As legend has it, Turnbull Canyon in California is a site for occult rituals, devil worship, and even a common dumping ground for human remains.
Stretching from Whittier to Hacienda Heights, Turnbull Canyon’s cavernous ravines and mystifying forestry are said to conceal numerous amounts of crime.
It was there that in October 2002, the body of 17 year-old Gloria Gaxiola was found savagely murdered; shot to death and dragged by car almost four miles down the canyon road.
Following Gaxiola’s murder, local church members of the Agape Christian Center visited the canyon to perform spiritual acts of cleansing such as dancing, singing, and prayer.
Yet again in August of 2009, a 20-year old woman was kidnapped, beaten and left for dead along the canyon road.
According to Whittier police records, three men were arrested for the incident in January 2011, yet no motive was ever established.
“I heard they were part of the KKK, there’s a bunch of em hiding out there” said Albert Ramirez, a resident of Whittier for almost 15 years. Ramirez believes cult members are to blame for the murders in Turnbull Canyon.
“I wouldn’t doubt that there’s everything from devil worship to witchcraft there …it’s a spooky place…I just keep my distance and go along my way” Ramirez added.
Like Ramirez, many locals have accepted generations of rumors concerning Turnbull Canyon, some even dating back to the early 1900s.
Such ancient theories of Turnbull Canyon claim cult members formed a hidden community in the canyon during the Great Depression, where they concealed and killed orphan children.
Correspondingly, a second theory claims the spirits of cult members caused a plane crash in 1950, in which an American Airlines jet collided into the tallest hill of the canyon, killing all on board.
Another tale asserts that in 1940, a mental institution existed in Turnbull, which still contains the spirits of patients inside.
Residents differ on their opinions of such legends, for no evidence exists to neither prove nor disprove them.
Michael Bourdeis, a resident of Whittier who has lived at the foot of Turnbull Canyon for 6 years, states “I’ve heard it all…white supremacists, Nazi groups, satanic cults-something, at least one theory, has to be true.”
“I live right by it, I know better than anybody how creepy it is up there and I’ve had my own experiences, you know…hearing stuff, seeing stuff. Let’s just say I don’t go hiking up there anymore” Bourdeis said.
According to Bourdeis, at the top of Turnbull Road lies a tree where a man was once hung, one whose ghost he witnessed in 2009.
“I just saw a dark figure under the tree…it looked like it was floating. I swear. It was only there for a minute. [My friends] didn’t believe me…told me it was too dark to even see anything.” Bourdeis added.
Whittier Police Sheriff John Solis has served as sheriff for 21 years and is not so easily swayed by urban legends.
“Very little activity there is related to cult rituals or black magic” Sheriff Solis stated.
“It’s unfortunate that people have developed such negative ideas about the area. Yes there have been four occasions of heinous crime, but as of now the activity seems to be subsiding” Sheriff Solis added.
Activity nonetheless, it seems the extremity of crimes that have occurred in Turnbull have added fuel to the myths.
In March of 2011, the body of 41 year-old Claudia Tecuautzin was discovered ten feet below an embankment along the canyon road. Police found Tecuautzin’s body suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was missing its left arm.
“They keep certain parts…that’s what they did to her,” said Patricia Ern, a Hacienda Heights resident who believes Tecuautzin was killed by devil worshippers.
“Oh I absolutely think the rumors are true. I’ve seen people up there late at night, I’ve heard noises…you know I can see a lot from just my window so I know…it’s just a weird energy” Ern said.
In July of 2011, it was reported that a 47-year old man was stabbed in the face and neck by two other men in the 900 block of Turnbull Canyon.
Whittier Police Officer Aaron Gutierrez states he has been patrolling the area for 12 years and other than the crimes reported, he has had only one unusual encounter in Turnbull.
“It was probably 8 years ago…I was patrolling the northern district, off of Skyline Drive, when I stumbled upon this bowl in the road. It was fairly small and contained some items associated with Santeria” Officer Gutierrez said.
“It was an eerie encounter, but looking back at it now with a lot more experience on my belt, it seems to be a juvenile act just like any other” Officer Gutierrez added.
When asked whether he believed in the myths of Turnbull, Officer Gutierrez simply replied “I’m hesitant to believe in anything, but it definitely makes me think.”
Park Ranger Samuel Diaz has worked for the city of Hacienda Heights for 10 years and says “nothing about Turnbull is haunted except for the people who live there.”
Diaz is in charge of supervising the hiking areas of Turnbull Canyon, making sure to cite those who break the rules or trespass.
