Issue 8 Volume 84

IN THIS ISSUE

Students Panic

Sexual Health

Equal Pay

Seawolves worry about their health and classes due to COVID-19.

PAGE 3.

Female athletes still struggle to be paid the same as their male counterparts. PAGE 10 .

Sonoma State’s Passion Party discusses sex ed. PAGE 8.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 84 // ISSUE 8 MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Coronavirus crisis TRAVIS GILLMORE

NEWS EDITOR

W

ith the novel coronavirus spreading across nations, citizens around the world face unprecedented restrictions on freedom in an attempt to slow the infection rate.

California was the first state to issue shelter-in-place orders; now more than one-third of the U.S. population is currently under simiCOURTESY // Centers for Disease Control lar orders, and if laws are not heeded or the outbreak progresses, tighter Illustration from the CDC of the novel coronavirus.

restrictions on movement could be implemented in the future.

Governor Gavin Newsom estimates that 60,000 homeless will be infected and need housing to isolate, and in a letter to President Trump, he projected that 56% of Californians could become infected if nothing is done to contain the contagion.

Following widespread outbreaks, the President activated the

California copes with COVID-19 SAMANTHA BILLINGSLY STAFF WRITER

see VIRUS on pg. 4

SSU transitions semester to fully online

A

s the world halts and lives are changed because of the onset of the worldwide pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, many students worry about the changes that are happening at Sonoma State University, and in the state of California.

According to the California Department of Public Health, California has conducted around 25,200 tests for COVID-19 and has had 1,224 positive cases and 23 deaths relating to the disease as of Sunday, March 22.

On March 19, the California Goveror Gavin Newson declared a shelter-in-place order that required all citizens of California to stay home unless fulfilling critical duties or jobs. Although the order remains in effect, essential services will remain open such as pharmacies, gas stations, food-related businesses and stores, banks, laundromats, and essential state and local government programs and services.

Sonoma State is working to minimize social gatherings and contact by moving all classes online for the

STAR // Seth Baldwin

remainder of the Spring 2020 semester and postponing all major social events. Sonoma State will also be locking down most of its buildings except the first floor of the student center, resident halls, and the student health center.

In an email to students, Dr. Gregory Sawyer and Joyce Lopes explained, “While the Residential Community will remain open, we strongly encourage all campus residents to move to the safety of their primary non-campus residence. We realize this may not be possible for some of our residents, and please know you will continue to have a home at SSU.” Still, many students are left wondering what all this means, and with an onslaught of misinformation and fear on the internet, it can be difficult to know where to get accurate information, and this pandemic is also inciting anxiety and stress in some students and faculty.

Government and official websites can help provide relatively unbiased and reliable sources. The Center for Disease Control website, https://www.cdc.gov/, can help students understand what’s happening at a federal level. .

For state-level information, students can go to the California Department of Public Health’s website at https://www. cdph.ca.gov/. Finally, for Seawolves looking for Sonoma State’s COVID-19 related information, they can find it all at https://covid19.sonoma.edu/.

Health officials say the best things to do is practice social distancing, maintain good hygiene, and stay calm.

The CDC stated, ”The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.”

Many parking lots are closed on campus.

see COPING on pg. 4

Stock market crash 2020

TRAVIS GILLMORE

NEWS EDITOR

A

National Guard on March 23 and deployed troops to Washington, New York, and California.

The STAR can verify a letter was distributed to local employees on Saturday, March 21 that reads, “In the event you are stopped by law enforcement or the National Guard on your way to/from work, show them this letter and explain that

s businesses shuttered across the globe with governments responding to the coronavirus crisis by issuing shelter-in-place orders that restrict all but essential travel, financial markets are in a precipitous free-fall.

401Ks are losing trillions of dollars as global equity markets are reset by widespread economic disruptions.

In an attempt to stop the bleeding, the Federal Reserve announced unprecedented emergency fiscal measures at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 23.

The central bank will begin issuing open-ended, unlimited liquidity, also known as Quantitive Easing, and the Fed will purchase securities and bonds “in the amount needed to provide liquidity to the market.”

The kitchen sink response comes after the S&P 500 retreated from a high of $3,386.15 on Feb. 19 to $2,304.92 on March 20, a loss of 32% in a month.

Futures markets were halted limit down minutes after open on Sunday, March 22 after U.S. Senators failed to pass a relief package by late afternoon. Rules designed

to slow momentum force domestic futures markets to stop selling when prices reach 5% below the prior close.

Trading limits were strengthened after the Black Monday crash in 1987 that saw a 22% loss in one day of trading. A 7% decline automatically triggers a 15-minute pause, after that a 13% loss prompts a second 15-minute halt, and following that a 20% loss ends trading for the rest of the day. The 13% marker has not been breached, so far, but the markets lost 12.9% Monday, March 16.

Before the recent sell-off, markets triggered 7% circuit breakers only three times due to trading losses: once in 1997, once as a result of 9/11, and once on Dec 1, 2008, during the financial crisis.

The current state of chaos has already manifested four limit-down halts: March 9 (ending the day with the S&P -7.6%) , March 12 (-9.5%) which at that time was the worst day since Black Monday, only to be surpassed four days later on March 16 (-11.98%), and circuit breakers were triggered again on March 18 (-5.17%).

Oil prices peaked at $63.27/barrel on Jan. 6, but after dropping to $20.37, energy stocks have cratered. The silver lining is that gas prices will be coming down as a result, but oil and energy are preferred investments for many money managers, and 401k’s are being devastated by the rout as producers are squeezed.

Investors are desperately seeking a safe haven in an environment where all asset classes are being hammered.

The Senate is negotiating a multitrillion dollar relief package that includes hundreds of billions to backstop industries, but ideological differences are preventing Republicans and Democrats from agreeing to the package.

As the McConnell plan is based on 2018 tax returns and includes upper and lower thresholds for receiving assistance, critics argue that limiting payments to individuals and families with no tax liability is detrimental to those that most need

COURTESY // DJIA

The Dow Jones Industrial Average down another 3% March 23.

see on STOCK MARKET pg. 4

COURTESY// NBC

Empty shelves seen at a store during the pandemic.

Panic buying TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

W

orldwide, grocery store shelves are becoming more and more barren with each given day. The happiest place on Earth has closed for the first time since 9/11, and the announced closure from March 14-31 makes it the longest closure in Disneyland history. A majority of flights are canceled in and out of the country.

Colleges across the country have suspended classes and courses are now beginning to show up online for many students. Handshakes, high fives, and hugs have disappeared. Welcome to the coronavirus pandemic.

Grocery shopping is not a leisurely or calming activity for most. Bring in an unforeseen circumstance like the coronavirus, the scenes are similar to Black Friday, but instead of fighting over a T.V., consumers are fighting over toilet paper.

The Rohnert Park Costco has been so crowded that customers were not able to find carts by the entrance where they normally are. Instead, people were walking around the parking lot searching for deserted carts or resorted to asking strangers if they could take their cart once they were done. That is only the first battle. Once you are inside the building, customers are greeted by an employee handing out disinfecting wipes to clean your cart. Then, once you emerge onto the raceway, it feels like you are in a game of bumper cars racing to stock up on paper towels, toilet paper, water (plenty of sparkling water left behind), and hand sanitizer. Costco has put a limit of two on certain in-demand items like water and paper towels out fear that they could run out.

Costco CFO Richard Galanti said, “Members are turning to us for a variety of items associated with preparing for and dealing with a virus such as shelf stables, dry grocery items, cleaning supplies, Clorox and Bleach.” He also mentioned that warehouses are having trouble keeping up with the high demand and it has been “a little crazy.”

Costco is not the only business to be tested in a time of crisis. Trader Joe’s is also being wiped out by consumers. Frozen food aisles are almost completely empty in many locations. Trader Joe’s decided to stop passing out food samples amid the virus as a way to decrease risk.

As the company put it, “increased precautions” led the decision to halt food samples.

Trader Joe’s recently put out a memo basically stating that sick workers are encouraged to stay at home and will still be paid. Specifically, the memo reads, “Since we want to reinforce this guideline, through April 15, your Captain has discretion to approve a reimbursement of AR for Crew Members who are unable to work due to respiratory illness . . . We are encouraging Crew who are exhibiting any of the above symptoms to see a medical provider and not come to work.”

At Target, aisles of household essentials and cleaning products are gone. Target released a memo stating that employees who have the coronavirus will receive 14days worth of paid time off. Target has also waived the absence policy for those who are starting to feel sick or need to take care of their children due to all of the recent school closures.

