Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Cheer from the sidelines Spectators are able to watch sporting events in person again.

PAGE 8.

Big Nite is back!

SSU welcomed students back by hosting an exciting “Lil” Big Nite.

PAGE 6.

Learn from the best The Theatre department is hosting a guest lecture series.

PAGE 9.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 85 // ISSUE 1 AUGUST 31, 2021 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2021

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

COURTESY // CAL FIRE

Firefighters assess the Dixie Fire in Lassen County, Calif., near where former lecturer Gary Maynard is suspected of starting other wildfires.

Former university lecturer suspected of serial arson

MARY HELEN ROWELL STAFF WRITER

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ormer Sonoma State and Santa Clara University lecturer Gary Maynard, 47, was arrested on August 7 near the Conard Fire in a restricted area of Lassen National Forest. The Conard Fire is just one of the more than half a dozen fires Maynard is suspected of starting across Northern California.

Arrested by Lassen County Sheriff’s deputies, Maynard is being charged for “willfully setting fire to land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the United States.”

Julia Gonzalez, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications at Sonoma State University, wrote of Maynard’s involvement with the University, “He was a part-time lecturer in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He was employed with Sonoma State University in Fall 2020, but did not have an appointment for Spring 2021. Dr. Gary Maynard was contracted to fill in for a faculty member who was on leave. He taught two seminars in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies in Fall 2020.”

Authorities first became suspicious of Maynard on July 20 when his vehicle was found stuck on the side of the road 200 yards from where the Cascade Fire had started in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Two smaller fires were later discovered on the road where Maynard and his vehicle had been and witnesses reported

seeing him walk towards the location of the Cascade fire before it had started. All three fires were suspected to be arson.

The following day, July 21, tire tracks matching those on Maynard’s vehicle were found at the location of another arson fire, the Everitt Fire, also in ShastaTrinity National Forest, which prompted authorities to take out a search warrant for Maynard’s phone and vehicle.

A vehicle tracking warrant was issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis M. Cota, which allowed U.S. Forest Service Special Agent, Tyler Bolen, to place a tracking device on Maynard’s vehicle on August 3, granting agents the ability to track his movements over the next few days.

On the day of his arrest, Maynard was tracked to the location of the Ranch Fire which, because of its proximity to the growing Dixie Fire, was restricted to the public.

Agent Bolen wrote in his report, “As I neared Campsite 2, I observed a large column of grey and black smoke rising from the forest. I ran back to my vehicle and proceeded to notify the local USFS Fire Dispatch Center. I then returned to the fire, later named the Ranch Fire, and observed the wildfire burning along the forest f loor, trees, and brush – an area one-half to one acre in size. I then

see CCJS LECTURER on pg. 4

STAR // Diana Ortiz

Sonoma County WIC Nutrition Program employee restocks shelves with nutritious foods for families in Sonoma County on August 27, 2021.

COURTESY // @masswic on Instagram

A pregnant woman endorses the WIC Breastfeeding Support program.

Local nutrition program wins ‘Premiere’ award JESSICA STERNFELD STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma County Woman, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program received the USDA Premiere Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on August 18.

The WIC is a national program that helps low income mothers and children by giving out money to buy healthier food options, as well as formula if it is needed. They also teach classes about nutrition taught by licensed dieticians, and have lactation consultants to help nursing mothers.

The Sonoma County branch is the only California WIC to be awarded a Premiere this year. This is their third time winning a Breastfeeding Award of Excellence. The last time they won was in 2020, when they were awarded the Gold Award.

The Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, previously called the Loving Support Award of Excellence, has three levels: Gold, Premiere, and Elite, with Elite being the highest honor. The USDA appears to have changed the titles switching

over from Gold Primiere to just Premiere in 2020.

The director of the Sonoma County WIC, Aileen Rodriguez credits this win to her staff: “Our peer coordinators and lactation experts offer excellent support to breastfeeding mothers which makes us stand out.”

Rodriguez also says the program’s affiliation with local business helps the program. The Sonoma County WIC works with local hospitals for their breastpump exchange program. They also partner with some of the Santa Rosa Farmers Market vendors for fresh produce and the Redwood Food Bank to provide diapers.

Clearly, as the two awards show, the COVID-19 pandemic did not slow the WIC down. They have switched over to telephone visits and virtual lactation appointments.

Over the past year and a half, the WIC has helped 500 more participants.

see SONOMA COUNTY on pg. 4

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board

Kylie Rose Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief Callie Adams, News Editor Moragh Graf, Opinion Editor Cheyenne Carroll, Arts & Entertainment Editor Myles Grabau, Student Life Editor Emily Cripe, Sports & Health Editor Isabelle Barkey, Photo Editor Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

Positive COVID-19 cases spike on campus after reopening; students question whether they will be sent home

Staff Writers Jayline Alvarado, Alexis Gonzalez, Jhery Mae Monteza, Adrienne Moon, Jake Morrissey, Pedro Ortega Perez, Nicholas Roth, Mary Helen Rowell, Dana Scacco, Joshua Silva, Addison Smith, Jessica Sternfeld, Clea Upcher

Photographers Ileana Aleman, Jacqueline Garcia, Diana Ortiz

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:

“SSU student workers need more financial stability” Read the article on page 3.

Have an opinion?

We’d like to hear from you!

The STAR welcomes letters to the editor

W

ith great resistance towards yet another semester of fully virtual learning, Sonoma State has opened its doors to students for in-person learning in the 2021-2022 school year. However, now that the new, more contagious Delta variant is the predominant strain of the Coronavirus, the reality is starting to set in that returning to this “new normal” might not be as safe as the university had originally projected.

