volume 46 issue 4 [10/13/2011]

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BLUMENTHAL & GALLOWAY Q&A P. 7 “DISHEARTNING” DEFEAT FOR SLUG FC P. 14 CAMILA LEE REMEMBERED P. 5 ursday, October 13, 2011 Vol. 46 Issue No. 4 Citywide ban of Smart Meters disregarded. P. 8

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Page 1: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

BLUMENTHAL & GALLOWAY Q&A P. 7 “DISHEARTNING” DEFEAT FOR SLUG FC P. 14CAMILA LEE REMEMBERED P. 5

Thursday, October 13, 2011Vol. 46 Issue No. 4

Citywide ban of Smart Meters disregarded. P. 8

Page 2: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

2 | Thursday, October 10, 2011

Public Discourse

Compiled by Emiliano O’Flaherty-Vazquez & Toby Silverman

“Pretty connected. There are only about 20 students in every class. You have multiple classes with the same people. I do lithography, and it’s a community. There’s always music playing.”

MICHELLE SPETNERTHIRD-YEAR, KRESGEART

“Not last year, but more this year. I’m in microeconomics and I don’t know anyone,

but in my bio classes it’s cool.”

ALISON SCARBROUGHFOURTH-YEAR, OAKES

BIOLOGY

“I haven’t had any classes in the major yet, but I’m in Psychology of Religion, and there’s something there. You get to see reactions.”

ALEX SMITHFIRST-YEAR, STEVENSONPSYCHOLOGY

“I’m new to the major, so I’m not connected yet. It’s a pretty big major.”

RACHEL GRAHAMTHIRD-YEAR, MERRILL

SOCIOLOGY

Public DiscourseDo you feel connected to other people in your major?

ABOUT US

City on a Hill Press is produced by and for UCSC students. Our primary goal is to report and analyze issues af-fecting the student population and the Santa Cruz commu-nity.

We also serve to watchdog the politics of the UC admin-istration. While we endeavor to present multiple sides of a story, we realize our own outlooks influence the presen-tation of the news. The City on a Hill Press (CHP) col-lective is dedicated to cover-ing underreported events, ideas and voices. Our desks are devoted to certain topics: campus and city news, sports, arts and entertainment, and community and culture. CHP is a campus paper, but it also provides space for Santa Cruz residents to present their views and interact with the campus community. Ideally, CHP’s pages will serve as an arena for debate, challenge, and ulti-mately, change.

CHP is published weekly in the fall and spring quarters by the City on a Hill Press pub-lishing group, except during Thanksgiving and academic breaks. During winter quarter CHP is published every other week.

The opinions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff at large, or the University of California.

GENERAL EDITORIAL(831) [email protected]

ADVERTISING(831) [email protected]

BUSINESS(831) [email protected]

FRIEND US ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/cityonahillpress

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER twitter.com/cityonahill

SEND LETTERS TOUCSC Press Center1156 High St.Santa Cruz, CA 95064

EMAIL LETTERS [email protected]

STAFF

EDITORS-IN-CHIEFRyan AyersJulie Eng

MANAGING EDITORSAsa Hess-MatsumotoJulia Reis

COPYMolly Kossoff, chiefNicole HardinAlison KernMatthew Williams

PRODUCTIONSamved Sangameswara, managerRosa Castañeda

CAMPUS NEWSLaurel Fujii, editorSarah Naugle, editorPierce Gibson CrosbyKellyAnn KelsoEmiliano O’Flaherty-VazquezJacob Van Der Wilk

CITY NEWSNikki Pritchard, editorChelsea Hawkins, editorMaria CapaceteAlan Sanchez Marielena Verdugo

SPORTSMichael Mott, editorBryce BettwyMark Rad

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTArianna Vinion, editorLauren BalianNils Bredeson

COMMUNITY & CULTUREChelsea Hawkins, editorAysha BilalHanna Toda

CONTRIBUTING WRITERMelisa Masuda

OPINIONS & EDITORIALSBlair Stenvick, editor

WEBTimothy Lindvall II, developerMichael Mott, editor

PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATIONMorgan Grana, editorLouise Leong, editorMatt BobletChristine HippSal IngramKyan MahzoufJamie MortonNick ParisToby SilvermanPrescott Watson

ADVERTISINGRyan Ayers, managerPrescott WatsonMalia Bradley

BUSINESSBrittany Thompson, managerTommy Palmer, assistant manager

Page 3: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

cityonahillpress.com | 3

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

P. 4 Changing UC: Grads Start a Farm by Melisa Masuda

P. 5 Remembering Camila Leeby KellyAnn Kelso

P. 6 This Week in News ‘DREAM’ Come True for Undocumented Students&Parks Department Conducts Controlled Burns at Wilder Ranchby Laurel Fujii & Jacob Van Der Wilk

P. 12 PACIFIC RIM FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW

by Lauren Balian

P. 10 OCCUPY MOVEMENT GROWS IN

SANTA CRUZ by Alan Sanchez

P. 7 STUDENT MEDIA SPEAKS WITH

ADMINISTRATION by Emiliano O’Flaherty-

Vazquez & KellyAnn Kelso

P. 14 SLUG SOCCER SUFFERS SETBACK

by Mark Rad

Kyan Mahzouf Toby Silverman Matt Boblet Sal Ingram

P. 7 SB 185 Vetoedby Sarah Naugle

P. 8 Smart Meter Controversyby Marielena Verdugo

P. 11 Community Chest: Discovering Student Volunteerism by Hanna Toda&Creating Community in the Sciencesby Pierce Gibson Crosby

P. 13 Wednesday Night Cinema Society Screens “An American Family”by Nils Bredeson

P. 15 Editorial: PG&E Violates County Decision &Editorial: Widening the Conversation

P. 16 Letters to the Editor

Cover Illustration ByLouise Leong

Page 4: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

4 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

Campus

A Changing UC

By Melisa MasudaContributing Writer

After struggling to find careers in their majors, UCSC alumni start a farm

Courtesy of Paula and Mark Allen

When siblings Paula and Mark Allen received their undergraduate degrees in social science, neither of them ever expected work with cows and chickens.

Paula had two passions when she entered UC Santa Cruz, marine biology and history. She eventually went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in history. She took every class the program had to offer and formed meaningful relationships with her professors. During her senior year, she was enrolled in three seminars, which she viewed as opportunities to converse and connect with professors.

“The relationship that I developed with the professors and how passionate and engaging they were on their own topic was the best part of the program,” she said.

