Issue 13

IN THIS ISSUE

Lockdown in Style

Credit/ No Credit Courses

Fashion brands release face masks in a variety of fabrics and patterns. PAGE 6.

Seawolves explain if they will be changing any of their current classes to credit/no credit. PAGE 9.

COVID-19 & Birthdays

People get creative during the shelter in place order to celebrate their special day. PAGE 3.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 84 // ISSUE 13 APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

States consider options Protests erupt across globe

TAYLOR HUMMEL STAFF WRITER

T

he United States is inching closer to its one-millionth known COVID-19 case, with residents throughout the country still on mandated stay-at-home orders. These orders still have little information on when they will be fully lifted, which is causing Americans to become frustrated with their situation. Anti-quarantine protesting is beginning to surge throughout the US, mainly in states that have not seen as many cases as other more high-risk states such as New York.

Michigan led the first large scale, organized protest in the US, that according to Guardian correspondent, Adam Gabbatt, was created by the state’s Conservative Coalition. The protest was directly focused on urging the governor to end stay-at-home orders. This protest

COURTESY // redditaddict69

Darker areas on the map indicate higher numbers of deaths attributed to COVID-19.

CELESTE BARAJAS STAFF WRITER

S

onoma County has been in lockdown since the middle of March, and it’s been ordered for this to stay in place until May 3, but it’s very possible for the order to be longer than that. Although California is planning to stay indoors for as long as possible, there are some states that are already thinking of reopening again.

Though recently California had one of their highest records for coronavirus deaths, Sonoma County seems to be doing a good job at staying safe and healthy.

Compared to Los Angeles County with about 730 deaths, Sonoma County is showing that they are capable

of practicing sanitation and social distancing, as required.

Many states are staying together and listening to what is best for the people with the help of science and advice from health professionals, rather than using political reasons to reopen the states; other state leaders are not.

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis recently supported the decisions of local Florida leaders to reopen some of their beaches, like Jacksonville, and that decision has angered many people around the country, creating masses of see STATES TO REOPEN on pg. 5

Missouri sues China over COVID-19 ATHENA FRANKLIN

Protesters complain that lockdowns are illegal.

STAFF WRITER

M

issouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a lawsuit Tuesday, April 21 against the Chinese government for causing the global coronavirus pandemic.

KMBC News reported that the lawsuit claims “China suppressed information, arrested whistleblowers, and denied the contagious nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District courts alleges that China’s actions led to the loss of life and severe economic consequences in Missouri. In the lawsuit, Schmitt said, “Thousands have been infected and many have died; families have been separated from dying loved ones; small businesses are shutting their doors, and those living paycheck-to-paycheck are struggling to put food on their table. The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease. They must be held accountable for their actions.”

The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose to 283, as of Sunday, April 26, according to John Hopkins

COURTESY // GoToVan

University. The number of cases rose to 6,881.

Masks have been at high demand as many caretakers, hospitals and regular civilians cannot get their hands on them. Many states have put in place an order that people who are out in public have to be wearing a mask, which isn’t easily accessible to many. According to USA Today, , The lawsuit additionally accuses the Chinese government of making the COVID-19 pandemic worse by “hoarding” personal protective equipment, like masks.

It is unclear whether the lawsuit will have any impact at all. Missouri Democratic party executive director Lauren Gepford called the lawsuit a “stunt” by a Republican attorney general who is up for reelection this year.

China is protected by the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, but the attorney general in Missouri believes that there are exceptions.

The virus has since spread to every continent in the world except Antarctica. There are at least 2.5 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus across the globe and see MISSOURI on pg. 4

Pandemic forcing iconic events to cancel TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

A

number of historic events around the world taking place this coming Summer and Fall have been canceled due to the coronavirus.

Spain decided to cancel the 400-yearold Running of the Bulls event because of the coronavirus. This event takes place, under normal circumstances, every July.

Bulls race through narrow city streets as hundreds of people outrun them seeking an adrenaline rush.“As expected as it was, it still leaves us deeply sad,” said Ana Elizalde, the acting mayor of Pamplona, according to The Guardian. Spain follows the United States with the second-highest amount of confirmed coronavirus cases at 204,178.

COURTESY // pxfuel Germany has decided to cancel its famous Oktoberfest, which was sched- Spain canceled the San Fermin running of the bulls festival. uled to take place Sept. 19 through Oct. who purchased a badge for this year’s show, they will re4. Six million people were expected to attend, which would bring in approximately $1.1 billion ceive an email this coming week with instructions on how to the city of Munich. “A decision that saddens us all: It to request a refund or transfer their badge to Comic-Con affects me, deeply and personally. A festival for millions, 2021.

“Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan which stands for Munich, for the joy of life, for Bavaria, for its conventions each year, and how many exhibitors cannot take place,” said Clemens Baumgärtner, the head and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of Oktoberfest. Germany, as of today, has approximately of their livelihood, they had hoped to delay this decision 147,500 cases of coronavirus, and more than 4,860 people in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen have died. by summer.

Continuous monitoring of health advisories According to Baumgärtner, the festival is one that can and recent statements by the Governor of California have not be moved or postponed. Baumgärtner expressed that made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward this was the right decision because there was no guarantee with plans for this year,” Comic-Con International said in that the festival would not pose a threat to the safety of a statement. those who attended.

The organizers of Burning Man have decided to canHere in the United States, San Diego’s very own cel this year’s event as well. They usually have around Comic-Con is now canceled for the first time in 50 years.

80,000 people meet in the Nevada desert. However, this The next planned event will be July 22-25, 2021. For those see CANCELED on pg. 5

created a gridlock, as protesters used their cars and inperson assembly to show their distaste in social distancing guidelines. This led to streets being blocked to where emergency vehicles and personnel could not get through.

This protest kept hospital staff from reaching work and doing their heroic duties of helping keep people stay safe and alive during this global pandemic.

A full list of the states participating in protests was provided by the BBC and include Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Oregon, Maryland, Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Montant, Washington, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. The extent of each protest is varying in its intensity, however, they are all looking to incite the reopening of the state and the larger country. see PROTESTS on pg. 4

Oil futures crash, pump prices lag SALVADOR FERNANDEZ

STAFF WRITER

T

he coronavirus pandemic, which caused a global lockdown and caused the global economy to take a hard hit, has also contributed to a crash in oil prices.

The slash in global oil cut prices so low that prices closed negative in April and sellers holding U.S. crude contracts were facing -$37 a barrel pricing.

Signs indicate that the oil market may not stabilize for months. American companies are now seeing that the market they are supplying is deflating at a rapid pace.

Frank Verrastro, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said, “The supply-and-demand balance for oil is so out of whack that global demand cannot grow fast enough and suppliers can’t cut supply quickly enough to put things back in order.”

President Trump tweeted that he has instructed the Secretary of Energy and Treasury to come up with a plan to make funds available so that the U.S. Oil and Gas industry doesn’t get affected.

The cost of a barrel of oil is surprisingly low, considering the fact that many domestic producers need prices around $50 to $60 to make a profit. West Texas Intermediate crude has been trading for around $13 a barrel for a contract after dropping to as low as $6.55. Brent futures were selling at $19 which has been its lowest in more than 18 years.

The prices for a barrel of oil began dropping this year in January and have gone below zero during April.

The surplus of oil has led producers to store the barrels in giant tanker ships, and according to the Wall Street Journal, about 10 percent of the world’s oil tankers are being used for storage. Not to mention that there are an estimated 40 million Saudi Arabian barrels on the way to arrive on U.S. soil, which would add to the tens of millions of barrels that are already stored.

None of this is helping Californians at the pump, as prices have remained relatively stable near $3 per gallon.

In some states, gallon prices are below a dollar.

Aaron Brady, the vice president for energy oil market services at IHS Markit, said, “If you are a producer, see OIL CRASH on pg. 5

2 Editorial

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 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 Maria Pineda Contreras, Advertising Manager 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 STAR // Kevin Flores

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

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

“Travis Scott performs an “Astronomical” concert on Fortnite” Read the story on page 8.

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The wealthy protest quarantine; populous states start to reopen

T

he whole world has been put on pause due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In the United States, there have been nearly one million confirmed cases, and the number continues to grow daily. The state of California has a lockdown in order until May 4, as of now.

Throughout the coast of California, residents have left their homes to protest the stay-at-home order to try and reopen the beaches and the local parks. Huntington Beach had more than 200 protesters along the streets wanting the economy to reopen, while not staying six feet apart.

