California State University, Fresno |

Video

Cooking 101: Seasoned greetings

In this holiday episode of Cooking 101, host Toni Martinez prepares a festive version of traditional sugar cookies and a healthy casserole dish fit for holiday parties.

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

Candy Cane Cookies

* 2 ½ cup all purpose flour
* ¼ tsp. salt
* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 large egg
* ½ tsp. vanilla extract
* ¼ tsp. red food coloring
* Optional: ½ tsp. peppermint extract, and ½ cup crushed peppermint candy

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Mix butter and sugar until creamy (2-3 minutes) in mixer. Add egg and vanilla (peppermint extract optional) mix until creamy again (2-3 minutes). Add dry ingredients a little at a time (flour and salt; crushed peppermint candy is optional) and mix another 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overmix so you don’t make the dough tough.

Separate the dough in two, leaving slightly more in a bowl and the rest in the mixer. Add the food coloring and mix an additional 15-20 seconds, or until the color is throughout the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix.

Form the two doughs into tablespoon balls. Hand roll the dough to about ½ inch. Because it is a butter dough, it melts at 85° F so if you feel it melting simply put it in the fridge for 5 minutes. Lay the red and white rolled dough next to each other and braid them together. Techniques, shapes and sizes can vary; be creative and have fun!

Can make 12-24 cookies depending on the size of the dough ropes.

Serve the cookies plain, or with melted chocolate or coffee for dipping!

Christmas Veggie Bake

* 1 bushel asparagus
* 2 vine ripened tomatoes, medium dice
* 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
* ¼ cup olive oil
* 3-5 cloves of garlic, chopped
* 2 ½ tsp. salt
* 1 ½ tsp. pepper
* 6 leaves of basil, shiffonade (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Break off the woody ends of the asparagus (about 2-2 ½ in off the bottom). If the asparagus is larger, peel slightly. Lay the asparagus in the baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Add 1 ½ tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. pepper to ricotta cheese in a bowl (basil can be added to the cheese if you decide to use it). Dollop the cheese on the asparagus.

Add 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper to tomatoes and garlic in a bowl. Layer the tomato mix on top of the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is a light golden brown on top.

News Briefs

Message from Welty on fiscal crisis

The following is a letter by President John Welty regarding the recent fiscal crisis, delivered on Dec. 18.

---

Dear Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends:

Like you, I have been following with concern the disturbing international, national and state economic news of recent months. As the state of California faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis, you may have questions and concerns about the impact on our university.

I want to reassure you that we have been making plans to meet these challenges for the past two years, when signs of a financial downturn appeared on our radar. When the California State University directed budget reductions at all 23 campuses this fall, we were well-prepared to act.

Let me offer you some information about our response to the challenges.

Prudent fiscal planning

Over the last five years, the campus fiscal strategy has involved planning for reductions by designating permanent funding on a one-time basis to campus initiatives. In fiscal year 2007-08 this flexible strategy allowed the campus to advance deferred maintenance, central technology initiatives and graduate program augmentations; however, because of its one-time designated funding strategy it’s possible to suspend these initiatives in order to mitigate budget reductions to the campus community. Coming into Fiscal Year 2008-09, campus reserves from each Vice President, along with other central campus resources were applied to the initial $4.61 million base budget reductions in order to lessen the impact to the campus community.

On October 23, the CSU system was required to make a mid-year budget reduction totaling $31.1 million. At Fresno State, we were required to reduce spending by $1.7 million.

Our planning efforts allowed us to take immediate action: freezing all faculty and staff vacancies and an across-the-board three percent operating budget reduction. We made additional one-time cuts in deferred maintenance, Plan for Excellence projects, graduate education projects and technology to reach the $1.7M target.

While the steps we took were difficult, they were enacted with one goal: shielding students from any impact of budget reductions so that they could continue their progress toward completing their degrees.

Just two weeks later, on November 6, the governor proposed further budget reductions of $66.3 million to the CSU for the current budget. The proposed mid-year target would be added to the previous reduction to the final 2008-09 budget that was $215 million below CSU’s operational needs.

That mid-year reduction has not yet been enacted. Anticipating further reductions, however, CSU Chancellor Reed declared systemwide impaction for 2009-10 because the system is serving 10,000 students for whom the state provides no funding. Therefore, the CSU must limit new admissions in 2009-10 to an enrollment supported by the state.

At Fresno State, we have been carefully managing our enrollment over the years and we are over-enrolled by only 2.8 percent. Our enrollment this fall is 22,622. Our target for 2009-10 is 22,100 – about 500 fewer new students.