Mark’s undying interest in social problems led him to pursue a degree in anthropology. He viewed it as something that would be academic, but could also have

a tangible effect on the quality of life that people experience. He found one of the strengths of the anthropology program was the professors, and that they were all very knowledgeable and passionate about their field.

“UC Santa Cruz does a pretty good job of allowing their anthropology department to approach things in new angles,” he said.

However, upon graduating, both Paula and Mark found it difficult to find professional careers in their fields. Paula took a year off after graduating with her undergraduate degree in 2003, and then went on to receive a master’s degree in museum studies. She found a part-time job at a local history museum, but due to budget constraints, was recently asked to reduce her work schedule from 20 to four hours a week. Mark recently finished his last classes in the spring and has been considering what to do next.

“Ultimately it comes down to the idea that we look at our employment options with our degrees,” Mark said.

“Or lack of,” Paula chimed in with a laugh.

So what have the brother and sister duo decided to do? They plan to start a farm.

“We want to raise chickens, grass-fed cows, dairy goat or meat goat, dairy cows, honeybees,” Paula said.

The idea is simple: Live a more sustainable lifestyle by making more of an effort to do the work yourself. Inspired in part by their uncle’s farm in Colorado, the Allens want to create an established garden and maintain livestock

in a setting where they are responsible for processing and creating as much as they can.

“[We want to] break away from the broken model and pursue the kind of life that we were taught to find after we graduate,” Mark said.

“I would like to go back to a model to be as self-sufficient as possible,” Paula added.

Ultimately, the Allens

would like to pay it forward by providing food at affordable prices for the community, as well as inform and educate those in the urban community about rural living.

“I would like to have a personal connection, not only as an educator, but bridging that gap between urban and rural experience,” Paula said.

STATSName: Paula and Mark AllenPosition: UC Santa Cruz graduates starting a farmPredicament: After discovering a lack of jobs in their fields of study, Paula and Mark Allen have decide to adopt a rural life.

“[We want to] break away from the broken model and pursue the kind of life that we were taught to find after we graduate,”

— UCSC alum Mark Allen

Page 5: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

cityonahillpress.com | 5

Campus

Candlelight and MemoriesStudents celebrate the life of Camila Lee

SECOND-YEAR CAMILA LEE passed away on Sept. 29. A memorial was held for her in the Cowell dining hall on Oct. 6.

Photo Courtesy of the Lee Family

Hundreds gathered in homage to recently deceased second-year Camila Lee at the Cowell Dining Hall on the evening of Oct. 6.

Huddled together in the cold fog, the throng of students slowly trickled inside, candles clasped in hand. In a few minutes, the room reached near maximum occupancy. Many students sat on squares of carpet for lack of chairs.

The multitude of tall, squat and tiny tealight candles joined colorful bouquets of sunflowers and daisies onstage. Dozens of snapshots from Lee’s life flowed on the projector screen to Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes” and Ben Harper’s “Burn One Down.”

“We’re here to remember Camila Lee, who took her life on September 29, 2011,” second-year Colleen Walsh said. “Exactly one week later, we’ve come together to celebrate her life and bring her with us … These candles represent the light she brought in her smile. Take a moment to think of a memory you would like to share … and do what feels right.”

Walsh shared Shel Silverstein’s poem “Put Something In” and invited anybody who wished to contribute to do so.

Individual students approached the microphone to speak about their time with Lee and the impact she made.

“I can’t stand to see any silence at this microphone — because she would have had something to say about all of us,” said second-year Ben Lilly, in response to some students’ initial hesitancy to speak.

He, like many others, reflected on his last encounter with Lee and how much it meant to him.

“She really saw someone, really acknowledged them,” Lilly said. “She could walk into a dorm room with 10 people in it, wondering what to do, and instantly have them on their feet ... That’s how she lived.”

People recounted an abundance of unique adventures with Lee. They said she could charm her way into anywhere — including The Catalyst, three times in a single night. They remembered dancing wildly, singing crazy songs, and taking a picture of everybody with their pants down on a backpacking trip.

Second-year Becca LaPlante said she felt compelled to speak, even though, like several others, she had only crossed paths with Lee a few times.

“I remember she was always so friendly,” LaPlante said. “I saw her just last week. I was passing out fliers in Quarry Plaza and she was in a rush so we didn’t get to talk, but I’m so grateful I got to see her.”

Contributors shared stories of grief and joy, and several said the courage of other speakers had inspired them to not only speak, but to live their lives openly in her memory.

“We don’t all know each other, but we’re all connected by her,” second-year Sunee Kiernan said.

While every anecdote was unique, each echoed a sincere appreciation for Lee’s character. Her smile and genuine spirit were as strongly emphasized by one student as the next. Around their collective memory of Lee, the gathering had quickly evolved into an intimate community.

Thursday’s memorial acknowledged the wide and deep loss felt on campus.

As she fought back tears, Kiernan read from her diary an entry dedicated to Lee.

“You’re an exceptional human being,” Kiernan said, “and I will always feel you when the sunshine kisses my face.”

By KellyAnn KelsoCampus Reporter

“She could walk into a dorm room with 10 people in it, wondering what to do, and instantly have them on their feet ... That’s how she lived.”

— second-year Ben Lilly

Page 6: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

6 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

CampusBy Laurel Fujii

Campus Co-EditorJacob Van Der WilkCampus ReporterThis Week in News

Gov. Brown Passes the Dream Act

One day before Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 131, the second part of the California Dream Act, over 150 UC Santa Cruz students in Quarry Plaza called the governor’s office to voice their support for the bill.

Starting Jan. 1, 2013, AB 131 will allow undocumented students to be eligible to apply for financial aid, including Cal Grants.

DT Amajoyi, SUA commissioner of diversity and third-year UCSC student, organized the Oct. 7 call-in. Brown’s signature serves as symbolic support of the bill, she said, as it would have passed without his signature unless he chose to veto it.

“It was a strange feeling of, ‘Wow, he actually kept his promise!’” Amajoyi said in an email. “It was a pleasant surprise and a very empowering moment in my organizing career to have organized around an issue and see the results manifested within a matter of hours!”

The first part of the Dream Act, AB 130, was signed on July 25 and allows undocumented students to apply for financial aid from private sources.

“It’s not guaranteed money, while the second version will give guaranteed money to those students who are in financial need,” said third-year Ana Navarrete, who made over 55 calls in two days.

According to the Office of the Governor’s

website, around 2,500 students will qualify for Cal Grants under AB 131, as estimated by the California Department of Finance.

Navarrete said promoting AB 131 and the call-ins educated opponents of the bill.

