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Column: Don’t do it

Opinion

Opinion

March 10, 2010

College living situations are never perfect. For example, I thought the dorms would be the greatest thing to ever happen to me. My meals were cooked by NOT me, I’d be on campus and I’d meet lots of cool people to do lots of cool things with.

Two months into it, however, I realized sharing a bathroom with 20 other girls sucked. Wearing flip-flops while showering is awkward and wrong. Having to wade around in showers clogged with other people’s hair is even wronger. (More wrong? Whatever. It was gross.)

You also might end up being neighbors with some guy who decides to take up the saxophone his freshman year and shave in the hallway. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is now the worst song ever. Sorry, Matt.

Don’t be duped into thinking this column is about how much better life gets outside of the dorms. In fact, I’m going to tell you how it can get much, much worse.

This is my own personal public service announcement. The announcement being please, PLEASE do not move into the hell that is 8XX Oeste Street. (I bleeped out the last two numbers for safety concerns. Not so much regarding you students, but the landlords who still have a key to where I sleep.)

First of all, I’m expressing this via a column because when a few of you potential residents came to view my home this weekend, you were accompanied by the landlords. Nice gesture, right? Well, sneaky ploys can sometimes look a lot like nice gestures. This is especially true when your landlord is a plastic surgeon like ours is (nyuck nyuck nyuck).

Anyway, they accompanied you so we couldn’t tell you what really goes on here. I decided this column would be more effective than flashing signs at you that read “Cockroaches!” or “Broken heater!” when the landlords weren’t looking. Instead, I’ll flash those signs here.

There are a couple million residents that reside here permanently. Yep, you read that right. We have moths, maggots and several varieties of cockroaches.

The large black cockroaches live in the front yard. The bigger brown ones live under the kitchen baseboards and our beds. Then there’s the little gray ones that chill in our bathroom sink drain. Sometimes they pop out to say hi when I turn the water on to brush my teeth.

At least these cockroaches are considerate roommates. They clean up any food that’s left out right away. They also clean up any food you don’t leave out, too. I learned pretty quick not to buy things maggots can easily blend into – I can never eat white rice again.

Next there’s the washing machine. Every now and then, we’ll do a load of wash and end up with permanent copper colored stains on our clothes.

We’ve called the landlords about this issue several times. One time, one of them came over and Windexed the inside of the machine. Obviously, this did nothing. He should probably stop stealing remedies from My Big Fat Greek Wedding and just get our machine fixed. In the meantime, I’ll continue my mission of trying to convince people its super fashionable to have huge brown streaks on my clothing.

Another not-so-enjoyable aspect of the house is the fact that we had no heater until a week before winter break. Indeed, our huge drafty house with single-paned windows on one side and a back door that blows open with the slightest breeze had no working heater until mid-December.

My roommates and I would wear every article of clothing we owned and then huddle together for warmth while watching television. It was like a scene from March of the Penguins – except we were on a couch watching Ellen and not regurgitating fish into each other’s mouths. The heater was finally fixed when we stopped paying rent.

You are probably wondering if we have brought any or all of this to the attention of the landlords. The answer is yes, multiple times. It’s hard to contact people who only call you from their blocked house number and refuse to create a voicemail for their cell, though.

Anyway, I wish I had more space to discuss the mold problem, the leaks and the garbage disposal that occasionally likes to throw up water all over the kitchen counter. Basically, living here will make you long for the days of quiet hours, lofted beds and nasty showers. You’ve been warned.

AMANDA HARDWICK hopes her landlords don’t read The Aggie. She also hopes she can’t be sued for this. Further questions regarding why you shouldn’t live here can be sent to aghardwick@ucdavis.edu.

Column: Medium rare

Opinion

Opinion

March 10, 2010

This week’s column is dedicated to all the males that roam this Earth, especially you Aggies. So enjoy, boys!

Last month, we celebrated – or mourned, in some cases – a holiday known for its red hearts, chocolate and roses. This month, there’s another special holiday that you might not be as familiar with. (Perhaps Hallmark doesn’t think it’s as profitable.) You may have guessed it from reading the title, but if you haven’t, I’ll tell you what it is.

Although I’m a few days early, I’d like to wish all you boys a Happy Steak and Blowjob Day this March 14.

While us girls – well, some of us – enjoyed candle-lit dinners and life-size teddy bears, our guys were thinking a month ahead … and about their head. Yes, that head.

While this holiday may never make it on the Gregorian calendar, in Boy Land, it’s just as important as the 4th of July, maybe more.

According to UrbanDictionary.com, Steak and Blowjob Day is to be celebrated one month after Valentine’s Day, the holiday commercially known for pleasing women. On Mar. 14, a woman (or man) will grill a steak just the way the guy likes it and proceed with fellatio just the way the guy likes it.

You may be wondering why I would support this holiday and am devoting an entire 600 words to it. But pleasing the one you love is important – even if it means cooking a nice, juicy steak.

I’m not telling you to get down on your knees (even though your guy will probably enjoy it) but make sure his needs are met, too. Relationships are give-and-take. You take, you give. Simple as that.

Most guys don’t want cards and candy. They don’t want to be seduced with sexy lingerie, although it’s nice to look at. They just want a big, fat, juicy steak followed by, well, you know.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for women’s rights and equality, but there’s more to it than that. It’s about making each other feel good, emotionally and physically. You should feel wanted and needed by your loved one.

