Week 5 Issue 205.5

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NIVERSITY IMES

Feb. 21, 2014

www.csulauniversitytimes.com

C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S

Issue 205.5

Community day protest

State of the Union Recap pg 9

On Campus Coffee Choices pg 12

Carlos Mollura at Luckman pg 8

On That Selfie Game pg 12

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University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

Parking It Forward CAMPUS

CJ Tuttle Contributor Parking at Cal State University of Los Angeles can be an arduous task.

Whether due to the nearly 23,000 students enrolled in classes at one particular time and the lack of parking space available to accommodate them, or because of the added expense a quarter long permit brings, there are emerging alternative methods to the parking conundrum.

A quarter long permit at CSULA will cost a current student 90 dollars, while a year long parking pass costs 360 dollars. Another available option is buying a daily permit for six dollars all day. Three bucks will get you four and a half hours, two will get you two hours and one will get you an hour and fifteen minutes.

Get caught without any form of pass and you will get nailed

with a ticket for 45 dollars.

For a growing number of students, cost cutting and avoiding such fees altogether has created a new method of finding a way to park for free.

While public transportation is a viable option, this is also as costly in the long run and has headaches as well.

Cal State LA students are buying all day permits and passing them along to other students when their classes have concluded, in what amounts to a random act of kindness or “paying it forward.” The small slip of paper that sits on the dashboard of the vehicle can easily be passed from vehicle to vehicle, as long as the time has not expired.

As recently as last week, a student who asked to remain anonymous told me that

“When I approached the kiosk to buy a parking permit, a paid for ticket was hanging from the slot.” She said. “I looked around to see if someone was playing some type of trick on me, but no, a fellow student had left their ticket for someone else to use.”

While surely this method of parking is not allowed, direct language from CSULA’s Public Safety Department states “permits can not be transferred.” However, the camaraderie and attitude of “taking it to the man” is something to be admired in today’s day and age.

Four weeks into 2014’s first quarter and I personally have spent a total of six dollars on parking. Will I remain under the 90 dollar threshold? That’s up to my fellow student body...

Statement Magazine Sells Valentine’s Day Grams EVENTS

Managing Editors Yzzy Gonzalez Timmy Truong Production Manager Lilliana Arrazcaeta Web Editor Carol Venegas Copy Editor Carol Vengas

Angeline Bernabe Contributor If you’re looking for an affordable way to send a Valentine this year to your significant other or friend, Statement Magazine has something for you!

Business/ Advertising Mangager Jim Munson

Contributors Gerardo Amezquita Luis Antezana Mercedes Barba Talia Bagnerise Jillian Bell Angeline Bernabe Samantha Carlson Yolanda Giron Alexandra Johnson Israel Saldana CJ Tuttle

Columnist Sean Buer Cartoonists Sean Buer Tammy Nguyen Photographers Jillian Bell Yolanda Giron Yzzy Gonzalez Alexandra Johnson Timmy Troung Michael Underwood

Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan

Statement is combining love and poetry together this Valentine’s day by selling Valentine Grams to the Cal State L.A. community.

With some help from A.S.I., Statement is hoping to generate potential buyers with the unique design of each of the Valentine Grams and your choice of either a Dulce de Leche, Raspberry or Raspberry filled cookie, as well as your choice of poem for four or five dollars a piece, depending on the cookie you choose.

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Distributor Carol Vengas

Statement’s Valentine’s Day Card signed the poetry grams says, “The grams are very personal.

They are designed to portray what people may be feeling toward their loved ones, including family, friends and co-workers in ways tailored to the personality of those relationships.”

The poetry which students can choose from include “A Very Valentine” by Gertrude Stein, “Soneto XVII” by Pablo Neruda, “Oath of Friendship” by a famous anonymous Chinese poet from 1st Century B.C., and “I Want to Breathe”

by James Laughlin.

In addition to these Valentine Grams, Statement is also hosting their open-mic (similar to last year) for the holiday by partnering with A.S.I. The Valentine Grams will help provide a means of fundraising this year for the club to ensure a quality future publication of their annual magazine.

Angela Butkus, a member of Statement Magazine who de-

In regards to the response from the grams, Butkus added,

“People have been madly enthusiastic! We have a limited supply, so anyone interested should order soon.”

So if you’re interested in purchasing a Valentine Gram from Statement, look out for their tabling events on February 4th, 5th, and 6th where you can place your orders or the order forms where you can fill the information out and place your order in the English Department Mail Room (Engineering and Technology Building, Room A636).

If you have further questions, feel free to contact Statement Magazine at statement@ calstatela.edu.

All opinions and letters in the University Times represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UT or the university.

Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification.

Letters may be edited for grammar and length.

University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising.

University Times is published every Monday.

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All Rights Reserved.

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University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

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On Second Thought... Dating & Textbooks ADVICE

Sean Buer Columnist If you have your own questions pertaining to anything, send an email to Sean.Buer@ gmail.com.

Hello UT Readers, I received a few emails over the course of the week asking questions about dating and relationships.

