Volume 60 Issue 24

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ASUCR ELECTIONS GUIDE ON PAGE 6

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Santa Monica College trustees abandon twotier payment proposal

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ASUCR senators’ participation in conference questioned

LA T i m e s

S a n dy V a n CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Board of Trustees at Santa Monica College (SMC) have voted to abandon their plans for a two-tier tuition plan in which highdemand courses would be offered at higher prices. Facing overcrowding and limited resources, SMC intended to create a nonprofit foundation which would offer core classes at inflated rates of $180 per unit versus the normal cost of $46 per unit. The plan would have targeted waitlisted students who are in desperate need of a class in order to transfer or graduate. Opposition to the plan has varied from protests held outside of trustee meetings to statements made by Community College Chancellor Jack Scott. Protests on April 3 resulted in numerous students being peppersprayed outside of the room where the trustees were discussing the two-tier plan.

“Santa Monica Community College District trustees and President (Chui) Tsang have my respect and appreciation for their decision SMC CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

ASUCR Senator Esther Hwang (left) listens as David Castillo (right) addresses the senate.

Chris LoCascio SENIOR STAFF WRITER

During the public forum portion of ASUCR’s April 4 senate meeting, UCR student and UCSA external affairs committee member David Castillo read a letter which implicated ASUCR Senators Esther Hwang and Albert Yum for allegedly neglecting their responsibilities as UCR delegates at last March’s USSA Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. The letter, written anonymously but later attrib-

uted to fourth-year student and Leg Con delegate Reema Moosa, cites, “...the physical absence and lack of active participation, dedication, and concern for the students during the Legislative Conference by our appointed ASUCR leaders” and calls for disciplinary action against the senators.

Castillo, while stating that he had no part in writing the letter, shared his own take on the allegations from his experience at Leg Con. “We shouldn’t play the blame game

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here. It’s just a matter of principle.

If you’re a senator, if you’ve got a position in which you’re meant to represent the students and advocate on their behalf, and you’re clearly not doing that job, then I can understand why these students brought up that concern. It is a slap in the face to a lot of students,” he told the senate after reading the letter.

Immediately after Castillo’s comments, ASUCR President Stephen Lee stated that ASUCR would LEG CON CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

UC Davis task force report critical of police, campus officials E r i c G a m b oa

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

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The much-anticipated UC Davis task force report was released last week in an evaluation that is highly critical of the UC Davis administration and police authorities. The report, led by former California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso, revealed the alarming extent of administrative deficiencies and miscommunication that occurred leading up to the Nov. 18 pepper spray incident.

“The decision to use pepper spray was not supported by objective evidence and was not authorized by policy,” stated the report.

Among other notable findings were that the pepper-spray model

(MK-9) utilized by officers was not an authorized UC Davis Police Department (UCDPD) weapon and that UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi bears responsibility for failing to assert her preference against the use of force.

The document concludes with a list of recommendations for the University of California to consider, most of which point to the need for administrative reform and the re-evaluation of police procedures. The report, however, did not contain any recommendations for disciplinary actions against any UC Davis administrators or police officials. “My intent now is to give the Task Force report the full and careful reading it

deserves, and then, as previously announced, to meet with Chancellor Katehi and discuss her plans going forward for implementing the recommendations,” stated UC President Mark Yudof in a press release.

On April 11, UC Davis hosted the first of three public meetings where task force members were able to elaborate upon their findings and answer questions regarding the report. “There needs to be a complete review from top to bottom of the police department, of the training that’s required, the procedures and protocols and so forth,” stated Dan Dooley, senior vice president of external relations UC DAVIS CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS TUES 4/17

Baseball vs. UNLV Rebels 6:00pm - 8:00pm Riverside Sports Complex

WED 4/18

Vagina Monologues 7:00pm - 9:00pm HUB 302

THUR 4/19

Coming Out Monologues 8:00pm - 10:00pm The Barn

FRI 4/20

Monica Bill Barnes and Co Comic Dance Performance 8:00pm - 9:30pm University Theatre

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Volume 60

Issue 24

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

NEWS

HIGHLANDER

UCR engineer seeks alternative use for cell phones Vy Nguyen STAFF WRITER

Nosang Myung, professor and chair of UC Riverside’s department of chemical and environmental engineering, is seeking ways to enable mobile devices to detect airborne substances and chemical properties. Myung has teamed up with Innovation Economy Corporation, who will sponsor his lab and help promote Myung’s research endeavors.

Although it may be many years until cellphone users can utilize their phone for activities such as checking the chemical properties of their drinking water, development on the project is already underway with an expected completion in two years.

Myung has noted that the science behind the experiment is exceptionally complicated.

In an interview with the Press Enterprise, Myung said that his work entailed the creation of sensors which were only a

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few atoms thick. The sensors would then be retrofitted on cellphones and be able to submit information on a variety of air conditions; the potential list of uses include the ability to analyze the chemicals, whether they be in the air, on surfaces and even in one’s own breath.

His research has received significant attention because of the finished product’s potential to revolutionize several key industries. In the agricultural field, the sensors can be used by farmers to detect the amount of pesticides in crops and help determine whether certain crops are fit for sale and consumption. In terms of national security, the sensors could be used to detect dangerous chemicals in incidents such as terrorist attacks or even gas leaks.

Many smartphone users, such as UCR student Adrianne Domingo, are fascinated to hear about Myung’s proj-

ect. “I think this invention will benefit the community by providing a handheld tool (on smartphones) to detect harmful chemicals in the air, as well as detect chemicals in one’s breath that could be part of a disease one might not know they even have. I think Professor Nosang Myung is brilliant for coming up with an idea like this,” stated Domingo, a fourth-year psychology major. The project has also gained local praise by Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, who stated, “This model is one of the crowning achievements in our quest to continue to be recognized as one of the most intelligent communities in the world,” in an article by UCR Today.

Before joining the UC Riverside faculty in 2004, Myung worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he worked to help monitor air quality at the International H Space Station. ■

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UC Health contributed $3.3 billion in services for 2011 Andie Lam STAFF WRITER

University of California Health has estimated that the monetary value of all of its services in 2011 amounts to nearly $3.3 billion. Through its numerous medical centers across California, UC Health provides vital services such as care for the uninsured, training future health employees and advancing medical research. “As a public university and cornerstone of the safety net, UC Health is committed to serve California’s health needs,” stated Dr. John Stobo, the UC senior vice president for health sciences and services, in an article by the UC Newsroom. “Our combined community benefit demonstrates the powerful impact UC Health has as a system.”

With the inclusion of UC Riverside’s medical school, UC Health leads the nation with 18 professional schools and programs on seven campuses, amounting to the largest educational system in health sciences. Its benefit to the state spans from telemedicine services, clinical trials and classroom collaborations to affiliations such as UCLA’s partnership with the Venice Family Clinic, the nation’s largest free clinic.

In a breakdown of UC Health’s community contributions, the health sciences campuses that have medical centers (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UCSD and UCSF) have contributed $560.7 million in charity care for uninsured patients and various health programs, $174.7 million in education and funding, $1.8 million in donations and scholarships and $2.6 billion in research. “It‘s great news to see our UC Health’s five medical centers contribute $3.3 billion in community benefits,” remarked UC Riverside’s Director of Campus Health Center Cindy Wong, in an interview with the Highlander. Wong remarks that the contributions of UC Health collaborates with the mission of the Campus Health Center, which aims to provide high quality, accessible and comprehensive medical care to students with a focus on multidisciplinary services, health education and prevention.

UC Health extends services through student-run clinics for nearby communities in an effort to provide care for those with an exceptional need. Three nurse-run clinics, located in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco areas, also deliver quality treatment to residents.

In addition, UC offers Programs in Medical Education (PRIME), designed to prepare doctors in impacted areas. PRIME boasts programs focusing on rural health and telemedicine (UC Davis), the Latino community (UC Irvine), the diverse disadvantaged (UCLA, UC Riverside),

the San Joaquin Valley (UC Merced, UC Davis, UCSF), health equity (UC San Diego) and the urban under-served (UCSF, UC Berkeley).

In an interview with the Highlander, Communications Coordinator at the UC Office of the President Alec Rosenberg stated that UC Health extends beyond what is done in the hospital and commits to the development of communities, aimed at addressing social and health needs where people live and work.

In communities with diverse and medically under-served populations, such as Riverside and the Coachella Valley, Stobo believes that the upcoming medical school at UC Riverside can serve as a focus for the development of such community activities in the region.

“Often unappreciated is the service that UC Health provides to the State of California,” said G. Richard Olds,

dean of the UCR School of Medicine. “With five medical centers, six medical schools— including UCR’s developing medical school—and a variety of other health profession programs, UC Health is this country’s largest health sciences education system with the university’s clinical faculty providing more than 10 percent of California’s health care delivery.”

Olds has previously remarked that UCR’s medical school will be the first UC medical school in more than 40 years. The school will specifically focus on developing doctors for the Inland Empire, which is an under-served area with a lack of physicians.

With the unique mission to statistically improve the health of the collective population, Olds believes that the UCR medical school will have a tremendous impact on the long-term health of the region H and California in general. ■

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CA women continue to make progress Carrie Meng STAFF WRITER

A recent university study has found that California women have made significant strides in many areas, particularly in the field of education, where they are obtaining degrees at a higher rate than men. The report also highlights continuing inequities between women and men in areas such as employment rates and earning power.

Over the course of a year, researchers from Mount St. Mary’s College compiled data from different sources including the U.S. Census and other state agencies. The study is believed to be the first to attempt a comprehensive look at the status of California women based on factors ranging from poverty to mental and physical health, as noted in the Los Angeles Times.

The new report showed that California women are now more likely to earn college degrees than men, but that far fewer women are earning degrees in engineering, math or computer-related fields. According to the 2009 data in the report, the gap is greatest in computer and in-

formation sciences with only 14 percent of these degrees granted to women by California’s public colleges in comparison to 87 percent for men.

The achievement gap is also evident in the business world, where women represent just 3 percent of chief executive officers in California’s top public companies even though they own 30 percent of the state’s businesses.

Only 24 percent of the state’s county supervisors are women and only 9 percent of cities with populations over 30,000 have female mayors.

Gender gaps aside, there have also been significant achievements for women in the state. The report shows that women have increased their survival rates for cancer and expanded their ownership of businesses in recent years.

They also make up more than half the enrollment in California’s public colleges and graduate programs.

The report focuses on challenges facing California women in 10 different areas: demographics, poverty, education, media and technology, employment, leadership, physical health, mental

SMC FROM PAGE 1

to hold off on plans to institute a dual fee system for courses in high demand.

Although I disagreed with this proposal, I cannot fault college leaders for searching for new approaches to serve students hungry for the opportunity to receive a college education,” stated Chancellor Scott. The tuition pricing system has been faced with criticism for being an elitist agenda, which privatizes public education at the sake of low-income students; others argue that an increase in fees are necessary in order to compensate for state budget cuts.

UC DAVIS FROM PAGE 1

at the UC Office of the President, in response to a question regarding how unauthorized weapons were present in the UCDPD’s arsenal.

The meeting allocated 90 minutes to public questions and witnessed several disgruntled students and community members. “This [report] was to buy Katehi time and let this uproar die away…This report should have changed something but it hasn’t changed anything.

How could this be?” stated a student who identified herself as one of the individuals who was pepper-sprayed on Nov. 18. Reynoso responded that disciplinary recommendations were withheld from the report at UC President Mark Yudof’s request and also due to legal restraints regarding the rights of university employees.

The delay in the release of the task force report was also a point frequently brought up by audience members, allowing Reynoso to voice his dismay with the legislation known as the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights. “When informa-

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health, violence and incarceration. Statistics from each section show that there have been recent achievements in some areas, but women still fall behind their male counterparts when it comes to proficiency in advanced science and math, leadership roles and earning power.

Andrea Cruz, a secondyear biology major at UC Riverside, has observed the ongoing gender gap in her science courses. “It isn’t as

The creation of a nonprofit organization titled Santa Monica Career and Transfer Alliance was spearheaded by SMC officials. Under the tuition plan, the organization would offer an additional 50 courses at hiked prices in order to help support around 700 regular state-funded classes. Some of the extra courses that would have been offered include accounting, math, psychology and English composition.

“In my opinion the real two tier system of public higher education is reflected in the students who are lucky enough to gain admission to community college

tion necessary to understand and evaluate police conduct is unavailable to the public, the public has less confidence in the police and the police cannot perform their duty without public confidence,” stated Reynoso.

The Reynoso report is divided into three sections, each detailing areas of fault: deficiencies in the decisionmaking process made at the administrative level, conduct of the police operation and individual responsibility. The administrative mistakes highlighted by the report include miscommunication regarding the proportion of non-student protesters and the legal basis for the police operation. The former influenced the administrative response toward the Davis encampments since the presence of non-students resulted in a negative view of the demonstrations—which likely made police intervention a more attractive option.

The very leadership organization responsible for campus responses to protests was also criticized. The investi-

apparent in my biology classes but in classes that require more analysis, such as physics, males are definitely more dominant [in numbers].”

A national report, “Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic WellBeing,” also found that there are continuing gender gaps in subjects such as advanced algebra, geometry, physics and chemistry. UCLA Education Professor Linda Sax, who studies gender differ-

and those who are unfortunate enough to be locked out due to a reduction of state subsidized funding,” stated former Superior Court Judge and member of the SMC Board of Trustees David B. Finkel in an interview with the Highlander.

“Funding has to be obtained either from students willing and able to pay the cost of the course, or from outside revenue to finance the cost of offering courses for those locked out of the state subsidized courses by underfunding from the state.” The additional cost, however, is something that many students cannot afford; a popular argument posed against

gation found that the campus “Leadership Team” was informal and lacked crucial factors such as a formal roster list and record-keeping of meetings (most of which occurred via conference call). The team, which usually consisted of the chancellor and at least a dozen other top officials, met on an ad hoc basis and was plagued with miscommunication.

