Daily Titan | December 12, 2022

A jury trial for Chris Chuyen Vo, a former Cal State Fullerton employee charged with fatally stabbing another CSUF employee, Steven Shek Keung Chan, was scheduled for July 14 of 2023.

Judge Sheila Hanson presided over the pretrial hearing at the Santa Ana Superior courthouse Friday morning. Vo’s pretrial has been delayed multiple times since his 2019 arrest.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Chan was found in his car with fatal stab wounds and cranial bleeding. The Fullerton police responded to the 8:30 a.m. call and attempted resuscitation, but Chan was pronounced dead on the scene.

Chan served as the director of budget and finance for Student Services and Extended Education since 2009 and retired in 2017. He returned to campus as a special consultant for the Extension and International Programs earlier in 2019.

Prior to Chan’s death, Vo served as a full-time CSUF employee at the time and as Chan’s coworker. Vo was employed in the University Extended Education department in Budget and Finance.

Vo will continue to be held in custody at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange without bail until his trial.

As Cal State Fullerton continues to renovate and repair older structures, new housing is planned for the next phase of construction to accommodate more students.

The first student housing units on campus were built in 1988 and will

be demolished after years of maintenance and safety issues. The cost for the new housing is estimated to be $180 million.

Alexander Porter, vice president and chief financial officer for CSUF, said the older housing units, known

as the Cobb Residence Halls, are over 30 years old and have reached the end of their useful life.

Women's basketball stomped by UCLA

the glass as they finished with a season-high 60 rebounds to CSUF’s 16.

As a result of winning the rebounding battle, UCLA scored 13 second chance points while CSUF scored none.

UCLA took advantage of the lack of size of CSUF’s roster in the paint area and scored 40 points in the paint compared to CSUF’s 10.

Despite being severely outplayed, CSUF forced 27 UCLA turnovers and scored 25 points off of them.

CSUF opened the contest with a 12-2 deficit in the first quarter. They were able to cut it to single digits following baskets from forward Aixchel Hernandez and Jovanovic to trail 14-6 at the end of the first.

Coming in with a three-game winning streak, Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball suffered a 64-41 blowout loss against the No. 13 UCLA on Saturday at Pauley Pavillion arena.

CSUF fell to 4-3 overall and 2-3 on the road.

This was the first matchup between the two schools since 2020. CSUF has now lost seven straight matchups against UCLA, dating back to 1992.

Guards Una Jovanovic and Fujika Nimmo were CSUF’s leading scorers with 15 and 10 points, respectively. However, both players struggled to find a rhythm offensively as the backcourt duo each shot an

inefficient 3-15 from the field.

UCLA was led by guard Kiki Rice, who finished with 14 points, three rebounds and three steals. Following Rice was the team’s leading scorer in guard Charisma Osborne, contributing 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. In a game where both squads shot the ball poorly, UCLA overcame their shooting woes by dominating

CSUF’s offensive struggles from the first quarter carried into the second where they were outscored 17-6. UCLA’s Rice and Osborne scored a combined 13 points in the quarter.

Leading 31-12 at halftime, UCLA continued to be the enforcers in the third quarter where they outscored CSUF 20-14. Their lead expanded by 25 points en route to a blowout win.

CSUF will be back at Titan Gym on Saturday to host California Baptist University at 6 p.m.

SEE CAMPUS 2

Campus: New housing to cost $180 million

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“There's been multiple issues and maintenance failures in those buildings due to their age, both the

interiors and the exteriors of the building,” Porter said. “In addition to that, there needs to be an upgrade to the fire life safety equipment on the inside, which is a very expensive effort.”

The proposed housing will accommodate an additional 600 students and will include a new dining facility as part of the university’s physical master plan. Current on-campus housing holds approximately 2,200 students.

Porter said in an email that CSUF received $6.9 million in bonds from California State University to pay for the original residence halls, which have been paid off by the university.

Porter also said that the new housing facility would be funded by an $89 million grant from the California government through the state affordable housing program, and the bonds will be paid off using funds from student rent payments.

Larry Martin, the executive director for Housing and Residential Engagement and the Titan Experience, said an expert assessment of the buildings discovered it was more cost effective to replace the buildings rather than renovating them to meet current building codes.

