regarding same location, activities or circumstances. The other is if the noise occurs between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday through Friday or between 12:01 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. “This is an ordinance we’ve been working on for a year,” Chico City Councilman Bob Evans said. Laura Hass can be reached at lhass@theorion.com

INSIDE

World News

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

Sports

TODAY

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high

The Rowdy Red shoots for a revival.

low

Story B2

full week A2 >>

Features

Opinion

An HIV/AIDS positive Chico State alumna returns to campus to share her story.

Women’s magazines seem to attempt to please men more than women.

Story B5

Column A7

A2 |

WORLD

WEATHER >> Today | rain

Thursday | partly cloudy

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A U.S.-Afghan air base was attacked by Taliban suicide bombers Sunday morning. The attackers and at least five Afghans were killed. Source: The Associated Press

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News Editor

Source: The Associated Press

NATION

courtesy photo • RON ALMOG Flickr

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher took his life Saturday morning at Arrowhead Stadium after shooting and killing his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, who is also the mother of his child. Source: The Kansas City Star

Friday | partly cloudy

Saturday | mostly cloudy

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courtesy photo • GREEBLIE Flickr

Source: The Miami Herald

CALIFORNIA

courtesy photo • DEAN+BARB Flickr

The bodies of four people who had been shot were found facedown Sunday in a sideyard of an unlicensed boarding house in Northridge.

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Monday | sunny

Tuesday | mostly sunny

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After 15 years on the job, California State University Chancellor Charles Reed is leaving Friday. Reed presided over California’s Charles Reed largest public The chancellor of education system the 23-campus system is retiring during one of the Friday. most financially turbulent periods in the CSU’s history, and attracted his share of critics and admirers along the way. “I think that he has been a combative chancellor,” said Vince Ornelas, a Chico State professor and member of the California Faculty Association. Ornelas cited the CSU’s recent fee hikes as indicative of Reed’s priorities while serving as chancellor, and said that he should have considered alternative sources of revenue for the system.

“I know that his public state“As long as I’ve known him, ments have been that he had the he’s been 100 percent up front best interests of students in mind, with student leaders about what but it appears from our perspec- he’s thinking,” Fallis said. tive that he looked to students to Reed said he also never missed provide revenue a single CSU for the CSU first board of trustrather than going ees meeting, “More often than not, to the legislators Fallis said. I found the chancellor or alternatively Reed has pubgoing to foundalicly stated that to be very reactive.” tions or partners he only took one Vince Ornelas in the commuweek of vacaChico State professor nity,” Ornelas tion during said. his 15-year tenure, but Ornelas When confronted by fac- doesn’t see this as a good indicaulty and students, Reed was not tor of his performance. receptive to questions, Ornelas “I think that simply because said. somebody comes into the office “More often than not, I found on a daily basis, that is not necthe chancellor to be very reac- essarily a sign of productivity,” tive,” he said. he said. Some others view Reed’s tenure The departing chancellor as chancellor as beneficial for the would like to be remembered for 23-campus university system. his campaigns to expand access Reed was always forthright to minority students, Fallis said. with students, said Erik Fallis, a He instituted “Super Sunday,” spokesman for the system. a program in which CSU leadFallis is a former member of the ers give presentations about the California State Students Asso- importance of college to Africiation, a group of students who can-American students and their represent their peers statewide. families throughout the state.

Party Culture

Students to tell council how to fix Labor Day

MORE ON Holiday solutions Chico has done a few things in the past to curb alcoholinfused holidays like Labor Day and Halloween. • • • • •

Increased use of community volunteers Local business and community partnerships Greek and Panhellenic community partnerships Paid and unpaid allied agency support Public awareness campaigns SOURCE • Town and gown agenda

Luis Obispo student Brett Olson, 20, drowned after drinking during Staff writer the Labor Day float and Chico State A group of student representatives student Mason Sumnicht, 21, died and city officials are ready to supply after drinking heavily on his 21st Chico with a plan to curb the impact birthday. of alcohol-infused holidays like Chico State professor Joni Meyer Labor Day and Halloween. proposed that stores regulate access The Town and Gown committee to alcohol by limiting the hours alcowill present a proposal to the Chico hol may be sold on major holidays City Council Dec. 18 to identify what such as Labor Day. has worked in the past to mitigate the Some students prefer to buy a bottle destruction caused during holiday of vodka opposed to a 12-pack of beer celebrations. in order to get drunk faster, AssociAfter the committee presents the ated Students President Jaypinderpal proposal, it will await the Council’s Virdee said told the committee at the response. meeting. At a committee Students some“Putting money in meeting, Assistant times mix hard liquor intervention will help and narcotics, said City Manager John Rucker spoke about Trisha Seastrom, a us in the long run.” the increased numprogram manager at Ann Schwab ber of deaths related Chico State’s CamMayor to student activities pus Alcohol and Drug this semester and Education Center. expressed concern about excessive Research shows that media camdrinking as a public health problem paigns are not effective, Seastrom in Chico. said. The city needs to coordinate a Rucker suggested Enloe Medical long-term goal if it is serious about Center and other medical agencies the issue. embark on a media campaign that Chico Mayor Ann Schwab also would educate the public on alcohol weighed in on the problem, suggestuse, he said. ing the city should invest in fixing Many residents agreed that launch- the problem. ing a media campaign would help “Putting money in intervention bolster conversation about how to will help us in the long run,” Schwab change the drinking culture and edu- said. cate students about the necessity of drinking responsibly. Pedro Quintana can be reached at Earlier this year Cal Poly San pquintana@theorion.com Pedro Quintana

A bus driver slammed a tour bus full of Jehovah’s Witnesses into a low overpass Saturday morning at Miami International Airport after the passengers told him to turn around. Two men sitting near the front were killed, 30 more were taken to the hospital and two remain in critical condition.

Sunday | sunny

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Outgoing Chancellor Reed’s legacy debated by university Ben Mullin

A 9-year-old boy was snatched by a crocodile Saturday while swimming in a river in northern Australia. This comes two weeks after a 7-year-old girl was killed by a different crocodile.

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NEWS

WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

He also reached out to MexicanAmericans, Native Americans and Asian-Americans. During Reed’s tenure, the number of minority applicants to the CSU increased, Fallis said. Reed got off to a bad start with the California FacTimothy White ulty Association, The new chancelwhich plagued lor will take over for Reed on Dec. him throughout 30. his tenure, Chico State President Paul Zingg wrote in an email to The Orion. However, he worked tirelessly for the CSU, especially to increase enrollment in underrepresented students, Zingg said. Once Reed serves his last day in office, Ben Quillian, the CSU’s executive vice chancellor and chief financial officer, will provide interim leadership until new Chancellor Timothy White takes over Dec. 30, Fallis said. Ben Mullin can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com

