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- Creator:
- Garcia, Erica
- Description:
- In the United States there are millions of illegal immigrants apprehended each year at the border. There are three borders through which immigrants try to enter this country and they are the Coastal Border, Northern Border, and Southwest Border. Over the years the border with the largest number of apprehensions is the Southwest Border. The Southwest Border is California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. The high number of illegal immigrants entering this country is a problem because of the costs it brings. This study examines the effects of illegal immigration by reviewing the costs for border security, costs of technology utilized to detect and stop illegal immigration, costs and benefits of illegal immigrants, immigration policies, and the advantages and disadvantages of the past Immigration Policies that have been implemented. Furthermore, the possible alternatives to the problem that this country is facing and has been trying to solve for many years.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Arredondo Gomez, Jessica
- Description:
- Within recent years, there has been a significant increase in shootings throughout the United States of America. In an effort to prevent the next shooting from occurring, and to keep the United States of America a safer place to live, a policy proposal should be developed. There need to be more restrictive rights for individuals having access to firearms. The following paper will outline the significant issues with the current gun laws, possible new gun laws with a policy proposal, and alternatives to this issue.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
83. A Program proposal for Kern Medical Center's Program to Decrease Trauma Caused by Distracted Driving
- Creator:
- Carrillo, Jose
- Description:
- Cases of trauma being caused by distracted driving are increasing. The following is a sample of plans that can be used to end this problem and the rationale for implementing these plans. While conducting presentations at local area schools, KMC can enlist the help of parents. This enlistment would be conducted by inviting parents to any school presentations and encouraging parents to sign a pledge (along with students) to not text and drive. Since KMC does not have the budget or staff to reach out to all local area high schools, KMC could partner with local area school districts to form volunteer student/parent groups at local schools that continually re-enforce the message of not using a phone while driving. These groups would be structured in the same manner as booster clubs which involve parent and student participation. For students, KMC can encourage the formation of scholastic clubs that would continue to spread the message about not being a distracted driver. Developing a partnership with willing companies would be beneficial to KMC and those partnering companies. Whereas funding is an issue, KMC can apply for grants with The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration using their online tool located at FedBizopps.gov. KMC can also explore the possibility of using social media as a revenue source. Rationale: The cases of trauma caused by distracted driving are increasing and it is imperative that something be done. The preceding recommendations are a sample of ideas that can be put into play. The tradeoff for doing nothing will be an increase in trauma patients at local area hospitals that will increase the strain on an overworked staff, potentially more unsafe drivers on our local roads, which is a danger to us all, and most importantly increase the potential for loss of life.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Arredondo, Claudia Lizeth
- Description:
- America’s middle class has been shrinking in size and median income due to decades of income inequalities and financial discrepancies. Median-income households have been earning less due to income inequalities that have led to exceeding debt levels and bankruptcies’ lead by the rising costs of health care and higher education. In order to restore America’s economy, the middle class needs to be at a better economic standing. America’s deteriorating federal minimum wage and increasing healthcare and higher education costs could be reformed to better meet the needs of many middle class Americans. • Increasing the federal minimum wage could increase incomes and increase the amount of money people have in their pockets to drive demand back into the economy to create jobs. However, increasing the minimum wage will not directly affect many middle-income workers and a rise in demand can lead to a rise in prices. • Reducing health care costs through a tax incentive program (funded by the collection of tax penalties) can help to reduce health care costs by rewarding health insurance companies for reducing health care costs. However a tax incentive program does not prevent other expected taxes that health insurance companies will face and it will cut expected funding streams from the Medicaid expansion program that can affect lower-income Americans. • Reducing higher education costs by increasing state funding levels through the collection of tax revenues will better meet the needs of the increasing number of student enrollments. However lowering higher education costs does not guarantee a decrease in underemployment amongst young college graduates but it can be expected that more occupations in the future will need postsecondary education at entry level (Bls.gov, 2012). A more competitive workforce needs to be skilled and educated due to the growing needs of society. A renewed commitment to higher education can restore the future of America’s middle class by creating a more skilled workforce. In order to invest in the future of America’s middle class, steps towards improving college graduation rates and the academic quality of higher institutions will most effectively preserve the economic future of both future workers and states (Oliff, Palacios, Johnson, Leachman, 2013). Higher Education needs to be restored in order to invest in the future of America.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Holder, Crystal Dawn
