Greetings everyone! Due to the new A.S. constitutional rules, the University Centers Advisory Board representative cannot appoint a successor, forcing Jehoan Espinoza to step down from his position as the current UCAB representative. A.S. Council President Robby Boparai went head to head with Espinoza during the meeting about whether A.S. Council is breaking the rules by allowing Espinoza to keep his current position.

Boparai explained that he did inform Espinoza that he would no longer be the current UCAB representative once VP Campus Affairs Amber Hawthorne was elected. He stated that Espinoza may file a grievance to the Judicial Board if he felt it necessary.

Boparai clarified that the constitution (Title 3, chapter 1.2 A) clearly states that VP Campus Affairs is the current UCAB representative; however, he had no intention to motion to dismiss Espinoza.

“Rules exist for a reason, [and] it’s a grey area in the bylaws,” Boparai said. “I acted as I saw fit, and if anyone has an issue, I would love for them to address it with me.”

Campuswide Senator Joey Giltner voiced his opinion against setting a precedent to break the rules due to the issues that arose when the former council broke the rules.

AVP Enterprise Operations Irene Chang defended Espinoza, stating that he only has three weeks left and should be able to retain his current position as UCAB representative.

Boparai ended the discussion by stating that there was no malicious intent on his part.

“Jeohan was not appointed as VP Campus Affairs, and that’s why I was worried that the rules were being broken,” Boparai said. “I think that as long as we are following our rules, I’m fully in favor of Jeohan serving as our UCAB rep.”

The decision to keep Espinoza in his current position until the end of Spring Quarter 2014 passed unanimously.

UCAB Chair Sammy Chang provided a student impact survey to affirm that the student services fee agreed with the priorities of UCSD students and to guide future Student Fee Advisory Committee deliberations.

UCSD is currently in a deficit of $5 million due to the staff benefits increase, which creates inflation and leads to stricter financial regulation.

AVP Concerts and Events Sarah Harley also spoke about the Sun God Festival, reiterating that during the 2012–13 festival, the number of patients admitted to Scripps hospital doubled, with 49 students hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.

Harley said that due to this and other events, action had to be taken.

“We couldn’t keep doing nothing and assume that this year it would get better on its own,” Harley said. “We have to make tough decisions but I think it’s worth it to continue the tradition that is such a vital part of student life here.”

All tickets were reserved for the concert this year. Wristbands may be picked up from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at Marshall Field.

I hope to see all you party people there! Drink water, stay cool and have a good time! Happy Sun God!