Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Campus closures

Sports in limbo

Insidelands

Buildings and services impacted.

PAGE 8.

SSU athletes are stuck in a waiting game. PAGE 10.

Outside Lands becomes Insidelands during pandemic. PAGE 6.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 85 // ISSUE 1 AUGUST 25, 2020 - AUGUST 31, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

COURTESY // Flickr.com Faculty and students are coming together to show support for the BLM movement.

SSU supports BLM movement

Kylie Lawrence NEWS EDITOR

STAR // Sarah Ramos The Recreation Center, as with most buildings on campus, halted services until further notice.

Budget cuts cost students their jobs Emily Cripe

STAFF WRITER

I

n the weeks leading up to the start of Fall semester, Sonoma State let hundreds of student employees go due to pandemic-related budget cuts. Students are either finding themselves without jobs just as the new semester begins, or waiting for decisions to be made on whether their position will exist in the future.

Sonoma State’s budget for the 2020-21 academic year dropped nearly $20 million due to the pandemic, according to The Press Democrat. Such a large blow to the school’s finances has led to the need for cuts, which have resulted in many student employees losing their jobs.

SSU’s Interim Public Information Officer, Robert Eyler, states, “At this time, not much hiring is happening at all on campus, and some folks have lost their job due to lack of work because of COVID-19. This includes jobs that students normally fill.”

Students on campus expressed that employees are the heart and soul of Sonoma State. They bring a perspective to their positions that nobody else could, and they provide support to their peers using their own experiences. Students rely on the support systems peer employees create, and without these positions, especially in the world of remote learning, it is nearly impossible to provide. Inversely, during these uncertain times, student employees look to their jobs for some sort of certainty; something to look forward to. Peer Mentor Emily Marfia states, “Without [this] position, I will not be able to connect with and help first year students.”

Many students rely on their campus jobs, not only for financial support, but for other types of benefits, as well.

Some jobs offer housing, dining dollars, priority registration, among many other benefits. When asked to speak about their experience with this situation, an anonymous

former RA explained, “It wasn’t until just before August that I was told only 15 RA’s could be rehired...I had two weeks to find a new place to live before the semester started...losing my job meant losing my place to live.”

All across the board, students are explaining that the process of finding out whether their job survived the cuts was slow and uninformed. In a statement regarding this issue, Peer Mentor Braden Woodward says that he “was notified about a week before showing up to [his] first class and was told that even though [he] got the job months ago, they may just drop [him] from the payroll and the job.” Late notice and lack of information have been constant during these hard times, and student employees are under a great deal of stress.

“Nobody knows when or if we will have a job. There is so much uncertainty,” Emily Marfia declared when discussing the fact that her position, like many others, has not yet been approved by President Sakaki.

Supervisors and Department heads are working around the clock to fight for their student employees.

Communication is key during these uncertain times, and everyone is doing the best they can with what they’re being given. According to an anonymous student employee, “You can’t blame higher-ups and the university too much.

Like the rest of the world, they had no idea what was going on.”

Going into the new academic year, many student jobs are on the line, but there are still final decisions to be made, and these decisions are not made lightly. The university is doing its best to keep students informed as new information surfaces.

T

he Black Lives Matter movement has recently received nationwide attention, sparked by the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Although police brutality and the abuse of power by police officers has been an ongoing issue--particularly within diverse communities of color--the movement has become a national debate and is slowly transforming into a revolution.

Across the country, people of all races and backgrounds are coming together to stand against the police and protest the unjust treatment of people of color. For eight nights, Santa Rosa community members protested and took over the streets, even stopping traffic to ensure that their message was heard.

Murals and artwork were displayed throughout the town, and locals performed inspiring demonstrations.

Within our own community at Sonoma State University, students, faculty, and staff are also taking part in the movement. Two students from SSU took it upon themselves to organize a Black Lives Matter protest on campus, and there was a big turnout. Vice Presidents from the cabinet, the inner police chief on campus, deans, and many more staff and faculty members participated.

Additionally, The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SSU is “facilitating discussions across divisions and offices about why black lives matter, how to have critical dialogue across differences, and about coordinating an anti-bias training program,” Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Jerlena Griffin and Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Karen Moranski explained. They also say that Academic Affairs sent out a Call to Action after the death of George Floyd to declare a collective commitment to act against racism, and to offer resources through the Center for Community Engagement so that faculty and instructors have access to grant-funded support in anti-racist curriculum work.

Dr. Griffin and Dr. Moranski “see these efforts as intrinsic to keeping up the momentum and really embedding anti-racism in our campus culture as an inherent characteristic of a Sonoma State education.” see SSU SUPPORTS BLM

MOVEMENT on pg. 4

COURTESY // Flickr.com Lightning has caused massive wildfires all over the state of California, including in Sonoma County.

SSU opens fire evacuee shelter Freshmen admitted to SSU during the

STAR // Sam Billingsly

For the first time ever, SSU will be welcoming incoming freshmen in the Spring

Travis Gillmore

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

S

onoma State University is opening its doors to wildfire evacuees, as the second and third largest wildfires in California history are burning simultaneously.

Strong winds, low humidity, and high heat are currently fueling approximately 600 fires across the Golden State.

In a letter to the campus community, SSU’s Vice President of Administration and Finance, Joyce Lopes, announced that portions of campus will be transformed into a wildfire evacuee shelter, as requested by the California Office of Emergency Services. see EXTREME WEATHER on pg. 4

Jayline Alvarado STAFF WRITER

A

Spring 2021 semester

s Sonoma States resumes Fall classes online, for the first time ever, SSU will allow the admittance of freshmen during the Spring semester. This means that first-time freshmen will be allowed to apply to Sonoma State in the Fall of 2020 and start in the Spring of 2021.

According to an article from the New York Times,

by Shawn Hubler, the California State University system was one of the first to announce that classes would remain online for the Fall of 2020. However, there’s been

no mention of plans for Spring 2021.

