Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Rec Center reopens A new socially-distanced workout space opens on campus.

PAGE 10.

Wine Road is back A Seawolf favorite, the Wine Road event, will return in May 2021.

PAGE 6.

Share your secrets Submit anonymous secrets through Seawolf Living on PostSecretU. PAGE 9.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 85 // ISSUE 6 MARCH 9, 2021 - MARCH 15, 2021

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

STAR // Andrew Savedra Students take online classes outdoors during a beautiful day on Sonoma State’s campus. With vacinnes underway, in-person activities will be vastly increased starting the Fall 2021 semester.

Mixed feelings from staff and students about returning to in-person instruction for Fall 2021 CAROLINE MORALES STAFF WRITER

O

n March 1, Sonoma State sent out an email updating SSU students, staff, and faculty on their Summer and Fall 2021 semesters planning status. The email left the SSU community with a vast array of feelings about the possibility of returning to inperson learning in the fall.

As COVID-19 rates are slowly declining and vaccines are rolling out, SSU is planning for an increase in in-person activities for the summer and fall.

In their March 1 email, Sonoma State University stated, “We look forward to welcoming you back to a re-energized campus that is safe, healthy, and follows local public health guidelines.”

However, with there still being many unknowns and the state of the COVID-19 pandemic constantly changing, SSU can not make any promises for the upcoming semesters.

Some of the many COVID-19 safety protocols that SSU will be instilling in the fall include, but are not limited to, wearing masks, physical distancing, cleaning buildings on a more routine basis, having sanitizing stations available throughout the campus, and having those on-campus complete daily wellness checks.

In order to allow those on campus to maintain six feet of physical distance from one another, SSU will be decreasing classroom capacities to allow for smaller class sizes.

With that said, Sonoma State will be offering some of their smaller classes in-person, if feasible, and will offer some of their larger classes online.

According to Karen Moranski, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, “courses with more than 50 students will be almost entirely online because of the room capacities allowed by state and local physical distancing regulations.”

Since classes with more than 50 students cannot allow for physical distancing, the Fall 2021 schedule will offer classes in different modes such as in-person, hybrid, synchronous online, asynchronous online, and bisynchronous online.

The University is encouraging students to review their graduation requirements and work closely with their advisors to pick courses in their preferred mode of learning, in order to graduate in a timely manner.

SSU anticipates that a lot of their students will be returning to the Sonoma County area in the fall as some students have missed out on three consecutive semesters of in-

see RETURNING TO CAMPUS on pg. 4

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld SSU is prioritizing students with financial aid needs through the student emergency grants the University recently recieved.

STAR // Moira Rafferty SSU has a garden on campus where fresh vegetables grow.

Sunstainability minor under development at SSU

KAITLIN BREEN STAFF WRITER

T

he Academic and Student Life working group is currently developing a sustainability minor, and is getting it approved by university administration. The group consists of SSU faculty and staff, as well as a student representative, Madison Hayes.

Two weeks ago, Sonoma State released the Spring 2021 Sustainability Update, which included updates on all projects currently in progress, or on hold, which aim to improve sustainability at SSU. One of these projects is a new sustainability minor for students.

The President’s Sustainability Advisory Council (PSAC) has multiple working groups, each working on a different category of projects. These categories include: ​Zero-Impact Campus, Regional Resilience, Academic and Student Life, and Strategy, Communication, and Advancement.

Mark Perri, the Chair of the Academic and Student Life working group, says that the minor is on track to be completed and approved by May 2022, which would make it available to students see SUSTAINABILITY MINOR on pg. 4

SSU receives $4.5 million for student emergency grants

MARY HELEN ROWELL

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University sent an email out to all students last Friday, announcing that the University recently received $4.5 million for student emergency grants that will prioritize students with greater financial needs.

The email sent by SSU’s Director of Financial Aid, F. Shannon Little, read, “Sonoma State students who are eligible for federal financial aid and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $5,712 as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, will be receiving a CRRSAA grant amount that is determined by the student’s EFC and the number of units they are enrolled in this semester.”

The University received a grant award in Jan. from the Department of Education for $13.9 million of which $4.5 million will go to students as COVID-19 relief funds through the student emergency grants.

As stated on the SSU Financial Aid Office webpage, “These funds will be used to assist with the financial impact of the pandemic on the University and its students. As part of the grant allocation, $4,546,724, will go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants see COVID-19 GRANTS on pg. 4

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

SSU ‘All-Inclusive Experience’ ignores student struggles

Kylie Rose Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief Kristina Schmuhl, News Editor Katelyn Dodge, Opinion Editor Christy Chew, Arts & Entertainment Editor Myles Grabau, Student Life Editor Emily Cripe, Health & Wellness Editor Brandon Sparks, Photo Editor Gil Chaffer, Copy Editor Bryce Gallagher, Distribution Manager Devon Pique, Format Editor Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Callie Adams, Ileana Aleman, Emily Alvarado, Jayline Alvarado, Julia Blair, Zena Bounsall, Kaitlin Breen, Cheyenne Carroll, Katlyn Dodge, Casey Fabbri, Sumiko Fong, Bryce Gallagher, Gabriella Hermogeno, KC Holtemann, Olivia Hughes, Nancy Insua, Willy Lepori, Quinn McKibbin, Morgan Mitchell, Caroline Morales, Sondra Ottenstein, Samantha Pezzola, Noah Philpott, Anthony Pilotti, Mary Helen Rowell, Matthew Smith, Vincent Spence

Photographers Isabelle Barkey, Pammy Meyers, Andrew Savedra

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

Corrections In an article on the Cheer squad that ran two weeks ago on page 11, one name was spelled incorrectly. The correct name of the cheer member is Teresita Montalvo.

In last week’s paper on page 5, an incorrect photo was run above the caption for Lily Frazier.

A

s the Coronavirus shutdown almost reaches its one-year anniversary, Sonoma State University has suggested that there will be greater emphasis on returning to in-person activities over the course of the next year.

With the state Assembly and Senate voting to restore the $299 million from the CSU budget which had been removed a year ago, SSU will have more influx of money and resources. This has led to some beneficial additions for students who live on campus. Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Karen Moranski said in an email to all SSU students, “We are launching the Seawolf ‘AllInclusive Experience’ for all residential students, which will include a $250 credit for learning materials at our bookstore, no-cost parking for the fall semester, free drip coffee at dining locations, and much more.” The bonuses also include free events for students, support services in the residential communities, two-year housing guaranteed, winter break housing with no additional fees, a price-lock guarantee, and special offers which have yet to be announced.

These are generous privileges given to students who choose to live on cam-

STAR // Lily Frazier

pus in the coming year, specifically the $250 to put towards the bookstore--since the average cost of textbooks for the 2020-2021 year was $986. As well as a price match, the SSU website states that, “Wherever you decide to live on-campus and/or whatever meal plan you choose, you will pay the 20212022 rates for up to four consecutive years.”

Some students have questioned where this assistance was when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit campus. These actions seem very different from ones taken when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, just last semester. Students who were not residents in 2020 were given an estimated 42% refund on parking passes, as they were used through March 17th. Those who were residents were given until March 31 to move out and claim a housing, parking permit, and meal plan refund. This is exactly a two-week notice to move out, or risk losing out on a refund.

After 12 months of no assistance, it feels as though this seemingly kind offer is just being used under the pretenses of increasing attendance for the Fall semester. As reported

by Mary Callahan from the Press Democrat in June 2020, “Sonoma State University is on track to see a 20% decline in enrollment among incoming freshmen and up to an 8% drop campuswide.” With the

cost of education remaining the same, there is less interest in getting an online education, while paying as though we were in person.

Getting more people to live on campus becomes a large economic draw with the new bonuses from SSU. As Callahan reports, “Campus housing, usually utilized by about one-third of SSU’s nearly 9,000 students, will accommodate about 50% fewer people this year, due to spacing and individual restroom requirements,” SSU administrators said. Convincing students to stay with Sonoma State for 4 years in a price-locked living situation grants the University with a guaranteed 4 years of tuition from the student.

It is logical that as Sonoma State transitions back to in-person classes, the university would rely on incentives to entice students to return back to on-campus living. This ‘All-Inclusive Experience’ is truly fantastic for incoming students, and offers benefits for the students that can be housed in the dorms. But, some Seawolves are feeling left out, and these bonuses came a little too late. Sonoma State has neglected to address the lack of assistance this past year for the 9,000 students who lived on campus during the Spring 2020 semester.

Have an opinion?

We’d like to hear from you!

The STAR welcomes letters to the editor at star@sonoma.edu

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.

