Marketing professor, Art Shulman, sheds light onto the romantic life of senior citizens in his new play, ‘BAGELS’.

Shulman is the writer and director of “BAGELS.” He said the play is a “romantic comedy about two seniors who meet through an Internet dating service.”

The idea for the play came from an argument he had with his wife over a bagel.

His wife Rebecca had placed a bagel in the toaster and while she was in the other room setting the table, Shulman took her bagel out and replaced it with his.

“When she came back into the kitchen and reached to the toaster for her bagel I informed her that that was my bagel, and hers was on the counter. She got very upset at me for removing her bagel. The dialogue that ensued became the impetus for the play,” he said.

“From there, I made up a plot, which had nothing to do with my wife’s bagel, and it became a one-act play.”

His new one-act quickly turned into a full-length and it has been well received by others.

Shulman has been writing plays since 1994 and so far has written a total of 25 plays.

“I’ve had a slew of productions in North Hollywood, including about 13 productions of full-length plays, plus a couple of Christmas plays, and several one-acts,” he said.

His plays are frequently shown at the Lonny Chapman Theatre and at the Secret Rose Theatre.

“I have had professional relationships with the people who select the plays at these theaters, and most of my productions have been box office hits. So, they let me do more plays,” he said.

Although marketing is his first love, he said playwriting interests him as well and he tries to incorporate that into his classes.

“Marketing is just plain interesting to me, constantly involving and requiring creativity… I try to keep my lectures interesting for [students]. I sort of feel I’m in show business when I’m in front of a class,” he said.

His students appreciate his teaching style and the way he interacts with his students.

Laura Ockerman, a former student of Shulman’s, said that he tries to make the class more interesting with group activities and genuinely cares about his students

“He encourages his students to participate and he listens to his students and is very approachable in regards to asking questions and getting to know them personally,” she said.

Shulman said that it is unusual if a year goes by that he has not written a play.

“[I] got into it fortuitously when a marketing colleague of mine, who was with an acting group, took some monologues I’d written to his group. They liked them, and for some reason or another, at their suggestion, I decided to make them into a play,” he said.

“I really enjoy the writing process, and even the rewriting, which is necessary for playwrights”, he said.

Ockerman has seen many of his plays and said that he is a great writer.

“He is a creative thinker with great comedic timing,” she said.

“‘BAGELS’ was fantastic. It was very funny and the acting was very good,” Ockerman said.

Shulman said that the play does serve as a reminder “that people of all ages, including older folks, who we know as seniors, can still be vital, and can form meaningful relationships.”

“I’d say it’s not for children under 12, but aside from that I think people of all ages will enjoy it,” Shulman said.

“I would definitely recommend it,” Ockerman said. “In fact, I’m going to see it again.”

‘BAGELS’ is currently running Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m., and Sundays at 2p.m. at the Secret Rose Theatre located at 11246 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood until April 11th. General admission tickets are $22, $17 for seniors and $10 for students with a valid ID. For more information, call (818) 782-4254, or visit http://www.secretrose.com/.

Owls Stretching Time play at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park, on Valentine's Day/ Photo credit: Christianna Triolo, staff photographer

Before the world of social networking and constant online media, people would meet in person. Now with the tools of digital classifieds and social networking sites like MySpace, the missing musician for your band could be just a click away.

Formed in late 2008, the Hollywood based band, Owls Stretching Time, used Craigslist and other types of online networking to form their band.

Their sound has been categorized as post hardcore.

“There’s two guitars, a bass player, a drummer, and some of us scream, “ guitarist Tom Pharo said about the sound of the band.

“It’s loud rock, it’s what it is, it’s seriously loud,” said the vocalist, Myrin Mejia.

It started with the band’s drummer Frank Calubanquib. He relocated from the Philippines to the United States to further his education and attend CSUN.

Calubanquib had experience drumming in bands back in the Philippines. Through Craigslist, he found a posting by a guitarist named David Ruiz. After contacting guitarist David Ruiz, he immediately went to meet him to set up an audition.