So, ladies, if your man has been hanging out in the doghouse recently, maybe his steak and blowjob will have to wait. Don’t just give in to his needs. Make sure yours are taken care of as well. He may have been an incredible valentine, but don’t let that one day make up for his list of wrongdoings.

But if he’s been a good boy, fire up that grill and show him who’s boss. You might even get some in return.

As I was writing this, I was sitting in a room with a few of my friends. I asked them how they felt about this holiday.

“Pass on the steak, go straight to the BJ,” one of them said.

Guys, I bet you’re wondering how you can meet this friend of mine. Well, that’s top secret. Sorry.

Don’t worry. I asked for a guy’s opinion, too.

“I’m not going to say both sexes can’t enjoy aspects of both days, but the original, comedic idea is pretty clever,” the guy said.

He thinks both Valentine’s Day and Steak Day should be celebrated equally. Wonder if he’ll be getting his steak and eating it, too.

You might think this is not a real holiday. Well, you’re right. It’s not – but neither is Valentine’s Day. While one is supposedly meant to please women, the other is to please men. But every day, like I’ve said before, should be “Please Your Significant Other Day.”

I would also like to wish a certain, special someone a very happy birthday!

ERICA BETNUN has a little over one quarter to go. If you’re freaking out about graduating, let her know at elbetnun@ucdavis.edu.

Class serenades the public with songs of science

Features

Features Editor

March 10, 2010

Not only is science taught in Science and Society 42, it is also sung, hummed, poetically read, rapped and serenaded by UC Davis students for their final exam.

This past Tuesday, students in SAS 042 – Earth, Water, Science and Song – performed songs and raps as part of their final for their class. For an hour, students sang 10 songs ranging from scientific topics such as the water cycle to a love rap ballad between artist Frida Kahlo and Albert Einstein.

“The performance was extraordinary,” said Diane Ullman, professor of entomology and co-director of the Art and Science Fusion program. “It was thrilling as a co-director to see art and science come together in such a fantastic way. It brings life to the topics.”

With 34 Aggies in the class, students broke off into groups. Since no musical talent is required, groups used their individual talents to either create an original song or borrow a tune and change the lyrics. Some performances even had choreographed dances or involved musical instruments.

Many of the songs were original pieces of work, while others were modified. For example, “Water in Our World,” was adapted by the John Mayer song “Daughters” instead discussed water quality. Instead of “so fathers be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do,” the students sang “so bother to care for your water, cause water sustains all we do.”

The class will be having an encore performance on Friday, Mar. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Pence Gallery at 212 D street.

Taught by professor Wendy Silk, the class teaches non-science majors about water and soil science while incorporating the scientific concepts into songs and poetry. Students have lecture twice a week and studio time once a week.

“It is my hope that [performing] will allow [the students] to experience the emotional power of the arts while helping them master the science,” Silk said.

SAS 42 first began in winter of 2008 as a freshman seminar and became a regular class a year later. It started with Silk casually mentioning the possibility of a class that sang instead of took finals to the department chair Jan Hopmans. She took the conversation seriously and encouraged Silk to try out her idea.

“The course could not have happened without the inspiration and support of Diane Ullman,” Silk said.

This class is one of three in UC Davis’s Art/Science Fusion program, a series that blends different sciences with visual arts, photography and music. Each replaces a final with either a final performance or show to display the students’ work throughout the quarter. The National Science Foundation has shown interest in UC Davis’s efforts in incorporating the arts with the sciences and awarded an incubator grant to bring music to the study of biology, Silk said.

“The expansion of the program is dependent entirely on faculty interest in teaching these courses,” Ullman said.

Brie-anna Rojas, a senior animal biology and environmental biology and management double major, decided to take the class because she believes that it is important to spread scientific awareness to the common person.

“I feel like this class, this Art and Science Fusion program, is an excellent way to use creative methods for communicating science to the general public and reaching out to people of all age groups,” Rojas said. “Even little kids can pick up on catchy songs and if we can infuse those songs with important scientific information, we can help them enjoy learning.”

Other students joined the class because of recommendations from previous participants.

“I took this class based on a recommendation from a friend who took it last year,” said Matt Kronzer, a senior English and comparative literature double major. “I came in with some concerns that I’d be in over my head but I’ve been able to keep up to speed with everything we’ve covered.”

To those students interested in the class, Kronzer has some advice.

“I’ve never before seen a class that attempted to so closely blend science and song. I would highly recommend this class to everyone, even if you’ve finished all your GRE requirements,” he said. “Take this class, you won’t regret it.”

NICK MARKWITH can be reached at features@theaggie.org.

Aggie Daily Calendar

Features

Features Editor

March 10, 2010

TODAY

Grad Fair

2 to 6 p.m.

Freeborn Hall

Attention graduating seniors! Not sure what to do after graduation? Get help with resume writing, interviewing and finances from experts.

ASUCD Outreach Assembly Leadership Fair

7 p.m.

East Conference Room, Memorial Union

Learn about campus resources, Outreach Assembly grants, collaboration with clubs and meet with ASUCD representatives.

“Blasphemy: Hate speech or human right?”

7:10 p.m.

1001 Giedt

Listen to U.N. Representative Austin Dacey as he talks about the struggle for freedom of expression at the United Nations, presented by the Atheist and Agnostic Student Association.

