Issue 11

IN THIS ISSUE

Climate Change With stay at home orders in place, pollution around the world is clearing up. PAGE 3.

Zoom Bombing

Talk Shows From Home

Zoom has had issues with privacy and security due to many students using the program. PAGE 8.

TV shows that often feature a live audience continue to provide entertainment. PAGE 6.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 84 // ISSUE 11 APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Evictions halted

TAYLOR HUMMEL

STAFF WRITER

O

n April 6, the California Judicial Council approved emergency orders that essentially halted the majority of evictions and foreclosures well throughout the summer in relation to COVID-19.

Many renters and homeowners are struggling to pay their rent and mortgages this month, and likely future months, because of job losses due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This approved emergency order does not allow forgiveness on rent, just a brief moment to postpone collection. This gives tenants until 90 days after the state emergency is lifted to refrain from acting on

legal demands for rent payments.

Once that period of 90 days ends, eviction proceedings are back on the table.

“I urge families who are facing an inability to pay their rent due to COVID-19 to take control of their rights under the Judicial Council’s emergency eviction rule and the governor’s executive order,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a statement. “Although neither of these measures forgives payment of rent, they see EVICTIONS on pg. 5

Honoring life of a local hero

COURTESY // Ali Zifan/Oganesson007

Map of California COVID-19 cases reported.

TAYLOR HUMMEL STAFF WRITER

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge throughout California and the surrounding United States, Sonoma county has been faced with over 100 cases. One of these cases resulted in the untimely death of Marylou Armer, a beloved police detective with the Santa Rosa Police Department.

After 20 years of serving her community, her end of watch was on March 31 after becoming ill following a positive diagnosis for the COVID-19 virus. She was the first to fall victim to the virus in Sonoma County.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat is reporting that Armer sought medical attention after falling ill and was twice denied her request of a coronavirus test by Kaiser Permanente’s Vallejo Medical Center.

Armer was just 43-years-old at the time of her passing. The Santa Rosa community continues to grieve the loss of the admired detective.

Alternate Care Site on SSU campus

While Armer’s family has chosen to keep their privacy during this time of loss, the SRPD was able to fill in and share their kind words of their late detective. In a press release video, SRPD’s Chief Rainer Navarro said Armer was “a bright light in [the SRPD] organization.”

She began as a field evidence technician in the fall before the turn of the century. This career path led her into the police academy where she graduated and became a sworn officer in 2008.

Before her passing, Armer was a detective for the domestic violence and sexual assault unit within SRPD. Stephan Bussell, a friend and former colleague of Armer, was seen at the City Hall press conference sharing ELISEO FRAGOSO his grief of the tragic loss for SRPD. He also shared with STAFF WRITER the public that the Santa Rosa Police Officers Association onoma State University campus has been quiet since has opened up a donation account created to aid Armer’s classes were switched over to online for the rest of family. the semester. Most students that lived on campus have since moved out but there is a population of those that did see MARYLOU ARMER on pg. 4 choose to stay in the dorms until school finishes.

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced that the state “...has been looking at conference centers, universities, gymnasiums and other facilities to procure space for an anticipated surge of COVID-19 patients”. It is being done because of the limited spaces and also medical supplies at most hospitals throughout all of California as the total cases are at 19,472.

Sonoma State came to an agreement with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services to allow health care workers to use facilities on campus as an Alternate Care Site (ACS). In the whole arrangeCOURTESY // Santa Rosa Police Department ment, SSU announced “Parts of Verdot Village and Detective Marylou Armer was the first loss of police life in California due to COVID-19.

Sauvignon Village and the Cooperage… as well as the campus Recreation Center,” will be completely isolated from campus and those students that are living in the dorms will be moved to different residential units that are far away from the site. Residents SAMANTHA BILLINGSLY who are on campus can pick-up a meal from an area STAFF WRITER separate from the ACS and should not be near any he stores in Rohnert Park are lined ACS related activities. with empty shelves where food was California State Senator Mike Mcguire wanted once spilling out of containers in abunan ACS at SSU and said, “This is a historic, alldance, and few people roam the streets hands-on-deck effort to expand our hospital capacity making Rohnert Park feel more of a ghost across this state and here at home in Sonoma County. town than anything else, inducing worry Opening up these over 500 beds will be a huge boost among college students in this revolutionto expanding our local surge capacity. We are truly ary time period.

However, even in this hectic time with an economic crash, panic buying, the virus, and more, Sonoma State can still rely on their custodians to keep the campus clean, safe, and bring a sort of normalcy back onto campus even as they might be forced out of their job come summer.

Dana Twedell, the Associate VicePresident for Administration and Finance, in light of the custodian’s dedication to keeping the campus clean, said, “I’m very grateful for their efforts. Since the Shelter In Place Notice was initiated, our Custodial team has continued to provide their services, along with so many others in STAR // Seth Baldwin Facilities Management. We have a great team, and I’m honored to be a part of it.” Student living areas at Sonoma State during campus closure.

Sonoma State custodians are still or have medical conditions that make them more suscepmaking sure the buildings on campus stay sanitary and tible to the virus, are staying home for their safety and are presentable by typically working from 11:00 p.m.- 7:30 still being paid. The university is currently attempting to a.m. on a reduced schedule. Since most of the buildings at make telecommute arrangements for the custodians that Sonoma State have been closed down due to COVID-19, are not physically on campus, which will most likely take they are rotating their schedules by having custodians the form of on-line training and such.

STAR// Seth Baldwin work a few hours per shift and dispersing their hours over When CSUEU was asked about the current relationthe course of a few days at a time. ship between Sonoma State and themselves, Green ex- Care sites will be located on campus.

Stephen Green, California State University Employ- plained, “Human Resources and the VP of Admin and grateful for the one hundred percent partnership beees Union representative, urged that everyone do their Finance have made themselves available to Gina and I, as part by saying, “The biggest thing everybody can do, for well as the leaders of other unions on campus, via daily tween Sonoma State University and the County of our custodians, as well as themselves and everybody else zoom calls to address concerns we have over safety, work Sonoma. We know there’s much more work ahead.”

Alternate Care Sites are set up at unique environthey interact with, is practice social distancing and good conditions, leave usage requirement, and any other issues ments such as converted hotels or mobile field units hygiene. Try to stay healthy and keep those around you that arise. There are some actions taken by the CSU that healthy. And take extra care to clean up after yourself.”

CSUEU disagrees with and is addressing, but there have and also depend on the jurisdiction whether general The custodians that are currently working on campus been no local issues that have come up during this time or non acute care. If a patient has mild to moderate are receiving emergency pay, which is time and a half of that we have raised that the University has not been re- symptoms of COVID-19 then they would be their usual pay. Some custodians who are 65 or older, and/ sponsive to.”

S

Custodians keeping SSU safe

T

see CUSTODIANS on pg. 5

see CARE SITE on pg. 4

2 Editorial

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 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

Brandon Sparks, Seth Baldwin, Lily Frazier, Edgar Zalvala

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

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

“Comedian Jim Gaffigan, wife Jeannie provide support to frontlined workers via food relief” Read the story on page 6.

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.

Opinions

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

Letters to the Editor

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

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

STAR // Kevin Flores

Fear and Loathing COVID-1984

T

he public is being bombarded with wall-to-wall coverage of the novel coronavirus crisis from most media outlets, and while the ubiquitous coverage is paralyzing critical thinking skills, major stories are being glossed over by the media or completely omitted altogether.

The intentional yo-yo style delivery of information and inconsistent messaging from government leaders and talking heads exacerbates the divisive political climate and serves to confuse the masses. The result of incomplete and contradictory reporting is chaos and civil unrest, and these are key elements that enable massive military spending and confiscation of civil liberties.

A running count of cases and deaths published daily stokes flames of fear, while irresponsible reporting fills pages of print with information that is obsolete before it is published, and irrelevant stories serve to block any meaningful exploration or discussion of topics that counter the official narrative.

The journalism industry has been gutted in recent years by the consolidation and conglomeration of the field, and the economic shock from the coronavirus may be the final nail in the coffin for many organizations. It is now easier than ever to control narratives, as media organizations are swallowed up by huge conglomerates, and the key to narrative control is through the social media platforms.

While the Constitution guarantees free speech, terms of service typically do not, and the use of corporate power to silence critics is the hallmark of a plutocracy.

Billions around the globe are affected by shelter-in-place orders, and fear of coronavirus infection has led the majority of the population to willingly submit to governmental demands. On the surface, people are acting in the interest of humanity by voluntarily complying, but a dangerous precedent is being set that jeopardizes democracy.

Society has devolved from a time when Benjamin Franklin said, “Those willing to give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security,” and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s proclamation that “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself” is not present in the current lexicon.

Hunter S. Thompson’s prescient observation after 9/11 remains relevant today: “We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, fear of getting downsized or fired because of the plunging economy, fear of getting evicted for bad debts or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a terrorist sympathizer.”

The boogeyman has changed, but the tactics remain the same.

