The first shake hit at 1:47 p.m., followed three minutes later by a magnitude 2.0-aftershock.

Students reported feeling the quake, along with Angelenos in Hollywood and Van Nuys, according to Facebook statuses.

Buildings in Los Angeles are built to withstand a quake of this magnitude, which could knock books off shelves and break windows, USGS geophysicist Jessica Sigala told ABCNews.com.

View Newhall Earthquake in a larger map

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a balanced budget that will reduce state funding to the California State University by at least $150 million Thursday and will likely lead to tuition hikes for fall 2011.

The additional $150 million will come on top of $500 million in cuts enacted in March, totaling $650 million. CSUN anticipates their share of the cuts to be about $46 million, according to the campus budget webpage.

CSU Board of Trustees will meet July 12 to recommend an additional 12 percent increase in tuition fees for the upcoming semester, which was already raised 10 percent, in order to address the new cuts and to preserve the quality of student services and programs.

“We’re really at a point where cutting any deeper within the institution is going to cause lasting damage,” said Erik Fallis, CSU media relations specialist.

James Ballard, CSUN sociology professor and California Faculty Association member, notices the cuts within the institution already, including fewer classes and less variety in times offered.

“More people are competing for a lesser number of classes,” Ballard said. “It’s absolutely not fair to students.”

The 12 percent increase in fees will amount to about $294 per semester, raising yearly tuition from $4,884 to $5,472, which would not directly affect nearly half of CSU students who receive some type of financial aid, according to Fallis.

Still, California Faculty Association President Lillian Taiz expressed disappointment with the passage of the budget that could raise fees over 20 percent higher than last year.

“As we have seen year after year, it’s the students and the working families – in Republican and Democratic districts alike – who will pay the price for these cuts,” Taiz said in a statement.

Ballard agreed students were the victims of the additional cuts.

“People in the legislature are not allowing students dreams to come to fruition,” Ballard said. “That’s what’s really killing our economy.”

The Board of Trustees will also likely begin discussing contingency plans in case a “trigger” cut is enabled, bringing cut totals to $750 million, according to Fallis.

A trigger cut would automatically reduce state funding for the CSU by another $100 million, and add another $7 million to CSUN’s cuts, if state revenues do not reach a projected $4 billion by January.

“The challenge of this potential additional $100 million is if we don’t have advanced warning,” said Fallis.

By the time the CSU knows whether or not the trigger cut will be implemented, it might be too late to deal with it effectively.

“We would have already made decisions for class schedules,” said Fallis. “We would have already made admission offers.”

On a campus level, Ballard sees incoming CSUN freshmen being affected most by the recently passed budget.

“They’re going to have long term problems graduating,” Ballard said. “They think they’re going to graduate in four years; it’s going to take them six.”

6/28

Chancellor Charles Reed issued a statement earlier today regarding the proposed budget that would cut at least $150 million and a possible $100 million in “trigger cuts” from the California State University.

“This budget is a great disappointment for the California State University,” said Reed in the statement. “It is a shame that the legislature was unable to reach a compromise.”

Democrats and Republicans in the legislature did not find a compromise with the budget, including extending tax increases to avoid cutting more from the CSU.

The CSU has already undergone a $500 million reduction in funding for fiscal year 2011-12. CSUN’s portion of the cut totals $21.15 million.

While at least $150 million in additional cuts are expected, an extra $100 million in “trigger cuts” could be pulled after classes for fall have already begun.

“This makes it impossible to plan and carry out our mission with any stability,” said Reed.

If the trigger cuts are pulled, the cut total will reach $750 million, reducing the CSU to its lowest level of state funding in 14 years, according to the statement.

CSUN has a knowledgeable staff of technicians in its IT Help Center and it’s probably a good bet most don’t know about this service or where to find it. They don’t call it the “dungeon” for no reason. It’s located underneath the Oviatt Library in Room 33. This is a nickname sometimes heard from a staff member at the front desk when a student who finally locates them and they’re usually somewhat surprised that anything exists down there.

Now it’s time for the all-too-familiar disclaimer: granted, the IT Help Center staff are here to help CSUN students,  however, the extent of what they are willing to do is limited. Understandably so considering the service is available to more than 36,000 students and it is free of charge.

Sam Huffman and Hewitt Dixon of the CSUN IT Help Center staff are eager to help students at the walk-in center in Room 33 underneath the Oviatt Library.