STAR // Seth Baldwin

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 9 - MARCH 15, 2021 sonomastatestar.com

Dr. Seuss Enterprises removes six titles over racist images others, their developing morals and

pecially when children are among the

This pullback of “And to Think

what constitutes right and wrong.

most impressionable. There is a dark

That I Saw It on Mulberry Street”, “If I

Many see this move as a step in the

cloud cast over years of these titles be-

Ran the Zoo”, “McGelliot’s Pool”, “On

right direction for the enterprise, to

ing sold and read where there was no

Beyond Zebra!”, “Scrambled Eggs Su-

change and grow with the times. One

prior call to change. The company is

per!”, and “The Cat’s Quizzer” should

expert, Ann Neely, a children’s litera-

taking a necessary stance in order to

set an example for all past authors and

ture professor at Vanderbilt University

preserve the integrity of other Dr. Se-

their books to re-examine their content

states said, “I absolutely think this is a

uss stories that may be able to benefit

for potentially harmful images, stereo-

n Tuesday, Dr. Seuss En-

commitment to a better, more just, and

the younger generations.

types or associations. The pushback

terprises announced that

inclusive world of children’s literature.”

Rolling Stone also reports the En-

against these specific titles demon-

they will no longer be

With this pullback, these harmful and

terprises had a team of experts, includ-

strates accountability from the enter-

publishing six titles due to racist

racist images will no longer be pub-

ing teachers review the portfolio of

prise against the ideas of its original

imagery that the late author’s super-

lished to impressionable readers. This

work over the last year, and the deci-

and late author. This is a step in the

visors do not agree with. NBC News

is a major improvement in terms of tak-

sion to remove these titles is because

right direction towards broadcasting

details some of the disturbing im-

ing accountability for any negativity

experts found, “These books portray

appropriate stories to children. The ste-

ages portrayed, including in “And

spread by the author at any point in the

people in ways that are hurtful and

reotypes that were shared amongst the

to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry

past.

wrong.” The fact that the producers of

youth holds back children from recog-

JULIA BLAIR

O

STAFF WRITER

Street.” A white man is depicted as

New York Times mentions another

these books were profiting off of sell-

nizing the moral ground behind their

using a whip with a person of color

children’s literature scholar, Phillip Nel

ing these racist images to children for

thoughts and actions. As adults, some of

in the illustration. Additionally, “If

from Kansas State University respond-

84 years proves the corruption hidden

these children may be unable to distin-

I Ran the Zoo” showcased a white

ed to this news of pushback by saying,

within major media companies aimed

guish certain beliefs as racist because

boy holding a gun while standing on

“It will cause people to re-evaluate the

towards the youngest demographics.

they have seen the media perpetuating

the heads of three Asian men. These

legacy of Dr. Seuss, and I think that’s

It is a strong sign that the company is

these ideas. Ultimately, the decision to

stereotypes are not only harming

a good thing.” No one who had hateful

finally willing to take responsibility

stop publishing these works has sent a

people, but they are negatively af-

and ultimately racist intentions should

for the inexcusable messages portrayed

positive message to the public and also

fecting children’s perceptions of

have been able to publish this work, es-

and normalized by the late author.

aided future generations.

The currency of likes are a thing of the past achieve copious likes felt a sense of re-

55 million likes- which correlates to the

display the best version of their physi-

lief. Mollie Reilly, a Sonoma native said

concept of likes potentially being mean-

cal attractiveness, which creates a nev-

“As someone who isn’t a social media

ingless. Social media platforms have

er-ending ladder to climb in efforts to

influencer with thousands of likes and

given anyone the chance to be famous,

reach a higher number with each post.

followers, I think removing likes is a

or temporarily achieve virality.

Essentially, social media is drawing the

step in the right direction. Dismantling

While receiving likes can feel ex-

map for how people acquire a sense of

a tally-like score of popularity would

tremely rewarding- it can also feel like

self in the eyes of their followers. Such

help improve self-esteem when compar-

a total letdown when the number that

realities can be harmful when this kind

ing yourself to others”.

does not reach the greater heights that

of validation is made available to young

Likes are perceived and often treat-

many others have obtained. In today’s

girls who struggle with self-esteem and

ontrary to what people be-

ed like virtual currency. Instagram is a

digital world, it is a common idea in

feel the need to replicate what they see

lieved earlier this week, Insta-

business, where users with a high fol-

society that the more beautiful you are,

on Instagram. As adolescent minds are

gram is not removing “likes”

lowing profit from interaction and page

the more likes you get. Twitter user @

incredibly malleable, their beliefs are

from their platform permanently. Their

traffic. This is made possible with the

Laramieknox said, “No likes on Insta-

made every day on the front of their

team accidentally caused a glitch while

help of product placement and spon-

gram is good for my mental health, but

feed. After temporarily removing likes,

attempting to run a test on a small por-

sored ads. Also, likes are an automatic

bad for my need for validation”. This di-

the conversation of redefining social

tion of accounts. CNN reported that a

reward for sharing something that is ap-

rectly correlates to self-worth- or a lack

media, and making a safer space out of

spokesperson for Facebook said, “We

proved by others and seen as valuable by

of it. With beauty standards rising in

it may be brought to light.

unintentionally

people

others. Feedback is important to people,

the ranks of self-validation in the eyes

Instagram’s test brought out a deep-

to the test today, which was a bug —

and the easiest way to display a positive

of toxic social media, other personal at-

er meaning behind likes and revealed

we’re fixing this issue and restoring like

reaction is by double-tapping a screen.

tributes such as hobbies and interests

the emotional tie to why they are so val-

counts to those people as soon as pos-

With such ease, it has been made pos-

fall short of likes. For example, a pic-

ued in today’s society. Moving forward

sible.”

sible for influencers and celebrities to

ture of someone posing in their bikini

into the future with new Instagram up-

The public’s reaction to the possible

reach millions of likes on a single post.

is more likely to gain feedback via likes

dates, there are hopes for a new way

removal of likes is striking. Those who

For example, Ariana Grande’s post about

than a panoramic photograph of a beau-

to discreetly connect with others in a

tend to get a higher number of likes were

her new fiance gained 15.6 million likes,

tiful landscape is. This reinforces the

healthy fashion, which doesn’t include

left disappointed, while those who don’t

and a random picture of an egg achieved

idea that users should always strive to

tools that affect self-worth.

ZENA BOUNSALL

STAFF WRITER

C

added

more

Mr. Potato head receives a gender-neutral rebrand

JAYLINE ALVARADO

STAFF WRITER

O

Dr. Seuss’ books for offensive imagery,

-Chief at toy review site The Toy Insider,

eyed woman who was generically slender.

signifies “the end of freedom in Ameri-

Ali Mierzejewski, says that “It’s a potato.

Her personality was based around shop-

ca.”

But kids like to see themselves in the toys

ping but the brand changed direction for

It’s not surprising that some are get-

they are playing with.” What’s so wrong

the betterment of their consumers. Now

ting upset about their freedoms being

about a children’s toy rebranding to

she has had over 200 careers from a vet to

infringed upon or because of millennials

something that’s gender-neutral, so kids

a chef to an astronaut, all putting women

and their “cancel culture”. However, it is

can express themselves and reflect their

in the spotlight. They have continually

also not the end of an era--there will still

families. In the end, it’s a children’s toy

grown to reflect a larger demographic like

be Mr. and Mrs. Potato head toys and Dr.

that’s marketed and used by children, not

different hair types, skin tones, and sizes.

Seuss books for those who don’t neces-

intended to be played with by adults.

Mattel has even ventured to create Barbie

sarily share the same values as others.

In the same AP article, GLAAD’s

dolls that reflect famous female figures,

n Feb. 25, Hasbro, the toy

It’s great that Hasbro has decided to

Chief Communications Officer Richard

their Inspiring Women Series, and have

company that has manufac-

create a toy for children that kids can use

Ferraro stated, “Hasbro is helping kids

created dolls such as Eleanor Roosevelt

tured iconic toys since 1923,

to recreate different families. Hasbro

to simply see toys as toys, which encour-

and Maya Angelou, women who can con-

announced that in order to reflect mod-

states that it’s “a celebration of the many

ages them to be their authentic selves out-

tinue to inspire young girls everywhere.

ern families today, they would be re-

faces of families allowing kids to imagine

side of the pressures of traditional gender

If people are truly upset over this

branding their iconic “Mr. Potato Head”

and create their own Potato Head fam-

norms.” And isn’t this what it’s about? A

change, the true power that they hold is

to “Potato Head.” Hasbro will also be

ily.” They’re expanding their audience to

toy is something that kids use to entertain

with how they spend their money. It’s

releasing a toy line in the Fall to reflect

families who fall under the LGBTQ+ um-

themselves and bring their imagination to

as simple as buying a toy that reflects a

this change, called the “Create Your Po-

brella, in order to reflect families around

life.

person’s values and beliefs. Overall, it’s

tato Head Family.” A toy from a movie

the world. Hasbro isn’t the first one to do

Kids should be able to play with toys

just a plastic toy that holds as much value

has now become a debate on “cancel”

this. Mattel was the first, when they in-

that they can shape and mold to who they

as we give it and in this case, it’s societal

culture” and has been politicized.

troduced their “Creatable World” dolls,

may become or to reflect who they are

values that it’s reflecting. It’s great that

However, this change hasn’t come

which alowed kids to be able to express

now, with no limits on their creativity.

kids can have toys that they can shape to

without controversy. According to radio

themselves rather, than trying to fit into

The “Barbie’’ brand has shown massive

the images that resonate with them, rather

host, Glenn Beck, the “Mr. Potato Head”

the gender binary.

growth for exactly this. For the longest

than a toy that’s marketed to just a boy

time, Barbie was a blonde-haired blue-

and girl.

rebrand, as well as the decision to pull

In an article for AP News, Editor-in

4 News

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Isabelle Barkey The Native Plant Propagation Shadehouse located at Sonoma State University. SSU hopes to draw more students in with a new sustainability minor starting Fall 2022.

