June 30

California State University, Northridge

Since 1957

Volume 50 • Number 123

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June 30-July 3, 2008

A financially independent student newspaper

Villaraigosa officiates at same-sex wedding Salena Barcenas

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tina helwajian/staff reporter

Bruce Cohen (left) and Gabriel Catone (right) rejoice after L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, their friend, officiated their wedding. The ceremony was possible because of the Supreme Court’s majority decision on May 15 to strike down a statewide ban on same-sex marriage.

Staff Reporter

os Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa officiated the wedding of the producer of the Oscarwinning film “American Beauty” and his partner of five years on June 23. Villaraigosa, who was deputized to perform marriages, married Bruce Cohen, the producer, and Gabriel Catone, his partner, inside the mayor’s press conference room in downtown L.A. last Monday in front of their close friends and members of the press. The marriage ceremony “unites two loyal hearts,” Villaraigosa said. “Marriage is also a promise that takes a lifetime to fulfill,” Villaraigosa said. “Do you take (each other) to be your lawful wedded spouse?” The couple said, “I do.” “You may kiss your spouse,”

said Villaraigosa, who pronounced the couple legally married. “So this is great. It’s been my great honor to officiate over the wedding of two friends,” Villaraigosa said. “Cheers!” As everyone raised champagnefilled glasses in the air, Cohen said, “We just couldn’t be more thrilled. We’re so proud of the state of California,” referring to the majority decision of the state supreme court last month to strike down a voterimposed ban on same-sex marriage. After the small and short wedding ceremony, a member of the Church of Christ, who called herself an “angel of the Trinity,” interrupted the celebration. She walked to the podium to denounce the ceremony and call Villaraigosa an “adulterer.” Moments after the mayor shooed

Sherman faces two opponents this November

Student dies before finishing thesis Denise Vastola

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Staff reporter

emorial services were held for CSUN student George Mark Clark on Sunday, June 22 at the campus’ University Club near the Orange Grove. Doug Yule, chair of the Department of Geological Sciences, presented a master’s degree in geology posthumously to Clark’s wife Kathy and daughter Cindy during the memorial service. Clark, 61, a retired aerospace employee, completed all coursework toward his master’s degree at CSUN. Yule said the only thing that remained was his thesis. “He had done all work, short of writing his thesis,” Yule said. “It was the department’s idea to award the degree posthumously because we wanted to show our appreciation. He was of such value to the department.” Yule said Clark developed relationships with students as well as faculty, and the comments written in a pamphlet at the memorial service expressed how profoundly he touched people’s lives. “George was a wonderful

Index Features Classifieds Arts & Entertainment

5,7 7 8

human being, a great student, a great friend to everyone in the department ... though he was in his early 60s, he had the enthusiasm of a kid when it came to research and his studies,” Yule said. “He was a father figure to younger students, and he brought that unique perspective and set positive examples for students around him.” Yule said Clark was the best student in every class. Graduate students and faculty get to know one another well because they do fieldwork together in a communal-type setting, he said. “It was (George’s) idea for the memorial service here,” Yule said. “He and his family discussed his wishes. George had really liked the new pond and river that were under construction. He liked the idea of his family and friends gathering at Northridge. He loved being a student here.” Clark was also a teaching associate for the department. Clark’s research advisor, Ali Tabidian, chair of the department of hydrogeology and environmental geology, said Clark’s work experience was invaluable to the students with whom he worked, as was his friendliness and willingness to help.

“He spent time to sit with and discuss homework problems,” Tabidian said. “He made a positive impact on many graduate and undergraduate students. He would help students practice and improve their oral presentations.” Clark’s area of research was hydrogeology (groundwater) in Simi Valley. “His project would have contributed significantly to Simi Valley,” Tabidian said. “The city has some high groundwater tables, and he was doing computer modeling to simulate the water of Simi Valley. They would have been able to use it for water management. “I will catalog his work and have another student continue the research because it’s a way to recognize his contribution,” Tabidian said. Clark had a distinguished 34-year career in aerospace at Rockwell and The Boeing Company. During that time, he earned a master’s of science degree in engineering at USC. Clark was actively involved with the early space program (rocketry and reentry shuttles), and he later participated in the development of military aircraft. He

See ceremony, page 4

Susannah Reynolds

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Staff Reporter

Courtesy of the Department of Geological Sciences

George Clark died after completing course work.

earned his bachelor of science degree in engineering in 1967 at the UC Berkeley. He was 16 years old when he entered UC Berkeley. Clark enrolled as a student at CSUN in 2002. After returning to school, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment. Clark returned to

CSUN once the cancer was in remission. He was re-diagnosed in April. He died on June 7. He is survived by his wife Kathy, mother Maria, daughter Cindy, brother Joseph and wife Elena, sister Marilyn and husband Richard Kennedy, a nephew and 4 nieces, and a greatnephew and 5 great-nieces.

features

A&E

Sundialers test-drive small, eco-friendly rides

Lonely robot cleans up after humanity’s trash pile

See pages 5, 7

See page 8

rad Sherman, the U.S. Congressman for the 27th District, will defend his House seat this November from two challengers, one of which is running for a very personal reason. One of Sherman’s opponents on Election Day is Republican Navraj Singh, a former business owner. In March 2006, Singh’s son, Sirta Singh, 24, was killed in a car accident on the 405 Freeway when he was coming home from a Lakers game. Sirta was a communications major at CSUN and a newlywed. Singh said he tried to talk to Sherman about his son’s death but that he was told by the congressman’s office that he does not meet with the public. Singh said another reason he is running for Sherman’s seat is to make sure See singh, page 4

LATEST weather Log on to sundial.csun.edu

2 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008

news

L.A. residents swap their vintage clothes toward higher career goals Monica Duester

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Monica Duester / staff reporter

Stephanie Abrams (right), a site L.A. intern, shows Isabelle Pleno the vintage clothes that are up for grabs on Tuesday June 24.

