Issue 9

IN THIS ISSUE

Animal Crossing

COVID-19 & Students

Keep busy with internet games during shelter in place. PAGE 7.

How do students react to the pandemic?. PAGE 8.

No Graduation

Graduation has been postponed for SSU students. PAGE 3.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 84 // ISSUE 9 MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Global shutdown

TAYLOR HUMMEL

STAFF WRITER

The world is on lockdown under the grip of the COVID-19 virus with no clear end in sight. As some countries begin to lighten their societal restrictions, other countries are just beginning to enact their own.

The new hotspot for COVID-19 is within the borders of the United States, and according to the Worldometers’ coronavirus tracker, the U.S. now has over 100,000 cases of the virus across its 50 states.

California, the third largest case holder, led the COURTESY // Alexey_Hulsov wave of shelter-in-place orders, followed closely by New York, which has the largest number of cases. New More than one-third of the globe ordered home.

York’s cases account for nearly half of the cases in the United States. According to The New York Times’ interactive map, 24 of the 50 states have declared a statewide shelter-in-place order. However, 14 states have specific counties with the highest rates under stay at home orders. The remaining states have not yet declared any specific orders to its population. The New York Times calculated that almost “seven in 10 Americans are or will soon be under instructions to stay at home.” see SHUTDOWN on pg. 4

Coronavirus contagion spreads CARES TRAVIS GILLMORE NEWS EDITOR

P

resident Trump announced Sunday, March 29 that the United States Government is revising the social distancing guidelines put in place on March 13 to extend until at least April 30. The administration had been publicly touting a return to normal by Easter weekend, but the decision comes on the heels of Dr. Anthony Fauci making alarming statements regarding the potential number of infections and deaths.

Dr. Fauci estimated that 100,000-200,000 Americans could die from COVID-19, and he forecast that millions will test positive before the situation is under control. Dr. Deborah Birx, after analyzing the data, said the “ models predicted anywhere between 1.6 and 2.2 million fatalities, if we didn’t mitigate...Some of them predicted half of the United States would get infected and have that level of morCOURTESY // NIH tality.”

Scanning electron microscope photo of SARS-CoV-2.

President Trump said, “The peak, the to a reporter or the question they are asking. highest point of death rates — remember this PBS NewsHour Reporter Yamiche Alcindor found — is likely to hit in two weeks...We can expect that, by herself berated by President Trump when she asked a June 1st, we will be well on our way to recovery.”

The International Committee on Taxonomy of Virus- question about the president’s interview with Sean Hannies officially named the novel coronavirus as ‘severe acute ty where he suggested that the governor of New York did respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2.” The not really need 30,000 ventilators.

The president compared his ratings to Monday Night disease that it causes was named coronavirus disease, Football and the finale of the Bachelor, and critics argue COVID-19, by the World Health Organization.

The announcement to extend the shelter-in-place rec- that he is using the platform as virtual campaign rallies ommendations was made during the Coronavirus Task since the social distancing rules prevent candidates from Force’s daily press briefing, an event that has become stumping in the traditional manner.

A Seattle station, KUOW, said they will no lonmust-see reality television for millions of people thanks to President Trump’s combative nature when he objects ger carry the White House briefings live “due to a pattern

Act: cui bono?

SALVADOR FERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

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ongress is set to bail out corporations that have avoided taxes and safety regulations with a $500 billion aid package. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, coal mining companies and others that are tangled up in the coronavirus shutdowns are in line to receive aid packages, all included in a $2 trillion bill funded by taxpayers.

Many of these companies operated in ways before the current economic crisis that caused their current predicament, yet taxpayers are being asked to pay the price.

The bill includes the appointment of a new special inspector general to oversee the disbursement of funds as well as to ensure that the companies qualify. The legislation would also create a five-person oversight panel that would monitor whether companies that received the

see CORONAVIRUS on pg. 4

Mask shortage spurs action TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

I

t all started when New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted that hospitals were in dire need of masks. Christian Siriano, a well renowned fashion designer, responded with his own tweet saying, “I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help.”

Siriano and his 10 seamstresses have been making masks for nurses and doctors who are running low within the New York state area, which has been hit the hardest by the new coronavirus.

Christian Sirano blossomed on Project Runway’s fourth season in 2008. He won the competition and was the youngest to win at only 22 years old. Since then, he has become a well-respected designer, and he has worked with Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Emily Blunt, and many more. Today, he has momentarily switched from making glamorous red carpet gowns to medical masks that will save lives.

Sirano recently appeared on CNN in an interview with Chris Cuomo to discuss his recent endeavor. After being asked how many masks he and his team are able to make, Sirano responded by saying, “We are up to almost 500 a day.” He stated that the reason he wanted to help was that “We can sew. We can try to help. Even if we help 2,000 people that is still more than if we didn’t before so why not?”

Sirano has a team of 10 women who work together, six feet apart, tirelessly to produce these masks. He also has men and women working who feel more comfortable being at home with their families.

He mentioned that his masks have a better, more snug fit specifically because there is a small piece of metal in the middle that fits comfortably around the nose. The masks come in white and grey colors. There are no glamourous Sirano labels to be found on any of the masks whatsoever. They are also washable and therefore reusable. When doctors and nurses are running low on disposable masks worldwide, reusable masks might be the savior of many precious lives.

When asked if the masks were up to medical standards regarding their washability, Sirano was very honest and transparent when he said, “We can’t guarantee anything because at the end of the day we are not medical mask makers. This is really just to help and help prevent as much as we can . . . even just peace of mind people will be able to go home thinking like, ‘ah I feel a little better not having nothing.’”

Sirano’s example has created a ripple effect reminding other designers and Americans that they too can help. Ralph Lauren has now come forward on Instagram saying that they are “starting the production of 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns to aid in the fight against COVID-19.” Ralph Lauren has also pledged to donate $10 million to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity ReCOURTESY // Rhododendrites sponse Fund, the Emergency Assistance

Christian Siriano’s team are sewing masks for first responders.

see SEWING COMPASSION on pg. 5

COURTESY // WhiteHouse.gov

President Trump signs H.R. 748 on March 27. bailout money were living up to the obligations of the bill to retain workers and limit executive pay.

Treasury loans and investments would be prohibited from going to businesses controlled by the President, Vice President and members of Congress, but President Trump will be able to benefit from tax breaks given to real estate developers.

The steps taken by lawmakers are similar to those put in place for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) during the 2008 financial crisis.

Critics argue that if federal money is quickly thrown into the economy in the midst of a fast-moving public health crisis, there is a high opportunity for fraud to occur.

As of now, Congress has debated the details of the bailout and lawmakers are still figuring out how the money would be used to help other American corporate giants. These funds come only two years after the tax reform that benefited big business and following the financial and automobile industry bailouts during the Great Recession.

The options as presented by the legislators are to bail out some corporations or have them put more people out of work. Unemployment is expected to reach as high as 20% this year.

Cruise lines are facing potential cash shortages, but they are residing in the area of Panama to avoid almost all U.S. taxes and safety regulations. Health officials say cruise operators should have done more to stop the transmission of the virus among passengers and crew members.

Coal mining companies have also asked for help and requested that the government revoke a $220 million tax increase designed to support 25,700 disabled coal miners. The industry employs around 51,000 miners and they represent more than half of the working population in some counties. These companies have been repeatedly sued for putting their workers in harm’s way, yet they are asking to get out of a tax that generates revenue to compensate former miners who have black lung disease.

Boeing, the aerospace manufacturer, is accused of misleading pilots and federal safety inspectors about lapses that caused two of its 737 jets to crash. They are set to receive a $17 billion loan as part of a program for businesses that are considered “critical to maintaining see RELIEF PACKAGE on pg. 5

2 Editorial 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:

“VP Pence’s viewpoints

make him unsuitable to fight Covid-19” Read the story on page 3.

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.

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Once a Seawolf, always a Seawolf: mourning postponed graduation

F

or graduating seniors, this is no doubt the strangest and hardest time of their lives. It is hard to comprehend that students have worked so hard the past four years and won’t be able to cross the stage at Green Music Center this May. We have lost our senior events, time with our beloved professors and friends, and the last two months of our youth. Many individual’s minds are racing and hearts are full of sadnessbecause we have to let go of our schooling experiences early.

When the university sent notice that classes would be held online for the remainder of the semester, the shock and confusion did not set in for most until recently. It wasn’t Zoom courses that made this so terrible, but the fact that we might not see classmates, acquaintances, friends, and professors ever again. The connections we made the past four years are gone. We are left with no celebrations, no goodbyes, and no chances to sit in a classroom as a student for the final time. Since move-in day freshman year, everyone has dreamed about the day they would cross the stage and make family, friends, and professors proud. Not to say they aren’t proud, but that moment of recognition is likely gone.

Even though the graduation ceremony is not a crucial celebration for everyone, it is often one of the only events that all close

family members will try to attend, regardless of their location and schedule. So many college graduates are excited to see long distance friends and family during this special day, and come together to celebrate their successes. College students are under an immense amount of stress and sometimes feel as if they are not getting the credit they deserve for their hard work. A commencement ceremony is exactly what many people need to round out their college experience.

