Best Of 2020

SPECIAL EDITION: BEST OF 2020 VOLUME 82 // ISSUE 13 MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Inside: Food: Page 2 Arts: Page 4 Recreation: Page 6 Outdoors: Page 8 Wellness: Page 10

STAR // Staff Photos From top, clockwise: “Best Of” writers picked the Career Fest, grabbing a drink from Flagship Taproom in Cotati, the first Sonoma Super Bowl and the Jazz Orchestra & Latin Band Concert as some of the best places or acivities the Sonoma State area has to offer. Read inside for more staff and student picks.

An Introduction to Best Of: 2020

E

very year, the Sonoma State STAR puts out a ‘Best Of’ issue that reflects the most loved and influential eateries, activities and entertainment to enjoy throughout Sonoma County.

Writers would go explore these favorite restaurants, beaches, lookout spots, and concert halls to get a feel for why they were so popular and loved. The STAR would also run surveys taken by students to vote on the top places to eat, drink, and hang out throughout the county. Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic that has shut down most of the country and world, the editors of the STAR went back and forth on whether or not a special issue would be beneficial or appropriate to run. Some of the editors were worried about not having enough content to discuss, due to the fact that all of California, including Sonoma County, continues to be on lockdown without a clear date of when things will reopen.

However, students and faculty are certainly keeping busy at home—and many of them are looking forward to their favorite hangout spots reopening in the community. The editorial

board decided that running a Best Of issue that included the things keeping Sonoma County alive like trails that continue to be open to the public, takeout food, and virtual tours would be exciting and something to look back on in the future. Most of us have never gone through a pandemic before, and having a physical and digital reflection of this time is definitely unique and is unlike any other Best Of the STAR has released.

With delivery food booming, artists sharing their work with fans via social media and everyone trying to find the best Netflix show to binge watch, there are so many things that readers of the STAR can discover and pursue without leaving the comfort of their homes.

So, even though 2020 has so far been a scary year full of uncertainty—arts, good food, entertainment, self care, and the strength of our community lives on. This special issue isn’t about what 2020 could have been, it is simply what life is like now, and how Sonoma County is coping and continuing to keep members of our community afloat.

2 Food & dining

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // GENESIS BOTELLO Pupusa, an authentic Saladoran street food, is made of a thick corn tortilla and stuffed with a savory filling. Served with curtido, a fermented cabbage relish, and red tomato salsa. Pair it with agua fresca, like Hugo de Marañon.

Let’s get tropical STAFF PICK: DON JULIO’S PUPUSAS

GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

W

hen you are not able to travel 3,300 miles south to El Salvador for authentic pupusas, Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas has you covered. Conveniently located at 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, the delicious Salvadoran dish is an order away.

Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas most requested items on their menu include pupusas and tropical burritos, a particularly delicious dish that can be paired with mimosas, micheladas or freshly made agua fresca.

Go for it: The traditional pupusa is a classic Salvadoran dish made out of thick corn tortilla and filled with savory filling-options including chicken, pork, cheese, beans and Loroco (a tropical flower). The handcrafted pupusa is served with curtido (a fer-

mented cabbage slaw) and red tomato salsa.

Stepping up to the restaurant, the decor charms the guest with tropical colors and palm trees. Accented with joyful Latin music in the background and the mouth-watering sound of the sizzling grill, at the counter, you will be delightfully greeted by Don Julio himself, wife Evelyn Grande, or sons Carlos Alas Grande and Cesar Grande.

Six years earlier, the business was initiated by the ingenuity of Don Julio’s older son, Carlos Alas Grande. Through his sharing of pupusas with co-workers and friends, the power of word-of-mouth evolved the appetizing traditional dish into a booming family business.

Today its doors remain open during the quarantine, as it said on its Facebook page,

STAR // GENESIS BOTELLO One agua fresca options is Hugo de Marañon, a delicious Salvadoran drink made with fresh cashew fruit.

“We’re back this week with temporary new hours. Everything is still currently only takeout, delivery or curbside pick up! Delivery is done thru FoodJets @foodjets_soco.”

Evelyn shares in Spanish, “We have been feeling the pressure, the business has slowed down but clients continue to support us. It’s slowed down because people enjoyed being seated and listening to music but now we need to practice social distance. It’s a bit hard.”

Despite changing their business to takeout only, customers like Dexter V. from Santa Rosa continue to enjoy Don Julio’s menu, as he said, “...The sopes were similarly done with the same love and care. What you would come to expect from a Latin grill was all present,” he continued, “I couldn’t be any happier

with my choices. From the gooey goodness of the cheesy pupusas to the scrumptious fried sopes, it was a meal worthy of a celebration--and in this case, a celebration of the restaurant businesses that continue to provide great food during these times.”

This hearty, family-friendly restaurant is certainly a community favorite who shares a taste of El Salvador.

Become obsessed with their handmade pupusas with all the fix-ins. Their menu offers choices for anyone to enjoy.

Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Its online menu can be found on Facebook @donjuliospupusas. Phone orders are accessible at 707-242-3160 or through FoodJets @foodjets_soco.

STAR // GENESIS BOTELLO Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas is located at 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park

The tasty treat stronghold STAFF PICK: AMY’S DRIVE-THRU, ROHNERT PARK

SAMANTHA BILLINGSLY STAFF WRITER

A

dedicated employee carefully assembles fresh lettuce, dark red tomatoes and the perfect amount of pickles-toonions on top of a patty as melted cheese drips down the side of an appetizing burger; They carefully mix a chocolate shake to compliment the burger, and neatly place the meal with a side of fries into a to-go bag; The bag is then delivered to an eager household ready to taste what many have been missing.

Indeed, due to the shelter-in-place order, good fast food is becoming harder and harder to come by. However, the best place to order a quick treat without having to go outside is from Amy’s Drive Thru, located in Rohnert Park.

If you find yourself looking for a stand-out dessert, a quick and healthy meal, or to explore vegan and vegetarian snacks, look no further: Amy’s Drive Thru has it all. The restaurant has a wide variety of food options: including burgers, salads, breakfast, burritos, milkshakes, pizza and so much more. It serves meat and dairy products, but still offers gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan

options that can cause taste buds to fall in love.

Truly, Amy’s Drive thru has sparked a new love story between delicious and healthy foods with the consumer’s palate.

The desert options in particular are great for those looking for a mouthwatering treat. The milkshakes come in a perfect size and are the right amount of thick, and flavorful. The rich, dairy free milkshakes hold a pleasant surprise for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, as they taste just as good if not better than a dairy-filled milkshake.

Now, if the food is so fantastic, and there are so many options, it must be super expensive, right? Well, food lovers rejoice; Amy’s Drive Thru has managed to supply you with a wide array of choices, and tasty meals, while maintaining cheap prices. The quality and quantity of the food vastly outweighs the cost.

So, next time you are looking for a savory COURTESY // Amy’s Drive-Thru meal, or just want a quick pick-me-up, Amy’s The phenomenal veggie burgers are perfect for those looking to distance drive-thru is delivering on all platforms, withthemselves from meat while also having a satisfying and delicious dinner. curbside ordering at 707-755-3629.

Food & dining 3

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

THE BURGER TO RULE THEM ALL STAFF PICK: FIVE GUYS, PETALUMA, SANTA ROSA CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

B

etween fast-food and sit-down restaurants, there are many places where consumers can eat a delicious burger: but there is only one spot where the burger’s flavor is taken to the next level.

From Santa Rosa to Petaluma, Five Guys burgers ring-in 2020 as the Sonoma County burger king: from the atmosphere to the food, everything is perfect.