The comparisons of the COVID-19 pandemic and 9/11 are all over the news. Other than the barrage of relentless propaganda, one of the few actual similarities between the two events appears to be the public’s willingness to trade a false sense of security in exchange for their civil liberties.

The physical events of 9/11 were over in hours, but the rights that were taken away by the Patriot Act have never been restored, with annual congressional renewals that receive minimal media attention.

With the current crisis, the First Amendment, specifically the “right to peaceably assemble,” is being circumvented by leaders declaring emergency powers, and even if a group was inclined to “petition the Government for redress of grievances,” shelter-in-place orders provide an official excuse to deny citizens their constitutional rights.

The ability to protest and organize is a vital component of a functioning democracy, and these rights are critical in normal times, especially so given the current context, amid an ongoing emergency and in the middle of a highly contested election cycle.

The coronavirus is providing a perfect cover to pass legislation that has been long-desired by corporate elements and political leaders on both sides of the aisle.

News that would be front-page headlines with in-depth journalistic investigations in a normal environment is being completely sidelined or buried in articles, and the lack of media coverage prevents the public from recognizing what is occurring while they are sheltered in their homes.

The deregulation agenda is being implemented full-force during the crisis, and the banking industry managed to sneak language into the bail-out bill that the financial industry has long fought for. Trump expanded Environmental Protection Act deregulation, is actively dismantling the Affordable Care Act, reducing funding for public health and infectious disease programs such as the Centers for Disease Control, slashing benefits to the neediest communities.

The nationalization of private capital markets by the Federal Reserve can not be understated.

Profits have officially been privatized while all substantial losses are now subsidized and backed by taxpayer funds. If the average citizen understood exactly what is transpiring, a revolution would be well underway.

Reducing reserve requirements to zero is an incredible shift in policy that received very little mention in the press, but this is a cataclysmic decision that can only result in a massive dollar bubble that leads to inflation at best and violent hyperinflation as a serious possibility, especially with the Fed cutting interest rates to zero and guaranteeing quantitative reasoning infinity to prop up the house of cards.

The notion of a free financial market is a thing of the past, as rules designed to preserve the integrity of the markets are rewritten and seemingly long-forgotten.

While the treasury is essentially being looted by financial masterminds that claim to be stabilizing the system, global equity markets are being reset by a self-induced shock and awe attack.

Commercial properties and assets will be purchased at pennies on the dollar by well-capitalized firms backed by Treasury support, while small and medium businesses are likely to be wiped out in incredible numbers. The domino effects of the shutdown will trickle for years and the reverberations will be felt across industries.

The efficacy of the social distancing guidelines and shelterin-place orders, now in effect for approximately one month for most of the U.S., is an argument best left for those qualified to gather and interpret independent data, but the fact that the virus is being used by elected representatives to trample constitutionally

protected rights and consolidate power is a threat to democracies around the globe.

Power is being consolidated wholesale across the world, and governments are betting that humanity will bow down and relinquish digital and personal privacy to the state. The fact that every person that chooses to carry a smartphone is bugging themself with a tracking and listening device is an open secret, but recent announcements that Google, Facebook, and Apple are providing location data and contact tracing capabilities to government agencies is alarming. GPS tracking combined with automatic license plate readers allows government agencies to document an individual’s whereabouts and compile information that can be used in a court of law to deny freedom and facilitate prosecutorial actions.

Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the state will record license plate information from vehicles in parking lots on Easter Sunday so that officials can follow up about ordered 14day self-quarantines for all that attend public events.

Federal U.S. District Judge Justin Walker overruled Kentucky’s attempt to ban Easter services, including drive-in ceremonies that were observing social distancing guidelines. Judge Walker wrote a scathing 20-page opinion in which he lambasted the state’s attempt to “criminalize communal Easter celebrations” and said the case is one he “never expected to see outside of a dystopian novel.”

A nation physically, as well as politically, divided and practically immobilized by fear of what Trump calls an “invisible enemy,” is easily led down an authoritarian path with a highly centralized economic and social structure.

While some argue that nobody could have envisioned a scenario like we are currently facing, the evidence suggests that not only has the U.S. and a multitude of NGO’s planned for much worse, but a scenario was simulated just months ago that eerily parallels the current situation.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in coordination with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum, hosted Event 201 in October of 2019, a Global Pandemic Exercise in which a virus, coincidentally named CoV19 in the exercise, kills 65 million people over 5 months. The round table simulation featured organizations that are acting and responding today precisely as they did during the exercise At some point, blowback is inevitable, as people begin to wake up to the authoritarian course of actions that are occurring.

Most college students have never lived in times as strange as these, and while the future may look bleak for soon-to-be graduates that will be competing with the 17 million newly unemployed looking for work, it is important to stay focused and keep a positive mindset. Humanity will be well-served if students recognize that this is a pivotal moment in which those with the courage to stand up and lead ethically and responsibly have the opportunity to reverse the current trajectory and make monumental changes to social structures and methods of governance.

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Black Americans are being hit the hardest by COVID-19

KYLIE LAWRENCE STAFF WRITER

A

ccording to new statistics, black Americans in some major cities are dying of coronavirus at much higher rates compared to other Americans. As coronavirus related deaths rapidly increase in cities with significant black populations, including New Orleans, Detroit, and New York, health officials fear that COVID-19 will further widen existing gaps in healthcare.

A recent New York Times article painted a clear picture of the racial disparities among COVID-19 victims. The article claimed that in Milwaukee County, black Americans only represent a quarter of the population, but they make up almost half of the coronavirus cases in the county and 70% of related deaths.

In Michigan, 14% of the population is black, but they disproportionately make up 33% of coronavirus cases

and 41% of the related deaths in the state. Black Americans in Chicago are being hit hard by the deadly virus. In Chicago, only a third of the population is black, but black Americans make up half of all of the cases in the city and 70% of the related deaths.

President Trump, in a recent White House briefing, discussed the racial disparities among coronavirus victims. “We want to find the reason [for] it,” Trump said.

The reasons are quite apparent, and they lay in the structural inequalities of American society. We should not be surprised that communities who have a lack of access to healthcare, nutritious food, decentearning jobs, and secure housing are being hit the hardest by the COVID-19 virus.

“The truth is that in so many ways, the negative effects of coronavirus, the pain it’s causing, the death it’s causing, tracks with other profound health care disparities that we have seen for years,” Bill De Blasio, the current mayor of New York City, said in a USA Today article.

Chief Health Equity Officer at the American Medical Association, Aletha Maybank, shared her worries that COVID-19 will further

Opinion 3

widen existing gaps in health care.

“Those most marginalized, such as communities of color, may not have the same access to testing as others,” Maybank explained. “This is a recipe for undercounting.”

Black community activists have drawn attention to the “enduring issues of trust between Black Americans and the healthcare system, as well as poor messaging and resources.” These are likely contributing factors to the racial disparity among COVID-19 victims. Distrust in the healthcare system, underlying medical conditions, and lack of access to affordable healthcare put Black Americans at greater risk.

Mayor of New York City, Bill De Blasio, suggested that we implement a plan to improve minority community awareness of the coronavirus, increase preventive measures, and boost the availability of health care. An effective plan to fight COVID-19 must be shaped by an understanding of how it spreads and impacts marginalized communities. If we ignore structural and racial inequalities, we will ultimately increase the burden of the virus for everyone and ethnic communities will continue to die at higher rates than others.

Coronavirus proves we are capable of battling climate change

CHELSEA PINKHAM

STAFF WRITER

I

n the midst of a global pandemic crisis, the governments of the world are taking drastic action to stop the spread of COVID-19. Mandatory lockdowns, the closure of international borders, rapid assembling of makeshift hospitals and treatment centers, mass testing and an international race to develop both a cure and a vaccine are just a few examples of the sense of urgency this virus has brought to nearly every nation on Earth.

While some countries have been criticized or praised for different types of responses in handling the pandemic, there is one fact that most of the world can agree upon: that COVID-19 is a dire threat that must be prioritized and taken seriously.

Watching world leaders and global institutions drop everything to address this problem raises the question: could the same effort be put forth to address climate change? The evidence seems to suggest that the

answer is yes, but a lacking sense of immediacy has prevented the world from taking serious action.

Because the effects of climate change seem “far away” in some vague and distant future, many people struggle to see its urgency. But the reality is that climate change is already creating refugees, causing human suffering and death, and increasing conflict around the worldjust not in the West, where the world’s political power is concentrated.

“Climate change refugee” is a recently coined term that refers to people who must flee their homeland due to climate-related disasters. The Global Compact on Refugees, developed by the United Nations in 2018, states that “climate, environmental degradation, and natural disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements.” Droughts can plague developing countries, wiping out crops, farmed animals, and drinkable water. As the planet’s overall temperature increases, the atmosphere is able to retain more moisture, causing an increase in the frequency and severity of deadly storms and flooding. A 2008 report by the United Nations Development Program projected that a global temperature rise of 3-4% could displace up to 330 million people through flooding alone.