Hewitt Dixon, computer science, 21, has been on the IT Help Desk staff for about a year and he spoke of not only what services are available to students but to the degree or extent of help, and who will qualify for their assistance.

“We can help them with any kind of password resets, information on the portal, and some antivirus installation [Mac or PC],” he said. The anti-virus programs are available for free and can be downloaded at the CSUN IT website and CSUN student ID and password will be required. Only one anti-virus program installation per student, he said.

“Due to the fact that we can’t give out licenses to everyone, we can only give out one license per person,” Dixon said. Also students must be verified prior to receiving tech support, he said. “We have to be able find you in the system‚ either student or extension student or visiting guest. We will help but any outside [individual], we can’t give any services.”

Dixon enjoys assisting students with their computer related dilemmas and he isn’t the only one on the IT Help Center staff that is ready to help. Sam Huffman, computer science and math, 21, is polite and answers just about every question with a “yes sir.” A trait that would just about make anyone feel older than they are–moving along. Huffman said that the most common question of the IT Help Center involves accessing student accounts and he often hears the phrase, “How can I access my account?”  Getting him to specify exactly what account wasn’t difficult at all.

“Well, the myNorthridge Portal account as well as the e-mail account [Google]. Both of them usually go hand-in-hand. If they can’t access one they can’t usually access the other,” he said. “And that usually comes down to a password issue.” The most common reason for the inability to access these accounts is that the student can’t recall their “forgot your password phrase” or it was never set up initially. In either case, the IT Help Center staff is able to assist students.

Huffman also works in the call-in center at 818-677-1400 and although many of the calls relate to password issues, with the walk-in center the more common issue is Wi-Fi connectivity.

“We usually get a lot of the laptop related wireless issues because the students are on campus. They’re trying to get onto the wireless signal but if they can’t, they have to bring them here,” he said.

Which is nice because all of us at some point have made that call which begins halfway around the world with someone who speaks English as a second language.  At this point the frustration mounts.

View CSUN’s IT Help Center in a larger map

Collisions with buildings cause 100 million to one billion bird deaths per year. Hunters kill 100 million. Pesticides: 67 million. Vehicles: 60-80 million. Domestic cats: 39 million-1 billion.

So, Fluffy is one of the biggest aviocidal maniacs out there. That gift she left on your doorstep? A boon to the ecosystem, and there’s more where that came from.

It is a little strange that we have cats, an invasive species of non-social animal as a popular pet. It’s even weirder (and sadder) that with 9.6 million cats and dogs killed in shelters each year, we continue to pay breeders to make more cats and dogs to be sold, released, and killed in a shelter.

What should be done? We could keep our kitties indoors, but I would never do that to my Mew. We could introduce them to Kinect Birdcatch(tm), but I think I just made that up.

One thing that I’m sure I support withdrawing support from cat breeders and kitten mills which feed pet stores. Cats cause so much damage to the ecosystem, and we are paying people to produce more of them, just to see these animals killed in the shelters. If you’re going to get an animal, adopt one at petfinder.com, the Lange Foundation, or your other local shelter. And try to keep them out of birds nests.

Director of Finance Vahan Khodanian said that although the fiscal year does not end until the last day of June, the senate is safe in its finances.

“We’ve been pretty consistent,” he said.  “I’ve allocated  a lot but they’ll be fine to finish the year.”

Khodanian said the A.S. annual budget will earn an additional $120,000 in the fall due to an increase in the A.S. fee.

“We increased the A.S. fee by $2,” he said.  “It’s now $82.”

He added that over 200 clubs and organizations will be on the A.S. budget list next semester, based on those entities that submitted budget applications.

Heading into college as a teenage mother, I had my daughter and the thought of getting my education went out the door. I understood the sacrifice that I needed to make. So I stayed at work until two weeks before I had her and I went straight back to work a month after her birth.

At this time college was not on my list, but I always loved school and it lingered in the back of my mind. With the support from my parents, I made my way back to school. Being a part-time student at a community college and holding a part-time job I started on my journey back to higher education. To be honest, transferring did not cross my mind until my advisor sat me down me and said, “Look you are almost done, there is no reason why you shouldn’t transfer.” I told him okay and I applied to different universities.