Pharo was the brains behind a different band called, Surprise!, Pizza Party. He met Mejia at a party. After this encounter, the two musicians began their search for a drummer to complete their band’s lineup.

At the same time, Calubanquib and Ruiz went back to the source that allowed them to get this far — they searched Craigslist for opportunities in finding more musicians to complete a band. They came across an ad looking for a drummer for Surprise!, Pizza Party.

Calubanquib found himself auditioning yet again. After he passed, he helped pull in Ruiz. The band was almost complete; however, after an issue with an uncommitted bass player, Calubanquib once again used his networking skills to recruit the band’s fifth and final member, Pat Petrikov.

Petrikov was also an international student, hailing from Bulgaria. It was then that Calubanquib convinced the rest of Surprise! Pizza Party, to add Petrikov to the final lineup. The new lineup introduced the quintuplet as Owls Stretching Time.

With two full time students in the band, staying motivated is especially important. Calubanquib holds a job and is a full time student, on top of being Owls’ drummer.

“School, music, and work, how do I balance? Fact is, I don’t have to balance music with anything. Playing music is like breathing to me. It has been my only outlet of frustration,” said Calubanquib.

For the future, the band hopes to get back into the studio, improve their publicity through re-vamping their Myspace music page and playing more live shows. Owls Stretching Time is also discussing the possibility of a mini California tour this summer.

For more information about Owls Stretching Time, check out their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/owlsstretchingtime.

While under scrutiny from a judge, Julie Mayer, owner of The French Press in Santa Barbara, begins making her coffee beverages in the Western Regional Barista Championship on Saturday, Feb. 27. Photo Credit: Alexandra Brell / Staff Reporter

Julie Mayer was lost in a daydream thinking about coffee.

“Sorry I just spaced out there. I was thinking about seasonal espresso.”

This is not the daydream of an average Joe, but coming from Mayer, it is no surprise.

“I love coffee. I love making it. I love talking about it,” she says.

Mayer, owner of The French Press coffee shop in Santa Barbara, was a contestant in the Western Regional Barista Competition that ran last weekend from Feb.26 – 28. The competition was held at Siren Studios in Hollywood. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf hosted the event.

Thirty contestants, mostly from California, including one from Arkansas and Hawaii, competed to be the best barista in the west.

In order to claim the title, each barista made three different drinks for the panel of four judges: an espresso, a cappuccino and a signature beverage, an original coffee drink they concoct from scratch. However, all of these drinks had to be made and presented within a 15-minute time allotment.

The four judges bellied up to a mini coffee bar while the barista, complete with a cordless microphone headset, talked with them about their experiences and knowledge of particular types of coffee beans and drinks. They explained the origin, compositions and nuances of their signature drinks.

Baristas were evaluated on several criteria including “taste balance,” visual presentation and explanation and presentation of their signature beverage.

Mayer’s original beverage, called an orange banger, included orange zest, strained prior to serving and homemade salted caramels blended with coffee. Mayer’s clients, she said, would regularly ask her about the progress on her invention.

“(Competing) really sets a good standard for your customers and employees,” Julie said of her reasons to enter the competition. “They really liked rallying around me.”

Mayer opened her store last July and has six employees. She says she has worked in coffee all of her life, most recently at a coffee shop and roasting operation in Santa Cruz.

Each of the contestants had their own style of presenting with their own explanations and reasons for their choice in drinks. The common thread was a deep knowledge of coffee as well as precise methods of preparation.

The attendees at the competition ranged from industry pros and novices, store-owners and a few casual coffee drinkers interested in the technical background of their favorite drinks.

Vida Tabibian owns a coffee shop in Los Feliz called Psychobabble. Having operated the store for 10 years, she is looking for something different for her store and looked for inspiration at the weekend event.

“I want to change the look, the menu, the coffees, everything,” said Tabibian. “Coffee has changed in the past 10 years. I am coming here to learn,” she said.

