We Serve
On Thursday, November 19, CSUN’s United We Serve Volunteer Program brought out hundreds of items in front of the Oviatt Library. These non perishable food items had been collected through their food drive over the last month across the campus. The We Serve volunteers began their awareness campaign at the beginning of the month in honor of Homeless Awareness Month. CSUN’s Sundial described the food drive as the largest food drive the campus has ever seen.
The reason why We Serve placed the items collected in the food drive on the steps of the centrally located library was to allow the participants to visually see what their efforts created and literally, what they looked like. The ultimate outcome to be achieved from the food drive and demonstration was to feed as many unfortunate families and individuals as possible. To add to the aid of this less-fortunate group of people, We Serve also had goals of swaying people’s attitudes and perceptions of this large group of people.
In addition to the canned food drive demonstration, the We Serve Volunteer Program also hosted a Survive the Night event in attempts to motivate the involvement from participants. The Survive the Night event was a one night event where the participants experienced a homeless-like setting where they lacked the day-to-day comforts of food and shelter. We Serve has also planned to have some future events where they planned to feed the homeless.
Cali Bred Opinion: Definitely a great idea to display the efforts and bring awareness to prevalent issue. Cali Bred will also be keeping up with some of these future events and will continue to support CSUN’s United We Serve Volunteer Program.
First 48 on Lassen
So its approximately 2:45 in the afternoon when we decide to go to 7 Kings (a liquor store on the corner of White Oak and Lassen in Northridge). Walk out of three-oh-five (apartment number) as usual, take the elevator down, and shockingly there were several people standing at the apartment entrance/exit. Instant reaction in my mind, “hmmm, the fuck is everyone doin out here all of a sudden?” So we walk out, and what do you know, “The First 48” on our door step.
None of this is being said to frighten or scare anyone, but its real, and these are people we know.
As far as what was observed, found it to be tremendously disturbing. Flip-flops, blood stains, and 
evidence markers lay resting on the north side of Lassen Street. Caution tape boxed in a specific area by the easr entrance/exit of the apartment building. There was something white struggling to be visible from behind the low cut bushes. “What is that” starts to run through your head, then you begin putting two and two together, yet its now three or four hours since the incident occurred. There’s an LAPD officer monitoring the west perimeter of the scene talking to someone on his BlackBerry, I assume his son or daughter, asking “Did you see Daddy on TV?” and going on to explain the
amount of time he’d have to be on scene. So, finally bossed up, “is that his body right there?” cutting off his conversation, and sure enough. There’s this guy, most likely close to our age, just laying there, dead, with holes in his body, and a white bag resting over his shoulders. The only thing to show for it, signs of adrenaline lost as his bloody hand slid down the door as, I would guess, he sought help.
This really felt like a situation that was too close to home. Not even a block away from the Cal State, Northridge campus, a man gets slain. On a Sunday afternoon, broad day light? One may ask themselves, “Is this what I have to be concerned about when I’m walking down the street? To know that any given person could pull out a gun and just let off that quick! It’s supposed to be a collegiate environment, these kinds of things aren’t supposed to happen.” And then reality hits. Welcome to “The First 48“!
Please, please, please, do what you can to avoid situations like this from occurring. Even if it is as simple as being the bigger person and avoiding a confrontation. As far as gang affiliation, this is 2009, not the nineties! Its time to grow up, take some control, and make the right decisions. Dare to be different and step out of line! On be half of Cali Bred, may the young man whose life was taken rest in peace and wish the best to his family and loved ones.
Feel free to log on to ABC and check out the news article and video clip from the scene.
Long Range
Not a bad way to start off a Friday night. Hit up the Firing Line indoor shooting range for a little bit.
Walked in thinking we would all be able to shoot, make sure you stay out of trouble or you’ll end up sitting behind the glass like that guy lol. The range had 20+ different guns to choose from, including rifles and handguns. If you own a shotgun, more than welcome to bring it and fire their rounds. They also had a few Mossberg Shotguns for sale. The guys who work there are also pretty cool too. Cali Bred recommendation would be to check out the Kimber .45.
If you’re interested in going to Firing Line indoor shooting range, they can be found at: 18348 Eddy St., Northridge, 91324. Or you can give them a call at: (818) 349-1420. Hours of operation are from 12noon to 10pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday.
If you would also like to make your voice heard, act now on AB962 and SB585. More information on these bills can be found at Cal Guns. Be sVperb, and get your voice heard.