My love for sports and journalism led me here to CSUN. And even though it took me awhile to get here, because I wanted to spend time with my daughter, I did it. I took on two part-time jobs and became a full-time student. With countless hours at school studying, going to sports events to cheer on my little one and/or report (yet leaving early to head back home to study for a early test in the morning) I have come closer to reaching my goal of graduating.

Of course there was those times I thought I couldn’t do it and thought I can never finish school. I stuck it out knowing that the end result was my daughter watching me walk across stage and know I did it not only for me, but for her. I know because I kept her in mind this whole time throughout this journey I would get through and I would make it.

So I urge you- you, the other parents trying to reach the same goal, should not give up and know that your little one is counting on you to support them and in the end. They’ll understand that you did it for the both of you. And trust me, it is a journey well worth it.

Koester sent out an email earlier today announcing her plan to faculty and students.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Harry Hellenbrand who has worked with Koester said she will be missed.

“It’s a big loss to us all – personally and collectively,” Hellenbrand said.

He said Koester’s “legacy” would be the philosophy she has established on campus.

“It will carry us through,” Hellenbrand said.

He added that some aspects of her legacy include the new Valley Performing Arts Center along with the positive way of how the campus communicates.

“Its really the spirit of collaboration and transparency and openness that has really made (CSUN) a model campus in many respects,” Hellenbrand said.

A.S. President Conor Lansdale, who has worked with Koester since he was a senator, has worked with her more than 2 years.

“President Koester and I have a fond relationship going back to when I was an outspoken senator,” Lansdale said. “I was a bulldog then, speaking up to get my opinion heard.”

Lansdale said working with Koester has helped him learn to be a better communicator. He added that she is probably the only person he knows that has worked in the field she majored in, communication, and this has also helped CSUN.

“I’m still outspoken, but I’m more tactful,” he said. “Or at least I’d like to think I am. She helped me learn to talk to people without jumping to conclusions.”

Lansdale said she is a “personable person” and has made herself available to senators. Her greatest accomplishment was realizing her goal of opening a performing arts center on campus, he said.

“It was nice to see her enjoy herself at the VPAC opening,” Lansdale said. “It was a tribute to her hard work and leadership.”

In her email to the CSUN community, Koester said:

To the Campus Community:

I am writing to inform you that I have told Chancellor Reed of my plans to step down as president of California State University, Northridge by the end of December 2011 and subsequently retire from the California State University.

I became president almost 11 years ago with a clear set of priorities that would allow our University to build on its impressive faculty and academic excellence. We have achieved much in the past decade. Our graduation rates have improved and we are now a beautiful and distinctive campus with improved business processes. We have had notable fundraising successes. The University community now understands and has pride about its excellence. The University’s reputation and stature in the greater Los Angeles community have been greatly enhanced. The opening of the Valley Performing Arts Center in January is emblematic of these accomplishments. In just a few months, this wonderful new venue has allowed Cal State Northridge to be seen symbolically and physically as the commons for this part of Los Angeles. We have weathered difficult budget circumstances by our intentional and consultative planning. We have modeled transparency in our governance of the University and collaboration has been the value that has driven how we work together. And, most importantly, we have made decisions to sustain the excellence of our faculty and our academic programs.

The University is now at another important juncture in its maturation as a powerful force in Southern California. With this in mind, I feel that it is an opportune time for me to step aside and hand over the leadership of this wonderful institution to its next president, who will build on what has been accomplished by the leadership team that has worked with me.

My plans include some rest and rejuvenation, along with the pursuit of research around the role of communication as contributing to the successes and dealing with the challenges that university presidents and chancellors now face. While I will be stepping down from a university presidency, I look forward to remaining engaged and contributing to the important work of public higher education.

On a very personal note, being president of California State University, Northridge has been a most exhilarating and satisfying professional responsibility. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the University and the region. My time here has involved a personal engagement with an institution whose mission I deeply care about and whose faculty and staff have daily inspired me. During the last decade key volunteers have helped in the achievement of the University’s excellence and I am grateful for their support of this wonderful institution and of me with their intelligence, energy, and philanthropy. I also want to thank those who have supported and served with me in advancing the University’s mission, particularly the senior leadership team. Their commitment to the institution and to the spirit of collaboration has made my work here productive and fulfilling.

Working with Chancellor Charles B. Reed and the CSU Board of Trustees, who have provided excellent guidance and direction within a difficult political and fiscal environment, has given me the opportunity to serve with the very best leadership of public higher education in this country. I am indebted to all for allowing me to contribute to this academic institution’s incredible legacy.