Tabibian also attended skill-building workshops, held by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, which ran in conjunction with the competition. Attendees participated in coffee cupping where they learned techniques to evaluate different beans and roasts and how to assess aspects of coffee like taste and aroma.

“It’s important to know where the coffee came from,” Tabibian says of what she learned. “The origin, how it was grown, transparency of the origin,” she said.

The weekend culminated on Sunday when the six finalists, chosen from rounds held on Friday and Saturday, brought out their best for the judges. Mayer and her orange banger did not make it to the last round.

Pete Licata from Honolulu Coffee Company in Hawaii was crowned the 2010 Western Regional Barista Champion. His “salty and sweet” signature beverage was made with candied bacon (made with maple syrup) topped with milk chocolate in an ice creamy, espresso.

Coffee and bacon – it’s not just for breakfast anymore.

Kimberly Krieger, staff reporter

Juana Esquivel, staff reporter

Contestant sings "Black Magic Woman" by Santana during Karaoke Night at the USU Feb. 25. Photo Credit: Kimberly Krieger / Staff Reporter

Rachel Silverman, a 19-year-old modern Jewish studies major, approached the microphone with her head held high. Then, with the poise and grace of lead singer Freddy Mercury, she belted out “Somebody to Love” by Queen.

“I did splits on the stage, which was awkward,” said Silverman, who ended her Queen routine sitting on the pool table, singing without the aid of a microphone.

Silverman was participating in a karaoke event that goes on twice a semester in the University Student Union’s (USU) Games Room. Karaoke night is usually a competition; however, this event requires each participant to sing two songs through two rounds. This time, instead of competing, there was a raffle to win a $25 American Express gift card.

The event featured about 25 performances on Feb. 25 ranging from rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Along with her rendition of “Somebody to Love,” Silverman also planned to sing a duet version of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi with her friend, Matt Schmidt, 20.

Schmidt is a music major, emphasizing in vocal performance, and said that coming to this event was something spontaneous.

“I’m going to make him look better because I suck,” said Silverman.

Although there is much fun and excitement during these karaoke events, it is something that usually draws in a smaller crowd. Ike Orjiakor, 20, is the games room coordinator, and he says that karaoke usually draws in a crowd of about 25 people.

“My favorite part about it is just everyone out having fun,” Orjiakor added.

The fun was silenced, but only for a moment, during another Queen song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” During the climax of the song, the karaoke screen went blank and the music stopped. This was followed with a chorus of, “awwww!” from the audience.

Just minutes later, though, the music, singing and awkward dance moves were back on schedule. Round two was about to begin.

As the intensity was at its peak, Silverman and Schmidt went up to perform “Livin’ on a Prayer.” This time, Silverman did not opt to use her microphone at all.

“They limit movement,” Silverman said.

Ben Praster, a 19-year-old freshman theatre major, said he found out about the event through flyers posted in the USU. He added that he had previously been in the Games Room for a comedy open mic last semester.

Praster carried previous singing experience with him to the karaoke contest. Last year, he was in choir and sang “Johnny-Be-Good” at a pancake breakfast to wake everyone up.

However, he had a plan for the night. Before the contest began, he said he planned on singing “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182.

Praster said he had other songs in mind such as “Johnny Be Good” and “The Rock Show” by Blink 182.

“It’s all about rock and roll to me baby,” he said. “It’s all about rock and roll”.

Prester said if he won the contest, he would feel “accomplished that a first time freshman actually won for once.”

Besides the karaoke screen going blank during Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, another drawback during the contest was the karaoke machine’s inaccurate scores.

Performers received low scores from the karaoke machine throughout the competition. Some even received scores of “00” which led Orjiakor to say during the second round, to ignore the scores the machine was giving.

However, it did not prevent participants from having a good time.

Puppetry of the Penis” a show that features the art of genital origami, is at The Coast Playhouse through March 14. Photo courtesy of David Barber.

