A Note from the Editor

Last week, flyers on campus titled “End the Blacklist at USF” alleged that the Foghorn was withholding interviews hosted by Voy Media that would incriminate USF’s administration for supposedly altering student evaluations. The distributor of the flyers called on students to pressure the Foghorn staff into publishing interviews on the matter, and listed my e-mail as a contact. This note is to put this rumor to rest. Since August of last year, a former adjunct professor at USF has been contacting me repeatedly by e-mail regarding what he claimed was unlawful termination. As editor in chief, I did my due diligence in research. I reached out to him and asked him questions regarding possible reasons for his termination, but I did not receive a reply. I also contacted the President of the Adjunct Faculty Union regarding the case and was told that the former adjunct professor had not asked for assistance with this grievance of manipulated student evaluations. Based on these findings and my communications with the administration, I made the editorial decision to not move forward with a story that was incomplete in its facts; the administration cannot disclose the reasons behind any faculty termination, and the former professor in question was not interested in responding to my direct questions. I hope that this explanation clears up the confusion surrounding this issue.

All the best,
Nureen Khadr
Editor in Chief

Join Your Campus Newspaper

Staff Editorial

We, the staff of the SF Foghorn, would like to solemnly urge our writers and readers to engage with their school paper. Our staff consists of students from a wide variety of majors, from media studies to computer science, and despite our different fields of study, we can all of think of different ways the paper has played an important role in time here at USF. Engaging with on-campus, student-run media outlets is an important part of the college experience and we could only think of a very long list of reasons why. Continue reading Join Your Campus Newspaper

Paid Parental Leave For All

Staff Editorial

San Francisco became the first city in the United States that will provide six weeks of paid parental leave to both mothers and father of straight and same-sex couples, and to anyone who births or adopts a child. This new law will become effective beginning January 1,2017 for companies with more than 50 employees. The existing policy regarding parental leave, before this new ordinance was signed into law on April 5, dictated that employees were eligible to receive 55 percent of their salary for up to for up to six weeks as part of California’s Paid Family Leave program. Continue reading Paid Parental Leave For All

Foghorn Alumni Promoted to President of Bleacher Report

Katie Ward
Staff Writer

Rory Brown made himself known at USF. He was typically seen in the basement of Phelan Residence Hall, the Foghorn’s former office, wearing sunglasses on the back of his head, joking with co-workers, friends, and peers. He was a standout student: bashful at first, but eventually willing to tackle even the most intimidating assignments in his journalism classes. Professors and students both expected great things. Continue reading Foghorn Alumni Promoted to President of Bleacher Report

The Criminalization of Race: Airline Edition

Staff Editorial

26-year-old U.C. Berkeley student Khairuldeen Makhzoomi was recently removed from a Southwest flight for speaking Arabic on the phone. He called his uncle right before the plane took off to tell him about a dinner he attended at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and was able to ask Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon a question about the Islamic State. He also mentioned that chicken was the main entree. Continue reading The Criminalization of Race: Airline Edition

Texas Passes Campus Carry Law

Staff Editorial

Starting August 1 of this year, students above the age of 21 who have licenses to carry will be allowed to keep concealed guns on college campuses in the state of Texas. According to the University of Texas, Austin’s webpage, concealed carry has been legal on college campuses for about twenty years. However, this new law, which state Governor Greg Abbott signed into law in June 2015, allows for concealed carry inside buildings on college campuses. As fellow college students attempting to visualize a scenario where our school campus would legally contain people with guns, we find this absolutely terrifying. Continue reading Texas Passes Campus Carry Law

SF Raises Tobacco Purchase Age to 21

Staff Editorial

On March 1 San Francisco City Supervisors unanimously voted to change the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 years of age to 21. Boston, New York City, and the state of Hawaii have already raised the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21. Supervisor Scott Wiener, who took the lead on passing this piece of legislation, argues that this will help dissuade those under the age of 21 from becoming lifelong smokers. Opponents of the new law, largely tobacco industry members, argue that California law, which has an age minimum of 18, should overrule any municipal law regarding the issue. However, unless California state law wants to step in, the change will go into effect on June 1 of this year. Continue reading SF Raises Tobacco Purchase Age to 21

Nursing Students’ Association Masquerade Gala

Adriana Jones
Staff Writer

This past Saturday, Feb. 27 was the 2nd annual Nursing Students’ Association Masquerade Gala benefiting Family House in San Francisco. Approximately 80 students, as well as alumni, were in attendance at the event in the McLaren Conference Center. The night kicked off with a number from the SIX ASUSF Voices a capella group, which was followed by various other performances, including one from hypnotist Dave Hill. The money from the guests’ admission and raffle tickets all went to benefit Family House. Continue reading Nursing Students’ Association Masquerade Gala

The 2016 Oscars Were Weird

Staff Editorial

Leo finally won an Oscar! Chris Rock was hosting! This past Sunday marked one of the most politically driven Oscars celebrations to date. This year, there were absolutely no black nominees in any category. With the recent twitter trend of #OscarsSoWhite, in addition to numerous boycotts amongst celebrities, notably from Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee, audience members were waiting in high anticipation for Rock’s opening monologue. There was a lot to take in just during this opening speech, which was preceded by a montage made up predominantly of actors of color. The only singular term to describe Chris Rock’s monologue was that it was purely so odd. Continue reading The 2016 Oscars Were Weird

Fuller House, Full of Garbage

Nichole RNichole Rosanova is a senior media studies major.

