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THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 2016
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Winter 2016 Issue 4
WST changes graduation dates By Vanessa Pineda CONTRIBUTOR
SEE OPINION PAGE 2
BLACK ACTORS SNUBBED BY THE OSCARS
SEE NEWS PAGE 4
FBI TRACKS ANIMAL CRUELTY TRENDS GRAPHIC BY TAM DUONG JR./THE PIONEER
Walmart closes Oakland store
SEE SPORTS PAGE 12
SWIMMERS SCORE ON SENIOR DAY
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What a drag Professionals headline annual CSUEB LGBTQ event By Louis LaVenture
NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR The fourth annual Cal State East Bay Drag Show on the Hayward campus will be held at the CSUEB University Theater today from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is an annual event put on by the Diversity and Inclusion Student Center. According to Jessika Murphy, Diversity and Inclusion Student Center coordinator, the event will be headlined by seven professional drag queens and a local queer-identified band called Gaymous. The band self described themselves as, “Choreo breakdowns and tiny shiny costumes complement a queer electro-pop sound that is the child of Prince and all his lovers’ bands.” Murphy said some of the performers will include: Laundra Tyme, Honey Mahogany, Scarlett Letters, Johnny Rockitt, Grace Towers, Suppositori Spelling and Vivvy Anne ForeverMORE!. The CSUEB Diversity and Inclusion Student Center Facebook page said it will be, “A night of music, dancing, and deconstruction of gender as we explode the boundaries of expression with professional drag artists.” The event is free and for more information about it or if you intend to attend visit the Cal State East Bay Diversity and Inclusion Student Center Facebook page.
Superstore to shut down 269 locations worldwide By Louis LaVenture
NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR In October, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced the store would undergo changes and he was right. Walmart hasn’t given any specific explanations, but officials announced on Jan. 15 they would close 269 stores worldwide, which includes the East Bay superstore in Oakland. The one stop shop has been at the Edgewater Drive location in Oakland since its grand opening in 2005, when more than 11,000 people applied for more than 400 jobs, according to Walmart. In a press statement, Walmart said the reason for the closures was be-
cause the stores weren’t performing well or they didn’t fit into the long-term plan for the company, but did not elaborate further. “This has been a very successful store for Walmart financially,” Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid said. “It would not surprise me if the increased minimum wage had something to do with the closure.” Measure FF, which Oakland voters approved in Nov. 2014, increased the city’s minimum wage from $9 per hour to $12.25 per hour and went into effect Mar. 2, 2015. This measure also ensured another increase in hourly wages from $12.25 to $12.55, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. “Let’s be real, they don’t want to pay us,” former Walmart employee Ari Little said. “Wages go up and the store closes? Our store was always packed, there’s no way our numbers was low.”
Several former employees believe that the increase in wages had a direct effect on closing the store. Walmart closed a location in San Jose, which also had a minimum wage increase go into effect Jan. 1. Hayward, San Leandro and Fremont all have Walmarts that will remain open; however those cities do not have increased minimum wages like Oakland and San Jose. "Minimum wage hikes would certainly raise Walmart's labor costs and could cause of some store," said Jed DeVaro, Faculty member of College of the Business and Economics department at CSUEB. The closures come on the heels of the announcement by Forbes Magazine that from 2014 to 2015, Walmart total sales increased 1.9 percent from the previous year’s total and rose to $482.2 billion. Walmart also ranked first on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of the world’s largest companies by revenue.