The protesters are calling this the “March for Freedom” and local law enforcement told ABC 7 News that “The ‘March for Freedom’ drew the crowds of people, many of whom were not adhering to physical distancing guidelines or wearing face masks.”

In these protests, the communities come to these areas and bring their signs and children to push forward their demands. One sign held up stated “We want to: go surfing, elect Trump for four more years, and recall Newsom.”

The protests are just a small population of California, yet their choices can affect millions of people within the state. Most of these protesting groups are anti-vaccine supporters and supporters of churches refusing to shut down.

The protests are mostly in communities where the residents are wealthy white Americans who have the supplies to survive this pan-

demic, yet the people who are barely making it by are listening and following the guidelines to be able to go back out to work and provide for their families. These locations are in places such as San Clemente, Huntington Beach, and Encintas.

When it comes to government officials, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer told the White House during Monday’s call she knew citizens were “frustrated” and called protesting a “wonderful American tradition.”

According to BBC News, “At Sunday’s coronavirus briefing [Trump] said those protesting against their governors’ social distancing measures were “great people… their life was taken away from them,” he said.

“These people love our country, they want to get back to work.”

During the quarantine, California has been praised for shutting down early and having most of the population respect the stay-at-home order. With other states, they have gained access to start reopening their businesses.

In the state of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statewide lockdown on Thurs April 2, then granted access to beaches three weeks later. The city of Jacksonville allowed their beaches to open and be on a time schedule. While the citizens were granted this access, they did not listen to the guidelines and these beaches were packed with people.

With states slowly opening, this can cause a spike in cases as locals do not follow

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

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the guidelines given out by each elected leader. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert, stated that states with little to no cases will start reopening as early as May 1. The factors of reopening the state varies from what region they are in, the number of current outbreaks, and the possible outcomes after the reopening. President Trump’s social distance ban is also over by April 30.

According to NBC San Diego, “Dr. Anthony Fauci says there’s no light switch that will be clicked to turn everything back on. He says a ‘rolling re-entry’ will be required based on the status of the new coronavirus pandemic in various parts of the country.”

With the states reopening, this can cause a spike in cases. The World Health Organization said “ The people who have recovered from COVID-19 will most likely have the antibodies to protect them from the second wave.”

From inside the White House, Coronavirus task force coordinator Deborah Birx said that social distancing should continue through summer as the cases continue to grow.

The people who will start breaking these guidelines and continue to push back the stay-at-home law, will be at fault for many others to try and break the rules as well.

This short-sighted rush to reopen will only cause more Americans to stay in their homes longer, lose their jobs and have a hard time getting by.

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

Opinion 3

APRIL 28- MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Lockdown protesters endanger human lives

COVID-19 triggers relapses and overdose deaths

Kylie Lawrence

STAFF WRITER

Chelsea Pinkham

STAFF WRITER

O

ver the last two weeks, protesters have taken to the streets in mass demonstrations across the country to demand an end to the temporary lockdown of nonessential businesses. Arguing that the immediate re-opening of businesses across the country is mandatory to preserve the nation’s economy, these protestors come with a wide range of views on the lockdown: some believing the COVID-19 virus to be an exaggerated threat, and some going as far as calling it a downright hoax. Regardless of their justifications, many of these protestors who are intentionally violating social distancing guidelines during a global pandemic- and arguably being egged on by President Trump- are putting human lives in danger and undermining the efforts of millions of quarantining citizens.

On Wednesday, April 15 a crowd of thousands of protesters, many heavily armed, rallied in Lansing, Michigan. While a number of these protestors stayed in their cars, a large group of individuals marched in close proximity without masks. The protesters also caused a severe traffic jam. The following Friday, roughly 200 protesters rallied in downtown Huntington Beach, California, with photos revealing that few chose to wear masks or observe social distancing. Dozens of protests took place across the U.S. on the same day. Many protestors waved Trump flags and held “Keep America Great” signs, showing their support for the president’s stance on rapidly reopening the country.

“Liberate America,” “Liberate California,” and other “liberation” related signage and chants was another popular theme in many of these protests, and President Trump raised concern with medical experts when he seemingly tweeted in support of these rallies. “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”, “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA!” were a few of Trump’s tweets in the same week that protests broke out in these states. “They seem to be very responsible people to me,” he said at a briefing the same day in regards to the protesters, expressing sympathy for citizens having to abide by social distancing regulations he deemed to be “too tough.”

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington was gravely concerned by this rhetoric, stating that this inflammatory behavior could “encourage illegal and dangerous acts” and that the president was “putting millions of people in danger of contracting COVID-19” by undermining its severity.

The fact remains that the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization is still strongly advocating social distancing, advising that people continue to work from home if possible, avoid entering businesses except for essential errands, and maintain a six-foot distance between others at all times.

While the frustration that protesters are experiencing is palpable, it is important to remember that people across the globe, many who have been facing lockdowns for weeks longer than the U.S., are feeling the same way. The lockdown is devastating both financially and emotionally for millions of people, but until the spread of the virus is curbed, it is necessary to save human lives. By intentionally gathering in large groups and violating guidelines that are in place to protect the vulnerable, protesters are only increasing the likelihood of another outbreak and lengthening the time needed to effectively halt the virus. Not only does this detract from the efforts of millions of lawabiding citizens who are suffering through quarantine, but it also puts the lives of the elderly, the immunocompromised, and our nation’s first responders directly at risk.

During a time of incredibly high stakes, listening to medical authorities and scientific consensus- not politics- is essential. While economies can recover with time, loss of human life can never be undone. These protestors are being very selfish and need to understand the consequences of their actions, especially during this time of panic and uncertainty.

T

he coronavirus pandemic is causing a lot of difficulties for people who struggle with addiction or substance abuse.

People who suffer from the disease of addiction are particularly vulnerable to catching coronavirus and having more severe cases if they do catch it. Along with the increased risk of being seriously affected by the virus, people who suffer from addiction are fighting relapse with fewer resources and support available. Dealing with recovery from addiction is already difficult enough, but additional complications due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak make it unfathomably harder.

Peter Grinspoon, a primary care doctor from Chelsea, Massachusetts, which currently has the highest rate of COVID-19 in the state, explained the multiple factors that may put people struggling with addiction at a higher risk for relapse or death during the pandemic.

“People suffering from addiction are vastly more vulnerable to coro-

navirus, as they are more likely to be homeless, poor, smokers with lung or cardiovascular disease, under- or uninsured, or have experienced serious health and socioeconomic issues from drug addiction,” said Grinspoon. Additionally, they often have weaker immune systems and are therefore more prone to infection and disease.

The same people who are most at risk of contracting the virus are now also facing a dire lack of availability of resources to help them avoid relapse and stay healthy.

“Whatever structures used to maintain sobriety by people with substance-use issues tend to fall away in a pandemic,” said Dr. Lawrence Brown Jr., CEO of START, New York’s largest independent drug treatment agency, in a WebMD article.

People have lost proximity to support systems, programs, and relationships that help them stay sober.

AA meetings and support groups have largely moved online, even though many people in recovery highly value, need, and miss the camaraderie of support groups. “The social isolation that is so critical to preventing the spread of coronavirus prevents people from attending peer-support groups, which are such a vital source of emotional and spiritual support to people struggling to stay in recovery,” said Grinspoon.

Since the outbreak of the virus, people in recovery ave had to quickly adjust to appointments and counseling via telehealth, virtual meetings, social networks, and apps--and these changes can be stressful, exacerbating the difficulty of recovery. They are

also being told to stay home, which directly contradicts the need to go to clinics to obtain prescribed medications for treating addiction.

The pandemic also seems to be increasing the number of overdose deaths. Users who have adopted harm reduction techniques and using drugs with friends are now using them alone, and there is no one nearby to administer naloxone or call 911 in the event of an overdose. When people do call 911, the health care system is overloaded, and first responders may not arrive as quickly. The city of Vancouver in Canada announced that there had been a spike in overdose-suspected deaths from March 23 to March 28 amid the coronavirus crisis. Likewise, when social distancing requirements were implemented in Ohio county, there was a spike in overdose deaths-six people in 24 hours--according to the Ohio County Coroner, Dr. Anahi Ortiz.

In order to protect those most at risk from the virus and who are faced with the dual crisis of coronavirus and addiction, loved ones of people dealing with addiction and substance abuse should consider how they can reach out and provide support. “We need to make sure that they are getting the medications they need to recover, that they have access to clean needles if they are still using, adequate medical care, food, and housing--basic human needs,” suggested Grinspoon.