Last Friday the first season of “Fuller House,” the sequel to the popular sitcom “Full House” that ran from 1987-1995, premiered on Netflix. Jeff Franklin returns as the series’ Executive Producer, along with most of the familiar cast members reprising their roles in either a lead or special appearance. Continue reading Fuller House, Full of Garbage

Considerations on ASUSF Senate Special Election

Staff Editorial

As ASUSF Senate’s Special Election comes to a close at the end of this week, the Foghorn staff would like to reflect on the two ballot items and their potential outcomes. These urgent issues prompted this irregular election: Executive President Larry Figueroa’s newly proposed membership structure, and the growing need for an increase in the Student Activity Fee. Continue reading Considerations on ASUSF Senate Special Election

Student Health in the Spring Semester

Brian Healy
Staff Writer

At the start of the new semester, students around campus picked right back up where they left off in December. Although going back home provided a nice break for some of us (or just some much needed rest time around the city for others), it is no secret that overindulgence is synonymous with the holiday season. Continue reading Student Health in the Spring Semester

Good Enough to Convert a Carnivore? (VeganBurg Review)

Claudia Sanchez
Staff Writer

When I found out that VeganBurg was opening nearby, I knew I had to go, mostly out of curiosity, but also because it’s close to my job. I go through brief flirtations with vegetarianism, only to end up in the arms [or wings] of my beloved chicken, and maybe VeganBurg would make a convert out of me. Continue reading Good Enough to Convert a Carnivore? (VeganBurg Review)

Deadpool: Flaunting Convention In The Funniest Ways Possible

David L. Garcia
Staff Writer

I like superhero movies as much as the next guy, but ever since “The Avengers” came out, it’s been getting kind of ridiculous. I just don’t care anymore. Every new superhero film announces itself as some big, bad, awesome film, packed to the gills with origin stories, dead relatives, loyal friends, questions of honor, fiery explosions, monologuing bad guys, sequel easter eggs, and a costume-making montage. It sometimes seems as if the theatrical trailer holds all the real thrills, and that I’m only sitting in the theater to watch the (by now, completely unavoidable) post-credits scene. Continue reading Deadpool: Flaunting Convention In The Funniest Ways Possible

Equity in Animal Rights

JOSE ESQUER ROMEROJose Esquer-Romero is a freshman business administration major.

Animal rights activists have applauded SeaWorld’s decision to phase out its orca show in favor of a more naturalistic show which will display killer whale behavior in the wild. This comes as a result of the backlash the theme park has been receiving after the release of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish.” Continue reading Equity in Animal Rights

What Does Donald Trump’s Popularity Say About Our Democracy

Rafael JM HerreroRafael JM Herrero is a graduate student in the MFA writing program.

Donald Trump is notoriously afraid of germs and does not like to shake hands. He is also a man who likes to make brazen comments concerning the valor of Senator John McCain, likes to refer to Mexicans as being rapists, or women as bleeding bodies. And yet, he is the leading candidate in the polls as the Republican nominee in the presidential race. According to the Huffington Post, which tracks in real-time 198 polls from 31 pollsters, Donald Trump is the leading candidate in all polls combined since July. What does this tell us about our democracy? Continue reading What Does Donald Trump’s Popularity Say About Our Democracy

Indian Student Organization Hosts Festival of Lights

Brian Healy
Staff Writer

As dance shoes were laced up, and the McLaren lobby filled with students practicing their dance moves, iPhone speakers blared music from a variety of clashing genres. D Se Dance from the Bollywood film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania played on one side of the room, while members of the Indian Student Organization (ISO) who were dressed in traditional Indian costume, practiced for a dance routine that they were about to present for the annual Diwali celebration. Continue reading Indian Student Organization Hosts Festival of Lights

Foghorn Staff Picks: Favorite Movies for Halloween

Nureen Khadr
Editor In Chief

Nothing is spookier to me than Shonda Rhimes. As much as I love watching movies, there is no fall feature that gets me more anxious than watching “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” While the drama in both shows is undeniable, there is so much that speaks to human nature and the worst possible things that we can commit when the situation arises: murder, torture, political corruption, betrayal and more. And there’s always enough medical calamities and gore in “Grey’s Anatomy” to keep you satiated. What’s more Halloween than that? Continue reading Foghorn Staff Picks: Favorite Movies for Halloween

