Oak Leaf Fall 2016 Issue 2

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Newspaper

The

Oak

www.theoakleafnews.com

September 26, 2016

Leaf

Volume CXXXVI, Issue II

Albert Gregory/ Oak Leaf

Bears Cubs improve to 4-0 SRJC Bear Cubs’ linebacker Henry Stelzner and defensive back Justin Tauaefa take down a Sacramento City receiver in a 17-14 win over Sacramento City College. Tauaefa was then ejected from the game for targeting.

Albert Gregory Sports Editor

No. 4 Santa Rosa Junior College football team fumbled three times in the second half but squeaked out a 17-14 road win over No. 19 Sacramento City College Sept. 19.

“We know we need to work

harder, get better, but we feel like we have the potential to be great,” said sophomore running back Ja’Narrick James after the game.

“Because we’re able to have the worst game that we’ve had yet against a pretty good team and still walk away with a W.” It was another strong defensive win for the Bear Cubs who

walked away with a victory despite continuing to hand the ball, sometimes literally, to their opponents. In the end of the fourth quarter, sophomore wide receiver Ben Putman caught a short pass and made a few tacklers miss until a Sac City defensemen ripped the ball easily from Putman’s grasp.

The Sac City defender took off

running towards the Bear Cub’s end zone and scored a touchdown to give Sac City a 14-10 lead with less than seven minutes remaining in the game.

“I think we played good; we just kept giving them the ball,” said head coach Lenny Wagner. “It wasn’t like they stopped us. We just kept literally handing it to them

and it was guys who normally don’t do it too.”

The game was tied 7-7 at halftime.

Coming out of halftime, SRJC fumbled the ball on it’s first possession and were bailed out by Sac City after a 60-yard touchdown pass was called back due to holding.

Continued on Page 12...

‘Leaving Home’ preview

New play tackles abandonment and the struggle to say goodbye Rachel Genthe Assistant A&E Editor What began as an idea to explore students’ struggles with homelessness has grown into a major original fall production that reflects on what leaving home means for us all.

Based entirely on interviews with members of the college community, “Leaving Home” first took shape last spring and evolved into a show that weaves together dozens of true stories.

From the title, “Leaving Home” may seem like it’s about the shift into adulthood. But there are many different definitions of leaving home, from one’s

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Erin George/ Oak Leaf

Isiah Carter, center, rehearses lines for ‘Leaving Home,’ which opens Oct. 7.

mental environment, to events we experience collectively, to the physical upheaval of moving.

Director and theater arts instructor Laura Downing-

Lee paraphrases “Hamlet” to describe the show. “It is holding a mirror up to society. It’s giving us a chance to see ourselves through this extra layer of the

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actor playing the person who’s telling the story.”

Theater major Julie Schuldt says group brainstorming discussions were key to the play’s development.

“We had a giant white board and put up ‘what is home, what is home, what is home,” Schuldt said. Cast members also explored storytelling through improvisation, though improv is not a part of the final production.

Although this is an original show, there is no formal script for the 12 cast members to reference. Instead, the joyful and sometimes tear-filled stories of the community formed a rough outline. Cast members were each given three to four real life characters’ stories to portray

with minimal use of costumes and theatrical sets.

“We have a lot of new people [in the show],” said Danny Banales, theater major and Leaving Home cast member. “I mean bless their hearts, devised theater is no joke.

I’ve been doing a lot of theater around Sonoma County, [but] never a part of something like this.

So kudos to them. Shout-out to the new people. They’re doing an excellent job.”

The show runs Oct. 7–16 at Newman Auditorium, with both matinee and evening performances. Tickets are $12–18.

On Wednesdays, all tickets are $10. ClubCard+ members and theater student are eligible to see all performances for free.

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Lost in debt: Luke Straub

Editors-in-Chief

Will Mathis and Devin Schwarz Section Editors A&E Editor | Devin Schwarz Copy Editor | Carin McKenna Huber Editorial Cartoonist | Zachary Chew Features Editor | Jocelyn Mobley News Editor | Will Mathis Opinion Editor | Carin McKenna Huber Multimedia Editor | Catherine Ramirez Podcast Editor | Travis LaBrucherie Sports Editor | Albert Gregory Staff Writers Amoura Deering, Tommy Dennen, Juliet Freyermuth, Erin George, Rachel Genthe, Arthur Gonzalez-Martin, Celine Gossage, Lachlan Irvine, Kevin Lipe, Genesis Napel, Tom Rivas, Luke Straub, Beatriz Verneaux, Grant Wetmore and James Wyatt Photographers Danielle Del Secco, Erin George and Arthur Gonzalez-Martin Distribution Travis LaBrucherie Layout Team Leslie Carrier, all section editors and editors-in-chief

Contact Newsroom: 707-527-4401 Ads Office: 707-527-4254 Advisor: Abigail Peterson: 707-527-4867 apeterson@santarosa.edu Peer Assisted Learning Specialist Maci Martell EMAIL oakleafstaff@gmail.com Advertising Manager Keshia Knight oakleaf-ads@santarosa.edu

Staff Writer Students go to great lengths to avoid textbook costs and now Santa Rosa Junior college may follow suit.

The campus bookstore has run at a deficit over the last two years leading administration to look at outsourcing its storefront, according to multiple administrative sources.

Campus bookstores partnering with retailers like Barnes and Noble are common. SRJC could be the latest school to make the switch.

“We haven’t made any decisions,” said Doug Roberts, senior vice president of finance and administration services and assistant superintendent. “But it’s the sort of thing that we’re preparing ourselves for, maybe contracting out.”

The bookstore lost $700,000 in the last two years, according to SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong.

“When the bookstore isn’t profitable then the money comes out of the general fund to subsidize it. That’s when it’s crossed its line,” Chong said. “I prefer to keep the bookstore under our own internal control, but (retailers) have the efficiencies; they’re experts in it.”

Online Exclusives

Campus bookstore may outsource to retail giants to offset deficit

Arthur Gonzalez-Martin/ Oak Leaf

After a reported $700,000 deficit, SRJC officials debate outsourcing the bookstore.

largest campus retailer with 1,200 stores in North America.

Doing business with a large retailer offers the potential of lower prices and more used books, both in the store and online.

Roberts is concerned about “the confidence of the level of service” after any potential switch in operations. The Service Employees International Union represents SRJC employees and is uncertain of its role at an outsourced bookstore.

Students and the SEIU have to be assured that contracting is the right thing to do.

“A big corporation coming into a very locally and well organized

school can have some detriments,” McGarry said.

Companies will compete for the opportunity to sell textbooks directly to SRJC, and Roberts is hopeful the school can use its leverage to get a good deal and keep potential partners sharp.

If SRJC decides to contract out its bookstore, transfer of management would likely take place in February or March 2017.

“Is (our bookstore) something that we want to keep? Is this service to students and staff, or is there something different?” Roberts said.

“We need to either contract out or say we want to keep our bookstore.”

Trustee candidates court SGA endorsement Two incumbents, one newcomer vie for open seats on SRJC board Beatriz Verneaux Staff Writer

Two Santa Rosa Junior College Board of Trustees seats are up for grabs Nov. 8 as part of the national general election. Three candidates, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR incumbents Richard Call and We appreciate your feedback. Send Don Edgar and educator Mariana letters to oakleafonline@gmail.com Martinez are vying for two open or to the Oak Leaf office. Letters seats to represent Districts 3-4-5, should include first and last name and which covers Santa Rosa, Cotati be limited to 300 words. Letter may and Rohnert Park. Call and be edited for style, length, clarity and Martinez spoke with the Student taste. Libelous or obscene letters will Government Assembly Sept. 12. not be printed.