Although it is understandable that health concerns take priority over fond memories, it does not make it easier to accept the loss. The Covid-19 virus has taken a huge toll on our emotional health and with isolation, it seems like the world is crashing down. The worst part is, we are powerless. We can not control the spread of this virus or when it will vanish. All we can do is hope for the best, but at this point, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Any angry or upset feelings are valid and relatable to almost every single college senior out there. Anyone who tries to tell us our sadness is blown out of proportion does not understand the emotional toll this has taken and will continue to take on our lives.

The good news is that we are young and have our lives ahead of

us. Things will get better; that is inevitable. Maybe not right away, but we will find a way to overcome this disappointment. We will succeed and make this world a better place. We will pursue our dreams and we will get to where we ultimately want to be.

At a time like this, it is important to lean on friends and family. Being isolated makes it easier to sink into depression.

Making jokes, playing games, being around people is the only thing that will get us through these tough times. Of course, it is important to practice social distancing, but we have to make sure we don’t disappear into the abyss.

Take time out of our days to call, send a good morning text, and just check on each other. Spread love and positivity because that is all we can do.

It is okay to mourn and be sad.. In the absence of a graduation ceremony, spreading uplifting energy to each other will help. This world needs social connection, even if it is through texts and phone calls.

We will prevail and we will show this world what we are made of. There is nothing we can’t do.

Keep working hard and finish the semester off strong. Once a Seawolf, always a Seawolf.

Letter to the Editor: Child abuse on the rise during coronavirus Sent in by Mallory Lozano, SSU sophomore

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n Friday the 13th, 2020, many students across the country had their last days of school.

Day by day, the coronavirus would take over the United States in a way many people did not see coming. This complete halt of American life has also led to a halt in jobs for many parents, which leads to stress within the family. It also has slowed down and even completely stopped court systems, and many important child welfare benefits and activities. All of these factors could lead to an increase of child abuse within the United States, as well as a decrease of supportive services for these children in need.

Ed Gonzalez, Harris County Sheriff from Dallas Texas, says that children could be more at risk for abuse now that they’re at home all day. “The number one reporters of child abuse are teachers,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez wrote in a tweet. “But kids aren’t seeing them right now. Neighbors and other family members, please pay close attention.” Gonzalez goes on to describe signs of child abuse one could witness

or hear, such as bruising or loud screams. He calls neighbors and other family members within the community to action, to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.

Due to the eventual recession we will encounter due to this pandemic, the welfare of children, specifically children in poverty, will diminish severely.

In his article from the Atlantic, Vann R. Newkirk says, “Child neglect and abuse tend to track with greater traumatic events, economic instability, and stress.”

Newkirk says that in addition, children that come from poorer households could encounter more food insecurity, as they are often fed breakfast and lunch at school. Since children are now home from school, they could potentially be missing out on those vital 2 meals a day, which in turn puts even more pressure on their families to come with this extra food for them.

Kim Garrett, CEO of Palomar, Oklahoma City’s family justice center, says that the closure of schools and businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has

people feeling more anxious and fearful than ever. Garrett says, ”I think it’s going to create a lot more stress for families that are already volatile...If you’re quarantined with people for 14 days, it can escalate tension, even among healthy families, especially the fear of the unknown.”

Another resource for children that has taken a hit from the pandemic is the foster care system. In some states, investigators of child abuse have told The Marshall Project they are so fearful of spreading the illness from home to home that some are trying to do their investigating from the front door, or even over video chat. Some foster parents are also refusing to accept new children, even if there is no indication they have the virus.

The coronavirus has already had lasting effects in our world.

Children are statistically more likely to go through traumas and abuse, food insecurity, and children from broken homes will have the resources they need frozen. This requires immediate action from the government for extra protection and care for these children.

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.

Opinions

Opinions 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.

STAR // Kevin Flores

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.

Opinion 3

MARCH 31- APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Shelter in place not being obeyed

JOSEPH OWEN STAFF WRITER

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he novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm with more than half-million cases worldwide, the most now in the United States at over 200,000 cases.

Unlike China, Italy, and many other countries on lockdown, many American citizens, primarily young adults, are not taking the virus seriously. The virus has run rampant through the United States even with government lockdown of nonessential businesses and nearly zero contact rules set by restaurants.

Many college students decided to go out for spring break despite the virus, not wanting to miss out on partying. People are not taking this unforeseen pandemic seriously and it is baffling to see people completely ignore the requirements for the sake of spring break. Many are going stir crazy being stuck at home for a few

weeks but do not realize that this is just the beginning and going out is going to make the pandemic last much longer.

Understandably, many are stressed and worried about paying bills due to the loss of hours put in at work, and the lack of income in the United States. The New York Times reports that over three million people have lost their jobs, the number only ballooning as businesses try to stay open without nearly as many customers. What’s not understandable is the same people using their jobless boredom to go out and party around hundreds of others rather than social distancing, as instructed, to prevent more people from losing their jobs as the pandemic rolls on.

Out of the thousands who have already gotten the virus, most are people between the age of 18 and 49.

In Sonoma County alone, half of the men and women who have gotten the virus are between those ages showing that the virus is not only susceptible to young adults but being spread by them as well. One spring breaker had this to say in Miami to the Reuters, “If I get corona, I get corona, at the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying…We’ve been waiting for Miami spring break for a while.”

Not only are they not taking the

coronavirus seriously for themselves, but completely disregarding the millions of other Americans who are taking it seriously. The longer Americans do not listen to the CDC and the government on social distancing, social isolation, and staying safe, the longer we will have to keep doing this, and the longer citizens and businesses will struggle. Not only is it upsetting, it’s deplorable to the millions of Americans suffering and fighting to stay safe during a literal outbreak.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci said in an interview on CNN that, “Even though when you look at the total numbers, it’s overwhelmingly weighted toward the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” he explained. “The virus isn’t a mathematical formula. There are going to be people who are young who are going to wind up getting seriously ill.” Sadly enough we will stay in this state until everyone takes it seriously and the United States is able to control the vast and quick spread of the virus as it is active. Eventually, if COVID-19 gets worse, American life will be completely put on hold and we will be obligated and/or forced to stay home until further notice. The faster all Americans take this seriously, the faster this isolation will end.

Postponed commencement ceremonies for graduates

KYLIE LAWRENCE

STAFF WRITER

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olleges across the United States are beginning to cancel or postpone graduation ceremonies due to fears that the coronavirus pandemic will last well into the spring.

Some universities are considering virtual alternatives, while others are inviting seniors back for commencement at a later date or simply mailing students their diplomas.

Sonoma State University has officially decided to postpone Spring 2020 Commencement and cultural celebrations, according to emails students have received and the Students FAQ page on the SSU website. An email sent to all Seawolf students from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer, explains that “This means there will be no in-person graduation ceremonies…in May.” The email also said that “The campus is brainstorming ways in which we will celebrate our amazing graduates.”

President Judy Sakaki has informed students via email that “this was a very difficult decision,” and she ensures that SSU is “Not canceling, just postponing graduation ceremonies until it is safe to celebrate our graduates.”

Despite uncertainty across the na-

tion about graduation ceremonies this semester, some colleges are providing more information about the issue than others. Many campuses have provided videos, web pages, and detailed communication about graduation this semester. SSU’s communication has paled in comparison.

While deciding to postpone graduation ceremonies was most likely a very difficult and stressful decision for SSU administrators, the ambiguity in their messaging is causing seniors additional anxiety and confusion. Some seniors are dealing with the news of postponement better than others, but many are disappointed because the celebration of everything they have worked toward throughout the last four years has been put on hold.

Lauren Bracken, a current SSU senior, said, “I didn’t think walking on a stage would mean so much to me until I saw how much it crushed my mom. I feel like I worked my butt off for 4 years, became president of a club, achieved academic honors, and for what? I’m just feeling heartbroken mostly about not being able to thank my professors face to face for the person they’ve helped me become.”

Additionally, many SSU students are concerned about what this postponement means for their careers. None of the official SSU communications addresses when seniors will actually obtain their degrees.

UC Berkeley postponed its 2020 Spring graduation ceremony, but the administration is asking for students’ advice on how they wish to celebrate their graduation in a safe and healthy way.

UC Berkeley’s website devotes an entire web page to discuss graduation postponement. They suggest various ideas for postponement such as “[setting] a date later in the summer in the hope that conditions improve sufficiently” or possibly “[inviting students] to participate

in the December 2020 or the May 2021 ceremonies.” Additionally, the administration at UC Berkeley is asking students if they would still like to “hold a virtual celebration on the original May 16, 2020 date” and explains that they “want to hear from [students].” Along with this information, they posted a survey that students can share how they want their graduation ceremony to proceed.

The University of Pennsylvania has shared with their students that they will be holding a virtual ceremony on the original graduation date and that they are considering holding another, in-person, ceremony in the Fall. They also have an entire web page dedicated to graduation postponement. Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura assured her students that an on-campus graduation ceremony will take place at some point. “While much of the planning is still taking place, [she] can promise [students] this much: [they] will have a commencement ceremony. [They] will walk across a stage, and [she] will hand [them their] diploma. [They] will be back on [their] campus and we will cheer your accomplishments.” She also posted a video of herself on their website explaining, in detail, how the administration plans to deal with online classes and the postponement of their graduation ceremony.