As students have finished moving on campus and classes have started meeting in person, our sonoma.edu emails are being flooded with notifications of a new positive COVID-19 case almost daily. With the rise of cases on campus, many of the faculty and students that have returned to hybrid and in-person classes are starting to doubt that this is something that can quickly be patched up with masks and hand sanitizer. With the safety of students at risk, the ball is now in the university’s court to decide on how we can move forward with the least risk of exposure to the virus.

Coronavirus cases in Sonoma County are once again starting to see a spike, as there have been over 220 new cases in the last few days. In just the past week, there have been 8 reported positive cases of COVID-19 on campus, ranging from the recreation center to the student center, as well as in Darwin and International Halls. This is only an estimate of cases on campus, as this is only data collected from students who have filled out their daily health screenings, meaning there could potentially be more positive cases than reported each day. It’s a bold assumption that all students are being diligent with their health screenings, let alone that they are being completely honest with the information that they’re filling out.

Immunocompromised students and staff that have no choice but to con-

STAR // Isabelle Barkey

tinue their required classes are putting themselves at risk by continuing to attend hybrid and face-to-face classes.

With an obvious disconnect between students studying from home and students studying on campus, this coming school year will be nothing short of a challenge for everyone involved.

In a recent “Noma News” email from Sonoma State, Judy Sakaki addresses the campus community by stating that “it is wonderful to see our beautiful campus come to life again and to get back into the familiar rhythms of campus life,” followed by pictures of students and staff socially distanced, and all wearing masks. However, one might wonder just how realistic this depiction of “safety” truly is. Even with vaccination numbers rising, cases in Sonoma County continue to climb.

This notion of returning to “normalcy” seems too good to be true, but with the university starting to fear debt from the refunds of the previous school year, students and staff are quickly forced out of their comfort zone and ushered into a fully reopened campus.

The real question is: Is it still too soon to make this call? Sonoma State has decided that it isn’t, and even amidst safety concerns, there is still money to be made.

With each “positive case on campus” email, the school includes a lengthy reminder for safety precautions, but there is no guarantee that each student is going to follow these guidelines.

The school also states that, “the areas where the COVID-19 positive person was present have been cleaned, however no areas or facilities will be closed to the campus,” which could become an even bigger concern to students and staff. While cases continue to spike, it will become increasingly difficult for the school to keep up with the spread, and even harder to trace each student or faculty member that a COVID-positive person comes into contact with.

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.

STAR // Brandon Sparks

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

Opinion 3

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

SSU student workers need more financial stability

PEDRO ORTEGA PEREZ STAFF WIRTER

T

heir alarm goes off at 8:00a.m and they hit snooze. It has been hard adjusting to the new school schedule after a year of running out of things to watch on Netflix, getting food delivered, and worrying about the virus completing the whole Greek alphabet.

Regardless, they get up and begin their morning routine: shower, brush teeth, quick breakfast, and get dressed. All in hopes of making it to work on time.

They leave their mask upstairs and find out while they are out the door, so they quickly run back to pick one up.

After a year and a half away from campus due to the pandemic, SSU student workers experience a bittersweet relationship between working at an on campus facility and being a student.

SSU student workers earn a wage of $14 dollars an hour and have an hour cap of 20 possible work hours per week. Some say it is kind of the university to balance the work hours, however, some students seem to be struggling financially and would like to see higher wages and more hours to be given.

A hard working Seawolf who would like to remain anonymous, expressed that 20 hours should be the minimum amount of work.

“I have to pay off my car and that goes with insurance. I have to get groceries and besides that, I have to pay for my phone and streaming services,”

says another hard working Seawolf who expressed similar thoughts in regards to the amount of money they make on campus. “This job is not enough for me to pay my groceries, food, phone bill, and other expenses that are necessary.”

This particular Seawolf, like many, has looked for jobs off campus. They found that some jobs pay two to five dollars more for entry level work. A quick search for part-time jobs in Rohnert park shows the higher wages at other off campus locations. They also offer the benefit of being paid more frequently than once a month, which is the current policy at SSU. However, everything has its opportunity cost. Whether that is time, mental health, or gas. Some do not even have a car to get off campus, which makes on campus jobs almost a necessity.

On the other hand, another Seawolf has the opposite perspective. They believe that on campus jobs are actually great. Their on campus job has helped them make friends, distract the mind, and get paid. “I think it is a good amount of hours. It is not a lot, but it is enough--a perfect amount.”

Wages on campus have been rising since before the pandemic. In the Fall of 2019 students were paid $12 dollars an hour. The hourly wages were then set to increase a dollar a semester until reaching the current minimum wage of $15 dollars an hour.

There are also factors like parent support, finan-

Returning to campus and COVID-19 concerns JAYLINE ALVARADO

STAFF WIRTER

A

s the Fall semester kicks off at Sonoma State, students have returned to campus. However, along with the return of students on campus and in the dorms, is an increased risk of potential COVID-19 cases, as well.

According to the last update from SSU, there are 2,000 students living on campus. The most recent positive case of COVID-19 was on August 27, 2021. There have been five positive cases since the beginning of the semester.

Last semester, SSU would shut down and clear out the buildings that COVID-19 infected people had previously been in, but this semester, the buildings are being used the next day by other students.

This plan of action seems incredibly dangerous for those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.

It’s understandable that the campus is attempting to allow students to resume experiencing living on campus, taking classes, and being a part of a campus community--even if it means requiring students to be fully vaccinated or tested weekly if they’re not vaccinated.