- Description:
- Hydraulic Fracturing has been around for over a hundred years and practiced in the oil field industry. It wasn’t until recently with the big boom in hydraulic fracturing that raised controversy over the regulations involved in fracturing. Part of the controversy is due to the past ten years of concerns about the environment, citizen’s health, land rights, waste disposal, and water quality stemming from the migration of chemicals to nearby aquifers as well as the large amounts of water required to fracture a well. Regulators feel that oil field companies should disclose the ingredients in the chemicals being used to hydraulic fracture, however industry officials do not feel that it is necessary and say that the material used to hydraulic fracture deserves secrecy as a trade secret. In an effort to minimize new bills being passed by legislature without the Federal Government getting involved in passing new laws that pertain to hydraulic fracturing in California I will provide documentation of studies that prove hydraulic fracturing is safe and that there is minimal chance that the air and water will be contaminated. It is important to examine currents methods and their effectiveness. Considering the purposed regulations that DOGGR has came out with gives everyone a chance to voice their opinion and also gives DOGGR the opportunity to put on workshops to go into further detail with the regulations. This allows for changes to be considered and made if need be. A crucial indicator to measure the effectiveness is to reevaluate the goal and take these new purposed regulations and consider those that would be most feasible and realistic for everyone involved.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Lauro, Frank J.
- Description:
- The Golden Empire Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) is a professional organization that provides a continuing education and networking forum for environmental professionals in Kern County. Its goals are to promote environmental responsibility by providing grants for K-12 education, award college scholarships, and bring together diverse stakeholders to openly communicate with one another about the challenges they are facing. The AWMA’s primary fundraising event each year is their annual technical conference. This conference began in 1990 and was initially a two day conference with separate air, water, and waste tracks and was attended by over 200 people. Currently this conference is a one day event attended by less than 100 people with joint tracks for air and waste. Possible reasons the conference has evolved in this fashion is due to insufficient time for conference planning activities, a reduction in challenges facing the environmental community, or due to the conflict that exists between Board member’s employment responsibilities and their duties to the organization. The goal of this research study was to provide recommendations for the AWMA to improve their technical conference and make it more meaningful for attendees by performing a summative evaluation. This evaluation reviewed the program theory and performed an implementation assessment. An on-line survey was developed and emailed to the 200 person email list provided by the AWMA. Past technical conference chairs were interviewed with the goal of gaining an understanding of why the conference has evolved and learn about any best practices that may have been previously implemented. From the study it was learned that the technical conference has evolved over the years due to a decline in the environmental challenges facing stakeholders. This decline in challenges had a domino effect, which led to less stakeholder support, a reduced membership roster, greater responsibilities for the AWMA Board Members, and less time to plan the technical conference. The organization has a loyal following of approximately 30 members that regularly attend events and are satisfied with the Chapter. However, potential areas of improvement are increasing the participation from regulators and focusing presentation topics on areas of most interest to attendees (i.e., new technology, legislation, and regulations). Based on the results of the study it is recommended that the AWMA increase the amount of time available to plan the technical conference, incorporate feedback into the planning process, and increase participation from researchers and regulators. It is the author’s belief that by implementing these recommendations the AWMA will improve their technical conference, make it more meaningful for attendees, and be more successful of encouraging environmental responsibility in Kern County.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Marion, Todd Quin Jr.
