How we respond to controversy defines how we see ourselves. Just think about it. How many times in life do we really reflect on the choices we’ve made, the people we’ve encountered and the possibility that we handled everything just as it should be? Every word we utter not only holds a consequence in our own conscience, but for the way in which we mirror a given circumstance.
We are really only given one chance to say what needs to be said, stay silent for what need not be uttered and smile through life’s ups and downs. So take the time today to make the choice of using your words to heal, not to break. To build each other up in song, and leave anger at the foot of the door; realizing that the gift of this day is a one-time deal… no take-backs, do-overs or white out for the mistakes we need not make when we take the time to care for others, the same way we want others to care for us.
As the lawsuit surrounding the Malibu central fires in 2007 continues, further analysis of the allocated fines are in progress to ensure that power poles become as safe as possible.
After much investigation into the 2007 Malibu wildfires, causes were determined to be overloaded power poles that fell over and ignited from the force of the Santa Ana wind. But upon further examination, problems such as deterioration and termite damage were found, which only added to their already hazardous state. Fast-forward to 2012, and these poles, which were erected in 1957 by Southern California Edison, are still believed to be dangerous.
Photo Credit: Rachel Miller
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the three phone companies involved: Sprint, AT&T and Verizon Wireless have reached an agreement that the firms are collectively responsible for paying $12 million worth of civil penalties for their lack of maintenance on the poles, which led to overloading. This money will go toward replacing and strengthening the current poles, and would fund an additional investigation of overloading in Edison poles across California.
As well, Southern California Edison and the phone company NextG, who are not a part of the proposed agreement, face up to $74 million for overloading the poles that fell in the 2007 fires. Additionally, Edison is charged with destroying documents and evidence concerning the poles and then putting up substandard replacements that are not up to minimum strength requirements, as determined by the state of California.
At a March 5 trial involving So. Cal Edison and NextG, the judge made further efforts to reach a settlement with all parties including the three other phone companies. In total fines, Edison is responsible for $49 million and NextG $25 million.
According to an email written by Lauren Bartlett, Edison Senior Project Manager, there is a system in place to determine the safety of the poles, but the necessary strength of the poles is under discussion. “Southern California Edison has a program for inspecting poles for required maintenance and deterioration, and poles are replaced when those issues are identified.”
She continued. “How strong the poles need to be is a topic that will be discussed this year in a California Public Utilities Commission administrative proceeding about rules for overhead power lines that electric utilities and telecommunications companies use to reduce the risk of wildfires.”
But that wasn’t enough to put local citizen Hans Laetz’s mind at peace, who decided that the issue was important enough to make his own venture.
“The reason I got involved in this is because my town got burned when some power poles that looked like they were going to fell, that looked like they were going to fail, that were leaning over for years and years and they were decrepit and they were obviously overloaded. They finally fell over and they caught fire. And my town burned! That made me mad!”
Laetz, a candidate for city council, has been granted intervener status to look into the issue. “I went to the city council and asked them to look over what I found and they weren’t doing anything, so I intervened,” Laetz said.
Photo Credit: Rachel Miller
Throughout the investigation, Laetz travels between his Malibu home and San Francisco, where he goes to hearings regarding the poles, and makes suggestions about where necessary changes should be made. He feels that in order to improve the safety of area, certain steps should be taken such as surveying all pole structures in the area, mapping hazardous fire zones in Malibu in which winds are likely to reach over 92 miles per hour, and installing warning devices on cables for aviation above the canyons.
Remarks that Mr. Laetz reviewed from the Associated Press revealed that unmarked So. Cal Edison poles caused the Sequoia National Park helicopter crash in 2010.
“Federal Aviation Administration guidelines state that companies are responsible for placing lights and visible markers on power lines and towers that are higher than 200 feet above ground level, so that pilots can spot potential hazards, said FAA spokesman Ian McGregor.
Another major problem in this investigation is that companies have not been held responsible for their equipment in the past.
Because Edison sold interest in the poles to cellular companies, they have expressed that they are not responsible for the overloading and improper standards—that then falls on the cell companies. However, the state of California claims that this does not release them from any duty to keep the poles safe.