As of March 29th, Sonoma State University has offered students only a brief message from our President about graduation ceremonies being postponed. The message falls short in explaining any potential alternatives or details to help clarify the situation for graduating seniors. SSU administration has not clarified whether or not students will be able to cross the stage as a part of their graduation ceremony and many students are unaware of how postponement will affect them.

Recession is on the rise

RYAN WEINER STAFF WRITER

A

s national panic is quickly rising about COVID-19, the United States economy has been in a downwards spiral. The United States is on a path to a recession if containment for the virus is not accomplished soon. The virus is spreading like wildfire, infecting over thousands a day and bringing the total number infected to at least 122,653 people across all of the states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With so many people contracting the virus, and more expected in the coming weeks, national panic has risen, leading the nation into an economic downfall.

Stock prices have been in free fall, the S&P 500, which tracks the top 500 stocks in the U.S., has plunged by 17% since reaching its peak in February. Far fewer people will be participating in normal daily events and will stop going out to eat, causing local and national businesses to struggle.

For a local burger restaurant in Cotati, CA, known as Acme Burger, who uses locally grown ingredients, high spirits and expectations remain present amidst this tough time. “We want to stay in business for as long as possible, we aren’t going to let the...virus stop us from serving our guests,” said Manager Todd Knies.

Acme Burger is facing struggles as their business is down by 35% since the beginning of the outbreak, but at least they aren’t down and out, as some other local businesses are. Todd and his crew are working tirelessly to keep the restaurant equipment and area clean at all times. “There are no sit down tables inside, customers can only order from the rug that is placed six feet away from the register, and every 15 minutes an employee cleans with bleach and other cleaning products”. Since customers are not allowed to dine in, Acme burger has partnered with a new company called ChowNow, which is a third party commissionfree service that delivers food to the customer’s front door right from the restaurant.

President Donald Trump is doing his best in order to help families and businesses financially as he has signed a bill that would give each tax paying American $1,200 or more to assist with the impact of the coronavirus. Landlords in California and other states are to be lenient with rent payments, since many were laid off due to the outbreak, or have had their hours cut.

The assistance that Trump is giving Americans will help greatly as many families are living paycheck to paycheck and can not work anymore. It would also allow for the market to grow again as the citizens would spend the money on necessary items and hopefully local businesses.

Adults will receive around $1,200 that earn $99,000 or less a year.

For Sonoma State student and part-time employee, Cameron Chavarria, the financial help will be much appreciated. “A stimulus check would benefit myself as I am currently unable to work on campus due to the coronavirus and not currently receiving money on a monthly basis like I usually do”. Cameron is not alone as hundreds of student employees lost their jobs.

Many Seawolves work on campus in order to pay their way through college, pay their own rent, or help their parents with bills at home.

VP Pence’s viewpoints make him unsuitable to fight COVID-19

CHELSEA PINKHAM STAFF WRITER

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n March 26, the United States surpassed global numbers of coronavirus cases, taking the lead from China, Italy, and Spain. While the U.S. government is finally ramping up testing, state and local governments are tightening up restrictions on social distancing and shelter in place order.

Criticism remains about the Trump administration’s early handling of this global pandemic. The selection of Vice President Mike Pence as head of the United States’ coronavirus task force was an action deemed particularly troubling by many.

Pence was appointed to this position of leadership in late February. The former Indiana Governor’s widely critiqued history of anti-science beliefs

and policies has made many question his fitness to serve as head of the nation’s response to this increasingly dire threat. Throughout Pence’s career, a number of his claims have turned heads- ranging from bizarre to downright dangerous.

In 2000, when Pence was running for Congress, he wrote an op-ed that advocated against government regulation of the tobacco industry. “Time for a quick reality check. Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesn’t kill,” he boldly stated in the article published on his old campaign website. Without citing a single source, he went on to state that nine out of ten smokers do not develop lung cancer and two out of three smokers do not die from smoking-related illnesses. Meanwhile, The Center for Disease Control states that smoking tobacco is the “leading cause of preventable death” in the United States.

Pence has always been outspoken in his denial of climate change science, stating that “global warming is a myth” and that CO2 emissions cannot cause changes to the Earth’s atmosphere in another op-ed published on his website. In 2002, he delivered a speech before Congress advocating against the teaching of evolution as scientific fact in public schools despite the fact that the overwhelming scientific consensus embraces evolutionary biology.

Pence has also called for funding of institutions that “provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior”- a statement that, given his anti-LGBTQ political history, many believe is a euphemism for promoting gay conversion therapy.

Perhaps the most notorious moment of Pence’s career comes, ironically, from his heavily criticized response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic during his time as Indiana Governor. A small town called Austin, Indiana faced over 200 cases of HIV. In November 2014 local health authorities recognized that the situation needed rapid assistance, but it was not until March 2015 that Pence declared a public health emergency.

Despite a push from state legislators and health officials to establish a clean needle exchange program to prevent syringe sharing in the community, Pence initially resisted these measures as a social conservative. After meeting with the Indiana State Department of Health and the CDC Pence said he would “go home and pray on it.”

Pence eventually did authorize a temporary clean needle exchange program for 30 days, though these exchange programs did not receive state funding. A 2018 study by Yale University researchers, published in the medical journal The Lancet HIV, concluded that more immediate action on Pence’s part could have significantly curbed the devastating outbreak.

“It was a total collapse of public health leadership and a dereliction of duty in Indiana,” Yale epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves, one of the study’s publishers, said in an interview with the Washington Post. “They could have avoided this epidemic if science took the lead instead of ideology.”

Needless to say, Pence’s track record when it comes to accepting science is dismal at best; and in a time when abiding by scientific evidence and adhering to medical guidelines is more important than ever, many Americans do not find reassurance in their Vice President.

4 News

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Coronavirus

Lockdown

continued from pg. 1

of false or misleading information provided that cannot be fact checked in real time.”

During the Sunday briefing, President Trump thanked UPS and FedEX for their assistance delivering ventilators, but the United States Postal Service was never mentioned.

The president has called for privatization of the USPS, and now the administration is choosing to utilize private enterprise, direct competitors of the federal postal service, to deliver supplies.

The parade of corporate executives at the daily briefings has critics arguing that the nation has devolved into an oligarchical plutocracy.

After hinting to a reporter that he was considering a quarantine for New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut, the president found himself at odds with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in a battle of federal vs state power. Cuomo said he would consider the quarantine a “federal declaration of war.”

The crisis continues to impact the economy, and the COURTESY // Brent Payne whiplash stop is threatening to reverberate harm across wide spectrums of the global financial markets.

The First Amendment is threatened by new orders.

Miguel Faria-e-Castro, an economist with the St. Louis Federal Reserve, in a March 24 post on the Fed’s On The rants have already permanently closed and 11% are expectEconomist Blog, estimated that 47 million Americans may ed to be closed within the next 30 days.

Many college students pay bills by working for tips at lose their job in the second quarter. The Fed’s models deterrestaurants and bars, and the closure of these businesses is mined that unemployment could hit 32%.

Faria-e-Castro concluded, “These are very large num- affecting lives across the country. President Trump said, bers by historical standards, but this is a rather unique shock “You’re going to lose all these restaurants and they’re not that is unlike any other experienced by the U.S. economy in going to make it back.”

The president called for “restoring the deductibility of the last 100 years.”

Unemployment sat at a mere 3.5% in February, but the meals and entertainment costs for corporations” as a means virtual closure of service industries has decimated the work- to help the restaurant industry. Opponents argue that tax force. Employers are struggling to meet payroll demands breaks for corporations and the upper class have been a while workers are attempting to make ends meet with no hallmark of this administration and will do little to boost restaurant revenues as long as doors are shuttered. income or a fraction of what they were making before.

With the virus spreading rapidly in cities around the Restaurants across the nation are unable to pay rent for April, and the new guidelines proposed by the government world, restrictions of movement and more lockdowns are all but ensure a similar situation for the month of May. The imminent and uncertainty is the common thread. Students, National Restaurant Association reports that during the first businesses, investors, and workers alike find themselves three weeks of March, restaurants lost $25 billion in sales wondering what is around the next corner. and 3 million jobs. According to the report, 3% of restau-

NEWS IN BRIEF Sonoma County

World

As of March 30, Sonoma County is reporting 58 coronavirus cases with 13 recoveries. The Press Democrat reports that California, currently with 6,347 cases and 135 deaths, is preparing for a surge of infections across the state.

More than 40% of the global population are now affected by some manner of shelter-in-place order. As of March 30, coronavirus cases worldwide have skyrocketed to over 770,000 and deaths have surpassed 37,000.

San Francisco Six Bay Area counties are extending their shelterin-place orders until May 1. The region was the first in the nation to issue the order, and the quick response is credited with the area having a lower transmission rate than areas like New York.

continued from pg. 1

California is the most populated state in all of America, so it is important that these measures have been put in place in order to decline the spread and to not allow what is happening in the state of New York to occur in California. California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom has been quoted saying that the country “will look back at these decisions as pivotal” in the long run battle against the infectious COVID-19.

Although the United States rate of infection increases, the rest of the world is also feeling the impact of COVID-19. According to international news agency AFP, approximately 3.7 billion people are ordered to shelter-in-place.