“I am extremely impressed with Five Guys -- as impressed as I’ve been with any of the places I’ve reviewed so far. I remember visiting one in the early aughts with my friend who grew up in Northern Virginia,” said Thrillist’s Kevin Alexander, continuing that, “back then, just the act of knowing about Five Guys was cool, and every little quirk (the peanut boxes, the standard order being two patties, etc.) built the lore that has somehow sustained itself as the chain becomes a behemoth.”

When customers arrive at any Five Guys, they are greeted by the open, welcoming staff and proceed into line, just as they would basically anywhere. However, when

ordering at Five Guys, the customer has the option to add any topping they desire onto their burger or hot dog. While waiting for the sizzling food prepared in a tasteful ensemble of ingredients, each person is allowed to snack on peanuts, which are located around the restaurant for the customers convenience.

COURTESY // Five Guys

When trying to grab the burger from the bag, the customer must maneuver a mountain of fries, an otherwise momentary, tasty distraction from the monotonous burger boasting about inside. The burger is then unwrapped from its foiled cage: when the first

bite is taken, your mouth is filled with an array of freshly encapsulating flavor.

Yet, the inspiring taste can be traced all the way back to the company’s origin.

In 1986, its founding Murrell brothers were told to go to college or open a business, and they decided on the business. Soon a huge success for the pair, some sound advice from their mother would ultimately underscore the chain’s flavor-packed initiative to this day: “If you can give a good haircut, or if you can serve a good drink at a bar, or if you can serve a good hamburger, you can always make money in America.”

Over the next 30 years thereafter, Five Guys has since created a reputation for itself as a stronghold for mouth-watering burgers, keeping the business expanding every year. It has since reached 1,500 locations worldwide, with more being built every year.

The expansion, however, did not hinder the business’s burger flavor: “We only use fresh ground beef and peanut oil. There are no freezers in Five Guys locations, just coolers,” the company said on its webpage.

With many burger places out there, it is hard to choose which one to go with, but with one trip to our Five Guys locations, an unrivaled burger experience is sure to greet you.

SUPERMARKET SUPERIORITY STAFF PICK: OLIVER’S MARKET, ROHNERT PARK/COTATI CARSON MILLER STAFF WRITER

O COURTESY // Oliver’s Market A Sonoma County staple, the gourmet grocery store’s Rohnert Park/Cotati location can be found at 546 E. Cotati ave., Cotati.

‘OL-IVER AGAIN’: BEST SANDWICHES IN TOWN

STAFF PICK: OLIVER’S MARKET DELI

JESSICA SIAS

F

STAFF WRITER

inding a sandwich spot that is diverse in fulfilling options that are suitable for everyone can be a challenge. But, just as it perfectly foots the bill, there is no sandwich-on-the-go experience quite like that of Oliver’s Market’s deli sandwiches: the best sandwiches in town.

The Oliver’s deli department is where you can find hard-working chefs and the best “sandwich-ninjas” slicing together your next sandwich selection. The seemingly endless ingredient options, flavorful aromas and friendly smiles behind the sandwich bar make it an enjoyable experience as guests prepare to order all their own.

Not only are the Oliver’s deli sandwiches a lunch mainstay of Sonoma State Seawolves, they have been a favorite among the entire community at large.

But what makes the sandwiches so special?

The extensive variety of cold meats, breads

and rolls alike that the deli offers is all kinds of indescribable. The fresh produce and local farm ingredients that its “sandwich ninjas” use make the flavor experience readily unique, with options simply unmatched by other deli’s in town. The prices range from $6 to $11 depending on the extras that you might add.

Although Oliver’s has an immense amount of specialty sandwiches that its “sandwich ninjas” have created, the customer has the opportunity to create the perfect sandwich for themselves.

The best part? Though shelter-in-place is still under mandate, you can still walk up to the deli bar (while maintaining a six-foot radius), pick a number from the red ticket dispenser, grab a sandwich bag and pen and proceed to create the ideal sandwich of your liking.

With endless sandwich ingredients, cheesy spin-offs and boastful bread arrays at play for your next sandwich stop, Oliver’s gourmet sandwiches keep it real: like its logo says.

liver’s Market, a grocery store chain with four locations in Sonoma County including Cotati, Windsor and two locations in Santa Rosa, has become a staple within the county’s grocery scene with its unmatched quality and service: the best choice to truly fulfill any grocery need.

Yet, one of the key factors that sets Oliver’s Market aside from other grocery-store chains in the area, like Safeway, Raleys and Walmart, is its sense of community that you feel among their staff and customers from the moment you enter the store.

“After living in the Rohnert Park/Cotati area for the past three years, Oliver’s has become a ritual weekly stop for me. There has not been a single time that I have stepped foot into the Cotati store and have not seen people chatting it up with other customers in the store in witnessing the friendly relationships between the staff and Oliver regulars,” says Sonoma State student Hannah Opiel.

Oliver’s Market was started by a man named Steve Maass who made a living selling fresh produce from a roadside stand in San Francisco before opening his first Oliver’s Market in Sonoma County in 1988.

Since the store’s humble beginning, it has grown from one store to four over the past 32 years while continuing to maintain the same core elements that have been key

factors in its famed local success story: providing customers with a choice, keeping the focus local, offering great prices while maintaining excellent service, being a support system for the Sonoma County community and, lastly, by valuing and supporting their employees.

Unwavering adherence to this, in turn, has allowed the grocery store to maintain particularly remarkable service decade-in, decade-out.

There are many aspects that have made Oliver’s Market the leader in the grocery market within Sonoma County based on its large and diverse customer-base along with its hefty selection of conventional and organic-based groceries for all of the customers’ victual needs.

By being a core part of the Sonoma County community, Oliver’s Market has built many relationships with local growers, wine makers and manufacturers in the area that excel at making the food and beverages that Bay Area locals love. This, as it continues to provide its customers with some of the best food and wine in the world, all produced in the heart of Sonoma County.

The market’s tremendous variety of products, from produce; to freshly made sandwiches and burritos; to a broad range of international foods is another prime example of why Oliver’s has become a remarkable establishment in Sonoma County.

SMALL FOOD WITH BIG HEART STAFF PICK: TINY THAI, Rohnert Park/COTATI MARIA PINEDA-CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER

M

any of-age Seawolves might recognize the section of Old Redwood Highway, adjacent to the Cotati Downtown Plaza, as the infamous Cotati Crawl: the local bar scene near campus. What many might not be as aware of, however, is how, exactly, the strip takes on a whole different identity during the daytime. Outside of the night time bar-hopping hours of operation, the short, 825-feet-long street doubles as a charming central hub to grab a bite to eat, get a haircut, enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or to simply window shop.

Nestled between each of the four local bars, students and others can find restaurants that include a variety of food choices. Starting at Down to Earth Cafe down to El Paso Bakery, the small shopping center has a lot to offer with almost all storefronts being small, family-owned businesses.

Though, there is a particular joint that takes the meaning of small businesses to a whole new level: the Tiny Thai restaurant, a delicious and convenient location for you to get your fix of the county’s best savory Thai cuisine.

“Run, don’t walk; start dialing. You are wasting time not eating at the most incredible, authentic hole-in-the-wall Thai food you have ever put in your mouth,” said local resident Mashall S. Located at 8238 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, Tiny Thai is indeed tiny, standing at just 280 square feet. Owner and chef of the establishment, Kack Brightman, has managed to make room for just about five tables in the dining area, a couple of stools at the inside counter and metal tables with seating on the sidewalk outside of the storefront. The room may be small but the cooks behind the kitchen pack big flavors behind each of their delicious dishes.

While the establishment provides a whirlwind of vegan options all the while, local customers pride Tiny Thai on its green curry and tom kah soup. Many of the prices arrive fairly, whether that of the aforementioned or other cherished dishes like the Golden Crab wontons.