The goal of the CPUC is to reach a settlement pay of $6.1 million among the three cell phone companies that will go to the State of California General Fund, as well as $5.9 million that will serve two purposes: examining the power poles in Malibu Canyon Road for deterioration and possible overloading, and an independent survey of Edison poles with “heavy cell cables and antennae attached.”
But things are looking up. With this investigation, changes will be made to poles that will improve both safety and prevent future incidences.
“Shortly thereafter [my initial involvement], the PUC really got involved and now they have an investigator who has done a really good job. He’s done all the hard work; I’m just sort of along for the ride now watching what he is doing. Now is the time to tell [officials] exactly how we want this money to be spent in California, in the Edison area, but most importantly here in Malibu,” Laetz commented.
As well, Mayor of Malibu Laura Rosenthal is very much in favor of this public safety issue moving forward.
“What some of us did individually is write letters asking for certain things to be done. One of them was to take the money that was awarded and use that money to upgrade the power poles in the Malibu area and the Santa Monica Mountains area, because obviously many Malibu people lost their homes and their belongings [in the 2007 fires] and it was pretty traumatic.”
She explained further: “We’ve had a number of fires here over the years and I think it’s important to take that money [from the suit] and say ‘what can we do to make things better?’”
“I think a lot of people in the canyons [Latigo and Corral Canyon] are scared, because there’s only one road in and one road out. So whatever we can do, whatever the utility companies can do and the watchdog organizations, to make sure those power poles as strong as possible and not overloaded [would be beneficial].”
Distribution of Charges:
$4 million per cellular company = $12 million
$49 million Southern California Edison in 2007 fires
Malibu City Council plans to take an official position on the controversial Lagoon Restoration project prior to the city’s election day. The project, which begins work June 1, will aim to create a healthier lagoon environment.
The restoration is supported by environmental groups such as Heal the Bay, who are in favor of plans to restore oxygen to the Lagoon. However, many opponents believe that the use of bulldozers to reshape the waterways will disturb both locals and native animals — unnecessary given their belief that the Lagoon should repair itself in time.
In 2010, the California Coastal Commission approved the restoration. Though Malibu has no legal power to step in, they may lengthen the process through debate. With the allocated $25, 000, the state has approved a research study on the Lagoon that will determine the location’s overall condition and provide the council with necessary facts.
The Council’s Outlook
While most councilmembers are waiting to receive more information on the health of the Lagoon and logistics regarding the project, some like local candidate and surfer Andy Lyon are violently opposed. The project may alter wave shape at the beloved Surfrider Beach.
With information about the project being dispersed, The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project funded a “restore Malibu Lagoon” research study to compile information about the health of the Lagoon.
Currently, the 31-acre area provides a critical habitat for not only local wildlife but also migrating birds. The Lagoon is impaired to the degree that the State Water Board Environmental Protection Agency required by law that it be improved.
Excess sediment has created poor circulation in the water “choking the Lagoon” with a lack of oxygen for its plants and animals, creating an overgrowth of algae. The levels of oxygen are approximately zero percent.
The site has previously been used in the 1950s as a dumping zone for Cal Trans, the Pacific Coast Highway bridge dissection. The site was later filled and used for a baseball field in the 1970s. This human activity, along with increased urbanization has severely diminished water quality.
Plans to improve the site include bulldozing the area — a method that has been implemented in wetland restorations: Bolsa Chica and Huntington Beach. Opponents of the project worry that bulldozers will disturb local habitats, however, the 1930s filling of the Lagoon employed mechanized materials.
Another concern raised is that construction will disturb migrating birds that come through the area.
Council candidate Hans Laetz expressed a need to make up for what previous councils did not take action on. This project has been a long-time in the making, since the 1983 restoration.
Step Forward
In a 2011 article in the Malibu Surfside News locals voiced their concerns about the project.
“The Malibu Lagoon is a magical place for me,” said Save Malibu Lagoon spokesperson Marcia Hanscom.“There are more birds and animals every year. I love it so much. I can’t bear to see it bulldozed.”
“A lot of people say you have to have a plan, we have a plan,” opponent Athena Shlien said. “It’s not about stopping restoration, it’s about using kindness, care and love, because life is precious.”
Many believe that the development will restore the Lagoon to the functioning ecosystem it once was.
An article by the LA Times indicated that the restoration offers the city a unique prospect. “Opportunities to restore and increase […] tidal wetlands in Southern California are extremely rare,” said Coastal Commission staff ecologist Jonna Engel. “And when they arise, such as here at Malibu Lagoon, we should pursue them.”