“You have all this media saying ‘illegal immigrants, illegal immigrants,’ making us sound like monsters and that we’re here to take their money and abuse the system, but we’re not,” Navarrete said.

Controlled Burns at Wilder Ranch State Park

The California Department of Parks and Recreation announced the implementation of a series of controlled burns at Wilder Ranch State Park, located two miles north of Western Drive along Highway 1.

Chris Spohrer, a research ecologist at Wilder Ranch State Park, said two separate burns totaling approximately 140 acres were conducted yesterday. The burns were implemented with the dual purposes of halting the encroachment of wooded shrubbery on native grasses and eliminating fuels that can contribute to wildfires.

The UC Santa Cruz Public Information Office released a statement on Oct. 16 warning of the potential for the smoke from the burns to reach the campus, and advising those with health issues to take appropriate precautions.

Illustration by Rachel Edelstein

&

Page 7: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

CHANCELLOR GEORGE BLUMENTHAL and executive vice chancellor Alison Galloway answer questions from student media organizations.

Student Media Speaks with Blumenthal, Galloway

Chancellor, executive vice chancellor discuss budget crisis and role of private sector at UC

Chancellor George Blumenthal and executive vice chancellor Allison Galloway met with Student Media Organizations for their Quarterly Meeting on Oct. 10. Blumenthal discussed private UC funding and the critical race and ethnic studies movement on campus.

CHP: Regarding the Sept. 15 Board of Regents meeting: there was a certain sentiment that the UC system ought to be pursuing more sources of private funding, in light of President Yudof ’s four-year proposal. What are your thoughts on this?

Blumenthal: We would love to see more private funding, no doubt about that. Don’t be misled that we don’t already do private funding. Last year, our private funding was up 10 percent. We already do a lot. That doesn't mean we shouldn't do or try to do more ... There is an effort to reach out to the largest corporations in California, who are in some ways beneficiaries of higher education because they get to hire trained people. That’s a perfectly legitimate thing to do. The bottom line is, we’ve taken tremendous cuts ... President Yudof ’s plan was a plan to bring some stability, and to make it clear that if tuition goes up, [here's] where the finger needs to be pointed: the state and the legislature have not provided adequate funding for us to continue to do what is our mission.

TWANAS: Now that we have seen the critical race and ethnic studies movement go through several steps, students are wondering where you two see your position as salient to the movement, and what involvement you have, if any.

B: We’ve been very supportive of the major. We’ve provided funds for faculty. I’d love to see it happen. We regard it as a major initiative.

Galloway: We’re hoping to get a proposal out of the faculty quickly, and through the academic senate

process where it would be approved. Personally, I’m very supportive of this ... As executive vice chancellor, I’m delighted to see it move forward.

CHP: In addition to current private funding, what direct approaches do you think would be practical for corporations in showing them their advantage in funding a UC?

B: We owe it to the next generation of students to give back. People take it seriously — our donations were up last year. When I go to a group of business leaders, one of the key questions they ask concerns education and higher education. They run companies that send jobs out of the country because there aren’t enough qualified people here. It’s obvious that there should be more financial support for the benefit of our state, country and economy.

CHP: Do you think the UC system at large has done enough with regard to providing information for students about the fee increases?

B: Almost certainly no. We could do a better job of it, and we could do a better job of communicating with the people of California and the legislation. It’s frustrating that, though last year was great in terms of lobbying in Sacramento to bring the issue forward, at the end of the day higher education cuts were devastating. We have to do better, or we have to find alternatives — private fundraising, specially designated higher education funding from the state. We have to do something else.

CHP: What can students do to impress upon the private sector that it is in their best interest to invest in the UC system now?

B: I was really impressed by how students, faculty and admins worked together in Sac[ramento] last year. We came together to convey that we had the same message.

I think that can translate in the private sector as well. I think it would be entirely appropriate to respectfully have student groups meet with private sector groups. Some are already there: The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is as supportive as any of higher education. We need to reach out more broadly to individual companies, though.

Kyan Mahzouf

See cityonahillpress.com for the complete interview.

SB 185, the “affirmative action” bill, was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown last Saturday. The bill would have allowed college admissions to take ethnicity and gender into consideration during the admissions process.

Brown cited existing Proposition 209 for his decision on the controversial bill. Proposition 209, passed in 1996, delineates that college admissions shall not factor ethnicity and gender into their decision.

Brown cited Proposition 209 and SB 185's contrast as a reason for his veto. Their opposition could have resulted in costly litigation, an implication Brown wished to avoid.

“Signing this bill is unlikely to impact how Proposition 209 is ultimately interpreted by the courts; it will just encourage the 209 advocates to file more costly and confusing lawsuits,” Brown wrote.

In his letter to the members of the California State Senate vetoing Senate Bill 185, Brown expressed his support for the general sentiment and aspirations of the bill.

“I wholeheartedly agree with the goal of this legislation,” Brown wrote. “Proposition 209 should be interpreted to allow UC and CSU to consider race and other relevant factors in their admissions policies to the extent permitted under the Fourteenth Amendment of

the United States Constitution.”Brown's veto comes after the satirical bake sale held

by Berkeley College Republicans earlier this month. The group’s bake sale satirized the Affirmative Action-like bill by scaling prices based on gender and ethnicity. The price scale was outlined on their Facebook page, with whites paying $2.00 and various price breaks for females, blacks, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans.

The bake sale was highly scrutinized nationwide and the controversial event catalyzed numerous actions on the UC Berkeley campus.

Brown Vetoes SB 185“Affirmative Action” bill left Brown’s desk without his signature

By Sarah NaugleCampus Co-Editor

cityonahillpress.com | 7

Campus

Page 8: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

8 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

City

In today’s abundance of new gadgets, one in particular is causing controversy in Santa Cruz County and across the state. The “Smart Meter” is a wireless digital device appearing along the California coast and igniting heated discussions.

A Smart Meter is a wireless digital utility meter that measures the amount of electricity and gas used in a household or business. All buildings had analog meters before the switch to Smart Meters. These wireless devices send information to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the sole energy provider in northern and central California.

With projected benefits like “better usage of renewable power” as well as “smart devices and smart homes,” the PG&E website states “the Smart Meter system lets you track your energy use anytime throughout the month, so you can make smart decisions and control your energy costs.” 

PG&E began installing Smart Meters in 2006 when the California Public Utilities Commission approved the switch. The company plans to be finished with all installations in 2012.

Residents around the county and state are upset about these new energy tracking devices because they emit potentially dangerous electromagnetic frequencies during hourly updates to PG&E. The long-term effects of constant exposure to this level of radiation are unclear. 