For your next quarantined Thai food journey, Tiny Thai’s locality and convenient ordering waiting for you!

COURTESY // Sonoma Magazine

Pad thai, also known as phad thai, is a stir-fried rice noodle dish usually made with rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or tofu, peanuts, scrambled egg and bean sprouts.

4 Arts

COURTESY // Anna Shvets Streaming concerts is the new quarantine norm.

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

COUTRESY // Stella Heath Music Stella Heath, pictured here with the French Oak Gypsy Band, is performing online as part of her Quarantine Live concert series.

VIRTUAL SONOMA COUNTY STAFF PICK: ONLINE CONCERTS & THEATER ATHENA FRANKLIN

STAFF WRITER

W

hile sheltering in place, there are still ways to enjoy music concerts. Many performers are offering online performances and they’re all local to Sonoma county and counties nearby.

A few of the performances are Stella Heath and Neil Angelo Fontano; their music is from the 30s and 40s era. Sam Chase, from San Francisco, is streaming live from the bunker his concerts through Facebook live, where you are able to purchase tickets through Venmo and Paypal.

Online concerts and performances are ways to keep artists producing and sharing their music with their supporters and for people to enjoy the entertainment while in quarantine. Online streaming has been a way to keep people feeling connected with others and the world while staying safe at home.

Some of the live streams and links can be found on happeningsonomacounty.com. There are also old COURTESY // cottonbro postings of performances that have taken place in Artists and museums face unique challenges.

Sonoma County like the Sonoma County Philhar-

COURTESY // Andrea Piacquadio Those that love to read now have free time to explore and discover.

monic performance, featuring violinist Pierce Wang from November 2019.

Another virtual art experience offered is the Museum of Sonoma County: “Landscape: Awe to Activism” exhibit. The exhibit offers 19th-century artist inspired nature to artists with new technology that addresses climate change and other relevant issues going on in the world. The museum offers artwork like painting, photography, and video.

Musical Theater is also offering a chance to virtually see local musicals online for free like the musical called “Hope” (2016) and Sonoma Arts Live’s “Merman’s Apprentice” (2019) on North Bay Stage and screen. These different art and entertainment virtual exhibits are a way to support local artists and the community. Other ways to help support these artists and museums during this pandemic is donating or buying tickets to some of the live streams. As concerts and events have been canceled, another way to show your support for local artists is by buying their merchandise and albums online.

COURTESY // Thought Catalog Reading opens up a world of opportunity and wonder

Readers mentally escape quarantine TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF PICK: BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB

STAFF WRITER

O

ne of the best ways to feel like you are part of a community, while still finding a way to be entertained, is the The Book of the Month Club. A feeling of togetherness is always important, and especially now, more than ever, during the quarantine.

People have been locked in their homes for weeks, and while it is not possible to travel, readers have the ability to explore a world with infinite possibilities.

Mason Cooley said, “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”

Libraries are closed and book stores are slowly beginning to open across the country, and this leaves readers with few options.

The Book of the Month Club is a subscriptionbased company. Each month five books are chosen and endorsed by a panel of judges. The consumer has the choice of picking one of those books to read during that month. Consumers also have the option to

skip any month they wish at no charge. The monthly subscription costs $14.99. However, for people joining for the first time it is $9.99 for the first month and then goes back up to $14.99.

There is a convenient app available that allows the consumer to read a brief synopsis of the five available books. In the app, consumers can also read reviews people have left on each book and leave their own.

The Book of the Month Club’s Instagram has rapidly increased in popularity with over 800,000 followers. Their online community of book lovers is growing every day. It allows people to talk about the books they read freely with people that also love to read.

The Book of the Month Club has a good reputation for picking enjoyable books. This company has been operating since 1926 and has managed to pick several that turned into classics.

They try to focus on new and emerging authors

who are not well known and that has remained true today. In its first year operating, they featured Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. Several years later, they featured the book Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. They also featured J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. The company does a lot of research on their books. They want to keep your business, and they do this by delivering, time and time again and month after month, books that make you think, disappear, laugh, cry, and wonder. On their website, they even write “We know how to pick ‘em. Since 1926, Book of the Month has been uncovering new books and original voices, from The Fire Next Time (April 1963) to Little Fires Everywhere (September 2017).”

Books provide a sense of escapism for the reader.

People can find themselves relating themselves to the characters in a book. It provides the opportunity for people to disconnect from the rest of the world for a few hours every month.

Arts 5

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // PM-II PIccolo Missionario Winona Ryder is a celebrated Sonoma County local.

Shoplifting charges derailed her career for a bit, but Winona Ryder is back.

COURTESY // Karon Liu

AWARD-WINNING LOCAL ACTRESS TAYLOR HUMMEL

STAFF PICK: WINONA RYDER

STAFF WRITER

W

inona Laura Horowitz, more commonly known as famous actress Winona Ryder is uncommonly known to have grown up in Sonoma County. While she was born in Winona, Minnesota, her family moved to Sonoma County when she was an adolescent and settled in the town of Petaluma, where she attended both middle and high school in the area.

Ryder is a beloved actress for people of all ages, as she is known for roles in 80’s hits like Beetlejuice and Heathers, but now she is more commonly known for her modern role in the Netf lix original, Stranger Things.

According to IMDB, she began acting lessons soon after her move to California at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Calif. By the

time she graduated high school, she had already begun her acting career.

Ryder made her acting debut in a film named Lucas which was written and directed by David Seltzer ,who wrote the screenplay for the Omen. Her career continued to f lourish after her first movie, and she continued to gain fame in Tim Burton’s 80’s and 90’s films.

She is praised for her ability to have continued her career well into her adulthood as she is still currently acting. Ryder has received a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actress in The Age of Innocence. She has also been nominated for countless other awards for her acting capabilities. However, along with a fruitful acting career, she has also start-

ed producing films as well.

Ryder also helped to support the Polly Klass Foundation by offering a large sum of money for her safe return. While she may have left Sonoma County for Hollywood, she continued to show support to her hometown roots. While Klass was never returned to her family, Ryder dedicated her role in Little Women to her life.

Winona Ryder has acted in many acclaimed movies such as Edward ScissorHands, Girl Interrupted, Black Swan, Mermaids, The Crucible, Alien: Resurrection, Boys, The House of the Spirits, Startrek and many more. Fans of Ryder can watch her career continue in the upcoming season of Stranger Things available through Netf lix.

Streaming action-packed films STAFF PICK: EXTRACTION SALVADOR FERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

Trending film on Netf lix “Extraction,” starring Chris Hemsworth, is an action-packed thriller with eye-opening cinematography shots. This is one of the better produced films Netf lix has put out recently. Though it may not be a blockbuster film screened in theaters, it does keep a hold of the viewer.

Extraction premiered April 24 and has gotten mixed reviews. It received a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes. According to Netf lix, Extraction is on its way to becoming the biggest ever film premiered on the streaming platform.

In short, it follows Hemsworth’s character Tyler Rake, a mercenary soldier hired to rescue the son of India’s biggest drug lord from a rival drug lord in the city of Dhaka.

Hemsworth’s performance on screen, joined by the drug lord’s son Ovi Mahajan Jr. - who is portrayed by Indian actor Rudhraksh Jaiswal, makes for an unlikely match. At first, it seems as if the boy is only seen as a package needed to be delivered. However, as the film progresses, the duo starts to reveal their personal life about each other.

They become so attached to each other and it creates a sort of a bond that doesn’t let go, even while getting showered in bullets passing left and right through the rural city of Dhaka.

While the film does carry out a ton of violence from shooting, killing, and explosions, it does make up for this with its different style of cinematography. Instead of seeing the usual type of quick, short, and fast-paced shots, the film uses continuous long shots that cover the duos every move in specific parts of the film.