Dating in college can be a fleeting endeavor, especially in LA. Many people in their early twenties aren’t looking for commitment. The task of determining which person is worth the compromise and sacrifice associated with dating challenges singles of every age.

Q: “Alright Mr. Advice columnist, I need advice. If I want to stop talking to someone I’m kind of dating, do I just completely ignore his calls and texts, slowly back off, or straight up tell him I don’t want to see him anymore?

It was only a few dates and now he’s in love with me and so I want to end it. I realized I don’t like him enough to date him. I guess I just see him as a friend. So I don’t know how to end this.” - Anonymous A: Thank you for writing in. From personal experience, it’s better to tell the guy, just on the off chance that you run into him later.

I remember a girl stood me up on a date; only to see her a

couple days later at the restaurant I worked at, eating lunch with her grandmother. Needless to say, it was an awkward exchange as she came up with a story as to why she blew me off. In any case, it’s better to have a clean break for that sole purpose.

want your friend finding out for himself. He’ll probably believe you were trying to keep it from him and your trust will be broken. If they’re over their relationship (you might double check on this) and the feeling was mutual, there shouldn’t be an issue.

If it hasn’t been that long, it would be appropriate to call or text him how you feel. Giving too much information as to why you don’t want to see him can cause him an irrational debate of your reasons, but at the end of the day, it’s your feelings.

I understand you don’t choose whom you have feelings for--sometimes it just happens. Take the high road and if he decides it’s an issue you can’t work out, it’s probably not a friendship worth salvaging. (End of Answer)

If you establish that you don’t want to date, don’t try and force a friendship. Hanging out with that person like nothing has changed may convince them that it hasn’t.

Hopefully that helps your situation.

Q: “Hello, I am a male third year student. I recently started hanging out with my friend’s ex and I’ve developed feelings for her. They do not talk or hangout and they only see each other at parties. We hooked up and I am not sure what to do.

Should I tell my friend about the two of us?” - Anonymous A: Thanks for telling me.

This sounds like a complicated situation.

If you hangout often with your friend and the girl together at parties, it’s best you probably tell him about your feelings for her. You don’t

After committing to a significant other, here are some golden rules that one should abide by.

Don’t make any decisions when you’re mad and don’t go to bed angry at each other.

You’ll harbor resentment and a passive aggressive outlook that only poisons your own mind. Communication really is key. I’ve had many fights with my girlfriend that snowballed from misunderstanding.

You get what you put into relationships and learn to grow together.

On a more practical note, I received this question from a student. It reads: Q: “Hello my name is Mayra Lopez; I am a first year undergrad student at CSULA. I have been reading your articles on the school newspaper and I just had a question.

I have been trying to sell my books by posting up flyers around school but no luck, I have also been trying to sell some on eBay and Amazon but I found out eBay is one item limit per category and on Amazon they keep about 5% on what you are trying to make, it just doesn’t make sense to me.

I have never tried selling my books at the CSULA bookstore nor the mart across school because I am afraid they will want it for a cheap price. So what is the best way to sell books?” – Mayra Lopez A: For some smaller sites that deal with buying/selling books, check out Book.ly (.ly is equivalent to .com or .org) Click the ‘sell’ tab and enter your book title. It’ll give you a list of what several companies will pay you for it, listed from highest to lowest. Bigwords. com also functions the same way. There is also bookscouter.com.

I know most people use Amazon for the purpose of selling textbooks; there are also affiliated sites with Amazon and eBay. Half.com and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can offer some discounts. Thank you for your question, I hope some of those sites help you.

Thank you to everyone who wrote an email and thank you for taking the time to read.

Have a good week, Golden Eagles!

Offline, A Cinematic Vision FILM

Israel Saldana Columnist On the past Monday afternoon, at 6PM at the University Theater, Cal State L.A.’s Cinematic Visions had the honor of having well known producer Timur Bekmambetov unveil a film to Cal State L.A. students called Offline.

Bekmambetov produced the films Wanted and Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, two well-known movies that aired on the big screen.

Mr. Bekmambetov’s new production is a huge target to cyberbullying and the dangers it leads to. Despite the long 20 minute wait to see the preview, the film seem to hit the target it was going for.

The intention of both the producer and writer was to use this horror film to warn the young generation about what cyberbullying could lead to: suicide.

Yet, the movie was not as scary as it seemed. It had its moment of gore, but Offline had the crowd laughing more often than acting scared.

The movie starts out stale and gets better as it progresses, even though it’s just another teen horror film.

At the screening the cast was present, and along with the producers and writers answer questions from the crowd.

From the question and answer rose the main inspiration of the film, to stop cyberbullying as well as the intention of moving away from the genres of Wanted and Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, to attract a younger audience to relate to. The audience enjoyed the film, despite its flaws.

I would encourage readers to go watch the movie when it is released. And to those that were there, remember changes will be done to the film after its first screening, thanks to feedback from the audience.

Offline is a good-one-time watch when there is nothing on TV.

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Feb. 3, 2014

University Times

Too Much Texting SOCIAL

traction, taking time and energy away from academic studies or connecting with people.

and 10% admit they have texted during an exam on at least one occasion (2012).

strict, if they see us, they ask us to leave and I don’t want to leave.”

