Features

SFSU multicultural center  

vandalized 

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco State University’s multicultural center has been vandalized for the second time in two weeks, according to campus police. 

Officials on Wednesday discovered vandals had urinated and smeared fecal matter in the main room of the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center. The vandalism occurred against the backdrop of the university’s new slogan “Love is Stronger than Hate,” which emerged after Sept. 11. 

“I don’t know whether this was intended as a hate crime, though the choice of the multicultural center does raise the question,” said university President Robert Corrigan. 

There are no suspects, and there was no apparent forced entry into the room, which is usually kept locked, Sgt. Jerry Trobaugh said. The incident apparently occurred between the close of the student center at 10 p.m. Tuesday and 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, when police were called. 

On Jan. 23, students found offensive graffiti on the room’s dry erase boards. They erased the remarks and did not contact police. 

Airports to get new security firms 

SAN FRANCISCO — New security firms will take over San Francisco and Oakland airports in two weeks. 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta decided Wednesday that his department will not longer do business with Argenbright Security when the federal government takes over airport security. 

The company provides about 40 percent of the United State’s airline security. And about 340 guards at San Francisco International Airport and 40 screeners at Oakland International Airport work for Argenbright. Another firm, ITS, contracts with San Jose International Airport. 

Airport officials said most employees won’t lose their jobs. At SFO, ITS will become the airport’s new domestic security firm and will hire all Argenbright workers, airport spokesman Ron Wilson said. 

In a statement Argenbright said executives anticipated losing airport contracts when Congress passed the airline security act last fall. 

The Atlanta-based company is now owned by the British security conglomerate Securicor.