For example, there is a scene where the character Tyler and Ovi are being chased by the Indian government. Both make their way onto the rooftop of a hotel. Here Tyler is seen shoving Ovi off the rooftop onto another rooftop following him jumping over as well. This is one long and continuous-shot scene. The cameraman following the actors really goes above and beyond.

The cameraman is doing the same exact movement and jumps off and follows the duo while keeping the camera steady. He maneuvers himself so quickly and easily that his footwork following the actors seems natural. From the rooftop, the cameraman walks backward down a f light of stairs and follows Tyler and Ovi into hotel rooms switching from a front and back view.

COURTESY // NETFLIX The action is nicely executed and clear, which creates a f luid seExtraction is now available to stream on Netflix. quence following through the events of the film.

Not only was the cinematography on point with this film, but the stunt work between Hemsworth and his Indian copartner Randeep Hooslowly become something else as well as the film ends. da, who portrays Saju, an ex-special forces soldier and assistant of Ovi’s father.

Extraction is a new and exciting film coming from Netf lix. As of now it is on The hand to hand combat and fighting style between the two looks to be Netf lix’s Top 10 trending and looks to be the perfect late Friday night movie to be something out of a John Wick movie. Even though the two are seen as rivals, they seen with a side of popcorn for those who enjoy action-packed thrillers.

6 Recreation

MAY 5 - MAY 12, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // Trip Advisor

Rebounderz Adventure Park’s arcade is a hotspot for both children and parents alike.

When we’re done bouncing off the walls at home, we’ll jump over here STAFF PICK: REBOUNDERZ ADVENTURE PARK LESLIE M. LEVY STAFF WRITER

T

he playground equipment is still roped off. The gyms are still closed. School is still online.

Playdates are a thing of the not so distant past. Kids are bouncing off the walls, and parents are beginning to climb them.

We all have special places we are waiting on to reopen. Adults are missing their favorite coffee shop or restaurant, hot yoga and the gym. Kids are largely not waiting with baited breath for schools to reopen, except for seeing their friends not just live in real time, but in person. They are waiting on their favorite park or candy shop or movie theater to reopen. But what is the one place in all of Sonoma County that can fulfill nearly all of these wishes in one fell swoop?

Rebounderz Adventure Park in Rohnert Park!

The place where every member of the family can burn off excess energy or boost the metabolism to

get more energy. The place where kids can dive into a giant pit of foam blocks and parents can play arcade games while their kids aren’t watching. The place where “ninja warriors” of all ages can run an obstacle course of epic proportions, and congratulate themselves with a good solid healthy snack or hard earned junk food at the same counter.

It’s also one of the most likely places to spread COVID-19 like wildfire.

For the foreseeable future, Friday night Jump n Jams, normally full of bouncing bodies and bumping speakers, are f lat and silent. Instead of a monthly planned accommodation for people with sensory processing issues, every night is Sensory Friendly Night. Home School Days aren’t connecting points for the few and the brave anymore because everybody’s doing it. The slower paced Munchkin & Me time slots

for parents and kids under age seven aren’t special bonding time because most kids aren’t in daycare all day like before everyone started sheltering in place.

It’s unclear yet if there will be any optional summer camps offered if the order lifts, but the AirXercise classes are closed until fall. There will be no Ninja Nights for Millennials or X Outs for Xers.

For now, there’s no Dodgeball and Basketball Slam for the boys while big sister takes the little doorway through the Indoor Playground so that mom can finish up work on her laptop with the wifi in the cafe. There will be no birthday parties full of snotty noses, no Scouts, Sergeants, Majors, or Generals buying packages, and there will most certainly be no Parents’ Nights Out. Still, this is one place that parents and children alike can’t wait to reopen.

Get your game on without leaving home

STAFF PICK: NBA 2K

ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

T

COURTESY // nba2k.com If you’re missing that rush of playing sports with your friends, NBA 2K is a great way to do that from home.

his pandemic has been difficult for many of us who like to be active in sports because we can’t go outside much and be with our friends. Luckily, an alternative to that can be playing online sports video games like NBA 2K, Madden, and FIFA against our buddies. NBA 2k in particular is a popular basketball game that has been releasing annually since 1999.

Over the last several years, 2K has made great improvements to their graphics as well as their game modes for gamers to have different experiences together. So, if you’re missing that intensive competition then this is the game for you.

Game modes like All-Star Team Up, MyPark, Play Now, and MyTeam are alike because they allow users to set up online games with their friends so they can play each other during this whole pandemic. What sets each game mode apart is the style and teams you can play with.

For example, in MyTeam it is set up for users to be able to select whichever NBA character they would like to play with and it can be from any year, not just current basketball stars. Each 2K character has what is called a “card” with an overall rating from 50-99 and each card has a color matched to the overall.

So, for example, if the card is 86 overall then it would be a blue card that can be purchased in the game auction house.

Once a user has established a good team,

they can invite a friend and begin to play each other’s Myteams.

MyPark, on the other hand, stands out from the other game modes because the gamer is playing with one single character. It is basically like our own player we create in the game and we go through the process of what it is like to be an NBA prospect from high school. The game mode starts off with the user playing college basketball to be recognized for the NBA draft then it goes through different training events that are put in place for your career player to gain a draft stock. Once the Myplayer gets drafted he begins to earn VC that can be used to increase the overall rating. Once you feel your player is ready enough, you can challenge your friends to play at the “MyPark” and test eachother skills.

There is also a very simple game mode called Play Now where you can basically play with current NBA teams or select older throwback teams that were popular like the 2006-2007 Golden State Warriors. It gives each player the opportunity to play with their favorite players or hometown teams while having a good ole friendly competition of virtual basketball.

So, if you’re missing the competitive gameplay of sports with your pals, instead of hitting the courts, plug in your controllers and get playing! See you out on the court.

Recreation 7

MAY 5 - MAY 12, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Build a civilization with friends STAFF PICK: THE SETTLERS OF CATAN ANGELINA QUEVEDO STAFF WRITER

C

reating our very own civilization can be time consuming and overall a difficult task. Managing resources and protecting cities can be difficult for anyone, but there’s a game that can be a great way to practice.

One of the best ways to achieve your goal of leading a civilization is by playing The Settlers of Catan, an extremely interactive board game that can be used to play many different ways.

The board game allows you to create cities, settlements, roads and knights by earning resources that allow you to build.

This game takes place in the mythical world of Catan. Luckily, Catan is a land of many resources such as harbors, pastures, fields, hills, mountains, forest and deserts. Obtaining these resources throughout the game will be dependent on the unpredictability of the dice utilized in the game.

Early on it is smart to choose numbers that you feel will be rolled the most throughout your game. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task, because of the incalculable decisions of the dice. Because 6 and 8 are the most common numbers to roll with two dice (aside from 7) this is a great place to start.

After putting the puzzle-like board game together, the initial objective is to be the first player to reach 10 victory points. The person who reaches the first 10 points in the game is declared the winner.

In order to win it’s necessary to have the most resource producing land and obtain the most settlements, cities and roads built before any other player.

Each player has the opportunity to mingle with the nearby settlements (other players) to trade ore, wheat, wool, wood and clay to help further their journey towards achieving the greatest civilization.

The game Catan is known to be filled with an equal blend of strategy and luck. This makes the board game very intriguing for people both young and old.

The Settlers of Catan can create much interaction between players and is very family friendly. The regular game is designed for 3-4 players but

Pick up a new skill

STAFF PICK: ROLLER SKATING

COURTESY // Amazon The Settlers of Catan is a classic board game fit for the whole family. luckily, the company sells the expansions allowing two more players to join.

The Settlers of Catan can be a very exciting way to kill time while in quarantine due to its long playtime, exciting conquests, and chance of victory.

