El Taco ‘Humigo

Rest in peace, El Taco Amigo. Your all-day happy hour made those morning classes so much more bearable. The ‘human shall miss thee. Friday’s forecast: The ‘human realizes El Taco Amigo only had its liquor license suspended, but it was never entirely too keen on their food, anyways.

Men’s Tennis

The #71 UCSB men’s tennis team has reigned supreme over its conference and now it’s ready for the big show. The Big West Champion Gauchos will travel to Stanford this weekend for opening-round action of the NCAA tournament, in which they will face #20 Cal. After finishing the season with an overall record of 15-10 and a conference title, UCSB hopes to add tournament success to its list of accomplishments.

Smoke Weed South of the Border

In the coming weeks, Mexico may potentially become more progressive in terms of drug control than the United States. What? How is that possible? Well, the fact of the matter is, according to the Associated Press, Mexican president Vicente Fox is going to sign a measure that will decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, opium, hallucinogenic mushrooms, peyote, heroin, cocaine and all the other wonderful things that our brains evolved to enjoy. In my arrogant opinion, this may represent the most progressive advance in controlling drug dealing in the history of, well, since I was born.

Flaming Furniture Ignites Officials’ Preparation

As the smoke clears from a recent string of couch fires, officials in Isla Vista and Santa Barbara County are preparing for the upcoming couch-burning season. Couch-burning season traditionally occurs when students decide to dispose of their couches as they prepare to move out of their I.V. residences. Isla Vista Foot Patrol Sgt. Steve Johnson said the IVFP is increasing the number of uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling I.V. for the rest of the quarter in an attempt to stop couch burnings. Johnson said he thinks local residents are more concerned than usual about couch burning right now, because more than six couches were lit on fire during an April 27 power outage in I.V.He said he thinks the recent incidents occurred because many events, such as Cinco de Mayo and the All-Sorority Volleyball Tournament, occur during the spring. The penalties for lighting couches on fire vary, depending on the circumstances of the incident, he said.

Men’s Baseball

After stealing a game from one Big West power last weekend, the UCSB baseball team looks to repeat the feat this weekend as the squad travels to perennial powerhouse Long Beach State. The Dirtbags (26-21 overall, 9-3 in the Big West) may be the hottest team in the conference, having won 10 of their last 12, including the last three in a row. The Dirtbags have won three of their four conferences series thus far, their only series loss coming against last place Cal State Northridge.

Support Bush’s Impeachment

Remember that whole impeachment thing last quarter? Yeah, well, we’re back. Bush is still breaking the law. His approval ratings are still falling. His war is still dragging on. His Republican cronies in Congress are still refusing to hold him accountable. Gas prices are soaring.

IVRPD Selects New Manager

After weeks of vacancy, the office of the Isla Vista Recreation and Park District general manager will finally be filled by the end of the school year. The IVRPD board of directors named Dale Sumersille as its primary choice for general manager in a closed-session meeting last night. Sumersille beat out three other candidates after several weeks of interviews and deliberation.

Women’s Softball

With its postseason hopes fading, the UCSB softball team makes one more push towards the NCAA Tournament this weekend, hosting Long Beach State in its final regular season play of the season. The series will help determine the Big West champions as well as possible at-large bids.

El Taco Amigo Promotes Sense of Community in IV

This morning I woke up hung over. I couldn’t find my shoes as I walked out the door of a good friend’s house and found myself running to class. My driver’s license will tell you that I am 20 years old, and that I can be arrested in all 50 states for many of the things I did just last night. Can you relate?

Extravaganza ’06 To Feature Live Music, Extreme Sports

Boasting a lineup of performers such as E-40, Pepper and the Pharcyde, this year’s Extravaganza concert seeks to draw in the crowds by expanding its entertainment to include professional skateboarders and BMX bikers. The annual, admission-free Associated Students Program Board event is set for May 21 in Harder Stadium.