SEE NEWS PAGE 4
Parents accuse Fremont principal of bullying By Mathew Weber CONTRIBUTOR
Life is anything but normal for the parents, faculty, staff and students of John G. Mattos Elementary School in Fremont. Their leader, Principal Liza Muzaffery, is under scrutiny for what many in the district have come forward publicly to describe as “toxic” behavior. “Leadership by example has been replaced by a culture of intimidation, belittling, and bullying, often witnessed by parents as she barks behind a closed door, or demeans our custodian via radio,” said parent Andrea Wedewer at a Dec. 9 Fremont Unified School District board meeting, describing the toxic environment at the school. At the board meeting, Wedewer spoke as part of a group of more than 100 teachers, staff and parents who signed a petition that asked the district to evaluate and address the behavior of Muzaffery. Speakers at the meeting said the principal retaliated against parents who disagreed with her, that she belittled employees and created a malicious atmosphere. The speakers expressed anger, frustration and sadness about Muzzafferey’s leadership since she was hired in 2013. Muzaffery was not present at the meeting and did not respond to The Pioneer prior to publication. At the Dec. 9 meeting, one parent said she was, “disturbed and frustrated with the behaviors and actions of Ms. Muzzafery,” who allegedly approached the parent at her home in regards to a school-related incident. “I had to ask
PHOTO COURTESY OF FUSD
Mattos Principal Liza Muzzafrey speaks about new classrooms in May 2015. Ms. Muzzafery to leave my property twice. After leaving she sent a custodial staff member over to our home to tell me to come meet with her,” parent Erin Fisher said. On Jan. 13 a letter was sent home to the Mattos school community in response to the outcry of parent concerns about Muzzaffery. FUSD Superintendent James Morris wrote, “It is evident there is a wide and diverse range of views within the Mattos community about school climate and culture, leadership and ways to improve the school.” The letter went on to say that FUSD has contracted with the Services that Encourage Effective Dialogue and Solution Community Resolution Center to conduct an initial assessment of
the overall school “climate” of Mattos elementary, due to complaints from parents. However, several speakers supported Muzzafery’s leadership. “From the moment I met Ms. Muzaffery it was clear she came to Mattos to improve it,” said parent Aaron Camarrata. Since she was appointed to Mattos in 2013, Muzaffery helped develop the Science Magnet program at the school. Construction of a new science building began in May 2015 and concluded in September. “I have worked with no one more fair than Ms. Muzaffery,” said Yard Supervisor Ryan Gaithe at the Dec. 9 meeting. “She’s only doing her job. Maybe not in the most justifiable ways, but I believe she is doing the best she can.”
SEE NEWS PAGE 8
Many students hear the letters WST but don’t know exactly what that means and students who know what those letters mean don’t have very positive things to say about the writing skills test they must take to graduate. Since 1977, the California State University Chancellor’s office has required all students to satisfy the University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR) in order to demonstrate university-level writing skills and receive a degree. To fulfill this requirement, students can either pass the Writing Skills Test (WST) or pass alternate writing courses approved by the university. Many students choose to take the test. The WST is an essay students must write to show critical thinking and writing abilities. Previously, students were actually allowed to apply for graduation without completing the writing test, but that has changed. In March 2015, the Committee on Instruction and Curriculum recently created a new policy that does, “not allow students who have not begun to satisfy the UWSR to file to graduate,” according to Donna Wiley, Interim Associate Vice President of the Academic Programs and Graduate Studies. The policy is now in effect this Winter Quarter 2016 for students filing to graduate.
SEE NEWS PAGE 8
Livermore suspends medical marijuana sales By Oscar Murillo CONTRIBUTOR
The Livermore City Council decided on Jan. 11 to suspend the sale of medical marijuana for 18 months in order to make sure that the licenses are going to the patients who need it. “The benefit is to have local control of who gets medicinal marijuana and to preserve the rights,” said John Marchand, Livermore mayor and graduate of Cal State East Bay, at the Jan. 11 meeting. It was not immediately clear when the suspension would go into effect and council members said they would set a cutoff date at a later meeting. Currently, consumers with a license can purchase medicinal marijuana, but when the ban goes into effect, consumers with or without a license will not be able to purchase it in Livermore. According to a website used to locate medical marijuana businesses, Where’s Weed, there are 190 dispensaries in Livermore, which has a population of 86,870, estimated by the 2014 census. The ban would give the members of the council, including Vice Mayor Stewart Gary, time to formulate a law that will ensure only people with medicinal reasons will receive a medical card in order to get medicinal marijuana. “So far,” Gary said. “There is no cost to the plan of the 18 month ban, but it will take time for the council to make the ban happen so that medicinal marijuana is bought for medical reasons only.”