THURSDAY

Campus Judicial Board Informational Meeting

4 to 5 p.m.

Moss Room, Memorial Union

Head on over to the Campus Judicial Board’s last informational meeting and learn how you can play a part!

Pi Beta Phi’s Arrowjam

7 p.m.

Pavilion

Watch Pi Beta Phi’s annual lip sync and dance competition. All proceeds go to the Pi Beta Phi Foundation and their Arrowmont School for the Arts in an effort to spread literacy nationwide.

FRIDAY

An Afternoon Around (and Beside) Chekhov’s The Seagull

1 to 5 p.m.

101 Wright

Sit beside the faculty from the German and Russian departments and the director of The Seagull to learn more about Chekhov’s work.

SATURDAY

Arboretum Member Appreciation Plant Sale

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive

Pick out plants for your spring garden at this sale! The event is open to members only and anyone can join at the door.

To receive placement in the AGGIE DAILY CALENDAR, e-mail dailycal@theaggie.org or stop by 25 Lower Freeborn by noon the day prior to your event. Due to space constraints, all event descriptions are subject to editing, and priority will be given to events that are free of charge and geared toward the campus community.

Proposed wastewater treatment system looks to reduce costs and energy consumption in face of rising rates

City News

City Editor

March 10, 2010

Faced with rising water and sewer rates, the city of Davis is seeking to adopt a more efficient water treatment system.

Ed Schroeder and George Tchobanoglous, two UC Davis civil and environmental engineering professors emeriti, proposed their wastewater management plan at the Mar. 2 city council meeting.

Schroeder and Tchobanoglous led the planning and design panel, which consisted of six wastewater professionals. The two-day panel analyzed wastewater treatment and disposal alternatives. Experts devised a treatment process flow diagram that examines how the city can continue discharging treated wastewater to the Willow Slough Bypass.

Schroeder said he predicts the recommended flow sheet will be adapted in several other cities.

“The plan is unique because it takes advantage of some existing facilities and allows the city opportunities to develop,” Tchobanoglous said.

The most critical factor of the treatment plan is converting ammonia to nitrate because high levels of ammonia in water are damaging to aquatic species. The proposed system is a stable process, which will oxidate ammonia to nitrate, thereby decreasing the pH levels in the water, Schroeder said.

The current water filtration system allows a fairly high concentration of selenium to exist in Davis well water. High levels of selenium are fatal to aquatic waterfowl.

The incorporation of the oxidation ponds will result in a smaller main plant designed to hold 6 million gallons per day and will actually be able to provide 7.5 million gallons per day.

“The recommended system will be prudent – capable of operating at the flow allowed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board but with the principal units designed for a considerably lower flow rate due to incorporation of the current oxidation ponds in the plan,” Schroeder said.

Also, using the pre-existing oxidation ponds will reliably prevent waste, reduce costs and lower oxygen use, thus decreasing energy consumption, Schroeder said.

As the demand for water in California increases, the competition for water is increasing as well, and the value of treated wastewater will rise as well. Davis can use recycled wastewater for parks, greenbelts, golf courses and floorage crop, thereby reducing water costs, Schroeder said.

The recommended improvements will reliably meet adopted discharge requirements and provide flexibility to meet prospective stricter discharge requirements, said the city’s utilities engineer Keith Smith.

“You can add on or change the system in a cost effective manner,” Smith said.

The City Council directed the staff to develop cost estimates for the recommended plan. These costs will provide a baseline when other alternatives are considered.

Eventually, water rates will double from current rates. Sewer rates are estimated to increase by approximately 50 percent. Initial increases of 5 percent for water rates and 6 percent for sewer rates are recommended for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“Estimated average combined monthly increase for water and sewer is $4.27 or $51.24 per year,” said Assistant Public Works Director Sue Gedestad in an e-mail interview.

Actual rate approval will occur on May 4.

“The large projects in each utility are the main driver, Woodland-Davis Surface water project for the water utility and wastewater treatment plant upgrade for sewer,” Gedestad said. “The water utility has also had major replacement project such as East Area Water Storage Tank and two water wells.”

THERESA MONGELLUZZO can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Yolo County relieves foster youth’s transition to independence

City News

City Editor

March 10, 2010

Most teenagers anxiously await the day they turn 18, but not every young adult shares this same excitement. For foster youth, becoming a legal adult carries new responsibilities to lead an independent life.

In an effort to aid in the transition from out-of-home residencies to independent living, the Transitional Housing Placement Plus (THP-Plus) program helps emancipated foster children in 52 counties. The THP-Plus program offers affordable housing, furniture, assistance with enrollment in school and help finding a job to former foster children ages 18 to 24.

“It is the only program in the state that works to address homelessness in former foster youth,” said Amy Lemley, policy director for the John Burton Foundation. “I think it’s very scary for these teens. You can imagine the kind of panic and frustration that this creates for them. We need to fulfill our commitment to these young people the way a parent would support their child in this transition.”

The California Department of Social Services, John Burton Foundation and the Corporation for Supportive Housing established the statewide project in 2001. Yolo County implemented the THP-Plus program in 2008, providing affordable housing for foster youth in a subsidized, communal home in the city of Davis.

Youth in the 24-month program are given housing, furniture, food allotment, counseling, assistance with earning their GED if needed, a $50 monthly stipend and a trust account to help them save money for life after the program.

