National University will be celebrating a New Generation of Art through the eyes of the students. Current students and alumni will be present.

Time and location are as follows:

Friday May 3, 2013

Time: 6p.m-9p.m.
National University La Mesa Campus
7787 Alvarado Rd.
La Mesa, CA 91941

The city states on its website that it is “committed to preserving our valuable water resources by conserving water.”

Jessica Lawrence, employee of the North Port Utilities and staff of Outreach, says that the city has many programs promoting water conservation. Often times the Utilities Department goes into the local schools to explain the importance to children. They also have lectures at the local library, and meetings with the Homeowners Association.

North Port Utilities hopes that by educating the citizens, more people will understand the necessity to conserve, especially when it’s the driest time of the year.

According to the Southwest Florida Division of Emergency Management, the state of Florida is seeing its highest level of drought conditions and the lowest amount of rainfall since the 1950’s.

Due to such extremely dry conditions the Southwest Florida Department of Water Management has implemented restrictions in order to conserve water. Many cities throughout Florida have also, including North Port.

The city of North Port implements its own water restrictions, mirroring the statewide regulations. Each residential property is allowed to water twice a week, the day depending on your address. Those living at a home with an odd numbered address are allowed to water on Wednesday and/or Saturday, while those living in a home with an even address are allotted Thursday and/or Sunday. The restrictions are also different for newly planted lawns and landscapes, allowing residents to water those every day for the first 30 days, and every three days thereafter until the reach of 60 days.

To help enforce these restrictions the city of North Port has what some might think of as strong consequences. Their website states that “warnings will be given for the first illegal watering violation. The second violation will be a $100 fine. The third offense and subsequent offenses will result in a fine ranging from a minimum of $200 to a maximum of $500, and possible jail time.”

With these rules in place for illegal watering it’s been confirmed by surveillance that the city waters their own lawns located around the City Commission buildings and the George Mullen’s Center, along Sumter Blvd. as well as North Port Blvd., every day, beginning at about one-o’clock in the morning, until later morning hours. And the residents notice.

Alicia Caraba, resident of North Port for three years, believes that “the city is pissing away our tax money.” A couple other residents concur that it looks suspicious.

Unable to immediately gain contact with the North Port Utilities after several attempts, they finally responded to an inquiry. All at once this reporter’s phone rang off the hook with frantic employees and managers attempting to answer questions.

Rick Newkirk, Field Operations Manager, replies that the water coming from the sprinklers in these areas, and others, is reclaimed water. Reclaimed water (waste water that has been treated and then reused), he states, has no restrictions. Newkirk also says that it’s good to use it, and that the Southwest Florida Department of Water management encourages it. Lawrence also confirmed this information.

The Southwest Florida Department of Water does mention reclaimed water on its website. It says that reclaimed water is subject to voluntary watering hours, unless restricted by the local government. It does not, however, advertise that reclaimed water should be used continuously even when unnecessary.

With it being rainy season it is difficult for some residents, like Caraba, to understand the city’s need to water every night, rain or shine.

Although North Port makes strong efforts to achieve an environmentally friendly city, having also won the FWEA’s (Florida Water Environment Association) David W. York Water Reuse Award, one cannot help but wonder why they seem to waste so much. It remains to be seen if the city of North Port Florida is breaking any rules other than ethical ones, implementing rules on their citizens but not following them themselves.

If the reclaimed water system really is helping to conserve water and save the city money than perhaps the problem is in education, because this resident of 16 years had no idea the city had a reuse program.

Long Beach, Ca.

2^nd Street in Belmont Shore held the 9^th annual Chocolate Festival on Saturday, February 9. It was chocolate lovers paradise. Presented by the Belmont Shore Business Association, festival-goers sampled everything from a chocolate dipped cannoli, to a blood orange brownie.

There were treats for all kinds of palates.

This year, the Chocolate Festival brought in a record number of eateries that participated in the dishing out the chocolate treats. With no entry gate fee for guests, the $10 book of tickets you purchase, allows all to grab a bite at each station.

Not only could guests sample all the goods; there was also a homemade chocolate contest and of course the chocolate pie eating competition.

The Chocolate Festival helps to promote all the businesses located in the Shore.

According to Dede Rossi Executive Director of the BSBA, “We are looking forward to having people visit Belmont Shore.” Rossi continues on about how this event helps retail business on the biggest chocolate day of the year, “Valentine’s day is a big retail and restaurant holiday and we are in hopes people will take this time to decide what to give or where to take their Valentine on Feb. 14th.”