With events and performances being postponed left and right, such as Coachella and Billie Eilish’s tour, and The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon being performed without a live audience, it is reassuring that Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, stated that Target will remain open to the public for the remainder of the pandemic.

2 Editorial

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board Gill Chaffer, Editor-in-Chief Travis Gillmore, News Editor Ashley Cobb, Opinion Editor Jack Messier, Arts & Entertainment Editor Devon Pique, Student Life Editor Olivia Verbeck, Sports Editor Natalie Dolan, Photo Editor Maria Pineda Contreras, Advertising Manager Jacob Loher, Copy Editor Joe Owen, Copy Editor Kylie Lawrence, Copy Editor Samantha Billingsly, Distribution Manager Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Taylor Clark, Taylor Hummel, Celeste Barajas, Clark Fahrenthold, Vinny Spence, Noah Philpott, Ana Lara, Jessica Sias, Eliseo Fragoso, Ryan Weiner, Athena Franklin, Maria Pineda, Joseph Owen, Salvador Fernandez, Kylie Lawrence, Craig Zschach, Isabella Simoni, James Harwell, Chelsea Pinkham, Leslie M. Levy, Genesis Botello, Samantha Billingsly, Angelina Infante

Photographers

Brandon Sparks, Seth Baldwin, Lily Frazier, Edgar Zalvala

Nichols Hall 323, 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Telephone: 707-664-2776 Business & General Inquiries: sonomastatestar@gmail.com Corrections and News Tips: star@sonoma.edu

Editor’s Pick This week’s can’t miss article:

“Student life amid COVID-19 ” Read the story on page 8.

Corrections/Clarifications

The STAR values accuracy and works diligently to check facts before publication. However, if inaccuracies occur, we want to know. Please report errors to the editor at star@sonoma.

Publication The STAR is published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Sonoma Media Group. The weekly publication of the STAR is made possible by Instructionally Related Activities Funding.

STAR // Kevin Flores

Coronavirus cases increase, along with health anxiety and isolation boredom

B

ack in January, it seemed like 2020 was meant to be everyone’s year, but after a turbulent start, citizens of the world are finding themselves in the midst of a global health pandemic. The coronavirus is often being compared to a more severe form of the flu, and with reports from Italy of nearly 800 deaths in one day, resources and supplies being low and an overall feeling of panic, The United States is preparing for a peak of unwell patients in hospitals. For colleges, this can mean many things: most universities have shut their doors and moved to online instruction for the remainder of the semester to hopefully slow the spread of the virus. According to journalism website ED Source, these closures have impacted 170,000 college students thus far.

Sonoma State University first announced that classes would continue online during spring break, causing a mixed reaction from students. Regardless, doing so is safest for everyone’s health, since coronavirus is now reported to live in the air for up to 3 hours, according to CNN. When California first went into lockdown, most residents were anxious and confused. The term social distancing was then brought up, prompting even more questions.

This did not stop people from continuing their vacations, get togethers, and most notably, their spring break.

A plethora of news sources reported on the city of Miami being flooded with college-age spring breakers with no intention of social distancing. The city is known for its over-the-top nightlife, and is a popular destination for parties and vacations.

Memes spread on social media discussing low ticket prices, and suggesting that it is the best time to travel, since flights are so cheap and there are not many people in airports. Even though to some these events and posts might be lighthearted and funny, young people, especially those who are healthy with no history of underlying medical conditions, might have little to no symptoms if they get sick, but will continue to spread the virus to others. As of Monday Florida has 1,000 active cases of the virus according to WSVN, with Miami being a hotspot.

Just because a young, healthy person is not visibly ill does not mean that that they can’t pass it to others who might contract a severe or even fatal case. This goes for our own larger college community, too.

Many staff and students are immuno-compromised, and with such cramped classrooms even a small college like SSU could easily become a breeding ground for the virus. These worries have added even more stress to college students, leading to anxiety surrounding their health and hygiene and disappointment due to canceled events like commencement.

Students and young people have also been expressing their boredom while stuck at home-many were forced to return to their parent’s residence which can cause tension and family related stress. Many find peace in distractions like going out and seeing friends, and these things are also not suggested, therefore leaving most people alone with little to do. Sitting around all day can lead to even more anxiety--social media and news

Editorial Policy: The commentary expressed in the unsigned editorial represents a majority opinion of the STAR Editorial Board on a topic facing the campus community in keeping with journalistic precedents of other major newspapers, and may not be shared by all staff writers. The board encourages readers to write letters to the editor about all topics, including the editorial.

Opinions

Opinion s expressed in the STAR are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the STAR or SSU. The editorial reflects the views of the STAR Editorial Board on issues it considers to be of particular relevance to the campus community.

Letters to the Editor

Letter writers may expect prompt publication in the newspaper’s op-ed section, as space is available.

Letters of up to 400 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Friday before the publication date. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts. The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication to any letter and to edit for length.

outlets are constantly popping out stories about the virus and its death toll. With nothing else to do, individuals might feel consumed by the madness.

Though it is frustrating that such large events are canceled or being moved back, doing so will be beneficial for all. Concerts, festivals, shows and other affairs that involve large crowds could easily spread coronavirus.

Being stuck at home is not fun for most, but has its purpose.

Everyone should remember that the shelter in place exists for a reason: to keep Americans safe and isolated, and to hopefully slow the spread of the virus so that hospitals are not overwhelmed with patients. Even though things seem unreal right now, California is expecting its peak in the upcoming weeks, and what comes up must come down. People can manage their stress through things like digital entertainment, exercise, creativity, spending time with family, and picking up new hobbies.

Turning off most social media or news notifications can be beneficial to one’s stress levels, as well as focusing on the positive and good things happening in the world. Some say that what we consume and surround ourselves with is what we become--constant news updates and clickbait articles will only worsen anxiety, and though it’s easier said than done, trying to limit stressors like the news will positively impact your quarantine experience. The world has seen sickness and seen health, and we have survived 100% of our toughest, scariest days, and will continue to do so, even with the uncertainty of the virus.

COURTESY // Natalie Dolan The 2020 STAR newspaper class posed for a photo.

Opinion 3

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Food banks continue to care for struggling communities

Chelsea Pinkham

STAFF WRITER

A

s confirmed global COVID-19 cases surpass 220,000 and continue to grow exponentially in the United States, the reality is finally setting in for most that life as we know it will remain uncertain in the coming months. Schools, gymnasiums, museums, bars, sports and entertainment venues, restaurant dining rooms, university dorms and more have closed en masse across the world as the race to slow the global spread continues.

People everywhere are being asked to self-quarantine, avoiding public places and gatherings of more than ten people. On March 17 Sonoma County issued a shelter in place order, mandating that all residents stay home for a minimum of three weeks, only leaving for essential errands

including groceries, the bank or the doctor. Only those with jobs considered essential public services- such as first responders, medical workers, or those who work at food establishments, gas stations, or for delivery or mail services- are being asked to go to work. Social distancing has become the only way to curb the spread of the virus.

The hysteria induced by the idea of sheltering in place has led to mass panic-buying of grocery supplies.

Despite reassurance by local governments and grocery stores that there is plenty of food available, many people have begun hoarding non-perishable food items in addition to toilet paper, cleaning supplies and more. This has created a stressful situation for those who cannot afford to stockpile groceries and puts immense pressure on those who already struggle to feed their families.

Even as every aspect of daily life has changed, one service has remained active in many communities- food banks. In an act of selfless humanity volunteers across the country are still distributing food to those in need at a time when assistance is needed more than ever.

Berkeley Unified School District has begun distributing free meals to children ages 18 and under, regardless of their family financial background or school district they attend. Since

many children receive low-cost or free lunches in school, kids are particularly vulnerable now that they are not attending face-to-face school.

Similar programs are making an effort to care for children all over the country.

In Sonoma County, the COVID-19 outbreak is not stopping the Redwood Empire Food Bank from continuing to distribute food to families in need. To maintain social distancing volunteer shifts have been limited to no more than ten people working at a time, distribution hours have been extended to prevent crowding, drive-thru pickups have been implemented where possible, volunteers must wear gloves and hand sanitizer is made available to the public. Temporary drive-thru locations have been opened in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Healdsburg. While the organization’s work faces new challenges and complications, its services are every bit as vital.

To continue to volunteer during a time of such uncertainty takes courage and selflessness. Volunteers are likely facing fear and anxiety in their own lives, yet are willing to cast aside their personal struggles in order to care for their community. The individuals who dedicate themselves to the well-being of strangers are evidence that even in the darkest of times, humanity prevails.