Edgar did not attend.

Call has been a member of the SRJC Board of Trustees for 24 years.

He was a board president and past Check out our website: chair of the finance and facilities www.theoakleafnews.com committee. He oversaw the search process for a new college president Exclusive, online-only content in 2011, and was involved in the can be found daily at www. Measure H bond and the Doyle scholarship committee. theoakleafnews.com Call was chairman of the Bear New stories this week include Cub Athletic Trust and a member game coverage of the SRJC of the SRJC Sports Hall of Fame cross-country team, wom- committee. He is also the president en’s soccer, and a Q&A with of two local businesses, Santa Rosa swim and dive coach Jill Mc- Auto Parts and Power Industries.

Cormick. Also check out two Call is a fifth generation Sonoma additional takes on the Colin County native and graduated from Kaepernick debate.

SRJC in 1969. He has been involved in volunteer work with the 20/30 Club, Rotary and Goodwill Industries.

Content

SRJC administration is prepared to send a proposal request to the Auxiliary Enterprise Committee, an advisory body for the school president.

Afterwards, SRJC students, faculty, shareholders and employees will review the proposal.

A decision is expected by the end of the current semester, according to Roberts.

Lost revenue from the last two years was absorbed by the bookstore’s retained funds from previous years. As of June 30, 2015, the fund balance fell to $651,414, down from more than $1 million two years earlier.

According to Roberts, sales have dropped 40 percent. Students are buying and renting books online, going to the library for books on reserve, and even exchanging book with other students.

“Teachers have been more conscious of the books they are choosing and their prices,” said student Jamila McGarry. “I work with other students and we’ll trade [books].”

Companies like Follett and Barnes and Noble have become campus retail giants. Barnes and Noble has 770 campus bookstores nationwide. According to its website, Follett is higher education’s

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“I love this place,” Call said. “I love the history and I care deeply about it.”

Mariana Martinez is a first generation high school and college graduate. She immigrated to the U.S. when she was 8 years old and she moved to Santa Rosa at 12 years old.

Martinez’s connection to SRJC began in college when she worked with the migrant education program and became an academic advisor and a teacher’s assistant in the summer Adelante program. She worked in the financial aid office and became an outreach advisor in the Upward Bound program at Sonoma State University.

Martinez earned a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction at the University of Pacific, worked at UC Irvine with first generation students of color, and obtained a doctorate degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2016.

Call says it’s important to understand the role of a trustee.

“The only authority I have is during a meeting, and a quorum,” he said. “You can influence, but what you are is a judge and a jury.

You approve or not.”

Martinez said she wants to focus on retention and transfer rates, noting students have a hard time living a balanced life

Courtesy of Taylor Fatherree

SRJC board of trustees candidates Mariana Martinez (left) and Richard Call (right) are two of the candidates running for open board seats. Martinez holds a Ph.D in education policy and advocates for first-generation college students. Incumbent Call has 24 years of experience on the board of trustees and is a local business owner and sports supporter.

and staying focused in school.

“Affordable housing is a priority,” she says. “It is tied to health.”

Call believes the issue with homelessness is a community problem that involves Sonoma County and SRJC being unable to build housing.

“There are some organizations willing to fund it,” he said, however he believes the college can’t accomplish the task.

Martinez emphasized the role she can play in advocating for undocumented students.

“We need to educate ourselves in what it means to be undocumented in higher education,” she said. “My priority would be to educate our board on it.”

Call supports the Dream Center on the SRJC campus and the right for students to use it.

“We have an issue with freedom of speech,” he said. “We need to make sure people are allowed to say anything.”

Call wants to ensure undocumented students aren’t deprived of the right to access the support they need.

Martinez promises even if she’s not elected, she will continue as a member of the Puente organization and keep prioritizing student access to college. Call emphasized he takes his job very seriously, and he will always remain involved with SRJC through the foundation.

“I feel very honored to run for this position and represent all the voices of people who have helped,” Martinez remarked at the end of the meeting. “I’m a woman, a person of color, a mother and an immigrant.”

Call brought up the issue of declining student enrollment, and the necessity of making huge cuts in years to come. He also mentioned his involvement with the scholarship and hiring committees. He closed his final remarks by saying, “I get involved.”

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News

Envisioning the future

College debuts new high-tech classrooms Erin George Staff Writer This fall, Santa Rosa Junior College premiers eight new demonstration classrooms on its Santa Rosa and Petaluma campuses.

The new classrooms are strategically scattered throughout different locations, including Emeritus, Race and Maggini buildings in Santa Rosa,

and the Richard W. Call building in Petaluma.

As the college’s centennial approaches, the college is focusing attention on the need for upgrades to both campuses. The new classrooms will be renovated with funds from the Measure H bond that passed in November 2014.

The need to turn around and strain in your seat to converse with classmates may be a thing of the

past. The new classrooms include individual desks on wheels, portable group tables, LED lights that dim for presentations and more whiteboards for faculty and students. The new seating is constructed with flexibility in mind. Brand new carpet and new projectors are also part of the plan. “[The seating] is one of the things we’re considering. It’s an important feature,” said development coordinator Mary Sandberg.

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Left: Arthur Gonzalez-Martin/ Oak Leaf Right: Courtesy of Matthew McQuaid

Left: New classroom seating arrangements emphasizes flexibility. Desks and chairs on wheels can be configured for group or individual use. Right: In Emeritus Hall, a Media Services team installs a new high-tech projector that projects directly onto a whiteboard—no more pulling down projection screens.

“Next spring there will be upgraded projectors that will be replacing the older models. Faculty and students will be able to project directly onto the whiteboard instead of a screen,” said Mike Roth, manager of the instructional computing department.

Results from a student and faculty survey show that 55 percent strongly agree the rooms configure easily and support

methodologies and learning style.

“The desks are super comfortable and I love the cup holders they have,” said student Ryan Jimenez.

Plans for more upgrades using the Measure H bond are in development, and are part of the facilitated master plan.

“There are always plans for upgrading,” Roth said. “There is a lot of unknown and these things take time.”

SGA looks into food stamps on campus Faltering district support derailed initiative in 2014 James Wyatt Staff Writer Student Government officials are ramping up efforts to allow access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) on campus.

Over 20 percent of CSU and community college students experience hunger.

Congruently, one in four CSU students experience food insecurity or eat food that is inadequately nutritious or safe to eat.

Former student body president Jessica Jones originally pushed the initiative on campus in 2014. She was unable to see it through due to wavering support from the district and difficulty in finalizing paperwork.

“We faced great difficulty in trying to get an EBT machine located in the cafeteria as EBT cannot be used for hot processed food.

The process of trying to get Fresh and Natural to register as a vendor took months and then our USDA application expired because we took too long to fill it out,” Jones said.

Since July 2014, the process has been stalemated and left to only a conversation.

This fall, SGA officials are going to push the initiative again in the hopes of providing a

tool that will help combat hunger amongst college students.

“We are currently preparing to begin the process and we are going to strategize on how we are going to approach this issue,” said Jordan Panana Carbajal, SGA president. Panana Carbajal also alluded that government officials might be in contact with Jessica Jones for her input to help develop their strategy.

Despite the red tape involved in having SRJC become an EBT vendor, student government officials believe that the college still needs to do its part to provide EBT access for the SRJC community and to make purchasing food more convenient.

“Yes, I think that although there are some projects that… might not be the best, its still a stepping stone towards getting something better,” said Maria Salcido, vice president of committees.

If SRJC becomes an EBT vendor it would be one more tool to help students on campus.

To date there are only a few institutions of higher education in California that are approved EBT vendors. Although EBT limits the food you can buy, it would still help provide nutrition for SRJC students.

