Spring 2022 - Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE

New Head Coach

Modern Dating

Rising Gas Prices

Rich Shayewitz announced as head basketball coach for the men’s team.

PAGE 7.

Modern-era dating is explored through a horror lens in “Fresh”.

PAGE 3

California citizens yearn for a third stimulus check as gas prices soar.

PAGE 3.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 86 // ISSUE 6 MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

COURTESY // legacy.com Aysia Dural was a freshman in the prelicensure nursing program.

@SONOMASTATESTAR

COURTESY // hutchins.sonoma.edu Former Hutchins professor, Tony Mountain, passed away at the age of 85.

SSU celebrates the lives of two community members that died in the month of February

ADDISON SMITH STAFF WRITER

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onoma State recently lost two beloved members of the Sonoma State Community, former Arts and Humanities Professor and Hutchins Advisory Board Member Anthony “Tony” Mountain and Freshman Aysia Dural. These two members were loved and will be remembered by students and faculty alike for their bright demeanors and passion for love and life.

Mountain passed away unexpectedly at the age of 85 in his home in Sebastopol on the evening of Wednesday, February 23.

According to an email sent out by the A&H dean Hollis Robbins to the A&H staff, “Tony was one of a kind and his dedication and passion will truly be missed.”

Mountain started his career by getting his Bachelor of Arts degree at Columbia University in 1961, as well as his Master of Arts degree at the University of Washington in 1970. After receiving his degrees, he started his illustrious career at Sonoma State University in 1969 where he worked for 41 years in the Hutchins School of Liberal Arts.

Mountain was said to be a joy and light to work with according to students and staff and once described the Hutchins program as an “extraordinary education not only for its students but, in its highly interdisciplinary way, for its faculty as well.

We were students and teachers together - an utterly unique program and I miss it.”

Mountain will be sorely missed by both students and faculty alike, per his wishes, instead of a funeral or service by his family, he would like for people to donate to a charity of their choice in his name if possible. People can also send letters of condolences to Hutchins office c/o Cheryl Maynard.

The SSU community also mourns Ayisa Dural, a freshman in the university’s nursing program who passed away the same week as Mountain.

Ayisa Dural was a vibrant and beloved young woman in the prelicensure nursing program. Dural was, according to an email sent out to the community, “a young woman full of promise and potential.” She was beloved by friends, family, and anyone who interacted with her throughout her time at Sonoma State.

An obituary in the Press Democrat for Dural said, “You were God’s gift to your family and a committed friend to all that knew you. Our hearts are broken, but the blessing of your memory will sustain us until we meet again.”

A Celebration of Life was held for Dural on campus at the Student Center on March 12, where everyone was welcome to pay their respects.

Another way community members can help the Duval’s is by sending or participating in a meal train for the family.

The Meal Train is “trying to respect privacy and mourning…drop off food at

see COMMUNITY DEATHS on pg. 4

STAR // Noah Clarke Gas prices at the 76 station located off of Golf Course Drive.

COURTESY// California Teacher Association on Facebook Community members join local educators as they go on strike over unfair wages.

Cotati and Rohnert Park educators go on strike ANA FINGERSON STAFF WRITER

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otati-Rohnert Park educators started protesting for better wages and a multiyear raise on Tuesday, Mar. 8 at a four-hour school board meeting. The strikes began on Thursday, Mar. 10 and Friday, Mar. 11 in Rohnert Park.

Thursday morning, over 300 teachers, dressed in red, were met by students, staff, custodians, food service workers, parents, and community members on the picket line to show their support the teachers. Due to the strike, many schools across the district had staffing issues both Thursday and Friday, causing a demand for substitute teachers and in many cases, classes being canceled.

Teachers, parents, and other community members are encouraging the community to write emails to the district board members. “I am keeping my kids home in support of the teachers and I am so proud that they are joining their dad on the picket line this morning. If you see teachers in red throughout Rohnert Park, please honk to show your support. Knowing the community is behind them has kept them see STRIKE on pg. 4

Increased gas prices raise concerns across SSU community

WILLOW ORNELLAS STAFF WRITER

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he dramatic increase in gas prices seen across California this week has forced Sonoma State University students to make a variety of sacrifices.

Gas prices have been on the rise for years nationwide, however, this week prices hit record highs following President Joe Biden’s decision to stop buying oil from Russia.

Paris Gayda, a 20-year-old Psychology major has to work two part-time jobs just in order to pay their bills. When they first bought their car six months ago, it only cost around $40 to fill up their tank. This week, Gayda paid $70 to fill up their tank.

“The gas prices have greatly impacted me financially. I have had to make the decision to not attend class [on campus] every week in order to save my gas,” Gayda said.

Aleksa Chavez is a 23-year-old Early Childhood Studies major, lives on campus but likes to visit her family in San Jose often. “I’m getting homesick more than usual now, but gas costs too much to be going back and forth from school and home,” said Chavez. Chavez’s story is one many students can relate to. see GAS PRICES on pg. 4

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board Myles Grabau, Editor-in-Chief Maych Rowell, News Editor Emily Cripe, Opinion Editor Cléa Upcher, Arts & Entertainment Editor Isabel Epstein, Student Life Editor Nicholas Roth, Sports & Health Editor Dana Scacco, Photo Editor Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022

sonomastatestar.com

Students and fans faced with dilemma of separating art from problematic artists

Staff Writers Willow Ornellas, Addison Smith, Ana Fingerson, Khanh Dao, Payton Mullaney, Rosalee Padilla, Holly Durfee, Jacqueline Garcia, Javier Hernandez, Rachel Yetso, Jake Morrissey, Tanner Ivey, Olivia Doane, Danny Serrano Photographers Montana Lahey, Mikayla Fritzemeier, Noah Clarke

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

Correction In last week’s issue, “Women artists showcase their work at ‘A Beautiful Mess’,” the photo on the left is of a woven piece by Kira Dominguez Hultgren, titled ‘Wingspan’.