A glaring example of the miscommunication was the accepted level of police force agreed upon by the leadership team members. During an interview with investigators, Chancellor Katehi expressed her belief that there was a consensus on non-violence means, while Vice Chancellor John Meyer expressed that he thought only the use of batons was to be forbidden.

Both views stand in contrast to a Nov. 15 operations plan in which a UCDPD officer noted that “the use of force is highly likely” and that arrests were to be expected. This confusion was the basis for many of the conclusions of the individual responsibility section

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ences in college students, said the reasons for the gaps include different preparation and course-taking patterns in high school and college. She also notes that there are societal perceptions that STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) are more suited for men. “You’re still less likely to find parents and teachers encouraging girls to pursue these fields,” Sax said in a recent Los AnH geles Times article. ■

the plan is that low-income students would be hurt by higher prices and are put at a disadvantage in terms of being able to graduate on time.

On April 3, over a hundred students appeared at a Board of Trustees meeting in order to protest the tuition plan, which resulted in 30 students being pepper-sprayed to the extent that some were hospitalized. SMC President Chui L. Tsang has established a review panel in order to assess the procedures for police response and expressed remorse for those who were adversely affected in H the protest. ■

of the report, which pointed to Chancellor Katehi and the leadership team for failing to properly review and discuss the police operation.

A particularly contentious portion of the report pertains to the conduct of the police operation, which found that there was a breakdown of leadership in the UC Davis Police Department and failure to follow standard operating procedure. Among them was the creation of a police plan that failed to account for prisoner transport. On Nov. 18, the reason that the officers remained on the UC Davis quad premises and subsequently resorted to the use of pepper spray was because they had arrestees that were awaiting police vehicle pickup.

“The Task Force recommends the campus develop a broadly accepted agreement on rules and policies that regulate campus protests and instances of civil disobedience,” stated the first recommendation relating to the administration.

This section also addressed the leadership team and noted

the need for improved communication and a structure for campus members to communicate with leaders.

The need for a more efficient connection between the campus and police department was accounted for with the recommendation that a new senior administration office be responsible for overseeing the campus response to all protests. The report then recommended an outside review of UC Davis police department protocols and procedures, alongside a reevaluation of the chief of police’s duties. The report concluded with systemwide recommendations for the UC, including a study of each UC Police Department’s policies and a revision of the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights.

A separate report which expands on system-wide security concerns is currently being worked on by UC General Counsel Charles Robinson and UC Berkeley School of Law Dean Christopher Edley Jr. The report is expected to be completed in the coming H weeks. ■

NEWS

HIGHLANDER LEG CON FROM PAGE 1

look into the situation, pointing out that there had been no report or update on what happened at Leg Con. It was then determined that the allegations would be addressed in the next ASUCR senate meeting.

In an interview with the Highlander, Moosa described Hwang and Yum’s actions, saying, “Esther clearly felt this conference was not productive at all and most of us did.

She would not attend workshops and the workshops she did show up at she was always 20 minutes [late] because David Castillo would have to text her, or people from her former slate would tell her people were mad about her absence so she would rush over. Albert never came with her.

Every workshop I attended he was not there.”

The focal point of Moosa’s concerns revolve around the senators’ lack of participation in Lobby Day at the Capitol. In what she deemed as “disrespectful,” she alleges that the senators left the march on Sallie Mae early and did not lobby, which was what the weekend was meant to prepare students for. The senators left the march in order to catch a train to New York, where they vacationed for Spring Break.

The reason Yum and Hwang provide for not lobbying is the lack of organization on USSA’s part and not being given the time of their lobbying appointment until the night before. The two senators had booked their train tickets that afternoon, and asked Kevin Jo to fill in for them during the conflicting lobby visit.

Since the letter ’s release, ques-

tions have been raised regarding commitment by Hwang and Yum to the conference and whether their trip to New York conflicted with their responsibilities as delegates.

Hwang and Yum confirmed that they signed the required ASUCR travel contract for participating in Leg Con. The contract explicitly states, “As an accepted UC Riverside delegate, I will participate fully in ANY and ALL activities associated with this particular event with the complete UCR Delegation.”

A common thread across all accounts of the conference is the general disorganization among USSA and UCR in planning the conference.

Yum currently serves as the ASUCR vice president of finance and assumed the role of vice president of external affairs last year. Along with Santa Barbara’s EVP, Yum had previously asked the UCSA board to stop its investment in USSA and dedicate those funds elsewhere. This year, USSA slashed its student participation in the conference from 400 to 300, and UC Irvine did not attend.

UCR Leg Con delegate Kevin Jo offered a different perspective on the events. “None of the UCR students knew what time and who the lobby visits were until the night before we had the visits. In addition, even up till the morning of lobbying, [a] couple more visits were still being planned and confirmed.

The scheduling of lobby visits were clearly unorganized and the leadership responsible for this were both from UCR and USSA,” Jo stated in an interview with the Highlander. Jo

went on to say, “Due to the fact that no one knew Esther and Albert were missing the visit until the day of, it could appear as if Esther and Albert ‘ditched’ the situation but they found a replacement (me) in advance for their absence.”

When asked about the letter ’s allegations, Hwang acknowledged not participating in lobbying but maintained her involvement in the rest of the conference’s activities, claiming hard evidence. She told the Highlander, “I have a written letter signed by the Merced executive vice president. I talked to Santa Cruz’ vice president because I want to slowly, bit by bit, show evidence that these allegations are false. I have pictures on my phone of me being at the dinners, at the workshop, I have a video of me marching at the rally, so I don’t understand why they wrote this letter and why they would blast me on the spot...”

Hwang supplied the Highlander with the letter from External Vice President of ASUCM Jonathan Ly, in which he writes, “In my capacity as an attendee, I participated in a workshop with Esther with regard to the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community... I mention this specifically to refute claims that both Albert and Ester did not actively participate in the Legislative Conference from numerous sources.”

She claimed that every member of the delegation did not completely fulfill their responsibilities at the conference, but she and Yum had been unfairly targeted. Hwang also said UC Santa Cruz did not directly complain about any particular indi-

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viduals, but the UCR delegation as a whole.

The release of the letter in close proximity to the ASUCR elections has raised concerns over an ulterior motive. “My take on the reason why this letter was written to address us was the elections and the politics involved. Esther made it known that she wanted to be president, but half the delegation didn’t feel that she was fit for it. They wrote this to put a negative image on her and bring her down from running her candidacy,” said Yum. Moosa’s letter concludes with a set of disciplinary demands. It reads, “...we demand that Esther Hwang and Albert Yum compensate the cost of the trip which our student fees paid for. We also have two other demands: (1) that her position as [Campus Organizer Director] is terminated and (2) that her candidacy as an ASUCR Senator is revoked.”

In the days following the letter ’s release, Hwang’s candidacy fell apart. Jo, an ASUCR senate candidate on the [YOU]CR party, provided some insight, stating, “She was removed from our party due to the open letter and couple days later she dropped out of the race.”

Yum told the Highlander that if the ASUCR senate concludes that he and Hwang had done something wrong, they would pay the cost for their trip to Leg Con. The allegations will be addressed at this week’s ASUCR meeting on April 18. Several Leg Con delegates are expected to share further information during the public forum peH riod. ■

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

2012

ELECTIONS .

HIGHLANDER

ASUCR ELECTIONS GUIDE

ELECTION REFERENDA

ASPB FEE REFERENDUM INTRODUCTION:

ASUCR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

This referendum acknowledges the student body of University of California, Riverside (“UCR”) is interested in improving and expanding campus programming and activities through the ASPB. The ASPB is student run and fully funded through undergraduate student fees. Currently, $10 per quarter per student is collected to support their programs as well as student organization co-sponsored programs in the following areas: • • • • • •

Concerts Special Events Films & Lectures Cultural Events Marketing, and Leadership

HIGHLIGHTED CHANGES: I. Move from Parliamentary System to a Three-Branch System of governance, modeled after the US government (which the majority of the UC AS’s have adopted). This separates the Executive and Legislative Branch, while adding the new Judicial Branch.

The current fee has not increased since 2001. Increasing expenses associated with campus costs, publications, and talent are providing challenges to maintaining the level of support for student programs. The $30 increase in fees over time, from the current $10 per quarter to $40 per quarter by Fall 2018, will increase the quantity and quality of campus programming as well as address increased expenses. Information guiding the types of programs and this referendum is based on surveys of the UCR undergraduate population.

FUNDING:

Drafted by Jonathan Mansoori (Elections Chair) with the support of the Elections commission, the proposed constitution is a full substitution to the ASUCR Constitution. This is a fundamental restructuring of the university student governance (in accordance to a direct elections process); a necessary change to respond to the growing undergraduate student population and political interest, the growing political issues, and to the principle of defending our

The current fee has not increased since 2001. Increasing expenses associated with campus costs, publications, and talent are providing challenges to maintaining the level of support for student programs. The $30 increase in fees over time, from the current $10 per quarter to $40 per quarter by Fall 2018, will increase the quantity and quality of campus programming as well as address increased expenses. Information guiding the types of programs and this referendum is based on surveys of the UCR undergraduate population.

a. The Judicial Branch will be comprised of 6 nominated students alternative every 2 years. Their principle job is to oversee the implementation of the constitution, and to provide a step of checks to the governance as a whole. This is in response to a need of internal transparency.

II. Move from a Senatorial (Indirect) Election to a General (Direct) Election.

This will allow the student population as a whole to vote for the Executive Branch (comprising of the President, Executive Vice President, VP of Internal Affairs, VP of External Affairs), along with the Senators. a. Replaced the VP of Finance with a Controller, whom would be nominated by the President (requires one-year experience on ASUCR) b. Executive Branch will gain Veto privileges over Senate, reflecting lose of Senate Vote privileges.

III. Moved from a fully college-represented Senate to a “hybrid” Senate.

There will be 16 Senators: half of which will represent their respective colleges (2 CHASS, 2 CNAS, 2 BCOE, 2 SOBA), and half Senators-at-Large.

• Fee increased to $20 per quarter beginning Fall 2012 • Fee increased to $30 per quarter beginning Fall 2015 • Fee increased to $40 per quarter beginning Fall 2018 “RETURN-TO-AID”:

In accordance with University of California policy, 25% of the amount collected from this fee increase ($2.50, $5.00, and $7.50 respectively based on fee timeline) will be returned to UC Riverside students in the form of undergraduate financial aid.

ASPB FEE CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

SUBSIDIZED STUDENT ADMISSION PLAN REFERENDUM INTRODUCTION:

The Subsidized Student Admission Plan (SSAP) proposes that UCR undergraduate students be granted admission to all performances produced by the UCR Department of Theatre free of charge. The aim of this referendum is to reduce the cost of admission and to give students greater access to performances that inspire, educate and inform. Revenue generated by the fee would pay for costs in direct support of theatre production.

HISTORY:

UCR staged its first performance in 1954 and the Department of Theatre has been continually committed to the idea that live performance is a unique art form which informs our humanity on the deepest level. Theatrical performance has occurred wherever human society has developed, and performances in front of an audience, the wearing of costumes and storytelling are woven into our culture.

The Department currently presents over 50 performances per season in four theatres on the UCR campus. The presentations includes a wide variety of work including established plays like Shakespeare, provocative new commercial works, musicals and original plays that premier on our stages. Funding from SSAP would allow the Department to realize new initiatives such as Asian Theatre performances, large musicals, blended film and live performance and ideas yet to be conceived.

Annual attendance for the Department over the past 10 years has been 65%, of which 70% is student admission. Ticket prices are currently set at $12-14 for students and $14-16 for nonstudents. Within these ticket prices are administrative costs of nearly $2 for the handling of each ticket which the Department must pass along to patrons. Box office income substantially funds the cost of productions.

The annual cost to students for SSAP would be less than the cost of a single ticket at the current price.

In compliance with UC and UCR policies, this referendum must REFERENDUM PASSAGE: meet these criteria during elections to be approved by the student body: 1. At least 20% of the student body must vote on the issue.

2. A majority of the votes cast must vote in favor of the issue.

FUNDING:

SSAP will be funded through student fees as established by a referendum vote of the student body. If approved, this referendum will provide funds to completely subsidize the cost of individual admission to Department of Theatre events for current UCR undergraduates.

Revenue generated by the fee would pay for costs in direct support of theatre production The proposed undergraduate fee to fund this initiative would be of $2.50 per quarter. In accordance with campus policy, 25% of the fee would be returned to financial aid. The remaining $1.87 would fund SSAP starting in the Fall of 2012 and collected for all quarters, including summer session. By UCR Campus Policy, a portion of the revenue generated by this fee would be used toward campus assessments by UCOP for systemwide administrative functions. No more than 2% of the revenue will be used for this purpose.

The financial support provided by SSAP would pay for costs in diFINANCIAL rect support of theatre production : SUPPORT: • Performance Rights and Royalties and commissioning of new works • Materials for Production – lumber, paint, props, hardware, fabric, notions, bulbs, etc.

• Equipment for Production – lighting instruments, tools, electronic equipment, production computers, microphones, etc.

• Personnel for Production _ directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, craftspeople, skilled labor, front of house personnel, etc.

• Student Labor - skilled students are paid to work on pre-production activities • Maintenance of Facilities - theatre seats, stages, curtains, specialized floors, machines, etc.

• Transportation - moving costs, travel for production, shipping, etc.

Publicity and Promotion - advertising, printing, publicity materials, website Proposed student fee increase to subsidize the cost of undergraduREFERENDUM BALLOT LANGUAGE: ate student admission to performances produced by the Department of Theatre at UCR, providing free admission to current UCR undergraduate students.

ELECTIONS

HIGHLANDER

2012

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

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ASUCR ELECTIONS GUIDE

ELECTION CANDIDATE BIOS

R’VOICE

R’VOICE is a collective arrangement of students with a common interest: to ALLEVIATE student tensions and relations with faculty when it comes to the AID of student rights and representation.