“In terms of return on investment, it makes more sense from the standpoint of the usability of the community and the economic forecast, it's more cost effective to tear them down and build new because of their age,” Martin said.

The original student housing units known as Cypress, Valencia and Sycamore, which were built in 1988 as part of Student Housing Phase 1, accommodated 396 beds. They closed after the 2022 spring semester, 34 years after they were built.

“We needed to keep them open until the new community opened,” Martin said.

The dorms could be demolished in as early as six months and could cost an estimated $2.2 million.

Martin said replacing the older buildings would ensure that all of the systems within the buildings are compliant with current safety codes.

“We want to make sure our fire life safety, the plumbing, the electrical,

the elevators, have current technology, not technology of the ‘80s,” Martin said.

According to the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Fire and Life Safety division applies the laws and regulations related to fire prevention, life safety, fire protection systems, building construction and protection. This includes code compliance inspections of state-owned and state-occupied buildings and institutions like CSUF.

Joel Gonzalez, the project manager with Capital Programs and Facilities Management at CSUF, said there is a fire marshal for the campus who inspects fire and life safety systems for issues within campus buildings. A consultant is also brought in to study the existing buildings for code compliance.

“If your building is deemed whether or not it’s safe or not code compliant, you’d have to look at what the improvement costs are to make it safe and code compliant,” Gonzalez said, “And what the costs are for that versus the costs to start new.”

Porter said that the construction of the new residence halls would be paid off with the revenue made from student housing fees.

Porter said the housing cost for students will be based on the completed cost of the units. More than half of the units in the new housing facility are required to be affordable housing to be in compliance with the affordable housing program grant.

At least 390 of the beds need to be considered affordable housing,” Porter said.

Martin said the grant from the affordable housing program is enough for the planning phase over the next month and anticipates construction to begin in 2023.

While the Sycamore and Valencia buildings are completely closed, the Cypress building remains temporarily open for construction workers and office spaces, but will likely close in December.

Raegina Sanchez, a fourth-year communications major, lived in the Cypress building during the 20212022 academic year.

Sanchez said she thought the

price to live in Cypress was too expensive because they were not well maintained.

“They definitely weren’t the cleanest, there was some mold in the bathrooms,” Sanchez said. ”We called maintenance about it, I don’t think they really did anything.”

The student apartments next to the original housing office opened in 2002. Martin said they were built with a similar wood frame and are now about halfway through their expected lifespan, but the university continues maintenance so they can last longer.

“Perhaps every 10 years we’ll be able to open something new,” Martin said.

The most recently completed housing project was part of the school’s student housing expansion phase 4, known as The Suites, a six-story complex located in the north eastern part of campus.

After the Cobb Residence Halls were built, phases two and three of the student housing expansions occurred between 2002 and 2012, which allowed for the housing of an additional 1,800 students.

The Suites cost approximately $120 million to build and opened this past fall. It houses 600 students, totaling 200 more than the original units.

After the completion of phase 4, the next student housing phase will be built in place of the original 1988 units. The units will accommodate about 6,000 students in apartment and suite-style units.

“This will be the first truly new additional housing for students,” Martin said. The plan includes building on the existing footprint of the original community, which includes everything past the Elm and Willow buildings.

Student housing is one of several projects in the physical master plan outlined for 2020-2039 as CSUF aims to transform its reputation as a commuter school to a residential campus.

Martin said that the new residence halls will be financed for 30 years, so they expect them to last just as long, if not longer.

The original Cobb Residential Halls, built in 1986, have a tentative demolition date scheduled for this year. The new residential halls are expected to have 600 beds for students living on campus.

ROSEMARY MONTALVO / DAILY TITAN

Students displaced amid apartment safety concerns

At least 22 students at Cal State Fullerton have been living at the Fullerton Marriott hotel after repeated issues with flooding, mold, sanitation and access to basic amenities at the University Village Fullerton, while still being expected to pay rent.

The apartments are owned by Champion Real Estate Company based in Los Angeles.

Maty Carlson, a second-year mechanical engineering major, has not been able to return to her apartment since Sept. 28 because it has been under renovation.

Carlson shared her apartment with two other people. Their apartment flooded twice, beginning a few weeks after moving into the unit on Aug. 18.