- Description:
- Today there is a great debate on the legalization of marijuana. Although the legalization of marijuana is of great importance, this paper is not an argument for the legalization of marijuana. This paper is simply an analysis of the current policies regarding marijuana. This paper discusses the contradictory policies the United States has adopted. The federal government has made marijuana illegal due to the fact that marijuana can be easily abused and it does not have any medical value whereas 14 states in the United States have legalized marijuana for its medicinal purposes. It is clear that the states and the federal government have two compelling arguments in regards to their decision for their policy, but their policies are contradictory. This paper attempts to define which policy is the most valid to end the debate on the legalization of marijuana. The methods used to conduct were non-experimental and only reviewed materials discussing American drug policy. All materials reviewed were from reputable organizations and educational institutions to make certain the materials were reliable and factual to eliminate bias. There is not a specific law criminalizing marijuana so the CSA (Controlled Substance Act) was examined. Amendments in the CSA made it more punitive leading it to go astray from its initial function. The government’s attempt to control and decrease illicit drug use has created a taxation problem because of this hardening. Also, illicit drug use has steadily increased since the inception of the CSA in 1970. A change in American drug policy is needed because current policy is not acting as a deterrent. Marijuana may need to be decriminalized to have better control of its trafficking.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
88. How passing the Dream Act will impact the United States: the political feasibility of the Dream Act
- Creator:
- Sixtos, Adriana
- Description:
- The DREAM Act has endured a tumultuous journey since its introduction in 2001. The bill has survived multiple revisions, additions to other bills and finally stands alone, as a bill that was a few votes shy of becoming a reality for the Dreamers. Many have supported the Dreamers in their decade long fight for a moral right to pursue their dreams, create a life, and live for their future in the only place they call home. The U.S. has always been a nation welcoming to immigrants and supported their integration into the U.S. culture. However, the current state of the U.S is a reflection of the chaotic immigration system and agencies that have failed to enforce immigration laws. The nation at this point can no longer be that welcoming entity, the refuge, or saving grace. The goal behind the DREAM Act is to provide equality to undocumented children who are presently here. There is a moral regard to protect these innocent children from deportation and grant them an opportunity to access higher education and a pathway to citizenship. The purpose of this policy analysis to determine the DREAM Act’s political feasibility using the court case Plyler v. Doe as a precedent that has politically set the stage for The DREAM Act and the Dreamers. After evaluation of possible alternatives and their respective impact; the DREAM Act remains the key to alleviating the current immigration issues the U.S. is currently facing. Critical recommendations were made to solidify a re-introduction of the bill as it relates to the bill’s evident weaknesses.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Rodriguez Salinas, Evette
- Description:
- The purpose of this study was to explore training models and funding related to the health care workforce needs of those who serve an older adult population. Three main questions were addressed: What methods of training a health care workforce focused on serving older adults have been developed and implemented successfully?; How is workforce training funded?; and Is there a model of training and funding that is more successful in addressing the shortage of competent health care professionals that serve the older adult population? This research explored four training and funding models that were developed to increase workforce training in geriatrics. Data consisted of the narratives of key informants who provided in-depth descriptions of each program. Content analysis was used as the method using manifest content of the narratives. Categories and themes were pulled and compared to a successful program (Council on Medicine Education) and put in the context of social work. Federal policy such as Social Security Title XIX and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are discussed as they apply to the results.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Social Work
- Creator:
- Jimenez, Maria T.
- Description:
- “In pursuit of CSUB’s vision and our commitment to serve the Southern San Joaquin Valley, individuals enrolled in our Department of Public Policy, and Administration (PPA) programs engage in learning experiences to develop new skills and expertise that prepare them for positions with government agencies at all levels; nonprofit organizations; hospitals and health care agencies; and private organizations with significant government interactions. The Department has a strong commitment to professional development among public and non-profit professionals. The faculty is also committed to scholarship. In addition to the affirmative recruitment of women, ethnic minorities and the disabled, the department strongly encourage the enrollment of practitioners in the undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs” (NASPAA, 2007). The purpose of this study is to identify what drives MPA students to select their careers in public or private organizations. Identification of the factors that drive the MPA students to their careers it is essential to the career planning of future MPA students. For this research, I will use peer review articles to identify what other researchers/scholars have analyzed regarding the factors that lead MPA students to choose their careers during and after graduating from a Masters of Public Administration program. In addition, I will analyze what motivates MPA students from CSUB to choose their careers. In order for me to analyze what motivates MPA students at CSUB to choose their careers in the public, nonprofit or private organizations, I will conduct