Many students do not even know what ASUCR is, and that’s a problem. As “representatives”, members are expected to do as the title implies: to represent.

Issues on campus in relation to different campus organizations and activities are to be addressed and advocated for, for the students, by the students.

R’VOICE is based on 3 basic principles: Ac-

countability, Accessibility, and Action. We believe that student representatives, Administration, and The Board of Regents, are supposed to serve the students and should be held accountable to students. These positions of power were not created to pay the representatives bills or add to their resumes, they are designed to give students the best possible education and experience while adding institutions of higher education. In fact, R’VOICE plans to reallocate funding directly from senators to creating new scholarships for students. These

representatives must also be accessible to students so that students can make their concerns known to those who can help them. The final principle of action is R’VOICE’s pledge to take action for student needs through the duration of our terms in office. Simply, R’VOICE’s platform is to give the students, who have widely been unheard in recent years, their voice back in their government at UCR. It is R’School, R’Representatives, and R’VOICE that must be heard through constant Action, Accountability, and Accessibility.

STUDENTS UNITED

We are a group of UC RIverside students running on a platform of inclusion, transparency, and reform. We believe in an autono-

mous ASUCR Senate, we will fight to keep it independent from administrative or special interest influence. For any questions of

concerns, please visit www.facebook.com/ StudentsUnited2012. All the Students, All United!!!

[YOU]CR

We are [YOU]CR. The official party for students who want a vibrant Campus Culture. Student Empowerment, and Direct Action.

CAMPUS CULTURE - [YOU]CR aims to create a more lively campus by implementing and facilitating unique programs and services for the students.

These programs will include but are certainly not limited too: • Facilitating collaboration between associated student organizations on campus in order to increase commuter programs

• Support for established and aspiring student organizations.

• Sponsorship of events supporting your respective space and community on campus.

• We are a diverse delegation of students voicing different opinions from different walks of life.

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT – [YOU]CR has made it a priority to bring about the necessary strength throughout the student body through involvement and representation: • Support for sustaining committees that will

empower, educate, and voice the needs and wants of [YOU], the students.

• Increasing recruitment for student advocacy conferences and lobbying at the state and national level.

• Upholding the norms of coordination, unification, and equality for all. [YOU]CR will maintain and uphold these norms in hopes of providing an allegiance with campus administration (We shall closely work with the administration, NOT for them).

CHASS LIAM DOW

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi, I’m Liam Dow. I care about your experience as a student, and any thoughts you may have about the direction that UCR should take. As a senator I will strive to be a positive and responsible change on campus; to ensure true representation of YOU and YOUR student community. Go [You]CR! Response: Student government can only maintain autonomy if it represents a united student voice. United to better our education, to be more inclusive of different spaces on campus, to live up to our name as Associated Students. Together we can live up to this ideal, as scholars, as Highlanders. [You]CR!

BRIAN LEUNG

[YOU]CR

Bio: Brian is currently a CHASS pre-business major. As a highly driven, solution-oriented leader, he enjoys working with others to implement creative strategies to tackle common issues that students face. As ASUCR Senator, he hopes to represent his fellow peers and work towards effectively addressing their concerns around campus.

Response: To protect student government autonomy at UCR, I would strive to publicly take action in support of student concerns to ensure that school administration is aware that we are committed to our job and that we continue to play a vital role in student life on campus.

EMMANUEL ALLOH

[YOU]CR

Bio: I am a third year Business student running for Senate because I want to get more involved with issues that the average UCR student faces everyday.

If elected to Senate, I will focus on listening to what the students want, and will be open and willing to deal with any student concerns.

Response: As Senator, I would protect ASUCR’s autonomy by making sure that we (the Senate) distribute funds accordingly and make practical decisions regarding policy. By doing so, I believe ASUCR will continue to be financially/socially independent of Administration and continue to be the true voice of the students.

KRISTINA MORELES

[YOU]CR

Bio: As an active member of multiple organizations, I have held various positions, from President to Vp Education. In ASUCR I intend to exemplify my leadership abilities on issues that need improvement. I also want to focus on the opportunities and services student organizations can obtain through effective promotion.

Response: As Senator, I will continue preserving ASUCR’s autonomy by providing a safe environment for students to feel empowered to voice their concerns about first-hand issues, minimizing the involvement of administration. I will further raise awareness on these issues through outreach/involvement creating a beneficial experience for students and organizations.

ARMANDO SALDANA

[YOU]CR

Bio: As a CHASS Senator I will strive for equality, opportunity, and change for the students at UCR. It is time that students rise to obtain the rights to our education. I want you to refer to YOUR rights, fight for YOUR dream, use YOUR representative Armando Saldana to represent YOU. Response: My goals include strengthening the communication between administration, and the Associated Students, and enhancing the transparency of student government affairs. Doing so, will not only educate the student body, but it will also make it clear to administration that student autonomy is of utmost importance. [You]CR!

CHRIS SALVADOR

[YOU]CR

Bio: Change is imminent, but change does not always lead to progression. However, if elected to proudly represent UCR, I will make positive changes. As a Human Resources major, I’m heavily vested in the interests of the students. Vote for me, I will represent YOU; together we can see it through.

Response: Response: With diligence and perseverance, together WE can strive to surpass any obstacle. As YOUR Senator I will minimize unnecessary expenditures, increase student involvement through proactive outreach, and create realistic and innovative plans for a more holistic approach to dealing with issues facing students. We’ll put the YOU in [YOU]CR.

JEANETTE LAU

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi! My name is Jeanette Lau and as ASUCR senator, I will strive to bring back hope to students with future changes to common concerns. I plan to strengthen the bond between the student body and government allowing students to have a greater voice as well as equal representation.

Response: I plan to protect ASUCR’s autonomy by informing students about current issues as well as make decisions that will benefit the students as a whole. I will make sure that all voices are heard, and create an environment where students are able to have a positive college experience.

LAZARO CARDENAS

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi, I’m Lazaro Cardenas. I’m a 2nd year majoring in Psychology. I have a passion for student advocacy. I plan to push issues that are facing higher education and make them a priority for our state and congressional representatives. I see the future of ASUCR empowering the student voice. [You]CR. Response: The self-determination of our Student Government will be consistent if I am to enter Senate. Administration’s hand in student affairs will remain in the office for which it is designated, “Students Affairs”, NOT Associated Students. However, what is, “autonomy” without equal student representation within ASUCR?

BRIAN PENGSON

[YOU]CR

Bio: My name is Benjamin Pengson. I am a 3rd year Business Major. I care greatly for the progression of this campus. Power to change comes not from a ruling government but from the voice of the students. Please join my cabinet and myself to represent your voice and elevate our campus together.

Response: As a student senator the process I would use to protect ASUCR’s student government autonomy is by priorities. As long as we keep the student’s welfare as a number one priority and carefully analyze how every decision will affect the campus, I believe that the integrity will be preserved.

CRYSTAL KIM

[YOU]CR

Bio: I’m Crystal Kim, third year Business Administration. I was always one of those students who spoke to others about the issues that our school had. Now, I want to take initiative and help make UCR a better school. I would like to help resolve the issues that we currently have.

Response: I would ensure that the voices of students are heard. As students, we have the right and obligation to make UCR a better school. We can only do this by making sure that ASUCR represents the students of this campus. We will ensure that our fellow students are a priority.

KEVIN JO

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hello! My name is Kevin Jo. My goals include: providing greater accessibility for student involvement, working closely with UCSA and USSA for student campaigns, and restoring accountability within ASUCR. I’m motivated by the goal of preeminence for UCR and pride myself for being with some of the most motivated students.

Response: If elected, I will protect the autonomy of ASUCR by working with our cultural centers, student organizations, and community organizers. Building these relationships with the different aspects of UCR is crucial to creating lasting change at UCR. I will do my best to encourage great ideas and make them happen.

AARON JOHNSON

[YOU]CR

Bio: The main reasons I chose to attend UCR is because this institution continues to move forward, while other universities remain the same.

Using my superior communication and leadership skills, I will listen to the input and ideas of students and ensure that UCR continues to progress within the educational community.

Response: ASUCR is unique in the fact that it truly represents the students by remaining separate from the UCR administration. As senator, I would protect ASUCR’s autonomy by ensuring that the administration does not get involved in our affairs and reporting to other senators and the president if they do so.

8

ELECTIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

SPENCER CASTRELLON

[YOU]CR

Bio: Im a 5th year Spanish major and Vice President of the Mens Soccer Club@UCR. For a student body to be equally represented, everybody has to be heard equally. With such diversity on campus, my goal is to unite UCR with equal representation being the glue that holds us together.

Response: Satisfaciton of our peers is essential for the success of our autonomous ASUCR government. I will become an advocate for every voice with a concern, comment, or suggestion. I will ensure that every student, club and organization is heard and dealt with appropriately to resolve the issue at hand.

AUNDREY JONES

R’VOICE

Bio: Our voices aim to serve as the pathway in mobilizing student awareness. Our education corroborates the reality of the dreams, abilities, and motives of the students. Our beliefs are supported by the outcome of our actions. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively. Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

EUGENE KIM

R’VOICE

Bio: Our mission is to promote a voice for the students. Our objective is to ensure that student government serves the campus. Our vision is for a more open, more dynamic campus. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively.

Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

KAREEM AREF

R’VOICE

Bio: My Strength is R’Strength: derived from the student body. My desire is R’Desire: to serve and represent my fellow student. My dream is R’Dream: Create the strongest ASUCR to work towards a better UCR. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: As an ASUCR Senator I will work tireless with, NOT UNDER, the Administration in order to provide more resources for student while preserving autonomy. Using collective action, in all forms among all student we will come together achieve a better UCR with administration so R’voice can be heard.

NICOLE ROSALES

R’VOICE

Bio: Our passion :the struggles student’s face daily.

Our responsibility :represent the student body to the best of my ability. Our promise : integrity and transparency in our decision making. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively.

Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

JOSUE GRACIANO

STUDENTS UNITED

Bio: My vision is an influential ASUCR who relies on reaching out to the whole student body for ideas and solutions to the issues pertaining to us students.

My experience in student government and strong leadership skills will enable me to be an ASUCR Senator that will get business done!

Response: A student government with minimal interference from school administrators will strive under the direct wishes of the student body. Providing the student body with options like Facebook or Twitter would facilitate their communication with the student governing board, thus enabling to act on behalf of the students and not administrators.

DAVION ROWLES Bio: My name is Davion Rowles and I am a second year Political Science/ Law and Society major. As an ASUCR senator, I will strive hard to improve the representation of each and every student within the College of Humanities. My focus consists of reflecting the voices of many unheard students.

Response: As ASUCR senator, one of my main goals would be to keep the Senate autonomous. Student’s values and ideas are best protected and represented solely by equivalent peers. Due to administrator’s lack of relations with students, I feel that it is completely unacceptable for them to dictate anything.

ADAM JAFERY

HIGHLANDER

R’VOICE

Bio: Our-Goal: To keep the student body involved and informed. Our-Action: To lead our fellow students in matters important to them.

Our-Dream: To bring student government to the people so we can come together and unite as students . How do I plan to fulfill these obligations?

Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: To protect the autonomy of ASUCR I will bring students together as one cohesive unit to make sure that our voice is heard through action, so that the Administration can see that we as students stand together as one.

CESAR TOLEDO

R’VOICE

Bio: Our Commitment: To proliferate student issues.

Our Promise: A hardworking transparent Senate for the students, by the students. Our Vision: To create a plethora of positive solutions. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively. Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

HARMONY CHAI

R’VOICE

Bio: Hello Highlanders!! I am a 3rd year Political Science major. We know that UCR represents diversity. With diversity, come diverse ideas and goals. My goal, if elected as Senator, is to act as a catalyst between students and administration dialogue so that the voices of UCR

students are heard.

Response: In order to address this issue, I would make it my biggest effort to remind students of the importance of voicing their concerns/ opinions by actively engaging with students’ on-campus. Administration would allow the UC Student Government to remain independent if it continues to accurately represent the students of UCR.

MICHAEL GAMBOA

R’VOICE

Bio: Our motivation: the unvoiced, manifest struggles of the student body. Our Vision: To put the “student” back in student government.

Our Promise: Accountability, Accessibility, and Visibility. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! I’m Michael Gamboa and I look forward to meeting you Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively.

Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

SHADI MATAR

R’VOICE

Bio: Our Drive: To change the campus. Our Commitment: To help the students. Our Dedication: Not to let you down. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE I’m Shadi Matar and can’t wait to start changing this campus for the better!

Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively.

Collective action must occur directly and indirectly so administration can become receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

SEIN TUN

STUDENTS UNITED

Bio: Hello my CHASS fellows, my name is Sein Tun. My vision for ASUCR is to see students utilizing all the resources that UCR has to offer. I will increase student involvement through extensive committees and programs. If elected as senator, I will inSeinly (insanely) amplify your voice.

Response: To protect ASUCR’s autonomy, I will make sure that our objectives and values are crystal clear. Believing in our potential and voices is truly essential. I shall not allow any authority influence or suppress our voices and interests through unity.

JASMINE KAVEZADE Bio: Greetings! I am Yassamin Kavezade a Psychology third year student and I am committed to create a sense of community on campus by uniting the diversity we have here at UCR. Inspired by my involvement with grassroots organizing here in Riverside, joining the student senate would be

a great opportunity.

Response: In regards towards protecting Student Government autonomy, I would embody the duty as an ASUCR Senator to raise awareness about student concerns and issues. I believe educating the population through transparent means with grassroots tactics about campus issues creates peoples power, pushing victories for the constant progression of campus life.

ALFONSO RUIZ

R’VOICE

Bio: Our motivation: To help voice the struggle of the students. Our Vision: To put the “student” back in student government Our Promise: Accountability, Accessibility, and Visibility. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE!. I’m Alfonso Ruiz and I look forward to meeting you.

Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively. Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

CHRIS SERAFIN

R’VOICE

Bio: I’m a fourth year double major in Liberal studies and Cultural Anthropology. What I have planned in mind for ASUCR as a goal is to improve student interaction regarding outreach towards assisting incoming freshmen with scholarships; and strengthen the relationship between clubs/organizations and the community at large.

Response: I believe ASUCR is a brilliant form of student expression.

The fact that it is independent of UC administration indicates that we, the students, are free to decide what is best for ourselves. As a senator I would do everything in my power to protect that independency so ASUCR remains the true voice of the students.

IAN CAVASOS

R’VOICE

Bio: I am a third year public policy and anthropology major. I am running for Senate because I want to be the voice of Costo Hall’s gender and ethnic offices. I want to promote the resources on our campus and be an advocate for the many student organizations on campus.

Response: ASUCR is the voice of the students and should only be the students. This means allowing administration to work alongside, but always putting the student interest first. This means making sure administration is visible and accountable to UCR students.

NICHOLAS OIFOH

R’VOICE

Bio: Our Motivation: To fight against the growing struggles that students face daily. Our Vision: A Visible, Transparent and Engaging Student government. Our Objective: To adequately serve the needs and concerns of students. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move student issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken collectively. Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and symbolically so Administration can become more receptive to the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students and their families.

CHRISTINA HUNG

STUDENTS UNITED

Bio: Change starts with a spark of an idea and collaboration. My goal is to ignite the flame that is the voice of all underrepresented students. By connecting UCR students of all backgrounds, ASUCR can foster and implement changes to ensure that resources are utilized to raise school

morale.

Response: Information and knowledge are key factors in implementing change. By improving the delivery of information to students while advocating on their behalf, every decision made by the ASUCR Student Government will remain autonomous and uninfluenced by the Administration while allowing students to shape their own college experiences.

ALI JAKVANI Bio: I’m Ali Jakvani and currently I’m studying Psychology/Law and Society. I’m Founding Father of the Delta Chi Fraternity and have taken a leadership role within the organization. Being an active student at UCR had given me the opportunity to visit Washington DC to lobby in congress for our

Universities interests.

Response: I will do whatever it takes to ensure ASUCR’s autonomy. My interests are of reflection of the rest of the student body and being that ASUCR is uniquely not under Administration, I see why it has been a more successful student government and will work to keep it that way.

JOSE CLARO Bio: As a member of the senate of ASUCR I would make communicating with students a top priority.

As the voice of students, we want to make UCR a better place to attend and so listening to what students say would yield better ideas on which to move forward with.

Response: Providing a comfort zone where students can be active with ASUCR would encourage participation. Transparency is an important factor with which many students often feel comfortable with and having a broad network such as social media would give students the knowledge of what exactly is going in in their government.

ELECTIONS

HIGHLANDER

MATT RICHARDSON

PABLO FLORES

Bio: My name is Matt Richardson and I’m a Classical Studies major. I will strive to give students a voice, and increase student participation on campus. If elected, I would spearhead a club appreciation campaign, and increase voter registration efforts in this election year.

Response: I would work to protect student government autonomy. ASUCR must represent the students’ voices and their voices only. Working with administration will be necessary at times, but I will not forget who I represent. I will fight to maintain and advance government for the students, by the students.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

9

ASPB FEE FROM PAGE 6

GOVERNANCE: The Associated Students Program Board is comprised of nineteen full-

Bio: With rising tuition costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attend this supposed public institution. On top of that, library hours have been cut and class sizes have increased drastically. I want to return these student privileges that have been taken away and put a stop to rising tuition costs.

Response: As a senator, I will make sure that administrative oversight of this student body stays at a bare minimum. I believe this is a consequential facet of our body, as it prevents the administration from infringing on our ability to voice the students’ opinions.

time undergraduate students including a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, 12 directors, and 5 program assistants. The Vice Chairperson and the 12 directors are all voting members and decide on all program requests presented to the Board. Director positions are selected via an application and interview process and are available to all undergraduate students.

The ASPB will be responsible for: 1. Directing the use of all funding for programs; 2. Determining the type and calendar of programs; 3. Running and marketing ASPB programs; 4. Reviewing requests and applications for student organization co-sponsorship opportunities; and 5. Funding approved student organization co-sponsorship applications.

PHILIP TRUONG Bio: We, as students, hold a tremendous amount of power when our voices are spoken and heard by administration. As ASUCR Senator, I will take into account as many students’ voices as possible, represent these voices and then, use them to make a positive impact on our campus.

Response: As senator, I will protect ASUCR autonomy by raising awareness and increasing school-wide support for AS one person at a time. I firmly believe that the more students involved and aware, the more power ASUCR and our student body as a whole has when facing those of a higher authority.

REFERENDUM In compliance with UC and UCR policies, this referendum must meet PASSAGE: the following criteria during elections to be approved by the student body.

1. At least 20% of the student body must vote on the issue.

2. A majority of the votes cast must vote in favor of the issue.

CNAS ASHLEY YEE

JOHNNY TA [YOU]CR

Bio: Hi! My name is Ashley and I am a 3rd year biochem student. My main goals are to encourage more student involvement, representation, and awareness. As a dedicated student and a member of a sorority, I can address common issues affecting both the social and academic aspects of college life.

Response: As an ASUCR senator, I will provide an honest voice for students and represent the student body as a whole. I will do my best to keep the student body aware of present issues and work towards putting ideas into action, promoting positive change, and fostering school spirit.

MARTIN MADUAKOR

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi UCR my name is Martin Maduakor. I am a 3rd year Environmental Science major. More than anything I want to establish an Environment where YOU can easily voice your opinions and concerns. Making the UC more accessible and affordable is my top priority. CNAS, this is Our moment!

Response: As a senator I will ensure that ASUCR will remain autonomous by raising awareness about current issues that affect the student population. It is very important that students have a platform where there voices can be heard. I will make decisions that represent and reflect views of this diverse campus.

SAI PATADIA

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi my name is Sai Patadia, we as a student body should implement policies that will improve the quality of education by increasing the access to services.

With this position, I would like to contribute to the development of highlander spirit. As Senator I will strive to empower your voice and increase transparency. [YOU]CR! Response: As senator I will protect ASUCR Student Government autonomy by taking a professional approach when considering both the voice of the student body and administration.

By increasing transparency, students, as well as administration, will be well informed of the new decisions and policies within the student body.

[YOU]CR

Bio: My name is Johnny Ta and I am currently a second year Biological Science major. As Senator, my goals are aimed to unify students and student government, encourage student activism, make enrollment less painful, and create a safer environment around UCR so that students can freely walk down Linden St. Response: As senator, I would do everything in my power to truly speak for the student body of UCR. I will make it my priority to ensure the protection of a student run ASUCR. The importance of free speech not buffered by an administration cannot be stressed enough.

NIELA DARMANI

• Fee will begin effectively, Fall 2012

• Fee Increase to $20 per quarter beginning

Fall 2012

• Fee Increase to $30 per quarter beginning

Fall 2015

• Fee Increase to $40 per quarter beginning

Fall 2018 • 25% of the fee will be returned to financial aid to help offset costs for students who are eligible for financial aid ($2.50, $5.00, and $7.50 respectively based on fee timeline) The approval of this referendum would provide: 1. Increased quality of UC Riverside’s welcome event, Block Party and ASPB’s annual music festival, Spring Splash

a. Keeping Events FREE for UCR Students

b. Secure better, current, and relevant artists in today’s music industry

c. Enhance interactive event attractions

d. Accommodate rising operational costs 2. Increased moderate size concerts to complement small scale (Nooners) and large scale concerts (Block Party and Spring Splash) 3. Major comedy shows (currently unable to support any) 4. Three or more major speakers a year 5. Increased movie premieres (currently only able to support 2 per quarter) 6.Up to 5x the current funds available for Student Organization Co-Sponsorship

R’VOICE

Bio: My name is Christina Tjandra and I am a third year Biological Sciences major. My goal as senator is to encourage and increase student involvement. I will work towards relieving students of their concerns by ensuring that their voices are heard and to make this upcoming year successful for everybody.

Response: In order to protect the autonomy of ASUCR, it is essential that students know that their voices do make a difference. In order to achieve this, I will make sure that all the concerns of UCR students are represented to the best of my abilities and that solutions are achieved.

OMAR SHAHIN

associated with campus entertainment? In turn this will also create additional jobs for students, accommodate future growth of UCR students, and encourage Highlander spirit.

[YOU]CR

Bio: Hi, I’m Niela Darmani, as a CNAS senator I’ll strive to ensure that YOUR student voice is heard. I’ll shed light on issues us as students are faced with everyday here at UCR and work to help ASUCR better benefit us as students in educational, social, and professional spheres. [YOU]CR! Response: ASUCR’s autonomy is its greatest strength, to protect it I would work to strengthen student-administration relations while representing YOUR voice as Highlanders. I would also work to get students more interested and involved in university affairs because in order to keep ASUCR’s autonomy students must be actively involved. [YOU]CR!

CHRISTINA TJANDRA

REFERENDUM BALLOT Do you support a quarterly fee of $40 (escalated over a period of six years from current fee of $10; Fall 2012 to Fall 2018) to allow ASPB to program LANGUAGE: events that meet the growing student demand and rising logistical cost

R’VOICE

Bio: Having the opportunity to explore the role of student government at UCR as a senator this school year, I have developed concrete ideas on how to progress on issues that concern the student body. For the upcoming year, I want to continue adAHLAM dressing the complaints that students have JADALLAH R’VOICE Response: The autonomyonofcampus. a student government is a valuable Bio: Our Involvement: Enables us to asset in proper representation of the student body. This privilege understand the study body. Our Goal: A needs to be protected by making responsible and ethical decisions.

I would protect the autonomy of ASUCR, so that the student’s voice student government that represents the diverse students. Our Promise: To upKAREEM SHAHIN R’VOICE hold values of Accountability, Visibility, and Action. How do I plan to fulfill these Bio: Having learned the ins and outs of obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE! ASUCR in my two years as a senator Response: It’s imperative we utilize our autonomy to move stuand Academic Affairs Director, I plan to make this year even more successful dent issues forward. For this to occur, action must be taken colby listening to the student body and lectively. Collective action must occur directly, indirectly, and addressing the issues we face to the adsymbolically so Administration can become more receptive to ministration in hopes of alleviating the the struggle that continuously has been placed on the backs of students’ dissatisfaction. students.

Response: As a third year in Student Government, it’s my interest to alleviate the dissatisfaction that students face on this BRANDON campus. It is vital that ASUCR maintain its autonomy so that IREIFEJ STUDENTS UNITED the student voice continues to be the main voice and that no barrier gets in our way of achieving this.

Bio: My ultimate goal as part of the PAVAN RAMI STUDENTS UNITED senate would be to increase awareness of international issues that affect Bio: As senator, I will empower students UCR students’ every day. I hope to to make a positive impact in both the create cultural events that enlighten UCR and the Riverside community. This the student body to realize that the means helping students find & create UCR community together can make an active and positive opportunities that they are passionate impact throughout the world. for as well as increasing awareness on the issues that our school , our community, Response: To protect the ASUCR Student Government auand our world faces. tonomy, I will use the students’ voice as the backbone in my Response: Student autonomy is a positive and powerful entity, decision making as senator. My undivided attention will aland to protect that autonomy, I will ensure that ASUCR is a place ways be given to the students in which they can express their that every student can come and voice a concern. I will actively concerns and ideas. The students’ voices will always be louder work to learn about what students need and will make sure the than mine. student’s voice is never unheard.

BCOE MEGAN CRAIL

[YOU]CR

SEAN FAHUNIAN [YOU]CR

Bio: Hello, I am Megan Crail a third year Bioengineer. As student senator I would like to see the ideas and concerns from my fellow engineers to be voiced. I see an equal representation for all engineers to further our learning techniques and resources. I look forward to bettering our education!

Response: As a senator for ASUCR I will protect our government autonomy by encouraging student involvement. I plan to increase outreach by better promoting ASCUR conferences and events and keeping open communication between colleges, students, and senators. Through student involvement [You] run BCOE.

Bio: My name is Sean Fahmian, I’m a 2nd year Chemical Engineering Major. I want to see fair and equal representation of all Colleges on campus with their diverse thoughts and opinions expressed. Together we can have the many opinions of the underrepresented Bourns College of Engineering voiced campus wide. B-C-O-E! Response: Student autonomy is the ability to freely choose and address urgent and bothersome issues without limitations. The students have the ability to act on forces hindering our college experience. I will strive in my senatorial duties to maintain our ability to develop and enhance this experience. [You] run BCOE.

LAMEES ALKHAMIS

R’VOICE

Bio: Our Truth: Sixth in the nation in diversity.

Our Reality: Underrepresented students, and issues that are yet to be recognized. Our Goal: Bring about beneficial changes and serving the students unconditionally. How do I plan to fulfill these obligations? Using the power of R’VOICE and integrity.

Response: To sustain autonomy, I will continue to advocate for student issues and push for immediate action. For the betterment of this campus, we must work collectively with the administration and students.

KEVIN CHAN Bio: Hi, I’m Kevin Chan, a current first year Chemical Engineering major. I would like to be YOUR representative for the Bourns College of Engineering. I believe that we, the students in BCOE, should be able to get our words out, and I am here to make sure we are heard!

Response: As the BCOE senator for ASUCR, I will do my best to listen to my constituents, and try to go the extra mile for them. Knowing Engineering coordinates at least an event every week, I will do my best to help them push the boundaries to go above and beyond.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2011

. FEATURES .

FOOD REVIEW: D’ELIA’S GRINDERS My first impression when entering D’Elia’s Grinders was that it was an incredibly old restaurant. The décor testified to that, the tables and wooden chairs were locked into the ground and even the tiled floor and ceiling added to the air of antiquity. D’Elia’s Grinders has been open since 1955, with a catchy slogan that says “It’s the Bread!” Although its initial appearance wasn’t impressive, my friend and I were greeted by a helpful staff who, thankfully, were patient as we tried to sort through their lengthy sandwich menu.