Two small low-lying Pacific archipelago islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati (both about fifteen feet above sea level) are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, with small amounts

of land and homes on the islands already having been destroyed.

It is thought that within a few decades, the people who inhabit these islands will have to say goodbye to their way of life and seek out new homes.

A study published by the World Health Organization and the University of Wisconsin at Madison concluded that climate change is already responsible for the deaths of an estimated 150,000 people every year- and these numbers are projected to double by 2030. If these numbers are accurate, this means that climate change already kills far more people every single year than COVID-19 has in all of its entirety. Yet politicians continue to downplay and belittle this issuesome downright denying its very existence.

The actions of global governments in the past months have proven that human life has inherent value far greater than any amount of profit or monetary number. If the entire world’s economy can be shut down to halt the spread of a pandemic, can it not be transformed to save the lives of our planet’s predecessors? The answer is yes, it can: but the greed and shortsightedness of corporations and politicians are obstructing the way forward. If humanity could see that the destruction of our planet is every bit as great of a threat as the current pandemic is, we could still save ourselves.

MLB: talks to resume in May

JOSEPH OWEN STAFF WRITER

T

he MLB has announced a plan to start their regular season as early as May during the COVID-19 shelter in place. Not only does this plan completely change the dynamic of a 162 game season of baseball, but it could also be a future look into what baseball may become in the next decade. With changes to the season, the game and the rules of baseball, fans and players alike question if there is even a point in starting the season back up.

Although there are plenty of changes, the most detrimental to both players and fans is that the entire season would be played in one of the hottest states in America. Arizona can peek at around 120 degrees on the hottest days and while there will be no fans and the Diamondbacks stadium has a closable roof, it can still drastically affect the players’ performances tremendously.

The plan also involves seven-inning doubleheaders, involving players to put in 14 innings a day instead of the regular nine.

The seven-inning doubleheaders change the dynamic of both pitching and coaching as it will be much harder to plan out 14 inning days rather than nine. With starting pitchers needing at least four to five days of rest and relief pitchers needing two to three days of rest, planning two games would completely change the dynamic. Not only will it change the way rosters are built, but it will also change the way pitchers think going into a game with only seven innings of playtime. It could completely throw off team dynamics.

In order to keep umpires safe, the MLB will be implementing an electronic strike zone as a replacement. Because players will all be in close proximity during the game, the idea of eliminating a single umpire is a little outlandish and many do not like the idea. An electronic umpire has been a major talk due to the common errors of the human eyes of umpires, but it would drastically change the game of baseball.

Players would have to live in hotels, stay away from their families, and play 14 inning days that could not only negatively affect them physically, but mentally as well. Although players already do this in a regular season, with the stress of the pandemic they would be forced to not come in contact with anyone but coaches and players. The smartest and most practical move for the MLB to avoid the spread of the virus is to pause the season until the shelter in place is lifted.

Starting baseball is something any fan would want after being stuck at home for weeks now, but to start with such major changes while every other sport is making efforts to not play does not make sense. The MLB should just wait until the COVID-19 pandemic is over, keeping players safe and allowing them to be with their families during such stressful times.

Shortage of COVID-19 tests across the nation causes panic

RYAN WEINER

STAFF WRITER

T

he United States has been dealing with a massive shortage of COVID-19 test kits, as many states are struggling to supply hospitals and clinics with them. Many people want to get tested for the new Coronavirus whether they are showing symptoms or not.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failed to produce enough tests and was unprepared for the rapid outbreak of the virus. The United States is in an awful position because the CDC did not plan for the

outbreak. Back in January, when the deadly cases began to spread, the U.S. did not follow test guidelines that the World Health Organization (WHO) had in place. Instead of following the WHOs’ guidelines, the CDC created its own diagnostics that could identify not only COVID-19 but other SARS similar to coronavirus.

When the CDC sent tests to labs in February, the results proved to detect COVID-19, but it also produced false results when checking for other viruses. The CDC was wasting precious time attempting to fix the problem while the nation was itching for more tests.

According to the COVID tracking project, as of April 3, California had only 100 COVID-19 test kits for every 100,000 people. If California had more tests, they would likely see a large increase in the number of reported cases.

The United States has not done enough to produce much-needed tests for everybody in the nation. The rapid production of masks should have begun much sooner, tests should have been in the works earlier, and the CDC should have had a plan in place as soon as the possibility of the pandemic arose.

Tests are tricky to come by during a pan-

demic, as there are not enough tests to meet the demands across the United States.

Wealthy people often have the right connections and can get a test, even though it is unfair to people who are seriously concerned.

People in this nation who are in dire need of diagnosis are not getting the care they need due to corruption, lack of preparedness by officials, and little to no resources available.

The Los Angeles and Metropolitan area has at least two “concierge doctors” that have tested hundreds of people and sold takehome tests according to CNN. Spokeswoman Veronica Harms said the Medical Board of California is aware of the situation and is looking into it.

Doctors partaking in the scamming of people are despicable and need to be punished for putting a hefty, illegal price on tests. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning people that fake tests may be on the market and could pose serious health risks. It is important to be aware and educated on what is going on in order to protect yourself from harm.

Be careful of what you see and hear when it comes to a COVID-19 test kit because it could be a scam.

4 News

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Care Site

Virus kills SR Detective

continued from pg. 1

continued from pg. 1

Another former colleague, retired SRPD Sergeant, Blaine Hunt, said “If you needed her, she was there,” and attested to Armer’s fantastic work ethic and good morals.

It is clear that Armer will be missed by the family she created at SRPD and the community alike. She was an upstanding officer who in the words of Police Chief Navarro, “was a thoughtful and committed public servant who loved helping people and loved the people she worked with.”

On the morning of April 3, Detective Marylou Armer was remembered through a procession of public safety vehicles that set out upon Highway 101. The row of police vehicles headed south with lights and sirens to memorialize the life lost. The procession followed its way to the hospital where Armer lost her life, Solano County Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo.

COURTESY // Santa Rosa Police Department SRPD was faced with a challenging time under pandemic orders to Shelter in Place however they did the most The SRPD mourns the loss of Det. MaryLou Armer. they could during this time. Many more wanted to participate in the procession but were unable to due to community important to listen to public service announcements and folneeds and California orders. Chief Navarro was quoted at low the important safety guidelines put in place by city and the procession saying: “It just doesn’t feel like it’s done.” county officials.

The department still faces more hardship as nine of its For the department and family of Armer, that will continue officers have come in contact with the COVID-19 virus and to hold true.

This time is full of grief and the inability to process grief await the challenges to come.

The Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County to the full capacity due to community restrictions against communities will remember Detective Marylou Armer as public gatherings only adds to the emotional distress.

The SRPD took this time to acknowledge the uncer- a proud public servant who was dedicated to the city she tainty of the challenges the US is currently facing. It assured served and those she served with. She was the first public the public they are doing the best that they can to keep the servant in California to pass away due to complications from the COVID-19 virus. community and its officers safe.

Detective Marylou Armer, End Of Watch: March 31, As the pandemic rips through the world, it shows that no one is immune to its destruction. During this time it is 2020.

NEWS IN BRIEF

affected by the virus and those working in the healthcare industry. Extra beds during this pandemic will help hospitals not be as overwhelmed with sick patients, and ensure that less people will become infected with the Coronavirus.

STAR // Seth Baldwin

Sauvignon Village dorms at SSU.

United States

Colorado

Six Northeast and three Western states are coordinating a plan to jointly reopen their economies.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island formed a regional task force to redefine essential businesses.

Cannabis products can now be purchased online in Colorado throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Dispensaries are designated “critical businesses” and will be allowed to continue providing medicine to patients.

California

Washington, D.C.

The California Public Employee’s Retirement System, CalPERS, lost $69 billion in one month, and the decision to exit a tail-risk hedge shortly before the coronavirus crisis cost the fund more than $1 billion .

considered general care. Patients that can move on their own won’t need extensive nursing care , but would require a bit of oxygen. Those patients that have severe symptoms and are in need of emergency care or life support would be considered acute care.

Considering that most of campus is empty, Sonoma State has opened its arms to the community and is doing its part to help those

COURTESY // trailblazin A former Senate staffer that worked as an aide for Joe Biden is accusing the former Vice Presi- The virus is changing how cannabis is sold. dent of sexual assault. Tara Read told the Associated Press that she was attacked in the Spring of 1993 in the Capitol Hill office building.

New York

World

The COVID-19 death toll surpassed 10,000, however, the rate of new cases and deaths has slowed.

Officials are optimistic that the peak has passed, but Mayor DeBlasio and Gov. Cuomo disagree about how to proceed.

Worldometers is reporting approximately 2 million cases of COVID-19 around the world, accounting for more than 19,000 deaths. Italy and Spain have seen a reduction in rates, but France and the U.K. are experiencing high levels.

COURTESY // Gage Skidmore

Joe Biden accused of sexual assault.

USS Theodore Roosevelt

Albania

A sailor on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has died as a result of the coronavirus.