“We figured out that it was because there was an issue with our air conditioning unit,” Carlson said. “It dropped about four gallons of water into our kitchen and then just constantly dripped for another two or three weeks while we waited for them to come fix it,” Carlson said.

Carlson and her roommates went to the leasing office to request a mold check after they saw signs of water damage and began experiencing respiratory illnesses. An inspector checked their apartment and they were later notified they would be moved elsewhere the following morning.

Garrett Champion, senior vice president of Champion Real Estate Company, which owns University Village, said in an email that the company is aware of the frustrations of residents due to ongoing renovations and attributed the delays in repairs to supply chain issues.

“Our first priority is student safety, and when we determine temporary relocation is necessary, we offer all affected students alternative housing at the nearby Fullerton Marriott adjacent to the CSU Campus and a per diem towards meal costs to ensure the most comfortable conditions possible,” Champion wrote.

During a phone interview with Champion, he said he was certain all students who were moved to the Marriott have been receiving $50 a day for food. After the Daily Titan contacted Champion for a comment, the students received the money.

Other residents in the apartment complex had their bathroom ceilings cave in.

A student who lives at University Village and asked not to be named due to an ongoing legal battle with management, said the ceiling in their apartment also flooded and fell through.

The student and the student’s roommates requested that management check the apartment for mold, but were told there was no mold in the living space, the student said.

Daisy Perez, Fullerton’s deputy city manager, said in an email that code enforcement received eight complaints regarding University Village since August, five of which are still active cases.

One of the active cases listed by Perez was for the apartment of a thirdyear communications major, Emma Thomas. Thomas, who moved to University Village in August, said she had to call code enforcement because her apartment did not have heat or hot water for multiple days.

Thomas said the code enforcement officer confirmed that there was no hot water or heat. Thomas was informed that since she had no water or heat for almost four days, he had to be moved or University Village management would be breaking the law.

“If work was being conducted on the broiler and tenants would not have access to hot water/heat and were not

properly notified, then the tenants would need to be relocated,” Perez wrote.

Thomas said management agreed to relocate her and her roommates to the Marriott, but then said they could not obtain the rooms because the company did not have the funding and there were no available rooms at the hotel.

Thomas said she called the Marriott herself and was told there were plenty of rooms available.

“I was like, ‘You are lying straight to my face’ and magically they were able to secure three rooms for me and my roommates,” Thomas said.

Stella Verdeja, executive director of the Fair Housing Foundation, said if the owner still requires a tenant to pay rent but cannot let them live in their housing due to construction or anything else, the minimum they have to provide is relocation.

“If they’re paying rent, then the manager or owner is legally obligated to provide a roof over their head,” Verdeja said.

Thomas and her roommates were not the only ones that had a negative experience on move-in day.

Darell Wages, a football player at Fullerton College, said his apartment was dirty, infested with roaches and missing furniture the day he moved in.

Wages said he went three days without hot water and had to resort to boiling water on the stove to be able to shower. He said he was never offered relocation to the Marriott.

He added that he felt deceived because of how badly maintained the apartment was.

“Everything was a lie,” Wages said. “They showed us this stuff online, and it did not match how it was supposed to be when we got here, so it was just a disappointment.

As of Dec. 11, at least six students from building 2026, which had the most complaints of any building at the complex, have been able to return to their apartments. These students were previously housed at the Marriott while repairs were being made to their apartments.

Students said their personal lives, as well as their education, were negatively affected due to the ongoing issues at

University Village. Carlson said that due to the stress of her uncertain living situation throughout the past two months, she had to

drop two classes. “I’m retaking three classes next semester,” Carlson said. “Basically, this is a useless semester for me.”

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Students who expected to live in the University Village apartments have lived in the Marriott hotel next to Cal State Fullerton since September due to maintenance issues.

Kwanzaa celebration uplifts Black-owned businesses

KIRSTEN MAGLUNOG CHLOE HONG Sta Writers

The Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation invited members of the Fullerton community to celebrate Kwanzaa and empower Black business owners with its second annual Kwanzaa celebration Friday morning.

The Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation, an initiative that works to institutionalize the inclusion of Black people in Cal State Fullerton and Orange County, welcomed 100 attendees to this celebration. Students, faculty and Black business owners gathered in the Fullerton Arboretum where guests enjoyed live music and brunch.