With a variety of cold cut, hot, gourmet and grilled sandwiches, D’Elia’s seems to cover all the bases in the sandwich world. They also serve salads, burgers and desserts for those not in the mood for a classic grinder.

I ordered a turkey pastrami grinder while my friend ordered a roast beef grinder and a chocolate chip cookie.

Because of the promising slogan, I expected the bread to be fresh, crunchy and light. Unfortunately, the bread I received was too crunchy, so much so that it scratched part of my gums. To make matters worse, I soon realized that the first few bites were all bread. After opening up my sandwich, I noticed the ratio of filling and bread was disproportionate, and there was hardly any meat and other toppings.

The filling of my turkey pastrami cold cut grinder was very basic; just some lettuce and tomato accompanied by the turkey pastrami and provolone cheese. The only dressing included was soy bean oil and sparse seasonings of salt and pepper. The turkey pastrami tasted like store bought deli meat; it was less like meat and more like preservatives. And although the cheese truly tasted like cheese, it wasn’t enough to save the entire sandwich.

My friend, who ordered the roast beef grinder, had a little more luck with his sandwich. The bread, cheese, vegetables, and toppings were the same as mine, but the roast beef was definitely much better than the turkey pastrami. It didn’t taste preserved and was pretty good overall. However, there was still too much bread and not enough filling.

After the sandwiches, we sampled the chocolate chip cookie. Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad. It didn’t have the fresh out of the oven taste, but it was still soft and there was a lot of chocolate. Out of the entire meal, the cookie easily outshone the sandwiches.

If you’re desperately looking for a sandwich shop and you’re further down on University Avenue, then maybe try D’Elia’s Grinders. The staff was nice and the prices are fairly cheap (you can purchase half a sandwich for around $4 and a whole sandwich for around $6), depending on what you order. However, if you’re looking for a more substantial sandwich with superior flavor and filling, stick to the closer sandwich shops around camH pus like Subway or Sub Station. ■

By Natalie Pau, Contributing Writer Bryan Tuttle, Photographer

★☆☆☆☆

HIGHLANDER

UCR’S

HIGHLANDER

FEATURES

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB

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EXCELS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

By Eric Gamboa, Senior Staff Writer During their visit to New York as part of the annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, UC Riverside’s MUN Club earned numerous awards including the prestigious “Outstanding Delegation” award. The conference, which is the largest MUN conference of its kind, unites more than five thousand worldwide participants for a week of rigorous negotiations, debates and mediation between delegates.

“I was very excited to hear that our MUN team won ‘Outstanding Delegation’ because we are a student-run organization, while other delegations are classes and have full-time Ph.D. professors preparing them for this conference,” stated UC Riverside student Cesar Toledo in an interview with the Highlander. Toledo noted that this year’s conference marked the fourth year that the MUN Club has received the “Outstanding Delegation” award.

“All the extra research (added to the usual bout of stress of finals week), sleepless nights throughout the actual conference, and long hours spent pouring over resolutions papers paid off at that moment when the director announced our name,” stated Jessica Cobain, a third-year political science student who served on the general assembly.

UC Riverside’s team of 17 students, two head delegates and one advisor were tasked with representing the Union of Comoros and the Gabonese Republic. Meanwhile, smaller groups of students were part of committees ranging from the Security Council to the Organization for Islamic Cooperation. For their work on these committees, UC Riverside students were awarded five “Outstanding Position Paper” awards; Almario Javier, Jessica Cobain, Pamela Anguiano, Mekbeb Hagos, Christopher Seeling, Crystal Navarrete, Ahmad Takouche, Daniel Naim and Agnes Nazarian were students that received such awards.

MUN students engage in hours of collaborative efforts and research in order to formulate solutions to global problems. This year, the conference featured themes such as poverty eradication, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in Africa and sustainable development. Representing the Union of Comoros, a small island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, posed its own unique obstacles for UC Riverside’s MUN Club. Cobain explained that her team had to put forward a great deal of effort to gain recognition for their small nation’s contributions to issues such as water resource management, micro-financing and intellectual MODEL UN CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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FEATURES

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MODEL UN FROM PAGE 11

Agnes Nazarian

WEDNESDAYS @ 9AM

of

KUCR RADIO 88.3

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property rights.

The consensus among MUN members was that the New York Conference was a highly rewarding experience, even for veteran students who have been MUN members for numerous years. “Through this experience, it not only helped me improve my skills but I also learned more about myself. When [serving in my] committee, I was even surprised at myself because I did not know I had the ability to carry out certain challenges,” stated Crystal Navarette in an interview with the Highlander.

“When I started to first attend MUN last fall, I was a shy, reserved person and did not speak much. But after attending various conferences, my public speaking was improving and [I] learned to think more on my feet.”

The conference also held special challenges for students such as Agnes Nazarian, who was the sole member of the Commission on the Status of Women. “Although this was my third national MUN conference, I went into committee as a single delegate which was very nerve racking…Winning the ‘Outstanding Position Paper’ award for my committee made me feel accomplished and felt like all the hard H work had paid off,” said Nazarian. ■

FEATURES

HIGHLANDER

THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH RYAN SIMON HOW NOKIA’S LUMIA 900 MAY SAVE WINDOWS PHONE WRITTEN BY RYAN SIMON, SENIOR STAFF WRITER It is a difficult time for Microsoft and their Windows Phone 7 (WP7) mobile operating system. While Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android are able to entice new users, WP7 continues its struggle to garner consumer attention. As of February 2012, comScore, a mobile user data measurement service, reported that Android and iOS both saw an increase in their userbase, which encompasses over 80 percent of the total smartphone market in the United States. Meanwhile, WP7 dropped to a measly 3.9 percent total market share.

A simple examination of this data paints a very dreary picture for Microsoft’s young mobile platform, but that’s where Nokia and their new Lumia 900 come into play. Having launched just one week ago, the Lumia 900 is already proving to be quite a popular device among AT&T customers—a sign that Windows Phone may have found its saving grace. Here’s why: A Lust-Worthy Design One can argue that Apple’s sleek industrial design for the iPhone 4 and 4S is unmatched and largely contributes to the success of the iPhone and iOS platform. No other mobile device on the market has been designed as beautifully

as the iPhone—until now.

With the introduction of the Lumia series, and in this case the 900, Nokia has created a truly unique and handsome smartphone. With its rounded cyan-colored polycarbonate body and 4.3” ClearBlack AMOLED display, the Lumia 900 not only looks like a premium device, it feels like one.

Unlike the iPhone 4 and 4S’ rather sharp edges, the Lumia 900 is incredibly comfortable in the hand. It also has a heft and sturdiness to it that reassures the holder of the phone that dropping it won’t shatter it to pieces.

An Attractive Price Microsoft, Nokia and AT&T are not messing around with their marketing campaign for the Lumia 900. All three companies are working hard to ensure that both AT&T customers and other consumers are aware of the phone. The most impressive part of the trio’s marketing strategy is the Lumia’s aggressive $99 price tag. Considering most new high-quality smartphones start at $199, it is a welcome surprise. In fact, Nokia is doing one better. Any AT&T customer that signs a new 2-year contract with the purchase of a Lumia 900 before April 21 will receive a SIMON CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Photo courtesy of Nokiagadgets.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

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HIGHLANDER

of exclusive apps include: Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps, and Nokia Transit. Nokia Drive is the standout application here; it provides users with excellent turnby-turn directions, similar to Google Navigation, completely free of cost.

Solid User Experience

Photos Courtesy of bayoetech.web.id, cdn.itproportal.com SIMON FROM PAGE 13

$100 rebate – basically nullifying the price of the phone. That’s what I call a great deal.

Slick Exclusive Apps The most interesting part of Nokia’s

partnership with Microsoft is the extra freedom and assistance given to Nokia to help design the Lumia 900. By working closely with Microsoft’s software engineers, Nokia and their software partners were able to create some fantastic and exclusive applications for their flagship Windows Phone. The list

Since the Lumia 900 is a WP7 device, it provides the same snappy experience as other WP7 phones. There is no noticeable lag, apps are easy to jump in and out of and the general interface is easy to use. Unlike the more complicated nature of Android, WP7 uses its “tile” system to provide users with information quickly and concisely. Combine the intuitive nature of WP7 with Microsoft’s services like Bing search, free SkyDrive cloud data storage, and Microsoft Office integration, and the

Lumia 900 becomes a much more intriguing smartphone.

Conclusive Evidence Even with all the great things going for it, the Lumia 900’s success depends entirely on how it is received among the general public. With early reports of strong phone sales in retail stores and on AT&T and Amazon’s website, there is good reason for both Nokia and Microsoft to be pleased. If the Lumia 900 is able to continue its sales momentum through the rest of this fiscal quarter, it will bode very well for both companies and the future of the Windows Phone platform. The important thing is for Nokia and Microsoft to look ahead beyond the Lumia 900 and expand on what may be the first smash H hit for Windows Phone. ■

HIGHLANDER

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

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R adar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Photo Courtesy of

collider.com

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

HIGHLANDER

MOVIE REVIEWS ALSO THIS WEEK:

THE LUCKY ONE

THINK LIKE A MAN

TO THE ARCTIC 3D

CHIMPANZEE

LOCKOUT RATING: ★★☆☆☆

BY: ALEXANDER SUFFOLK, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Photo Courtesy of Europa Corp.

“Lockout” is a sci-fi action movie that can only be called sci-fi because it takes place in space. The story is about a government agent, Snow (Guy Pearce), who is wrongfully arrested for the murder of a fellow agent and espionage against the United States. Meanwhile, the president’s daughter visits a high-security prison complex out in Earth’s orbit to test the rumors that the stasis the prisoners are kept in is damaging to their minds. But during her interview of one particularly psychotic inmate, the inmate manages to get a gun, free himself and pull all the other prisoners out of stasis, allowing mass anarchy to ensue. In response, the secret service send Snow in for a covert mission to get her out safely before the government is forced to destroy the prison and prevent it from impacting the eastern U.S. He is told that he can clear his name if he returns the girl safely.

Does this plot sound familiar to you? A wrongfully condemned specialist infiltrating an area filled with murderous lunatics to save a V.I.P.? If so, it might be because you’ve seen a better version of this movie called “Escape From New York,” or its completely identical sequel “Escape From L.A.” The plots were so similar, they might as well have called it “Escape from Space,” which would have been a more

appropriate title considering that “Lockout” makes no sense (they’re locked in a place, technically, but maybe the writers meant to call it “Lockdown”).

Then they’d just have to change three letters to convert the name Snow to Snake, and you’d have a direct sequel. Seriously, why make this movie if the exact same plot has been done twice?

Especially since a remake of “Escape from New York” is just around the corner. The film seems to lack purpose, let alone originality.

To make matters worse, the rest of the writing is not the best. The villains just seem to be bad for the sake of being bad, never really revealing what their demands are other than that they plan to use the president’s daughter as a bargaining chip for some unspecified gain. The fact that they all seemed to have thick Scottish accents for no significant reason did not help. The subplots all seem to be contrived and yet insignificant. They make it a point to stress how the stasis can mentally unsettle the prisoners but we only see it in maybe two minor characters.

It is revealed that the facility was running experiments on the prisoners, but after that scene, literally nobody ever speaks of it again.

To top it all off, none of the characters are really enjoyable to watch. I was disappointed to

see how low Pearce has fallen with this role. Snow is supposed to be a wise-cracking badass reminiscent of John McClane of the “Die Hard” series.

However, his sarcasm, egotism and lack of care for anything just don’t seem appropriate juxtaposed to everything else in the movie. He has a few witty lines, but for the most part, he is really just irritating. Even worse is the president’s daughter, played by Maggie Grace.

She can’t seem to decide if she is a strong and determined woman or a cowardly and hysteric girl. This makes her absolutely infuriating when she delays and disrupts Snow from saving her life in one scene and then wants to be taken seriously in the next. The only character that I appreciated was the deranged madman who freed the

prisoners, but I can’t decide if it’s because the actor is actually good or if psychopaths are just inherently interesting. All of the rest of the characters seem to just be your usual bunch of action movie tropes: the concerned president, the superior officer who starts out abrasive but comes around at the end, the superior officer who isn’t as he seems, the distressed damsel’s first bodyguard who sacrifices himself. Most of these characters weren’t offensive, but none of them stood out either.

The only saving grace for this movie are some of the visual effects and action sequences. There was one interesting, although brief, fight in a zerogravity environment. The opening motorcycle chase is fun to look at. The sequences in space outside the ship were slightly

impressive, but nothing outstanding by today’s standards.

I also enjoyed the aesthetics of the actual escape, although its believability was so low it bordered on stupid. But what this movie really needed were more fight scenes because for an action movie, “Lockout” seemed to have very little. Snow barely had any opportunities to go toe-to-toe with anybody and the few firefights were pretty standard. I can often forgive action movies for their less-thanstellar acting and plot holes if it can at least get my adrenaline going, but sadly “Lockout” did not quite deliver.

“Lockout” isn’t a terrible movie, but it certainly is far from great; I hesitate to even call it just ok. It’s a little popcorn flick absent of much needH ed butter and salt. ■

way of life, the stakes are raised.

He finds out that the girl he is interested in is a Christian as well. She sees through the farce of his rebellion and challenges him to embrace who he really is.

From there, the story is formulaic for a coming-of-age film.

Don must find a way to reconcile his upbringing with his new life, decide which beliefs are his and which have simply been instilled in him over time, and must find a way to fit in with his new campus life.

Overall, it seems like the movie tries too hard not to offend anyone (except those with taste in movies). While it is easy to get on board for a film that addresses spirituality without seeming overly preachy or heavy-handed, “Blue Like Jazz” fails to tackle any of its big questions head-on, leaving audiences with a bland, muddled confusion as to what the message actually was. It is not compelling enough to effectively convey anything. The characters

remain undeveloped. This was a book that could have just as easily remained a book alone.