Even though we must remain physically distant words of encouragement from loved ones can have a huge impact on the journey of a recovering addict during these times.

Harvard turns down federal aid due to public pressure

Joseph Owen

STAFF WRITER

H

arvard University faced backlash after the multibillion-dollar educational institution sought out millions in coronavirus federal aid. Harvard, along with many other of their colleagues has slowly begun to back away from seeking out federal aid due to the fact they may not necessarily need it. While the federal CARES Act has passed for over two trillion dollars, many colleges across the country are in much more need of it than a wealthy institution like Harvard.

Both public and political pressure towards the university caused them to bow out as they are still making billions off tuition and having to pay less as most of their staff are not being paid other than teachers and essentials. Harvard has the largest endowment at $40 billion and has announced they will not accept federal aid. While

this has cooled off the pressure from many public and political sources, other wealthy colleges are now feeling the pressure to do the same.

Similar Ivy League schools like Yale, Princeton, and Stanford have also rejected the federal aid, but have come under less fire due to the fact that they either did not request it or followed in Harvard’s footsteps. The eight million dollar fund is nothing to these kinds of schools and the fact that Harvard would apply for the aid is absurd.

Colleges like Sonoma State with endowments of a large percentage, less than Harvard, not only struggle in times like this but are much more deserving and in need of federal aid.

In a statement on Twitter, Harvard announced they will not be accepting the fund stating, “While we understand any reallocation of these resources is a matter for the Department of Education, we hope that special consideration will be given to Massachusetts institutions that are struggling to serve their communities and meet the needs of their students through these difficult and challenging times.”

While Harvard did make good use of helping their neighboring college institutions, they also could be providing aid for them with the incredible lump sum of money they already have. While they may

be losing a bit of money with the lack of campus activities, they still have a huge endowment that could be useful to other universities.

Many colleges struggle to refund students for housing and food services, and many sportsoriented schools are not able to sell tickets like they used to. Congress will hopefully pass legislation to block colleges with over $10 billion in an endowment to be able to accept federal funds as they have much more time until there are major repercussions to their Ivy League Institution. Although it is not necessarily fair to wealthy institutions, as of now during a global pandemic, the people in need should come first.

President Trump has thanked these wealthy institutions for not accepting federal aid. However, there has been public outrage due to the fact that they even applied for federal help. They may need help in the long run if the stay at home order continues longer, but as of now, they have both the time and money to be able to help other educational institutions near them which would ultimately improve their reputation they hold so dear.

Harvard, along with the many other Ivy League schools that did not accept government aid should set a precedent to other wealthy institutions who have the means to make a difference.

Creative celebrations for quarantine birthdays

Ryan Weiner

STAFF WRITER

I

n the springtime, birthdays are meant to be celebrated outside in the fresh sunshine, after all of the rain and gloomy clouds from winter vanish. Unfortunately, this year many people cannot enjoy their big day in the way they would have wanted. No one ever imagined the world would be turned upside due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to fight the Coronavirus, the federal government implemented strict measures, which include the banning of gatherings containing more than two people, and enforcing a “stay-at-home” order, preventing millions of people from leaving their house unless es-

sential. These restrictions make it nearly impossible for a birthday or a holiday to be traditionally celebrated as many people usually gather at a house or a park to enjoy each other’s company.

Being able to celebrate a birthday is an important tradition to Americans, as your age signifies numerous milestones. Birthdays, especially for young kids, can be the best day of the year, as they rack up sums of money and gifts from their friends and family. When teenagers turn 18, they symbolically become an adult and start their life journey. Not being able to celebrate birthdays because of the current pandemic that the world is facing can be a real bummer. Unfortunately, this is the way it has to be in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

For Sonoma State student and recent birthday girl, Marissa Salinas, these restrictions did not stop her from celebrating her birthday with the people she loved, “My friends and family pulled up to my house in cars to sing me happy birthday and take shots with me as it was my 21 birthday celebration.” Some people peeked through their sunroof and others got out of the car, but kept a six-foot distance while they sang and celebrated together. “I really enjoyed it …I was a little bummed because it was my 21 birthday and I was really

excited to spend it with the friends that I hang out with every day, except during quarantine,” Marissa said.

Marissa is not the only person to have celebrated her big day this way, there are many videos of people conducting drive-by celebrations, called birthday parades, on social media platforms. These birthday parades are a good alternative to traditional birthday celebrations during the current pandemic as people are practicing social distancing while celebrating the birthday of their loved ones and friends.

On a residential street in Culver City, California, many of the homeowners place big “happy birthday” signs on either their lawn or front window to help celebrate the birthday of their neighbor’s young children.

Lucy Thomas, who turned seven last week, got in on the action as her parents walked with her around the block on her special day to see all of her friends and neighbors celebrating in honor of her birthday. Lucy was so happy and thankful to have her special day remembered by everyone.

Birthday parades are a great alternative to traditional parties during these strict “stay-at-home” orders.

This is just one way to help bring light to a bleak situation. Even though most events in America are canceled, birthday celebrations still stand strong.

4 News Social

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

MISSOURI continued from pg. 1

continued from pg. 1

at least 171,000 deaths, according to data com FreedomWorks, an organization behind the push piled by John Hopkins University. for protests, is backing groups looking to stand for their The majority of the states in the U.S., inrights to assemble. This organization has been funded by cluding Missouri, have gone under some form of conservatives in the past, making their stand a political one. shelter-in-place or lockdown with exemptions for According to FreedomWorks website, they created an online essential goods and services. function to help aid the planning process of these protests.

Unlike other states, Missouri Governor Mike As the pandemic and orders to social distance continue, so Parson has allowed nonessential businesses to stay will the spread of these protests. open, as long as they comply with the social distanc Counter protests are being held by healthcare COURTESY // Nicola ing requirements, which mandates that no more than workers who witness first hand the detrimental power of Political and ideological divides are widening.

10 individuals can occupy a single space.

COVID-19. People dressed in scrubs have been seen stand As reported by NBC News, the Chinese ing in front of the processions of cars to form a human-made because of its prevalence throughout the entire world and government responded to the lawsuit, calling it pathway for other healthcare workers and vehicles to make it because it caused rampant infection easily through human “very absurd.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the hospital. contact. If the US decides to reopen officially to the exact spokesman, Geng Shauang, continued, “The legal Currently, President Trump is working with state way it used to be, the population would face cases continuaction has no factual and legal basis at all. The mingovernors to reopen states that have low case numbers, ing. istry and other Chinese government departments which could lead to the ease of these large protests. There This is the first large scale global pandemic that most have denied accusations that have been made over will be an order in which states must follow in carrying of the world’s population has faced since the 1900s. Most the outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan... out the reopening of each state. Trump is putting it into the people are faced with having to learn how to handle this These so-called lawsuits are purely malicious abushands of each state to decide their reopening timeline based pandemic as they go. es.” on the set of basic rules to be met in order to reopen society.

For graduating senior Domenic Fauria, he holds some However, the number of cases continues to climb as the concern as to where society and the economy will be for US is approaching one million cases, which is larger than his graduating class. He acknowledged that the population any other country in the world. While the states that are pro- is facing a new era with a lot of change ahead. As for the testing do not have as many cases as others, it does not mean protests, Fauria believes “that people are facing a lot of that that still could not happen. The fear in reopening the emotions at the moment and are misunderstanding what the US is that COVID-19 would surge back to the rates it had in country needs right now to heal.” the beginning. The medical crisis was labeled a pandemic

NEWS IN BRIEF United States Declining tax revenues and costs associated with coronavirus prevention are decimating municipal budgets. Some cities and states are expected to file bankruptcy as a result of the financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic.

Italy Veneto, a northern region of Italy chose to defy the national government, as local leaders lifted COURTESY // allan barnett coronavirus restrictions one week early. Luca Venice will relax some restrictions soon.

Zaia, governor of Veneto, said Italy’s approach will “fuel social conflict.”

Florida

North Korea

A federal trial is underway to determine if laws that prevent felons from voting are constitutional.

Voting rights advocates have long argued that Florida is denying the right to vote by weaponizing and politicizing the criminal justice system.

Japanese media is reporting that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is in a vegetative state after collapsing from a cardiac event on April 12. Reportedly a failed stent operation led to his current condition.

Houston

Turkey

Mayor Sylvester Turner is warning that the oil price crash and the coronavirus shutdown have shocked the city’s financial situation. The zoo is being defunded, city workers furloughed, and 300,000 jobs could be lost in the area.