StopSmartMeters! is a movement that began as the “Scotts Valley Neighbors Against Smart Meters” in June 2010. The group advocates for ceasing installation of Smart Meters in Santa Cruz County by providing

information on their website, holding weekly protests, and writing letters to the Santa Cruz City Council.

Josh Hart, a 1998 UC Santa Cruz graduate who holds a master’s degree in transportation planning, is the director of StopSmartMeters!. He is greatly concerned with the negative effects the meters may have on life in our community and on a global scale.

“Smart Meters are having impacts on humans, animals and plants,” Hart said. “It’s horrific. People are having symptoms of electrosensitivity — such as headaches, fatigue, depression, sleeplessness — but the long term could possibly even be tumors and cancer.”  

Hart said radiation is creating health and environmental issues that are “actually pushing people out of their homes and neighborhoods. I know people that have had to leave their property because of Smart Meter radiation.”

Over the summer, UCSC lecturer and nuclear policy expert Daniel Hirsch, along with two college students, conducted a study on the potential health effects of Smart Meters. Hirsch’s research is in no way associated with the university. State legislators requested the independent science base study in an attempt to avoid bias in the data measurement or conclusions.  

The results from testing were inconclusive regarding the radiation’s health effects. Hirsch’s research found Smart Meters emit significantly more radiation than the average cellphone.

“The cumulative whole body exposure from a Smart Meter at three feet appears to be approximately two orders

“PG&E continues to install Smart Meters even though the county voted against them. People do have rights and powers to say no.”

—Josh Hart, director of advocate group StopSmartMeters!

Despite county ban on the new technology, PG&E continues to installBy Marielena Verdugo City ReporterIllustrations by Jamie Morton

Radiation from Smart Meters Raises Concern

Page 9: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

cityonahillpress.com | 9

City

What is a Smart Meter?

•A Smart Meter is a wireless digital utility meter that measures the amount of electricity and gas used in a household or business. All buildings had analog meters before the switch to Smart Meters. These wireless devices send information to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The provider has a monopoly over the industry in northern and central California.• The Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance No. 5084 in Jan. 2011, which prohibited installation of Smart Meters in unicorporated areas of the county for one year.• In spite of the ordinance, PG&E has continued to install the Smart Meters.

of magnitude higher than that of a cellphone, rather than two orders of magnitude lower,” according to Hirsch’s study, indicating that the information given out by PG&E was incorrect.

In January 2011, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola voted against the installation of Smart Meters.

Though Santa Cruz did not pass an official ordinance, the council agreed that if people want to opt out of Smart Meters, they should be able to do so for free, instead of being charged a potential fee from PG&E.

Community members have asked the city to ban Smart Meters. Vice Mayor Don Lane said state law prevents any city ordinance from being effective.

“The city of Santa Cruz chose to not go through with an ordinance,” Lane said, “not because we didn’t have any sympathies, but because we knew it would just be a symbolic act.” 

Tony Madrigal, a Santa Cruz councilmember since 2004, is a proponent of having alternatives to Smart Meters for city residents to choose from.

“I support the community members having an option about having Smart Meters,” Madrigal said. “I think our community functions best when people have options, when everyone is clearly educated on what the options are, especially in their own native language.”

Lane said he has “mixed feelings” about Smart Meters.“I have concerns about the radiation issue,” Lane said,

“but the concept of a statewide network can be really valuable in terms of energy efficiency and a possible reduction of our state’s carbon footprint. It’s really a challenging issue. There’s a reason the Public Utilities chose to do this. It’s not just PG&E versus the people.”

Even though 43 counties in California have voted against Smart Meters, PG&E continues installation.

The Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors voted in favor of Ordinance No. 5084, which prohibited the installation of

Smart Meters in unincorporated areas of the county for one year beginning in January 2011.

“No Smart Meter may be installed in or on any home, apartment, condominium or business of any type within the unincorporated area of the County of Santa Cruz,” according to the policy, “and no equipment related to Smart Meters may be installed in, on, under, or above any public street or public right of way within the unincorporated area of the County of Santa Cruz.”

PG&E declined to be quoted for this story. The PG&E website has a specific section dedicated to Smart Meters, explaining what they are.

Hart believes PG&E should respect the Board of Supervisors’ decision to ban the Smart Meters.

“PG&E continues to install Smart Meters even though the county voted against them,” Hart said. “People do have rights and powers to say no.”

Santa Cruz county sheriff Phil Wowak has been criticized by some members of the community for not enforcing the county’s decision and allowing PG&E to continue installations. Hart believes it’s up to the community of Santa Cruz to rally together to protest Smart Meters. 

“Sheriff Wowak refuses to enforce this law and is currently being recalled through a community effort,” Hart said. “There’s a signature gathering happening right now.” 

Lane said the sheriff ’s department cannot enforce the law because utilities in California are run by the California Public Utilities Commission, which approved Smart Meter installation for PG&E in 2006.

Hart said consumers should exercise their right to understand the risks associated with the controversial technology.

 “People need to realize they have rights and the right to question.”

Page 10: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

10 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

City

Almost a week after the group’s first General Assembly, the Occupy Santa Cruz movement has taken shape. The diverse group of activists has expanded its presence from San Lorenzo Park to the Santa Cruz Superior Courthouse on the steps of the Water Street entrance this week.

Monday evening’s General Assembly meeting began at approximately 6:15 p.m. on the Water Street side of the courthouse. Roughly 50 protesters surrounded by twice as many signs gathered to discuss proposals related to the occupation of San Lorenzo Park and the courthouse steps.

The group agreed to meet at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning to decide whether they would be moving the occupation. The protesters weighed the pros and cons of establishing the occupation’s base at the courthouse, but are currently scouting for the next location to occupy.

Toward the end of the general assembly, one man asked the crowd of protesters for a show of hands indicating who was willing to sleep at the courthouse — which would be illegal — and risk getting arrested. Half a dozen people raised their hands.

“People need to stand up and show that we are not going to back down,” someone shouted.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began officially on Sept. 17, when demonstrators began to assemble in New York City’s Liberty Square. After three weeks of camping and occupying the square, the movement has spread to cities across the nation, including Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, District of Columbia, Raleigh-Durham and now Santa Cruz.

In total, Occupy Wall Street events have emerged in over 1,322 cities nationwide. One week ago, there were only 302 cities participating throughout the country.

Casey Livingood, a local resident who protested throughout the weekend, said he feels “social revolution is happening,” as he stood in front of a large sign on the courthouse steps that read, “Thanks Egypt,” a reference to the Egyptian revolution and the Arab Spring, which began earlier this year.