That being said, “Blue Like Jazz” deserves some kudos, simply for addressing a spiritual or existential struggle that much of mankind grapples with, and for attempting to do so in a noncliché way. The movie’s heart is in the right place, and it tries to capture some big ideas. It is certainly refreshing to see a nonjudgemental Christian film that asks more questions than it does provide answers, and it could be enjoyable to anyone, regardless of beliefs. While certainly precious, the movie wasn’t toothache-inducingly sweet.

Throughout the movie, Don recalls what his father often said to him growing up: “Life is like jazz music. It’s unresolved.” Unfortunately, the film itself was also unresolved. It is worth seeing if the subject matter sounds enjoyable, but don’t go in expecting any divine revH elations. ■

BLUE LIKE JAZZ RATING: ★★☆☆☆

BY: EMILY WELLS, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Photo Courtesy of Ruckus Films

Based on the bestselling semi-autobiographical book

by Donald Miller, “Blue Like Jazz” follows a pious 19-yearold, Don (Marshall Allman), as he heads to one of the nation’s most progressive and liberated secular colleges. Don finds himself in a state of culture shock in his new environment, and must embark on a journey of self discovery to find out what he truly believes.

During a Southern Baptist church service, Don finds out that his mother is having an affair with the church’s youth pastor. This causes him to go into “existential crisis mode,” and he changes his mind last minute about attending a Baptist college to pursue a life in the church. Don instead chooses to attend Reed College, where he is told to keep his religious beliefs “in the closet,” and to conform to the liberal, activist campus life that now surrounds him.

However, as Don finds himself rebelling against his old

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HIGHLANDER

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

17

MUSIC REVIEWS OF MONSTERS AND MEN // MY HEAD IS AN ANIMAL RATING: ★★★★☆

BY: JACQUELINE BALDERRAMA, STAFF WRITER Courtesy of Universal Republic

Of Monsters and Men released their first, complete album, “My Head Is An Animal,” on April 3. Filled with rhythmic beats and a lively harmony, this folk band from Iceland is off to a bright start.

With the variety of instruments, two vocalists and poetic lyrics often leading to memorable choruses, the six person group has completed a stunning album. At times, this style seems to fall close in line with the alternative rock band Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. However, with a deep focus on images of nature and a possession of more reserved voices than the often eccentric Edward Sharpe, Of Monsters and Men have enough talent enough to stand on their own.

Not only did they win the annual music competition Músíktilraunir in Iceland in 2010, but they have also become known for their early-released single, “Little Talks”, which received national recognition.

In the meantime, it seems the band has not slipped from winning the support of its audi-

ence. This album is aglow with lively melodies and fresh lyrics. With a rather ominous title, the album does seem to fulfill the nature-meets-music expectation. It focuses on themes of staying true to oneself, going home, and temporary romances while weaving in images of the ocean, animals and forests.

The first track, “Dirty Paws,” gains energy with multiple instruments—drums, piano, guitar, etc. and the voices of singers Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Porhallsson. Almost all the tracks are strong in this album. Of Monster and Men hit the mark continually with the right balance of lyrics, voice and music. Tracks such as “King and Lionheart,” “Mountain Sound,” and “Little Talks” are among the many that seem to pop. However, the tracks are not confined to upbeat sounds. There are slower pieces such as “Slow and Steady,” “Love Love Love,” and “Lake House” that emphasize the poetry in the lyrics. That is not to say that these are any weaker than the faster tracks. Rather,

this band has shown strengths in both speeds.

Lyrics are something particularly noteworthy in this album. The recurring images of nature are brought to life in narratives. For example, “Slow and Steady” expresses, “I move slow and steady, but I feel like a waterfall.” At the same time, there is the presence of love stories stressing the impermanence of the physical world.

“Your Bones” has lyrics, “all that’s left are your bones that will soon sink like stones, so hold on to what we are, hold on to your heart.” Tracks steer away from the generic with additional, bittersweet lyrics, “you love, love, love, when you know I can’t love you,” in “Love Love Love.” Lyrics aside, the harmony of the instruments is also uplifting.

In addition to drums, piano, guitar and accordion, there are horns and upbeat cheers that close several pieces in celebration. In “Little Talks,” trumpets play along with interjections of “hey!” to lyrics, “though the truth may vary, this ship will carry our bodies safe to

shore.” The accordion is also featured in “From Finner,” a song about being far from home on the ocean. The final track is somewhat surprising.

“Yellow Light,” explores a darker, but still rhythmic harmony. Vocalists sing, “I dare you to close your eyes and see all the colors in disguise.” It

seems that the music explores a transformation and the possibility of an afterlife. It closes with a long interlude of drums and keyboard that soon fade out. Overall, “My Head is An Animal,” with its rootedness in genuine experience and lively atmosphere, is certainly an alH bum worth listening to. ■

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. OPINIONS .

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

HIGHLANDER

The corrupting effects of political activism

HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

T i m R. A g u i l a r STAFF WRITER

C o u rt e s y

of asucr.ucr.edu

2012 REFERENDA ENDORSEMENTS This week, the Editorial Board will be weighing in on the referenda to be voted on by the UCR student population in the upcoming senatorial elections.

ASPB FEE REFERENDUM This year, ASPB is requesting a $10 increase in student funding for next year, along with two additional $10 increases in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

ASPB says that the additional funds will be used to sponsor more campus-wide events, like Spring Splash and Block Party, to keep those events free for students, to secure more relevant artists for concerts and to start hosting regular comedy shows.

The Highlander Editorial Board supports this referendum primarily because it would lead to a direct increase in the quality of UCR campus events. In years past, ASPB has been criticized for its failure to attract fresh talent and plan diverse and engaging activities, but it has also had quite a funding gap to overcome.

The organization receives less money from students than most similar organizations in the UC, and the costs associated with putting on big shows and booking high-end performers have been steadily increasing in recent years.

Increased funding means more, better events as well as the assurance that these events will remain free to the student population. It is important to remember that creating more exciting opportunities for students to engage

with one another on a campus-wide basis isn’t just about making sure that everyone has a good time (although that is certainly part of it)—it is about encouraging a sense of community and instilling pride in our campus amongst the UCR student body. That is why students should not hesitate to pass ASPB’s funding referendum this year.

supporting fellow students’ work and bolstering the artistic community on campus will only improve the quality of our university. For the fraction of the price of a Habanero’s burrito, students can make a change for the better at UCR.

THE SUBSIDIZED STUDENT ADMISSION PLAN (SSAP)

This year, ASUCR is proposing an amendment to their constitution that would give students more control over who is elected to certain high-ranking executive positions (i.e. president and vice president) each year. As it stands, students elect senate members via a direct voting process each spring, but it is up to the elected senators (not the UCR student body) to come to a decision as to who will serve as president, vice president, and etc.

The amendment is undoubtedly the right move for ASUCR, an organization that is supposed to represent the entire UCR student body. As such, it is their responsibility to ensure that student voices play as significant a role as possible in the election of board members.

This amendment represents an important extension of the democratic process here at UCR, and as such it should most assuredly H be passed. ■

The UCR department of theatre is proposing a new student fee of $2.50 per quarter to subsidize the cost of undergraduate student admission to department performances. If passed, all undergraduate students will gain free admission to performances.

For only the meager price of $2.50 a quarter, this referendum is well worth student support. Free admittance to performances will not only be another step toward strengthening campus unity, but it will also enrich students’ experiences at UCR. Rather than go to the movies on a Friday night as always, students will now have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their peers in a production that took countless hours of preparation and hard work.

It is also important to note that the annual cost to students for the Subsidized Student Admission Plan would be less than the cost of a single ticket at the current price. Revenue generated from the fee would also pay for costs in direct support of theatre production. While not everyone may be interested in attending performances,

ASUCR AMENDMENT

Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.

The California Association of Scholars, a division of the National Association of Scholars (NAS), took aim at the University of California in a recent report titled, “A Crisis in Competence,” claiming that “…too many college graduates have not learned to write effectively, they cannot read and comprehend any reasonably complex book, they have not learned to reason, and their basic knowledge of the history and institutions of the society in which they live is lamentably poor.” It attributes this state of affairs to the corrupting effect of political activism, but not just any political activism—liberal political activism.

The report makes reference to national studies that claim students now spend relatively little time studying outside the classroom and that demands by faculty have been correspondingly reduced. It adds that no fundamental differences exist across states, generalizing its conclusions to all universities. It claims, “The findings of these studies match all too well the specific complaints that are now commonly heard about the manifestations of a politicized higher education.” The report is an attempt to disguise politics as scholarly discourse by using literature and studies to imply a relationship between supposedly liberally corrupted education and liberal educators.

However, before addressing this report by neoconservative scholars, it is necessary to understand where this information comes from. The NAS is a non-profit organization based in Princeton, NJ that has often stood in opposition to multiculturalism. NAS is noted for blocking the inclusion of civil rights readings in an English course intended to address racial and sexual harassment on the campus of the University of Texas. It placed an ad in the university paper calling for the rejection of a multicultural curriculum.

NAS also successfully campaigned to defund the university’s Chicano newspaper. At the University of Colorado, NAS paid $25,000 to generate a report for the purpose of suspending the diversity curricula.

NAS’s philosophy opposes the participation in or the integration of people of different countries, ethnic groups and religions in higher ACTIVISM CONT’D ON PAGE 19

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OPINIONS

HIGHLANDER

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

19

Faith in domestic and international politics James Njuguna STAFF WRITER

Throughout history, people have looked to embrace divinity, faith and the notion of a higher power in order to make important decisions with far-reaching consequences. Most of history’s greatest and most powerful empires were started and led by men who believed that it was their destiny to rule, their socalled divine right. Some men have also committed despicable, unspeakable atrocities to consolidate and expand their power and proclaim that their right to do such things came from above.

As such, religion has always had a place in our political and cultural histories—it has always dictated how humans from all walks of life tend to toil through their days, how they treat others, what they expect and aspire to and what they hope the future has in store for them. The 20th century saw an expansion of democracy and the unseating of quite a number of the regimes and monarchies that had been in power for centuries. However, by the end of that century and now at the infancy of this new one, the world faces an evolution of the role of religion and faith in the political realm.

The Constitution of the United States requires and demands a complete separation of church and state. However, that does not hinder various religious factions in America, particularly protestant evangelicals, from wielding immense power in our national politics. The soon-to-be-concluded Republican primaries pitted a number of individuals who looked to gain the support and votes of this essential bloc against one another—they consequently embraced social agendas further to the right than those of any candidate in recent history.

The primaries have dragged

on for months in part because the presumed nominee and longterm frontrunner, Mitt Romney, is a Mormon, and as such has garnered little support from the evangelicals of the Grand Old Party. For this reason, Mr. Romney has had to run to the right of his true beliefs, leaving him vulnerable to claims that he is a flip-flopper.

Also, ever since he decided to run for president in 2007, the current incumbent, Barack Obama, has had to endure attacks on his faith, with some believing him to be a closet Muslim. During his primary run against Hillary Clinton, Obama had to endure controversy concerning his pastor, Reverend Wright.

Just recently, the Obama administration had to curtail yet another controversy concerning a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandated that religiously-run institutions, including those run by the Catholic Church and other religious organizations, provide healthcare insurance that extends coverage to include contraceptives to those who want it; the mandate goes counter to most of these denominations’ respective doctrines.

The White House had to backtrack from their original stance and appease bishops and priests throughout the country, knowing full-well that no candidate, starting with John Kennedy in 1960, has ever won the presidency without winning the Catholic constituency. By fall, both Romney (if he wins the nomination) and Obama will proclaim their faith and love for Jesus Christ in an effort to woo the believers of this country.

But the ridiculous religious purity test does not end on the domestic stage. In the foreign policy arena, it seems that more and more wars are being waged and more and more policies enacted, that are heavily influenced by religious influence.

ACTIVISM CONT’D FROM PAGE 18

education.

According to Peter Berkowitz, a NAS board member, “The politicization of higher education by activist professors… deprives students of the opportunity to acquire knowledge [and]…erodes the nation’s civic cohesion…” His article is posted at American Power, a website that claims it is “keeping an eye on the communist-left so you don’t have to…from a neoconservative perspective!” The website includes a poster of President Obama with Joseph Stalin, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin along with the words, “Yes, we can!” When considering the source of “A Crisis of Competence,” the report’s outcome is not particularly surprising—NAS is an organization that advocates a neoconservative ideology interested in marginalizing multicultural curricula.

Jonathan Rauch, in “The Times Literary Supplement,” noted that the NAS’s journal’s ideological tone was that of a missionary journal, not a scholarly one; though it is written by scholars.

NAS does not do research or perform studies, and it crafted “A Crisis of Competence” with the use of articles, opinions, literature and studies for the sole purpose of supporting their predetermined conclusions. The report does not consider other

The crises in the Middle East are clear examples of this. On the one hand, some Islamic countries, particularly Iran, refuse to recognize the validity and existence of Israel as a sovereign nation, and so they go on to sponsor networks and “religiously pure” sects that threaten the lives of many Jewish people living in Israel—think Hamas and Hezbollah.

On the other hand, Israel refuses to withdraw its occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in order for a new Palestinian nation to be formed there, thus rendering the proposed two-state solution an impossible task to achieve. What is most interesting is that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians see this as the most logical step to take in the path to peace, yet the political powers that be refuse to will it on the grounds of religious fundamentalism and bias. As a consequence, virtually every American president in the last 50 years has had to publicly support and back Israel, even if there was no true American interest to be gained in doing so.

Then there is Iran, a funda-

variables, such as the economy and the cost or funding of education, all of which may have affected its conclusions if the selection and use of data were objectively considered.

While the use of existing reliable research is at the core of scientific study, NAS’s report employed selective observations and data to support their supposition.

The report identifies a growing number of younger faculty members as more solidly left-oriented as well as the liberal influence women have had on education. It supports this position by providing a graph of political affiliation ratios, comparing Democratic to Republican identification, of the UC’s faculty; they identified a ratio of 17:1 in the humanities and 21:1 in the social sciences.

