Issue 10

IN THIS ISSUE

Bankruptcy US Rugby files for bankruptcy amid COVID-19 pandemic. PAGE 11.

Lack of Masks

Trvia Via Zoom

Medical supplies are few and far between during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAGE 3.

Trivia Nights will still be taking place over zoom online to keep students entertained. PAGE 8.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 84 // ISSUE 9 APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Awaiting the peak TAYLOR HUMMEL

STAFF WRITER

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hroughout the world, COVID-19 continues to filter its way through each country. The number of documented illnesses continues to climb as the total number across the globe has reached and surpassed its one-millionth case. However, 300,000 of these cases belong to the United States. This means the US is the epicenter of the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis. According to Worldometers’ statistical guide to the virus, the US has currently twice as many cases as its worldly counterparts.

COVID-19 has continued to surge throughout the

US as it is gearing up for the assumed peak of the virus.

The top of the curve will vary for different areas, and it is possible California is on the other side, but the largest hotspot in the nation is projected to peak within the next week, according to of Gov. Cuomo of New York, however, his timeline has changed repeatedly in the last three weeks..

Currently, New York is the epicenter of the virus in the United States. Statistics provided by Worldometers see CORONAVIRUS on pg. 4

COURTESY // NIAID

Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-Cov-2.

Military maneuvers questioned TRAVIS GILLMORE NEWS EDITOR

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hile the nation is bracing for what government officials and advisors call the most devastating period of the coronavirus pandemic, the military was catapulted into the narrative this week with a series of contentious actions and declarations.

On April 1, President Trump began his daily press briefing by filling the small stage with military brass and addressing the public with a barrage of militaristic lingo.

The president said, “America continues to wage all-out war to defeat the virus...we’re attacking the virus on every front... every American will do their patriotic duty and help us to achieve a total victory.”

This came a day after Santa Rosa local Captain Brett Crozier wrote a memo requesting assistance as the ship he captained, the COURTESY // NAVY USS Theodore Roosevelt, was experiencing an Captain Brett Crozier tested positive for COVID-19. outbreak of COVID-19 and he was concerned When questioned about how the Navy would respond for the safety of sailors onboard. to the situation, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral MiCapt. Crozier requested permission to dock the ship chael Gilday intially said, “We’re not going to shoot the in Guam, maintain operations with a limited crew, and messenger,” but a day later Capt. Crozier was relieved quarantine the majority of personnel on land. He wrote, from duty on Thursday, April 2.

“We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not Crozier is lambasted by senior officials for not folact now, we are failing to properly take care of our most lowing the chain of command, however, acting U.S. Navy trusted asset — our Sailors.”

Secretary Thomas Modly bypassed chain of command The letter was anonymously leaked to the San Franprotocols by firing Crozier in an act attributed to retribucisco Chronicle and published on March 31. tion by a number of active military members and elected Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he didn’t have representatives. time to read the letter in detail, and the president downVideos posted online show sailors aboard the vessel played the memo by describing it as “terrible” and “all showering Capt. Crozier with praise in a hero’s farewell over the place.”

Workers protesting

SALVADOR FERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

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ith more coronavirus cases rising, a number of workers in grocery stores, delivery services, and warehouse operations have participated in a strike to demand better working conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Instacart, Amazon, and Whole Foods are gradually becoming essential resources by consumers due to the current situation.

On March 30, Instacart workers conducted a national strike to demand hazard pay and better health protections. Warehouse employees at an Amazon facility in Staten Island, New York walked out because they claim Amazon is not doing enough to protect its workers.

see MILITARY ACTIONS on pg. 4

Food supplier brings the goods ATHENA FRANKLIN

STAFF WRITER

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orcal Prime Foods is a small family run business in Concord, California. The business offers home delivery service, and they carry all organic meats, poultry, seafood, and organic vegetables.

All their food is individually wrapped and can be delivered to your front door.

NorCal Prime Foods distributes their homemade salsa, hummus, guacamole, and chips to the local grocery stores like Raley’s in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park. NorCal Prime Foods also supplies an online company called Farm Fresh To You with products that can be ordered online and delivered to your home the next day.

The company has been in business for almost 18 years and is continuing to grow. Being a small business, they were worried when the coronavirus pandemic began about how their small business would hold up. Being an essential company, they continue to supply their customCOURTESY // pxfuel ers and grocery stores with their products.

Having under 20 employees de- Bay Area business works to keep families well-fed. livering, packaging, and making their stock at all times to make sure there is product on the products, the last couple of weeks have been some of the shelves and our customers will never go without their esbusiest weeks they have had since being in business. With sential needs and product.” He continued, “Being a family the current shelter in place, business owner Mitchel Cam- run business our loyalty is to our customers and making pos said, “Many people don’t want to go to the grocery sure our local community is taken care of.” stores to get essential products, so the direct home drop The family and employees have come together and off that Norcal Prime Foods offers is a perfect way to get continue to work long hours to make sure they satisfy your essential needs without leaving your home.” their orders and take in the many new clients and grocery Staying open hasn’t been an easy thing for the stores that have requested their products over the last few small business, with the overwhelming amount of orders weeks. Their work brings nutrition to families’ tables durand shipments that are being placed daily. Being a small ing the crisis and strengthens the local supply chain. business, they have the machines and equipment that have Campos said, “In times like this it can get overhelped them produce what they typically distribute out, whelming and scary being an owner and knowing that my but now with the large orders they are receiving, they business can be shut down, and there would be no way don’t have the equipment to produce as fast and efficiently I could financially save it, but I am grateful to still be as they normally do. running and receiving many new customers and grocery

Campos said, “As grocery stores are being emp- stores to supply is exciting and keeps small family busitied daily by shoppers, we are trying to keep produce in nesses prospering.”

COURTESY // Payton Chung

Workers at Whole Foods organized a sick out.

Workers from Whole Foods Markets across the nation coordinated a plan to call-out from work this past March 31. Workers are in fear of contracting the coronavirus and are arguing with managers regarding supervisors taking the appropriate safety measures to protect themselves but not all employees. Whole Foods claims that the strikes did not negatively impact their operations.

Instacart workers hold the company responsible for not providing hand sanitizer, masks, and disinfecting sprays during this outbreak. Instacart, however, announced that workers are now able to order hand sanitizer and the items will be shipped directly to them. It is still unclear how many people protested against Instacart.

They also claim to have not experienced any impact from the strike. The company refused to respond to reporters from The Washington Post on whether any workers had been diagnosed with coronavirus.

According to The Post, Whole Foods spokesperson Rachel Malish said, “So far today we have seen no changes to overall absenteeism and we continue to operate all of our stores without interruption. There is no higher priority for us than taking care of our Team Members.”

A petition started by strike organizers circled around Whole Foods call, and it has received more than 10,000 signatures. The petition asks for paid leave for all workers who chose to isolate themselves during the coronavirus pandemic. Signers are also demanding health care coverage for part-time employees and funding to help cover the cost of coronavirus testing.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted her support by saying, “First Instacart, then Amazon, now Whole Foods: workers are withholding their labor and demanding dignity. When people work an hourly job, it’s suggested in many ways that you’re unimportant or expendable. Except you aren’t. Everyone deserves safe work, paid leave, & a living wage,” Amazon bought Whole Foods in June of 2017 for $13.7 billion. In January of this year, Whole Foods stopped providing health care benefits for part-time employees who work less than 30 hours a week. To compensate for this, the company decided to give out temporary $2 raises through the month of April as well as double pay for overtime. Employees are also now eligible for see PROTESTS on pg. 5

2 Editorial

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

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

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

“It is time to say no to animal consumption” Read the story on page 3.

Corrections/Clarifications

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

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

STAR // Kevin Flores

College students will miss out on stimulus check

A

s the Sonoma State community continues to endure the stagnating and, often, crippling effects of coronavirus outbreak—like millions of Americans everywhere—it reigns undeniable that the virus has done more than impose a disruptive realm of uncertainty on daily life. While professors, faculty and students alike have hyper-adjusted toward virtual instruction (which, for the most part, has been enacted smoothly), financial adjustment in wake of the ever looming virus has been anything but smooth.

Yet, for students in particular, many of whom face ongoing economic hardships with or without the virus outbreak at play, the inevitable financial adjustment is wholly daunting.

With the U.S. Government’s $2 trillion stimulus package reaching fruition via Senate approval on March 25, however, hundreds of millions of Americans are going to receive some relief they desperately need—except for millions of college students, like Seawolves, already struggling well across the country.

“It’s more than disappointing to know I won’t get a stimulus check. As a college student,” says Lars Thompson, fourth-year Geology major at Sonoma State, “it’s already a battle to make rent on-time while making sure I’m still at least somewhat financially secure, especially with how much I’m working off-and-on; quite honestly, I find it ludicrous,” he said.