“Approximately 15 youth emancipate out of foster care in Yolo County each year,” said Nancy O’Hara, assistant director of Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services in an e-mail interview. “Most have no where to live and no means of support at the time they are emancipated. The youth seem receptive and appreciative [of the THP-Plus].”

On July 1, however, the benefits of the program may be in danger if the state decreases its $172,000 allocation for Yolo County’s THP-Plus due to the California budget crisis.

“What little security they have had has been undermined by the recession,” Lemley said. “When we need it [the THP-Plus] most we see a proposal to eliminate it. As counties are more seriously affected by the recession, we see a kind of trickle down effect where counties have to decide what they do or do not want to do. It’s a tough decision for everyone.”

According to a 2002 study by the California Department of Social Services, every year in California over 4,200 young adults are dismissed from foster care, and two out of three end up homeless. Since its formation, the THP-Plus has been relatively successful – 85 percent of its participants retain housing and employment for at least one year after completing the program.

To help Yolo County’s local foster care, Soroptimist International of Davis held its annual poker tournament on March 6 at the Veterans’ Memorial Center.

“This type of issue isn’t on everyone’s radar,” said Lea Roseberg, president of Soroptimist International of Davis. “We wanted to bring it forth a little bit. I hope that these young adults know that there is a group out there that is supportive of their futures and that we care. Most of us have a mom or dad to help us get through college and pay for rent, but hopefully we can come in and help that Yolo County agency.”

About 80 percent of the profits collected were donated to the local housing program, the group’s primary project for the next couple years. Soroptimist will distribute the rest of the proceeds amongst other community projects.

SAMANTHA BOSIO can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Explorit Science Center cuts hours

City News

City Editor

March 10, 2010

Explorit Science Center on 2nd Street is making some scheduling changes.

The non-profit’s current six-day schedule has been cut in half. Saturday was the start of their new three-day schedule. The interactive science museum will now be open to the public on Tuesdays and weekends.

Peter Willson, director of marketing and development, said the change was market-driven.

“We have two to three times as many visitors at those times,” he said.

Although the hour change may seem like a drastic cut, Willson said the cut will not make a huge financial difference in the $1.6 million the museum owes its lender. Other fundraising efforts will help support the museum.

“Mounting financial pressures, such as a significant drop in individual contributions, smaller grant awards, larger than anticipated facility costs and a drop in program income, have combined to create this perfect financial storm for Explorit,” said executive director Lou Ziskind, in an online news release.

Explorit has been operating from its 2nd Street location parallel to I-80 for the past three years, although it is currently fighting to stay at the location.

Willson said the museum has received lots of community support, especially in a short time period. The science center is trying to buy time until summer when its summer programs are the biggest revenue generators.

“The best thing we have going on right now,” Willson said, “is our lender is motivated to have us stay as a tenant in this location.”

He added that Explorit’s board of directors top priority is to keep the current building to house the museum.

Last summer, Explorit was voted the best museum in Sacramento by Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks Awards and was featured on KCRA, Channel 3 News in Sacramento.

UC Davis senior managerial economics major Daniel Ooi recently became a marketing and business development intern at Explorit. He said the museum is filled with great people who love getting young kids and visitors involved.

In a worst-case scenario, Explorit may have to shut its doors to the public. Ooi said this would be a loss to the Davis community.

“The community of Davis will miss out on being able to learn about science without teaching,” he said. “[Explorit teaches science] in a way that makes kids feel like they aren’t learning.”

To get the community involved in saving the science center, Explorit has made a web page listing 10 things Davisites and Explorit fans can do keep the museum alive. For college students, Willson said there are plenty little things we can do.

“Next time it’s a rainy day, hop on in and visit,” he said. “When the family comes to visit – come on over here.”

SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

International prosecutor speaks at UC Davis School of Law

Campus News

Campus Editor

March 10, 2010

The hard head of the gavel is coming down on gender violence thanks to International Criminal Court (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

Bensouda spoke to a filled Wilkins Moot Courtroom in King Hall at the UC Davis School of Law about gender violence on Monday, Mar. 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Originally from Gambia and currently living and serving in The Hague, Netherlands, Bensouda discussed the role of the ICC and gender violence cases currently under investigation.

Incidences of gender violence include rape, forced marriage and pregnancy, sex trafficking, as well as using children as soldiers.

One of the cases under investigation is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where sexual crimes are more frequent than deaths and girl soldiers are daily victims of rape.

Rape was not recognized as a genocidal tool until the 1998 Rome Statute.

“In other settings it was as if there was a tacit agreement to look the other way. The ICC cases signal to the world that the deal is off,” Bensouda said solemnly about recognizing gender violence as a form of genocide.

Established in 2002, the ICC is a permanent international court committed to investigating genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; and currently has 110 member states.

The ICC functions as a court of last resort, and can only function in participating states, or when referred by the United Nations Security Council. When national judicial systems fail, such as those in DRC or Sudan, the ICC intervenes to investigate the situation.

“It’s important that there’s an entity to address international issues,” said Michael Wu, a first-year law student. “I think from a conservative perspective it could take away a country’s sovereignty and could make a state nervous.”

Although President Bill Clinton signed the United States as a participating state in the ICC, President George W. Bush unsigned and revoked the United States’ participation due to a concern over national sovereignty.