The ancient Australian art of genital origami, Puppetry of the Penis, has returned to Los Angeles, with some new tricks added to the program. Not familiar with this form of entertainment? That’s understandable. Most would not even think of origami and genital in the same sentence.

Preparing to see Puppetry is almost as hysterical as seeing the actual art. The guest comedian, Rachel Feinstein, who opened the venue, was just what the audience needed to get warmed up for the headliner. After thirty minutes of her hilarious set, the lights dim.

Expectations are low and tension fills the air while the audience anticipates what’s to come next, when Puppeteers Rich Binning and Christopher Cannon fly on stage in blue and red capes with nothing but birthday suits underneath.

Simon Morley, creator of “Puppetry of the Penis,” had a different outlook. In 1996, Morley got the idea of showcasing 12 penis installations in a calendar. These genital expressions were the result of sibling rivalry between Morley and his brothers that started with what is now called, “The Hamburger”. After selling the calendars out of his garage, and receiving requests to do live demonstrations, Morley decided to take his show on the road, with puppeteer partner David Friend.

Popularity reached such high levels; new puppeteers had to be auditioned and selected to perform in other countries. Now the art is presented throughout the Western world and can be seen in Australia, Argentina, The Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Scotland, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Canada and South Africa.

The show has received high critical acclaim from several media outlets. “Vanity Fair” calls it “dementedly good fun,” and Newsday, USA says it’s “an international phenomenon.

The Coast Playhouse Theater serves small venues. It’s quaint and intimate, which allows the audience to become up close and personal with the Puppeteers.

At first this can seem uncomfortable, but the level of comfort is instantly put to ease with the witty comedic routines performed by the genital artists.

Gasps and thunderous laughs continue throughout the show. The tricks seem endless, “The Snail,” “The Eiffel Tower,” “The Windsurfer,” “The Loch Ness Monster,” “The Sombrero,” and the signature “Hamburger,” just to name a few.

The puppeteers also ask for audience participation throughout the show, but volunteers weren’t easy to come by, or just too shy.

Puppeteer Chris Cannon said they often try to make up tricks when their bored in order to keep the show fresh with new ideas and comic skits.

At the end of the show, they advertise the “Puppetry of the Penis” book that gives directions on how to execute some of the forms showcased. They also ask if any of the audience members would like to come up and try one of the tricks; however, during this show there weren’t any recruited students.

Though outrageously funny, ridiculous and shocking, “Puppetry of the Penis” is not for everyone. It’s not recommended to see with a sibling, parent, or for a first date. But it would be an excellent choice for a bachelorette party or for an out of the ordinary mind blowing experience.

To see how this original art is performed, Puppetry of the Penis will be at The Coast Playhouse until March 14. For more information got to www.puppetryofthepenis.com.

The members of Mayday Parade brought a great deal of energy to their show at the House of Blues, where they rocked out for the annual Take Action Tour. Photo credit: Sam Leon, contributing reporter

A packed House of Blues buzzed with electricity last Sunday night Feb. 21, where the Take Action Tour was taking place. While most everyone was attending to see the bands, they also helped a good cause simply by buying a ticket since Take Action donates 10% of ticket sales to non-profit organizations.

Once the concert got under way, Stereo Skyline, There For Tomorrow, and A Rocket to the Moon each played three quick sets.

Next, the pop/rock group Mayday Parade started in on their first song. Their upbeat songs and catchy choruses really got the crowd moving. One thing that was very noticeable was that each and every member of the band brought a lot of energy. They were very active on stage, which involved thrashing their guitars over their heads and moving all around the stage.

Given how important Mayday’s energy was to their performance, it was nice to see a completely stripped down version of “I Swear This Time I Mean It.” Having lead singer Derek Sanders onstage alone with his guitar brought a nice change of pace to the set. It was quite evident that many Mayday fans were in the crowd, as many audience members sang along to this acoustic version of the song.

Afterwards, the liveliness of the set resumed with full strength, and the audience got even more into it. As one crowd surfer after another was pulled down from right in front of the stage, Mayday played a string of energetic songs. The song “Black Cat” really stood out to me because of its extremely catchy guitar hook. Mayday then ended their set with their most popular song, “Jamie All Over,” which I also feel is their best song.

