Diversity, extremely high quality and attempts to appeal to a broad population in the region were the driving factors behind the upcoming 2011-12 Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) season. Robert Bucker, dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication and VPAC’s executive director said the main difference between the first and second VPAC seasons is the diversity among the artists presented. “The reputations of the artists that we’re presenting this next year are really remarkable,” Bucker said…. Read more

Eating on a budget is important to most college students, and Joyce’s Coffee Shop makes it easy. While the busy city bustles around CSUN, Joyce’s provides Northridge with a small neighborhood feel, so people of all ages can get away from the hectic city vibe and enjoy a quality cup of coffee served by a kind and friendly waitress. Walking into Joyce’s, patrons will notice its quaint, old school décor. With wood paneling, calming yellow walls, and floral wallpaper; it… Read more

Colors graze the walls of buildings. Letters are filled with creative strokes and value. Murals speak messages to passersby. Most of the time, only a spray can and skill is needed to create a masterpiece. The movement is none other than graffiti. Graffiti art has moved from the streets and onto an exhibition, the first of its kind in the United States, at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles. Art in the Streets opened on April 17 at… Read more

Chatsworth’s Winnetka 21 Theater recently premiered the largest movie screen in the San Fernando Valley. Audiences could experience the largest movie screen in the Valley for the first time midnight May 6, for the opening weekend of Thor 3D. The screen measures at 71 feet by 41 feet 9 inches and is Pacific Theaters’ first large screen format auditorium, according to Eddie Garcia with Allison PR. Winnetka has screens of varying sizes in their theater, but the average movie screen… Read more

“The Beaver,” director and co-star Jodie Foster’s latest film, is a mental rollercoaster. The movie, which is only playing at a handful of theaters, stars Academy Award winner Mel Gibson as Walter Black, a husband who has sunk so low in his depression that his wife (Foster) kicks him out. Walter unsuccessfully attempts suicide, but the unexpected turn comes when he spots a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside a liquor store. The beaver ends up being his salvation… Read more

A.S. will be hosting one last event before finals called “Final Flip,” where entertainment and free food will be provided for students who show up. “Final Flip” is a luau themed event for students to unwind after the last day of regular classes and before finals kick off.  There will be free pancakes,  free chair massages, fire dancers and an obstacle course. This event was first held last semester at the suggestion of Stephanie Galvez, 26, who is an A.S…. Read more

The Board of Trustees will be responsible for selectiving CSUN’s new president. Erik Fallis, CSU media specialist, said the news of President Jolene Koester’s departure was made public when she sent her letter. “At some point the Board of Trustees will do a search,” Fallis said. “We are currently doing a search for (a president for) San Diego State (University), for example.” Fallis said because Koester’s retirement announcement is so recent, there will not be a “scheduled search announcement for… Read more

The Board of Trustees has outlined a contingency plan to battle a proposed “all cuts” budget that includes wait listing student applications and increasing tuition by 32 percent in addition to the 10 percent already approved for 2011-12 school year. The contingency plan as it stands now includes ways to combat an additional $500 million cut bringing the CSU deficit to $1 billion. In a press release sent out May 10, CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said the tax extensions… Read more