However, that doesn’t mean that students shouldn’t be concerned. Under the Vaccine Requirement page, there are still concerns about the Delta variant. “The CSU is requiring COVID-19 vaccination before one or more of the vaccines receives full FDA approval, due to worsening circumstances associated with the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.”

If positive cases continue to occur on campus, would that mean that in-person instruction will cease and students will be sent home like they were in Spring of 2020?

With the recent announcement that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the FDA, the California State University system is requiring that “SSU students, faculty, and staff must certify fully vaccinated status by no later than September 30, 2021.”

As stated by Cal Matters, different CSU campuses will take different disciplinary actions towards students who refuse to provide proof of vaccination, ranging from being unable to access campus to being disenrolled from in-person classes.

For example, Humboldt State University stated on their Campus Ready Page that, “Any missed in person courses or lab related activities will not be forgiven due to the health and safety risk.”

An article for the Washington Post found that “California State University at Stanislaus, known as Stanislaus State, pushed its classes online until Oct. 1 after the virus swamped surrounding Stanislaus County and started making inroads on the Central Valley campus.” Additionally, “There were 740 new cases in the county in one day.”

It’s unclear what Sonoma State’s plan of action is if students continue to become sick with the COVID-19 virus. It seems that the school has taken appropriate measures to keep the virus from spreading on campus in the past, but will they continue to stay as diligent during the reopening of campus?

Students should be concerned about the increasing rate of positive COVID-19 cases on campus and what it means for future instruction. In order to preserve our chance of staying in person for this semester, everyone should take the proper precautions that were set in place in order to be on or around campus.

Don’t forget to get vaccinated and upload proof of vaccination to your SSU health portal by the Sep. 30 deadline. The on campus testing center will be located in the Denali Gym of the Student Recreation Center.

cial aid, and unforeseen circumstances that the pandemic has brought upon some students, which can dictate how they feel about the wages offered to on campus student workers.

Should students be able to dictate how many hours they can work? Allowing for longer hours, the ability to work at different locations on campus, and for the possibility of a safe method to reopen all the culinary services, like “Lobos” or “The Outlook”, could help a lot of students financially.

This can be done in a strategic way by signing waivers indicating the student is responsible for their well being, have a qualifying GPA, and advisor approval. It is crucial for students to be focused on their career in academia, but part of being successful is also being able to sustain themselves financially. Of course all student workers are appreciative of having a job that is flexible and understanding that school comes first, but some just feel like they have a little more to offer and can handle more responsibilities, as well as getting their financial needs met more adequately.

Overall, students should at least have a say in how many hours they can work and they should receive a wage of at least $15 dollars an hour for minimal labor jobs. Jobs like those in the culinary services or high stress jobs should be paid more. This all to ensure student workers are capable of taking care of their financial needs, as well as succeeding in their academics.

Sorority life at Sonoma State and the many misconceptions ADRIENNE MOON STAFF WIRTER

T

here are many stereotypes of sorority girls in popular media, such as that they are rich “daddy’s girls”, shallow, and are party girls, etc. There may be some individuals who embody the stereotypes; however, there are many hard-working people who want to defeat the negative stereotypes.

The topic of sororities has so much depth to it because of how stigmatized it is within popular media. However, it seems as though Sonoma State’s Greek Life is very different from media portrayals of what people assume that sorority life is about.

Most women get involved in sorority activities because they want to feel the full college experience. “I felt like something was missing from my college experience and I still had yet to find a group of like minded women,” said Karen Vielma-Cortes, SSU student and member of Sigma Pi Alpha.

In reality, Greek Life is all about forming connections with other people, and making sure that students feel like they are being listened to. Vielma-Cortes found this in her sorority, Sigma Pi Alpha. “When I met the “Ellas” or ‘’Sigmas”, I was so welcomed by the sisters and I felt like their sisterhood was so genuine.”

Sorority life can help students create real and deep connections with like minded individuals. Jamilah Shimi, a member of Lambda Theta Nu, had trouble creating campus connections and relationships because she grew up in Rohnert Park and never lived in the dorms.

She said that Greek life helped her form the friendships she was looking for. Vielma-Cortes also said that she found her “home away from home.”

Shimi also claims that Greek life helped her understand and develop her identity. “In a time where it was hard for me to find myself, I learned to embrace who I am through my culture with confidence,” said Shimi.

A hugely important aspect of sorority life is academics, as seen with Lambda Theta Nu requiring members to “maintain a 2.7 Cumulative GPA”. Vielma-Cortes wanted to find like minded people that had the same academic and personal goals that she had for herself.

Sororities are also able to help you get opportunities that you wouldn’t be able to get without the familial connection there. Shimi noted that her sorority has given her the chance to connect with people in the different fields that she is interested in.

In order to help students start their lives and careers after college, sorority members work to build confidence in their professional skills. In addition, Vielma-Cortes has been able to grow her leadership and networking skills, thus prompting her to grow personally and professionally.

“I have created bonds with individuals who I probably would have otherwise not met and it has helped me in so many ways, from personal: my “big” becoming one of my best friends, academics: my sisters motivating me to keep pushing towards my goals, to career: being able to obtain a job in my future job pathway in education,” said Shimi.

Contrary to popular belief, sororities are not just for partying--they can be so much more. They can provide a shoulder to cry on when things get rough, friends to talk to, a sense of family on campus, and even a home away from home.

COURTESY // @amanda_salvadorr on Instagram SSU Gamma Phi Beta girls enjoy being back on campus this Fall.

4 News

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // CAL FIRE

The second-largest California wildfire ever, the Dixie Fire continues to blaze away in Lassen County, Calif.

COURTESY // @masswic on Instagram

A pregnant woman poses with her hands on her stomach for the WIC.