Following months of construction, the Malibu Library will reopen to the public April 22, with a newly enhanced sustainable design. This remodel is the City’s first to be certified by the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards, a “green” structure evaluating system.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the dedication ceremony beginning at 11 a.m., and will feature over 3,000 volumes of AAC’s Arkel Erb Memorial Collection of books. The day includes “children’s activities, interactive exhibits, art projects, local authors, story time and entertainment.” Special guests include Pierce Brosnan and Dick Van Dyke.
In order to pay for the $5.7 million project, the council used excess funds from property taxes, not previously spent on the Library, and set them aside yearly to account for $5 million of the total amount. The other approximate funds of $500,000 were achieved from a donations drive, launched by the Malibu Library Fundraising Task Force.
Virtual Tour
When visitors first enter the structure, they will see a replica of the Adamson House title rug, in addition to a photographic exhibit showcasing historical images of Malibu. Other artistic features include an equestrian-inspired community room, and a porcelain tile art piece designed by artist Christine Nguyen.
Inside the newly renovated facility, there will be a children’s and teen’s area, study rooms and Friends of the Library Book Store; as well as a community space and lobby, which are redesigned and contain decorative Malibu tiles.
The structure, designed by LPA, Inc., will house murals that recount the history of the City, as well as other beach-themed elements like surfboards that will hang from the ceiling of the teen center. An outdoor patio will provide a reading and relaxing experience, as visitors get a front row view to Malibu’s own Legacy Park — a pathway will connect the two.
Aiming Upward
Collectively, the council has high hopes for the facility’s revised services. Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich, an advocate and spearhead of the project, explained at a council meeting held in February that by using materials specific to the City within the building, the improved library would provide residents with a real Malibu experience.
The project began as the result of a County of Los Angeles Public Library evaluation in 2004-2005 by the Community Library Needs Assessment (CLNA). Results indicated from focus groups, surveys and meetings that the services, structure and inventory of the Library needed updating.
Councilwoman Conley Ulich recommended the use community discussion to improve the Library’s services and dollars contributed to services ratio. In 2004, Conley Ulich and former councilmember Sharon Barovsky began their analyses.
Issues like an increased need for self-service technology, publicity for library events and an improved merchandising system surfaced in the findings. Initial construction began in September 2010, after developing a concrete plan of action in 2009.
A Malibu Community Library Building Program in 2009, compiled by consultant Linda Demmers, indicated that the new design should “inject some excitement into the interiors and address the facility issues outlined in the CLNA.”
“We believe that this building has good bones, a good location, and a long future of excellent service to the residents of Malibu,” Demmers wrote.
The plan allocated 36 percent of the library’s space to book collections, 23 percent to reader seating, 15 percent for staff space and 18 percent divided between technologies and meeting locations.
A Local Perspective
As an effort to promote community usage, the enriched library will be a place for locals and visitors to study, learn and spend time.
Residents of Santa Monica, Julie and Eric Treibatch and their son Jake plan to enjoy the library’s children’s services.
Photo Credit: addins.whig.com
“Definitely, we will take advantage of story time,” Julie said.
Visitors from the Topanga area, Michele and Philip D’arbanville, expressed their enthusiasm for a library to parallel their local library. The Topanga library was recently opened in January, a $19 million project.
“It’s the most incredible thing to have a library be a vital part of your community,” Philip said.
Michele agreed. “I believe that the culture of Malibu is so important to the community of Malibu. This community loves arts and culture. With the art, they’re going to take that [outlook] right into the Library.”
She continued. “A library is about learning. Because when you are in your own community and you’re in your library — you see children in the community, and people you didn’t expect to see. You feel humanity.”
Students at Pepperdine as well plan to make use of the newly renovated library. Junior Ashley Coaston explained that the building provides a good excuse to escape from the hustle and bustle of college life.
“It’s nice to try and get off campus, especially when there is so much stress on campus,” Coaston said.
As the result of a council vote in February 2012, the library will be open to the public 50 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
To read some of my favorite articles that I wrote during my time writing for the news section of Pepperdine University‘s the “Graphic” newspaper, click the “Articles” Tab!