Staff Reporter

oung women from across Los Angeles gathered their vintage clothes and participated in a clothes swap on June 24. Beth Jones, a 27-year-old fashion Web blogger and self-proclaimed society girl, hosted a ‘Society Swap’ in which women exchanged their unwanted outfits for something better. After separating the items into their respective piles, it was open market for swapping. “The event brings fashion-oriented people and regular community members together to talk about clothes, swap vintage, drink wine and eat cheese.” Quiksilver sponsored the project in an effort to unite its new woman’s clothing line. In December, six independent and creative women were selected to be ‘Visionaries in Residence.’ The program offers resources and support to showcase their personal projects. The goal is to take the women to

Canines, their owners meet and greet in downtown L.A. Libby Johnson

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staff reporter

ussy & Pooch teamed with Bark Avenue Foundation to present Furlicious, a special outdoor evening event for pet owners and their furry friends on June 23 at J Lounge in downtown Los Angeles. More than 100 humans and approximately 70 dogs attended. Guests enjoyed a variety of activities from placing bids at the silent auction to benefit Bark Avenue Foundation to an opportunity to adopt a pet. In addition, guests partook in complimentary massages by Salon Pure and had a chance to win a prize in the complimentary raffle. Pets were treated to meaty organic treats through several vendors and “pawticures” by the same salon mentioned earlier. Dogs romped on an area of fresh grass, referred to as The Lawn, and drank non-alcoholic Happy

Tail Ale Beer. “It has been so wonderful that everyone turned out and supported tonight’s event,” said Melanie Pozez, founder and president of Bark Avenue Foundation. “We look forward to more to come.” Janene Zakrajsek, a founder and self-proclaimed “Petreprenuer” of Pussy & Pooch, said it was an awesome turnout and everyone left with a smile on their faces. This was the first event, and it was free, to bring the community together. “It was a joint effort that we wanted to be free as to not deter anyone from coming,” Zakrajsek said. Because there was no entry fee, cost and profit of the event was not disclosed. Zakrajsek worked with six of her own staff members, 10 from Bark Avenue and three vendors, which she noted were the big hit at the event. Hungry canines sampled treats from ZiwiPeak Dog Cuisine, Wagalicious Natu-

ral Pet Foods and SOUPLEMENTS by dogpeople. Emily Chan created soup for pets, the first of its kind, when her dog Miles became severely dehydrated. Miles, a shepherd mix rescue dog, suffered from food allergies as a puppy that led to vomiting and loss of appetite. In 2003, he required intravenous fluids and overnight hospital supervision. “My boyfriend’s dad is a cardiologist and he recommended homemade soup for Miles. Like sick humans, chicken soup can aid animals’ health too,” said Chan, president and founder of dogpeople, Inc. It would turn out that the chicken soup stimulated Miles’ appetite with the extra electrolytes and nutrients in his system. Now Chan has created a collection of soup recipes that are low in fat, low in calories and lift dogs’ spirits – sick or healthy. Peggy Koons, who owns a flower shop nearby, received

the next level of their career by introducing them to the right mentors. “Each of us (women) work out of the loft and have free rein to use it how we want,” Jones said. “It’s been an incredible opportunity.” Quiksilver purchased a 1,800 square-foot loft on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Rampart, remodeled the building and named it siteLA. It functions as a venue for special events and creative programming. Through performances, exposition and educational forums, they showcase their ongoing activity as artists, activists, designers and entrepreneurs. Jones said she started a fashion Web blog called Vintage Society a year ago for the love of fashion and styling. “I didn’t have any formal training and experience so I turned to the blogosphere to establish myself in the fashion world,” Jones said. Vintage clothes and society girls are her inspirations, she said, because each garment is unique and every girl can add her own style and flair, mak-

ing it a one-of-a-kind. Her blog, written from the perspective of the society girl, incorporates a young woman who loves fashion, embraces her body type, and sets her own trend by shopping at both the flea market and highend boutiques. The Vintage Society gained support and notoriety among her fellow fashion Web bloggers who encouraged her to take it to the next level. “Eventually, my hobby turned into a career path with the help of Quiksilver, and I quit corporate America to follow my passion,” Jones said. To celebrate the launch of the official Vintage Society Web site, Jones invited society girls from around the world to show how many lives one shirt from the new Quiksilver women’s fall 2008 collection can live. Jones picked five society girls from around the world to participate in the Quiksilver Traveling Shirt project. Since its completion, the exhibit is on display at the siteLA loft. See swap, page 6

Libby Johnson / staff reporter

This camera shy canine was just one of the several adoptable pets at the Bark Avenue Foundation located in downtown L.A. on Monday, June 23.

an invitation and decided to bring her six-year-old Vaca, a Chihuahua breed. Vaca enjoyed herself and left with some treats, Koons said. The three-hour event took place on the back patio of J Lounge, which is equipped with a fire pit, private cabanas

and a full bar. Fresh grilled tapas were served. Pussy & Pooch, a retailer downtown, joins traditional boutique amenities with exclusive modern luxuries. The retailer features a one-of-a-kind Pawbar, a buffet of pet proportions where they can walk right to the nutri-

tious raw-food meals and more. All treats at the event are available at their locations. The Bark Avenue Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to ending the pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering, humane education and community outreach.

Cheech Marin introduces Chicano art at the LACMA Theresa Wray

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Staff Reporter

courtesy of the L.A. County Museum of Art

“Little Girl with Yellow Dress” was painted by Patssi Valdez in 1995.

heech Marin, CSUN alumni and actor, is mostly known for his dope-smoking, comedic role in the 1970s movie, “Cheech and Chong.” What is least known about him is that he is one of the foremost collectors of Chicano art in the U.S., and his nationally-toured private collection has helped to bring Chicano artists into mainstream America. After seven years on tour, Marin’s collection has come home to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Marin spoke passionately to a crowd of 600

people at LACMA’s Bing Theater on Sunday, June 22 about his exhibit called, “Los Angelenos/Chicano Painters of L.A: Selections from the Cheech Marin Collection.” “I came to realize that individual artists were depicting the Chicano experience around the world, but they weren’t communicating with each other. They weren’t in museums,” Marin said. “These artists were seeing the world from Chicano eyes and from different viewpoints whether it be gender-based, religion or sociological. We put all these viewpoints together to express the feeling of what it means to be Chicano.”