SSU hopes to draw in prospective students with new sustainability minor starting in Fall 2022.

Perri says that the purpose of the minor is to give students a chance to focus on sustainability.

While the minor is still being developed, and plans are subject to change, it is currently set to be 18 units.

The minor will start with an introductory course that will teach about sustainability. The bulk of the minor will consist of four courses that will go more in-depth about the different types of sustainability, including: the natural environment, economic and social sustainability, as well as equitable and ethical sustainability.

The minor will conclude with an upper division capstone course, internship, or service learning course.

Perri says that students should finish their minor, by doing something to help their community, and apply their learning in the real world.

There is a strong possibility that the minor will incorporate some courses which are already being offered at SSU. Perri is enthusiastic about the minor and said that he, “hopes it is something that draws students to Sonoma State.”

Justine Law is a faculty member in the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies who sits on the President’s Sustainability Advisory Council. Law is a member of the

continued from pg. 1 working group that is currently developing the minor.

Law said that the group is full of members from different departments, with different perspectives on the minor and other projects. She believes that, “what they’re shaping will be stronger because of that.”

Law stated that the President’s Sustainability Advisory Council, “is committed to recognizing that sustainability is multi-faceted, and exists in different disciplines.”

Because of this multifaceted nature, it is not yet known which department will house the newly-formed minor, although many departments seem to be well-fitted to do so.

Both Perri and Law stated that the opportunity will be presented to multiple departments, with Law saying that “all programs should have an equal opportunity to take it on.”

The idea of sustainability existing as an interdisciplinary concept with applications in more than one area of study will be something that is clearly emphasized in the new minor.

Law says that she hopes students who complete the minor will, “come away with the critical thinking skills to understand that sustainability isn’t one monolithic thing, there are different forms of sustainability and it’s

important to understand the differences,” and added that it is “easy to oversimplify” a concept like sustainability.

The Academic and Student Life working group has created a survey to gauge interest in the sustainability minor- if you’re interested in the minor, please complete their survey. It can be found at ​https://sonoma.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZYToY1D34EUiSG In addition to the sustainability minor, the faculty involved in PSAC are working on other exciting projects.

One of Law’s classes, LIBS 320B: Climate Change and Society, will be following up on a project started by students who took the class last semester- a podcast.

The podcast called “Climate Change Clapback” was created on Anchor by students, and now streams on Spotify. New episodes will be posted in the coming weeks.

There will also be a variety of Earth Week events planned by the group.

Perri says that there will be online activities, talks, and events, that students can engage with in an online format.

The addition of a sustainability minor to SSU’s catalog of programs will incorporate aspects of various disciplines that will prepare students to use their knowledge in the real world, and put SSU on the map as another California State University that possesses such a program.

Students express gratitude to receive assistance from COVID-19 grants continued from pg. 1

STAR // Moria Rafferty Seawolves enjoying themselves on the stairs of the Student Center in Nov. 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Anticipation and anxiety about returning to SSU campus in Fall continued from pg. 1

person activities.

“Entering my senior year I would love to be back on campus in the fall as long as it is safe to do so. I am excited about the possibility and look forward to potentially attending in person classes,” Hunter Petretti, Early Childhood Studies major, said.

Despite being excited for the possibility of attending classes in person, Petretti has worries about her classes for the Fall 2021 semester after being online for a portion of her time here at Sonoma State.

“I am somewhat anxious about in person classes considering we have been in an online learning environment for so long. Returning to in-person classes will take some adjustments,” Petretti said.

Even though vaccines are slowly being rolled out, some Sonoma State faculty and staff members are weary to return to campus in the fall given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

Sonoma State Assistant Professor Talena Sanders said, “I do not feel comfortable returning to campus for fall. I understand the vaccine is only approved under emergency authorization, so we can’t require everyone to have it. But as long as we aren’t requiring vaccines for students, staff, and faculty, I will not feel comfortable on campus and in classrooms.”

Other SSU faculty members hope to remain telecommuting until it is safe to return to campus.

Aidan Humrich, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education said, “As long as work can be done effectively from home, it seems reasonable for the University to let us continue telecommuting. I know that other staff feel the same, as well as many faculty.

Many of us have family members with medical conditions that make them vulnerable, and would rather not risk putting their health in jeopardy.”

As Sonoma State gets more answers and clarity about the Fall 2021 semester, they will update and communicate with students, parents, staff, and faculty about their plans for the upcoming semesters.

Even if the Fall 2021 semester is not as “normal” as some students are hoping for, the University remains optimistic that at least it will hopefully be a step in the right direction.

“Although SSU will not be fully repopulated in Fall 2021, we will have a much more lively campus, and that is good news for all of us. We look forward to being back together, in person, with our Seawolf community,” Moranski said.

to help with expenses related to COVID-19, including increased costs for housing, food, course materials, technology, health care and childcare.”

The U.S. Department of Education announced on Jan. 14 that through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), a total of $21.2 billion was going to be sent to institutions of higher education across the country of which $2.83 billion would go to California colleges and universities. CRRSAA was signed into law in Dec. 2020 by former President Donald Trump.

A statement released on Jan. 14 by the Department of Education Press Office stated, “Public and non-profit schools can use their awards for financial aid grants to students, student support activities, and to cover a variety of institutional costs, including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll.”

The COVID-19 pandemic left many students struggling financially to keep up with educational expenses, prompting many to drop out or take a gap year. These grants were released with the hopes that they could provide students with the aid to continue their education.

Zane Sheckherd, a third-year Criminal Justice major at SSU and recipient of the grant said, “The grant helped me a lot and I’m blessed to have received it but I wish that every student received something regardless if they get FAFSA or not because these times are hard for everyone. I’m always grateful for something that helps my family or me, whether it’s groceries for the week or paying the next bill with grants like this, it makes everything possible.”

Shauna Jackson, a third-year Communications major at SSU shares a similar sentiment after receiving the grant, expressing that it has taken a lot of stress off of paying this last month’s bills and actually given her the chance to do something nice for herself and her mom.

Students who do not qualify for the CRRSAA funds may still be eligible for other grant programs such as CSU CARES which can be applied for through the California Dream Act Application. More information on the financial aid opportunities available to SSU students can be found on the University’s Financial Aid Office webpage.

COURTESY // Zane Sheckherd Zane Scheckherd, a third-year on the SSU basketball team, is grateful to recieve her grant funds.

News 5

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Isabelle Barkey A tent set up along Santa Rosa Ave. on October 17, 2020, which has since been cleared out. Homeless people in Santa Rosa have faced six camp clean-ups in just the past year alone.

Santa Rosa cleans up homeless encampment on Industrial Drive CHEYENNE CARROLL STAFF WRITER

A

homeless encampment on Industrial and Center Drives in Santa Rosa was cleared by the city last Tuesday. F ​ ootage of the event​showed bulldozers piling left-behind belongings, furniture and trash into dumpsters, while Santa Rosa police officers oversaw the clean up.

“Due to the health and safety concerns within the encampment and impacts to the surrounding area, including a nearby school (Lattice Educational Services) which has students and staff on campus, the City enacted its HEAP protocols to close and clean up the encampment,” Communications Coordinator for the city, Kristi Buffo, sent in an email.

“Encampments have been present in this area for the past couple years but at a much smaller scale than the most recent encampment, which grew in size drastically over the past several months,” the email continued.

HEAP refers to the Homeless Encampment Assistance Program, and requires the city to provide encampment residents “reasonable notice, an opportunity to be assessed for shelter and services, access to adequate shelter, storage of belongings, and a process to appeal a denial of any disability-related requests for reasonable accommodation,” according to city officials.

The encampment on Industrial Drive had between 50 and 60 residents at the time of the clean up, but had swelled to around 100 people by the end of January.

Previous plans to clean it up had been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, one in the city’s largest shelter, Samuel L. Jones Hall, which has since been resolved, and the other within the actual encampment, according to an article by P ​ ress Democrat writer Will Schmitt​.

Surrounding businesses estimated that the encampment had been growing since late last year, although the area has a history of homelessness on a much smaller scale.

A representative from Bottle Barn on Industrial Drive wrote in an email, “​We have always had a number of homeless folks living in and around the Industrial Park and for some years now. RV’s would ‘move-in’ for weeks/months on end, but the local authorities would usually break it up when it grew beyond six or more vehicles.”