The brunch began with a speech by Natalie Graham, the director of the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation. Graham explained the history of Kwanzaa and how it was started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 following the Watts Rebellion— a series of riots against police brutality that took place in the Watts neighborhood and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.

“It shows strength; it shows that we can be together as a people,” said Gwendolyn Alexis, an African American studies professor.

The speech also discussed the seven principles of Kwanzaa—umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination),

ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity)

and imani (faith).

Each day of Kwanzaa has its own designated principle, marked by

lighting a candle on a kinara, a seven-branched candelabrum, as well as activities related to that principle such as reciting the writings of great Black thinkers.

“Like many traditions, Kwanzaa is not just for creators or for those who come after,” Graham said. “We celebrate and learn and represent the people and values that are here. And we’re really here to affirm the beauty, intellectual vigor and creativity of being Black in a global landscape.”

The event focused on ujamaa, or cooperative economics, by placing a spotlight on Black business owners. Graham led a panel where the business owners gathered to talk about the origins of their businesses and the business world’s connection to community and cooperation.

“It's so important to remember that community is why we are all even here now, enjoying this exchange in this collective that hopes that someone is going to learn something that they can take back to their community and that spreads from there,” said Tahera Rene Christy, the founder and CEO of Amour Propre, a business that manufactures clean beauty products.

Though 2.2% of Orange County’s population identifies as Black or

African American, Graham said it is important to amplify Black-owned businesses and make the community aware of these creators.

“When you’re supporting Black business, you’re almost always also supporting local business, and local business helps everyone in the community thrive,” Graham said.

She also encouraged guests to honor and elevate Black culture and people. In a county with a small Black population, it is crucial to make changes to help empower Black individuals at CSUF, Graham said. She said the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation has many partners across campus who are working to construct social change.

Margie Brown-Coronel, a history professor and fellow of the Collective for Justice, Equity and Transformation, talked about the collective’s mission in prioritizing equity, diversity, justice and community on campus.

“We've been working closely with faculty on training them on how to integrate anti-racist practices in their pedagogy, in their curriculum, and in their one-on-one interactions in their classroom environments,” Brown-Coronel said. “So that's one of the focuses we've had this last semester.

How to give back to the Fullerton community this holiday season

CHLOE HONG Sta Writer

As the holidays approach, the Fullerton community can donate toys, time and food to organizations on or near campus.

With over 10% of Fullerton’s population living below the poverty line, donating resources to local organizations is a positive way to give back to the community. Here’s how:

The university’s Food Pantry is accepting small,

non-perishable food donations or hygiene products in the donation boxes outside of the pantry in the Titan Student Union. Those with larger or perishable donations can set up a drop-off appointment by calling or emailing the pantry.

Cristina Truong, the assistant director of the ASI Food Pantry, said it serves around 475 students per week. “We are always, every single week trying to purchase more food or trying to get more donations, so I think the need is very high at the moment,” Truong said.

Most of the items on their donation wish list are shelf-stable such as rice, pasta, rolled oats, spices,

granola bars and more.

While you cannot volunteer at the Food Pantry, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County offers volunteer opportunities, like helping out at the Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine or its Irvine Distribution Center. Participants can help the food bank process food and send it out to the community. Second Harvest accepts monetary donations, and donors can enroll in a rewards program. Meals on Wheels is also accepting volunteers. The program recently worked with Age Well to deliver over 800,000 meals to Orange County seniors in 2021.

In addition to volunteer opportunities, Age Well has an ongoingcampaign to encourage people to make a tax-deductible gift for the holidays. These donations provide meals, services, support and access to critical care programs for seniors in Orange County.

Another way to give back to the community is by donating to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County. Donors can “adopt a family” where they provide them with new clothes, toys, gifts or certificates. People can also host a physical or virtual food drive.

To host a virtual food drive, people can share a link to Community

Action Partnership of Orange County’s’s virtual food drive website to start fundraising. Those that collect physical food donations can fill out a form on Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s website to detail a pickup location.

In addition, the Fullerton Fire Department hosts an annual toy drive where donors can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any fire station, Fullerton City Hall, Fullerton Library or Community Center until Dec. 20.