Chon Noriega, who is a UCLA professor and adjunct curator for LACMA, joined Marin in the discussion in front of the large, diverse crowd. Noriega is also one of the curators for another exhibition called “Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement,” which is being shown at LACMA at the same time as Marin’s exhibit. He told the audience that when LACMA finally agreed to do both shows, there was a sense of disbelief among the artists. “The last Chicano show at LACMA was in 1974,” Noriega said. “When LACMA agreed to do both of our shows, there was a sense that in the next few days

there would be a major earthquake or something,” he said. Howard N. Fox, curator of contemporary art at LACMA, agreed that it took a long time to get the exhibits to LACMA, but it was not due to lack of interest. “This isn’t unusual,” Fox said. “Whenever a curator proposes an exhibit, there is never a unanimous decision to show it right away. It usually takes two to three years to develop a show.” In 1974, LACMA showed their first major Chicano exhibit called “Los Four,” but it was See marin, page 6

Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008 • 3

news

Pundits say any UV tan is unsafe Denise Vastola

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Staff RePorter

Denise Vastola / Staff Reporter

Magar Artin, 25, of Northridge, purchases a one-month, “all-bed, unlimited package” for $59.95 from Mimi Jensen, proprietor of A Tan for All Seasons, in Northridge.  Artin is a regular customer.  This package allows him to use a tanning bed as many times as he wants for a month.

Organic food labels are no fresh guarantee Theresa Wray

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Staff Reporter

rin McCaslin, a former CSUN student, picked up a plastic container of strawberries at Whole Foods Market and made sure it had the green and white “USDA Organic” seal on it. “You never really know what you’re getting,” McCaslin said. “But at least when I buy organic food, I know my family is not eating chemicals and pesticides.” Like many other consumers of organic foods, McCaslin is wrong. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that organic foods contain several of the same pesticides found in conventionally grown foods. While environmentalists and federal agencies debate the meaning of the term “organic,” consumers are left to their own assumptions about what lies behind the ambiguous label. “It can be confusing for consumers,” said Jimmy Rodriguez, produce manager at Whole Foods in Glendale. “The truth is that all foods have pesticides, but organic foods have less synthetic ones.” In 2002, the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) implemented a set of standards that specified the methods, practices and substances that could be used in organic foods. Synthetic pesticides are chemically based substances that farmers use to kill weeds, mold and insects. They are allowable in organic foods if the substance is listed on the USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

“The amount of synthetic substances allowed in organic foods are much less than the amount found in conventionally grown foods,” said Mark Bradley, the associate deputy administrator at the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services. “When you buy organic, you are not buying into a guaranteed food safety program. It has more to do with the way the foods are grown and produced.” To be considered organic, farmers must abide by the USDA’s rigorous farming practices. Unlike conventional farmers, they do not use chemical fertilizers and weed killers. Instead, the organic farmer conducts sophisticated crop rotations to manage weeds. The NOP indicates that an organic farmer has to adhere to strict land management regulations. For example, a farmer must recultivate the land to ensure that it is devoid of all prohibited substances for at least three years. NOP-certified agents continually monitor organic farmers to make sure they are not using prohibited chemicals to boost crop production. Organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster in shipment because they are not treated with waxes or preservatives. They may appear in odd shapes and varying colors because they are grown naturally. “These are all reasons why people buy organic foods,” said NOP-certified agent Jessica Morrison. “It is very strictly regulated. Being a certified farmer means that the groundwater and soil have been thoroughly inspected and contain no harmful elements to the environment or to people.” Contrary to popular

hen someone asks if you want a cocktail or a triple dip, hopping between a tanning booth and a UV-free spray tan booth are not the first things that come to mind, but that’s what Mimi Jensen, proprietor of A Tan for All Seasons in Northridge, said she offers her clients. Jensen added the Magic spray tan booth to her business in December 2007 to give her clients a safer way to achieve that golden glow Southern Californians crave. Despite numerous studies that warn of the dangers of skin cancer from the UV rays of indoor or outdoor tanning, Jensen said most cus-

tomers haven’t stopped using her tanning booths. Instead, they’ve added the spray tan option. “Because my background is skin care, I remind them to work in a spray or to do a lotion with a little self-tanner and a little bronzer and go less time in the bed,” said Jensen. “The person who wants to come in here every day for the maximum amount of time is the client I turn away. I’m not interested in that client. I think it’s unsafe what their practices are, so I try and make it more of a controlled environment and limit the exposure to the (ultraviolet rays) and work in sprays and bronzers.” Steven Oppenheimer, director at CSUN’s Center for Cancer and Developmental

Biology, said the ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from tanning booths is not good for the skin. “At worst, it could cause deadly skin cancer like melanoma,” said Oppenheimer. “At best, it causes premature aging of the skin. The sun destroys the elastic fibers in the skin. You might have a healthy looking color when you tan, but overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and tanning salons is not good.” Oppenheimer says there is no such thing as safe tanning when ultraviolet radiation is involved and his comments are confirmed by the National Cancer Institute. Its Web site says that nearly everyone who See tanning, page 6

What do you do with your eWaste? Nationally, it is expected that at least 200 million TVs and 250 million computers will be discarded between 2003 and 2010. In addition, at least 2 million tons of consumer electronic waste is generated annually in the U.S.  Electronic waste contains toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and calcium and can contaminate our environment if not disposed of properly.  To find out where to take your electronic waste, visit www. erecycle.org.

courtesy of L. EMERSON

A shopper checks her grocery list at a natural foods store.

belief, the term “organic” does not mean that these labeled products are completely pesticide and chemical free. The USDA indicates the organic label means that at least 95 percent of a food’s ingredients are organically produced. Consumers are often confused by products that contain words like “allnatural,” “free-range” or “hormone-free” in their advertising. These products contain less than 70 percent of organic materials and cannot use the USDA label. They can list organic items on their packaging, but the USDA has not approved those items as allowable organic ingredients. “I buy eggs and other products that are marked ‘all-natural’ because it sounds like I’m getting the real thing,” McCaslin said. “All these different labels are very misleading. I’m not sure what I’m getting for my money.” Organic foods typically cost 10 to 40 percent more than conventionally grown foods. The increase in price is due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government controls and lower crop yields.