COURTESY // Victoria_Borodinova

The Turkish government announced arrests of Kim Jong Un has not been seen for weeks. more than 400 people in the course of 42 days, after investigating 855 accounts and 6,000 posts and social media content that countered the official narrative concerning the coronavirus.

Iowa

El Salvador

Meat prices are rising and selection could become limited, as some meat-packing plants are temporarily closing due to coronavirus. Executives say production capacity is currently reduced by 25%.

Food supply chains are vulnerable globally.

President Nayib Bukele announced a 24-hour lockdown of prisons, after 22 people were murdered in one day. Photos depict rows of inmates crowded together on a floor in one room. Bukele says gangs are taking advantage of the pandemic.

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Washington, D.C.

New Zealand

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that $6 billion in Federal Reserve intervention saved the Carnival cruiseline company from financial ruin.

Carnival is owned by Pres. Trump’s friend, Micky Arison, and critics are demanding an inquiry.

Prime Minister Jacinda Aren said New Zealand has successfully eliminated coronavirus, and the nation is now focusing efforts on a “zero tolerance approach” with “aggressive management” to “keep numbers low.”

Authoritarian governments are using the pandemic as an excuse to achieve goals.

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New Zealand says COVID-19 “eliminated.”

COURTESY // Gnawme COURTESY // asram02 Houston and other cities are signaling financial

Carnival received a multi-billion dollar bailout that kept the business afloat.

hardship is on the horizon.

News 5

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sonomastatestar.com

Oil crash 2020 Implosion of futures market continued from pg. 1

your market has disappeared, and if you don’t have access to storage, you are out of luck.”

Contracts for West Texas Intermediate were set to expire this month, which would force their holders on the contracts to unload oil as a complete loss in profit. However, their contracts for the month of June are set to be doing slightly better, since they are selling at around $16 a barrel. This price is still considerably low, as it does not reach the break-even mark for many oil companies.

Major oil companies have decided to start cutting back spending on construction of new wells by 50 percent while oilfield service companies are doing similar cutbacks by laying off more workers during this oil crash.

If the cutbacks aren’t enough for some companies, others have just come to a complete halt and have shut down wells. This is taking a huge hit financially on their part.

While cutbacks may be a good move, some traders still consider oil will have value by late spring. With June prices continuing to be at $20, it could be devastating for North American shale companies. Still, some economists think that the June price won’t hold steady enough.

Oil companies will continue to keep pumping even if they lose money. It’s a way COURTESY // Moni49 to pay interest on their debts to be somewhat stable.

According to the Washington Post, on April 12, members of the Organization of Oil prices crashed due to decreased demand and overproduction.

Petroleum Exporting Countries had agreed to cut production by 10 million barrels a cy protection within the coming months. Halliburton, a giant provider of equipment, day, which is equivalent to 10% of the global output of oil. workers, and services for oil companies, has already reported $1 billion in losses just Some companies have reported substantial losses and could be seeking bankrupt- this year.

Most Republican-led states to reopen continued from pg. 1

controversial conversations.

The governor had much to say in an interview with a Jacksonville news anchor, and said, “As I said in my announcement last week, the limited beaches reopening can be a first step and pathway back to normal, but we must be mindful of the risks and respect the limitations, not only for our safety but for the safety of our neighbors as well.” He claims that due to the curve flattening, it was an opportunity for people to have more open space.

The opening of beaches in Florida has caused a lot of frustration due to the fact that many think that we are not ready to go back to normality.

Another state that is back for business is Georgia.

As of April 24, Georgia is allowing barbers, hair and nail salons, fitness centers, estheticians, massage therapists, bowling alleys, and gyms to resume business. Also opening are restaurants and theatres on April 27. Although businesses are allowed to reopen, everything is opening with certain rules and restrictions.

Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp recently tweeted the day that the reopen was declared, “To Georgia’s law enforcement community, thank you for your hard work today educating the public, checking businesses for compliance with social distancing and sanitation rules, and ensuring the well-being of Georgians. I appreciate your support in our fight against #COVID19!”

Some Americans are arguing that the response is not the correct way to fight a virus or reopen a state.

Although certain states have the idea that reopening is better for the county and its people, California is staying put and maintaining its precautions and will remain closed for as long as possible. California is more focused on the consequences of the “second wave” of COVID-19 that scientists predict will occur in the winter of 2020.

Governor Newsom recently announced the six marks that California needs to achieve before shelter-inplace orders are removed, and his two week timeline to re-evaluate the state’s condition ends April 28. Californians anxiously await updates and information.

CANCELED continued from pg. 1

year they have decided to hold a “Virtual Burning Man” with hopes that it will attract 100,00 people to attend online. The virtual event will have a ticket price but that has yet to be announced. The cancellation of this event will lead to “substantial staff layoffs, pay reductions, and other belt-tightening measures,” the Burning Man organization announced on its website. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Burning Man brings Nevada $60 million each year.

An abundance of concerts/tours have been either canceled or postponed, including Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish. Taylor Swift, in particular, postponed all of her concerts, which were supposed to start on June 20 in Werchter, Belgium, and end on August 1 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Swift was supposed to headline at the ever famous Glastonbury Festival which has now been canceled as well. According to Glastonbury’s statement on their website, “Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th-anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only viable option.”

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Many areas are now ordered to wear masks while in public.

Burning Man is moving to a virtual experience this year.

COVID-19 pandemic in perspective

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Just in case online class wasn’t already a reason you’re stressed...

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Fewer press allowed in briefings means fewer perspectives.

6 Arts

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Quarantine chic finds its moment CARSON MILLER STAFF WRITER

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eemingly innumerable stores, restaurants and thousands of other public spaces across the country--least, those of which are still open-have now required customers to wear masks inside their businesses. While orders by local governments have mandated public mask-wearing all the while, outside of the clear benefits in reducing the exposure of COVID-19, it seems that masks have quickly become a paramount part of our, well, “everyday fashion.”

“Experts are increasingly suggesting that masks may need to be worn for at least a year, until a vaccine is developed,” said Vanessa Friedman of the Times.

With masks becoming an essential component of our everyday outfits, it seems necessary to count masks as part of a new wave in 21st century fashion.

COVID-19 has left many clothing companies at a loss for profit due to their stores being required to be closed due to the virus--yet, they have turned their efforts toward protecting healthcare workers and Americans across the country.

The masks are made out of a variety of fabrics such as silk, elastic, denim and polyester. All types of these masks can be purchased on a variety of websites, such as mask.club.com, which has various licensing deals with well known companies like popular cartoon and superhero brands, Hello Kitty, Superman, NASA and many others.

These, of which customers can purchase at a price of $9.99 per month, give people a safe and fashionable outfit addition when leaving the house.

Many other brands have been offering their own fashionable masks; for example, brands such as Stacy Bendet of Alice + Olivia have been making animal and floral print masks for as low

as $12.95, while some higher-end brands, such as Collina Strada, have been making them from deadstock with giant bows on the side for $100.

Truly, there are masks for every individual style and budget.

Although wearing a mask is not mandatory in all cities and countries around the world, many cities and countries with high-density populations, such as New York and New Jersey; countries, such as Austria and the Czech Republic; have mandated citizens be required to wear masks.

With the possibility of the required continuation of wearing masks in public, it is evident that, outside of being a part of our newfound fashion, they can also be seen as a social contract among people all over the world. Of course, it is everyone’s role to do their part to protect themselves COURTESY // Lashedoutinc. and one another from the spread of the virus: from healthcare workers wearing masks to treat and Many approaches to the face mask have reigned from those beprotect themselves from patients in hospitals to dazzled to those more refined: With endless renditions at play in people wearing them anywhere in public to flatten the customization process, the best part arises: like anything else DIY, its all up to the creator. the curve.

Although many textile companies have happened to benefit financially from their production of masks, many have followed an initiative to donate one mask to a healthcare worker for every mask purchased.

As of now, leaving the house without a mask seems like a growing part of the world’s distant past. Although now mandatory in major cities and countries around the world, the required maskwearing era we are currently living through can be seen as a way to not only segue a steady end to COVID-19, but also as one giving people an COURTESY // US99 radio opportunity to express their individuality while Chicago residents share their support of their state and country being mandated to wear a mask. all-in-one as the ‘mask customization frontier’ ever expands.

Under-the-radar entertainment apps worthy of your download

COURTESY // digitaltrends VR Travel apps have increasingly gained popularity over the last two years--but, especially with the advent of Covid-19, are they still here to stay?