In addressing the package’s dispersal of $1200 stimulus checks “for nearly every American,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced

Thursday, April 2 that they would be sent out in, “a matter of weeks and not months,” according to the most recent coronavirus task force briefing at the White House. While the timeline is certainly one debated aspect of the story, college students, like Thompson, find themselves shockingly exempt from it altogether.

Since most college students are claimed as dependents on their parents’ tax returns—and can be up until age 24 for the very reason they fall into the demographic—for the parents, a $500 tax credit incentive to do so somehow translates to the demographic’s utter disqualification from the bill’s government financial support.

Sadly, for college students, this is just the newest dose of a financially disadvantaged reality.

“I was really looking forward to being able to spend some of the money on a new laptop for work and school, and I had no idea up until recently that I wasn’t even going to receive the check this whole time,” said Sonoma State student Zane Stromberg, While the stimulus bill outlines that children 16 yearsof-age and under in qualifying households are to receive $500, if, in fact, the government aims to stimulate the economy through the bill’s targeted individual spending, it is well worth questioning the lack of priority—rather, any acknowledgement whatsoever—shown toward emerging adults, or the college student demographic at large. This, a demographic that amounts to nearly 20 mil-

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

Opinions

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

Letters to the Editor

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

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

lion people, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Suddenly, warranted financial relief for “nearly every American” doesn’t sound so all-encompassing.

And, as the Labor Department also informed Thursday, April 2 that nearly 7 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits within the week alone—amounting to 10 million in total including the week prior—the outbreak has unleashed a whirlwind of student internship, off-campus housing and job loss all the while.

“As a student who works three on-campus jobs, the COVID-19 outbreak has turned my financial stability upside down.

With hours cut, I was forced to file for unemployment, seeing that it’s uncertain as to when my stimulus check will arrive,” says Mac Patefield, thirdyear Communications major at Sonoma State, continuing, “It’s been incredibly stressful these past few weeks, and it honestly just goes to show how gut-wrenching this time can be for struggling college students nationwide,” she said.

Yet, with an exact date for stimulus check issuance still up in the air, though weeks away nevertheless, enough time remains for the government to include college students in the process of financial relief and economic stimulus. But will it?

Could it not extend to college students and dependents alike what it recently has to those on social security benefits? A lot of questions remain. So does the government’s ever lending budget.

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

Opinion 3

APRIL 7- APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

It is time to say no to animal consumption

Medical workers risk lives: lack of N95 masks

Chelsea Pinkham

STAFF WRITER

Kylie Lawrence

STAFF WRITER

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any of the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that have caused major diseases in the past have had their origin in animals. Animals, even those that appear healthy, can sometimes carry harmful germs that spread to people and cause illness--these are known as zoonotic diseases. The Center for Disease Control stated on its website: “Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals.”

Ed Winters, a vegan activist, believes veganism is the key to preventing viral pandemics. In a USA Today article, he said: “If we weren’t using animals for food, we wouldn’t have created situations where many of these diseases, including the latest coronavirus, were passed to humans.”

In his study, “Pandemics: History & Prevention,” Michael Greger M.D. explains the history of global pandemics and how consuming animals has caused many of the illnesses humans experience. He notes that the spread of these diseases is multifactorial, but that many of them originate in animals.

AIDS, SARs, Ebola, Mad-Cow Disease, and Bird Flu are just some of the viruses that originated from animals. He claims that human beings have been living on Earth for thousands of years, but that the development of viruses only began about 10,000 years ago--when humans began to domesticate animals.

When we began to consume domesticated cows and sheep, humans exposed ourselves to Measles, a virus that has thus far killed over 200 million people.

Consuming pigs caused the whooping cough virus, and typhoid fever originated from chickens.

While cutting animal meat completely out of one’s diet has numerous benefits, including preventing viruses, many people still refuse to give up meat. Meat is nutritional, an excellent source of protein, supports bone health and contains iron, but many of these same benefits can be found in plantbased foods. Even if one is unable or does not want to completely give up eating meat, “consuming less animal products may help [prevent viruses],” said Dr. Homayoon Farzadegan, a professor of epidemiology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.

Cutting out meat completely could dramatically reduce the likelihood of experiencing another global pandemic. Getting rid of wet/live animal markets is a good first step to solving the issue. It is crucial, whether one decides to cut meat out of their diet or not, that we all advocate for the end of live animal markets around the world. Live markets are usually unsanitary and are hotspots for viruses. While SARs and COVID-19 are suspected to have originated from wet markets in China, wet markets do not solely exist in China. FreeFromHarm.org claims that “activists have rallied to shut down New York City’s 85 live animal markets and west coast live markets in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland.”

Here in the United States, each state needs to take immediate action to outlaw wet markets in order to prevent the emergence of new or existing viruses.

To avoid adding more viruses like COVID-19 to the ever-growing list of pandemic viruses we could have prevented, it is time we consider whether eating meat and domesticating animals for our consumption is worth the risk of deadly viruses and diseases.

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ith global COVID-19 cases now reaching over one million, the pandemic situation is escalating every day in the United States. Deaths in New York jumped by 562 between Thursday and Friday alone, the largest overnight increase in a U.S. state thus far. A University of Washington study estimates that deaths will peak in the next two weeks in the U.S.; hospitals are gearing up for the worst. As the nation’s medical system races to prepare itself, nurses and doctors are caught in the crossfire. In a short period of time, their jobs have become incredibly dangerous and extremely stressfulwith limited protective equipment, as they tread into unfamiliar territory.

The shortage of N95 respirator masks has become a dire issue for U.S. hospitals. Unlike a standard

surgical mask, the N95 mask prevents 95% of airborne particles from penetrating. These special masks have to be certified by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and are tightly fitted to the faces of medical workers to ensure the utmost safety.

The supply chain for these masks is already limited, and a number of the companies that manufacture them are located in China, which bought its domestically produced masks during its own pandemic crisis. A study conducted by Premier Incorporated found that U.S. hospitals are ranking the N95 mask shortage as their top concern.

Because of this extreme shortage, nurses are being forced to use donated cloth masks and surgical masks, which do not provide adequate protection against COVID-19.

Members of National Nurses United are leading protests against HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit healthcare provider in seven states, for the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) being provided.

National Nurses United claims that just 7% of nurses at HCA Healthcare facilities say they have enough PPE to protect staff and patients if there is a surge in coronavirus patients in their hospital, compared with 19% of nurses in general. Registered nurse Amy Silverman called healthcare workers “canaries in the coal mine” in an op-ed published by

Common Dreams.

As the odds of potential exposure increase every day, some healthcare workers are making the difficult decision not to return to their families until the virus spread slows.

“My spouse is a physician in the emergency dept and is actively treating #coronavirus patients. We just made the difficult decision for him to isolate & move into our garage apartment for the foreseeable future as he continues to treat patients,” said one Twitter user. She continues in a thread, “We have a 3 wk old newborn and 2 young kids and just can’t risk it. It pains me to wonder how many weeks will go by that he won’t get to hold our new baby or see our older kids. This is one example of the sacrifice that healthcare workers are making for our communities.”

It is hard to imagine a more difficult time in history for healthcare workers around the world. Though nurses and doctors have always had a difficult occupation- requiring constant emotional labor, intensive training and careful protocols- putting their lives on the line is newly charted territory for many. Regardless of extreme challenges and new hardships faced, these incredible individuals continue their labor of love to save as many lives as they can. For that, they deserve endless recognition and the supplies needed to stay healthy.

National and local farms struggle to stay afloat

Joseph Owen

STAFF WRITER

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gricultural farmers around the United States are struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis as many worry for the future. Many farmers around the country are able to sell their products due to the massive amount of customers stocking up during the pandemic, but as that begins to slow down, so will farming. Some farmers are still able to thrive as they sell out of their own farm, but big farms along with most of the smaller ones will slowly begin to see a huge recession as the pandemic continues.

Throughout the pandemic, large farms have started to struggle as grocery stores and other big retail chains like Target and Walmart have slowed down their consistent sales of fruits and vegetables. Other farms have completely stopped as many restaurants and small businesses have completely closed their doors. The

only farmers staying af loat through the pandemic are small farming businesses like the ones in Sonoma County that sell wholesale fruits and vegetables to the community.

Even dairy farmers have struggled to make sales and have had to subsequently dump thousands of gallons of milk a day as sales for product slow and time frames for holding the milk tighten. Although customer demand for dairy products such as milk and butter has risen, the sales statewide have come to a halt and with the struggle to find drivers, dairy farmers have not been able to turn a profit. A cooperative of the Wisconsinbased Foremost Farms USA stated in an interview with Reuters, “Now is the time to consider a little extra culling of the herds. We believe the ability to pick up and process your milk could be compromised.”

