The rise of housing costs for students of CSUSB is one of the factors leading to a higher rate of homelessness for students here, commented Madeline Zhuo, an employee at a food pantry, in response to the topics raised by the rally in Sacramento. On Feb. 20 student leaders, college executives, and legislators rallied at the state capital for financial aid reform to combat food insecurity, lack of shelter, and wellbeing issues that plague California college students. Mia Kagianas, president of the Cal State Student Association, struck at the heart of the issue during her opening remarks. “Our state and our nation are experiencing a higher education renaissance,” Kagianas said. “Issues … [Read more...] about Students, Administrators, and Legislators Rally to Fix Financial Aid
reform
USA Freedom Act is ill-revised
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| On Thursday, May 7, the federal appeals court finally ruled that the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance program was illegal. The new reform, known as the USA Freedom Act, is a surveillance reform bill that recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. In my opinion, this is a sad excuse of a reform. The bill itself is intended to set restrictions on the NSA which is supposed to end the bulk collection of data on U.S. citizens. According to Wired, the Patriot Act allowed the NSA to collect as much of your personal data, and the data of anyone you’ve been in touch with, as they … [Read more...] about USA Freedom Act is ill-revised
Obama launches spy reforms of phone records
By Clarissa Toll |Staff Writer| President Barack Obama has set out to reform the way Americans’ phone records are collected for the government’s use. Obama intends to change the way these records are obtained, but is struggling with technical and political problems. “Effective immediately, we will only pursue phone calls that are two steps removed from a number associated with a terrorist organization, instead of the current three,” said Obama in his recent speech about National Security Association reforms. Currently, the records make up a data system of numbers and call length times that can be accessed to run assumed terrorists’ numbers against. General Counsel for the NSA says … [Read more...] about Obama launches spy reforms of phone records
DREAM Act calls for federal action
By Louis Penna |Managing Editor| [Originally published in 11/17/11 print edition, pg. 7] http://issuu.com/coyotechronicle/docs/10_17_full_issue Starting 2013, certain undocumented migrant students will be able to qualify for state financial aid at public universities and community colleges. Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 131, the second half of the California Dream Act. This bill’s passing puts illegal immigration at the forefront of political controversy one again. Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-San Bernardino), a former border-monitoring Minuteman, calls the bill “morally wrong.” “We have just created a new entitlement that is going to cause tens of thousands of people to … [Read more...] about DREAM Act calls for federal action
Undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic
By Courtney Sims |Staff Writer| Twelve Immigrant Youth Coalition (IYC) protestors were arrested on Jan. 24, outside of City Hall in San Bernardino during a sit-in called “Undocumented and Unafraid.” Of the 12 arrested, 10 may face deportation. Protestors sat-in in front of the Department of Homeland Security’s field office and Downtown City Hall to protest the treatment of undocumented residents. “No papers, no fear. Immigrants are marching here,” chanted group members. Other hot button issues included the Secure Communities program, in which the FBI automatically sends fingerprints to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to check against its immigration databases to … [Read more...] about Undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic
Chairwoman counters corruption
By Omar Guzman |Staff Writer| Along with many other cities in America, San Bernardino has long since fallen victim to corruption. San Bernardino County Chairwoman, Josie Gonzales, has proposed new reform policies to lessen the continuing threat of government corruption, starting with her own district. “Corruption has always been present in any organization and it is our job to recognize that we must be vigilant and fight against it,” said Gonzales. According to a County of San Bernardino news release, Gonzales is restructuring her office and realigning her budget in anticipation of the elimination of board discretionary funds. The immediate result is a one-third reduction of her … [Read more...] about Chairwoman counters corruption