Sonoma County WIC wins award for support of new mothers

CCJS lecturer tracked to scenes of wildfires near Dixie Fire continued from pg. 1

observed the tire track impressions that had been left behind by the subject vehicle, which were located at the edge of this new wildland fire. According to the vehicle tracking data, these tire track impressions in the soil were in the same location that the subject vehicle had just been present for the previous 28 hours.”

Just minutes after leaving the Ranch Fire, tracking data followed Maynard to another location where he stopped for 30 minutes. After reportedly leaving the location, law enforcement found another arson fire, the Conard Fire, near where his vehicle had been parked earlier.

Maynard was initially pulled over by a California Highway Patrol officer for driving through a restricted area, he was then cited for possessing an open container of marijuana

and brought in for questioning by US Forest Service agents. Maynard denied any involvement in the fires and relayed false information about his whereabouts over the last 24 hours, unaware that authorities had been tracking his movements.

After being booked for “unauthorized entry into a closed emergency area” and facing a felony charge of arson, Lassen County Sheriff Deputy Steven Lawton reported that Maynard could be heard screaming, “I’m going to kill you, f****** pig! I told those f****rs I didn’t start any of those fires!” while kicking his cell door.

Now considered a threat not only to the public but also the emergency personnel and firefighters combating the Dixie Fire, Maynard is currently being held at Sacramento County Jail without bail while he awaits his trial.

continued from pg. 1 While some of these cases are from more people qualifying for benefits, Rodriguez says that the lack of transportation barriers may have brought in many of those people. Because of the convenience, these measures are likely to stick around post-COVID-19.

That’s not to say there weren’t COVID-19-based struggles. Original USDA rules for WIC had a physical presence requirement but that was eventually waived. Luckily, the Sonoma County WIC had already switched to a web-based program so the only adaptations needed were the digital and telephone appointments themselves.

Right now the staff is operating on a hybrid model, with some still working from home and the rest in the WIC office.

The number of participants in the

program is not the only thing to have increased during the last two years.

The Biden administration’s increased benefits for food stamps has also increased the amount the WIC is able to give to families.

The USDA site states that these awards are to “recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities.”

However, Rodriguez explains her program very simply. “The WIC is a great program,” she said. “Supporting our infants. children and moms is a great investment for our society and community.”

If you want to learn more about the Sonoma County WIC, you can find their website at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Public-Health/ Woman-Infants-Children/ or call them at (707) 565-6590.

NEWS IN BRIEF: What happened in the last week CALLIE ADAMS NEWS EDITOR

AUG 26

AUG 23 • • • • • •

DA approves the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first F vaccine to be approved Breakthrough COVID-19 infections inhibit schools reopening everywhere Birthday of the late baskteball star Kobe Bryant Carnage ensues as the U.S. tries to evacuate Afghanis through the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan Famous footage of infant being handed over a barbed wire fence to U.S. marines makes headlines The House postpones President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending proposal as ten members are unable to come to an agreement

AUG 24 •

• • •

G7 members advise Biden not to withdraw the U.S. from Afghanistan yet while the Taliban threatens consequences if troops are still there by September The House reconvenes to discuss the postponed spending proposal Kathy Hochul is sworn in as New York’s first female governor and replaces Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace amid scandals The global shipping crisis continues to worsen as the Delta variant of COVID-19 ravages the world’s ports

• •

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AUG 27 • • •

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AUG 25

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Biden says U.S. is on track to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by Aug. 31 Biden approves a “major disaster declaration” for Northern California in lieu of recent wildfire devastation The House approves the postponed $3.5 trillion spending proposal The House also passes the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores much of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, despite receiving opposition from every House Republican The Supreme Court reinitializes former president Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program, wherein asylum seekers from Mexico are forced to remain in their current conditions while their cases are observed by court systems in the U.S. Indigenous groups in Brazil march to protest President Jair Bolsaro, whose far-right policies have posed a threat to land belonging to native peoples Oregon reinstates outdoor-mask policy as teh Delta Variant sweeps the nation, leaving 1,400 Americans dead nationwide today

Suicide bombers strike areas surrounding Kabul Airport, leading to over 100 casualties and deaths Temporary moratorium on envictions overturned by Supreme Court, allowing landlords to evict residents again CDC condemns use of livestock dewormer Ivermectin as a method of treating COVID-19

AUG 28

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.S. hospitalizations for COVID-19 surpass 100,000 for the first U time since January Pan American Health Organization blames vaccine inequity for prolonged pandemic worldwide, as the wealthiest nations generally have greater supplies of COVID-19 vaccines Michigan man who organized kidnapping plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sentenced to six years in prison

Biden meets with Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett to discuss friendly relations between the U.S. and Israel The world’s northermost island is accidentally discovered off the coast of Greenland when scientists mistake it for another island Hurrican Ida continues path toward Louisiana, sparking severe storm warnings for residents

AUG 29 • •

Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attend the honorable tranfer of 13 U.S. service members killed in Kabul attacks Secretary of State claims U.S. will no longer have a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after Aug. 31

AUG 30 • • •

Last U.S. troops leave Afghanistan for the first time in 20 years Louisiana and Mississippi get pummeled by Hurricane Ida, an estimated 1 million Louisianians lose power The European Union considers preventing U.S. travelers from entering EU nations as COVID-19 hospitalizations peak nationwide.

5 Student Life

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

Schulz Library is open for students and staff for the Fall 2021 semester JHERY MAE MONTEZA

A

STAFF WRITER

fter being closed for more than an entire school year, Sonoma State Library will finally be open to students for the Fall 2021 semester. The library will be open from Mon. through Thurs. from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. from 7:30 a.m to 5 p.m., and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With this reopening, there are new protocols that were put in place to keep everyone on campus safe from COVID-19 and the Delta variant. The protocols include a ban on eating in public spaces, as well as having to wear a mask inside the school’s facilities. In order to better serve students, they are offering a “hybrid model” of services.