Mental health struggles increase amid COVID-19

Kylie Lawrence

STAFF WRITER

R

ecent lockdowns and shelter-in-place mandates in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic are beneficial for numerous reasons, but it is important to consider how these preventative measures are impacting people’s mental health.

An article posted by CBS News in February drew attention to the millions of Chinese citizens who are dealing with the emotional and psychological fallout from the epidemic, and the recent increase in mental health issues in China. According to the article, the epidemic left Chinese citizens feeling frustrated and frightened, pressuring the Chinese government to offer them assistance in dealing with mental health issues. In response, “Chinese state media reported this month that mental health services have been deployed across the country, and Li Keqiang, China’s premier, the No. 2 official after the president, demanded last week that further measures be taken to improve

mental health offerings.”

Many college students in China are reporting anxiety about interrupted studies, explaining that they feel “helpless.” Some college students who are going to graduate this summer are worried about whether it will delay graduation and affect their job search, and others are concerned about more immediate consequences of the outbreak and its effect on their schoolwork and day-to-day lives.

Now that the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in America and affecting U.S. citizens, Sonoma State Students and other university students across the country are dealing with the stress of their normal school requirements, while also dealing with anxiety and depression from shelter-in-place mandates and a global health crisis. A lot of students have never taken an online class, and transferring quickly to a different mode of learning can be confusing and quite stressful.

Still maintaining school work amidst the coronavirus epidemic will be difficult for students, and will certainly affect the mental health of some, if not many.

Mental health is an often overlooked issue, but now more than ever, it is extremely important that mental health services to deal with the anxiety and depression surrounding the coronavirus are offered. As the virus continues to evolve and affect Americans, hopefully, more psychological services will be offered to citizens. CAPS, the counseling service offered to Sonoma State students, will remain open remotely during the shelter-in-place

mandate.

In the meantime, if you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety and depression related to the coronavirus epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website recommends that you maintain a healthy, daily routine. If you can, maintain your regular schedule for sleep, eating, having fun, socializing, studying, working, etc. Exercising during this time is extremely beneficial; it can boost your immune system, help you feel good about yourself, increase your energy levels, alleviate stress, and help with sleep.

The CDC also recommends that you stay accurately informed.

Uncertainty or misinformation can increase worry and cause panic, so stay informed through official, fact-checked channels.

Limit your exposure to information as well, such as less than one hour a day, because too much information leads to overload and more stress.

Lastly, keep in mind that there is still life outside of the current crisis. Reading news and engaging in activities unrelated to the current outbreak is okay and it doesn’t mean that you don’t care or aren’t concerned.

For more helpful tips on coping with mental health issues surrounding the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and click on the page titled “Manage Anxiety and Stress.” They list links with information about taking care of your mental health.

Sonoma State students can also reach out to CAPS or the Health Center remotely for advice.

STAR// Lily Frazier The student health center is open and ready to adress all concerns about coronavirus, and answer any questions that students may have about the pandemic.

STAR// Brandon Sparks Counseling and psychological services remains open via zoom.

Young adults showing little motivation to serve their country

Joseph Owen

STAFF WRITER

T

he United States Military has been a staple of American culture for centuries as young men and women fight for the protection and freedom of the U.S. Joining the military has always been something that any citizen can respect, as many do not understand the endurance and strength it takes to join the military let alone fight on the front lines for the United States of America.

Although war has not been very prevalent almost two decades after 9/11 and it’s nothing like either of the World Wars, the military still puts

money into recruitment as something can change at any moment. The Pentagon has spent over one billion dollars on military recruitment alone while being supported by President Trump to help students pay off loans and offer thousands of dollars worth of incentives per recruit.

The military has faced rapidly falling recruitment rates as they failed for the first time since the height of the Iraq War in 2005. Former President Barack Obama had this to say in a debate with Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential debate, “Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because the nature of our military’s changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers. The question is not a game of Battleship.

It’s what our capabilities are.”

Obama’s quote gives somewhat of a look into why these recruitments are falling so rapidly and although it makes sense, it seems that less and less young adults are willing to join the military let alone fight for our country. They are fully willing to fight

for rights and freedom to do what they please but are completely unwilling to actually fight for the country that gives them this freedom. Yes, the military has some defining features that many Americans may not enjoy, but is it really going to take the fear of another war and an attack like 9/11 for people to actually want to fight for our country?

The answer should be no, but that’s the way this country seems to be rolling as less and less are likely to join the military until they are either forced or swayed into joining. The military incentives are incredible although the pay is not the best, many are afraid or too lazy to join; the military is the backbone of the United States and they need help now more than ever as less and less are willing to join.

Although the military is doing incredible work as of right now with everything on their plate in Iraq and Korea, they will not have the numbers they need to defend during an actual war, making a draft more and more likely if something were to happen.

The United States Army is look-

ing at the lowest number of soldiers since the 1940s. With an estimate of over 30 million young adults in America, they still fail to raise recruitment rates. Although the criteria for joining the military has become more and more difficult as society changes, 85% of young adults in a Washington Post survey said they would “probably” or “definitely” not join the military in the coming future.

While most Americans are oblivious to the world outside of the United States, military recruitment is very important and should be taken into serious consideration for every young adult. Other countries do not even give their young adults a choice. American citizens take the military for granted as we enter into the new decade and it will take something drastic to change that because many are and will be unwilling to join. The United States military is not only the backbone of America, but the defense no one seems to notice, and it is important to understand and appreciate them.

4 News

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Virus

Stock

continued from pg. 1

continued from pg. 1

support. Americanprogress.org reports, “The result of you are an employee of an essential workforce this structure is that some of the hardest-pressed families and should be permitted to proceed.” will receive much less than people above them on the inAfter more than 1,400 people died in Italy over come scale.” the weekend, the prime minister ordered a strict The Hill reports that Senate Republican John Thune lockdown that shut all non-essential factories and said, “While this won’t solve all the problems our nation is jobs and “banned any movement inside the country,” facing overnight, cash payments to middle and low-income according to The Guardian. Italy has now surpassed families will provide direct support as quickly as possible.”

China in COVID-19 deaths, with more than 5,500 Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth told CNN, fatalities.

“The package Republicans have drawn up does nothing to Spain called for another two weeks of total help struggling workers...first responders need personal prolockdown until April 11, as El Pais is reporting 1,753 tective equipment and resources today...and there’s nothing deaths and 28,572 infections as of March 23. CNN in it for them. Instead, it creates a $500 billion slush fund reports that 10% of Spain’s health care workforce is for Steve Mnuchin to hand out loans to corporations as he infected. pleases.“ On Sunday, March 22 Germany’s Angela Senator Duckworth demanded that the bill include proMerkel banned all gatherings greater than 2 people, visions that benefit working-class Americans by saying, not including work or family. Almost immediately “There is nothing in this bill that they propose that will proafter making the announcement, Merkel put herself tect people who can’t...make payments from being evicted.

COURTESY // geralt into self-quarantine after she was exposed to the viThere’s nothing in this bill that protects students from sturus. dent loan debt. Instead, this bill is all skewed to corpora- Indexes recorded historical drops to a bear market.

Senator Rand Paul became the first U.S. Senations, skewed toward a slush fund that Steve Mnuchin can tor to test positive for COVID-19, and acknowledged write checks to whoever he wants, without oversight, even million in 2019. Now the beleaguered company is asking that he was working out in the Senate gym before taxpayers for a $60 billion bailout. to Trump organizations.” learning of his results.

Senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders attemptThe Former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton and The health care system is being tested on many economic advisor for Barack Obama, Robert Reich, tweet- ed to put restrictions on corporate stock buyback programs fronts, as high demand and lack of tests, supplies, ed, “The airlines don’t deserve a $50 billion bailout. In the in 2019, but opponents on Capitol Hill refused to cooperate. and professionals are destabilizing the industry.

Forbes is reporting that Jeffrey Dunlach, CEO of Doulast 10 years, they spent 96% of their cash flow to buy back The World Health Organization warns that “seshares of their own stock in order to boost executive bo- bleLine Capital, said a recession is now imminent, and he vere and mounting disruption to the global supply explained his rationale by saying, “When you decimate the nuses. They shouldn’t see a dime of taxpayer money.” of personal protective equipment - caused by rising As reported by the Financial Times, Boeing recently restaurant industry, the hotel industry, the airline industry, demand, panic buying, hoarding, and misuse - is spent $43 billion on stock buybacks, the “very purest form the cruise line industry, obviously you’re going to take a putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and of financial engineering...they don’t simply gear the balance huge divot out of economic activity.” other infectious diseases.”