Homemade treat in contest. Photo Credit: Jeff Game

A boost in sales and more money being spent in Belmont Shore is a great thing for the area, especially leading up to Valentine’s Day.

“We had a lot of people signing up on our mail list and already some great jewelry purchases and it is early in the day.” Heather Duncan, owner of Blue Windows a boutique on 2^nd Street is a big supporter of the Chocolate Festival. “Not only are we doing some nice business today, hopefully some of these boyfriends and husbands will come back to the store before Valentine’s Day.”

The food at this years Chocolate Festival was top-notched and all the eateries really put on a great presentation.

As a result, there were some great and unique food handed out to guests with tickets books. Just to name a few chocolate treats; Legends Sports Bar handed out chocolate dipped bacon. Over at Panama Joe’s, they were dishing up white chocolate mole enchiladas. One of the newer restaurants, Seaside Salads were serving chocolate dipped cannoli’s.

Not only were there plenty for your sweet tooth, there were also a lot for your savory tastes.

Tim Grobarty of the Press Telegram and one of the judges in the homemade chocolate contest sums up chocolate and Valentine’s Day this way, “Chocolate is always a go-to item on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is to Valentine’s Day what barbecue pork rinds are to Super Bowl Sunday.”

Judges tasting treats entered in the homemade contest. Photo Credit: Jeff Game

With the conclusion and seemingly successful 9^th annual Chocolate Festival, it appears there will be many more to come. Who doesn’t like chocolate, especially on Valentine’s Day?

Nashville Star

One thing you will discover about Nashville is that there is a ton of great music in a city dubbed, “Music City”.

Even though Nashville is known to be the place for country music, these days Nashville is home to all styles of music, including country, rock, Christian, hip-hop and even jazz.

Yes, if you walk down Broadway in downtown, you will find some of the oldest and finest honky-tonks there will ever be, but look into the underbelly of the music scene, and you’ll find some of the top artists, from all walks of music recording in this historic city. Along with big country artists such as Carrie Underwood and Wynona Judd, Jack White, Ben Folds and the great Neil Diamond; all of them call Nashville home.

Photo credit: Jeff Game
Honky-tonks fill the street of Broadway.

In any area of the city, even small neighborhood joints, there are all types of live acts, several nights a week. You won’t have to look to hard to find some great music, awesome live shows, big awards shows and even great workshops displaying some cool tunes.

Even with the eclectic selections that Nashville has to offer your musical pallet, country music is still king. Directly across from the Opryland hotel, the Cowboy Church is open for business and playing church music the best way they know how: country style. Each Sunday the Troubadour Theater is packed out with boots, belt buckles and those seeking great music, with a higher power.

Nashville is loaded with many iconic venues to experience live music and sometimes you just need to go with the classics.

The Bluebird Café is one of the preeminent venues to discover tomorrow’s new song writing hits. On any given night you can find established acts or veteran songwriters trying out new material, along side newer acts hoping to get their foot in the door. A strict policy of no cell phones or pictures allows the audience to fully take in all the great music.

The Grand Old Opry is still going strong after all these years and is still home to some of the best country music, and hit artists of today.

The Grand Daddy and crown jewel location to see any act in Nashville is an honor that goes to the Ryman Auditorium; the original home of the Grand Old Opry.  Not only does the Ryman feature acts like Martina McBride and The Charlie Daniels Band; Keane, the xx and Morrissey are also on the upcoming bill.

With the dominant focus on country music, it may be hard to think of Nashville as a jazz city. Although they may not have the long history of great jazz cities such as New Orleans or Kansas City, there is yet a vibrant jazz community that is thriving and growing in this country music Mecca. One such torch barer of traditional jazz is the Nashville Jazz Workshop (NJW).

Jazz prodigies come from all around the world to study and jam with some of the industry’s best.

One such singer that chose Nashville over 10 years ago, Monica Ramey, describes why she made the choice of Nashville, “I knew I wanted to sing jazz and honestly was unaware of what an undeniable community of musicians and enthusiasts there were in Nashville until I found NJW.”

Food for the Soul

The term comfort food could likely be traced back to Southern cuisine, such as fried chicken, grits, mac and cheese, and of course, barbeque or “Q” as they all call it in the South. When you think of Southern cookin’, you may want to try some these classic Americana meals.

When you’re thinking of comfort food or just good food in general, Monell’s is the place to hit up. Eating at Monell’s is somewhat a religious experience. You are seated at an old fashioned long table with at least 8 other strangers who all anxiously await the famous skillet fried chicken, biscuits, southern vegetables and more.

