June 16

California State University, Northridge

Since 1957

Volume 50 • Number 121

http://sundial.csun.edu sundial.csun.edu

June 16-20, 2008

A financially independent student newspaper

Chef at dorm cafe faces theft charges

No fraking way!

Susannah Reynolds

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Staff Reporter

courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

“Battlestar Galactica” star Tricia Helfer (left) and Katee Sackhoff (right) pose for photographers on June 11 at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood. READ STORY ON PAGE 6

Animal hunter spends 30 days with vegan alumna LIBBY JOHNSON

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STAFF REPORTER

hile other kids gleefully waited in line to ride ponies, a five-year-old turned to her dad and said, “You don’t have to do this for me.” Melissa Karpel could sense the animals’ sadness from walking aimlessly in a circle, bound to one another in chains so children could wave to their families. More than 20 years later, Karpel tried to show a lifelong hunter this compassion. Animal rights is a topic that stirs a lot of emotions, and it is the focus of Morgan Spurlock’s “30 Days” on FX. The animal rights episode airs on June 17 at 10 p.m., and it shows George Snedeker giving up his hunting life to fly from his home in North Carolina to stay with the Karpel family while living a 100 percent vegan lifestyle in Los Angeles. Karpel graduated from CSUN with a bachelor’s degree in theater in 2002.

Index Features Arts & Entertainment Classifieds

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At 25, Karpel worked as a manager for the Los Angeles Opera. It was during this time that Karpel logged on to www. peta.org and saw a video about animal suffering. “I was horrified at the animal treatment,” Karpel said. “I decided to go instantly vegan.” Soon thereafter, Karpel gained an internship with PETA and worked with the organization to promote demonstrations. Over time, Karpel was able to travel throughout the world. Today, Karpel works as PETA’s senior campaign coordinator. Karpel helped organize the annual “Running of the Nudes,” a wildly popular alternative through the same Spanish streets in Pamplona. She has also traveled to the Caribbean to follow Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles as demonstrators wore bear outfits to promote awareness of using black bear hide on hats worn by the British military.

n executive chef who worked at Geronimo’s Cafe located in the Satellite Student Union waived his rights to a preliminary hearing for charges of grand theft of personal property on June 11 at the San Fernando Courthouse. Victor Manuel Mancilla, 43, as read a list of his rights by Laura Gonzalez, a lawyer for the district attorney’s office. Gonzalez informed Mancilla that by law he is entitled to a preliminary hearing. Gonzalez needed to make sure that he understood and agreed to give up those rights under the court of law. Mancilla agreed to give up al of these rights. Judge Dalila C. Lyons said she thought Mancilla was of sound mind and that he understood the rights he was

giving up and waived them Mancilla was arrested on March 17 after David Nirenberg, director of commercial services, suspected Mancilla of stealing “Grab & Go” sandwiches and yogurt parfaits from the Geronimo Cafe located in the Satellite Student Union and part of the University Corporation. “Grab & Go” is a brand name of the University Corporation that is sold on campus “The Corporation takes theft of all kinds very seriously,” said Rick Evans, the acting executive director for the University Corporation. On March 14, Nirenberg met with Det. Sgt. Dana Archer of the CSUN Police Department to discuss his suspicion of Mancilla’s theft from the University Corporation. Nirenberg said he saw See chef, page 5

Campus removes suspect tomatoes from all eateries MONICA DUESTER

T Courtesy of Melissa Karpel

CSUN alumna Melissa Karpel, PETA’s campaign coordinator, and George Snedeker, a deer hunter dressed in a chicken costume, to protest against KFC.

Karpel, 29, could also include in her list of adventures working on the cast of Spurlock’s hit reality show, “30 Days.” “The show actually contacted PETA, and when they requested an all-vegan family, PETA thought of me,” Karpel said. “I went to the L.A. office and spoke with the casting director, filled out a multiple-choice questionnaire

and endured a psychological test,” Karpel said. “We sent a tape of the family and after all that, we were selected.” Karpel looked forward to her experience with Snedeker, who not only had to live a vegan lifestyle the entire time but also take part in various animal rights activities such as wearing a chicken costume outside of a KFC restaurant. Snedeker wore the cos-

tume to publicly protest cruelty to animals. He also body-painted young women in the nude for a fur protest outside of a Burberry store in Beverly Hills. At the end of Snedeker’s new diet, his cholesterol level dropped and he lost unwanted weight as he enjoyed the best vegan food that L.A. has to offer, as well as meals conSee 30 days, page 4

features

A&E

Art director puts on last show before ending her 36-year run

The big green wrecking machine is back in new comic book movie

See page 4

See page 8

STAFF REPORTER

omatoes were pulled from campus food services on June 9 after officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers of a nationwide salmonella outbreak. Signs posted around campus eateries informed customers that CSUN has terminated the use of tomatoes pending the salmonella outbreak investigation. Though the FDA has ruled out California-grown tomatoes as the source, Amber Christopherson, Sierra food manager, said tomatoes will not be served on campus until the FDA gives them the OK. Brendan Tinoco, Chef de Cuisine of Sierra Center, said campus food services have ceased all tomato orders from their supplier, Nature’s Produce, a large direct receiver of fresh produce for the food services industry in Los Angeles, until the FDA locates the culprits of the salmonella outbreak. See tomatoes, page 5

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2 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008

news

Student faces trial on No Beijing beef for you! vandalism, tampering charges next month Monica Duester