To find out if you are eligible for EBT or SNAP benefits visit www.ebtproject.ca.gov.

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SRJC CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROVIDES WORRY-FREE CHILDCARE FOR STUDENT PARENTS Beatriz Verneaux

Courtesy of Taylor Fatherree

Top: Pre-k teacher in the raspberry room ,Janelle Lacumsky, works with two students and blocks/ nesting dolls. These items work as “manipulatives,” learning devices used to strengthen fine motor coordination.

Bottom: SRJC studentparent Alondra Mendoza, here with her husband Marcos and their four childen, attends classes while her youngest son goes to SRJC’s childcare classes.

Staff Writer

Students face many challenges: expensive books, long commutes, balancing a healthy diet on a tight budget, and keeping grades up.

For parents who attend school there’s another layer of concern to add to the equation. Between taking notes and raising kids, there is an incredible amount of hard work that goes into being a parent in pursuit of a degree.

Eboni Walker is an energetic young woman. She’s a former Vice President of the Black Student Union and a behavioral science student at Santa Rosa Junior College. She was 21 years old when her daughter was born. “People always think I’m doing too much,” Walker said, “but I’m happy. I would do it all over again.”

Walker and her partner care for two children together without much help from the biological fathers. Aside from each other, they often count on the support of Walker’s mother who also goes to SRJC. Education is a priority for this family.

“My daughter joined the kindergarten. She loves it,” said Walker, who brings the girls to campus in the afternoons.

She and her mother alternate caring for the kids and taking classes. Walker believes the campus is very child-friendly, and that being surrounded by students can only be beneficial to her daughter. “We are three generations of women getting educated and coming to the JC,” she concludes proudly.

In addition to public or private preschools and daycares, many SRJC students have access to child care right on campus.

SRJC’s Call Children’s Development Center is in the very back of campus, by the Lounibos parking lot. One doesn’t even need to see the sign to know where it is—the sound of children chattering and playing cheerfully can be heard from far away.

Program supervisor Maleese Warner explained, “There are two ways you can get enrolled: you can come in and get an application, or you can go online and print one.” She encourages applicants to return calls from

the center immediately. “We are state subsidized,” Walker said.

“We do the lowest income first, and we base you off priority…

We give 24 hours [after calling an accepted applicant], and then we move on to the next parent.”

Warner has experience in working with low-income parents, and it is clear just how passionate she is about her work by the way she beams while describing The Center, which currently tends to 92 kids ages 4 months to 6 years old.

“This has been an amazing experience. We are a highqualified staff. Some of our teachers have been here for 20 years,” she says.

The Child Development Center has a very low turnoever, which provides parents with necessary consistency. “Most of the teachers retire out. People have longevity here which is really good for the children, good for the families, and it’s something they feel like they can come back to.”

The Center is open every semester, except for summer, and once accepted, that student remains in the program until kindergarten unless parents’ financial situation improves.

There are a few paid spots for students who can afford it and it cost $40 per day.

Classrooms feature two way windows where Child Development students and parents can watch and listen to kids without interfering in the classroom dynamic. The Center provides excellent care and education for children, and it is also where future preschool children and child development students can observe, train and act as classroom assistants.

Each age group comes with different needs for activities.

Two teachers are in charge of the Rose Infant room, and in the toddler side, the Heather room has two teachers, two associate teachers and an assistant. In the Rose toddler room there are one associate teacher, one intern and one student assistant.

Teal and blue rooms attend children between 3 to 5 years

old. The staff consists of a master had to do one trip and then go to teacher who works with the class. I would pick him up early, practicum students, a teacher, an or wait and do my homework. associate teacher, and an intern. Last semester I started working In the Raspberry room, which here so I would go to class in attends ages 4 and 5, there are the morning, and then come two teachers, an intern and the straight to work, and I wouldn’t student assistant. have to worry about picking him “The program is just amazing up cause I was two steps away. I overall. It’s a package. We have really liked it.” Said De la Cruz. highly qualified “I was a very teachers; overprotective a quality mom, and I have environment three boys so it was “It’s extremely and not many really challenging colleges have a difficult and tiring but for me with the program that is ones. But it I have great support at older also a training gave The Center facility.

It strength home and the SRJC.” more is not just a to get over that child center; overprotective - Alondra Mendoza, it is a part of student and mother of thing.” the college.”

De la Cruz four Warner said. described going “We would through hardships love to help as in her personal many children life, and how The and families Center supported as we can, her. we max this place out as much “There is a lot of help out there as we can but still staying the which I wasn’t aware of because highest quality. We want to I didn’t need it. But as soon as I make sure the children get much told them about what was going as attention as they can get while on at home, they even introduced helping as many families as we me to other programs, and I can here at the JC.” found some other resources.”

Alicia De la Cruz, an She said. “They sent me to administration student at SRJC EOPS (Extended Opportunity and a staff member at The Programs and Services), housing Center, feels that having her assistance and psychological youngest son attend the program support, a family counselor. helped her grow stronger both as When questioned if teachers a mother and a student. are accommodating, she said “I didn’t have to worry. I only most are, and she’s been able

to bring her children into classrooms when she didn’t have access to babysitters in the past.

Mother of four Alondra Mendoza, 27, is studying office administration at SRJC. Her twoyear-old son attends preschool at The Center. “I love this program.

My son has been able to learn so much, sharing toys, putting his dish in the sink after he’s done eating.” Mendoza says. It was a difficult task to get him adapted to the program, however staff members Jennifer Warren and Susana Garcia did everything to make the transition easier, going as far as visiting the family’s home to get him used to the idea of being under their care.

“I have been taking 12 units, and begin working part time since the summer. It’s extremely difficult and tiring but I have great support at home and the SRJC. If it weren’t for the help I get I know it wouldn’t be possible.”

As the primary caregiver for three kids, Mendoza lives a hectic life and sometimes doesn’t have time to cook dinner. She wakes up at 6:30 AM and drops off her sister, and the older kids at school, before heading to SRJC to begin her own day.

She’s thankful her current partner supports her so she could become full-time, and appreciates the support she gets from the college.

With so much on their plates, these parents come together with the institution, combining their busy schedules with the aspiration of developing academically and professionally.

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Features

September 26, 2016

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‘Leaving Home’ director

Downing-Lee reveals basic truths Jocelyn Mobley Features Editor We all start life by leaving home.

Whether that is physically leaving our home country, ending a longterm abusive relationship or taking ownership of our own ideas and philosophies, leaving home is a coming of age; it is becoming your own person.

Nobody knows more about this process than Laura Downing-Lee, a theater instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College for the past 17 years.

Growing up, Downing-Lee always had a passion for the arts. At the age of seven she developed a children’s circus with friends.

“I was bossing around all of these older kids, and we did a circus for the whole neighborhood,” she laughed. “I think the director was in me even then.”

In high school Downing-Lee continued to enjoy theater arts.

Though she wanted to major in theater, her parents persuaded her to get a degree they thought would be more dependable.

“My parents, out of love, encouraged me not to major in theater, and I thought it was a lack of confidence that I had the ability to. They were communicating worry; I heard we don’t believe in you.

So I majored in mass communication,” Downing-Lee said.

She continued with communications and writing for the college paper, but then realized her heart belonged to theater. So she went back to school for a master’s degree in theater from San Francisco State University and a second master’s in directing at the University of Washington.

After graduation she worked in the field, then went to Missouri to teach theater full time. While in the Midwest, she lost her father and had breast cancer.

It was an emotional time, she says.

Soon after, there was an opening at SRJC for a full-time theater teacher.