Shannon Hoffmann, owner of Crumb Hither Baking on Industrial Drive, guessed the encampment had cropped up around September 2020. “​We first just started a few motorhomes and then it just continued to grow.

And then pretty soon we had tents,” she continued.

Of the 50-60 residents, the county’s main outreach program, Catholic Charities’ Homeless Services Outreach Team, “successfully engaged with 31 of approximately 50-60 people at the encampment, and 27 individuals accepted shelter placements. ​T his included 19 individuals who relocated to the City-owned Samuel Jones Hall Homeless Shelter, five individuals who received placement in hotel rooms, and three pending placements. HOST was also able to place an individual they have worked with in several encampments into permanent housing,” according to a statement on the S ​ anta Rosa city website​.

“​Nobody wants to see somebody’s belongings get bulldozed and thrown away... ​ It’s just a sad situation and there’s no easy answer.” sympathetic for the situation that people are in,” she said.

Richard Wooten, the general manager of Alsco, which was right next to the encampment, explained that, even though he didn’t notice serious effects to the store, he experienced, “​the occasional person wandering up, you know, they seemed like... maybe they had a mental health issue that also needed to be addressed... but we would just call the local authorities to get them some help.”

In a recorded ​city council meeting from Feb. 9​, Kelli Kuykendall, ​Santa Rosa’s housing and community services manager, said that d​ue to the pandemic, the city had previously held off on dispersing encampments per Sonoma County and CDC guidelines, which recommend that cities do not displace individuals to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She explained that consideration for the health and safety of the residents within encampments, as well as the surrounding areas, out-

NEWS IN BRIEF: MARCH 2-8

to warrent pulling the books from shelves.

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weighed CDC guidelines during the pandemic.

The encampment is one of six that have been already cleared by the city since May 2020, according to city officials. The city is planning to resolve a seventh encampment in Jennings Park this month.

To combat the prevalence of homelessness, Santa Rosa allocated $3.8 million to fund “emergency shelters for single adults and families, day services, street outreach, and housing assistance in alignment with its Housing First Strategy,” for Santa Rosa’s 2020/21 fiscal year.

In the ​city council meeting​, Kuykendall said that the city spent $10.8 million in additional funds during the pandemic alone.

There was a slight decrease in homelessness in the last year. The S ​ onoma County’s Homeless Census​for 2020 shows that Santa Rosa’s homeless population has reduced from 1,661 to 1,461 between 2019 and 2020. But that still makes up more than half of the total population of people experiencing homelessness in the entire Sonoma County.

The city funds programs and partners with nonprofits that provide a spectrum of services for people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health issues, and multiple other hardships.

Pavik explained that Catholic Charities works closely with the county and other service providers to record the total number of people who receive social services in any given year through the Community Entry system.

Services recorded range anywhere from immigration to food drives to housing and financial assistance for the precariously housed.

Tom Bieri, the executive director of Community Support Network, said that the network runs programs designed to help people on a subjective basis; “Some [programs are] higher intensity and some of lower intensity depending on where the people are in terms of their needs... whether that’s individuals that have behavioral health challenges or who are young or who are old or who have physical health needs.”

The high homeless population “is a public health issue for everyone involved. It is not a kindness to let people live on the street or in their cars... The additional dynamic is that there is nowhere near enough low-income housing. Waits for subsidized housing are two to three years on the average,” M ​ arti Lynn Martinez, marketing and social media director, and Cindy Pasko, executive director, of the social service provider The Living Room wrote in an email.

“We need so much more mental health and addiction services available,” they continued.

While there are programs and assistance providers in place, and some evidence of progress, the homelessness issue in Santa Rosa is not going away anytime soon, and the longer it takes to solve it completely, the more impact it has on the community, both the homeless and the housed. “​Nobody wants to see somebody’s belongings get bulldozed and thrown away... ​It’s just a sad situation and there’s no easy answer,” Hoffmann said.

Catholic Charities’ assistant director of communications John Pavik said, “One thing you have to remember is for folks who are living at encampments, going into a shelter, it may seem hard to understand, but it’s actually kind of scary for some people. These are folks who have past trauma... that living in a large scale shelter that’s a little intimidating. And so, it’s not because they don’t want help or don’t want to make their life better. It’s just there’s a fear there, and it’s very understandable given, you know, what many of these people have been through.”

Businesses in the area that commented on the story shared conflicted feelings on the city’s decision to clear out the encampment. On one hand, the encampment was large enough to pose serious health and safety risks to people in the surrounding properties, but on the other hand, it’s a situation where mass amounts of vulnerable people ended up displaced and alone again.

The representative from Bottle Barn wrote, “​We are excited to see the neighborhood cleaned up again, particularly for our friends that operate businesses on or around Industrial Dr. Obviously, there is a human element to this story which is very sad. I wish I had a solution for the homeless problem, but it is complicated to say the least.”

Hoffmann shared this sentiment and said that while she’s sympathetic to the hardships that the homeless in the area face, she was relieved when it was cleaned up.

“Obviously, there’s no easy answer for our homeless issue, but [the encampment] was also a burden on us... my establishment was broken into... there’s human feces, there’s needles, there’s all kinds of stuff... so I am relieved that it’s cleaned up, I have to say, but I do feel

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Texas lifts mask mandates: Gov. Greg Ab-

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo: The Gov. from

bott lifted most executive orders related to the

Dr. Suess books: Six books by the author are

New York is not resigning, despite numerous

ongoing pandemic for his state, including the

no longer being published because they portray

accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior

mandatory mask mandate. Critics called this

people in “hurtful and wrong” ways. The fam-

towards female staffers. Cuomo says removing

move “premature” because although cases are

ily of Suess ultimately made the decision to

himself would be “undemocratic” and insists

decreasing in the U.S., lifting orders often

stop production of the six books. Controversy

he “never touched anybody innapropriately”.

results in a flurry of new cases. Nevertheless,

has arisen because of the decision, and some

He ordered an independent council to review

Abbott removed nearly all executive orders on

say that it erases history or is not bad enough

the claims.

the issue

6 Arts

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // Matthew Bowker

All-State Music Education Conference brings educators and students together Seawolves attended The California All-State Music Education Conference, where music educators presented several clinics and exhibits.

SONDRA OTTENSTEIN STAFF WRITER

S

everal students from the Sonoma State National Association for Music Education collegiate chapter along with faculty from the Music Education program represented Sonoma State University at this year’s annual California All-State Music Education Conference. The conference is attended by thousands of music educators and students from all across California.

The California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) is aimed at bringing together music educators and students for a series of clinics and exhibits that are hands-on and concentrated on professional development.

The conference is put on by the California Choral Directors Association. According to their website their goal is to, “Present diverse cultural, artistic, and educational programming and guest artists who encourage and support diversity. Repertoire lists for honor choirs and reading sessions always strive to reflect the diversity of the state of California.”

Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education Dr. Kim Mieder along with Brandon Binder, a music educator at Rincon Valley Middle school presented the clinic “They Have to Practice Without You Now,” which focused on how educators can prepare students to practice on their own in a virtual world. Dr. Mieder stated, “I have presented clinics annually on my research in Self-

Regulated Learning in Music at CASMEC since I started at SSU in 2018.”

Students Matthew Bowker, Natalie Cucina, Lilly Chavez and Sierra Smith from the Sonoma State NAfMe Collegiate Chapter stepped into the role of educators as they presented their own clinic, “Benefits of Hands-on Learning and Community Outreach” at the conference.

According to Matthew Bowker, a Music Education major and President of the SSU NAfME chapter, the clinic, “focused on the importance of hands-on learning and community outreach. This was geared towards other college students and how they can bring these ideas to their schools.”

Presentations that are given at the conference must be submitted for review by the CASMEC board before being selected. The SSU NAfME chapter which is largely student run, put together their presentation and were selected out of the many schools that submit proposals for clinics.

Making the transition from student to educator can be intimidating, Bowker said, “The experience presenting was very stressful but very rewarding. This is the first time SSU students are presenting on behalf of our chapter so there was some added pressure to do well,” adding, “I gained a lot of experience from this and will definitely take it well into the future.”

Those that attended the ‘Benefits of Hands-On Learn-

ing and Community Outreach’ clinic ranged from, “SSU NAfME students to NAfME students from different colleges across the state to SSU music ed alumni that are now teachers,” stated Music Education Major and NAfMe chapter member Natalie Cucina As well as presenting their own clinic, students attended several clinics for their own professional development. “In addition to our own clinic I attended a variety of others including a session on teaching elementary general music through rhythm, a session about advocating and accommodating for students with disabilities, and a session that discussed some generic tips for being a high school band director,” said Cucina.

Along with the presentations given, there was also a “virtual exhibit” for prospective students to view while attending the conference. Since the conference is attended by students in middle and high school the presence and presentations by SSU students and faculty are an immense recruitment tool for future Music program students.