Applicants flood CSU as enrollment stays in flux who would have applied then are applying for fall 2013.” Staff writer State support declined The California State Uni- by about $1 billion over the versity system has received last five years, causing a limmore than 368,000 appli- ited number of applicants, cations, with the number he said. Demand is too high expected to double by the for the number of available time all calculations are seats. finished. “We want to control enrollAt this rate, there will be a ment to continue to provide a record number of applicants quality educational experifor fall 2013, despite state ence to our current students cuts. The current count indi- as well as those we admit,” cates a 7 percent increase Fallis said. compared to last year. Applications were held by About one-third of these the system in anticipation applicants are transfer stu- of the results of Proposition dents from 30. If it had community failed, a $250 “Our admissions colleges. million trigfolks have been There were ger cut would 113,520 have had a trying very hard to transfer appliget this news out and significant cations as of impact. communicating that Nov. 18, which “Because is a 20 percent Prop. 30 this is a place where increase from students succeed and passed, last year. we’re prograduate.” “The reaceeding with son behind enrollment Paul Zingg the applicatargets,” FalPresident, Chico State tion rise is lis said. the long-term Chico State trend in the CSU and demand received a record 25,823 for college going up,” said applications from domestic Erik Fallis, a spokesman for undergraduates — a 15.6 perthe CSU. “The other trend cent increase over the fall is that we’ve been work- 2012 semester, said Allan ing closer with community Bee, Chico State’s director of colleges and K-12 systems admissions. in prepping students for The university outpaced college.” the CSU in terms of the perLimited enrollment for the centage increase for the spring 2012 semester may number of first-time freshhave also led to the rise in men applications with 15.2 applicants for fall 2013. percent compared to the sys“This application is tem’s 4.8 percent. inflated a little because of “On the transfer side, we limited enrollment to spring almost matched the system 2012,” Fallis said. “Students >> please see applicants | A4 Marisela Pulido

Source: The Associated Press

| College of Communication & Education | California State University, Chico | Chico, Ca 95929-0600 CONTACT | EDITORIAL Phone: 530.898.5627 Email: editorinchief@theorion.com

courtesy photo • 401(K) 2012 Flickr

California defense attorney Arturo Fernando Shaw Gutierrez was arrested Saturday after a sting operation on suspicion of meeting an underaged girl for sexual purposes. The 36-year-old was being held on $50,000 bail. Source: The Associated Press

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NEWS

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WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

| A3

Students weather storm as Internet, power go out Pedro Quintana The Orion

Victor Garcia was putting newspapers in the racks during his morning shift Sunday at the Highway 32 Mini-mart when he heard what sounded like thunder. He looked out the window to see the large metal canopy that normally shelters gas pumps lying on its side, blown over by a gust of wind. The mini-mart’s canopy was only one casualty of the storm that swept through Chico over the weekend, soaking residential areas, causing power outages and tumbling trees. Northern California experienced a series of storms with wind

speeds of 45 mph that started Thursday and continued throughout the weekend, according to the National Weather Service website. Many students who regularly bike to school took the B-Line to stay dry. The buses have been really busy in the afternoon lately, senior geography major Li Ju said. Students are riding them to campus or coming back from morning classes. “It’s difficult when you don’t have a car,” he said. B-Line bus driver Tom Marks noticed many pools of water on his driving route. Some of the gutters were clogged because of fallen leaves, he said. When driving in the stormy

conditions, drivers are advised to drive at a safe speed. “The main thing is not to be in a hurry,” Marks said. Deanna Jarquin, a sophomore health science major, dealt with the effects of a power outage. Her power went out at 2 a.m. Sunday, she said. “My main concern was making sure our food didn’t go bad in the refrigerator.” Junior biology major Francisco Preciado had to finish his homework in Meriam Library on Monday because the outages left him without Internet at home. “I didn’t even know it was going to be a strong storm,” he said.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Liam Turner

Brown bagging it Sandbags sit against a wall at the southwest entrance of the university near Meriam Library on Friday. Sandbags are used to prevent and reduce flood water damage.

Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

the orion •PHOTOgRAPHS BY Liam Turner and Brett Edwards

Drenched The rainstorm over the weekend soaked several places in Chico, left. Water seeps under the entrance to Middle Bidwell Park, top right. Standing water skirts the legs of a bench at Five Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park, bottom right. A Chevrolet truck drives through a puddle near the Waterford neighborhood off of West Sacramento Avenue, right. The road was flooded for half a day.

Experts urge flu inoculation, season starts nationwide Allison Weeks Staff Writer

Flu season is coming earlier than it has in a decade. Instances of seasonal influenza have spiked in the last two weeks, which could indicate an early flu season has begun, according to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Butte County has not had a flu epidemic this year, said Mark Lundberg, a medical doctor with Butte County Public Health. Clinics that provide inoculation are central to keeping the virus from spreading. “The best prevention is immunization,” Lundberg said.

County health officials are monitoring signs of flu outbreaks in Butte County, he said. Free flu clinics are being planned to respond to the demand and need for vaccines. Enloe Medical Center held two free flu clinics in September and October, but the hospital does not plan to hold any more, said

CUTS: Low-income students could face reductions to grants continued from A1

Work-Study and the Educational Opportunity Program. The funding for CSU work-study programs would be cut by more than $2 million, which would eliminate awards for about 3,000 students, CSU spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp said. The U.S. Department of Education will receive a $4 billion cut if Congress does not avoid the delayed cuts, according to a memorandum from the CSU’s office of federal relations. During the 2010-2011 school year, 6,176 undergraduate students received grants or scholarships, and 6,269 undergraduate students received federally funded loans, according to the National Center for Education Statistics website. Sixty-three percent of freshmen at Chico State received financial aid awards, which includes work-study. “I am able to come to school because I receive financial aid,” said Chelsea Lopez, a freshman psychology major. If grants are cut, Lopez will have to work more to afford the cost of living in Chico, she said. “I don’t have parents who can help pay for college, so I am on my own with financial aid,”

Lopez said. Other federally funded programs facing substantial cuts include Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, which provide grants to low-income students, and TRIO, which provides grants for firstgeneration college students, students with disabilities and low-income students, Uhlenkamp said. The Pell Grant program, which also provides money for low-income students, would be spared, Nevin said. “This is great news for the CSU because we educate more Pell Grant recipients than any other university in the country,” he said. About 165,000 CSU students receive Pell Grants, Nevin said. The CSSA also hopes the government will avoid the “fiscal cliff” prior to the Jan. 1 deadline to change the necessary laws, he said. “By investing in college access for needy students, we are making a smart investment that will not only pay off for those individuals but for the national economy,” he said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Christina Chavira, communications specialist for the medical center. The number of people coming to flu clinics has dropped in the last couple of years because people can go to places like local pharmacies to get the flu shot. Approximately 2,300 people were vaccinated at Enloe Medical Center’s earlier flu clinics held at

Calvary Chapel church and Manzanita Place, Chavira said. The medical center still offers free flu shots to cancer patients and their caregivers because they are at higher risk of getting the flu, she said. Allison Weeks can be reached at aweeks@theorion.com

$1.2 INJURY: Custodian million says university The cost of repairing the Butte Hall elevators. The job is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The number of times a Butte Hall elevator has dropped. SOURCE • Lori Hoffman Vice President of Business and Finance.

should do more continued from A1

custodian with light duty to support his family. “Some days are hard,” he said. He uses his vacation time for his back and neck pain from the injury. “I want my job,” he said. “I just need someone to fix me.” The university needs to do more about the elevators because the issue affects student safety, Thomas said. He is concerned that administrators won’t take action until a student is injured. Riding the Butte Hall elevators to his working location on the seventh floor, Thomas holds on tight to the rail and closes his eyes as the machine starts to rise. He still has panic attacks. “I’m afraid of these elevators,” he said. Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

