Tuesday

February 24, 1998

Parking garage cameras left unmonitored, 36 stolen

CSUS' transportation and parking manager is calling the parking garage's safety into question after a rash of security camera thefts.

"The cameras are kind of useless. They are providing a sense of security that is not there," said Nancy Fox, CSUS transportation and parking manager.

Over recent months, 36 of the 50 installed security cameras have been stolen from the garage. The remaining 14 cameras are unmonitored.

The positions of the stolen cameras vary, but the elevated floors have been hit hardest, according to a visual inspection by the Hornet. On the upper floors, the only cameras in place face the elevators, not traffic or parked cars.

John Hamrick of the CSUS University Police did not speculate on personal safety in the garage, but said students and staff parking there should use the same level of precaution as when parking anywhere else on campus.

"The department has always patrolled the parking structure and always will," Hamrick said.

CSUS student Mario Salcedo parks in the garage 90 percent of the time he is on campus. He said he noticed some cameras are pointed in the wrong direction.

"It could be an effective deterrent, but there needs to be someone looking at those cameras," he said.

Fox said most of the thefts had occurred over the winter break.

"They weren't placed where someone could monitor them," she said. "No one has had the job of monitoring them," she said.

Fox said that at no time has anyone been given the task of specifically monitoring the cameras.

The cameras, and their installation hardware, cost the university $615 each. The cameras were purchased from and installed by Warren Associates. They were installed when the structure was completed in July 1992.

The material cost of the cameras ran $30,750, according to the $615 figure provided by UTAPS. That figure does not include the cost of labor for installation.

A Nov. 26, 1991 State Hornet article announced the camera implementation in the garage. The cameras were to be one of several security features built into the garage by International Design, the firm that built the parking structure.

Robin Lovering, manager of project design and development for Facilities Management at the time, told the Hornet the cameras were to be fed to supervised monitors as of 1991. The other features were passive safety measures, such as light-colored surfaces, glass elevators and general openness.

CSUS student Suzy Correll parks in the garage four or five days a week. She said she has not had a problem, including when she has taken night classes, but she does not know where the blue emergency phone boxes are. She did say she has seen the results of vandalism in the garage.

"Anything you see with damage to cars is always level three or above," she said.

The monitoring equipment is located in the former UTAPS office inside the parking garage. UTAPS moved its offices to Foley Hall, formerly part of the residence halls, in January. The video monitors tied to the cameras stayed behind. Fox said UTAPS moved from the parking structure because it had outgrown the space available there.

Various solutions, including total replacement of the cameras, have been discussed, Fox said, between her and her immediate supervisors, Ronald Grant and Ed Del Biaggio, vice president for administration. A solution is pending, she said, adding that she wanted to see the situation resolved soon. Grant, director of support services, agreed that a decision was pending, and would be based on the cost-benefit analysis.

"There are factors such as who should do it, and if there is a need. The cost itself is not going to be a major factor," Grant said.

Salcedo thinks it's worth the cost for someone to monitor the cameras.

"You're looking at saving someone's life for $5.25 an hour, if the university is willing to pay for that monitoring," he said.

Fox noted security cameras are not standard.

"It is not normal and ordinary to have cameras in a parking garage. It is kind of an added plus."

Fox said she would like to see a complete solution to the problem -- a more secure video setup, complete with videotape backup and active monitoring by public safety. The monitors would have to be relocated and someone would have to be trained and then paid to watch the monitors, she said.

Hamrick said cameras give police an advantage in apprehending suspects.

"The advantage of the cameras with recording equipment is in identifying suspects or the vehicles involved in the commission of a crime," he said.

Fast Fact:

Foundation hesitant on move to Union

Food Services will likely downsize its plan for expansion in the University Union, said Ed Del Biaggio, acting vice president for administration.

Factoring heavily into this tentative decision is a food service survey conducted by Marriot Consulting in 1997 -- and Food Services' recent financial losses.

