College Paper Takes a Fresh Look at...

College Paper Takes a Fresh Look at Exercise in Stamping Out Sexism

Words and pictures.

* Freshperson is no more at the UC San Diego student newspaper.

The executive board of the UCSD Guardian has dropped freshperson from its “non-sexist language policy.” But the board doesn’t regret the yearlong experiment with its use.

“Because language is the tool by which we express our thoughts and feelings,” explained an editorial, “it is one of the most fundamental outward manifestations of ourselves, and perhaps provides the most telling indication of collective social ideals.”

Translation: The quest to root out male-oriented etymology continues. Freshperson will be replaced by first-year-student .

* Like other cities, Encinitas has trouble with dogs making messes in city parks. So it has posted warning signs.

Inside the international red circle and slash is a drawing of a dog. Hunched over. Making a mess.

* Newspaper Guild members continue in their attempts to communicate directly to Union-Tribune Publisher Helen Copley.

A New Year’s Eve telex was sent to her in Berlin during her 10-day European vacation.

On Monday, Guild President Ed Jahn tried to speak to her as she arrived in the Union newsroom for her weekly meeting with the editorial board. Copley did not respond.

After the 60-minute editorial board meeting, 50 guild members waited for her in a hallway near an elevator. To avoid them, Copley headed for a different elevator around the corner.

Her employees hurriedly repositioned themselves and stood in an awkward silent protest as she waited for the doors to open.

They Really Dislike One Another

The speech.

* How acidic is the relationship between San Diego Councilman Bob Filner and Mayor Maureen O’Connor?

Filner was the only council member not to join in the applause at the conclusion of the mayor’s State of the City address. Nor did he applaud when O’Connor presented an award to Prof. Jess Flemion, one of Filner’s former faculty colleagues at San Diego State University.

He did gently pat his palm when O’Connor gave an award to a Soviet diplomat.

* The startling announcement that O’Connor will not seek reelection in 1992 had been a closely held secret among staffers and friends.

Some were told Sunday, others Monday. One high-level staffer tried to persuade her to change her mind.

* In praising the Chamber of Commerce, O’Connor took aim at San Diego groups that have taken money from Southern California Edison and SDG&E;:

“While others accepted donations from SCE and SDG&E; in exchange for their silence, the chamber held firm to its position to fight the merger.”

A Break for Snake Fanciers

If your boa is longer than 3 1/2 feet or your python weighs more than 15 pounds, take heart.

The city of San Diego is working on a new non-poisonous reptile ordinance that would legalize your herpetologic honey. For years, jumbo-sized snakes have been outlawed in the city except for educational use.

Since the seizure last summer of 26 snakes from a San Carlos breeder, city officials have been rethinking the old limits of 3 1/2 feet and 15 pounds.

George Story, an assistant to the city manager, says the most likely proposal would require owners to get permits to keep the larger reptiles. Owners would have to promise to keep their pets caged and cared for.

The proposal may include a limit on the number of snakes. The package will wind its way through the city attorney’s office and then to a City Council committee in a month or so.

“The legitimate snake fanciers and breeders know how to handle their animals,” Story said. “But we’re concerned with the people who let their snakes get out of hand.”