Although not originally from Santa Rosa, she said the city immediately felt like home.

“When I got this job it was like coming home to a place you’ve never lived,” Downing-Lee said.

The play “Leaving Home” is an original play based on true life stories of SRJC students and alumni just like Downing-Lee. The idea began in a meeting during the 2016 spring semester.

Leslie McCauley, department chair and artisitc director of theatre arts and fashion, mentioned that several students in the theater program were homeless. Tony Taccone, the artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre

and a member of the Theathre Arts and SRT Advisory Board, suggested creating a play using students’ stories.

A few days later Downing-Lee received an email from McCauley asking, “Could we do it?” That weekend Downing-Lee made a proposal about writing the play.

Devin Keetly, a first-year student at SRJC said, “She can be somewhat demanding, but she knows our inner potential, so I think it’s pretty well deserved. She manages to balance all these demands, and stay half-sane, which I highly commend her for. She is the heart and soul of this production.”

Second-year student Julie Schuldt described Downing-Lee as, “fantastical, amazing and a beautiful beast of a woman.”

Leaving home is an interview-based, “collaboratively developed” theater piece, meaning the content of the play was created from real people with real stories. It is a montage of different stories pieced together to make an impactful piece of art.

During the summer, 13 students conducted in-depth interviews with people impacted by the housing crisis, as well as major life events such as losing a family member or being abused. Downing-Lee developed monologues taken word-for-word from the interviews. “The actors

Catherine Ramirez/ Oak Leaf

Left: SRJC theater arts instructor Laura Downing-Lee keeps the atmosphere light despite her show’s heavy subject matter. Right:‘Leaving Home’ actress Sheila Farmer, plays multiple characters in the show.

themselves studied the footage of real people who were telling their stories and portrayed that person without the benefit of costume or makeup changes,” Downing-Lee said.

The actors tried to keep the play as personal as possible. All of the monologues of the play were taken word for word from actual interviews.

Coleton Wilson, a third-year student, says everyone leaves home somehow, whether literally or metaphorically. This play is an array of people’s stories, everything from living in abusive homes to feeling conflicted after coming home from combat. The playwrights constructed the play so that everyone who watches will feel personally impacted.

The aim of the play is to have the audience leave understanding a little

more about themselves.

“What it told to you, you know that’s how most art is, especially theater, a lot of the time. The playwright has a generic message in mind, but the greater specifics of it, is how the audience receives it.”

The actors are trying to bring awareness to difficult and taboo topics and want the audience to absorb that information to treat people better. Once the audience hears someone’s story it’s much easier to become sympathetic.

Schuldt says, “Sometimes we forget that people are people and we just look at them as whatever they are to us. I think this show reminds us that every person has a story in them that will make you cry.

Always look past what you see on the surface.”

Successful student: Parking pandemonium Jocelyn Mobley

Features Editor You get to school an hour before your class starts, circle around for what seems like decades, manage to piss a couple people off only to give up and park off-campus. It’s a month into the semester; we were told it would get better. So why is parking still an issue?

Rachael Elliott, a third-year student at Santa Rosa Junior College speaks out about her frustrations with parking. She believes that since we pay so much to go to school

here that we should receive free parking. After receiving a recent parking ticket, she said, “I don’t have money for that crap!” And it’s not only students who struggle. Even SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong joked in an interview with the Oak leaf staff that his favorite part about being president is, “Having my own parking space.”

Unfortunately for us, we are not as lucky as Dr. Chong. So here are five ways to help you get to class on time.

1. Get to school early Mario Balitbit, a biology major, says parking is a breeze. He says if you want good parking just take

early classes. He gets to school at 6:30 a.m. “Early classes equal unlimited parking options,” Balitbit said.

2. Carpool First year student Zuzu Morgan carpools to school. Instead of circling, she gets dropped off at 7:55 a.m. and is in her first class by 8 a.m. with no stress. She walks into class in five minutes.

3. Walk/bike Business major Elina Shrestha, 22, said she walks to school. After being asked why, she laughed, “Because I don’t want to park!” Decide to go a little green, get some exercise and walk or bike to school.

4. Park off campus Not everyone has the opportunity to walk to school from home. Instead, they get creative with parking.

Amanda Barry, a political science major, avoids the parking by leaving her car at her grandma’s house and walking down the road to school. “It saves me money and it’s convenient!” she said.

5. Timing Other students take advantage of the passing period.

Fourth-year student Devyn Ruiz said it’s all about timing. “Professors normally let students out 15 minutes before the class time ends, and that

time is 15 minutes before the next class (for instance classes go from 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30 to noon) so time it so that if you have a 10:30 a.m. class, you’re there at 10:15 a.m. when the 9 a.m. people are leaving.”

In order to make it on time to my 9 a.m. class I have to be at school at 8:30 a.m., park by 8:45 a.m., walk in and be in my seat by 9 a.m. As long as you are willing to get to school early and walk into class, you can find parking. I park in the Lounibos parking lot and walk a little under a mile to get to my first class. It may seem like overkill, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Art among the oaks Public installations on campus

Kevin Lipe/ Oak Leaf

Sculptors Christy Lucas and Greer Upton won a design competition to place their work, “Umbrella Tree,” in the play yard at SRJC’s Call Child Development Center. It’s painted with dichroic paint, which shimmers and shifts colors in natural light.

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

Famed California sculptor Robert Arneson briefly taught at SRJC early in his career. He created the emotionally intense print “Eye of the Beholder,” located in Doyle Library, just four years before his death. Arneson is known for founding the funk movement, which was known for using everyday objects to tell a complex story.

Ned Kahn’s “Encircled Student Center is const glued together to form slowly in the slightest br notic turns.

Kevin

Staff W

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

“Upside/Downside” by Alan Azhderian, located in Doyle Library, was assembled from piecefound on California beaches. None of the wood blocks were changed from their original found condition, apart from being carved into identical squares. The wear and tear of water and sand gives the work a naturally roughed-up, worn texture.

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

“Headgames,” a participatory collaborative piece created by artist Lisa Beerntsen, is located in the Doyle Library stairwell. It was first unveiled in 2005 at the Burning Man festival to illustrate the year’s theme, psyche. The graphite line drawings surrounding the head represent aspects of a person’s personality.

Kevin Lipe/ Oak Leaf

“Whale Sculpture” by Monty Monty, located on the top floor of Doyle Library, was hung in 2006 with the help of SRJC art instructor Michael McGinnis. The piece encompasses a collection of random items, including a chair, pulleys and wheels, beads, and a number of fishing poles.

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

“Indigenous Oak,” created by wellknown wood sculptur Bruce Johnson, was shaped from a 200-year old oak tree that was cut down to build Doyle Library.

For each floor of the library the sculpture’s base displays a small quote that tells the tale of the tree’s life.

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

Roger Berry’s “Annual Ring” creates either a perfectstraight line shadow or a large, perfectly symmetric ring at the solstices and equinoxes. It is crafted out of corten steel, which contains a small amount of copper.

When the steel eventually oxidizes, it will becomes more durable as bits of rust bind to the surface rather than flaking off.

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

Dannie Del Secco/ Oak Leaf

d Void,” located in the Bertolini tructed of hundreds of wood rings m a turbine shape. The piece spins reeze. Try not to get lost in its hyp-

“L ackawanna,” on the main quad outside the library, was crafted by William Wareham. It is actually a ring and a sphere cut into sections based on a series of small models, formed together to make a finished piece.

The piece was named for the type of steel used to create it, which came from Lackawanna, PA.

n Lipe

Writer Santa Rosa Junior College is home not only to an exuberant student body but a surprisingly vast art collection. Roaming the campus, you may have already spotted a cleverly placed art piece here or a sculpture there, without realizing that those works holds deep roots within the college itself.