With the changing demand, farmers have had to change their entire logistics on selling, transporting, and processing. Farmers now must process larger portions of their product to grocery stores instead of making smaller portions for restaurants. Larger bulks of products like cheese, meat, fruits, and vegetables must be processed. With the shortage of employees, getting products

out to the public has been more difficult.

While many farmers struggle, some are able to thrive during this time as meat farmers are able to sell off large stocks of cows, pigs, and chicken. Due to the ability to freeze meat for long periods of time, meat farmers have been able to supply the high demand even with the struggle of the halt in sale to restaurants. Although meat farmers are still worried as the high demand is something they will not be able to keep up with for long, they are hoping to keep sales steady.

The consensus of most large farms is that there’s definitely a worry of what exactly is to come, how long will this isolation go on for, and what exactly the future holds for farming. Some small community farmers are still able to thrive, but even they know it will not last if the pandemic keeps spreading. Farming is one of the biggest backbones of the United States not only for the economy but for feeding communities across the country. Farming is something that can make or break the future of the United States and supporting local farmers is one way to be able to help them through such a hard time.

Sonoma inmates to be released for shelter in place

Ryan Weiner

STAFF WRITER

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round 200 Sonoma County inmates will be released from jails in an attempt to limit the spread of the CoronaVirus. This decision, which was made by Sonoma County Superior Court Judges, will put an abrupt halt to inmates that are nonviolent offenders nearing the end of their sentence and asking them to return on a later date. The results could see positive and negative repercussions as it can possibly help the jail system contain the spread of the virus. It could also not be efficient because of the virus’s probability to

spread quicker.

This strategy has helped the two Sonoma County jails reduce the total inmate population by 20%. Currently, there are around 877 inmates among the two prisons where there are typically around 1,100 inmates, according to Sonoma County sheriff spokesman Juan Valencia.

Officials agreed to choose inmates who were charged with driving under the influence to serve the remainder of their sentence at home while the inmate must wear a tracking device to make sure they comply with the agreement, according to Sonoma County Public Defender Kathleen Pozzi.

This alternate way to serve time could be beneficial as it is ensuring non-violent criminals will be safe at their home.

This will serve the same purpose of being in jail because the individuals still have to serve their respected time and can not be out in society. The process of this selection started on March 18, the same date Sonoma County residents were instructed to stay in their homes as a shelter-in-place order was issued by Sonoma County health officials. Jail systems in the Bay Area have also made exceptions to inmates in their facilities, along with many other

jails systems all over America according to Pozzi.

Not only has the Bay Area reduced their inmate population in order to prevent the spread of CoronaVirus, but at least 16 states have also done this including Texas, New York, and Ohio, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravich has asked local police officers to cite and release most suspected misdemeanors, as incarceration will be reserved for more serious offenses. Pozzi also wants more to be done about the inmate population, her goal is to get 30% of inmates out of jail.

The Sonoma county jail system is doing everything they can in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. On March 23 the Sonoma County Courts began prosecuting inmates over video chat. This will limit the number of people physically having to meet in a courthouse where it can now be done in the cell of a jail. It is a good sign to see that the judges care about inmate safety and would do anything they can to help limit the spread of this current pandemic. It looks like Sonoma County wants to go back to normal life as people and officials are doing everything they can to persevere during the shelter-in-place order.

4 News

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Virus continued from pg. 1

share that the city has over 100,000 cases that continue to climb daily. It also has the highest mortality rate within the 50 states.

California stands in fourth place for the highest number of cases with nearly 13,000 total documented COVID-19 cases, behind New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. The spread of these cases goes across the state, as both the Northern and Southern halves are being affected.

Currently, Los Angeles County has the most cases, followed

by San Diego, and Santa Clara counties and these three counties account for over half the cases together.

Currently, Sonoma County has just surpassed 100 total cases, meaning that for every 100,000 residents, Worldometers; statistics show 22 people have gotten the virus but less than one person for every 100,000 has died from the virus.

However, these statistics still acknowledge there is a level of threat to Sonoma County and California as a whole as orders to shelter-in-place have been extended through the month of April.

COURTESY // Pennsylvania National Guard According to ca.gov, California’s government public website, the state is continuing with “ordering all individu- Drive-thru COVID-19 testing. als living in the State of California to stay home or at their While the two states began with similar numbers, Caliplace of residence.” This is mandated by an executive order fornia took larger protective strides to protect its state. Emsigned into effect by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The order will continue into May, where it is expected ployees were urged from early on to work from home from to be extended once again; however, it is unknown to what large companies as well as college campuses, like Sonoma State, taking time off before deciding to go fully online to state the public health crisis will be in after a few weeks.

The impact of this virus is changing daily which does finish the semester. Specific counties began to proclaim not allow for specific end dates of the executive order to be shelter-in-place followed closely by a statewide mandate for foreseen. For now, daily life may be on hold but the health citizens to stay home.

These actions allowed California to keep numbers lowof the US is put at the top priority to preserve citizens’ lives.

CNN correspondent Ray Sanchez, at the initial con- er than other states. With California being the most poputact of COVID-19 in the US, said California and New York lous state in the U.S., research indicates that the proactive “had about the same number of coronavirus cases in the measures greatly reduced the number of cases and deaths first week of March.” However, by the following Friday of in the state. The numbers show how the states differed in that same week, California reported more than 10,000 cases their response to the virus and how important that response while New York declared more than 100,000, according to was to the integrity of each state’s health care system and citizens’ wellbeing. statistics provided by the COVID Tracking Project.

Military actions continued from pg. 1

as left the ship after being relieved of duty.

Shouts of “Captain Crozier” can be heard loud and clear, and the visibly emotive response illustrates the widespread respect the crew has for their leader.

At the same time that the Navy was dealing with the situation on the Roosevelt, the president tweeted, “Upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq. If this happens, Iran will pay a very heavy price, indeed!”

The drums of war are beating hard during the coronavirus crisis, and the announcement of a new narco-terrorism operation focused on Venezuela is

COURTESY // U.S. Navy

USNS Mercy arrived in Los Angeles to assist.

the newest approach to forcing regime change.

At the briefing, the highest ranking officer in the military, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley, said, “We’re at war with COVID-19, we’re at war with terrorists, and we are at war with the drug cartels as well.”

The Navy is focusing efforts on sea routes from Colombia and Venezuela to the United States.

On March 26, the Department of Justice indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and 14 current and former officials on charges of particiMore than 40% of the global population are now pating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiring affected by some manner of shelter-in-place to import cocaine into the United States, using and

NEWS IN BRIEF United States The National Guard is supporting food banks in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix in an effort to prevent shortages and maintain order after demand increased in some areas by more than 800% as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

World

order. As of March 30, coronavirus cases worldwide have skyrocketed to over 770,000 and deaths have surpassed 37,000.

San Francisco

United Kingdom

Mayor London Breed is securing 4,500 empty hotel rooms in the city to house homeless in need of a location to self-quarantine. Critics raise questions about the sustainability of the move, but supporters want to see the number increased.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson checked himself into the hospital on April 5 after suffering from COVID-19 symptoms for ten days. Officials said tests were needed following a persistent high fever, and he entered the I.C.U. on April 6.

Washington, D.C.

Yemen

President Donald Trump fired Michael Atkinson, the Inspector General responsible for telling Congress about the president’s Ukraine phone call.

While Mr. Trump said the call was “perfect,” it was the catalyst for his impeachment.

Human Rights Watch data indicates that approximately 10,000 are dead as a result of war and violence in the region, and as many as 100,000 have died as a result of hunger and disease exacerbated by the war that is ravaging the indigent nation.

Colorado

Europe

One of the nation’s largest medical providers, Envision Healthcare Corp., notified doctors operating in the middle of a pandemic that they will not be receiving promised bonuses amounting to approximately one-third of their annual pay.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Italy and Spain appear to be slowing. Research over the last three days indicate that hotspots are reporting fewer numbers of new cases and a reduced demand on intensive care units and hospital beds.

COURTESY // Fabio Rodrigues Pozzebom/ABr

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. carrying machine guns and destructive devices during and in relation to the conspiracies, and corruption. The State Department is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien announced at the briefing that “drug trafficking...provides the corrupt Maduro regime in

COURTESY // U.S. Coast Guard

7.1 tons of cocaine seized near San Diego.

Venezuela and other bad actors with the funds necessary to conduct their malign activities.”

The National Security Archive hosted by George Washington University contains documents that illustrate the hypocrisy of this accusation.

