CSULB's Lack of Faculty Ethnic Diversity

A symposium on faculty ethnic diversity was conducted on Monday in an effort to address how few minority professors are present on campus.

Keynote speaker Daryl Smith and Chicano/Latino studies professor Jose Moreno revealed the results of a collaborative study they did regarding this rising issue.

"We need to bring this to the attention of people in power so they can address this issue," said Priscilla Luviano, a senior Chicano/Latino studies major to The Daily Forty-Niner.

The findings revealed that although there is a slight rise in minority professors, the increase is minuscule in comparison to their Anglo counterparts.

While the student minority population is rising, the teachers are not reflecting that growth. "Latino faculty grew two percentage points, from 6 percent in 1997 to 8 percent in 2007, representing growth from 1,096 to 1,887 respectively. Comparatively, the Latino student population grew by 6 percent between 1997 and 2007, from 22 to 28 percent, or from 65,079 in 1997 to 99,499 in 2007," stated The Daily Forty-Niner.

Some faculty members at the meeting blamed a high turnover rate as reasons to why minority professors cease to work at CSULB. Other reasons included low pay, dysfunction between professors and high cost of living in the area.

For more information regarding this symposium please visit Duke Rescola's two part article for The Daily Forty-Niner.

Image Courtesy of The Daily Forty-Niner

Josefina Lopez of "Real Women Have Curves" Comes to CSULB

The Chicano/Latino studies department looks forward to next week as renowned playwright Josefina Lopez comes to CSULB.

This critically acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, author and poet is recognized for scripting the play "Real Women Have Curves," which was later made into a blockbuster film starring actress America Ferrara.

"I loved 'Real Women Have Curves,'" said Cynthia De La Cruz. "I wish I could go, but I have class."

"Real Women Have Curves" tells the story of Ana (America Ferrera), a young girl seeking higher education. However, her familial obligations hinder her from doing so. Her Mexican family wants her to stay home, work, and provide for her relatives. Her traditional mother also wants her to get a boyfriend and conform to the stick thin images of women portrayed by the media. Regardless, Ana stays true to herself and pursues college, while simultaneously helping her family through financial support. She even lands herself a boyfriend who does not care about her weight.



While this film has proven to be a success in past years, Lopez has pursued additional ventures in her professional career. Most recently she has been involved with the non-profit organization Casa 0101, which provides scriptwriting consultation for students in Boyle Heights interested in the field of theatre. Casa 0101 provides educational training in filmmaking, art and dance.

"I feel like a celebrity is coming to school," said Melissa Ramirez, a Chicano/Latino studies major.

Lopez will be lecturing at AS-244 at 11 p.m. on Monday, May 4. For more information, visit www.josefinalopez.com.

Image Courtesy of Google Images. Video Clip Courtesy of YouTube.

CSULB's Teatro Al Sur Tries to Raise Funds

CSULB's Teatro Al Sur is a theatre group that is currently working on producing its first Spanish play. In the meantime, they are trying to fundraise in order to better finance the newly formed club.

TAS is having a fundraiser at Viento Y Agua Cafe and Gallery in order to raise funds for their upcoming productions. Members of TAS plan on performing Nueva Trova at the quaint cafe and essentially educate attendees on what the genre Nueva Trova is. This type of music originates from Cuba and is widely recognized for its political and progressive lyrics.

TAS is the first group of its kind. It aims to produce all Spanish productions and promote intercultural dialogue and understanding for CSULB students.

One production currently in the works is based off Argentinian playwright Arístides Vargas' prior work. It depicts issues of exile and immigration, which TAS believes will open up dialogue about these topics on campus.

The showcase begins on Sunday, April 19, at 5 p.m.

Image Courtesy of Viento Y Agua Cafe Myspace Page

National Association of Hispanic Journalists Reduces Costs of Convention

With a recession underway, some organizations have taken it upon themselves to assist the unemployed by reducing prices for upcoming events.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists prides itself on recognizing the professional advancement of Hispanics in the field of journalism. With approximately 2,300 members, professionals and students alike have felt the effects of a declining economy.

This organization hosts a media and career expo annually. This year, the event is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will provide training workshops for members in a variety of journalistic sectors, with a focus on multimedia. However, a decline in attendees has forced NAHJ to reduce prices for newly unemployed journalists.

Early bird registration has been extended two times, and hotel rates have dropped from $199 to $150 per night. The organization has also helped potential attendees find roommates to further split the hotel expenses. NAHJ is even going as far as providing some newly laid off journalists complimentary registration and air travel to the expo.

CSULB's very own NAHJ chapter has begun to finalize the university's certification process. However, the possibility of raising money to attend this convention has proven to be quite the feat.

