I keep forgetting to post that the Daily Cal's Board (Board of Directors, not Editorial Board -clarification) voted to stay in Eshleman Hall. The primary consideration was apparently their shaky financial situation. The Board felt that on the not-uncommon days when they just can't make rent, the ASUC is more likely and has been more likely to allow extensions and missed deadlines. Whereas a private renter would be legally allowed and likely to kick them out after missing one month's rent.

This isn't a bad argument, although I don't know why Ned's would be so quick to boot out a big tenant like the Daily Cal would be. Who else would fill that space? Things like this can be worked out in advance.

In addition, the Daily Cal is really hampering their ability to cover earthquakes in the Bay Area. If there is one, they'll all be dead. Eshleman is an earthquake deathtrap. I'm looking forward, some years down the line, to reading the inevitable recriminations that come after numerous students are killed by its' toppling.

Also, the Daily Cal is not helping their own consistency on maintaining independence. First the DC cries foul when the ASUC meddles with their Rent Agreement. 'We're just a private, independent business! Political considerations should not be a factor in business negotiations. Don't meddle in our neutrality!'

And then they turn around when rent falls short and say 'We're the campus paper! It's a goal of yours to support student groups and maintain a student-run newspaper. Take this into consideration!'

You can't only be the important campus paper when it's politically convenient and get away with it.Email This Post!