“Cops came and were impressed we had everything cleaned up,” Livingood said, as he explained how the police frequently check in with the protesters throughout the day. “They’re fine with any political protest, but they will not tolerate lodging at the courthouse.”

An older man, in a show of division from other protesters, instructed protesters to get the name and badge number of

Occupy Santa Cruz Rallies OnProtesters take over courthouse steps in solidarity

police officers who try to remove them. He also recommended protesters comply with any officers who ask the protesters to vacate the premises.

“We do not allow ourselves to be moved,” a young man yelled. “The cops are going to show up when there are as few of us as possible.”

Protest signs were scattered throughout the steps and lawn of the courthouse. Demonstrators chose to display signs on the Water Street side of the building so passersby could see them. Slogans on the signs included “1300 + Occupations World Wide Join Us,” “Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport,” and “Social Revolution Is Happening.”

“The last three nights have been really fun,” said Hayden Bean, referring to the occupation of the courthouse and San Lorenzo Park throughout the weekend. Bean, a Santa Cruz resident, said he has enjoyed “meeting like-minded people.”

Occupy Santa Cruz has recieved food donations from local residents who support their cause. With so much food, it is “hard to eat before it goes bad,” said Livingood, who says he is the liaison for donations.

The demonstrators created a special committee, the “Waste Management and Sanitation Group,” which oversees issues regarding clean-up and disposal of trash.

“We’re actually pretty conscious of the waste we create,” Livingood said.

Activists Ellen Kane, who described herself as a “long-term community member,” said she did not want to see the occupation end.

“I don’t expect this to peter out,” said Kane, who said she wants Occupy Santa Cruz to protest political and economic dishonesty.

UC Santa Cruz students have joined Occupy Santa Cruz as well. Austin Bruckner, a second-year undergraduate, said he slept at the courthouse last Friday and planned to sleep there again Monday night. He said he believes the U.S. education system needs to abolish tuition.

“Education should be free,” Bruckner said.

Bruckner’s roommate Evan Powell, a second-year psychology and linguistics double major, said he supports Occupy Santa Cruz because he is an anarchist and is “disgusted with a lot of things going on” in the political and economic systems of the United States.

Frustrated with the political system, Kane believes the Occupy movement has the power to change it.

“I’ve worked my whole life,” Kane said, describing her involvement in the activist community for the last few decades.

“I pray to hell it continues all over this country.”

By Alan SanchezCity Reporter

PROTESTERS RALLY OUTSIDE the Santa Cruz courthouse on Monday near midnight. Protesters have also lined up hundreds of signs in front of the courthouse where they camp out and “Occupy Santa Cruz.”

Toby Silverman

Page 11: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

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Community & Culture

Community ChestA series that takes a closer look at some of UCSC’s finest

By Hanna TodaCommunity & Culture

ReporterIn this week’s Community Chest, City on a Hill Press sat down with Chris Silva, a third-year biology student at UCSC and the director of the Student Volunteer Center. Among his many past volunteer positions, Silva has worked for his home-town’s recreation department, Democratic club and high school rotary club. He has also worked with a non-profit organization in downtown Santa Cruz that provides free medical and legal services to low-income families around the area, as well as Global Medical Brigades, which provides free medical and dental services abroad to underprivileged people in Latin American countries.

CHP: When did you first start volunteering?Silva: Back in high school, my dad encouraged me to check it out. I used to

work for my city as a day camp counselor and then I got involved with the Demo-cratic club and the rotary club, so it’s kind of where I got my start. Originally he wanted me to get involved to diversify myself for college, but then it [turned] into, “Hey, I kind of like doing this.” … I think meeting different people and being able to communicate and have interesting conversations with people is crucial.

CHP: What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had? Silva: I go to Central America every year through Global Medical Brigade — we do medical and dental volunteering. My dad is a dentist at UCSF and we go to a remote visit and set up shop at different stations where people can be checked out. There’s intake, a waiting room for small children, OBGYN and patient-doctor consultation. There’s also another station for dental cleaning and a pharmacy. We fundraise during the year through various fundrais-ers like Nite Owl [Cookies] or See’s Can-dies. I liked my second year [in Honduras] because I knew how the protocols went, so I was able to help other people with

their tasks. It’s kind of scary being thrown in a station, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

CHP: Why do you think volunteering is important?Silva: I think most people aren’t fortunate [enough] to have an able body, whether they’re sick or they’re incapable of taking care of themselves. The fact that I’m able to do this — I think I should give back. It makes me feel really good, really produc-tive. It’s a great outlet for when you’re studying and you’re stressed out. It just makes you feel good.

CHP: Is there a difference between vol-unteering and a job?Silva: Volunteering is a job. And a job, to me, is to have responsibilities: You’re held accountable for completing certain tasks on time and conducting yourself in a certain professional manner. I guess the distinction is that with a job, you’re doing it because you want to get paid and you’re told to do so. Volunteerism, to me, is an outlet, like playing baseball or playing guitar. You do it because you like to.

Photo courtesy of Chris Silva

CHP: What do you get out of volunteering?Silva: Just knowing that I can put a smile on somebody’s face because I can. I think every time that I’m able to help somebody or they acknowledge that I will be able to help them in some way, it kind of reminds me of my mom. I remember the team of doctors that were responsible for perform-ing the procedures on her and just how grateful I was to them, because they’re able-bodied surgeons. They’re profession-als, they know what to do, and I was just extremely grateful for that. It just seems like they never ask for anything in return. The fact that they saved my mom, that was huge to me.

Campus Group Bridges IdentitiesThe Element Lounge brings science students and queer community together

By Pierce Gibson CrosbyCampus Reporter

Max Aung and Kyle Lakatos are distinctly different: one suave and with a quick tongue, and the other reserved and methodological. But both have experienced similar challenges in finding a sense of belonging at a school that tends to separate identity from profession.

Lakatos was raised in the Bay Area for most of his life, whereas Aung emigrated with his family from Burma at the age of five. They are both first-generation college students who have excelled in professional degrees within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathemat-ics (STEM) departments, but with very different focuses: Aung is a fourth-year in molecular cell and developmen-tal biology and Lakatos is a fourth-year in biochemistry.

Interest in the sciences has brought them and many fellow peers together for healthy discussion, but they have found they are often more commonly united by a different identity: Lakatos and Aung are queer students.

“With STEM ... when you come to the front door, you leave other things at the front door, and then you come inside with that identity,” Aung said. “When I go to resources for STEM, I kind of have to put my being gay behind, so its nice to have such an open, safe place to identify with both — that’s what The Element Lounge offers.”