A4 |

POLICE BLOTTER Information cited directly from Chico Police Department or University Police Department. University Police Tuesday, 10:10 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported at Meriam Library, second floor. “White male with green jacket with objects tied to it. Transient appearance. Walking around second floor copy center with lighter. Possibly lighting unknown objects. Occurred in past 10 minutes.” Wednesday, 7:14 a.m.: Animal reported on fourth floor of Tehama Hall. “Reporting party says the bat that was in elevator is now on the floor. Custodial en route.” Thursday, 11:17 a.m.: Suspicious subject reported in Butte Station. “White male with military-type jacket, transient-type, wrapped in rags, mutters to himself. Knife and possession of billy club. Issued campus seven-day stay off order.” Friday, 7:02 a.m.: Hazardous material fire reported in Wildcat Recreation Center. “Acid leak. Reporting party advised leak is contained by safety cement wall, caused broken valve. No need for Chico Fire Hazmat.” Friday, 3:23 p.m.: Verbal disturbance reported at Yolo Hall, southside. “Group of 20 to 30 playing mud football. Being verbal with reporting party when he asked them to move along.” Saturday, 1:34 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported at Hazel Street lot. “Custodian can hear male subject yelling, ‘Cut her, let her bleed.’ Nothing seen.” Saturday, 11:40 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported at Shasta Hall. “Subject banging on front doors, yelling. White male, bald, white shirt.” Saturday, 8:32 p.m.: Refusal to leave reported at Acker Gym. “Staff request one Humboldt State student be removed, threw object at head coach.” Sunday, 12:39 p.m.: Alarm at University Village. “Middle parking lot, car alarm continues to sound every two minutes. No permit. System appears to have re-set itself. All quiet.”

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WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

Chico Police Thursday, 11:17 a.m.: Suspicious subject reported on 2100 block of East Eighth Street. “Reporting party driving along the park and believes she is being followed by male subject who passed by her a few times before driver began following. Reporting party en route to the police department on Humboldt. Suspect now turning away from police department on Humboldt.” Thursday, 12:55 p.m.: Drunk in public reported on 2100 block of the Esplanade. “Transient female is very drunk and in front of reporting party’s business. Cash for Gold next to Anthony’s Liquor. Female is refusing to leave the area. Reported party now in a verbal fight with female. Female now back outside business. Reported party calling back, reporting subject trying to push her way inside, worried because they have cash and gold in the business.” Friday, 8:26 a.m.: Verbal dispute on 3000 block of Snowbird Drive. “Heated verbal. Reporting party is male reporting his roommate is destroying property. Says he is high on marijuana. No weapons that reporting party knows of, although female has threatened to shoot reporting party on separate occasion.” Friday, 6:42 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported on 1900 block of Mangrove Avenue. “Male parked where employees park in the back of the parking lot all day. When employee went to her vehicle, she saw the male masturbating in the passenger seat with a headlight on. Store closes at 2 a.m. Reporting party doesn’t want contact, just to have him moved along.” Friday, 10:10 p.m.: Vandalism reported on 1400 block of Springfield Drive. “Reporting party and friend were sitting in the living room when a subject threw an item at the front window and broke the window. Reporting party went outside and saw an orange and a pumpkin laying on the ground.” Compiled by Laura Hass and Marisela Pulido

APPLICANTS: Drawn to Chico for ‘good deeds’ continued from A2

by realizing a 17 percent increase compared to 17.2 percent for the CSU,” Bee said. The demand for higher education means more competition to get accepted to the school of an applicant’s choice, which is dependent on the quality of education and what the school has to offer. “The demand for a CSU education in general, and at Chico State in particular, is at unprecedented levels,” Bee said. Current applicants should be sure to read messages sent to them by the university, meet published deadlines and do well in their remaining classes, Bee said. Meeting deadlines as early as possible helps Chico State process applications more quickly. Many factors come into play when a student applies to the university, Chico State President Paul Zingg said.

“It is the good deeds of our students,” he said. These include work done through CAVE, Up ’til Dawn, Town Hall meetings, Model UN, construction management, the College of Agriculture’s food marketing team, sustainability efforts and employability of Chico State graduates with competitive salaries, Zingg said. “Our admissions folks have been trying very hard to get this news out and communicating that this is a place where students succeed and graduate,” he said. The rise in the number of applicants communicates that Chico State is attractive to potential students and therefore more competitive, Zingg said. “A good message to prospective students, their parents, high school counselors and others.” Marisela Pulido can be reached at mpulido@theorion.com

RESCUE: Student coming to grips with fact that he can’t play sports, rugby anymore continued from A1

The WREC frequently has medical emergenpulled the AED off the wall cies, but this situation was the until Bassetto began breathfirst in which the code “Wilding normally again. cat” was used, said Kimberly First “My first question was, Scott, the recreational sports Freshman exercise physiology ‘Why am I at the WREC?’” director. student Mike Bassetto fell unconscious while lifting Bassetto said. The code calls all WREC weights. WREC An ambulance arrived at staff members to respond to an employees flooded the area. the WREC 10 minutes after emergency situation and has he fell to the ground and took them bring the AED. him to Enloe Medical Center. “If he didn’t have an AED, he Next Bassetto has since watched wouldn’t be here today,” Scott WREC employees performed footage of the life-saving said. CPR and used an automatic incident. The doctors recommended external defibrillator to stabilize Bassetto. “It looked unreal,” he said. that Bassetto get a pacemaker The team that saved his life put in to avoid the situation has reflected on the incident. happening again. “I’m so thankful for the “I can’t really grasp that I Last people who were there with can’t play rugby anymore,” he Bassetto was taken to Enloe Medical me,” Laya said. “It went the said. “I can still snowboard, Center in an ambulance. best as it could have possibly and I still got my life.” He has since been released gone.” Bassetto was the first perfrom the hospital. The team’s communication son to have his life saved at the caused the rescue to work WREC with an AED, Scott said. well, Kennan said. Bassetto has previously had a hereditary Katrina Cameron can be reached at irregular heart beat, and his heart occasion- kcameron@theorion.com ally skips.

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WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

| A5

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 2012

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

An open letter to incoming CSU boss Timothy P. White Editor’s Note: Friday marks the last day of Charles Reed’s 15-year tenure as chancellor of the California State University system. Timothy P. White will take over Dec. 30 as the leader of the CSU’s 23 campuses. Dear Mr. White, First off, belated congratulations on your appointment as CSU chancellor. The economic problems facing this system are daunting to say the least, but it is refreshing to have already seen a spark of hope in your request for a pay cut — a sign that tells us, as students, that we won’t be the only ones taking on the burden of the budget. At Chico State, our motto, which can be read on flags throughout campus, is “today decides tomorrow.” Those words are a reminder as we walk from class to class that the work we put in each day has a purpose, and that if we make the right decisions now, we will be rewarded later. Those words might have an even greater meaning for someone like you, whose daily work decides the future of students across the state, students who represent the future of the entire nation. It is our hope that your vision of purpose stays clear despite the day-to-day stresses and battles that will undoubtedly do their best to obscure it. And as a former California State University student yourself, we hope the purpose stays true to that originally intended by the CSU — • • •

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“To advance and extend knowledge, learning and culture, especially throughout California. To provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally and professionally. To prepare significant numbers of educated, responsible people to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture and future. To encourage and provide access to an excellent education to all who are prepared for and wish to participate in collegiate study. To offer undergraduate and graduate instruction leading to bachelor’s and higher degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, the applied fields, and the professions, including the doctoral degree when authorized. To prepare students for an international, multi-cultural society. To provide public services that enrich the university and its communities.”