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Staff reporter

CSUN student’s trial is set for July 18 after his lawyer plead not guilty to three counts of unlawful tampering with a fire alarm and one count of vandalism, at the San Fernando Courthouse Wednesday morning. Jose Alvarez, 24, and political science major, was arrested Feb. 1 after police spotted a person that fit the description given of the suspect who pulled the fire alarm at the University Student Union Gym. Christina Villalobos, special assistant to the chief of police, said they made the arrest after “a good

samaritan came forward and identified who she saw pull the alarm.” According to the police report, Alvarez confessed to setting off the fire alarms, at Eucalyptus Hall, Jerome Richfield Hall, Juniper Hall, Sierra Hall and the University Student Union Gym, between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and was suspected of vandalizing Jerome Richfield Hall on Jan. 22, the first day of spring classes. Defense attorney Steven R. Mandell, will not discuss why his client has decided to plead not guilty after originally confessing to the crime The trial will be held at the San Fernando Courthouse, July 18, in room 121.

mildred martin / photo editor

The Matador Bookstore remains open as construction resumes on an eating area on the second floor.

New ballot initiative to challenge same-sex marriages in November DENISE VASTOLA

A

STAFF REPORTER

slight majority of California’s Supreme Court justices, 4 to 3, ruled that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marriage last month. Though same-sex couples may cherish their nuptials sometime soon, other Californians have worked to stop them with a ballot initiative in November. “We were disappointed that the court ruled against the wishes of the people of California, but not surprised,” Everett Rice said. Rice, legislative coordinator for the California Family Council, an organization that opposes samesex marriage, said the decision was

biased. “The decision is based on their own personal view,” Rice said. “It’s judicial activism.” “Because of that and to ensure our traditional understanding of marriage remains, we felt it better to amend the State Constitution,” Rice said. “The U.S. Supreme Court says each state reserves the right to define marriage,” Rice said. “Our focus is now on the California Marriage Protection Act.” The majority decision voids Proposition 22, a ballot measure approved by 61 percent of voters in 2000 that prohibited same-sex matrimony. Proposition 22 indicates “only marriage between a man and a

woman is valid and recognized in California,” but this is no longer the case. “We are the plaintiff in the lawsuit and we were thrilled,” said Geoff Kros, executive director of Equality California, about the 4-3 decision. “It was such a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged by the court and recognized for the first time being truly equal,” Kros said. Kros said he was at the courthouse when a majority of the Supreme Court’s justices ruled in favor of voiding Proposition 22 on May 15. Chief Justice Ronald George wrote the majority opinion supported by Justices Joyce Kennard, Kathryn Mickle Werdegar and Carlos Moreno. Dissenting Justices were Carol

Corrigan, Marvin Baxter and Ming Chin. Rice said consistent efforts have been made to undermine the original vote since the passage of Proposition 22 in 2000. His organization, which represents a coalition of religious and conservative groups, collected more than one million signatures to put a measure on the Nov. 4 ballot. If approved by voters, the ballot measure would amend California’s Constitution to define marriage as a union “between a man and a woman.” In 2004, same-sex couples challenged Proposition 22 by participating in a month-long flurry of samesex weddings in San Francisco. The California Supreme Court

Log in page to make the Web more accesible Monica Duester

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Staff REPORter

tudents, faculty and staff trying to access the Internet via their laptops on campus are now directed to the new CSUN Wireless Network Login Page, where they are prompted to type in their username and password. Hilary Baker, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, said the new wireless authentication process replaces the need for wireless users to register their computer’s Media Access Control or MAC address with the IT help desk located in Room 29 on the garden level of the Oviatt Library. “This MAC authentication process was confusing for many users,” Baker said. “The new method of accessing wireless is so easy that students can save time and get connected by simply logging on with their username and password.”

Monica Duester / Staff REPORTER

Prashant Godrihal, an IT help desk student assistant, helps Young Duk Ahn, an ESL student from South Korea, with his computer.

The IT walk-in center was previously responsible for configuring the CSUN network on students, faculty and staff’s computers. Keith Holland, help desk support for IT, said the old process was time

consuming and a waste of resources. “Now we are able to allocate those resources elsewhere, such as installing the Virtual Portal Network on student and faculty laptops,” Holland said. Holland said the VPN is something

the IT department highly recommends to secure a personal network. “You don’t need it, but it prevents your computer from security threats,” Holland said. Baker said the wireless network

stepped in and ordered the city to stop issuing licenses to couples. Those licenses were later invalidated. Last month’s decision by the same court allows the couples a second chance to marry. On June 17, the office of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. To accommodate an anticipated increase in volume, the department will hold a marriage event on Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk, its Web site shows. Paul Drugan said his department will have 12 deputy civil commisSee same-sex, page 5

authentication process is a security practice that only allows current CSUN students, faculty and staff to access the network. Guests and consultants are able to obtain temporary accounts if requested by a CSUN sponsor or university department. IT intentionally implemented the wireless network for the summer, when there is considerably less network traffic, Holland said. “The network has been tested extensively by various department work groups for the past six months, but you can never be too sure of network glitches,” Holland said. The CSUN Information Technology Web site has tips on how to use the new wireless network features. The Web site includes instant messaging programs such as America Online’s Instant Messenger, iChat and Windows Messenger, along with non-browser e-mails such as Outlook and Entourage that will work after an Internet browser launches and the CSUN Wireless Network Login Page is accessed. The Web site also advises people who have smart phones or a PDAs with Wi-Fi or wireless capabilities to visit the IT Walk-In Center for assistance with accessing the network.