In a 2006 survey conducted by the Institute of Food Technologists, 70 percent of consumers said their main reason for paying higher prices for organic products was to avoid pesticides. “Customers at Whole Foods are willing to pay more for anything stamped ‘organic’ because they think they are getter better quality,” Rodriguez said. “For the most part, they’re right, but the consumer really has no control over what goes into the organic product.” The NOP has approved at least 58 synthetic substances, which are currently listed as allowable items for crop production on the USDA’s national list. There are also many more allowable synthetic substances listed for organic packaged goods and in livestock production. According to the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), multinational corporations heavily support the $35 billion pesticide industry. PANNA is working closely with California Senator Barbara Boxer to ban harmful pesticides but “we’ll see what

happens,” said Stephanie Hendricks, communications director at PANNA. “We are trying to keep organic foods truly organic for the consumer as well as protect the environment,” said Hendricks. The $17 billion organic industry has seen dramatic growth in the past two decades with sales increasing 20 percent annually since 1990, according to the Institute of Food Technologies. Conventionally grown foods have only increased two percent each year. Food crises, such as mad cow disease and the recent tomato recall, have caused consumers to move away from conventionally grown foods. Other reasons for the transition include environmental issues and the concern for small farmers who have been pushed out of the business by large corporations. Jerard Call is an operations assistant at the Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA), which is a non-profit organization that founded the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. His grandfather worked as a small farmer and eventually joined a larger agri-

cultural business. “My grandfather has seen the transition to large corporations,” said Call as he recapped his childhood memories. “It’s a new game now.” As organic foods became popular, big businesses jumped on the bandwagon and began lobbying to change the restrictions. As the regulations changed, smaller farmers who used to be considered organic, could no longer produce competitive yields. Many studies have been conducted to determine the relevance of organic products. The USDA National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances is reviewed and updated every five years. The term “organic” continues to evolve as scientists, environmentalists and government officials debate its definition. Like many other organic consumers, Erin McCaslin continues to budget the rising cost of organic foods for her family’s shopping list. “Until I’m told otherwise, I’ll just keep trusting in the organic label,” she said as she scratched “strawberries” off her shopping list. “Nothing is 100 percent safe. I just have to pick the lesser of two evils.”

4 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008

news

Singh

Continued from page 1 that people have a voice to which a congressman will listen. Singh said he is out knocking on doors and standing in front businesses to get the word out to the public to vote for him from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “I think I’m going to win the race,” Singh said. “People are very excited about what I have to say.” “A lot of them say they have never even seen their congressman,” Singh said. If he were to win the election, Singh said he would not take the salary that comes with the job. He said he would donate it to soldiers coming back from the Iraq War, as well as to firemen. He would also pay for his own health insurance, along with the flights back and forth from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, because he is able to pay for these on his own, Singh said. Most people Singh meets with want to talk about the current issue of same-sex marriage. His stance is that marriage is between a man and a woman, Singh said. Sherman’s other chal-

lenger is Libertarian Tim Denton, a biology professor at Los Angeles Trade Tech College. Denton, as a Libertarian, said that more things should be as voluntary as possible. He said the principle right now is that people are making rules for other people. He believes that it should be up to the individual to be a part of that choice, Denton said. A lot of people with which Denton speaks like this idea. He said that because people are so used to voting for either a Republican or a Democrat, they do not think to vote for another party. Denton said the public should get away from voting because this becomes a “majority way of ruling things if you are the majority.” People look at the government as the “magnificent” when it gives things to the people, but what they seem to forget is that they (the government) were the ones that took it or would not give it to them in the first place, Denton said. What tends to happen is that the people start to depend on the government, and, therefore, become less critical because they start

cue and Foreclosure Prevention Act that will help those in danger of losing their homes refinance with lower-cost governmentinsured mortgages. As for gas prices, Sherman said that people should not expect prices to decrease anytime soon because of speculation. Sherman said he is in the process of helping to co-sponsor legislation that should help.

ceremony

Continued from page 1

Susannah Reynolds / staff reporter

Navraj Singh, a businessman running for a seat in the U.S. Congress, stands in front of his van at Carrows Restaurant on the corner of Reseda Boulevard and Devonshire Street.

believing in the government, Denton said. Giving the public a choice and not a vote will get more people involved and help to “protect the people from themselves,” Denton said.

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The main topics that Sherman said he is hearing from the public are gas prices, the Iraq War and the mortgage crisis. A pamphlet put out by Sherman shows that he co-sponsored the American Housing Res-

her away, Hesperia resident Rosalyn Schultz said, “I don’t believe that gay marriage is morally right.” Schultz later warned that same-sex marriage would invite earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. “The Bible drove me to come,” Schultz said. “Sin is sin in any form, and I speak out against it.” Cohen responded by saying, “This is America. That’s one of the great things about it.” “People are entitled to their opinions… just ignore her. It doesn’t spoil our day, it doesn’t take away our joy and it certainly doesn’t

He said he is not worried about not winning his re-election bid because he received most of the votes against his opponents in the primaries. Election day is on Nov. 4 this year. Sherman has held his House seat for the last 12 years, and he said he expects his track record will help him win. “I’m doing a good job,” Sherman said. “And I hope the people think so.” change the fact that we are legally married in the state of California by the mayor of Los Angeles,” Cohen said. Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, friends of the couple, said they were “thrilled beyond belief for two of our favorite people.” Marshall and Kennedy said they were “thrilled because finally California might lead the way to making gay marriage legal (nationwide).” The couple, Cohen, 46, and Catone, 35, will keep their last names, and they go on their honeymoon next month in India, “a place that will not be on e-mail,” Cohen said.

