Issue 10 Sonoma State STAR Fall 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

Halloween

Koret Scholars

Athletics

Explore local options for a safe and fun night.

PAGE 6.

SSU faculty members win awards to assist with research projects.

PAGE 8.

Jose Hilla fights to overcome budget deficits in new role at SSU PAGE 11.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 85 // ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 27, 2020 - NOVEMBER 2, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Sonya Perrotti of Coyote Farms harvests lettuce while wearing a mask in Penngrove on October 23, 2020.

SEAN KENNEALLY

COVID-19 relief funds given to Sonoma County farmers

STAFF WRITER

C

OVID-19 continues its tremendous impact upon the backbone of Sonoma County: agriculture. The $1 billion industry is being pushed to its limits, as the county is still in the ‘purple’ tier--the most restrictive of COVID reopening. Because of COVID-19, according to Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, up to nearly $64 million will be lost this year.

As a result, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, also known as Ag + Open Space, is offering up to $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds to farmers hit the hardest. “Our agricultural community has suffered significant economic impacts due to disruptions in the food system, supply chains, processing, and storage capacity,” said Susan Gorin, Chair of the Ag Open Space Board of Directors.

The study was conducted by Dr. Robert Eyler, the president of Economic Forensics and Analytics Incorporated and professor at Sonoma State University. The study utilized projections based on Sonoma County, state-wide, and national losses in all factors of the industry, from crop to table, until the end of 2020. Eyler also analyzed recovery status, as well. Cannabis and winegrape production were not a part of the study.

The study found that profits and loss occurred “... in retail and restaurant markets changing other parts of agricultural supply chains. Those effects then began to affect

farmers and supply conditions.” Because of delays in shipments, processing centers, and storage, farmers were unable to promote their goods, which led to an excessive surplus that no buyer wanted.

According to the study, “The economic impact of COVID-19 on total agricultural values, following the crops and livestock used to calculate annual Crop Reports by the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner, range between lost value of 9.7% and 19.2% based on projected risk.” A full recovery will not occur until 2023.

However, many folks, like Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Tawny Tesconi, fear incorrect projections from Eyler’s numbers. Tesconi stated, “Dr. Eyler’s study simply underscores what our members have been experiencing since March. So many of our agricultural producers were already struggling and this pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the challenges our multi-generational farming and ranching families were facing.”

The Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Emergency Grant Program aims to provide the necessary relief for farmers hit the hardest. The grants are to be awarded to operators “...who can commit to keeping the county’s diverse agricultural lands in production,” says Bill Keene, in an Press Democrat article.

see SONOMA COUNTY FARMERS on pg. 4

STAR // Sarah Ramos Karla cleaned a table in preparation for new customers at Luduka’s Cafe on September 6, 2020.

Sonoma County doubles testing centers in disproportionately affected areas MORAGH GRAF STAFF WRITER

O

n Oct. 19, the Sonoma County Administrator’s Office released a statement informing residents of new COVID-19 testing centers. These pop-up centers, which will double the amount already present in the county, are to be placed throughout areas in which residents are disproportionately impacted.

According to the county’s statement, “The effort is a part of new County Department of Health Services initiative to address COVID-19 disparities, particularly within Latinx and indigenous communities in Sonoma County, and to reduce overall community spread, allowing the County to move out of the most-restrictive purple tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.”

The county is advising residents in these particular areas to be tested, whether or not they are showing symptoms of the virus. The encouragement for all residents to be tested comes from the hope that the county can slow the spread of the virus and move out of restricted status. Doubling the amount of testing centers in high-risk areas will create a more controlled group. see SONOMA COUNTY DOUBLES TESTING on pg. 4

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Luke Crumpler casts his ballot while wearing a mask at Sonoma State University on October 25, 2020.

Mask or no mask, everyone is allowed to vote in California

KRISTINA SCHMUHL STAFF WRITER

A

cross the United States, masks are highly recommended, but not required, for in person voting. According to state election guidelines, California voters who show up at the polls on or before Election Day without masks will be permitted to vote.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has had a mask mandate in place for California since June. The mask mandate states that it is required for individuals to wear a mask in public places. Election officials are facing a delicate balance of how to both enforce mask mandates and not infringe on a constituent’s constitutional right to vote.

Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County’s Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters said, “We are asking [voters] to wear a mask for inside polling. We will be providing options outside for those people who don’t want to wear a mask or can’t because of medical reasons.” see MASK OR NO MASK on pg. 4

2 Editorial

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Lies and corruption, the final debate

THE STAR Editorial Board

Travis Gillmore, Editor-in-Chief Kylie Rose Lawrence, News Editor Maria Pineda Contreras, Opinion Editor Christy Chew, Arts & Entertainment Editor Devon Pique, Student Life Editor Noah Philpott, Sports Editor Brandon Sparks, Photo Editor Taylor Clark, Digital Editor Kevin Flores, Editorial Cartoonist Isabelle Barkey, Distribution Manager Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Taylor Clark, Emily Cripe, Sieanna Narine, Samuel Sayer, Jayline Alvarado, Sarah Ramos, Katelyn Dodge, Isabella Simoni, Nancy Insua, Edgar Zavala, Max Robinson, Myles Grabau, Moragh Graf, Amanda Koba, Rachel Gonzalez, Kristina Schmuhl, Vincent Spence, Ryan Weiner, Eliseo Fragoso, Sean Kenneally, Sarah Gallagher Photographers Isabelle Barkey, Natella Guy, Samantha Billingsly

Nichols Hall 323, 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Telephone: 707-664-2776 Business & General Inquiries: sonomastatestar@gmail.com Corrections and News Tips: star@sonoma.edu

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

“Purdue Pharma and their role in the opioid crisis” Read the article on page 3.

Have an opinion?

We’d like to hear from you!

The STAR welcomes letters to the editor

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

Opinions

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

Letters to the Editor

Letter writers may expect prompt publication in the newspaper’s op-ed section, as space is available. Letters of up to 400 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Friday before the publication date. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts.

The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication.

W

ith the upcoming presidential election only a week away, this past Thursday marked the last presidential debate of the season. Spectators were thankful for a much less chaotic affair than the first debate, due to the newly implemented ability to mute one nominee while the other spoke. To be fair, there was a hefty dose of personal attacks between the two candidates, but overall, viewers were able to get a sense of the major policy differences between the two, and their stance on important issues.

Of particular importance to many viewers was the corruption scandal that plagues former vice president Joe Biden. President Trump implored Biden to come clean with the American people about the revelation that his son, Hunter, and brother, Jim, are involved in financial dealings with foreign corporations that benefit the family to the tune of millions of dollars annually. Biden’s nonresponse and obfuscation of the facts only raises red flags to those inclined to follow the money, and the media is once again illustrating their complicity in covering up high-level financial crimes that bring the integrity of our political system into question.

One heavily debated topic was how each candidate would handle the Coronavirus pandemic in the coming months. Trump and Biden could not have discussed more contrasting plans.

Biden claimed that America is headed for a “dark winter” unless we cultivate a better plan for handling the virus. He said that if he were elected, he would establish national standards for reopening schools and businesses, and he would provide appropriate funding for this to happen.

He also wants to invest in rapid and frequent Coronavirus testing throughout the country, particularly in virus “hotspots.”

Trump, on the other hand, claimed that a vaccine will be arriving “within weeks,” and that the country is “rounding the corner” of the disease. This is a striking remark, considering that the country has seen a recent spike in cases and the midwest has seen record-breaking numbers of cases in the past few days. Trump claims that lockdowns have caused more harm than good, and that the country should reopen. “We’re learning to live with it,” Trump said. “We have no choice.”

There was a stark contrast between the candidate’s plans for health care in the future, but both candidates support the morally bankrupt insurance industry at all costs. Trump bragged about his success in passing legislation to eliminate the requirement of health care under the Affordable Care Act. Trump said, “I’d like to terminate Obamacare, [and] come up with a brand new, beautiful health care.”

Biden, meanwhile, advocated for “Bidencare,” and described it as “Obamacare with the public option.” It will cost a lot--specifically around $750 billion--but, “Bidencare” will supposedly protect people with preexisting conditions, lower insurance premiums, reduce drug prices, and end unexpected medical billing. Trump responded by calling his plan “socialized med-

Courtesy // SlideShare

icine,” but Biden pushed back against this, saying that he supports private insurance. He also mentioned, somewhat off-hand, that he beat Bernie and his other rivals because he disagreed with them about health care. Biden is struggling to gather support from Sanders’ loyalists, and the former vice president is caught between the progressive wing of his party and moderate members that prefer the status quo on a variety of topics.