Cell phones are everywhere and taking a walk around campus reveals more than half of the CSULA students have a cell in hand, texting.

In an article I found on the Communication & Mass Media Complete database from the library website titled, “The Use and Abuse of Cell Phones and Text Messaging in the Classroom: A Survey of College Students”, the authors found 95% of students bring their phones to class every day, 92% use their phones text messages during class time,

When I spoke to Jessica Flores, a Chemistry and Mathematics sophomore, about the use of cell phones she said, “I carry my phone with me every day, the only time I’m not using it, is in class.”

Most teachers have a cell phone policy. Geosciences Professor Steve Ladochy said, “I have had cell phones go off during an exam and I try to embarrass them in some way or another.”

When asked if she texts in class Flores replied, “Not anymore, at least in upper division classes, the teachers are pretty

With the data showing, students are texting instead of focusing on information in class.

This month’s case involved the teething difficulties of a young boy and mother traveling a long, enclosed trek from the bottom of a tour bus to the United States.

police officer.

greater volume of space I had.

The film paid particular focus to the collections of dialogue between Miguel and his mother, Hilaria inside a small compartment under the bus.

Coupled with its suffocating effects of environment, the most valuable highlight out of the film was the intimate relationship between mother and son.

Samantha Carlson Contributor

From the emergence of the smart phone era, people have a world of information at their fingertips.

Some might say this is a dis-

The purpose of going to a university to learn new ideas and engage in thoughtful discussion is lost.

Texting is great way to keep in touch with friends off campus, but perhaps the next time you feel the urge to check your phone, maybe you can take the opportunity to say hi to the person standing behind you in Starbucks.

Independent Visions: Smuggled FILM Gerardo Amezquita Contributor

On the evening of Thursday, January 30th, the University Student Union theatre continued to show their monthly series of documentaries that exhibit the uninvited issues that face relevant society, also known as Independent Visions.

In the foreign docu-drama Smuggled by Ramon Hamilton, it commenced with the perspective of the boy, Miguel.

He narrates the story exclusively through his experiences while being interrogated by a

This focus of setting began to take its unnerving effects on its audience because I even felt somewhat claustrophobic inside the theatre and left a little more appreciative of the

The film just cries out a production value of a miniscule budget but such great direction

by Hamilton and outstanding performances by Miguel

(Ramsess Letrado) and Hilaria (Denisse Bon) made this a delightful and desirable watch.

Ultimately, the U-SU theatre continues its commitment in posturing direct inquiries to its diverse audience. This one centered on themes about immigration, economic opportunities, and humanitarian issues.

University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

Easy Wontons and Avocado Dip

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Wontons and Avocado Dip | Photo by Alexandra Johnson

FOOD

Alexandra Johnson Contributor In last week’s newspaper I made a recipe for Italian potato dumplings called gnocchi. This week, I wanted to continue the same dumpling concept, but with a new cultural twist. My mind traveled to Asia as I created a new wonton recipe.

Ingredients Wonton wrappers 1 Carrot 1 Avocado ½ Cucumber ¼ Package of tofu Soy sauce Seasoning; Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin Wontons

(1) Mince the carrot and cucumber into tiny pieces.

(2) Scramble the tofu.

(3) Mix cucumber, carrot and tofu in a bowl and add seasoning.

(4) Add about 1 teaspoon of the mix into the wonton.

(5) Pinch and twist the corners of the wonton wrapper together. It will create a dumpling shape similar to those of a Hersey’s Kiss.

(6) Place wontons on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 350-degrees until the ends of the wonton turn golden brown.

For the dip, simply mash the avocado until creamy and add a tablespoon of soy sauce.

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University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

Senate Meeting Leads to Student Community Day NEWS Jillian Bell

Contributor On Tuesday, January 28th in the Golden Eagle Ballroom 3, the Academic Senate meeting ended in an uproar from both sides. The motion that was out-voted was to make an Ethnic studies course a requirement from one of the two diversity courses for an undergrad student’s GE. It was out voted, 20-29.

Many students claimed they felt voiceless in the decisions being made for them. Although 5 student representatives sit on the senate’s board, there are some students that believe they should have been given the opportunity to speak openly at the meeting before the vote was made.

Last year’s Senate Vice President and this year’s Senate Parliament, chair of Sociology department, Gretchen Peterson, believed people saw senators as silencing certain voices (meaning the student’s voices) and said there was a misunderstanding from the students on how the Senate meetings are handled.

She said, “A student can speak if a Senator yields their turn, so if I were sitting on the Senate and knew you wanted to speak, I could raise my hand and recognize so-and-so, but you have to get the senator to yield a turn to you.”

No yield was made for a student to speak at this meeting.

Communications major, Regina Milton, felt as though senators spoke more than once, when other senators gave up their chance to speak and wasted time intentionally so students wouldn’t be able to voice their opinions.

Milton, stated, “I think it was a mechanism they were using because senators kept raising their hands and time was running out so they didn’t want us to have our voices heard, and I noticed that and I asked a lady when can we speak and she told me all hands had to be down before the students can speak. It was ironic that right when the meeting was over, at 3:10 I believe they said we don’t have time for students to speak. That’s when all hell broke loose.”

