CSUN SHOWING CIVIC SPIRIT; COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER TO PROVIDE STUDENTS TO HELP RESIDENTS.Byline: Sharline Chiang Daily News Staff Writer In a move that mirrors its campus makeover, Cal State Northridge will launch a community service center this spring that pairs students with San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. residents. ``It teaches civic responsibility and why (students) should care about the community,'' said journalism professor Maureen Rubin, the center's new director. ``It's (the answer) to the post-'80s `Me, me, me.' Now it's `Help, help, help.' '' At the Center for Community Service-Learning, four pilot projects are in the works: Health science students will test 55 residential septic tanks septic tank, underground sedimentation tank in which sewage is retained for a short period while it is decomposed and purified by bacterial action. The organic matter in the sewage settles to the bottom of the tank, a film forms excluding atmospheric oxygen, and in northern Pacoima for sewage Sewage Water-carried wastes, in either solution or suspension, that flow away from a community. Also known as wastewater flows, sewage is the used water supply of the community. It is more than 99. leaks and report whether leaks are linked to residents' complaints of health problems. Computer science students will teach pregnant and at-risk teens how to use computers at New Directions for Youth, a Van Nuys alternative high school. Journalism students will teach reporting, editing and design skills to high school newspaper staffs. Engineering students will examine whether street lights in some Pacoima neighborhoods are dimmer dim·mer n. 1. A rheostat or other device used to vary the intensity of an electric light. 2. a. A parking light on a motor vehicle. b. A low beam. than those in surrounding sur·round tr.v. sur·round·ed, sur·round·ing, sur·rounds 1. To extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle. 2. To enclose or confine on all sides so as to bar escape or outside communication. n. areas, and whether insufficient light at night fosters crime. Rubin said while many CSUN CSUN California State University Northridge departments have already been working independently on similar projects with the public, the center will serve as a resource hub for community groups seeking help. The center was made possible through Rubin's acquisition of $7,000 in grants last year - $2,000 from the California Campus Compact and $5,000 from the Western Region Campus Compact Consortium. Rubin, a longtime long·time adj. Having existed or persisted for a long time: a longtime friend; a longtime resident of Detroit. longtime Adjective consumer affairs advocate, attorney and a self-described `` '60s do-gooder,'' said the center will need ongoing funding to maintain a flow of projects. She is hoping businesses will donate supplies and financial support. Marlene Grossman, project director of Pacoima Beautiful, who helped coordinate the sewage and lighting projects, encourages residents to participate by tracking research and working with students. ``The best part is the college students' lives will be changed, as well as the person being helped,'' Grossman said. |
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