Have an opinion?

We’d like to hear from you!

The STAR welcomes letter to the editor

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.

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rt is one of the most beloved ways for people to express themselves, both in what they create themselves, as well as what they chose to view, read, wear, or watch. When one finally connects to an artist they love, an emotional bond is created, and one can become much more invested in both the art and the artist themselves. In recent years, as people have put fear aside and let truth take the reins, there are more and more stories breaking about once-admired celebrity creators, and the unacceptable words or atrocious actions that lead to their downfall.

There are a substantial amount of eyes on the creations of prominent artists, and with that comes both love and hate for the creator as well as the work they are putting out.

Once-esteemed names of the already distant past like Harvey Weinstein, Michael Jackson, or R. Kelly are front of mind when thinking about artists whose reputations have been tarnished by their own abhorrent actions. It can become difficult to continue to enjoy a Weinstein movie or a Michael Jackson song when fans are faced with the truths behind the artists they formerly supported. How can one enjoy their favorite song or movie if it was created by a person whose actions and choices they detest?

This dilemma becomes more difficult when you have specific memories or emotional ties to a favorite song or movie created by a problematic public figure. Oftentimes, these works of art are associated with moments and memories that might have shaped fans’ lives or aided them in one way or another.

In 2020, author J.K. Rowling came under fire for hateful comments directed towards trans people, more specifically trans women.

With comments like, “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth,” and, “The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women - ie, to male violence - ‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense,” plastered on her Twitter account, Rowling showed her true colors, much to her fans’ dismay.

Like Kanye West’s recent social media outbursts, fans were filled with sadness and disappointment as they were forced to watch one of their favorite childhood artists take jab after jab at an already vulnerable community.

“Harry Potter is about the magic of love, acceptance, belonging. The power of courage.

COURTESY // @Emmy_Zje on Twitter

The impact of hope. Trying to take those things away from people is a terrible tragedy.

Trans women are women,” wrote Twitter user @MalloryRubin.

Others felt angry that a person with such a large platform would use it to spread such dangerous rhetoric, “Do NOT read #JKRowling ‘s transphobia manifesto. I already did it for you. Every line is misinformation, fear mongering, misgendering, othering, ignorance, far right language/dog whistles, and pure hate. It’s not just ugly. This is HATE. Don’t ingest this BS. I beg you,” wrote Twitter user @TessFowler.

These intense emotions can be expected when the creator of something one has held close and cherished suddenly shows themself as a completely different person. It is here that it becomes difficult to separate the artist from the art. Rowling, for example, has lived her life in a way that has shaped these beliefs. Art is an extension of the self, so, unfortunately, her books are an extension of her, and therefore her way of thinking. There are multiple examples of moments of racism, anti-semitism, and classism that show up throughout the Harry Potter series. As children, these themes often pass right over without much absorption.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who now works with LGBTQ rights organization The Trevor Project, was the first from the franchise to chime in with a statement.

“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people … To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished. I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you … And in my opinion, nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.”

Franchise star Bonnie Wright also took to Twitter to share a statement of similar thought, “If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Trans women are women. I see and love you…”

Looking back with a wider lens of perspective, it is up to each individual to decide whether the work is still worth their acknowledgement, and whether or not they can separate actions from art. With more and more public figures, like artists, writers and actors coming under fire for their actions, many of their fans are faced with the moral dilemma of being able to separate the art from the artists.

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.

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022

sonomastatestar.com

‘Fresh’ rewrites the narrative for women in horror

ROSALEE PADILLA

STAFF WRITER

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he film “Fresh” is a highly dramaticized illustration of what it’s like to be a woman in the dating scene. The film paints a bleak picture of the potential dangers of online dating in an unexpected, borderline taboo manner. This new horror flick also offers a fresh new perspective of what it means to be a woman in film, both behind and in front of the camera.

Director Mimi Cave makes sure to create female characters who are self-sufficient and determined to escape their circumstances on their own terms.

The main character Noa, played by Daisy Edgar Jones, is super relatable as she navigates online dating and encounters some strange men along the way. Later in the film, Noa experiences every woman’s dream scenario: she meets a handsome stranger at the grocery store and they hit it off. Cave does a really great job of conveying the female perspective in showing these awkward, borderline painful first dates and tapping into a single woman’s greatest desires.

Noa is very sure of herself; never afraid to voice her opinion. It’s common, especially in horror films, for women to be pawns; background characters with no voice or common sense. A classic portrayal that comes to mind is that of the “stereotypical bimbo.” “Fresh” completely rewrites this narrative in creating multiple female characters who are able to get themselves and each other out of a life or death situation.

Unlike many female characters, who are typically written by men, Noa ends up being a master manipulator who escapes a horrifying situation by outsmarting her captor. Throughout the film, Noa seems to be acting very complacent but in reality she is carefully plotting her breakout.

Noa is able to lull her captor into a sense of comfort and then everything takes a gruesome turn. It also

felt very intentional that the women in this movie don’t end up getting saved by a man, Cave really strayed away from the classic damsel in distress narrative.

A recurring theme included in “Fresh” was the line “You should smile more.” This phrase is usually associated with cat calls and is often used by men to try and frighten women. Men see a woman just going about her day with a seemingly blank stare and feel the need to say “you should smile more”.

In using the phrase in the film, Cave reclaims it, and Noa uses it against her captor. It is a moment of power and, in a theater filled with people, would have definitely been met with applause and chatter.