USF’s Wellness Center

Adriana Jones
Staff Writer

The Wellness Center is a new program for students of the University of San Francisco. It is akin to a “a life coach for students” according to Andrea Mozqueda, one of the three wellness coaches who are part of the confidential program run by Health Promotion Services. The three wellness coaches, Mozqueda, Kristen Minami, and Jason Gant, and are all graduate students at the University. Continue reading USF’s Wellness Center

Governing the Right to Die

Staff Editorial

Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a bill that legalizes assisted suicide in the state of California. According to the Los Angeles Times, the bill will permit “physicians to provide lethal prescriptions to mentally competent adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and face the expectation that they will die in six months.” The legislation was signed on October 5th and will go into effect ninety days after state Legislature ends its session on healthcare, which may not happen until as late as November of next year. According to the New York Times, the California law is modeled after the one currently in place in Oregon. Continue reading Governing the Right to Die

Don on the Street: Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree

Antara Murshed
Staff writer

Last Friday, USF’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to revoke Bill Cosby’s honorary degree. Following in the footsteps of other Jesuit institutions like Marquette and Fordham, USF has decided to take away the honorary degree from Cosby on the basis of his behavior, which was deemed inconsistent with the school’s mission. What are your thoughts on the Board’s decision? Continue reading Don on the Street: Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree

A Letter from the Editors to Best Coast and their Fans

A Letter from the Editor to Best Coast and their Fans

We at the Foghorn would like to speak to those who took offense to the Best Coast concert review recently published in print and on our website. Best Coast and their many fans are entitled to their reactions. We are glad to see that they read the piece, and that they felt comfortable sharing their opinions about it. Journalism is not a one-way street, and the Foghorn appreciates hearing any feedback or difference of opinion that any of our readers may have.

That said, we are not sorry for publishing it. The review was simply a representation of what our critic felt was important to the audience that attended the show. It is unfortunate that it was misunderstood as an act of sexism.

As Mr. Garcia said in his review, music should never be a fashion show. He certainly did not attend the concert looking for one. He went hoping to hear good music, and as he clearly stated in the article, that is what he heard.

What he did not like was the idea that a popular band — a band that can pull crowds to a historic San Francisco venue like The Fillmore on a Wednesday night — did not seem to be able to form a connection between themselves and the crowd. After seeing Cosentino’s immaculate outfit and hearing her wonderful music, it seemed a shame that the band was unable to give their fans what they deserved: some interest and personal investment in a show they had all paid to see.

Several readers have criticized Mr. Garcia’s comment about how Cosentino did not smile throughout the show. This was compared to asking a woman on the street to smile, something that, we agree, is horribly sexist. It is important to keep in mind that Bethany Cosentino, at least while on stage, is not a woman on the street. She is a rock star, one with fans who buy her albums and journalists who will be critiquing her performances, of which appearance and presentation are always a factor.

After further review, we realized that smiling is simply not apart of a typical performance put on by the band, thus the absence of a smile should have no affect on the quality of the band’s perceived performance. However, it should be expected that a paying audience member can anticipate some form of connection from the artists–which Best Coast did not provide at that particular show.

David L. Garcia has written for the Foghorn and other Bay Area publications (SF Weekly) for nearly three years and has consistently shown himself to be an excellent writer and reporter. We at the Foghorn value his opinion, and we stand by his right to express it in this paper. It was somewhat unprofessional of Best Coast to question his right to a journalism degree.

A majority of the Foghorn editors, including the Scene editor, are women who had read the piece thoroughly and had no qualms with its content. Many of us are, and will continue to be, fans of Best Coast and their music, and we wish them only the best. We would appreciate it if Best Coast and their fans not allow their personal connections or opinions to color their reactions to a negative review.

Thanks for Reading,

Nichole Rosanova

Scene Editor

Nureen Khadr

Editor in Chief

David L. Garcia

Copy Editor/Staff Writer

Critiquing Capitalism with Pope Francis

Nicole RejerNicole Rejer is a freshman psychology major.

Everybody loves Pope Francis: he’s practically a celebrity at this point. His visit to America was very highly anticipated, and the reason he’s so popular is because many of his views are considered to be modern and forward-thinking. Pope Francis is the breath of fresh air that the Catholic community needs, and his caring and open nature have made him a beloved figure who everyone—whether they are Catholic or not —can look up to. Continue reading Critiquing Capitalism with Pope Francis

Don on the Street: Equal Opportunity in Hollywood?

Abree Dominguez
Contributing Writer

Viola Davis recently became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Professor Keating on the hit series How to Get Away with Murder. Davis gave a noteworthy acceptance speech saying, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” Do you believe that Hollywood has begun to offer more professional opportunities and representation for people of color?

Continue reading Don on the Street: Equal Opportunity in Hollywood?

Cross Country Racing Across the Country

Mitchell Lobetos
Staff Writer

This past weekend the cross country teams visited the University of Minnesota for the Roy Griak Invitational.