Daily Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008 • 3

The Third Annual Joteria Conference was held on campus on June 7. The event marked the first queer Chicana/o conference at CSUN, and it attracted students, community leaders and family members from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community and allies to the campus “(to) acknowledge and invigorate our collective and individual struggles to end all forms of oppression and exploitation: social, ideological and economic,” the mission statement shows. This year’s conference included free food, entertainment, educational workshops, two $500 scholarships and the grand finale, a caravan to Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima. The conference brought together people from all over California, including San Jose, Berkeley, San Diego and Los Angeles, not just to learn and acknowledge all forms of oppression, but also to celebrate the diversity of the community through art, poetry, song and Dance. Photo Essay by Mildred Martin 1. People hold banners and signs at the corner of Laurel Canyon and Paxton to show pride and solidarity to the LGBTIQ community. The Caravan to Ritchie Valens Park consisted of six cars decorated with banners that read, “I love Queers,” “Soy y que” (I am and what) and “Que viva la Joteria” (Long live queerness). 2. A UCLA student proudly holds a banner and a rainbow umbrella to keep cool from the heat. 3. A drag queen show by Xuanito, a student from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, entertained students, parents and community members that attended the conference. 4. “I am more than body, beyond the rainbow flags and free condoms. The celebration for myself is not found in parades in a sea of half naked men dancing to techno,” said Yosi, a spoken word artist and poet from San Jose, Calif. who recited his poems to the audience. 5. A student looks at the art displayed at the Chicana/o House. Art collection included photographs, paintings and altars. 6. CSUN student Monica Valenzuela holds a rainbow banner in solidarity with the LGBTIQ community at Ritchie Valens Park. 7. At the end of the caravan, a piñata with the word “homophobia” written on it was broken as a depiction of destroying society’s homophobia.

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4 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008

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Laurie makes a ‘House’ call

30 days

Continued from page 1

TINA HELWAJIAN

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STAFF REPORTER

ugh Laurie and the others stars of the critically acclaimed FOX drama/ comedy “House” made appearances at a special screening of an episode on June 12 at Arclight Cinema in Hollywood. “House” creator and executive producers were also in attendance. With “House” in its fourth season, Laurie said he is happy with the direction of the show. “I never tire of it, to be honest,” Laurie said. “I never tire of the character. I love him. I find the stories endlessly fascinating.” Laurie had the crowd laughing when he said House just completed Episode 90, which “in England it takes us 300 years to do.” The TV show focuses around Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), who uses sarcastic humor to carry out his unfaltering and unconventional methods as a doctor. House makes it difficult for fellow doctors Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) and James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) to work with him in diagnosing patients based on his random gut instincts and trial and error approaches to medicine. “It was unreal that they would put up with his crap,” said David Shore, the show’s creator and executive producer. “When we reached the end of Season Three, the notion that people would continue working for this man (House) was not real.” The episode they were screening was called “Frozen,” which com-

courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

“House” star Hugh Laurie tells cast members and colleagues he has not tired of the show.

bined drama with humor, the show’s hallmarks. House and the other doctors are forced to “freeze” a woman to properly diagnose her condition. When a doctor cannot take the pressure of the situation, she retreats to the bathroom, where House soon meets her. House takes a seat in the stall next to her and sticks his foot into her stall. “Sorry. I have a wide stance,” says House. The writers were obviously mocking the infamous Sen. Larry Craig restroom stall encounter, which shows “House” is not afraid to make fun of controversial issues. The question and answer session kept being interrupted by Omar Epps’s cell phone. When asked what he was reading, Epps responded, “I want to know when the Lakers score.”

A fan in the crowd shouted, “Lakers down by five.” “Damn,” said Epps as he playfully got up from his seat and pretended to walk off in frustration. “Thank you.” To get back to the matter at hand, Mary McNamara, television critic for the L.A. Times and moderator for the evening, asked Epps about his love life on the show. “Foreman is asexual,” said Epps, poking fun at his character. “We’ll leave that up to Hugh.” Laurie’s charismatic demeanor and English accent had the women in the audience swooning over the 49year-old star. The audience interacted with the cast as they shouted out potential love interests for Laurie’s character in the upcoming season. McNamara used the crowd’s

feedback to dive into her next question about character choices and why certain characters are written out of the script. “The writers had to figure out ways to get rid of doctors,” Leonard said. “We can’t have 17 doctors.” Executive producers of the show say they find getting rid of characters to be a difficult and unpleasant task. “Week to week, we did not know what characters were going to stay,” Executive Producer Katie Jacobs said. “When they’d (cast members) get a call from us, they knew they were sunk.” Jacobs said they would visit them at home after a while, “but when they saw us coming, they would run the other way.” Epps’s character does not have to worry about getting that phone call or house visit. When talking about

cocted by Karperl’s father, who she praises as a “great cook.” In a press release, Spurlock, who is the cable reality show’s executive producer and star, said, “Probably my favorite episode of the year is a hunter from North Carolina. (He) moves to Los Angeles…with an animal rights PETA family for 30 days. It is probably one of the greatest hours of television I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s fantastic.” “We were busy everyday with some new adventure. It was an amazing experience, as well as challenging,” Karpel said. “Two different worlds with major discussions about fur, dairy and meat consumption.” Currently, Karpel is at the PETA Headquarters in Norfolk for its’ Animal Birth Control (ABC) campaign, which promotes spaying and neutering animals, as well as adopting animals rather than purchasing them. “Going vegan is the easiest and healthiest thing you can do for yourself and for the environment,” Karpel said. the show and its complex plots, Epps said, “As an artist you want to be challenged.” “It’s good to be challenged,” Epps said. “That’s what keeps you interesting.” When asked by McNamara if the show has made him a hypochondriac, Epps said, “I wash my hands five times a day now.” The event was part of the Envelope Screening Series from the Los Angeles Times, along with Olay.