“We’ve had instances where kids trespass after hours, attempting to vandalize, but no aliens or Nazis yet,” joked Diaz.
“One thing I do believe, just based on what people have told me, is that there was a cult who lived within the canyon like in the 1930s and they practiced satanic stuff…but as far as recent stories go, I haven’t witnessed anything here to validate them” Diaz said.
It seems all locals have heard at least one theory of Turnbull’s mysteries and continue to stray in their opinions of which one holds truth.
For now, at least one truth is that Turnbull Canyon remains a popular place for So-Cal residents to take in sights, hike trails, and endeavor mountain biking.
Jour 311.
Raquel Bastidas dies two days before her 43rd birthday
Today marks the loss of a true inspiration; Raquel Maria Montesdeoca de Bastidas dies just two days shy of her birthday, after succumbing to a five-year long battle with cancer.
Born May 10, 1959, Bastidas was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the early age of 38; yet in her final years, continued to serve as a symbol of strength and hope to family and friends.
Although the second-youngest of eight, Bastidas was immediately characterized as the trophy child from an early age.
“She was definitely the favorite; everybody loved her, she was the social, outgoing, funny one…she was just so easy to love” stated Sonia Nuques, Raquel’s younger sister.
Growing up, Bastidas’ interest in fashion grew intensely during her college years. So much so, that she dropped out of school at age 20 and decided to open up her first business.
The clothing boutique was located in Bastidas’ hometown of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and remained there for over 20 years.
“It was her passion. She worked so hard for her customers, making everything by hand. She loved what she did, and she was good at it” said Nuques.
Among her other accomplishments, Bastidas worked as a Treasurer for the Lions Club of Guayaquil, where she met her husband, Edward Bastidas.
“The Lions is basically a volunteer organization. They’re all around the world; made up of people who volunteer to help the less-fortunate” said Nuques.
“Raquel would organize assemblies and parties to raise money and clothing donations…she always gave without any intention of getting anything in return” she added.
When she grew tired of the city life, Bastidas fled to Balzar, where she owned a 50 acre farm. In addition to serving as a form of escape, the farm allowed Bastidas to establish a small business growing chickens and selling them to local restaurants.
When she wasn’t juggling all the tasks of farm work, volunteering and running a business, Bastidas’ true love lied in her role as a mother.
Married at the age of 21, Bastidas and her husband Edward were fortunately blessed with three children throughout their marriage; two girls and a boy.
“Raquel would work in the city, at the ranch…she would work so hard so that her children could have the best education and the best future; she would just do anything for her kids” stated Renata Lopez, Bastidas’ youngest sister.
Lopez added, “even in her final days, it was more important to buy them (her children) books and luxuries than to spend money on her medicine. She was in so much pain, but refused to show it…she stayed strong for her kids.”
Bastidas’ children, Michelle, Stephanie, and Carlos, continue to mirror their mother’s endless willpower in their own life excursions.
Now in their late twenties, all three children have chosen career paths within the medical field, in hopes that they can help others just as their mother did.
On behalf of her siblings, Michelle states, “even towards the very end, our mother was so full of life. She was so sick and yet so happy and joyful; always smiling and laughing, so strong and fearless. She showed us how to truly live, even in the hardest of times.
Born May 10, 1959, Bastidas was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the early age of 38; yet in her final years, continued to serve as a symbol of strength and hope to family and friends.
Although the second-youngest of eight, Bastidas was immediately characterized as the trophy child from an early age.
“She was definitely the favorite; everybody loved her, she was the social, outgoing, funny one…she was just so easy to love” stated Sonia Nuques, Raquel’s younger sister.
Growing up, Bastidas’ interest in fashion grew intensely during her college years. So much so, that she dropped out of school at age 20 and decided to open up her first business.
The clothing boutique was located in Bastidas’ hometown of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and remained there for over 20 years.
“It was her passion. She worked so hard for her customers, making everything by hand. She loved what she did, and she was good at it” said Nuques.
Among her other accomplishments, Bastidas worked as a Treasurer for the Lions Club of Guayaquil, where she met her husband, Edward Bastidas.
“The Lions is basically a volunteer organization. They’re all around the world; made up of people who volunteer to help the less-fortunate” said Nuques.
“Raquel would organize assemblies and parties to raise money and clothing donations…she always gave without any intention of getting anything in return” she added.
When she grew tired of the city life, Bastidas fled to Balzar, where she owned a 50 acre farm. In addition to serving as a form of escape, the farm allowed Bastidas to establish a small business growing chickens and selling them to local restaurants.