To the chagrin of his handlers, Biden allowed Trump to drag him into a debate on energy, and Biden’s acknowledgement that his administration would transition away from oil shocked the President and the moderator, as Kristen Welker responded with, “Why would you do that?”

Biden’s response that he would do away with oil because it is an industry that causes pollution is a winning stance for environmentalists, but from a strategic standpoint, this admission was a monumental gaffe that could cost him much needed support in swing states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

There was also an argument about raising the federal minimum wage rate. Biden wants to fight for $15 an hour, because “... anything below that puts you below the poverty level,” he said.

Trump believes this issue should be left to the individual states to decide. “Some places, $15 is not so bad. In other places, other states, $15 is ruins,” Trump said.

The debate took an interesting and notable turn when the topic of immigration was discussed. Biden rarely ever criticizes the Obama administration, but he did so repeatedly on Thursday night. While attacked for doing nothing to solve the problems while in office for 47 years, including eight in the White House, Biden said he was not the president at the time, essentially throwing Obama under the bus and insinuating that Obama was responsible for their administration’s failures.

When Trump asked about deportations and family detention during the Obama administration, Biden responded by saying, “[The Obama Administration] made a mistake. It took too long to get it right.” But, he hopes to counteract this mistake by proposing new immigration legislation within the first 100 days of office--if he were to be elected. The new legislation would provide a pathway to citizenship for roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants who are already living in the country.

He also said he will immediately recertify people protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program--a program that Trump has repeatedly fought to end.

Trump responded to questions about immigration by describing the American border as a “strong border,” with hundreds of miles of new barriers, and tougher imigration and enforcement policies. When the moderator, Kristen Welker, asked Trump what his administration is doing to reunite the 500 children who were lost at I.C.E imigration camps with their parents, he responded: “We’re trying very hard.” He didn’t outline any specifics of what they were

doing, which left many viewers questioning the authenticity of this statement and feeling unsatisfied with his answer.

It is also important to note the candidates’ responses to climate change. Biden called climate change an “existential threat to humanity,” and said that he would push the nation towards more renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind. He claimed this would create jobs and boost the economy, as well.

In response to the issue of climate change, Trump responded with one of the most outright false statements that we have heard in the past four years of his presidency. He claimed that his administration has done “an incredible job environmentally.”

Seconds later though, he criticized renewable energy sources, claiming that windmills are too expensive and kill birds. The Trump Administration has already reversed nearly 100 environmental rules, pulled America out of the Paris Climate Accord, and Trump himself has claimed that climate change is a hoax. In short, he is not benefitting our environment.

It would be partisan not to mention the other blatantly false statement from Trump during the last presidential debate. Trump claimed, “I am the least racist person in this room.”

Biden scoffed at this remark, as well as hundreds of viewers at home. The President is decidedly unpopular with the Black electorate. In September, Gallup reported that Trump’s job approval rating among Black Americans hovers at 11%. According to a January Washington Post poll, more than 8-in-10 black Americans believe that Trump is a racist.

In just the two debates alone, Trump has made three notably racist remarks. Firstly, the president refused to condemn the violence of far-right and white supremacist groups during Black Lives Matter protests this summer, when moderator Chris Wallace, of Fox News, repeatedly asked him to. Secondly, Trump questioned whether Biden would have won the Democratic nomination if senator Elizabeth Warren had not dropped out of the race, and called her “Pocahontas” while doing so. And lastly, he once again referred to the coronavirus pandemic as the “China plague.”

President Trump seems to be running out of time to mount a comeback, and Biden has a hefty lead in national and state polls.

As of Oct. 26, Biden is favored to win the election. Forecasts say that Trump has a one in six chance of winning the election.

53% of the popular vote belongs to Biden, while 45% belongs to Trump. While this may seem hopeful for those looking for change, polls in 2016 were very similar, and the electoral college race is extraordinarily tight.

Thankfully, the debates are over. The presidential nominees will find out on Nov. 3 whether they have been elected to lead our country in turmoil out of the trenches of the Coronavirus pandemic, the rising poverty rate, and the systematic racism that affects much of the American population.

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

Opinion 3

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Herd immunity could pose a threat to COVID-19 prevention

SARAH RAMOS

STAFF WRITER

T

hree weeks ago, President Trump and his wife contracted COVID-19. Trump was incredibly cavalier about his symptoms, posting on Twitter that there was nothing to fear about the coronavirus and championing his good health. Now, it appears that the administration has found something new to champion: herd immunity.

The concept of herd immunity began gaining traction in the news when a small group of academics wrote a document on Oct. 4 called the Great Barrington Declaration.

In it, they spoke about removing current policies put in place for COVID-19 and instead replacing them with practices to encourage herd immunity, “Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal.” Accord-

ing to the document, this would entail reopening schools and universities, businesses, sporting events and more.

Alex Azar, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, met with the authors of the declaration and spoke out in support of their plan, stating, “We heard strong reinforcement of the Trump Administration’s strategy of aggressively protecting the vulnerable while opening schools and the workplace.” The administration’s support of this document is alarming because the plan goes directly against several COVID-19 policies implemented to protect people over the past seven months.

What exactly is herd immunity, and can it really work? According to Mayo Clinic, herd immunity is defined as “when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.” Theoretically, it sounds like a great idea. According to many health experts, though, allowing the virus to spread freely in order to achieve herd immunity is actually incredibly dangerous.

An article from CNBC highlighted two such top health experts who do not support it: Dr. Anthony Fauci

and Dr. Mike Ryan. Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. During a live stream on Instagram, he spoke about why herd immunity is not an option: “If everyone contracted it, even with the relatively high percentage of people without symptoms. . . a lot of people are going to die.”

Ryan, the World Health Organization executive director, said in a live Q&A that most scientists believe that 60-80% of people need to either be vaccinated or have natural antibodies to herd immunity to work. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, and CNBC emphasized that, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, only 2% of the U.S. population has been infected with the virus.

It is irresponsible of the Trump administration to support the Great Barrington Declaration when there is clear evidence that carrying it out will have significant consequences. This document only serves the best interests of the administration. It does not consider the interests of those whom the Trump administration is supposed to serve: the public. Supporting wellinformed health experts and not misleading political interests is the best course of action the public can take to address COVID-19 and return to “life as normal.”

Purdue Pharma and their role in the opioid crisis bring legal action within big phar-

dered to pay $600 million in fines

ma companies to a close, it defi-

back in 2007 for misleading doc-

nitely pushes things in the right

tors, patients and the government

direction as we are able to hold

for OxyContin.

Purdue has since proposed a

these companies accountable for

MYLES GRABAU

STAFF WRITER

R

ecently, the opioid epidemic that is going on in America has come to a full

head, and very few of these companies are willing to step up and take responsibility for the damage that has been caused. Purdue Pharma, which is the company that manufactures OxyContin, has pleaded guilty to criminal charges that are directly related to the marketing of the product. OxyContin is a highly addictive painkiller and is partially responsible for the public health crisis still going on to this day. Due to their product marketing, Purdue Pharma is currently facing penalties of roughly $8.3 billion, which was announced by the Justice Department this past Wednesday.

Opioids, as a whole, have killed over 450,000 Americans since 1999, and this settlement could pave the way for a resolution to this crisis in the near future. While this does not

damages that they have caused.

different

The Sackler family, who are

ahead, the company will be run

approach.

Forging

known for founding and owning

as a “public benefit corporation,”

Purdue Pharma, said in a state-

with proceeds from continued

ment that they “acted ethically

OxyContin sales and other medi-

and lawfully.” Still, the persistent

cations to go toward opioid abate-

marketing and manufacturing of

ment, treatment, and rehabilita-

the drug have proven otherwise.

tion. This model was endorsed

communities,

by the Justice Department, which

states, and individuals have made

received backlash from the At-

claims in a federal settlement ac-

torney General William Barr. He

cusing the company’s marketing

stated that governments should

of OxyContin as being a direct

not involve themselves in the opi-

contributor to the crisis of addic-

oid business and that Purdue is

tion and overdoses. On top of this,

run privately with government

recreational use of this drug has

oversight.

Many

cities,

also resulted in towering costs

While the opioid crisis has

in health care, law enforcement,

been going on for years, America

and unemployment. In the feder-

must find a way to work out the

al settlement, Purdue has agreed

kinks and figure out how to move

to plead guilty to felony charges

in the right direction. Americans

such as violation of anti-kickback

are not living just for larger com-

laws, as well as defrauding fed-

panies to profit from them, and

eral health agencies. Penalties for

these companies must be held ac-

these crimes include nearly $4 bil-

countable for their actions. Crimi-

lion in criminal fines, along with

nal charges for OxyContin is defi-

$2 billion in criminal forfeiture of

nitely a step in the right direction.

profits. This is the largest amount

However, as stated previously, it

of financial penalties that a phar-

is not even close to the end of the

maceutical company is faced with

fight that is continuing globally

to date. On top of these penalties,

and as thousands of lives are be-

Purdue Pharma has also been or-

ing lost very day.