In 1987, the Senate Subcommittee on Narcotics, Terrorism, and International Operations investigated the claim that illicit drug money was diverted by special operations units and intelligence agencies to fund a proxy war against Nicaragua’s Sandanista government. After extensive investigations, John Kerry’s report noted that “senior U.S. policy makers were not immune to the idea that drug money was a perfect solution to...funding problems.”

Gary Webb wrote a series of comprehensive articles, “The Dark Alliance”, for the San Jose Mercury News in 1996 alleging that crack cocaine was initially brought to California by guerrilla contra forces aligned with the Reagan administration.

Declassified documents, hand-written notebooks, emails, memos, FBI and DEA reports, as well as official court and hearing transcripts reveal COURTESY // Louisiana National Guard that high-ranking members of the U.S. government The National Guard is responding to the crisis by offering assistance and security to communities. had knowledge of drug trafficking and the contras.

News 5

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Former Bachelor tests positive for COVID-19

TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

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wenty-eight-year-old former ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Since his announcement of being sick, he has since recovered, but there were a few speed bumps along the way.

For starters, he was not sure where he had been exposed. He attended a celebrity ski event in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which was his only guess. His girlfriend, Cassie Randolph, who he ended up choosing at the end of “The Bachelor,” began to worry and called several doctors in an attempt to find Underwood a test.

On March 18, the Randolph family, alongside Underwood, found a local practitioner in Huntington Beach who would administer a drive-through test. Two days later, he found out his results were positive.

Colton had already been staying at the Randolph’s home, but once he tested positive, he was instructed to continue staying with the Randolph family while isolating himself. He did this by staying on the third floor of their home.

They would bring him food and disinfect everything in return. With continuous care, positivity, and a can of Lysol the Randolph family managed to not get sick and Colton eventually made a slow recovery.

Underwood took to his Instagram and posted a video of himself describing his symptoms, in an attempt to show his followers what a real person going through coronavirus is like, rather than becoming a statistic that has become a new normal for most of the world.

COURTESY // geralt Former NFL football player Underwood started off by saying, “I’m 28, I consider More and more people are testing positive for coronavirus every day. myself pretty healthy, I work out regularly, I eat healthy.” Underwood describes how the Coronavirus “has been kicking my ass to put it pretty bluntly.” He continues by say- Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV.” Seemingly it feels strange to ing, “the main thing is I can’t even walk up a flight of stairs without being exhausted.” promote a book during such an unprecedented time. But maybe this book is what peoHe felt like he only had “access to 20% of my lungs.” He ended his video by saying, ple need, a distraction.

Underwood even had a few words regarding his release date: “This is such a weird “The reason I am saying this is not to cause fear or panic but to hopefully encourage time, not only for myself but for everybody, and I don’t want to seem careless going you guys to stay home.” around promoting my book. But I also think it’s an interesting time where people want Five days later,, the symptoms eased, and headaches and body sores disappeared. to read something. I hope people can find an escape in it or something they can take Thanks to their precautionary efforts, Thanks to their precautionary efforts, the Ranaway from it.” dolph family managed to stay healthy and escaped the grasp of the coronavirus. Un This book shows fans of the series a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite derwood stated, “Without them, I don’t know where I’d be right now. So I can’t thank reality show from a different lens. Since he has officially ended his contract with the them enough.” franchise, he is able to deliver honest answers and tell how things were portrayed difSince then, Underwood has started to promote his new book, “The First Time: ferently on the show.

PROTESTS continued from pg. 1

COURTESY // Air Force

The government is asking everyone to follow the guidelines.

two weeks of sick leave for those in quarantine or if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.

The strikers’ organization also called for a shut down of any Whole Foods stores where employees test positive for COVID-19. Amazon says it’s performing enhanced cleaning of its facilities and has made the choice to keep warehouses open where employees test positive.

Chris Smalls, who was a process assistant for Amazon, was fired for violating the terms of the company’s ordered quarantine after being sent home for coming into contact with a coworker who has COVID-19. According to Smith, around 50 workers walked out on Monday.

Some workers in the Amazon facility demanded that the building be sanitized after multiple workers tested positive for the virus. Smalls says other employees who were in direct contact with the same workers were not sent home.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city’s human rights commission will be investigating to determine whether or not Amazon has violated any human rights.

Several employees have tested positive for COVID in stores across the U.S. and Canada. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America.

As of now, Amazon is trying to hire more than 100,00 workers to help manage coronavirus related orders. Lisa Levandowski, a spokesperson for Amazon, said that the company will be increasing cleaning in all facilities, encouraging social/safe distancing, and will be doing temperature checks as employees arrive for work.

US can learn from prior pandemics

CELESTE BARAJAS STAFF WRITER

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How does coronavirus compare with Swine Flu and the flu of 1918?

he novel coronavirus pandemic is causing worldwide suffering due to the abundance of deaths it has caused and more than one million confirmed cases around the world. Though this is the first outbreak to affect the majority of the population in recent times, coronavirus is not the first pandemic to hit the United States.

One of the most memorable, recent pandemics, that possibly every Sonoma State student remembers, is the 2009-2010 Swine Flu. The Swine Flu was first detected in the U.S and spread quickly across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, about 60.8 million cases, 274,304 hospitalizations, and 12,469 deaths were estimated from April 12, 2009, to April 10, 2010, in the United States.

Unlike the coronavirus, 80% of the Swine Flu deaths occurred to people that were younger than 65 years old. The Swine Flu was transmitted from pigs and a mutation allowed it to infect humans. COVID-19 has not reached the numbers of the Swine Flu, but we haven’t had the virus for that long in the U.S, so time will tell how the novel coronavirus compares in the long run.

Before the 2009 Swine Flu, the U.S. experienced a far-reaching pandemic with the influenza of 1918, commonly known as the Spanish Flu though it is believed to have originated in Kansas. The 1918 contagion was one of the biggest pandemics in history, killing an estimated 675,000 AmeriCOURTESY // Library of Congress cans and approximately 50 million people around the world, according to the Red Cross nurses prepare for influenza patients during the flu pandemic of 1918.

CDC. While the debate continues as to the origin of the 1918 flu, some experts social distancing is extremely important to practice at this very moment. believe that it was transmitted from pigs, similar to the Swine Flu. This influenza was Evidence shows that this new lethal virus, COVID-19, can potentially be worse also, like the swine flu, targeted to younger people around the world, making it differ- than all these other pandemics in U.S. history. The primary reason for this is the fact ent from the coronavirus. that this virus has spread across the globe faster than most pandemics. There are many Although anyone can get coronavirus, it seems to be worse for those that have factors as to why that is, one being that it is highly contagious, which only shows how health conditions and are above 65 years old. important it is to follow guidelines and rules set by the county you live in.

HIV/AIDS is probably the most notorious disease, as it has killed millions of peoDespite the fact that some medical professionals say COVID-19 is worse than othple globally. Though HIV is not curable, it can be treated, just like coronavirus. A huge er pandemics, others think it’s hard to say due to the new technologies and medicines difference between the two pandemics is that COVID-19 is easier to get, which is why we have now.

6 Arts

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Courtesy // Jiovanny Soto Jiovanny Soto, sixth-year BFA Painting major, worked in his studio on campus using oil paint on canvas.

Courtesy // Jiovanny Soto Soto’s largest artwork, titled “In Between Moves”, oil on panel, 2019. 72 inches by 96 inches.

Student Spotlight of the Week:

Jiovanny Soto GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

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rom his bedroom, Artist Jiovanny Soto interviews virtually with me from his hometown in Rohnert Park. Jiovanny is a sixth-year BFA Painting major, as he shares his evolving trajectory as a student and artist at Sonoma State University.

The first two years at SSU saw Soto as a nursing major, of which his family approved. But, he knew that was not the path he wanted to take. Someone asked him, “What do you want to do?” His response, bluntly: “I want to f***ing make art!”

“I think it’s more of what I wanted for myself, rather than what my family desired for my career,” he said. Though it was a decision that he did not take lightly, Soto nevertheless knew a career as an artist would be fruitful with his determination to become one.

During the Visiting Artists program, Soto felt inspired after having a one-on-one conversation with renowned graffiti artist Barry McGee. “(McGee) actually getting to know who I was and learning about my art led me to take on risks as an artist,” said Soto.

As he would spend everyday in the art studio, Soto said, “I would be in the studio seven days a week from four to sixteen hours a day.” He shared one of his oilon-panel paintings created last year, titled, “In Between Moves.” It impressively measures 6 feet by 8 feet; the once white panel is masterfully covered in bright and vibrant neon colors, a style defined as a psychedelic aspect. An ambitious artwork that required

more than 150 hours of work within 2 weeks, the piece heightened his artistic skills.

The time spent creating artwork was an escape from this reality and the art has matured into a way to express Soto’s perspective on reality as a whole.