The best part about Monell’s, besides the “all you care to eat” motto, are the old fashioned table rules you must follow or they will escort you out, always pass to the left and like the Bluebird Café, no pictures, and no cell phones allowed. It is like eating at Grandma’s house, but in a good way.

For some, pancakes are the ultimate comfort food. Waiting in line for over an hour for amazing pancakes, opinions may vary.  Since 1961 the Pancake Pantry has possibly drawn more crowds than the Tennessee Titans. Standing in line for more than an hour is definitely worth the wait; not only do you get your fill of fluffy, buttermilk goodness, you also get some of the fastest, friendliest and best service you will ever receive. There are no Michelin Stars on this diner, but like a well-oiled machine, it cranks out some of the finest pancakes.

Photo credit: Jeff Game
Long lines at the Pancake Pantry.

There is a new guard of food spreading all over Nashville, and one is Ohio based ice cream maker is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. After sprouting up ice cream parlors in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas, Jeni’s has branched out into the hip and growing area of East Nashville.

This is not your typical ice cream place and the flavors are off the charts, but you’ll have to wait in line here as well.

Jeni’s ice cream has been praised by Time magazine (“America’s best ice cream”), The Washington Post (“Sublime”), Cooking Light (“Deadly Delicious”) and countless other media outlets throughout the country.

Photo credit: Jeff Game
Jeni’s ice cream offers many unique flavors.

You can sample as many flavors or combos as you like, such as salty caramel and the milkiest chocolate in the world (that is the actual name) or wild berry lavender and branberry crisp combo. There aren’t too many fancy words to describe Jeni’s, but it may be one of the best ice cream experiences you will ever have.

Hipsters Invasion

After all that eating you’re throwing down, you may need to take a shopping break. Discovering cool and unique finds is definitely on tap all over Nashville, as well as maybe taking home a piece of music history.

Located in the ever-growing Gulch area, Two Old Hippies “lifestyle” store combines art, books, music and fashion. Whether you’re looking for that new leather jacket, messenger bag or even a cool T-Rex t-shirt, Two Old Hippies has it all. Check out the rare rock-n-roll photos and paintings that are strung across the store.

After all that great Southern cookin’ you may be in the need for some custom jeans. Imogene + Willie’s are creating art for all of us to wear around. Owners Matt and Carrie Eddmenson are denim artists who care about comfort, fashion and the history of denim. The price of the jeans may be steep, but may just be jeans will wear the rest of your life.

The large retail record store may have died a few years ago, however with the growing vinyl resurgence, independent, local record stores are popping up everywhere. One old and one new record store still carry the torch for all things

Walking into Ernest Tubbs, thumbing through the vast collection of CDs and vinyl, is like taking a step back in time. Not only can you pick up a Waylon Jennings CD, you can also see famed country artist Ernest Tubb’s costumes and memorabilia on display.

The Groove CD and record store is making buying music cool. Along with having a location to buy tickets to upcoming show, they also has release parties and in-store appearances of bands playing live-something you are not likely to see at Best Buy.

Spending time in Nashville is surprising, in so many good ways. The city is a real community that is growing, changing and seemingly thriving. If you have cool places to eat, shop and maybe check out some live shows, the hipster in all of us cannot ask for much more.

Nashville is more than just country music and the mega industry that comes with it. There is a sense of history and respect, yet the newness of growth in all areas of the city that makes living in the South cool.

First off, I have a severe distaste for hot dogs and, if I were ever going to give myself a shot at enjoying them, it may as well be at a world-famous hot dog stand.  This also had not been my first Pink’s experience. That encounter was at the San Diego County Fair. I ordered Bacon Ranch Fries. The fries were lukewarm and soggy but, worst of all, too much ranch and a wimpy sprinkling of bacon. No, extremely wimpy.

Luckily, I believe in second chances. However, the long line wasn’t helping any shot Pink’s had at redemption, though no one else seemed to mind. Perhaps they didn’t care because they knew a treat was in store. Maybe they came too far to turn back. Or they came in hopes a celebrity might stop by for lunch. An event that is not uncommon in Tinsel Town. Whatever the reason, I wanted to know, because patience is no virtue of mine. I turned my attention to the menu I received upon arrival.  It features not only hot dogs but also burgers, fries and onion rings. All of which have potential to be smothered in chili, nacho cheese, bacon or ranch dressing.

In the section marked “Super Specials,” Pink’s takes advantage of its Hollywood locale by listing movies and celebrities as names for its hot dogs. The Lord of the “RINGS” Dog ($5) appropriately intertwined with onion rings is cliché to the point that it inspires a slight chuckle.