This is also true of any piece displayed in Doyle Library on the third and fourth floors. The Doyle Collection contains 84 works of art solely created by previous SRJC instructors and faculty, spanning from 1951 to the present.

“It really gives a 2D history of the campus,” said curator and library technician Scott Lipanovich.

Every art piece there has been donated to the college’s permanent collection. Lipanovich explained it takes a lot of relationship and trust-building over a period of years to convince artists to let him hang up a piece of work. Once in the collection, though, Lipanovich has promised each artist: “The work will be up there as long as I am here.”

Whereas most museums will have a piece on display for a limited time before rotating it into storage somewhere, the Doyle Collection is a permanent display. “In the end, a lot of the people here have donated for the love of the college,” Lipanovich said.

Community members may take a tour of the art in the library with the help of a new media creation called “Art Talk.” Next to the mounted name of the piece, there is a QR code visitors can scan with their phone to be taken to a 2-3 minute video of the artist describing their work.

There’s a different selection process for the large public sculptures around campus.

“I’m part of a group of people who might have some say on how that happens,” said SRJC art instructor Michael McGinnis.“When we got moved into the new library, being a very prominent location, we had some sculptures that were put in during the time the gallery was put together. That was when it made sense that the art department, as a committee, could oversee what

would be the aesthetic value of putting a certain piece on campus.”

Before that, there was almost no rhyme or reason to the placement of public sculpture on campus.

There was a rotating selection of art that went around with money given to an artist for installation and removal. But as all budgets eventually do, it ran out.

This is where the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation can come in to help.

The Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation supports sculpture in public spaces throughtout Sonoma County.

Founded by Al Voigt, the foundation is currently being run by his family.

“Something was meant for a specific location and maybe that place went bankrupt, maybe it was sold, maybe they moved for some reason and the Voigts would then get and be the caretaker of the piece,” McGinnis said. “This is how Al Voigt got a lot of work.”

One example of the foundation’s generosity is the whale sculpture located on the fourth story of Doyle Library. A corporation in Rohnert Park initially commissioned the artist known as Monty Monty to build the piece. When the company was sold and headquarters changed locations, the new owners no longer wanted Monty’s sculpture. McGinnis found out about the piece and contacted the dean of the library.

They both agreed they wanted to save the whale.

The Voigt family helped fund the artist to move the piece and get it installed on campus with the help of McGinnis and the artist. “They have been so kind to the school in that way,” McGinnis said.

As you walk through the main courtyard or Doyle Library, you may feel like this campus is a museum. It’s rich with its own culture and history, and rooted in the history of the faculty and staff who teach here. There’s more to this institution than just a place for learning. SRJC is a home to a creative spirit that allows us to celebrate our instructors and their vast talents.

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September 26, 2016

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Courtesy of Bridgetjonesmovie.com

Bridget Jones celebrates another birthday alone. In this installment to the series, Jones must find the father of her child.

Bridget with a baby Rachel Genthe Assistant A&E Editor Our generation evolves as time goes on; Bridget Jones does not.

This film was enjoyable to watch for a long awaited happy ending.

For the third installment of the series, Jones (Renėe Zellweger) is again husbandless. Jones has a well-paying job as a TV news producer. She just turned 43, lives in a snug little flat and is somewhat content with life. Like a good percentage of older women, she is surrounded by married couples with children, or ladies who have decided a spinster’s life is the life.

It’s an entertaining chick flick but does no justice for women of our time. It’s ‘outdated’ but worth watching. The plot flows with music being relatable to any age. This movie is geared more towards women who have been single and the unknown roller coaster they

rode. In the previous films, Jones is always looking for that Mr. Perfect to sweep her off her feet. Some women will admit that’s just what they want, but some would disagree.

If you haven’t seen the previous films, it’s ok; narration does a good job keeping you informed about the important details of Jones’ love life. She found out she is having a baby but doesn’t know who the father is.

It could be Patrick Dempsey who plays Mr. American Billionaire, the founder of a well known internet dating site; or Colin Firth returning in his prior role as Mr. Darcy.

This R-rated romantic comedy gives a good laugh with its British humor. It can be dry and offensive at times, but hey, they’re British. “Bridget Jone’s Baby” keeps up with the “in” of pop culture giving us sneak peaks of music festivals in England, celebrity cameos and trendy fashion. Let’s just say yes, man-buns are still in for some parts of the world. All in all, the movie is amusing with some good laughs.

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This political drama combines fact with paranoia to paint a bleak picture of deception in America.

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Mind-bending drama Grant Wetmore Staff Writer If you are content living the simple life unchallenged by ethical dilemmas, then ‘Snowden’ is not for you. If you want to experience an exhilarating modern historical epic, then this movie is definitely not for you. If you want to take the red pill and see into the belly of the beast, then by all means go and see this movie.

The story dramatizes the real life exploits of Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an NSA contractor turned whistleblower and, possibly, traitor.

Originally, he wanted to be in special forces, but after a leg injury he flunked out of boot camp. Thinking it would be cool to become a spy, he joins the CIA. As he progresses in his career, certain instances cause him to question how things are done in the spy world. This causes a great deal of moral concern for him. The rest, of course, is history.

This movie ranks a C+. Though it is extremely educational and thought-

provoking, it wasn’t at all thrilling or dramatic for an action drama. Granted, it was based on actual events, but throughout the entire movie Snowden was never portrayed as actually being in any real danger, unless you count paranoia. The movie, instead of being the political roller coaster it was advertised to be, was more like the Great Moments in History with Abraham Lincoln attraction at Disneyland: you sit down, listen to a speech or two and then you leave. Now doesn’t that sound better than Hyperspace Mountain?

One thing the movie has going for it is acting. Gordon-Levitt doesn’t just look like Snowden but also talks like him.

Be warned, you may not be the same after this movie. If you can make it to the end, you might just leave the theater feeling confused, betrayed or even angered.

Whatever you’re feeling, ‘Snowden’ will most likely change the way you view technology and the government. If you like your life the way it is now and dislike shocking revelations about leaving your webcam up, then you probably shouldn’t see this movie.

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September 26, 2016

Quick Bites Bibi’s Burger Bar

Kevin Lipe/ Oak Leaf

Steele & Hops is located just north of SRJC where Heritage Public House used to be.

The interior has not changed much from its previous rustic industrial style.

North’s High Gravity IPA. It totes a Steele & Hops 1901 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa 9.2% ABV, which is high for a beer, but it’s surprisingly super smooth and easy Living in Sonoma County can to drink. guarantee you at least one thing: you’re The food is a definite notch in going to have plenty of options to get a their belt. What they lack in eyecraft beer somewhere local. popping presentation, especially the Steele & Hops is the new kid lackluster sides to any entrée, they on the block, having recently make up for in “made-from-scratch” opened on July 11 in Santa Rosa on flavor. All of their sauces, smoked Mendocino Avenue. meats, dressings and doughs are With a list of about 20 different beers made right there in the kitchen. to choose from, ranging from local to Some of the best go-to bites are the global, it’s an excellent place to broaden “Beecher’s Hand Made Fried Cheese your beer horizons, despite the vast Curds” and the “House Smoked Brisket competition in town. Don’t expect any sandwich” for melt in your mouth tasting flights quite yet. goodness. Having all the ingredients The bar is still getting its feet wet locally sourced and unprocessed is and is currently feeling out how adding really what sets this menu apart. hard liquor into the mix is going to Keep your eye on Steele & Hops change things up for the bartenders. for the moment, as they have room The beer choices are delicious to grow. Right now they should be and impressive, but unless you considered a slow burn, but they have know exactly what you’re looking potential to become your weekend hot for, definitely rely on your server’s spot once they get further along in expertise.