Mentioning his first time earning recognition at “Juried Student Exhibition, 2019” at the Sonoma State Art Gallery, he shared his thoughts on what it meant to him: “I’ve used art as a way to escape my problems, as a kid I witnessed drugs and gang violence,” he said, continuing to speak from the experience of being exposed to street gangs: “I live through that and evaded becoming another statistic--I’m becoming someone,” said Soto.

Soto has had a strong involvement in helping the Latino community.

He painted a cinderblock at the Cali Calmecac Language Academy in Windsor. Thereafter, it was tagged “Build the wall higher,” two weeks before the Trump presidential election in the fall of 2016.

“I bring out the issues I’ve observed to the audience; these events are happening,” he said.

Altogether, art has become a way of documenting his life as a minority and a low-income Latino, marking a new path in the Fine Arts realm.

This semester, Soto had chosen works for the “Juried Student Exhibition, 2020” and the “No-Show” exhibition, though both were cancelled due to the mandated quarantine.

“I was upset, but at the same time I am used to

adapting, so my focus was on what to do next,” said Soto. After researching, he found inspiration by other artists who practice art with unusual mediums, like food and tobacco. “We are physically isolated and are limited to the materials that we have around us; I made a drawing out of weed,” he said. Suffering from arthritis, Soto assists his ailing mother with medicinal marijuana remedies to help ease her pain and increase her mobility.

With limited use of materials and reduced space, Soto was bound to change his artistic process. “It’s forcing me to try something completely out of the ordinary,” he expressed. In his experimentation process, he made a new medium by extracting pigment from a marijuana leaf by rubbing it on paper. The original work on paper is titled “En Cuarentena,” which translates to “in quarantine,” measuring 22 inches by 30 inches.

Soto’s new artwork has rippled into different reactions and interests to learn more about the story behind it. He plans to evolve the unique art practice into his future work, saying, “I found a new way to incorporate something that’s important to me.”

Upon graduating this May, Soto is pursuing his Master of Fine Arts at San Francisco State University in the fall. Thereafter, he plans to exhibit his work in galleries and become an artist in residence.

Students, faculty and readers alike can learn more about Jiovanny Soto’s work at https://www.jiovannysoto.com

Community coffee shops continue to serve as few stores, restaurants remain open JESSICA SIAS STAFF WRITER

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he Sonoma State campus continues to serve students while the shelter-in-place is still taking place with only essential services available. However, there are essential businesses around campus that have remained open for the community, such as coffee shops.

College students not only run on sleepless school nights, but oftentimes find themselves with a cup of coffee while working on school work all over campus. Although SIP, Toast, and even Charlie Brown’s remain closed, there are nearby coffee shops that remain open for the Sonoma State community.

While the shops encourage students and visitors alike to stay home and only leave if truly necessary, for students, they might be a necessity, still; considering classes are still taking place online.

The popular Starbucks store remains open across the street from campus in the Wolfden Plaza, where students can go through the drive-thru to get coffee and treats; though it is open for only a limited amount of hours.

Walk-in coffee shops are closed down, but, in Cotati, two popular coffee shops have taken matters into their own hands and have continued to serve the community.

The Cotati Coffee Company is now a walk-up only storefront. Guests can now stand outside and ring the doorbell and a barista will come to the door and take the order. Guests also have the opportunity to pay online or even order over the phone and swing by to pick it up. The company has decided to do so in order to reduce contact and keep the community safe and healthy. Since guests can not see the menu inside, they have the option to scan a QR code on their window and digitally see their menu. While the company is also open for just a limited amount of hours, like Starbucks, it is still there to serve students and the rest of the community. The Coffee Co. is a small local coffee shop in the heart of Cotati that serves Fair Trade Coffee and gives Sonoma State students a student discount on their purchase.

Just a mile away from campus, Peet’s Coffee also remains open. Like the Cotati Coffee Company, it is taking orders at the door. While the entrance is barricaded, there is a barista ready to take guests orders thereby. Peet’s has all of its food and pastries displayed by the windows so that customers can easily see the options currently being offered. The company also has a bright pink sign outside of the door displaying the coffee roasts available, continuing to serve the community in the safest way possible. Students can mobile order and pick up at the door at their convenience. Like the other community favorites, the coffee shop is open a limited amount of hours, but is happily ready to still be of service to the community.

The Cotati Coffee Company and Peet’s Coffee continue to update their websites online with the hours that will be of open service. Supporting local business and staying inside is important, but when leaving the house for some essential needs in the Seawolf community, stop by and indulge in a cup of coffee.

Courtesy // Cotati Coffee Co. The community favorite, Cotati Coffee Company, is located at 8225 Old Redwood Hwy in Cotati.

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

A wild look into the Netflix series ‘Tiger King’ MARIA PINEDA-CONTRERAS

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STAFF WRITER

he seven-part docu-series, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness,” holds the top slot on Netflix’s Top 10 list since its debut on March 20. The popular Netflix original is not the average crime show, as it encompasses the bizarre and chaotic feud between Oklahoma’s private zoo owners, Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin: both with an affinity for exotic big cats that ultimately results in murder-for-hire plots and multiple counts of tiger mistreatment. With its large takeover on social media platforms, the show has managed to give the world a temporary distraction from the stresses of the Coronavirus.

Every plot element of “Tiger King” gets weirder as it progresses, and every personality who comes on camera has something to do with the twisted story that ends with the incarceration of the main combatant, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, self-proclaimed as Joe Exotic.

Directors Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin bring the viewer into the craziness that was taking place within the gates of the G.W. Zoo, where Exotic would house an outlandish total of 176 tigers as well a mixture of lions, and rare cross-breeds of lion-tigers.

But Exotic was much more than a zookeeper. The show releases the content of when Exotic ran for president and governor, tried for a country music career, was a husband in a polygamous gay marriage and most importantly his making of eccentric videos that often displayed his hatred for his rival, Carol Baskin, a woman who runs a facility called Big Cat Rescue

who had lobbied to shut down operations like his.

As the show progresses, the viewer meets the kooky characters that Exotic attracts to work for him, including one who loses a limb. Joe’s desire to create his own media kingdom lands him in the position of working alongside former “Inside Edition” personnel, Rick Kirkham, who would oversee his video production and content in efforts to get him on network television.

Their extensive use of cameras and excessive documenting captured the unusual activities that were taking place within the f lamboyant zookeeper’s world. Their recordings often discussed Exotic’s erratic vendetta of convincing people that Baskin had fed her husband’s body to her tigers after he mysteriously goes missing; this, as a way to show that she is not as innocent and pure as she may often lead others to believe.

A rumor has given viewers something to rage about on social media: there have been endless hashtags and memes on the internet bashing Baskin as well as comments about the humorous approaches taken by Exotic.

But there is more: it turns out that these wild mammals are seen as some kind of aphrodisiac as other big-cat owners, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, who is also a polygamist; and Jeff Lowe who is part of Exotic’s circle of confidants, brag about using exotic pets as a come-on to find partners to have sexual relations with; all of which has inspired to be described

as some kind of cultish devotion.

“Tiger King” offers a lot to chew on, and, with the world under strict isolation regulations, it has rapidly become a juicy morsel of entertainment that reigns tough to resist.

Courtesy // Netflix While playing Expert’s Challenge, Karina Pugh satirically held a stand upside down, declaring it to be the right way to use a stand.

Algorithm-less TikTok’s flourishing craze CARSON MILLER STAFF WRITER

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ikTok has become a rapidly successful, popular social media app used by millions of every age all over the world. While the app was created by a Chinese internet technology company called Byte Dance, it has allowed its users to create short dances, lip sync videos, comedy and talent videos. Yet, as TikTok first rose to fame in 2016, over the past four years it has grown to reach billions of viewers alike, including many students at Sonoma State.

TikTok users around the world are able to express their creativity by creating new dances, skits and songs that become viral on the app. Similar to other popular social media apps such as Snapchat and Instagram, TikTok features various tools within the app to help creators edit their videos and add special effects such as captions and sounds. Among the most unique and popular TikTok features is the ability to create response videos, or duets, as a way to interact with other users’ videos to respond or to promote it.

“I think one of the most unique aspects of TikTok is that random people are able to create dances that are seen and remade by millions of viewers around the world,” said second-year Sonoma State student Lia Gee. Many TikTok trends have become not only popular on the app but have also gotten recognition on the news media. For example, some TikTokers that have gained millions of likes and followers, like well-known TikToker Charlie D’amelio, who was featured on the popular late night talk show, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where she was interviewed after gaining TikTok fame through the well-known TikTok dance, the “Renegade.”

Similar to other forms of social media, TikTok users can post words and phrases with hashtags to promote their posts by tagging the type of dance being performed. For example, many users will use the hashtag #FYP under their videos when they are posting a video about a popular trend.