This information serves as the primary basis for the claim that students are corrupted by liberal rhetoric and told what to think by faculty, an assertion which suggests that students are incapable of thinking for themselves. The report proceeds to attack women’s studies at UCLA, feminist studies at Santa Barbara, UCR’s labor studies program in sociology, critical race studies at UCLA’s school of law and Berkeley’s race ethnic politics in the new American century in political science.

The output measured by the report is an attempt to establish a link between a liber-

mental Islamist state bent on building a nuclear weapon. Israel, which is concerned that its existence is at risk, might take it upon itself to at least try and prevent Iran from getting that weapon. Iran, despite international outcry, outrage and crippling economic sanctions, maintains that it has every right to do as it pleases within its own borders (which, since Iran is a sovereign country, is entirely true). If Israel attacks Iran, and the Islamic nation retaliates, a war will ensue that will no doubt drag the entire region, not to mention America, into the conflict. Part of the problem here is that the leader of one of the nations (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) was born a fundamentalist Muslim and the other (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) a fundamentalist Jew. The leaders, for this reason and many others, cannot agree on what is best for their own respective nations and the many people they rule.

Every single day, billions of men and women all around the world wake up, have breakfast if they’re lucky, go to work, earn an honest wage and go back

ally corrupt education and liberal educators with the use of curricula and statements from students. One case specifically identifies UCR’s Sociology 169: Modern Sociological Theory. The student said in part, “… the professor’s teachings promoted a doctrinaire, dogmatic and ideological perspective, rather than intellectual one…she resembled an activist far more than an actual educator.”

This may very well be the case, however, is this statement a representative sample of the UC student population? Sample size and selective observation are cause for serious concern regarding the report’s conclusions, which require further examination and disclosure.

The report claims that in 1964 the UC’s education system became infected with a cancer of politicization. Contrary to this contention, the world grew up in the sixties—students no longer wanted to listen to the lies that took us into Vietnam. The age of empires and colonialism, replaced by corporations, had come to an end and students began thinking for themselves—right, wrong or indifferent. The development marked a fundamental change in society and education. Students no longer wanted to be spoon fed. Then and today, UC students and students across the nation seek truth at the cost of finding fault within themselves, and

C o u rt e s y

of inquisitr.com

home to their respective families. At some point in their day, they might say a prayer or two to whichever god they believe in. They do not look to instill or force their beliefs on others, nor do they look to strap on explosive jackets and senselessly kill others. If, at the most basic level of society, two people from different backgrounds and faiths can coexist and live together peacefully, why is it our leaders always look to divide us on religious grounds?

Religion is, without a doubt, a beautiful thing. It gives people hope and strength, and it drives many to acts of kindness; but it is not a requirement for a moral life. It is not nor should it be the basis of dignity, social stature or morality. It is meant to be a private relationship between one person and whatever he or she believes in, or at most a communal effort—not a national brainwashing mechanism. The sooner people in the world realize this, the sooner the human race will begin to cut down on the atrocities committed daily by the inH sanely devout. ■

they love Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Steinbeck, Hemingway and Fitzgerald; but why must all the student writers study be white males? UC students are brown, black, white and every color in between. They are ethnically diverse, come from every corner of the world and are predominantly female.

Furthermore, the report contradicts itself, claiming that “political activism will tend to promote shallow, superficial thinking that falls short of the analytical depth that we expect of the college-educated mind.” It then advocates political activism in an effort to bring about changes consistent with its neoconservative agenda.

“A Crisis of Competence” is a well written report that makes references to studies and experts that support its argument, but in the end it is a case of, “Because I say so.”

The issues identified in this report require independent scientific research, not a report tainted and inspired by political and ethnocentric interests.

NAS cannot lay claim to James Piereson’s assertion that “the left university should not be replaced by the right university. It should be replaced by the real university, dedicated to liberal education and higher learning,” when their political activities target women and multicultural studies H in higher education. ■

20

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

. SPORTS .

HIGHLANDER

Freshmen Gazzolo finishes third overall, as team comes in at eighth

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P r a n av B h a k ta SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The UC Riverside men’s golf team hosted the annual Braveheart Classic at the Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, CA on April 9-10, where they placed eighth overall in the standings out of ten teams after 3 rounds. The Highlanders, however, shared their eighth place finish with Big West rival Cal Poly, both scoring 895. David Gazzolo led the Highlanders again, as he tied for third place overall, scoring four under par at 212.

In the first day of play, the Highlanders sat in seventh place scoring 589 after two rounds of play. Having scored 292 in the first round and 297 in the second, the Highlanders were very much in the tourney, as they sat just three strokes back of fifth place La Verne. David Gazzolo paced the Highlanders, sitting fifth overall, with a total of 141 having shot 73 in the first round and an impressive 68 in the second round.

On the second day, the Highlanders slipped a little, as they scored a team total of 306, down from their previous scores of 292 and 297.

Gazzolo scored one-under

71 in the last and final round, bring his final total to 212, where he was tied with three other competitors. Gazzolo was one stroke from placing second, and two strokes from placing first. Coming in second for the Highlanders was Ryan Smith.

Smith had a total score of 227 (73-75-79), placing in 37th place. Jason Semthiti was the third Highlander in the standings coming in at 41st overall with a total score of 228 (72-77-79).

With identical scores of 234, BJ Doucett (74-77-83)

Archive/HIGHLANDER

and Matt Fitzgerald (78-7977) both sat tied for 53th place overall.

The winner of the Braveheart Classic was San Francisco’s Ji Hwan Park who had a total score of 210, giving him sole possession of first place out of 66 individuals. Cal State Fullerton won the team title having scored 859 total, winning by just by one stroke over second place Sacramento State.

The UCR men’s golf will next compete at the Anteater Invitational hosted by UC H Irvine on the April 23-24. ■

SPORTS

HIGHLANDER

FEATURED COACH:

NATE BROWNE

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

21

BY PRANAV BHAKTA, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Assistant Cross Country/Track Coach

Coach Nate Browne has been the fulltime assistant coach for the UC Riverside’s cross country team and track team since the summer of 2007. Since then, Browne has established himself as a successful coach here at UCR, helping coach the women’s cross country team back in 2008 to its first and only Big West Championship title and guiding both cross country and track athletes to awards and recognition at regional and national levels. However, Coach Browne himself has an impressive list of achievements as a collegiate athlete back in his years at Cal Baptist University, where he graduated with bachelor’s in business administration. In fact, he was a national runner up in the indoor 800m.

But success was not easy, as Coach Browne explains, “I had a two tiered career at CBU. I started off my first two years with limited success because of some poor personal choices in how I was living my life. Over my last three years of school, I cleaned up the way I was living, trained like an animal, listened to my coach and the success followed. We had a lot of fun being an ‘underdog’ and basically going from a program no one knew about to having great

results across the board and winning a National team title. Individually I graduated with five national titles as part of relays and several other All-American awards.”

The experience as a top collegiate athlete has helped Coach Browne guide Highlander athletes to high levels. Browne draws similarity from his experience and the experience of today’s athletes, especially when it comes to the mental aspect of the sport.

“It helps in almost all aspects of my coaching. Most importantly the mentality of being somewhat of an underdog and overcoming people’s low opinions of you to achieve success. We would show up to meets and people would ask us if we were a high school team. It was almost comical.

I know based on my own experience young people are capable of so much more success than they envision having. However they don’t always recognize [that] your thoughts, words, actions and habits must match up with where you [are] trying to go [or] else you just have a wish and a prayer. Those that understand that sooner rather than later have had and will continue to have success here at UC Riverside,” said Coach Browne.

Coach Browne was not always in the

coaching arena. He became a volunteer coach in 2003 when asked by Head Coach Irv Ray to help out with the program.

Browne was in the mortgage business at the time, and he would coach in the mornings with the distance athletes. From then on, Browne involvement grew, becoming a full-time coach in 2007, and now also serving as a recruiting coordinator.

“I really enjoy working with young people to help them reach their goals. The moment when someone realizes that they are much better than they ever realized is especially gratifying. Pouring belief into our athletes and having them finally take ownership of their confidence is another,” said Coach Browne.

Interestly, the track coaches have found a very strategic way of utilizing social media, especially Twitter. While Coach Browne had trouble at the character limits at first, he and Coach Basler tweet often at @ucr_trackfield.

“I started with my personal twitter after Coach Basler started running with the UCR Track & Field twitter page. When we’re at meets it allows us to show real time results with folks that aren’t at the competition. If

he’s at a field event I tweet the running results and then he retweets to all the UCR Track & Field followers. Other teammates, alumni, parents, staff, recruits and fans of the sport get on going results as they happen. Due to the nature and location of our sport,Twitter has helped us self promote our program in a major way,” explained Coach Browne.

The biggest achievement besides the 2008 XC title for Browne is the surprising second place finish of the women’s team at the Big West Track and Field championship in the spring of 2008.

“Another highlight was finishing second in the Big West in track earlier that spring with the women. Again, no conference coaches saw it coming—so they were shocked we finished that high. I love the look on people’s face when you’re doing something they never thought you could.

I want to have more moments like that in my UC Riverside coaching career. I hope we continue to have the opportunity to put together teams that can experience conference and national success on both an individual and team level,” said Coach H Browne. ■

22

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

Women’s golf places 19th at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic P r a n av B h a k ta SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Competing at the sixth-annual Wyoming Cowgirl Classic, the UC Riverside women’s golf team finished in 19th place out of 24 teams at striking Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, AZ. The Highlanders moved up one spot in the standings thanks to an excellent third round after sitting in 20th place after the first two rounds of play. The lady Highlanders finished with a total score of 938, improving each round, as they shot 317 in Monday’s first round, 307 in Tuesday’s second round and 307 in Wednesday’s third and final round.

Christy Fogerty led the Highlanders in the final round as she shot one over par 73, placing her 69th overall with a total score of 235. However, it was Amelia Ek who paced the Highlanders

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throughout the tourney, as she shot at a remarkable consistent, scoring 76 in the first two rounds and improving to 75 in the third round.

Ek would tally a total of 227, placing her 28th overall. One stroke behind Ek, Savannah Vilaubi shot a 228 (77-74-77) placing her in a tie for 32nd place. In 114th place, Brittani Ferraro (82-87-82) scored 251 total for the Highlanders, while Denyse Neville (88-84-86) placed in 120th with a total of 258.

Iowa took the team title home with a total score of 884, edging out second place Colorado State at 890. The individual winner of the Cowgirl Classic was Colorado State’s Brianna Espinoza who shot an impressive eight-underpar 208.

The Highlanders will next compete at the Big West Conference Championship on April 22H 24 in San Luis Obispo, CA. ■

SPORTS

HIGHLANDER

Women’s tennis drops games against Cal Poly and UCSB A d o l f o B ej a r STAFF WRITER

April 14, 2012 Mustangs 6 - Highlanders 1 The action was opened with doubles matches. Cal Poly dominated UCR from end to end in all three matches. Highlanders Jamie Raney and Taylor Raney were defeated in a one sided match by Cal Poly’s Jocelyn Davis and Alexa Lee by 8-2. At court No. 2, UCR’s Kat Saltarelli and Natalie Mckay were thrashed 8-0 by Cal Poly’s Ane McPike and Kathryn Webb.

After winning two of the three matches Cal Poly automatically scored the first point of the afternoon. Yet, at court No. 3, the Highlanders were once again thrashed 8-0 by the Mustangs losing all three matches.

In singles action, UCR could not do much to change the outcome. The Mustangs, playing top tennis, proved to be a serious title challenge. After the six matches,

Cal Poly won by a wide margin five out of the six points in play.

Cal Poly’s Ireen Kuipers defeated UCR’s Kate Bergeson by 6-1, 6-0.

Highlander Kat Saltarelli was defeated by Cal Poly’s Jocelyn Davis by 6-3, 6-0. UCR’s lone point of the afternoon was scored by Jamie Raney who defeated Cal Poly’s Alexa Lee in game in which Raney rallied back after losing the first set and winning the match by 1-6, 7-6 (12-10).

April 15, 2012 Gauchos 7 - Highlanders 0 UCR was swept in all aspects of their game against the Gauchos on April 15. In doubles action, the Highlanders didn’t stand a chance to even win one of the three matches. At court No. 1, UCR’s Jamie Raney and Taylor Raney were defeated by UCSB’s Natalia Lozano and Jordan Dockendorf by 8-2. The Gauchos were never under threat and played comfort-

ably with ease. At court No. 2, UCR’s Kat Saltarelli and Natalie McKay were swept by UCSB’s Sofia Novak and Erica Canoby 8-0. UCSB continued to dominate by winning at court No. 3, Gauchos April Scatliffe and Kiersten Meehan swept Highlanders Kate Bergeson and Courtney Pattugalan by 8-1.

Singles action wasn’t much different with the Gauchos dominating from end to end every match. The Highlanders tried to get into the match but were never able due to the high quality tennis the Gauchos were playing.

UCR’s Jamie Raney was defeated 6-3, 6-2 by UCSB’s Sofia Novak.

At court No. 2, Highlander Taylor Raney dropped her game against UCSB’s Natalia Lozano by 6-0, 6-2. At court No. 4, UCR’s Courtney Pattugalan was beaten by UCSB’s Paolo Cos by 6-1, 6-0.

Next for the Highlanders is a home game against Cal State FulH lerton on April 19. ■

SPORTS

HIGHLANDER

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

23

Men’s tennis drops conference games against UCD and Pacific A d o l f o B ej a r STAFF WRITER

April 14, 2012 Aggies 5 - Highlanders 2 UCR men’s tennis travelled north to face UC Davis for its second conference fixture of the 2012 season.

The Highlanders were looking to get their first conference win after dropping the first game against UCI, while the Aggies were looking to get back on the winning track after nine consecutive losses.

