Surveillance Cameras on CSULB

CSULB Begins Surveillance Program

Last month CSULB installed it's new 37 surveillance camera initiative pushed by ASI to bolster the security in and around campus. The new pentel zooms, which have the ability to zoom in on license plates from a four-story altitude are mainly surveying areas that are unmonitored frequently, such as the parking lots. 

Big Brother or Proper Security?

The issue of irresponsible practices has been brought to light by several campus's around the nation. The proper use of cameras, the collection of data, where does it end up and ultimately who is watching the footage, are a few of the concerns civil rights activists have. According to the Daily 49er, CSULB's college newspaper, the cameras do have some inhibiting protocol that is manually installed. If a camera pans toward the student dorms windows, the camera will black out to the viewer so as not to capture any images of students inside their rooms.  http://www.daily49er.com/news/cameras_secure_csulb.

Why Cameras?

Last year, two women were sexually assaulted on the CSULB campus in dimly lit areas of the campus where the predators acted out their crime. Initially, the camera initiative began as a lighting plan to enhance lighting around the perimeters of campus. It was brought to the attention of certain ASI officials, primarily President James Davis to push for the security measure that would give the authorities a greater chance to crack down on crime.

Ways To Prevent Crime On Your Own

• Attend a campus self defense class
• Use campus security to walk you to your car
• Become familiar where the Blue security phones arE
• Attend College 100, an overall comprehensive How To Guide to CSULB
  

Obama, Before and After

ALEX SANJUAN

CANALIS 340

POST ELECTION

                                                Obama KO’s McCain!

As I expected, the build up was greater than the show. Thinking that I should take a nap before the long haul, the election was over not long after I awoke. Obama took four crucial states that were primarily Republican, two, which had been so, for the last 40 years, Colorado and Virginia.

            When Obama took the stage, it was if he had known for a long time how the outcome would be. He has always been humble with his presence but he had an aura of relief. A relief that this is finally over and he can now focus on 2009.

            McCain graciously bowed out with a noble speech, taking the blame for the loss and relinquishing any guilty feeling the Republican voters might have had. Something tells me as he walked off that stage that he wanted to serve a cold dinner to whoever’s idea it was to elect Sara Palin as his running mate. Four years is a long time to wait for another shot, and I believe he realized, this was his last.

            The most surreal part for myself was the panning of the camera over the masses, as profiles of Oprah Winfrey and Jesse Jackson fed through the television set, with streaking tears on their face. A younger more contemporary crowd was visibly apparent, as expressions of glee filled the Chicago air.

            As Obama’s family stepped onto the stage, First Lady Michelle and his two daughters, I thought to myself, an African American family will be living in the White House. I myself got emotional, and felt a sense of pride and hope again as I listened to people cheering outside on my Long Beach street.

 

Alex Sanjuan

Canalis 340

Pre-Election

                                                A Showdown for the Ages

        A historical moment will take place, Tuesday November 4^th as America’s next elected President will be selected. As of recent, many conflicting reports have different views on where the race actually is.  “The race is tightening”, and “Obama is a lock for the position”, are just a few of the premonitions that society has apparently. One thing is for sure; the issues at hand will definitely determine who wins this election.

Healthcare, Immigration, the war and most importantly, the economy are the key factors that will reach into the depths of everyone’s hearts when they punch in their votes.

Unfortunately people will still consider race and religion as a factor in their decision. The paper trail of Muslim roots for Obama has been portrayed as an accusation of terrorist links that people view as detrimental when it comes to foreign affairs. Obviously, there is no validity to these reports but people will run with anything in extreme times of camaraderie. Vice versa, the Republican Party gets a bad name for having conservative narrow-minded views that are facilitated by the word of God. The fact that Obama is African American gives a false sense hood to people that that actually represents diversity. What people fail to forget, is that he is half Anglo.

                                    In my opinion, staying up all night for the monumental finish will be a waste of sleep and will ruin your Wednesday. November 4^th will be anti-climatic and I believe Obama will win by a significant amount. The story will be what he does come 2009 and how a diminished economy will be replenished under his guidance, definitely time to fast-forward.

 

Proposition 8

This year on May 15, a 4-3 decision by the Supreme Court struck down Proposition 22, an act that would allow same sex marriage. On the ballot again for the upcoming election, Proposition 8 once again will give citizens the opportunity to vote on whether the matrimony of two same sex genders should be allowed to express their love however they seem fit.
I find it amusing that people can dig deep down into their pockets and actually come up with money in this “supposed economic crisis” to oppose something that doesn’t directly affect them. By this I mean, a gay person is not defecating in their from yard or blowing smoke in their face. Millions of dollars are being plugged into this campaign and at the end of the day when the conservatives do not get what they want they will be broke and despondent. When I think of gay marriage, it’s simply an adult decision made by two people that have genuine love for each other, it’s nobody else’s business. For those who are gay and actually trying to assimilate into society, the struggle for equality is alive and well, and will be for centuries to come.
This battle of ideals, whether it be funded by money, blood, sweat and tears, is worthwhile considering once something like this is annulled, other everyday rights will be infringed on eventually. I value my rights and society should be willing to at least tolerate this for the simple fact that we thrive on freedom and the right to choose.