As for our students, they have been the primary rationale for my efforts, because they represent our collective future. I know they will continue to be well served by the University, especially through its focus on student learning.

In the remaining months of my service here at California State University, Northridge, I pledge to stay focused on the University and its planning priorities with as much energy and enthusiasm as I have brought to the role during the past almost 11 years. In addition, I will continue to manage the current budget challenges to the best of my ability in order to position the University well for the work that will need to be undertaken with the guidance of a new president.

Chancellor Reed will shortly announce the next steps in selecting my successor, following the procedures and policies that have been established for the selection of CSU presidents by the Board of Trustees. Please be assured that as details of the search and transition period are decided, this information will be communicated to the campus community.

In the remaining months of the calendar year, I look forward to the opportunity to thank you personally for your support and your continued dedication and hard work on behalf of Cal State Northridge. While I recognize such transitions can be a source of worry and concern, they also are a time for reflection and opportunity. Because of my positive experiences here, I have the utmost confidence in the strength of the Cal State Northridge community and know that a bright future lies ahead for the University as its reputation and excellence continues to grow and flourish.

Jolene Koester
President, California State University, Northridge

Don't be the reason trees like this one could be cut or even extinct, especially how things are going. Photo credit: Julio Alberto Cruz

It’s not about money, even though the rest of the world is.

Because of this frugal and money-savvy mentality, many are against the movement of organic-made products and environmental-friendly ways. It cost more money to be green and save green. But this should be a way of life and not an activist fight.

From experience, many have been and continue to be against many progressive practices.

Why? I have no idea.

Why be against using less of plastic bags?

Why be against using alternate vehicles due to the increase of gas prices or cycling around the city more often?

Why be against going organic?

Why be against using less to no plastic water bottles?

Or

Why be against Fair Trade?

But my question is, why knock it if you haven’t tried it? Then you can say your feelings and opinions.

You don’t know you might just like it and you it’s beneficial because that’s what it should be all about – for the greater good.

Yes, change for many isn’t the best thing to do but trying sounds much better.

Remember, you can’t never fight for the “good” about our Mother Earth.

Good day, Matadors!

“Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use”

- Wendell Johnson

Elections, held on campus and online during April 13 – 14, garnered 2,509 votes for the presidential candidates and 2,220 votes for the constitutional amendment changing bi-yearly elections to annually.

The following positions are still available, according to the A.S. elections website:

-          Graduate Senator II

-          Education Senator II

-          Humanities Senator II

-          Science and Math Senator II

-          Director of Finance

-          Director of Finance Assistant

-          Director of Elections

-          Assistant Director of Clubs and Orgs

-          Chief of Staff

-          Attorney General

-          Personal Assistant to President/Vice President

Election officials are accepting applications and nominations by current senate members for possible candidates, said Paige Andrews, director of personnel.  She added her intent is to begin interviewing applicants as early as this Friday.

It is common sense, but better yet, it simply makes sense. Photo credit: Julio Alberto Cruz

I visited coffee roasting company Larry’s Beans, in Raleigh, North Carolina two months ago and was surprised at their recycling initiatives.

The staff already recycled, but what surprised me was their urge to know how efficient they actually are in recycling.

To find out they dumped all their trash onto the pavement and went over it. They found out that very little of their trash could be recycled.

Then, I heard of businesses and even households doing the same, to see what can be recycled and what can be thrown out.

Keep in mind, some of those households my live in homes, versus apartments, making it easier to recycle items in the garage or else where, unlike those who live in apartment buildings.

So to help us all out, below is a list of common household items in the trash that CAN be recycled. We’ve also listed a few items and how/where to recycle them:

• Plastic water bottles (recycle them).
• Aluminum cans (recycle them).
• Paper/envelopes (recycle it, or reuse them as notepads).
• Newspapers (either recycle it or save it for future use like putting some cut pieces into shoes to kill odor).
• Magazines (either recycle it or save some and stack them up, tied them up, making a coffee table).
• Plastic bags (either recycle them or reuse them).
• Clothes/shoes (recycle clothes tips; give them to homeless shelters or homeless people – they really appreciate that).
• Cellphones/electronics (recycle them, sell them, or keep them to show them to your grandchildren).

I hope it helps. Just remember it is in an effort to preserve the planet, save money (even get some money if possible by recycling certain items) and to do the right thing.