2 OPINION
THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 2016
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2016 Oscar nominees are #SoWhite Academy is out of touch with diverse audiences By Briana Wharton CONTRIBUTOR For the second year in a row, no African Americans were nominated in any of the top six Oscar categories by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Not surprisingly, there’s been an uproar of criticism at the lack of diversity being recognized in American film. It’s upsetting because there were plenty of great African American actors and directors that made Oscar-worthy movies in 2015 that got snubbed. Will Smith in “Concussion,” Idris Elba in “Beast of No Nation,” Samuel L. Jackson in “Hateful Eight,” Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler for “Creed” and the ensemble of Black newcomers and director F. Gary Gray for “Straight Outta Compton.” Let’s
not forget last year when actor David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay didn’t get nominated for the movie “Selma.” What a shame, the sting of last year’s snub continues this year. “At the Oscars...people of color are always welcomed to give out awards...even entertain, but we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating altogether? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment,” tweeted actress Jada Pinkett, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. She later announced she would boycott the Oscars and asked others to do the same. Director Spike Lee also put out a statement saying he cannot support the all-white ballot at this year’s ceremony. The Academy has a membership of over 5,000 Oscar voters, nearly 94 percent of which is Caucasian and 77 percent male with an average age of 62, according to a study conducted in 2012 by the Los Angeles Times. Approximately 33 percent of voting
members are former nominees and winners, according to the L.A. Times The lack of diversity among the nominees is because there isn’t any diversity among the voters. Black actors in films directed by Black directors will never be fairly recognized by an Academy who is simply out of touch with today’s moviegoers. You can count the number of past African American winners for best lead actor and actress on one hand. Within 88 years of Oscar history, only five have won the honor. Forest Whitaker in 2006 for “The Last King of Scotland,” Jamie Foxx in 2004 for “Ray,” Denzel Washington for “Training Day” in 2001, Halle Berry for “Monster’s Ball” in 2001 and Sidney Poitier in 1963 for “Lilies of the Field.” There is an enormous gap between the winners. Hollywood continues to be blatantly racist towards people of color, despite the fact that the Academy’s current president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, is African American. She released a statement saying she is, “heartbroken
and frustrated about the lack of inclusion” and agrees it’s time for a change. She wants to implement a five year plan called A2020 that aims to promote more diversity of age, gender, race, national origin and point-ofview, in Hollywood, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But this process is too slow. Her plan is flawed because nothing will change by adding diversity into a predominantly Caucasian academy — it’s like adding colorful sprinkles into a white bowl, just because you add sprinkles, it does not mean the bowl isn’t white. The Academy should consider wiping out their entire list of members and recruit new ones; not just to add color, but also to have variation in the age, gender and sexual orientation. There are 17 total categories that receive awards and we need to see a wider range of people receive those awards. The film industry needs a friendly reminder that diversity is good for showbiz, in front of and behind the camera.
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Specific crimes increase in Newark By Raymundo Pedroza CONTRIBUTOR Walking down the street in Newark, you see tall healthy trees and well-kept houses in what has the feel of a positive and growing community. Newark is not the type of town that gives off an intimidating vibe. However, overall crime has risen in this small town of roughly 45,000 people, up 17 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to Newark Police Commander Michael Carroll. In a small town like Newark, a spike in crime does not go unnoticed. Angela Akridge, a member of a Newark community watch program who regularly attends Newark City Council meetings, said that she considers it a quiet and safe town, but feels that the impact of population growth — from 42,643 in 2010 to 44,723 in 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — and lack of free outdoor activities definitely contribute to the problem of crime in the city. “I do like my neighborhood,” Akridge said. “Before my street’s neighborhood watch, my house was burglarized. Does
that mean I live in a bad neighborhood? No, I might just live in a nice neighborhood worth burglarizing. On that note, I don’t leave my windows open anymore.” So what kind of crimes are happening exactly? Newark’s homicides, assaults and rapes are at an all time low, however crimes like robberies, stolen vehicles, burglaries and larceny are going up, according to Carroll. In 2013, there were 231 burglaries and in 2014 there were 248 burglaries, according to NeighborhoodScout.com, a national database. “I look at shorter time frames for auto burglaries and auto thefts, which can be impacted by crime teams, which get active and commit lots of crimes in a short period of time,” Carroll said. Carroll also said there has been no change to patrol staffing levels in recent years. Police are, however, working overtime to cover vacancies left by officers that are out due to injury. There has been a recent reduction in specialized units, which include detectives, traffic cops, major crimes task force members and regional forensic computer examiners, among other positions, according to Carroll. “The reduction in specialized units
is solely due to the staffing issues we are having because of injured officers,” Carroll said. The Newark Police Department’s budget for 2015-2016 is $15,917,300, which pays for a staff of one chief, two commanders, two lieutenants, eight sergeants, 43 police officers and 20 civilian full-time positions, according to the City of Newark’s website. There are parts of Newark where crime is more “active” than other areas; the most crimes are reported at Newpark Mall. This doesn’t come as a surprise as there are more opportunities for shoplifting, auto thefts and burglaries, often being crimes of conveniences, according to Carroll. Following Newpark Mall, the Safeway Marketplace Rosemont Shopping Center, along with Lido Faire, also report a higher amount crimes than the rest of the city. The mall and marketplace are on opposing sides of the city and share borders with Fremont and Union City. “All neighborhoods are problematic for different reasons,” said Akridge. “We have burglaries, just like any other city.”