Because we expect a further reduction in our state budget, we have developed a plan that includes across-the-board reductions in operating expenditures, reducing our reserves, student employment and equipment expenditures and continuing the position freeze. This will allow us to meet our commitments to students for spring semester classes.

Economic impact on our Endowment

In addition to state general fund budget reductions, the turmoil in the world financial markets has impacted our endowment, managed by the Fresno State Foundation. Endowment funds are used for scholarships for our students and also for funding certain chairs, professorships and programs. Our endowment, one of the largest in the CSU, was over $100 million in the first half of 2008 but has lost approximately 26 percent of its market value because of the stock market downturn.

Our Foundation’s Board of Governors has been reviewing the impact on our endowment and will meet in early February to determine action for the coming year.

Legislative action needed

The California budget shortfall is the most serious in the state’s history and worsens with each passing day. It is imperative that our Legislature take action quickly to address the situation. You may wish to contact your state Senator and Assemblymember and urge them to move swiftly on resolving the California fiscal crises.

Looking to the 2009-10 academic year

Our vice-presidents and I have been engaged in significant discussion and financial modeling as we consider next year’s budget. We are working in the collaborative spirit that is a hallmark of our campus.

The governor will release his proposed budget in mid-January, and it will provide guidance for what we can expect in the next academic year. At our Spring Assembly on January 20, I will report on the proposed budget and its impact upon our campus. At that time, I will outline a planning process for 2009-10.

As in the past, our community will be invited to participate and we will rely upon our governance system to seek your ideas and to help review proposed actions. I also will put forth principles to help guide us as we develop these plans.

Year-end thanks

As our semester comes to a close, I’d like to express my heartfelt holiday greetings and my appreciation for all of your efforts.

While I don’t have many answers to questions about what’s ahead, I do know that we as a campus community have the commitment and strength to deal with whatever circumstances unfold.

Today, as perhaps never before, we need to work collaboratively and confidently to develop a plan and innovative solutions that will allow the entire University community to maintain and enhance our marvelous work.

The people at great universities, like Fresno State, work together in all times – difficult or not – to protect the academic mission and ensure that students continue to receive the excellent education to which they are entitled. I know that will always be our goal, because our students are our future.

I wish each of you a safe, restful holiday season.

John D. Welty
President

Read more news briefs.

Galleries

Just kickin’ it

Fresno mixed martial arts fighter Brittany Briano competed in her first professional tournament recently.

To read more about Briano:
For the love of the fight.

Blog

Don’t fake-n-bake, your skin will thank you.

We’re the Golden State- home of sun-made raisins, bleach-blonde surfers and tanned skin. California is often perceived as being Hollywood from the north border to the south.

Although we who actually live here know that this is imply not the case, it appears that many of us are trying to live out these stereotypes at the same time.

In the Fresno area alone, there are over 182 results for “tanning salon” on Google.

While the immediate results of laying out in the sun or fake-n-baking may be tempting, it comes at risky cost.

At least that’s what statistics reveal. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that skin cancer rates are rising dramatically, “If current trends continue, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.”

While the majority of the skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which is usually curable and does not spread to other parts of the body, the more serious form of cancer called melanoma is on the rise. The AAD further notes that “melanoma is the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 29,” next to breast cancer.

Unfortunately, I have realized this statistic in my own life.

In the last few months, my mom has had more than three moles removed, by a razor blade I might add. All three were found to be abnormal, but notably one was basal cell carcinoma and another was the beginning stage of melanoma, which takes the lives of one person per hour in the United States alone according to the AAD.

If a mole is found to be abnormal, it is common to take out more skin surrounding the area to be cautious. My mom required skin grafts from her ear to replace the skin cut from her nose in order to remove any spread of the basal cancer. The pre-melanoma mole on her leg left her with numerous stitches and a deep gash.

Knowing that melanoma can be hereditary, my sister and I were also examined by a dermatologist. My sister has had two moles removed in the last month, one needing more skin removed because it is abnormal.

I had a suspicious-looking mole removed just last week- I am still waiting for the results.

My entire immediate family has gone to tanning salons in the past. Not religiously, but on average we went one month out of a year. We have also spent our fair share of time laying by the pool-side. Even though we wore light sunscreen, it obviously was not sufficient.

I can’t tell you how much regret that my mom, sister and I have for choosing to tan our skin instead of protecting it. However, I can tell you that looking good in a spaghetti-strap dress was never worth the amount of pain we are going through now.

One of the worst parts is that we knew the risks of our actions while we doing it! We heard the PSA’s and read the warning labels, but we still chose to be naïve and ignorant in our ‘sun-kissed bliss.’

There are so many types of cancer that are unpredictable and that we are unable to defend ourselves against. But for those types that scientists, doctors and patients can warn us about- we should listen to them and protect our body.