Despite the U.S.’s hostile track record with the ICC, Bensouda remains optimistic about the nation’s future relationship with the international court.

“Fortunately we’re seeing better days,” Bensouda said. “More U.S. officials are openly supporting the court.”

Prior to her election to the ICC Assembly of State Parties in 2004, Bensouda served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda as senior legal advisor and became Gambia’s first international maritime expert.

“I heard her speak in fall 2009, and I was impressed by her eloquence and passion,” said law professor Diane Amann. “I was honored when she accepted the invitation to speak at UC Davis.”

First-year law student Joanna Cuevas Ingram echoed Amann’s praise for Bensouda, and said Bensouda’s trip to UC Davis reflected the quality and prominence of the UC Davis international law program.

Sudan is currently under investigation by the ICC, however present conditions make on-site investigation difficult and dangerous. If and when conclusive evidence is presented, the ICC will likely charge Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir with genocide.

“We have not been able to get al-Bashir, but now he’s picking and choosing the countries he visits,” Bensouda said. “He will be marginalized and he will be joining us at the ICC sooner or later.”

GABRIELLE GROW can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

UC community inquires into motivations behind hate crimes, prejudice

Campus News

Campus Editor

March 10, 2010

Recent hate crimes and actions targeting racial, religious and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities at UC Davis and other UC campuses have left the university community wondering what could have motivated these acts of intolerance.

On Mar. 3 – the same day as a student-led march against hate and discrimination – campus police found three swastikas spray-painted on university grounds.

On Feb. 19 a swastika was carved on the door of a Jewish student at the Tercero dormitories. The LGBT Resource Center was also vandalized with defamatory messages targeting the LGBT community.

Incidents that have heightened tensions also occurred on other UC campuses. On Feb. 18, UC San Diego members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity held “Compton Cookout,” a barbeque event that mocked Black History Month with racial stereotypes.

A noose was also found drawn in a UC Santa Cruz bathroom with the words “lynch” and “San Diego” written next to it. At UC Irvine, 11 students were arrested for interrupting the speech of visiting Israeli ambassador Michael Oren.

Mohamed Buzayan, a sophomore civil engineering major who participated in the anti-bigotry protest, said the lack of swift disciplinary action by university officials for these and other acts may have prompted subsequent crimes.

“They took notice to students at UC San Diego, and they’ve seen no disciplinary action and nobody got caught,” Buzayan said. “So they knew they were going to get away with their crimes and so they went and started committing them.”

Even so, he said action against those responsible represents short-term answers to a long-term problem.

Buzayan urged the UC administration to educate students, starting at the first-year level, about diversity and appreciating equality. He believes this would teach students about acceptable behavior on campus and prevent further bigotry.

“We need to start showing students that this is not tolerable, that we’re not going to take this anymore,” Buzayan said. “I’m not just thinking about me. I worry about the future right now.”

His proposal is part of a set of 11 demands published by UC Davis students concerned with discrimination, which includes calls for increased hiring of “minority faculty” and admission of students without regards to race.

Yet because no one has been caught, hate crime experts can only speculate on the motivations that may have compelled those responsible.

Gregory Herek, a UC Davis professor of psychology, said that hatred may have played a role in these crimes, but peer pressure to commit vandalism or thrill seeking could have also motivated them to do it.

“I’d say that we don’t necessarily know what the motivations of the perpetrators are,” Herek said. “Whoever did it, it’s quite possible that they believe that somehow committing these actions would receive approval from the larger society, that they felt a sense of permission.”

Bruce Haynes, UC Davis professor of sociology and expert on race and ethnic group relations, said that while the ideas of diversity and inclusiveness should not be equated entirely with the hate crimes, they are related issues.

“Someone puts nooses around campus or makes gay and lesbian students feel threatened,” Haynes said. “That’s very different than do we have a campus climate of inclusiveness and that’s still different than do we have a diverse student body, a diverse faculty body or administration. I do think it draws attention to the lack of diversity that is apparent on our campus, and many of other UC campuses.”

In 1999, Herek co-authored a study on hate crimes that targeted lesbians, gays and bisexuals which found that hate crimes based on sexual identity caused their victim to experience more depression, anxiety, anger and traumatic stress than victims of non-biased crimes.

More recently, Herek has documented the prevalence of sexual orientation crimes. In a 2009 national study, 20 percent of respondents reported personal and property crimes based on sexual identity. One in 10 said they experienced housing and employment discrimination.

He said these recent crimes might add to the existing vulnerability felt by the targeted groups.

“This was not a new experience for them,” Herek said. “It was simply consistent with things they’ve felt all along.”

Speaking on the impact these acts might have on race relations, Haynes said the increased racial awareness of students was a positive response despite some of the episodes being unrelated.

“When the Klan comes to your town to march,” Haynes said, “I think the best thing to do is to counter-protest, that makes clear community sentiment. I do think a vocal response is appropriate.”

LESLIE TSAN can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

UC Davis School of Nursing now accepting applications

Campus News

Campus Editor

March 10, 2010

This fall, UC Davis will continue its innovation in the field of health as it ushers in the inaugural class of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, the first doctoral nursing program in the inland northern California and Central Valley areas.