Sources: www.newark.org, www.neighborhoodscout.com INFOGRAPHIC BY TAM DUONG JR./THE PIONEER
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Sentimientos mixtos acerca de Muzaffery Por Mathew Weber CONTRIBUYENTE Traducción por Pavel Radostev Pushina EDITOR DE COPIA EN ESPAÑOL La vida es de todo menos normal para padres, profesores, personal y estudiantes de la escuela primaria John G. Mattos en Fremont. Su líder, la directora Liza Muzaffery, es criticada por lo que muchos en el distrito han llamado públicamente como un comportamiento “tóxico.” “Ejemplificar el liderazgo ha sido sustituido por una cultura de intimidación, menosprecio y maltrato, a menudo visto por los padres porque ladra tras la puerta, o degrada a nuestro custodio a través de la radio,” dijo la madre Andrea Wedewer durante la junta del 9 de diciembre en el distrito Escolar Unificado de Fremont, describiendo el ambiente tóxico en la escuela. En la reunión de la junta, Wedewer habló como parte de un grupo de más de 100 maestros, personal y padres que firmaron una petición que pedía al distrito a evaluar y tratar el comportamiento de Muzaffery. Los oradores en la reunión dijeron que el director tomo represalias contra los padres que no estaban de acuerdo con ella, en que ella ha menospreciado a los empleados y ha creado una atmósfera tóxica. Los oradores hablaron de la ira, frustración y tristeza sobre el liderazgo de Muzaffery desde que fue contratada en 2013. Muzaffery no estuvo presente en la reunión y no ha respondido al periódico
a tiempo antes de la publicación. Una de los madres que asistieron a la junta del 9 de diciembre dijo que estaba “perturbada y frustrada con los comportamientos y acciones de la Sra. Muzaffery,” quien supuestamente abordó a la madre en su casa acerca de un incidente escolar. “Tuve que pedir a la Sra. Muzaffery que abandonara mi propiedad dos veces. Después de irse envió a un miembro del personal de conserjes a nuestra casa para decirme que fuera a reunirse con ella,” dijo la madre Erin Fisher. El 13 de enero la escuela comunitaria Mattos recibió una carta en respuesta al clamor de preocupaciones de los padres contra Muzaffery. El superintendente de la FUSD James Morris escribió: “Es evidente que hay una amplia y diversa gama de puntos de vista dentro de la comunidad de la escuela Mattos en contra del clima y la cultura de la escuela, así como el liderazgo y las formas de mejorar la escuela.” La carta regresó diciendo que la FUSD había contactado con SEEDS (servicios que fomentan el dialogo y las soluciones efectivas), Centro de Resolución Comunitaria para realizar una evaluación inicial del “clima” general de la escuela primaria de Mattos. Varios oradores apoyaron el liderazgo de Muzaffery. “Desde el momento en que conocí a la Sra. Muzaffery estaba claro que ella vino a Mattos para mejorarlo,” dijo el padre Aaron Camarrata. Desde que fue nombrada en Mattos en 2013, Muzaffery ayudó a desarrollar el programa Imán Científico en la escuela. La construcción de un nuevo edificio de ciencias que comenzó en mayo de
FOTO POR TAM DUONG JR./THE PIONEER
Anuncio demonstrado en frente de una sala de clase contradice el comportamiento de la principal, según los padres de estudiantes. 2015 y terminó en septiembre. “No he trabajado con nadie más justo que la Sra. Muzaffery,” dijo el supervisor del patio Ryan Gaithe durante la reunión de diciembre. “Tan solo hace su trabajo. Quizás no de manera justificable, pero opino que esta haciendo lo mejor que puede.” La escuela primaria Mattos tiene 625 estudiantes y es la única escuela K-6 que tiene un Imán Científico en la FUSD y varios estudiantes del distrito pueden transferirse al programa cuando haya espacio disponible. El programa es una
asociación entre Mattos y la organización de Matemáticas y Ciencias Nucleus, una organización sin ánimo de lucro de Fremont. El superintendente de la FUSD Morris respondió a las preocupaciones de los padres en una carta dirigida a los miembros de la comunidad Mattos el 18 de diciembre, donde declaró que el distrito contrató al ex director de la FUSD Jim Hough para “proporcionar un soporte de consultas adicional a la Sra. Muzaffery.” La carta también proporcionó planes detallados para desarrollar foros para
padres y personal para discutir sus preocupaciones. El grupo de petición respondió el 30 de diciembre a Morris con preocupaciones de que, “las represalias contra los estudiantes y el personal es genuino y nadie va a ‘discutir abiertamente sus percepciones’ con su antagonista en la habitación.” La junta educativa de Fremont programó una reunión regular el 27 de junio en la oficina del distrito en Fremont. La escuela primaria Mattos no estaba en la agenda de discusión.