According to the Cal State Apply website, the CSU campuses would be flexible through relaxed requirements due to COVID-19 and the impact it’s had on students’ plans for attending college. This comes after Cal State Apply made the decision to waive ACT and SAT scores in the admissions process until the Fall of 2021, as well as accepting a “Credit” or “Pass” for the A-G requirements, rather than a letter grade. see NEW POLICIES on pg. 4

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Alice in Wonderland 2020: We’re all mad here

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

Photographers Samantha Billingsly, Sarah Gallagher, Sarah Ramos

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:

“Welcome back!?

Amid pandemic and wildfires...”

Read the article on page 8.

Have an opinion?

We’d like to hear from you!

The STAR welcomes letters to the editor

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

Opinions

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

Letters to the Editor

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

The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication.

T

he list of unfathomable events that have already occurred in 2020 is mindboggling proof that truth is stranger than fiction. These are undoubtedly historic, unprecedented times, and to many it feels like we are living in a bad dystopian movie.

While it is easy to get caught up in the mass hysteria, being paralyzed by fear is detrimental to emotional, mental, and physical well-being. In times like these, it is advisable to have an appropriate level of apprehension, regardless of the media hype and politicization of current events.

The table is set for a wild ride this fall, and while it may seem an insurmountable task to overcome these obstacles, as Alice observed on her adventure, “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”

With political propaganda and authoritarian dictates difficult to distinguish from fact and science, it is helpful to avoid groupthink and herd mentality.

Like Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.”

There is no shortage of controversy to explore in 2020. To recap some lowlights of this rollercoaster year: The President of the United States was impeached, only the third such occurrence in the history of the nation.

Geopolitical turmoil and saber rattling is at full throttle, and the likelihood of an all-out war or series of conflicts is all but guaranteed given the current economic and political climate.

Medical authorities declared a worldwide pandemic in March.

More than 800,000 are reported dead around the globe, and contradictory guidance from a litany of supposed experts has contributed to a delirium more contagious than the virus itself.

Schools and universities were shut down around the nation. As a result of campus closures and online curriculums, colleges are facing catastrophic budget deficits, and millions of families are suddenly without their government-sponsored and property tax-funded babysitting service.

Global lockdowns restricted movement across the majority of cities, states, and countries

STAR // Kevin Flores

around the world, and bans are still in place that limit Americans’ freedom to travel internationally.

The concept of fractional reserve banking was quietly nixed for a limitless zero percent freefor-all for the blessed few organizations with access to the Fed window. Global financial and equity markets experienced monumental volatility, with the worst losses since the Great Depression. Oil prices traded negative, and gold topped $2,000/ounce, but according to the financial wizards running the show, there’s nothing to see here folks.

Last year at this time, it was a misdemeanor crime in many states to cover your face in public, and today it is mandated and acceptable to enter a store, even a bank, with a facial covering that can be a complete disguise.

While theoretically understandable, this facilitates and encourages criminal activity by allowing perpetrators to act without fear of reprisal, and the riots this summer capitalized on this convenience.

Widespread protests in cities around the country following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor catalyzed cities to defund police departments.

The Black Lives Matter movement is combining the peaceful tradition and knowledge of Martin Luther King, Jr. with the wit, intellect, and passion of Malcolm X to bring about effective change.

The use of high-tech surveillance to monitor these protests should come as no surprise to those familiar with the tactics used by the FBI to silence protestors with COINTELPRO operations, and the heavy-handed enforcement from riot police and federal agents equipped with pepper spray, tear gas, and militarized equipment is reminiscent of the 1968 riots at the Democratic National Convention.

Chicago police claim they are investigating what they describe as rogue transmissions, as live police radio from Chicago in June, while the Magnificent Mile was being looted, captured what appeared to be a law enforcement officer instructing other units to “stand down...let it burn,” with the repeated mantra of “officer safety first...blue lives matter most.” Several times, Mayor Lightfoot was referred to as “Beetlejuice” and was repeatedly called out for her decisions

regarding the civil unrest.

Angst and frustration led to never-before-seen levels of looting and rioting in shopping districts across the country. Videos abound with highlights of the absolute insanity of the situation. Billions of dollars in property damage and lost merchandise are but the tip of the iceberg, as many retail establishments will close, move, or transition to online sales in order to protect assets, and this will inevitably result in fewer jobs, lower rents, and less sales tax collected.

Commercial real estate declines, loss of sales tax revenue, and budgetary concerns will take time to manifest, but strains are already being seen. The city of Willits, Calif. is threatening to dissolve if a sales tax increase is not passed.

If politicians are not successful securing relief to bail out cities and states that are in danger of insolvency, fiscal insufficiencies will lead to municipal bankruptcies that have the potential to devastate communities as defaults spread to pension liabilities.

All this chaos and insanity conveniently allowed the Democratic National Committee to brush aside the 2020 election campaign. It would be an interesting social experiment to have held competing rallies in cities across the country for Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden to see where the momentum and voting power really lies.

This surreal election cycle threatens to tear the country apart, as both sides are accusing the other of cheating and rigging the election. The best that can possibly come out of such lack of civility is that the American people recognize the system for what it truly is and demand real change.

2020 is going down in history as a year of social revolution and transformation, and society has the potential to take a great leap forward if fear does not block the path. The opportunity is presenting itself for humanity to forge a compassionate future.

The road to freedom is not without strife, and many people find it easier to think like the Cheshire Cat and say, “I never get involved in politics,” but society is suffering from lack of interest and public involvement because, as Plato warned, “The price of apathy toward public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”

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.

COURTESY // Sonoma State University

Opinion 3

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Kamala Harris: first woman of color for vice president Nancy Insua

STAFF WRITER

O

n Wednesday night, Kamala inspired Americans and made history with her words at the Democratic National Convention. Harris had all eyes on her as this was the first time we saw her giving a speech since joining Joe Biden in his race for the White House as his vice president pick.