While the conference has been in-person in the past they adapted the conference to an online setting due to the pandemic, “I am hopeful that we will be able to attend in person in 2022,” stated Natalie Cucina.

The Wine Road event returns in May with protocols

EMILY ALVARADO STAFF WRITER

T

he pandemic has not only been a tragic and deadly threat to the world, it has also thrown a wrench into a lot of things over the past year, whether it be school, work or entertainment. School has been mostly online as Sonoma State University students know, and many people have found themselves without a job and struggling to make ends meet.

On top of it all, the majority of entertainment events have been cancelled so there is no real relief.

Thankfully, with vaccines coming out and the use of existing preventative measures, things are starting to open up again. One of the events coming back this year is Barrel Tasting in Sonoma County. The Wine Road, an association of lodgings and wineries in Sonoma County, announced March 1 that there will be a smaller version of the event in May. The Wine Road was founded in 1976 starting with a modest association of nine wineries. As of now, The Wine Road is a network of 200 wineries and 50 lodgings. According to their website, the organization’s mission is “...to increase awareness of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys through education and marketing while promoting Sonoma County as the year-round wine country destination.” To accomplish this, The Wine Road serves as a resource for visitors and locals of Sonoma County alike.

There are three major events that The Wine Road hosts over the course of the year, one during the winter, spring and fall. In Jan. there is Winter WINEland, Barrel Tasting in March and a Wine and Food Affair in Nov. This year, however, Barrel Tasting will be happening a little later in the year.

The 44th Annual Barrel Tasting will take place May 24 through May 30, 2021. The event will be scaled back in order to keep winery staff and guests safe. At the event, guests can expect to meet winemakers and learn about wine making. Another aspect of the event is buying “futures”. According to Sotheby’s, an art and luxury organization, “Buying Futures- also known as en primeur- means purchasing wine that is still maturing in the barrel and has not yet been bottled.”

A list of wineries participating in the event will be available by April 19 on The Wine Road website and a detailed program including wines that will be offered will be available May 1. Information about the event and how to get tickets is available on The Wine Road

STAR // Sarah Gallagher SSU Students and Sonoma County residents are excited that The Wine Road event will be returning in May. website and their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

SSU students have gone to Barrel Tasting in many years past, including senior Natalie Gomez. Gomez attended the event in 2020 and said of her experience, “It sort of felt like a right of passage being a college student in wine country.” When asked if she would be attending the event this year, Gomez said she will probably be too busy working but, “...hopefully others

still get the chance to experience it and have a good time, safely of course.”

Tyler Chase, an SSU senior, has also attended the event before. Chase said, “Barrel Tasting was a great experience to enjoy and learn about wine with friends, I’m excited to see that they will be continuing the event and taking all precautions.”

For students living in Sonoma County or surrounding areas, this is certainly an event to attend.

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Theartre Arts & Dance announces Spring ‘21 Guest Speaker Series KC HOLTEMANN STAFF WRITER

T

he Theatre Arts and Dance Department have an-

nity; and Jasen Valdez, who is an educator, community

Los Angeles as well as a highly respected director and

nounced their special visitors for their upcoming

builder and dance artist. The two each have their own

playwright. Garces will be on Zoom on Tuesday, Mar. 16,

Spring 2021 Guest Speaker Series. The depart-

unique deep understanding of hip-hop and music that

from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

ment has certain events for different classes within the

will be displayed during their own events respectfully.

Dance 310 which specializes in intermediate and ad-

major. The events run on from now until the end of the

You can catch Jasen Valdez on Monday, Mar. 15th and

vanced dance moves will have Ori Flomin, whose dance

school year in May.

Wednesday, Mar. 17th from 12p.m. to 12:50p.m.

background has taken him all over the world, teaching

The classes vary from different topics ranging from

Even though COVID is limiting SSU to having vir-

people the power of dance guest speaking. As well as

talking about how theatre and dance can affect people’s

tual events only doesn’t mean they can’t get physical.

Robert Moses, who has gained high praise for his work

lives in all sorts of ways to talking about the importance

Theatre 373, which focuses heavily on the different danc-

in varying styles and genres within his dance company.

of dance and theatre in different cultures around the

es around the world and how people connect to them, will

Moses is local to the bay area and has danced and acted

world.

include a movement session in their events so people can

for many companies such as San Francisco Opera and

In total, these special guest speakers are profession-

dance and truly celebrate the culture. Farrah McAdam,

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre and has taught at UC Berke-

als in many topics within theatre and dance which makes

Rulan Tangen, Uzoamaka Nwankpa and Joti Singh are all

ley and Stanford University. Theatre 375, which is about

the panel a very diverse group, consisting of years of

dance advocates that each have their own event that will

race and gender in theatre will be discussed by Sammy

knowledge and experience to give to the audience.

dive deeper into dances from all over the world. These

June and Reena Dutt. The two will be discussing cur-

guest speakers are all people who believe in the power of

rent dialogue in the theater and film industry around race,

dance and it being a form of expression.

gender, and representation as well as how they relate to

Participating classes will have an array of guest speakers that are tailored to that specific class, ranging from two to three speakers per topic. The classes that

Theatre and dance are forms of art that change and

will be highlighted in this season’s guest speaker series

differentiate depending on where a person is in the world.

are Theatre 115A, Theatre 373, Theatre 374, Theatre 375

Theatre 374 is all about theatre in Latin America. One

SSU Junior and Theatre Major, Sebastian Simpson

and Dance 310C/410C which covers many significant ar-

event will be headed by Zahira Diaz and Amy Pinto are

states that, “These events are all super intriguing and are

eas within the major.

part of ‘The Imaginists’, which is a local experimental

about topics that are relevant and important. I’m glad we

Theatre 115 is all about Hip-Hop and dance. This

theatre company whose main goal is to continually re-

still will have this speaker series even with the pandemic”

class dives deep into how Hip-Hop has engraved itself in

thinks theater. The two have a combined 20 years of ex-

For more information on any of these events please

dance and in culture. The two guests who will be com-

perience in performing, creating, teaching, translating

visit Seawolf Living and click on the events tab to see

ing to Sonoma State University virtually via Zoom is

and studying theatre and its trends. The second event

the specific date and time for each event. Moonyeka will

Moonyeka, a storyteller and dance expert who heavily

will be guest hosted by Michael John Garces. He is the

be the most upcoming event on Monday, Mar. 8th and

advocates for girls of color and the LGBTQ+ commu-

Artistic Director of Cornerstone Theatre Company in

Wednesday, Mar. 10th from 12p.m. to 12:50p.m.

COURTESY // Sonoma State

COURTESY // Sonoma State

Michael John Garces will be presenting Theatre of the World: Latin American and Latinx Theatre on March 16 at 1:30 p.m.

José Rivera will be speaking about Sonnents for an Old Century on April 2 at 10 a.m.

artistic choices and career paths. Flomin will be hosting his event at

COURTESY // Sonoma State Moonyeka will educate and teach Hip-Hop Dance Styles on March 10 at 12 p.m.

‘Chamber Music Society’ captivates the Green Music Center

VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

O

n March 6, ‘The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Front Row: National’ played at Sonoma State University Green Music Center. This was a free event for all Sonoma students and was able to see virtually via Zoom that was put on by directors David Finckel and Wu Han. ‘The Chamber Music Society’ is an American organization that is based out of New York City and tours all around the nation. The group played beautiful melodies for over an hour at the Green Music Center and has been playing in venues for over 50 years.

Annette Bening, a stage and screen actor talked about ‘The Chamber Music Society’ at a 50-year celebration by saying, “I’ve been working with actors my whole life and the great joy we share is the magic of a close knit ensemble, exchanging not just lines but nuance and tempo.

One of the reasons I love chamber music is because it has that same power. The Chamber Music society working with hundreds of musicians all around the world comes together to make those magical moments.”

On the Green Music Center website, The Music Society is described as, “Capturing performances in HD video and sound for many years. Because this material is of such high quality - both artistically and technically - it represents a unique collection for chamber music lovers.”

The show started with Mozart with selections from Don Giovanni which is one of the most famous operas of all time and widely regarded as one of Mozart’s greatest achievements.

Mozart is famously remembered as writing this piece the day of the premier of Don Giovanni and not allowing the group to have enough time to practice before. But luckily, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center was able to practice before and played it brilliantly.

The next number played by the group was BALAKIREV: Octet for Flute, Oboe, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. Also OP.3 who was a Russian composer in the 1800’s and was famous for promoting musical nationalism. The Chamber Music Society had great flute and violin work, including BARBER: Summer Music for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn, OP.31. This number played was slightly different than the other too because it was more along the lines of woodwind instruments. POULENC: Sextet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano. The group played a number after Francis Poulenc who was a French composer and pianist.

The Chamber played many different numbers and many diverse instruments and they were terrific in all aspects. Each number had different individuals coming in and out playing for the group and it was fascinating for all of them to work simultaneously together.