Retiring art director reflects on legacy after 36 years

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Theresa Wray Staff Reporter

he is a small woman with a huge smile and a genuine excitement for visual art forms that tells stories of unheard voices across the globe. Louise Lewis’ quick wit and enthusiasm was heard through the crowd that gathered at the CSUN gallery on June 7 as she celebrated her last exhibit, “Reclaiming the ‘F’ Word, Posters on International FeminismS.” Since 1972, Lewis, director of CSUN’s art gallery, staged more than 500 exhibitions with an emphasis on international issues facing women and minorities. Her last exhibit was no exception. “I was very happy to have this as the last show of my career,” Lewis said. “It focuses on an issue that has been an integral part of my focus for the exhibition program at CSUN, including roles of women in creative forces, organizers, healers, and leaders.” Lewis, whom one of her former student’s refers to as “a regular Indiana Jones,” has traveled to places like Paris, China and New Zealand. Her work at the CSUN gallery reflects her experiences, as evident by her open approach to new ideas and concepts. “She is a real character,” said Chris Haggard, a graduate student who is working in the gallery this summer. “She has brought a lot of joy and life to the gallery. She will be missed.”

Lewis’ career at CSUN extends beyond the gallery. She was also an art professor. In 1994, as the faculty president, Lewis helped students remain in school after the earthquake that rocked Northridge. “We had to teach art on the sidewalk after the earthquake. There were no slides for visuals,” Lewis said. “We were in the trailers for seven years at the south end of campus. In fact, the gallery’s first show was held in a trailer.” Lewis’ final exhibition, “Reclaiming the ‘F’ Word,” was organized by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics. It focused on the roles of women throughout history and the challenges they continue to face domestically and around the globe. The 129 posters were divided up into specific themes that addressed issues such as the woman’s choice, violence, labor, gender roles and many others. “We started with 2,000 women’s posters from around the world,” said Carol Wells, executive director at CSPG, who has showed exhibits at CSUN since 1988. “We typically show closer to 80 posters, but there was no way we could edit this collection down to that number.” Lewis, who is now a board member at CSPG, worked with the members of the organization to select images from the broad range of issues impacting women in various countries and across social classes. “The ‘S’ at the end of the word

‘FeminismS’ is not a typo,” Lewis said. “There are many forms of feminism. There is nothing that women haven’t been involved in throughout history.” Sandra Pettit, a board member of CSPG, hesitated in front of a poster of Eleanor Roosevelt that contained the quote, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Pettit recounted Roosevelt’s life and her role behind the scenes that made many social programs possible. “This isn’t in your history books,” Pettit said. “Eleanor pushed Franklin to the left. “If it hadn’t been for her, lots of the things in the New Deal, especially Social Security, would not have happened,” Pettit said. “But women today don’t want to use the word feminism. It’s considered a nasty word.” A panel session was held during the exhibition. The seven-member panel consisted of members from the CSPG board and participating artists. The panelists emphasized that the overall message of the exhibit was to “Reclaim the ‘F’ Word” and broaden the western definition of feminism to address international issues. “This is an international struggle. I think women in the U.S. have to do more to support working women in other countries,” Pettit said. Michael Henderson, faculty member at Cal State LA, was one of the few men present at the exhibit. “I’m grateful for this show,” Henderson said. “There is a sign in the exhibit that says, ‘If nobody is free, then none of us are free,’ and that is

the truth.” Henderson spoke about one of his students, Linda Kiveu, whose graduate thesis project included images shown in the exhibit. Kiveu talked about one of her images that show a live woman in a coffin. “This shows that when a man dies in Kenya, the wife does not have rights to his property and daughters cannot inherit from their fathers,” said Kiveu, who came to the U.S. from Kenya in 2001. “Some women end up homeless.” Kiveu spoke during the panel session about how the woman’s struggle is different in Africa because there are activists in the U.S. that give women a voice. “Silence in common in Kenya,” Kiveu said. “In the U.S., we can use the media to expose and enlighten people in different societies to show that our struggles may be on different levels, but it is still the same.” Betty Vandermeer, a member of CSUN’s art council, walked around the exhibit and shook her head several times. “I’ve never felt this. I don’t know what they are talking about when they say women are not free,” Vandermeer said. “I think I just take it for granted. Woman in the U.S. have never had to experience what Middle Eastern women have experienced. I feel very fortunate to live in America.” At the end of the evening, Lewis talked to a few visitors before the gallery closed. The powerful images

courtesy of CSUN PUBLIC RELATIONS

hanging on the white walls of the dimly lit gallery surrounded her as she walked through the room for the last time. As this chapter in her life closes, Lewis said she is looking forward to her role on the CSPG board and to traveling to places such as South America, Africa and Australia. Lewis’ last exhibit followed the same guiding principle that she has used for the past 36 years, she said. “I look at different ways of seeing, what would serve the students and the community at large,” Lewis said. “The perceptions and perspectives of women today continue to receive attention, and though not adequately, there have been some gains,” Lewis said. “These gains are for everyone, women, men, young, old and all of life’s global participants.”

Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008 • 5

news

chef

Continued from page 1 Mancilla on a surveillance camera and in person loading boxes of sandwiches made by the café’s staff onto a Brown Bag delivery truck. Nirenberg said the delivery company was used only

to drop off items, not to pick them up. During the afternoon of March 17, Nirenberg contacted Det. Sgt. Archer and told him that he saw the Brown Bag truck at the café. Det. Sgt. Archer, along with Corporal Leon Ortiz-Gil, followed the truck, which was driven by Wachagan Hovhan-

tomatoes

answer, it makes us look bad.” “Luckily, we only had a bundle of tomatoes on campus because we slipped behind in ordering them and it worked out in our favor,” Tinoco said. “The school didn’t lose out on money and Nature’s Produce has been great with accommodating all our needs and request.” The FDA warned consumers nationwide to avoid raw plum, Roma and round, red

Continued from page 1 Tinoco said Nature’s Produce was unable to guarantee that the tomatoes originated from a California farm, so the campus had to destroy all tomatoes for precautionary measures. “It’s also about public image,” Christopherson said. “When people ask where our tomatoes come from and we can’t give them a definite

same-sex

Continued from page 2 sioners on hand to perform marriages for those who come in and apply for marriage licenses. The event is similar to the one held each Valentine’s Day. Sale of marriage licenses to same-sex couples is a great victory in a long battle and a reason to celebrate, said

Eric Koller, CSUN student and incoming vice president of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA). “I was really surprised (when the Supreme Court upheld same sex marriage), considering there are six conservative judges and the writer of the ruling was also a conservative,” Koller said. “I was pretty happy,”

nisyan, 26, and pulled him over at Nordhoff Street and White Oak Avenue. Upon searching the truck, Det. Sgt. Archer found three boxes full of 76 sandwiches and 180 yogurt parfaits totaling $423 worth of food. Hovhannisyan was arrested for receiving stolen property.

After being read his Miranda Admonition, Hovhannisyan told police he was picking up boxes with sandwiches from Mancilla for months. Hovhannisyan said he never received paperwork for the boxes and that one of the owners Bozant “Peter” Kankababian if Brown Bag

tomatoes unless they grew in states not associated with the outbreak. Cherry, grape and vine-ripened tomatoes are safe to eat, the FDA indicates. Restaurants, fast-food chains and supermarkets around the CSUN area have voluntarily removed the tomatoes associated with the salmonella outbreak. Chipotle Mexican Grill stopped serving tomato salsa at its restaurants in 33 states,

including California. The chain posted an advisory to its customers on its Web site explaining the decision. Alan Benavente, a junior majoring in nutrition, recalls learning that infection from salmonella is the most common food-borne illness, and it is rarely reported. “Even though I’m knowledgeable about food-borne illnesses, I still take chances,” Benavente said. “Since the recall, I have continued to eat

Koller said. “A whole bunch of people went to West Hollywood to celebrate.” A representative from the Los Angeles office of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) said several couples plan to get licenses on June 17. Some will also be married the same day, the GLAAD representative said. Juan Bustamante, press

aid in Antonio Villaraigosa’s office, said the mayor is starting to take requests from people who want him to perform their ceremonies. Bustamante said the mayor would do as many as he can - if time permits - but there are no plans for a group arrangement. “The mayor hopes to be officially deputized by the state to perform marriages on an ongoing basis,” Bustaman-

(Brothers Distribution) dealt with Mancilla himself. Hovhannisyan was later released. Mancilla was arrested later that day after being suspended from his job. He admitted selling the “Grab & Go” items to Kankababian every week since November or December. tomatoes at little mom and pop restaurants that serve them.” Representatives from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are continuing to search for the source of the salmonella outbreak, which has hit New Mexico and Texas the hardest. The first case of salmonella poisoning was confirmed on April 16, and the last on June 1. Officials noted, however, te said. “But the county will allow him to perform marriages in a temporary capacity for two weeks.” Though Koller welcomes the court’s majority decision, he said he plans to raise awareness during the Fall 2008 semester about the ban initiative. “I am going to form a committee to get people on campus aware of the situa-

Each month, Mancilla collected anywhere from $500 to $1700 for these items. Mancilla wrote an apology to the University Corporation for his actions and said that no other Geronimo employee knew of his actions. Mancilla is schedule in court again on June 25 to continue with his trail. that they are still receiving reports of new cases, though it is not yet known if they are linked to the same outbreak. Salmonella is a bacterium that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, and it can transmit by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and generally appear within 12 to 72 hours of eating tainted food. tion, get them registered and to vote our way at the polls,” Koller said. “I hear mixed things about the initiative,” Koller said. “Some of my friends are really worried. I do not believe it will pass in November.” “Conservatives say the Supreme Court doesn’t speak for the people, but I believe the court made the right decision,” Kollar said.

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6 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008

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‘Galactica’ crew finds Hollywood DESSIRAEE ELEBY

T

Staff Reporter

he search for Earth nears an end for the remaining humans and Cylons in the “Battlestar Galactica” series. With 10 episodes left, the fan base is strong and tighter than ever. ‘So say we all’ is one of many phrases known to BSG fans, who gathered at the premiere of the midseason’s finale “Revelations” at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on June 11. President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), Number Six (Tricia Helfer) and Kara “Starbuck” Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) made appearances at the premiere and stayed to answer questions. Fans in attendance asked questions varying from how the actresses felt about playing their characters, how they evolved throughout the series and changes from the original show. The stars later announced that the prequel spin-off series, “Caprica,” is in production in Vancouver, British Columbia. The final episodes of the series are in production there as well. Ronald D. Moore, the show’s creator, was also in attendance. Moore said the characters on the show are “misfits, screw-ups, and people who shouldn’t get a job; people like us.” “It would’ve been more awesome if they had just boys instead of the

courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

“Battlestar Galactica” star Tricia Helfer (left) listens as Ronald D. Moore (right), the show’s creator, explain at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on June 11 that BSG characters are misfits.