For something global, their stride. Releasing their own craft try the Spaten Lager. This beer has beer that is scheduled for some time a strong hoppy bite for a lager which in 2017, unlocking cocktails at the bar, hails all the way from Munich. Or for and having beer flights available are something a little more local try 101 their next steps to getting there.

-Kevin Lipe

In the

Pongo’s Kitchen & Tap

630 Third Street, Santa Rosa

701 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma

Legends tell of the fabled $10 cheeseburger. At Bibi’s Burger Bar, such a burger does exist. Like most expensive burgers, it is nowhere near worth the price.

Located in downtown Santa Rosa, Bibi’s tries its hardest to look modern and chic. Nearly everything inside is black and rectangular with lights in strange shapes. The entire restaurant is built alongside Third Street with a long window, so it looks like the dining room is on the sidewalk itself.

Unfortunately, the food fails to measure up to the decor.

The Smokey is one of many hip varieties of burgers available.

It comes with smoked Gouda, chipotle mayo, and barbecue sauce. It costs $12 and is expensive on a student budget. For such a price, you would expect it to be the greatest burger in the world, but to be honest, it was dry. The french fries were nothing more than the frozen fries you buy at the supermarket.

The milkshakes are a bright spot.

The S’mores shake is reasonably priced at $7. Though technically it is called a shake, S’mores shake is more like a sundae with Nutella, graham crackers and a toasted marshmallow to top it all off. It’s delicious, but such levels of sweetness require a sweet tooth the size of an elephant’s tusk.

Though it may look nice, Bibi’s is not the place to take the family out to dinner or to get a cheap lunch due to its prices. If you are looking to impress, then it might be suitable. However, there are at least two burger restaurants with better burgers for half the cost.

You’re at the Santa Rosa Junior College campus in Petaluma and its lunch time; your stomach is growling.

There are a few hours before class and a limited number of close-by restaurants. If you have a craving for something healthy or your diet is gluten-free, Pongo’s Kitchen & Tap is just the spot.

This sit-down joint has a variety of Asian fusion dishes for carnivores and vegetarians alike. It’s located on Sonoma Mountain Parkway just a quick walk from campus.

The daily lunch special lets you pick two items for $9.95, and for students over 21 they have eight beers on tap. Their signature fresh roll appetizer includes crab and veggies with Japanese mayonnaise, ginger hoisin sauce and sriracha. The menu also includes a mandarin orange and grilled chicken salad, tom yum, big duck noodle soup, pumpkin curry, lettuce cups and other daily specials like basil chicken.

If you are looking for a cheaper menu with some entertainment, they offer a happy hour menu during the week excluding Fridays, and live music on Thursday evenings.

Many restaurants are now more informed about dietary limitations, but Pongo’s makes it easy by having a guide to let you know how to enjoy their menu if you are vegetarian or gluten-free.

You might also think if it’s Asian it will be a hole-in-the-wall place, but actually the restaurant is quite big and the decor has an American country feel. Along with the decor, the food has a hearty satisfaction that will bring you back.

-Grant Wetmore

-Rachel Genthe

Art imitates life, an abstract mix Celine Gossage Staff Writer Students will find themselves greeted by the pop of colorful patchwork painted on a long sheet of canvas as they enter the newest art gallery at Doyle Library.

Six California artists express their art in abstract ways at Santa Rosa Junior College’s Robert F. Agrella art gallery.

Stephanie Sanchez, the Art/Studio Department Chair, curated the exhibit titled “Abstract Mix,” which features artwork from William Lane, Keisho Okayama, Marie Thibeault, Claudia McCain, Robert Poplack and Tom Thompson.

“They all were very dedicated people who have matured as abstractionists,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez’s curator’s statement explains that abstract is art representing line, color and nonrepresentational form. She also explains that abstract art is non figurative, but it can ‘draw

from’ sources common to all art.

Each of the artists has his or her own artistic process. Although the art is a mix of styles, the exhibit flows together and students are able to see artists’ distinct styles.

One of the featured artists is Claudia McCain, an art instructor at SRJC. McCain has an energetic style of applying paint and is considered an expressive painter. One of her untitled pieces, formatted onto a small canvas, shows three pink and dark blue abstract shapes over multiples black lines.

William Lane, a Long Beach painter, was inspired by the colorful walls of Mexican architecture.

Judging from his work, the paintings featured are blocks of bright reds and oranges put side by side.

Tom Thompson, a San Francisco artist, is inspired by the garbage on the city’s streets, and incorporates political messages in his pieces. One piece titled “KT-13-13,” seemed to represent a dirty sidewalk. Another untitled piece painted on a circular canvas scattered around bits of tape

9

Know

Lecture: Serving Our Diverse Communities

The Rotary Center for Student Leadership presents an eight part public forum on diversity, community, privilege and engagement, noon to 1 p.m. Sept.

28 in Bertolini, room 4643.

Special session of the Board of Trustees

Dr. Frank Chong and representatives from outside architects and planning firms will discuss the college’s long-term master plan, Measure H funds, 2-4 p.m. Sept. 28 in Bertolini Student Activities Center.

Climb Your Career Ladder

Learn what skills are necessary to achieve success on the job and climb the career ladder, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 in Bertolini, room 4875.

Work-Life Balance

Learn to develop skills and balancing/to balance between work and lifestyle (health, leisure, family and spiritual practice), 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 in Bertolini, room 4875.

New Horizons Discovering Pluto

Learn about the dwarf planet Pluto from the time of its discovery in the 1930s to the present and its major satellite Charon at the SRJC Planetarium. Show times are at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays, Sept.

30 and Oct. 1, 2, 4, 15 and 16.

Lecture: Abacus to iPhone

Professor Martin will discuss the history of the first mechanical calculators and the lives of the mathematicians who invented them, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 3 in Newman Auditorium.

Drop-in Resume Review

Compare your resume to Career Development Services’ checklist.

You may bring a resume for a brief critique. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 7 in Bertolini, room 4875.

Shone Farm Fall Festival

Celine Gossage/ Oak Leaf

This artwork by Keisho Okayama is the first piece gallery vistors see as they walk into SRJC’s Robert F. Agrella art gallery on the first floor of Doyle Library.

on the edges. The painted peeled back its layers to reveal mixes of blue and white representing an ocean taking in reflections of light.

Keisho Okayama, a Los Angeles based Japanese American artist, takes his inspiration from Buddhism. His work features a colorful patchwork that is very pleasing to the eye.

Marie Thibeault created the show’s standout painting, “Night Tree,” which was inspired by a

combination of urban architecture and nature. The work is featured on the Abstract Mix poster and is a sight to see in person. The painting nearly takes up half of a wall from head to toe, and features geometric shapes set over a cascade of blues, greens and rectangular patterns.

The Abstract Mix art show will run Sept. 19 through Oct. 13 on the first floor of the Doyle Library.

The artists will give a talk at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

Celebrate Shone Farm’s 44th year with a free, family-friendly event including X, Y, children’s activities, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at 7450 Steve Olson Ln., Forestville.

Lecture: The Gold Rush in Space

In honor of U.N. World Space Week, SRJC physics instructor and space activist Lynda Williams will explore the risks involved in the corporate space race to mine the final frontier, noon to 1 p.m.

Oct. 10 in Newman Auditorium.

10

September 26, 2016

Just the tip Love in the fast lane Carin McKenna Huber Opinion Editor Your life is busy. There’s school, family and maybe work.