Controversy surrounds the Navy’s actions after Capt. Brett Crozier requested assistance and was subsequently relieved of duty.

The government is utilizing strict curfews and police drones to monitor the population. Residents must request permission for 90 minute shopping trips during the week that are approved by an app.

The nation is locked down on weekends.

COURTESY // LNLNLN

New York is seeing glimmers of hope.

COURTESY // ErvinGjata COURTESY // U.S. Navy Albania enacted strict measures to combat the

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt was catapulted into the national spotlight.

coronavirus.

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Calif. halts evictions

News 5

Temporary reprieve in response to virus continued from pg. 1

will prevent most evictions from going forward during the ongoing public health emergency.”

This means that even with an eviction delay in place, past rent is not forgiven. If you are able to pay your rent, you should. If not, then you should take advantage of this time. But be wary, as the landlord can still file an eviction case it just will not take place until those 90 days pass once the state emergency is lifted.

As of right now, the Judicial Council’s rule prevents landlords from serving a tenant a summons in order to start the timer on the tenant’s time to respond. Eviction trials involving existing trials will be postponed for at least 60 days. Tenants who have documentation to prove their inability to pay rent and notify their landlords in a timely manner that they cannot pay are protected against lockout by the sheriff.

“We are at this point truly with no guidance in history, law, or precedent,” said Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the council, in a statement. “And to say that there is no playbook is a gross understatement of the situation. In developing these rules, we listened to suggestions from our justice system partners, the public, and the courts, and we greatly appreciate all of the input.”

“We are extremely relieved that the Judicial Council has shown the type of leadership we need to make sure that basic, straightforward protections are in place, reducing any immediate risk to tenants and allowing them to focus on protecting their health and safety without worrying about losing their homes at a time when they are being told to shelter in place to avoid the spread of a highly contagious and deadly virus,” stated Western Center on Law & Poverty, a tenant rights group.

The state legislature is expected to address issues such as terms for landlord repayment plans for missed housing payments during the coronavirus crisis and eviction delay when they meet later this month.

The council’s moves are a way to offer housing protections for Californians, as well as minimize the court’s own workload as it tries to operate within “stay at home” mandates and “social distancing” rules in order to protect themselves and set an example.

With all of these rules put in place, landlords are still finding sneaky ways to receive their rent money from tenants. Some have even gone as far as informing their tenants that they must provide pay stubs and bank statements showing how COVID-19 Rent strikes are occurring in cities around the nation. has affected their incomes.

COURTESY // Paul Sableman

Custodians continued from pg. 1

However, despite their willingness to work with the custodians, it seems Sonoma State still plans on changing the custodians hours. This decision will put several custodians out of a job and force them to quit, an issue which was covered in a STAR article published earlier this semester. As the custodians put themselves in harm’s way by supporting the campus and seawolf community, the union hopes Sonoma State will have a change of heart when the two sides revisit the revised shift idea in the coming weeks.

Regardless of whether or not the custodians may be out of their jobs with the time change Sonoma State is still pushing for in the upcoming months, the custodians have remained diligent and dedicated in this unprecedented time and focused on their mission to keep Sonoma State a clean and safe place for staff and students to live.

STAR // Edgar Zavala

COURTESY // Air Force

The government is asking everyone to follow the guidelines.

Bacon and Eggs through the trees and a deserted SSU campus.

Documenting the COVID-19 crisis

COURTESY // NickKleinPhotography

Event 201, a simulated global pandemic exercise hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Economic Forum in October 2019.

STAR // Lily Frazier

Empty shelves have become the new normal at grocery stores.

COURTESY // Pharexier

COURTESY // Centers for Disease Control

Learn more about the novel coronavirus at CDC.gov/nCoV.

World map shows distribution of COVID-19 cases.

6 Arts

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // People Adding yet another piece to the mix, the Gaffigans held an Easter dinner live on YouTube on Sunday April 13.

COURTESY // Today Show Jim Gaffigan and his family’s work can be viewed on Twitter at @JimGaffigan.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, wife Jeannie provide support to frontlined workers via food relief CARSON MILLER STAFF WRITER

J

im Gaffigan, one of America’s most well-known stand-up comedians, has set aside the jokes and newly directed his work toward helping the essential workers on the frontline of COVID-19. The well renowned public figure and his wife, Jeannie Gaffigan, have started a fundraiser in order to feed the men and women who are working day-and-night to save the lives of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Gaffigan’s chose the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City: the facility where Jeannie Gaffigan was treated and cured for a near-fatal brain tumor, which was removed in 2017.

In an interview with CNN, Gaffigan said, “We were notified that, understandably, the hospital is under a lot of pressure. They are working crazy hours.

We can’t provide PPE (protective equipment) but we thought we could send over some burgers.”

Given the immense amount of pressure and brave work the hundreds of hospital workers are doing, the Gaffigan’s knew this was an opportunity for them to reach out and thank the brave souls for their work by providing them with a delicious meal throughout their long shifts.

“These medical workers need just a little brightness in their day; anything,” said Jeannie Gaffigan.

The Gaffigan’s reached out to a well known burger chain known as Shake Shack to provide the

doctors, nurses and everyone else at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan with an exciting and tasty meal.

The Gaffigan’s have also started their very own fundraiser through their non-profit program, called the “The Image Society,” with the effort to help deliver meals to New York City hospitals throughout the massive city’s five different boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan.

The couple created a hashtag called #foodsforfearless with their campaign, which is geared toward generating people in the New York City area to donate money to help provide food for healthcare workers at the frontline of the virus.

“People might not have any money to buy pizza for a group, but they might have a couple bucks to get a cup of coffee. They can just donate two dollars and we can put it toward some treat we are going to be sending to the hospitals,” said Jeannie Gaffigan.

Given the financial turmoil COVID-19 has unleashed upon the entire country, many Americans do not have the extra funds to donate to programs such as #foodforfearless that provide entire meals to help the hospital workers most at risk. Although these people may have some change to spare, with the donations of thousands of people throughout New York City and the entire country, they can help provide for the people who are risking their own lives to keep us

safe.

The Gaffigan’s have also been promoting their fundraising efforts by inviting their fans to join them and their five children at dinner (virtually) over their new YouTube series, dubbed, “Dinner with the Gaffigan’s.”

During their virtual family dinners, Jim and Jeannie interact with their children: an aspect of which Jim said, “(It’s) something to be very grateful for.”

Given the fact that many essential healthcare workers have to spend numerous hours aways from their families, many live in fear of being a risk to them, as healthcare worker’s jobs have caused them to be in critical medical situations.

The couple has promoted their hashtag #foodforfearless by inf luencing their fans to donate money to help provide meals for the healthcare workers in New York City, while also giving them a shout-out for donating money to their cause.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan have served as prime exemplars of prioritizing a way that celebrities can use their fame for the common good. Even by simply creating a fundraiser and a hashtag, enough money can be raised to provide meals for the men and women at the frontlines of our unprecedented pandemic.

Beyond the music celebrity: talk show hosts provide personalized relief experience JESSICA SIAS STAFF WRITER

S

tand-up comedians and talk shows are a popular way to keep the crowd entertained, but, especially in wake of the virus, the laughs are perhaps needed now more than

ever.

Whether students have found themselves in the audience of talk-shows or at a stand-up comedian’s show, it is well evident that the show knows how to get the crowd going. But, with COVID-19 at play, it is essentially, momentarily impossible to fill up those seats because of quarantining happening all over the nation.

Many shows are a part of the nation’s live late-night shows that aren’t filled with news. It is a way for many viewers to get a break from real-world news, instead replacing it with comedy and a light-hearted distraction from what is happening with COVID-19 and how it has filled many homes with stress and fear.

Shows planned to go on as they usually would without having a live audience. The new era of television that is “remote broadcast” took on a deeper meaning. All of the mainstream social media outlets make it accessible for viewers around the world to be able to stay and interact with these talk-show hosts at the tip of their fingers.

Talk-show hosts dressed casually during recent side-byside skype conversations. Not only have they had casual interactions with their viewers, but they are recycling popular videos and even having more of a personal interaction with their participating viewers.

“Kimmel called for a #formalfriday, to encourage dressing up among the universally shut-in, or even putting on clothes.‘For me, it’ll be the first time I’ve worn pants this week,’ Kimmel said. Viewers were asked to send in videos.

Wednesday, Fallon called for submissions in response to the hashtag #quarantineinsixwords, and read some out,” said Robert LLoyd, television critic of the L.A. Times.

Lloyd continued, outlining Kimmel’s responses that read: “Thursday: ‘Fine you can paint daddy’s nails,’ as well as ‘Expelled my kid from homeschool’ and ‘Flattening the curve, fattening my curves,’” viewers said.

COURTESY // Jimmy Kimmel, ABC Kimmel’s “Quarantine Monologue,” released on April 8, can be viewed online via YouTube.

Lacking a live audience that a talk-show host usually interacts with makes the community online feel more connected to the content and sentiments that the hosts and figures alike have started to produce.