The action began with doubles matches. In the first game of the afternoon, UCR’s Felix Macherez and Austin Andres thrashed UCD’s Kyle Miller and Toki Sherbakov by 8-0. The doubles match got even as UCD’s Josh Albert and Hugo Verdi-Fortin defeated UCR’s Luis Gastao and Kevin Griffin in a onesided match with a final result of 8-1. The Highlanders were close to scoring the doubles point after a close game at court No. 3 where UCR’s Simon Peters and Jimmy Roberts faced UCD’s Alec Haley and Chris Aria in a tight match, which the Highlanders dropped in the latter games of the match.

The final result of the match was 8-6.

In singles action, UCD dominated UCR in most matches. UCR’s team captain Austin Andres had a perfect afternoon after defeating UCD’s Chris Aria by 6-3 and 6-4. The Aggies hit back when Toki Sherbakov defeated UCR’s Felix Macherez in a match in which both players hit amazing points, the final result was 7-5, 6-2. The second point for the Highlanders came thanks to a victory at court No. 4 by Luis Gastao over UCD’s Hugo Verdi-Fortin who retired in the third set. Yet, these two victories were not enough for the Highlanders as UCD scored the remaining three points in play.

April 15, 2012 Tigers 5 - Highlanders 2 In their third conference match, the Highlanders faced a Pacific team looking to get back on the winning track after dropping its last game against UCI. In doubles action, UCR dropped the point after a tight encounter that saw the Highlanders lose at court No. 1. UCR’s team captain Austin Andres and partner Felix Macherez faced Pacific’s Ivan Castro and Valentim Goncalves Jr. Tigers

and Highlanders fought every point fiercely but it was Pacific’s tennis pace that caught up to UCR, with the Tigers winning 9-7. At court No. 3, UCR got the leveler, as Simon Peters and Jimmy Roberts defeated Pacific’s Jainendra Grewal and Ben Mirkin 8-5. The doubles point was decided at court No. 2, UCR’s Luis Gastao and Kevin Griffin faced Pacific’s Alex Hamilton and Denis Stolyarov in a game that was dominated by the Tigers from end to end, with the victory by 8-3 Pacific scored the doubles point.

In singles action, UCR pressed Pacific but it wasn’t enough to win the match.

Highlander Kelly Dickson defeated Pacific’s Jainendra Grewal by 6-4, 6-4. At court No. 3 UCR’s team captain Austin Andres dropped his game against Pacific’s Erik Cederwall by 6-3, 6-3.

UCR’s Luis Gastao scored the Highlanders’ second point after defeating in a three-set match Pacific’s Valentim Goncalves Jr. by 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. UCR played the best tennis at times, but it wasn’t enough to get the overall win over Pacific.

Next for the Highlanders is a home game against UC H Santa Barbara on April 21. ■

UCR track and field flex their muscles at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational

Archive/HIGHLANDER

P r a n av B h a k ta SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The UC Riverside men’s and women’s track and field teams gave a strong performance at the 33rd Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational last weekend at Drake Stadium. UCLA hosted the meet, which was supposed to start Friday but was postponed due to inclement weather. The Highlanders had a couple of strong performances as they readied themselves for the Big West Conference Championship meet in a couple of weeks.

On the men’s side, Kenneth Grimble ran a solid time of 54.83 in the 400m hurdles placing second as teammate Eric Evans placed fourth with a time of 55.28.

In the 400m dash, Kevin Fashola ran a lifetime best with a time of 49.04 placing first. The Highlanders had four athletes run in the 200m dash: Farhan Jangda ran a 23.19 placing in ninth, Daniel Dinh ran a 22.30 placing 11th, Timothy Lo ran a 23.00 placing 12th and Bryan Kasprzak ran a 23.25 placing in 14th. In the 800m dash Rashaad Moore placed ninth with a time of 2:01.65. In the 400m invitational dash, Bryan Adams ran a 49.65 placing in seventh. Michael Koger ran a 52.96 placing seventh in the 400m hurdles in-

vitational.

In the men’s field events, Steven Robillard threw a 54.86 in the javelin placing fourth overall. In the triple jump, Jameson Madzingira finished in fifth place with a jump of 45’ 5”. Madzingira’s mark was a personal best and also qualified him for the Big West Championship.

On the women’s side, Briana Kennedy-Feldhaus ran the 100 hurdles in third place with a solid time of 14.71, with teammate Jazmine Lewis placing fifth with a time of 15.18. In the 400 hurdles invitational, Adriana Paz set a personal best with a time of 1:02.50 placing fourth, while teammate Jazmine Harper placed seventh with a time of 1:06.11 setting a collegiate personal best.With her first hurdle race in six weeks, Danielle Littleton had a solid race in the 100m hurdles invitational placing 10th overall with a time of 14.20.

In the women’s field events, Littleton had a leap of 5.91m placing seventh in the long jump event. In the high jump, Jazmine Lewis had a jump of 1.60m placing fifth overall. Lewis also placed second in the javelin with a throw of 36.76m.

The Highlanders will next compete at both the Mt. Sac Relays and the Beach InH vitational this upcoming weekend. ■

Lin Chai/HIGHLANDER

24

SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012

HIGHLANDER

Gauchos bring their broomsticks, sweeping the Highlanders K e n da ll P ete r s o n STAFF WRITER

April 14, 2012 Gauchos 11 -- Highlanders 1 The UC Riverside softball team (18-21, 1-6) held a double header Saturday afternoon against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (19-25, 4-3) due to a rain delay Friday. In the first game UCR was unable to keep up with the Gauchos’ bats and pitchers in route to a 1-11 loss.

Jordyn McDonald started for the Highlanders before she was pulled in the fifth inning. McDonald went five innings as she allowed eight hits, seven runs, five walks and six errors but she also struck out two batters.

The Gauchos scored first in the first inning with one run and again in the second with two runs while Riverside scored zero. Riverside would go scoreless until the bottom of the seventh, when the Highlanders finally scored a run, but that would be all they scored in the inning.

In the seventh inning Riverside achieved three hits and a RBI single by Alexis Pickett, when she scored Alaina Thomas.

For the Highlanders, McDonald and Pickett were the only players to reach base more than once. McDonald went 2-3 with two assists and Pickett went 2-3 as well with one RBI, one walk and one strikeout.

April 14, 2012 Gauchos 6 -- Highlanders 3 The Highlanders (18-22, 1-7) finished up their double header against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (20-25, 5-3) Saturday afternoon.

Riverside continued their woes, losing their sixth straight game, five at home, in route to a 3-6 loss.

For the Highlanders Taylor Alvarez started in the circle and held the Gauchos to zero runs until the fourth inning. Alvarez went 4.1 innings, al-

PRANAV BHAKTA

P-BHAK’S CORNER Jonathan Godoy/HIGHLANDER

lowed four hits, five runs, seven walks but also got four strikeouts.

Riverside did their damage in the second inning when they got two runs on four hits but left three players on base. It started with a Keeny homer to left field, hitting the outfield fence and bouncing over. Yesenia Duenas singled toward third base, beating out the throw at first base.

Alaina Thomas then singled to shortstop and later stole second base. Kayla White later walked and Ariel Shore singled to left field for an RBI that scored Duenas. UC Riverside scored once more in the seventh inning but couldn’t mount a comeback.

For Riverside, Thomas went 2-3 with one assist and White, the only other Highlander to reach the bases more than once, went 2-4 with one RBI and one strikeout.

April 15, 2012 Gauchos 3 -- Highlanders 1 The UC Riverside softball team (18-23, 1-8) finished their three game series against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (21-25, 6-3) Sunday afternoon. Riverside would go on to

lose 1-3 for their seventh loss in a row.

Casey Suda (2-2) started for the Highlanders going 4.1 innings and struggled as she allowed five hits, three runs and one walk while three errors were credited to her.

Jordyn McDonald came in for relief as she went 2.2 innings and only allowed one run and one walk while striking out three batters.

The Highlanders only got three hits as a unit, which came from Ariel Shore, Dionne Anderson and Yesenia Duenas. Duenas finished the game with four assists and was the only Riverside player with a RBI. Riverside’s three hits came in the fourth inning, scoring their only run of the game.

Shore started it off with a single to right center. Keeney laid a sacrifice bunt which advanced shore to second base. Anderson doubled to left center field which advanced Shore to third. Duenas singled when she laid down a bunt for an RBI that scored Shore.

Riverside has 12 games left in the season and only three of them are at home. They look to make a push towards the playoffs as H they face Cal State Fullerton April 21. ■

Riverside baseball can only squeeze out one win K e n da ll P ete r s o n STAFF WRITER

April 10, 2012 Waves 9 -- Highlanders 8 (11) UC Riverside’s baseball team faced off against Pepperdine Tuesday night in a showdown in which the Highlanders fell 7-8. The game needed two extra innings before it concluded.

Mitch Patito started the mound for the Highlanders going five innings before he got pulled for Mark Garcia. Patito got five strikeouts, allowed three walks, five hits and one run.

Through seven innings the game was back and forth as the two teams slugged each other’s pitchers. Pepperdine would take the lead and Riverside would tie it back up. At bottom of the eighth the Highlanders scored two runs to take a 4-2 lead. Pepperdine then countered with their own two run ninth inning to tie the game up as UC Riverside was unable to finish off the Pepperdine Waves.

Both teams scored an astounding three runs in tenth inning to send it into the second extra inning.

Pepperdine only scored one run in the eleventh to take the win as the Highlanders were unable to score.

Coach Doug Smith commented on the heartbreaking loss and how to bounce back for their next few games. “That was a tough loss.

The answer is you just have to get back to work at practice and get ready for the next game. It is difficult but that is the reality. Just get

back to work.”

April 14, 2012 Highlanders 7 -- Road Runners 0 The UC Riverside baseball team faced off against the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners this past Saturday afternoon in a double header due to the rain delay. The first game went Riverside’s way as they beat the Roadrunners 7-0, breaking their three game losing streak at home.

Dylan Stuart (4-3) started the mound for the Highlanders as he led his team to victory. Stuart went seven innings, allowed zero runs, four hits and got six Roadrunners to strike out.

In the fifth inning UCR got on the board as they scored two runs on two hits with one error. Kevin Davidson singled up to right field and was later advanced to second base with a SAC bunt by Cody Hough. Nick Vilter walked and then Eddie Young singled to center field for an RBI. Riverside scored two more runs the next inning and did their significant damage in the seventh inning as they scored three runs on just four hits. Phil Holinsworth and Vince Gonzalez both singled through the left side. Andriese singled through the right side for an RBI and Davidson came up and knocked in the final two runs with a single down the left field line.

For the Highlanders, Davidson came in clutch for DH as he went 3-4 with one run and two RBIs and

his teammate Gonzalez went 2-4 with two runs and two assists.

April 14, 2012 Road Runners 2 -- Highlanders 1 The UC Riverside baseball team slugged it out with CSU Bakersfield in the second game of the doubleheader Saturday afternoon. Both teams were held scoreless in more than six innings as the Highlanders were unable to duke it out in route to a 1-2 loss.

Eddie Orozco (4-4) started on the mound for Riverside and went all nine innings. Orozco allowed seven hits, two runs but struck out an astounding nine batters.

The Highlanders scored their only run in the third inning off of two hits and one error while leaving two men on base. Riverside got two outs quickly before finally having a man on base when Eddie Young walked. Young was advanced by an error and Phil Holinsworth singled to left field for an RBI. Vince Gonzales singled toward left field for Riverside was their final hit of the inning.

Riverside’s woes of striking out this season continued as they stroked out 10 times. After their final run the team only attained three more hits while they left seven men on the bases. However, the team as a unit did get seven hits and walked five times but could not execute when they needed to.

Gonzalez was the only Highlander to reach base twice as he went 2-4 with one strikeout. River-

side looks to finish the series Sunday afternoon against the Roadrunners.

April 15, 2012 Road Runners 6 -- Highlanders 3 The UC Riverside baseball (1018) team finished their three game series against CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (17-17) Sunday afternoon. Riverside mustered up nine hits in the game but that would not be enough as they lost the game and the series to the Roadrunners 3-6.

Mitch Patito started the mound for the Highlanders but was pulled after 2.2 innings. Patito allowed four runs on five hits, walked three batters and struck out six.

The only three runs by the Highlanders came in the eighth inning on two hits. Prestridge came up to bat and singled through the left side. Prestridge later advanced to second on a wild pitch and stole third when Kevin Davidson walked. Kyle Boudreau came up to the plate and homered to right field.

Boudreau’s three RBIs were Riverside’s only three of the game. Boudreau went a stunning 3-3 in the game with one run and the three RBIs. Vince Gonzalez and Davidson also did well. They respectively went 2-5 and 2-3 with one run and one walk.

The Highlanders plan on using the next five home games to make up some ground before their six consecutive road games. Their next game is against San Diego, Tuesday H April 24. ■

College Sports > Professional Sports The questions as to whether college sports offer a higher entertainment value than professional sports has long been debated by sports fanatics for years.

In my opinion, college sports has a particular aspect about them that makes them much more entertaining than the professional leagues.

The first factor is the atmosphere of college sports.

In professional sports, in order to get a college-like atmosphere you need a game seven of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

But in college sports, especially in football games, every home game is a game seven atmosphere. While we here at UCR have not had that type of atmosphere on a consistent basis, when there’s a reason to bring that thundering atmosphere, the Highlanders do bring it.

This school year we saw that atmosphere when the men’s soccer team defeated nationally ranked UC Irvine.

Another reason college sports are better than professional sports is pride.

Athletes in college are not playing for the money— unlike their professional counterparts. They are playing for their school, classmates and community. Additionally, fan pride gives home games an atmosphere charged with energy.

My biggest reason for loving college sports is that there is always a David versus Goliath moment. In college sports we always hear about a college team that was widely unknown pulling off unimaginable feats.

The team that comes to my mind is the Butler Bulldogs in the 2010 NCAA men’s division I basketball tournament. Although Butler did not beat powerhouse Duke in the final game, sports fans not just at Butler but across the whole nation watched the underdog story unfold and rooted for the little guy. The little guy is what makes sports great, and in college you just see it more often with quite a H dramatic flair. ■