VR travel: here to stay?

GENESIS BOTELLO STAFF WRITER

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COURTESY // Houseparty The new entertainment app “Houseparty” sits at Apple Top Charts number three slot on free apps at the Apple iTunes store.

JESSICA SIAS STAFF WRITER

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ntertainment and gaming apps have been a huge hit across the nation amid ongoing quarantine.

As everyone is mandated to stay home and flatten the curve via self-isolation, games and entertainment applications have been downloaded left and right while people around the nation find ways to remain entertained.

Social media applications like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can keep the world connected with their loved ones, but interacting with family and friends is also accessible through gaming apps. Influencers and celebrities have been interacting with their followers and creating platforms online that allow them to stay connected and entertain their fans. They go “live” on Instagram and do at-home cooking shows, play games and even have athome concerts wherein anyone with an Instagram account can attend.

Games like Fortine are used to not just virtually connect with friends and have competitive games, but to have the opportunity to talk to whoever players are in match with. Recently, popular rap artist Travis Scott, for example, announced he would be holding a concert on Fortnite. It lasted for about 10 minutes and was an animated shortfilm concert. He performed two of his popular songs, “Highest In The Room” and “Goosebumps” to create a rave-like experience with neon lights: a performance that his Fortnite avatar was putting on in-game.

Over 12 million people watched Scott’s performance live.

While many quarantiners are entertained by popular games like Fortnite, there are other popular games and

entertainment applications hitting top charts on the Apple Inc. iTunes store: doing so, precisely, due to the pandemic.

The application “House Party” is number three on AppleTop Charts for free apps on Apple iTunes. The app is a face-to-face network where users have the opportunity to video chat with friends and loved ones. Although there are already apps like Zoom, and even FaceTime on Apple devices, House Party has unique features that have reigned as quite the crowd-pleaser.

It is accessible on iPhones, Androids and more smart devices.

On “House Party,” users can play games like Heads Up!, Trivia, Quick Draw as well as Chips and Guac, all while being on a video call with friends.

It is a fun way to catch up and get competitive even with a game like Trivia; the app even gives users fun celebrity facts while they wait for other users to connect on video-chat.

Video games are currently at a high demand, alongside games that can be easily downloaded on smartphones.

Games like Subway Surfers, an endless runner gaming fleeing on a railroad trying to escape an officer, has been downloaded 1.249 billion times on Android phones, according to Dan Price, journalist of “Make Use Of.” Right behind Subway Surfers, Candy Crush has been downloaded 1 billion times and has seen a rise in downloads during the pandemic all the while.

People around the nation are trying to be entertained while stuck at home: but many also know that, after all, staying entertained through a screen can only last for so long.

tudents: kick off your slippers and settle into your favorite sofa spot in preparation to travel to the Galapagos Islands--virtually, that is.

Travel agencies, airlines and tourism boards have introduced virtual reality (VR) technology that allows the experience of visiting popular tourism hotspots well across the world.

Although once considered a gimmick, VR has turned 360 degrees as a way to travel during the global pandemic. Initially used as a marketing tool to advertise locations to travel, VR has become its hopeful replacement.

The advantages that have come from the inclined drop in travel have been an optimistic improvement in air and water pollution.

“Places typically choked with worse air pollution saw the most extreme drops in fine particulate matter or soot. Delhi saw a 60 percent reduction in pollution over a three-week period while its stay-at-home order took effect, compared to the same period last year. Seoul, South Korea, saw a 54 percent decrease. Soot in Wuhan, China, dropped by 44 percent,” said Justine Calma from The Verge.

The improvement of our decreased carbon footprint seems to lean toward the option of increased VR sets in American homes.

But, VR is an advantage only to those who can afford the technology in their homes. The starting cost for a high-end option runs around $599 to $799.

Among the most prominent: VR brand, Oculus.

There are also lower-end VR sets, like Google Cardboard, that lack the advantages of an immersive experience offered by high-end sets, resulting in a decline in popularity last year due to noticeable limitations.

VR technology still has room for improvement. The headset is frontheavy and makes the user sweaty around the eyes, making it uncomfortable to wear for more than 30

minutes; especially while playing the popular game Beat Saber, where the player is in constant movement, staying with the musical beat.

One of the treats of travel is sensory exploration. Breathing new air, tasting new food and touching the environment. Yet, these are all benefits that disappear in VR. Instead of having a wholesome experience of visiting another country, the enjoyment lasts a few minutes.

Meeting people from other countries and expanding our cultural knowledge and appreciation comes with learning different customs and languages: something that VR would struggle to duplicate.

If, say, a bodysuit was created to bring in some of the sensory benefits of travel, it might establish a series of new options above VR. A not-so-far futuristic technology, as imagined in the movie ‘Ready Player One’ directed by Steven Spielberg, could become a readily standard reality.

In “Ready Player One,” players are strapped to an apparatus that allows movement in all directions, and live most of their lives in the VR world; Painting a pessimistic view of society’s dependence on technology but, equally significant, demonstrating the endless possibilities in a VR world.

Many countries are dependent on the travel industry. During the pandemic, a third of travel-related jobs have been lost, comparatively ninetimes greater than the 9/11 attacks.

“The CARES Act was a good start, but the data shows there is still extreme and mounting pain in the American travel industry,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. If VR is here to stay, there is great uncertainty in the travel industry’s future. But at the moment, VR would be an improvement during the pandemic, as many Americans increasingly run out of activities to do around their home.

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Nirvana tribute concert raises over $2.7 million in support of COVID-19 relief

MARIA PINEDA-CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER

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ost Malone took to YouTube Live Saturday, April 24 at 6 p.m. EST. to perform a full Nirvana tribute concert to raise money for the United Nations Foundation’s “COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund” for The World Health Organization (W.H.O.). All efforts deemed successful after donations totaled to more than $2.7 million by the end of the 80-minute long live-stream.

The multifaceted singer-songwriter did not conquer the quest alone, as he and three other socially distanced bandmates performed in Malone’s Salt Lake City, Utah home. He was joined by drummer Travis Barker of Blink-182, bassist Brian Lee and guitarist Nick Mack. Together they performed a set that included 15 of Nirvana’s original songs.

Among the tracks: “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle,” “Drain You,” “Come as You Are,” “Lounge Act,” “School,” “Heart-Shaped Box,” “Something in the Way,” “About a Girl,” “Stay Away,” “Lithium,” “Breed,” “On a Plain,” “Very Ape,” “Territorial Pissings,” and “In Bloom.”

Malone opened up the concert with a quick thank you to the iconic group’s diseased lead singer, Kurt Cobain, for the songs he released during his shortlived life; followed by the opening song “Frances Farmer Will Never Have Her Revenge on Seattle” from Nirvana’s last studio album, “In Utero.” Standing in front of his home bar, Post (and Lee) wore a f lower dress to pay homage to the Nirvana singer who was known for eschewing gender norms when it came to his own onstage fashion.

In contrast to Malone’s smoother pop and rap tunes, like “Feeling Whitney” and “Congratulations,” the singer showed off the raspier side of his voice in a distinct grudge-like fashion with “no autotune at all,” he sheepishly boasted midway through. The stream was equally raw as Malone admitted to having only two run-throughs before the performance.

Nearly 200,000 viewers tuned in within five minutes of Malone going live. The live stream even

COURTESY // EWeekly Post Malone, left, did a 15-song tribute band cover of original Nirvana songs, many written by the late Kurt Cobain, right. It resulted in more than 80 minutes of play-time for fans around the world. caught the attention and approval of Nirvana bassist, Krist Novoselić. The original member declared, “I don’t think these fellows can play any better. They are on fire!!!!” as he tweeted throughout the concert, adding that he was “holding emotions back the whole show.”

Courtney Love, the widow of Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, also congratulated the band for a riveting performance and praised them for raising millions of dollars to help fight the unforsaken virus.

She posted on Instagram, “Goosebumps ... Go have a margarita Post Malone. Nothing but love from here,” Love said.

Fans and people alike were able to donate to the UN Foundation in real-time during the live stream event by using a “DONATE” button that was located at the bottom of the screen. Google.org and YouTube will be matching donations at a 2:1 rate, up to $5M to help, “ensure patients get the care they need, frontline workers get essential supplies + info, and accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, & treatments,” Malone said on the Youtube video.

The window to donate is open until June 30 and can be found on Malone’s YouTube page as well as the United Nations Foundation website at www.unfoundation.org.