A $100 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the nation’s largest grant ever for nursing education, made the program possible. Generous financial aide is promised to those in the program’s first cohort, with master’s degree students promised $6,700 a quarter for a minimum of five quarters while doctorate students are eligible for $20,000 a quarter for at least twelve quarters, according to a press release.

“We are committed to supporting the development of the leaders of tomorrow,” said Heather M. Young, associate vice chancellor for nursing for UC Davis Health System and founding dean for the School of Nursing. “Substantial financial support will give talented students the opportunity to study at UC Davis.”

Though these amounts are only promised to the first group of students admitted to the school for fall 2010, program officials plan to extend financial support to future students as well.

“[Financial support] will be continued, maybe not to the same level or to every student,” said Jenny Clark, communications officer for the School of Nursing Dean’s Office. “We will assess this on an annual basis.”

The Gordon and Betty Moore foundation is a Palo Alto-based organization established in September of 2000, and has awarded grants to several projects in the UC system over the years designed to improve health.

The School or Nursing at UC Davis will be part of the UC Davis Health System located in Sacramento. Though only Masters and PhD students will be admitted for fall 2010, the program plans to phase in a Bachelor of Science in nursing program in the coming years. When full enrollment is eventually reached in all programs, the school is estimated to house 456 students.

Program officials are unsure about the number of students they will admit for fall 2010, and will come to a decision after assessing the number of applicants they receive as well as the amount of funding allotted by the state budget, Clark said.

The program will offer a unique collaboration with other graduate fields within UC Davis, including medicine, nutrition and public health, said Jeffrey Gibeling, dean of the UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies, in a press release.

“UC Davis is now providing an interdisciplinary Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership program that will play a key role in our contributions to the economic and social well-being of communities,” Gibeling said.

Sophomore cell biology major Hillary Lawson was drawn to the field of nursing by her mother, an Intensive Care Unit nurse. Lawson noted not only the convenient proximity of the new school, but also the potential it has to become an integral part of the UC Davis Health System.

“Personally, I believe Davis could build a solid program because they are already really strong in the sciences and I think the nursing program will blossom here, and I would love to be a part of that,” she said. “There is a chance to build a name for nursing at Davis.”

MEGAN MURPHY can be reached at campus@ucdavis.edu.

Campus Judicial Report

Campus News

Campus Editor

March 10, 2010

A junior was referred to Student Judicial Affairs (SJA) for public intoxication. The student was observed walking around on campus one evening quite intoxicated, and was stopped by UC Davis police and Aggie Hosts. She was then taken to a local hospital by ambulance and was released the next day. When the student met with a judicial officer, she claimed that she was simply walking through campus while on her way back from a friend’s birthday party. However, she acknowledged that she violated the university’s Standards of Conduct for Students. The student agreed to the disciplinary sanction of a censure, knowing that repeated violations of university policy would be cause for further disciplinary action. In addition, she agreed to attend ADAPT, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program.

Procrastination nation

A senior was referred to SJA for plagiarism after failing to properly cite on-line sources used for an essay he submitted. When the student met up with a Judicial Officer, he admitted that he had plagiarized and stated that he had been very stressed out due to multiple essays due that same week. This being the student’s second referral, he agreed to the disciplinary sanction of deferred separation through graduation. Deferred separation means that if he is again referred and found in violation of misconduct, he gives up the right to a formal hearing and will likely be suspended or dismissed from the university. In addition, the student was assigned 10 hours of community service, a writing assignment and a plagiarism quiz. He was also referred to the Learning Skills Center to see a writing specialist on how to avoid plagiarism and was referred to CAPS for stress and procrastination management.

Ghost riding?

A junior was referred to SJA for conduct that threatens health and safety. The student was seen driving a vehicle in a campus parking lot while her passenger was standing with half of her body hanging out of the passenger window. An officer pulled the student’s vehicle over and informed the student driving that it was her responsibility to ensure that all passengers have proper restraints. The student understands that she was in violation of university policy and state law. She agreed to the disciplinary action of a censure.

Members of the student for judicial affairs compile the campus judicial reports. Additional information about SJA and the Campus Judicial Board may be found at sja.ucdavis.edu.

Aggies perform at Schaal

Sports

Sports Editor

March 9, 2010

UC Davis is glad to be home.

The Aggies went 2-1 at the Aggie Shootout in their first three home contests of the year.

“We did pretty well over the weekend,” freshman Jessica Dunn said. “We made a couple mistakes here and there, especially against Stanford, but it was still a good tournament.”

UC Davis (9-10) had 12 different scorers over the weekend. Sophomore Kaylee Miller led the attack with four.

Saturday – No. 15 UC Davis 15, Sonoma State 1

For the second time this season, UC Davis beat Sonoma State, and again it was in a big way.

After falling behind early in the game, UC Davis scored 15 unanswered goals en route to the big win.

Eleven different Aggies scored, with Miller and freshmen Carly Ternasky, Alex Rawlinson and Kathryn Bailey each scoring two.

“Watching all the different players score was great to see,” coach Jamey Wright said. “We have a whole team of good players, so you’re never disappointed about which combination of them is in the pool.”

Wright said it’s a great problem for a coach to have a team full of good players and to try and decide playing time for the girls.

Saturday – UC Davis 12, Cal State Bakersfield 5

The Aggies have the Roadrunners’ number.

In the two matchups this season, UC Davis has outscored Cal State Bakersfield by a combined total of 18 goals.