The association of the dual identities may seem insignificant to some, but for those who have them in common, the particular combination can be rather chal-lenging. Because of this divide between the sciences and

their queer identity, Aung and Lakatos, along with Chris Britton and Mark Corre, collaborated to engineer The Ele-ment Lounge (TEL).

“There isn’t really an inclusion of all disciplinary dis-cussions,” Aung said. “[In the sciences] its not that being LGBT is less accepted, it’s just that sciences have a certain stoic-ness to it, where you don’t really bring in those out-side ideas — and you enjoy the beauty of that stoic-ness, but it’s lacking in that you don’t really bring culture to science that often. That’s why we need diversity programs ... to have these conversations.”

Herbert Lee, mathematics department faculty member, vice provost of student affairs and TEL’s faculty sponsor, said TEL offers a valuable support system.

“There is a need for an organization like TEL, which helps form this community for students who might otherwise have difficulty in connecting with each other,” Lee said. “Communities like this generally increase the success rate of students in them.”

The group was founded in late spring, quickly attract-ing members from diverse areas of STEM.

“There was never open communication about it,” Lakatos said. “There was never really a bridge between grouping the queer identity with the scientific identity, it was always two separate things, so we really wanted to bring those together.”

The Element Lounge (TEL) has become part of a “trifecta” of three identity-oriented groups associated with making the bridge between science and community. Together with the Academic Excellence Program’s | Pre-Health Community (PHC) and Society for the Ad-

vancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), TEL generates awareness of student diversity within the science community.

While it’s not the only organization that provides sup-port and awareness for queer students — or for science students — TEL is the only organization that provides this community simultaneously.

More than providing academic support, TEL aims to create a community of trust.

“I think the most hard-hitting thing that has happened, for me, is the idea that there are other people who are going through the same or similar struggle,” Lakatos said. “That is what was most rewarding about this group.”

KYLE LAKATOS SELLS SWEETS at the “Periodic Table of Cookies” event at Kresge Pride.

Pierce Crosby

Page 12: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

12 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

Arts & Entertainment

Get a taste of the Pacific Rim’s culture, minus the plane ticket, at this year’s 23rd annual Pacific Rim Film Festival (PRFF), which offers us a look into the eyes of people from cultures and places much different from California. With free admission and a variety of films and speakers, the Pacific Rim Film Festival is a great opportunity to not only enjoy cinema, but also gain a new perspective on other parts of the world.

During the free, six-day 23rd Pacific Rim Film Festival in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, films and documentaries from the Pacific Rim region will be screened, as well as several live speaker events after the screenings.

Filmmakers from all over the Pacific Rim, as well as local filmmakers, bring their work together to emphasize the importance of diversity to a broad audience while staying true to the film festival’s theme: “When Strangers Meet.”

Filmmakers from all over the Pacific Rim, as well as local filmmakers, bring their work together to emphasize the importance of diversity to a broad au-dience while staying true to the film festival’s theme: “When Strangers Meet.”

By Lauren BalianArts & Entertainment

Reporter

A Cross-Cultural Production

23rd Pacific Rim Film Festival brings artists from around the world

Films will be screening Oct. 14-19 in Santa Cruz at the Del Mar Theatre and Rio Theatre, and in Watsonville at the Cabrillo College Watsonville Center. All screenings are free, barring the Closing Night Benefit.

Ever since the Pacific Rim Film Festival started at the Del Mar Theatre in 1988, filmmakers have been keeping the theme of cross-cultural awareness alive in Santa Cruz and Watsonville through their films.

The film “Resilience” is a great example of how PRFF weaves the theme of cross-cultural dialogue into its film selections. The film documents the reunion of a Korean mother and her American son after nearly 30 years apart. As we watch them build a relationship, struggling with cultural differences and misunderstandings, the details of the story itself become secondary to the dialogue inspired by the film’s themes.

This year, the PRFF features films from Japan, South Korea, China, New Zealand, the Philippines, New Mexico, India, Australia and the U.S., providing

viewers a truly comprehensive look at the Pacific Rim culture.

At the Closing Night Benefit screening, Bay Area filmmakers Brian Lilla and Greg Miller will present their film, “Patagonia Rising.” The film raises awareness and suggests potential solutions to the issue of international water and power shortages. Lilla himself will be attending the screening and holding a Q&A session after the film. This special screening event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz.

More films from the Bay Area include Eric Thiermann’s documentary, “It Tolls for Thee: Bells and Their Stories,” which explores the use of bells around the world. Thiermann will make an appearance at the screening followed by a musical performance. 

The film “Family of the Wa’a” shares the journey of paddlers (including Santa Cruzans Dave Loustalot, David Waynar, Theron Forrester and Matt Muirhead) through the Hawaiian Islands, from the island of Hawai’i to Kure Atoll in a wa’a (canoe).  

Illustration by Matt Boblet

Since PRFF has become a popular event, it is recommended that viewers arrive to the screenings early.

PRFF has remained a popular and well-known event, as shown by the generous donations received each year from UC Santa Cruz, Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, Ow Family Properties and other

local groups. Their donations have kept the free admission a tradition for 23 years.

By bringing these provocative cultural films to Santa Cruz, PRFF sets a precedent of sharing through the arts. By filling up the theaters for every screening, Santa Cruz will show how much it is appreciated.

This Weekend:FRIDAY, OCT. 14 Del Mar Theatre• 7 p.m. “Last Paradise” (2010, New

Zealand, 100 min., English)• 9 p.m. “Resilience” (2010, South

Korea, 78 min., English)Cabrillo College Watsonville Center• 6 p.m. “Sleep Dealer” (2008, USA/

Mexico, 90 min., Eng. Subtitles)

SATURDAY, OCT. 15 Del Mar Theatre• 1 p.m. “Concerto” (2008,

Philippines, 100 min., Eng.

Subtitles)• 3 p.m. “A Barefoot Dream” (2010,

South Korea, 119 min., Eng. Subtitles)

• 7 p.m. “Tibet: Murder in the Snow” (2008, Australia, 60 min., English)

• 9 p.m. “The Star and the Sea” (2010, China, 106 min., Eng. Subtitles)

Cabrillo College Watsonville Center• 4 p.m. 442 - “Live with Honor, Die

with Dignity” (2010, USA, 98 min., English)

Page 13: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

cityonahillpress.com | 13

Arts & Entertainment

In a time when we willingly broadcast the most intimate details of our lives us-ing a medium without bounds, the idea of having a film crew follow your family around may seem a little less than extraor-dinary. However, for the Loud family and television audiences circa 1973, the notion was revolutionary, and the results wildly controversial.