girls,” said Julie Cotta, a 36-year-old Los Angeles resident. As for the show, Cotta said, “the storytellers and characters are great.” The science fiction show is a filter of today’s world in an unobvious way, Cotta said. Thirty-three-year-old Hollywood resident Steve Hanna, who enjoys BSG, said, “It’s crazy the sort of fan-base you got here. I could’ve waited the 48 hours, no 50.1 hours, until it airs.” Hanna said he is not a die-hard fan of the cable series, but planned to tease his brother with false details about “Revelations,” which aired on the Sci Fi Channel on June 13 at 10 p.m. Mike Villegas, a 32-year-old Pasa-

dena resident, awaited the airing of the “Revelations” with other fans at the Arclight when he discovered it was a never-before-seen BSG episode. “I didn’t know what they were doing,” Villegas said. “They could’ve shown the first episode and I would’ve come.” “Battlestar Galactica” is a critically acclaimed cable show, but it has not won any Emmy Awards, nor have cast members been nominated for such awards. The event, which was organized by the Los Angeles Times and Olay, was meant to showcase the science fiction series so as to garner Emmy Award nominations. “Revelations” aired June 13 at 10 p.m. on the Sci Fi channel, and the

BSG episode is available for viewing at the SCI FI Channel Web site. Fans need not yell “frak” for missing it when it premiered on Friday. While all of the Final Five have not been revealed, the episode ends on a shocking note because the Galactica crew finally reaches a goal that has driven the crew throughout the show. Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos) delivers a dramatic performance in “Revelations” after an officer on the Galactica crew that he has trusted for 30 years betrays him. William Blake, a 22-year-old Northridge resident, said he wants to know the identity of the last Cylon

aboard the battleship. Blake said he figures the last Cylon is Gaius Baltar (James Callis), a former scientist who helped the Cylons bring about the end of human life on Caprica. “It makes sense that Baltar is the last toaster,” Blake said. “Baltar helped the Cylons destroy Caprica, he talked to a Cylon in his head for the longest time and they worshiped him for an entire season.” “He’s their messiah,” Blake said. Jenny Maylor, a 29-year-old North Hollywood resident, said she watches the show primarily because of the handsome leading men such as Callis and Jamie Bamber, who plays Lee Adama, a former Galactica pilot who has since aspired to higher positions of power. Originally, the people of the Twelve Colonies of Caprica created Cylons - they are artificially intelligent robots - to be utilized as slaves and to fight human wars. But the Cylons revolted and waged a war with humans that ended in a stalemate. The Cylons withdrew to a remote location in space for 40 years, only to disguise themselves as humans to attack the last Twelve Colonies. Some look like humans while others are bulky steel robots. Only one battleship full of survivors escapes the attack, The Galactica, which journeys its way through the universe in search of a new home planet. Along the way, the Galactica crew decides to make their home on a planet they name New Caprica, but the Cylons arrive and enslave them. Though the crew eventually escapes the planet, it changes them forever. BSG’s final season is about their renewed journey for a mythical planet called Earth, while they fight off their mechanical foes.

Show about meth peddlers breaks from bad characters Susannah Reynolds

A

Staff Reporter

high school chemistry teacher finds out he has inoperable lung cancer. Instead of telling his family, he chooses to make crystal methamphetamine to ensure they will have enough money after he passes away. This is the plot driving AMC’s new drama series “Breaking Bad,” snippets of which were showcased at The Los Angeles Times Envelope’s Emmy Screening Series at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on June 10. “Breaking Bad” cast members such as Bryan Cranston (Walt White), Anna Gunn (Skyler White), RJ Mitte (Walt, Jr.), Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman), Dean Norris (Hank Schrader), Betsy Brandt (Marie Schrader), creator and writer Vince Gilligan and executive producer Mark Johnson were in attendance to answer the question of fans of the cable show and of the moderator, Tom O’Neil, reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Created by Vince Gilligan (“XFlies”), “Breaking Bad” is based on an idea he had while talking to a friend about what to do once his money “dried up,” an apt origin for a series about a man desperate for

money. “I started with a character who is a good man, who wants to be a provider,” said Gilligan about Walt White, the new show’s lead character. “But he’s not courageous. He could have been great in the science world.” Gilligan said it is through Walt’s inevitable death that he is able to find himself. Walt’s choice in his new “job” may not be the most ideal situation, but Gilligan said it was a choice made with the best intentions. Cranston, who portrays the troubled character in question, said Walt White is “the ultimate reliable guy.” “He’s become this invisible person,” said Cranston about the personal history of the character he plays. “He capped his emotions 25 years ago. He could pinpoint it. You get comfortable not having emotions.” Walt’s partner in his drug-making business is Jesse Pinkman, a former student who was bad at chemistry. The two are what Gilligan considers to be a sort of odd couple. One character is a drug dealer and the other is a high school teacher. Both live different lives, though when it comes down to it are very

courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

“Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston tells fans of the AMC show at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on June 10 about how his character, Walt White, has turned off his emotions.

similar. Jesse still calls the former teacher Mr. White, a sign of respect, during the first season of the AMC show. Jesse does not seem happy about the working relationship at first. But after the first patch of meth is made, Pinkman refers to White as an “artist” at the cooking process. The meth quality is supposed to be the best. Critics of “Breaking Bad” may say the cable show condones drug use or glorifies the lives of drug peddlers.

Gilligan said the cable show does not glorify drugs because it shows the negative consequences of meth use. Paul said the new AMC cable series “shows meth in brutal honesty. People lose their family to this drug.” The main focus of “Breaking Bad” is Walt’s cancer and his methmaking skills. Though the show is a drama, there is a bit of comedy included in the first season’s episodes, particularly during serious conversations.