“Women are so often portrayed as the weaker characters in films,” said Matthew Bivens, a junior at Sonoma State University, “...so it was very refreshing to see a director completely flip the narrative. I think positive representation for women in film is long overdue and having more female directors feels like a necessity at this point.”

According to an article from womenandhollywood.com, recent statistics show that only 32% of directors are female. There are usually only stereotypical portrayals of women that only serve to appease the male gaze, this is directly linked with the utter lack of first hand female experience from directors. The consistent portrayal of women in film doesn’t allow for any realistic representation.

“Fresh” successfully portrayed strong female characters that were able to solve their problems without the help of a man. One of the side characters, Mollie, who plays Noa’s best friend is able to locate Noa using very keen observational skills. It feels like so often female characters are shown as airheads and very rarely are seen as strong resourceful individuals. Having more in depth characters only serves to strengthen the plot as a whole, so why do directors continue to stick to old school gendered stereotypes.

Overall, it seems that Cave was able to completely ditch the negative stereotypes associated with female characters.

This film offers a balance between vague comedic moments and truly unnerving horror. It is a must watch for anyone looking to see a more inclusive perspective of the female experience. There is a very meaty plot with a super relatable main character which makes for a wild ride.

Internship graduation requirements suffocate students

PAYTON MULLANEY STAFF WRITER

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any students at Sonoma State University are required to complete a certain number of hours as an intern in order to graduate.

It may look good on a resume, but on top of school, jobs, social life, and maintaining a good mental state, are internships worth sacrificing students’ sanity?

Being a full time student alone is a huge time commitment, which makes adding an internship to the mix all the more troublesome. Placing this expectation on students is harmful because it creates burnout. Many students also already have paid jobs that help them pay for schooling, so asking them to complete an unpaid internship on top of everything else is ridiculous and unnecessary.

While not all internships are unpaid, finding a paid position is like finding a needle in a haystack.

On top of that, these positions are usually more demanding and require more experience in the field which, as college students, most people don’t have.

Fourth year student Keegan Vincent said, “I have had a hard time maintaining a good GPA in order to graduate while also working at my internship. Although I love interning for a PR company, I have a lot on my plate and wish my major made internships optional or possibly not require so many hours.”

Expecting students to intern in exchange for course units is excessive, and it takes the fun out of choosing an internship. Working in someone’s field of interest brings along great experience, however students should be able to choose if and when they want to participate in an internship. It would look great on a resume no matter what, and students would have more freedom and less frustration because they are not forced to work.

Adriana Munoz, a third year student, said, “I am struggling to find paid internships. They are extreme-

ly hard to come by and if I am going to invest my time into a company, compensation would help a lot. I pay for my own schooling and housing, so these are crucial hours I could be working for pay, but unfortunately to graduate this is a requirement.”

Paid internships should not be so difficult to come by. Students are investing time that they could put elsewhere to pursue companies in their field of interest, however they are often stuck doing grunt work. Being paid would encourage students to intern as well as get all of their internship hours in.

College is way too expensive and if students are interning for no pay, they’re wasting time they could use to work a job for actual money.

Students typically do their internship their last semester, and although it’s their fault for waiting until the last minute, internships usually require some form of experience in the field, which most students don’t until later in their college career.

Communications student Jack Brutus said, “I want to intern for a company I am passionate about and believe could give me good networking opportunities. I chose COMS because it is so relevant to today’s generation, but I want to use it for good, not just filing papers and making phone calls.”

It is always appealing to pick the first internship that comes along, rather than something interesting and relevant to one’s career. This leads to dreading the internship and wasting their time on work they aren’t passionate about. If the requirements were lifted, students could freely pick an internship in their interest that they are passionate about.

Although some students enjoy having to do an internship because they are learning skills and communication tactics for future jobs, finding balance between work, school, and a social life is exhausting. Some students love their internships, nonetheless they are still overworked and often for no compensation. College students are held to high standards which teaches them to be prepared for life after school, but life after school students will be getting paid for all the time and effort they put into their future jobs.

There are such high expectations placed on college students. Attending college and finishing is a huge accomplishment in it of itself, but adding more stress to college students is unfair. They are adults and can make their own decisions , and choosing to intern to further their skills should be a personal decision, not a forced one.

Opinion 3 Rising gas prices raise conversations of third stimulus KHANH DAO

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STAFF WRITER

he world has entered a period of global crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion and threats against peaceful neighbor Ukraine.

American consumers are being asked to sacrifice their wallets in response to rising gasoline prices. The nation needs a stimulus check after so many sacrifices were made.

Gasoline and oil are crucial to the worldwide economy. Russia is one of the most important suppliers of gas and oil to Europe and the United States. There is no doubt that Russia is pushing Ukraine to its very limits during this unfortunate event, and the rest of the world is beginning to feel the effects as conf lict persists.

As a result of the ongoing conf lict between Russia and Ukraine, Joe Biden made the decision to stop importing oil from Russia. This is the main factor in the sky-high gas prices in America right now, and it’s just another reason for the American government to step in and help its citizens before they sink under the weight of these new expenses.

Every household’s spending varies by family or individuals based on priorities. With the sudden rise in fuel prices, many families and fellow citizens are cutting personal spending on other expenses. Some people are deciding to drive less and are only traveling if it’s necessary.

The average household is impacted by inf lation by $276 per month and $1,100 a quarter, according to Moody’s Analytics. The nation’s inf lation rate ended in January at 7.5%. The price of gasoline has risen $4.25 per gallon in the past week; they have risen $2.86 since Monday. Fuel costs approximately $85.50 to fill a 20-gallon tank. It is quite outrageous, but when it comes to keeping their days going, many people are willing to pay any price for gasoline and oil. Nonetheless, the price does become a burden at a certain point.