It can be quite the game of strategy and just when you think you are in the lead, other players aren’t far behind, keeping everyone on their toes throughout the whole game.

If you find yourself with extra time be sure to sit down with your family and spend some time creating your greatest civilization.

Get a photoshoot when quarantine is over STAFF PICK: CRANE CREEK PARK BRANDON SPARKS

STAFF WRITER

O

STAR // Taya Andrade Lace up and shred some concrete in places like Elanor Ave. community park.

SAMANTHA BILLINGSLY STAFF WRITER

Most of us are facing our first ever government mandated shelter in place.

No one really knew what to expect at first, which made everyone want to buy an endless supply of toilet paper. For a second there, it seemed like things were going to get a little Mad Max. In reality, quarantine only has people wondering what day it is while they walk their dog every 10 minutes. We’ve all got a lot of time on our hands, but put down that leash my friend! Your dog is tired of walking.

As we make our way into a summer that’s going to be a lot different than what we expected, the best way to pass the time is on a pair of skates. If you’re itching to get outdoors on a nice sunny day, there’s no better way to do it. Why wear down the knees with all this constant running and jogging?

On skates you can still get a full body workout while you practically glide your way to wherever you’re going.

Many of us are probably in the middle of picking up a million different hobbies, or working to hone a particular craft. Quarantine has strangely blessed some of us in that way. So whether you’re a beginner or a longtime concrete shredder, lace up those skates and get outside. There’s no better time!

To truly achieve the most optimal

ride it’s important to find smooth ground. Some of the best places are minutes away from campus. K-section, which is just north of the Green Music Center, is a non-gated neighborhood with tons of concrete trails. Since K-section is a brand new community, all of the pavement is practically flawless.

K-Section and other newly built communities are perfect for catching a smooth ride.

If you can’t get to K-section, most housing communities and parks have tennis/basketball courts that are still open to the public. Courts are great secluded areas to get the hang of skating and also practice tricks.

Speaking of tricks, moonwalking on skates is a very basic one that beginners can learn. Moonwalking on skates is actually easier than riding and can teach you how to utilize your front stopper. To moonwalk, start with one skate completely flat on the floor while the other skate is holding you stable on the stopper. Then in one motion simply slide the flat skate onto it’s stopper, while you bring the other skate flat onto the floor. After practicing a few times the motion should get more and more fluid!

Let’s leave quarantine in style on a pair of skates.

ne day after quarantine, you and your friends decide to get some photos of yourselves together to have after college and to celebrate being outside again, but you have no idea where the best place is.

The best location to take photos, whether it be portraits of friends or snapshots of landscapes, is Crane Creek Regional Park. It has one of the greatest backgrounds in Sonoma, with its beautiful green hills, farm life booming all around, and plenty of open space to achieve different angles to get that perfect shot. It is located right off of Petaluma Hill Road, down Roberts Road, and the street leads you right there. There is a small parking fee but once you do that, you have a beautiful hike ahead of you for some gorgeous pictures.

Crane Creek has many different paths one can take, with each leading to more locations to take some pictures. There is a bridge that leads over a tiny creek, which alone is a great place to get photos.

There is also a giant tree overlooking the creek that people can sit on, set up a swing onto, or hang up a hammock to relax while listening to the f lowing water, if you want to come here for other reasons besides taking pictures. On top of that, there is livestock located right next to the park with just a small fence separating the two, so you can

walk right next to the cows and take some photos with them in the background.

Further down the walk there is also a big hill that overlooks a valley that is a wonderful background for any type of photo you’re looking for. Posts for frisbee golf are also found in the valley in case you’re looking for another activity once you’ve wrapped up your photography. A suggestion would be to go during “golden hour,” which is a time right before sunset when the lighting becomes a more orange light that looks beautiful in every kind of photo. Taking photos during the brightest time of day is not the best as the exposure from the sun will make most of your photos look too bright and sometimes unfixable.

Crane Creek Park is one of the locations that many people should be coming to visit more often, but probably aren’t able to take the best photos due to time management or not coming prepared with the correct photography skills or equipment. Living so close to the park, however, gives many SSU students a great opportunity to take some amazing photos.

So, when this quarantine is over, and you’re looking to get some amazing pictures or just lounge around, visit Crane Creek Park.

STAR //Brandon Sparks Jojo Marriner loves taking photos in beautiful places like Crane Creek Park.

8

Outdoors

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY

STAFF PICK: DRIVE TO BODEGA BAY

COURTESY // Google Maps COURTESY// Sonomacounty.com The drive takes about 40 minutes, but the view is great.

If you bring some binoculars you could also spot dolphins, gray whales, and sea lions.

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

C

OVID-19 has brought our country into a deep panic. Restaurants are for take-out only while beaches, gyms, bars, and all other public functions are all temporarily closed. So, what can people do in times like these?

It seems that the majority of people are binge watching television, playing video games, working out at home, going for walks, eating lots of food, and spending time with their families. Something that has also been popular is driven by birthday parties or other visits where people hang out in the front yard while social distancing outside.

Another activity that one can do is to go for a drive. Fresh air and a change of scenery will help you stay sane in times like these. But, where do you go?

The best place to go with a worthwhile view in Sonoma County is Bodega Bay. Although the beach may be closed and coned off, you could still take a calm 30 to 40 minute drive down the coast without having to get out of the car.

It is a fun and safe place for the entire family. Bo-

dega Bay has beautiful scenery ranging from gorgeous sunsets in the evenings, acres of green wild life, a bay full of all sorts of boats, the glistening ocean beyond the cliff, and many more. There is also a plethora of five star eateries that one could order takeout from such as Spud Point Crab Company, Gourmet Au Bay, Terrapin Creek, and more. Spud Point Crab Company has some of the best crab cakes in the area!

There is so much history behind this historic beach and its surrounding area. Taking a drive down the coast and seeing the ocean can be great for one’s mental health during a stressful time like this. Get out of the house and go for a peaceful drive!

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS, UNDER THE STARS STAFF PICK: BACKYARD MOVIE THEATER CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

I

n one of the most unconventional periods in American history, if not world history, millions of people find themselves locked in their homes waiting for their respective cities, states, and counties to tell them that it is ok to resume their everyday lives.

While our medical professionals and front line responders continue to make strides to help us regain our normalcy, it still will be sometime before we can go back to doing normal outdoor activities.

So a question many Americans around the country have been asking themselves, “how do I keep sane in these stressful times’’?

Well, if you are lucky enough to have a backyard, do I have an idea for you. That idea is creating your own outdoor/drive-in movie experience.

It is simple; you can take any bed or white sheet you have in your house hang it up in your backyard and with the simple purchase of a phone projector, which is for sale for as cheap as 20 dollars at stores like Best Buy or Amazon and then you have created an outdoor viewing experience in the comfort of your own home.

You can even get creative with it, you can create a concession stand with a table and candy bought from local stores, to help the night and time at your own drive-in theater that is much more authentic. You can just sit back, relax, snack, and chat in the comfort of your own backyard.

There are two more great things that the home theater gives us, it allows us to go outside, breathe some fresh air, enjoy a movie, and maybe for just an hour or two will enable you to feel a sense of normalcy again that so many have longed for. It also serves as a small escape from the world that we find ourselves in, with a little slice of classic Americana.

But perhaps what it allows people to do is it bring families and loved ones(whom you’re quarantining with) together for a night of fun and perhaps a bit of self-reflection for people to be thankful for what they have, and take comfort in the fact that despite living in one of the uneasy times in American history we have each other. So if you’re looking to make your governmentCOURTESY// Pinterest mandated lockdown a little vibrant, there is no better option than the backyard movie To make the experience feel more real, grab snacks from your local store. theater.