She spoke on issues that many Americans have been seeking answers to from politicians.

Kamala Harris is our country’s first Black and Asian American candidate for vice president of the United States. Throughout her career, she served as the District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and she now holds a seat in the Senate for the state of California.

Harris has done work for the American people in each of these positions by fighting for public safety, consumer protection, criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and achieved change through her reform efforts.

As November approaches, Americans are looking to Kamala Harris as hope during unprecedented times and as anxiety builds towards how the next four years will look like for American life.

“We are a nation that’s grieving—grieving the loss of life, the loss of jobs, the loss of opportunities, the loss of normalcy. And yes, the loss of certainty,” stated Harris.

Kamala is a candidate that understands the complexity of the issues coming to light in America amongst the pandemic and greater exposure of police brutality. She iterated, “And while this virus touches us all, let’s be honest- it is not an equal opportunity offender. Black, Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately,” said Harris.

She continues by saying, “This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism. Of inequities in education and technology, health care and housing, job security, and transportation. The injustice in reproductive and maternal health care. In the excessive use of force by police. And in our broader criminal justice system. This virus has no eyes, and yet it knows exactly how we see each other—and how we treat each other. And let’s be clear—there is no vaccine for racism.”

Kamala Harris is precisely what the democratic party needed in a vice-presidential candidate. Next to

Biden, Harris brings everything he lacks on the ticket. However, the VP candidate does not have a perfect track record. A New York Times piece on Harris states that she has “faced criticism from progressive activists over her record as a prosecutor, including her push for higher cash bails for certain crimes and for refusing to support independent investigations for police shootings as recently as 2014.” Some see her past actions as an inconsistency with her message that she is now conveying to American people.

As we approach the 2020 election, we must look at this election holistically as well as at each of the candidates. Despite her shortcomings during her time as a prosecutor, Kamala is still the candidate fighting most for the changes Americans are longing for and does not discount the work she has done in fighting for racial justice. No better candidate could have encouraged democratic voters to vote blue in November than a woman who understands the struggles POC face in America and has the intelligence and experience to combat the issues Americans are so desperately seeking action on from our politicians in the White House.

B l a c k l i v e s PG&E’s lack of power, fiscal failures still matter Katelyn Dodge STAFF WRITER

Isabella Simoni STAFF WRITER

T

he Black Lives Mat-

If one observes social

ter movement is still

media outlets where indi-

pushing onward for

viduals are documenting the

change, though the news me-

protesting that is still hap-

dia seems to have lost inter-

pening all over the country,

est in covering the ongoing

one will not find lootings and

protests around the country.

riots. Social media posts con-

Though coverage is lacking,

sist of people lending a help-

people around the United

ing hand, individuals giving

States are taking to social

away free food and water to

media platforms such as

whoever may need it. Us-

Instagram, Twitter, and the

ers will come across protes-

most recent obsession, Tik-

tors chanting the countless

Tok, to keep the attention on

names of the victims of po-

what most media outlets will

lice brutality.

not—the momentum that

These demonstrations

still surrounds Black Lives

continue on daily, even after

Matter.

nearly two months since the

When looking at the be-

start of the protests, fueled

ginning of the protests fol-

by the death of George Floyd

lowing the unjust murders of

and Breonna Taylor. Though

George Floyd and Breonna

the lack of media coverage

Taylor, it seems that the me-

has created an inaccurate

dia only had the interest to

narrative that the protests

report the protests when they

have ceased and that the

turned from peaceful to vio-

movement is over when that

lent.

is far from the truth.

According to Kendra

Rev. William Lawson,

Pierre-Louis, writer for the

Wheeler

NiemanLab, having the me-

Pastor, commented, “[That]

dia portray the protests as an

movement is not going to

annoyance/nuisance and vio-

stop after two weeks, three

lent is, in part, why there has

weeks, a month. That move-

been a divide between indi-

ment is going to change the

viduals who support BLM

world,” mentioned in The

and those who do not.

Hill’s article on the impact

However, that is not the only reason. Kendra writes,

Avenue

Baptist

Black Lives Matter has had on society.

“The role of journalism is to

The perseverance of

hold powerful people and in-

Black Lives Matter, even

stitutions accountable to the

now without the media cov-

broader public. But that is not

erage, is further proof that

possible if the way we report

the work to end the unjust

on protests is biased from the

treatment of African Ameri-

start.”

cans in the United States is

Much of the American

far from over. It is our job as

population at the start of the

allies to stay educated, do-

protests only saw negativity

nate to causes that help, sup-

that was being continuously

port the local black-owned

portrayed by the news me-

businesses in our areas, and

dia, which frequently result-

educate others who still do

ed from instigated assaults

not seem to understand the

on protesters.

gravity of the current situa-

Now, months after the

tion. Most importantly, we

start of the Black Lives Mat-

must remember never to

ter movement, we see mini-

stop saying their names:

mal, if any, coverage of the

George Floyd, Breonna Tay-

protests at all. The attitude of

lor, Elijah McClain, Atatiana

the media is quite contradic-

Jefferson, Trayvon Martin,

tory as the movement contin-

Tamir Rice, Stephon Clark,

ues with vigor and exaspera-

Botham Jean, Alton Ster-

tion. Exasperation that there

ling, Eric Garner, Janisha

is still no change, no justice,

Fonville, Michael Brown...

no peace.

P

G&E initiated a rolling blackout through Sonoma County starting on Aug. 9, which has caused a lot of talk about their reliability. Over the past four years, during which fires have ravaged northern California, PG&E has shown little discretion shutting off power to conserve energy or prevent wildfires.