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman shocked the markets sheet, they supply a further twist by reducing the number On Sunday, March 22, Governor of New York of shares in issue.” The “biggest winners are managers, es- on Wednesday, March 18 by pleading on CNBC, “Mr. Presi- Andrew Cuomo tweeted, “I’m calling on the federal pecially those whose remuneration is tied to stock market dent, the only answer is to shut down the country for the government to nationalize the medical supply chain. measures such as EPS growth.” According to the report, next 30 days and close the borders.” Ackman called for a The Federal Government should use the Defense CEO Denis Mulinberg doubled his pay since becoming the “30-day rent, interest, and tax holiday for all,” as he warned Production Act to order companies to make masks, executive officer in 2015, and he took home more than $30 that “hell is coming.” gloves, and gowns.”

Chuck Schumer and Democrats convinced President Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act, but Trump has not used the powers authorized by the order. He faces mounting pressure to order continued from pg. 1 companies to make medical equipment and supplies, community stronger.” but the administration is reluctant. In the daily press The Counseling Psychological Services is attempting to move sessions online, and starting on Wednesday, March 25 at briefing from the White House on Sunday, March 8 a.m. CAPS will be available to take phone calls at (707) 664-2153. Their website, https://web.sonoma.edu/counselingctr/ 22, Trump told reporters, “We’re a nation not built resources.html, has many tips on how to handle stress and anxiety relating to COVID-19, and how to identify if students are on nationalizing our businesses.” feeling distressed.

The New York Times suggests in an article pubIn regards to classes going online, it appears most classes will be conducted over either Canvas or Zoom. However, lished March 23 that harsher measures are needed students must be frequently checking their emails and canvas for updates from their teachers. to contain the virus, including setting up “isolation If students do not have access to the technology needed for online classes, laptops and other equipment may be loaned centers with no visitation rights.” As the Times reout to the student from the library. However, the library will close for the rest of the semester starting Wednesday, March 25 ports, “Instead of a policy that advises the infected at 5 p.m., so it’s imperative that students without the necessary technology go pick up materials from the library before then. to remain at home...cities should establish facilities where the mildly and moderately ill can recuperate under the care and observation of nurses.”

China did just that, with NPR reporting that more than 20 quarantine centers were built in Wuhan, and families were separated in isolation.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is considering similar isolation centers. The Miami Herald reports, “DeSantis said his administration might put those who test positive for COVID-19 or show symptoms of the disease in shelters, such as abandoned convenSonoma County is asking the community for In an effort to contain the spread of the corona- tion centers or hotels, to prevent them from returning home and infecting those they live with.” medical supplies, donations, and volunteers as the virus, more than 1.5 billion people around the Governor Newsom announced on March 12 that number of local cases expanded to 27 on March globe are ordered to shelter-in-place. A variety the state was prepared to act swiftly. The L.A. Times 23. Police are requesting voluntary compliance of measures are in place restricting movement reports the Governor issued a “sweeping executive with shelter-in-place orders. for more than 20% of the population worldwide. order that allows the state to commandeer hotels and medical facilities to treat coronavirus patients and permits government officials to teleconference in private without violating open meeting laws.”

President Trump is at odds with a number of The AP is reporting that the Governor of Texas, Mounting pressure from athletes and nations critics and some in his own administration regarding his incessant use of the term “Chinese Virus” Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are around the world resulted in the International when referring to the novel coronavirus. A photomoving to ban all abortions not considered mediOlympic Committee announcing that the 2020 graph taken at a daily press briefing shows Trump’s cal emergencies. Penalties for noncompliance Summer Games will be postponed due to the notes altered, with coronavirus crossed out and include up to 180 days in jail and fines of $1,000. coronavirus outbreak.

“Chinese” written in black marker.

Beijing has repeatedly expressed displeasure over the remarks, and a growing number of political observers are calling Trump’s actions racist, xenophobic, and irresponsible.

Many nations are taking a hard-line approach The Financial Times is reporting that gold bars President Donald Trump said restrictions will be are in short supply as investors attempt to avoid to combat the virus. In the United Kingdom, Robreassessed soon and tweets, “We cannot let the unprecedented volatility in stocks and bonds. ert Peston tweeted, “There has never in my lifetime cure be worse than the problem itself.” been a law that so encroached on our civil liberties and basic rights as the Coronavirus Bill, scheduled to become law by end of month. It is all aimed at keeping us safe. But the transfer of unchallengeable power to the state for two years is…”

Federal powers are being greatly expanded, and the Department of Justice is requesting Congress grant emergency powers that threaten habeas corpus and allow indefinite detention by granting “the attorney general power to ask the chief judge of any district court to pause court proceedings...grant those top judges broad authority...and pause the statute of limitations for criminal investigations and civil proceedings during national emergencies,” according to Politico reporter Betsy Woodruff Swan.

The New York Times reports, “Cellphone videos from China show police officers knocking on doors and taking temperatures. In some, people who resist are taken away by force. The city of Ningbo offered $1,400 to anybody turning in a coronavirus sufferer.”

The Times attributes South Korea’s success to its draconian tactics ordering all exposed to the virus force-quarantined and monitored by GPS technology with all violators fined $8,000. The Times article recommends that nations “make masks ubiquitous” and concludes, “In China, police even used COURTESY // Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drones to chase individuals down streets, ordering them to go home and mask up.”

The CDC urges everyone to know the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to help stop the spread.

Coping with the unknown

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News 5

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Santa Rosa losing teachers to budget cuts

TAYLOR HUMMEL

STAFF WRITER

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anta Rosa School District is looking at a multi-million dollar budget cut after a steady decline in enrollment. The decrease in the budget creates financial stress for the school district to provide special programming to specific groups of students as well as keep jobs related to that special programming.

This cut will affect English language learning programs due to a decrease in two currently staffed positions. While enrollment has gone down, these programs are still of great value to the school district. These positions travel throughout the schools in the district in order to provide this special programming.

Along with the two positions for English language counseling, 17 positions in total have been proposed to be trimmed at the March 11 school district meeting according to the Press Democrat. The district’s meeting agenda posted after the said meeting states, “Particular kinds of service recommended for reduction are based upon program needs and student enrollment.” Staff with the least seniority would be the first notified of their release from employment after the school year ends. This comes at a time when teachers and school employees are more important than ever as the country faces a teaching shortage, as reported by the Economic Policy Institute.

However, the district is faced with a difficult decision in this process to release employees as their annual budget continues to decline. The district contends with a large deficit of 13 million over the next 3 years, as stated by Yousef Baig of the Press Democrat. This means they must recover ways to save that money or face turning their finances over to the state. While there has been a steady decline in enrollment since 2015, there is hope that the district can turn around as they continue to outreach their plans to create a stronger district education system.

According to Baig, there was an “agreement reached with teachers in 2019 to provide a 7% raise over two years,” which means that the teachers who currently work for the district will be compensated more appropriately for their work. However, it does not help the overall budget of the school district. In the words of Early Childhood Education student, Domenic Fauria, “It is great that teachers are getting paid more, as they should, however, I do see how this declining budget for the school district can make it difficult to keep positions and programming open.”

However, this budget crisis is not just limited to Santa Rosa’s school district but the entire state. According to Santa Rosa Deputy Superintendent Rick Edson, the budgetcutting and difficult decision making for school districts is “wa California State ProbCOURTESY // John Stavely lem.”

On a positive note, the school district passed a measure on March 11 to approve Financial uncertainty leads to educational funding gaps. the resolution of National Women’s History Month as March. This means the school district will be including more history on the accomplishments of women and in the words of the school district, “honor their role in shaping the course of our Nation’s his- held once. These meetings are important due to the many problems the school district tory.” This will allow students of Santa Rosa City Schools to receive a stronger educa- faces with the declining enrollment numbers.

These board meetings are also open to the public to raise their concerns as well. tion on the roles and achievement of women which will, in turn, give students a more well-rounded education that will set them up for success through the rest of their lives. However, those interested must reach out to the Board Secretary prior to the meeting.

According to the district’s website, these meetings are held twice a month on the Agendas of each meeting are offered online in detail for those curious as to what chal2nd and 4th Wednesday, except for July, November, and December, when they are only lenges the school board is currently faced with.

COURTESY // WikiLeaks

Wikileaks allegedly received stolen documents and published the material.

COURTESY // thierry ehrmann

Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, is once again at the center of controversy.

COURTESY // CIA

The Central Intelligence Agency claims that a former worker violated the Espionage Act.

