Campus Briefs
Law student death closes library balcony
A third-floor balcony in the library will be closed indefinitely after Timothy Pramer, a 21-year-old first-year law student at Santa Clara died from a fall there at the end of August.
Pramer, who graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead after falling from the balcony located off the St. Clare Room in Harrington Learning Commons.
Police are awaiting the results of a toxicology report, said Lt. Mike Sellars, a Santa Clara Police Department spokesperson.
"There wasn't anybody else up there, and he either jumped, or fell, or slipped or something," Sellars said. "I don't think we'll ever find out what happened."
Pramer's family, who could not be reached for comment, held a memorial service in his hometown of Wilton, Conn.
"The family is devastated," said Donald Polden, dean of the School of Law.
The university remembered Pramer, who was in his second week of classes, with a group conversation session held by campus ministry.
Hands-free driving law in effect
A California state law banning the use of cell phones without a hands-free device while driving took effect over the summer.
The new law, which police began enforcing July 1, imposes a fine of $20 on first-time violators and $50 for repeat offenses.
Drivers are permitted to use the speakerphone feature on their phones, or another type of hands-free device.
Officers can pull a driver over for this offense without witnessing any other infractions.
Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a cell phone at all while driving, even with hands-free capabilities.
Text messaging is not illegal under this law. However, police officers can cite a driver if he or she appears to be too distracted while driving.
The law provides exception for emergency phone calls to law enforcement, fire departments, medical services or some other type of emergency service provider.
Bike theft continues after summer break
The first bike theft of the year occurred last week, when a thief cut a cable lock securing a bike parked near Swig Hall.
"The number one factor in preventing thefts is the use of an adequate locking device," Charles Arolla, director of campus safety services said in an e-mail to the campus community.
He said students should use a rigid "D lock" to lock up bikes, as opposed to the easily cut cable locks.
Many of the bike racks around campus are in the process of being replaced by hoop racks, which are much easier to use than the "clamshell" racks, according to the e-mail.
These newer racks are now in use near the library and Lucas Hall.
From staff reports. E-mail news@thesantaclara.com.