Pan African Studies major, Adal Osman, didn’t think highly of how the meeting

was structured. Osman said, “I don’t think it was a productive meeting and if that’s how meetings are always ran, that’s very problematic.”

Osman agreed with many other students stating, “It doesn’t seem like they’re representing the voice of the students and their elected officials who are suppose to be representing our interest, so I don’t think it was inclusive to what the students trying to do, they stuck to the procedure, and from what I know that was the first time that they voted with remote clicker, so no one owned up to the position they held on Ethnic Studies and it being a requirement.”

In what would normally be a verbal vote, in this particular meeting clickers were used in the voting process. Peterson says the usage the clicker makes the voting process easier. Peterson states, “It’s an easier tactic, I’ve realized people have made a big deal of it but I just feel we should use the technology if it makes it easier.”

As of now the motion for Fall Quarter 2016, diversity courses will deal with issues of intersectionality that includes race, gender, ethnicity,

and socio-economics.

The motion that was out voted stated that one of GE diversity requirements be taught from one of the four Ethnic Studies program; Asian/ Asian American Studies, Chicana/o studies, Pan African studies, or Latin American Studies.

A proud supporter of this notion as well as Chair of the Pan African Studies Department, Melina Abdullah, said that wanting a diversity course to be taught out of Ethnic Studies department isn’t personal but necessary. Abdullah stated, “Let me be clear, the motion in no way presumes that the only experts in the area of race or ethnicity at CSULA are in Ethnic Studies departments and programs.

To do so, would be and deny the ground-breaking scholars like Kelly Madison in Television and Film, Victor Viesca in Liberal Studies, and Chor Swang Ngin in Anthropology.

We know that many faculty members are deeply committed to this work and no way is this motion an attempt to discount that. This is about Ethnic Studies as one of the two required diversity classes.”

Peterson said she supports

(Right)Campus police overlook students who have staged a sit in protest outside of President Covinos office in hopes to speak to him and voice their concerns. | Photo by Timmy Truong

Student creates a sign for the protest | Photo by Jillian Bell

Students stand with signs in front of administration building where the protest took place | Photo by Jillian Bell

(Bottom) President William A. Covino and Provost Ashish Vaidya speak to students during protest. | Photo by Timmy Truong

Ethnic Studies but admits to her vote against Ethnic Studies as a mandatory diversity course. Peterson’s view is that as long the four intersectionalities are included in the course structure then it shouldn’t matter if the course is coming out of an Ethnic Studies department or any other department.

Peterson defended the majority vote, stating, “I don’t see it as the senate saying that we shouldn’t have this requirement. It was more a matter of, I believe, the senate saying no one owns any requirements in the GE, no department or program, and that every program should be open to every department to propose classes.”

Abdullah gave examples as to why this motion is important. She said, “Ethnic Studies Departments have not only the deep subject expertise that take entire careers to develop, but the particular disciplinary perspectives that speak to questions of race in ways that connect with lived experiences. This approach enables students to connect with their intellectual pursuits deeply by valuing their own histories, struggles and life trajectories, it makes what students learn in

Continued On Page 10

Feb. 3, 2014

University Times

Clarifying the GE Diversity Revisions NEWS Yolanda Giron Contributor

On Tuesday, January the Academic Senate cussed and modified the Diversity Requirements the semester conversion.

21st disG.E for

Since then, the revisions have become a current topic of discussion, not only among faculty and staff, but also among some CSULA students.

So what are the revisions? And how will CSULA students be affected by the changes?

The new Senate-Approved Diversity changes include four main points explaining the goals to effectively completing the required diversity courses. The points state that students must demonstrate the understanding of the following as an outcome to taking these courses.

First, students must “Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and practical factors of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic class, disability sexuality, religion or age.”

Secondly,

students

must

“Demonstrate understanding of the intersectionality of these factors, with particular attention paid to race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic class.”

Third, students must, “Demonstrate understanding of the diversity of intercultural and intercultural relationships.”

could and might change.

With the new revisions, professors will be given an opportunity to basically apply in order to become a diversity course. Dr. Koos explained that if a course is already labeled with a “(d)” it must still reapply by turning in a “course modification form.”

These are the newly approved G.E. Diversity outcomes as they were established in the senate document. This information was provided by the Chair of General Education Committee and the Subcommittee, Dr. Cheryl Koos.

Dr. Koos continued to explain that, if a new course proposal is made then the documentation would include a “form that addresses a course description, a course outline, and student learning outcomes.” The final determination on whether or not a course gets labeled “(d)” will be made by the University Educational Policy Committee (EPC), after the proposals have gone through evaluations by the General Education Subcommittee.

How will students be affected by the changes? Students, will still be required to take two diversity courses in order to effectively completing the G.E requirements, that number remains the same. The number of diversity courses a student could choose from however,

What do some professors think about the revisions and the process? Dr. Kelly Madison, a professor at CSULA who specializes in the study of Cultural Politics and Media Study said, “As long as they make sure every single class teaches in a substantial way

Lastly the fourth, students must, “Demonstrate civic literacy and an awareness of social justice that would enable effective participation in a diverse society.”