Grad student Charlotte Taylor was the first Don to finish the women’s 6K (3.73 miles). Her solid time of 21:54.8 earned her 14th place for individual times. Freshman Tatjana Schulte ran a 22:50.8, good for 59th place, while junior elena Burkard finished almost right behind her in 61st place with a final time of 22:51.4. Sophomore Kelsey Nielsen and freshman Weronika Pyzik finished 109th and 154th, respectively, with final times of 23:33.2 and 24:00.0. Overall San Francisco finished 13th place overall with a total time of 1:55.12. Continue reading Cross Country Racing Across the Country

Don’t Defund Planned Parenthood

Staff Editorial

The House Judiciary Committee has voted 241 to 187 to defund Planned Parenthood of approximately 500 million dollars for federal family planning a year. According to a report last week by Mother Jones, the move to defund Planned Parenthood was a reaction to a series of ‘undercover sting videos’ showing employees of Planned Parenthood allegedly discussing illegal sales of fetal tissue. Doing so is illegal and a violation of federal law. However, after the House Judiciary Committee held several hearings about these, evidence has surfaced that these videos were created by an anti-abortion group called Center for Medical Progress. The videos were found to be heavily edited and no evidence of illegal activity at Planned Parenthood has been found. The 500 million dollars Planned Parenthood currently receives from the government yearly is not allowed to be used for abortions. Instead, the money from the government is allocated for family planning and reproductive health services for women with lower income and women on Medicaid. Conservative lawmakers have circulated lists of other family planning providers women could use instead of Planned Parenthood. However not all other family planning services provide STI screenings, contraception, or accept Medicaid, according to the same Mother Jones report. Continue reading Don’t Defund Planned Parenthood

Is Brown Really the New Green?

California is currently facing its worst drought in known history. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the period between 2011 and 2014 is the driest period in California since the beginning of recordkeeping in 1895. Although droughts are a normal and recurring feature of California climate, 2014 was also a record year for high temperatures. According to an article published by the Wall Street Journal this week, California normally has about 4,000 wildfires a year. This year, California has had 6,000 wildfires so far. As the urgency of the drought in California only seems to be escalating, the Foghorn staff has turned its attention to how USF can and should address issues surrounding water conservation. Continue reading Is Brown Really the New Green?

Don on the Street: Should the U.S. Allow More Refugees?

Antara Murshed
Staff Writer

White House press secretary Josh Earnest has announced that President Obama would like the U.S. government to accept approximately 10,000 refugees from Syria in the next fiscal year. This is a considerable increase from the current number of refugees in the country as, according to NPR, the number in June 2015 was less than a thousand. Considering the rapid increase of refugees that is overwhelming the European Union, should the United States increase their acceptance of refugees as well? Continue reading Don on the Street: Should the U.S. Allow More Refugees?

USF Women’s Volleyball Team Continues Historic Start to Season After Tournament Victory

Matt Sieckert
Staff Writer

The Dons returned to San Francisco, Calif. this Sunday as St. John’s Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic champions after successfully finishing off four separate opponents in two days. This pushes their overall record to a perfect 10-0, their second-best in team history. Continue reading USF Women’s Volleyball Team Continues Historic Start to Season After Tournament Victory

Is USF Prepared for Campus Violence?

Staff Editorial

The exchanges in learning and working environments are based in critique, both positive and negative. They include feedback on performance and assignments, work ethic, attitude, and overall deliverables. Ultimately, tension on campuses and in offices are unavoidable as a result of the inability to take criticism, or in the extreme situation, accept dismissal from one’s enrollment or position. In light of the recent shooting threat at Mississippi State and the fatal shootings of two WDBJ broadcast journalists in Virginia, the Foghorn staff has decided to tackle the issue of school and workplace violence. As a staff, it was generally agreed upon that more should be done to protect students and faculty in the scenario where a member of our campus community is the victim of violence.  Continue reading Is USF Prepared for Campus Violence?

Using Apps to Make Friends In Real Life: Q&A with Yik Yak

Katie Ward
Staff Writer

The beginning of each school year introduces a new group of students to Yik Yak’s USF feed, and first year students have the opportunity to meet new people on campus through the app.

Yik Yak contacted the Foghorn at the end of last semester to discuss USF’s high ratings on the app. Cam Mullen, lead community leader for Yik Yak, discussed how Yik Yak encourages campus socialization and monitors content. Continue reading Using Apps to Make Friends In Real Life: Q&A with Yik Yak

USF Awards $10,000 to Charity Foundation at California Prize Dinner

Katie Ward
Staff Writer

The University hosted a night of elegance and decadence last Wednesday evening, Apr. 29, for donors, university community members, and local journalists who gathered for the annual California Prize Dinner. The event honored the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, sponsored by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Continue reading USF Awards $10,000 to Charity Foundation at California Prize Dinner