The United States government provided citizens with support through the early days of the pandemic, so what’s stopping them from offering that same support now?

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided many Americans with stimulus checks to soften the blow of pandemic-borne financial struggles. The government also morphed unemployment systems to accommodate the newfound, country-wide lack of job security. This was called the “American Rescue Plan’’ and has since run out at this point.

Despite the inf lation and unprecedented events in the world today, the United States federal government has not provided direct assistance to families in dealing with the rising gasoline prices.

On March 8, President Biden challenged the American people to increase their energy independence. Even so, the United States is not yet prepared to make the transition to green energy, and it would not be as simple as it may seem.

Many low and moderate-income families and small businesses benefited from the previous stimulus checks. Allowing them to afford necessities such as food, medicine, and gasoline.

When inf lation continues to rise, these families may have to make even greater sacrifices if the government does not lend them a hand.

The United States government provided citizens and families with any amount they needed based on their income during the pandemic. The United States prides itself on stepping in first when the going gets tough. The country is always first to assist, fight, and overall support.

Nevertheless, to keep helping other countries, Americans also need to support themselves.

Even a small amount of stimulus check will go a long way.

4 News

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022

sonomastatestar.com

Area educators on strike over unfair wages continued from pg. 1

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier Three buildings in Sauvignon Village are being used as quarantine areas for students who live on campus and test positive for COVID-19.

To eat or not to eat: quarantining on campus

OLIVIA DOANE STAFF WRITER

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ver the last couple of years, many schools have found themselves making accommodations for students who test positive for the COVID-19 virus, moving them into vacant on-campus “quarantine dorms” or housing them off campus in hotel rooms, while still providing them with their daily meals.

For Sonoma State, students have been less than impressed about the accommodations the school has given them when faced with a positive COVID-19 test. .

Nico Schwartz, an Early Childhood Major, had a lot to say about her unforgettable quarantine experience. “They didn’t provide us with meals, or any resources at all for that matter, besides a roll of toilet paper and a towel for the week. We only had an hour to pack up anything we had, including food,” said Schwartz.

Students who were unaware of not being provided food, were left to be hungry unless they were able to afford the hefty food delivery bill, or have friends bring them meals.

Most college students, do not have the funds to order takeout and get food delivered to them on a daily basis, which is what many students in the quarantine dorms found to be their only option, “We were told we could Instacart if necessary, and more than anything it isn’t very affordable for a college student,” Schwartz said.

Many campuses have meal plan options for students in quarantine, and have meals delivered to them throughout the day. With this not being the case for SSU students in quarantine, it became a struggle for some students to provide meals for themselves while in isolation.

With no meal accommodations from the school, students have been forced to spend upwards of $70 a day, ordering food from off campus restaurants if they did not pack food to bring with them for their quarantine period. “I couldn’t afford to have food delivered to me on a daily basis,” Schwartz said. “So a couple days a week, my friends who weren’t quarantining brought me something.”

Bigger schools like NYU, are being called out for the less than adequate quarantine meals they are providing to students who tested positive for COVID-19.

However, students who have quarantined at SSU have expressed they would have gladly taken any meal provided by the school, as they were not told they would have to live off of only the few snacks they choose to bring with them, which a lot of the time, was not much.

“I saw people post videos of their quarantine meals at their schools and they had like three course meals, and sufficient resources,” a less than impressed Schwarts said. “And Sonoma had absolutely nothing.”

Plenty of students rely on their meal plan at school to get most of their food and nutrition. When it is no longer provided, things can be tough. “I just ate what I had, which was oatmeal and bananas. I lost about 10 pounds within those two weeks,” Schwartz explained.

Students are already in a less than ideal situation when in quarantine, worrying about how they are going to feed themselves for two weeks should not be as worrisome as it has been.Students already worrying about contracting COVID-19 should not have to stress about if they will be able to eat everyday.

going through this battle. More than money they are asking for respect and this district has not demonstrated they are capable of respecting their employees,” wrote Heather Cain on facebook.

Teachers, represented by the Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association (RPCEA), made it clear that they wanted to see higher annual raises over the next few years. The District felt these demands would “force the district into a multimillion-dollar deficit as soon as next school year.” wrote Kaylee Tornay, a staff writer for the Press Democrat.

A letter, to Dr. Mayra Perez, the superintendent of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District (CRPUSD) and the school board, written by, Cassandra Wilcox, a teacher at Monte Vista Elementary school who has worked for the district for ten years, and posted with permission onto the RCPEA facebook page, expressed concern for the way the district was portraying the teachers.

“On Friday, I received another correspondence from the district office painting a devastatingly divisive picture to families that portrays teachers as the “bad guys” for requesting to be paid a decent, livable wage…However, it is not inappropriate, it is within teachers’ rights to demonstrate peacefully to show dissatisfaction with how they are being treated by their district,’’ wrote Wilcox.

A forty-five page document laid out the fact finding proceedings pursuant to the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA), contributing to the impasse between the union and district.

The report wrote,“Though the parties must ultimately reach agreement on their own, the factfinding report contributes to that process by offering a careful analysis, neutral outside perspective, and framework for considering settlement terms.” The report suggested a six percent raise for the school year of 2021-22, a five percent raise for 2022-23 and a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2023-24.

The district believes they are prioritizing their employees and students needs but feel the RPCEA’s request for an ongoing annual wage increase could cause a negative financial status for the district. The union argues that the district fails to prioritize it’s teachers budgets and “adopts a budget in June with 0% allocated for the teachers, and then months into the school year teachers are told there is almost nothing left for them,” wrote the report.