CIA ‘Vault 7’ leak trial ends in hung jury SALVADOR FERNANDEZ

STAFF WRITER

A

Largest leaks in intelligence agency’s history

jury in New York has failed to reach a verdict on determining whether a former CIA employee, Joshua Schlute, gave hacking tool secrets to WikiLeaks.

John Schulte was a former CIA software engineer who allegedly leaked thousands of secret documents to WikiLeaks. This leak is described to be the biggest in the CIA’s history. The documents appear to contain and describe the agency’s practices for hacking. NPR reports that the leaks included “internal guides to creating and using many kinds of hacking tool,” information regarding “turning smart TVs into bugs.”

Schulte pleaded not guilty to 11 criminal counts. The court did, however, convict him of two counts for contempt of court and making false statements to the F.B.I. The criminal counts also include the illegal transmission of unlawfully possessed national defense information as well as theft of government property.

William F. Sweeney Jr., the assistant director of the FBI’s New York Field Office, said, “As an employee of the CIA, Schulte took an oath to protect this country, but he blatantly endangered it by the transmission of Classified Information.”

According to an article written by NPR, the charges against Schulte come close to the Espionage Act, yet that law is intended to prosecute those who share government secrets to foreign governments and shouldn’t apply to information provided to WikiLeaks.

The verdict itself is considered a huge embarrassment for the U.S. government, as they spent years getting prepared for this case. If the trial did reach a verdict, Schulte faced spending the rest of his life in prison on charges for illegal gathering and transmission of national defense information. Prosecutors, on the other hand, do agree that the leak was part of planned theft on Schulte’s part.

Jurors heard and viewed a range of complicated evidence during the four-week trial which led to one juror being dismissed for violating the Judges orders by researching the case and sharing information to the rest of the jury.

The leak is said to have happened during some high tension between Schulte and

his CIA colleagues. Problems within his associated group led to a feud with a colleague that escalated into Schulte being reported to management. WikiLeaks started to publish the documents,known as “Vault 7,” back in March of 2017.

During the trial, the CIA’s lax security measures were exposed, including weak passwords which lead the defense to argue that there is a possibility that other CIA employees or foreign governments could have breached the system.

Schulte’s lawyer later pointed to a CIA report that was commissioned after the WikiLeaks issue and found that the agency did not know that the files had been stolen until a year later. This did raise questions that benefited the defense during the trial.

It was noted that another employee at the time, under the name “Michael,” had access to Schulte’s workstation and he could have been a culprit. This same person was placed on administrative leave for not cooperating with the criminal investigation.

Still, the government does not have direct proof that Schulte did send the files to WikiLeaks. Prosecutors were relying on circumstantial evidence, such as the fact that Schulte downloaded a program that is recommended by WikiLeaks to safely submit documents to them. They even went as far as to say that after Schulte sent the files over, he destroyed his hard drive to erase any evidence.

Schulte was considered a prime suspect due to his personal file from working at the CIA. Just days after the first WikiLeaks announcement, Schulte planned to fly out of the country into Mexico. Additionally, FBI agents had approached Schulte one day after work. One of the agents stated that he noticed Schulte’s hands were trembling during their conversation. The defense said that Schulte’s was an easy scapegoat because of his extended history with the agency.

For now, the government is most likely to demand a retrial. While Schulte waits for news of a retrial in the leak case, he is facing another trial for charges of possessing child pornography on which he was indicted back in 2017. Schulte steadfastly denies all charges while prosecutors openly question his credibility.

6 Arts

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

National Parks provide space and serenity during health pandemic

CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

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acations in today’s world are, for many Americans, entirely multipurpose: not just for fun, but a necessity to our overworked lives. However, with the COVID-19 spreading around the world, where, exactly, is a safe and dependable place to receive some much needed relaxation?

National Parks are a directly accessible option for students alike, especially, during this time. They are all accessible by car, and contact with other people is, largely, inherently limited. In California alone, there are nine national parks to visit, with thousands of acres awaiting exporation with safe social distancing.

National Parks offer a variety of different activities to do while visiting. Hiking is one of the most common activities done by most tourists. Hiking allows each individual to connect to nature personally all while receiving some good exercise. All parks have a range of hikes, from easy hikes for beginners to trails for experts that need special permits to hike.

Hiking has a range of benefits from stress relief to an increase in self confidence. Montemlife.com states that, “Hiking is often very effective for easing anxiety and depression, and it is a treatment option that is accessible to the vast majority of people.”

Some studies show that hiking can help increase self confidence by letting one complete obstacles as well as the goal at hand.

A piece on the matter, addressed by Roland Bénabou and Jean Tirole, titled “SelfConfidence and Personal Motivation,” says, “A well-documented and puzzling phenomenon is that people sometimes create obstacles to their own performance.”

Overcoming challenges is more important than ever with the advent of COVID-19.

For people that do not like outdoor activities, another way to enjoy nature is to just drive around the parks. There are many locations to stop and park to enjoy the view. Driving around on main and side-roads can also allow visitors to obtain a much more in-depth look at the park at large. While hiking only allows visitors to see one part of the park, this can be a good way to stay away from other people during the vacation. With the increase of COVID-19 patients growing in California daily, driving around National Parks could be a great way to stay away from the infected on

COURTESY // Creative Commons

Those who might be bored or stressed during the outbreak can enjoy the beauty of nature while visiting a National Park, as long as they abide by health and safety recommendations. Some parks remain closed.

Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Park are three amazing parks to check out this spring. A week pass for each park is only $35.

Yosemite National Park is a location visited by tourists around the world, and is only four hours away from Sonoma State.

Yosemite has 1,169 square miles to check out, and has great service stations around the park for guests to ask questions and learn about the site. Kings Canyon National Park is a bit smaller at 722 square miles, but still has a lot to see. The smallest of the three is Sequoia National Park at 631mi², but with its huge trees, it feels a lot bigger.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park are both about five hours away, but are well worth the drive. As their website explains, “In addition to Kings Canyon National Park’s celebrated sequoias, this glaciated valley also features miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and camping – a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts of every age.”

With COVID-19 in full swing all around the world and flight bans being placed on flights out of the country, stress in every community is very high. Yet, visiting National Parks in the area is a safe way to relieve the stress of the situation facing students, their families and the world at large.

Study abroad programs struggle with quarantine orders CARSON MILLER STAFF WRITER

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he novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has become a global pandemic, leaving millions of Americans trapped at home, while also leaving thousands of study-abroad students in a panic to get back home. Equally, the virus has left millions of students within the United States confused and worried if they will be able to stay on campus, and how, exactly, they will be able to finish the rest of their education through spring semester.

Universities throughout the state are abiding by the decision of the CSU Chancellor’s office for how the universities should handle the thousands of Cal State students abroad this spring. Sonoma State students studying abroad in specific countries such as China, South Korea, Chile, Ghana, and all throughout Europe have been instructed to be sent home.

The CSU Chancellor’s office along with Sonoma State and other study abroad programs are working together to find an efficient way for these students to finish off their semester or quarters abroad. Students who are enrolled in CSU study abroad programs and outside study abroad programs will still be receiving credit for their classes taken abroad or in some cases refunded based on their program and academic calendar.

The majority of these programs are creating ways to ensure students still receive credit for the classes taken while abroad and will make most of the classes accessible online, making it possible for these students to finish their semester.

Although online classes may be an efficient way for students to finish their abroad classes back home, many issues still arise.

SSU students abroad and students from universities located all over the United States are finding it difficult to manage their new class structures.

“I am still taking classes online, although it is a lot more difficult than i had thought...we are forced to be in COURTESY // Sonoma State online classes based on Spain’s time, which is is eight hours ahead, which many students, such as myself, find Students studying abroad for their spring semester are heavily impacted by the national pandemic. frustrating,” said Michelle Ryan, a third-year student at Gonzaga University who was studying abroad in Madrid, dents hope the new coronavirus will only be a talking year student Alondra Lopez, who was planning on studySpain before the Coronavirus left many large cities in Eu- point of global health come summer. ing abroad this summer. rope utterly shut down.

The entire CSU system is working alongside each “I was really looking forward to studying abroad this As of now, all summer Study Abroad programs in summer in San Sebastian, Spain, but as of now I am not Cal State University to make sure that students who are Italy have been cancelled, although with global help, and sure what the future of the Coronavirus holds,” said third- abroad make it home safely, while also preventing the potential spread of Coronavirus. people doing their best to social distance themselves, stu-

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Museum closures inspire virtual visits during outbreak GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

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alifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the cancellation of public gatherings on March 13, beginning the self-quarantine of millions of citizens statewide. Yet, amidst the global COVID-19 outbreak, museums are among the line of venues that have closed their doors: including theaters, music venues, galleries and other cultural institutions and events.

