Oregon daily emerald., January 16, 1978, Image 1

\n Independent Newspaper
Vol. 79, No. 79
Eugene, Oregon 97403
Monday. January 16, 19/^8
For $250,000
Already-safe dorms
get new sprinklers
By GARY LEY
Of the Emerald
The University will have to spend $250,000
over the next two years to install sprinkler systems
in Carson Hall and University Inn in compliance
with a new Eugene fire ordinance, says John
Kahananui, University architect.
Fire Chief Wendell Wick informed the Univer
sity of the new code stipulating that residential
buildings of more than five stories must have spe
cial safety features for fire. The deadline for com
pliance is June 23, 1980.
Both Kahananui and Wick agree, however, that
University dormitories are presently in good con
dition with regard to fire safety.
“Overall, we feel the dorms are in pretty good
shape," Kahananui says. He explains that all six
campus housing complexes are built of incom
bustible materials. Each hall has fire hoses and an
alarm with a direct line to te Eugene Fire Depart
“Our access and egress characteristics are
also good,” says Kahananui..
Wick says the dormitories meet all present as
pects of the Eugene fire code. Each dorm room is
inspected by a fire department officer once a year.
Rooms found to have some violation of the code
are re-inspected later to check for compliance.
Fraternities and sororities are inspected twice a
year, according to Wick.
Apparently, few violations are found in the in
spections. "The problem was much worse a few
years ago," Wick says, “there is a 100 percent
improvement today over, say, three or four years
ago.”
In the past, the worst time for fire problems is
just after Christmas, he says, explaining that stu
dents bring back gifts — especially appliances —
that pose potential fire hazards.
H. P. Barnhart of the University Housing Office
says dormitory residents are cooperative in abid
ing by the fire regualtions set up for the campus
residences.
“When they move in, students are given a list of
fire do’s and dont’s,” Barnhart says. Extension
cords, for example are not allowed.
Fire drills are held in each hall soon after the
start of the term, often at 3 or 4 a.m.. to the chagrin
of the residents.
In addition, Resident Assistants are required to
take a course in fire-safety by Eugene Fire De
partment during fall orientation. Barnhart says
usually 200 or 300 other students attend the ses
sion.
But Kahananui, Wick and Barnhart echo the
belief that the most important aspect of fire safety
is the personal obligations of the resident.
As Kahananui says, “While the room may be
incombustible, the things inside may bum. Paper
bums, personal effects bum and people burn."
Two years ago, a room in University Inn was
destroyed by fire. Damage to the building was
estimated to be $6,000, while the students lost
$4,000 worth of personal property. Fortunately,
there were no injuries.
The cause of the fire was found to have been a
candle left burning on a table.
Shortly before Christmas, seven students at
Rhode Island's Providence College were killed
when fire raced through their dormitory. The build
ing met all city fire regulations and the cause of the
fire was determined to be the ignition of a Christ
mas decoration by a lamp.
OSL decreases request
by 25 cents a student
8y CAROLYN BEAVER
Of the Emerald
The Oregon Student Lobby (OSL) announced
Saturday it will decrease its funding request from
$1 per full-time student to 75 cents.
In a board meeting held in Corvallis, OSL de
cided their supporting schools would be better
able to afford the amount of money asked for next
year. The OSL budget was left open for more
discussion, but was expected to be passed at the
next meeting.
The OSL met to discuss varied concerns includ
ing tax credits for tuition, child care and housing
discrimination against students.
OSL Board of Directors reaffirmed their deci
sion not to support the tax credit bills presently in
Congress because of their “regressive nature.”
Kefi Osborn. ASUO vice-president attending the
meeting, said the regressive tax bills “set out a flat
dollar amount without regard to family or indi
vidual needs.”
The OSL advocates a progressive tax credit bill
“based on adjusted, not gross income." It would
take into consideration things such as how manv
kids, assets and debts, a person or family has,
Osborn said.
“Robert Liberty (OSL member) and we at
ASUO, will start some research in this area soon
and contact legislator's offices, possibly Jim
Weaver’s office,” she said.
Last year the OSL supported an unsuccessful
child care bill. Liberty said he would be on campus
Jan. 24 to discuss alternatives for next year’s
legislation. Interested persons should call Osborn
at 686-3724.
Osborn mentioned that a large sum of federal
funds had been allocated to the state Children’s
Sen/ices Division (CSD) which could help Univer
sity students. However, CSD is operating with a
deficit this year and is only financing two-year
colleges. Osborn said she hoped CSD would be
better financed next year to include four-year and
graduate students.
A community college organization has been
working with the OSL and the Oregon Student
Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) on a
housing discrimination bill for next year’s Legisla
ture.
Last year a similar bill was dropped because ot
lack of evidence collected. The three groups are
looking “for a good technique for ferreting out
information,” to assure passage next year.
Karen Adyth, ASUO administrative aide, gaive
the OSL two bills to consider that she had drafted
last year. One bill requires a mandatory inventory
between landlord and tenant of the apartment or
house's condition at rental. The other assures
tenants the interest on their rental deposits.
Photo by F.HAT. Axmactwr
India Night at the EMU Saturday was highlighted by the
performance of Indian classical dancer Radhika Lal
chandani. Lalchandani is a devotee of the Bhaarta
Natyam ancient style of dance. The dance projects
images of devadasis (temple dancers) dancing in di
vine prayer to Lords Vishnu and Shriva in the temples of
South India.