Aside from The Pat Morrison Baja Veggie Dog ($3.85) – topped with guacamole, tomatoes, and onions – litt

le thought is given to the dietary demands of vegans and vegetarians. They should not be discouraged from attending, however, because the world’s herbivores easily can gain access to the whole menu by substituting vegan dogs for the traditional meaty variety. An accommodation the cooks are happy to provide.

The brains of the Pink’s staff also are impressive, as they all have been trained to have photographic memories. I approached the window with a laundry list, waiting for the manager to write down my order. She only gazed at me intently and simply responded, “It’ll be ready in five minutes.” I stood patiently by the grill and the science of Pink’s began to tease my senses. Caramelized onions, mushrooms, and buns sang with a sweet sizzle on the grill while meaty aromas filled the air.

Pink’s hot dogs are nothing like the processed plastic-wrapped dogs in the freezer section. They are not skinny, nor are they ridden with preservatives and the unpleasant flavor of saline. Pink’s hot dogs, manufactured by the Hoffy Corp., are plump and juicy. They make a slight cracking sound when bitten and out oozes a smoky and natural beefy flavored liquid.

Everything came as soon and accurately as promised: a Spicy Polish Dog ($4.50) covered in onions and green bell peppers, a Turkey Burger($3.95) with mushrooms, light mayo, and lettuce, Bacon Ranch Fries, and a large Sprite without ice.The standout was the redeeming crispy and hot Bacon Ranch Fries ($5.20) topped with a mountain of slightly charred bacon. Much improved from my first Pink’s experience. The Spicy Polish Dog is juicy, smoky, and so peppery that the heat singes the nostrils. The sensation is shockingly pleasant.

The food however is not solely responsible for making Pink’s the legend that it is. Celebrities not only make their marks on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, but also in Pink’s modestly decorated dining room. It holds only nine tables covered in white cloth and the walls are adorned with photos of Hollywood’s Elite: Demi Moore, George Lopez, Tom Hanks, Bill Cosby, Pink, etc. More interesting, the restaurant serves as a good luck charm for struggling actors. They simply visit Pink’s, place their photos on the wall and then they make it big. It’s magic.

Tourists should take note. When in Hollywood, do as the Hollywood people do. Save the Boulevard for last and stop by Pink’s for the quintessential Hollywood experience.

`                                                                                                                                                                                                            `                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    “`                                                            “

After discovering his love for journalism at the University of California, Riverside, Mark went on to enter the M.A. Digital Journalism program at National University.

In his spare time he feasts on regional cuisines to partake in unique dining and cultural experiences. Through his love of dining, cooking, and eating, Mark aspires to travel and use social media as a method of uniting people of various ethnic backgrounds.

After spending time in San Diego, Mark has returned to the Inland Empire to practice his new philosophy in social media: Live, Love, Eat, Cook, and Travel.

Kirby Harrison is a student at National University under the Masters Degree program in Digital Journalism.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education & Development.

Kirby currently resides in San Diego. He joined the Navy in May of 2000 to see the world and move forward with his Education, loves visiting other countries and learning about their culture.

Kiera Rogers is a recent graduate of UCLA. When she was a senior at Temecula Valley High School she was excited to be accepted. She was in the top two percent of her graduating class but that was no guarantee of acceptance.  Since she would be going to a state school, the tuition was not enough to keep her from going. Her parents would pay for school as most parent wish to do for their kids.  Total cost for her four years at school was over $100 thousand.

“The job market is just not what you think it will be. My degree is liberal arts, and I know stereotype, but you would think a degree from UCLA would hold some weight”, says Rogers.The only jobs Rogers can find are part time and she has moved in with her parents. After experiencing the job market for a year she has reconsidered her career plans.Rogers says, “I am going back to community college to take a training course to become an EMT.”

In 1980, if you could not afford to go to school on your own, there were several options available. There were Pell grants, federal student loans and scholarships. Those avenues to money for school were much more available. Federal student still makes up 85 percent of all aid but it is very hard for middle class Americans to get. Today the economic landscape has shifted to the left, while attitudes about having to get a college degree have shifted to the right.

It is common wisdom that, in order to get a better job or any job, you need a diploma from college. While a diploma can almost guarantee a 20 percent premium in pay, it does little good if you can’t find a job in the first place. Add to that, a debt load of $23 thousand for the average graduate in 2011 and the added premium doesn’t look too good.