Oct. 12 through Nov. 16, UCSC’s Wednesday Night Cinema Society will be screening episodic installments of “An American Family,” a series considered by many media scholars to be the first and most controversial experiment within the genre of reality TV. This is a rare oppor-tunity to recreate the communal viewing experience and engage in some lively discussion with students and faculty.

The series, which originally aired on PBS in 1973, chronicles the day-to-day lives of the Louds, a Santa Barbara family of seven. At first glance they seem pretty typical, each member fulfilling their role, engaging in the kinds of everyday experi-ences we’ve come to expect from a tradi-tional, middle-class family in America.

But what began as an effort to docu-ment the everyday life of an average 1970s American household soon evolved into a 12-hour journey into the psyche of the nuclear family and an odyssey into the ethical issues of documentary filmmaking.

As the series unfolds, the deep-seated issues that underlie the family’s daily inter-actions surface.

A Retro Look at Reality TVUCSC’s Wednesday Night Cinema Society offers glimpse into 1970s nuclear family

By Nils BredesonArts & Entertainment Reporter

“With ‘An American Family,’” said L.S. Kim, associate professor of film and digital media at UC Santa Cruz, “there’s definitely a sociological goal, as opposed to contem-porary reality TV, where the focus is on pleasure and entertainment.”

Over the span of the series, the Louds struggle to function in spite of a strained relationship with their openly gay son and a deteriorating marriage, which actually ends when the series does.

One of the many interesting issues brought up by “An American Family” is the ethics — or lack thereof — of reality filmmaking. After the series was broad-cast, the Louds spoke out against the production team, claiming the footage (of which 300 hours was recorded) had been edited to emphasize the negative, resulting in misrepresentation.

It has also been suggested that the pres-ence of a film crew had a direct impact on the ultimate disintegration of the family, functioning as a catalyst for drama. These issues remain relevant in contemporary documentary filmmaking, and continue to shape the discussion of what constitutes reality or truth in the evolving media of film and television.

The screenings take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday nights in Room 150 of the communications building, and are open to all UCSC students who want a disturbing slice of the Loud life.

“With ‘An American Family,’ ... there’s definitely a sociological goal, as opposed to contemporary reality TV, where the focus is on pleasure and entertainment.”

—L.S. Kim,associate professor of film and digital media

Illustration by Jamie Morton

CoffeePaper

and a

Come out to Quarry Plaza every Monday between 9 a.m. and noon to grab the latest issue of City on a Hill Press and a free cup of coffee.

Page 14: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

14 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

Sports

“We’re not even in shape to go to nationals now, much less beat the best team in our division!” Juan Urquieta shouted to his players in a post-game huddle after Slug FC's 3-0 loss to UC Berkeley A 3 on Sunday.

When contacted later for comment, the UC Santa Cruz club soccer captain described the loss as “disheartening.”

“The key to win is just connecting,” Urquieta said. “We just didn’t do that.”

Club soccer at UCSC is a level below the official NCAA team. While students still represent their university on the playing field, they do not make as much of a time commitment in practice.

Slug FC prides itself on its victories. They are California State Champions, a title they’ve held since spring and that they are trying to hold onto. Urquieta said their many victories last year led to a complacent performance on the field.

“You think just because you’re champions, you can come to games unprepared,” Urquieta said in the post-game huddle. “I hope this shocked you as much as it did me.”

The game was not close from the start. Within the first 15 minutes, Berkeley A scored a goal, and another just before halftime. UC Berkeley A sophomore striker Emeka Ofodire scored two goals, including one in the second half to put away Slug FC.

“We just played our game,” Ofodire said. “Getting the goals was part of the plan of keeping up the pressure.”

Slug FC kept up defensive pressure the entire game. UC Berkeley A missed numerous chances to score in both halves, while Slug FC controlled play in their goalie box whenever Berkeley A sped past Slug FC’s midfielders.

Urquieta attributed the loss to inadequate conditioning for Slug FC. Berkeley A had the advantage in speed and stamina, holding the ball for most of the second half. Urquieta saw Berkeley A’s speed advantage as frustrating. In the post-game huddle, Urquieta addressed his team’s conditioning in a candid manner.

“We need to step it up,” Urquieta

said to his teammates. “You need to be running at least three miles every day.”

Slug FC had trouble scoring throughout the game. While the midfielders and forwards created many opportunities in the first half, they couldn not find the net. Attacking wingers were left isolated, with help too far apart to keep up pressure on offense. Slug FC midfielders passed long to keep attacks moving forward.

Urquieta said the team's formation does not work with making long passing.

“We forced too many balls over the top of defenders,” Urquieta said. “If our midfield core can’t find each other, the team falls apart.”

Despite the loss, senior defensive winger Danny Maloney has high expectations for Slug FC.

“Our season doesn’t really start until spring,” Maloney said. “It’s weird not being at our full potential yet.”

UC Berkeley A leads the West Coast Soccer Association Pacific Division, one of four divisions in the club soccer league, with nine points this season. They have scored seven goals overall, while letting in only two in their

three games this season. No team in the division is within six points of their lead.

Slug FC let in five goals in their two games last week, including two to UC Merced in preseason play on Oct. 2. Slug FC is tied for fourth with no points in division play.

Maloney said a lack of leadership contributes to Slug FC’s problems.

“We have a lot of young guys playing this year,” Maloney said. “While we only lost three guys [to graduation], we have a need to regain our chemistry.”

While the loss is considered to be key in Slug FC’s quest to regain its playoff spot in the West Coast Soccer Association state playoffs, Urquieta feels the team can play much better, hoping for redemption in next week’s game at the University of San Francisco.

“This week is going to be no-balls fitness,” Urquieta said. “We really need to be faster next week.”

Slug FC Frustrated by BerkeleyCalifornia State Champion Slug football club finding it tough to defend title

By Mark RadSports Reporter

SLUG FC struggled against UC Berkeley on Sunday, losing 3-0. The former national champions are looking to find their form after a loss the team captain called “disheartening.”

Sal Ingram

Next GameSlug FC vs University

of San FranciscoOct. 15, time TBA

Page 15: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

cityonahillpress.com | 15

Editorial

Room for Public DebateWhy dissenting opinions are crucial on our campus

All members of the UC Santa Cruz community are, on some level, aware of the way we are stereo-typed by the outside world — as a sheltered gang

of dirty, pot-smoking hippies with lofty ideals but not much practical sense. Although we know better than to treat that image as fact, there is perhaps room for a greater diversity of ideas on campus, if only to strengthen our own views.