The ensuing joint-statement was issued by the four largest museums in San Francisco: the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which oversees the de Young and the Legion of Honor.

“With their united focus on the health and safety of their visitors and staff members, the museums made this decision to align with local and federal guidelines and social distancing recommendations for the containment of the coronavirus.”

Similar to the major Bay Area museums, the Museum of Sonoma County posted an updated statement on March 18, as it said, “The safety and well-being of our visitors is of utmost importance. The Museum of Sonoma County is currently closed to support the local efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” it carried forth, “We will continue to monitor the situation and post updates to our website. For our valued members, we will extend the expiration date of all existing memberships by one month, in appreciation of your loyal support.”

Although many favorite art and cultural institutions are closed, some have joined the Google Arts and Culture project where more than 2,500 spaces around the world offer virtual tours that can be accessed from home. The collection is organized by the name of the institution and map.

In a virtual visit of the De Young Museum in San Francisco, one will see that Google Maps begins the tour on the second floor. Neoclassical paintings and sculptures from the 1800s can be observed in the tour. The experience allows the viewer to be in-front of the photographed artwork. And for a better view and description of the work, there is a scrolling bar of artworks to choose from. For example, “Sacramento Indian” oil on canvas painting from 1867 can be chosen from the collection of classical artworks.

COURTESY // FAMSF

The De Young Museum located in SF is offering virtual tours for those wanting to learn about art and history from the comfort of their own home.

The first floor showcases oil paintings and sculptures from the 1800s; Many artworks continue with Neoclassicism (1750-1850), a period when there was a focus on idealism. The work depicts historically accurate representations of the time and up to the period of Realism (18481900), a movement that began in France. It was inspired in capturing everyday life with detail and life-like rendering. Many of the paintings are paintings of nature, including the beach and mountains.

The intuitive project allows for an immersive experience for once hopeful attendees and curious citizens alike to appreciate the arts from around the world.

In the meantime, local museums in Sonoma County joined in the support of containing the spread of COVID-19. The list of museums in Sonoma County with tentative closed dates are as follows: the Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa: closed through at least April 11; Children’s Museum, Santa Rosa: closed through at least March 31; Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa: closed through at least April 7; California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, Santa Rosa: closed through at least March 31.

The list also includes the Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum of Santa Rosa (located at Santa Rosa Junior College campus), which is closed through, at least, March 29; Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa canceled and postponed events through May 15; Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa: closed through April 7; Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High Street, Sebastopol: closed until further notice.

Finally, the state’s popular natural art and cultural venues indefinitely closed include: The Broad, downtown L.A.: closed through at least March 31; Getty Museum (Getty Center in Brentwood and Getty Villa in Malibu): closed Saturday, March 14 until further notice; Museum of Contemporary Art (Grand Avenue and Geffen Contemporary), downtown L.A.: closed until further notice; Griffith Observatory, L.A.: closed until further notice; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: closed until March 28; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco: closed through March 28; Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (De Young and Legion of Honor): closed until March 31; Monterey Bay Aquarium: closed through at least March 27.

COURTESY // Bay Area Performing Arts

The Museum of Sonoma County is a local favorite that also shut its doors due to the global health pandemic.

For more information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

8 Student Life

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Passion Party shines light on sexual health LESLIE M. LEVY STAFF WRITER

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uesday night on March 10, Passion Party was the only Associated Student Productions event for Women’s Empowerment Week not canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Influential Women of Sonoma and the craft making event will not be rescheduled now that classes are all online for the duration of the semester, as all on-campus activities have been suspended until further notice.

Patty Young, a consultant for Pure Romance, is a sex educator with bachelor degrees in both Sociology and Women and Gender Studies, with a minor in Queer Studies--all earned at Sonoma State University. Her research in school focused on sexual health education, particularly for those ages 18 and under.

She began the Passion Party with a not-so-basic anatomy lesson that included graphics of the external and internal sexual organs, complete with scientific names, and explained how similar they are in form despite the external differences.

“Unfortunately, many of us don’t actually know what our body parts are until we’re around college age and past our twenties,” said Young.

The technical term for Young’s night job is “intimacy products consultant,” but she has several slang monikers.

“I’m the sex toy lady or I’m a dildo slinger, and I’m okay with all of those.

I’m the kind of person who’s always been very open to talking about sex, talking about sexual health, and just being real with it,” Young said. “We accessorize our wardrobe, we dye our hair, you know what I mean? Why would we not accessorize our sex lives?”

Young said talking about sex and toys is more informative and much more comfortable in a home setting as opposed to walking into an adult store or ordering online. Explanations of the toys themselves and how to clean them, store them and use them properly also teaches people how to keep their bodies healthy COURTESY // Creative Commons for sex. She said that sexual health is an often overlooked form of self care.

Inclusive sex education that focuses on consent and pleasure were discussed at the “Health is health is health,” Young said. “If we don’t get enough sleep, we’re Passion Party. going to have a hard time emotionally reacting to things. We’re also going to She went on to say that research indicates masturbation can help with sexual have a hard time engaging sexually. If we’re stressed out or if we’re not eating trauma. ”Being able to provide yourself with that type of pleasure can really healthy, guess what? You’re probably not going to be having a lot of great sex if change some of the wiring, or some of the PTSD things that go through someyou’re not eating healthy or exercising or taking care of yourself.” one’s head after they go through sexual trauma, right, because you’re kind of Young talked about massage being part of sexual pleasure, be it incorporattaking it back and that’s a huge piece of being able to heal and feel better.” ing massage into sex with your partner or getting a massage before or after sex.

She stressed defining for yourself what healing means to you, and that no She also redefined sex as stimulation for pleasure, not just intercourse. “Sex isn’t one else can determine if or how you heal. “Don’t let the pressures of getting a linear process. We don’t start at one point and end in another. It looks different better or healing push you into doing something that doesn’t feel comfortable.” for each and every one of us,” Young said.

Young recommends a podcast for those looking for help in healing from Young explained that consensual pain play is fun for some people, but sex, sexual trauma. “Her podcast name is Trauma Queen, and she is phenomenal,” she as a general rule, should not be painful. “Sex shouldn’t hurt, even the first time, said. The therapist’s name is Jimanekia Eborn and has worked in mental health right? And communication is super sexy, right? If you’re telling your partner and for 12 years and specializes in sex education and sexual trauma support. Eborn’s your partner’s telling you what they like, then guess what’s going to be a far more homepage is traumaqueen.love. pleasurable experience for everybody?” said Young.

Young’s biggest piece of advice to all people centers around removing the During the anonymous Q&A session at the end of the presentation, Young silence, stigmas, and shame from sex in our culture. addressed sensitive issues that can be a part of sex and what can improve some “Remember: don’t hate. Masturbate. Do all the different things that make of those things. For example, ben wa balls are not just for vaginal stimulation, they actually are a form of vaginal weightlifting and strengthen the pelvic f loor you feel good. Don’t have shame around masturbation. Don’t have shame around muscles. By holding the balls inside using the pelvic muscles associated with sex. Find people that you can talk to about it and have open conversations, beKegel exercises, it improves bladder control as well as vaginal elasticity. cause very often shame lives in those darkest places where we don’t talk about She also addressed healing from past sexual trauma. “Very often when it those things.” comes to sexual trauma, individuals feel they are no longer allowed to receive pleasure because that’s been taken from them in one way or another, right?”

Young said.

COVID-19 halts campus events Rapid spread of virus leads university to shut down TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

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ith COVID-19 quickly spreading across the world, Sonoma State University is doing its part to flatten the exponential curve of the virus. Since Tues. March 10, nearly all events at SSU have been cancelled in accordance with the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) orders to put a hold on events exceeding the amount of 150 people. Since then, the CDC has urged that less than 10 people should attend an event.

Consequently, events that have taken vast amounts of preparation have been either cancelled or postponed. In fact, the Seawolf Living event page has been entirely shut down leaving students to glare at an HTTP 404, page not found. With face to face classes at first canceled up until March 23, then until April 19, and then for the rest of the spring semester, students are left wondering when SSU will return to the lively campus it once was, along with what official adjustments will be made to the SSU calendar.

“At this point I’m not even sure if we are going to have a graduation ceremony,” said 4th year psychology student, Stephanie Swanson.