Unrest in Nigeria from countless years of terror

MAX ROBINSON STAFF WRITER

P

rotests have erupted in Nigeria, calling for the end of SARS, the Nigerian Special Anti-Robbery Squad, after the force shot and killed a young boy in Ughelli, Nigeria.

Since its conception in 1992, SARS has targeted, harassed, and even tortured countless Nigerian people, often targeting young men who wear dreads, have tattoos, or own expensive cars and iPhones, suspecting they are criminals. The Nigerian government designed SARS in 1992 as an undercover operation and directed officers to disguise themselves in plain clothing. Many Nigerian citizens consider them a force of terror.

Philomena Celestine, a 25-year-old Nigerian, said, “My four-year-old niece was in the vehicle, but they cocked their guns at our car and drove my brothers into the bush where they harassed them for over 30 minutes and accused them of being cybercriminals. They could see my graduation gown but that did not deter them. My sister was trembling and crying in fear,” said Celestine to Al Jazeera reporter Sada Malumfashi. #EndSARS was created on social media and has spread to multiple platforms to bring attention to the injustice and has found support from Beyoncé to Joe Biden and countless other people flocking to their feeds to show their support.

As the protests have continued to rage on, Nigerian security forces opened fire on a group of protestors in the nation’s capital of Lagos. The attack wounded 25 people and killed at least one protestor. “It was chaos. Somebody got hit straight beside me and he died on the spot,” said an unnamed witness to BBC News. In response to the protests, an indefinite 24-hour curfew has been mandated in Lagos and other regions in Nigeria.

In response to the protests, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said criminals have taken advantage of the protests and that the “protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the wellbeing of (Nigerian) society.”

As of Oct. 11, President Muhammadu Buhari officially dissolved SARS. A new police force is in the process of being created, and members of the new force will be trained by the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to a report from Reuters. Although SARS has been dismantled, Nigerian citizens like Charles Avackaa fear that dismantling the force is not enough. “They all need to be punished or disciplined,” said Charles Avackaa to Reuters reporters Alexis Akwagyiram and Abrahim Achirga. Avackaa says that SARS has extorted 100,000 nairas ($262.7) from him.

According to an Amnesty International report titled “You Have Signed Your Death Warrant,” at least 82 Nigerian men report having been taken in by SARS and tortured until they were on the verge of death. An unnamed man recalls being suspended by his arms and legs on an iron rod until he fell unconscious. “My body ceased to function.” SARS officers then poured water over him to revive him. After regaining consciousness, he was detained in a cell for two weeks. He was denied access to a lawyer, a doctor, or his family.

Since his release in 2016, no one has been held accountable for his torture.

Police forces worldwide seem to follow the recurring theme of abusing their power against vulnerable citizens, getting away with their actions while people are powerless against them.

Nigeria is experiencing a strong push for social change, a sentiment shared by Hong-Kong protestors, American protestors, and many other people fed up with being terrorized by unaccountable forces.

A pandemic-modified Halloween and Day of the Dead

JAYLINE ALVARADO STAFF WRITER

A

s Halloween creeps up on us, many traditions that have not stopped despite the pandemic are the Halloween pumpkin patches or the haunted houses.

In a more modified way, these attractions have survived the barrage of comments that Halloween will not happen as it has before this year.

One such attraction that’s forged ahead in accommodations is the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. In an article from the Press Democrat, Jim Groverman, owner of Grover-

man’s Pumpkin Patch, stated that some changes made this year were the widening of the path in the corn maze and the “additional sanitizing of shared wheelbarrows and tables, and roving monitors who ensure visitors remain masked, and more than six feet apart, the frivolity of pumpkin-hunting and maze exploration has been able to continue for its 29th year relatively uninhibited.” Another precaution is not allowing people to park on the shoulder of Stony Point Road once the parking lot is full. The pumpkin patch may be a frivolity, but it is a welcome distraction from the Glass fires.

Another attraction that has not hit the breaks is the Los Angeles Haunted House. According to their website, not only has their location been changed to accommodate the fact they are now operating as a drive-through experience, but they also require reservations and arriving up to fifteen minutes in advance. They have also taken safety precautions like not having actors come in contact with the vehicles or anyone inside, and that cast members would be

wearing masks underneath all the prosthetics.

A New York Times article stated that in accordance with the Center for Disease Control guidelines, “On the list of moderate risks was “trick-ortreating where individually wrapped goody bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance” while pumpkin carving with members of the same household is considered low risk. However, “Crowded indoor parties and haunted houses “where people may be crowded together and screaming,” are on the higherrisk end of the spectrum right alongside traditional trick-or-treating, according to the C.D.C.” Another holiday derailed by the pandemic was the Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Celebrated from Nov. 1-2 in Latin American countries, the annual parade in Mexico City, an event that brings thousands of people together, was also canceled due to the pandemic, according to Vice News.

Another tradition where families visit their deceased family members’ graves

is also advised against because cemeteries become crowded with people.

Mexico’s Assistant Health Secretary, Hugo López-Gatell, suggested that the only way to safely allow the nighttime ritual would be to “stagger” gravesite visits.

In Santa Rosa, the Day of the Dead Museum has been relocated outdoors.

According to Bohemian “The outdoor exhibition adapts to the safety and health protocols that the Museum of Sonoma County is committed to following, and the outdoor setting will also parallel the many Day of the Dead observances that take place in Mexican cemeteries and public community spaces.” It will feature a tribute to those who lost their lives to the pandemic.

Even though we will not be able to enjoy Halloween or Day of the Dead in the same manner that we have been able to previously, it does not mean that they are called off. We just need to find alternative ways to celebrate them, like a visit to the pumpkin patch or just decorating in and around our homes to get in the spirit of things.

4 News

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Doc Darling, the original owner of Darling Farms, out for a ride through his farm on Friday morning, October 23, 2020.

COVID-19 relief funds given to Sonoma County farmers continued from pg. 1

During the fund allocation, Ag + Open Space is meeting with members of the diverse farming community, in order to address future issues and find solutions around them, such as climate change, market fluctuations, and rising labor and land costs.

Despite all that is happening, some farmers are seeing success. Sonya Perrotti, from Coyote Farms, is not getting COVID relief money, yet says their business is doing really well despite the virus because more people want fresh local produce handled by less people. Doc from Darling Farms, in Penngrove, also says their business is doing well amongst all the stress.“Supporting our local farmers and ranchers has always been a cornerstone of Ag + Open Space,” said Keene. “In addition to working with willing landowners to protect agricultural lands, as we’ve done for nearly 30 years, we are committed to looking at new and innovative ways to maintain a thriving agricultural economy as conditions change and new challenges arise.”

The grant applications close Nov. 15, and the allocations will be distributed at the end of the year. To learn more about the study itself, visit www.sonomaopenspace.org.

continued from pg. 1

Mask or no mask, everyone is allowed to vote in California

Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County’s Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters said, “We are asking [voters] to wear a mask for inside polling. We will be providing options outside for those people who don’t want to wear a mask or can’t because of medical reasons.”

There will be extra masks available for people who may have forgotten a mask, but desire to wear one. If one can’t or won’t wear a mask, workers will accommodate them by setting up areas outside for those individuals to vote.

Proto expressed anxiety about how in person voting will go and hopes that the recent changes to the voting process will allow voters to have the appropriate options. Her intention is to provide a smooth experience for all voters.

In Sonoma County, there was a reduction from 150 address-based polling locations to 30 locations open for people from any address in the county to vote. In the past, voters were assigned to a specific location and that polling site had a paper roster with your name on it. With new changes due to COVID-19, the county will be using a computer to look up your information and print your ballot. Proto’s goal was to make the process of voting during a pandemic as accessible as possible.

Michael Humphry, a SRJC pre-nursing student, voted for the first time this election and expressed relief at how simple the process was. “I voted in Cotati and it was super easy. I wore my mask and dropped off my ballot. I was expecting it to be harder, but for my first time, it was smooth and dramafree,” he said.

Margaret Raney, a nursing student at Pacific Union College, said she will not be wearing a mask unless it is required of her. She said, “I’ll be voting in person, only wearing a mask if it’s required. I’m not concerned about getting anyone else sick because I know I am 100% healthy.

Across California, other County Registrar of Voters are preparing for pandemic related changes. In San Diego County, Registrar of Voters Michael Vu said he is attempting to balance people’s right to vote and the ongoing pandemic.