Overall, Mayday’s stage presence was incredible, but what made their set impressive was that they had great music to back it up.

As the stage was set up for We The Kings, there was a brief video presentation about the Take Action Tour. It explained that Take Action sheds light to young people on important issues and how everyone can make a difference. Issues from depression to volunteerism have taken center stage since it was founded in 1999.

Then, 12-year-old Patrick Pedraja took the stage for a brief talk about Driving For Donors, an organization he founded when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. A friend of Pedraja died because they were unable to find a matching bone marrow donor. This is when he realized the importance of people signing up to the National Marrow Registry, where there is currently a critical shortage of minority donors.

We The Kings is probably best known for the two hits singles “Check Yes Juliet” and “Heaven Can Wait,” which both made the Top 40.

However, they did not benefit any from having to follow Mayday Parade. For one, their music is simply not as fast and as in your face as Mayday’s is. Part of this may have to do with only have four members as opposed to five, though the main reason is simply having a different style of music.

Although their front man Travis Clark is very charismatic, performance wise, they could not match the explosiveness and intensity of Mayday Parade. That is not to say that We The Kings was not able to get the crowd rocking with “She Takes Me High” and an impressive array of songs.

A highlight of the show was a surprise guest appearance by Demi Lovato for a duet with Travis Clark on the song “We’ll Be A Dream.” Apparently, Demi’s fans had found out through Twitter that she would be performing, and they had come out to the show simply to see Demi.

While following Mayday Parade was a tall task, We The Kings was able to deliver with a very strong performance that really rocked the House of Blues.

If you would like to find out more information on how to be added to the National Marrow Registry, visit www.marrow.org/JOIN. To support Driving For Donors, please text ACTION to 85944 to donate $5.

Madeline Wolff, contributor

Robert Williams (right) showcases his sculpture, "Brute Waste," one of the two sculptures ever to be displayed at a gallery. Photo Courtesy of Madeline Wolff

The Main Gallery opened its doors to an exquisite sight Saturday, Feb. 20 to an exhibition highlighting the works of Robert Williams.

The current exhibition, entitled “Conceptual Realism: In the Service of the Hypothetical,” utilizes paintings, prints and sculptures to display Williams’s transition into a more abstract theme.

Williams’ work features graphic surrealist elements, including references from cartoons, movie posters and trading cards. His subject matter is often graphic, politically motivated — or both — his art is considered to be controversial in many artistic arenas.

The exhibit is impressive on several levels. Not only is it to be respected that CSUN could attract such an artistic power as Williams, but the curator did an excellent job. Stark white walls intertwined with several red walls accent the colors in the artwork brilliantly, and the lighting perfectly highlights the artwork in all of its splendor.

One of his more famous works from the series, “Brute Waste (This is an Irresistible Impulse to Leave no Sanctum Unspoiled)” sits in the center of the front room of the gallery, centered and holding a spotlight.

The piece — a large, white male figure with giant hooves for feet and a proportionally tiny, blindfolded head—holds a torch to light fire to the Earth made from fiber glass and steel and painted with acrylic enamel.

“Brute Waste” and “Diamond in a Goat’s Ass” are the first sculptures Williams ever displayed, and they do not disappoint. Keeping in tune with the rest of his works, they exude a cartoon quality elevated by keen artistic ability, social commentary and bold use of color.

Williams draws an impressive audience; as he is based in the San Fernando Valley. There is no doubt that his largest fan base is in Los Angeles, and it is a lovely treat that our campus is hosting his artwork for six weeks.

The exhibition is a must-see. The paintings and sculptures truly come alive in person. The vibrancy is unparalleled and impossible to recreate in a photograph or scan. Also, be sure to pick up one or three of the flyers sitting out—they’re collector’s items.