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Delitos aumentan en la cíudad de Newark Por Raymundo Pedroza CONTRIBUYENTE Traducción por Pavel Radostev Pushina EDITOR DE COPIA EN ESPAÑOL Caminando por las calles de Newark se ven árboles sanos y altos, y casas bien cuidadas. Se puede sentir un ambiente de una comunidad positiva y creciente. Newark no es el tipo de ciudad que desprende un ambiente intimidante. Sin embargo, el crimen en general ha aumentado en esta pequeña ciudad de aproximadamente 45,000 personas, un 17 por ciento desde 2014 a 2015 según el comandante de policía de Newark Michael Carrol. En una ciudad pequeña como Newark, un aumento en la delincuencia no pasa desapercibido. Angela Akridge, una miembra de
programa de vigilancia de la comunidad de Newark que asiste regularmente a las reuniones del consejo de la ciudad, dijo que considera que es una ciudad tranquila y segura, pero siente que el impacto del crecimiento de la población — de 42,643 en 2015 a 44,723 en 2014, según la oficina del censo de Estados Unidos — y la falta de actividades al aire libre gratuitas contribuyen al problema del crimen en la ciudad. Entonces, ¿qué tipo de crímenes están sucediendo exactamente? Los homicidios, asaltos y violaciones en Newark están en su punto más bajo, sin embargo delitos como robos, hurtos y robo de vehículos están subiendo según Carroll. En 2013 había 231 robos y en 2015 hubo 248 robos, de acuerdo a el sitio NeighborhoodScout.com. “Miro a plazos más cortos para los robos de automóviles y asalto de ve-
hículos, que pueden verse afectados por grupos de delincuentes, que se muestran activos y cometen muchos crímenes en periodos de tiempo más cortos,” dijo Carroll. Conforme Carroll que no ha habido ningún cambio para patrullar los niveles de personal en los últimos años. La policía, sin embargo, trabaja horas extras para cubrir las vacantes dejadas por algunos policías que están fuera debido a lesiones. “Me gusta mi barrio,” dijo Akridge. “Antes de la vigilancia en la vecindad de mi calle, mi casa fue robada. ¿Significa eso que vivo en un mal barrio? No, podría ser que vivo en un barrio agradable que vale la pena asaltar. Dicho esto, ya no dejo mis ventanas abiertas nunca más.” Ha habido una reciente reducción de unidades especializadas, que incluye
detectives, oficiales de tráfico, fuerzas de crímenes mayores, examinadores regionales forenses de ordenadores, entre otros cargos, según Carroll. “La reducción de unidades especializadas se debe únicamente a las cuestiones de personal que estamos teniendo a causa de los oficiales heridos.” El presupuesto del Departamento de policía de Newark para 2015-2016 es $15,917,300, que paga por un equipo de: un jefe, dos comandantes, dos tenientes, ocho sargentos, 43 agentes de policía y 20 civiles con posiciones a tiempo completo, de acuerdo con la página web de la ciudad de Newark. Hay partes de Newark en las que los delitos son más “activos” que otros: la mayoría de los crímenes reportados vienen principalmente del centro comercial Newpark. Esto no es una sorpresa, ya que hay más oportunidades para
hurtos y robos de automóviles, siendo a menudo delitos de comodidades, de acuerdo con el comandante Carroll. Después del centro comercial de Newpark, viene el mercado Safeway/ Centro de compras Rosemont, junto a Lido Faire, que también reportan mayor cantidad de crímenes que el resto de la ciudad. El centro comercial y el mercado están en lados opuestos de la ciudad y comparten fronteras con Fremont y Union City. “Todos los barrios son problemáticos por razones diferentes. Tenemos robos, al igual que cualquier otra ciudad,” dijo Akridge. Mientras que los pequeños delitos como robos han aumentado, los ciudadanos pueden consolarse con el hecho de que los delitos violentos han disminuido en el último año.