Laura Krier, a systems and metadata librarian at Sonoma State, is working in the library to assist any students that need help “readjusting” to the library’s services. She talked about print reserves being available to any teachers that want to put any course materials on hold for students, and she encourages this because it helps students to save money. If you have put any personal items on reserve and want to continue having them held by the library, make sure to contact Jack Ritchie at ritchiej@sonoma.edu before Sept. 29. Krier also mentioned that emergency digitization services are also available to support the students that are enrolled in online classes; although, these types of services will be discontinued by the end of the fall semester.

The library will be offering online and face-to-face online information and research literacy instruction. Krier emphasized that she “would love to help students achieve research and information literacy outcomes.” If there are any questions regarding incorporating research instructions and support in courses, students can email her at laura.krier@sonoma.edu.

Public library spaces such as study rooms, media viewing rooms, and Makerspace will be open. However, while the art gallery remains closed, students can explore it digitally throughout the Fall semester on the SSU library web-

site (https://library.sonoma.edu) under “Gallery Exhibits”.

Students are also able to book private study rooms a week in advance up to two hours. In addition to that, students will be also allowed to borrow laptops and headphones for up to four hours for Zooming in the study rooms or at other campus locations.

In an effort to expand their variety of BIPOC and LGBTQI+ readings, the library has acquired a few rare and special titles. Some of these titles include a signed copy of Langston Hughes’ The Ways of White Folks, Paula Christian’s Edge of Twilight, and Stacy Clubbs’ Trap of Lesbos.

Arthur Hills, a retired musician, recently gifted a limited edition copy of composer Erik Satie’s 1914 Sports et Divertissement, with watercolors by Charles Martin. These are only a few examples, but there are more available for students to view per request and individual appointment at specialcollections@sonoma.edu.

During renovation work in April, a time capsule was found in the Stevenson Courtyard, and it was filled to the brim with campus treasures from more than 80 years ago.

These treasures are centered around BIPOC student groups and clubs from 1933-1934, such as, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A), Alpha Kappa Alpha, Mu Omega, the Asian Pacific Islanders Organization (APIO), Pan African Resource Center, and more. There are photos, brochures, letters, and diaries that logged student life during the 1990s, and the Special Collections staff are happy to share these findings with campus groups and alumni.

Fall 2021 will be different from any of the other semesters we’ve had before, but the library staff are very excited to welcome students back and support them with any of their services. The library has implemented stricter policies, such as wearing a mask on school grounds. Students will be given the option to choose either online or in-person services.

SSU student Zach Bonilla studies in the newly reopened library, using a private study room.

STAR // Ethan Prins

Student Life 6

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State kicks off the semester with a ‘Lil’ Big Nite celebration ADDISON SMITH

T

STAFF WRITER

he Associated Students of Sonoma State have come out swinging for the first full week back for students’ Fall 2021 semester. With our “welcome week” coming to a close, As-

sociated Students hosted a modified version of the annual Big Nite celebration. The event kicked off at around 4 p.m on Aug. 27, including live music, photo booths, as well as tabling for clubs and greek life.

With fun and engaging activities such as Mad Chad the chainsaw juggler, ziplining, and a funnel cake stand, one thing was very clear: Sonoma State is back and better than ever. Besides a mask requirement and much fewer activities than usual, Lil Big Nite had incorporated a sense of “normalcy” to make students feel comfortable while enjoying the event in the Seawolf Plaza and Pearson Lawn.

Nathan Yelle, a junior at Sonoma State, said that, “It was the first time people had gotten together for a school function, and it was nice to see everyone’s faces and reconnect with them to find out what they had done over the past year and a half.”

Sonoma wasn’t just battling COVID, but seawolves were also battling the 94 degree heat. The heat and humidity might have been overwhelming with so many students packed into a tight space, but Associated Students were determined to continue with the first big event of the semester. However, the heat hardly took away from the 4 hour event. Events such as bull riding and a wipeout course were

STAR // Ileana Aleman Students enjoyed events such as the Wipeout-esque obstacle course at Lil Big Nite.

highlights throughout the event.

Many students struggle to find their “group” at first, and having

Billy White, a junior, stated that “the photo booth was the best tabling for clubs and Greek life is a great way for students to get inpart of Lil Big Nite, because you’re not just taking a photo, but volved and make new friends. These tables are a great way to welyou’re making a memory. These moments with new people are spe- come students to the campus, and Lil Big Nite gave them a chance cial, because you’re making new friends while you’re also making to find the types of extracurricular activities that they see fit. memories.”

Wren House, a member of the improv club, discussed the im-

Mad Chad the Chainsaw Juggler was the most memorable and portance of clubs and tabling at events just like this one. “It’s repopular event at Lil Big Nite, especially since so many students ally important [to table] because there are so many different clubs recognized him from their first year at SSU in 2018. While the title and organizations at SSU that a big majority of them aren’t known of “chainsaw juggler” is already crazy, Chad brings an energy and about. So events like Lil Big Nite where we can table helps us get electricity to his juggling, as he was able to balance his way through the word out.” juggling other dangerous items while keeping the energy up for stuOverall, Lil Big Nite had proven to be a successful welcoming dents to see!

event for all students, new or returning. The Associated Students

While carnival rides such as a ferris wheel were ultimately cut definitely deserve a lot of praise and applause for their ability to put from the attraction lineup, additions of rides such as bull riding and together such a hit event following a global pandemic. For more ina Wipeout-esque obstacle course made up for it. These attractions formation regarding upcoming events, feel free to visit seawolflivproved to be very popular among students. ing.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2021

AY

Institute : The oap Opera

STAR // Ileana Aleman (Left to right) Nadia Hernandez, Adriana Gonzalez, Stephanie Lopez tabled for clubs and organizations, like JUMP and Associated Students.