SF International Film Festival: Iris

Claudia Sanchez
Staff Writer

Everyone from Kanye West to Jenna Lyons [J. Crew’s creative director] adores Iris Apfel. Fashion industry powerhouses make small cameos explaining their relationships with her in Albert Maysles’ documentary. It’s hard to find the 93 year old Apfel, with her iconic round sunglasses and layers and layers of jewelry, anything but charming. As someone who grew up fashion-obsessed and close to New York City, I idolize Apfel, and was fascinated by Maysles’ documentary. Continue reading SF International Film Festival: Iris

A Note from the Editor

At a time when differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestlinian conflict has at times polarized discourse on college campuses, we wanted to set the record straight regarding Foghorn’s coverage in the Fall of 2000, when faculty and students alike engaged in controversial dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the Second Intifada began towards the end of September. The San Francisco Foghorn misrepresented Professor Stephen Zunes in a series of one-sided reporting during the uprising as propagating anti-Israel and anti-Semitic ideas and rhetoric in the classroom. We, as a staff, hope that this correction will clarify any misconceived notions regarding Professor Zunes’ perspectives and opinions. As it stands today, and following a thorough investigation by former Dean Stanley Nel back in 2000, it should be known that courses taught by Professor Zunes in the realm of Middle Eastern affairs have never shown any kind of bias against Israel. It is clear that USF would only appoint a faculty member to chair the Middle Eastern Studies program who would foster valuable dialogue that would be conducive to changing the world from here.

Peace,
Nureen Khadr
Editor in Chief

Going Cold in Utah

Mitchell Lobetos
Staff Writer

The men’s baseball team traveled to Provo, Utah last weekend to play a three-game set with Brigham Young University. The Dons (22-23, 14-7 WCC) went into the Cougars (21-19, 11-7 WCC) house looking to improve their winning record but found themselves on the wrong side of a sweep. Games two and three were extra inning affairs that San Francisco just couldn’t hold on to. Continue reading Going Cold in Utah

baseball: From Worst to First

Merrick Belding
Staff Writer

As spring wraps up and the season winds down, USF is in the fight for a WCC championship. Even after starting the season on a ten game losing streak, the San Francisco Dons find themselves atop the WCC alongside Pepperdine and San Diego with only six games remaining in conference play. At the start of the season the Dons set their sights on a WCC championship, a goal that looked unattainable after a 0-10 start. But after the preseason hunch was blown away by the start of conference play, USF was bound together by a seemingly untouchable starting staff and overall consistent production throughout the starting lineup and contributing bench players. Continue reading baseball: From Worst to First

Ice-Cream and location Tracking eClub Promotes Controversial Food App

Eli MacDonald
Staff Writer 

The Entrepreneurs Club (eClub) got creative last Friday. Wielding ice cream cones of every variety and sporting matching Tend t-shirts, eClub members fanned out across Gleeson plaza on a mission. Alexia Louis, president of the club, described Tend as an “automated restaurant friend recommendation app.” The ice cream merely showed that the eClub leadership knows its audience. Continue reading Ice-Cream and location Tracking eClub Promotes Controversial Food App

Legalize the World’s Oldest Profession

Staff Editorial

An advocacy group based in San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against California attorney general Kamala Harris and other Bay Area district attorneys with the claim that the current law criminalizing prostitution is unconstitutional. The group, Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project is advocating for prostitution to become a legal practice in the state of California. ESPLERP claims that the anti-prostitution law that was put in effect in 1961 violates the first and fourteenth amendment of sex workers and should be repealed. Continue reading Legalize the World’s Oldest Profession

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ICE CREAM BAR

Jeannine Abusharkh
Staff Writer

It seems that ever since the weather has been heating up, ice cream has been one of my main food choices. If frozen treats are all you desire, take a stroll down to Ice Cream Bar in Cole Valley. At this classic ice cream shop you can treat yourself to a malt, milkshake, ice cream, soda fountain drinks, or simple lunch items like grilled cheese sandwiches. Jerks serve up your favorite ice cream flavors and treats reminiscent of the 1930s on their wooden counters.  Continue reading I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ICE CREAM BAR

mens Tennis: Dons Close off title on senior day

Steffen Deetjen
Staff Writer

Last weekend the Dons men’s tennis team wrapped up their regular season with two home matches on Friday and Saturday. The players were excited to get the weekend started to finish the regular season strong. The Dons played host to Gonzaga on Friday at the Olympic Club and Portland on Saturday at the Cal Club. Continue reading mens Tennis: Dons Close off title on senior day

Daredevil Review: Marvel’s Ambitious Partnership with Netflix Pays Off

Matthew Hughes
Contributing Writer

In these past few years, Netflix has gone from an online movie delivery service to one of the best original content providers in television today. Shows like “House of Cards” and “Orange Is The New Black” have put cable and primetime channels on their heels. And if “Daredevil” is any indication, Netflix isn’t letting up. Continue reading Daredevil Review: Marvel’s Ambitious Partnership with Netflix Pays Off

New Measures to Handle California’s Drought

Staff Editorial 

Before you decide to take a long hot shower, think again. California tops the list of states suffering from the worst drought in history, especially because 75% of the land is affected by the drought. This past week California Governor Jerry Brown ordered an executive order aimed at restricting water use by 25% beginning next month. Continue reading New Measures to Handle California’s Drought

Connect to myUSF

Angela Markwith
Staff Writer

In 2002, USF created the well-used student portal USF Connect. Thirteen years later on March 16th 2015, USF made the official switch from USF Connect to a new and improved portal, MyUSF.