Finding time to maintain an intimate connection with your lover can be difficult. Here are seven quick tips to help you make the most of minimal time.

Turn your partner’s mind on first. Generally speaking, men are ready for sex in a minute or less, while women take a while to get physically ready to go. Start the foreplay with sexts from the train home or whisper naughty notions in your lover’s ear at the party.

Choose your location wisely.

Part of the thrill of quickies is the possibility of being caught in the act. This can be anything from bending over the kitchen table minutes before the kids are due home to sneaking into the bathroom together at a friend’s house. For the love of all that is decent, don’t hook up at Great Uncle Howard’s funeral or under the bleachers at the little league game. And if the campus police catch you in your car, you’re on your own!

Arrange a signal. Have a subtle sign between you and your partner for when you're in a crowd. A wink an a nod is likely to be noticed by a third person. Tugging your ear or rubbing your nose is less likely to raise suspicions.

Don’t undress. A quickie says “I want you NOW.” Pausing to take clothes off can blunt that message for both of you. It’s also good to leave as much to the imagination of any accidental observers as possible.

Be prepared. This may seem to go against the notion of quickies being spontaneous, but you’re going to be disappointed if neither of you has a condom handy. Carry a small tin with a fresh condom and a “trial size” pack of lubricant and you’ll be up for anything.

On the other hand... You can still enjoy yourselves if you forgot the “protection.”

Pleasure each other with your hands or mouths. This can be less awkward in tight spaces than finding workable positions for penetration, and cleanup afterward is easier. There’s also a better chance a woman will achieve orgasm in a quickie if she or her lover is adept at clitoral stimulation.

It doesn’t have to be about the big finish. Out of time and not quite getting there? Don’t sweat it. Relax, re-dress and consider it an appetizer to a full meal later.

The pleasure and intimacy are as important, if not more so, than the orgasm.

Opinion

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EDITORIAL

Petaluma campus ripe for the picking Students have two choices: a guaranteed state-of-the-art facility or a chance at a sub-par, decaying classroom.

Here at Santa Rosa Junior College we face this choice, and we're making the wrong one. The Petaluma campus, despite being built in 1999, still has a brand-new feel. Over the last eight years, campus facilities have improved with the addition of a 35,000-squarefoot library, labs for life and physical sciences, a 300-seat auditorium and much more. Even today the campus continues to evolve; just last week Petaluma added a new game room for students to relax, unwind and destroy each other with glorious cartoon weapons.

Today the Petaluma campus is a shining example of what a college should be. Trees, grass and trellises dot the campus and breathe life into the tan Sicilian-style buildings. The entirety of its facilities are up to date and kept in a condition so nice you won’t believe they’ve ever been used.

There’s always parking available and the campus itself is not often crowded.

One would think this would make the campus explode with popularity and increase the classes offered there. However, in the last four years, enrollment at the Petaluma campus has dropped five percent.

So why don’t more students go there?

For one thing, the Petaluma

campus is a long drive for most people and gas won’t always be as low as it is now. The addition of the SMART train this fall will greatly alleviate this issue. For a low flat rate, the train will take students from downtown Santa Rosa to Petaluma. Without the hassle of traffic, the train will make the trip

in half the time.

It can also be hard for students to find the classes they need on the Petaluma campus. This is in fact a symptom of the problem and not a cause of it. As more students take classes on the campus, more classes can be offered and eventually many

of the classes you need will be found in ‘luma. So start by taking some fun classes on the campus, learn some computer programming, or appreciate some films and someday you may be able to complete your entire degree without leaving this beautiful campus.

protest Kaepernick and Reid knelt during the anthem. Teammate Nate Boyer, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, suggested kneeling instead of sitting during the anthem would be more respectful.

Other players have joined Kaepernick, even players on opposing teams such as Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane. Following Lane’s support of Kaepernick in week one of the regular season, the rival Seahawks entire team interlocked arms in protest during the national anthem.

Many believe this action was supposed to symbolize the Seahawks unity and support of Kaepernick’s protest.

But among all the action something is being lost. All the attention has been on Kaepernick kneeling or sitting and not what the action represents.

Kaepernick’s protest has been criticized for disrespecting our country, our flag and members of the military who have risked and lost their lives defending our country’s freedom. Kaepernick has said from the beginning he has nothing against our military and he is not doing this to be anti-American or to disrespect the American troops in any way.

“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” Kaepernick said to NFL.com. “To me, [the oppression] is something that has

to change. When there’s significant change and I feel that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”

Kaepernick’s protest has been a long time coming. There is still far too much oppression of people of color in this country. Over the last couple of years, the country’s awareness of people of color being targeted and killed by police officers has increased, but not enough is being done. We need more people like Kaepernick to use their platform and stand up for those without a voice.

We need more athletes like NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Chis Paul and Dwayne Wade standing up for this cause like they did at the 2016 ESPY’s in July. Or like Derek Rose wearing a shirt saying “I Can’t Breathe” in protest of the killing of Eric Garner during pre-game warm-ups.

Kaepernick’s method may have offended some, but at least he has everyone’s attention. Not unlike the 1968 Olympics when the gold and bronze medal winners Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists while wearing a black glove on the podium after receiving their medals. This image of their political protest raising their fist in a Black Power salute has gone on to remind and inspire all for generations on the importance of fairness and

equality. I hope Kaepernick’s message is able to do the same.

Too often athletes have been criticized for not doing anything to improve society, Michael Jordan being a prime example. In 1992, Michael Jordan was criticized for not taking a stand after declining to support black democrat Harvey Gantt who was trying to unseat racist senator Jesse Helms. It was rumored Jordan said to a friend, “Republicans buy sneakers too.” But we can’t constantly criticize athletes for not making a difference and then, when they try to, criticize them for how they are doing it.

Too many of Kaepernick’s critics have focused on the method of his protest rather than the message behind it.

Sports analysts and radio commentators talk about how they think his method is wrong but they believe in his right to deliver his message in any way he sees fit. But they never actually talk about his message or confront the issue.

The method may not be preferred by everyone but we cannot let that overshadow the message Kaepernick is trying to get across. We need an open dialogue in our country about the oppression and inequality people of color face everyday. When people are dying it doesn’t matter if the delivery of a message bothers you. It matters that it’s delivered at all.

Kaepernick: Albert Gregory Sports Editor The message and the reasons behind San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest are obscured by the symbolism of the act itself.

Kaepernick is protesting the American flag and the singing of the national anthem. His protest began in the first week of preseason Aug. 14 when Kaepernick sat during the national anthem and did the same the next preseason game Aug. 20. His actions weren’t noticed until the third game of the preseason Aug. 26. A reporter pulled Kaepernick aside after the game and asked him why he was sitting during the anthem.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL.com. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

In week four of the preseason Sept.1, 49ers captain and free safety Eric Reid joined Kaepernick in protest. This time, instead of sitting during the

The message gets lost in the meth od

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September 26, 2016

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SRJC ice hockey prepares for several changes in inaugural Division II season Lachlan Irvine Staff Writer New uniforms. New competition.

New start times. In many ways the Santa Rosa Junior College Polar Bears hockey team enters the 2016-17 season as a brand new club.

After its recent five year tenure as an American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III team, the Polar Bears move into Division II this year. The team becomes the first known twoyear university in the entire country to make the level change.

While SRJC is no stranger to competing at the higher level, the title is a huge step forward for the program.

“Our program’s move to Division II allows for tremendous growth potential in all facets of our organization,” said general manager Tom Billeter, who petitioned the ACHA for the di-

vision change. “Competition, recruiting, travel and the on-ice product that SRJC offers will all accelerate. These are very exciting times for SRJC players, coaches and fans.”