PG&E is a company being held together with tape and staples, after causing massive destruction in Sonoma County, Paradise, and eight other fire-ravaged towns. The company is paying an estimated $18 billion to the citizens whose lives they burned.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a phase in which it focused on restructuring its company to become profitable again.

But instead of focusing on making a better infrastructure or paying to upgrade their equipment to prevent fires, the solution PG&E has come up with has just been to turn off the power on their paying customers.

A statement on the PG&E webpage says, “All PG&E customers with current contact information on file were notified Monday by call,

email, and text to alert them to the possibility of rotating outages,” said the utility company. “If rotating outages are needed, PG&E will post information [on their webpage] to show the order in which PG&E will likely proceed if ordered by CAISO to turn off the power.” The company goes into stating that the estimated restoration times are two to three hours after the outage starts, all the while customers were boiling in 100-degree temperatures or higher.

Due to the shelter in place orders set on the state because of Coronavirus, the electricity demand is high.

As rolling blackouts began midAugust, working from home continues, and most schools are virtually back in session across the state, and a heatwave that created record temperatures makes the perfect recipe for the overuse of electricity.

Genevive Medina, a junior at Sonoma State, commented, “I don’t think it’s fair the outages should repeatedly inconvenience the community. It’s insane that they expect people to deal with no power, especially during a heatwave and terrible air quality from the fires, we can’t open our windows to air out [our homes]

without the risk of letting toxic air in.”

The Senate continues to bail out this shifty company by putting together a billion-dollar relief fund that can be borrowed in order to help pay for wildfires that companies are responsible for causing. For individuals who don’t earn $2.5 million a year, like the CEO of PG&E, are forced to sit with their lights flickering, turned off even, with no say in the matter. If they cannot afford to fix the problems with their equipment correctly and by not having to cut the electricity of their paying customers, then why do they deserve to have the power over our own.

PG&E is crying wolf that they are out of power and out of options other than shutting off people’s electricity for one to two hours between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to converse power. If there had been proper investing and care for their customers, then there would have been actual money invested back into their company.

With that, they could make sure California has enough power to withstand a few hot days and stop them from burning down the state.

Are we ready for in-person instruction?

Natella Guy

STAFF WRITER

A

s COVID-19 is still actively infecting people every day, after what is said to be six months after its initial detection, it has gone onto affecting yet another school year, as back to school season is among us.

Ultimately, the pandemic is testing the ref lexes of the administrators in charge and impacting the education system as a whole.

Most governments around the world have closed in-person educational institutions for students’ safety and in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. In place of physical interaction, students are yet again forced to complete their studies through online instruction.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 60 percent of the student population has been impacted, with a total of 143 countrywide closures. However, not all countries have agreed on how to handle the decisions made for educational institutions.

The conversation among the general public has included an ongoing debate on whether or not schools should reopen for inperson sessions or not. Denmark’s central government, in collaboration with the Parliament, has reopened schools during this outrageous pandemic, all the while not

requiring students to wear face masks and instead implementing strict regulations and procedures.

The critical difference between Denmark and the United States, though, is the population size and density. However, these school halls and classrooms are not what they were a few months ago.

For example, officials limited the number of students that made up the primary and secondary school classrooms. Currently, there are only about 10 to 12 students per teacher. Additional procedures include using different doors when entering and exiting, holding class lessons outside when possible, and socially distanced desks.

While it is possible for countries with lower population density and fewer cases of COVID-19 to do so, there are a lot of adverse effects in not letting kids go back to school, physically.

In an article written by Oliver Franklin for the U.K. news publication, Wired, the author stated that after hurricane Katrina hit, “Some children showed increased signs of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress long after the event; a study five years later found that more than a third of those children displaced were still at least a year behind their peers academically.” Although this is not a natural disaster like a hurri-

cane, the scale of impact that COVID-19 has had can sure measure up to one.

The lack of physical interaction has shown to be detrimental for a child’s developmental learning and mental health. According to WBUR-FM, a public radio station in Boston, Mass., owned

by Boston University, “As states debate reopening schools, some child psychologists are expressing another worry — that schools won’t be prepared to deal with kids’ mental trauma when they do go back.”

Fear, the loss of relatives, trauma, and abuse are among the issues children might be dealing with since the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close in March. The benefits of having in-person schools outweigh the negative and help ensure a safe environment for kids with broken families. In-person instruction provides educational intrusion, helps develop social and emotional skills, and provides physical activity needed every day. Overall, schools should be making plans to move in the same direction as Denmark, by creating smaller classroom sizes and making strict rules on social distancing so kids can maintain mental and physical health.

4 News

Aug. 25 - Aug. 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

SSU supports BLM movement continued from pg. 1

STAR // Sarah Ramos What would normally be a bustling path outside the Student Center was instead left vacant Friday morning.

Sonoma State cuts culinary services during the pandemic

Samuel Sayer

STAFF WRITER

A

s COVID-19 continues to show no signs of slowing down, schools are cancelling more services this Fall semester, with Sonoma State being no exception. This semester, SSU will not be offering meal plans for any students, nor will any of the campus dining venues be open.

In previous years, freshmen students were assigned a meal plan as a part of their room and board combination. This may seem like a welcome change to the small population of on-campus students who prefer the chance to choose whether they want a meal plan or not. However, this change does not only affect students who use culinary services as their primary means of getting food while at school. This decision also has widespread implications for those who are employed full-time by the culinary department, as well as students who are employed during the school year.

According to the department page for Culinary Services, roughly 500 students and more than 50 full-time professionals are employed by SSU every year. Director of Culinary Services, Nancy Keller, claims the loss of revenue has been “devastating.” She explains that “[they] have reduced expenses in every possible area and have retained employees as long as possible...staff and management employees were notified they may be laid off by July 31st.” In an attempt to offset these layoffs, Culinary employees are being moved to other departments to work there when possible.