There have been many comedians that are working together to assess emergency relief funds and putting out creative content for their audience.

“Most comedians I know are struggling with the fact we don’t have that outlet anymore, along with what so many others here—and all over the world—are dealing with right now, the impact of not being able to work,” said comedian Sarah Colonna.

“When you’re panicking about your future every 10 minutes, it can be hard to write a joke,” she said.

Comedians like Maria Bamford are using Zoom all the

while, wherein Bamford performs new material for her viewers, with admission only costing $5. From this alone, she is equipped with the ability to donate the money to a local food bank.

“Marc Maron, Ray Romano, Whitney Cummings, Adam Sandler, Nikki Glaser and Patton Oswalt were just a few who offered up some humor and worked out ideas on ‘Comedy Gives Back COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund,’ which was available to stream on social media and Comedy Central’s YouTube channel for those of us at home,” said CNN’s Marianne Garvey.

Clearly, finding alternative means to entertain fans while simultaneously helping the community has become a priority for many entertainers around the world—as it hopefully continues.

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

HBO offers free-to-stream content through April GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

N

ow is the time to binge-watch shows that have been sitting on the back burner. Along with many affordable home streaming services, HBO has done one better by offering over 500 hours of free shows: all part of the hashtag, “Star Home Box Office” campaign.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are implored to stay home, as HBO said, “to provide some entertainment relief for those doing their part to keep everyone safe and healthy in this time of social isolation.”

On Friday, April 3, HBO opened the free streaming without ads for millions of Americans nationwide.

HBO is a WarnerMedia-owned premium cabler that normally offers shows through a paid subscription starting at $15 per month. Now is the time to take advantage of the limited-time free subscription on HBO Now and HBO Go services.

The upload of free movies included nine series, ten documentaries and 20 movies. The series include: “Ballers”; “Barry”; “Silicon Valley”; “Six Feet Under”; “The Sopranos”; “Succession”; “True Blood”; “Veep”; and “The Wire.”

Documentaries include: “The Apollo”; “The Case Against Adnan Syed”; “Elvis Presley: The Searcher”; “The Inventor Jane Fonda in Five Acts”; “Love You, Now Die”; “McMillion$”; “True Justice”; “United Skates”; and “We Are the Dream.”

Movies include: “Arthur”; “Arthur 2: On the Rocks”; “Blinded By the Light”; “The Bridges of Madison County”; “Crazy, Stupid, Love”; “Empire of the Sun”; “Forget Paris”; “Happy Feet Two”; “Isn’t It Romantic?”; “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”; “Midnight Special”; “My Dog Skip”; “Nancy Drew And The Hidden Staircase”; “Pan”; “Pokémon Detective Pikachu”; “Red Riding Hood”; “Smallfoot”; “Storks”; “Sucker Punch” and

“Unknown.”

Notably, since the free streaming service, the most popular hits have been “Westworld,” “Big Little Lies,” “Euphoria” and “Chernobyl.”Although, those popular shows are still behind the paywall.

This, to which Jazz Shaw responded on Twitter, “Liking the #StayHomeBoxOffice thing. Very nice of them. Of course, they don’t include ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Westworld,’ but still a lot of good stuff.”

According to WarnerMedia, since Saturday, March 14, streaming has increased by 40%. Viewers that binge on three or more episodes per session has increased by 65% compared to the previous four weeks.

WarnerMedia said, “Viewers can join the conversation and participate in interactive stunts throughout this offering by following @HBO on Twitter and Instagram and sharing the hashtag #StayHomeBoxOffice.”

Many commented on the confusion of how to get in on the free streaming service. Natalia Vega messaged on Twitter, “I can’t access the #StayHomeBox Office free content? I went up to your website and was asked to either renew my subscription or sign-up a 14-day free trial.”

While the service offer is not completely straight forward, at the least, viewers alike have figured out how it works. Choose the HBO icon on your TV; it opens and asks for a log-in or option to subscribe. To bypass this, go to the “home” selection on the menu. There, viewers will find the vault of free streaming shows for their enjoyment.

Additionally, WarnerMedia has responded to the virus crisis in many ways that encourage audiences to stay home. In addition to free streaming on HBO, WarnerMedia will be airing, “Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate,” April 14 on HBO. WarnerMedia stated, “Part of Sesame Workshop’s

Caring for Each Other initiative, the special is aimed at helping kids and families around the world feel connected in this time of uncertainty,” it continued, “and features everyone’s favorite ‘Sesame Street’ friends and celebrity guests, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway and Tracee Ellis Ross.”

WarnerMedia is certainly keeping its audiences entertained—though we are still left to see if other streaming services will follow in its footsteps.

COURTESY // HBO While offered through the end of the month, the free streaming service is equipped with nearly 40 pieces of film and entertainment lure for fans and quarantinees to enjoy.

COVID-19 and the celebrity spotlight CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

I

n the last few weeks, it has been exponentially tough for many Americans to continue their lives as normal as possible. As the death toll rises and fear increases alongside, many feel it is not long until society begins to collapse. However, as Americans struggle to get through the here-and-now, many celebrities around the country have stepped up and have helped strengthen the community’s resolve.

The good deeds range from monetary donations to simply spreading joy to people that need it the most. One of the biggest donations has been from the Bill Gates Foundation, which contributed a donation of $100 million to help combat the virus.

“The foundation will provide up to $100 million to improve detection, isolation and treatment efforts; protect at-risk populations in Africa and South Asia; and accelerate the development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics,” says The Gates Foundation web page.

Gates also stated that his donation would not only help fund the efforts, but would also help research start right-away without having to deal with government protocol.

The music industry has stepped up its game as well by donating to fans and staff, even prisons alike.

The American rapper Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar,

usually known as Cardi B, has started donating 1,000 dollars per-hour to fans for those suffering from financial issues. Cardi B will keep donating until she reaches $1 million dollars donated. By donating to a thousand different individuals, Cardi B is among celebrities making a tangible difference in numerous people’s lives.

Dierks Bently, a country music star, donated to his staff at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. He gave $1,000 to all 90 of his employees and tweeted out a message encouraging others to do the same: “I encourage all bar owners on Lower Broadway to take care of bartenders, bar backs, waitresses, security, dishwashers, etc. the best they can. Let’s make sure we help the folks that help make the music happen,” he said.

Music artists Jay-Z and Meek Mill founded a charity organization called Reform Alliance, which has also been donating to the COVID-19 cause.

Particularly, Reform Alliance is worried about the close-quarter environments in correctional facilities.

It explains that, “COVID-19 spreads most quickly in crowded and closed environments, and our jails and prisons are at high risk for an outbreak.” To help fight the problem, Reform Alliance donated 130,000 surgical masks for staff and inmates in correctional

facilities.

John Krasinski took a different approach by fighting the constant string of negative news caused

by COVID-19. He decided to combat traditional media, which has only been reporting negative information. Krasinski started his Youtube channel “Some Good News” two weeks ago and has seen tremendous support around the world, gaining over 1 million subscribers in that time; of course, largely to no avail.

His videos spotlight outstanding initiatives people and their communities have been doing during the last few quarantined weeks.

Krasinski also contacted and interacted with different individuals, helping them regain a sense of normalcy. The most impressive part of his content, however, is the extreme measures he undertakes to fix the problems the virus has caused. In his last video, Krasinski explained that a young girl’s trip to see Hamilton was cancelled due to the virus, so he got on a zoom call with her and invited the original cast of Hamilton to come sing for her.

With an increasing number of public figures and celebrities alike enacting charitable deeds in this time of crisis, communities can come out of this pandemic with lifted spirits and brighter futures ahead.

of the nationwide pandemic.

His candidness about his struggles with depression has opened up a dialogue about mental illness and treatment. The rapper’s story has been so impactful that he has been quoted in a Psychology textbook talking about his battles with overcoming the mental disorder.

The textbook includes quotes from his infamous message to his fans that he wrote on Facebook back in 2016 before he had gone into rehab to deal with his emotional distress. The long message to his fans, in which he explained just how damaged he was feeling at the time, stated, “Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it.”

Now, with years of recovery under his belt, Cudi introduces the new track during the live stream by mentioning, “I thought it would be perfect for right now. I just feel like putting something out to the world and giving you guys something to relax to and vibe to,” he said.

In the first verse of the song, Cudi almost sounds like he is making parallels to his life under quarantine. He begins with, “Hello friends, this is Cudder again/Gotta smack ‘em with some sh** before [the] world ends,” continuing, “Same old denims, worn for days/I been home makin’ jams and many wonderful waves/I’ve seen in wonderful shades/Peekin’ at the shadows of the new landscape/I’ve been trapped up in my mind, I’ve been trying to escape,” he raps on the mid-tempo track.

However, “Leader of the Delinquents” is not an entirely new song. While its original recording date is unknown, Cudi did preview the song April 21, 2012, at a set at SUNY Geneseo after a fan asked him

if he still rapped.