a survey of 106 MPA students who are currently enrolled in the program. The main topics in this survey are as follows: employment advancement, organizational reputation, enhancement of growth, and personal benefits. I will use the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) to analyze all data. The data that I collect from the surveys will be put into tables to show what motivates CSUB MPA students to choose their careers in public or private organizations. I will also compare my findings to those of other research regarding MPA students’ career choices. Hypotheses: It is hypothesized that there is no difference base on gender while students choose a career in an organization where they have employment benefits. It is further hypothesized that there is not a difference between males and females who want to work for an organization in which they have an opportunity to develop and also has opportunities for women and minorities. It is also hypothesized there is not a difference between genders while choosing a career due to an organization’s good reputation, less bureaucratic red tape, and maintenance of a low conflict workplace. All three hypotheses were rejected; there is a difference of opinion among males and females during the process of choosing a career. Recommendation 1: Public Administration Departments In order to have a bigger pool of MPA student respondents, the Department of Public Administration should do a survey every year from the beginning with the undergraduate PA program until students finish the Master of Public Administration program. This would give the department a bigger pool and more data to analyze what is attracting PA or MPA students to choose a career in Public, Private, or Non-profit organizations. The department will also have to consider other departments to see is there is a pattern between undergraduates and master's students while choosing a career. The surveys can be done by MPA students in the program evaluation class. This will save the department money and time. Recommendation 2: Timing The surveys will need to be given to students in early January of every year. This will keep track of all those students who have continued the program and those that have dropped from the program. In addition, giving the surveys early to students will give the researchers enough time to work on the data and compare previous year’s results to the current year. Moreover, professors will need to be informed at least a week in advance before passing out surveys during their class time. Recommendation 3: Survey The Department of Public Administration or student researchers will need to include more factors that they believe to be influential during the process of choosing a career. One example can be the influence students have from family members that work in the public or private sector. Conclusion: It is very important to know what factors are motivating CSUB MPA student to choose a career in any organization. As the research shows, students decide to choose a career within an organization that provides them with training and career development. This shows that they want to grow within the organization and if the organization doesn’t provide them with this factor, they are more likely to go with another organization. With the changes of economics and the long process of getting hired in the public sector, there can be a big shift of MPA students getting jobs in the private sector. Moreover, there needs to be more investigation on why only 37.7 percent of CSUB MPA students are influenced to choose a career in an organization where there is the ability to serve the public. Students need to be reminded of the purpose of Public Administration and the duty to help the public.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Rico, Randy, E.
- Description:
- The two main causes of childhood obesity consuming more refined, high-calorie foods and being less physically active. Research has found contributing factors that cause lower rates of physical activity are excessive video games and television, unsafe neighborhoods, sedentary parents, and a lack of school physical activities. As the convenience of foods and high fat, sugar, and salt increase, the levels of consumption also increase. According to Guthrie et al. (2009), “Several studies that made simple comparisons of the weight status of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants and nonparticipants have found NSLP participants more likely to be overweight. However, in most studies that attempted to account for characteristics associated with likelihood of participating in the NSLP, such as income, age, gender, and ethnicity, those differences disappeared and NSLP participants were no more likely to be overweight than nonparticipants” (p. 4). In other research, the School Breakfast Program (SBP) is believed to actually reduce obesity risk, which appeared to increase the likelihood of eating breakfast. Participating in the SBP is believed to aid in spreading calories throughout a typical day, which can help maintain a healthy body weight. It has been found that adult obesity has been linked directly to childhood obesity. As a result, children and adults are more prone to having adverse health effects, such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Studies have found when unhealthy competitive foods are not sold at school, students tend to have better diets. The research also suggests students will purchase and consume more fruits and vegetables when more are provided. In creating a program policy, I would incorporate multiple changes, which consider all stakeholders, cost, political feasibility, and the possible outcomes (reduction in obesity rates). The policy alternatives I would incorporate would include meal servings changes, lunch scheduling, addressing plate waste issues, creating more wholesome meals, targeting competitive foods, awarding garden grants, offering meal reimbursement incentives, and implementing the new USDA meal standards. I would recommend that the USDA and U.S. Congress work together to establish a national nutrition policy that fosters a healthier school nutrition environment in communities across America. I would recommend continuing any and all efforts by local, state, and federal levels to support the development of more healthful eating patterns for adolescents and children. I would recommend that school personnel and health professionals must work together to enforce and formulate wellness policies that regulate competitive foods in schools. I would recommend school superintendents collaborate with local governments to implement innovative programs and policies that will prevent and reduce childhood obesity. Lastly, I would recommend all stakeholders continue to work together for the betterment of the common good of the children of America. The decisions made by decision makers and policy makers will have an everlasting effect on the health and wellbeing of the children of America. Decision makers and policy makers should put aside their hidden agendas and focus on what can be done to improve the wellbeing of the children of America, most notably on school meals.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Silvia, Sonia Sybol