The countries under the strictest quarantine implementations, as reported by Business Insider, include China, India, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland and the UK. With this pandemic sweeping around the globe,

COURTESY // U.S. Navy

USNS Mercy arrived in Los Angeles to assist. the health care system in every country is faced with difficulty so these quarantines are instilled to slow the spread of the infectious illness in order to not overload the worldwide health-care system.

With the world’s cases reaching the 600,000 mark, the population is at a standstill as to when restrictions will be lifted. These stay-at-home orders have put many industries into turmoil and many citizens across the globe without stable incomes. The economic impact of the stay-at-home measures have created a newfound difficulty for the world-wide economy due to the slowing of production and consumption.

Russia Moscow is now under an obligatory lockdown affecting 13 million people. Surrounding regions quickly followed suit, as coronavirus cases in the nation topped 1,836.

STAR // Brandon Sparks

New York Macy’s said the coronavirus crisis has taken a “heavy toll” on its business and they are announcing furloughs for the majority of the company’s 130,000 employees.

Syria

Kitchens at SSU reflect the state of the restaurant industry.

According to Market Watch, many industries United Nations officials are concerned that COVhave been impacted because there is “substantial ID-19 could wreak havoc in the war-torn country. economic cost as people aren’t engaged in the same Only half of the hospitals in Syria are operational, work and life activities that fuel the economy.” and populations are vulnerable to an outbreak.

People are not free to engage in the same way of life they had been used to prior to the spread of the coronavirus.

Hungary

Netherlands

In a move similar to others enacted recently around the world, President Viktor Orban was given the power to rule by decree and silence critics in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884” was stolen in an overnight raid by thieves on March 30. The Singer Laren museum was targeted while the institution was closed due to the coronavirus.

STAR // Lily Frazier

Not a soul on campus at SSU. The beauty industry is largely affected, especially in-person service based businesses who are no longer able to offer their services during this time.

The health and wellness industry is also largely affected by the closure of gyms. This means businesses such as these or those similar are no longer able to function as normal which means the loss of jobs and unfortunately the loss of businesses all together.

While these stay-at-home orders are needed and important, they have an unfortunate impact on society as a whole. Many are struggling to afford necessities due to no income coming in. However, many companies have begun to offer employees benefits and pay during this time. Yet, small businesses may not be able to offer the same since they are not able to generate an income during this time.

The entire world has phased into a time of loss and difficulty but that does not mean there will never be an end. While society is stuck in the middle of a pandemic, the notion that there is light at the end of the tunnel is important for the population to remember during this time. While everyone is negatively COURTESY // Groninger Museum impacted, the world has the means to recover after Van Gogh’s “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884” stolen in smash-and-grab heist. the eventual end of this pandemic.

News 5

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State transitions to online learning

CELESTE BARAJAS

STAFF WRITER

M

any activities have been canceled for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester due to the virus that causes COVID-19 becoming a worldwide pandemic. As of March 19, Sonoma State University’s president, Judy K. Sakaki, announced that Sonoma State will not resume face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the spring semester.

The postponement of Spring 2020 Commencement was also announced as well, a decision that leaves graduating students afflicted.

Face-to-face classes will now be all online, which means everyone, from students to professors, will be using resources like Zoom, Canvas and email. An upcoming SSU graduate, Natalie Villagomez Vigil, explained her thoughts on possible consequences for everyone having all their classes online: “ I think a lot of people will struggle with the transition because professors were not all online and students will forget to keep track of assignments—myself included,” she says, “Also I think students with different ways of learning are at a disadvantage because all learning is done through a screen and not interactively.”

This transition for students will not only be different, but this will be complicated for those with different learning abilities, and the disruption can lead students into more stress. The added pressure combined with the stress all college students face: passing their midterms, getting good grades before Spring Break, and all the other issues that strain students’ mental and physical health.

Now the stress has changed abundantly, but not for the better. “The most stressful thing is having to essentially teach myself everything, and be both my own teacher and student – while also juggling four other classes.” says Natalie. Some may argue that she still has her professors that can help, but they too are limited by the constraints affecting society.

According to Natalie, only a few professors have been very understanding about how overwhelming and stressful these times have been and have made themselves more available through Zoom, email, Canvas and even text. Other professors believe classes should continue as if they still met on regular days and hours, with no talk about what we should do next as a whole.

Natalie is not the only one that thinks this way. In a small survey conducted on the social media platform Instagram, 80% of students that responded said they were stressed about this new transition.

Discussions about the crisis are abundant on social media, and many questions are STAR // Edgar Zavala circulating on Instagram stories for students to respond. Students were asked, “What Library at SSU is closed as all classes will be conducted online. are your thoughts about commencement being postponed?” Julissa España, an upcoming SSU graduate, responded by saying, “I just hope they actually postpone it and not classes, but now many are worried about what it’s going to be like after graduation. cancel it.” This is a concern for many SSU students that will be graduating this May. Students are concerned that virtual learning alone could leave them unprepared for Natalie, who was also supposed to walk this semester, feels like an important stepping their careers.

Natalie mentions that as a kinesiology major, “hands on learning is vital. Online stone is being removed due to the fact that commencement is being postponed.

Now with online classes, students are not just feeling stressed about passing their classes cannot offer the same benefits face-to-face learning has with hands on experience. Although it is still possible, it will be very different through a screen.”

SEWING continued from pg. 1

Relief package

continued from pg. 1 Foundation, and it’s Pink Pony Fund.

Louis Vuitton has responded by putting their perfume production on halt and innational security.” Boeing spent $43 billion on stock buybacks in recent years. stead producing hand sanitizer. Louis Vuitton announced that “these gels will be delivOut of all the industries, airlines are receiving a large share of the money because ered free of charge to the health authorities.” of their fundamental role in the economy. $75 billion is designated for the airlines In a time like this with so many things going wrong, it is important to take a step while the rest will be used to support Federal Reserve programs. back and look at the good. Many Americans are showing the utmost generosity. GenerosThe International Air Transport Association reports that airlines are bracing for ity and kindness can be contagious too. an estimated $113 billion of losses because only half of the airlines are able to operate their regular routes.

American Airlines spent $13 billion on buybacks in the past decade while at the same time they are investing their money on capital improvements such as planes and increased wages/benefits for employees.

According to the Washington Post, the hotel giant Hilton announced a $2 billion stock buyback on March 3, just a couple weeks after coronavirus cases started to affect the industry.

According to the Washington Post, President Trump said, “I don’t want to give a bailout to a company and then have somebody go out and use that money to buy back stock in the company and raise the price and then get a bonus. So I may be Republican, COURTESY // Debora Cartagena but I don’t like that. I want them to use the money for the workers.”

First responders are in dire need of personal protection equipment

Cruise ship traveler contracts COVID-19

ATHENA FRANKLIN

STAFF WRITER

V

Californian shares her experience with the coronavirus

acations are usually supposed to be stress free and a getaway from most worries, but lately that hasn’t been the case. Since the coronavirus has rapidly spread across most of the world, traveling has put many people at high risk for getting the virus.

Sharon, a 34 year-old mother of two from Visalia in the Central Valley, traveled to Ensenada, Baja Mexico in early March. She and eleven of her friends went on a cruise to celebrate a bachelorette party. The cruise line she traveled on was the Carnival Imagination.

The cruise vacation was from March 5-8. Sharon said, “The virus was somewhat of a concern to me and my friends I was with, but we had a plan to bring Clorox wipes to sanitize our rooms and use plenty of hand sanitizer. We didn’t expect it to be as big of an issue as people were making it out to be. We thought the major issue was the cruise ships in Europe. We thought it wasn’t going to happen to us.”

The cruise was scheduled to dock around 7:30 a.m. on March 8, but the passengers weren’t able to get off the ship until 6 p.m. because the Carnival Panorama was ahead of them blocking the port. The precaution was taken because a passenger on the cruise ship had symptoms of the COVID-19 virus but was later cleared.

Sharon explained, “No one else I was with seemed to be sick on the cruise. My roommate had a case of what we thought was food poisoning, she got up early in the morning of the debarkation and was in the bathroom, but she ended up testing negative for the coronavirus. There were twelve girls all together for our bachelorette party, and now three weeks later, 7 of us have tested positive, two tested negative, and three remaining were not allowed to test because they didn’t have any symptoms.”

A large number of cruise ships have reported passenger’s getting the coronavirus. According to an article by shiptechnology.com, “Large number of people in confined spaces on cruise ships make onboard tourists prone COURTESY // Rydia to infectious diseases such as the coronavirus. In 2019 alone, the US Cen- Several passengers on a recent Carnival Imagination cruise tested positive. ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported ten outbreaks on itchy cough and some shortness of breath for the next several days.” cruise ships,” continuing, “In 2020, the coronavirus outbreak that originated Sharon has to quarantine in her home until all her symptoms are gone and a nurse in Wuhan, China, is the latest threat to the cruise industry where bookings are done releases her. When asked about her daily life with the virus, she said, “It hasn’t afmuch in advance. At least 13 cruise ships have reported suspected or confirmed cases fected me too much. I was asked to work from home once I returned from the cruise, of COVID-19.” but I have been able to work from my computer everyday without issue. I just pushed Sharon is an active healthy person who goes on walks and hikes in her free time. through the fever. For me the worst of it was not as bad as the flu.”