“I use the hashtag FYP under most of my posts, since, when you use it, you’re likely to get on more people’s newsfeed,” said fourth-year Sonoma State student and Communications major, Morgan Crisp.

Courtesy // TikTok Many social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter and Youtube have been known to use specific algorithm’s to keep track of the type of onsite content their users tend to enjoy, while TikTok organizes the content its users see randomly; there is always new and different content at their fingertips.

Although this is generally common knowledge among users of these apps, TikTok users’ feeds are formed by two sections: the user’s “following” and his or her “for you” feed. A user’s following feed only consists of videos from users that one follows, while the “for you” page has millions of different videos from TikTokers everywhere; the only algorithm in place surrounds random videos that TikTok thinks the viewer will enjoy.

Whether Sonoma State students find themselves as an avid TikToker or have barely ever heard of the app, TikTok continues to be the fastest growing social media app in the world with engaging elements and a seemingly never-ending source of entertainment.

Hobbies worth your quarantine experience CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

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n March 17, Sonoma County issued a shelter in place order telling residents to stay at home unless they had to go outside. Two weeks later, the order is still in place and the date in which it is going to end is seemingly being pushed back further with each passing day. With nothing to do, the public has become increasingly bored at home, wondering how, exactly, they are to get through the upcoming weeks.

While it has been an ongoing struggle for many, there are several different hobbies residents can do from home. These range from arts projects, to lockpicking, to board games, as all of the hobbies are just skills that need practice and can be honed while there is plenty of free-time at home in the next couple of weeks.

There are many different art projects that students and residents alike can do without leaving the house. Cheapthriftyliving.com has a plethora of ideas, for example; from making a garden apron out of old jeans to making a speaker out of a toilet paper roll.

Among the ideas is the opportunity to create a starter planter box out of recycled newspaper. This lets each person create something from their own hands and gives a chance to connect with nature. The site hooks its readers by saying, “The beginner-friendly gardening project is a thrifty idea that won’t take long to make.” It looks very simple and is a great way to start a garden during these difficult times.

Lockpicking can also be a great way to pass the time and learn a new skill in the process. This does cost a bit to get started but most lockpicking kits can be purchased for under $20. The article “How to Pick a Lock – A Step By Step Guide To Slaying Locks,” on the website art-of-lockpicking.com, is a great resource to understand how locks work and for people to see if they have any interest in this hobby. When

beginners first start lockpicking, it is easy to get discouraged, but, by practicing regularly, nearly anyone can learn to pick a lock. As the article states, “As you will come to see, locks are extremely stupid creatures that put up little defense against anyone trying to bypass them.” However, if lockpicking is too hands on, but the concept is intriguing, watching YouTube videos from the LockPickingLawyer will suffice all the while.

A more family-centric idea is to play board games. The games are a way to let players think creatively and strategize while staying home, and, as there are many fun games out there to play, longer games seem to be of particularly essential recommendation during this time. Monopoly is commonly thought of as a high-tension game, but if played for only an hour a day for a couple of days, it can be a lot of fun. By spreading the game out across more than one day, it lets players get excited about finishing the game. However, there are more relaxing games like cards games, Backgammon, and Life. These games can be played while molding conversation and tend to create a calm, relaxing environment.

If residents aim for games to be played with young children, personalcreations.com has got it covered, saying, “We’ve put together a list of 20 indoor activities guaranteed to release pent up energy and keep your little puddle-jumpers entertained all day.”

The site has many DIY game ideas, from plastic bottle bowling to indoor camping.

The next few weeks are going to go by slowly, especially if there is nothing to do. But, by picking up a new hobby during these weeks at home, not only will it reduce boredom and keep people active, but will allow them to come out of quarantine with new skills and interests to show off to friends and family alike.

Courtesy // Eamthe of creative commons

With a truly unlimited range, DIY, or “do it yourself” projects, like painting, can often be as stimulating and satisfying as they are a means for passing time.

8 Student Life

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Online Trivia Nights give Seawolves a chance to show off what they know and win some fun prizes.

COURTESY // Sonoma State University

Student Involvement keeps Seawolves entertainned with online Trivia Nights TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

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s our generation faces unprecedented times, Sonoma State University (SSU) is adapting to online resources to bring as much activity to the Seawolf community as possible. Since March 31, Student Involvement has partnered with College Trivia Nerds from Rebellevents to host Trivia Nights every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Trivia Nights give students the chance to test their knowledge in a friendly laid back atmosphere. Although the competition is entirely friendly, Seawolves are in it to win it with Seawolf bucks offered to the top three contestants of each game!

Not only do the top three students of each game win Seawolf Bucks, but at the end of the series contestants with the highest scores across all previous games will win an even bigger prize.

To play, students need a laptop/desktop for Zoom and then an iphone/android to download the app Kahoot. Kahoot is what students will use to answer questions. To join Trivia Night through, visit the new Virtual Seawolf Event page at: https://www.sonoma.edu/calendar/ssu-trivia-nights-0.

Some students may wonder, what can they expect from an online Trivia Night session.

“Trivia Night is a place for our Noma Nation to connect and be in a community. A little fun to escape the day. A challenge to keep us moving, friendly faces to say hello. New friends, new connections, and same Noma Nation love,” said Will Montgomery lll, one of the programmers and host of each Trivia Night.

Questions range from an array of topics drawing from pop-culture references, history, sports, music and much more. The pace between each question is quite

quick so students can forget trying to look questions up.

“I heard about Trivia Night from an email sent out from Judy Sakaki so I decided to check it out on Thursday night and had so much fun. It was the perfect distraction from everything that is going on,” said first year transfer student, Melanie Sanchez.

Trivia Night is a welcoming environment for all Seawolves, both new and returning.

“As soon as I joined the group I was greeted by Mo and a group of students.

The host, Will, is really funny and engaging. The music that played in the background was cool and it was a really nice vibe overall. Everyone was really nice,” said fourth year psychology student, Stephanie Swanson.

According to the Director of Student Involvement, Mo Philips, there is a lot students can look forward to when it comes to Trivia Night. At the moment Student Involvement is working on creating digital caricatures that students can use on Zoom while playing. These caricatures should be similar to the Bitmojis that people use on Snapchat and other platforms.

Philips also says that Student Involvement is working on hosting another Sexual Assault Awarness Trivia Night. According to Philips, students can also look forward to virtual escape rooms!

It’s entirely evident that Student Involvement is putting their best minds together to make student life the best it can be. In times like these it’s up to our student leaders to be as innovative and adaptable as possible.

Staying healthy during COVID-19

ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

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uring a pandemic like COVID-19, it’s hard to stay physically and mentally fit, made even more difficult when people are forced to practice social distancing. Ever since Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the stay at home policy, people have had to stop their everyday routines of going to work and for students they switched over to online classes all throughout California.

Sonoma State University sent out emails to students giving out helpful tips in order to practice proper social distancing and also on ways of staying healthy during the time of quarantine. This is in accordance with the Sonoma County Public Health Order that was issued on March 31.

The State of California also closed down all gyms and recreation facilities. For some this meant no more three hour visit to the gym anymore but it’s actually fairly easy to come up with a proper workout method from home . The internet is a good place to search up any in-home workouts that build up muscles in the abdomen, biceps, triceps, and chest. Yoga is also a very good soothing exercise that focuses on calming the mind and body as it brings peace to well being.

There are many ways to prevent the spread of the virus and exercises that Seawolves can practice out on their own to stay healthy like washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Avoid touching the face as much as possible. If someone does cough or sneeze, use a tissue or go into your elbow to cover the debris from your sneeze. The Cen-

ter for Disease Control and Prevention stated “If you haven’t yet, getting a f lu shot would be a good idea because you have a higher chance of getting an inf luenza virus than to be exposed to COVID-19”.

Sonoma State recommends students that “ If you take medication or receive medical treatments that result in immunosuppression, contact your health care provider for advice and guidance regarding any additional measures that might be recommended for you”.

Employees that are required to work on site must obey the six feet apart at all times during their shift.

They should notify their supervisor once they notice that social distancing is not being practiced. Workers should also leave any of their own supplies at home as they are deemed non essential at their workplace on campus. Sonoma State’s emails said, “A contactless pay system has already been developed. We encourage all employees to sign up for direct deposit”.

Tape was set up around inside office spaces to indicate the appropriate measurement of where people should be from one another. At places where there are people lining up, six feet of distance is implemented between each person with tape spots or markers that make it easier to direct people.

Hand Sanitizer, soap, and other disinfectant shall be provided at entrances of each building that have on site personnel working in them.