Though Cudi first performed the track eight years prior, he never officially released it. It is unclear whether the song will serve as a lead single for his anticipated, upcoming album “Entergalactic,” nevertheless, Cudi did tease that he’s not done with the surprises.

During his live stream, he said, in promise, “exciting things coming up soon…in the next couple weeks, actually,” and while it is currently unclear if this track will ever see an official release, both Smith and Cudi have provided the hints fans wanted.

Rapper Kid Cudi self-leaks teaser of unreleased track

MARIA PINEDA-CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER

R

apper, singer, songwriter and record producer, Kid Cudi, went live on Instagram Friday evening to surprise fans with a full preview of a new unreleased track, “Leader of the Delinquents.”

The rapper took to Twitter earlier that evening to invite his fans to tune into his Instagram Live. “Alert: I’ll be live in an hour. All supporters please tune in,” he said.

In his live-stream, Cudi was joined by friend Jaden Smith, who had nonchalantly disclosed that the motive behind the arrangement was to surprise his fans with a preview of the never-released song.

The live-stream caught the attention of over 23,000 viewers who were actively engaging throughout the comments, waiting in anticipation to hear what Cudi had been mixing up. Though Cudi has involved himself with multiple projects, most recently collaborating with artists including Selena Gomez, Jaden Smith, Schoolboy Q, and Quavo, he has not released any solo work since the release of his last album: “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’.”

Precisely, due to the four-year-long pause since the album’s 2016 release, fans are thirsty for some new content, especially now with the world on lockdown.

Former rapper KYLE added to the f looding of comments on the live-stream, saying, “I’ve been trapped in my mind. I’m tryna’ escape,” implying that he is one of many that is in need of Cudi’s creative f low as a way to escape realities of self-isolation as the new normal.

The surfacing of his presence could not have come during a more appropriate time, as Cudi has manifested himself as a rapper that advocates for mental health awarenes: a topic that is crucial and relevant to the conversations surrounding the effects

COURTESY // Kid Cudi

While his last project saw its release in 2016, Cudi’s fans are more than earger to hear a new project arrive in 2020.

8 Student Life

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

The “Zoom Bombing” trend disrupts class ANGELINA QUEVEDO STAFF WRITER

Z

oom is the newest platform many students and faculty are relying on to stay in touch during the shelter-in-place. Although Zoom can be very beneficial during these times, many reports of appalling behavior and anonymous “Zoom Bombing” are happening during online meetings worldwide.

According to USA today, “Zoom Bombing” is when a “...complete stranger can actually come into your meeting to chat and wreak havoc..”

It has gotten so bad that the FBI has been dealing with many complaints.

“Zoom Bombing” can happen to anyone who uses the platform due to how easy it is to join public meetings. If the host sets up a public meeting it can be interrupted if an intruder has the meeting link.

Recently, well-known social media influencers are trying to popularize the trend of “Zoom Bombing”. Instagram accounts such as @ nelkboys, with 2.8 million followers have only posted videos of “Zoom Bombing” for the past two weeks.

Unfortunately many Sonoma State University students and faculty are experiencing this issue. Stephanie Swanson, a senior at Sonoma State, was in her 12 p.m. arts lecture when she was interrupted by intruders.

“I was in Arts 491 where we have visiting artists come and discuss their art with us. We were having a Zoom meeting with our guest lecturer. Around the first half of the lecture while she was answering our questions random people suddenly joined the lecture and started screaming/yelling profanities like the N-word. One of their names was Ray Pist,” Swanson said.

She continued to explain, “ Our class was discussing it as it was happening, wondering what was going on but we quickly figured out they were not SSU students and were probably internet trolls who somehow got the link to our Zoom meeting. I was very shocked and upset, as were my classmates.”

Many students around the world are realizing that these people are most likely not classmates. Several of these hackers are people who get access to class links and join uninvited, upsetting students who are just trying to get through class.

Swanson adds, “ It was further upsetting that some of the visiting lecturer’s art was about the MeToo movement and the trolls/hackers were joking about rape. Our professor quickly ended the Zoom chat and made a new one that was invitation only for SSU students. When we joined the new lecture, everyone seemed shocked but were very understanding, the lecturer even was like ‘Wow I’ve heard of this happening, it was interesting to have experienced what they are talking about on the news’.”

Katherine Kurtt, another Sonoma State student said that her cousin’s elementary school in Colorado decided to finish the rest of the semester online. ”They had to cancel the first week of Zoom classes due to Zoom bombings,” Kurtt said. She continued saying, “It’s disappointing that people would hack into an elementary school class when there are such young kids trying to learn from home. As a student at SSU, I have been Zoom Bombed twice in lecture series classes which is really hard to watch while also not giving attention to the Zoom Bomber. I hope that there can be an increase in private zoom meetings and that professors can be informed how to decrease Zoom Bombings so they can have the most productive class possible.”

According to, “Zoom Meetings keep getting hacked. Here’s how to prevent ‘Zoom Bombing’ on your video chats”, by David Z. Morris,

Zoom Bombing is when non-students join a Zoom call and disrupt the class. posted to Fortune.com, “bad actors can find these addresses simply by searching for “zoom. us” on social media sites like Facebook, where public meeting links are often posted.”

In order to prevent ‘Zoom Bombing’, hosts should follow four easy steps.

Enable the “Waiting Room” feature on your Zoom account. This allows hosts to check who is trying to join the meeting before allowing them into the call. Some intruders can figure out how to get past this block but this can give hosts extra time before an intruder enters the call giving you the upper-hand.

Try not to use your personal meeting ID that the app gives you when signing up. Instead, use a new meeting ID for each meeting you cre-

COURTESY // Zoom

ate making it harder for anonymous users to sign onto every meeting you host.

Give students 5-10 minutes after the meeting has started to join the call. Once the meeting has started and most students have joined, you can actually lock the meeting so others cannot call into the meeting without permission.

Hosts can also assign two students as cohosts in order to control the situation in a faster manner. To assign co-hosts, go to Settings>Meetings>Co-host and make sure it is turned on.

Hopefully these steps can help professors/ hosts control future “Zoom Bombings” from happening and students will be able to finish the semester strong.

Fewer resources, but same tuition SALVADOR FERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

S

ince the coronavirus epidemic, colleges and universities across the nation have shifted classes online or closed campuses. Students are now hoping for some sort of refund and a discount toward tuition, however, some colleges and universities have other plans.

More than 200 institutions of higher learning have closed in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In addition to Sonoma State, some of the colleges that said they will refund students for unused room and board on a prorated basis include Harvard, Smith, Tufts, and Duke University. Schools are offering prorated refunds and will be working with students who choose to stay on campus, such as those who don’t have suitable housing.This also applies to international students who can go back home depending on which country is being affected heavily from the coronavirus.

Mark Kantrowitz, a higher education expert, said, “I would not be surprised if colleges that refuse to provide room and board refunds will face class action lawsuits.”

Harvard officials have advised students that the school will help those with financial items such as buying a bus, train, or plane tickets home. Market Watch re ported that Havard alumni are offering to host students who have to leave campus and need temporary housing.

Representatives for Havard and Tufts have confirmed that they will not give any discounts on tuition due to the shift to online classes.

According to the College Board, the average tuition a year for a student at an in-state four-year university is $11,500, while out-of-state can average out to $26,800. This does not include private schools, which average $36,900. Other schools have not responded back to Market Watch on questions to whether or not they will give discounts. The schools include the University of Washington, Princeton University, Northeastern University, Stanford University, and Grinnell College. On a positive note, some colleges like Cornell University are giving out rebates on housing and dining to on-campus students who are leaving campus.

The vice president of academic affairs for Des Moines Area Community College stated that any deci sion on discounts will be made on a case by case basis. They will see if they can accommodate students in different ways such as course extensions.

Even if colleges decide to give some sort of discount, it would create a dilemma for a portion of students receiving financial aid. Tuition discounts could potentiallyjeopardize students’ future eligibility for any financial aid or grants for low-income students. The discounts themselves could be counted as income for those students.

Carrie Welton, a consultant at Believe in Students, a nonprofit organization helping students with emergency financial aid, said, “It could potentially create more problems than solutions depending on a student’s financial situation.

Changes that could affect a student’s award package or tuition assistance could complicate eligibility for public benefits,” On April 9, Millburg Phillips Grossman LLP, a member firm of The Coronavirus Litigation Task Force, filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of students from Purdue University. The students were forced to leave campus and take online courses due to the spreading

outbreak.

The lawsuit claims that the students were not offered adequate refunds for tuition, housing, meals, and fees. They are seeking appropriate compensation on a pro-rata basis. The students also seek damages for the differences in value between online and in-person classes.

Students, in this case, do not find online learning to be as valuable as oncampus learning. Some factors provided by the Purdue students are the lack of real-time feedback from peers and professors.

According to Brookings Institute research, they say that taking online courses reduces students’ grades and increases the chances of dropping out of school.

COURTESY // WUBUR The transition from in-person teaching to online classes can be difficult for many studends.