While still in recovery and isolation, a caseworker is assigned to call Sharon alShe did not have any symptoms of feeling ill while on her vacation until the day after most everyday to check if she has been taking her temperature. She said, “my temperashe got home. She describes her symptoms as “a low fever along with some fatigue, ture has been normal since March 10th.” muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Once the fever was gone I experienced a dry

6 Arts

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // Sally Tomatoes Sally Tomatoes founders, Gerard Giudice (left) and Bill Pettibone (right) have always focused on “making a difference to people in their biggest life moments,” and their newest initiative directly follows suit.

COURTESY // Sally Tomatoes The team will bring the appeal of its restaurant interior to its new community COVID-19 initiative.

Local food favorite offers accessible, affordable avenue for residents to maximize their meals CARSON MILLER

STAFF WRITER

R

ohnert Park’s beloved Sally Tomatoes at Somo Village will now be offering a convenient and affordable way for Sonoma County residents to have delicious meals delivered right to their door.

Sally Tomatoes has been a cherished member of the Rohnert Park community for the past 15 years through its catering and event company efforts centered in Somo Village. Similar to a number of current American restaurant businesses, Sally Tomatoes, along with Heirloom Cafe and other venues at Somo Village, are struggling to stay af loat with the loss of business due to the novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Sally Tomatoes is a locally established catering business known for hosting large events such as conferences, reunions, weddings, funerals and more.

However, “All of our events got cancelled mainly because most businesses could not afford to throw large events anymore such as company parties,” said Stephanie Summers, a dedicated employee of Sally Tomatoes.

Fortunately, Sally Tomatoes has not closed its doors completely, as it has instead chosen to offer the residents of Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Cotati, Penngrove and Petaluma a family-style meal delivery

service. The family-style meal includes a house salad with ranch dressing, homemade meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy and butter peas and carrots all for only $10.99 per person with a four-person group minimum per order.

The frequented, local mainstay is even offering beer and wine to be delivered with the meal for people over the age of 21.

Sally Tomatoes offers a variety of catering-based services, although, due to the U.S. and California government’s fear of COVID-19 spreading, thousands of businesses have had to close their doors, leading to a major loss in revenue, temporary job layoffs and, in more dire situations, permanent layoffs for businesses to remain closed forever.

COVID-19 has left many businesses small and large to lessen their hours and has forced thousands of businesses across the country to close while leaving millions of Americans without a job. Yet, for Sally Tomatoes, this delivery service was formed to offer a safe way for families and eldery adults throughout Sonoma County to be able to receive delicious premade meals for a low-cost by giving the people most at risk to have access to fresh meals, all without leaving their home.

Many businesses in town are not as lucky, for example, many residents and Sonoma State University students alike who work at local restaurants have been laid off with no answer as to when they will be able to return to work.

“I work at an Asian eatery located at the Graton Casino, which, before the COVID-19 outbreak, had brought lots of people from all over to gamble and eat. Although, due to the Coronavirus, Graton has had to close its doors, leaving the people that work there unemployed and struggling to file for unemployment,” said third-year student, Derik Barron.

While Sally Tomatoes remains well attentive to its fellow members of the community,its hosting of various concerts, comedy shows and community-favorite events may be gone for good if Sally Tomatoes has to close its doors permanently. But, to relieve the looming, unfortunate economic impact of COVID-19 in the here-and-now, residents of Rohnert Park and the Sonoma County community are still equipped with a prime opportunity: purchasing affordable take-out and to-go orders from Sally Tomatoes and small businesses alike. This directly aids in keeping them af loat, too, during the unforeseen time.

Fashion industry’s response to Coronavirus reigns proactive, though future largely uncertain JESSICA SIAS STAFF WRITER

F

or the past couple of weeks, alongside the Sonoma State community, many counties across the state, nation and the world at large have been in shelterin-place. While all stores that are considered non-essential have been closed down, for Seawolves alike, it has served especially difficult because even the closest fashion mall, the Santa Rosa Plaza, has been closed until the shelter-in-place for the county is removed Even as fashion stocks have plummeted, many brands like Nordstrom, Nike, Lululemon, Urban Outfitters and more have reached out to their customers to show support during the difficult time, especially in wake of physical store closures nationwide.

While there have been major discounts the brands have offered to their customers, with many providing free shipping, stores like Old Navy have showcased major sales, like 60% off everything, while stores like Nordstrom have even held a 25% off site-wide sale; a readily unusual aspect for a fashion juggernaut like Nordstrom.

Fashion designers have also come together to collect funds for institutions and hospitals alike.

Luxury group, Kering, donated 2 million euros to Italian health care organizations. Even Louis Vuittion is manufacturing hand sanitizer at all of its perfume and cosmetic facilities to collect funds for French healthcare workers.

COVID-19 also affected the annual Milan Fashion week when the virus hit Italy in February. Many fashion brands changed the show formats and fashion brands like Dior, Gucci and Prada had to either cancel or postpone their renowned, annual fashion shows.

Some fashion companies have even produced medical masks, according to Fashion Reporter Marc

Bain.

Bain said, “Instead of making masks, some fashion companies have bypassed the problem by buying finished masks directly from China, which makes most of the world’s medical masks. LVMH, owner of brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior,” he continued, “said on March 21 it had managed to order 10 million masks from a Chinese industrial supplier, including 7 million surgical masks and 3 million FFP2 masks,” Bain finished, “ It plans to repeat the order in similar quantities weekly for at least four weeks.

Kering, owner of Gucci and other labels, is purchasing a total of 3 million masks from China to give to France’s health service.”

The problem has now become finding the correct textiles to make these medical grade masks, and making sure they comply with all regulations.

Vogue Business says how, since many retailers across the world are forced to close down, it could give many of these brands the opportunity to re-evaluate their production processes and become more sustainable.

Rachel Ceransky, reporter of Vogue Business, said, “With revenue plummeting at every level of the supply chain, brands and suppliers might be forced to focus on paying bills rather than making investments,” she continued, “this can be a moment of reevaluation and transition for the industry — and that transition, if handled right, can spell opportunity.”

Many of the brands are working toward supporting their customers through this pandemic and will continue to work toward generating revenue, even if that means luring customers to continue shopping online throughout the shelter-in-place mandate.

COURTESY // sonomacounty.com As local quarantine procedures continue, the full return of Santa Rosa Plaza’s shopping mall remains unkown.

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Music artists take to Instagram Live as ‘free concerts’ sooth the deafening effect of nationwide quarantine MARIA PINEDA-CONTRE-

STAFF WRITER

W

ith major music events canceled and venues closing their doors across the country due to the Coronavirus, several artists and musical institutions have taken their shows online via social media platforms and other live-streaming services to provide much needed entertainment during the strenuous time. Many artists, from the comfort of their own homes, live-streamed concerts to combat isolation and as a temporary way to bond with fans during the quarantine.

John Legend, Swae Lee, Diplo, and Miley Cyrus are just a few of the many musicians that are getting in on the act of providing live-music and concert experiences for the world to enjoy without sacrificing safety. With as many of them using Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook live to do so, each create their own kind of experiences to deliver to their fans. The idea has been picked up by theatres, too, as the cast of the West End improv show, “The Showstoppers,” broadcasted its Tuesday, March 24 performance live to Facebook after the Lyric theatre was closed to audiences.

John Legend helped launch “Together At Home,” a virtual concert series campaign which is supported by Global Citizen in partnership with the World Health Organization; it is described as, “a series of online concert performances hosted on artists’ social media platforms to fight coronavirus, promote social distancing and to mobilize Global Citizens in taking meaningful action to help.”

Concerts began on March 21 and 22, the first weekend of quarantine, as hundreds of thousands of people from around the world attended virtually through their devices to listen to sets from artists like Miguel, Rufus Wainwright, Bastille, Lindsey Sterling, Sauti Sol, DJ Cuppy and many

more. Included was Colombian legend and multi-award winning artist, Juanes, who presented a nearly two-hourlong set that brought in an incredible 700,000 views.

Outside of the organization, artist Miley Cyrus began a series called “Bright Minded,” via Instagram live, which includes an array of influencers and discussions that are now being aired Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. PST. As described by Billboard magazine, the show’s name is an acronym for each subtopic Cyrus plans to address with her special guests across the episodes.

“Bright Minded” encompasses the following: Blessings/curses of social media, Reliable sources, Immune Boosters, Getting active, Healthy anxiety, Thoughts and attention/toxins, Memories, Inflammation, Negative thoughts, Dedicating 15 minutes to something new and Sleep.

Cyrus posted on her Instagram story, as she said, “Me and my guests [are] using our influence and platform to bring optimism while connecting from afar in a time of social distancing; it will prove this does not mean isolation!”

Many students and young adults alike expecting to spend their spring break weekend celebrating at the 10th annual Beyond Wonderland music festival were stripped of doing so due to quarantine regulations put in place that same weekend. Yet, as the ever evolving social media and music dynamic carries forth during the coronavirus crisis, many of them were still presented with the opportunity to enjoy the sets that were going to be featured at the show.