“This is an area where we are not going to infringe or abridge anyone’s constitutional right of being able to vote. So we want to make sure we are balancing that out with the fact [that] there is a pandemic, to ensure individuals have the ability to vote. However, we need to make sure that we are isolating them in an area that is socially distant, but also a place that is well ventilated,” said Vu.

Similar to Sonoma County, unmasked voters in San Diego county will be allowed to vote outside, away from the crowds.

Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, feels strongly about people in his state that show up to vote without a mask. He said, “We are not the enforcement authorities for the mask mandate. Our elections officials are not there to enforce mask mandates. It’s not our job. But it’s rude for people to show up and refuse all the opportunities we give them.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends voters wear masks at the polls, but does not say they should be required. Some of their other recommendations include: longer voting periods (more days and/or more hours), a wide variety of voting options, and feasible ways to reduce the number of voters congregating in one location at the same time.

According to John Hopkins University, on Friday, the United States recorded more than 83,000 new cases of COVID-19. This is a record high for daily coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in the US. In an article from NPR they report that this number surpassed the previous record of more than 77,000 cases in mid-July.

With a historical election on the horizon, large crowds gathering at polling locations may add an increase in COVID-19 cases--if people are not careful.

Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and lead member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, likened the risk of voting in person to going to the grocery store. He said, “If you go and wear a mask, if you observe the physical distancing, and don’t have a crowded situation, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to [vote in person].”

continued from pg. 1

Sonoma County doubles testing centers in disproportionately affected areas

STAR // Edgar Zavala Medical Assistant Vanessa Martin is all smiles underneath her face mask at Tri City Health center.

The effort is currently long-term, and has had $16 million invested into the project. According to North Bay Business Journal, “The broad plan also includes giving $30 gift cards to induce people to get tested and granting $1,216 one-time stipends and hotel vouchers to residents who contract the virus but have difficulty isolating at home.”

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Sonoma County has been stuck in the “purple” tier, due to a slow response to the virus during summer reopenings.

Now more than ever, the pressure is on. Sonoma remains the only Bay area county unable to be given a less-restrictive status due to its COVID-19 transmission rates.

Testing via the new sites is highly encouraged due to the county’s restrictive status.

In Santa Rosa at Andy’s Unity Park, testing will be available from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Testing will be available during the same time on Thursdays at the Roseland Library in Santa Rosa. In Healdsburg, testing will be available at the Healdsburg Day Labor Center from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. And in Rohnert Park, testing will be available at the Burton Avenue Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays. At these locations, there are no out-of-pocket costs due immediately upon testing.

For more information on the new testing locations, visit sonomacounty. ca.gov.

News 5

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Tuesday 10/20

•

•

• •

Wednesday 10/21

As the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 reaches 220,000 — by far the highest in the world — President Trump has escalated his attack on the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci. During a campaign phone call, Trump described Fauci as an idiot.

Florida shattered its record for in-person early voting on Monday, with over 350,000 people lined up at polling sites to cast ballots. Across the U.S., over 30 million people have already voted in the election, which represents around one-fifth of the total number of votes cast in 2016.

President Trump has announced plans to remove Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, which will pave the way for Sudan to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

In Nigeria, protests against police brutality show no signs of slowing down, even after police disbanded the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad, also known as SARS, earlier this month. An estimated 15 or more people have been killed, and dozens more were injured since the demonstrations started.

•

Security forces in Nigeria opened fire on protesters in Lagos on Tuesday, as authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew to stem growing demonstrations against police brutality. Here in the United States, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urged Nigerian authorities to “cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria.”

The United States reported more than 60,000 new Coronavirus cases and over 900 deaths Tuesday, as a third surge of U.S. infections appears set to rival two previous peaks. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of deaths from all causes across the U.S. so far this year is about 300,000 more than expected.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis wore a face mask throughout a public service on Tuesday — the first time the pontiff has fully complied with Vatican City protocols that went into effect on October 6.

An investigation by the Los Angeles Times has uncovered 265 calls to police reporting physical and sexual violence against asylum seekers inside California’s four privately run immigration prisons — nearly all of which went unprosecuted.

•

• •

Thursday 10/22 •

•

• • •

Friday 10/23

A California appeals court has ordered prison authorities to cut the population of the overcrowded San Quentin State Prison in half, following a massive Coronavirus outbreak that killed 28 prisoners and infected 2,200 — about three-quarters of the prison population.

The New York Times reports President Trump has secretly maintained a bank account in China for years, even as he bashed Joe Biden for being “weak on China.” The Times reveals Trump paid nearly $200,000 in taxes to China while pursuing licensing deals there from 2013 to 2015.

In Mexico, protesters marched near the U.S. border in Tijuana on Wednesday, demanding the Trump administration end its “Remain in Mexico” policy for people seeking asylum in the United States.

In Colombia, thousands of trade unionists, teachers, and students joined an Indigenous-led national strike demanding an end to the killings of social movement leaders and to police violence.

The second and final presidential debate was held between Biden and Trump.

•

• • • • • •

Congress continues to bicker over a coronavirus aid package, as 80% of the country watches their COVID-19 case numbers rise. 80,000 positive COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide in the last day, which is the most we’ve seen since summer.

The Senate moves forward in preparation for next week’s scheduled vote on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barret to the Supreme court.

A Navy plane crashes in the Magnolia Springs area, 2 people reported dead.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, a top Illinois Public Health Official, breaks down in tears while giving the COVID-19 death toll at a news briefing.

Chicago’s new curfew for non-essential businesses goes into effect tonight.

52 million ballots have already been cast for president.

The wildfire in Colorado is now the 2nd largest fire the state has ever seen.

COURTESY // Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead STAR // Isabelle Barkey Julia Gonzalez becomes the new assistant vice president of Strategic Communications for Sonoma State University with more than 20 years of communications and marketing

Sonoma State hires new VP of Strategic Communications

NANCY INSUA

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State is seeing yet another new change in staff, as Julia Gonzalez is set to become Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications. She will be taking over for Rob Eyler, who was previously serving as an interim officer for the position.

Gonzalez has had a long career working as a public information officer. She spent over 13 years working for the city of Santa Rosa, and most recently, she was the communications and marketing manager for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District, more commonly known as the SMART Train. While working at SMART, Gonzalez oversaw their communications, branding, marketing and advertising programs. Gonzalez also has experience working in higher education, including at Sonoma State, where she served as an outreach coordinator, EOP advisor, and program specialist early in her career.

Julia Gonzales has a clear vision for what she hopes to accomplish as VP of Strategic Communications. Her ideas include creating a more universal brand for how SSU communicates from faculty to the public. Across departments, she aims to make communication strategies comprehensive and clear, eliminating any current confusion and aiding departments who struggle to communicate effectively with students.

Additionally, Gonzalez wants to provide a clear and easy place to go where all campus events are promoted, so students and the community have an easier time keeping track of all of the events our campus provides. Eliminating the need for individual departments to communicate their events will ideally unite the campus in a way we haven’t seen before.

Gonzalez also mentioned her plan to increase and improve SSU’s social media use by merging pages and sharing content targeted to engage and inform followers. She hopes to start a presence on platforms SSU has yet to explore, such as LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok. In the past few years, the campus has faced fire danger, issues with clean drinking water, campus rapes, burglaries, and even homicide. Our community has learned to value effective communication as we face these struggles, and Gonzales aims to increase communication during future crises. Gonzalez says she will prioritize twice a day updates on emergency proceedings and believes morning and evening information output is critical.

Sonoma State has lacked a system of communication that is mutually beneficial for students, faculty and the public, but Julia Gonzalez seems to understand what issues our campus has faced and vows to target and change them.

Gonzalez began the transition to her new position on Sept. 14, and has already begun to implement the changes she hopes to accomplish during her time in this position.

President Donald J. Trump signs a pumpkin for orchard staff and guests during his visit to Treworgy Family Orchards Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Levant, Maine.

Trump panics as the election draws closer

ISABELLA SIMONI STAFF WRITER

A

midst all the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming presidential election, the nation is on edge.

Many fear what may happen should Trump lose the election and refuse to transfer power peacefully. When asked during an interview whether or not he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power, he stated, “We’re gonna have to see what happens...We wanna get rid of the ballots and you’ll have a very peaceful--there won’t be a transfer, frankly, there’ll be a continuation.”

Trump’s volatile behavior that has spurred this fear of what is to come for after the election, has been seen all throughout this election process.

Most recent was his outburst during his 60 Minutes interview with Lesley Stahl. In the video clip released by the White House, a dispute between Stahl and Trump ensued, in which Trump accused the Obama Administration for spying on his campaign back in 2016.