Jacob Fowler, a junior at Sonoma State attended the show and said, “I really enjoyed the show. I do not normally go to shows like this but I was pleasantly surprised that I had a good time. I liked the first set they did with Mozart; it was very cool to hear their take on something so famous and old.”

The Chamber Music Society is famous for their outstanding work when it comes to playing chamber music at its finest. Directors David Finckel and Wu Han were able to overcome the obstacles of COVID-19 and were able to put on a great show.

COURTESY // Sonoma State The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center preformed beautiful melodies last Saturday, presented by the Green Music Center.

STAR // Willy Lepori The Chambers Music Society performing via Zoom for the Green Music Center.

8 Student Life

COURTESY // Instagram Noelia Brambila, current AS President, is running to extend her presidency.

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // Instagram Anthony Pilotti is running for AS President, aiming to represent transfer students.

Associated Student Government hosts debates for the upcoming election

BRYCE GALLAGHER STAFF WRITER

D

id 2020 not fill your election needs? The SSU Associated Student Government has you covered, as elections are being held from March 9-11 on Engage. This year’s candidates for President of ASG are looking to get every vote they possibly can, and in a virtual debate hosted on March 3rd, they plead their case for why they believe they are fit to be your voice.

The candidates running for the 2021-22 academic year are Noelia Brambila, the current Executive Vice President for ASG, and Anthony Pilotti, a recent transfer and graduate from Napa Valley College. Both candidates, while differing in experience, bring unique assets that they believe will help them thrive in the position.

“As a transfer student, I know that sometimes it can be difficult to acclimate to a new atmosphere, especially during these times,” Pilotti said. “I’m sure there are a lot of people who are unheard, and I think that every student deserves a voice.”

Pilotti believes that his experience as the Senator of Communications for Napa Valley Young Democrats will help get real change done. During his time at Napa Valley College, Pilotti and the Young Democrats advocated for students rights, funding for STEM education, and were even able to help increase the amount of Pell and Cal grants that are offered to university students.

Similarly to Pilotti, Brambila’s participation in student government brings a sense of familiarity to the position, and she feels confident the skills she’s developed will be easily applicable.

“I’m very privileged to say I’ve had two years in AS…I’ve done my time and have learned a lot about how it works,” Brambila said. “I think my past experience makes me a really great candidate for this position because I already know what this organization needs, I can pick up what’s already been worked on and continue to work on it because I already have the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes.”

Pilotti and Brambila presented the big issues they think students at SSU are facing today. While many of their stances were alike, they each had an interesting take on the

topic of bringing students back to campus.

“I’m a very strong believer in personal choice, so I feel like we need to be able to safely bring a community back together where there is a face to face interaction, whether it’s on campus or not,” Pilotti said. “We’re social creatures; we need to be able to socialize. We pay for facilities; we need to be able to use them. We pay for the experience, I mean the education is great, but experience and education go hand in hand.”

While both candidates agreed that reopening campus must be done safely and efficiently, Brambila emphasized that the same mentality must be had for those not returning.

“It’s important that, while we still might be virtual, we offer our students a rich education and allow them, even if they’re not comfortable coming back to campus, to still get the same experience as if they were.”

Brambila also had a very passionate stance on textbooks and how they’re being utilized by students and faculty.

“There’s a huge conversation happening about the issue of books,” Brambila said.

“I think it’s important for us to keep pressuring both faculty and the university into finding a solution and either move towards no-cost books or figure out something else for students to not spend a lot of money.”

Brambila wants voters to know that she will be the direct voice of the students and will work to get as many matters solved as possible.

“That’s what it means to be president. We try to tackle as many student issues as we can,” Brambila said. “I understand that everything does take time, but I want to set a good foundation for the organization and the student body, that way when we leave, the next students that come in won’t have the same issues we faced at SSU.” When asked why students should vote in his favor, Pilotti responded very simply; “Why not?” He later went on to elaborate, stating that he would like to leave Sonoma State better than it was when he arrived.

DroneSeed addresses reforestation through drone swarms I QUINN MCKIBBIN STAFF WRITER

f you are interested in doing your part in saving the environment, as well as aiding reforestation, the Computer Science Colloquium is hosting online zoom seminars for Seawolves. ‘Addressing Climate Change Through Drone Swarms’ is free to attend, every Wednesday from 12-12:50 p.m. through Seawolf Living.

In these Zoom seminars, students will go more in depth on how climate change is the long term change of weather patterns in global and regional climates, caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, which leads to global warming and a shift in weather patterns. This causes lasting damage to the earth and its Ozone layer. In recent years, human activity has been increasing climate change and earth’s temperature.

Rainforests are being cut down in order to produce more farming livestock around the world. All of this can have lasting effects on the earth such as shorting water supplies, personal health, drought and weather changes. These lasting effects are the perfect reason to join the action and start helping the planet and its global and regional climates now. You can join and help combat the climate change problem through reforestation with Droneseed.

According to their website, DroneSeed aims to “provide rapid reforestation after wildfires using drones,” which they claim to be “six times faster than hand planting seedlings.” Emily Spahn, software engineer at Droneseed, spoke to seawolves about climate change and how students can help combat the problem of deforestation by putting seeds in the ground post fire. With this problem becoming increasingly worldwide, Emily will be educating students on a variety of topics surrounding this issue. According to Seawolf Living, “We’ll explore the evolution of technological needs to support this goal. We’ll talk about how we went from the idea of combining biology with the emerging drone industry, to arrive at the realities of a startup putting seeds on the ground in post-wildfire environments” They’ll also talk about their steps in reforestation after wildfires, and how that helps bring wildlife back.

Since climate change is becoming a problem worldwide, revolutionary ways are being utilized to help us through this.

Droneseed has come up with a unique way to

STAR // Pamela Meyers Emily Spahn, a software engineer and data scientist, shows the drone technology in action that is used for mass reforestation at DroneSeed.

implement reforestation on a mass scale, while also being able to reforest after wildfires. In the Droneseed zoom seminar, drone swarms allowed students to explore just how they are mixing the drone industry with biology to help save the rainforests.

The Computer Science Colloquium series encourages students to look closely at environments and ecosystems all around the world that are affected by climate change. Mark Gondree, Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department, goes on to explain how, “the engineering and data science is used by DroneSeed in its drone-powered reforestation efforts.”

Mark also highlights how Droneseed has been very successful at being able to access very remote locations to start reforestation. He goes on to say, “Our community has been devastated by seasonal wildfires, and this presentation will discuss some smart, scalable, technologydriven efforts being used elsewhere for reforestation.”

Students should be interested in climate change because it affects our environments and everyday quality of life. Seawolves are encouraged to do their part to combat climate change, and DroneSeed shows students exactly how to do so. Using drones and other technology to combat these worldwide issues just shows how far we have come in terms of innovation.

Students will learn to take steps to reforestation, reduce waste and tackle problems with the Computer Science Colloquium series. If biology or doing your part in climate change sparks an interest for you, this lecture series is for you. If you have any questions about the climate change series, reach out to cs@sonoma.edu.

Student Life 9

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021 sonomastatestar.com

ASP presents PostSecretU as a way for students to submit anonymous secrets CASEY FABBRI

STAFF WRITER

A

ssociated Student Productions (ASP) at Sonoma State has raised the creativity bar through a unique event that broadcasts student voices like never before. PostSecretU allows students to share their hopes, dreams, fears, and expressions through an anonymous platform.

In our virtual world, students are feeling frightened and discouraged for the future, due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. In a 2020 case study by the Journal of Medical Internet Research, they stated that college students’ mental health is strongly affected by the pandemic. “Of the 195 students [in the study], 71% indicated increased stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” the journal stated. “To cope with stress and anxiety, participants have sought support from others and helped themselves by adopting either negative or positive coping mechanisms.”

Students may feel that resources are out of touch and that they are isolated from peers and faculty, so PostSecretU is working to change that. PostSecretU is providing a safe place for students to share experiences so that they do not feel alone. The forum’s goal is to connect students who may be going through the same struggles.

Jocelynne Leon Beltran, ASP event director stated that, “Many of us carry secrets that we are too embarrassed or ashamed to admit to others. All too often these secrets relate to or impact our mental health. PostSecretU aims to break down the barriers by creating a safe, comfortable and anonymous space to share your secret.”

To participate in PostSecretU, students must fill out an anonymous Google form, which entails uploading a file of their postcard and completing a brief survey of the event. Postcard submissions open March 8 and close March 14.

ASP encourages and accepts all submissions, but the only criteria is that your postcard must be entirely true and never shared before. It is expected that some of the information shared may be heavily impactful for some to share or hear.

“To address the safety of those sharing secrets, there will be information on local mental health resources, and on our ASP website and submission link,” Beltran stated. “In addition, it is the intention of the Active Minds National Organization and ASP staff that sharing secrets anonymously provides a comfortable first step that moves individuals closer to seeking help.”

COURTESY // Instagram PostSecretU is now open for SSU students to submit their anonymous secrets through Seawolf Living.