As reported in the Oct. 6 issue of City on a Hill Press, an anti-abortion group called Sanctity of Human Life (SOHL) spent two days in Quarry Plaza last week, handing out pamphlets and DVDs and showing banners with graphic images of aborted fetuses. The handful of pro-life advocates were met with a steady group of UCSC students and faculty members, and many vocally sparred with SOHL about such issues as when human life begins, whether a woman’s personal choice is more important than the life of an unborn fetus, whether it is acceptable to impose one’s religious beliefs on others, whether special exceptions should be made for victims of rape, and other facets of the abortion debate that have always rankled this country.

What was most interesting about this occurrence was not the content of the debate, but its unusual nature at UCSC. According to a 2002 study from the Higher Educa-tion Research Institute, 59 percent of first-year students

identified as liberal, 34 percent as “middle of the road,” and only 8 percent as conservative. We are a campus that takes pride in its progressive views and student activism, but this ideal of who we are can sometimes suffocate any chance of healthy public debate.

Yes, students in Santa Cruz can certainly disagree about things — the most striking split in recent memory was between those who supported student protests and those who thought they were a waste of time that could

have been spent going to class — but there is rarely a forum for such disagreements to be hashed out. Many students are eager to fight for what they believe in, yet don’t ever get the chance to directly face their opposi-tion. And although it might be easier not to ever have to defend one’s positions, in truth it is one of the only ways to strengthen them.

Universities have historically been arenas of open conversations, places where any view can potentially hold validity so long as its holders are willing to participate in a reasonable dialogue. This academic legacy is crucial to a well-rounded education, one in which students are not merely taught ideas, but fully engage with them.

Ensuring that this happens is imperative in the face of growing class sizes and a shrinking number of TAs, because these changes limit the amount of discussion that can happen in class, and even when the opportunity does arise, students with views contrary to the popular opinion are often prosecuted for speaking up.

This is why we support the presence of any group who wants to make their voice heard in Quarry Plaza, regard-less of their message. Yes, the graphic images left some understandably upset, but SOHL at least provided an opportunity to interact with viewpoints not often present at UCSC. It wasn’t just about abortion, it was also about putting education into practice.

Illustration by Christine Hipp

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) provides gas and electricity to every household and business in northern and central California, from Eureka

to Bakersfield. The Smart Meter, a digital device that measures utility usage and sends information to PG&E, was introduced in 2006 when the switchover was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. The meters emit significant levels of radiation, which may have permanent health effects.

Some support the new technology, noting the convenience of setting up a state-wide network for utlities. The PG&E website lists increased reliability and more choices in pricing plans as benefits.

Forty-three counties in California have voted to oppose PG&E's Smart Meters, and more than 10 counties, including Santa Cruz, have officially banned installation of them. Yet Santa Cruz residents receive phone calls from PG&E to “schedule” installations, which may take place in the absence of the owner or tenant.

Unwanted installations have been protested in concerned neighborhoods, but PG&E has faced no real consequences for its violations. Affected residents have no say in what the company installs because PG&E maintains a monopoly over the market, and the state gave the go-ahead.

PG&E has abused its power as a business by ignoring local and county bans on Smart Meters. Their intrusive installations are unethical and disrespectful.

Economic freedom is important to many Americans. The phrase “vote with your dollars” alludes to the democratic tradition of competition between businesses. This competition is vital in maintaining liberty and it is

absent in this region’s utility providers.It has become apparent to many PG&E customers the

company cares more for their profits and shareholders than for the environment or personal rights. The city of San Francisco has unsuccessfully attempted to contract a second energy company twice in the last two years.

In the North Bay, Marin Clean Energy has been providing energy that emits less greenhouse gases than PG&E. Two grades of power became available in May 2010: “light green” (27 percent or more renewable sources) and “deep green” (100 percent). They also offer residents a choice to purchase power from renewable sources like sunshine and wind.

PG&E responded by mailing information to Marin residents persuading them to opt out of Marin Clean Energy service. PG&E sent letters to more than 6,000 Marin County residents on May 4, 2010. Utilities commission director Paul Clanon informed PG&E that it was not permitted to send coercive materials prior to the mailing.

According to state law, new customers are to be notified of their options by the Marin Energy Authority first. Clanon suggested PG&E doesn’t have their priorities straight.

"PG&E's immediate violation of my direction suggests that PG&E may be, in fact, acting in a deliberate manner to subvert the plain meaning of AB 117, the law that created community choice aggregation," Clanon wrote in a letter to PG&E after the incident.

PG&E needs to respect community decisions regarding what devices are acceptable in local residences and businesses.

PG&E Abuses Its PowerHow the energy monopoly has gone too far by installing Smart Meters

Illustration by Matt Boblet

Page 16: Volume 46 Issue 4 [10/13/2011]

Letter to the EditorDear Editor,

In response to your article “Of Porn and PETA” (6 Oct. 2011), I would like to provide some insight into the motives behind PETA’s PETA.xxx website. PETA’s job is to draw attention to animal suffering, and we have found — and, as the author noted, your article confirms — that people do pay more attention to our racier actions. As a result of our tactics, PETA representatives have been interviewed and our ads have been run — for free — allowing us to reach audiences numbering into the millions. This means that people across America are hearing about how animals suffer in the industries that use them and that more people than ever before are taking a stand against such companies.

All the activists featured on PETA.xxx are adults dedicated to helping animals by drawing attention to how foxes are electrocuted and skinned by the millions for the fur industry; calves are torn away from their distraught mothers and slaughtered for the meat industry; elephants are beaten bloody and forced to live in chains year after year in circuses;

rats, mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, primates, and other animals are confined to cages and mutilated in laboratories; and billions of other animals endure torture, maddening isolation, starvation, terror, and violent deaths for various human amusements and industries.

We must make our message impossible to forget, and launching a website with a .xxx domain name helps achieve that goal. For more information, please visit peta2.com, where you can also request a free vegetarian/vegan starter kit.

Sincerely,

Amelia JensenCollege Campaigns Assistantpeta2.com

Letters to the editor may be emailed to [email protected]. Letters for print publication should be no longer than 300 words, and written in response to content published by City on a Hill Press. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. Send a letter to the editor by e-mailing [email protected].

Letters may be sent to:

Letters to the EditorCity on a Hill PressUCSC Press Center1156 High St.Santa Cruz, CA, 95064

16 | Thursday, October 13, 2011

Letter to the Editor