The USF Leadership team approved the transition of USF Connect to MyUSF in February 2014, as it was decided that there needed to be a change in both function and format. The project officially started in June of 2014. Continue reading Connect to myUSF

Cons Of The Gluten-Free Trend: What To Consider Before Trying It

Courtney Becker
Contributing Writer

Ever thought about going Gluten-Free? As the trend grows rapidly in the United States, (with the market size increasing from $2.3 billion in 2009 to over $3.16 billion in 2013), it’s important to stop and look at the facts before making the huge decision to give up gluten entirely from your diet. With media portraying a gluten-free trend as a positive and healthy choice, one would think that giving it up would be a wise and health conscious decision, but the truth lies farther than what is shown in today’s popular media. Here is some evidence of why going gluten-free may not be as healthy as it seems. Continue reading Cons Of The Gluten-Free Trend: What To Consider Before Trying It

Letter to Tony Fels

Headshot for Clarence B. JonesClarence B. Jones is a diversity visiting professor.

Dear Professor Fels,

This semester I have taken a leave of absence to devote my time to writing my autobiography and memoirs.

On a recent visit to the campus, your letter about USF, its courses and faculty was brought to my attention.

You open your comments by saying “Everybody knows that the University of San Francisco is a left-wing school. Many students choose to come here because of the school’s overt commitment to social justice, while others negotiate their way through radical lectures and course assignments as best they can.” Continue reading Letter to Tony Fels

Unblurring the lines of Our reality

Meerim DjunusalievaMeerim Djunusalieva is a senior international studies major.

Response to Father Fitzgerald Interview

This editorial is not an indictment against Father Fitzgerald or this institution. Instead, it strives to refer to patriarchal hegemonic discourses concerning the sexual assault implied in his interview that are also reproduced and perpetuated across the media and dominant narratives. Foremost, I want to emphasize the importance of narratives and framework, which have a perplexing way of constructing our reality. Continue reading Unblurring the lines of Our reality

Homophobic Proposed Initiative Lacks Uproar

Staff Editorial 

In September 2014, California became the first state to ban Gay and Trans ‘Panic’ defenses, where a defendant can claim self-defense after injuring or killing an individual who made unwanted homosexual or transexual advances. The fact that this defense wasn’t banned earlier is upsetting, but what is more upsetting is not even a year later, a Southern California lawyer has proposed a ballot initiative that would legalize the killing of homosexuals and those who sympathize with them. This proposed ballot initiative is known as the Sodomite Suppression Act.  Continue reading Homophobic Proposed Initiative Lacks Uproar

Food Media presents: Healthy Meal for students

Nichole Rosanova
Staff Writer

Many people often comment and ridicule the diets of college students. Their diets consist of many unhealthy foods and often they justify this because healthy food is expensive and time consuming to prepare. It is a misconception that eating healthy, fast, and cheap do not go hand in hand.

With this idea in mind, media studies student, Luna Fariña decided to follow a college student and record every piece of food they consumed and get them in the act of making it. I think the video showed some inexpensive options and how easy cooking good meals can be for you.  The video challenges students to make healthy choices in their life, and proves that it is not as challenging as one might think.


* The above video was filmed for Beth Hoffman’s Food Media Class

Muni Updates Bus Lines To Campus

Sarinya Harinsuta

Contributing Writer

Upon returning to campus, students may have noticed that the 43 Masonic line no longer makes stops on Golden Gate Avenue. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) dubbed the removal of the stop as a “service improvement,” which will increase the reliability of the 43 line. This decision was part of a larger program known as the Muni Forward Transit Priority Project. The removal took away the bus shelter that sat on the corner of the intersection, where USF students could be seen waiting for the next scheduled arrival. According to the SFMTA website, the problems they would mainly like to address are the factors that cause so many delays, specifically traffic congestions, slow boarding times, transit stops not being well-spaced out and narrow travel lanes.

Besides the stops on Golden Gate Avenue, Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, a staff writer from the San Francisco Examiner, reports that the SFMTA plans to speed up its service by removing or shifting another 136 out of about 3,600 total bus stops in the city. Now students boarding the 43 Masonic will have to either walk down to Fulton Street or up to Turk Boulevard.

Freshman business administration major Nick Stefan said it was unfortunate that the stop was removed, especially since it will be a little more difficult to explore the city.