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Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008 • 5

features

GM takes motorists on test drive of its hydrogen fuel car

I

David Moll

SPECIAL TO THE SUNDIAL

n an age of soaring gas prices, economy and ecology have ousted horsepower and torque as the buzzwords in today’s automotive market. From ethanol-intensive blends of gasoline to soy-based plastics used to furnish interiors, environmentalism has become a means to combat rising material costs and a pitch line to sell cars. General Motors has regrouped, aggressively publicizing their fuel efficient and ecologically conscious products. The figurehead in this new campaign is the fuel cell powered Chevrolet Equinox. Dave Barthmuss, GM regional group manager of environment & energy communications, said he sees the hydrogenpowered trucklet as an example of how to move away from oil altogether. “As a nation we are 98 percent dependent on oil as an energy source. It is a finite resource. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an option that we feel is part of the future,” Barthmuss said.

While Japanese car companies spent the last decade focused on maximum fuel efficiency, General Motors doubled down on the SUV market. A small SUV comparable in size to the Honda CRV, the fuel cell Equinox drops the current model’s six-cylinder engine in favor of an electric motor and an automatic transmission that continually selects the best gear ratio for acceleration or economy. Rather than use batteries to store electricity, the fuel cell Equinox uses pressurized hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen in the on-board fuel cell to create power for the motor as needed. To extend the vehicles range, a small battery pack is also carried on board to store energy captured from the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Electric motors produce maximum torque at idle; the first sensation when driving the diminutive SUV is one of instant power and eager acceleration. During my time cutting a swath through typical Valley traffic, the Equinox responded to a squeeze of the “gas” pedal with zeal, making merging and overtaking effortless.

At first, the regenerative braking was sensitive, requiring a deft touch to brake smoothly. Regenerative braking works by using the electric motor as a generator, creating electrical currents that charge the batteries and slow the car by creating resistance within the motor itself. And as the motor slows, so does the rest of the car. After a few blocks of stopand-go driving, the learning curve leveled off. It was actually fun to anticipate the next red light and try to save the most energy, watching the power meter (which replaced the gaspowered model’s tachometer) spin backwards as the regenerative braking kicked in. In a panic stop triggered by an trailer-towing twit, the regular hydraulic brakes stopped the SUV with alacrity. In nearly every respect, the fuel cell Equinox proved to be a refined vehicle that is as practical as its gasoline-powered counterpart. At highway speed, the only sound was a faint whine from the electric motor and the wind rustling past the windows. The rear hatch was not cluttered by batteries or hydrogen

DAVID MOLL / SPECIAL TO THE SUNDIAL

Cameron Falzone, a public relations specialist, drives the Chevrolet Equinox near the Michael D. Eisner College of Education on Saturday, May 10.

tanks befitting a Zeppelin. The rear seats still folded, just as on the regular model. Drivers could very easily take this trucklet on a supermarket run or wherever else the urban SUV still roams. Which is precisely the point GM is trying to prove. The Chevrolet division of General Motors will be offering 100 examples to selected members of the public as a part of Project Driveway, their first long term public road test of fuel cell technology. Participants will be chosen based on their driving habits and their proximity to one of three hydrogen refueling stations operated by GM in Los Angeles County. People selected to drive

the Equinox will get to use it completely free of charge for three months at a time and report their experiences back to Chevrolet. Washington D.C. and New York City will also participate in the program. “Drivers will provide regular, candid feedback about their use of the vehicle in their daily lives, the vehicle’s performance and their personal preferences,” said Ed Peper, general manager of the Chevrolet division, in a public announcement introducing the program. “(Their feedback) is key in defining our product and introduction plans for fuel cell vehicles,” Peper said. When fully fueled with nine

pounds of hydrogen, the fuel cell Equinox can be driven about 150 miles, which is fine for the intercity commute and in traditional gasoline mileage figures. This equals about 35 miles per gallon — a remarkable feat given the size of the vehicle. But the lack of hydrogen fueling stations is a roadblock toward delivering an otherwise road-ready product. “Our goal is to have a fuel cell program ready by 2010 and we are confident that we can meet that goal,” Barthmuss said. “We don’t see any roadblocks from a vehicle engineering standpoint. The only roadblock is infrastructure.”

6 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008

news swap

Continued from page 2 Jones said it illustrates her point that one shirt can take on multiple lives. Quiksilver employee Adam Katz created the siteLA program, which is a spinoff of a previous project he conducted in Italy. College friend Cammie Staros helped spread the word to promote the venture. By midDecember, six women were selected as visionary residents and in January, the program was officially under way. Staros, the siteLA program manage, is in charge of the day-today operations and manages the Web site. “I am the invisible person,” Staros said. “I work behind the scenes to coordinate all the events.” The women include: Sarah Anderson, artist and performer; Dorothy Le, bicycling advocate; Jesse Rodato, architect and interior design; Khrystyne Zurian, exterior car designer; Pilar Diaz, singer and songwriter; and Beth Jones, textile

artist and designer. Rodato participated in the Society Swap to support her friend and fellow resident. “All six of us have created a bond and we try to attend as many events as possible to show our support,” she said. Her focus is creating and designing a traveling guerilla skate park that can be moved to temporary locations around South Central LA. The idea is to mobilize a traveling skate ramp around gang-infested neighborhoods to give kids a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble. “I am a purpose-driven aspiring architect that believes that art can be a tool to be an activist,” Rodato said. “When I see the joy and excitement in their face, it reminds me that I am doing something good.” Hilary Lewong, friend and vintage swap participant, said she is hoping to trade her vintage dress for something “… You don’t see others wearing,” she said. “If it strikes my fancy and it’s comfortable, I’ll snatch it up!” Lewong said.

tanning

Continued from page 3

Monica Duester / staff reporter

Amy Reed shows off her new Dust jewelry line to Jesse Rodato, siteLA architect and interior design resident, and Cammie Staros, siteLA program manager.

marin

originated and organized by UC Irvine. The two current art shows marked the first time LACMA originated a Chicano art exhibit. “We’ve had many exhibits that highlight the Chicano experience,” Fox said. “But I realized that we were showing the same artists over and over again. A lot has changed over 30 years, and I wanted to show what was happening today with emerging Chicano artists.” Marin’s exhibit offers a bold, multi-colored imagery that embraces Chicano life. The fifty-piece collection focuses on significant works from Los Angeles-based Chicano artists such as Carlos Almaraz, Diane Gamboa and Frank Romero. The theme of the exhibition revolves around the question, “What does it mean to be a Chicano?”