Stahl disagreed with the president stating, “There’s no real evidence of that...This is 60 Minutes, and we can’t put on things we can’t verify.”

After this, Trump abruptly ended the interview and took to Twitter to voice his disdain towards the host and her “biased” interview. “Look at the bias, hatred, and rudeness on behalf of 60 Minutes and CBS,” he tweeted. He then commented on the previous debate’s mediator, Kristen Welker.

Many speculate that his fears about the outcome of the election--more specifically, his potential loss--to be the reason for his notably short temper recently. The polls have shown that Trump is losing favor, as he sits comfortably behind Democratic candidate, and former Vice President, Joe Biden. In an article for The Atlantic, reporters speculated that Trump is currently exploiting a tactic he used frequently in his 2016 election: the idea of “...rigged polls and fraudulent ballots.”

Trump has cultivated this idea since before the election process even began, and it is a tactic he frequently uses to deflect questions about a peaceful transition of power.

Democrats and Republicans alike await the outcome of the election with flurried patience.

6 Arts

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Amid COVID-19 shutdowns, independent venues fight to survive

Courtesy // Geoff Livingston The Save Our Stages act has been in support with the RESTART act due to loss of business from the pandemic.

SAMUEL SAYER

Courtesy // Instagram The Save Our Stages fundrasing concert was in partnership with YouTube, held on Oct. 16 to 18.

STAFF WRITER

A

s the effects of the COVID-19 shutdowns continue to make themselves known in many industries, another business is at risk of shutting down. Independently owned and operated music venues across the country, numbering over 2,900 locations in total, have been suffering the effects of the virus and shutdown. These venues have been experiencing a complete shutdown of all business, and a subsequent lack of any revenue for their business. Many are on the brink of not making it through the pandemic, with the fear of going out of business ever present. In spite of this, venue owners are pushing back against this and fighting to stay open through targeted legislation from Congress. To achieve this, venue owners have banded together under the National Independent Venue Association, or NIVA. Aside from legislative appeal, NIVA also hosted a three day long digital music festival as a fundraising event for the venues who are at highest risk of bankruptcy.

The two legislatures that NIVA is placing their

support behind are the RESTART act, and the Save our Stages act. The RESTART act would financially support venues both with payroll coverage and loan-based benefits, including loan forgiveness and an extended payback period for any business that’s been forced to close their doors with the pandemic. The Save our Stages act is more specifically focused on music venues, which is a federal grant program to aid the struggling venues in proportion to their losses during the pandemic. While the two bills are still in legislative limbo, NIVA turned to fundraising to cover the costs in the interim.

The fundraising concert, which took place from Oct. 16-18 and was a partnership with YouTube, featured a number of notable artists, including names like Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, The Lumineers, and others. Instead of having the events be restricted entry or paid tickets, they remain up on YouTube, using the fundraiser feature to collect donations for the association.

Of the $5 million goal, the donations currently number

around $1.2 million. NIVA is also selling merchandise, including shirts, posters, masks and other products, the proceeds of which are also going towards funding their cause.

Alongside the donations, NIVA also encourages all those who want to help out to participate in writing letters, posting on social media, and as many other ways as possible to get the attention of Congress as a way to bring awareness to the importance of these bills to the independent live venue industry. A letter written by NIVA, signed by over 300 artists has also been sent to Congress in hopes of bringing the two pieces of legislation back into the light.

Of the 2,900 locations that have joined up with NIVA, several are local California venues, from the Blue Room in Napa to SOMO Concerts right here in Rohnert Park. NIVA urges all those who are able to contribute in whatever way they can, reminding the public that “We were the first to close. We will be the last to open.”

Safe Halloween events surround the community

TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

W

ith Halloween right around the corner, you might be wondering what fun and safe activities are being put on during the pandemic. Two family friendly safe events are occurring, and the best part is you don’t even need to get out of your car.

In SOMO Village Santa Rosa, a drive-in movie event will feature “Paranorman” on Oct. 30 and “Casper” on Halloween night. In addition, The Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma will be hosting a “Halloluma” parade-like event from 12-3 p.m. on Halloween.

The SOMO Village parking lot will open up at 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday night. Each movie will start once it is dark. They will also be passing out crafts for families to work on safely in their own car. Each child will receive a goodie bag filled with candy. When talking to Cindy Bagley, the Deputy Director of Community Services, she said that the movies were chosen because they wanted something new that many people had not seen before and they also wanted to show a classic so that the children could watch something that their parents grew up watching.

This is a free event and is funded by Measure M - Parks for All. Reservations must be made in advance either online at www.rpcity.org/halloween or by calling the number 707-588-3456.

The City of Petaluma Parks and Recreation department will be hosting “Hallowluma,” a drive through parade-like event for groups of friends and families to participate in by decorating the outsides of their cars in Halloween decor. Goodie bags will be available for children under 12 for free. Masks will be required and everyone is to remain inside their cars.

They are taking pre-registrations for 2,000 children so they encourage early sign-ups.

Mellissa Becker, principle of Meadow School, who is helping put on the event stated that, “A few nonprofits started throwing out ideas for a safe drive thru

Courtesy // Instagram SOMO Village will be providing a free drive-in event for community members during the weekend of Halloween.

Halloween, and the team started meeting via Zoom to start putting it together.” One of those non-profits being The Fabulous Women, who put together fundraisers and do charity work in Petaluma. They “put out a request for candy donations, and our community responded with overwhelming support- over 8,000 pieces of candy have been dropped off to create little Halloween bags,” said Becker.

The event is supposed to be very safe and follow strict guidelines, participants will stay in their cars and must wear masks the whole time. “The SonomaMarin Fairgrounds is providing security and cars will

proceed in a steady stream until they reach a station of goodie bags. A masked individual with sanitized hands will pass goodies to each car,” said Becker.

Allison Keaney, the CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and Event Center, stated that the fairgrounds staff has assisted with a number of events dealing with COVID-19 precautions within the past few months such as drive in movies, drive through fair food, and evacuations.

Halloween may look a little different this year, but it can still be a memorable, safe event for families and friends to enjoy.

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez goes live on Twitch

KATEYLYN DODGE

N

STAFF WRITER

ew York Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez made it to the front page of Twitch. tv on her first stream, her message reaching

beyond what could be imagined. Twitch is a branch of Amazon, a live streaming platform hosts thousands of gamers, artists, entertainers, and more; these streams are similar to a television show but if it was filmed and aired live. AOC, a popular acronym for the US Representative, tweeted out on Monday, “Anyone want to play Among Us with me on Twitch to get out the vote?

(I’ve never played but it looks like a lot of fun)”. This marked her first streaming interest but not her first interaction with the gaming community.

AOC has shown interests in gaming before, since 2018, AOC has remarked how she has had an interest in playing League of Legends. League of Legends is a MOBA game consisting of five players versus another five players, a race to see who can more quickly destroy the other’s home base. Even during this quarantine only in July did she share her excitement in making it to Silver III on the competitive side of the game. It was only Courtesy // Instagram

time before more elected officials made their way into the online gaming front but to have AOC front and center on Twitch was a new way to get to know her.

This stream hit all new grounds as Ocasio-Cortez undertook a game she had never played before. Among Us, a popular multiplayer social deduction game that was previously covered in the Sonoma State Star.

Alongside some of the most popular Among Us streamers Big Moist, Corpse, Disguised Toast, DrLupo, Hasanabi, JackSepticeye, Pokimane, Maia Mxmtoon, Myth, and more, AOC was able to garner over 439,000 viewers at its peak. There were some surprise players in the three hours and 30-minute stream such as Minnesota’s Representative Ilhan Omar.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez went live on Twitch last Tues., playing the popular game Among Us. The stream from Tuesday has since amassed

more likely to vote, it’s shown. So figure out today and

5,300,000 views and is growing by the day. In a single

tonight. Use iwillvote.com, figure out if you want to

week, she has gained 684,000 followers on her Twitch

vote early, mail-in, in person, day of. Make a plan and

channel. This stream was filled with laughter and fun

stick to it,” AOC said before ending off her stream.

while also permeating a reminder to vote. Ocasio-

While Ocasio-Cortez is not the first politician to

Cortez consistently spoke on the importance of voting

use the platform, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump

during this election. On video and in links under her

both having accounts, she was the first to use it for a

stream, she promoted iwillvote.com. A website that ver-

gaming-based live stream. AOC has continued the con-

ifies and details ways to vote in areas near you.

versation about streaming over on Twitter. With this

“For everyone watching, just make sure you have

Among Us streaming being one of the largest the plat-

your voting plan put together. Voting plans are super

form has seen; it can only be wondered what comes next

important because people who make a voting plan are

in this world.