"Last year we lost $299,000, give or take a buck or two, in the University Union. Obviously, we can't continue that kind of an operation," said Del Biaggio, who is working with Food Services on this project.

According to Del Biaggio, Foundation management for food services is currently reviewing Marriot's recommendations.

And it seems they are in agreement with Marriot's assessment of the situation. "There's just insufficient customers on the campus to warrant the breadth of food service operations that we provide," he said.

Don Hinde, the director of the University Union, said he is currently discussing the situation with the Foundation.

"We're still working. Eventually we will come to an understanding," said Hinde.

According to Hinde, the Foundation originally requested space for food courts, kitchens, and a sports video food service area. The set square footage of the space, however, was never decided upon -- and nothing was ever put in writing.

"Right now I think it's important to discuss what they can do," said Hinde.

According to Del Biaggio, the Foundation's original plans for the Union were drawn during the early 1990s, when enrollment was up. But around 1993, concurrent drops in enrollment and construction in the Union translated into a dramatic loss in sales revenue.

"It's like any business, when you have fewer people show up it's less sales," he said.

Del Biaggio said the current construction is having a similar effect on Union food service revenues.

When construction is completed on the Union food courts, however, he anticipates it will be eagerly received by the campus community -- the "build and they'll come, 'Field of Dreams' concept."

But according to Del Biaggio, while he will eat at the Union when it opens, he won't be making a habit of it.

"I'm not going to walk to the Union on a regular basis to eat," said Del Biaggio, who works out of Sacramento Hall.

"People will not walk more than two and a half minutes to get food," said Nancy Pennebaker, special assistant to the Foundation's executive director.

"The survey results indicate that, for the most part, people are not willing to cross the line; they won't walk one way or the other to any great extent to go eat," said Del Biaggio.

Adding to location limitations, Del Biaggio said the overall customer base is much smaller than anticipated. If enrollment increases had continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, it would be easier for the Foundation to use all the space in the Union.

But as it is, the Marriott says no, he said.

Food Service survey results released

Food survey results will guide the CSUS Foundation in restructuring its Food Service to better meet customer needs, according to Nancy Pennebaker, special assistant to the Foundation's executive director.

Of those interviewed for the survey, half said they were unsatisfied with on-campus eateries. Only 13 percent were satisfied with the Residence Hall Dining Commons. However, Ed Del Biaggio, acting vice president for administration, said these results do not reflect standards since the Dining Commons implemented the "all you care to eat" plan for dorm residents.

Under Plan A, which costs $926 per semester, students can eat 10 meals per week at the Dining Commons. Under Plan B, which costs $1,099 per semester, students receive 15 meals per week.

"I think that if we did a survey now with the residence hall students, you'd see some changes," said Del Biaggio.

What is not commonly known, he added, is that the Dining Commons is open to the public.

"You don't have to live in the residence halls to eat there. It is by far the best deal on campus," he said.

Meal costs are $3.95 for breakfast, $6.25 for lunch/brunch and $8.85 for dinner. The Dining Commons is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

In the last four years, Food Services has cost the Foundation more than $1.3 million. This year, Food Services is budgeted to lose $187,000, a drop from last year's $508,000 deficit.

"I think we are cautiously optomistic that we will probably still make that budget," said Elroy Littlefield, the Foundation's interim executive director. "If we do make that budgeted loss, it will be quite a come-around from the previous year."

The results of the CSUS survey -- when compared to those of campuses with similar demographics -- offered some interesting results, said Pennebaker.

"What we found in 1997 was that students -- our campus market -- still want the same thing," said Pennebaker.

In general, the food preferences and buying habits of students, faculty and staff were indicated by the survey's findings. When those interviewed were asked to rank their top 10 food preferences, Mexican food, Chinese food, salad and low fat/healthy choices were among the most popular choices.

"We try to offer a lot of options for all the different tastes and needs," said Pennebaker.

The results of surveys like this one have a signifigant impact on options provided by Food Services, according to Del Biaggio.

"The reason we have Togos and Taco Bell here today is the '94 survey," said Del Biaggio.