Signs are posted around campus that instruct students, faculty, and staff that they shouldn’t be on cam-

COURTESY // Creative Commons Now is an important time to ensure everyone is washing their hands for at least 20 seconds.

pus if they have a cough or fever. If they were to be on campus, then maintaining the social distance and also not making any physical contact with anyone is the safest thing to do.

Remember, now is a time students really need to focus on their health. A healthy body, mind, and lifestyle is the best way to combat this virus.

Student Life 9

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Career Center still providing support online LESLIE M. LEVY STAFF WRITER

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ith restaurants and retail outlets closed during the COVID-19 quarantine, many students may be out of a job for a while.

Some students are wondering where next month’s rent is going to come from or how they are going to find a job back home for the rest of the semester.

While graduating seniors might not get to walk the stage this year, they don’t need to be afraid of what comes after they obtain their degree. The Career Center at Sonoma State University is ready and waiting to help.

The on-site office is closed along with the majority of campus, but the Career Center is still up and running online. Students can attend the Career Center Meeting Room for drop-in services any time Mon.Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. via Zoom.

Students can find help learning to use Zoom at sonomastate.zoom.us. Seawolves can not only access STAR // Edgar Zavala existing meetings for classes and resources like the Kelsey Bensky along with others in the Career Center will be providing their services online for the rest of the semester.

Career Center Meeting Room, but they can also host meetings through SSU’s Zoom access point with their ment, they should bring that information to their advisory they don’t quite fit in a box to create a life and livelihood of Seawolf login information. meeting. meaning and purpose.” She doesn’t just want to see students For students that would prefer a one-to-one apThe best place to access the Career Center’s online ser- get a job. “I look forward to helping you not just build a career, pointment with an advisor, they can schedule one vices, like Handshake or Focus2Career, is by navigating di- but go after your BIG dreams!” through LoboConnect or by emailing careercenter@ rectly to their homepage at career.sonoma.edu.

Kelsey Bensky, a specialist in career exploration and the sonoma.edu.

The career advisors have a very different role from aca- career development process, is most passionate about helping Additionally, the spring job fair is still being held demic advisors. The academic advisors on the student success students figure out what they actually want to do. This may with 40+ employers in attendance. Due to the shelter- website focus on helping you navigate to graduation, not on have been inspired by her background in working with both in-place mandate, the event has just become Virtual what needs to happen after. They are not necessarily helpful nonprofit and corporate sectors. She soon discovered her gift Career Week, and will be held online May 6, 7 and 8. for job-hunters or soon-to-be postgraduates looking to get for counseling people undergoing the major life transition of Stay tuned to the STAR for upcoming details! their new career launched after they receive their degree this launching a career.

Drop-in services online, just like in person, are spring. Students looking for jobs should speak to the people “Not knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life limited to 20 minutes and are allocated on a first-come who can tell them things like: when to take the LSAT or other is more common than you might think, and I am excited to first-serve basis, while appointments can last up to tests needed to get into graduate school, if those tests are cur- be helping SSU students build the knowledge, tools and rea full hour. Quick questions about next steps can be rently being offered online, what jobs are still available in their sources to help answer that question--or at least begin to,” she easily covered in a drop-in meeting, but students with field during the current pandemic, and if they should consider said. Kelsey specializes in working with undeclared students, more complicated questions or who need help formu- changing majors based upon the current job market trends. as well as those in science and technology, business and ecolating a more extensive plan will be best served by Those are questions for career advisors, not academic advi- nomics, and social sciences. scheduling a full appointment. sors.

Eliza Fletes, the Student Lead for the Career Center and Students who have been laid off from their curAudra Gray Verrier is the Coordinator of the Career Cen- Biology major, enjoys working at the Career Center because, rent jobs duet o the COVID-19 quarantine can get ter, and she specializes in working with graduate students, as a first-generation Latina college student, she knows support help finding new income sources through Handshake. nontraditional students, and alumni. Verrier especially enjoys and encouragement during each individual’s journey can help Students struggling to find their individual direction working with students that are first-generation college stu- them thrive as they move forward. Fletes said, “I would say can begin with the self assessment services available dents, low-income students, or older students. that it is never too early--or too late--to begin thinking about through Focus2Career. If they complete the assessVerrier said she is drawn to help “...those who feel like what your next step is or about what comes after graduation.”

Seawolves SPEAK! “How is Zoom working for you so far?

ANGELINA QUEVEDO STAFF WRITER

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tudents and faculty all over the country are using Zoom as their main platform to communicate during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Zoom website, “Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems.”

Zoom can be a great way to have an in-class experience while sitting com-

screens, and keep in touch with peers and faculty. Although Zoom can be very beneficial during this pandemic when used properly, there are many reports of appalling behavior during online meetings worldwide. Our campus will continue to rely on Zoom to provide an experience for students similar to the in-class setting.

Here’s what students at Sonoma State are thinking of Zoom so far.

fortably in your own home. Users have access to many different opportunities and advantages while using the app, including the ability to record sessions, share

“Zoom is working very well for me!

My professors are doing a great job on informing everyone about assignments due. Even though the situation is unfortunate, I’m glad that we are able to have some sort of communication that’s similar to being in class.”

-Meghan Berggren, First Year, Philosophy major

“My personal experience transitioning to Zoom has been difficult. Almost all of my teachers decided to go asynchronous, so now that we no longer have class meetings and just get our assignments from Canvas.”

-Brooklyn Nunez, Third Year, Undeclared

“I think zoom is harder to follow along with and I feel that the distractions are limitless when at home.”

-Joseph Berljafa, Second Year, Business major

“Overall, it’s going well. At first, the idea of using zoom was slightly weird to me. In the beginning, I would forget that I had a zoom meeting for a class or had homework due that day.”

-Anayeli Sanchez, Third Year, Criminal Justice Major

“I think everyone is doing their best to make the most of moving to online sessions, but there is still going to be a disconnect from students and their professors.

“It’s hard to keep up with deadlines and school work without having an in-person interaction. It’s not the best situation, but I’m grateful we get to finish the semester.”

-Lauren Wenner ,Third Year, Biology major

-Jessica Irene Wood, Third year Computer Science major

10 Sports

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Virtual draft for the NFL JAMES HARWELL STAFF WRITER

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n March 26, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo to all 32 NFL teams informing them that the upcoming amateur draft was still going to take place amidst the chaos caused by COVID-19. The upcoming draft was a large concern for many in the football community and the update by Goodell affirms what many were expecting. Although the NFL and Goodell still plan on conducting the NFL Draft, it will look and feel nothing like how it always has been and that will be felt by all ends of the spectrum from the players to the fans.

To back up his decision, Goodell said, “Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 Draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have cancelled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the Draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that ref lects current conditions.”

Las Vegas, who has been long preparing for the arrival of their newly beloved Raiders has been looking to embrace professional football with open arms; however, Goodell has decided to axe the public event side of the draft that was scheduled to be hosted in Las Vegas on April 23. For many longtime NFL fans, this will present a very different experience and it will be especially felt by the players. For many, these are iconic moments that cannot be forgotten. The positive side of it is that the players can still have the experience of getting drafted and the fans still have something to look forward to and watch that is sports related.

Goodell said, ““The challenges we face are not unique -- many businesses and individuals throughout the country are experiencing and addressing similar issues...Please be assured that the NFL is well-positioned to meet these operational challenges as we prepare to offer our fans and the country an outstanding 2020 NFL season.”

As the players have to adjust to a virtual process that will take place with the draft not having a central location, the franchises as well will have to adjust their formulation of who to draft. The reason being that because of the shelter-in-place ramifications the once very useful physicals and workouts that NFL organizations would be conducting at this time since the draft is 3 weeks away are no longer allowed.

Terrell Burgess, a draft prospect from Utah said,” It’s not the end of the world, I’m just excited for the draft. I would be upset if I was expecting to be the #1 pick.”. Even taking it one step further, Roger Goodell had all 32 facilities closed because of the spreading Coronavirus. That is intriguing because of how Goodell is continuing with the draft at the same date but not allowing teams to conduct important tests on the prospects.

This has caused many to speak out in disagreement. ESPN reporter Adam Shefter spoke negatively about the decision made by Goodell by calling it a disgrace. “The draft is happening only through the sheer force and determination and lack of foresight from the NFL, frankly,” Schefter said on ESPN during Scott Van Pelt’s segment of SportsCenter” “They are determined to put this on while there is carnage in the streets!”

COURTESY // cbssports.com All 32 teams may be subject to do their 2020 draft online due to COVID-19.

Spring athletes granted additional season CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

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his past week, the NCAA voted to permit 2020 spring-sport athletes, who had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak here in the United States, to add an additional year of athletic eligibility. On Monday, the NCAA Division I Council voted to get an extra year of eligibility “regardless of their year/ academic standing” to help collegiate athletes get back the season that had been taken from them.