A few more teachers showed concern for the district’s actions “Throughout this process the school board and superintendent have not attended a single negotiation meeting. Nor did they attend the fact finding meeting (although Dr Perez did drop off donuts and stay just for the introductions)...They are not listening or even willing to talk with us. We have parent and community support. Only 12% of the student body attended school the last two days (mostly due to lack of childcare).” wrote Lightfoot in her email to the county supervisors.

Findings and recommendations made by the fact finding panel were intended to provide both parties with information to reach a settlement, but the disagreements were large enough making the settlement difficult.

The panel found evidence of Sonoma County school district finances changing compared to other districts, as well as the district providing incomplete financial data.

“Nowhere in that email did the district take accountability for the mismanaged funds highlighted in the fact finder’s report. Yet, accountability is something we teach our own kids. What kind of message is being sent?” wrote Wilcox A gofund me page was created and posted by Nancy Ellis to support the RCPEA educators on facebook. “Our community is facing a crisis in our schools due to unacceptable wages that prevent us from recruiting and retaining the best educators for our students. Sadly, after months of futile negotiations, we are at the end of the legal mediation process. Over 90% of the RPCEA membership voted to authorize a strike if the District does not provide a fair offer.” wrote Ellis in the page description. With a goal of $25,000, Ellis and the association are grateful for all the support they have gotten so far.

Gas prices skyrocket continued from pg. 1

Jackie, a 20-year-old Liberal Arts major, is also afraid she won’t be able to go home as often due to the rise in gas prices. Jackie explained how it’s her first semester at SSU and being away from her family has been taking a toll on her mental health.

“I’m not working so I rely solely on the extra money I have saved from my student loans, which isn’t a lot, it’s money I have to split between gas, food, and other necessities,” Jackie said. “I went home this past weekend and spent more than $100 on gas for this trip. Gas was a bit under $5 at home and was over $5 here. Now with gas prices being over $6, I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford going home for spring break.”

The expensive gas prices seen nationwide are a supply and demand issue.

Russia is a major producer and exporter of oil and natural gas and on Mar. 8, President Biden announced he would stop buying oil from Russia. Economics professor, Dr. Florence Buvet, provided some insight into this issue.

The US does not import a lot of oil from Russia because we produce a lot of our own now thanks to fracking, Buvet explained. However, the U.S. is still experiencing spikes in the price of gasoline because it relies heavily on the global price of crude oil. Around 50% of the gasoline price is determined by the crude oil price. Because the price of oil and, thus, the price of gasoline depends a lot on the crude oil world market, there is not much the government can do right away to lower prices.

“Right now prices are on the rise because the market is expecting higher prices in the future because there would be a decline of supply in the US once the embargo is in effect. As a result, people want to buy crude oil on the world market now before the price starts rising once the embargo on Russian oil is in place,” Buvet said. “This is what we call self-fulfilling expectations. By increasing the demand for oil now, buyers are driving up the current price, just based on their expectations for the future.”

There isn’t much the government can do currently to help these prices. The US is a market economy where the government doesn’t have direct control over price setting. Prices are set by supply and demand.

If the war in Ukraine continues to drag on, prices could continue to go up. “A reversal of the price trend will depend on how the situation evolves in Ukraine and Russia and whether other countries increase their oil production to make up for the missing Russian oil,” said Buvet.

Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Dr. Chong Uk Kim also provided insight into what the US can do currently to lower prices, “The Federal government can provide more gas to American people from other sources such as Venezuela. On the State level, for example, the State of California can suspend the gas tax which is currently 51.1 cents per gallon,” Kim said.

COURTESY// Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association on Facebook Strikes continue outside schools across the city as teachers fight for better pay.

SSU mourns the deaths of two community members continued from pg. 1

the door and ring the doorbell. Try to give food in disposable items that can be tossed afterwards. It’s ok to include a note of condolences for the loved ones.”

Alicia Prime, the organizer of the Meal Train page said, “Aysia was an amazing soul, funny, kind, intelligent, wise beyond her years, beautiful- inside and out, persistent, tenacious, and caring to name a few of her many traits. One thing for certain, she was loved, and she knew it! First and foremost, we ask that you please keep their family in prayer. Prayer is powerful and necessary right now.” Any food, prayers, or letters of condolences are welcomed for the Duval family.

The passing of faculty or students can be hard to understand for many and Sonoma State wants people to know that Counseling support is available for everyone to attend and process the loss of life that has occurred recently.

CAPS services are available to reach via phone at (707)-664-2153 and can be visited in building 17A, the portable building behind Salazar Hall. Faculty members are encouraged, if needed, to reach out to the SSU Employee Assistance Program for counseling help if needed.

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022 sonomastatestar.com

Arts & Entertainment 5

Seawolves showcase their talents at Open Mic Night

STAR // Montana Lahey SSU Seawolf, Devin, played electric guitar and sang covers at ASP’s first open mic night of the semester. Open mic night is open to all Seawolves who would like to share their talents with their peers.

HOLLY DURFEE

S

STAFF WRITER

tudents took the floor to showcase their talents at ASP’s (Associated Students Productions) first open mic night of the semester on Wed. March 9 from 7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. The event took place on campus at Weyden + Brewster and featured a variety of talents, including musicians, comedians, scriptwriters, and poets. Altogether, 5 students performed and approximately 15 audience members attended the event.

Giovany Morales, ASP event coordinator and a 3rd-year early childhood studies major, explained, “We [ASP] want to provide a creative outlet for students to come in and relax and perform their talents. We really want to add to the college experience by getting a community together to show students what Seawolves are capable of… Typically, we have been doing Open Mic Nights online. In total, we did 2 online and had about 5-6 performers.” Morales then went on to share his overall views of the event as an audience member, “I’m a musician myself, so I love watching people play music. I’m not a poet, but I recognize how difficult it can be to write poetry and speak from the heart; Witnessing moments like that is wholesome and what makes this community great.”