“To me, being Chicano means ‘Mexican meets American.’” Marin said. “You have to realize that 90 percent of the country does not know what a Chicano is, much less what their art looks like.” Marin started collecting art pieces while he was traveling during the making of the “Cheech and Chong” movie. He developed an eye for art at an early age while attending Catholic school. “I’d look at books, but then when I went to the museums and saw the actual painting, it was a whole different experience,” Marin said with enthusiasm as he spread his arms wide open and moved to the edge of his seat. “There was something about paint that fascinated me. I just kept buying it up,” Marin said. “I knew I had a good collection when I realized that I needed storage.” The bulk of Marin’s collec-

tion was acquired while he was working on the TV series “Nash Bridges,” that aired from 1996 to 2001. Marin said that being a celebrity helped him amass his collection. “Being a celebrity ought to do more for you than just getting a good seat in a restaurant,” he said as the audience laughed and applauded. Marin’s purpose for collecting art took on a deeper meaning after he discovered that Chicano art had been left out of mainstream America. He said that the inequity of Chicano representation in the art world conflicted with the recent wave of immigration across the U.S. “Everywhere I went, I realized that we are in the middle of the biggest wave of immigration ever, and it will change most aspects of American life,” Marin said. “These communities are not going anywhere. They can’t be ignored anymore,” Marin said

funding for intercollegiate athletics scholarships by $36,000 in the Fall 2008 semester. He would vote for the fall increase, if it occurs, because athletes do a great job of representing CSUN. The Senate also funded $17,200 for the SDIP Graduate Assistant for the Fall 2008 semester, about half of Koester’s recommendation of $34,333 for the entire year. A review in October 2008 would decide if the SDIP Graduate Assistant position would continue to receive the rest of its funding for Spring 2009 semester by A.S. The SDIP Graduate Assistant is an entry level full-time position, said Vicki Allen, associate director for student involvement. The position’s job description includes assist-

ing students in forming new clubs and organizations as well as facilitating new clubs workshops, acting as a liaison between the Matador Involvement Center (MIC) and A.S. Recreation Sports team, overseeing the Clubs and Organization Suite in the USU, supporting the leadership program, and managing resources that include the equipment library, the leadership library and supporting technical matters such as email and other Web accounts, said Allen. The position is very important for students because it increases the longevity of a student club, said Allen. The review of the SDIP Graduate Assistant position will be to increase the accountability and transparency of the position, said

Pacheco. “I’m confident that they will receive full funding.” The additional 11 items that were funded as recommended are: MIC Programs, Center of Achievement, Aquatic Center, Discover, Inquire, Grow in LA; Public Safety Escort Service; Science and Math Retention; Science and Math retention tutors; SDIP Leadership Institute; SDIP Student Panels for an International Curriculum and Education; SDPI and MIC Programs and a board service position. Segura said the A.S. budget benefits the students in the long run, although he could not be reached for further comment. A.S. Vice President Nicole Umali could not be reached for an in person interview.

Continued from page 2

courtesy of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Carlos Almaraz, Sunset crash in 1982, is an oil on canvas, diplayed on the Cheech Marin collection.

goes to tanning salons frequently, or exposes themselves to the sun, is at risk for skin cancer. The NCI estimates in the United States in 2008 there will be more than 1 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 1,000 deaths, as well as more than 62,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer and 8,420 deaths. “Melanoma is one of the few cancers that kill young people,” said Oppenheimer. “Melanoma can hit very young people.” Lawrence Osman, MD, a dermatologist, says about 60 percent of his patients with skin cancer are men and 40 percent are women. “I have seen 20-something-year-olds and even a teen in my practice who has had skin cancer,” said Osman, who has been

practicing in the Northridge area for the past six years. “Every sunburn increases your risk of getting cancer. Your skin holds a grudge from any sun exposure.” If people really must tan, Oppenheimer says the artificial tanning lotions are acceptable, because he hasn’t seen any reports thus far that these products are detrimental to the skin. Tanning salon owner Jensen, who has given up tanning booths and uses the UV-free spray tan nearly weekly, says the product is a natural sugar cane derivative. Perhaps then, passing on the cocktail or the triple dip and asking for the sugar is the right way to go to achieve that sunny glow year ‘round. For more information about any type of cancer, go to the National Cancer Institute Web site at www. cancer.gov.

A.S. senators approve annual campus budget after vetoes, recommendations Dessiraee Eleby

T

Staff Reporter

he Associated Student Senate approved the 2008-09 A.S. budget for the second time at the June 24 Senate meeting. University President Jolene Koester recommended 13 item changes to A.S. budget and the Senate voted in agreement, but made two modifications to Koester’s recommendation in her June 16 memo. The modifications to Koester’s recommendations were to not fund the intercollegiate scholarship at the 2007-08 level and to stipulate funding for the Student Development International Program (SDIP) Graduate Assistant position. “It was a great and amazing meeting,” said A.S.