Natalie Graham, the director of the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation of CSUF, spoke about the history of Kwanzaa at the Fullerton Arboretum Friday morning.

KIRSTEN MAGLUNOG / DAILY TITAN

Anaheim Soul Kitchen catered soul food for the Kwanzaa brunch Friday morning at the Fullerton Arboretum.

KIRSTEN MAGLUNOG / DAILY TITAN

No Stress Fest alleviates end-of-semester blues

8. About 100 students gathered in front of the Titan Student Union for live music from local bands.

Cameron Macedonio, the general manager of Titan Radio and third-year journalism student, said No Stress Fest is designed to give students a break from studying for finals.

“We want people to feel like they can relax,” Macedonio said. “Some people have finals coming up. There’s a lot of stress that comes with it.”

At the festival’s eighth event, the bands Bland, Fruit Jelly and Poor Timing were invited to perform.

The festival also had pizza, button making and ticket giveaways, said Brandon Walkley, Titan Radio’s communications and outreach director.

The night opened with the band Poor Timing from Orange County, who were a last-minute addition to the festival.

“They have perfect timing because we had another band cancel on us, and they stepped in,” said Julio Reyes, Titan Radio’s radio media specialist.

During the break between each bands’ performances, students made buttons and bracelets at the Titan Radio craft table.

Lauren Sharp, a public relations student at CSUF and DJ at Titan Radio, said live music is her favorite way to meet new people on campus.

No Stress Fest was open to CSUF students and local residents looking to enjoy a night of music. Stacy Montoia Chavez, a plant science major from Cal Poly Pomona, said she came to the event to support her friend Emmanual Razo, one of the members of the band Bland.

Montoia Chavez said driving from Pomona to Fullerton for No Stress Fest was worth it.

“We have finals next week, so it’s a little break for my studying and a little break from being used to just doing work and getting it done and moving on to the next,” Chavez said.

April Delgado, a food science and technology major at Cal Poly, also attended as Bland’s entourage.

“There’s no stress. There’s just a lot of socializing,” Delgado said. “And I’m just really happy to be here with my friends.”

No Stress Fest was a great experience for first-year or transfer students to get them excited for future events on campus.

“It makes it a bit more enjoyable because I commute, so being able to take the time to drive here and just enjoy being here. I think that’s what’s worth it,” said Leizelle Batacan, a CSUF transfer student and psychology major.

Batacan said she found out about the event after leaving a club meeting and heard music playing on campus.

As students prepare for finals week, No Stress Fest provided a break from

Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Radio hosted the festival with music, crafts and food at Becker Amphitheater from 6 to 9 p.m on Dec.

“Getting to study on campus and just coming straight here and see friends is a great way to relax,” Sharp said.

“I think it just helps you take a break from things, especially during these last few weeks,” Batacan said. “You’re just cramming, so you want to take some time off.”

Review: SZA's album satisfies five-year anticipation

SINCLAIR ANDRUSKA Editor ALEXANDER ALVARADO Asst. Editor

After five years of anticipation, SZA has delivered a perfect stocking stu ffer to her ever-growing fanbase.

“SOS,” SZA’s sophomore album, released on Dec. 9 with a total of 23 tracks that show off her ability to stay true to herself while exploring new sounds. While SZA’s first album, “CTRL,” was released in 2017, she has continued to sustain her success in between albums with hit singles like “Good Days,” “I Hate U” and “Shirt.”

“SOS,” the album’s opening track, pulls listeners in with a Morse Code distress signal—a fitting sound for an album whose cover portrays lost at sea. It features a dynamic sample of Gabriel Hardeman Delegation’s 1976 gospel tune “Until I Found The Lord (My Soul Couldn’t Rest).” The song is a rallying cry for SZA, with her stream-of-consciousness lyrics reminiscent of spoken word poetry. Listening to “SOS” is a direct reminder to stand up for yourself and leave the distractions behind.

"SOS" takes the lead and provides a manifesto for the rest of the album, with Jay

Versace credited as producer and co-writer. In this song, she comes into her own and demands what is rightfully hers. With powerful breathy vocals set against a gospel chorus playing in the background, “SOS” is SZA’s comeback.