“Conceptual Realism: In the Service of the Hypothetical” is on display in the main gallery at CSUN (on N. University Dr.) until April 3, 2010. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 12-4 PM and Thursday 12-8 PM. For group tours, please call 818-677-2156.

Alan Der Ohannessian, staff reporter

Anna Osipova, staff reporter

CONFIDE rocked The Breathing Room Jan.23, before gearing up for the 2010 Vans Warped Tour. Photo courtesy of Alex Standke

The San Fernando Valley has a reputation as being devoid of entertainment. Justin Souza, the man behind The Breathing Room, hopes to make it a little less so.

“There needs to be more opportunity for people to meet up in person and the San Fernando Valley doesn’t have very many places that are worth going to, so we’re losing that social connection,” said Souza.

He started The Breathing Room late last year. It is a non-profit, all ages venue that organizes shows once a month at the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, located at 10400 Zelzah Ave. in Northridge.

“We’re seeing that the demand is there. I mean my hunch, the whole reason I wanted to start this is because I really feel strongly that there is a void in the SF Valley,” said Souza.

“I put up a big proposition to the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills. They’re across the street from Granada Hills High School. They have a building that is just perfect for what we are doing at TBR. Full stage, sound, lights, rooms for bands to hang out, plenty of parking. The location’s perfect,” he said.

Souza explained that it’s called The Breathing Room because he wants people to come away from the experience feeling like they’ve just taken a breath of fresh air.

“We want you to come in and feel like you are really being refreshed, that it’s a fresh getaway from our culture of being bombarded with billboards and ads.”

Souza graduated from CSUN in 2004 with a degree in music industry studies. He’s been working in the music industry since then and said that his experience has helped him convince bands to play at The Breathing Room.

He does offer guarantees to the smaller bands that play as well as the headliners. There are a couple green rooms for bands before the show and he does offer catering for all the bands.

“Part of the vision is to provide a lot of opportunity for local bands but… I want to have bands that are touring nationally coming through,” said Souza.

He looks for bands already established to headline the show. Pigeon John was the headliner for last month’s show on Feb. 27. Pigeon John is a local alternative hip-hop artist from Inglewood who has achieved national success. Flynn Adam, Soul Junk and Lifter and O!mega played that night as well.

“I’m interesting in putting on an event where you’re going to show up at the beginning and you’re going to want to stay for the whole thing. You’re going to feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth and you feel like you’ve really had a good time,” Souza said.

“There’s a pattern there with themes,” he said, “… in March, we have just a straight-up rock, pop rock night.”

John Bowling, director of youth ministry, said “I knew the power that music has to influence youth.”

Music was an important part of his adolescence and so when Souza approached him with the idea, Bowling thought it was a great idea.

“I want to empower people to do more than just listen to music,” said Bowling, “but I haven’t quite figured it out.”

He is trying to use the shows to promote community service by having sign-up sheets at the concerts for events for the following Saturday. At the Confide show last month, Compassion International showed a video and encouraged people to donate for Haiti.

“I want to provide the people that come with an opportunity to build relationships with new people,” said Bowling.

“Everybody’s volunteers except for security,” Souza said. “The great thing about that is everybody is so excited to be involved.”

They are always looking for more people to help out and Souza said one of the things he is lacking is promotion. They have people that pass out flyers at similar events and they depend heavily on Facebook and Myspace, but he said that he would like to have additional ways of getting the word out.

“We’re really about just impacting the San Fernando Valley in a major, in a positive way with our music and with just the space that we’re creating,” said Souza. “I want to have a higher standard than what’s going on in Hollywood.”

Tickets are available for presale for $10. To order tickets, send an email to tbrtickets@fpcgh.org with the number of tickets and a name. The Breathing Room accepts cash or check. Tickets purchased at the door cost $12. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thebreathingroomallages.

Mentors from the MOSAIC program helped student’s from Jack London continuation high school design and paint murals around the campus. Photo Credit: Hannah Pedraza / Photo Editor

Stephanie Bermudez
Staff Reporter

Geraldine Marquez
Staff Reporter

CSUN’s Mentoring to Overcome Struggles and Inspire Courage (MOSAIC) is a program that uses youth culture to mentor and cater to at-risk youth in the San Fernando Valley.