Despite these heavy losses, the department has plans to press on and continue to connect with students remotely. Keller mentions that the department is “working on a video series that will start in September, containing

cooking lessons, meal planning and budgeting tips for students.” In addition, they are also developing content for Seawolf Living to assist students with cooking at home. Culinary Services, mainly the Cafeteria, has previously offered various services teaching students how to make meals that are easy and accessible to prepare in the dorm kitchenettes, and hope to continue to do so in the shift to a digital presence, for those both on and off campus. Keller also mentioned the potential for students to participate in keeping “food diaries” over a period of time in order to adjust their culinary content to the needs of the student body more appropriately. Culinary Services also plans to use the data gathered as a form of preparation for the inevitable return to school--specifically, to have more extensive information on “the true savings of time a meal plan offers to our customers.” As a form of incentive, they’ve promised participants a compensation of Wolfbucks for their cooperation.

Due to the ever-shifting status of COVID-19’s presence and its effect on SSU, Keller couldn’t give a definitive answer as to what a scenario of returning would entail. “This emergency has been very dynamic and I’d expect a number of developments we’ll need to take into account before providing any guidance for the Spring.”

While the current situation certainly lives up to the “dynamic” description, Director Keller and Culinary Services plan to return as soon as it’s safe to do so, as a changed service. Students can look forward to new policies that not only meet the new guidelines at the local, state, and national level, but to go beyond what’s expected by preexisting health mandates for a safer and healthier year.

New policies allow students to enroll for Spring 2021 semester continued from pg. 1

However, the decision to change admissions deadlines would be up to each of the individual campuses.

Not only is this the first time this is happening at Sonoma State, but SSU is also one of the first colleges to implement this decision. Humboldt State University, San Francisco State, and Chico State are also allowing freshmen to enroll in the Spring of 2021. On the other hand, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Maritime, Sacramento State University, and CSU San Bernardino are not allowing incoming students to enroll in the Spring and are maintaining that first-time freshmen should apply in the Fall of 2021 instead.

The University of California system also waived ACT and SAT scores in order to “help mitigate some of the extraordinary challenges students and their families face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” However, they remained firm on admissions dates for first-time freshmen for Fall 2020 and are also upholding students applying for Fall 2021. As stated by the COVID-19 UC response page, “The deadline to accept an offer of admission, known as the Statement of Intent to Register, remains May 1 for freshman and June 1 for transfers.”

Dean of Extended Education, as well as the Interim Public Information Officer on campus, Robert Eyler, stated that the decision to admit first-time freshmen came at the end of last Spring when Sonoma State University realized how high-school students’ plans to enroll as first-time freshmen were derailed by the pandemic. “Spring admissions--this year for sure--allows a chance to start in the Spring and hopefully a better student outcome long-term.” He says that the Spring start date allows freshmen to “use the Fall of 2020 to plan and stabilize [their] life, if COVID-19 has unfortunately affected the student or the student’s family.”

However, first-time freshmen admission during the Spring semester was a change that was going to be made eventually. According to Eyler, as higher education moves towards a student-centered admission process, Sonoma State University and the Cal State University system was heading in the direction of Spring admissions for first-time freshmen, despite the pandemic.

COURTESY // Seawolfliving.com Sonoma State is one of only a few college campuses that will allow incoming freshmen in the Spring.

In the past, Sonoma State hasn’t had the best representation within the Black community. “We recognize that it has been a challenge to attract Black students to SSU in numbers that can positively contribute to a welcoming critical mass for Black students,” said Dr. Griffin and Dr. Moranski.

But, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Gregory Sawyer, says that this has recently changed with the hiring of President Judy Sakaki--who has encouraged faculty and staff to view their work through a more inclusive lens--and her work to create an Office of Diversity on campus.

He also says that administration is making more of an effort lately to reach out and welcome Black students to Sonoma State. Many recent curricular changes are designed to attract more Black students to SSU’s academic programs, and the SSU administration is working to provide new academic programs that would prove attractive across the state. SSU has also increased the diversity of faculty and staff in hopes of attracting more students from underrepresented communities.

Dr. Sawyer said that President Sakaki “really wants the numbers to be different” and “everyone to feel welcome at SSU.” He said he even came out of retirement in 2017 because of Sakaki’s motivated work to make the SSU community more diverse. “We should be proud of President Sakaki, she is breaking barriers.”

Extreme weather fuels wildfires continued from pg. 1

“The shelter will be in our Residential Community of Cabernet and will be managed by the Red Cross in coordination with Sonoma County Emergency Management,” according to Lopes’ announcement. “The safety of the SSU community is of the utmost importance... shelter residents will be required to abide by all CDC, state, county, and campus guidelines to ensure safety during the pandemic.”

Sonoma State’s Interim Public Information Officer, Dr. Robert Eyler, said the university is providing up to “244 beds in 44 units,” and “the County of Sonoma is having evacuees come to campus starting August 22.”

According to Dr. Eyler, the arrangement is openended due to dynamic conditions, and SSU will be reimbursed for all costs incurred.

State officials are looking to provide relief to communities and evacuees, as three lightning complex fires consisting of multiple blazes threaten the security of the Bay Area.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced at the daily Cal Fire briefing, on August 21, that “the challenge we’re facing as a state is now disproportionately affecting Northern California,” after the region experienced “close to 12,000 lightning strikes over a 72 hour period.”

The LNU complex represents a series of fires impacting Lake, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties and is currently the third largest wildfire in California history.

Hennessey, centered around Lake Berryessa; Meyer, located north of Jenner; and Walbridge, west of Healdsburg, are the largest conflagrations.

More than 350,000 acres have burned since the blaze began on August 18, and Cal Fire reports the fire is less than 30% contained as of Tuesday, August 25.

Five fatalities and four additional injuries are attributed to the complex. 937 structures were destroyed, with 251 more damaged as a result of the fires.