“Bakersfield is a pretty good team,” Wright said. “To beat them big twice in the season is pretty impressive.”

Entering halftime, the score was only 5-3 in the Aggies’ favor. A big second half sealed the deal for UC Davis.

Sophomore Christina Miyabe led the Aggies with three goals. Senior Casey Hines had seven saves in goal.

“Casey played great,” Wright said. “Her play in goal allowed us to get into our transition game easier and get some counter-attack goals.”

Sunday – No. 2 Stanford 11, UC Davis 1

In the final game of the weekend, the Aggies matched up against one of the top teams in the nation.

Senior Dana Nelson scored the only Aggie goal at the 6:23 mark in the first quarter. By the end of the period, the Cardinal had a 4-1 lead.

In the second quarter, the Aggies held Stanford to only one goal, something that Wright was happy to see.

“We played really well in the second,” Wright said. “We had decent ball control so they couldn’t get their counter-attack on.”

The Cardinal sealed the victory in the second half by holding the Aggies scoreless.

Hines performed well between the pipes with eight saves but the Aggies made a few too many miscues and Stanford took advantage.

“You make a couple mistakes against a team like that and they’ll get their counter-attack going and score a bunch,” Hines said.

Despite the lopsided score, the team feels they can learn from the loss.

“We made our mistakes and we’ll learn from it,” Wright said. “The reality of it is that if you don’t learn from it or grow from it, then it’s a waste of time.”

The Aggies return to action on Mar. 15 in a doubleheader against Harvard and Fresno Pacific.

JASON ALPERT can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

Aggies win first Big West Conference match

Sports

Sports Editor

March 9, 2010

UC Davis has been challenged by a grueling schedule all season.

Unfortunately for the Aggies their record is indicative of that competition.

The good news is that UC Davis (3-7) earned its first Big West conference win during the weekend’s doubleheader.

After a four-hour weather delay Saturday morning, the Aggies began competition by losing 7-0 to a formidable Long Beach State squad.

They responded by crushing UC Riverside 6-1, improving their conference record to 1-3.

“It’s great to get a win over a conference team,” said coach Bill Maze. “Our upcoming schedule is less daunting. I think it’s a sign of things to come.”

During the matchup with the 49ers, the Aggies were handled in singles play as the best finish was Dahra Zamudio’s 7-5, 7-5 loss at No. 2.

UC Davis’ leader in singles wins, Sidney Brady, was unable to play in the two games due an illness. Coach Maze elected to start Shawdee Rouhafza in her place.

The Walnut Creek, Calif. local experienced mixed results in her weekend debut as she ended up losing in singles play against her 49ers opponent, 6-0, 6-1.

Desiree Stone was a step slower due to an unforeseen injury resulting in a 6-2, 6-3 loss.

“I think Long Beach is the toughest team in the conference,” Maze said. “Their skill has a lot to with it and they were as good as ever.”

Stone’s injury prevented her from playing in doubles so newcomer Rouhafza filled in with Herzyl Legaspi at No. 3. The unfamiliar pair ended up losing 8-3.

“Because of Stone’s injury, we took her out of doubles,” Maze said. “I wanted to save her for Sunday.”

The decision paid off as Stone defeated her Highlanders’ opponent in singles play, 6-4, 6-3.

Lauren Curry, who is second in singles wins for the Aggies, earned another victory against UC Riverside with a 6-0 sweep in two sets.

Ellie Edles made things interesting against her UC Riverside opponent in singles. After losing the first set, Edles rallied in the final set and won 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Rouhafza, meanwhile, picked up her first singles win of the season when she defeated Roxanne Plata 6-3, 7-6.

“[Rouhafza] filled in beautifully,” he said. “She played such a strong opponent on Saturday that I think she was more prepared Sunday. It’s not easy to fill in, but she did a great job in an important match”

The only loss in singles play came from Legaspi’s matchup at No. 3. She fought her way to a final set but couldn’t close it out as she lost in the final set 6-7, 7-5, 1-0 (10-6).

The Aggies had little trouble in doubles play against UC Riverside and won two of their three matches.

The one they dropped was at No. 3 when Lauren Curry and Noelle Eades were defeated 8-6.

Stone returned to her usual doubles position, teaming with Legaspi to beat the Highlanders team 8-2.

“When you play a team you know will battle, you have to win the close matches,” Maze said. “Fortunately, it didn’t come down to one last close one.”

With eight of their last 10 matches at home, including three out of four conference matchups, the Aggies have a chance to gain substantial ground before the Big West Tournament.

The road begins today against San Jose State, a non-conference team that UC Davis swept in last year’s play 7-0.

Stone, Zamudio and Legaspi were all big parts of the win last season and will look to repeat the feat to earn the Aggies their second winning streak of the year.

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

Aggies battle nation’s best

Sports

Sports Editor

March 9, 2010

The Aggies competed against top-25 teams in the DeMarini Invitational this weekend in preparation for conference play.

After posting a win against Indiana, UC Davis moved to 7-12 on the season.

“Defensively and offensively we didn’t capitalize in crucial situations,” said coach Karen Yoder. “But the caliber of teams we played definitely challenged us, which will only help us for conference.”

Friday – Game 1: UC Davis 3, Oregon State 5

The Beavers held the Aggies hitless until the fourth when Sarah Axelson hit her second homerun of the season to make the score 2-1.