Insomniac Events went live on their YouTube channel on March 20 and 21 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. to put on the first ever “Beyond Wonderland Virtual Rave-A-Thon.” Insomniac Founder and CEO, Pasquale Rotella, along with his team,

COURTESY // johnlegend.com Legend performed an in-home concert on March 17 amid COVID-19 outbreak. transformed the lobby of Insomniac’s LA headquarters into a fully themed Wonderland stage, decked out in the show’s distinct psychedelic style. A live-stream crew captured performances by 4B, Party Favor, SVDDEN DEATH, Drezo and many more. According to a press release from Insomniac, the total event drew over 3.5 million views.

While these times are uncertain, and a struggle to find ways to fill up our days while we must be staying indoors, unless it is essential to leave: consider checking-in on your favorite artists’ social media pages, as they might be one of the many that have turned to web-streaming to share their music and live content.

Players savage their virtual island for bugs, hidden items and resources in the new game “Animal Crossing: New Horizon.”

STAR // Genesis Botello

Escaping reality in ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizon’ GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

E

scape to the outdoors and catch fish and butterflies in “Animal Crossing: New Horizon,” released on March 20 by Nintendo Switch. The release of the game came at a perfect time, as seemingly innumerable Americans are confined to their homes during the mandated quarantine period. As the game has augmented to one of the best-launched games on the Nintendo Switch, according to Famitsu data, the title sold 1.88 million games in three days in Japan and increased Switch sales by 585% from the previous week prior to launch.

“New Horizons” is a smoothly rendered game with no visible pixelation. The island is a break from our current reality; offering a vibrant landscape filled with running rivers, waterfalls, blue beaches, fruit trees, thriving bugs, and a capitalist crook raccoon.

Starting with a few tools, like a shovel and an ax, the delighting island starts to come together. The game begins with the creation of a character, as different body features are chosen by the player, such as the hairstyle, nose, eye shape, and skin color; followed by choosing an island to build a town. The game is a non-linear simulation game that is played using the real clock system. It is set on a deserted island where the player gathers resources, plants trees, and fishes.

There are a variety of fish and bugs that appear based on the time and month.

The objective of the game is to create a utopian island filled with neighbors and plenty of harvest, as the player pays their debts to Tom Nook. Altogether, it reigns as a seemingly simple, yet entertaining game for many.

Tom Nook is a raccoon that sells the player a house at the beginning of the game. “His status as a shop-owner-turned-landlord has become a meme among players. He’s constantly forcing you into new surprise loans to upgrade your house; everyone knows he’s a crook,” says Ricardo Contreras, writer for VICE.com. It certainly makes the player work around the island to gain bells: the currency used in the game.

The characters are different types of charismatic animals. The player can interact with the characters to have conversations and make exchanges of goods from the island.

In the game, the player is able to craft, play with online and local players, shop for clothes and furniture, fish, chop trees and catch various bugs. During the progression of the game, additive features are unlocked, keeping the player engaged and motivated to advance within the game.

Each island offers random items that are unique to each gamer. One player can grow cherries on his or her island as another player grows pears. To have a variety of fruit trees, players can visit online islands with real-life friends and exchange goods or gift them through the mail, or trade in-person on the island: making it a way to socialize in a virtual world with friends.

“Well, of course, there are people out there who want to collect everything. But really I think that’s just one playstyle. And again, we didn’t really design with that in mind as the main goal,” said creator and spokesman of Animal Crossing, Katsuya Eguchi.

“Plus we made it so that you could almost never collect everything. You’d have to visit other people’s towns and such if you wanted to do that. So you’d have to talk to other human players in order to do it, which is sort of a vehicle for our main goal, which was communication,” Eguchi said.

Regardless of the current global crisis, “Animal Crossing” has made its mark for 2020 in the gaming culture. It has brought in new players and become the newest obsession for players around the world. “New Horizon” is relaxing, positive and resplendent in its craft. The virtual escape came at the right time.

Zoos go 0nline during COVID-19 outbreak

CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

I

n the past two weeks alone, the world has changed drastically with the spread of COVID-19. Yet, as disruptive and even as largely ruinous as it has been, it has not stopped many companies that have continued to let the public experience their products in creative ways. All the while, zoos, in particular, have been using the internet to bring the fun of their attractions to people in quarantine, or shelter-in-place. Many zoos are creating live streams of animal enclosures to let the public experience the wonders of the animal kingdom from their own homes.

As of early March, more and more people have been told to start self-quarantining in their homes. The escape from the reality that zoos provide is needed now more than ever before for some people. Luckily for the public, many zoos are transforming their in-person exhibits into live-streams on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

The Oklahoma Zoo closed on March 18, and, under a week later, showcased a red panda camera on its site that allowed the public to view its red pandas from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The zoo explained on its website, “While the Oklahoma City Zoo is closed due to the unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency, it remains committed to connecting people to its animals and expert caretakers, and creating moments of wild wonder for all to enjoy during these uncertain times.”

The Detroit Zoo has also gone online. It has five different animal cams that viewers can tune-in to. These range from penguin, otter, falcon, wolf and snow monkey live streams. The zoo also took advantage of the empty park and let its penguins walk around to different enclosures and see other animals in the area.

The San Francisco Zoo and Oakland Zoo harness a different approach by keeping their social media presence up during these times. They let the public see different animals everyday: from eating; to playing; to going to sleep; the public gets to experience every aspect of these zoos each day.

The efforts of zoos alike show that even though human life is on stand-still, the animal community is thriving. Quaritines around the world have allowed

more animals to receive a surplus of one-on-one time with their trainers and owners.

Many zoos usually close down because of weather and other events throughout the year, so these closures are not as impactful as they are to some other facilities. The Oregon Zoo posted a video describing its situation, explaining, “The zoo does a lot of preparations for emergency situations or weather situations,” as the video goes on for it to say, “We have plenty of food, water, and medicine stocked up.”

With the uncharted territory that COVID-19 has brought to each community, everyone is doing their part so that, when the world is ready, it can move onto the next chapter and can resume life as it once was. The zoos are no exception and are taking care of all their animals daily to ensure that they are happy and that the public will get to see the animals in the future.

COURTESY // Jdehaan of Creative Commons Much like its elephants, the Oakland Zoo continues to showcase an array of wildlife for the public to enjoy virtually.

8 Student Life

COURTESY// Lindsey Abbot Abbot is a third year Theatre major and talks about the difficulty of online classes.

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY// Vanessa Alcala Alcala is lucky enough to be getting paid during these stressful times.

COURTESY// Karina Sumano Sumano still has to grade papers as a TA despite no in-person classes.

How COVID-19 affects Seawolves ANGELINA QUEVEDO

STAFF WRITER

A

s COVID-19 spreads at a high rate throughout the United States, how college students are being affected is extremely overlooked. Within the last two weeks, Sonoma State has gone from canceling three days of face-toface classes, to canceling a whole month, and now canceling all in-person classes until next semester as well as postponing graduation.

Though shutting down most of the university will help contain COVID-19 and limit transferring of the virus among students and faculty, students still face many obstacles such as: commuting to their hometowns, having access to the internet, focusing on online courses while at home, as well as a plethora of other issues.

Lindsey Abbott, a third-year Theatre major at Sonoma State said, “Like any major, the last two years of my education are based around classes with specific topics; two acting classes I am required to take this semester are Acting on Camera and Commedia dell’arte. Both rely heavily on in class participation and in class presentations.”

Abbott continued to talk about how the absence of physical class meetings will negatively affect many students’ edu-

cation. “Of course, my professors are doing their best to accommodate these confusing, troubling times, and are honestly doing so incredibly well; but with a major that relies so much on first-hand experience it’s hard to acclimate to a completely different approach,” Abbott said.

Abbott continued, “If it weren’t for technology, these classes would not work at all. Plus, I will not have an opportunity to take these courses again; the Theatre department runs a program that includes courses offered only every other year.

These two courses, along with the rest of my remaining courses for my fourth year, are under this category. I feel my education is in danger, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Finally Abbott mentons how the virus has impacted her personal life, “Both jobs I have were on campus, both relying on me being there to actually proceed with my work: an usher at the Green Music Center, and working in the costume shop on campus. Although I’m fortunate to have employers that figured out a way to have my job potentially completed online, I know many other students--both on campus and off--that are wondering how they’re going to live in the months to come.”

Many students are being affected because Zoom does not qualify as the perfect learning tool for all students. This is why most students take classes in person--it is hard for many to learn online.

Another student, Vanessa Alcala said, “My family is doing well. I live with roommates in Petaluma but I came home to quarantine at my parents house because it made more sense since my roommates had already left for spring break.”

Alcala also works in a retail store and due to the Coronavirus it was closed, but unlike many student jobs, she is still being paid. Vanessa continued to say, “I 100% understand why we have to do online classes...but it’s hard when you know you don’t do as well. I’ve taken online classes before, and it was a lot harder for me than regular classes,” said Alcala.

Karina Sumano, alumna of Sonoma State University had much to say about the current situation.

“I’m currently a grad student living in Boston during COVID-19,” said Sumano. “Now, all my classes will be conducted through Zoom for the rest of the semester and that’s going to be a really big change since my classes are discussion-based.”

She continued to express how heart-

broken she was when they announced that classes will be online for the rest of the semester. “I really love what I’m studying and I enjoy in-class discussions. I personally don’t do well with having academic conversations through video chat but I’m trying my best. I did not think I would have to end my first year in grad school like this.”