The survey's results -- and Marriott Consulting's recommendations based on those results -- were presented at the Foundation board's retreat at Bodega Bay over winter break.

Marriott Consulting was contracted for $80,000 by the Foundation to conduct the food service survey.

The majority of the 1,272 people surveyed were students, but faculty and staff were also included.

KSSU DJs still riding the radio waves

Crammed into two tiny offices on the second floor of the Library, CSUS' student-run radio station, The APEX, broadcasts an ecclectic mix of music, from hip-hop to alternative, as well as its own talk shows.

Despite the apparent invisibility of The APEX (KSSU AM 1580) to the general campus population, the disc jockeys who produce The APEX continue for the fan base they do have -- and for the pure love of it.

Charles Albright, a philosophy major who is in his first semester as a DJ, says he and his partner Matthew Silver, also a student, have built a decent fan base in the dorms. But his reasons for starting his show were personal.

"I don't put up with corporate radio and felt I could do better," he said.

However much he enjoys his air time, Albright said he has no plans to be a professional DJ.

"I'm not good enough, but I like the experience," he said.

Jeff Kaopps, the station's program director since July, said the station covers a variety of music depending on the DJ's personality. Listeners can hear hip-hop, ska, alternative, and other types of music they may not hear on corporate radio.

"A lot of people from the dorms listen to us. As an ASI program, we love to hear from the students, especially requests," said disc jockey Gary Waller.

Waller, a business major who plans on attending law school, agrees working at The APEX is a good experience, but does it as more of a hobby. Requests can be made by calling 278-3343.

Kaopps said the only rules the DJs must follow is that they must avoid the three outlawed words.

"Obviously there is no cussing on the air. That can be kind of hard because most alternative bands like to just throw in words," he said.

The APEX is a three-watt station, licensed only to broadcast on the campus. However, the signal can reach out in about 1- to 2-mile radius during the day.

After 6 p.m., the signal is weakened because the radio band must compete with a nearby Spanish station and a country music station from Southern California. Kaopps said if a listener is in the right place at the right time, he or she can hear a mix of rock, Spanish and country music.

However, this is not a problem for the largest fan base, which is in the dorms, Kaopps said.

Kaopps and his assistant production manager, Jennifer Reyes, encourage DJs to advertise their shows through fliers and other means. However, DJs must pay for advertisements themselves.

However, KSSU's director became aware of possible funds available from ASI, following recent advertisements in the State Hornet by two new DJs.

"If KSSU wanted to run some ads, there is plenty of money left for advertising ASI programs," said Leah Spratt, an administrative assistant for ASI.

Albright said he has been paying for fliers advertising his show. He said he was not aware ASI advertising funds were available.

Kaopps said the station is sustained by ASI to promote sporting events and special activities such as Midnight Madness last fall and River City Days in the spring.

Kaopps, who would like to own his own radio station, said students who have worked at The APEX have gone on to find jobs in the radio and record industries. He said he has developed a number of connections, which he hopes will help find jobs for his graduating DJs.

Faculty Senate proposes grade replacement change

The CSUS Faculty Senate on Feb. 19 struck down a motion that would have allowed students to "erase" failing grades from their academic record -- providing they retake the courses and pass them.

The measure, presented as an amendment to forthcoming changes to the course repeat/grade replacement policy, would have eliminated the first grade entirely.

Electrical/Electronic Engineering professor Jean-Paul Bayard spoke against the changes. He said the perceived quality of education on campus would decrease if the amendment was approved.

Under the amendment, a student could have taken a class over to improve his or her grade and GPA.

"It's not just the outcome. It's the process. The end grade does not necessarily indicate you have the knowledge we think you need to have," Bayard said.

The amending language change was proposed by George Parrott, professor of psychology. The final vote on the language change was eight in favor, 22 against, with three abstentions.

Further discussion of the measure was tabled until the next meeting on Feb. 26.