And above all, we hope that under your leadership students will always be put first. Because we’ve done our part. We’re here, ready to learn, and even willing to pay a fair price for the opportunity to earn a higher education. If given the chance today, we will give California a brighter tomorrow. Sincerely, The Orion editorial board

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

Come forward to shed light on dark truths Ian Scerri-Martin Opinion Columnist

No one likes a tattletale. There was always that one kid in elementary school who would run and tell the teachers every time we started playing tackle football. He spoiled the fun for everyone. While ratting out elementary school peers may have seemed like an easy thing to do, it takes a lot more courage and strength to tell the truth about someone’s more serious wrongdoings as an adult. Whistleblowers play an integral role in upholding truth and justice around the world, and they could do so on our campus too. Whistleblowers who have come forward about hidden truths rarely do so for personal gain. When one makes the decision to “blow the whistle,” they often face reprisal from the group they have accused, are subject to losing their jobs and friends and in some instances may receive death threats. A recent tragedy left the opportunity for witnesses to make the difficult decision to

come forward and share the truth, but as of now, it seems that no one has. The alcohol-related death of senior graphic design major Mason Sumnicht was terrible, and although nothing can bring him back, there is still certain information that could tell what really happened. It must be tough for those involved to speak up about their part in the night Sumnicht was taken to the hospital, but it could offer answers to his family. Going public with the information could help prevent other alcohol-related deaths. Take a moment to imagine the pain his parents must feel after losing their child. And to add insult to injury, they may not even know exactly how his life came to an end. It would be devastating to be a part of such a terrible event, but the honorable thing to do is swallow your pride for the greater good. Provide the information that will aid in preventing occurrences like Sumnicht’s death from from happening again. It may feel like the end of the world to admit bad decisions cost a friend’s life, but it would mean much more to

the parents to at least have some closure. Withholding information like that can haunt you forever. It is often a lack of whistleblowing that can lead to the most severe injustice. Another example is the Pennsylvania State University child sex abuse scandal that unfolded. Former football coach Mike McQueary testified to witnessing former coach Jerry Sandusky rape a 10-year-old boy in the team’s showers in 2001. McQueary said that the day after he saw this, he told his boss, famed football coach Joe Paterno, who proceeded to inform the university’s athletic director and senior vice president for business and finance. Somehow, not one of those men came forward to inform law enforcement officials, and Sandusky continued to sexually assault and rape young boys. In that instance, a whistleblower could have directly prevented boys from being raped. But none of those men had the courage to turn their backs on the lofty football program and protect the wellbeing of young children.

Even though the right choice was obvious, coming forward in a situation like that would be incredibly difficult. No one wants to burn down the house they have been living in for many years. Whistleblowers exemplify the true courage and selflessness of those who put others ahead of themselves and do the right thing. Even if you disagree with a particular instance in which someone blows the whistle, think about their motives before jeering them for coming forward. No one ever said doing the right thing is easy, and in many situations it can seem unbearable. However, nothing helps us move forward more than making a personal sacrifice to contribute to a better tomorrow. Next time you are faced with a grave decision, think twice before taking the easy way out. The sacrifice you make, however small or large, could be the difference that changes someone’s life forever. Ian Scerri-Martin can be reached at iscerri-martin@theorion.com

Car-flooded freeways set countless middle fingers afloat gentleman picking at his teeth starts tailgating my caboose in his green Honda. Holiday traffic is bad enough with rain Carly Caumiant and fog hovering above. I don’t need Opinion Columnist Grandpa Honda pestering me. I’m driving 70 mph in a 65 mph zone. As he speeds past me, honking and Bright lights are flashing in my rearview scowling in my direction, I catch a glimpse mirror, an obnoxious honking is ring- of a Jesus fish attached to his trunk. I say ing in my ears and a little prayer an oversized white in my head, truck is about to nip concerned now Irrational bouts of anger, scowling the trunk of my modfor my personal and unnecessarily built-up est Mazda 3 sedan. safety. Irrational bouts of We are all negativity rest in the chest of my anger, scowling and in this mess antagonizer as he flips his middle unnecessarily builttogether, and finger and swerves past me. up negativity rest none of us in the chest of my are any more antagonizer as he important than flips his middle finger and swerves past the other. me. None of us are going to get special He’s in a hurry and probably feels the treatment on the road to get where we’re world should make way or drive at his headed sooner. chosen pace, all the while angry at those I timidly merge back to the far right slow drivers actually driving near the lane, with the tractor-trailers and rusted speed limit. The nerve. vehicles chugging along like motorI am forced into the slow lane as I drive boats. To my left are two lanes jammed between 65 and 70 mph. with cars, and I’m trapped between that At times I venture to the middle lane rusted motorboat and tractor-trailer. or dare to move into the fast lane furThe giant truck is getting closer in my ther to the left. I quickly remember why rearview mirror, looking more and more I stay so far to the right when the elderly like the face of Darth Vader. Its lights

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY chelsea ross

stare beam-like eyes into my little sedan. In a panic, I flick on my left turn signal in hopes of merging far from Darth Vader’s roaring motor. The cars beside me grow more numerous as Darth Vader shines his high beams and lays on his horn. What does the truck driver expect me to do in this situation? I can’t speed up because the rusted motorboat is sluggish in front of me, and the traffic to my left is way too congested for me to merge. What

good is his road rage in this scenario? I want to stop my car. I want to get out, knock on his window and politely say, “Sir, what are your intentions here? What is it you would like for me to do? Last I checked, I’m not Moses and I can’t split this Red Sea for you. If you could kindly sit back and turn off your high beams, it would be greatly appreciated.”

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

Art Director Lindsay Smith Online Editor Lauren Beaven

Carly Caumiant can be reached at ccaumiant@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

OPINION

opinions all week @ theorion.com

WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

Women’s magazines aim to please men

THUMBS Thumbs up to the 20th anniversary of text messaging. It’s nice not having to hear everyone’s annoying voices every time we communicate.

Dani Anguiano Opinion Columnist

According to Cosmopolitan, I think about naked men. A lot. Writers at the self-described “Lifestylist for millions of fun, fearless females” are also concerned I may be too picky when it comes to men. Various Cosmopolitan advice pieces and Yahoo headlines say I am only interested in finding chocolate I won’t feel guilty eating, getting a haircut men will love and men in general. Every decision women make from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep is dependent on men, from what we eat to how we do our makeup. Women’s magazines publish articles that claim to be for women, but they’re really poorly disguised articles for men. The articles aren’t actually offering advice but instead reflect how Cosmopolitan editors feel I should live my life. While Cosmopolitan publishes relevant informative articles about breast cancer and various other health issues affecting women, these pieces are few and far between compared to the ones focusing on how to please men. Beyond the unoriginality of the manpleasing tips, they are published nonstop on the cover of every monthly issue. Not only are the articles male-focused, they are also extremely heteronormative and completely ignore same-sex relationships. Many women’s magazines are written as if it is the 1950s and most women are housewives. Times have changed, and the magazines should too. On the contrary, it is difficult to find articles written for men that are really for women. With the exception of the occasional “10 romantic things women love” around Valentine’s Day, these stories are rare and mostly focus on buying women flowers. Without the double standard, I would imagine men would read things like “Armpit hair: How she really feels about it” or “Five cakes you should be making for your partner right now.” One of the greatest problems with women’s articles is that there are just too many

Thumbs down to end-ofthe-semester projects and exams. We really weren’t looking forward to those.

Thumbs up to Voyager 1 finding a previously unknown area of the solar system. We feel smaller and smaller every day.