Upon arrival, students were asked to show SSU identification and proof of a green wellness clearance. Coffee with creamer, Oreos, and Rice Krispie treats were offered at the event free of charge. For musicians, an electric guitar was provided. Although Weyden + Brewster does not have a stage, ASP arranged the room appropriately for the occasion. Before and after performances, music played on two prominent speakers to help to ease the tension that can come with performances like these. Mingling was encouraged.

Saffron Walters, a 2nd-year Communications major, sang and performed stand-up comedy at the event. Walters, who has been to three Open Mic

Nights, said, “I think [Open Mic Nights] are pretty well done. I like getting up there and having fun, that’s what it’s all about. I haven’t performed in quite a while because of the pandemic… I was a little anxious, but that comes with the territory.” Walters’ comedic skit was based on her experiences as an individual who was conceived through in vitro fertilization. More specifically, she talked about how people react to hearing about how she was born and some of the unusual requirements for sperm donors. Walter wrapped up the event singing a song called Sweet Baby James, by James Taylor.

Other students took the comedic route as well. Rachel Burson, a 3rd-year business major, said, “Tonight I just really wanted to do comedy… It’s a coping mechanism for sure. I’ve been going through some stuff, and usually, when I rant, I get people to laugh because I know I’m putting them through some emotional labor. I try to bring levity, so [people] don’t feel the constant pressure.” In Burson’s skit, she joked about getting through life in a spiteful manner and how she prevents herself from blowing up at others when the world becomes overwhelming.

Overall, the small crowd was encouraging and receptive to each performer, which Walters commented on while sharing tips to those interested in taking the floor, “I’d say practice, that’s always beneficial. I think it’s also important to stay focused and remember that audience members want you to succeed, not a single one of them wants you to fail. If you stay in a good headspace, you’ll be alright.” At one point, audience members even celebrated a musician’s comeback after experiencing some technical difficulties mid-performance.

The next Open Mic Night will take place on April 6 at the Alumni Amphitheater, near Person Lawn. To learn more, contact aspevent4@sonoma.edu.

A hybrid format of ASP’s Disney Drawing Night returns by popular demand JACQUELINE GARCIA STAFF WRITER

A

ssociated Student Productions (ASP) featured its first in-person Disney Drawing Night on March 10 from 7–8 p.m. at Ballroom D., offering students of all skill levels the opportunity to learn how to draw Disney characters instructed by a former Disney artist while enjoying snacks and winning prizes. “These events offer a space for students to practice their creativity, try something new that is beginner-friendly, and de-stress. Now that we have more students on campus, it was great to put

COURTESY // Amanda Fitz Disney Drawing Night was complete with a step-by-step drawing of Mickey Mouse.

COURTESY // Amanda Fitz Students that attended the event in person were able to follow along with the artist.

on this event in person while also still offering students the option to attend virtually on Zoom,” wrote Amanda Fitz, ASP Event Director, in an email.

Students were greeted at the door by ASP members requesting their SSU ID and green wellness clearance for admission. As students made their way into the event, they were given directions to locate seating, a snack table, and a supplies table. Cardstock paper, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, colored pencils, markers, and stickers of Disney characters were all provided by ASP. The event offered snacks such as Rice Krispy treats and Oreos cookies. Many students brought their own popcorn, skittles and Starbucks.

Rachel Frebert, a former Disney artist who guided the drawing tutorial for the night, shared her excitement towards having the ability to look up and see students fixated on their drawings in person, not just through a computer screen, “ This time around, I feel more connected to the audience. I’m able to answer questions right away without having to type and stop drawing.”​​ Those who attended last semester’s virtual Disney Drawing Night event were quick to favor the in-person event,emphasizing their excitement at the ability to feel more connected to their fellow Seawolves. “There’s a big difference between sitting at home by yourself and being surrounded by your friends. I can sit with my friends and laugh at each other’s drawing skills.

I’m looking forward to the next Disney Drawing Night,” said Pedro Sanchez, a fourth-year music major.

The night started with a few nervous individuals unsure of their ability to keep up with the drawing tutorials, but as the event went on, students seemed to feel relieved by the drawing instructor’s easy-to-follow directions and easygoing way of teaching. “It was nice not to feel rushed and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed,” wrote Isabel Mello, second year communications major, in an email.

The night’s characters consisted of Goofy, Olaf, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck. Students were more than pleased with their drawings and many were quick to snap selfies with their favorite drawing. Jennifer Moray, a second-year business major, shared her hesitation with attending Disney Drawing Night, “I don’t consider myself a very artistic person. I’m definitely stepping out of my comfort zone.” Moray mentioned she was surprised by her natural ability to sketch one of her favorite Disney characters. “Getting to draw Goofy was great. I was amazed at how effortless the process felt. I definitely did not think my drawings would turn out as great as they did,’’ added Moray.

Though it had a low turnout, the event’s energy was high-spirited. Many students giggled away with their friends, looking over each other’s shoulders. Others kept their headphones in, eyes strictly on their paper or the monitor, only putting their pencil down for an Oreo break.

Those who attended were given the opportunity to enter a giveaway either by filling out a post-event survey, taking a picture of their drawing and tagging ASP on Instagram, or both for the chance to win a sketchbook and colored pencils.

“We consider this event a success. A few students shared with us that they had a great time, they found it therapeutic and they had fun,” said Fitz.