Faculty Senate chairman Thomas Krabacher also announced the four faculty members joining the CSUS Cornerstones Committee: Cristy Jensen, John Doolittle, Marjorie Gelus and Tom Kando.

Peace Corps brings mission to CSUS

For students seeking volunteer experience in developing and troubled nations, a Peace Corps recruiter will return for his monthly visit to CSUS this week.

Parin Shah will give two informational presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. He will also staff an information table at the Library breezeway on both days.

According to Heidi Thoren, public affairs specialist for the Peace Corps' regional office in San Francisco, there are numerous benefits for volunteering with the organization.

Volunteers spend three months in intensive language training, job skills and cultural exchange and then spend 24 months living and working in another country.

The Peace Corps pays the volunteer a monthly allowance for costs of living, full medical and dental coverage, and a stipend of about $5,400 to help reacclimate to living in the U.S. at the end of their commitment, Thoren said. Student loans can be deferred or partially canceled for Peace Corps volunteers.

Former volunteers return to be leaders in business, politics, education and many other fields.

"There are a lot of success stories," Thoren said.

Joe Serna Jr., the mayor of Sacramento, is a former Peace Corps volunteer.

At one time, the Peace Corps maintained an office on campus, staffed by graduate students and one part-time representative. But CSUS' office was axed after national Peace Corps officials downsized their operation.

According to Thoren, CSUS was not specificially targeted for shutdown. The cuts were done across the board, as dictated by the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. The University of Hawaii's Peace Corps office was also closed.

The Peace Corps still maintains offices at several Northern California college campuses, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and Humboldt State.

The Peace Corps recruiter continues to visit the Sacramento community at least once a month, Thoren said.

Although the Peace Corps' reduced budget has forced major cuts in operations, President Clinton has proposed injecting $44 million of funding into the volunteer-abroad program.

In January, Clinton initiated the budget increase to expand the number of Peace Corps volunteers from 6,500 to 10,000 by the year 2000. Clinton's proposal will require the approval of Congress. But the Peace Corps has strong bipartisan support, said Thoren, who expects the initiative to pass.

"The Peace Corps will remain a popular agency in Congress and the public. More and more people across the county are requesting information about it," Thoren said.

The Peace Corps promotes world peace through cultural understanding by exchanging technical expertise and development, she said. The organization also provides prevention and education concerning health care.

The Peace Corps serves over 84 countries worldwide -- 40 percent of which are in Africa. New countries are added every year. This year the Peace Corps added three new countries: Georgia, Mozambique and Bangladesh.

"The Peace Corps continues to evolve, change and meet the needs of the world," Thoren said.

Shah will also give an off-campus presentation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St. For more information, call the San Francisco Regional Peace Corps Office at (415) 977-8786.

Informational presentations will be held on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Career and Testing Center on the second floor of Lassen Hall. There will also be an information table at the Library breezeway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

NEWS BRIEFS

Panel to discuss race relations

Elizabeth Taylor of the JFK School of Management will be moderating a panel consisting of CSUS officials whose positions especially concern race issues.

The panelists will define issues and identify solutions on race and equality relations in higher education in California in the 21st century.

CSUS hosts journalism awards

The conference features several panel discussions, beginning at 2 p.m., covering such topics as press coverage of state initiatives, courtroom events, and political talk radio. The conference will also feature an awards dinner, beginning at 7 p.m., recognizing outstanding reporting of California public affairs and politics.

The panels are free and the dinner is $25.

For more information, contact 278-6906.

Campus buildings renamed

Media tackles the budget

Participants will be divided into groups and will present their findings to the whole, where it must face a two-thirds majority vote to be approved. EUREKA is largely funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and is designed to show the demands and intricacies of California's budget process.

The event will take place in the University Union's Redwood Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Persons interested in participating in future EUREKA sessions may contact the Center for California Studies at 278-6906.

NAACP hosts town hall forum

The forum, which will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature at least two members of the city council. They will hear from members of the community about experiences with Sacramento police officers.

For more information, contact the NAACP at 733-0430.