Brandt said “the show isn’t about good people or bad people, but (about) standing up for Walt’s rights.” Gilligan said his aim was to put something different out there about people that are not normally on TV. AMC renewed the show for a second season consisting of 13 episodes, six more than in the first season. The network ordered nine episodes at first, but the Writer’s Guild of America strike limited production.

Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008 • 7

opinion

Any American should be allowed to legally marry Susannah Reynolds

I

Staff Reporter

t is about time. The California Supreme Court voted 4 to 3 to allow for samesex marriages on May 15 based on a “basic civil right to marry without regard to their sexual orientation.” To claim this is a country where everyone is supposed to be equal is far from true. This seems to be a government that picks and chooses what does and does not make Americans

equal. One of these restrictions is that a marriage is only considered to be between a man and a woman, not between two people that love each other. Couples in love tend to want to spend the rest of their lives together, but heterosexuals are not the only couples capable of this. It is ridiculous that the American government has a right to determine who can and cannot marry. A decision like this should be left up to the couples that are involved in the

marriage itself. We live in a country that dictates Americans should keep church and state separate, but somehow the Bible still plays a major role in the country’s laws. The problem is that not everyone follows the teachings of the Bible, so why should anyone that does not believe in this book be forced to follow its rules? A domestic partnership does not offer the same rights as a marriage, though some people think they do. If domestic partnerships offered these rights,

maybe gays and lesbians would not want to legalize same-sex marriage. When people say they are married, they are saying they are committed to their significant other 100 percent. Choosing to live together is not the same thing as a marriage either. Simply living together does not provide rights to their partner’s life in terms of making decisions for their loved one. On June 17, same-sex couples will be able to register for marriage licenses. How long

these marriages will be recognized is unknown. A few weeks ago, about 700,000 signatures were collected to put an initiative on the state ballot in November. Californians should have the right to vote on the issue of same-sex marriage. Both sides, whether for or against same-sex marriage, must realize that what voters decide should apply to the state, not turn it into a federal issue. It is amazing to think that if this initiative were not passed, California voters would

be showing that they do not validate peoples’ love for one another because of whom they cannot help but to love. That would mean voters think samesex couples are less human than heterosexual couples, and that is simply not right. If the court said preventing same-sex marriages is against people’s civil rights, why should this even be a question of legality? Everyone is supposed to be equal by natural and manmade law, so marriage should be allowed for anyone.

few cannot again dictate what the majority does not want. People will talk more about gay marriage in a few weeks when same-sex couples engage in what will be sham nuptials. Whether marriage between two individuals of the same gender is morally right will be debated by talking heads on TV. Life is not so clear-cut, and two sides will make obvious cases for or against same-sex marriage that are easy to defend. What the focus of the samesex marriage debate should be is whether people with power should be allowed at the table.

Remember, the fiasco began when San Francisco officials spit on the law when they married same-sex couples in 2004. Four thousand couples happily wed only to have their legal unions voided by the same court that now deems them legal.  California voters responded by passing a statewide ban on same-sex marriage, breaking the hearts of the 4,000 couples. New York Gov. David A. Patterson recently decided his state would recognize same-sex married couples from other states. In other words, it is only a matter of time before voters in New

York void the legal marriages of newcomers to the state. What government officials should remember is that they are not paid to champion issues they are not capable of handling. The will of the people should not be superseded by beliefs of public officials, who should keep quiet and fill out paperwork. A recent poll indicates most Americans agree. This is why the new state initiative to ban same-sex marriage is important.  To allow officials and talking TV heads to twist the debate into a matter of right or wrong

will only result in more uncertainty. After all, moral judgments on social issues change with the wind, so the present will of voters is more practical to consider. Framing the debate in any other way allows government officials to sanction and void what they have made sham weddings. Thomas Paine said, “That government is best which governs least,” which means people should be able to govern themselves. College students especially should champion making decisions about issues that will have the most impact on

their lifetimes. The interests of a powerful few should not determine same-sex marriages, new campus fees, or student body presidents. Walls of ignorance must be brought down through discussion and awareness of the humanity of all members of the community. Though these walls are sturdy and do not give easily, they will eventually come down and allow most people to vote accordingly. Same-sex couples should not settle for empty and intermittent victories for their legal rights to pursue happiness.

Same-sex couples should not settle for court’s pyrrhic nuptials DANIEL ANTOLIN

I

EDITOR IN CHIEF

t is not for the state’s supreme court justices to decide whether same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry. State justices were never elected to their posts, and it is not for them to legislate willy-nilly the interests of Californians. Even if these justices were elected officials, they could not enact laws for intentions that have again come into question. This cannot be allowed to happen a second time. A powerful

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8 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 16-20, 2008

arts & entertainment

A new Hulk smashes old emo image SALENA BARCENAS

T

Staff REPORTER

he Incredible Hulk” is the ultimate summer blockbuster for special effects movie junkies and Marvel Comics fans that want to see “Hulk smash!” more than he did in Ang Lee’s cinematic interpretation of the character. This time, the Hulk (Edward Norton) is not an emo boy. He is more like the misunderstood, ragaholic he was in the Bill Bixby TV series. In addition, a certain Marvel Comics hero makes a cameo appearance. He is a techsavvy billionaire who wears a lot of red and gold armor. Moviegoers can expect to see Bruce Banner in Brazil where he has been hiding for quite some time. The opening scene is a beautiful aerial wide shot that brings moviegoers into Banner’s new life. He has since been working on keeping the green giant at bay. When the Hulk makes his grand appearance, he is not given his close up right away. The audience is teased with bits and pieces of the green giant before the whole package is thrown at them for their amazement. Banner soon makes his way back home to find a cure for the green monster that

courtesy of Rhythm & Hues

The Marvel Comics superhero The Hulk came back to theaters on Friday. The Hulk survives getting hit by an experimental bomb he helped build, only to get even more angry. Hulk fans like to see him when he is angry.