Local artist brings smiles to Sonoma during the pandemic

Courtesy / CreativeSonoma.org Artist Kathleen Truax used her paintings to provide entertainment to those walking by in Sonoma near Highway 12.

RACHEL GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER

T

he pandemic has caused numerous changes to our day-to-day lives. Whether one is walking their dog or getting their jog on, the public is finding themselves more outside these days amidst the pandemic. Of course, these individuals who have taken on the new outdoor time probably walk or jog the same routes with no differences to be cited. Unless your exercise takes place in Sonoma near Highway 12.

Artist Kathleen Truax began placing her paintings in front of her house for those who found themselves walking more as a result of the shelter in place order that was enforced on March 19.

Staff writer Dan Taylor from the Press Democrat was able to interview Truax and receive information about her experience of displaying her art for those who would walk by her house.

“Beginning in early April, Truax put a new painting in front of her house every weekend.” wrote Taylor.

Of course, what inspired Truax was the increased amount of people who she noticed were walking outside. Truax told Taylor she had been painting all her life and decided to make her art a form of entertainment.

“The number of people walking increased, so I thought it might be nice if they had something to look at,” said Truax, who is 76 years old.

The reactions to Truax’s paintings were extremely positive and had the artist overwhelmed with happiness.

“It’s been overwhelming. People have thanked me and take photos. I’ve talked to people in my neighborhood I’d never met.” explained Truax.

In a time where a sense of community can potentially feel strained by the pan-

demic, Truax was able to bring back a form of normalcy and togetherness with her paintings.

“I expected a possible negative reaction, but people said the work was beautiful,” said Truax.

Truax work consists of landscapes, portraits, and abstract paintings. Taylor reported that Truax’s most recent work was two art pieces that were inspired by the coronavirus.

“One showed a face full of fear and despair, and the other depicted a man and woman in masks surrounded by giant versions of the virus.” wrote Taylor.

As time progressed and plans of reopening California began to come into play, Truax had decided to display an art show that would act as a grand finale on May 23.

She displayed between 15 to 20 paintings, some of which were inspired by the coronavirus.

Truax shared with the Press Democrat that if she were to sell her work, she would donate 15% of the earnings to F.I.S.H (Friends In Sonoma Helping), a local resource that provides food, clothing, transportation, and much more to those who are in need in Sonoma Valley.

Truax did mention to the Press Democrat that it was a possibility to do another art series in the fall if she felt like it was needed.

“It is possible I will do another in the fall if it seems like we need it” shared Truax.

Though she has mainly been doing her artwork for her enjoyment, she has also been affecting others’ lives positively by providing small entertainment in a time where the small things matter most.

8 Student Life

Courtesy // Sonoma State University Marie Ramirez Downing, a Theater Arts and Dance instructor based her project on representation of Mexican and Chicano voices.

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Courtesy // Sonoma State University Emily Acosta-Lewis felt honored to both win the award and work with undergraduates in such a highimpact practice.

Courtesy // Sonoma State University Farrah McAdam and her team will be using McAdam’s previous work, “Code Em” , on their project.

SSU faculty recipients of the Koret Scholars Award EMILY CRIPE

STAFF WRITER

O

n Tuesday, Sonoma State University announced its recipients of the 2020-2021 Koret Scholars Award, a research scholarship meant to support undergraduate students and their faculty mentors in various projects. Six faculty members from the Arts and Humanities Department were chosen to receive the award, and each recipient has a team of four undergraduate students. Awards vary depending on the project, the maximum for each team as a whole being $8,000 and the minimum being $6,000.

The Koret Scholars award, as described by the SSU website, is made possible by a grant from the Koret Foundation and “...provides funding for one faculty mentor working with four undergraduate SSU students, and priority is given to applications that demonstrate diversity in the research workforce through the inclusion of students from groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in higher education.”

Each recipient submitted a proposal for either a research or a creative project, and now that they have received funding, the faculty and their team of student researchers are beginning to plan out their projects. Award selections are based on both the quality of the proposal and the dedication to engaging undergraduate students in research and creative projects, according to the SSU website.

One award recipient, communications professor Emily Acosta-Lewis, is working on a research project that analyzes holiday movies and their inclusion and portrayal of underrepresented groups.

When asked what this award means to her and her team, Acosta-Lewis said, “To have the opportunity to work so closely with four undergrad students on a high-impact practice is such an honor. Especially in these most abnormal times, I feel like the connection to a research project and to the research team will be extremely beneficial to everyone involved.”

Farrah McAdam of the Theater Arts and Dance Department, along with her four dance students, will be, “...using [their] various dance forms and practices to explore [their] realities within the contexts of identity and humanity, and increase the visibility of creative work and performance research in academia,” according to McAdam’s project proposal. The team will be using McAdam’s previous work, “Code Em”, as the base for their research. McAdam said that her and her team are currently working on another proj-

ect, but will begin planning for their funded project as soon as they are finished.

English professor and award recipient Emily Hostutler and her team created a combination scholarly and creative project that will, in partnership with the Soco Monarch Project, include a mural representing the impact student-driven community projects have on Sonoma County and an academic analysis of past and present community engagement projects, as well as their outcomes. According to the Soco Monarch Project’s website, they, “...use art to tell the stories of immigrants, to empower our community, and to humanize the people who are lost in politics,” which are similar values to those behind Hostutler’s project.

Art Instructor Sena Clara Creston describes her project “The Huminal” as “a glowing robotic sculpture made from discarded plastic water bottles and shopping bags.” She explains that the sculpture is meant to bring together arts, engineering, and social awareness through creativity. The project, and its sister installation “Machinescape”, are meant to express the relationship between individual actions and environmental impact, according to Creston.

Marie Ramirez Downing, an SSU Theater Arts and Dance instructor, based her project on representation of Mexican and Chicano voices in the northern, central, and southern areas of California. She noted that the current California database for Mexican and Chicano accents in regards to acting and theater performance needs to be updated, and her team’s research will help create representation for this underrepresented community within the world of performance.

Communications professor Talena Sanders was recognized for her project “Fiction Film Research and Development and Documentary Film Distribution Planning”. Sanders has extensive experience working on documentary films and has created a few herself.

This award is meant to provide opportunities for undergraduate arts and humanities students who normally would not receive funding to do any sort of research, and as McAdams said, “When creating art in the professional world, it is already rare to find opportunities to have an artist’s process and creations fully funded.”

To learn more about this award and how to apply, visit orsp.sonoma.edu/studentresearch/research-opportunities/ssu

Student Spotlights of the Week:

Mackenzie Patefield & Callie Adams

SIEANNA NARINE STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University is home to many admirable students that have used their abilities to help fellow Seawolves at the university to grow in their academic careers. Two students from the Arts and Humanities department have been given the opportunity by the Career Center to be the host of a podcast, The SSU Career Chat, centered around career outlook and exploration.

Mackenzie Patefield, who has also taken several leadership roles on campus in ASP, as a Peer Facilitator, and the Women’s Soccer Club, has the skills to bring the SSU Career Chat to its full potential.

Callie Adams, a second-year communications student is the co-host of the podcast, keeping the whole production organized. Both Adams and Patefield are taking the lead in this new venture with great faith in each other.

Adams said, “I am enjoying working on the podcast because we get the creative freedom to ask the questions we think are important and structure the podcast the way that we want to.

Plus, it’s exciting to connect to former students and hear all about their experiences in the career world.”

This dynamic duo may not have known each other too well before this endeavor but their personalities seem to work well.

Patefield said that, “I did not specifically choose Callie as my partner, although I’ve known her through other Communications courses and know how strong of a worker she is. Becky, our supervisor, chose both of us, knowing that my creativity and media experience would pair well with Callie’s organizational skills. We make a great team!”

They were approached by their supervisor, Becky SandavolYoung with this opportunity to help students build their careers remotely.

The podcast is covering major to career exploration and how campus involvement can benefit students in their careers later. Adams focuses on how former students got to their careers after college. Patefield is focusing on the student-campus involvement stories.

Each week they have 3 interviews.

They organize the episodes by major including STEM majors, Business majors, etc.

Patefield said that, “This podcast is extremely beneficial to all SSU students, whether you’re declared, undeclared, or graduating in the next few months. We will have an episode that covers virtually every single major offered at Sonoma State, so there’s at least one episode specifically catered to each student.”

The Career Center wanted to create a new project that would both be received well by students and be able to successfully operate with the remote circumstances of this school year.

Adams said, “Becky wanted to create something that could help current students learn directly from alumni.”

Having the ability to reach out to the whole student body at Sonoma State University in a new technological way that students are receptive to is the whole goal of the Career Center. Their aim is to provide the guidance they would have been easily accessible if they were on campus to get expertise on how to stay productive in their educations and careers.