A perfect storm of economic catastrophe has been put into place that makes the recently graduating high school student question whether or not college is the best route. Since 1980, the average four year college tuition has increased by 827 percent. Since 1991, the total student debt has risen 551 percent. How can that be? Much of the problem can be traced to the mid 70’s. Before this time, student debt could be discharged through bankruptcy.  In the 80’s the laws favored the lenders. If a student loan was guaranteed by a non-profit institution, it could not be discharged, just like federal loans. Many lenders took advantage of this and created lending institutions that were virtually bankruptcy proof. In 2005, a bankruptcy reform law gave all lenders the same protections as federal student loans, further cementing the hold they have. So, students now borrow to get into the schools of their choice. The schools are more than willing to increase tuition because students are still paying. There is nothing in place to keep tuition rates down.

Today, many students from middle income families are finding it near impossible to find cheap money for college. The Federal Application for Free Student Aid limit to receive a zero rating was lowered in July of this year to $23,000 from $32,000. Meaning, in order to qualify for the most aid, your family needs to be near the national poverty level. Middle income families making $100,000 a year would receive no financial aid if tuition at a chosen school was below $30,000 a year. Add to this the cost of books, fees, and housing and it becomes clear that there is no way a family can pay for college without help from a private lender. Private lending has become a $6 billion dollar a year business peaking to $20 billion in 2008. The federal government still funds 80 percent of all student loans.

How much student debt is out there? According to The Student Debt Clock on Finaid.org, the total student debt has reached over one trillion dollars. Outstanding student debt is greater than car loans and credit cards. It is getting worse all the time. The cost of tuition is rising faster than the rate of inflation, yet there is pressure to go to college.

President Obama in his State of the Union Address to Congress spoke of the need for an educated populace.

“Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish.”

“It is our responsibility as lawmakers and educators to make this system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. And so tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country – and this country needs and values the talents of every American. That is why we will provide the support necessary for you to complete college and meet a new goal: by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.”

That sounds like a great and lofty goal. The question remains, how does the average American pay for school? The answer too many times is private loans. Private loans may seem like a good idea at the time but the perils of private student loans are treacherous. They are also not very well explained to the borrower that is happy to have the money for school and not aware of the final price. In a report by the Department of Education to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, a dire picture of the student loan crisis is presented. Upwards of 2.9 million students have private loans owing $150 billion. Since 2008 lenders have changed how they do business. It bears reminding that the financial crisis began in 2008. The percentage of loans to undergraduates made without school involvement or certification of need grew from 18% to over 31%. Additionally, during this period, lenders were more likely to originate loans to borrowers with lower credit scores than they had previously been. After 2008 lenders rapidly increased the share of loans with a co-signer, from 67% in 2008 to over 85% in 2009. In 2011, over 90% of private student loans were co-signed. Ten percent of recent graduates of four-year colleges have monthly payments for all education loans in excess of 25% of their income. Default rates have spiked significantly since the financial crisis of 2008. Cumulative defaults on private student loans exceed $8 billion, and represent over 850 thousand distinct loans.

It is very easy to get lost in the numbers. However, when a big picture view is taken, a very troubling sight appears. Just look at the situation; tuition is skyrocketing, federal grant and loans are less available, private money is easier to get, private loans are protected against default in favor of the lender, and there is no limit on penalties and fees. Over 90% of private loans are co-signed. It is mentioned because it bears directly on the problems leading to another debt crisis.

Parents and grandparents are the ones co-signing for these loans. Unlike federal loans there are no grace periods, no loan deferments and certainly no way to have the loan forgiven. This has created a situation where the lender stands to make more money on the default of the loan than the repayment of the loan. The New York Times ran an article outlining exactly that. Remember that little bit about unlimited fees and penalties? Those come into effect after missing just one payment. If the loan is past due 9 months then the entire amount can be called in for collection. There are no appeals processes. If the thought is that the loan can be walked away from like a foreclosure, think again. The co-signers are now responsible for the repayments of the loans. Tax refunds can be seized; wages as well as Social Security checks can be garnished.

There is the prospect of relief. HR 4170: the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 would grant some relief for those mired in student debt. The bill is based on the 10-10 standard.

That relief may come too late for those of the current generation that need to make the decision now about future college plans. The idea of going into debt to study for a future job that pays very little is not appealing to many young people. However, the manta of “go to school get a good job” is ever present. With graduating students paying more than 25 Percent of their income on loan repayments that leaves very little for other expenses. Things like a new car, a mortgage for a home or furthering education without more debt. All the things the country needs to keep the economy moving are being held hostage by a looming crisis no one is prepared for.

Rogers says, “The college experience was nice but, so far I don’t think it was worth it. I could have done this without spending a hundred grand.”

The stories are reported, written and produced through class assignments and enterprise work by the students.

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