is the Hulk. Norton plays Bruce Banner perfectly. It might not have been a long script, but Norton made do with what he had, that is, blunt dialogue. He meets Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) on the steps of a Virginia university. Tyler gives a solid performance as Ms. Ross. Her performance is as good as it could be, given that she has very few lines. The doe-eyed starlit is perfect for the part of Banner’s love interest. Tyler might not say much as Betty Ross, playing the typical damsel in distress, but she works with what she is given, which is not a whole lot in terms of dialogue. It is a good thing she has her

famous rock star dad’s lips, which came in handy during scenes in which her character is left in a state of shock. Nevertheless, Tyler and Norton are matched perfectly. It is a convincing attraction, and buried beneath the heavy special effects, the romantic undertones of the film are captured by Norton and Tyler. She is the graceful beauty who tames the wild green beast and does so by looking deep into his eyes as if it were a cheesy love story with sparks going off around them, but in this case the sparks are explosions and gun fire. One thing moviegoers should keep in mind before about venturing to a theater to watch the movie

is if that if they have the slightest discomfort with loud sounds, they should stay away. This is not the movie to see for its silence. The majority of the film is loud, almost deafening at times. The special effects team not only did an amazing job at perfecting the green beast that is the Hulk, they nailed every explosion, every round of gun fire and also the creature that is the Abomination (Tim Roth). Roth’s pre-Abomination character, Emil Blonsky, becomes obsessed with the Hulk’s power. With help from General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), Blonsky finds himself on the path to becoming the Hulk’s ultimate rival. In one locker room scene,

Roth looks like a skinny muscular rat with absolute rage in his eyes; his muscles have deep groves and give Blonsky a sick infected look. This is the Abomination, the Hulk’s foe. Samuel Sterns, or Mr. Blue, played by Tim Blake Nelson, is Banner’s aid in trying to find a cure and delivers the best performance out of all the characters. Although his role is considerably smaller than his fellow cast mates, Nelson delivers his lines as the geeky science nerd and brings the right amount of physical comedy to the movie that it needs. His performance adds a light funnier side, which comes as a relief from all the fancy visual effects. Sometimes, the best visual effects are the facial expressions or physical humor Nelson gives during his performance. Visual affects aside, the film’s cinematography is breathtaking. The lighting is immaculate and the sequences in which the film is shot have the right combinations of wide, medium and close-up shots. A noticeable feature of the film is its abundance of aerial panning shots, which are used to establish each new location and introduce viewers into the movie’s action. This film is a definite summer must-see. Everyone leaving the theater, even if they are not fans of the Hulk, will have something to talk about. This movie will make anyone want to go green and it surpasses 2003’s poor attempt to bring the Hulk to the big screen. As for Hulk fans, do not forget to watch for Tony Stark.

Play tells story about magical lives of wicked witches before Dorothy Denise Vastola

E

courtesy of Joan marcus

Staff REPORTER

nchanting, bewitching and amusing are just several words that only begin to describe “Wicked,” the smash hit Broadway musical that’s been playing in Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre since February 2007. Based on the novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” by Gregory Macguire, the musical transports the audience to the Land of Oz before Dorothy and Toto’s crash landing. It was a time when effervescent and popular Glinda (Erin Mackey) and brooding and misunderstood Elphaba (Teal Wicks) are both young. They experience the trials and tribulations of growing up in a land where magic and witchcraft are as common as talking animals. Wicked, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin” and Academy Award-winner “Pocahontas”) and directed by Joe Mantello (20032004 Tony Award winner), grabs the audience from the very beginning and takes them along on a “thrillify-

ing” magical ride that never slows down until the curtain goes down. From the very beginning, the audience is treated to a spectacular stage, sparkling costumes and topnotch performances by all cast members, including the well-known Jo Anne Worley (Madam Morible) and John Rubinstein (The Wizard). In her opening song, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” Mackey shows how much power she has in her voice by singing above the chorus. Not to be outdone, Wicks treats the audience to her electrifying voice in “Defying Gravity,” where she brings out a throaty sound that leaves the audience spell-bound and with something to discuss during intermission. In nearly every story, there is a love interest and “Wicked” does not disappoint on this level. Fiero, played by Derrick Williams, is good looking and conceited. The character easily wins the heart of both girls who have gone from school foes to miserable and mismatched roommates, to friends. The storyline, with plenty

of humor and life’s lessons, which are even applicable in Oz, have several twists and turns along the way. Sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, always riveted, the audience’s applause grows louder and longer with each song until the curtain finally closes on the Emerald City. Although the curtain closed after the performance, it’s not over for this writer and many of the other in the audience who have already seen the music multiple times and plan to do so before it leaves Los Angeles. “Wicked” will play at the Pantages Theatre until January 11 2009. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or through Ticketmaster. A day-of-peformance lottery for a limited number of $25 front orchestra seats is held daily for people who arrive at the box office two and a half hours before show time. Thirty minutes later, the names are drawn for the cash-only tickets. Go to www.wickedthemusical.com, to learn more about a 40 percent discount that is available to university students through the end of June. You’ll find the link on the Los Angeles pages under “Educators.”