Fee Hikes, the sequel?

The UC Board of Regents is expected to raise fees between zero to 20 percent in this month’s meeting. At an October meeting with student government leaders, UC Vice President of Budget Patrick Lenz explained that the UCs need a fee increase. Even with 2011 funding, the UC system has a $300 million deficit. With the newly passed budget, which restored funding, and the federal stimulus grant, are these fees really necessary? Or are they a byproduct of wasteful spending and mismanagement of funds? What are other options the regents could consider instead of simply raising fees?

On the Rocks

Researchers at UC San Francisco have teamed up with Pfizer scientists to identify two new compounds that may be effective in treating both alcohol and nicotine dependence. These compounds target specific areas of the brain and have so far only been demonstrated to reduce alcohol consumption in rodents. Could this be a means of safer drinking on campus? Or could this end up being exploited as a means for students to drink more often?

Republican Takeover

Tuesday’s elections shook up the nation as Republicans gained seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, where Republican John Boehner will replace Democrat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. In spite of this Republican tide, Democrats still keep their majority in the Senate. Will this division of powers between the House and the Senate benefit or harm the nation? How will this affect the nation’s education system, which is currently in decline?

Crisis Returns to Haiti

Haiti has not recovered from January’s massive earthquake and is still in need of aid, especially given the growing cholera epidemic. Now, homeless Haitians in tent camps are being asked to evacuate for Tropical Storm Tomas as it makes its way to the struggling nation. What should be done to speedily improve the situation in Haiti? Should the U.S. give more help to Haiti despite our economic woes?

No Happy Meals for San Francisco

An ordinance that will ban most McDonald’s Happy Meals in San Francisco takes effect December 2011. Under the new measure, McDonald’s may include a free toy only with meals that contain fruits, vegetables, and a set amount of calories and fat. The ordinance’s purpose is to combat childhood obesity, according to Eric Mar, the sponsor of the measure. Do you approve of this new ordinance to combat childhood obesity? Is San Francisco overstepping the boundaries of regulation?

Compiled by Allan Suwito, Seth Ronquillo, Serli Polatoglu, Shaydanay Urbani and Sabiha Khan.

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