Thumbs down to flooded shoes. Our toes can’t swim.

TALKING POINTS

the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

of them. Any use they may have served is negated because the same material is just recycled. These periodicals make it clear that publishers care more about making money than writing something useful and worth publishing. Informative articles have become irrelevant and most women don’t need them, which make the groups that write them irrelevant. The quality of the articles goes down while the quantity keeps going up. If companies are going to continue to publish magazines like Cosmopolitan,

WEEKLY TOP FIVE

they should come with a warning, “For women, but not really.” While the magazines claim to be for confident and fun women, they imply the most important responsibility for women is men, which isn’t congruent with what confident women are. While some husbands and boyfriends might appreciate so much consideration from the magazines, women have had enough. Dani Anguiano can be reached at danguiano@theorion.com

Slang gives hella spice to Northern California flavor

Awkward dinner conversation topics

Kevin Crittenden Opinion Columnist the orion • ILLUSTRATION BY chelsea ross

Tara Miller Opinion Columnist

“How’s your sex-change going, darling?” No matter what situation you’re in or who you’re having dinner with, an awkward conversation is bound to happen sometime. You may not have been through one of these just yet, but you will at some point in your life. I guarantee it. Sex life First of all, who talks about their sex life at the dinner table? No one wants to hear about it, unless they’re some creeper who lives to hear about others’ carnal experiences. If someone asks what your favorite position is or how long sex lasts for you and your partner, change the subject or act like you didn’t hear anything. And don’t be the person who asks. You’ll spare everyone their appetite. A former love “So, how’s your boyfriend/ girlfriend?” “Well, we actually broke up three months ago.” There’s always tension when a family member brings up an ex, and it’s bound to happen. Just deal with the awkwardness and quickly change the subject. Of course, be sure to inform the person about the breakup before abandoning the topic. Marriage It’s been a few years and your significant other hasn’t popped the question, but it’s obvious you’re serious about each other. So at dinner, you jokingly ask when you’ll be getting married. Well, there goes the rest of the dinner conversation, because it just got really awkward. It’s

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

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even possible they were planning to ask you that night. There’s also the possibility the relationship was going to end, and you just made it a little worse. Be careful what you decide to joke about at the dinner table. Kids You just got married and are having dinner with the family. You’re dreading the question. You proactively avoid the subject, but you know it’s coming. “When do you plan to bring some grandkids into the picture?” The thing is, you and your new spouse probably haven’t even discussed kids yet. Neither of you will know how to answer. And even worse, your spouse might turn the question on you by jokingly asking you when the time will come. To save yourselves the embarrassment, take your spouse aside and tell him or her you two will discuss the matter later. Using the wrong name You meet someone new at a dinner party but hear the wrong name or forget their real one, so you call him or her by the wrong name for the rest of the night. Every time you call this person’s name you get some awful looks, but at this point you’re so committed to the false name it would be too weird to ask. Still, as much as you try to avoid it, the cold-sweat-inducing correction will come. To save yourself the painful glares, just ask the person to repeat his or her name. You’ll be glad you did. Tara Miller can be reached at tmiller@therorion.com

• 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

Slang breathes a sense of identity into the fabric of conformity-prone culture. Once a particularly expressive word has taken root, it’s nearly impossible to disrupt its growth. One particular slang term is the subject of much scorn. Hella may one day die out just like countless other verbal fads have. In the meantime, haters of this distinct word can stuff their objections into the cookie cutter hand-medowns their parents used for them. It does not take a linguistics dissertation to comprehend how hella came into being. The word sounds like “hell of,” and it finds its way into popular use because it fits almost anywhere. For example, “I ate hella tacos. The lady made them hella quickly. Now I am hella full.” But that is not the only reason to appreciate it. Hella marks a specific time and place in the story of our lives as Northern Californians. Even so, I have heard fellow Californians worriedly admit, “I almost said it the other day, but I caught myself.” The stigma stems from cultural provincialism. The logic goes: Those people say things differently, therefore I must avoid their sayings or become like them. Language carries identity. By repurposing language to fit new meanings, we shed some of the crusty layers of appropriate rulebook diction that reign over personal expression. Saying, “Wow! That party was super duper fun,”

somehow doesn’t have the same impact as, “Damn! That party was hella fun.” So then, what is so objectionable about this word haters tip-toe around? They condemn those who use it like language Gestapo. Perhaps the reason is partly that the root word is hell. I visualize an Amish family in an urban setting. The mother says to her child, “Honey, get your earmuffs. It’s those h-word people.” This gives the word some extra appeal by roughing the delicate sensibilities of the soft-spoken among us who are disturbed by hearing it. In a recent episode of slang intolerance, an eavesdropper jumped into my conversation saying, “Did you just say hella?” It was hella rude. Those who cry foul should consider the following: As I write hella in a Google Doc, the spellcheck only counts it as an error when it’s placed before an adverb. See? Even the almighty Google is catching on. That has to count as a victory for hella users worldwide. That’s right, it’s hella international. In 2009, hella was included in the BBC’s list of 20 words that sum up the decade from 2000-2009. The entry reads, “An intensive in Youthspeak, generally substituting for the word ‘very,’ as in ‘hella’ expensive.” People almost inevitably adapt to the language of those with whom they spend most of their time. In this light, the use of slang could indicate a healthy broadening of horizons. New friends from different places all contribute to the vocabulary of a social group and evidence the flow of creative ingenuity — and it’s beautiful, goddammit. Kevin Crittenden can be reached at kcrittenden@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.

Courtesy Photo • beige Alert via flickr

The “fiscal cliff” threatens to cost the California State University system $34 million in cuts. With that, the financial improvements achieved with the passing of Proposition 30 in last month’s election face a huge backpedal. Every semester students face a bigger challenge to finance an education that is increasingly devalued in the job market. Good luck to us all. We’re going to need it. Story A1

courtesy photo • The jewish agency for israel via flickr

Israel has approved a West Bank settlement project known as E-1, which clears the way for preliminary statutory planning of the construction of 3,000 housing units in a contested area in East Jerusalem. With the move, Israel reflects strong hostility after an overwhelmingly one-sided vote to promote Palestine to a nonmember observer state in the United Nations. Apparently the Israeli government doesn’t think much of the UN’s position and peace talks in an arms struggle that has been very damaging. At this point, any surge in violence will surely leave fingers pointed in Israel’s direction.

STUDY BREAK

Courtesy Photo • GBPublic _pr via flickr

Movie Review: “Life of Pi” “Life of Pi,” based on the Yann Martel novel of the same name, centers around a young Indian boy named Piscine “Pi” Patel and his unexpected adventure as he survives a shipwreck and is left on a life boat with a Bengal tiger. The way the movie is shot is a thing of beauty. Director Ang Lee uses cinematography never seen before, and the story is told through the use of gorgeous colors and reflections from sea to sky to truly get a sense of isolation. As viewers watch the battle between Patel and the tiger, Richard Parker, along with a few other boat guests, they get to see a battle of will and courage testing every level of the human condition. This is not a movie to be missed. Strong in story and production, this film is taking cinematography in a new direction, one future films will be sure to follow.

• 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.

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 2012 WedneSday, Dec.

in Case You MIssed it

Women’s basketball team remains undefeated; men’s team splits weekend games Blake Mehigan

in the 64-49 win.