Dedicated professor of mathematics, Dr. Adjemian, retires following three decades of service.
In a Man’s World
When math professor Carol Adjemian began her study of arithmetic, she was considered a minority in the field.
“I got to my first professional job and I was the only woman in the division,” Adjemian said. “I sort of paved the way for the next woman, because in the next couple of years they had hired a couple more women.”
But she never considered herself the odd one out. “Growing up on a farm, I was always one of the boys,” she confessed.
Today, after 32 years teaching in the field at Pepperdine, Adjemian retires from her position in the natural science division. Adjemian received her bachelor’s degree at California State College at Los Angeles, and then went on to receive her master’s in mathematics at U.C. Davis and Ph. D. in applied mathematics at UCLA.
A Passionate Professor
Throughout her time at Pepperdine, Adjemian feels that she has fulfilled her passion.
“You’re giving [students] the tools to succeed in whatever they decide to do — whether it’s being a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer or anything,” Adjemian said. “Just working with kids and realizing that the alumni are doing those things they wanted to do because they had the math skills they needed — that’s one of the things that makes the job worthwhile.”
“You know you’re impacting kids even when you don’t know you’re impacting them.”
Courtesy of Pepperdine University
After retiring, Adjemian even hopes to help under-privileged students.
“I have a big heart for helping people who aren’t privileged,” Adjemian shared. “I wish I could help [less privileged] kids with their math skills so they can do work that is becoming increasingly math-centric.”
The Value of Enjoyment
For the time being, Adjemian enjoys simple pleasures like spending time with her grandkids Anika and Matthew — she explained fun games they play like puzzle war — working on sewing and knitting projects and diving into a good book.
She is excited to see what life has in store for her next. “Life is like a journey, an adventure, where you never know what’s around the next bend.”
In a Pepperdine press release, fellow math professor Don Thompson shared the impact that Dr. Adjemian has left on the school.
“She’s a tireless servant,” Thompson said. “We’re losing a person who does not view her work here as a job, but as a calling and she truly does love her students and they love her in return. We’re losing a family member, a good friend.”
Thursday, April 12, a retirement celebration will be held in Dr. Adjemian’s honor in the Fireside room at 3 p.m.
Feel free to share your story of how professor Adjemian has impacted your life.
As you begin to embark on a career opportunity, knowing the tight tools on how to present yourself will aid in the interviewing process.
You have this one. You’re golden. You’ve gotten your internships. You’ve studied abroad. “I’ll be fine,” you mumble to yourself. They call you’re name and your eyes shift to the individual who leads you into an office and a situation that may decide the fait of your career path.
Big Impact
Interview — the word alone is enough the make you cringe. But, luckily, the situation doesn’t have to. With some preparation you will be ready to face any interview with confidence and peace of mind.
According to Wendy Berg, Pepperdine Career Counselor, small things can make a big impact on your interviewer — such as how you dress, talk and present yourself. She also explained that by researching the organization and having a clear idea of why you would fit in at a given job, you will have more confidence when answering questions.
Building Relationships
Statements of commonality are very impactful. “Wow, I see you have a new puppy! I have two dogs …” Look for simple things that can allow you to find common ground with your interviewer. For instance, take note of photos on his or her desk, and names of books on bookshelves.
Or, ask the question, “What keeps you grounded?” Your interviewer will be impressed that you care enough to try and get to know them.
Some other important aspects of interviews, like networking, should begin before the actual interview takes place, explained Berg. “Networking needs to start way before you get the job. Meet now and then for coffee [with potential connections], not just on Facebook.”
Q & A
Be prepared to answer these common questions during your interview: Why do you want to work at this organization? What are your strengths and what are some of your weaknesses? Do you work well in teams? Tell me about yourself?
So how do you leave a positive impression on your interviewer? Ask questions afterwards. It makes you appear genuinely interested in your potential position.
Another good tip, according to Berg, is asking the interviewer (post-interview) if there is anything that would prevent you from getting the job, such as a lack of experience or skill sets. Now is your opportunity to speak up!
And don’t forget to follow up with a hand-written letter, thanking everyone for their time.
While working toward the perfect position, internships let students test different jobs and learn important skills.
Internships are the name of the game when it comes to getting your foot in the door. Corporations and organizations expect to see real work-level skills when they review a resume, and that’s where these educational experiences come into play.