President Miguel Segura on what was the Senate meeting was the longest one in years. Segura did not veto any part of the A.S. budget. He sent it to Koester on June 25 for approval. President Koester has 10 days to approve the A.S. budget, said Segura. President Koester ’s Executive Assistant Randy Reynaldo said, President Koester received the A.S. budget and has sent a letter regarding the budget to A.S. He would not comment on what the letter pertained. A.S. Attorney General David Crandall said that President Koester approved the 2008-09 A.S. budget in her letter to A.S., however, in her letter Koester stated that she was “gravely concerned” about the lack of

funding in the budget in the amount of $53,600 to fund scholarship for student athletics. A.S. Senator At Large Abel Pacheco said that the athletics teams are the most visible representation of CSUN. Pacheco voted in agreement to fund intercollegiate athletics scholarships with the original funding of $1,417,500 for the 2008-09 school year, which was the recommendation of the Student Finance Committee. One increase is fair because of the current budget, said Pacheco in reference to not voting to restore it to the higher 2007-08 funding level, which was Koester’s original request. However, if there is a surplus, Pacheco said there is a chance to increase

Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008 • 7

features

Smarter cars debut to American drivers Denise Vastola

I

Staff Reporter

ncreasing gas prices and American motorists’ greater awareness of the environment’s fragile state have driven up sales of cars that look as though they are related to the talking vehicles in Chevron’s Techron gasoline commercials. The country’s first microcar was deemed a success before its first dealership opened in midJanuary. Only in the U.S. for five months, the smart car by Mercedes Benz has taken the country by storm, company representatives say. Three models of the smart car hit the streets on January 18: the smart fortwo pure coupe, passion coupe and cabriolet. With base prices of $11,590, $13, 590 and $16,590, respectively, the microcars not only take a smaller bite out of a consumer’s weekly gasoline bills, but are considerably cheaper to buy than larger, fuel-efficient automobiles. The smart fortwo pure coupe tops out at $14,045. The passion coupe hits a high of $15, 580. And the cabriolet’s top-ofthe-line price is $18,230. These figures do not include tax, title, registration, destination charges or other dealer fees.

The smart car has achieved the highest ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front and side crash worthiness. And front and side air bags are standard equipment. A variety of options allow consumers to take the modestly priced models into the luxury category rather quickly. Options include a variety of interior and exterior color choices, a sun roof, fog lamps, analog clock and revolution counter, upgrades in the stereo system, or a comfort package with black leather heated seats, electric power steering, rainsensing windshield wipers and light-sensor head lamps. More add-ons at the dealership include a 6-inch touchscreen navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connection with speaker phone, an iPod connection with touchscreen control and a charging feature, as one system ($2,495), and a back-up camera ($295). The smart car is manufactured in an environmentally conscientious manner. And the its materials were chosen for their minimal environmental impact and maximum recyclability. Smart car puts minimum pressure on the environment from when buyers drive it off the lot

COURTESY OF THE DAIMLER GLOBAL MEDIA SITE

Motorists take smart cars from L.A. to Detroit for environmental safety runs.

to when its runs it course. A test drive of a fully loaded smart fortwo passion coupe reveals that it is extremely comfortable and handles very well. The leather sports steering wheel is a little smaller than a traditional-size steering wheel. The car has an attractive dashboard and a nicely sized glove box. While the rearview mirror is small and shaped oddly, it is fully functional. At 5.1 feet high, the smart car is a little taller than most cars. From the ground to the bottom of the car, it is the same. The difference is the height of its seats, which are about 8 inches higher. This means the driver looks out above the dashboard at a higher eye level than a traditional car. Because of this, visibility is very

good. The car backs into a little parking space like a dream. It is easy to see through the back window, and with power steering, the car is easy to steer. This car has a five-gear, manual transmission that converts to an automatic feature (most cars have the reverse). Drivers can shift by the paddles on the steering wheel or by using the gear shift. But there is no need to shift because the car will automatically pick the safest gear. The brand specialist who came along on the test drive said that in manual, when shifting, drivers tell the car to engage the clutch, as there is no clutch pedal on the floor. He suggests that when drivers touch the paddle or the gear shift, they raise their

foot slightly off the gas pedal to make the transmission shift smoother. Hot rods will like the shifting motion when they do not ease off the gas pedal. All three models get 33 city and 41 highway. Mileage is based on 2008 EPA standards that take into account real-life driving situations: start/stop, air conditioning, etc. The car is 8.8 feet in length, and its height and width are 5.1 feet. There is plenty of headroom. Marketing material for the car indicates that two 6-feet, 5-inch people can sit side by side with shoulder room to spare. The smart car holds 8.7 gallons of premium gas. The engine is in the back of the vehicle under the storage area. It has a 1.0 L, 71 HP, three-cylinder

engine, with a five-speed automated manual transmission. The brand specialist said the engine was switched from Mercedes Benz to Mitsubishi in 2007. He said the engine is popular in Europe, and it gets a four-to-five star reliability rating. During the test drive, the temperature in the San Fernando Valley was more than 100 degrees, which was not a problem because the car has plenty of cold air and air movement to handle a hot day. Because of its size, storage is modest but workable, with inside door compartments, a glove box and a 20 by 40-inch storage area in back of the seats (a net allows drivers to stack stuff right up to the car’s roof). The passenger seat also folds flat, so drivers can fit a 7-foot surfboard inside, the brand specialist indicates. The smart car is a well-made, small car by Mercedes Benz. The car handles very nicely, has plenty of pep and parks like a dream. Do not wait until you need a car to buy a smart car, because you may be disappointed. While a others cars may be available for purchase at dealerships, the business model for selling the smart car is via the Internet. If ordered today, the smart car may not arrive for 18 months because the manufacturer underestimated its popularity in America. Without a backlog, delivery of the smart car may take 10 weeks.

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8 • Summer Sundial • CSUN • June 30-July 3, 2008

arts & entertainment

WALL-E may not speak, but he speaks to everyone

I

Dessiraee Eleby Staff Reporter

magine if the waste, toxins and everything people have ever thrown in the trash covers the entire world, making it inhabitable for humans. Fast-forward to 2700 and you have the beginning setting of Disney and Pixar’s new animation hit “WALL-E.” Waste Allocation Load Lifter— Earth, also known as WALL-Es, are left on Earth to clean up the tremendous amount of waste left by humans after they departed for a five-year voyage into space. But all the WALL-Es, except for the star of the movie (Ben Burtt), have broken down within the last 700 years. WALL-E charges himself with solar power. Each morning he mundanely cleans up Earth’s garbage, a mess he did not make. He becomes a packrat with his Playmate cooler, collecting knickknacks with his pet roach, Spot, WALL-E’s only companion. Suddenly, an Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator, also known as EVE (Elissa Knight), blasts her way into WALL-E’s heart. Anyone who has ever fallen for someone who does not share the same feelings can sympathize with WALL-E. WALL-E becomes a lovesick puppy as he follows EVE around, no matter how many times she blows him up. They eventually establish a semblance of a relationship. WALLE shows EVE his Rubiks’ Cube, light bulb and a VHS “Hello, Dolly” before he is unexpectedly dragged across the galaxy into her world: The Axiom ship in which humans live.