- Description:
- The purpose of this research is to recommend a program proposal to combat cyberbullying. Bullying in school used to end when the bell rang. Now, with the advancements in technology, comes instantaneous and anonymous ways for cyberbullies to torment their victims. Unlike when traditional bullying ended at school, cyberbullying never ends. There is an urgency to take action because research has demonstrated that adolescents that are victims of cyberbullying are missing school, suffering from depression, and sometimes take their own life. Suicide due to cyberbullying is known as cyberbullicide. The program proposal recommends a model program be implemented by the key stakeholders. The key stakeholders are parents, teens, schools, law enforcement, and the government. It is important for parents to be involved in their child’s online and cellular phone activities. Teens need to comprehend what cyberbullying is and strategies to not become a victim. It is recommended that schools implement honor codes to discipline a student who is a cyberbully. Schools need to understand when an incident needs to be referred law enforcement. Law enforcement should be trained on how to obtain virtual evidence against a cyberbully. Lastly, it is recommended that the government pass laws to combat cyberbullying. There are currently no federal laws against bullying or cyberbullying. There are only 16 states that include cyberbullying as a part of their law, and only 12 states laws include a criminal sanction for bullying. It is recommended that states and the federal government propose “bullying laws” that incorporate criminal sanctions in their verbiage. Implementation of the proposed model program is of integral importance because precious lives are at stake.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Underwood, Stephanie Ann
- Description:
- The purpose of this research project is to examine the different stressors or indicators of burnout for 911 dispatchers working for both law enforcement organizations as well as fire personnel in the County of Kern. This is a master’s thesis applied research project completed by voluntary participants who utilized the Copenhagen Inventory Burnout (CBI) which identified three types of burnout: personal, work related, and client related burnout. This was then coupled with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) used to measure other psychosocial properties. Lastly asked were some basic socio-demographic questions used to identify general properties. This study had a sample size of 58 participants. Results of the study indicated that among the three different types of burnout experienced, work related burnout was greatest. Regression analysis findings showed the greatest correlation or greatest indicator of burnout for both work and client related burnout were stressors of emotional demands and a dispatchers’ commitment to the workplace. Somewhat surprising, were results that did not indicate that a specific agency experienced more or less work related or client related burnout than that of other agencies in this study. In other words, there was no distinction in burnout levels across 4 different agencies.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- McKeegan, Randy
- Description:
- Public pensions in the United States have faced unprecedented reforms in recent years. From the smallest special district to the largest states in the union, from the state of Florida all the way to Alaska, public entities across the county have made changes to the pensions they offer to their employees. These reforms have been driven by more attention being focused on the performance and costs of these plans. For the most part, government employees are enrolled in Defined Benefit (DB) plan that provides a fixed amount of income to a retiree every year until death. Most employees in private industry, if enrolled in a pension plan, receive a Defined Contribution (DC) plan which provides a fixed pool of funds at retirement that is drawn upon by a retiree until death (or until it runs out). The DB plans are more costly to maintain and studies have found that they have created a large unfunded pension liability (the amount owed when calculating the costs of all future payments) that continues to grow. One estimate calculates that the DB plans are short over $4 trillion. When reforms are implemented it is usually with the intent of reducing these growing liabilities and costs. This study will examine the reforms to public pensions that have taken place in recent years, specifically those that were put in place by the County of Kern and the State of Michigan. The review of financial data from these two entities will identify the annual costs paid to fund the plan and the related calculated unfunded liability in each plan. The results will show how these costs saving measures have fared for these two public entities and whether more far reaching reforms would be needed to address this growing pension problem. The study will also look at legal decisions that have been made with regards to pension reforms implemented by other public agencies and examine the legal challenges inherent in changing these important benefits for both new participants in a plan and existing enrollees. The study will conclude with recommendations on ways to move forward with pension reforms and possible options for changes to pension plans that reduce costs and unfunded liabilities in a timelier manner.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- O'Neil, Patrick W.