Upcoming ASP events include the Drive-In Movie series and Sonoma Super Bowl. To learn more about these future events and more, follow @ as_sonoma on Instagram or visit Associated Student Productions’ page on Engage.

6

Student Life

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022 sonomastatestar.com

LoboFest Presents: Casino Night

JAVIER HERNANDEZ

D

STAFF WRITER

id someone say jackpot? On the evening of March 11, Sonoma State hosted Casino Night in Ballroom A of the Student Center.

The event was part of Sonoma State’s ongoing LoboFest activities.

Casino Night was hosted by SSU’s Student Involvement and as well as other Sonoma State students that volunteered to help out. Students were able to play popular and classic casino games while enjoying a Friday night out with their friends or even making new ones.

“What I enjoyed the most about tonight was meeting new people while I was dealing at the blackjack table. I also enjoyed seeing old friends I hadn’t seen in a while,” said Haddie Danner, a third year business major at Sonoma State University. “Something else I really liked was the community building aspect that comes with these sort of events here at Sonoma State University” The night started off with students having to check-in by the front door of Ballroom A. Students attending Casino Night were required to show a green screen on their daily wellness check-up screening along with presenting their Sonoma State ID. After those safety precautions were completed, students then received a little casino theme cardboard box with 15 chips inside. If students ran out of chips they could go back to the front where they checked in to get a refill of 15 new chips to continue to play games.

Once inside, students were free to use those chips on any of the games they would like to play. There were four games for students to pick from including poker in Texas Hold ‘Em style and in 5 card draw style as well, blackjack and roulette. There was also a fifth non-casino game where students were allowed to spin a wheel and got the chance to win more chips.

Additionally, there were tons of free pizza available for students while they played their games.

Fourth year student at Sonoma State, Carlos Valdez, said “My favorite part of the night was getting to play games with my friends and the free pizza. I also liked being able to interact with the dealers while playing” At any point throughout the night, students had the option to take the chips they collected from winning games and trade them in for tickets.

Students could trade in five chips for one ticket. These tickets could then be used to win prizes through a raff le. Student involvement had 50 total prizes for Sonoma State students to win.

STAR // Montana Lahey Students gather around a table to try their luck at Hold’em Poker at Casino Night.

To wrap up the night, the organizers raff led off the prizes with students waiting anxiously in hopes of hearing their number called. These prizes varied from a beach towel to an instant camera, To more luxurious prizes like Apple Airpods and a brand new 32 inch TV. Students were able to win up to two prizes and if they were to win third they were allowed to pick two out of the three prizes Casino Night is a staple event. It is typically held once every year but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event took a two-year hiatus. Students along with other campus community members welcomed back the event with open arms as it has always been a huge success. The night was filled with fun games, food, and laughter by all of those that attended, creating a wonderful community for the night.

Seawolves SPEAK!

RACHEL YETSO

“What are your plans over spring break?”

W

STAFF WRITER

hen the cherry blossoms start to bloom outside the Green Music Center, all Seawolves know that spring has sprung! With spring just around the corner, students are getting more and more excited about their plans for spring break, and getting much needed relaxation time before their last couple months of the semester.

For many students, this is their first spring break post-pandemic and big plans are in order. Events like the LVIN trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico draw a big crowd of Sonoma State students, and are back up and running this spring break.

The event features premier hotels, experiences, and concerts to students who attend and get tickets through the event. According to their website, the headlining artists on March 23 include Snakehips and MK. However, other students may opt to spend time relaxing at home with family and friends. Although COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in Sonoma County and across the country, some people are still trying to be as “COVID-conscious” and

careful as possible. Students who are looking to stay in Rohnert Park for spring break are more than welcome to. The Residential Education and Campus Housing website page states that, “most university offices will have normal business hours.

On-campus housing will remain open and available.”

This is also a great opportunity for students to explore their home and the surrounding Sonoma County area. Great day-trip destinations include Bodega Bay, San Francisco, and Napa. SonomaCounty.com is a good site to refer to for fun events and inspiration for places to visit. On March 23, the Sonoma International Film Festival will be held in the city of Sonoma. Another highly anticipated event is the Pliny the Younger release at Russian River Brewing Company on March 25 at 11 a.m. The Russian River Brewing Company is a world-renowned brewery and customers wait in line for hours just to get their hands on this yearly limited release.

All Seawolves are equally excited for Spring break, whether that includes traveling for a big vacation or simply taking time to relax with the people they love.

“I’ve been putting a lot of effort into my academics so I plan on taking some time for myself.”

“I’m just going home to spend time with my best friend.”

-Joaquin Diaz, Junior, Computer Science major

-Madison Hernandez, Junior, Sociology major

“I’m going back home to Sacramento so I can see my family.”

“I’m going to Dillon Beach to spend some time with my family for a few days.”

-Emma Twardosz, Freshman, Art Major

-Nick Cross, Freshman, History major

major

“I’m going to be taking a trip to Boston. When I come back, I plan on regrouping and spending some time with family.”

“I’m going to Disneyland with my girlfriend. I’m really excited to experience this with her.”

-Sean Lopez, Senior, Philosophy major

-Juan Garcia Vega, Junior, Physics major

MARCH. 15 - MARCH. 21, 2022 sonomastatestar.com

Sports

Rich Shayewitz announced as mens’ head basketball coach R

7

TANNER IVEY STAFF WRITER

ich Shayewitz was named head coach of the men’s basketball team last week, according to Senior Director of Athletics Nicole Annaloro.

Shayewitz has been at the forefront of Sonoma State athletics for almost 20 years. He takes on this new role after serving as the Director of Basketball. Shayewitz took over as head coach of the men’s team in June 2020, having spent the previous three seasons as head coach of the women’s basketball team.