When going outdoors, remember to follow social distancing and maintain six feet apart.

COURTESY // The National Recreation and Park Association

Outdoors 9

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

THE BEST BEACH IN THE BAY

STAFF PICK: DORAN BEACH, BODEGA BAY LILY FRAZIER STAFF WRITER

O

ne of the best places to visit after lockdown lifts will be the beach. With scenic views, nice weather, and fresh air, heading to the beach, while following social distancing guidelines of course, will be a great way to enjoy the outdoors again once the shelter-in-place is lifted.

Rohnert Park is conveniently located near many wineries, parks, and beaches. If you and your friends or family are looking for a quick ocean getaway this summer then head to Doran Beach located in Doran Regional Park.

Doran Beach is only a 40 minute drive from Rohnert Park and is one of the most popular summer sites in Sonoma County. Doran Beach lies on a peninsula that separates the Bodega Harbor and the Bodega Bay. Even if you have been to Doran Beach before, you will find that it has so much to offer and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Unlike other beaches in Northern California, Doran Beach faces south meaning there are no powerful waves or currents. This makes the beach a very family-friendly site that allows everyone, including children, to swim freely in the water and even learn to surf.

Doran Beach is also a popular camping site if you want to make a mini-vacation out of your trip. Doran has over 120 campsites all year-round for tents, trailers, and RVs. Make sure to check the availability and reserve a spot at SonomaCountyCamping.org. If camping is not your cup of tea, there are also many beautiful lodges nearby to stay and rest at.

If you enjoy long walks on the beach, try out the hiking trails as well. Doran has great hiking trails on the north edge of the beach and on the harbor side ranging from 0.3-1.3 miles. Bring your furry friends too because Doran is dog-friendly, pets on leashes are welcome to the beach and the trails.

After a long day at the beach and hiking the trails, enjoy a nice picnic or barbeque and a gorgeous view as the sun sets on the waves.

There are many picnic spots available throughout the park and beach, tables and benches or bring your beach blanket and unwind on the sand.

Beaches in Northern California can be warm and sunny during the day or completely cold and foggy, so check the weather, dress accordingly, and always pack a light sweater just in case. On warm days, it is best to arrive just before 11 a.m. to get parking, which is $7 or free for regional park members.

Even though the current pandemic may seem scary, just remember to adhere to the county’s orders and practice social distancing.

Doran Beach will always be home to many beach lovers and welCOURTSEY // californiabeaches.com comes everyone, definitely keep it on your list of places to travel to Doran Beach lies on a peninsula that seperates Bodega Bay and the Bodega Harbor. this summer once it is safe to do so.

LIFE’S A CLIMB, BUT THE VIEW IS GREAT STAFF PICK: NORTH SONOMA MOUNTAIN JAMES HARWELL STAFF WRITER

Q

uarantine has presented many obstacles to the outdoor lifestyle. For those of us who love to spend time outside, this shelter-in-place has acted as a big treasure hunt because after all what is a better way to socially distance than to be in nature?

On April 28, The Press Democrats Mary Callahan said in her article titled ‘Sonoma County Grants Limited Access for Public’s Return to Parks’ that hiking, running, walking, cycling and fishing will be permitted at all parks in Sonoma County except for those along the coast beginning Wednesday under a revised order issued Tuesday afternoon by Sundari Mase, the county health officer. But as expected, only walk-in and bike-in access will be allowed, with parking lots closed and visitors risking a ticket if they drive from home and leave their vehicle outside a park to gain entry. All parks and beaches on the Sonoma Coast will remain closed until further notice, That prohibition, along with limits on Russian River recreation — no swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and water sports — was kept in place to avoid the rush of visitors, including out-of-town residents, that open beaches elsewhere across the state have reported in recent days.”

So in other words, parks and trails are open again to hikers North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park takes the crown as number 1 according to Yelp. Within the comments section of the Regional Park’s profile page, the comments are all showing large praise. In February of 2019, Michael H. from Los Gatos said, “The perfect hike...through dense forests, sweeping panoramas from open fields, river crossings, waterfalls and a great workout.” Local resident Harminder D. also had a lot to say about the park’s hiking opportunities in 2016 when they said, “Most of the hike is uphill with switchbacks and shaded with trees. After hiking for around 45 minutes and a few miles, you will arrive at the Bennett Valley Overlook which has amazing views. This is definitely a photo opportunity .

Now that the trails are somewhat open, go check out what North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park is all about. The address is located at 5297 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

If you have any question, comments or concerns about the parks feel free to contact the park services at (707) 539-8092.

COURTSEY // YELP California has granted access to hiking trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. North Sonoma Mountain is one trail in Sonoma County to reopen.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL STAFF PICK: ORANGE THEORY VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

W

hile the nation is battling a pandemic staying in shape it is still very important.

Orange Theory has been creating home workouts everyday since quarantine started.

This is a great way to stay active and stay healthy during this troubled time that everyone is dealing with.

The Orange Theory company decided to close its doors on March 16 and has been working to open its doors when life goes back to normal.

The gym prides itself on being, “ a sciencebacked, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. The hardest part of our workouts is showing up - we make it simple for you to push yourself, be your personal best and give you more.

MORE results. MORE confidence. MORE Life.

More than a gym. Because you shouldn’t live to exercise. You should exercise to live.”

Orange theory is committed to finding what workout works best for each person.The workouts are posted everyday in the morning on Youtube for free. They are about 30 to 50 minutes long and are professionally done by the gyms personal trainers.

The workouts are for everyone, no matter shape or size. Choose to walk, jog, run, stride or bike. The workout shows results for anyone’s unique needs.

Instead of using the normal dumbell weights or bars, they will use home goods. In exchange for dumbells, the trainers will use water bottles as weights or backpacks with books in them. The workout does a great job at showing how anyone can be resource full during this trying time.

The workout is structured around five to six rounds. First round being a dynamic warm-up.

Second round focusing on strengthening your core with high intense cardio. The third and fourth rounds work on the entire body. The focal point is to enhance your leg strength and arm strength.

With the final rounds ending with more core workouts and the final cool down stretching out.

Anyone can workout with orange theory. The business focuses on making it attainable for everyone. With it being posted on YouTube everyday working out with Orange Theory is a great way to spend your time during quarantine.

Make the best out of every situation and get into shape during this time with a great workout.

COURTESY// LinkedIn Orange Theory is commited to help everyone, no matter their gym background.

10

Wellness

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Friends make the world go round

Chelsea Pinkham

STAFF WRITER

STAFF PICK: ZOOM PARTIES

I

n the past months, the national lockdown has taken an emotional toll on people in a variety of ways.

For college students, one of the most difficult transitions has been the abrupt end to social life, separation from friends, and for many, the sudden and unexpected move-in back with parents. While life remains far from “normal”, there are still ways that students can remain connected with their friends and communities during these bizarre times.

“Zoom happy hours” have become extremely popular in the past weeks and serve as a safe and efficient way to stay connected with friends. Since Zoom is designed for large class meetings and tends to have high-quality audio, it feels less chaotic than Facetime with large groups of people and can be a fun way to stay caught up with friends who cannot meet up in person. Screen sharing can easily be used to watch videos together, share photos, and play games. The platform is not limited to use by professors, and anyone can host a Zoom meeting, though setting a password for each meeting is advisable to prevent meetings from being hacked or crashed.

Setting goals with friends and holding each other accountable can be another fun way to stay unified and maintain a sense of routine and normalcy. Finding an indoor workout or yoga routine (The “Twoweek shred challenge” by Youtuber Chloe Ting is a popular and conveniently short one) and carrying it out together on facetime on a daily or weekly basis keeps friends communicating and can be a major boost to mental health. Goals do not have to be fitness related, either; committing to learning a new skill together (painting, drawing, gardening, raising indoor plants, learning new recipes- the list can go

on and on) or reading books together can be every bit as valuable. Zoom book clubs have also seen a rise in popularity since the national lockdown and can serve as a great form of distraction from stress and anxiety.