Sports Editor

Men’s basketball The men’s team played in a wireto-wire game against a tough Cal Poly Pomona team that was 4-0 entering the weekend. Senior James Staniland torched the Broncos coming off the bench. The forward went nine for 11, including six for seven from downtown, scoring 18 of his 24 points from the 3-point line. Staniland’s strong performance wasn’t enough though, and the team fell with a close score of 67-64. The Broncos attempted 16 shots from the foul line to Chico State’s four, and the ’Cats also turned the Women’s basketball ball over 17 times, compared to Cal Junior guard Jazmine Miller had Poly Pomona’s eight. Sophomore a big outing against the Broncos at Jordan Semple had a well-rounded Acker Gym, scoring a season-high game, chipping in seven points, five 20 points on 5-11 shooting. Three rebounds, four assists, two steals of Miller’s five buckets came from and one block. Junior Amir Carrbehind the arc, and she converted away was the only other Wildcat to seven of eight free throw attempts score in double figures, dropping in on the night. 11 points for the night. Junior guard Courtney HamilChico State came back strong ton struggled with shooting, going against Humboldt State, disman1-7, but grabbed nine rebounds and tling the Lumberjacks by a 15-point dished out four assists to go along margin. Senior seven-footer Jason with three steals. Conrad played big Junior forfor the Wildcats, MORE ON basketball ward McKenzie putting up 11 points Women’s basketball — holding Dalthorp and and grabbing nine opponents to 6.5 assists per sophomore guard rebounds plus two contest, nine fewer than the Hannah Womack steals and a block. ’Cats’ season average of 15.8. joined Miller in Senior guard scoring double figDamario Sims led Men’s basketball — makures, contributing all scorers with 18 ing 8.2 3-pointers per game, 12 and 10 points, points, and he had nearly double their opporespectively. two steals. nents’ average of 4.2. The team The ’Cats conSOURCE • chicowildcats.com earned the win trolled the glass, with a score of out-rebounding 68-57. Humboldt State 39-26 and going for Despite 20 points and 11 rebounds a 63-48 win. from Humboldt State senior guard Lisa Petty on Saturday, Chico State’s Major League Soccer all-around performance bested the Chico State alumnus Chris WonLumberjacks. Nine of the 10 play- dolowski was named MVP in Major ers who logged playing time scored League Soccer on Thursday for his at least four points, with Miller and performance this past season. The Dalthorp each scoring 12 points to former Wildcat led the league in lead the Wildcats. goals scored with 27, which tied for Senior Monni Davidson-Mays the most goals scored by an indisnagged 10 rebounds, stole the ball vidual in an MLS season. five times against Humboldt State and scored nine points. Womack Blake Mehigan can be reached at and Hamilton had six assists apiece sportseditor@theorion.com The Chico State women’s basketball team continued its winning streak by beating Cal Poly Pomona, 68-57, and Humboldt State, 64-49, on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The Wildcats are off to a 4-0 start this season, and are 3-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The men’s basketball team split its weekend series, falling to undefeated Cal Poly Pomona Friday, 67-64 and bouncing back Saturday to top Humboldt State, 63-48, and improve to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in CCAA play.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Liam Turner

Finishing Strong Junior forward McKenzie Dalthorp takes the ball up against sophomore guard Jade Khuri of Cal Poly Pomona on Friday. Dalthorp scored 12 points in the 68-57 victory, the Wildcats’ fourth straight win.

SERVICE DIRECTORY CALENDAR

CAMPUS

TODAY

T h u r sday

F r i day

Men’s basketball game

Women’s basketball game

Cheer on the men’s basketball team as it takes on Cal State Stanislaus in a home game.

The women’s team plays Western Washington in its first game of the Coslet Clasic tournament.

Su n day

T u e sday

7 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Acker Gym Free with student ID

7:30 p.m. @Acker Gym Free with student ID

Sat u r day

Wreath-making workshop 1p.m. - 3p.m. $20.00

Join the Friends of the Herbarium in a class on making wreaths for your house or dorm.

Stress Less Week

12 - 3 p.m. @ Wildcat Recreation Center Free

Glorious Sounds of the Season

Learn to manage stress with the Health Education Action Team through tea, stress balls, acupuncture, chiropractors, friendship bracelets and pets.

2p.m. - 4p.m. $20.00

A Chico tradition, the concert features holiday music and is a scholarship fundraiser.

COMMUNITY t h u r sday

Follow @theorion_sports for live coverage of the games

f r i day

Microsoft workshop

2 p.m. - 3:30p.m. @ Glenn Hall room 102 Available for Project Management students Hands-on training and time to practice Microsoft Project skills.

TODAY:

sat u r day

mon day

Turner Print Museum - Issues: Social, Political, Gender

10 a.m.-4 p.m. @ Janet Turner Print Gallery, Meriam Library room 190 Free Explore issues ranging from political satire to American social realism.

Comedy Pet Theatre

Laxson Auditorium 7:30p.m. $19 See rescue pets perform circus acts on stage.

Su n day

“A Christmas Carol”

Community Tree Lighting

Chico La Fin du Monde

Indian Experience

Charles Dickens’ holiday classic is performed as a family-friendly musical.

Chico’s 55-foot tall Blue Atlas Cedar’s 8,000 lights will be lit after a countdown and a musical performance.

Come out to see a rock band from Chico perform their final show at the El Rey.

Three Chicoans talk about their trip to nothern India. Indian food will be provided and proceeds go to two local charities.

7:30 p.m. @ Chico Theater Company $20

5:50 p.m. @ Chico Plaza Free

8 p.m. @ The El Rey $10

6 p.m. @ First Congregational Church $20

Mon day

Guitar Shorty

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. @ Sierra Nevada, Big Blue Room $20 Blues guitarist and vocalist Guitar Shorty, has been performing blues music for more than 50 years.

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WEDNESDAY, WedneSday, DEC. 5, 2012

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Sex column B6 FOOD COLUMN B7 Savvy Savings B7

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 2012

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

yellow brick road Emily Brook, an international relations major, plays Dorothy Thursday morning in her Management 444 class’ production of “Wizard of Oz.” While most musicals take months to develop, Professor Sean Morgan’s class used efficiency and team work to complete the process in two weeks.

tricky trip the

two-week

through

Management students work night and day to script, fund and stage a play. Oh my!

the orion •PHOTOgRAPHs BY Tercius bufete

The Cowardly Lion, played by 22-yearold business administration major Max Staff Writer Nelson, shared Sivertsen’s fears. Waled Alotaibi spent Thursday after“We didn’t know if it was going to be noon having his belly rubbed, barking at good,” Nelson said. a witch and wearing a sweaty dog suit for Finding time to get all 42 people to a Chico audience. attend rehearsals was difficult, he said. The 23-year-old marketing student But Alotaibi was confident. played Toto in an all-student production “When you hear in the background of “The Wizard of Oz.” small giggling and people enjoyEvery semester, professor Sean ing it, it just puts your faith and Morgan assigns his “Managing your courage up more,” he said. Project Teams” class a Herculean “You can prove yourself.” task. This time around, he asked However, Alotaibi admits he students to finance and script a hasn’t disclosed his canine role to production, create props for it, his mother just yet. He’s opted to find a venue and stage the entire reveal his performance at a later play – in two weeks. date with pictures, hoping there The challenge is to create a Waled AlotaiBi won’t be too much judgment. real environment where students acted the part of Friends, family and free food Toto the dog in the could relate and rely on people, “Wizard of Oz.” enthusiasts braved the rain and said Morgan, who is affectionfilled the Chico Women’s Club ately referred to by his students Thursday to see the production. as “Captain.” He made two things clear: The two other sections of “Managing ProjAll 42 students had to have a part, and if ect Teams” had performed “Grease” and one team failed to deliver, the entire class “The Horror Hotel,” an original play, earwould fail. lier in the day. “It’s just so much to do in two weeks,” In the sea of black, aluminum chairs, the said Mark Sivertsen, a business informa- “Captain” sat on a beige leather recliner. tion systems major who played the Tin “I try to make it very, very hard for them Man. “Theater majors do this over months to succeed,” Morgan said. “One thing I and months and months.” have found in eight years at Chico State – Sivertsen was not only responsible the higher we raise the bar, the better the for learning his lines, choosing onstage students do.” movements and lyrics, but also assemThe play had its fair share of first-perbling his time-consuming cardboard and formance snags. The audience, however, aluminum foil costume. laughed and clapped and cheered the Tercius Bufete

