ASI Salaries Exposed

Associated Students Inc. officials across the California State Univeristy system are paid different amounts.

Cal State Long Beach’s ASI officials are the third highest-paid in the system.

President James Ahumada, Vice President Lucy Nguyen, and Treasurer Jameson Nyeholt all make $22,762.

While the $22,762 is not deposited directly into the officer’s pockets, they receive the funds in other ways.

The officials are given $16,752 as a salary. On top of that, they receive $4,810 for students fees and $1,200 for a dining card, which is available at all 49er Shops, Inc.

The highest paid official in the CSU system is Sarah Storelli, ASI president for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

She receives a total of $29,121, with cost of living for four quarters, tution for four quarters, and a free parking pass.

“I think [students] would definetly be saying they’re getting their money’s worth,” Storelli told the Daily 49er in an interview.

CSULB ASI President, James Ahumada

CSULB ASI Treasurer, Jameson Nyeholt

CSULB ASI Vice President, Lucy Nguyen

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ASI Presisdent, Sarah Storelli
Picture provided by The Daily Mustang

The Interfaith Center Offers Place for Students

The Interfaith Center at Cal State Long Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during finals week, offering water bottles and power bars for students to relax and catch up on studying.

"The place can have multiple purposes," said Tamara Casanova Suzuki, an intern for the Interfaith Center. "You can hang out, talk to people, do homework, [or participate in] general religious or spiritual matters of different faiths."

The center moved from the University Student Union, Room 103 after it received water damage in January. Its new location is in the first floor of Brotman Hall, Room 178.

"The move has been difficult," Suzuki said. "The USU was more centrally located, but at least we're still here."

Junior German and film double major Harrison Teeter first heard about the center during his freshman year, and has been attending regularly since.

"It's not that I prefer [the new location at Brotman Hall], but it defeats the purpose of what the center is about," he said.

The center has been active at CSULB for many years, according to Adele Langworthy, part of the center's cooperative Protestant campus ministry.

"It's always been here in one form or another," she said. "There hasn't always been an office, but we've been around."

Recycling Center at CSULB Might See Renovations Soon

The state-certified recycling center at Cal State Long Beach may be getting a facelift in the near future.

The center, located west of the Walter Pyramid in Lot 14, has been operating since 1970, but lacks infrastructure.

"We have no running water or sewer," said Lee Johnson, recycling coordinator. "It's probably due to the remoteness of the location."

On top of no running water, the facility uses a 24-by-9-foot trailer for its offices and break room, shared by 14 people.

The buy-back booth also lacks an established foundation, with a blue tarp covering a wooden frame.

"We want something more permanent," Johnson said.

Johnson met with Physical Planning and Facilities Management on campus to discuss possible costs to renovate the center. Based upon the estimated cost of the project, Johnson will make a report to Associated Students Inc. about possible facilities.

"It's been like this for years, but it's not a work environment for everyone," Johnson said. "But I've got a great crew of students out here."



Recycling Center at CSULB



Disabled Student Writes Blog Using Rec Center

Senior psychology major Brianna Huntsinger has a birth defect known as spina bifida.

Still, she powers through workouts at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and blogs about the experience.

Huntsinger, the secretary for disability affairs for Associated Students Inc., was inspired to write the blog after making sure the rec center was accessible to her.

"I wanted to make sure that students with disabilities knew that they were being represented," she said. "And I wanted to give them a first-hand account of what using the equipment is like so they have a guide to follow if they decide that they want to go to the rec center to work out."

Spina bifida causes physical mobility struggles through incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and sometimes the body's protective coverings. Huntsinger must use a leg brace to get around, but still considers herself a very active person.

However, Huntsinger has discovered that the rec center is accommodating to those struggling with a disability.

"The rec center [staff] went out of their way to make sure everyone was equal," she said. "The equipment was all together, and you didn't feel segregated. They really created a great environment."

Brianna Huntsinger, Secretary of Disability Affairs

Fresh Foods Cafe Closed at Rec Center

Students might have noticed the vacant spot where Fresh Foods Café used to be at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

According to an ASI press release, the café closed on Saturday, November 13, due to low sales.

Dave Edwards, ASI associate director and director of the student union, said “We’re sorry to see them leave, but our primary focus in to offer students what they want in terms of healthy, convenient cuisine.”

Students who worked at the café were notified a day in advance about the café closing.

“Business was really good, and then it slowed down as the rec center’s popularity died down,” said Jeremy Theimer, junior child development major and former Fresh Foods employee.

Approximately 2,500-4,000 people visit the rec center daily and ASI is looking for a new vendor to service its visitors.