This podcast is curated for Sonoma State students because all the content is specifically for them. All the interviewees were Seawolves and how they took their knowledge from university to their careers. The podcast will air every Thursday. Ranging from a variety of topics such as how a major translates over to a career, how to even begin the process of picking a major, and ways to boost your college resume on campus.

Patefield’s episodes are “...focused on being involved in campus activities and organizations, help show students how being involved makes you a more desirable candidate in the eyes of the employer. Whether it be playing for a sports team, being a Resident Advisor, President of a Club, or a Peer Mentor, all of these things and more can give you a boost to land amazing jobs after completing your undergrad.” Adams’ episodes deal with interviewing alumni who have graduated from Sonoma State that have created their careers from the different majors offered at Sonoma State. Hearing from past students who have gained real experience

STAR // Samantha Billingsly Callie Adams is a second-year communications major and focuses her podcast episodes on interviewing SSU alumni in various fields.

Courtesy // Mackenzie Patefield Mackenzie Patefiled co-hosts a podcast with Callie Adams and focuses her episodes on how to get involved on campus and look more desirable to employers. in the careers that current students are building the skills to work in. Seawolves get firsthand advice on how to better succeed on their climb to their dream careers. Adams and Patefield are always looking for current or past Seawolves to interview on the podcast.

Students can reach out to them by email (patefield@sonoma.edu & adamscar@sonoma. edu). The podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast.

Student Life 9

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

CalFresh hosts a virtual Q&A

SARAH GALLAGHER STAFF WRITER

O

n Thurs., from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Associated Students (AS) put on a virtual Q&A with Calfresh and let Seawolves drop in to get to know what CalFresh is, get help filling out an application or to see if they are eligible for any benefits. This is also to spread the word about the program and that any Sonoma State student can apply for and be a part of for any extra support or guidance even if students don’t think they qualify, they might not even know it.

What is CalFresh? It is a program that helps out individuals and families by providing financial assistance to those that need it. If a student qualifies for CalFresh, they get an EBT card, a debit card with a certain amount they can spend at your local grocery stores. Administrative Assistant of the Vice President, Sue Hardisty is one of the advisors for CalFresh on campus and she said, “Meeting a student’s basic needs is foundational for success, food is essential”. Helping students get their basic needs like food, is what CalFresh is here to do and help those students on campus, even through these times.

Hardisty also shared that they are trying to improve the CalFresh process by following up with students who couldn’t receive benefits and finding another plan and also targeting places such as the fire affected areas. With virtual learning and everything being online, CalFresh is able to meet with more students on Zoom rather than have to wait to set up a meeting in person. Students that have been affected by COVID-19 or the recent fires are still able to have meetings and apply.

Ember D’Agosta, a student advisor and helper for CalFresh on campus, said, “We are finally able to help enough students a lot better over Zoom, because we can work around if they have class or jobs.” Now with the recent Sonoma fires that have affected thousands of households and

STAR // Natella Guy

CalFresh aims to help those in need with food assistance. even students, CalFresh is doing everything they can to help and give students support, even if they don’t think they need it. This is for anyone and everyone not just for low-income families.

D’Agosta also shared a few things about the program and why it is important students know this is accessible to them. She also said “We want to help as many students as we can even though they don’t think they need it”.

Most of the time on campus there has not been a lot of applicants because students think that they don’t qualify for CalFresh because they are not struggling as much as someone else who might need it more. They don’t try to apply so nobody takes away someone’s spot. The good news is there is no limit to how many people can apply or receive aid at the same time.

Even local families can apply to CalFresh through Sonoma County and see if they receive benefits as well.

Within the past year there have been 22 thousabd families receiving aid while last Oct. there was 16 thousand (According to information from County of Sonoma courtesy of the CalFresh Outreach team) The applicants and the recipients have increased intensely within the past year due to the pandemic and all of the businesses being shut down as all the fires that scorched Sonoma Valley recently.

This is a program that even our neighbors are using and SSU students have as a resource. Libia Marqueza Castro is the Student Government Coordinator for AS commented on Calfresh “At the end of the day if a student is able to eat that makes me happy”. Castro as well as the rest of the team are trying to get “students’ basic needs met” whether that’s food or support so they can succeed in life as well as Sonoma State.

Seawolve Seawolv es SPEAK!

AMANDA KOBA

“Will you be dressing up for Halloween?”

STAFF WRITER

T

he annual Pumpkin Spice Latte has made an appearance at Starbucks which means spooky season has magically arrived. People of all ages have embraced Halloween for its thrills and chills over countless years. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, the “spooky spirit” has cast itself into virtually everything with special made drinks, haunted houses and social media trends. In past years carved pumpkins, fake spiderwebs and gravestones can be seen on houses all around the neighborhood waiting for eager trick-or-treaters to ring their doorbell.

It’s the time where people start to decorate their houses in Halloween decor and

“I’m not because I am going to dinner with my family.”

-Bailey Martin, Freshman, Early Education Development Major

search for the perfect costume. Halloween is the one night out of the whole year where people can dress up as anyone they want. The holiday is one that many look forward to each and every year. Unfortunately, while costume parties being one of the things students look forward to, COVID-19 has prevented these types of gatherings from occurring. Many have questioned if trick-or-treating is a thing of the past and is there a point in celebrating this holiday? Whatever the case may be, Seawolves have spoken on whether they will be participating in dressing up to let Halloween magic into their homes.

“I’m still dressing up because I don’t want to have COVID ruin the holiday, plus the semblance of normalcy is something that I think we all need right now.”

-Tyler DelNero, Freshman, History Major

“I’m dressing up because I think it’ll be fun! Since COVID started I think everyone’s been pretty down, dressing up is a good way to raise your spirits as well as other people’s.

“I am not because the expense of a Halloween costume doesn’t make sense this year. Would rather stick the money in a Roth IRA.”

-Sophia Davis, Sophomore, Communications Major

-John Sutherland, Junior, Sociology Major

“Yes he is! He will also dress up for Halloween Night to go Treat or Treating at the homes of extended family. (He says he isn’t interested in tricks, he just wants more treats.)”

“Yes I’m dressing up because it’s fun and even though we can’t do anything it’ll be fun to celebrate with my roommates.”

-Bismarck, SSU’s Unofficial Official Mascot, Goodest Boy Studies

-McKenna O’Hara, Senior, Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies Major

10 Sports

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Courtesy // Creative Commons Santa Clara County states they will accept a certain percentage of fans at sporting evnts, except Levi Stadium.

Levi’s stadium declares no fans for 49er games

EDGAR ZAVALA STAFF WRITER

A

s COVID-19 restrictions are becoming less and less strict, the California legislature has decided to reopen stadiums in the state to a limited number of fans earlier this week.

According to the guideline approved on Tuesday, teams in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Francisco are allowed to hold outdoor events with fans meeting a maximum capacity amount.

For example, Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, would only be able to sit 14,000 fans out of 68,500 available seats.

However, this will not be the case due to the fact that the Santa Clara County decided to go against the state guidelines and ban any fans from attending the football games. The State loosened restrictions for counties that fell into the orange or yellow tiers in the four tier system for reopening. Santa Clara happens to fall under this category, but they have decided they do not want to assume the risk of spreading the virus any further. The county is now notorious for having one of the country’s most restrictive guidelines when it comes to protecting people from this deadly pandemic.

The state department of health also allowed amusement parks such as Disneyland to start selling tickets to a limited number of fans. Santa Clara also decided to not open up any of their amusement parks such as the local favorite, California’s Great America.

This announcement from county officials came two hours after the state made their announcement regarding reopening to the public.

County executive Dr. Jeff Smith said it would be dangerous to start opening stadiums again. “This is the worst thing in the world to be doing,” said Dr. Smith. “At a time where California is beginning to see some light, this amounts to another step backward.

We’ve already done the steps backwards in California that have cost tens of thousands of lives and this is another risk to do this.” He went on by saying, “The fact is that throughout the nation, the virus is spiking. All of the health experts in the nation have predicted another spike in Nov. and Dec. It’s going to get worse. It’s going to get a lot worse. Right now is not the time to be relaxing regulations.”

The 49ers were excited to be able to play in front of their fans once again, as they had praised Governor Gavin Newsom for being less strict on guidelines. The team has not issued a statement since Santa Clara made their announcement that there would be no fans in stadiums any time soon. The team expected to work with county health officials to create a plan that protects the health of all the 49ers community, including fans, employees, players and staff.

The 49ers have a game on Nov. 5 and are not expected to have fans within their stadium. 49er fans may be disappointed that they will not be able to watch their favorite players in action and in person, but they can ease their minds knowing their county cares about its people and is doing everything in their power to protect their community.