Rightfully selected as the fourth single, “Nobody Gets Me” is one of the strongest tracks on the album. SZA does not hold back on expressing her vulnerability in this emotional breakup ballad that recounts her letting go of her ex-fiance. With SZA’s powerhouse and raw vocals, listeners get to hear a new side of the singer-songwriter.

An unexpected yet strong collaboration was between SZA and Phoebe Bridgers with their song “Ghost in the Machine.” The alternative and melancholic R&B track goes into SZA and Bridgers’ growing indi fference for the music industry as they turn to their partners for an escape or solution.

“Ghost in the Machine” features some of the best production on a SZA song yet as the instrumental arrangements and warps towards the end help to make the song much more exciting and lively. The production was something new and experimental for SZA that paid off well.

The song reflects SZA’s artistic growth and willingness to try new things with her music. Bridgers also helps bring the song together as her verse and vocals pair well with SZA.

“Good Days” is an oldie but a goodie of SZA’s that is included in her second studio album. Originally released in Dec. 2020, “Good Days”

became her first solo top-ten hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. The song dropped at a time when many people were stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and SZA’s optimistic lyrics remained a glimmer of hope for a generation seeing the future changing right before their eyes.

“F2F” is another dive of experimentation for SZA with this rock alternative track. After losing her lover, she now turns to sleep with a di fferent man, hoping he will love her the same and fix her longing for her ex.

This nostalgic track is reminiscent of the early 2000s alternative rock genre. With a slow and melodic start, listeners are in for a turn when the electric guitar breaks through the track with its ri ffs and SZA’s tone becomes more aggressive.

Lizzo, although not officially featured, provides background vocals and is credited as a songwriter for the track. Her contribution to the song helped give it the edge it needed and helped SZA dive into new musical territory that fans have been waiting for.

Few songs can transport the audience to open waters, clear skies and deep introspection like “Blind,” the sixth song on the album. The tranquil guitar strum throughout sets the tune, giving the track a wistful vibe while SZA throws references to Julia Stiles, Bob Saget and Muhammed Ali. Violins are woven between the soft guitar and the unabashed vocals, adding an emotional element that makes it worth a listen or two or three.

The 23-track album sometimes falls short, as some songs feel like filler. Either lyrically or sonically similar, they provide nothing new or refreshing to the album and leave much to be desired.

“Smoking on my Ex Pack,” a rap track, felt like it had no creative direction. It was a filler song under two minutes, and SZA’s experimentation with the rap genre sadly did not live up to the expectation.

Despite the hype, “Conceited” does not seem like a song from SZA’s playbook. The track will be an excellent addition on a Forever 21 store playlist, but it lacks the creativity that SZA is known for. Lyrically, it regurgitates the same “self-flex” catchphrases

( TDE/RCA RECORDS ) found on any mainstream pop record. Instrumentally, there is no diversity, compared to “Blind” or “SOS.”

“SOS” is slightly less cohesive than her debut album “Ctrl.” With songs that sound out of place or a bit too similar, it sometimes lacked the storytelling and raw emotion her first album brought.

Overall, SZA released a strong sophomore album with songs that will have listeners in their feels. She excels in having her listeners feel upset and heartbroken during one song and feeling indifferent or over it in the next.

No Stress Fest, held by Titan Radio, is an annual concert at the end of each semester to help students unwind during nals. Brandon Walker, a fourth-year cinema and television art major, tabled the event for students to win free concert tickets.

JENNIFER LUND / DAILY TITAN

JENNIFER LUND Sta Writer ARIANA MOLINA Sta Writer

the books and a chance to connect.

Basic necessities are not the responsibility of students

Jared Brown, a third-year kinesiology major, said students with certain dietary restrictions, such as an avoidance of gluten or pork or vegans, may not be able to find a lot of options.

This inequity forces students with a dietary restriction to constantly worry about how and when they can eat.

NOLLYANNE DELACRUZ Editor

Cal State Fullerton students have every right to complain about their living situations due to the poor quality of the food for on-campus residents and the crumbling conditions of off-campus housing.

For students who live on campus, a main concern is the availability of nutritious food.

The Gastronome, the main on-campus dining facility, states that it provides “healthy, nutritious and well-balanced meals.” Yes, it typically serves pizza, burgers, fries, bread and a salad bar with fresh vegetables and fruits. Despite their slogan, many students disagree that these foods are healthy.