If i only had a heart The Tin Man, played by Mark Sivertsen, a business information systems major, sings on stage at the Chico Women’s Club with fellow students Chris Purkis, who played the Scarecrow, and Emily Brook, the international relations major who played Dorothy. rag-tag group of business administration majors. Notable moments included the superb cackling of the Wicked Witch of the West, the Cowardly Lion’s pitch-perfect, effortless cowering and an image of the Wizard of Oz with Morgan’s face superimposed and projected on a screen. “It’s amazing how people can come together and put something together in a matter of weeks when you don’t think it will actually happen,” Sivertsen said. Morgan wasted little time in announcing that the 42 students will receive an A for quality. Though he wouldn’t admit

which of the three sections would nab the top spot, he said one clearly stood out. For the still-recovering actors of “The Wizard of Oz,” there was little doubt it was them. Alotaibi’s time onstage was one of many firsts in what he describes as a crazy time in his life, he said. In a few weeks, the class, his college career and his stay in the United States will end. He will be back in Kuwait at the end of the year with his mother, siblings and a home-cooked meal. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT

Alumna advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness

Chico State student Kate very fortunate to become a part Cahill’s struggle with the life- of the Positively Speaking prothreatening disease HIV forced gram. It is a very healing process her to put her education on hold for me to come and speak and in 2008. give speeches about my experiCahill had graduated from ence. If I have the opportunity to Chico State in 2004 with a bach- change one person’s life around to elor’s degree in social work but keep them from getting infected, returned to continue her educa- then maybe my journey has been tion and work toward a master’s worth it. degree. Seventeen years ago, Cahill The Orion: How did you find was infected by her partner who out you were infected? lied to her about being tested for Cahill: As part of my protoHIV, she said. col when I get Cahill returned a new partner I to the univerask them and I “I am a woman who sity last week for go and get tested. has been living with World AIDS Day In 1999, I had a HIV/AIDS for 17 years as a representanew partner and tive of Positively we went and got now. ” Speaking, a protested, and his gram designed came back negaKate cahill to help people tive. I expected Chico State alumna infected and mine to come affected by HIV back negative, and AIDS. but it came back positive. Saturday’s events included free HIV testing and a candleThe Orion: Did you ever conlight vigil for the lives lost to front your partner who lied to you AIDS. in 1995? Cahill has spoken on campus Cahill: It’s not a blame game. many times to educate students. I had unprotected sex most of my When it comes to AIDS, life. Condoms were never a big “knowledge is power,” she said. part of my agenda. I wasn’t concerned about blaming somebody The Orion: How did you get — I was more concerned about interested in teaching people finding out who had infected me about HIV and AIDS? so we could stop the infection Cahill: In 1999 I found out that from continuing. I was infected with HIV, and I was

mosquitoes, it came from monkeys, you can get it from kissing somebody, it is only a gay disease. You can’t get it from hugging, kissing, sharing a fork — those are stigmas and misinformation that people get.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Kevin Lee

Speaking up Kate Cahill, a Chico State alumna, shared her personal experience with AIDS and talked about protection and awareness with a Chico State class of students Thursday, three days before World AIDS Day. The Orion: What advice do you have for college students to stay safe against HIV? Cahill: My best advice to everyone, college students and everyone, is to get tested. Knowledge is power. If you are going to have sex, use condoms. If you are going to use needles, don’t share. The Orion: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? Cahill: HIV is the virus that infects your body. AIDS is the condition that you die from. When HIV eats away at your immune system and your T-cell number drops below a certain status, you are given the status of AIDS.

The Orion: Are there ways to stay safe from HIV when sleeping with someone who has the disease? Cahill: Absolutely. Using condoms, and if you have any open sores or wounds on your body, you don’t want to get that infected. That is a transmission area, any kind of open sore. HIV is transmitted through six fluids — blood, semen, pre-cum, breast milk, vaginal fluids and anal fluids. The Orion: What are the most common myths you’ve heard about HIV and AIDS? Cahill: That it is spread by

The Orion: If AIDS can be spread through needles, why is it nontransmittable through mosquitoes? Cahill: The disease dies almost instantly once it is exposed to the air. If a mosquito bites me and then it goes and bites you, the virus is dead. It is a very hard disease to get. Needles are in a vacuumed container, so when you share a needle the blood goes inside of a vacuum chamber and that blood doesn’t get exposed to air. The Orion: How common is AIDS among college students in California? Cahill: I’m not sure, but when I was first infected with HIV, I was going to school at Chico State, and there was an article in The Orion that said that there is no HIV at Chico State. It was so wrong, because here I was, a Chico State student with HIV, reading this. It is everywhere. I am in the master’s program at Chico State, and there are other people at Chico State who have HIV. I can tell you that for a fact. -Compiled by Nicole Gerspacher

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Clubs aim for acceptance of religious diversity in order to understand the world, McCarthy said. Many people come to college with very little knowledge of religions, and there is a lot of catch-up work to be done. “Media shows religious conflict or violence but not the whole story,” she said. “People with very different religious identities get along very well, and we need to call

Risa Johnson Staff Writer

In an underground lodge, cold water is poured on hot rocks, creating a sauna-like atmosphere for meditators dripping in sweat amid beating drums. This is what Juan Guzman, a Chico State criminal justice and political science double major, experiences when he attends a service at the Native American Church in Durham. Guzman was raised Catholic but slowly drifted away from that faith as he developed his education, he said. His parents have tried to convince him to attend church again, which Guzman finds frustrating. “I am spiritual and not religious,” he said. Guzman is president of MEChA, a political and cultural club that focuses on the importance of higher education. “I think it’s important to be tolerant of other people’s beliefs,” he said. “Because they’re different doesn’t mean they are wrong.” Other students and faculty members also see the importance of a variety of faiths gaining acceptance on campus. Religious Diversity Association is a new club this semester, and its goal is to unite the many religious groups on campus, said Rick Niese, a senior religious studies major and founder of the club. The club has been working on a project to demonstrate the combinations and collaboration of different religious groups at Chico State. Members are creating posters featuring

MORE ON Religious Diversity The Religious Diversity Association will have a “Conversation on Diversity” focusing on religious diversity during the holiday season Wednesday 12 to 1 p.m. in the BMU. SOURCE •Chico State calendar