Later in the inning, a single from Jessica Gonzales drove in a run to tie the game at 2.

The score went back and fourth until the bottom of the seventh when Oregon State’s Nikki Chandler hit a walk-off two-run homerun to give the Beavers the 7-5 victory.

Friday – Game 2: UC Davis 5, Loyola Marymount 7

The Aggies had a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the third inning.

In the next three innings, the Lions came back and scored six total runs, giving Loyola Marymount a 6-3 lead at the top of the sixth.

Kylie Fan scored on a two-run homerun by Gonzalez in the top of the sixth to push UC Davis to within 6-5.

The Lions scored again in the sixth inning to account for the final score of 7-5.

Saturday – Game 1: UC Davis 4, Indiana 2

The game against Indiana had a different outcome.

Alex Holmes posted 11 strikeouts against the Hoosiers while she picked up her fifth win of the season.

“Alex threw a large amount of innings for us this weekend,” Yoder said. “She’s doing exactly what we need her to do right now and continuing to work hard on a daily basis so she can bring her A-game come conference time.”

UC Davis finished with 10 hits to Indiana’s seven in the 4-2 victory.

Megan Guzman finished 2-for-3 and five other Aggies posted one hit each.

Saturday – Game 2: UC Davis 1, Northwestern 7

The Aggies avoided a 7-0 shutout against the Wildcats when Rachel Miller scored in the seventh inning.

In the game, Marissa Araujo threw an inning and gave up just four hits.

“Araujo is extremely versatile,” Yoder said. “With a limited amount of training last week she kept us competitive and did a good job.”

Sunday – UC Davis 3, No. 3 Florida 14 (5)

Florida scored all its runs in the first four innings.

After battling a finger injury, Heather Zimmerman belted a three-run homerun in the top of the fifth inning to post the Aggies’ only runs of the game.

“Zimmerman took full advantage of the opportunity she had on Sunday,” Yoder said.

Earlier that morning, UC Davis lost 7-2 to Northwestern in the previously suspended game from the Cathedral City Classic.

“It’s all part of the big picture,” Yoder said. “We need to remain mentally tough and remember that this is challenging us at the highest level.”

GRACE SPRAGUE can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

Causeway champs

Sports

Sports Editor

March 9, 2010

Wins are great.

Wins against Sacramento State are divine.

Over the weekend, the Aggies took two out of three games from the Hornets while outscoring Sac State 31-11.

“It’s big for our program,” said sophomore Scott Lyman. “We lost two out of three last year so to some back and beat them around a little bit feels good.”

Friday – UC Davis 11, Sacramento State 3

The first game of the series was played in Sacramento.

Regardless, the Aggies felt right at home.

Pitching standout Dayne Quist threw his second complete game of the season.

In the performance, he allowed six hits, four walks and three earned runs while striking out five on a whopping 126 pitches.

Coach Rex Peters says he likes to keep his hurlers to a modest pitch count early in the season-somewhere around 100. However, Peters acknowledges Quist as a workhorse.

“He felt good at the end of the game,” Peters said. “He was actually pitching better at the end of the game than he was early on. He wanted to go out there and finish and we gave him the chance because he wasn’t tired.”

With the win, Quist is now 3-0 in three starts while sporting a miniscule 1.42 earned run average. Most impressively, he has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

These impressive statistics prove why Quist is the Aggies’ No. 1 starter.

“That’s what a Friday starter is supposed to do – give you a chance to win the first game of a series,” Peters said. “That game is always important and he gives us a chance to win every time he’s on the mound.”

While Quist was lights-out on the bump, the Aggies were pounding the Hornets at the dish.

Shortstop Justin Schafer went 2-for-4 with three RBI while designated hitter David Popkins went 3-for-4 and hit his second homerun of the young season.

Saturday – UC Davis 13, Sacramento State 2

If Friday’s game was a blowout, then Saturday’s game was an absolute massacre.

In the only game played at Dobbins Stadium during the series, the Aggies gave the home crowd a show as they defeated the rival Hornets by 11 runs.

This time around, UC Davis rode on the shoulders of both Lyman and Schafer.

The heart of the order hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, effectively ending any hope the Hornets had of a comeback.

Schafer’s blast was particularly impressive, even to Lyman.

“Not everybody has that god-given talent like Justin Schafer has,” Lyman said jokingly.

Peters was also pleased with what he saw from his star shortstop.

“Schafer is finally starting to get comfortable at the plate,” Peters said. “He’s starting to see the ball a little better and putting some better swings on pitches.”

Not to be outdone, Lyman hit another moon shot over the right field wall – his second long ball of the day.

“Lyman’s a guy that’s capable of doing some serious damage,” Peters said. “That’s why he’s hitting fourth. He didn’t get any at-bats last year due to injury but it was just a matter of time until he started producing for us.”

Sunday – Sacramento State 7, UC Davis 6

After the impressive day at the plate, Lyman took the mound on Sunday looking to continue his dominance.

He was good, but not good enough as the Hornets won the game 7-6 in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Lyman, who allowed seven hits, five earned runs and six walks while striking out six in 5.1 innings, knows that his team still has work to do.

“When you put up a lot of runs and hits, you come out the next day and you may take it for granted,” Lyman said. “We need to have that same approach and fire to show that we can do it again. We just have to keep it rolling.”

MARK LING can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

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