- Description:
- The primary goal of this research is to determine whether highland Pakistani populations share close biological affinities to one another, or if they represent phenetically distant groups. This research is undertaken in order to: 1. Test models of dental inheritance and patterns of sex dimorphism based on tooth size; 2. Assess the reliability of linguistic, archaeological, and historically based classification of ethnic groups commonly employed in demographic studies; and 3. Test four current models for South Asian population history with tooth-size allocation analysis. It is important to consider phenetic affinities based on tooth size to develop a more complete understanding of biological relationships and general patterns of microevolution among living Pakistani populations. Additionally, understanding patterns of phenetic affinities between groups in these regions allows important questions posed by linguists, archaeologists, geneticists and historians to be addressed scientifically. This study is significant because very little work has been accomplished in Pakistan by bioanthropologists and human biologists. Further, teeth provide a unique opportunity to compare living and archaeological populations, so that population affinities and possible patterns of migration may be traced both geographically and temporally. Phenetic affinities between populations are assessed via tooth-size allocation analysis. The samples that form the basis of this study include 14 archaeologically derived samples from Central Asia, the Indus Valley and west-central peninsular India, as well as samples of 18 living groups from northern Pakistan and peninsular India. This thesis introduces samples from two previously uninvestigated ethno-linguistic groups, the Wakhi (n=326) and the Shin (n = 280)of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. Maximum mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements were obtained for all permanent teeth except third molars in accordance with standardized methods. Individual measurements were scaled against the geometric mean to control for sex dimorphism and evolutionary tooth size reduction. Inter-sample differences in tooth size allocation is assessed with pairwise squared Euclidian distances and the patterning of phenetic affinities among samples is assessed with hierarchical cluster analysis, neighbor-joining cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, and principal coordinates analysis. The inability to identify consistent aggregates encompassing Pakistani highland ethnic groups suggests that significant population movements into this region have occurred over the last 1000 years, a phenomenon that has intensified, according to many historical sources, over the past 300 years (see for example Dani 2006). On the other hand, consistent identification of close phenetic affinities among Shina and Wakhi samples from Gilgit-Baltistan suggest that populations in this region are potentially of indigenous origin, but it must be remembered that the boundaries between Central Asia and northern South Asia are blurred, especially from a biological perspective. Overall, it appears that Gilgit-Baltistanis and highland populations from Chitral do not share common origins, nor is it likely that a “Dardic” biological ethnicity can be accurately applied to all northern Pakistani ethnic groups that speak Indo-Aryan languages. This may be a result of marriages between proximal groups such as the Wakhi and the Shina who must seek marital partners outside of their villages in order to avoid incest taboos. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the fact that neither the small dialectical differences nor the occupation of different geographic locations between the two Shina groups considered in this study appears to have had any effect upon their biological affinities. Therefore, it appears that ethnic classifications based on linguistic familiarity have biological meaning, and are appropriate and meaningful when used properly in demographic studies.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Anthropology
- Creator:
- Farewell, Chad
- Description:
- There is an epidemic facing today’s youth, that if not acted upon could cause today’s youth to be the first generation to be the first generation to lot out live the previous generation. The epidemic that is facing today’s youth is childhood obesity. Communities need to take action and join together in fighting childhood obesity and getting children the needed amounts of physical activity that are recommended nation wide. The purpose of this study is to propose a program that is designed to provide children with proper physical education classes, proper health and nutrition classes, and focuses on instilling physically active lifestyles in children. The program would be set up as a local nonprofit organization in the community of Tehachapi, Ca. The organization would serve the local kids of Tehachapi ranging from grades K-12. The organization would offer programs to all kids in the community that want to participate. The programs would consist of physical education classes that have kids be active for at least 60 minutes a day. The programs would teach and guide children in doing exercises correctly with proper supervision, and encourages and motivates participants to try their hardest and do their absolute best. The programs would make physical fitness fun and exciting for kids and encourage them to commit to living physically active lifestyles. The organization would also offer nutritional programs that teach participants healthy and proper eating habits, as well as the importance of a proper, healthy diet and how it coincides with a good exercise program. The organization would be dedicated to helping and guiding the children of the community and providing the kids with the tools to living healthy, physically active lifestyles.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Garcia, Maria G.