Chairwomen Grace Calhoun, who is a representative from Penn, talked about the vote saying, “In the end, we really did coalesce around all of the decisions that we made today; they were strongly supported.”

However, some stipulations were included in last week’s vote. For starters, there was no-guaranteed financial aid for the returning group of seniors from this past 2020 spring season. The extra year of eligibility was not extended to athletes who played fall or winter sports- such as football or basketball- as the NCAA felt that the outbreak of COVID-19 did not have a substantial enough impact on their respective season to dream and an extra year of eligibility necessary.

The voting committee was composed of a representative of all 32 major conferences in NCAA Division I athletics, and also included two student-athlete representatives, but from indications, the repressive from the Power 5 conferences- SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, and ACCwere those who vote, and options carried the most weight, due to these conferences holding/ bearing the most financial responsibility. While the NCAA has given the right for players to extend their playing careers, it will ultimately still be a school/university decision on whether or not the athletes will be granted the ability to play another season.

By adding this extra year of eligibility, it also put these respective schools thousands of dollars in the hole. Because of this, some schools and conferences have refused to grant this extra year.

The most notable being the Ivy League, which includes schools such as Harvard, Yale, Brown,

STAR// NCAA.com Due to COVID-19, 2020 spring sports were cut short, but athletes will gain an extra semester to play.

and Princeton. According to the Report from Sports illustrated, “The league’s reported vote will keep student-athletes from receiving an extra year of eligibility like other conferences after the NCAA’s decision. Seniors at Ivy League schools cannot circumvent the decision by becoming grad transfers because they’d count against the scholarship limits that the NCAA waived for spring sports.”

Chairwomen Calhoun commented on the possible finical cost and burdened that many DI programs could face, as she said in a recent interview with AP Sports, “We had long discussions around the fact that this does not avoid substantially difficult circumstances, but what we felt was important was to localize that decision-making and to ensure that we were as permissive as possible,” Calhoun said. “At the end of the day, each institution is going

to have to figure out what it can do.

The Universities will not be the only ones that will have to face a difficult decision, as now many student-athletes will now have to decide whether to forego their last year of sports and enter the working world using the degrees they’ve earned during their four years at their respective Universities. Or to accept the NCAA’s offer to take the field or compete for one more year at the collegiate level.

Students like Josh Leaser, a Senior Pitcher at the United States Air Force Academy, said, “I think my situation is a bit different at a Military academy, as I’m very eager to start my career in the armed forces. If I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree, then, of course, I would accept. But that’s not something I currently want to do. But I think for many DI athletes it is going to be a tough decision.”

Sports 11

APRIL 7 - APRIL 13, 2020

Athlete spotlight: soccer player Marisa Sanchez

sonomastatestar.com

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

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s a fourth year undergraduate student, Marisa Sanchez has big plans to make her mark on the world either on the soccer field, in the classroom, or in the office. Sanchez is a biology major and plans to bring her findings at Sonoma State to the real world.

Sanchez grew up in Sacramento, California. She has been playing soccer since she was four years old and fell in love with the sport ever since she was introduced to it. Soccer runs through Sanchez’s family’s blood. Her twin sister, Miranda, is also on the team with her, while her brother, Joshua, was on the Sonoma State men’s team in previous years and is an Alumni of the school. Sanchez is upset that the COVID-19 virus is putting her senior year season to an end.

“It is unfortunate that the spring season was cut short due to the COVID-19 virus because we had a great moment going. But, I think it was the right decision and I am glad that everyone on the team is home and safe,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez has had a very wild ride throughout her soccer career. Her freshman year at Sonoma she tore her meniscus after coming off an ACL tear in high school.

When she was not injured, Sanchez would play center mid or center on the soccer field.

“My experience with college sports has been a little unconventional because I have had four knee surgeries. Those are: ACL, meniscus, ACL redo, meniscus repair, and a broken foot. Being injured is really hard physically and mentally because most of my time in college has either been on crutches, or recovering in the training room doing physical therapy,” said Sanchez.

A quote that has always inspired Sanchez is, “It is okay to struggle, but it is not okay to give up on yourself or your dreams.” This quote by Gigi Grunewald has

always inspired her because she has had to be optimistic all throughout her athletic career. Sanchez has claimed to acquire better time management skills to be a better student athlete, as well as growing a bigger appreciation for the game because of her injuries.

“I would say one of my biggest attributes to what I give the team is positivity and a support system for each player. I try to be everyone’s biggest fan while I am out, as well as another coach to try and benefit my team,” said Sanchez.

After Sanchez graduates with her Bachelor’s Degree in biology, she would like to continue to go to school for a health profession. She does not know exactly what career, but would like to benefit the world in the health industry. She also wants to continue to play soccer no matter how big or small.

“I absolutely loved the season and going through the grind with my team. I think the longer you are on the team, the more you appreciate the grind and every little moment you share with everyone along the way,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez described soccer to be more than just a sport. She assures that it does not matter what your gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or sexual preference is, but you and your teammates share a commonality or goal to unite together. You can put all your troubles aside and let it all out on the field with your best friends. Sanchez’s definition of soccer is to get herself out of her comfort zone and just go for it.

“I am not sure if a lot of people could do what Marisa does. Her determination, compassion, and love for the team and sport is unmatched. She is a great player and an even better teammate. She inspires me everyday and drives me to be a better person and player. I am excited to be back on the field with my sister,” said Marisa’s twin sister and teammate, Miranda.

COURTESY // Instagram

COURTESY // Instagram

Marisa (pictured left) and her twin sister Miranda (pictured right) will continue to play side by side in fall 2020.

Sanchez has played soccer since the age four and has played ever since.

US Rugby files for bankruptcy VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

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he pandemic of COVID-19 created mayhem when it made the USA Rugby National team file for bankruptcy.

The official wording for the bankruptcy is Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which permits a reorganization under the bankruptcy law. The US National Rugby Team will receive input from World Rugby, the head of all rugby committees from around the world.

The national organization put out a press release and said, “The current suspension of sanctioned rugby activities caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the existing financial challenges facing the Union, and a reorganization process will now be progressed with input from World Rugby.”

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. This year’s men’s and women’s national teams both qualified for the 2020 Olympics before it was postponed because of the virus. For the rest of their season all play was postponed on March 20th indefinitely.

The USA Rugby Team will undergo a rebuilding process that will center on creating a more stable foundation for the future.

Rugby’s head chairman, Barbara O’Brien had this to say about the whole situation in an interview with CBS sports , “This is the most challenging period this organisation has faced and all resolutions were never taken lightly in coming to this determination. “While the current climate is of course much larger than rugby, we remain focused with stakeholders and supporters in the continued effort toward a balanced rugby community where the game can truly grow.”

The national team is not taking this situation lightly. They are taking care of the problem now while it is still fixable, rather than waiting until it is too late.

The decision that the board is making will affect the next generation of American rugby players. The US board believes creating a thought precise action plan, while building for financial stability will best address the challenges at hand.

By filing for bankruptcy, the US board is able to receive financial support from the World Rugby Executive Committee. This act should prove to be a large help for encounters down the line.

Emilie Bydwell, the director of women’s high performance, described the situation as such in an interview with the National Rugby Association , “It’s been a whirlwind few weeks. We are thankful that we have a decision. We will use this time to take a step back, recharge, reflect and build a strong plan to maximize the next year to be in the best position to target the podium.”

The worldwide pandemic has affected everyone around the world, especially the rugby committee. When suspensions are cleared and players are able to compete again, the US sevens and fifteens teams will be able to play. Even with the organization filing for bankruptcy, league officials have said the teams will still compete.

The US is not known for rugby, but with the rise in the sport, this is make or break time for the company. The organization has the tools going forward with help from the World Rugby Executive Committee. Now the goal is to put the plan of action into place and make the sport profitable in the United States.

COURTESY// MSN.com As of March 20, the US rugby team has suspended all activity indefinitely.

12 Photo

APRIL 6 - APRIL 13, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

The new dine and dash amid COVID-19

STAR // Brandon Sparks

STAR // Brandon Sparks Countless drivers get food from drive-thrus out of fear of going to the grocery store.

Lines for many drive thrus across California are going out into the streets.

STAR // Brandon Sparks In-N-Out’s drive- thru lines around California are even longer than before due to the coronavirus.

STAR // Edgar Zavala An empty Recreation Center brings a gloomy presence to Sonoma State.

STAR // Edgar Zavala First year Dorothy Rose-Miller took a walk by herself across an empty campus.

STAR // Edgar Zavala Many students went back home to their families after Sonoma State University suspended all face to face classes for the remainder of the semester.