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Liam Turner

Preparation Seniors Kaylee Dixon, left, Michael Butcher, front, and Rick Niese, right, of the Religious Diversity Association met Thursday afternoon with adviser Kate McCarthy, center, to discuss plans for their “Conversations on Diversity” event today that explores religious holidays. students with quotes like, “I am Catholic, his religious beliefs as he learned more about and I am pro-choice.” history and world events, he said. The posters will be put up around cam“There’s nothing wrong with having no pus, and there will be a temporary mural in religion at all,” Niese said. “I still believe in the Bell Memorial Union next week, Niese the value of religion because it brings a lot said. to society.” Photos of students will be taken Dec. 13 It’s hard to tell how many different relifor the project, which demonstrates a wide gious affiliations there are at Chico State, range of religious affiliations. but the clubs and cultural groups show an “People aren’t aware of how diverse Chico, assortment, said Katherine McCarthy, a prothe city and the school is,” he said. fessor of multicultural and gender studies. Niese was raised Lutheran but changed Educating oneself on religion is important

attention to the way they collaborate for the good of their communities.” Students with no religious affiliation are common on college campuses. The Pew Research Center has found nonreligious people to be the fasted growing group in the nation, said Bruce Grelle, director of the Religion and Public Education Resource Center. It does not matter whether a person is religious or not, Grelle said. They should learn about religions in order to be better citizens and understand history, politics and the world. Risa Johnson can be reached at rjohnson@theorion.com

O-FACE: Determining virginity

Aubrey Crosby Sex Columnist

I lost my virginity at a friend’s quinceanera when I was 16. But when I talked to my friends about their own stories, I wasn’t so sure when exactly I lost it anymore. Everyone seems to have their own standards and definitions when it comes to the loss of virginity, so pinpointing the exact time can become a difficult task. Merriam-Webster defines virginity as a lack of sexual experience, and it defines a virgin as someone who has had sexual intercourse, but my friends say otherwise. Some tell me I lost it the first time my exboyfriend fingered me or the first time I received oral sex, and others tell me I lost it when I, not so willingly, had sex with someone I thought was a friend at age 12. Because it’s a completely abstract idea, I took an anonymous, unscientific survey of students to get their opinions. Of 137 respondents, 24 said they were virgins. Thirteen of those surveyed said vaginal

penetration qualifies as losing your virginity, eight said anal sex can count and three said oral was enough. Two brought up gay and lesbian couples, a point other students should take into consideration. One student said how you define losing your V-card depends on your sexual orientation. For straight couples it may be vaginal penetration, but for gay or lesbian couples there are a variety of things that can be considered losing your virginity. In order to get a better understanding of the qualifications of virginity, I interviewed sociology Professor Dan Pence, who teaches a “Sociology of Sexuality” course. Losing your virginity and having sex are two complex things that carry different meanings to everyone, Pence said. “Who is a virgin in the classical sense of having a hymen?” Pence said. “Is a lesbian who never uses a strap-on but is intimate with their partner always going to be a virgin?” It’s up to each individual to decide on their own. Being a virgin is more of a state of mind than an idea that has physical criteria attached to it, Pence said. I have to agree with him.

the orion • illustration by Liz Coffee

The idea of having physical qualifications along with the moral concept of purity is old-fashioned and outdated in the society we live in today. Your virginity and your own personal criteria are really what should matter to you. So, to the 87 students who said rape and non-consensual sex count as losing your virginity, to the three who said oral counts and to my friend who agrees with them, I’ve made up my mind and I think you’re

wrong. It is a completely subjective matter. We all get to determine, based on our own standards, whether we are virgins and when exactly we lose our virginity. When it comes down to it, I lost my virginity in a baseball dugout during a quinceanera. Aubrey Crosby can be reached at sexcolumnist@theorion.com

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FOOD COLUMN: Festive flavors Annie Paige food columnist

It’s time to tuck away the turkey and start the holiday baking. Gloomy weather may be hanging over Chico, but there is no better way to spend the time

indoors than getting into a festive spirit. With this peppermint cookie recipe, you can almost hear Santa’s sleigh bells jingling. Feel free to personalize each one with a little holiday love, whether that be red and green frosting or sprinkles. These cookies are easy to

make in large batches to feed the masses, and they’re a nice break from the traditional sugar cookie or gingerbread man. Get rid of your inner Grinch and find your festive self with this peppermint dessert recipe. Annie Paige can be reached at foodcolumnist@theorion.com

PREP 15 minutes TOTAL 40 minutes MAKES 32 bars

WHAT YOU NEED Cookies:

2 4 5 1 1/2 1/4 1/3

cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature cups granulated sugar large eggs cups all-purpose flour teaspoon salt teaspoon baking soda teaspoon vanilla cup butter mints

Frosting: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2–4 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup crushed peppermints or candy canes food coloring, if desired pinch of salt

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY annie paige

HOW TO MAKE IT PREHEAT oven to 375 F. GREASE an 11-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. LINE the pan with parchment paper and set aside for later. WISK flour, salt and baking soda together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. MIX sugar and butter together in large bowl with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. ADD eggs 1 at a time until well mixed, followed by the vanilla and flour mixture. STIR the butter mints in by hand. SPREAD batter evenly on baking pan. BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown. REMOVE from oven to cool.

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SAVVY SAVING: Dating on a dime

Peppermint holiday bars

WEDNESDAY,DEC. DEC.5,5,2012 2012 | WedneSday,

FROSTING BEAT butter until fluffy. ADD peppermint extract and salt. COMBINE confectioners’ sugar, adding a little at a time. ADD milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth. FINISH with a few drops of food coloring if you so desire. SPREAD frosting over cooled cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermints. CUT into bars.

Samantha Youngman savings columnist

It’s nearly impossible to find time or funds for fun date nights with busy school and work schedules. An idea I found on Pinterest will help with this predicament and keep you from wasting time trying to decide what to do. Write some of these cheap ideas on Popsicle sticks, and put them all into a jar. Then, pick one out and head out to do what it says. Just choosing things to put in the jar can be a date night in itself. Some ideas for your sticks: • Recreate your first date. It can be romantic, and you probably didn’t spend a lot of money on it. • Visit points of historical interest. Tours are normally cheap and sometimes free. My favorite is the Stansbury House on West Fifth Street. Tours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and cost $2 for students. • Base a date on coupons you can find for activities, meals and desserts. • Take a trip around the world at home. Cook Italian food, listen to Italian music, watch Italian movies — it’s almost like you’re really there. • Visit Baskin-Robbins’ $1 scoop night on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. or U-swirl’s happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m. Mondays. • Go stargazing at Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory in Upper Bidwell Park. This may have to wait until clearer skies, but it’s good to keep in mind. • Pack a picnic to take to Bidwell Park or eat at home if it’s raining. • Go happy hour hopping downtown. The Rawbar, Tres Hombres and Crush are just a few with good deals. • Rent a Redbox movie for $1 and pop some popcorn. • Go to the Pageant Theater on Mondays for $3 movies. • Write each other love letters. They are great reminders to look back on when a fight arises. • Take personality quizzes online and see how well you match. • Create your own quizzes to see how well your partner knows you. • Have an at-home spa date. Give your partner a full body massage and get one in return. Facial masks optional. • Turn an at-home workout into a date. Do some yoga together, and your relationship may even benefit from the results. • Create coupons for each other. They can be sexy or sweet. I once got a “you are right” pass. I could have used about 30 more of those. Whether you are in a long-term relationship or just getting to know someone, these ideas are affordable and fun. Set aside all fears of appearing to be the stereotypical cheap date. Creativity is something money can’t buy, and in college we all appreciate someone who is a little thrifty. What are your ways to save? Let us know! Samantha Youngman can be reached at multimediamanager@theorion.com

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