Major companies scramble as virus halts global movie production CRAIG ZSCHACH STAFF WRITER

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ovid-19 has affected many different aspects of life throughout the last few months, and the movie industry has seen similar drawbacks.

Almost all films coming out this spring and summer are being delayed, and, in the next six months, there will be new tactics put in place by filmmakers to earn a profit while consumers are stuck at home.

“It hasn’t sunk in what the impact will be. Disney, in particular, has major concerns and theater owners are especially nervous. It’s unprecedented— akin to 9/11. Home entertainment could thrive, but with production slowdowns there will be a pipeline problem,” said Newsweek’s “Hollywood Takes an Economic Beating from COVID-19.”

Covid-19 has affected films in different ways: some have had to stop filming and others have to push their release dates in fear of not drawing a big enough crowd. “Mission: Impossible 7” had to stop filming in Italy while the country went into lockdown. This was a drastic blow, for example, as Business Insider explained, “Under the working title of ‘Libra,’‘Mission: Impossible 7’ is set to be the latest in a line of block-

buster films for the Paramount Pictures franchise.”

It is unclear at this time if this set back will stop the movie from coming out on its original release date, but if other aspects of the film are delayed, a Mission Impossible release will be pushed back.

Other films have pushed their release dates back months, up to a year. The Disney and Pixar Movie “Soul” has been moved from its original theatrical release date of June 19, 2020 to Nov. 20, 2020. The date was moved to November to allow the movie to be released in theaters.

Universal’s “Minions: The Rise of Gru” has also been pushed back from July 3, 2020 to July 2, 2021.

Universal moved “Minions: The Rise of Gru” to the original release date of “Sing 2,” as the sequel will now be released on Dec. 22, 2021.

With all major companies moving around their films and pushing back release dates, “We knew 2020 wasn’t poised to be anywhere near as big as 2019 in terms of grosses; it was due to be a transition year.

But no one ever thought it was going to be quite as harsh as this,” Deadline.com expressed.

Some Companies are taking a different approach to the situation by releasing films digitally for consumers to watch while they are home, bored. One of Disney’s new animated movies, “Onward,” released on March 6, was quickly transitioned to digital access. Two weeks after “Onward” was released, Disney had the film available for 20 dollars online, and, a few weeks later: free on Disney+.

STK’s Guy Ritchie-helmed “The Gentlemen” also transitioned their film onto streaming service and digital access quickly. Only 60 days after its theater release, “The Gentlemen” was in homes across the country.

The change on how quick big titles are coming to people’s homes after their initial release could change the way the film industry works in the future. Prior to 2020, it took films four-to-five months to be transitioned out of theaters and into homes; now, it is two months or less.

Covid-19 will change many things in the world, and the near future of the movie industry might just be one of them.

STAR // Lily Frazier As the sun started to set over Reading Cinemas movie theater in Rohnert Park Wednesday night, April 22, the uncertain future of the movie industry and its hollywood stakeholders remained equally ever spanning.

8 Student Life

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Fortnite brought some entertainment to those stuck in quarantine with a Travis Scott concert.

COURTESY// Instagram

Travis Scott performs an “Astronomical” concert on Fortnite

TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

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s we face unprecedented times, our world is certainly adapting. The shelter-in place has led the creative minds behind the battle royale game, Fortnite, to bring remote entertainment to the next level. In a collaboration with Travis Scott, Epic Games added “Astronomical” to the gaming world from April 23-25. What was a truly “visceral experience, drew in a record breaking 12.3 million live concurrent players,” said a statement from Epic Games.

Fortnite has been a live platform for many virtual events in the past few years. A screening of a never-before-seen clip from The Rise of Skywalker, a concert hosted by Marshmello, and a special clip from the show Parks and Recreation, have all been special treats for gamers. None of the events have been as surreal as Astronomical, though.

The 10 minute event began with players gathered in front of a stage. Players could use new emotes added to the game for the event, such as headbanging and raising fiery mics over their head. As the song “Sikko Mode,” by Travis Scott featuring Drake, began to play, a giant space ship approached the stage. Suddenly, all players were blasted into the air by the impact of a crash-landing giant avatar of Travis Scott. Once the beat dropped, the avatar of Travis Scott stood up and began rapping. Players followed as the truly gigantic avatar walked and glitched around the island performing.

Eye-grabbing sceneries continued to change throughout the 10 minute show in correspondence with the songs.

“Things got quite a bit more colorful as the environment dimmed and Scott’s circulatory system went rainbow,” said an article by the Insider.

Travis Scott is well-known for his ability to put on a show. Scott’s last tour, Astroworld, featured two stages: a carousel and roller coaster at every show.

According to an article by the Washington Post, “Astroworld” had the raw energy (and slight terror) of a hallucinogenic theme park--hence why Scott fastened himself into the carousel to perform ‘Carousel’ and allowed fans to ride it throughout the evening.” It’s not surprising that Scott’s collaboration with Epic Games was such a success. With the endless capabilities of animations, Scott’s visions were brought to their fullest potential.

The pinnacle of the event was the premier of Scott and Kid Cudi’s new song “The Scotts.” Once the song started playing, the giant Travis Scott avatar blasted off into space, taking all of the players with him. After that the show ended, and all the players f loated back on to the island into the original Fortnite mode they were playing.

Players who attended any of the shows from April 23-35 received free loot.

From Travis Scott “skins,” to new outfits and emotes, players could receive all of it by simply attending the event. It is still possible for players to get all of the Travis Scott loot if they complete a series of challenges.

This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that players could enjoy while stuck in quarantine from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “shadow pandemic” women face during COVID-19

TAYA ANDRADE STAFF WRITER

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OVID-19 has presented obstacles left and right.

From shortages of medical equipment, a crashing economy, the requirement to adapt to an entirely different way of life-we’ve all been put to the test.

Yet, some obstacles might not be as obvious. COVID-19 has notso-subtly impacted the lives of women in a very serious way.

While the world copes with COVID-19, women are facing their own pandemic, the shadow pandemic. The term is used by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). The shadow pandemic represents the upsurge in violence against women and girls (VAWG) that has been exacerbated by the virus.

According to a report released by UN Women, “Emerging data shows that since the outbreak of COVID-19, reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have increased in several countries as security, health, and money worries create tensions and strains accentuated by the cramped and confined living conditions of lockdown.”

The report is an extremely valuable resource to understanding how exactly the virus affects women. Drawing upon statistics and trends from prior crises, such as the Ebola and Zika outbreaks, experts from various fields are able to quickly deduce that crises exacerbate inequalities--

especially inequalities between genders.

“In France, for example, cases of domestic violence have increased by 30% since the lockdown on March 17.

Helplines in Cyprus and Singapore have registered an increase in calls by 30% and 33% respectively. In Argentina, emergency calls for domestic violence cases have increased by 25% since the lockdown started,” said the United Nations (UN) Women Report.

As domestic violence reports increase, essential services that would have previously served victims of abuse are becoming less and less available.

According to the report, “Even where basic essential services are maintained, a collapse in a coordinated response between different sectors, i.e., health, police and justice and social services response, and social distancing will mean that sectors will be challenged to provide meaningful and relevant support to women and girls who are experiencing violence.”

Thankfully there are still local resources available to women in our community for support. As explained in an email sent out to all Seawolves, Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Susan Pulido, is available as a resource for students. Her email is: susan. pulido@sonoma.edu.

Verity Rape Crisis Center, who has visited Sonoma State

COURTESY// UN Women The shadow pandemic refers to the increase of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 outbreak.

University (SSU) on multiple occasions, is also offering remote services. They have a 24-hour crisis hotline to speak with a confidential counselor at (707) 545-7273.

The UN Women are calling on governments and institutions all over the world for action.

Student Life 9

APRIL 28 - MAY 24 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Finding internships during the COVID-19 crisis LESLIE M. LEVY STAFF WRITER

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lanning for Fall class schedules should also serve as a reminder of the internship or other work-experience based credits required for graduation. Summer is coming up fast, and if students want to get credit for their Summer or Fall internship, now is the time to get those arrangements lined up and locked in.

The priority registration deadline for Summer internships is July 2, and Fall internships will fill up fast, so earlier is better for those who still need internship credit units to graduate.

Students cannot receive credit units retroactively.

Don’t be that student waking up in a cold sweat on July 3 to the voice of the old secretary in Monsters Inc. “You forgot to file your paperwork...”