Student Life 9

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonoastatestar.com

Arts and Humanities’ video competition tests student’s creativity

LESLIE M. LEVY STAFF WRITER

T

he Arts & Humanities (A&H) department has awarded the first of several prizes in their Student Video contest. Joshua Gerard took the first place prize this week, winning $100 for his quick tennis match in “My Quarantine Story,” and Carrie Everson took second place with a $25 prize for her anti-boredom mashup, “Shelter In Place 2020.” The first deadline was March 31.

A&H’s second round is this week, and the deadline is April 15th for new entries.

The A&H Student Video contest awards $100 for the best under-30-second video demonstrating imagination and creativity as a student during shelter in place.

Runner ups will receive $25.

Many students who entered the contest, like Gerard, learned about it through an instructor. Students in his Studio Blue class were offered five extra credit points for entering. Gerard said he didn’t really need the extra credit but figured it sounded like fun.

“I actually ended up getting 15 points for winning,” Gerard said. “You never know. It could come in handy later in the semester.”

A&H Dean, Dr. Hollis Robbins, said the inspiration for the contest was simple.

“We decided to hold this contest because we missed seeing students!” she said. Robbins personally donated the prize money. She said this is her contribution to the contest.

Robbins, Linda Eichhorn, Leigh McTaggart, and Tai Russotti, all from the Dean’s office, are the judges for the ongoing rounds.

“I received a number of emails from students who weren’t able to make the first deadline so rather than giving four prizes for the first week, we decided to extend the

contest through the end of the semester,” Robbins said.

This week’s winner, Joshua Gerard Chongyu Liu, is a tennis athlete at Sonoma State. He has moved out of student housing and is sheltering in place in Folsom with his girlfriend’s family. She is also on SSU’s tennis team and they had been playing tennis on the local courts until they closed on April 8th.

He’s back to square one on how to stay in shape now, as are many athletes. He said that a lot of athletes he’s talked to are going through a kind of grief over lost seasons. For many of them, athletics is a part of who they are and a large part of why they chose to attend SSU. While the NCAA has granted all student athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 crisis, it doesn’t really change those feelings right now.

“I think we all just need to talk to each other, you know? We’re all feeling it and we’ll get through it better together,” Gerard said.

Robbins and the other judges are keeping a mental tally of possible honorable mentions for the contest’s conclusion. “As we get more submissions from more students, I expect we will have a number of special prizes for super-creative, out-ofthe-box, unexpected videos. We hope to be surprised, delighted and moved to tears,” Robbins said.

Echoing some of Gerard’s sentiment, she said, “I should emphasize that we would welcome melancholy work as well. This is a rough time. People are hurting. If someone wants to represent their rage or frustrations, they should feel welcome to.”

While Everson entertained viewers with her artistic endeavors, including writing “STAY HOME” on her forehead in

COURTESY // Sonoma State The Arts and Humanities department will be hosting a video contest for students. black eyeliner, Gerard wove his love of tennis into his video. Spoiler alert: he lost the match.

What will he be doing with the prize money? Hanging onto it, for now. In addition to saving money on rent by moving out of the dorms, Gerard is doing all he can to conserve money to help his parents out in any way he can.

Gerard is Singaporian by birth, but was raised in Malaysia and went to an international high school run by British educators.

His parents have a business in Malaysia that is currently shut down due to COVID-19 concerns, and the future is uncertain for all

of them. He tries not to worry, and he’s frustrated that he cannot go home right now, but he’s making the best of things, as we all are.

“The US is the best in terms of studentathlete programs, and that drove me to play and study here,” Gerard said. He may not be able to help them directly right now, but he can honor them by doing his best here, now, in whatever ways he is able to--even if he’s not playing sports right now.

The call is out for more entries, so put on your creative tin foil hats, whip out your phone or DSLR, don’t worry about 5G frying your brain, and make some 30-second videos. This week’s deadline is Wednesday.

Study abroad amidst the pandemic

TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

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tudying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students. It’s a time for youth to immerse themselves in another culture in a very unique way. With the current global crisis at hand, this opportunity seems to be quickly fleeting from the hands of eager students. Although most universities are not requiring that their students come home, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is strongly advising that students make a swift and safe return home if possible. While it may seem like this world-wide emergency will last a lifetime, institutions are still hoping and planning for the best and so should students!

Optimistic plans for the future are key to returning back to normalcy, which is why the International office at Sonoma State University (SSU) is instructing students to move forward with their plans to study abroad for the fall semester.

“If students are considering studying abroad next year, or sometime in the future, they should still be doing that. We don’t yet know what the fall semester is going to look like, but there is a chance that programs will run as normal, and I would hate students to miss out on opportunities because they held back from applying,” said Global Engagement Coordinator and International and Exchange Program Advisor, Hope Ortiz.

The mere thought of going abroad might be too unsettling for some students during these times. However, it’s important for students to note that programs will be postponed or canceled if it isn’t safe enough.

“While studying abroad there is so much support from your home school and your abroad school. Their job is to keep you safe. They take that job very seriously. It is very clear that the world can change on a dime and you never know what is going to happen but I suggest seeing the world while you can. I think it is that simple. I don’t regret a single day I have been in Korea even in a pandemic,” said Alyssa Brown, who has been teaching in South Korea since before the virus has spread. Brown also studied abroad two years ago in Uppsala, Sweden.

Brown’s experience in South Korea, as an English teacher, throughout the spread of the virus can be extremely useful for students who are on the fence about studying abroad next term. In the case of another upsurge of the virus, Brown said that students can expect to feel just as safe as they would at home.

“Life has almost gone back to normal and I still feel quite safe. I did not feel any animosity or inferior in my safety because I was foreign. They have treated everyone exactly the same...It was comforting to be able to call our country’s embassy for accurate information and governed advice about

COURTESY // Creative Commons Despite these uncertain times, it is still suggested to plan for study abroad next semester. what to do. Obviously at the beginning it was a little scary being in a foreign country and not knowing whether to try and stay here or buy the first plane ticket home. I am happy with my decision to stay in Korea,” said Brown.

It is important to note that students who go abroad will have adequate healthcare available to them in the case of another outbreak. According to Ortiz, students who study abroad are required to enroll in international health insurance. Some countries even require that students enroll in their own national health insurance on top of that.

If financial changes due to the pandemic seem to be making or breaking a student’s decision to study abroad, they should contact the International office to explore dif-

ferent options. Ortiz explained, some study abroad locations are actually cheaper than staying here in California.

Another valuable tidbit of information is that universities and International programs are being very flexible towards students who are deciding to come home due to the virus. To learn more about the options available contact Ortiz at hope.ortiz@sonoma.edu.

“We all love to dream that we will travel someday... this sort of pipe dream. After leaving college it is clear the ‘real’ world comes quick. Bills, rent, relationships, careers, family all might make that dream become less and less possible. Studying abroad changed everything, it changed my path, my dreams, everything,” said Brown.

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APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Athlete spotlight: Club Baseball player Zac Taughter

COURTESY // Joan C Fahrenthold, photography Number 24 NIck Klarman goes up for a shot against rival team.

CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

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or many prep athletes, the idea of playing collegiate sports is a major goal. The purpose of attending a university where you can not only strive for academic success but also have the opportunity to represent your school with pride on the field.

However, many students, despite the talent, find that playing at the college level is either not what they expect or is not a top priority. So where do they turn, well for a student like Zac Taughter, they have turned to the world of club sports.

Taughter, who is originally from Benicia California, is a senior at Sonoma State. When he arrived at Sonoma State, he was sure of two things: one is that he wanted to pursue a degree in Biology and the other was finding a team that he could still play competitive baseball with.

For the past four years, Taughter has been a member of the Sonoma State Club Baseball team, a decision he calls one of the best of his life. “ I was always a huge fan of baseball, growing up playing it, and being a die-hard Oakland A’s fan. I was a good high-school player, but academics were always first for me, so I never had any intentions of trying to play NCAA ball. For me, the Club Baseball team has given me so of my best memories in college, and friends I know I will have for a lifetime.”

Being with the team for four years, Zac has seen a lot of changes with the club team through the years, as in the four seasons he’s played with the club, they have made the playoffs two times, despite being what some would call underdogs. “ I mean for us to make playoffs three of my four years while at Sonoma State while playing at the Division I level, it’s a pretty cool accomplishment. We (Sonoma State) are one of only four teams that are non-NCAA Division one schools to play at the D1 level. So we’re in a league where we’re playing teams like UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, and San Diego State and winning consistently.”

The Sonoma State Club baseball team had certainly had their fair share of

success over the past two seasons, as they were defending Southern Pacific North Division Champs, and were on their way to defending the title until the outbreak of COVID-19. “ I mean the team we had this year was the best I had been a part of in my four years here, and that’s saying a lot considering we were ranked number31 nationally last season, and finished 3rd overall in the West Region last year. The fact that we got robbed of our season hurts, but I think what hurts more is that I won’t get to see my teammates every week and get to be around those guys anymore. I think that’s going to bother me the most.”