COURTESY // Ashley Cobb Zoom is a great way for people to stay connected, no matter the distance.

Staying connected with one’s community can extend beyond keeping in contact with friends- caring for the vulnerable is also incredibly important. Offering to deliver groceries for the elderly or immunocompromised in your neighborhood who may not be able to afford delivery services can literally make the difference between life and death. This can be done via the Nextdoor community app, Facebook, or simple word of mouth; and checking in on those in need can make a world of difference.

As easy as it is to feel isolated during these strange times, with a little creativity everyone can stay connected to those they care about- and maintaining a sense of unity has never been so important.

Consistency is key

Ryan Weiner

STAFF WRITER

STAFF PICK: CREATING A SCHEDULE

A

s New Coronavirus cases continue to emerge in the United States, many healthy individuals are being asked to stay inside their house and selfquarantine. Being inside a house all day can start to take a toll on a person’s mental health and well-being, not to mention the extreme boredom that comes with it. In order to combat these effects, setting a schedule for daily activities can help boost a person’s daily productivity and mental state.

The first thing to address while making a quarantine schedule is sleep, according to a physical therapist, Muhibb Sadiq, adapting a bedtime routine helps the brain and body recognize when to shift gears. “Restorative sleep is one of the most important sources of healing and recovery for the brain and body”, claims Dr. Sadiq. Both falling asleep and waking up at a consistent time will play a great role in a person’s well being and mental state.

Another activity to add to a quarantine schedule is getting active for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether it’s going for a jog around the block or lifting weights in the backyard, physical activity is crucial in helping control body weight and helps improve one’s mood. According to mayoclinic.com, physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.

This is a great activity to add to your quarantine list of things to do during the day so you do not fall into certain bad habits, like binge eating, which can cause various health problems.

While these activities are not mandatory in maximizing productivity, having a morning routine is the key to success, claims career development author Laura Vanderkam. Some of the most successful people in the world; Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Oprah Winfrey each have a morning routine, each of them being customized to their lifestyles.

Vanderkam advises the following, focus on three big tasks per day, starting with the most important and ending with the least important. The first task of the day is typically when you will do your best work because that is when the body is most energized and ready to go. Take the middle of the day off, plan your work around when you will be most productive. For most people, taking a break in between tasks can help reduce stress levels, which in turn will help improve the quality of the task at hand. Keep your routine flexible, write a schedule that can help keep you focused and organized, do not block out every hour of the day. Try to accomplish three tasks for the day while allowing yourself to breathe in between.

Breaks are essential for helping you catch your breath, meditate, or reflect on how everything is going. Being quarantined is quite weird, so staying productive with these couple of tips is a great way to keep your body and mental health at a positive level.

COURTESY // Marco Verch

COURTESY // Yunitasari.com

Keeping busy and organized during lockdown is crucial for one’s mental health.

Keep calm and breathe

STAFF PICK: RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Joseph Owen

STAFF WRITER

S

COURTESY // yogaaunatural.com

Activities like yoga, reading, and getting plenty of sleep can improve one’s lockdown experience and keep their mind healthy and happy.

helter in place has caused many people to experience anxiety and depression.

They feel like there is nothing to do and are starting to go insane. Little do they know there are plenty of things to do to both ease the boredom and the anxiety at the same time. There are many different resources and outlets to help.

Listening to calming music is an incredible way to reduce stress. Finding new relaxing music and listening to Frank Ocean or a 24/7 live YouTube video on a constant loop is a great way to get through the day. While people do some chores or work on a puzzle, listening to relaxing music can subconsciously reduce anxiety.

It also helps with falling asleep which has been a struggle for a lot of people during the quarantine.

Sleep is both important and necessary, especially during such a stressful pandemic. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety, depression, and fatigue that can take a toll on anyone’s body both mentally and physically. The Calm app has voices and sounds that have been downloaded and used by thousands of people and is number two on the health and fitness app store because it is proven to work. It creates a calm vibe with sounds like the ocean and a relaxing voice to slowly ease people to sleep.

Meditation is another incredible way for people to relax and reduce anxiety.

Breathing techniques and mind-clearing exercises can be very helpful. Apps like Breathe: Meditation & Sleep and Headspace are two amazing and helpful ways to train your mind to relax when there is nothing else to do. These apps can be both helpful and relaxing, and it also is known to help people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

This quarantine has become incredibly stressful for everyone and the only thing to do sometimes is sit back and relax. If you can’t find peace and quiet, there are always other activities to keep you calm. Start a puzzle, sketch a picture, whatever you can pass the time with, and get your mind off the anxiety. This quarantine has made us all incredibly bored and anxious. While it may not seem like it, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Use this time to do something you’ve always wanted to do or keep a journal, write down thoughts, and try to figure out what you can do to make them more positive. Anything to pass the time will help during such stressful times.

Wellness 11

MAY 5- MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

High from shelter in place Kylie Lawrence STAFF WRITER

STAFF PICK: WEED DELIVERY AND PICK UP

T

he Covid-19 outbreak seems to be causing confusion among the marijuana-smoking community about which dispensaries are currently open, delivering, and offering online ordering services. Sonoma County potheads should not be concerned; many local dispensaries are still open during the pandemic and are offering safe modes of ordering and obtaining your bud.

Smokers can safely browse quality product options and have weed delivered to their door (as long as they are over 21 or are a medical patient) using these websites: Mercy Wellness, located on Redwood Drive in Cotati, is still open every day of the week during the Covid-19 outbreak. It is a locally owned and operated business, offering delivery services in Rohnert Park, Windsor, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Cotati. Their website is user-friendly and customers can easily browse through a large selection of high-quality flower, cartridges, edibles, extracts, and more. They only charge a $5 fee for delivery.

Mercy Wellness is a popular choice among Sonoma State Students who can legally purchase marijuana.

Farmhouse Artisan Market is delivering!

They offer a menu that rotates regularly and only showcases products from small, biodiverse farms. Their weed is excellent quality and remarkably fresh. Open every day of the week, they accept cash, debit, or credit payments. The Farmhouse Artisan Market website is beautifully designed, and just looking at their homepage is relaxing. The delivery drivers are quick, efficient, and extremely nice.

Your purchase must be at least $40 to have it delivered in Petaluma, Penngrove, Cotati, and Rohnert Park, but this minimum purchase fee is lower than most. The range of prices for their products is large, so there’s something for the tree-connoisseur who smokes only the best of the best, and there are options for those who still want quality bud but do not want to

empty out their wallet.

West Coast Smoke is one of the cheapest options for quality flower in Rohnert Park. They offer more deals and specials than other dispensaries in the area, and they also have an installable app that you can order from. One of the best aspects of this dispensary is that they deliver for free.

Whatever price is listed on the menu has tax included, so when you go to checkout, there are no hidden costs, additional taxes, or delivery fees. Also, if you act quickly, they still have 4/20 deals available for purchase. For those desperate to get a bang for their buck, West Coast Smoke is an affordable option that will deliver to residents in Santa Rosa, Napa, and surrounding cities any day of the week, for free!

Sparc, a long-trusted source for quality cannabis, has multiple locations in the Bay area. Sparc cannabis products are sustainably grown in Sonoma County in fully organic, biodynamic fields using only natural sunlight. They also offer a massive selection of cannabis-related products produced by over 30 different brands. Right now, there is a 10% discount on all orders over $100 and a 15% discount on orders over $200 placed over the weekend, as well as a few other discounts and specials.