According to Sonoma Athletics, Dr. Annaloro said, “Rich has had proven success with both our men’s and women’s basketball programs spanning more than 20 years. He coaches with integrity and pride and has a unique ability to balance the student-athlete experience in a dynamic climate of change in college athletics.”

Shayewitz was appointed interim Director of Basketball following the retirement of men’s basketball coach Pat Fuscaldo and the start of COVID-19, making him the head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at SSU. “Coach Shayewitz has an extensive history with Sonoma State basketball and is the ideal candidate to fulfill this role during these unprecedented times,” said Annaloro.

According to the Sonoma State News biography on Shayewitz, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the SSU men’s basketball team in 2000. He held that position until 2006, when he was picked to be the associate head coach. Shayewitz served as the associate head coach for 11 seasons, guiding the Seawolves to four NCAA Tournament bids and six CCAA Tournament appearances.

This included this past season when the Seawolves were named the NCAA Division II statistical champion in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to score 57.8 points per game, a nation-best. He was also acknowledged for his contribution to the team’s 2005-06 CCAA Championship run and six subsequent CCAA tournament participation.

On top of this, Shayewitz has been the Academic and Eligibility Student-Athlete Advisor for the SSU athletic department for numerous years, in addition to his work on the court. He also has two Master’s degrees, one in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and one in Business from Sonoma State. This marks history, as Shayewitz becomes the sixth head coach in the program’s 37-year history.

According to Sonoma State News, Shayewitz said, “I am so

COURTESY // Sonomaseawolves.com Rich Shayewitz was announced last week as the mens head basketball coach after being the coach for both the men’s and women’s team previously.

grateful to President Judy K. Sakaki and Director of Athletics Nicole Annaloro for the incredible opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Sonoma State. I’m excited for what lies ahead as I can focus on building the program and creating an incredible experience for our student-athletes. Additionally, I cannot wait to connect with our alumni and bridge the gap with the old and new and grow the Sonoma State Basketball family.”

Having had a less than ideal season this year, Coach Shayewitz looks forward to the 2022-2023 season and has great aspirations to take this team to the next level.

Softball takes 3 of 4 from Monterey Bay

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier Senior Camille Rodriguez prepares to pitch the ball during a game on Saturday afternoon against Monterey Bay.

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier Teammates cheer on Sophomore, Rylee Nishimoto, as she gets ready to bat at a home game, Saturday afternoon.

JAKE MORRISSEY

S

STAFF WRITER

onoma State’s softball team played a pair of doubleheaders against Monterey Bay last weekend. SSU won the first three games of the series but could not take the fourth game, resulting in a 3-1 series win. This gives them a record of 14-13 overall and 6-10 in conference play, putting them in seventh place in the CCAA, just behind Monterey Bay, according to goccaa.org.

After a close first game, where the Seawolves won 3-2, they carried their momentum into the next two games. They blew out Monterey Bay in these games, outscoring them 17-5, with final scores of 8-4 and 9-1. Unfortunately, SSU could not keep up their high-powered offense in the last game of the series, where they lost 2-0. In this lowscoring affair, the Seawolves could not get their bats going as they only managed five hits.

“Bailee [Reed] pitched phenomenally in the last game, and our defense was flawless,” said junior centerfielder Reagan Hunt. “In the end, we needed to put some hits together.”

In four games over the weekend, the Seawolves totaled 20 runs and only gave up nine runs to Monterey. They had great performances from many players on both sides of the ball. Senior catcher Jordyn Martinez had quite the weekend. She tallied three hits and five RBIs through the four games. On the mound, Camille Rodrigues had a pair of solid pitching performances. She totaled 12.2 innings across the two games and only gave up two earned runs, along with six strikeouts.

The success for SSU this past weekend started on the defensive side of the field. SSU pitchers combined to only give up nine runs in the four games. They also managed to strike out 17 batters and only gave up 20 hits.

“Our team was able to win the series this weekend because we executed and made things happen on both defense and offense,” said sophomore left fielder Rylee Nishimoto. “I think a lot of our success came from our pitchers shutting down Monterey Bay and our offense having their back.”

This was a critical weekend series for the Seawolves as it brought them much closer to Monterey Bay in the standings. They now only sit one game behind Monterey Bay, who is 7-9 in the CCAA and 15-10 overall.

The SSU Softball team will continue their season this Friday and Saturday as they will be traveling to Arcata, Calif., to take on Cal Poly Humboldt. As they move forward in the season, the Seawolves will look to make a splash in the CCAA and fight for a playoff spot. They are below .500 in conference play, but this is no indicator of the team’s goals for the season. The team still believes that they can make their way through the playoffs and eventually win the CCAA championship.

“Our main goal is to take it game by game and eventually win the conference,” said Hunt. “Every day, whether it be at practice or in the weight room, we are working towards the goal of winning the conference.”

8

Photo

MARCH 15 - MARCH 21, 2022

sonomastatestar.com

Student Involvement throws Casino Night

STAR // Montana Lahey

(from left) Kristina Mena, Azucena Ferrusca, Naomi Islas-Lozano and Maddy Bastable pose for a photo while enjoying their time at Casino Night.

STAR // Noah Clarke A wide variety of props and decorations were put on display during Student Involverment’s Casino Night.

Seawolves play to win at one of the many Blackjack tables.

STAR // Montana Lahey

SSU victorious over Monterey Bay

Camille Rodriguez gets in the zone while pitching during SSU’s softball game this past Saturday afternoon.

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier The teammates engage in a quick huddle to prep before the second inning of the game.

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier

STAR // Mikayla Fritzemeier Skylar Linnane takes a big swing and hits the ball during the SSU softball game at home.