Skin cancer can be prevented in most cases and early detection can save the lives of millions. The AAD urges seven sun-protection practices on their Web site including avoiding deliberate tanning, generously applying sunscreen to all exposed skin every day, and seeking shade when appropriate.

I am thankful that my family was able to identify our suspicious moles fairly early on, thus hopefully removing any risk of death from skin cancer.

But I urge you not to follow in my path and learn the hard way. Or if you still practice unsafe tanning, please stop!

Educate yourself about cancer prevention and spread the word. Life is too valuable to throw it away for vanity.

For more information about skin cancer, including prevention and diagnosis, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s Web site.

Interactive

KFSR hosts local bands

This year, campus radio station KFSR brought local bands to play live during its two-week pledge drive. Bands included Patrick Contreras, Ted Nunes, Blake Jones and the Trike Shop, Super Lucky Catz, Wheels of Fortune and Sleepover Disaster.

(Click to play. Requires Flash 8.)

---

Ongoing Reports
The Collegian reports on how alcohol affects student life. This collection of articles from past issues covers such aspects as the stadium's alcohol ban, faculty alcohol pledges and alcohol education.

---

A series run in Fall 2007, these articles cover that most important aspect of student life: Eating. Restaurant reviews, game day food, an interactive dining guide, a video with tips for healthy eating and more give students the scoop about eating on and around campus.

News

Enjoying the cool weather

With the end of the fall semester came the end of the intramural soccer season. For Those Guys and Los Killerz, above, the last game of their season meant a chance for the men’s division championship on Monday.

The defense of Jose Leal, center, of Los Killerz wasn’t enough as Those Guys took home the title with a 4-0 victory on the fields near the North Gym.

Left: Brothers Anthony Evans and Jacob Evans, originally from Los Angeles, come to the Fresno State basketball courts frequently and always end up playing one-on-one, like they did on Tuesday.

Sports

Bulldog Game Day

Fresno State Bulldogs (7-5, 4-4 WAC) vs. Colorado State Rams (6-6, 4-4 MWC)

Breakdown: Bulldogs

The Fresno State Bulldogs started the season with high expectations and dreams of a BCS game.

The hopes of the team did not come to fruition and the season may end in uncertainty.

Coach Pat Hill will not take over as the next coach of the Washington Huskies, but many wonder whether or not his team will be lost.

While the season has been disappointing, the Bulldogs can answer a lot of questions and set the tone for the 2009 season with a bowl victory over the Colorado State Rams.

Fresno State has had an inordinate amount of injuries this season, especially at key positions.

Anthony Harding has been the only healthy running back all season and the ’Dogs will again rely on their run game to keep the chains moving.

On defense, Fresno State will need to have a defensive tackle play strong in the middle and stop the run without senior Jon Monga.

The New Mexico Bowl may not be the bowl that Fresno State hoped for at the beginning of the season, but a win can do a lot to get the team on track for 2009.

Breakdown: Rams

Colorado State head coach Steve Fairchild became the first coach in Rams history to lead his team to a bowl game in his first season at the helm.

The Rams are back in the postseason for the first time since 2005 after finishing the season with a 6-6 overall record and 4-4 mark in the Mountain West Conference.

The Rams are very similar to the Bulldogs in their makeup. Colorado State relies on its run game to set up the play-action pass and the defense is susceptible.

Rams’ running back Gartrell Johnson was a first team all-conference selection, amassing more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

In Colorado State’s last meeting against the Bulldogs in 2006, Johnson rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Billy Farris is third in the Mountain West in passing efficiency and has thrown 17 touchdown passes.

Defensively, the Rams have the worst pass defense in the conference and rank dead-last in the nation in sacks.

The Rams are riding a two-game winning streak into this game and are looking to improve to 7-5 against the Bulldogs.

Rocky Mountain high…

Colorado St. Player to Watch:
Gartrell Johnson, Tailback
Wins against: Sacramento State, Houston, UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Wyoming
Losses to: Colorado, California, TCU, Utah, BYU, Air Force
Head coach: Steve Fairchild (First Season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Key players: QB Billy Farris, WR Rashaun Greer, LB Ricky Brewer
Series record: Colorado State leads 6-5
Last meeting: 2006 - Colorado State won 35-23 at Bulldog Stadium
Point Spread: Bulldogs favored by 3

Keys to Victory

1. 300 in the air for Tom.
This is Brandstater’s last game as a Bulldog. What a perfect time to have his first 300-yard game since last season against Kansas State.

2. Shut down Gartrell Johnson.
Colorado State’s offense relies on the efficiency of its star tailback. If the Bulldogs can hold him under 100 yards they could have a chance.