MONDAY 30

6

TUESDAY 31

7

14

21 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SPOKE! with Dahlak Braithwaite @ The HUB

27

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Seawolf Academic And College Success Fair

THURSDAY 2

FRIDAY

5:30 p.m.

Jewish Music Series: Kugelplex, Klezmer Band

9

28

15 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Cooking Class Ft. Pan Pizza With Chef Don Cortes

22 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Seawolf Health and Well-Being Fair

29

SATURDAY

3

4

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Trans and Gender Questioning Group @ The HUB

10

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Seawolf SAFE SSU Fair

6:00 p.m.

Umoja Queens @ The HUB

20

1

8

LABOR DAY (Campus Closed)

13

WEDNESDAY

7:30 p.m.

Tower of Power concert @ Green Music Center

11

7:00 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone screening

16

17 7:30 p.m.

Beach Boys concert @ Green Music Center

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

ASP Virtual Open Mic Night

23 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ASP presents: LOTERIA! (Bingo)

30 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ASP presents: Dolores Huerta speaks at SSU

18 7:30 p.m.

Boz Scaggs concert @ Green Music Center

24

25

Sonoma Film Institute presents: The Wandering Soap Opera

Sonoma Film Institute presents: The Wandering Soap Opera

1

2

Health COVID-19 booster available for high-risk groups 7

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

NICHOLAS ROTH

STAFF WRITER

T

he COVID-19 booster shot by Pfizer and Moderna is being administered to the elderly and immunocompromised across the United States, while Johnson & Johnson still awaits clinical trials. The first doses in the Bay Area were given about a week ago, mainly at nursing homes.

The infrastructure to support another mass vaccine rollout is already in place and is ready to vaccinate everyone looking for a third dose. People will only be eligible for the vaccine at least 8 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Sonoma County began rolling out boosters for first responders, immunocompromised, and elderly people, a little over a week ago, if they have received either one of the mRna vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna.

The Johnson & Johnson booster will be delayed due to the fact that the research done on the booster shot was done on mRna vaccines, which the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not. Health officials are saying a second dose may be necessary to increase immunity against the Delta variant. The company says studies are showing a rise in antibodies, but are awaiting government approval.

The approval of the booster comes as a result of growing concern about the Delta variant. With a rise in breakthrough cases the booster has been shown to increase antibodies and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Here at Sonoma State, The Student Health Center (SHC) is providing COVID-19 vaccinations and will continue to do so until everyone in need has received a third vaccine shot. “The SHC is offering COVID-19 vaccines currently and we plan to continue indefinitely. This includes giving booster shots as indicated,” said Tracey Eaton, interim Director of the Student Health Center. At this point, it is unknown if the university will require the third dose when the appropriate age groups are eligible.

The booster shot may not be available to most students at this time, but it is a step in the right direction in regards to restoring the college experience and bringing life back to campus.

“I feel that the possibility of a booster shot coming to schools is terrific. Increased access to vaccinations, as well as any other medical or public health processes, is a positive for any group in the community, as well as the community as a whole,” said Ryan Moyer, a 4th year Political Science Major.

As far as the school requiring the vaccine and the possibility of requiring the booster, Moyer had this to say: “While I understand the importance of vaccination and safety protocols and try to do my part to comply with those procedures, I do still believe it is wrong to force people to do something that they do not agree with or believe in, misguided as I may find their convictions to be.”

STAR // Ileana Aleman A Rite Aid vaccination clinic was held at Sonoma State University last semester in the Cooperage, which is located in Sauvignon Village.

Specifically in Sonoma County, boosters for all other groups should become available in the coming months. As soon as the government gives the all clear, vaccination sites in Sonoma County that are currently up and running will be providing boosters, such as the Sonoma county Fairgrounds, as well as many of the pharmacies in the area.

Across the bay area, health officials are prepared to open mass vaccination sites to distribute the booster vaccine, similar to the original rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine rollout this time around should run a little smoother, with a majority of the population having at least one dose at this point. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to have a second dose approved soon and has shown very promising results in trials.

To stay up to date with changes in eligibility criteria and vaccine studies, check the CDC website as well as the Sonoma County Health Services website.

September sporting events schedule

Sports

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State cheerleaders raise spirits on the sidleine for Sonoma State at the Women’s Basketball game.

8

STAR // Samantha Billingsly

Seawolves welcome spectators back inside the den for sporting events

ALEX GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER

W

ith the return of Sonoma State University’s sporting events in the upcoming Fall season, hundreds of enthusiastic spectators are readying themselves to enjoy games again within the Seawolves’ den, as spectators are now allowed to attend campus sporting events for the first time in over a year.

Sonoma State suspended all of its collegiate sporting events over a year ago due to the pandemic. The last sporting event held on Sonoma’s campus happened the 3rd of March during the 2020 season, and no team has gotten to play since then. Practices were canceled indefinitely, gear was hung up, and gates were locked for what seemed like forever.

As the fall approaches, so does the return of sporting events held within Sonoma State’s campus, and fans are more eager than ever to be present in the Seawolves’ upcoming fall season fixtures. Thanks to vaccines, health guidelines, and all the hardworking staff in the athletics department, the Seawolves are back and better than ever.