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Academic Senate Meeting | Photo by Jillian Bell about race class and gender then, I’m not worried.”

Dr. Cheryl Koos was asked, what would be done in order to make sure that race, ethnicity and socioeconomic class be prioritized as the revision calls for, and it not be overlooked?

Her response was, “It is the duty of the members in each committee to uphold University Policy, just as it is the duty of members of every university committee to uphold University Policy.”

The committees she refers to in her comment are the General Education Subcommittee (GES) and the Educational Policy Committee (EPC). She continued to say that, “...Both committees are bound to evaluate proposals for those spe-

cific elements. Not doing so would be a violation of University Policy and would be subject to Appeal.”

Another Professor, Dr. Suzanne Regan from TVF, said, “I teach gender and you can’t understand gender without understanding its relationship to class and ethnicity in this culture.”

In a multicultural campus such as CSULA, topics of importance vary. However, are all these topics being appropriately considered and acknowledged to the best of ability?

That is a question the students themselves need to answer.

The new G.E policy will go into effect during the Fall of Semester 2016.

Calling for Communcation: ASI & Students NEWS Timmy Truong

Managing Editor A protest sparked a flame in some CSULA students, Thursday January 30th after a long day of protesting and struggling to speak to President William A. Covino by marching to his office.

Many students felt their administration was inaccessible and felt their voices are not strong enough on campus even after Covino came out later in the day to speak to the crowd.

After the protest, A.S.I President Hector Jacinto spoke with the remaining crowd of students and suggested they attend the A.S.I. Board of Directors meeting later at 3PM. Many attended and a majority of them even stood up to speak.

The students introduced themselves and shared their ideas for change on campus.

Some of the topics dealt with ethnic studies, the scheduling of cultural graduation celebra-

tions, and majors. All were related in that these small problems lie in the larger problems of lack of representation and communication on campus.

Simeon Carson, a third year Political Science and Pan African Studies double major was one of the many students who spent the day protesting.

He stood in front of a much more accessible group of people compared to those he was trying to speak to in the past and he asked that “A.S.I. supports ‘us’ as in, a group of students who are sick and tired and being oppressed by an administration who doesn’t care [about] what we think.”

Carson feels that students should be a vital part of the decision making process saying, “We students, we pay the bills here.”

Throughout the meeting, the students were informed they have five academic senators.

These senators are the appointed by students to represent the student body in the academic senate.

Jelani Hendrix, a Pan African Studies major brought up that most of the student body, with him included, did not know their academic senators. Along with not knowing his representatives, he and the other students did not know where these senators stood on the issues that mattered the most to them: the student body.

has actually spoken to us” and “It would be nice to hear what the students think.”

The channels for communication between the students and their student government are there. “Any one is welcome to come to our office, talk to us in our office hours and if you see us in the main walkway feel free to talk us,” reaffirmed Hector Jacinto, A.S.I. president.

Carson however, found a flaw in Jacinto’s suggestion and asked the students, “Who knows about these channels?

Who knew we could do that?“ He suggested that, “We should be informed by A.S.I. that we can do these things…we don’t even know who these people are…there are those who are like ghosts and this is the first time I am seeing them.”

Paul Khoury, one of the Graduate academic senators mentioned in response that A.S.I. does have office hours and A.S.I. email addresses and students should feel free to get in contact with the senators.

Khoury goes on to say, “I have not had any students email me, or my colleague Elizabeth and give us their suggestions on how they feel about what’s going on, nobody

Simeon Carson | Photo by Timmy Truong

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University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

Carlos Mollura at Luckman Fine Arts Complex CAMPUS

Mercedes Barba Contributor The Luckman Fine Arts Complex on campus at one time or another has been home to many local and worldwide artists.

Andy Warhol’s Polaroid’s last year caused a fury with original photographs from the artist’s legendary life and last quarter Antonio Adriano Puleo used paintings and sculptures to turn the Luckman into an architectural space.

This time, an entirely new exhibit takes Luckman viewers on an incredible journey through the life of Los Angeles-based artist Carlos Mollura. This showcase emphasizes Mollura’s architectural designs, which break the normal continuity of sculptures.

Mollura grew up as a child of an Argentina immigrant.

His father immigrated to the United States to escape the dictatorship of Juan Peron.

An innovator in the waterbed industry, Mollura’s father still owns numerous waterbed patents. Inspired by his father’s work, Mollura used this as a stepping point in his recent work.

Marco Rios, the curator of the Luckman Art Gallery and this exhibit, has known Mollura for almost 20 years. He explains how Mollura’s passion for art brought him and his work to the Luckman Art Gallery.

“I bumped into him and he expressed the desire to make art again. And that was the inspiration for this show,” Rios said.

This is also the first time that Mollura’s work is directly influenced by his father’s entrepreneurship.

“It’s almost like an homage.

A lot of it was sort of formalist sculptures and this is the first time that there is a conceptual framework in his pieces.” Rios said. “The inflatable sculptures that Mollura has created really plugs in the negative space in the gallery.”

