With a proposed cut of $22 million in two years, the California state park system is looking for ways to cut back, including possibly shutting down some state parks in California temporarily. With closures, the threat of development is imminent, and has led to the drafting of SB580 — a bill currently making its way through the Senate to curb unwanted development.

Resource centers fight to accomplish the UC’s goal of ethnically diversifying the student body. At UCSC, programs like Engaging Education and the Ethnic Resource Center struggle to counteract cuts through outreach and retention efforts.

This Week in News reports on rising office vacancy, with 12.5 percent of office space in the county being vacant, mostly concentrated in the Scotts Valley area. It also takes a look at the Positive Parenting Program, an advocacy program that has sprung from the First Five Commission.

The Queer Fashion Show has long been a part of UC Santa Cruz’s culture. Dating back as far as the ’80s, the event has been a consistent showcase of creativity within the queer community. This year’s show looks to be bigger, better and sexier than ever before.

SAFE spreads information about sexual assault and rape prevention and education services for Denim Day, which recalls an egregious Italian trial that ruled a rapist innocent because the victim wore tight jeans.

After senior Brian Pybas took first place in the 2010 Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, the Banana Slugs are hoping for another strong performance as they head down to Ojai this weekend for the 2011 tournament.

In this week’s Community Chest, UCSC lecturer Dennis Tibbetts explains why his class, titled American Combat Veterans, helps foster a positive environment that veterans and those interested in or associated with the military can be comfortable participating in.

In response to increasing student interest, UCSC’s computer engineering department is creating a new major in robotic engineering, set to debut in fall 2011. Over the past three years, engineering faced $1.5 million in budget cuts and is looking at an additional $800,000 in cuts this year.

What’s going on at UCSC and around Santa Cruz for the week of April 28 – May 4.

DJ Bott is a determined young woman, but pressure from student fees is forcing her family to make immense sacrifices to finance her education. Motivated by her families’ sacrifice, DJ Bott continues to strive towards completing her education.