- Description:
- Kern County, particularly Bakersfield, is experiencing an influx of participants in the underground economy. The underground economy encompasses, for purposes of this study, street vendors of food whose earnings go unregulated. Agencies such as the Kern County Environmental Health Services Department (EHSD) rigorously work toward targeting the street vendors of food who have not obtained a permit from their office before selling to the public. The large number of street vendors goes unrecognized in government statistics as these strive to survive partially due to the structurally damaged United States (US) economy that has left many without an occupation. This study will focus on the underground economy in locations throughout the state of California that resemble the Kern County community by ethnic group and by the ‘entrepreneur street food vendors’ as members of the underground economy. This study will also serve the purpose of understanding the thriving street food vendor economy in Kern County as similarly reflected in the Oakland and Los Angeles areas. This study will further analyze the EHSD’s involvement in addressing food vendor permit issuance and compliance in order to assess how the department is addressing sanitary conditions of foods sold to the public and how the conditions may elicit foodborne illnesses.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Oropeza, Kristy
- Description:
- The needs of victims of family violence are more than often unmet. Victims of abuse require a skill set, programming, and help from many individuals to overcome the struggles abuse has caused. They live a constant life of struggle, trauma, and physiological issues and lack of attention to necessary services. Victims do not have enough options and do not have enough help in this county. Kern County currently has only two agencies that provide services to victims but neither agency provides all that is necessary to adequately meet the needs of those in need. The purpose of this is review and organizational design is to propose a nonprofit organization that fits the needs of family violence victims by providing adequate programming and services. The organization proposed would be established in a central location accessible to victims. The organization would empower victims through providing personal, educational, and job trainings opportunities. Such an organization would contribute to and enhance the development of families and the County of Kern.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Cervantes Lancaster, Irma
- Description:
- In October 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 109. The law mandates that individuals sentenced to non-serious, non-violent or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Since its implementation, California State Prisons have seen a 17 percent reduction in their inmate population. The significance of this research is to analyze crime rate data for 2012, and determine if there has been an increase in crime in California since the implementation of AB 109. The author focuses on studies on the crime rate data that have been released by the public safety agencies in the top ten cities with the highest populations in California. The author compares the crime rate data for 2012, the first complete year after AB 109 went into effect, with data from the previous year, 2011, and to the crime rate trend from the 10 years prior. This comparison is done with crime defined as total crimes reported, and in categories of offenses under violent and non-violent crimes; this effort is to determine what types of crimes were being reported, if indeed there was a crime increase. As a result, the author found that the data available to date indicate that there has been a crime increase in cities across California since the implementation of AB 109. The research also shows that cities with active recidivism plans are being more successful at keeping crime rates low. Therefore, recommendations include changing legislation to address the issue of when prisoners are sent to local jails, having the state provide more guidance and funding for officials at local levels, and having the cities themselves come up with their own plan of action to combat crime rates and recidivism.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration
- Creator:
- Hyatt, Rebecca
- Description:
- California has one of the most expensive workers compensation systems in the nation. Employers pay a high premium to carry a workers compensation policy. In California, if employers do not carry any workers compensation they can be subject to high fines, prosecution of a misdemeanor, a suit from the injured worker, or jail time. Many employers have no choice but to pay the high premiums in California. Premiums have continued to increase overtime and unless something changes employers will no longer be willing to do business in California because it may be more economical for them to move their business to a more employer-friendly state. Senate Bill (SB) 863 was created and enacted by the legislation to help injured workers receive the benefits they need and help lower the cost of workers compensation all together. A few of the highlights of SB 863 are that it has increased the amount an injured worker receives in permanent disability and has established a new way of reviewing treatment requests by creating an Independent Medical Review (IMR). IMR is made up of licensed physicians who review requests on treatments from the injured worker’s medical provider. This may help the injured worker to receive the treatment he/she is wanting or needing and avoid unnecessary treatment. Studies have found that in order to lower the cost of workers compensation, employers must have more medical control. Fraud in workers compensation is another factor that does not have a substantial method of being measured and it cannot be determined if the current methods that are used to combat fraud are actually working. This study makes the recommendation that with more restriction on medical treatment and by having in place efficient fraud prevention goals, the cost of workers compensation may be lowered.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Bakersfield
- Department:
- Public Policy and Administration