The store hours for the Santa Rosa Sparc dispensary will remain the same as before the pandemic, but currently, all orders must be placed online. If you want sameday delivery, you must place your order in the morning or early afternoon. Also, keep in mind that they have a minimum order cost depending on your location, but they do not charge a delivery fee.

Even though all of our lives are rapidly changing during these unprecedented times, we can rely on our local marijuana dispensaries to still be there for us, in the safest ways possible.

COURTESY // Kanakush.com

COURTESY // Freedayx.com

For many people, weed can help with stress relief and anxiety, especially in such a scary time like a pandemic.

Written in the stars Seth Baldwin

STAFF WRITER

STAFF PICK: DISCOVER YOUR ZODIAC

D

ay by day this mandatory shelter-in-place policy is changing and simple things like going outside, and seeing friends are being limited.

Some people have taken advantage and found beauty in this madness to use this time to take on things they might not have had time for. Some people have decided to combat the quarantine is by looking at the stars. Yes. There are dozens of health and wellness trends based on your sun signs that can be followed and are catered more personally to the individual.

Aries: Straightforward, ambitious, intense

People that fall under this fire sign should engage in high intensity workouts.

This will fulfill their energy and yield to fast and visible results. If for some reason you still have all the energy in the world, try a cool-down of Pilates!

Taurus: Practical, romantic, patient

Some say the best methods for a Taurus would be mindful eating and a good night’s rest. Obviously, everybody needs to sleep, but that extra hour will help immensely. Meal prepping will give a more mindful approach to food.

Gemini: Active, cheerful, adaptable

Meditation and focused breathing, in general, will help any Gemini clear their minds and let them relax. Geminis are notorious for getting in their own way by overthinking so this method can combat that and lead to a more decisive and confident life.

Cancer: Sensitive, loving, caring

Cancers everywhere should consider journaling. Journaling is an effective tool to corral the wandering mind and put all their emotions in a physical written for

Leo: Generous, strong, competitive

Leos are very social people typically, so take this time to recharge your social batteries and become more individual! It is a good time to find yourself through all of this.

Virgo: Organized, reliable, attentive

For a Virgo, the best thing to try is recalibrating your energy sources. They are very analytical in nature so it would not be a bad idea to consider a creative outlet to try something new. Paint a picture or sketch a landscape!

Libra: Balanced, thoughtful, flirty

Taking care and listening to the thoughts of others can be exhausting. So, if you are a Libra, you should take up skincare specifically. You might be worried about keeping everyone else’s affairs in balance but use this time to get yourself there.

Scorpio: Passionate, loyal, serious

The most intense water sign, like its fire sign counterpart Aries, should engage in HIIT workouts to let some of that fire out with a nice cooldown of yoga is in store before the shower.

Sagittarius: Confident, risk-taker, free-spirited

It is not difficult to get a Sagittarius to go on an adventure and be active. But to in order to maintain social distancing, try taking one or more rest days per week with a nice massage thrown in there.

Capricorn: Independent, self-disciplined, careful

Capricorns should try yoga. Yoga is the perfect exercise to decompress which is unusual as they are always keeping themselves busy. A deep breath can go far.

Aquarius: Dreamer, open-minded, entertaining

The standard Aquarius should invest time in entertaining themselves and not others. A simple solution to this would be trying a new hobby they are completely new to like music, art, or anything!

Pisces: Spiritual, emotional, perceptive

A Pisces should approach their feelings and consider stress-relieving workouts like boxing and finish the night off with (completely legal) CBD oil to relax.

Astrology can be a fun and uplifting distraction for many people who want to learn more about themselves and their key traits.

COURTESY // mddawood.com

12 Star: From the Editors

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Devon Pique Student Life editor Devon Pique passes the time with frisbee and friends.

STAR // Natalie Dolan Photo editor Natalie Dolan has been taking grad pictures for friends.

STAR // Jacob Loher Social media editor Jacob Loher has been riding his bike around town during lockdown.

STAR // Gill Chaffer Editor-in-Chief Gill Chaffer has been enjoying the Southern California sun with her dog, Happy.

STAR // Olivia Verbeck Sports editor Olivia Verbeck has been working at Chick-fil-A during quarantine.

The impact of COVID-19 on journalism and the STAR

J STAR // Ashley Cobb Opinion editor Ashley Cobb sunbathes with her dog, Teddy to stay busy.

STAR // Travis Gillmore News editor Travis Gillmore has been spending time with his dog, and taking care of his discus fish.

STAR // Jack Messier A&E editor Jack Messier shared a quarantine smooch with his French Bulldog puppy.

ust a few months ago, life was relatively normal. Coronavirus seemed like something that was far away, with many Americans feeling disconnected from the panic that was brewing in other countries. Many of us felt cautious, but not nervous—no one could have expected what was to come, and the tragedy and anxiety this country would experience.

Come March most of the world had some sort of lockdown in order, which was shocking, traumatic, and for many, a time for self reflection and growth.

Students were expected to show up for class and do their work as if nothing had happened. So many had to move back into homes that were full of chaos and judgement, leaving their comfortable dynamic and support systems back in their college towns. Due to the quarantine it seemed like people in lockdown were categorized as one of two types of individuals—those who were doing yoga everyday and learning new instruments, and those who were falling back into old habits and struggling with their mental health and self esteem.

Balance has been difficult to find and having a schedule full of fun activities that is manageable but not overly gluttonous has been a challenge for many. Even something as simple as watching TV can become a stressful event with commercials and breaking news reports discussing the virus and its impact on society.

Mass media has been booming since the United States closed. Everyday numerous articles are released about potential drugs that can lessen the impact of the virus on victims, and daily it seems like President Trump is telling the world a new “cure” to stop COVID-19 in its tracks. Many have benefited from staying off of social media and news outlets, since reading up on death tolls and terrifying symptoms can worsen health anxiety. The overall uncertainty of this pandemic makes days blur together and is causing a lot of tensions within communities, famillies, and the government.

In times of crisis, people turn on the news.

People flock to social media to see what is trending and who is saying what. Newspapers have often been the first source of media to break a story. With a plethora of ‘alternative facts’ and conspiracy theories circulating on the web, and even ridiculous ‘cures’ coming

straight from the mouths of nation’s leaders, journalists are the first ones to fact check, photographers are the first ones on the scene to take pictures, editors are the first eyes to see a story before sending it off to the world. The STAR is no different, and is Rohnert Park’s only newspaper, and has often been the ones to bring up controversy occurring on and off campus that had not been discussed before.

Many universities have released statements expressing their concern for in-person classes during the Fall, and making the decision to teach remotely for the rest of the year.

Media outlets like the STAR thrive on students and faculty picking up a paper on the way to class, work, the caf or the library, and moving to remote production has certainly seen its challenges. As journalists, articles must be done in a timely, professional manner and moving to online instruction has not changed that.

Once the shelter in place order was announced and once SSU decided to go online for the rest of the semester, the editorial board discussed the possibility of not coming out with a paper. We worried that with low engagement on our social media and website, we would struggle to stay afloat. But going mostly online was exactly what we needed to do— just because the world seemed like it was ending, doesn’t mean that the STAR would. We continued to print and upped our social media game, hoping we would continue to get readers, which we did.

Journalism thrives in chaos. The STAR staff have all been working incredibly hard to produce an intriguing paper that continues to impress the editors each week. Even though Zoom classes aren’t ideal, and things seem harder than ever right now, recent issues of the STAR have proved the dedication and commitment of our entire staff. Sometimes the most confusing and strange times create the most beautiful and influential pieces of art and media. For journalists, this pandemic has made us face more than we can ever imagine, thus improving our skills as writers and communicators. As author Og Mandino once said, “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.”