The Carlos Mollura exhibit will be at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex until March 15 and admission to the Luckman Art Gallery is free.

The gallery hours are Monday-Thursday and Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. The gallery is closed Friday and Sunday.

Mollura’s Work| Photo by Michael Underwood

Feb. 3, 2014

University Times

A Second Look at Obama’s State of the Union - #SOTU

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NEWS

Luis Antezana Contributor Although education is an important topic for everyone in the University, on January 28th, State of the Union addressed many other important topics.

Some of the issues that the President discussed were jobs, energy, the environment, immigration, gender equality, minimum wage, voting, United States Armed Forces, terrorism and the NSA. Before he moved on to his issues, Obama set the atmosphere, “The point is, there are millions of Americans outside Washington who are tired of stale political arguments, and are moving this country forward.

They believe, and I believe, that here in America, our success should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope

of our dreams.”

With that said, President Obama highlighted the progress in green energy and the environment. He emphasized that, “The shift to a cleaner energy economy won’t happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way.

But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact.

And when our children’s children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did.”

When it came to immigration reform, his voice reassured his position on passing a comprehensive bill. He pointed to a better economy and better jobs, “Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy

and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades.

And for good reason: when people come here to fulfill their dreams – to study, invent, and contribute to our culture – they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everyone.

So let’s get immigration reform done this year.” Although Obama and the democrats are pushing for immigration reform, the prospects are not high.

Speaker of the House John Boehner does not want to bring such a comprehensive bill to the floor for a vote, one that grants a path to citizenship for 11 million people, because he wants to avoid a conservative civil war between the moderate Republicans and small but

mighty Tea Party-ers.

Obama then reminded us that financial gender inequality still exists, “Today, women make up about half our workforce. But they still make .77 cents to every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it’s an embarrassment. A woman deserves equal pay for equal work.”

Furthermore, when it comes to income inequality, the gap between the rich and poor have never been bigger, “Those at the top have never done better, but average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled ... Too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone to get ahead.”

As a response, President Obama said he would issue an Executive order raising the minimum wage for federal-funded jobs to $10.10. His reasoning?

“Because if you cook our troops’ meals or wash their dishes, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty.” He also encouraged all governors and local elected officials to raise the minimum wage in their respective states.

He had a lot to say about the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare” (sign up if you haven’t already). His main message was for the Republicans to help Americans get insured rather than continue their efforts to repeal “Obamacare”.

most critiqued for: drones and surveillance programs (NSA).

He mentioned imposing “prudent limits on the use of drones” and working with Congress to “reform our surveillance programs – because the vital work of our intelligence community depends on public confidence, here and abroad, that the privacy of ordinary people is not being violated.” Of course, time will only tell how his words will fair against his actions.

There were important issues that Obama did not address.

The most important issue hinted at but left unexplained was the unlimited spending for national campaigns allowed by the 2010 Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case.

His omission of these huge issues and the effects on politics being bought on by them with money was a clear sign that he does not deem these issues to be important enough to address.

However, he did point to strengthening voter rights.

“Citizenship means standing up for everyone’s right to vote,” Obama proclaimed.

“Last year, part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened.

But conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it; and the bipartisan commission I appointed last year has offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to vote.

He proclaimed, “So again, if you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, and increase choice – tell America what you’d do differently.

Let’s support these efforts.

It should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank account, that drives our democracy.”

Let’s see if the numbers add up. But let’s not have another forty-something votes to repeal a law that’s already helping millions of Americans like Amanda. The first forty were plenty. We got it. We all owe it to the American people to say what we’re for, not just what we’re against.”

There were plenty of other important topics that he touched upon. If you haven’t done so already, go check out President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address.

Obama’s speech did briefly mention the issues he has been

2014 is deemed to be a huge year, and only time will tell if the President, along with Congress, will help the United States move forward. Stay tuned.

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University Times

Continued from Page 6

the classroom relevant to their lives.”

Abdullah has been, what many students believe to be the most vocal within the meeting to where she stood regarding Ethnic Studies course.

In one point of the meeting Abdullah requested that votes be made the vocally, once again using the clickers, she was out voted.

Dr. Abdullah ended her interview with University Times by quoting Dr. Maulana Karenga, “There is a difference between studying [ethnic] and [ethnic] studies.”

Conversation at Academic Senate meeting became more heated when CSULA assistant professor, Beth Hoffman of the Public Health made a comment, shouting, what is she suppose to tell her daughter

Feb. 3, 2014

when she is watching Beyonce on television “gyrating.”

example it was poorly timed, I will not do it again. ”

On the following Thursday, January 30, “Community Day” was held in front of the gym for students to talk about what they liked and disliked about CSULA.

Some people at event forgave Hoffman’s apology, while others felt Hoffman’s actions only fueled their mission that proved ethnicity courses should be a required diversity course.

While most concerns regarded Ethnic Studies, other suggestions from student related to upgrading King Hall, having a cleaner campus, improving the lack of school spirit, and having more food choices on campus.

At the event, Hoffman made an apology for her comment.