Pixar’s animation continues to get better each year with every animated movie it distributes. The film showcases unique characters that actors would be hard-pressed to portray on the silver screen. Such characters include humans in the film who have evolved from different physiques to standard sizes of chubbiness, as they have remained stationary in hover chairs for the duration of their lives. Also, EVE’s white, sleek design contrasts well with WALL-E’s dingy yellow boxlike appearance when they are floating in space together. The diversity of characters in the film is one of the many reason to go see “Wall-E” after it opens on June 27. “Wall-E,” written by Andrew Stanton, who also wrote Disney’s 2003 hit “Finding Nemo,” does an unbelievable job of showing characters with depth considering that there is no dialogue for the firstthird of the movie, though it is not entirely silent until this time. Disney and Pixar’s latest film is filled with songs from the movie’s soundtrack and robotic and natural sounds. The lack of dialogue for the majority of “WALL-E” only adds to the great animation because moviegoers have to watch it to understand and see the humor and themes that would normally be told through speech. The human characters, for example, such as Captain (Jeff Garlin), Mary (Kathy Najmy) and John (John Razenberger) communicate, but do not have much to say. A plot line to keep in mind during “WALL-E” is that everyone performs a duty for which each character is meant, whether it is M—O (Burtt), who cleans Axiom or Auto, (Sigourney Weaver), the ship’s auto-

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

WALL-E looks at his best friend Spot, an Earth cockroach, as they can only communicate with the expressions they make.

WALL-E and EVE dance in space before returning to the Axiom ship.

pilot. The conflict arises when characters realize their duties may not be what they were previously told, so they change these duties to serve the function for which they were meant. For WALL-E and EVE, it is a

story of love overcoming the obstacle of work, whereas Captain, Mary and John try to think for themselves so that the robots do not do all the work. While “WALL-E” may imply that humans are wasteful gluttons

who only care about commercialism, the film tells a story that has something for everyone. Maybe at the end of “WALLE,” moviegoers will want to reach out and hold someone’s hand. The movie is that touching.

Veteran Kingsley, Peck add depth to new movie Denise Vastola

A

Staff Reporter

movie about a young man who trades pot for counseling sessions may not sound as great to watch as a masked man kicking the butts of freaks and crime lords, but it is. “The Wackness,” by writer/ director Jonathan Levine, is set in 1994 and takes place in New York. The main characters, Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) and Dr. Squires (Sir. Ben Kingsley), develop an unlikely friendship that takes the pair on a sometimes emotional roller coaster during the summer of Luke’s high school graduation. The movie is a comingof-age story that juxtaposes young Luke’s awkward, firsttime lovemaking experience with Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby), with the aging Dr. Squires’ realization that he must come to terms with letting go of a loveless marriage. Dr. Squires, a psychiatrist who trades marijuana for counseling sessions with Luke, is Stephanie’s stepfather. Stepha-

nie, a popular student who was part of the in-crowd in high school, and Luke, a dope-selling loner who defines himself as a loser, develop a relationship that brings them together for a brief, summertime romance that has more meaning for one than the other. Luke and Dr. Squires go through a variety of funny, uncomfortable and dangerous situations during the summer. Dr. Squires, who has never grown up, attempts to relive his youth vicariously through Luke, who he encourages to be more carefree and to create memories. Hip-hop music of the era, combined with visual cues of tagging as art during the movie, including artfully created sleights that help fastforward the audience monthby-month, add continuity to the setting. The music is not only fun to listen to, but also meaningful to Luke, who shares mixes of his favorite music with Dr. Squires and Stephanie. Dr. Squires, in turn, shares with Luke favorites from his youth.

Photo by JoJo Whilden Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Luke (Josh Peck) and Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby) go to visit regular customers.

Music titles include: “The World is Yours,” the third single from Nas’ 1994 debut album “Illmatic;” “Heaven & Hell,” a collaboration between Raekwon and Ghostface Killah of The Wu-Tang Clan; “Can I Kick It?” from A Tribe Called Quest and “Summertime,” the Grammy-Award-winning single by the DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith). The on-screen relationship between Peck and Kingsley is believable and their individual

performances, as well as that of the other actors, are delightful. In the middle of the movie, though, the dialogue gets a little dreary, but it finishes on a high-note. Peck has the depth to take his character from depressed, to portraying “cool,” to unable to express emotions, to expressing love, fear, anger and finally confidence. Peck started doing stand-up comedy when he was eight years old, and his sense of

humor shines brightly in this film. He began acting at the age of 14. His acting credits include a role in an independent film, “The Newcomers,” with Kate Bosworth, a role as a regular on “The Amanda Show,” and he starred in Nickelodeon’s “Drake and Josh” with friend Jake Bell. Academy Award-winner Kingsley is a respected film, TV and theater actor who easily took his quirky, middle-age character from a sometimes

serious psychiatrist who doles out the right psycho-babble at the right time to a druggedup, sexually frustrated husband capable of suicide. Kingsley’s latest film was “You Kill Me,” with Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson. He recently completed filming on “Elegy” with co-stars Penelope Cruz and Dennis Hopper. Kingsley also starred in “Lucky Number Sleven” with Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. Performances by MaryKate Olsen (Union) and Method Man (Percy) are also worthy of mention. Olsen plays a free spirit who enjoys drugs, booze and men. Olsen, also known as a fashion entrepreneur, recently finished a season on “Weeds,” a critically acclaimed dark comedy on Showtime. Method Man, a member of the hip-hop recording outfit The Wu-Tang Clan, plays Luke’s Jamaican drug dealer connection. Among his acting credits, Method Man has played a number of small roles in feature films and a recurring role on HBO’s “Oz.” “ The Wackness,” which opens in theaters on July 3, is a 2008 Sundance Audience Award-winner, and the film is rated R.