The Cal Fire incident update for the LNU complex fire reports that “significant fire growth is expected throughout the rest of the operational period. Extreme fire behavior with short and long range spotting are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts. Fires continue to make runs in multiple directions...impacting multiple communities. Multiple fires have merged on the north side of Lake Berryessa into the Hennessey Fire.”

Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for Sonoma County residents living near Healdsburg. The Walbridge fire grew to more than 54,000 acres, and containment is reportedly 17%.

High winds are fanning flames and threatening homes and businesses near Healdsburg and Windsor, as crews fight to slow the spread around Lake Sonoma.

Adding to the firefighting dilemma are the CZU complex fires in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties and the massive SCU complex in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.

The CZU fires have consumed more than 79,000 acres, destroying 330 buildings, killing one, and Cal Fire reports 17% containment, as of August 25.

The SCU complex surpassed 360,000 acres burned, putting it in second place in California fire history, but property damage is relatively minimal, with 18 structures destroyed and 15% containment reported.

The Bay Area is now bracing for a red flag warning period that is forecast to include a second round of thunderstorms and dry lightning, as extreme weather patterns continue.

Weather over the weekend was less impactful than meteorologists feared, and firefighters are making progress securing fire lines. Heavy smoke persists, as fires buning in the national forests are consuming large swathes of acreage.

Road closures, evacuation orders, and warnings are widespread and fluid. Stay safe, and visit fire.ca.gov for current guidance.

Aug. 25 - Aug. 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

News 5

Dropping enrollment at SSU leads to budget cuts

Taylor Clark

STAFF WRITER

I

t is no secret that Sonoma State University has noticeably lost the interest of incoming students over the years, and the COVID pandemic has not made it any easier.

After reaching out to several administrators, many responded, eager to set the record straight regarding the future of SSU. “The drop in incoming freshmen has effects, and a lot of it depends on if we see transfers and more first-year students come starting in Spring 2021 over time, but the drop reduces revenues for the university due to fewer people on campus overall to use our facilities, attend concerts and events, etc. The budget changes are likely to force some hard decisions in the near future for the campus about spending,” explained the Dean of International and Extended Education, Robert Eyler.

SSU has already faced several cuts, notifying 51 employees that they will potentially be let go. The vast majority consists of cafeteria and food service workers.

SSU is preparing for a $20 million budget deficit, according to the Press Democrat.

“A lot has to be determined over the next 90 days,” Eyler told the Press Democrat. He continued,“Will, for example, the federal budget come through and provide enough funding to reconfigure the (CSU) budget and finance the system? It is possible, on the positive side. That 90 days will provide time to figure that out.”

Many potential first-time freshmen have decided to take a gap year or withdraw completely from SSU. Some can no longer afford it due to the pandemic. Others are not so patiently waiting for the full college experience to enroll. And some have decided to attend community colleges online in an attempt to save a little money.

Eyler also mentioned that “SSU is working hard on a daily basis to recruit and retain students, especially those that were accepted to SSU and chose not come here

initially, or chose to take a gap year.” He continued by saying,“We are engaged in a process called “strategic enrollment planning” or SEM, working with faculty, staff, and administration to market and recruit for Sonoma State. More details on these efforts should be coming during Fall 2020.”

Sonoma State’s Dean of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Hollis Robbins, shared insight on her views of Sonoma’s promising capabilities.“Sonoma State is a unique school with the opportunity to sell itself to California students as a value proposition for an excellent liberal arts education. The cost of a private liberal arts education comparable to a Sonoma State education is often as high as $50,000 per year, between tuition, room, and board. At Sonoma State, students receive a student-centered education for far less than half of that.”

Dean Robbins is hopeful that Sonoma State’s new outreach program will encourage students to enroll by showcasing and emphasizing the excellence present within their faculty. She mentions working with the most accomplished scholar-teachers including Kim Heser-Williams in AMCS, Gillian Conoley in English, and Dr. Greg Sarris, the Graton Rancheria Endowed Chair of Native American Studies.

SSU is, first and foremost, a place of education which ultimately serves as a vessel to build experience within young scholars. It is also a place in which connections and networking flourish. But, with recent cuts to several sports teams and the lack of an inperson environment, SSU is currently standing on shaky ground. With that being said, it is not entirely Sonoma State’s fault. Every school in the country is facing confusion, uncertainty, and disappointment.

STAR // Sam Billingsly Many rooms on campus stood empty on move-in day, just like this Tuscany dorm.

COURTESY // sbe.sonoma.edu Four new deans and a new interim public communications officer, Robert Eyler, are filling new roles this semester at Sonoma State University.

New deans at Sonoma State bring fresh perspective Sieanna Narine STAFF WRITER

A

s the 2020 Fall semester begins, students, faculty, and staff at Sonoma State University adjust to a completely different school experience. To the community at SSU, this may be a scary and uncomfortable experience because so much is unknown.

Some students are even questioning whether returning to SSU is worth the money with all these changes.

Dean of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Hollis Robbins, assures the SSU Community that new leadership is not something that should be feared. “I am thrilled about my four new Dean colleagues who are bringing the perspective of other schools and fresh new ways of doing things to Sonoma State. I think it is important that institutions balance traditions with change. We do many things really well at Sonoma State but we could do some things better, such as recruiting students. Two of our new Deans, Laura Alamillo and JF Coget, are from schools that are terrific at recruiting students. We will learn a lot from them.”

The four new Deans come prepared and experienced in developing strong academic communities within the CSU system.

The new Dean of Business and Economics is Dr. Jean-Francois Coget from CalPoly in San Luis Obispo, where he served as professor and associate dean.

SSU’s new Dean of Science and Technology, Elizabeth Wade, comes from Mills College in Oakland with twenty years of teaching Chemistry under her belt.

The Dean of Social Science, Troi Carelston, is coming from San Francisco State University. She was the Associate Dean of College Liberal and Creative Arts for over 20 years at San Francisco State University.

