Professors protest CSU contracts

According to NBC San Diego, professors with universities in California have scheduled a protest against proposed changes to their contracts by the California State University system.

This week, CSU faculty voted in favor of striking at the Cal State East Bay and CSU Dominguez Hills campuses on November 17.

Subsequently, many professors picketed to inform others of the upcoming protest. Picketing was held outside CSU San Marcos and San Diego State University yesterday.

The professors are particularly upset over a proposal that would disallow any salary increases for faculty after two years of pay cuts.

San Marcos writes indoor smoking ban

The City of San Marcos is working on writing an indoor smoking ban. While most restaurants in the city have their own smoking bans, some still keep sections reserved for smokers or have certain hours where people can smoke inside.

The draft will be voted on by city residents in November's election. KXAN says that another smoking ban failed to pass in San Marcos about 10 years ago. Furthermore, the news source says that on August 1st, a smoking ban will be going into effect at Texas State University.

CSU San Marcos gets new basketball star

This week, officials from CSU San Marcos' women's basketball team announced that they have signed a new center. Danielle Cooper, a 6-foot tall student at Mount San Jacinto Community College, will soon be a Lady Cougar.

According to Examiner.com, Cooper has leading rebounding statistics of all centers in the state of California. She averages 13.4 rebounds per game, 16.6 points per game and 2.4 block per game.

Coach Jennum said of Cooper, "As good as she is now, she has only begun to tap into her potential. I hope our fans are ready to watch a phenomenal player."

Halloween 2010 events for the whole family

Palo Alto is offering many Halloween events this year that the whole family can attend. There is trick or treating for the kids and music and dance for adults to enjoy.

The Gamble Garden Halloween Haunted House is happening in the garden mansion this year and features events that are aimed at kids ages 4 to 10.

Then there is the Witches Delight Carnival which features a variety of carnival rides and a cake walk. Admission to the event is free, but tickets and games cost $1 each.

The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo then hosts a Halloween Zoo Night. There will be a costume contest, guest animals, dinner, drinks and deserts.

If you or a loved one are interested in attending any of these events, visit the Palo Alto online web site for more information.

Fifth annual California Native American Day celebrated by UCSD

The University of California San Diego will be celebrating the 5th annual California Native American Day on Friday. They will celebrate by offering 10 events that will show Native America Culture.

The events on Friday begin at 11:30 and end at 2 p.m. and it will be lead by a community leader and linguist from the area. He will also lead a workshop on bird singing and storytelling.

The other events will be held throughout the fall quarter and other community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the culture.

If you would like to learn more about news and events in the San Marcos area, visit the Sign On San Diego web site for more information.