In addition to being a first-year grad student, she is also a TA for an undergraduate class. “I miss seeing my cohorts in person and I didn’t realize that our last class together would be our last one in person together.”

Finally she discussed how the Coronavirus will upset her travel. “I also miss having the opportunity to go to museums since they have shut down, so when it is safe to go out again I’ll be sure to go to every museum!” said Sumano.

During this time, students must remember that we cannot simply go about our regular lives right now--people are out of work, lives are at stake, and businesses are struggling. Staying home and self-isolating during the shelter-in-place will be beneficial long-term, and it can eventually help things return to normal.

Stay strong and hopeful during these difficult times, and lean on each other from afar.

What remains available on campus during the pandemic

ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

S

tudents on spring break were notified by Sonoma State University, through email, that classes were to be moved from in-person to online, starting March 24 and ending on April 20. Later that week, another email was sent out stating that classes will remain online for the rest of the semester. The first emails had mentioned that the school was beginning a plan to allow professors time to adapt to the situation and also change course criterias. This was due to COVID-19, as the disease slowly began popping up in different cities across the Bay Area.

Students were given the option by Sonoma State University to stay on campus if they had nowhere else safe to stay, but they were encouraged to move back home if it was possible, in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Seawolves who stayed in their dorms still had access to the Student Center, the cafeteria, along with the library and computer lab in case some students didn’t have access to a computer to complete their online classes. Although they eventually couldn’t remain open, Sonoma State’s library sent out emails asking students if they needed a laptop for remote learning purposes. To obtain one of these laptops, students were asked to “Submit a request… and [the library] will mail a laptop to your home address.” The laptops were only available while supplies last.

On March 17, President of Sonoma State Judy Sakaki, sent out an email regarding Sonoma county joining the “shelter-in-place” order that was enforced at midnight and would continue on until April 7. Sakaki stated that, “The shelter-in-place order directs county residents to stay in their homes and only go out for essential purposes. The intent of this order is to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus(COVID-19).” Judy Sakaki sent out another email on March 19 notifying students that classes would be remote for the rest of the semester.

In response to the issue, Associated Students sent out an email offering any Seawolf basic needs during this crisis by keeping Lobo’s Pantry open on Tuesday and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will be limiting the distribution to just prepackaged bags of staple foods. In order to pick up the bags, students had to follow certain guidelines that would ensure that everyone is practicing the six feet of social distancing. Hand sanitizer was provided at the tables where people were given bags and staff was there to assist using gloves during the process.

Students were still allowed to travel to essential places such as grocery

stores, auto repair shops, offices for medical assistance, and home if they wished to leave. Sonoma County announced that the parks, trails, and beaches will be closed, as well as recreational areas. The decision was made because of the high volume of people visiting these locations even after the “shelter-in-place” was put into action. Faculty and staff were given permission to be on campus, but were encouraged to practice social distancing.

Rohnert Park and other neighboring cities have closed most businesses, but essential businesses have stayed open.

While people are struggling to remain positive and hopeful during these difficult times, it’s important to keep in mind what we do still have and remember what resources are available in our community.

COURTESY// Sonoma State One resource still operating on campus is Lobo’s Pantry, open from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Student Life 9

Lobo’s Pantry Tues. March 31 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Zinfandel AS elections open Wed. April 1 8 a.m.

Engage@SSU Drop-In hours at the Career Center Mon. -Thurs.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Zoom Student discount at Acme Burger Thurs. April 2 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

550 E Cotati Ave.

Some unique ways to kill time during the quarantine

TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

I

t has been 15 days since the beginning of the shelter in place for Sonoma County residents. On Tues. March 17, Sonoma County ordered all of its residents to remain indoors with the rest of California following on March 19. Since then, Seawolves and other Californians have been doing the best they can to flatten the curve by practicing social distancing and remaining indoors.

According to an article posted by the Mercury News, California Governor, Gavin Newsom states that the shelter in place will remain “until further notice.” With experts uncertain of how long the shelter in place will last, it’s time for people to get creative when it comes to keeping busy and staying sane. Thankfully, our world is adapting to the situation at hand and there are plenty of resources available.

Take a free virtual tour of a museum. According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture has partnered with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to offer virtual tours. It’s the same idea as google street view, but it allows people to go inside some of the world’s most esteemed museums. Just a few of the museums offered are Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, London’s National Gallery, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. To narrow down some of the choices google came out with a list of the top ten virtual museums that can be found at: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/ For any bookworms out there, it is now possible to access 1.4 million books for free through the Internet Archive. Thanks to the National Emergency Library, waitlists for books that are not already open to the public have been eliminated until June 30. “To address our unprecedented global and immediate need for access to reading and research materials, as of today, March 24, 2020, the Internet Archive will suspend waitlists for the 1.4 million (and growing) books in our lending library,” stated by the Internet Archive Blog. A link to the National Emergency Library can be found at: https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary.

Catch a live show from artists that are streaming on Twitch Stream Aid 2020. With all the cancellations of events, artists across all genres are doing their part amidst the shelter in place.

Empire of the Sun, John Legend, Kaskade, All Time Low, Cage the Elephant and many more are streaming soon! A full list of the lineup can be found at: https://streamaid.twitch. tv/#schedule For those who get their fix from learning, Ivy League schools have offered 450 free courses online. These courses come from some of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S including: Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, Columbia universities, and the University of Pennsylvania. Courses offered cover a wide variety of topics including Computer Science, Data Science, Programming, Humanities Business Art & Design, Science, Social Sciences, Health & Medicine, Engineering Mathematics, Education & Teaching and Personal Development. Some of these classes even offer certifications for a fee that is a fraction of what students pay for classes at Sonoma State University (SSU). A list of the courses offered can be found at: https://www.freecodecamp.org.

For those who might be tired of being on their computer, there are still a few things left to do that also help support your community. Order some takeout from a local restaurant, or shop for essentials at a small business. Lots of small businesses are hurting at the moment. It is even recommended by economists to buy gift cards from small businesses that can be used in the future.

If all else fails, those who are willing can help their community by donating blood to the Red Cross. A message from the Red Cross, posted on their website reads: “With thousands of blood drives cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working hard to open new donation sites...The need for blood is constant - patients need your help.” For more information visit: https://www.redcross.org/.

In such unprecedented times, it’s vital to follow experts’ advice. With a shelter in place that may possibly last a substantial amount of time, it’s time for people to think in ways they might not have before keeping their health, sanity and community in mind.

COURTESY// Google One way to pass time while under quarantine is a virtual museum tour.

10 Sports Athlete spotlight: Nalani Scates MARCH 31 - APRIL 6

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.coms While playing at Ohlone College, Scates won Pitcher of the Year in the state of California.

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

A

s a fourth year undergraduate student, Nalani Scates has big plans after her college career other than being a star softball player.

Scates grew up in Pleasanton, California, however, she spent most of her time in Alameda, California. Scates has been playing softball since she was six years old and fell in love with the sport ever since she was introduced to it. She is also very upset that the COVID-19 virus is putting her senior year season to an end.

“I feel like I have lost a full year with my team because softball is a spring sport. I am upset that I could not finish off on my own terms. My team had something very special and I knew we were gonna make it far,” said Scates.

Scates has been all over the place throughout her college career.

She started her education and collegiate softball program at Ohlone Junior College in Fremont, California for her first year. She was on varsity softball starting as a freshman. She was then granted a full ride softball scholarship to the University of Missouri as a pitcher, also known as Mizzou. She attended the University for two years before she transferred to Sonoma State for her senior year. She did this to be closer to family after being away for a bit and has loved every moment of it.

“I have had a great time here at Sonoma State. I was so happy and fortunate enough to play for Coach Bridges and Coach Garcia. I am so sad it is over,” said Scates.

At Ohlone, Scates was awarded pitcher of the year in the state of California. Also, before the COVID-19 virus brought our school year to an end, Scates was awarded pitcher of the week by the CCAA as well. Scates has been a very successful collegiate student athlete

throughout her college experience.

“That was an amazing thing to be honored for my hard work on the bump. Especially because there are so many pitchers in the state of California,” said Scates.

Besides her love for softball, Scates also loves kids. She is a very funny and outgoing individual who loves to meet new people. In her near future, she hopes to become a juvenile counselor to help misguided kids get back up and on their feet to not make the bad decisions they were making beforehand.

“I want to give kids another start in life. If they get off on the wrong foot in life, I want to help them get back on the right track.

I got inspired because I like working with kids and I feel like misguided kids do not get enough attention as much as they need to,” said Scates.

In Scates free time, she loves to paint and do other artistic projects. She has many different pieces of art all around her bedroom that she made herself.

Throughout the rest of her college experience, as well as after her graduation, Scates will continue to strive towards her goal of being a juvenile counselor and take her learnings from Ohlone Junior College, University of Missouri, and Sonoma State outside of school.

She is a very passionate and driven individual hoping to make her mark on the world.

“Nalani was not only a great player, she was a teammate and a friend as well. She was everyone’s biggest fan and pushed us all to work harder everyday,” said infielder and fellow teammate Amber Orchard.