Once all of the postcards are submitted, the anonymous secrets will be posted for all to view and read on ASP’s website, with Frank Warren reading selected secrets in an exclusive video.

Frank Warren created his community of postcards in 2005, and the attraction has led individuals to participate and interact with the secrets shared ever since. What started as a simple blog on the internet in 2004, has turned into a movement that has reached cries for help on college campuses, as students have shared their deepest secrets through Warren’s postcard project, PostSecret.

In an NBC News Digital video interview, Warren said, “I wanted to preserve a safe, non-judgmental, noncommercial space where people could feel confident really letting go of their deepest confessions.” He added, “I wanted to honor that and treat everybody’s secret with respect.”

The Sonoma State PostSecretU selections for Warren to read are meant to encompass the student body and show that there are similarities among us even in these dark times. When asked how the event aims to help students, Beltran added, “This pandemic can be hard and having a place for students to share their feelings can be beneficial.”

PostSecretU is publicizing their event on social media pages and the Seawolf Living website. This is a unique opportunity for students to share their thoughts and feelings in an anonymous forum, as well as being able to have their feelings resonate with other students.

“I think that this is a great platform to connect with other students,” said Sonoma State student, Hunter Petretti. “I have definitely felt a detachment from others and campus. I am looking forward to reading all of the secrets that come out of PostSecretU to see what other students are saying and how they are feeling.”

EduCorps encourages future educators to create an inclusive classroom

COURTESY// California State University EduCorps gives future educators a chance to learn about what types of critical thinking are needed to go into the next generation of teaching.

MORGAN MITCHELL STAFF WRITER

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r. Kelly Estrada and Dr. Theresa Burruel Stone teamed up to bring a new program to Sonoma State in order to encourage students on pre-education pathways to become teachers. EduCorps is promoted as a “community of individuals interested in growing the future through teaching,” While EduCorps supports all students, they aim to diversify the future of education.

When the majority of educators are white, like the current teaching demographic, students of color can be at a disadvantage. Recruiting more students of color and white students who are oriented towards fighting the racial inequalities helps children gain a better education with extensive diversity knowledge. When students see teachers that look like them, they feel more understood, seen, and they thrive when their teachers have a similar background.

In an interview with Burruel Stone, she went deeper into what the program looks like, and what they aim to accomplish on SSU’s campus.

“Thinking about education critically” is very important in the eyes of EduCorps. There’s a need for teachers across California, so they want to help fill those positions with people from all backgrounds to diversify and add to the education of schoolchildren.

She also went on to say that there needs to be an “important intervention in this next generation of teachers to help students of color, multilingual students, and poor students.” The access to college for these students is very limited. Finances and lack of information play a huge role in that, which then creates a sort of hierarchy for people with means to join the teaching fields. Through EduCorps, students who are in “pre-teaching majors” will have the resources necessary to become an educator.

EduCorps is a teacher recruitment and support group that provides crucial information on the types of tests needed, how to fill out the FAFSA to get the most money for your education, as well as what kind of credentials are needed and how to get those.

While EduCorps is new to Sonoma, they are recruiting teachers to nominate students in those pre-teaching majors for the program, as well as sending out emails. The program is very specific in that they aim to

reach students who wish to become teachers. However their goal can also be seen under a broader light, because almost any major can be on the preteaching path. “More teachers of color and more white teachers oriented to racial inequalities” will without a doubt transform the K-12 education that students of every race will receive.

In April there will be a “Celebration of Teaching” week where EduCorps will have information sessions about the program, as well as sessions on how to get bilingual credentials, and much more. Through this, they want to emphasize that “building and working with communities” is an important value that they carry, and that many teachers are able to pick up.

Looking at the EduCorps Instagram, the program strives to be up-todate on social issues, as well as educating followers on what their program is all about. EduCorps explicitly states that they want to “be advocates for our students,” doing so in a way that “responds to their needs with care and healing centered engagement.” It’s refreshing to see a program work toward diversity in such an inclusive way, and truly paves the way for future educators throughout the CSU system.

Their Instagram also goes on to remind students about important events and dates, ranging from FAFSA deadlines and brand-new clubs for students. From clubs to events through the HUB, EduCorps shows students what type of events are going on through the school, and how to get involved. EduCorps honors the future of education, and they make it clear that an antiracist and culturally-sustaining classroom is imperative for the next generation of teachers.

EduCorps emphasizes that our current generation of students studying to be teachers are an important part of the change for our future. If students are looking to fully immerse yourself in the diversity education that EduCorps offers, they are always welcome to reach out. If any of this information hit home with you, or it’s something that you are interested in learning more about, check out their Instagram or send them a DM at @ ssu_educorps for more information.

10 Health and Wellness

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Rachel Gonzalez The Campus Recreation Center recently opened a safe outdoor activity space in the Seawolf Plaza in partnership with F45, an exercise challenge app.

Rec Center reopens with help from workout app F45 MATTHEW SMITH

STAFF WRITER

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he Recreation Center has a lot going on at the moment, with the opening of the outdoor workout space, as well as a new partnership for students with the workout app called F45.

Last week was the official opening of the Rec Center’s outdoor workout spaces for students. The space allows up to 10 students to workout with some of the Rec Center’s equipment. The space is only open to students and they can sign up for a time slot at the Rec Center engage pages.

The outdoor workout space is available for any interested students and all they have to do is reserve a time slot at the Rec Center engage page. According to the Rec Center’s website, the available equipment will include, “Cycling bikes, rowing machines, dumbbells (not to exceed 20 lbs), medicine balls, bosu balls, stability balls, and other small equipment.”

Director of Campus Recreation Shelbi Long commented on how the first couple of days in the space went: “I believe things have gone really well and we are providing students a variety of times and equipment to get their workouts in,” she said.

“If there was anything we could improve, although we’ve had a handful of students show up, we would love to get the word out there more so we can have all 10 spots filled for each reservation.”

Bella Nolan was one of the students that attended the workout space last week and commented on her experience there: “The best part is probably that they have benches, so you can use them for abs/legs and arms--every body part can be worked out.”

While she enjoyed having the ability to use the Rec Center again, she also had some things she wished they would add to the experience: “They lack bars and plates and you can’t move into a different square to change equipment so you’re

stuck with whatever is in your square and there isn’t much to work with.”

Long commented on potential improvements for the space as well: “I feel that students would want to have treadmills and heavier weights,” she said, “We would love that too, but at this time we have to bring the equipment out each day and inside at the end of the day, so some of this isn’t feasible for us. We are looking into adding heavier free weights and are always open to suggestions.”

Also new to the Rec Center is a brand new partnership. The Rec Center has partnered with F45 fitness to give students a complete workout experience.

F45 is a workout, challenge-based app that will give students, “...access to ondemand workouts, meal plans, personalized calorie guides, results trackers, and more,” according to the Rec Center webpage.

Long was able to describe F45 in more detail for students to better understand what the app entails: “F45 is an app and they can look up F45 challenge and use their Sonoma email for access,” she said, “This provides them with a variety of workouts at beginner level and advanced as well as nutrition plans. We know students are looking for easily accessible workouts and we are hoping that this partnership will provide that to them.”

F45 is perfect for students who can not access the Rec Center’s outdoor workout space. F45 is a completely online program that will give students a complete workout plan they can do at home. This partnership gives students a way to access Rec Center services without having to be in the area or without having to physically go to campus.

To sign up with F45, head over to the app store, download the app, and sign up with your Sonoma email. To sign up for the outdoor Rec space, go to the Rec Center Engage page to check the availability and to book a time slot.

CDC’s new smartphone app tracks vaccine side-effects GABRIELLA HERMOGENO STAFF WRITER

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s more shots are administered to individuals across the nation, the Center for Disease Control is able to maintain an updated list of vaccine side effects by utilizing a new smartphone tool that checksin with vaccine recipients through text messages and web surveys.

The smartphone tool, “V-safe”, is a voluntary program that is free of charge and digitally accessible to participants who received COVID-19 vaccines and have access to a smartphone. It aims to check-in on a regular basis with individuals who participate after receiving their first dose.

The CDC is plugging this smartphone tool in organizations, hospitals, vaccine sites to actively inform vaccine patients after their appointment.

Brochures, f lyers, and digital marketing tools are used to encourage vaccine patients to participate.

During the first week after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, personalized check-ins will be texted daily asking participants what kind of symptoms they are experiencing based on what kind of vaccine they received. Then, after the first week, check-in text messages are sent once a week for up to five weeks.

If a second dose of the vaccine is distributed to the participant, V-safe offers an additional program that checks-in with participants for up to six weeks. Followed by check-ins that are sent three, six, and 12 months after.

This program allows the CDC to not only check in with their participants, but to also gather data for doctors and scientists. The information collected is beneficial as it helps to support future research studies and projects to understand medicine and its effects. According to the CDC’s website, “A collaboration between CDC and seven medical research centers to provide expert consultation on individual cases of adverse events after vaccination and conduct clinical research studies about vaccine safety.”