When asked whether spectators will be able to attend SSU sporting events, Deputy Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jared Chasey said, “Yes, at this time, spectators are welcome to attend our home athletics events.”

If spectators are hoping to attend these sporting events, they are required to follow county and state health and safety guidelines before, during, and after the event.

Chasey explained that the guidelines and protocols taken by the school are, “Framed after the NCAA and CCAA, along with the state and local health guidelines.”

One of the main rules, Chasey explains, is that spectators are required to wear face coverings within indoor and outdoor sporting events regardless of vaccination status. In addition, spectators are

to be following the CDC’s recommendation of personal hygiene etiquette as well as maintaining social distance.

As of now, proof of vaccination isn’t required when going into Sonoma State’s sporting events. Guidelines and protocols surrounding proof of vaccination are subject to change in the near future.

If spectators are not yet comfortable with attending games in person due to the pandemic, Chasey mentions that the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is planning on bringing the games to the fans in the comfort of their home by streaming several of the Seawolves’ home athletics events through the CCAA Network website.

Chasey comments: “Our hope is [spectators] will tune in virtually by subscribing to the CCAA Network to watch the Seawolves compete this season.”

This allows fans multiple ways to get into the game spirit, by either attending the actual sporting event or watching it through online streaming.

Attending a sporting event in person is different from watching the event through streaming as the viewers are more involved with the event, being up close to the action, leading to spectators being more drawn to the environment around them. Spectators being allowed in person at games this school year is a big step towards normal, but health guidelines and protocols still need to be in place for the safety of everyone involved.

With sports such as Womens and Mens Soccer, Women’s Volleyball, and Women’s Cross Country starting back up for the Seawolves’ first season back on the playing field, it’s only a matter of time until fans get to see what exciting games are ahead and to shell out their support for their student athletes.

To stay up to date with spectating guidelines and game schedules, head to sonomaseawolves.com.

Sonoma State welcomes new Athletic Director JAKE MORRISSEY STAFF WRITER

A

fter working the past year as the Interim Athletic Director, Dr Nicole Annaloro was named the senior director of athletics for Sonoma State University in June, the second woman in SSU history to hold the title. She has been working hard to get the Seawolves all set for the new school year and is settling into her new role extremely well.

Annaloro first came to Sonoma State in 2019 as the senior associate director of athletics. Before she came to Sonoma State, Annaloro was the senior women’s administrator and coach of the women’s volleyball team at Notre Dame de Namur University. The senior women’s administrator is a position reserved for the highest ranking female in each NCAA program. This position was created in 1981 to ensure that women not only had their voices heard, but had authority over decisions, as the industry is normally very male-dominated.

Additionally, Annaloro has a doctoral degree in art therapy, a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Thanks to her many degrees across a multitude of disciplines, she excels in promoting conflict resolution and communication within the school’s athletics department.

Also, Annaloro served as the Ombudsperson at Notre Dame de Namur, a position she held for nine years. This demonstrates her skills in keeping both individuals and groups happy and productive. Annaloro’s extensive work in the social field surely helps in the sports industry and has prepared her well for the head athletic director position.

According to Annaloro, all sports are completely on track to return full-time to practices and games this fall semester. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has implemented many strategies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, and the health and safety of the student-athletes is their main priority. Annaloro would like to credit the entire Sonoma State community because she feels it has been a group effort to get to this point. All games at Sonoma State are open to any students to come watch.

“We are back!,” Annaloro said, “ We welcome fans to come and watch our teams compete.”

Annaloro worked as the interim athletic director throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. When asked what it was like to work as an athletic director with no sports, she replied, “It was busier than ever.”

She explained that teams used their time away from competition to focus on building and strengthening the department as a whole. The athletic department also made it a point of emphasis to maintain contact with all staff members and

COURTESY // Sonoma.edu Senior Athletic Director Nicole Annaloro was appointed on June 1 after holding the interim position for the past year.

athletes throughout the pandemic. They wanted to be there for those who were uncertain about what their academic and athletic futures would hold, and Annaloro was there for the department through it all.

“Despite this being a uniquely challenging time for the sports industry, we at SSU Athletics have managed to find the silver linings,” Annaloro said, “During this time, we continue to challenge ourselves, demonstrate our resilience, and grow as a department.”

With all the mayhem and uncertainty from the past year, Annaloro is a breath of fresh air for the athletics department, and the Seawolves will get right back on track in no time with their new athletic director cheering them on from the sidelines.

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2021

sonomastatestar.com

Arts & Entertainment 9

Neon Trees concert at the GMC cancelled

DANA SCACCO STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University announced that American rock band Neon Trees would be performing on campus at Weil Hall on Aug 19. A few days prior to the concert, the concert was cancelled due to insufficient ticket sales and COVID-19 risk factors.

Andy Shepherd, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Green Music Center, described why the concert was cancelled. “The event was cancelled because we were concerned that the audience size would not result in a rewarding experience for the audience or the band,” said Shepherd.

Tickets for the concert went on sale much later than the official show announcement, making the advertising period unusually short. According to the Green Music Center’s Instagram page, the Neon Trees concert was announced on July 1 and general tickets went on sale on July 29 at 10 a.m. “We had to delay announcing the show because of uncertainties related to COVID-19, which resulted in just a few weeks for the ticket sales,” said Shepherd.

Tickets for the concert were priced at $10 each, and students who purchased tickets were refunded after the university’s decision to cancel the musical event. “All tickets have been refunded by the Sonoma State Box

Office,” Shepherd confirmed.

Associated Student Programming Coordinator Mariah Atkins explained that a contributor to the low ticket sales could have been related to technical issues on the ticket purchasing website.