When she wasn’t juggling all the tasks of farm work, volunteering and running a business, Bastidas’ true love lied in her role as a mother.
Married at the age of 21, Bastidas and her husband Edward were fortunately blessed with three children throughout their marriage; two girls and a boy.
“Raquel would work in the city, at the ranch…she would work so hard so that her children could have the best education and the best future; she would just do anything for her kids” stated Renata Lopez, Bastidas’ youngest sister.
Lopez added, “even in her final days, it was more important to buy them (her children) books and luxuries than to spend money on her medicine. She was in so much pain, but refused to show it…she stayed strong for her kids.”
Bastidas’ children, Michelle, Stephanie, and Carlos, continue to mirror their mother’s endless willpower in their own life excursions.
Now in their late twenties, all three children have chosen career paths within the medical field, in hopes that they can help others just as their mother did.
On behalf of her siblings, Michelle states, “even towards the very end, our mother was so full of life. She was so sick and yet so happy and joyful; always smiling and laughing, so strong and fearless. She showed us how to truly live, even in the hardest of times.
CSULB Student wins big in ASI contest
Yesterday, Cal State Long Beach Sophomore Kurt Lang was awarded a $3,120 check for winning a contest sponsored by Associated Students Inc.
A sophomore biology major, Lang was announced the winner of Owen's Condition for Tuition program on at CSULB’s Winter Wonderland party.
The program, sponsored by Owen's Trimodal in Long Beach, challenged CSULB students to earn 30 academic credits by participating in different fitness activities at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Lang was selected as the grand prize winner Thursday, while thirty-three additional prizes were given to program participants, including goodie bags, heart rate monitors, travel trainers, 3G bicycles and summer memberships for the SRWC.
In response to his winnings, Lang was excited yet shocked; “No way did I think I was going to win.”
Lang went on to say his favorite part of the program was taking part in the spin classes because the workout was fun yet challenging.
“He worked his butt off,“ said ASI commissioner Steve Lopez of Lang,“ and even more than that, Kurt encourages other students to get in shape, and that’s really what its all about.”
Lopez hopes that the ASI contest will influence other students to become involved in the SRWC and improve their physical health.
A sophomore biology major, Lang was announced the winner of Owen's Condition for Tuition program on at CSULB’s Winter Wonderland party.
The program, sponsored by Owen's Trimodal in Long Beach, challenged CSULB students to earn 30 academic credits by participating in different fitness activities at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Lang was selected as the grand prize winner Thursday, while thirty-three additional prizes were given to program participants, including goodie bags, heart rate monitors, travel trainers, 3G bicycles and summer memberships for the SRWC.
In response to his winnings, Lang was excited yet shocked; “No way did I think I was going to win.”
Lang went on to say his favorite part of the program was taking part in the spin classes because the workout was fun yet challenging.
“He worked his butt off,“ said ASI commissioner Steve Lopez of Lang,“ and even more than that, Kurt encourages other students to get in shape, and that’s really what its all about.”
Lopez hopes that the ASI contest will influence other students to become involved in the SRWC and improve their physical health.
CSULB’s cultural fashion show
ASI will host a cultural fashion show for Cal State Long Beach students on Friday, December 9th.
The show will kick off ASI's One World: International Fusion, a culturally diverse event to be held in the spring featuring music, speakers, and dance performances, according to
ASI Senator Ojaala Ahmad.
During the two hour-long event, Long Beach students will model cultural apparel portraying at least ten different countries from Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and more.
Cultural council planners say there is no requirement for models, and the show is open to all students who are interested.
"We want it to be as real as possible, to reflect students," Ahmad said.
The event aims to showcase the cultural diversity among Long Beach students, as well as to educate them on other countries, according to student commissioner Steve Lopez.
“I think its important, as students, to be educated about different cultures and backgrounds, so that we can develop a sense of understanding and acceptance,” said Lopez.
Lopez says entertainment will also be provided for students, who can expect games, prizes international treats, and more at the event.
The show is of no cost to students and will commence at 7 p.m. in the University Student Union Ballroom.
The show will kick off ASI's One World: International Fusion, a culturally diverse event to be held in the spring featuring music, speakers, and dance performances, according to
ASI Senator Ojaala Ahmad.
During the two hour-long event, Long Beach students will model cultural apparel portraying at least ten different countries from Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and more.
Cultural council planners say there is no requirement for models, and the show is open to all students who are interested.