V-safe also values the privacy and protection of personal health information. The CDC’s website states, “V-safe uses existing information systems managed by CDC, FDA, and other federal agencies, the systems employ strict security measures appropriate for the data’s level of sensitivity.”

It also has the capability to send out reminders to participants so that they can remember to schedule their second dose of the vaccine. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), “V-safe can also give second dose reminders, and telephone follow up to anyone who reports serious adverse events.”

Although the app does not provide medical advice to participants, updates regarding COVID-19 and the vaccine are sent out regularly. If a participant experiences detrimental side effects, V-safe recommends that a health provider is contacted immediately and the incident should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

The side effects vary based on the vaccine and differ with every individual. Jenna Zager, a third-year Psychology major at SSU, stated “After the first shot, I just had some arm soreness. The second shot gave me some lower back pain, but it only lasted 48 hours.”

COURTESY // Center for Disease Control The CDC is gathering data on COVID-19 vaccine side-effects through an app called vsafe.

Another student, Autumn Watters, a fourth-year communications and media studies major at SSU, shared a much different vaccine experience.

Watters said, “The first dose I didn’t have any symptoms at all. The second one was pure hell. I had such a bad headache and my body was sore. Not to mention I had congestion and fatigue for a week after.”

County officials encourage participants to utilize the smartphone tool.

Communications Specialist at the Sonoma County Administration’s Office, Matt Brown states, “In general, it is important to keep track of your symptoms after you have received the vaccine because it is a new vaccine and there is a lot we do not know about the side effects. The V-Safe app is a product of the CDC and is a good tool to communicate with the CDC if you have any symptoms.”

If you or someone you know would like to register with V-safe or to learn more about the program, visit the CDC’s website.

MARCH 9 - MARCH 15, 2021 sonomastatestar.com

Health and Wellness 11

U K v a r ia n t of C OVID-19 detected in Sonom a C ounty

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

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ast Tuesday, a Sonoma County resident checked into an unidentified local pharmacy and presented the UK variant of COVID-19 in their test sample.

According to the CDC, the UK variant is a mutation and has thus created a different strain of COVID-19 that is far more contagious with the ability to spread quicker and easier than other strains. The CDC also states that the, “...variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared with other variants.”

This variant has spread throughout the globe and been detected in dozens of countries, including the United States. The CDC claims the variant was first reported in the U.S. in Dec. of 2020.

The test sample was not recognized through traditional state or federal surveillance programs that Sonoma County has been a part of since Jan., so the test sample was sent into a separate laboratory for a genetic analysis. They looked through the individual’s genes, chromosomes, proteins, and more to find out the results came back positive for the UK variant. “We’re still trying to really piece this story together to find out if there is anything more,” the county’s deputy health officer, Kismet Baldwin, said.

The resident has yet to be identified or spoken to by officials. However, the individual and their roommate are currently in isolation. “I don’t think it would be unlikely that there’s more cases. But we don’t know, and we’re investigating that case as we speak,” Baldwin said.

Despite the cancellation of vaccination appointments and shortage of doses in California, UC Berkely’s infectious disease expert Dr. John Swartzberg claims the three different COVID-19 vaccines give a very powerful immune response for people battling the UK variant. “This is one reason why we need to immunize as many people as

quickly as possible,” Swartzberg said.

It is uncertain if there will be another possible outbreak, but, “We’re watching it, and the state is watching it,” Baldwin said. It has been just about one year since the beginning of the pandemic and individuals are finally getting vaccinated around the world. Swartzbeg states that the UK variant is doubling every nine to 10 days, and may become the dominant strain by the end of the month.

Other than Sonoma County, counties ranging from Napa, Santa Clara, and San Francisco are cleared from rules within the purple tier, or tier one of safety precautions regarding COVID-19. This tier indicates how much the virus has spread throughout the county. According to ABC News, being in the purple tier means amusement parks, breweries and distilleries, bars, and work offices remain closed while retail stores, hair salons, shopping centers, hotels, professional sports, and personal care services remain open. All other gatherings, places of attraction, playgrounds, gym facilities, churches, and restaurants remain open for outside only. Thus, museums, zoos, movie theaters, gyms, wineries, breweries, and more will reopen at 25% capacity within these three outside regions.

Sonoma County officials plan to present a public health communication campaign next week to remind residents to not only continue to follow safety precautions, but to urge them to get tested if needed and vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the country.

“We want to limit the spread of variants as much as possible, but they are in the state and we don’t want to see another increase in cases again,” Baldwin said.

For more information regarding the UK variant and more, visit www.cdc.gov.

The UK variant of the COVID-19 virus has travelled across the globe and arrived in Sonoma County.

COURTESY // Flickr.com

Sonoma County vaccine shortages cause canceled appointments and closed vaccine sites SUMIKO FONG

STAFF WRITER

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s the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed worldwide, Sonoma County is coming across some setbacks with their rollout because they are running out of dosages. Vaccine appointments are getting canceled because of the shortage in supply. This mainly includes appointments for school employees, as they are the group next in line.

According to The Press Democrat, Sonoma County officials made the decision to cancel appointments for individuals who were supposed to get their first dose of the vaccine. They are also not allowing clinics that were supposed to vaccinate teachers and people who work with children to open next week.

As stated on ABC 7 News, this vaccine shortage is highly impacting schools in the area. Sonoma County had a plan to start opening schools and re-start in-person learning, however, this shortage is causing everything to be postponed because the staff isn’t able to get vaccinated. J.R. Stone, ABC 7 News anchor states, “Sonoma County expects to receive about 7,500 next week, it’s too early to tell when the county will receive any of the just authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccines.”

Dr. Urmila Shende, the county’s vaccine chief spoke with The Press Democrat about the issue. According to Shende, the county originally had plans to provide over 40,000 doses of the vaccination per week because of the amount of infrastructure that Sonoma County has, however, it is predicted that the county will only receive enough vaccines to provide 7,680 doses. “It’s very frustrating,” Shende said.

The county vaccine site coordinator Ken Tasseff spoke with The Press Democrat as well, providing more details on the issue at hand. Tasseff said, “The flow of vaccine is so tight that the county is able to fulfill its existing second-dose appointments only because Kaiser Permanente is ‘helping us out’ with 250 doses.” Tasseff also added that no clinics that already exist will be completely canceled, except for the ones that were delegated for the faculty at Rancho Cotate High School. Also, no additional clinics that have not started will be scheduled to open.

On the bright side, some Sonoma State University faculty members have been able to receive their first dosage of the vaccine, which is a positive step in the future of resuming in-person classes at Sonoma State University. “I received the vaccine because of volunteer work I do in the community,” said biology professor Shannon Lee. Professor Rachel Donham also got vaccinated because she is a full-time employee elsewhere.

“I was fortunate to be vaccinated at my other work place,” said Donham.

Despite some faculty members managing to get vaccinated, it has been difficult for every faculty member at Sonoma State to get an appointment

STAR // Andrew Savedra The Jewish Community Free Clinic, located in Santa Rosa, is one of the many clinics impacted by the COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Sonoma County.

to get vaccinated. There is also not a specific plan in place for all the faculty members to get vaccinated. “There has been no word yet as to whether SSU plans to have a temporary on-campus vaccination site for all staff and professors once all are eligible or if we will need to go through our health care providers or the county directly,” Lee said.

The county wants to start providing first dosages of the vaccine to educators again sometime this week if the shortage isn’t as severe. Sonoma County has reached the positive record of logging more than 32,777 second doses of vaccine, which is more than the 27,925 confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to The Press Democrat. Also, Shende mentioned that even though there is a shortage of vaccines, the eligibility requirements will not be altered. Sonoma County will still be providing vaccines to people above the age of 65, as well as workers in agriculture, food preparation and delivery, emergency services and educators as soon as they become available.

To find out more, visit myturn.ca.gov.

12 Photo

MARCH. 9 - MARCH. 15, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

SSU Recreation Center reopens outdoors

STAR// Rachel Gonzalez The socially-distanced outdoor workout space is set up for those who make reservations to workout.

STAR// Rachel Gonzalez Staff workers Giselle Melendrez (left) and Dylan Galvez (right) worked the sociallydistanced outdoor workout space to help keep it clean for students.

STAR // Rachel Gonzalez The Campus Recreation check-in for the outdoor workout space.

STAR // Rachel Gonzalez Shelbi Long, the director of the Recreation Center, helps maintain safety guidelines.

Vaccine shortage in Sonoma County

STAR // Andrew Savedra Doctors and nurses at the Jewish Community Free Clinic work diligently as they begin their short-supplied COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

STAR // Andrew Savedra Deborah Roberts checked in to the Jewish Community Free Clinic, where vaccines are being administered.

STAR // Andrew Savedra Deborah Roberts, clinic director of the Jewish Community Free Clinic, works to provide the public with vaccines amidst a shortage in Sonoma County.