Please read this column...

Wes Woods II
 
Wes Woods II is editor in chief of the Daily Forty-Niner for the fall semester.

Usually, an editor in chief will welcome students with a "welcome students."

But I won't bore you with all that.

Instead, to the three people reading this in the bathroom stall, here is some basic information about the Daily Forty-Niner newspaper.

Technically, we're not known as the students' newspaper. But we do accept photographs and stories from students. Currently, the Forty-Niner is looking for photographs and columnists for the fall semester. Please apply if interested.

This will be the first semester the journalism department will be without a photo option. While my feelings are mixed on how this will help the department regain its accreditation, it will make for an interesting semester. Thus, the paper will be using freelance photography (yes, we're looking for people) and any other photography help it can get.

While copy for the newspaper is generated from Cal State Long Beach students enrolled in the Journalism 319 and 316 classes, I won't discourage anyone from writing for us. Maybe you write better than some of the students enrolled, who knows?

The number to call is (562) 985-8000. The newsroom is in the basement of the SSPA building (where the sociology and criminal justice departments are), 004B.

Before I introduce my staff, I'll introduce myself. I've worked for the Forty-Niner since spring semester '98, being a staff reporter, sports editor, diversions editor, opinion editor (for two issues) and city editor. I'm responsible for everything in this paper. If anything is bothering you, be it personally, professionally or even mentally, come on by my office or call me at (562) 985-7998.

Here's the staff:

Andres Cardenas will be managing editor. His job description includes forcing the editors to do their work or listening to reporters complain about their editors. He was the sports editor last year.

Christina Esparza will be the city editor. Her role is to force reporters to write news stories and like it. It's also to take story tips from anyone on campus and look pleasant.

Nicola Chadwick is Opinion editor. Please write letters to her (you'll get a water bottle or a cup from the Forty-Niner) and entertain her with rants about any campus subject.

Caroline Limuti will be in charge of the photo department. If you like to shoot photos (be it portraits, sports, etc.), give her a call. We need the help.

Chris Lew will run the Diversions (arts and entertainment) section. His role is to find people to cover campus musical functions, interesting features and things to divert your attention away from the other pages. He can also hook people up with contacts in the music and film industry.

Marty Lewerth is the sports man. If interested in covering a sport, especially club, give him a call. If the section sucks, blame him.

Other than that, blame me.

For campus freshmen here are some tips:

Don't run stop signs. This one would seem obvious. Unfortunately, it's not. Everyone gets late for a class hits a few pedestrians. It's happened to me a few times. There's also a rumor that you don't have to stop at the stop signs on campus because Cal State Long Beach is private property. But that's a lie, it's like saying 2pac's still alive.

Credit card scams are another hassle to watch out for. These people  may sound sincere, but their personalities are as plastic as the cards they're trying to pawn off. And remember, you aren't obligated to take any of their crap.

Don't take Seventh Street to get to school during peak hours. It's a total traffic jam. Atherton or Palo Verde are good alternative routes, or try to bike.

And don't think you can skate by for five minutes on the meter. Put in more money than you need or parking will catch you. Believe me. Dominguez Hills and Cal State Fullerton both have free 30-minute parking, so make sure to let parking officials know by rioting.

Tickets are given for skateboarding on campus. But not for biking, rollerblading or scooters (unless you're damaging property). So chose your transportation carefully.

So there you have it. I've done all I can, the rest is up to you.