Just like classes, tuition is required to receive credit for internships, but internship hours are generally cheaper than class tuition and are currently being offered at a 20% discount. At $240 per unit, it’s not nearly the price of a class, and Extended Education is offering $500 summer scholarships that students may apply for to possibly offset the cost.

Finding, securing, and getting credit for internship hours can initially seem overwhelming, frustrating, and tedious. This is normal. But, what is not normal, is this season of life across the globe. Internships, like the job market, are sure to be in a state of flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Career Center advisor Kelsey Bensky said, “We’ve done lots of research and are finding that while some companies are already making decisions about their internship programs, many are still the process of deciding, because we are still in the midst of so much uncertainty.”

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, about 60% of employers are not revoking any offers, though about 20% of those polled are considering it.

“There have been some internships that are canceled, but many companies are moving forward with their summer interns remotely, adjusting to projectbased virtual work, and more. There are also others who have ‘freezed’ their internship program, meaning they are pausing temporarily, and decisions will be made as more information unfolds,” Bensky said.

Sonoma State’s Arts and Humanities Internship Coordinator, Hillary Homzie, emphasized this as an opportunity for students to explore avenues they may not have considered before the COVID-19 global shutdown. “I see it all the time. Whenever there’s a change, it also permits all of us to open new windows and doors in our lives,” Homzie said.

“It levels the playing field...It’s the surprising upside to a downturn,” Homzie continued. “The wonderful advantage to doing it remote...is that it allows you not to have geographical limitations.” For example, one student she knows is working with the Smithsonian Institution,

a collective of 19 museums, galleries, research centers and the National Zoo, most of which are located in Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity they never would have even considered applying for if they had to add in the cost of moving across the country for an in-person internship.

Although many students may need up to four credit units total, they may take one unit at a time. One credit unit consists of 45 hours of work over the course of the semester. A four-unit internship is 180 hours of work--about 15-20 hours per week for 9-12 weeks. Depending on each department’s requirements, students may need to keep a log of their hours and duties, keep a reflective journal, write an analytic or summary paper at the end of their internship, fill out an evaluation of their experience, or some combination of similar activities.

For those students that are unsure about signing up for one four-unit internship, be it a heavy class schedule this fall or not feeling quite ready to dive in head first, Homzie recommends taking on a few smaller internships spread out over time, or exploring different areas.

In the uncertain climate across the country currently, micro-internships are trending for summer opportunities.

Multiple micro-internships will require a bit more paperwork, but the benefits aren’t limited to accommodating busy schedules.

Students can broaden both their skill sets and their professional

networks by doing several small, remote projects.

Bensky recommends looking for micro-internships through parkerdewey.com. All of their internships are projectbased, have estimated hours for completion, and most are paid and list the total project cost alongside the qualifications--all of those hours can add up to credit units with SSU. Homzie believes there is no such thing as a mistake when it comes to internships. “Sometimes a good experience is you figuring out this isn’t your jam. This isn’t for you, even if the people are encouraging, and even if you did a great job,” Homzie said.

One of her first internships was in production for a television affiliate, and she discovered through that experience that sitting in an editing booth all day was not what she wanted to do. She was too collaborative and social to tolerate such an environment long-term. That realization led her down the path of working in education.

“We need contrast to help us, you know, create rockets of desire of what is going to feel like a good fit, where we can grow!” Homzie said. “You don’t want to find something where you think ‘I already know all of this.’ You want to find something that shows you a trajectory for a career path that gets you excited.”

Seawolves SPEAK! “Will you be taking advantage of the Credit/No Credit option for classes?”

ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

T

he switch to remote classes has been quite the transition for many students, especially for those who have yet to take a class online here at Sonoma State University.

Professors had to make the quick change after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Governor of California to enforce a “shelter-in-place” policy. For some students, that meant having to move back home with their parents, to an atmosphere that may be difficult for them to focus on their schoolwork. Sonoma State wanted to give students the opportunity to finish their courses as successfully as possible, so they changed some of the school’s policies and procedures.

In an email sent out to Seawolves, the university administration said, “Starting TODAY, April 15, any undergraduate student can change any graded course (major, minor, GE, or elective) for which they are registered in Spring 2020 to Credit/No Credit(CR/NC) grading.” Before making the decision, students should review their course syllabus and talk to their professors, as well as checking in with their advisor. Seawolves should be aware that the last date to change grade mode for Spring is May 8, and any changes made after that will require a student petition to the “Registrar” in order to convert the letter grade to credit/no credit.

“The reason I’m not taking the option is because my perception on how I do in school is pretty much based on the grades I receive in courses.”

“I changed one of my GE courses to C/NC because it won’t affect my GPA, and since I’m a senior I had plenty of C/NC units left to use.”

-Lindsey Abbott, Third Year, Theatre Arts major

-Andrea Rossi, Fourth Year, Environmental Studies and Planning major

“I didn’t take advantage of it because I am currently doing better in classes than I was before, so it’s beneficial for me to keep my grades how they are now.”

“For my statisitc’s class, I switched the grade option because I suck at math in general and learning it online doesn’t really help out.”

-Leonardo Gutierrez , Fourth Year , Business Marketing major

-Xavier Ravella, First Year, English major

“I didn’t because I feel like it’s really possible I could get straight A’s and I would rather have a 4.0 then just credit.”

“I am not because I have worked hard in my classes this semester and I continue to have good grades so I want it to improve my GPA.”

-Rickiyah McGrady, Third Year, Psychology major

-Joaquin Angulo, Fourth Year, Business Marketing major

10 Sports

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Athlete spotlight: Baseball player Desmond Gates

NOAH PHILPOTT STAFF WRITER

A

s a third year undergraduate student, Desmond Gates has big plans to make his mark on the world either on the baseball field, in the classroom, or in the office. Gates is a communications and media studies major and plans to bring his findings or learnings at Sonoma State to the real world.

Gates grew up in Los Angeles, Calif. and has been playing baseball ever since he was four years old. Not just baseball, but Gates played multiples of sports growing up. For instance, football, baseball, as well as running track.

“I like to use sports to teach me lessons. Not just within the sport, but in life as well,” said Gates.

Sports run through the Gates family blood. Gates is one of three children in the family. His older brother Daniel played baseball and football before attending Santa Monica Junior College. While, his older sister Danielle played volleyball as well as cheerleading growing up and then attended St. Bernard in Los Angeles. Even his father, Dedrick played baseball and football growing up. Gates is very upset that the COVID-19 virus is putting his junior year season to an end.

“Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic, our season was cut short. I am devastated that this happened because I felt that we were starting to get things going as a team. Guys started to hit better and we were playing better defense, but I had to realize that the pandemic is bigger than baseball. So, whatever precautions we have to take, I am for it even though I really want to get back out on the field,” claimed gates.

Gates has had a very wild ride throughout his baseball career before he came to Sonoma State. He started out playing baseball at Cal State Northridge his freshman year, before transferring to West Los Angeles Junior College. Now he is repping Sonoma State with a .292 batting average, a .528 on base percentage, and a .909 fielding percentage. His on base percentage was second in the league in the Spring before everything was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Through the process and the grind of playing junior college baseball, I just focused on my craft. As I continue today, I really had to bear down and focus on getting better,” said Gates.

One thing that Gates has always lived by is the teachings of being Christian. He uses the teachings of Jesus to navigate him in his daily life. He believes that his teachings and sports go hand in hand. Gates believes that this allows him to be able to trust in the process and to work hard enough through whatever no matter what the process may be.

COURTESY// instagram Besides baseball, Gates also played football and ran track.

After Gates graduates with his Bachelor’s Degree in communications and media studies, he would like to work in a field of professional sports. Specifically he would like to get into broadcasting or public relations. This is something he has always been interested in and hopes to learn more about the field and what avenues he can go into.

Gates claims that classes are going smooth since Sonoma State has gone fully online. He found it weird being at home and not on campus, but was able to

find a routine again after not practicing and attending class. Gates is ready to take on the next season.

“I have known Desmond for a couple years now and he is one of the hardest working guys I know.

That kid’s a winner. I know when he is in center field or hitting that he is going to give it all he’s got. As one of his teammates and friends, that’s all I can ever ask from him,” said Gate’s friend and teammate, Joshua Madena.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski makes his return

COURTSEY// Buccaneers.com Gronkowski will play beside former Patriot’s teammate Tom Brady in the upcoming season.

VINCENT SPENCE STAFF WRITER

R

etired superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski was traded early Tuesday morning on April 21, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a plan to make a comeback to the NFL. Gronkowski played 10 seasons for the New England Patriots before briefly retiring after the 2018 season. The tight end will follow longtime friend and teammate Tom Brady to Tampa Bay for what will be the Buccaneers most exciting season in memory.