Junior advertising major Hilda A. Baltodano, has also taken issue with the removal of the 43 Masonic stop on Golden Gate Avenue, because it has made her commute to school “tremendously inconvenient.” She takes the 43 Masonic northbound from Genesee Street and Flood Avenue to USF and claims that, with the removal of the stop, getting off on either Fulton or Turk and then having to walk back to Golden Gate Avenue is more troublesome than it used to be. She believes it must be as equally inconvenient to other USF students with similar routes. Baltodano also feels that getting rid of the stop on Golden Gate Avenue is unsafe since “drivers don’t necessarily see you,”  and that someone “could die crossing Turk,” she said.

Some key upgrades have also been made to the 5 Fulton Rapid line (5R). This August, SFMTA replaced some of the old 40-foot buses with the new 60-foot articulated electric trolley buses similar to that of the 38 Geary Rapid buses. According to the SFMTA website, the 5R runs about 17 percent faster than the regular 5 Fulton line. By adding new 60-foot buses to the route, it will provide bus riders 50 percent more capacity on each bus. According to Jerold Chinn from SF Bay News, this switch will be able to accommodate up to 112 additional riders. This upgrade is crucial to the 5 and 5R line, since approximately 22,000 passengers boarding the buses daily. Not only does it reduce overcrowding, the new buses also offer a more comfortable and relaxed ride across town.

As of April 23, the 28R 19th Avenue Rapid Muni bus has also undergone some changes. Seven stops have been removed, while six new locations have been added to the service. The route, which connects the Sunset and Richmond districts, is especially significant for USF students living off campus in those areas. With the revised route, it will only provide a single connection between Balboa, Park Station, SF State University, Stonestown, Parkside, the Inner Sunset and the Inner Richmond. Trips are significantly faster when compared to that of the regular 28 to 19th Avenue buses

Sophomore kinesiology major James Lew is a lifelong San Francisco resident, and said that he is more likely to use public transportation to school than get a ride from his parents. “The new improved buses really helps with finding a seat or standing space instead of being squished between other riders,” said Lew.

As for the timeliness of Muni, Lew says he tries to arrive at a stop more than a few minutes in advance just in case there is a delay. City law stipulates that Muni vehicles arrive “no more than one minute early or four minutes late.” According to Muni’s clock, a minute can last “as long as 119 seconds – or one minute and 59 seconds.” So by Muni’s definition, arriving 4 minutes 59 seconds late is still considered as being “on-time,” said John Haley, the agency’s operations chief. In this case, Lew would miss his scheduled 5 Fulton bus that would take him up to school, and therefore making him late for work at Koret. This would still go down in the books as an on-time arrival because of the unusual definition of the SFMTA.

For the time being, freshman students seem to be taking advantage of the convenience that the Uber or Lyft apps provide, especially in a big city where rideshare wait times tend to stay low. Freshman business administration major Jack Farricker said that he uses Uber more frequently than Muni, especially because he considers the price for rides to be more than reasonable. “Muni’s not that bad, but so many kids Uber nowadays, and if I know I only have to pay nine or even four dollars to get to downtown, I’ll definitely take Uber,” said Farricker. Freshman biology major Jillian Aluning said she’s exclusively using Uber and walking to go from place to place, saying she first wants to get her bearings around campus before exploring the rest of the city through public transport.

On the other hand, junior advertising major Asma Alsaadi says she trusts public transportation so much that she doesn’t even have the Uber or Lyft apps installed on her phone; her daily commute includes a BART ride into the city from MacArthur Station.

As a reminder to all freshman, dorms provide bus schedules on the screens near the elevators. Apps like Routesy, MuniWatch, Next Bus and Swiftly are among the most commonly used transportation apps.  If in the near future you lose your student identification card along with the Muni bus pass (therefore losing your one and only bus pass for the semester),  Muni recently released their official app, Muni Mobile, which allows you to purchase your bus ticket using your credit card or PayPal.

 

2016 Fall Convocation

Brian Healy

Staff Writer

Prior to USF opening its (figurative and literal) doors to new and returning students, faculty and staff were officially reunited to hear President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. speak on the state of the university at the faculty convocation held at the beginning of every year.

“As I stand here for the third time now, I am so happy to see so many familiar faces gathered here today to begin again the new academic year, so welcome back, all of you,” said Fitzgerald in his opening remarks to the group gathered in McLaren Conference center on August 18. He then went on to explain the more physical changes the University had undergone during the summer months.

Although Cowell Hall received much needed window replacements and McLaren got a fresh coat of paint with a matching carpet, the bulk of this summer’s structural upgrades were for the improvement of athletic facilities. This past spring semester was particularly eventful, bringing the anticipated opening of the newly renovated Benedetti Diamond which has ushered in a period of upgrades for the athletic department.

A new artificial turf surface was installed at Negoesco Stadium, the home of the men and women’s soccer teams, which replaced the eight year old former artificial surface. Work on renovating War Memorial Gym also began into a modern events center has also begun this summer, thanks to the $15 million donation from Silicon Valley philanthropists John and Susan Sobrato. Phase one of the Sobrato Events Center at War Memorial Gym is almost done, with upgrades including: a new elevator in the southwest corner, a complete overhaul of its bathroom facilities, the replacement of the eastside ventilation units, and a seismic retrofitting process that will help bring the entire building up to current codes. Phase two of the project begins next summer.