These exciting new times come after a relatively successfully last season.

SRJC ended 2015-16 with its fourthstraight Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association title over UC Davis. However, the team missed the overall ACHA playoffs despite a 16-8-1 record.

This season SRJC faces much stiffer ACHA competition that will directly affect its postseason chances.

“It’s hard not to put Boise State Univeristy on the top that list,” said captain and veteran forward Josiah Nikkel.

“The local teams we play are right behind them— San Jose State Univeristy, Santa Clara University, UC Davis. We want to be the best in this area.”

For that to happen, SRJC needs to get through its PCHA opponents.

Courtesy of SRJC Hockey

Polar Bear center Larry Hansen takes a face off against a UC Davis skater in the 2015 Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association championship.

Thanks to a huge expansion that brought in five new teams, the PCHA is a stronger, more competitive league .

UC’s in Santa Cruz, San Diego, Santa Barbara, as well as Santa Clara University and Cal Lutheran University join SRJC, UC Davis and San Francisco State University in the battle for the PCHA championship title.

Should SRJC place in the league’s top four, it’ll get a chance at hoisting the Adams Cup for an unprecedented fifth straight season in the PCHA playoff tournament in February 2017.

SRJC opens its season Oct. 7 in a matchup against UC Santa Barbara; the first game of a three day Southern California road trip. The trip features two games against UCSB and a third versus Long Beach State University.

“We’re looking forward to starting out the first road trip strong and coming out with a 3-0 start,” said sophomore forward Evan Hastings. “That’ll give us a confidence boost going forward and show the league we are a force to be reckoned with.”

This season, the Polar Bears spend a lot of time on the road, traveling throughout California and to two other states. SRJC heads to Eugene, Oregon for a two game set against the University of Oregon Dec. 2-3, followed by a meeting with Boise State for two games the following weekend.

These long road trips might take a toll, but players agree the key is keeping healty throughout the season.

“We really need to stay hydrated and rested during the week; take care

of ourselves,” said rookie defensemen Shawn Pabros.

Hometown fans get their first chance at cheering on SRJC Oct. 22, when the Polar Bears host longtime rival San Jose State in the home opener.

Their game times switch to 9:15 p.m. at Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa.

The Polar Bears home schedule includes two matches against SJSU, and the remaining seven against fellow PCHA combatants.

Despite the differences this year, the team’s overall goals remain unchanged.

“We have the same goal: to go to nationals,” Hastings said. “We want to make a name for ourselves with it being our first year as a DII team. We won’t settle for anything less.”

Another loss for young volleyball team

Tom Rivas

Staff Writer

Dannie Del Secco / Oak Leaf

SRJC’s women’s water polo team rushes the ball against Sacramento City College Sept. 21.

Women’s water polo win streak reaches five games Luke Straub Staff Writer Santa Rosa Junior College women’s water polo won its fifth straight match Sept. 21, dominating Sacramento City College 18-4.

The team raced to an early lead thanks to a renewed focus on defense.

“Our main concentration right now is defense,” said head coach Chelsea Hennan. “[We’re] figuring out how to keep low scoring games and stay in it.”

On this night, defense led to offense for the Bear Cubs.

“We’re a counter attack team,” Hennan said.

With SRJC up 12-2 at halftime, the third quarter was scoreless until

sophomore Raquel Castro sent the first of three unanswered goals home. This squelched any hopes for a Sacramento comeback.

“We’re super excited, we got off to a pretty rough start so it’s been really nice winning,” said freshmen Maggie Selzer. “We’re trying to just keep up the momentum.”

SRJC evened its record to 5-5 and picked up its first conference win. The team is now 1-1 in Big 8 play.

“Something had just clicked and we just all figured it out, how to work together,” Castro said. “Of course there’s still so much work to do and you can always get better and improve.”

SRJC faces non-conference foe San Joaquin Delta College at 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 28.

Santa Rosa Junior College’s women’s volleyball team lost its second conference game 3-0, this time to Folsom Lake College Sept.

21 at Tauzer Gym. The Bear Cubs fell behind early and struggled to fight their way back.

“We definitely showed our youth as a team,” said coach Kaitlin Ferguson. “We have a lack of communication on the floor which we need to work on.”

Freshmen Lizzouli Vega agrees with Ferguson.

“We have to improve our communication,” she said. “We don’t talk enough on the court so better communication is something we really need to work on.”

This year’s volleyball team is made up mostly of first year players. With only one returning sophomore, the inexperience is felt throughout the team.

“We’re still learning to work together,” said freshman Emma Wollmer. “We’re a new team, but I think we have a great season ahead of us. Everyone is starting to work together and I feel we have a chance to make the playoffs if we keep working hard.”

As the game went on the Bear Cubs began to improve but Folsom Lake’s momentum carried them to a 3-0 victory.

Tom Rivas / Oak Leaf

Freshman Janeth Silva Gonzalez (8) goes for the ball against a Folsom Lake College player Sept. 21 in SRJC’s Tauzer Gym. The team lost 3-0, marking another defeat for the Bear Cubs.

“We were really slow to start off,” said Katie Williams. “We didn’t really try to energize ourselves until halfway through the first set and by that time it was too late. Overall as the game progressed we started to get better but we are capable of doing way better.”

Though the Bear Cubs are having a rough start to their season, Ferguson is staying optimistic about the season.

“Tomorrow at practice, there will be plenty of communication drills along with team work

building,” Ferguson said. “We need to get back on track with our communication as a whole.”

With 18 games left in the season the Bear Cubs are determined to improve their performance.

“We have plenty of season left and they already have improved so much,” Ferguson said. “We’ve had to to overcome so much adversity and so many obstacles but we’ve managed to keep playing and I’m really proud of them for that.”

The women’s volleyball teams next game is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at American River.

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Sports

September 26, 2016

Crossword: Catch me if you can!

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By Distribution Manager Travis LaBrucherie

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Albert Gregory / Oak Leaf

SRJC running back Ja’Narrick James runs between his blockers for a 14-yard carry in the Bear Cubs’ 17-14 win Sept. 24.

Bear Cubs avoid upset Continued from cover

The game remained knotted up through the third, and it wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter did SRJC score again with a 30-yard field goal.

Throughout the first four games of the season SRJC has been consistent on special teams despite struggling in other areas.

“We didn’t execute on offense and our defense was spotty, and [Sac City] found the holes,” James said. “Special teams was the only unit that really came together and played.”

After the field goal, SRJC took a 10-7 lead that was wiped away five minutes later when Sac City’s defense scored after stripping Putman.

With the clock ticking down, the Bear Cubs pdfcrowd.com drove down the field and sophomore quarterback Mitch Hood threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Kerr Johnson Jr for a 1714 lead. SRJC’s defense subsequently stopped Sac City and held onto the win.

Now SRJC turns its attention to Sierra College,

who is 1-3 after losing 40-37 to the College of the Sequoias Sept. 24.

“I think they’re 1-3, which sucks because it means it could be one of those trap games,” Wagner said. “So we got to get everybody fired up.”

Though Sierra is unranked with a losing record, it doesn’t not mean players aren’t thinking about it. In fact, sophomore defensive back Keilan Benjamin has plans for one player in particular.

“A coach from Utah State Univeristy called me, talking about a specific [Sierra] player, so I plan on making his life hard,” Benjamin said. “It’s a little personal.”

Benjamin’s twin brother, sophomore defensive back Keith feels confident SRJC can handle Sierra. “[Sierra] is a pass heavy team but that’s our strong suit really so I look forward to it,” Keith Benjamin said. “We don’t plan on losing.”

SRJC faces off against Sierra College on the road at 1 p.m. Oct. 1.