New England plans on sending Rob Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick to Tampa Bay in exchange for a fourth round pick in this year’s NFL draft.

Gronkowski took to Instagram to thank all of Patriots nation and all of his fans, “First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years. Without Mr. [Robert] Kraft and Coach [Bill] Belichick taking a chance on me in the 2010 draft, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this position in life, THANK YOU both as well my former teammates for everything over the years.”

As a member of the Patriots, Gronkowski was able to win three super bowls and become one of the most dominant and feared offensive weapons in all of football. In the first 10 seasons of his career Gronk was able to have 79 total touchdowns, over 500 receptions and over 7,500 receiving yards.

Jason Licht the general manager of the Buccaneers talked about his new tight end in an interview with ESPN saying, “Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that

sets him apart. Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success.”

Buccaneer fans all around the nation were excited over the addition of the Future Hall of Famer. Tampa Bay has not made the playoffs since the 2007 season and it looks like they are primed to make a run to break the streak. The addition of Brady and Gronk this posies the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as favorites to make the Super Bowl out of the National Football Conference.

Tom Brady talked briefly about his teammates return to football and joining his new team, “Rob is an amazing player, teammate and friend!” Brady showed his excitement by posting a video on instagram with his star tight end, calling him into action.

Gronkowski has described that he was always interested in coming back but his body needed to be “100% healthy to return”. With Gronk taking a year off to rest his body, he is excited for what this season has in store.

As for the Patriots, losing Brady and now trading away Rob Gronkowski making it safe to assume that they are going into a rebuilding mode. With future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick at the helm, the Patriots will be competitive but will be looking to get younger.

Rob Gronkowski is arguably one of the greatest tight ends of all time and he looks to extend that greatness in his new home of Tampa Bay.

Sports 11

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma discontinues three sports CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

Sonoma State University on Wednesday shocked many in the Sonoma State Community when it announced that it will be discontinuing its men’s and women’s tennis teams and the women’s water polo team at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The three teams were not sponsored by the California Collegiate Athletic Association better known as the CCAA. By cutting the funding to these three programs Sonoma State has generated an estimated 800,000 that they will apply to other athletic programs here at Sonoma State.

Senior and now former women water polo player Cassidy Mundt talked about the University’s decision to cut funding saying “ We were all in a lot of shock and had no idea it was coming. There was no warning given to us or coaches which was really hard for us to take in. It has taken a lot of us still to understand what happened. There was a lot of sadness in the beginning and more of it now has turned into anger and confusion. A lot for us to figure out what we are going to do in such little time.”

Mundt also went on to talk about the impact the team has had on her life and the imprint it has left on her college experience saying “ After being on the team for 4 years I’m really going to remember all the fun times I had with the team. Travel trips were always the best and made all our hard work and sacrifice worth it. I’ll take away that the hard work is always worth it and there will always be memories from being on this team.”

Sonoma State University, before the cutting of the three sports programs, had the largest athletic program of any NCAA Division II school in the state of California. Having 14 programs on-campus sports in total. In a recent interview, President Judi Sakaki said: “ This was a difficult decision driven in no small part by the new financial realities facing our state, the California State University system and SSU.”

According to a Sonoma State University Press release It is the Universities and President Sakaki’s belief that cutting the funding to these programs will “enhance the experience for future SSU student-athletes and provide the best opportunity to compete successfully within the CCAA conference”.

In a recent interview with the University, intern Athletic director Stan Nosek elaborated on the Sonoma State decision saying; “ We are saddened that it has become necessary to reduce the number of intercollegiate sports being sponsored

by Sonoma State, particularly the impact this will have on our high-performing student-athletes and excellent coaching staffs. This is a decision we’ve made as a result of our inability to adequately fund and serve 14 intercollegiate teams into the future.”

Sonoma State University will have to continue to provide athletic aid to those players on the men and women’s tennis teams and the women’s water polo team, as long as they plan to continue attending Sonoma State University through the 20202021 academic year. As well if any students intend to transfer from one of these three teams in the attempt to continue their athletic careers, they will be granted immediate athletic transfer eligibility, Per NCAA rules. Meaning they would not be required to sit out a full season after transferring.

Mundt commented further on Sonoma State’s decision saying “ I think Sonoma State will regret their decision. After UCSD got taken out of our conference we had a big chance of making it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. There was a lot more for us to accomplish and continue to make history in.”

With the cutting of the three programs here at Sonoma State, it leaves just 11 university teams left on campus, only one more than the California state-required minimum 10 that are needed to play and compete in the CCAA.

STAR// Kaitlyn Bradley Women’s water polo went 6-8 in the 2020 season, prior to COVID-19.

STAR// Christine von Raesfeld Men’s tennis was 45th in the nation, prior to the team being discontinued.

STAR// Christine von Raesfeld Women’s tennis was off to a 5-4 lead in conference when their season was cut short.

Athlete spotlight: club baseball player Jonah Lewis JAMES HARWELL

STAFF WRITER

Jonah Lewis is a key feature of the Sonoma State Club baseball team for the impeccable pitching displays he puts on. Before getting his junior season cut short by the COVID-19 repercussions, he was off to a blazing season posting a 3-0 record in his first 3 starts.

Jonah’s 3-0 record tops the leaderboard for the seawolves which as well as Jonah’s 3 wins features 4 other pitchers with 1 win and nobody with 2. Jonah’s 3 wins are leading the conference as well.

Lewis is classified as a third baseman and a pitcher but he really excels on the mound. The 6’1” 185-pound right hander pitched 20 innings over the course of his 3 starts where he only managed to give up one run. That one run put a blemish on Lewis ERA to a near perfect 0.45 with a 0.90 WHIP which means getting on base against him is near impossible. Lewis’ most star-studded performance on the mound came this season against Berkeley’s club team and went the distance pitching all nine innings en route to a 3 hit shutout win. Not only does Lewis consistently put his team in a position to win every time he takes the mound, but he excels time and time again. The team also features a few pitchers with good ERA’s but none comparable to Lewis as he leads the team in innings pitched making him the workforce of the staff.

Lewis’ teammate Jacob Roberts had high praise for him acknowledging the type of teammate he is by saying, “he is a fantastic friend and an amazing baseball player.”

Roberts is also on the pitching staff alongside Lewis while also playing shortstop.

Lewis helped the SSU team get off to a great start this season with high hopes of winning their conference, the team was sitting on a 7-4 record overall with a 6-3 record in conference. They were even sporting a very luxurious 4 game win streak. The Seawolves play in a very competitive conference that highlights other teams such as Nevada, San Jose State and Davis. This conference comes together to make the Southern Pacific-North Conference. Jonah Lewis, before the season was cut short had the most wins of any pitcher in the conference for the second place Seawolves.

Jonah’s teammate Trey had a lot to say about Lewis stating, “Jonah is a great player on the field. His work ethic and passion for the game is unmatched. He is crafty on the mound and has great hands at third base.”

As well as Lewis’ stellar performance against Berkeley, it is not to forget his great game he pitched against Chico in early February where he led the team with 6 innings pitched on his way to earning the win. Staff Writer Noah Philpott received a quote after the Chico performance displayed by Lewis where he said, “My fastball was feeling light out of the hand. So when I established it early, I was able to spin the curveball over for a strike. I only threw a couple change ups as a waste pitch. But, Chico was swinging through the elevated fastball.” The six inning performance by Lewis exhibited no earned runs against him and only 2 hits.

COURTESY // Instagram

COURTESY // Instagram

As well as being a pitcher, Lewis is also a third-baseman.

In 20 innings, Lewis only allowed one run in his pitching career for the 2020 season.

12 Photo

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2020 sonomstatestar.com

Sonoma State prepares to house the sick

STAR // Edgar Zavala Inside the Recreation Center, wait beds for potential COVID - 19 patients to use if hospital numbers surge.

STAR // Edgar Zavala (Top) Sauvignon village sealed off by fences to protect the privacy of student residents. (Bottom) Seawolf Plaza was closed off by fences to limit access to areas where potential COVID- 19 patients might be housed.

STAR // Seth Baldwin Fences were put up to surround the west end of Sauvignon Village to keep out unnecessary people from entering.

STAR // Brandon Sparks Stephanie Dyer, chair of American History, informed incoming freshman on the School of Arts & Humanities on Zoom for virtual Seawolf Decision Day on April 25.