3. Keep the focus on the field.
With the controversy surrounding Pat Hill lately the Bulldogs need to focus on the task at hand. The team needs to play hard for their coach who says he’s here to stay.

Position matchups

Fresno State Player to Watch:
Ben Jacobs, Linebacker

When Fresno State runs:
Advantage - Fresno State
The offense begins and ends with the running game. Anthony Harding will need a big game for the Bulldogs.

When Colorado State runs:
Advantage - Colorado State
Gartrell Johnson is the catalyst for the Rams. He averages 99 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry.

When Fresno State passes:
Advantage - Fresno State
The Rams’ pass defense is the worst in the Mountain West. Brandstater could go out with a bang.

When Colorado State passes:
Advantage - Colorado State
Fresno State’s pass defense has been spotty all year and has been hard pressed to cause turnovers this season.

Special teams:
Advantage - Fresno State
The Bulldogs’ return teams have been superb all season, but coverage on kicks has been an issue. Look for the Buldogs to put it all together in the season finale.

By Jimmy Graben and Logan Hopkins / The Collegian

Features

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

During the winter season, people have their various holiday traditions. Some of the most common holiday traditions are family get-togethers, gift exchanges and going to church.

Decorating homes with Christmas lights, nativity scenes and Santa’s sleigh are all part of the build-up to Christmas. While neighborhoods across the world can feature some of those Christmas decorations, one place in Fresno specializes in a seasonal event.

Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane is a neighborhood full of elaborately decorated homes.

Christmas Tree Lane is an 86-year old holiday event in the Fig Garden area that showcases these homes.
More than 100,000 people attend.

The free event takes months of planning. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol and Tree Fresno, a non-profit group, are all involved in organizing the event.

The first was held in 1920, when community members decorated a tree in memory of a child who had died.
The neighborhood appears to be the same as any other, but there are more than 140 decorated homes and 300 decorated trees along the way.

The event opened on Tuesday Dec. 2, which was the first “Walk Night” of this season. The final night designated for walkers is tonight only.

The hours for the event are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The event will end on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Opinion

Daring you a merry Christmas

I’M GOING TO SAY IT.

Hang on, let me get our lawyers on the phone.

Ready? Here goes:

I’d like to wish all our readers this year a merry Christmas.

It’s not politically correct, I’m aware. It could be perceived as forcing religion on people. It might even be seen as discrimination against Jews.

So why not just say “Happy Holidays?”

Because being offended by the word “Christmas” makes no sense.

Most people know that the tradition of bringing greenery inside has roots in mythology from a variety of cultures. The Norse believed in a great ash tree that encompassed the world, which throughout time turned into the tradition of burning the Yule log. Egyptians brought palm fronds indoors during the winter solstice. The Romans adapted the Egyptian custom as part of Saturnalia, a celebration of the god of agriculture, but used fir trees instead of palms.

Most famously, the Germans brought evergreens indoors as a reminder that spring was not far away.
“So what?” you say. Santa Claus still has his roots in ancient Christianity, and then there’s the whole issue of the word itself bearing the name of Jesus Christ.

While Coca-Cola developed today’s best-known image of Santa Claus, it’s true that Old Saint Nick is based on St. Nicholas, patron saint of children. St. Nicholas of old — if he even truly existed, which is not clear — was celebrated for his generosity toward the poor and the wrongly accused, according to the Saint Nicholas Center.

The tradition of hanging stockings hearkens back to people leaving small goodies, such as nuts or fruit, in children’s shoes in remembrance of St. Nicholas’ good heart.

In this era of Christmas lists and bigger, better gifts, we need to stop to remember those who need help. Instead of teaching our children to sit on Santa’s knee and ask for things, we should teach them that reaching out to help and expecting nothing in return is one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

As for “Christ”mas, well, I’ve yet to meet anyone who attempts to convert people by greeting them in such a way. Yes, I have seen campaigns to “keep Christ in Christmas,” but such displays of belief are what America was settled for. I have plenty of friends that are not Christians that choose to still celebrate the season’s spirit of friendship and appreciation without getting caught up in what the title actually means. Those friends also have yet to have an issue with me for choosing to celebrate my faith during December.

So merry Christmas. Whether or not you choose to leave the religious aspect of the holiday, take the message of warmth that is inherent to the greeting. If you don’t, we may end up celebrating the way country singer Brad Paisley portrays in one of his songs: by singing, “I’m Dreaming of a Caucasian Holiday.”

And a Caucasian holiday in itself sounds like grounds for a lawsuit.

Heather Billings is a senior at Fresno State majoring in mass communication and journalism with emphases in print journalism and digital media.