"We want it to be as real as possible, to reflect students," Ahmad said.
The event aims to showcase the cultural diversity among Long Beach students, as well as to educate them on other countries, according to student commissioner Steve Lopez.
“I think its important, as students, to be educated about different cultures and backgrounds, so that we can develop a sense of understanding and acceptance,” said Lopez.
Lopez says entertainment will also be provided for students, who can expect games, prizes international treats, and more at the event.
The show is of no cost to students and will commence at 7 p.m. in the University Student Union Ballroom.
ASI brings ice skating to campus
It is indeed a winter wonderland at Cal State Long Beach, where student body government ASI is in the works of creating an artificial ice rink on campus.
Located at the pavement plaza in front of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the ice rink will be free of charge to all Long Beach students beginning December 8th.
The rink will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. and will be provide free rental skates for students.
DJs from the University’s KBEACH radio station will also be there to provide live music entertainment for students, as well as giveaways and prizes.
According to ASI, the rink will not contain real ice, but instead have artificial substances consisting of plastic polymer.
To protect the artificial ice, students will be required to use only the free rental skates provided.
“I don’t know how a rink is going to fit there, if anything it would have to be pretty small and on top of that its not even real ice…I don’t really see the point,” said sophomore Briana Langstaff, who is skeptical about the effectiveness of the ice rink.
Unlike some students, ASI employee Alexis Rockwell believes the rink will be a success.
"[CSULB Students] want to have some fun before finals week starts and this event could really help calm their nerves and take their mind off of school," Rockwell said.
Located at the pavement plaza in front of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the ice rink will be free of charge to all Long Beach students beginning December 8th.
The rink will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. and will be provide free rental skates for students.
DJs from the University’s KBEACH radio station will also be there to provide live music entertainment for students, as well as giveaways and prizes.
According to ASI, the rink will not contain real ice, but instead have artificial substances consisting of plastic polymer.
To protect the artificial ice, students will be required to use only the free rental skates provided.
“I don’t know how a rink is going to fit there, if anything it would have to be pretty small and on top of that its not even real ice…I don’t really see the point,” said sophomore Briana Langstaff, who is skeptical about the effectiveness of the ice rink.
Unlike some students, ASI employee Alexis Rockwell believes the rink will be a success.
"[CSULB Students] want to have some fun before finals week starts and this event could really help calm their nerves and take their mind off of school," Rockwell said.
Homecoming
Today marks the final day for Cal State Long Beach students to apply as their school’s Homecoming Queen and King. Beginning Nov. 6, Associated Students Inc. (ASI), will kick off CSULB’s Homecoming week, in which several academic departments will provide festivities for students, faculty, and the local community to enjoy.
According to the Alumni Association, the week-long festivities will commence Sunday, Nov. 6, with a studio jazz band concert held at 4 p.m., followed by the theater presentation of “Execution of Justice” at 6 p.m. and the Art Department’s student gallery shows from 5 until 7 p.m.
These activities will serve as an opportunity for students to get involved, as most of them are unaware of Homecoming altogether.
Sophomore Angie Payan was taken aback by the news, stating “this school has homecoming? I thought those types of things ended in High School…that’s so weird, I had no idea.” Freshman Amanda Casillas added “I’ve heard about it, but I don’t really care to participate…I wont even know the [homecoming] winners anyway.”
Homecoming will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning early with the alumni brunch, and later followed by the big basketball game at 2:05 p.m. against the Idaho Vandals. The Homecoming court will be announced that afternoon, yet students must wait until the dance for their Homecoming Queen and King winners to be announced.
According to student commissioner Steve Lopez, students who apply as Homecoming Queen or King must “meet certain standards” in areas such as academic standing/GPA, campus involvement, awards and scholarships, community organizations and service.
For now, applicants will undergo interviews held by ASI members to establish qualifications. “Although the students ultimately choose, we make sure their choices for Homecoming queen and King are the right ones,” states Lopez, adding “they have to be someone who’s involved in school activities, has a good GPA, and most importantly, somebody who has school spirit.”
According to the Alumni Association, the week-long festivities will commence Sunday, Nov. 6, with a studio jazz band concert held at 4 p.m., followed by the theater presentation of “Execution of Justice” at 6 p.m. and the Art Department’s student gallery shows from 5 until 7 p.m.
These activities will serve as an opportunity for students to get involved, as most of them are unaware of Homecoming altogether.