Maggie Shi, a second-year kinesiology major, said in an email to the Daily Titan that the quality of food in the Gastronome was not always healthy or fresh.

Not only does the food lack nutrition, but there are not a lot of options for people with dietary restrictions.

This greatly impacts students’ learning. Brown said that students who do not consistently eat could experience a decline in their physical and mental health.

“Because of some of the inequities that do exist, sometimes students aren’t having success,” Brown said. “So it’s really hard to feel like they can be connected to the school.”

Students who live on campus. whether in the residence halls or the suites, are required to choose between three options: a fiveday or a seven-day meal plan or a 100-block meal plan. However, the cost for housing and meal plans are relatively high, typically reaching between $17,000 and $19,000 per year.

Larry Martin, the executive director of housing and residential engagement and Titan Experience, said the high price is due to the lack of state funding.

It is unfair and ridiculous to pay that much money and have such little variety and low quality food.

Vaughn Wilbur, a second-year sociology major, said this would

be an a ffordable option if someone regularly goes to the Gastronome. Although with so many issues with the food, it is likely that many students are overpaying to live on a campus that does not provide food that meets their dietary needs.

Additionally, students have to purchase their own basic necessities. Many regular products that can be bought at a convenience store, like pre-packaged foods, deodorant or menstrual products are unfairly sold at inflated prices on campus, Wilbur said.

Martin said that students who live on campus are given a $200 declining balance that they can use at the Gastronome, Tuffy’s Cafe and the community market on-campus housing.

“They have to budget themselves to use that $200 for all their meals during the weekends throughout the whole semester. And the prices are really high within that little minimart, then they have to barely squeeze by,” Wilbur said.

Davis Ammari, a junior psychology major, said he would like to be able to use that $200 wherever he wanted on campus.

Martin said the way the $200 balance is designed is that it is specifically through the meal plan department, limiting the amount of places this balance can be used.

This money should be put on residents’ Titan cards through a

different department, such as financial aid, to allow students to spend this money wherever they choose.

Although students could go to Tuffy’s Basic Needs for their supplies, the items are often in short-supply because it is a donation-based service, Wilbur said.

The Gastronome and food vendors on campus should also aim to diversify their meal options, giving more options to students with dietary restrictions and providing healthier options in general.

Despite the on-campus housing issues regarding food security, the situation is even worse for students who live off campus.

Emma Thomas, a third-year student majoring in communication, has been having consistent issues with her apartment at the University Village Fullerton since the beginning of the semester. She testified to missing pipes that led to flooding, an outbreak of mold and lack of heating or air conditioning.

Despite speaking with the University Village management repeatedly, many of her concerns were not addressed. In fact, she said she was met with lies when bringing up her complaints to the sta ff

“I wish there was some sort of compassion here for what they’re doing and accountability,” Thomas said. “Because it’s just blaming us and blaming vendors and

blaming the building being old. Like, take accountability.”

As a provider of housing for mainly CSUF students, the management at University Village has a responsibility to make sure their facilities are livable for their residents and adequately maintain their property.

In the end, students su ffer because of the lack of accountability of off-campus housing management. Thomas said that she has missed several days of classes and work to wait for the University Village management so she could speak to them about the condition of her apartment.

“Earlier in the semester, I was so stressed. Mentally, it was horrible. It was a very, very hard time for me and my roommates and I lost motivation to do work,” Thomas said. “I was more angry than anything, and I just wanted to lay in my bed all day and just cry.”

O ff-campus housing authorities must be held accountable for their mismanagement of the apartments. Both CSUF and the management on and off campus housing must help students who live there.

Students should know that their needs are taken care of to the highest degree as they live and attend CSUF, but there is clearly much work that needs to be done before those standards can be met.

Housing management must keep up maintenance and provide quality food.

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Thank you all for keeping up with Tuffy this semester. Tuffy will see you in the new year!

ARIES Do you feel like nothing is going your way? Well, it’s probably true. But just because life isn’t going as planned doesn’t mean you’re done for, Aries. Sometimes the biggest victories in life are the ones we never planned.

TAURUS If you’ve been thinking about taking that leap of faith, then this is your sign to do so! Seize the day, and don’t look back. You’ve been living a sheltered life, Taurus, and it’s time to switch it up a little.