El FBI clasifica la crueldad de animales un crimen grave Por Kali Persall CONTRIBUYENTE Traducción por Pavel Radostev Pushina EDITOR DE COPIA EN ESPAÑOL Un gatito de dos libras llamado “Pitufo” fue llevado a la Fundación Nueve Vidas, un refugio de animales en Redwood City. Su pelaje negro se tiñó de púrpura, y estaba cubierto con al menos veinte “heridas de roedores,” según el Dr. Rudiger Monica, fundador y veterinario en la fundación. El 28 de diciembre de 2015, Rudiger determinó que el gato probablemente había sido un juguete para algún perro. Después de encontrar antiguas cicatrices mayores durante la cirugía, sin embargo, el FBI dio un paso importante hacia el seguimiento de las tendencias de la crueldad de los animales como
éste cuando reclasificaron la crueldad de animales como un delito más grave en el sistema nacional a base de incidentes, una base de datos federal que registra la información sobre delitos conocidos por la policía. En enero, el FBI comenzó a recopilar datos de más de 18,000 estaciones de policía locales en todo el país. La base de datos ahora incluye negligencia, abuso intencional y tortura, el abuso organizado y el abuso sexual de animales. La estadísticas estarán disponibles al público en 2017 y revelarán la edad, el sexo y el origen étnico del delincuente, y muestra las tendencias en los casos de abuso, como lugares de crimen y las armas utilizadas. Casos como el de “Pitufo” ahora se registran y se siguen a nivel federal. Como resultado, la aplicación de la ley será, en teoría, capaz de entender mejor dónde delitos como éste ocurren frecuentemente y cuales son los delin-
cuentes más comunes, según Mary Lou Randour, asesor experimentado de programas de crueldad hacia animales con formación en el Instituto de Bienestar Animal en Washington DC. “El primer paso es reconocer que el crimen está ocurriendo,” dijo Randour. “La gente puede movilizarse para que los animales reciban una mayor protección.” Según la nueva clasificación, la crueldad animal ahora se considera un delito de grupo A y un “crimen contra la sociedad.” Ofensas del grupo A son delitos basados en incidentes graves, como el incendio provocado, asalto y asesinato. Según el FBI, un “crimen contra la sociedad” es el que “desafía los valores en poder de la sociedad en su conjunto, en lugar de las personas o la propiedad.” Anteriormente, el abuso animal fue clasificado en el grupo B, que incluye delitos como violaciones de toque de queda. Randour describió esta clasifi-
cación como “un basurero,” donde rara vez se analizan los casos. Randour dijo que la base de datos será utilizada mas frecuentemente entre las fuerzas del orden, los activistas de derechos de animales y los refugios que entre los ciudadanos medios. Explicó que el propósito de la base de datos es rastrear incidentes en lugar de individuos por lo que las identidades de los delincuentes no estarán disponibles al público. “Definitivamente es un progreso para los animales,” dijo Randour. “Es un progreso para todos. Esto va a proteger a los animales y a los seres humanos.” Durante más de una década, Randour trabajó con John Thompson, director ejecutivo adjunto de la Asociación Nacional del Sheriff, para demostrar que el vínculo entre la crueldad hacia los animales y los crímenes contra los humanos eran los suficientemente
fuerte como para exigir un mejor sistema de seguimiento. Según Randour, los niños que cometen actos de crueldad hacia los animales son más propensos a ser antisociales y cometer actos de violencia en el futuro. Los casos de abuso en animales también puede ser un indicador de que otros crímenes están ocurriendo simultáneamente, tales como el abuso de menores. Más de 400 gatos residen actualmente en Nueve Vidas, y Rudiger estima que unas pocas docenas tienen historia de abuso. Aproximadamente 4-6 veces al año Rudiger ve animales gravemente abandonados. Las peleas de pitbull son las más comunes en el área de la Bahía, de acuerdo a Rudiger. “Una vez cada dos meses tenemos un animal que ha sido golpeado, tiroteado o abandonado,” dijo Rudiger. “Cada gato aquí tiene una historia.”
8 NEWS Mattos From Page 1 Mattos Elementary has 625 students and is the only science magnet K-6 school within FUSD and students from around the district may transfer into the program when space is available. The program is a partnership between Mattos and the Math/Science Nucleus organization, a non-profit based organization in Fremont. FUSD Superintendent Morris responded to parent concerns in a letter addressed to Mattos community mem-
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bers on Dec. 18, where he stated the district hired former FUSD Principal Jim Hough to, “provide additional consultant support to Ms. Muzaffery.” The letter also detailed plans to develop forums for parents and staff to discuss their concerns. The petition group responded in a Dec. 30 letter to Morris with concerns that, “retaliation against students and staff is genuine and no one will ‘openly discuss their perceptions’ with their antagonist in the room.” The Fremont Board of Education held a regular meeting on Jan. 27 at the district office in Fremont. Mattos Elementary was not on the agenda for discussion.