Petaluma teen working toward making the U.S. Olympic skateboarding team VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

S

onoma County has its very own olympic candidate named Minna Stess. She is a 14 year-old skateboarding prodigy from Petaluma who has big hopes and dreams about being one of the next athletes on the Olympic team.

Stess has been skateboarding since she was two years old, continuously emulating her older brother Finnely. Stess described in a Petaluma360.com article that, “I wanted to do everything Finnely was doing, and I found out how much fun it is to skate.”

The olympic hopeful and her family quickly started to notice that skating was not just for fun, as she was also very successful at an early age. Stess started winning events as early as five years old. She won titles in 2016 at the King of the Groms National Championships for best allaround in the 15-and-under division. Stess also was the youngest to win the Tim Braugh 15-andunder bowl contest and the first girl ever to make it on the podium in both the Tim Brauch Street and bowl contests.

Stess has gone all over the world to skate and showcase her skills. She competed in Brazil, certain parts of Europe, and China. Stess also is a part of the U.S. national team and skated in the X-Games.

The 2020 Olympics have been pushed back because of COVID-19, but Stess and other skaters around the world are hopeful that skating will be able to make its debut in the Summer Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

German skateboarder Titus Dittman described what he thinks about having skateboarding in the olympics by saying, “The Olympics will transform a youth culture into a competitive sport. The kids set themselves goals, such as creating a certain trick. And they only do this for themselves,

Courtesy // petaluma360.com Local teen Mina Stess has high hopes of making the United States Olympic skateboarding team for the Summer 2021 olympics.

not for dad, mom or the coach,” he said.

“And when they master the trick, they experience an incredible euphoria, which has a positive effect on their self-esteem.”

If Stess is lucky enough to make the olympic team, she would possibly be the youngest skater on the team and even be the youngest USA olympian. The pandemic has hurt her training, but like everyone else during this pandemic, she has made the most out of it. Stess has been using her skatepark in her backyard to train, but is looking forward to getting back to the bigger skateparks when the time comes.

Stess described in an article with Forbes magazine that, “Skateboarding was not something that a lot of kids my

age did, at least where I grew up. When I was in elementary school, we were always traveling on weekends to different contests all over the state and other states too.

Now in 2020, I’ve been all over the world.

I try to treat and prepare for each competition the same way, but everything is on a bigger scale.”

Stess has continuously described the reason why she skates is for fun. Everything that comes after it is extra. She is looking to make a career out of the sport and even create her own clothing line someday.

The Olympic hopeful is looking forward to making her mark on the world and having fun at the same time.

Sports 11

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Director of development for athletics, Jose Hilla, attempts to save SSU athletics

RYAN WEINER

STAFF WRITER

A

lthough Sonoma State athletics is not in session this Fall semester, the work continues for the Director of Development for Athletics, Jose Hilla. According to Hilla, Sonoma State University has been struggling in the athletic department “due to low enrollment, budget cuts, and recent events like fires and the COVID-19 impacting campus activity, the sports programs here at Sonoma State need help.” With a limited amount of money in the sports program budgets, teams will not be able to afford new equipment nor award scholarships, and Hilla wants to make sure that this will not be the case for SSU programs.

In an effort to maintain a fun and competitive spirit within the 11 sports programs on SSU’s campus, Hilla came up with an idea, a 100X100 fundraising race. The fundraiser will last for eight weeks, from Oct. 27 to Dec. 31, and each team will have to do their best to encourage 100 supporters to donate $100. Each $100 donation will count as one spot in the race to 100. The higher the donation, the faster the team will get to the main goal of 100 donations.

For example, if a supporter donates $500 to a program, that program will jump five spots in the race. If all goes well, the winning program will raise $10,000 for new equipment, scholarships, and anything else they would like to do in the next season they are allowed to play.

Hilla’s idea was inspired by other universities that are doing similar fundraisers. “I heard other universities were doing this kind of stuff and they were successful,” Hilla stated. “When I proposed this idea to the coaches, they loved it and can not wait to get started, I am very excited.”

Jose made sure to make it known that this is a friendly competition amongst the teams, and the winner is awarded bragging rights.

Hilla arrived at SSU’s campus in 2012 as the assistant coach with the women’s tennis team where he was instrumental in the team’s high success for the following six years. Then in 2018, he took over as the head coach of the men’s tennis team, where he led the Seawolves to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance in school history and eventually won PacWest coach of the year to cap off a terrific 2019 season.

Due to budget challenges, Sonoma State decided to discontinue the tennis program in 2020, but put Hilla in the director of development for athletics position, which has been treating him well. “Being a coach gave me the experience to work well with coaches and players. I can relate

Courtesy // sonoma.edu Jose Hilla comes up with a fundraiser to raise $10,000 for each sport on campus.

very well with them which helps me perform my job as best as I am able to,” Hilla explained. He began his new role on Aug. 1, and he does not plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

“I am having a lot of fun in my new role for the university,” Hilla shared.

“I want to make sure that there will not be another cut to a program, I want to make sure what happened to me does not happen to anybody else.”

Jose has high hopes for this fundraiser as he said, “I believe that all of the SSU sports programs will meet the $10,000 goal as many of our coaches have built great connections with our community members.” For more information or if you would like to donate, follow Sonoma State’s athletic Instagram page, @sonomaseawolves.

The Las Vegas Raiders are being investigated for positive cases

ELISEO FRAGOSO

STAFF WRITER

T

he Las Vegas Raiders are on the hot seat, as the team is being investigated by the National Football League after their offensive tackle, Trent Brown, tested positive for COVID-19.

Tom Pelissero, a reporter for the NFL, tweeted on Thursday, “The NFL and NFLPA are reviewing the #Raiders’ recent COVID-19 issues, including a positive test for RT Trent Brown, who they believe hadn’t been consistently wearing his tracking device, and video of offensive linemen hanging out together without masks, per sources.”

The Raiders sent home all five of their lineman, along with Safety Jonathan Abram, who is in isolation at the moment. The lineman were the highest risk players which meant they had to be in isolation for five days. If neither of these players test positive for COVID-19 after the five days, then they are deemed eligible to play on Sunday. Head Coach Jon Gruden told reporters that there is “a good chance they will be back soon. It’s like having these virtual press conferences, you can still get a lot of work done. So we’ve had a good week of practice. We’ll be ready to go.”

Las Vegas also placed injured rookie cornerback Damon Arnette on the Reserved-COVID-19 list as he is not feeling quite like himself.

It hasn’t been reported that Defensive Tackle Maurice Hurst tested positive for the virus, but he was placed on the list earlier this season before the upset versus the Chiefs and has yet to be deemed off. During the summer, Gruden also tested positive, but was able to get healthy in time for training camp. The team has had eight players on the COVID-19 list which includes the seven which are still on the list.

The guys in silver and black have run into several issues with the coronavirus protocols this season. In September, Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team was fined $250,000 for not wearing masks properly during their game in week 2. The Raiders were fined another $50,000 for allowing an unauthorized employee into the locker game after their week 2 win against the Saints. Las Vegas Tight End Darren Waller was individually fined $30,000 for holding a charity event that broke local coronavirus protocols. Nine of Waller’s teammates that attended the event were each fined $15,000.

The Raiders owner Mark Davis, told the Las Vegas Review Journal that, “We obviously take responsibility for this. You don’t like seeing this. I don’t know that it’s actually been built into our

Courtesy // Creative Commons

Las Vegas Raiders right tackle Trent Brown tests positive as the team goes under investigation for COVID-19 guidlines.

memories that you have to wear a mask. Our organization takes it very seriously.”

Las Vegas will be going up against a loaded Tampa Bay Buccaneer offense this upcoming week that is led by future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.

12 Photo

OCT. 27 - NOV. 2, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Penngrove farms gaining sales during pandemic

STAR // Isabelle Barkey

STAR // Isabelle Barkey The family owned Coyote Farms in Penngrove have said sales have gone up since the pandemic started.

A worker at Coyote Farms washes harvested lettuce.

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Coyote Farms in Penngrove has been doing well since COVID-19 broke out earlier this year, with sales growing ever since.

STAR // Samantha Billingsly Senior Mackenzie Patefield is president and coach of SSU Women’s Club Soccer and coaches the JV girls soccer team at San Marin High School in Novato.

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Sonya Perrotti, a worker at Coyote Farms in Penngrove, said her business has improved since the pandemic began.

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Luke Crumpler, a Sonoma State student, was ready to cast his ballot at SSU’s offical ballot box on campus.

STAR // Isabelle Barkey Julia Gonzalez became the new Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications for Sonoma State University with more than 20 years of communications and marketing experience.