"I am not attending the convention because of cost, but also because I am planning to go to summer school and work in Long Beach," said CSULB NAHJ Chapter President, Jocelyn Gomez. "Maybe if I save up now, I can attend the convention next year."

The chapter's faculty advisor, Danny Paskin, expressed similar sentiments.

"At this point in the economy of the country and our own economy here at CSULB, going to Puerto Rico, paying for the conference, hotel and all other expenses has become quite prohibitive," said Paskin.

The NAHJ CSULB chapter has expressed interest in gaining more members in the upcoming months and working towards their goal of attending future media expos.

"I don't plan on attending the convention in Puerto Rico, although I think it would be a great experience," said Nori Kato, a CSULB NAHJ member. "It would be great if the club were able to fundraise somehow so we could go as a group, but since NAHJ is really new on campus, we don't have the resources. I'm really hopeful for next year though! By that time we'll be a little more on our feet and we'll have a lot more time to prepare."

Image Courtesy of Google Images

"Todos Somos Califas" Poetry Event

In a two day event, NuyoRican poet Jesus 'Tato' Laviera will perform alongside Chicano/Latino Studies professors in a poetry slam.

This portrayal of Spanish and English verbal art will provide a medium in which Chicano/Latino students can engage in poetry as well as discuss issues affecting the Latino population with experts in the field.

Tato Laviera has dedicated his time to improving the cultural development of Puerto Ricans in New York through means of writing. He has taught courses at Rutgers University in New York, as well as traveled to various campuses nationwide in an effort to publicize unrecognized issues in the Puerto Rican community.

Additionally, Laviera has released a series of books addressing NuyoRican, or New York Puerto Rican, issues (i.e. economic status, societal acceptance, etc). All of which will be available in an autograph signing with Laviera himself during this event.

"I'm looking forward to this event," said Marissa Nunoz, a Chicano/Latino Studies major. "I don't know much about Puerto Ricans, so this will be something different."

"Todos Somos Califas" begins this Wednesday at 9 a.m. and will commence with a meet and greet with Laviera and other faculty poets.

Image Courtesy of Google Images

Ricardo Linarez Raises the Stakes

With ASI elections approaching on April 12, Ricardo Linarez is raising the stakes by proving that 'experience' is a subjective term.

Linarez, 33, served eight years in the Marine Corps prior to returning to college. In doing so, he joined various clubs on campus, specifically the Long Beach College Democrats and Community Partners Council. His presidency in the CSULB Democrats organization has propelled him to run for ASI president, despite his lack of school government experience. It is this lack of experience that gives Linarez an edge in the election.

Linarez plans to prevent further budget cuts by establishing relationships with local politicians and community members. His involvement with the aforementioned organizations would assist him in doing so.

"I feel I have easier access to politicians at a federal level," said Linarez to the Daily Forty-Niner.

Linarez also plans to bridge the disconnect between ASI and the CSULB student body.

"I am a 'face to face' guy," said Linarez. "I will hold a monthly get together where students and members of ASI will talk about any concerns, find solutions, and make annoucements. I will have one during the day and one in the evening. This way ASI reaches every possible student and students will get an understanding of what ASI does."

In last year's U.S. presidential election, Barack Obama was considered the underdog because of his lack of experience; however, his perseverence and sincere intentions to unite America reigned supreme. With similar intentions, Linarez could very well be CSULB's very own Barack Obama.

Images Courtesy of Daily Forty-Niner and Google Images

CSULB Students Brave Mexico During Spring Break

CSULB students entered the tumultuous Mexico City merely a week ago in an effort to learn about U.S.-Mexico relations.

The California-Mexico project was created to improve U.S. and Mexico educational collaboration. This seemingly untimely trip enabled students to enter Mexico during a period of drug cartel issues and allowed them to study the history, language and culture of Mexico firsthand.

Trip attendees had the opportunity to study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City and at a Spanish language institute in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

This 11-day trip also allowed attendees to climb pyramids, attend football games, and view Mexican artwork at the Museum of Anthropology and History.

This trip was led by Armando Vasquez-Ramos a Chicano/Latino studies professor. His vision for the trip was to essentially exchange ideas between the U.S. and Mexico and negate any preconceived notions influenced by the media.

"I hope Vazquez-Ramos continues his journey educating students on the importance of California and Mexico relations — and brings a new group of students to Mexico every year with no fear," said Jaclyn Rivera, a California-Mexico Project attendee, to the Daily Forty-Niner.

A seminar will be held Friday, April 14, in LA5-149 to debrief on the UNAM trip and allow students to compare their experiences with one another.

Photographs Courtesy of Daily Forty-Niner and Google Images