“Students that we cater to are considered at-risk for many reasons. Usually most of them have already been through the juvenile justice system,” said Alex Ojeda, coordinator for MOSAIC.

“Either they’re on probation or dealing with alcoholism or they’re affiliated with gangs. It’s not your average high school or junior high students; they actually come with lots of emotional (and) psychological problems that we deal with on a regular basis, apart from academics of course,” he said.

The use of youth culture is the reason why the program so effective in engaging the kids, Ojeda said.

“We use the graffiti culture, the hip hop culture, we practice poetry, spoken word and martial arts,” Ojeda said. “That’s something that we use to bring the kids in and grab their attention. From there we can expand more on the academic aspect of our mentoring so once we capture their attention they are open to try new things.”

Graffiti art is one of the most popular forms of art in the program because many of the MOSAIC kids are deep into the graffiti culture, added Ojeda. He said many of the kids have been arrested for tagging and have been in tagging crews.

“We like to take the concept of their extreme graffiti, the stuff that gets them into trouble, and get them into a different light which is canvas art,” Ojeda said. “They can’t get arrested for doing graffiti on canvas.”

“We’ve done art shows on campus that’s all artwork done by the youth, so using these tools that the kids can relate to is essential to our mentoring because otherwise it would just be another mentoring program that only works with tutoring or anything in the field of scholastics,” he added.

The MOSAIC program, which started in 2004, is not only a place in which CSUN students can serve as mentors in after school programs; it is also a class in which they meet to discuss ways to communicate better with the students they mentor.

CSUN students are matched with students in the program that are located at two continuation high school campuses and two after- school programs which are run by LAPD’s Foothill and Mission Hills’ divisions.

“These kids need mentors who have similar experiences that they can relate to so that it builds their self-efficacy and their ability to want to succeed in the future as adults,” Ojeda said.

“We feel that by bringing university students onto the schools after- school programs, that they get a better opportunity of completing work and cashing out with their credits and units since they’re so far behind,” Ojeda said.

Ojeda said the mentors act as cheerleaders by providing encouragement and building a trustworthy relationship.

The MOSAIC program also takes the students they mentor on field trips.

“We have our college day field trips every semester which is when the mentors bring the students to the CSUN campus,” Ojeda said.

The mentors expose the students to the college atmosphere. They give them a tour and take them to different departments, he said.

“Otherwise they would not even have set foot on a university because their present reality kind of keeps them encapsulated in their neighborhood so they don’t see anything outside of their neighborhood. Bringing them onto campus broadens their horizons,” Ojeda said.

“We are not policing these kids. Our job is not to tell on them when they have done something wrong. Our job is to try to help them, to advise them and convince them of staying out of trouble,” he said.

The class is mixed with new and experienced mentors.

Aldo Arrellano, a 29-year-old psychology major, has been working with MOSAIC for two years and is one of the more skilled mentors. Arrellano said he learned of the program at a job he had in LACC.

“The idea of helping at risk youth really interested me,” he said.

Casey Escobedo, a 20-year-old psychology and public relations major, has been in the MOSAIC program for three semesters.

“This is what I want to do, because for psychology I want to do more in child development and work with teenagers and that’s kind of what I’m doing now. I’m working with teens in high school and I get to talk to them about their schoolwork and what they want to do in the future,” Escobedo said. “I kind of feel like I’m already helping them.”

According to Ojeda, the MOSAIC program is open to all majors and students. All students interested in mentoring, can find the MOSAIC program at the career center or work-study office.

“If they want to join, we allow them to volunteer at any of our sites that coincide with the hours that they are available,” Ojeda said. “If it’s something they want to do and if they meet the criteria then we bring them along.”

“We take volunteers, interns and anyone who wants to help and make a change in the lives of these youths,” Ojeda said.