2020 Olympics postponed CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

This past Tuesday, the Olympic committee announced that, for the first time since 1942, the planned 2020 Olympics would be suspended. Never before had the Olympics been postponed or canceled for anything other than a War like it was in 42’, due to World War II. For many sports fans, The 2020 games in Tokyo were the last major sporting event or game that had not yet been canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For many in the sports world, it served as a beacon of hope, and perhaps the chance to return to normalcy.

But with the increased cases of COVID-19 around the world, which now surpasses 580,000, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach decided to postpone the 2020 Olympic games by one year.

The United States, Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland pended a letter to all US Olympic hopefuls, saying apologizing for the delay/ postponement of the 2020 games saying “Despite the feeling of eventuality that so many of us have felt in the lead up to this moment -- my heart breaks for you, your fellow athletes around the world, our friends at Tokyo 2020, the people of Japan, and all who are impacted by this global pandemic and the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games 2020.”

The two decided after heavily consulting with leaders in the World Health Organization. Who felt that the pandemic was “accelerating,” and with almost every country being impacted, they thought they had no choice but to suspend the 2020 games in Tokyo.

The decision was not an easy one, nor a conclusion the committee wanted to make.

But more pressure had been placed on the Olympic committee after countries like Canada and Australia had both stated they would not be sending their athletes to participate in the games, due to the virus outbreak.

The decision for Japan to suspend the Olympics was not only difficult due to pressure from the athletes but because of the financial risks as well. By deciding to cancel the 2020 games, Japan is expected to suffer a 5.7 billion dollar loss this year alone.

Japan will also lose out on the expected 600,000 tourists and local spending that would have helped many local businesses and would have helped the 2020 games turn a substantial profit.

The decision will undoubtedly affect sports fans around the world, as all will have to wait until the summer of 2021 to watch the best athletes in the world compete. But those who will feel the suspension the most will be the athletes themselves. As for the past eight years, they had been training rigorously, but now have to put their hopes and dreams of Olympic gold, on hold.

Six-time gold medalist, Ryan Lochte was one of many athletes to voice their opinion on the matter, as in a recent interview with the LA Times, Lochte said, “This Olympics was going to be the most important Olympics of my career because of everything that’s happened in my past. But this whole thing is way bigger than me. It’s way bigger than the Olympians. It’s affecting the entire world right now. Our main thing is staying safe and healthy.”

Other international athletes like British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, took to twitter to comment on the Olympic committee’s decision posting: “(I’ve) Waited eight years for this, what’s another one in the grand scheme of things? As an athlete, it’s heartbreaking news about the Olympics being postponed until 2021, but it’s for all the right reasons and the safety of everyone! Stay indoors.”

While many athletes have shown solidarity with the Olympic committee’s decision to suspend the games, many members of the countries’ Olympic committees understand many athletes are frustrated.

COURTESY // ABC News Tokyo organizers plan on the Olympics to be rescheduled to July 2021.

Sports 11

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6

sonomastatestar.com

Baseball’s Hall of Fame welcomes two new members

VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

O

n July 26 2020, the baseball Hall of Fame will welcome two new members to the exclusive club when Derek Jeter and Larry Walker are inducted.

Baseball is an American tradition like no other, every summer at the end of July a new class joins the legends and icons who call Cooperstown, New York their careers final resting place.

This year’s class is made up of two of the games best and most influential icons to their city and myths to the sport.

Derek Jeter or the “Captain” played 20 seaons for the famous New York Yankees. During Jeter’s playing days, he was a modern day Frank Sinatra, loved by his fans and city. The legendary shortstop led the Yankees to five World Series Championships, four in five years.

Tremendous athletes can recognize greatness in any sport.

Micheal Jordan was not shy when asked about the Yankee captain by saying, “I don’t think anybody can say one thing bad about Derek. He’s a complete champion. He carries himself like every professional baseball player, or professional athlete, should.”

Throughout the captains 20 years in the big leagues, he was chosen to 14 all star games, won 5 gold gloves, had a career batting average of .310 and was the 32nd player to join the 3,000 hits club.

Joe Torre, the Yankees and Derek Jeter’s longtime head coach often praised his shortstop for his commitment to the game and winning. Torre described Jeter as saying, “There was always something special about him...The way he cared himself, the way he played the game. He is just all about winning.”

Jeter had hundreds of memorable plays in his career. But arguably his most famous play came in the World Series in 2001.

After the terror attack in 9/11, the American citizens needed something to take their mind off of the current situation. That relief came via the Yankees. The team fought their way to the World Series behind the leadership of their captain, Derek Jeter.

Jeter hit a walk off homerun in the bottom of the 10th to tie the series at two sending the somber crowd into a frenzy and becoming “Mr. November”.

Alongside Derek Jeter in the 2020 class is baseball and Canadian legend Larry Walker. Walker grew up wanting to play hockey but as he saw one sport fade away, another rose in the distance.

Walker quickly became one of the best players in the sport winning a gold glove and making his first all star team in 1992, his third year in the MLB. After starting his career with the Montreal Expos, he signed with the Colorado Rockies and that is when he saw his career blossom into success.

His former manager Don Baylor said this about Walker, “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever had……..He never misses the cutoff man, he never throws to the wrong base; he has speed, power and intelligence. All you have to do is write his name down in the lineup and he’ll take care of the rest.”

He became a seven time gold glove winner, won the National League MVP in 1997, won a homerun title that same season and

COURTESY //Baseball Hall Larry Walker (pictured left) formally played for the Colorado Rockies as Derek Jeter (pictured right) played for the New York Yankees.

had a career batting average of .313.

To sum up what it is like for a professional athlete to retire is best described this way.

From the voice of Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt in the movie Moneyball, “We’re all told at some point in time that we can no longer play the children’s game, we just don’t... we don’t know when that’s gonna be. Some of us are told at 18, some of us are told at 40, but we’re all told.”

At some point in time, every single athlete has been told that they have to stop playing, but for Larry Walker and Derek Jeter, their career gets to end in perfect fashion with a joyful speech accepting their bid into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Athlete spotlight: Derik Engebretsen

COURTESY // Sonoma Seawolves This past fall season, the men’s soccer team went 4-6-0 with Engebretsen in goal.

JAMES HARWELL

STAFF WRITER

G

oalkeeper Derik Engebretsen has been a key factor on the Sonoma State men’s soccer team. In his junior year he had an impressive 2019 season to go with a high caliber career .Along with high praises from teammates and classmates, his statistics are intriguing enough to compare him to the best goalkeepers in the CCAA. In the 2019 season, Engebretsen led against the other Sonoma State keeperswith 60 saves and 2 shutouts.

Although the Sonoma State soccer teams 2019 season did not end the way they would have liked, Engebretsen gave the coaches a good building block when preparing for next season. The team has been working hard to wrinkle out the kinks and make a run for the CCAA championship in 2020..

Forward Sahr Mattia spoke highly of his fellow teammate. When asked about his favorite qualities of the goalkeeper, he said,, “He’s a great teammate and very caring but he is very competitive and always pushes others to do better.” Derik told me that he has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. He says he fell in love with the game and the position of goalie at a young age and has been passionate ever since. His passion for the game is noticeable by all of his teammates.

Centerback Mathew Walleigh had high praises as well agreeing with his teammate Mattia and saying, “(He’s a)…Great Player and solid teammate. He is super passionate about the players around him and the game. He is always pushing others around him as well.” It has been obvious that Engebretsen is a high

quality goalkeeper and has been since he was in high school. After graduating high school, he accepted a scholarship to play soccer at St. Mary’s University.

After attending the private school in Moraga and playing for 1 season, he then transferred to Sonoma state where he flourished and provided a backbone for the team ever since.

Grayson Stewart, a junior on the team shared his thought of his goalkeeper’s best qualities as a goalkeeper in which he responded, “He is super tall and really good at making big 1v1 saves.” 1v1 saves are crucial for goalies and soccer teams because without help from his back line, a goalie is usually defenseless but Engebretsen is known to thrive in high pressure situations.

Goalkeeper Engebretsen also has the advantage of height on his side. The keeper has a 6’6” build to assist him with keeping shots on goal out of the net.

With the height of a professional basketball player, Derik can reach well above the top of the goal which helps him patrol all parts of the goal and be a dominant presence across the entire soccer field.

Engebretsen has his success off the field as well. The senior is a Business major who hopes to have a successful career in business management. Derik resides from Encinitas, California. He attended La Costa Canyon High School which is a perennial sports powerhouse that has produced athletes that perform at the highest levels.

12 Photo

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

Food takeout services now offered

STAR // Brandon Sparks Rachel McAdam (left) ordered some food from The Kitchens through their take out services that are now available.

STAR // Brandon Sparks No seating is available anywhere in the Kitchens due to precautions being taken against COVID-19.

STAR // Brandon Sparks Students now have to wait 6 feet apart in lines infront of each food station due to distancing guidlines.

STAR // Edgar Zavala

STAR // Edgar Zavala First year student Colt Carignan packed up his belongings as he prepared to leave campus because students who were able to vacate the dorms were asked to do so.

Ryan Harris, a first year student, walked through an isolated parking lot to pick up food from The Kitchens takeout services.

STAR // Edgar Zavala Samuel Laminen (left) and Hannah Wager (right) made their way through a barren quad the first Monday afternoon after Spring Break.