As it is now known, the California State University (CSU) system has postponed all spring graduation ceremonies. According to an email sent out to all Seawolves, graduating students will still receive their diplomas in the mail this May, but the ceremony is currently postponed to an undetermined date.

The new date for spring commencement will remain undetermined until the situation surrounding COVID-19 becomes more stable, explained Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications, Paul Gullixson.

“The university is looking at a number of possible alternative dates, but much of it is up in the air because we are unsure how long the Coronavirus situation is going to play out. Obviously, we are hoping to reschedule before the end of 2020,” said Gullixson.

For students who are on the fence about proceeding to rent a cap and gown, they are still urged to do so as it states on the Students Q&A for the COVID-19 Situation that: “SSU partners with Herff Jones to provide your academic regalia and other graduation mementos. The company encourages you to honor this milestone by taking full use of the gown: Take your pictures, share on social media and celebrate with loved ones. If you choose to do this, Herff Jones thanks you for your order and is honored to be a small part of your celebration. If not, leave the gown in the bag unused and send it back for a refund.”

The graduating class of 2020 and students of the like have had to make a great deal of sacrifices, but SSU is doing everything they can to accommodate. Students living on campus are being urged to move out if they have a safe home to go back to. According to an email sent out Sun. March 22, if students move out by Tues. March 31, they will receive a housing, parking, and meal plan refund. As for students living off campus, they are urged to request a parking pass refund in order to reduce the amount of visits to campus. According to an email sent out on Thurs. March 18, “The amount for refunds of General Permits is $47.00, Reserved Permits is $111.00 and Motorcycle is $11.00.”

COURTESY // Intermountain Healthcare The coronavirus was first reported late 2019, and quickly spread to many countries.

SSU is evidently doing everything in it’s power to stop the exponential spread of COVID-19, while keeping students’ best interest in mind. For students, faculty and staff with any questions, there are many resources recently posted online with vast information.

Student Life 9

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Career Fest assists students with job search ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

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onoma State University held a two-day career fest on March 11 and March 12 on the third floor of the Student Center in Ballroom A from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All students of any major were welcomed to attend, whether they were first year students or seniors looking for a full time job.

The event was split into two days; The first day was mainly for students whose major focused on Business, STEM, Wine, or Health.

The second day was also for Business and Wine Majors but also introduced Arts and Social Impact careers.

Students who attended registered at the front desk with their student ID’s and were then able to walk around Ballroom A, exploring all the different booths that were neatly set up.

The different booths ranged from getting a part time job at Chick Fil A to learning more about a future career as a California Highway Patrol Officer.

The Career Fest brought out many different organizations and companies that were able to set up nice decorative booths with vital information. It was a great opportunity for students to get themselves out there and network with these companies as they prepare for their future careers.

Students were instructed to bring a copy of their resume and be dressed in business attire.

They were able to register for the fair through the Handshake app. Handshake helps college students have equal access to meaningful careers. On the app the students can see which companies were going to be at Career Fest and also look at the positions they have open with the requirements included.

The Career Center offered free business at-

Ryan Harvey met with several employers for job opportunities at the Career Fest.

tire from their Career Closet for students who couldn’t afford to purchase such clothing.

One of the companies that was there was Hansel Auto Group, located in Sonoma County, is a family owned business that works with 10 different brands of cars. Having more than 700 employees, Hansel focuses on making customers feel great and helping the employees succeed in their community. The company provides a good working environment for employees

STAR // Brandon Sparks

to be his or her best to ensure customers get the best experience. The job positions they had open were Sales, Administrative, Marketing, and IT Support.

Sonoma State had announced that classes were to be cancelled on March 12 due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Despite that, the event still went on and had a small showing of students. Seawolves had one last chance to come together for a campus held event.

Seawolves SPEAK! “What will you be doing for spring break during the COVID-19 pandemic?”

ANGELINA INFANTE STAFF WRITER

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pring break is a week off that most college students look forward to all year. Many people plan their exciting trips a few months in advance, and save up their money for a week of hanging out with friends, eating, drinking and partying. From trips to Cabo, tanning in Cancun, to partying in Rosarito, young people enjoy their free time by getting away from the stresses of school and work. Even staying at home and relaxing for a week is a much needed recharge for students with busy schedules, and many will go home to see loved ones and family during this time. However, due to the newest pandemic, COVID-19 or coronavirus, Seawolves have to be aware that traveling can put them at risk, and that their dream spring break might turn into a week at

“This spring break I will be going to Costco for supplies and staying in my cabin away from all of this coronavirus.”

home. Some students will take precautions this spring break and will stay home and quarantine until the pandemic is over. Some students will continue with their plans and travel, even though California is now in lockdown. With news coverage of college students going to their dream destinations during the break regardless of the health crisis, it can be difficult for individuals to not want to follow in their footsteps, even though it is dangerous and not advised.

“This spring break I’m going to LA with my bf and spending time with family and friends.”

-Marissa Cerros, Biology major

-Sophia Grace Lazzerini, Communications major

“This spring break I will be snowboarding in Tahoe, dirt biking in Hollister, and hanging with the boys.”

““For spring break I’m not doing anything due to the Coronavirus. I’m staying inside and hanging out with my dogs.”

-Aidan Cooper, Biochemistry major

-Celine Mason, GEP major

“This spring break I am going to see my family and babysitting.”

“This spring break I will be snowboarding in Tahoe, working, and spending time with family.”

-Francesca Adorno, Early Childhood Studies major -Clay Barbree, Business major

10 Sports

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

US women’s soccer demands equal pay

COURTESY // nytimes.com The Women’s National Soccer Team continues to fight for equal pay in a world where male players can make millions.

CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

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he United States Women’s National Soccer Team for the past 20 years has been on perhaps the most dominant run of any sports franchise or organization. With three Word Cup finals appearances in a row, including two consecutive World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, there is little question who rules the world of women soccer.

Yet despite all this success and value the Women’s team has brought to the US Soccer Federation, it is still continually not treated or paid equally to its male counterparts.

For example: if the Men’s National Team receives 12,000 per win . While the Women’s National team only earns 3,000 per win. Further every member of the women’s team received $37,500 for making the 23-player World Cup Roster. But the men would recover a 68,750 dollar bonus for qualifying for the World Cup. The Women’s National team had perviously filed a Wage Discrimination suit on May 5 2019, in response to the wage inequality that they felt was blatant and discriminatory.

On Tues. March 10, the US Soccer Federations again was in hot waters with their unfair treatment of the US Women’s National Team. It was found that United States Soccer Federation President Carlos Corderio, in his legal filings on the 2019 Gender discrimination Lawsuit, cited the reason for unequal pay was due to “ Women’s National team players have less physical ability, skill, and responsibilities than their male counterparts.”

The USWNT, as one might suspect, were displeased with the federation’s comments. In response before the team took the field on March 11 they players f lipped their jerseys and warmed up inside out, to hide the US soccer federation crest that was on the top left corner of their jersey.

Following their 3-1 win over Japan players, such as Forward Christen Press made statements in response to Cordeiro and the Federation as she said, “Yes-

terday we stood together as a team to make a statement on behalf of all women and girls that the Federations comments are unacceptable. We cannot stand for this discriminatory treatment and rhetoric. Every woman deserves equal pay and every institution who doesn’t value women as much as men must change now.”

Former US Men’s National team player Demarus Beasley voiced his disappointment with the Federations comments saying “Respectfully, this is a terrible stance by US Soccer,” Beasley wrote. “Our women are NOT inferior to men in any sense of the word. They are Olympic gold medalists and World Cup Champions!!! And incredible women!”

Players were not the only ones to voice their option as many corporate partners of the US Soccer Federation like Budweiser and Nike both made statements of disapproval of the federations comments.

Comments from Press and others on the team were clearly heard as just two days later Corderio resigned for his position as president of the US soccer Federation. In his final statement Corderio told the press “ The arguments and language contained in this week’s legal filing caused great offense and pain, especially to our extraordinary women’s national team players who deserve better. It was unacceptable and inexcusable” With Cordeiro stepping down, the Federation appointed Parlow Cone, a 1999 World Cup champion, 2 time Olympic gold medalist, and member of the Women’s Soccer Hall of Fame as the new interim President of the US soccer federation.

Cone will hold this position until February 2021, when the federation annual meeting will occur.

With Cone serving as president there remains hope that the federation can correct its mistakes and fix what many view as a f law in wage equality.

COVID-19 puts an end to spring sports

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com Spring sports across the United States have come to an end due to the global health pandemic.