Being in one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the country means that USF has a responsibility to its students and staff to curate a campus to the needs of the world and the concerns of the students.“Speaking of frugality and responsibility allow me to take just few minutes to talk about sustainability,” said Fitzgerald, who is a recurring advocate of environmentalism. In the past he was welcomed as a guest speaker at The Commonwealth Club to talk on climate change, and what role religion and youth play in that. At the time Fitzgerald said, “At USF, what we’re trying to do is to create a whole culture where, as we graduate our students, they gain this habit of being environmentally sensitive. I hope they would then choose pathways that would help inform the citizens, whether it is in the business world, public policy, going to science and healthcare but always looking for ways to lessen our carbon footprint.” He proceeded to affirm USF’s position of sustainability by claiming at the panel that USF would become entirely carbon neutral by the year 2050.

At convocation, Fitzgerald doubled down on the promise, claiming that “we’re well on our way.” He also assured faculty and staff that the school’s investment committee, who handle the endowment funds, has taken several steps in support of environmental issues including fossil fuel divestment, something student climate activists have identified as a moral issue here on campus. “We are no longer making any new direct investments in coal companies… and only have a few remaining [investments] in coal that are locked up in complicated instruments which will mature in the next five years. When they mature, we cash out and walk away,” said Fitzgerald. Who added that the University has instead decided to invest in clean energy vehicles such as wind, solar, and biomass that spur the industry so it becomes more competitive while also providing a nice return for the University.

Fitzgerald also noted the important work that professors were up to while school was out of session. “Faculty were much at work during the summer months, as indicated by $1.9 million in new grants awarded,” said Fitzgerald, with contributors including The Department of Education, the Charles Koch Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation, among others. Some of the research projects funded include Prof. Alessandra Cassar’s study entitled “Improving Education in Disadvantaged Communities and Decreasing the Gender Gap,” as well as Prof. Judith Pace’s study titled “Preparing Teachers to Teach Controversial Issues – A cross-national study.”

Many professors also paid close attention to what Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Donald E. Heller had to say about the largest, and one of the most diverse, undergraduate classes USF has ever seen. Heller said he expected 1,570 new freshman on campus by the time move in weekend concluded, and this number does not include the other 405 new transfer students and 1,320 new graduate students. Heller caveated the figure by stating that the official numbers would not come out until Census Date on Sept. 9. “All of these are pre-census calculations, in other words they’re based on students who have accepted our offer of admission and sent in a deposit, but we don’t know if they’re actually going to show up [move-in] weekend, although we believe most will,” said Heller.

The freshman class will also include a record number of African-American and Latino students, evidence to support Fitzgerald’s assertion that recruiting efforts are purposefully meant to pull together a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. It appears that administration has taken the list of demands submitted last December by USF’s Black Student Union (BSU) very seriously by making visible changes in such a short amount of time. Since BSU sent their list of demands, Heller and Fitzgerald have made strides in hiring people from traditionally underrepresented groups, and recruiting black students to attend the school with funding packages. In addition, work has begun exploring the creation of an African-American living and learning community in one of the on-campus residences.

“When we consider intersectionality we see that each of our students is a unique tapestry woven of several different strands and threads of identity to be met, engaged, cherished, and affirmed. We want to be that shining example of that city on a hill, a shining example of inclusive excellence,” said Fitzgerald.

Stamps and Stubs: The shows you shouldn’t miss, even during finals

Aimee Myers
Staff Writer

5.14 Chris Cohen, Sam Flax, Peacers @ Swedish American Hall
Chris Cohen is back and better than ever, and will soon be blessing the Bay with an evening of his dreamy blend of psych-pop in support of his latest record “As If Apart.” Opening the show are local heroes Peacers, certainly no strangers to hard-hitting psychedelia and face melting riffs, and fellow San Franciscans Sam Flax, who are sure to start things off right with some synth-rock reminiscent of the early 1980s. Continue reading Stamps and Stubs: The shows you shouldn’t miss, even during finals

Alumnus Gives Current USF Students Financial Advice

Monica McCown
Staff Writer

William “Will” Ichioka graduated in May 2015 with a degree in business administration. He is currently a self-employed investor and financial advisor working in downtown San Francisco at the TransAmerica pyramid building. Ichioka has been investing stocks, real estate, and startups, and he is already a multimillionaire at the age of 23. He credits much of his success to USF and wants to give back to the University, as well as to the students. To help out current USF students, Ichioka wants to provide them with free financial advice and has offered to invest their money without taking commission. “I want students to know that I’m relatable and I have knowledge that will make them richer,” said Ichioka. Continue reading Alumnus Gives Current USF Students Financial Advice

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