“This principal created an environment in which teachers had to choose sides,” —Michelle Medina, a FUSD teacher of 28 years
WST From Page 1 According to a letter from the Committee on Instruction and Curriculum dated December 2014, many students leave the the Writing Skills Requirements until their last quarter and end up having to postpone their graduation. This prolongs the time it takes to graduate and affects the university’s “four year” and “six year” graduation rates. “I took the computer test, I don’t know how they grade all of the essays, but I think it’s flawed,” said senior communications major Alex Boucher. “I had a choice of two prompts which were based on a why, or why not premise where I had to agree or disagree. I took a workshop after I didn’t pass the test a first time, it was about an hour and a half long, taught by an English professor. They gave examples of how students fail the test and also mentioned to write six paragraphs.” The WST can either be a paper or computerized test. The $25 paper version is offered two times a month and the $50 computer version is offered nine to 11 times a month. Students can take the test at one of Cal State East Bay’s three locations. A score of Clear Competence — eight — must be achieved in order to pass. Students have 90 minutes to develop an argumentative essay. The essay must contain an introduction with a the-
sis, three to four supporting reasons, a counterargument and a conclusion, according to the CSUEB website. “Two readers grade the paper and score it,” Testing Assistant Sarah Bahadur said. “If they don’t agree, the essay goes to a third reader.” Interim Chair of the English Department Sarah Nielsen said, “My understanding is that the policy changed because a lot of students weren’t aware of the University Writing Skills requirement or were putting off taking the WST or the portfolio classes and trying to meet the requirement during their last quarter of study.” Once students have completed 90 units, they must decide which route they will take to meet the UWSR. If students attempt to complete this requirement before 90 units, it will not count. However, students should not wait too long. According to the CSUEB WST website, “Delaying this requirement may jeopardize your ability to graduate in a timely fashion.” If students don’t pass it on the first try, they have up to two chances to try and pass it after their first attempt. Students who fail the test both times are required to enroll in a first-tier course, English 3000 or 3001. If students then receive Clear Competence on their portfolio, they will have satisfied the writing requirement. If students receive developing competence, they must enroll in and pass a second-tier course English 3003, MKTG 3495 or SCI 3010. Some students may be exempt from the UWSR, however, most undergraduate students are not.
N E E R G O G lin r re c yc yo u fo Th a n k
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PHOTO BY TAM DUONG JR./THE PIONEER
The Mattos Elementary School sign in Fremont is “promoting positivity” as of Jan. 26 despite controversy with its principal.
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EXTRAS 9
10 NEWS
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Fremont celebrates the big 60 By Shannon Stroud, Editor-In-Chief Fremont residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate the city’s 60th anniversary. At 11 a.m., city officials closed off part of downtown, Capitol Avenue between Fremont Boulevard and State Street, for a community picnic in the street. The highlight of the celebration was the burial of a time capsule to be opened on January 2056 — the city’s 100th anniversary. Items in the capsule were to “reflect Fremont’s culture, diversity, life and energy for the perspective of our city’s youth,” according the City of Fremont website. The contents were collected through a partnership with the City’s Youth Advisory Commission, Fremont Unified School District and the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Bill Harrison, former Fremont Mayor Gus Morrison and Assistant City Manager Jessica Von Borck were all speakers at the event. Event-goers were welcomed to eat at food trucks, watch the time capsule ceremony, listen to live local artists and watch dance performances. PHOTOS BY MELODY PLATT/THE PIONEER
Top Left: Fremont student holds the time capsule plaque before officials bury it on Saturday afternoon. Above: Current Mayor Bill Harrison (right) and previous Mayor Gus (left) Morrison ceremoniously bury the time capsule off of Fremont Boulevard and State Street. Bottom left: American High School marching band played at Fremont’s 60th anniversary celebration.
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12 SPORTS
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Swimmers find stroke in final home meet CSUEB dominates Fresno Pacific 170-91 By Louis LaVenture NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR Last year the Cal State East Bay women’s swimming team backed into the postseason after they lost their final regular season meet to a tough NCAA Division I opponent, San Jose State University. Ultimately, they finished third at the 2015 Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference championships, falling short of the NCAA championships. However, this year had a much different ending. CSUEB dominated Fresno Pacific in their final meet of the regular season which was also senior day, 170-91, giving the squad a ton of momentum going into the conference championships. “This is a very special senior class, not least because of their size,” CSUEB Head Coach Ben Loorz said. “But they have been the backbone of this team since they arrived. We have enjoyed a year of great leadership because of them.” With nine seniors on this year’s team, there was a lengthy pregame ceremony to honor them before their final competitive swim at Pioneer Pool. The team responded to the high emotions and nabbed first place in nine events, seven individual races and two relays. CSUEB senior Hannah Cutts and junior Mariam Lowe led the way for the Pioneers. Cutts finished first in the 200 yard freestyle (1:56.35) and the 500 yard