Sophomore Angie Payan was taken aback by the news, stating “this school has homecoming? I thought those types of things ended in High School…that’s so weird, I had no idea.” Freshman Amanda Casillas added “I’ve heard about it, but I don’t really care to participate…I wont even know the [homecoming] winners anyway.”
Homecoming will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning early with the alumni brunch, and later followed by the big basketball game at 2:05 p.m. against the Idaho Vandals. The Homecoming court will be announced that afternoon, yet students must wait until the dance for their Homecoming Queen and King winners to be announced.
According to student commissioner Steve Lopez, students who apply as Homecoming Queen or King must “meet certain standards” in areas such as academic standing/GPA, campus involvement, awards and scholarships, community organizations and service.
For now, applicants will undergo interviews held by ASI members to establish qualifications. “Although the students ultimately choose, we make sure their choices for Homecoming queen and King are the right ones,” states Lopez, adding “they have to be someone who’s involved in school activities, has a good GPA, and most importantly, somebody who has school spirit.”
ASI proposes Assembly Bill 970
On November 30th, Cal State Long Beach’s Associated Students Inc. Senate proposed an assembly bill to grant students an 11-month warning before passing tuition increases.
The Assembly Bill 970, known as the Working Family Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act, aims to provide students enough time to financially adjust to tuition increases.
The proposal of AB-970 comes just days after students requested a class action lawsuit against the University of California system for raising tuition costs after instituting them.
ASI's resolution will be sent to the California State University Chancellor's office, assembly members and Gov. Jerry Brown.
According to Steve Lopez, ASI commissioner, the Senate needs more CSU campuses to pass similar resolutions in order for the bill to even be considered.
"They’re not even evaluating it as of now, but if we can get more students to oppose the tuition increases, it will be enough to get people talking and deliberate,” Lopez said.
The CSU Chancellor's office currently opposes AB-970 because it believes an 11-month warning is just unrealistic.
“You know, we’re not the bad guys here. We don’t enjoy making these decisions, but somebody has to, and if students really want change, they should take it up with government,” CSU Chancellor’s employee Pat Voss said.
It remains to be seen what this proposal will mean for students. For now, ASI will continue to support the bill and petition the warning period for next spring.
The Assembly Bill 970, known as the Working Family Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act, aims to provide students enough time to financially adjust to tuition increases.
The proposal of AB-970 comes just days after students requested a class action lawsuit against the University of California system for raising tuition costs after instituting them.
ASI's resolution will be sent to the California State University Chancellor's office, assembly members and Gov. Jerry Brown.
According to Steve Lopez, ASI commissioner, the Senate needs more CSU campuses to pass similar resolutions in order for the bill to even be considered.
"They’re not even evaluating it as of now, but if we can get more students to oppose the tuition increases, it will be enough to get people talking and deliberate,” Lopez said.
The CSU Chancellor's office currently opposes AB-970 because it believes an 11-month warning is just unrealistic.
“You know, we’re not the bad guys here. We don’t enjoy making these decisions, but somebody has to, and if students really want change, they should take it up with government,” CSU Chancellor’s employee Pat Voss said.
It remains to be seen what this proposal will mean for students. For now, ASI will continue to support the bill and petition the warning period for next spring.
Student survey brings great reward
A recent survey conducted by Cal State Long Beach’s Associated Students Inc. rewarded students with a new place to study.
Students at the College of Business Administration (CBA) were granted a new study area with tables and chairs, after the results of student survey were received by ASI.
The student survey opened the eyes of ASI senators to the various concerns of CBA students who felt they needed a new study space.
Long Beach student Mark Kane says he likes the new area, and wishes it had come sooner.
“A lot people are complaining that the convenience store is all far away now, but I think it turned out for the best…I mean it looks nice and there’s a lot more space. Even more important, its nice to know that our needs are being heard,” Kane said.
Student commissioner Steve Lopez hopes the new study space will showcase ASI’s effectiveness in attending to student needs.
"As ASI, we want all students to know that their needs are important and we want nothing more than to hear them and help them out,” Lopez said.
ASI is continuing to work with administration to fund the new fixtures, but as for now, the CBA is paying for the new tables and chairs.
Students at the College of Business Administration (CBA) were granted a new study area with tables and chairs, after the results of student survey were received by ASI.
The student survey opened the eyes of ASI senators to the various concerns of CBA students who felt they needed a new study space.
Long Beach student Mark Kane says he likes the new area, and wishes it had come sooner.
“A lot people are complaining that the convenience store is all far away now, but I think it turned out for the best…I mean it looks nice and there’s a lot more space. Even more important, its nice to know that our needs are being heard,” Kane said.