Dean of Education, Laura Alamillo, served at Fresno State for 16 years in many different faculty positions, and as the Associate Dean and Interim Dean.

Some on campus may already be familiar with Robert Eyler, who is a professor of Economics at SSU as well as the Dean of Extended and International Education. He has now taken a new position at SSU as the Interim Public Communications Officer.

Eyler assures students that there will be “no big changes for this year. The plan is to make sure we provide good information about where SSU is headed and help students as much as possible.” Collectively, the Deans are working together on the same mission--to help students and faculty to fulfill any needs or concerns as the semester progresses.

The Deans are also working their hardest to make the transition for students and faculty smooth, while preparing for any bumps in the road that may come along with creating a virtual community at SSU. The Dean of Students, Ryan Henne, comments on this upcoming school year with reassuring words for students. “The University’s priority is to first do everything within its power to provide a safe environment for learning. While some of the frills may be muted presently, I believe that students will be able to have a contemporary Seawolf experience whether their learning is taking place virtually or in person. Club fairs, academic advising, fraternity and sorority recruitment, and Health and Wellness fairs are all going to happen this semester, but it will just be that the delivery method will be a little different. I think the world is exploring how to make a virtual community. I am confident that SSU will be doing it right.”

With Sonoma State transitioning to a virtual community, faculty and staff will attempt to provide students with the similar educational and college experience that they would receive in person. Dean of Education, Laura Alamillo, believes that “preparing quality teachers is a justice issue. Our children deserve the best teachers and we are preparing the very best at Sonoma State.”

Many Sonoma State students are deserving of a passionate and in-depth education from professors and mentors, regardless if it takes place online. New leadership may be uncomfortable considering the time of change that we already find ourselves in, but SSU faculty, staff, and administration have experience and are confident in their ability to work together as one well-oiled machine.

6 Arts

AUG. 25-AUG. 31 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Outside Lands becomes Insidelands!

Christy Chew

STAFF WRITER

W

ith COVID-19 spreading far throughout the United States, festival season has come to a close, but that does not mean it has to end. The Outside Lands Festival team have teamed up with the livestreaming website Twitch to offer a free weekend of music and festivities while staying at home, starting on Aug. 28.

For most Bay Area travelers and locals, the main attraction of the Summer is the San Francisco based music and arts festival Outside Lands. Outside Lands, created by Another Planet Entertainment, has been a wonderful way for people in the area to enjoy and be entertained by the array of attractions this festival has to offer.

However, due to a worldwide pandemic, and California reaching high case levels of COVID-19, Outside Lands was unable to have this yearly celebration. The creators of Outside Lands had a trick up their sleeve to keep their customers happy and excited, turning Outside Lands into Inside Lands.

This remote festival will be happening Aug. 28 and 29 at 4p.m. live on the Twitch website. This free virtual festival will feature many live performances including Elton John, Louis the Child, J. Cole, Zhu, and many more with the full lineup on their website.

“Outside Lands is proud to present Inside Lands, a free virtual festival featuring two days of music and never before seen footage to celebrate the past 12 years of our festival’s history and everything we love about the Bay Area,” said the Outside Lands Team on their website.

Inside Lands will also be hosting archival sets, interviews with artists, footage of the past 12 years, and features on festival curators and the community that is Outside Lands. During these two days Outside Lands will be taking donations on Twitch for the charitable program Outside Land Works. They will also be hosting a live streaming chat room so viewers can talk with one another, get closer with

COURTESY// THOMAS HAWK Big- Boi performing at Outsidelands Music Festival in 2017.. the performing artists, and meet new people while still at a safe distance.

This virtual festival will also be displaying stories and experiences from past goers of the festival, sharing their favorite memories, that will be displayed throughout the virtual festival celebration.

“As a Bay Area native I have been to Outside Lands for many years but I am so excited to be a part of this new experience that Inside Lands will be offering, and having a virtual festival during this time is a wonderful way to stay away from full cancellation,” Said Senior Rebecca Wynn.

People are welcome to join the festival at any time, and enjoy themselves and the experience from the comfort of their home. Attendees will be virtually celebrating and interacting amongst others watching, creating a community of people to enhance their experience.

For those eager beavers, Outside Lands has also taken no time to announce their 2021 festival, and this keeps their audience hopeful and excited for what’s to come. The full lineup for this festival as well as tickets are available on their Outside Lands website. Outside Lands is excited to look to the future and bring back the annual celebration in San Francisco by next year.

What is happening with the ‘Ellen Degeneres Show?’

Max Robinson

STAFF WRITER

T

hree executive producers involved in the production of The Ellen Degeneres Show have been fired as dozens of former and current employees accuse them of sexual misconduct and harassment during their involvement in the program.

Employees from the show allege that executive producers Kevin Leman, Jonathan Norman, and Ed Glavin committed various episodes of sexual misconduct for years, with many employees feeling unable to speak out against the day to day harassment.

“You didn’t want to piss them off or you would be fired, so it was just that culture of fear.” as one former employee describes in Buzzfeed News “Dozens Of Former “Ellen Show” Employees Say Executive Producers Engaged In Rampant Sexual Misconduct And Harassment”.

As of Monday, all three accused executives have since parted ways with The Ellen Degeneres Show, according to a spokesperson for Warner Bros., Leman has denied all accusations, insisting that their conduct during their involvement of the show was entirely appropriate and that the allegations are untrue; but reports from ex-employees contradict their statements. According to former employees, Leman sexually harassed a company employee during a company party in 2013. Another report specifies that in May 2017, Leman was seen nonconsensually groping and kissing a production assistant in a car. Leman was also reported to have made sexually explicit comments towards many employees, gesturing towards their genitals and asking “are you a top or a bottom?”, which created an uncomfortable workspace for many.

His comments were passed off as “Kevin being Kevin” but according to a former employee, “It’s masked in sarcasm, but it’s not sarcasm.”