GEMINI Do you hear that? Could it really be Santa Claus? No, think again. It’s actually your intrusive thoughts getting to your head again. Stop overthinking and start reminding yourself how much you’ve grown this past year!

CANCER Are you feeling extra on edge this week? It could be because you’re refusing to let go of the things that are clouding your happiness. Don’t let that negative energy ruin the holiday season for you. Let it snow? More like let it go.

LEO Leo, oh Leo. You are going to see some great transformations in the near future. Continue being patient with yourself and those around you. It is in the waiting period that we see change and development!

VIRGO Looks like you’re not getting that lump of coal this year! Leo, you have done some great things this past week. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be just fine! This is the time to keep moving forward.

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LIBRA Hmmm I sense unexpected love in the air! You will soon come to know what true love is. Always remember: there’s no need to put on a facade; you are the best at being you!

SCORPI0 Don’t worry, Scorpio, you haven’t been forgotten. You may have feelings of neglect or, but it is only a matter of time that your hard work will be recognized. Have patience and keep your head up!

SAGITTARIUS “There’s so much to do and so little time!” Au contraire, my friend! Time is on your side this week. With some proper planning and a few deep breaths, you’ll complete that to-do list in no time!

CAPRICORN A re you searching for peace and comfort in other people? Stop looking, Cap. You will soon come to understand that your peace comes from within. Instead of constantly relying on others to make you whole, focus on the ways you can love yourself better this week.

AQUARIUS Are you stopping to smell those flowers? ‘Tis the season to worry and overwhelm yourself, but don’t be fooled by your typical stressful habits, Aquarius. Take it easy and live in the now.

PISCES Have you found yourself between a rock and a hard place? Well, Pisces, take your time and trust your gut. Whatever that difficult situation may be, listen to your conscience and remind yourself of the times it has saved you before.

CSUF alumna finds success despite career-ending injuries

CHLOE HONG Sta Writer

Not everyone is able to earn a living through their passions. However, Barbie Gil-Alviso, a Cal State Fullerton alumni and full-time kinesiology lecturer, has been involved with soccer for most of her life.

Currently teaching her 17th year at CSUF, Gil-Alvisio's ties with the university’s soccer program started when she transferred from UCLA.

In 1993, Gil-Alviso went to play for UCLA’s women soccer program. However, she tore her ACL during her sophomore year. During the rehab process, the athletic trainers that she rehabilitated with were CSUF graduates, which influenced Gil-Aviso to transfer to CSUF.

“When I transferred here it was awesome because in the kinesiology department, all the professors are well known in their field. And so it was just a really rich educational experience,” Gil-Alviso said.

Gil-Alviso traced her passion to Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, where she su ffered a meniscus tear while playing soccer. Furthermore, Gil Alviso is responsible for creating a women’s soccer program at her high school, which only had a men’s soccer team.

With the help of her mother, Gil-Alviso started practicing at a nearby park, watching VHS tapes of games and taking notes on what

she could add to her arsenal of plays.

“It’s not like now you get out your phone and you can just look it up,” Gil-Alviso said. “You had to like really sit there and kind of be a student of the game.”

When Gil-Alviso went in for surgery, she discovered that she had been playing through a torn ACL since her freshman year of high school, despite being told otherwise.

“I remembered when it happened going to the doctor and they’re like, ‘oh no, she’s fine. Her legs are strong and she’s good,’” Gil-Alviso said.

During her rehab, Gil-Aviso worked with Shawn Zink, the athletic trainer who inspired her to pursue a career in athletic training.

After obtaining her master’s in Kinesiology and teaching credentials from CSUF, she later worked at a couple of high schools as a physical education teacher before being offered a teaching position at CSUF.

While no longer playing the sport, Gil-Alviso credited soccer for helping her become both physically and mentally strong. She gained confidence from hard work and reaching her goals, as well as the ability to navigate di fficult situations with grace.

For soccer, just being able to play, I just enjoyed every moment. It wasn’t like there was this pinnacle moment or some great achievement, it was just being able to play and coming back from each surgery,” Gil-Alviso said.

Barbie Gil-Alviso played on the CSUF women's soccer team from 1995 to 1997.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBIE GIL-ALVISO