In front of a crowd of student she stated, “It was inappropriate I shouldn’t have said it, I apologize for bringing I up, I was concerned of the issues of gender where Jay-Z was in a suit and Beyonce is wearing a Leotard and yes, I used examples of an African American, there’s examples in white culture as well, it was a bad

Communications major, Flin Wilson, responded to the apology in tears, stating to Hoffman, “That further proves our point that you don’t understand why we need these classes and what they mean to us, you don’t have our experience and that comment just further proves that, I respect you as a professor but that just lets me know, you can’t teach me about the things I need to learn. “ Community Day ended in success after students came together and formed a strategy to gain the attention of CSULA President, William Covino.

Students split up, half of the

protestors went up to the president’s office and the rest continued to hold up signs and get students to write on large pieces of paper, writing down what they liked about the campus and on a separate paper their concerns about the campus.

What happened with the protestors that went up to the President’s office wasn’t out of the ordinary. They tried to gain an audience with the president, but were declined due to a meeting that was going on at that time. After being rejected, they decided to sit in the Hallway directly in front of President Covino’s office.

Police were called on students and directed them to keep a clear walkway for people to get through, as a fire hazard. If they followed procedure, police would only monitor them and not interfere. Protestors followed procedure calmly and without a fuss.

It wouldn’t be until about an hour later that President Covi-

The Wall: A Musical Misdeed EVENTS

Gerardo Amezquita Contributor At nightfall on January 30th the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance performed a new rendition of Jean-Paul Satre’s The Wall.

Undoubtedly, Satre’s most prized work was his brilliant depiction of torture and punishment during the Spanish Civil War in a first-person narrative.

The wall itself refers to the execution custom of firing squads, shelling prisoners, revealing in a blink of time prior their doom, their only impending death.

The short story explored elements of existentialist themes regarding mortality and to some extant absurdism. It revolves its examinations into the mind of one man—Pablo Ibbieta.

The piece poses interesting and vague questions that lead the audience to determine their ultimate riposte such as: “What is it to exist? Are we free? How should one face the grim fate of death?”

These questions become the central issues Ibbieta struggles to define himself until the time comes to act.

The performance of the “mis-deed” was an interesting example of the liquidity of the artistic mind since they decided to break the connection with the more traditional, rigid structure of an opera.

Here, there is a true allowance of freedom in translation by introducing an old application to a new generation.

The acting of the three prisoners was of incredible caliber, demonstrating true expertise.

The performance of Pablo Ibbieta (Nicholas Ishershwood) deserves a considerable acknowledgment because of his deep vocal abilities that truly marked the eerie, grim era of the Spanish Civil War. The production team did an amazing job capturing the objectivity of the characters through its delicate use of smoke and sound.

Only completing in capturing this unique design was the composer, John M. Kennedy with his engaging team of instrumental players.

Overall, it was an incomparable performance worth a required watch. Bravo.

no made the decision to come out and speak with the concerned students directly.

Student Gaby Ocegueda, made a comment which made the crowd surrounding President Covino clap and cheer.

She stated, “I feel like everyone should take an Ethnic Studies course and it should be a requirement because I feel like if you graduate without taking an ethnic studies course you will be uneducated.”

In response, President Covino left a promise with the students, stating, “We will be meeting with the Ethnic Studies faculty and our agenda will be figuring out ways to strengthen Ethnic Studies.”

Many students stated that this was a good start for President Covino. Students repeatedly commended President Covino for coming out and speaking with them.

Feb. 3, 2014

University Times

Where Do You Get Your Coffee Fix? FOOD

Talia Bagnerise Contributor It can be crucial to wake up super early for class after a long night of studying or partying. Or what about that four hour evening class which makes you doze off every five seconds? I believe caffeine is vital. But where do you go to get your fix? Luckily, Cal State LA has two options: Starbucks and Dolcini.

Not only do they both have unlimited amounts of caffeine, but they also offer breakfast and lunch food, just in case you need to feed your hunger.

But how do you know which one is better for you? You decide!

This week I interviewed a few students on what they preferred, Dolcini or Starbucks,

and the result was a tie. However, here are some pros and cons for both.

Graduate student, Mayra Orozco, says she prefers “Starbucks..well one because they take Visa or credit card, Dolcini doesn’t so...I’m a credit card person, and also the flavor, it’s better.”

However, Freshmen and Mechanical Engineer major, Sami Alhayyan says he prefers Dolcini because “I’m not a big fan of coffee. I like tea and mostly I like to get my tea over there because it’s cheaper.”

Cash is not a problem for him because he says “if I didn’t have cash, I just go to the ATM and just withdraw money and pay them cash.”

Pro for Starbucks: accepts

11

cash or credit card. Con for Dolcini: cash only.

Freshmen and Electrical engineer major, Abdulmaseed Bagtain chooses Starbucks because “I like frappuccinos and they make better frappuccinos.” Senior Zully Quezada prefers Dolcini because of the food, mainly the salad they have, and also its faster service than waiting in line at Starbucks.