Both a learning and work opportunity, internships provide students with the types of skills that employers want to see. They allow for the application of one’s education, and the chance to get an insider’s look at a company.
It’s Who you Know
According to Pepperdine’s Career Center, networking is key in attaining a compatible internship. Talking with friends and family about your ideal job will provide you with assistance in the job hunt. As well, yellow pages and business journals often display internship positions available in your area.
CollegePlus, a program designed to help students work toward an accelerated degree, reported that 80 percent of college graduates in 2009 were unable to find jobs after graduating. However, previously in 2008, 70 percent of interns were offered jobs after their work with a company.
Based on a 2011 Senior Exit Survey at Pepperdine, 40 percent of students were employed at graduation. During college, 71 percent had worked in an internship position, whereas 65 percent were employed while in school. Finally, 22 percent of departing seniors planned to attend graduate school.
By working for an organization while attending school, you are able to connect and make a good impression for a possible job post-graduation.
Ideal Experience
As well, internships can clarify whether a given occupation is the right fit. Students get the chance to “try on” different careers, while gaining valuable work experience.
Internships can be paid or unpaid. But in order to receive credit for your internship at Pepperdine, you must be enrolled in the internship class. Each 45 hours of work receives one unit of credit for the class.
Statistics collected by the University of Wisconsin La Crosse indicate that out of 815 polled students 60 percent received a salary for their position. As far as job opportunities, the most popular internship positions were found in accounting within the Business Administration Division (108/815).
A Global Market
With globalization becoming more prevalent, competition for jobs is increasingly more difficult. Opportunities to network become essential. The market is, after all, one of “who knows who.” Your internship can become an opportunity to develop your contacts and references as you build your resume.
Try and get to know as many people as possible while you are interning. This will allow you to become acquainted with your colleagues and provide potential connections for future jobs.
If there are scheduled social gatherings at your place of work, put in the effort to attend. There are immeasurable reasons why getting to know your colleagues will be beneficial. Most of all, personal references are important, and leaving a good impression on your coworkers could potentially get you in line for a real job at your current company.
Tools to Use
If you are just starting your hunt for an internship, the Career Center is a good place to start. Their website offers internship databases like Career Space, where students can locate their ideal job. Other program resources include: meeting with a career counselor, career fairs and networking events—all of which are tools to take advantage of while in school.
In addition, the web currently offers numerous non-traditional forms of job searching. Unsolicited sites like LinkedIn are newer “search engine-based” form of career building, where headhunters seek potential candidates and contact them directly. Individuals can place their profile online, and build their “friends” from people they have networked with in the past. The site is something of a professional Facebook.
But don’t be surprised if your next job offer comes from an international company. It may be an opportunity to have a summer internship while living abroad.
Pepperdine Alumni Network (PAN) is a service that allows students to stay connected with current classmates and alumni. Tabs include resume posting, search options for individual alums and network opportunities with contacts. Class notes and upcoming events display approaching opportunities for the school’s alumni network.
Staying aware is the most important part of any job search. Other less-traditional options for your job hunt include: Monster.com, Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, an app within the site, that posts jobs in a given region. Twitter can also be helpful in finding the right job. Follow your favorite organizations and you may find postings for job openings.
It may seem obvious, but Googling organizations will yield specific results about a company. And sometimes, that will offer you the most direct answers about an establishment. In addition, blogs often post positions and have space to ask questions and receive answers about a company or job opportunity.
Jointly, experience and resume building as well as contacts and references will provide the tools you need to get your most idyllic internship.
Interviewing for the Job
And don’t forget that having a good interview is half the battle in attaining a job. Wendy Berg, Pepperdine Career Counselor, explained the importance of an effective interview.
“Interviewing is a skill,” Berg said. “You’re not born with it, even if you have a great personality.”
Photo Credit: rhl.org
By being prepared to answer questions, doing your research about the company and looking the part, you’ll be prepared to ace any interview.
Another good tip, according to Berg, is asking the interviewer (post-interview) if there is anything that would prevent you from getting the job, such as a lack of experience or skill set. That way, you won’t be as surprised if you are not chosen for a position.
For more information about your job options visit either Pepperdine’s Career Center to set up a meeting or mock-interview with a counselor, or visit the website at: seaver.pepperdine.edu/careercenter.
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