For the Club team, Taughter was a key weapon as a power-hitting Right Fielder, who posted an impressive slash line of .306 avg/ .388 OBP/ .878 OPS. But while his stats and play on the diamond were impressive, Zac always took pride in his class and school work first, and when he had completed his degree planned to move to San Diego and work in the world of Bio-Tech.

Cam Chavarria, the President of the Sonoma State Club Baseball team, talked about the Zac saying, “ Zac has been here for four years now, and he was a real leader and key contributor for us. Zac is always there to pick his teammates up no matter what and honestly could not be a better guy.

For Zac, like many other student-athletes, he and his team’s season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a pill that for Zac is still hard to digest. “ I’d be lying if I didn’t say my last season getting cut short didn’t hurt, and I think honestly it is going to bother me for a bit. And to be honest, it still hasn’t quite hit yet that my time playing is over. But I think as time goes by, I’ll all look at these times together and remember the games, experiences, and friendships that we all formed way more than how things ended.”

Athlete spotlight: men’s soccer Sahr Mattia VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

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ahr Mattia, a junior forward for the Sonoma States men’s soccer team, was born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone in Western Africa. Soccer has always been very special to Mattia ever since he started dribbling a ball. Sahr and his family moved when he was 12 years old in 2009. Soccer or “football” as it is called in his home country has always been the driving force for him and his family only behind his faith.

The Mattia family chose to come to the United States for better opportunities and to give Sahr an opportunity to receive a college degree.

Sahr’s number one dream in life is to become a professional soccer player, but if that dream does not work out, he would like to become a pediatric nurse with hopes of becoming a pediatrician some day. As a kinesiology major at Sonoma State, he is excited for what is to come with either professions.

The opportunity that was given to Sahr is something he will cherish for the rest of his life. When asked about this opportunity, Mattia described it as, “Football to me means a lot and just trying to put it into words is difficult because the feeling I have for the game is indescribable. This game has provided so many opportunities for me and my family and the fact that I went from a young African boy playing on the streets and dirt fields in Sierra Leone to now a young African man going to school to get a college degree in the United States through football is something that I will not be able to de-

scribe fully. The emotions that I feel when I am playing the game is something I will never trade for anything in this world.”

The fall season of 2018 was Mattia’s first season here at Sonoma State but unfortunately he ruptured his achilles in a summer league game and missed the entire season.

Excitingly, with the help of trainers, friends, and family, Mattia was able to come back and compete in the 2019 season. Appearing in 15 games and starting in five, Sahr was able to be a key contributor in his first season back since the injury.

Starting goalkeeper Derik Engebretsen spoke about his fellow teammate and friend by saying, “Sahr gives everything he has everyday on and off the field. He is a perfect teammate to have. His skill on the field is an impeccable asset to the team and it makes me enjoy taking the field with him everyday.”

The men’s team did not have the season they originally wanted. They finished the season with a 6-10-1 record. The team will bring back a strong amount of leadership and playing experience for the fall 2020 season.

Sophomore defensive midfielder Grayson Stewart described his teammate as, “Sahr is a great guy to have on and off the field because he is extremely genuine and motivational. He works hard for the team and is a great communicator. He is a great leader for the team, he has the right mindset.”

COURTSEY// Christine Rohane

COURTSEY// Christine Rohane

Other than playing soccer, Mattia is fluent in 6 languages.

Mattia scored 1 goal and had 2 assists his fall 2020 season.

Sports 11

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Kobe Bryant accepted into Hall of Fame

COURTESY // NBA.com Along side Bryant (pictured center), Kevin Garnett (pictured left) and Tim Duncan (pictured right) will be accepted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

NOAH PHILPOTT

STAFF WRITER

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he Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, was granted quick acceptance into the National Basketball Association Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last Saturday, April 4, along with Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. The induction ceremony will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts on Aug. 29, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, executives do not know if audience members will be attending the ceremony at the moment, but they are playing it by ear.

Bryant was born Aug. 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, and died Jan. 26, 2020 at the age of 41 in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with his 13 year old daughter Gianna. Bryant entered the NBA straight out of high school. He was 17 years old and because he was so young, his parents had to co-sign his contract with the Lakers until he turned 18 years of age when his rookie season began.

He played his entire 20 year professional career with the Lakers and retired at the age of 34.

Bryant was a five time world champion, 18 time all-star, won MVP in 2008, the fourth leading scorer in NBA history, and many more illustrious records. He had nicknames including the Black Mamba, the Dagger, and Mr. 81. After Michael Jordan retired from the league, Bryant helped fill those shoes of being one of the best to ever play.

“I don’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant,” said Bryant.

Besides being one of the greatest basketball players in history, his legacy off the court was remarkable. Bryant has donated millions of dollars to charities around

the world, won an Oscar for best animated short film, and started his own indoor youth basketball facility called the Mamba Sports Academy. After his passing, Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, took over the facility and named it the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Academy.

Along with being a great basketball player and human being off the court, Bryant’s ability to be a father and husband was unmatched. Him and Vanessa had four daughters: Gianna, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. Bryant always had his ladies by his side on his biggest days of his life. He prided himself with having all girls and would not change a thing. Him and Vanessa wanted to attempt for a fifth child to have a boy, but they were afraid of having a fifth girl again.

“I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad,” claimed Bryant. His accomplishments on the court, off the court, and his dedication to his family give a clear representation of how much of an accomplished and hard working man he really is and why he has been nominated to enter the NBA Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. Bryant’s induction will never be forgotten, but more importantly, a reminder to his fans and family on who he was on and off the court.

“He’s learned how to become a leader in a way in which people want to follow him. That’s really important for him to have learned that because he knew that he had to give to get back in return, and so he’s become a giver rather than just a guy that’s a demanding leader. That’s been great for him and great to watch,’’ said former Head Coach, Phil Jackson.

LaMelo Ball purchases former team

COURTESY // NBCsports.com

COURTESY // hawks.com.au In 2019, Ball signed a two-year contract with the Illawarra Hawks.

LaMelo Ball is the youngest son of the famous Football player, Lavar Ball.

JAMES HARWELL

STAFF WRITER

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aMelo Ball made headlines earlier this month for reportedly buying his Australian basketball team, the Illawarra Hawks, a part of the National Basketball League. Lamelo Ball, the youngest of the Ball children, is in line to be a top three pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA draft. Although he is not a high school or collegiate basketball player, he is projected as a number1 draft prospect by multiple sources and fans.

Lamelo Ball is under a very intense scope from the public because of his oldest brother, Lonzo Ball. Lonzo, who is now the starting point guard on the New Orleans Pelicans, helped grow a variety of business ventures for himself and his family such as his father’s brand Big Baller Brand apparel brand and reality television alongside his talented family.

“We own the team,” Jermaine Jackson told ESPN. “It’s a done deal.” Jackson, who is Ball’s manager, has been very vocal about the process however no financial

details were revealed. “Melo loves the Illawarra fans,” Jackson told ESPN. Lamelo Ball, who is originally from Los Angeles, left high school to pursue an amateur career in a professional australian basketball league making him still NBA draft eligible.

“When high school kids hear LaMelo owns the team, they will want to come,” Jackson said. “They’ll know they will be taken care of. We’re going to put the organization on steroids, building it into a program that guys want to play for. I’m in touch with several former NBA GMs that want to go there to help out and high-level coaches that won every championship you can imagine.”

Lavar Ball, the father to the three Ball boys said , “It’s a lot of guys that come out of high school and they’ll get over there in the NBL and guess what? You’re not going to shine like that,And, Melo might see it differently.

Like, ‘Dang, you get to Melo’s team, you’re going to get to play. That might be different because it’s American

over there now.’ So, Melo’s looking at it like, “Shoot, they let me do my thing and I got a chance, I’m going to give the next guy a chance.’”

“When Melo wants to do stuff in the summertime, we’ll be there,” Jackson said. “We’ll take a tour with his family all over Australia, doing basketball camps and connecting with the youth. He wants to inspire the next generation.”

LaMelo is a young entrepreneur as well as a future basketball phenomenon looking to be a top three pick in the upcoming draft. The option to buy his team comes amidst a time period where the option of bypassing college could potentially become more mainstreamed for young athletes. The Ball brothers have gone through their fair share of controversy over the years and this move by the youngest brother seems to be one that most fans like and it could improve his draft stock as the 2020 draft draws near.

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APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Spring rages on despite campus closure

STAR // Seth Baldwin Cherry Blossom trees continue to bloom outside of dorm rooms.

STAR // Seth Baldwin Water fountains remains shut off while no students are in the dorms.

STAR // Seth Baldwin Sauvignon Village dorms serve as freshman and transfer student housing.

STAR // Lily Frazier Olivers posted signs advising shoppers to not come inside if they felt ill.

STAR // Lily Frazier Shelves that would normally be stocked with toilet paper were completely empty.

STAR // Lily Frazier The entry line at Oliver’s reached into the parking lot due to the store limiting the number of guests allowed inside at one time.