Senior and Psychology major, Gabriela Villasenor also chooses Dolcini because she says, “I like that it’s a smaller business and family owned because I feel like I’m supporting something important.” She also mentions it’s cheaper at Dolcini.

Pro for Dolcini: cheaper and faster service. Con for Star-

Dolcini’s | Photo by Yzzy Gonzalez bucks: expensive and longer line.

So, the next time you need a pick-me-up, just keep in mind, if you got the cash, are

in a hurry and rather have food, then pick Dolcini. If you rather pay with card, got the time, and want some flavorful drinks, then Starbucks is your place.

#TheCSULAselfie SOCIAL

Yolanda Giron CAMPUS Facebook, Instagram. Twitter, Snapchat...etc. Its no wonder CSULA students, along with the rest of the world, feel the need to exhibit themselves.

Selfies are becoming more and more popular everyday.

But what exactly is a selfie?

The Oxford dictionary defines it as, “A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.” Yes, selfie is, in fact, an actual word.

What is so great about selfies? When are they taken?

Are they a problem? CSULA

students answer a few of these questions and talk more about selfies.

Fourth year Sociology major, Cintia Rodriguez says, “I usually take selfies when there is a beautiful scene behind me, or when I’m waiting for someone...” Rodriguez also stated (while giggling) “...and I usually think I look very nice.”

Rodriguez continued to explain that she has been taking selfies for a really long time and claimed she takes them because, “They are fun and you can directly control how the picture comes out. So that’s fun!”

Yes, selfies can be fun. Alex Tang, third year Computer

Science major said, “It’s a nice way to share where I’m at with friends.” Tang went on to explain that he especially enjoys taking them whenever he’s at a new place.

Is there a proper way to pose for these “selfies?” Probably not. CSULA students do however have their preferences. Devonnee Wesley-Sykes, along with Jenny Tran, both second year Music majors, explained that some of their favorite poses involve either a funny face or a simple smile.

Tran also mentioned, that sometimes,“ The funnier the better.”

Another student, Carlos Godinez, third year Accounting major, said he also likes the simple smile pose, and casually he also enjoys the “hand in one pocket pose” he giggled and continued saying, “I don’t know I just like it.”

Certainly there are many other poses, including “The Miley Cyrus” (crazy winky face, tongue hanging out), the “Duck Face”(kind of like a kissy face, except we look like ducks?), “The Overly Excited Face”(exaggerated smile mouth wide open, because I just got 10+ likes on my last instagram post). Unfortunately, none of the people interviewed claimed these particular poses as their favorites.

So can selfies become a

Jordan Stearle | Photo by Yolanda Giron problem? Godinez said “Too many selfies is not good, every once in a while its cool, but some people post way too many.”

Also, can self-esteem be an issue? Most of the students interviewed seemed to believe that it depends on the person, and how much they value oth-

er peoples opinions, but they also felt that selfies are a way to show that they feel good and they look good.

So smile, wink, stick your tongue out, or pout those lips CSULA, because as student Jenny Tran said “As long as you like the picture then it’s good.” #TheCSULAselfie.

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University Times

Feb. 3, 2014

Calendar

FEBRUARY 3-9

3Monday 3PM

U-Lead: 5 Ways to Hear and Be Heard!

Student Club and Organization Offices, 2nd Floor U-SU

3:30pm Self-Defense Education: Rape Agression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) Los Angeles Room, 3rd Floor U-SU

3:30PM University Times Meeting King Hall C 3098

7Friday

4pm First Friday at the Los Ange-

les Natural History Museum U-SU

8Saturday 8PM

Ben Sollee Luckman Fine Arts Complex

4Tuesday

week FIVE 6Thursday

12PM Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse U-SU Plaza

3:15PM Young Invincibles: Wellness, and the Affordable

Care Act Alhambra Room, 3rd Floor U-SU

3:15PM

10AM Cultural Grad Applications 3:15PM The Prize is 12PM Winter Involvement Fair

Right with CSI U-SU Plaza

3:15PM

Student Club and Organization Offices, 2nd Floor U-SU

International Office Global Info Session Bio 247

3PM

7:30PM American

The Couples/BFF Game The Pit, Basement U-SU

3:15PM

Pride Info Session: Pride Grad and Pride Mentorship Project Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, 2nd Floor U-SU

Csula_UT

facebook.com/CsulaUT

Zoey and Annabelle

Job Aspiration

Pit The Pit, U-SU Basement

Colorism: #teamlightskin v. #teamdarkskin: The Lingering Legacy of Enslavement Alhambra Room, 3rd Floor U-SU

5Wednesday Avaliable Cross Cultural Centers, 2nd Floor U-SU

12PM Happy Hour in the

Sabor: Film: From Mambo to Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale U-SU Theatre

3PM

Aquaponics Unveiling with Garden Talk and Tea Party CSULA Urban Garden/Greenhouse

5:30PM Mardi Gras 25th Anniversary U-SU Plaza

7:30PM

American Sabor: Concert: East L.A. Popular Music U-SU Theatre

CsulaUniversityTimes

FUN & GAMES Tammy Nguyen Cartoonist

FUN & GAMES Sean Buer Cartoonist