freestyle (5:15.85). Cutts also swam the third leg of the 400 yard freestyle relay which CSUEB won in a time of 3:36.59. Lowe was also dominant in the pool on Friday and she was able to take first place in the 100 yard backstroke (59.46) and the 200 yard backstroke (2:09.11). Like Cutts, Lowe was also on a first place relay team where she swam the first leg of the 200 yard medley relay for the Pioneers that finished in a time of 1:49.30 and acclaimed first. Senior Makila Schuck took first place in the 100 yard breaststroke in thrilling fashion after she was able to hold off Fresno Pacific’s Hailey Cablao by less than a second. Fellow senior Rachel Shimizu’s first place finish in the 1650 yard freestyle wasn’t as exciting as she dominated the pack finishing with a time of 17:46.12, more than 35 seconds faster than second place finisher and teammate junior Kayleigh Davidson. CSUEB junior Madison Hauanio also took home a first place in the 100 yard
freestyle. In one of the closest races of the day, Hauanio out touched Fresno’s Sammie Woo by less than just two tenths of a second 52.42 to 52.59. “We won a lot of events, which was nice, but our depth really showed through the best,” Loorz said. “We have a lot of swimmers showing good speed as we head into the final phase before Conference Championships, and that is as it should be. Our technical details and early speed still need a little fine-tuning, but our pacing is looking good.” The Pioneers have a little less than three weeks to get ready for the conference championships which will be held Feb. 12 to Feb. 15 in East Los Angeles at ELAC Swimming Pool. Events are scheduled all day during the conference championships. If the Pioneers perform strong they could earn a bid to the NCAA Championships which are scheduled for Mar. 9 to Mar. 12 at IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
PHOTOS BY KRISTIANA FEDERE/THE PIONEER
Left: CSUEB swimmers talk about their performances following a race on Friday at Pioneer Pool. Right: CSUEB and Fresno Pacific line up for a race at Pioneer Pool in Hayward on Friday.
Amari Cooper is the future of the Oakland Raiders Rookie is now franchise cornerstone By Erik Khan CONTRIBUTOR The Oakland Raiders desperately needed a wide receiver going into the 2015 Season. They used the fourth overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft on Amari Cooper, who proved to be a valuable weapon for the Raiders and demands the respect of their opponents. Cooper provides the Raiders offense with a receiving weapon that strikes fear into opposing defensive coordinators, something they have lacked since the early 2000’s. Back in those days, Oakland’s offense flourished with playmaking receivers like Tim Brown, Jerry Porter and Jerry Rice. These receivers were a threat to score at any time, due to their polished route running, physical tools and overall knowledge of the game. Cooper is not far behind his Raider alumni in any of these categories, as he exhibited these traits throughout his 2015 campaign. The numbers speak for themselves: Cooper finished the regular season with 72 catches, 6 receiving touchdowns and a team-high 1,070 receiving yards, all bests among NFL rookies. Cooper was recently named to the NFL Pro Bowl roster, solidifying his status as one of the league’s best. What is most impressive about Cooper’s statistics is that he recorded them while routinely facing the coverage from the opposing team’s best cornerback. He caught five balls against arguably the best cornerback in the game, Darrelle Revis and torched Cleveland Browns’ Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden for 134 yards. While Cooper’s stats as a rookie are impressive, the impact he has on opposing defenses is inspiring for Oakland’s future. This is because a player of Cooper’s stature must be accounted for at all times by opposing defensive coordinators. He can beat
ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANY ENGLAND/THE PIONEER
single coverage effortlessly, as he showed all season long, meaning one man is not enough to contain the first round pick on the field. Some teams have the luxury of assigning an elite cornerback to cover Cooper, such as the Jets with Revis and hope he minimizes the damage. Most other teams aren’t as fortunate and are instead forced to structure the defensive game plan around Cooper, assigning multiple players to monitor his presence on the field for opponents. Having a weapon like Cooper who commands attention allowed for quarterback Derek Carr to develop more as a player. Carr was selected to his first Pro Bowl, as he recorded careerhighs in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. Carr’s 32 touchdown passes were only four behind NFL leader , New England Patriots Tom Brady. With Cooper demanding multiple players’ attention on the field, Carr was afforded the opportunity to drop back in the pocket and identify his other favorite target, wide receiver Michael Crabtree, in single coverage. Crabtree finished the season with a team-high 85 receptions and 9 touchdowns, a testament to his skill but also to the respect other defenses are forced to show to Cooper. Cooper is a franchise player that the Raiders can build around moving forward, along with Carr and defensive end slash linebacker Khalil Mack. Throw in Hayward native Jack Del Rio, who provides the team with stability at the head coach position that they’ve been searching for since losing Jon Gruden in 2001, and things are looking up. Cooper’s rookie season shows that he may be the piece that finally puts the Raiders back in the playoffs and contending for a Super Bowl championship. The fascinating part about his season is that he is only 21-years-old, meaning his chemistry with Carr will only get stronger. More Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections are sure to come. Revis was impressed by Cooper when the two matched up earlier this season and told New Jersey local news NJ.com, “The sky is the limit for him. A special player, he is.”