“The ticket website to buy the Neon Trees tickets was down for a solid week,” said Atkins.

Atkins commented on the cancelled show, “The ASP team was looking forward to collaborating with the GMC for the Neon Trees event. While a little sad that we were not able to go through with the concert, we do understand the reasoning behind it. However, we are looking forward to more events and possibilities for the future.”

Many SSU students said they didn’t realize the band was performing on campus, or that tickets were being sold at all. Following the cancellation, students expressed their desire to watch the band perform live if they knew about the scheduled performance.

Armando Ochoa, an undeclared fourth year student at Sonoma State said, “I would have attended if I knew about the ticket sales. I personally assumed you just needed to bring a school ID the day of the event to get in. I believe if people knew about the ticket sales they would have purchased them.”

Ochoa also emphasized the

COURTESY // @official_neontrees American rock band Neon Trees cancelled their concert at SSU after low ticket sales.

importance of using social media to expand students’ knowledge on campus events, especially during the start of the school year.

“The school should inform and involve people through social media by effectively using Instagram or even Youtube. Many students are looking to meet more peers during the first few weeks of school and if the event was later on in the semester the buzz wouldn’t be as high.

Timing was perfect for this event, but marketing was not,” said Ochoa.

Andrew Cohen, a fourth year marketing business major at SSU, had similar thoughts. “I also wish there were more posters and signs up on campus advertising the event. I know some friends and I would have gone if we knew about it, Neon Trees is a great band for nostalgia from our childhood,” said Cohen.

For more information on upcoming performances and events this Fall, students can visit engage.sonoma.edu, gmc. sonoma.edu, or the Associated Students Instagram page.

Theatre Arts and Dance hosts Fall 2021 Guest Lecture Series CLÉA UPCHER

STAFF WRITER

T

he Theatre Arts and Dance department is once again putting on a guest lecture series filled with 16 professionals from both industries.

Kicking off on Friday, Sept. 10 at noon, and running through Nov. 16, the aim of the guest lecture series, which the department hosts every semester, is to enrich student’s learning from a real-world perspective.

This Fall, “The series is focused on centering BIPOC artists and serious professionals in their respective fields,” wrote Christine

Cali, department chair, in an email.

While many students returned to campus this semester, all lectures will be held via Zoom, providing an opportunity for all students to benefit from each guest speaker.

“Navigating this complicated time has not been easy for the field of performing arts. We are used to being in community; creating, sensing and shaping live performance together… With that said, a clear silver lining has been the ability to connect and engage with artists/educators near and far.

COURTESY // @oliviabowmanjackson Dancer, artist and certified personal trainer and fitness instrutor Olivia Bowman-Jackson is scheduled to speak for the Theatre department this Fall.

The Zoom platform has made it possible for the department to build a larger community...” wrote Cali.

Highlighting different areas of the Theatre and Dance department, the speakers range from acclaimed dancers, like Olivia Bowman Jackson, who danced for ten years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, to prominent actors, such as Logan Marshall-Green, who is known for his roles in television series like “24” and “The O.C”.

“Most often, our invited speakers are professional artists with whom our faculty have built relationships with while working in their respective fields throughout their careers. We also check-in with students on artists they would like to be in conversation with. We strive to center the students’ interests and program needs in this process,” wrote Cali.

These guest lectures are invaluable for the students that attend them, as they offer insight into the careers and successes of those who have built their lives around theatre and dance.

“I am looking forward to Ballet Folklorico dancer Osvaldo Ramirez Vidales’ visit. Representation in dance is vital for decolonizing dance education,” wrote Sonoma State student Tiffani Lopez in an email.

“I love getting to participate with these guest artists because they often bring a wealth of knowledge that I otherwise would never have been exposed to. They share a bit of their movement/dance hxstory so we can get an idea as to the path they took to get where they are,” wrote Sonoma State student Terra Bransfield in an email.

“My favorite thing about the guest lectures is the deep professional insight that each guest brings. Their insight rounds-out the university experience, for me,” continued Lopez.

Students of all majors are encouraged to join in the guest lecture series and learn from professionals who, while focusing on dance and theatre, will have worthwhile experiences and know-how that can be applied across the board. “...I look forward to simply getting to see what is out there for me as a wanna-be professional dancer in this world,” wrote Bransfield.

In order to attend any of the Zoom sessions, visit the Theatre Arts and Dance homepage on the SSU website, and head to the “Theatre Arts & Dance Fall ‘21 Guest Speakers Series” tab to learn more.

10 Photo

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Big Nite welcomes students back to SSU

STAR // Ileana Aleman (Left to right) Tiffany Ko, Ian Foran, Bethany Vidamo, Marilyn Nguyen of SSU’s chem club brought their giant bubbles and dragon breath at Lil Big Nite to showcase fun science.

STAR // Ileana Aleman Pi Kappa Phi played an exciting game of spike ball in the middle of Person Lawn.

STAR // Ileana Aleman Campus organizations and greek life tables set up on Person Lawn at Lil’ Big night last Friday giving first time campus students the opportunity to be more involved at Sonoma State.

STAR // Ileana Aleman Sonoma State’s Womens Basketball team in line for some tasty treats while enjoying time together at Lil’ Big Nite.

STAR // Ileana Aleman Erick and Derick hold down the fort at the Lil Big Nite entrance making sure all students complete waivers and are cleared to have a fun and safe night.

STAR // Rachel Gonzalez The Green Music Center entrance onto campus is a familiar sight to all returning Sonoma State students.

STAR // Diana Ortiz Charlie Brown character, Lucy, waves to passing Sonoma State students on their way to class.