JAMES HARWELL STAFF WRITER

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oronavirus has put a hold on sports around the world. The hold was put on Major League sports as well as putting an end to the spring season of college sports. Junior Bryce Vitt plays baseball at Sonoma State. Vitt commented this on his baseball season getting postponed; “It is upsetting. On one hand it is calming to see the community taking precautions to help us avoid further spreading of Coronavirus but on the other hand, us athletes put a lot of work in to prepare for our seasons so it is upsetting to see it get suspended in the middle of the season. I feel bad for seniors especially.”

Coronavirus, although not as much as an imminent threat to young people, is threatening to the sports industry when understanding the amount of travel required for the teams to compete. The SSU baseball team was minutes away from traveling to Los Angeles Airport to challenge Cal Poly Pomana last Thursday when breaking news about leagues all over the country and state turned up stating they were postponing their season until further notice of the spreading virus. Assistant Coach of baseball Mike Nackard said in response to the question of why they decided to halt the road trip said, “I just don’t feel comfortable traveling, especially through the airport. It isn’t so much the team or the games we have to play but the travel aspect that really makes the idea of rushing this a bad idea. It is better safe than sorry.

During this outbreak, NCAA made a statement on how they will handle their recruitment for the upcoming season. During this national pandemic, the NCAA will suspend recruiting through April 15. Not only are players and

coaches in the air in terms of this current season but the next season’s recruiting must also take a halt.

The NCAA was quick to release statements on major conferences and what they plan on doing for the continuation of the season but direction for smaller conferences was slow, especially in the CCAA which is what SSU sport teams play in with the exception of tennis. The CCAA, which has little margin for error in terms of postponing sporting events because of tight time windows for make up games and little budgeting to help prevent that problem so they were timid to suspend play. John Abate, Junior baseball player for Sonoma State University said, “I understand the slower response time for our conference and especially our sport because basketball, with March Madness coming up, is more of the priority for schools and fans.” Abate agrees with Vitt’s previous statement as well, although he deeply resents the decision to suspend play.

At Sonoma State, face to face classes have been suspended on campus until April 19, so Coach Nackard announced to the rest of the baseball team that the coaches and administration have postponed face to face contact for the baseball team until the same time as well. The continuation of the season for baseball and the rest of the Sonoma State sporting community is unknown. The tennis team halted a trip to Florida due to the virus as well because of similar reasons to the baseball team. However frustrated are players and coaches, they still all agree that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sports 11

MARCH 24 - MARCH 30, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Carolina Panthers wanting to trade Cam Newton

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

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ue to the coronavirus or COVID-19, the sports industry has gone into a spiral because of the cancellation of every professional and NCAA sport game or tournament. The National Football League or NFL, has been making major trades and other moves because of this delay.

Cam Jerrell Newton is a professional, American football quarterback who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2011 as the first overall pick. He started his college career at the University of Florida before he transferred to the University of Auburn.

Newton was a heisman trophy winner in 2010, as well as shattering records for rushing and passing yards as an NFL rookie. He recently got put on the trading block and is not too pleased with this move by the Panthers as he began to fire back.

“Every year difficult decisions are made and they are never easy. We have been working with Cam and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward and he will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts,” said General Manager Marty Hurney.

However, Newton has been trying to assure the media that this was not his decision and that he is not pleased with how this trade is going over.

“Stop with the word play. I never asked for it!! There is no dodging this one. I love the Panthers to death and will always love you guys!! Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this. You forced me into this,” exclaimed Newton.

In 2019, Newton was on the injured reserve due to a Lisfranc injury, which gave Kyle Allen the starting job. A Lisfranc injury is also known as a foot fracture. The

Panthers would like to trade him because he is set to earn $19.1 million for his 2020 salary, but that is not guaranteed.

The organizations thinking behind this is that they would pay Newton two million dollars in dead money and save the other portion to add back to their salary cap for other players that they can obtain in the draft or trade offers.

“What makes this all the more interesting is the current state of NFL affairs, with the league banning teams from visiting with free agents during the coronavirus pandemic,” says CBS. The Panthers organization as a whole did not make sure Newton was healthy enough to play in the 2020-2021 football season before taking on the rest of his large contract. This has made everything more complicated, as well as confusing Newton.

He expected to finish out his contract with the Panthers and maybe even get another extension after that because of his love for Carolina and the organization.

This is why he decided to speak up and backlash to the media about the organization’s decision of forcing him to leave.

“Cam is one of the all-time greats in Panthers history. If you ask any of our fans for some of their most memorable moments, I’m willing to bet most of them would include Cam -- electrifying plays, giving away footballs after touchdowns, fun celebrations and big wins. His competitiveness and drive are rare. Off the field, you can’t measure Cam’s contributions. He has touched the lives of youth throughout the Carolinas and in Atlanta. He’s unique and I wish him all the best,” said Panther’s owner David Tepper.

COURTESY //LA Times The Panthers are planning on trading Newton on their terms.

Tom Brady says Goodbye VINCENT SPENCE

STAFF WRITER

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n March 17, 2020, during the coronavirus epidemic, the world was stunned when six time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady put out a heartfelt message on instagram deciding that he will move on from the New England Patriots.

Tom Brady was set to become a free agent at 4 p.m. (ET) on Wed. March 18. With this decision, it eliminates the Patriots from contention on bringing back the 20 year elite quarterback. Brady has played all 20 seasons with the franchise, since being drafted with pick number 199 in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft.

The news broke on Tom Brady’s instagram by saying, “I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values... I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that.”

The New England Patriots have been the pinnacle of success during Brady’s tenure. Foxboro Massachusetts and all of the New England region have experienced unparalleled triumph, winning six super bowls in 20 years while going to a total of nine. The success over the last two decades has propelled the Patriots to become the winningest franchise in the NFL, by having not one but two dynasties during their reign of terror over all of professional football.

Head coach Bill Belichick was the coach who drafted the future Hall of Famer and won all six super bowls with Brady had this to say on the Patriots official website, “Tom (Brady) was not just a player who was bought into our program. He was one of its original creators. He didn’t just perform. He didn’t just win. He won championships over and over again…With his relentless competitiveness and longevity, he earned everyone’s adoration and will be celebrated forever. It has been a privilege to coach Tom Brady for 20 years.”

Brady is not retiring, yet he is not going to be playing his home games in New England. The Patriots ex quarterback is notorious for taking a “team” friendly deal and being a team player. But after 20 years of being the pushover, Brady for the first time in his career is putting his future in his hands, by becoming a free agent.

Celebrities from all walks of life gave their input on the situation. Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson commented on Brady’s instagram post and said, “spoken like a true and greatful leader.” Many of Brady’s former teammates have openly talked about how they will miss him, and the great leader he was on

COURTESY // USA Today After 20 years as the quartback for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady, is a free agent.

and off the field.

Tom Brady’s career will arguably go down as the best of all time. Over the last five years, the nickname “GOAT” has been intertwined with Brady meaning “Greatest of all Time”.

The future Hall of Famer will end his Patriot career as a 6x time Super Bowl Champion, a 4x Super Bowl MVP and a 3x National Football League MVP. When Brady came into the NFL as a wide eyed 23 year old late round pick with no expectations, he told owner Robert Kraft, “I’m the best decision this organization has ever made.” After all of the accolades and Brady winning the most super bowl rings out of any single player ever, he will go down as the best decision the Patriots organization

has ever made.

Patriots longtime owner put this statement out on the franchises official website, “How do I possibly sum up the depth of my gratitude to Tom Brady for what he’s given us these past 20 years, or the sadness I feel knowing its ending? I love Tom like a son and I always will.”

Tom Brady is the greatest Patriot to ever put the uniform on and may go down as the best player of all time. But all good things must come to an end and Brady in New England has finished its last chapter. Going forward Tom Brady looks to start a new chapter elsewhere for his remaining few years in the NFL.

12 Photo

MARCH 24 - MARCH 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

COVID-19 fear clears campus, but for how long?

STAR // Lily Frazier Two geese swam across the empty campus lakes over Spring Break.

STAR // Lily Frazier Empty pallets show how Costco has been completely sold out of toilet paper and water due to fear of the coronavirus.

STAR // Lily Frazier Noelia Brambila sat by the lake under the cherry blossom trees and enjoyed a peaceful afternoon.

STAR // Seth Baldwin Ives Hall and its adjacent parking lot have been cleared for the upcoming weeks while many students return home to finish their semester online.

STAR // Seth Baldwin The student housing parking lot between Verdot and Zinfandel villages appeared empty on Sunday due to recent scares of COVID-19 cases in the area.