Four confirmed cases of West Nile Virus found in San Fernando Valley

The West Nile Virus continues to infect Southern California residents in Los Angeles County. There have been nine confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in L.A. County in 2005 as of Aug. 29, according to the L.A. County Department of Health Services. Of the nine confirmed cases, four have been found in the San Fernando Valley. Humans can become infected with the virus when an infected mosquito bites them after feeding on a bird carrying the West Nile virus. To prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, the L.A. County Department of Health Services urges residents to use insect repellent containing the chemical DEET when outdoors.

Photography lab’s move to Art Design Center put on hold due to renovation

The photography lab’s move from the basement of Eucalyptus Hall to its new home in the Art Design Center is not completed. The move, at an estimated cost of $500,000, was originally scheduled to be completed during the summer. Chuck Przelomiec, one of three equipment technicians for the Art Design Center, stated that the equipment for the new lab was moved the same day the Engineering department began to renovate, causing the delay. Ed Alfano, who is overseeing the project, said that the lab was not ready because the materials accumulated over the past 45 years were not in place yet. “(The students) must have the lab to comprehend what they are being taught,” said photography professor Tokuroh Arimitsu, who said he plans on extending his class lectures until the new laboratory is completed. According to the Art Department Chair Dave Moon, the lab will be ready in a couple of weeks.

New Parking and Public Safety Building in the works; old structure to be dorms

The construction of a new Parking and Public Safety Building is slated to begin between the last week of August and the first week of September, officials say. The two-story, 26,000 square foot facility will be located near the intersection of Darby Avenue and Plummer Street directly in front of the recently completed B3 parking structure. Public Safety, including Parking Services, is currently located in Building 14 of the University Park Apartments, which will be converted back to dorms for student living after construction of the new facility is complete. The estimated cost of the new building is $8 million. An invitation-only ground-breaking ceremony will be held on Sept. 19.

Investigation continues into counterfeit bill ring striking campus businesses

CSUN police are engaged in an ongoing investigation of counterfeit bill activity on campus that began in May. The first set of counterfeit bills was recovered in May, and there have been a number of reports of counterfeit bills on campus and at off-campus businesses. Burger King, Sierra Center and the Freudian Sip are just some of the on campus businesses that have been affected by individuals attempting to use counterfeit notes. The most frequently recovered counterfeit bill has been $20 bills. A suspect involved in passing counterfeit bills at the Freudian Sip was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service for the same offense. According to Christina Villalobos, spokesperson for the CSUN police, further information could not be released because the investigation is still underway.

USU to host noontime concerts, craft night and karaoke lunches next week

The University Student Union will host several events this month. A noontime concert will be held at the Pub Sports Bar and Grill on Wednesday, Sept. 7, though it is still unknown what band will perform. A karaoke lunch event on Sept. 14 at noon will also be held at the Pub Sports Bar and Grill, followed by an Ice Cream Social and Craft night at 6 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union. The USU is also hosting Dodger Night, where CSUN students can attend the Dodgers vs. Pirates game on Sept. 23 for $11.