Student commissioner Steve Lopez hopes the new study space will showcase ASI’s effectiveness in attending to student needs.
"As ASI, we want all students to know that their needs are important and we want nothing more than to hear them and help them out,” Lopez said.
ASI is continuing to work with administration to fund the new fixtures, but as for now, the CBA is paying for the new tables and chairs.
ASI consent on plastic bag ban
At Cal State Long Beach, the use of plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past, as Associated Students Inc. passes a resolution to ban their utilization.
The resolution, passed on Oct. 19 in an ASI Senate meeting, will require the campus University Student Union and 49er Shops to use paper bags and reusable bags made out of recycled material instead of plastic bags.
The plastic bag ban was proposed by ASI Senators Lizelle Felix and Sagar Ramachandra, who then forwarded the proposal to Shops Director of Bookstore Services Fred Neely.
"I feel like a big weight has been lifted off of our shoulders," Felix said, who was relieved by the resolution's passage and believes it will encourage a greener CSULB.
“We want to see take effect by next year,” Ramachandra added.
ASI student commissioner Steve Lopez believes Felix and Ramachandra deserve all the credit for the change.
“They definitely pushed for it more than anybody else and I’m sure their efforts wont go unnoticed; hopefully this change influences all students to go green,” Lopez said.
The resolution is set to take effect as early as next fall, according to ASI members.
The resolution, passed on Oct. 19 in an ASI Senate meeting, will require the campus University Student Union and 49er Shops to use paper bags and reusable bags made out of recycled material instead of plastic bags.
The plastic bag ban was proposed by ASI Senators Lizelle Felix and Sagar Ramachandra, who then forwarded the proposal to Shops Director of Bookstore Services Fred Neely.
"I feel like a big weight has been lifted off of our shoulders," Felix said, who was relieved by the resolution's passage and believes it will encourage a greener CSULB.
“We want to see take effect by next year,” Ramachandra added.
ASI student commissioner Steve Lopez believes Felix and Ramachandra deserve all the credit for the change.
“They definitely pushed for it more than anybody else and I’m sure their efforts wont go unnoticed; hopefully this change influences all students to go green,” Lopez said.
The resolution is set to take effect as early as next fall, according to ASI members.
CSULB Students Trade in Shoes for Wheels
Whether it’s on the way to class or home, Cal State University Long Beach students prefer to travel in style. From skateboards and bicycles to scooters galore, students have a wide range of transportation methods to replace everyday walking.
Unbeknownst to many students, however, skateboards, bicycles, and scooters are prohibited at CSULB, according to Section 10.54 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. The current regulation bans them on all streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking facilities, driveways, paths and campus grounds, as well as requires bicycles and scooters to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Students who decide to use these self propelled modes of transportation will face penalties; if caught, students may have to pay a citation of up to $135, according to the municipal code.
Despite such, CSULB students remain unfazed.
“If they want us to stop, they should put signs up,” said Sophomore Henry Han. Han, an avid skateboard rider, uses his board as a means of getting to class on time. “I don’t think they should be banned, I mean, we pay to go here, we should at least be able to do what we want.”
“It seems like the school’s just trying to find new ways to get more money from us,” Han said. CSULB students pay over $3,000, per semester, just to attend the university. “I just wanna ride my skateboard around my school-that I pay for-without worrying about being fined for it.”
Not all CSULB students share similar opinion, however, and some want to see the campus regulations enforced.
“The school needs to do more, like give out fines or put more signs up or something because it’s annoying…I hate walking to class and a biker cuts me off” said Roxana Romo, who has attended CSULB for three years. “I mean, really? It’s not that hard to walk to class, I do it everyday,” Romo added.
There are some students who do not have the luxury of walking to school, however, like Junior Adam Alonzo. Alonzo does not own a bike or skateboard, and relies solely on the campus shuttle to get to school on time.
“Walking to school is not an option for me…having a car is way too expensive, so I can see why a lot of students use a bike or scooter to get around” Alonzo said.
Alonzo, whose undergrad classes are located at opposite ends of the school campus, does not agree with the current policy. “The school’s huge, its impossible to walk from one class to the other in less than 15 minutes and skateboards, scooters, whatever; they help out a lot.”
CSULB students range in their opinion of what to do about skateboards, scooters, and such, yet the majority continues to operate them. Whether the institution will take action to implement its policy remains to be seen, but for now, however, it seems that most students will continue to trade in their shoes for wheels.
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