Norman has been accused of similar behavior, such as grooming employees and later asking them if he could perform oral sex on them, though Norman has denied all accusations.

Glavin has yet to respond to any requests for a comment, though the accusations against him are serious. He had been reported to inappropriately touch several former employees, rubbing their shoulders and back, and even placing his hands around their lower waist. Glavin “managed the team through fear and intimidation.”; said a former employee, which he used “on a daily basis.”

Many former employees also expressed discomfort in Glavin’s use of a private shower in his office

COURTESY // Ronpaulrevolt2008 Producers on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” have been accused of multiple accounts of sexual misconduct.

bathroom. “Before you even see his desk, you see his shower,” according to an interview between a former employee and a BuzzFeed News journalist.

As The Ellen Degeneres Show seeks to move past this event, Ellen Degeneres has announced an internal investigation into the misconduct. The Executive Vice President at Warner Bros David McGuire issued an email to staff at the show, saying the studio was “absolutely committed” to “change and a new culture”. Ellen Degeneres also hosted a group video-call

with all employees, announcing that some changes would be made in order to better the work environment, which left many surprised, yet “optimistic and hopeful.”

After the Monday video-call, the employees are hoping for a new beginning, and a refreshed work environment where they can be productive, communicative, and comfortable, without fear of harassment.

As a former employee said, “It feels like justice has been served in some way.”

Entertainment 7

AUG. 25-AUG. 31, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Lilly Frazier Movie theatres across the country have been closed for months due to COVID-19. Although a variety of streaming services have left people with a new way to watch movies from home.

Cinema as we know it could be a thing of the past

Edgar Zavala

STAFF WRITER

S

itting down on that semi comfortable chair with a large popcorn on one side and a large coke on the other, you are excited to see the movie that everyone has been talking about. The theater is filled with voices all waiting for the lights to go dark and for the feature film to start playing on the large silver screen.

What a time it was when people were able to go to the movies. Well, there is a good chance you may have seen your last movie at a theater and you didn’t even know it. Ever since the global pandemic theaters as well as many other sociable establishments have been forced to close down its doors to the general public. Movie Premiers have been postponed indefinitely and the whole movie industry has been set back to an unrecoverable amount of debt.

Movie theaters were already in debt before the pandemic due to audiences preferring popular streaming service such as Netlf lix, Hulu and Disney+ over actually going to a theater which has lead them and even further below water. As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the nation the theater industry is finding it extremely difficult to reopen under such circumstances. Theaters have cut labor, asked for federal assistance, and have raised money

through debt offerings. However, it is the rent and lease charges that have made cinemas waste over 10 million dollars monthly nationwide. “Most of these chains have enough money to get them through this year, but the next year is trickier,” says Eric Handler, an analyst with MKM Partners.

“The big question is how fast does attendance ramp up. They don’t want to be forced to raise more cash, because every time they do it puts a greater burden on their balance sheets. More than anything, they need theaters to reopen, and they need that to happen sooner rather than later.”

AMC ended 2019 with an estimated $5 billion in corporate borrowings and is projected to raise $500 million in new debt over the next year or so. Regal has $4 billion in debt and had to pull out of a deal to buy a Canadian chain of movie theaters which have added more money being owed. With all this money being owed it is extremely difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the cinema industry.

However, this may just be the beginning of the future of film and television consumption. Streaming services are thriving in this current catastrophe as services such as Netf lix and Disney+ have seen astronomical surges in subscribers. Over 16 mil-

lion new subscribers were added to Netf lix since the outbreak, double what analysts projected. Disney’s streaming service has added 28 million subscribers since December of last year. Big budget film studios such as Warner Bros. and Universal seem to be going all in on the streaming platforms as many movies have been released online. Universal’s “The King Of Staten Island”, starring Pete Davidson and directed

by Jud Apatow was set to release in theaters but released it through Amazon Prime video instead. Could this be the new way we consume our movies? Well it all depends on the consumers. Handler went on to say, “If it turns out that consumer behavior changes and people don’t go back to theaters like they once did, studios can adjust. They can make more content for streaming services, which might even yield higher returns”.

As many things during this year, it is uncertain how the movie industry will be after this is all over.

One can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. However, as streaming becomes more and more popular, it seems as this will be the new way for Hollywood to operate. They can take away the movie theaters but they will never take away the ability for people to watch movies.

Fallin’ for Fall Guys

Myles Grabau

STAFF WRITER

A

t first glance, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout doesn’t seem quite as addictive and time consuming as it truly is. Developed

by Mediatonic, Fall Guys is the perfect knockout-style battle royale game for all of us who are stuck inside this semester. The character that you play as, complete with impeccable jellybean vibes, is fully customizable. From his skin color, to the patterns on his “suit”, you can have your character rock whatever your heart desires.

As of today, it has only been released on Windows and PS4 for a little over two weeks, and has already sold over 2 million copies. While the game is free for a limited time only on Playstation Plus, the PC version will cost you $20 without DLC costume packs.

This incredible amount of sales has caused the game to rise to the top of Steam’s best-sellers list quicker than ever seen before. At the moment, the game’s rising popularity has potential to pass up other battle royale-esque games such as League of Legends and Fortnite, but it still has a while to go.

The style of the game is battle royale, which seems to be an increasingly popular gaming style, complete with knockout rounds and different minigames within each round. The game starts with 60 players, all competing in what’s called a “show”, lasting 4-5 rounds until 1 player overtakes the other 59 in the different types of minigames. There’s races, memory games, team-style games, and survival games, all designed to eliminate a certain number of competitors each round. If you are the one remaining victor, you get a “crown”, which can

be used to purchase different skins, costumes, or face colors for your “fall guy”, which takes the form of a squishy jelly bean-looking character.

In just the first week, sales had skyrocketed so high that the servers were unable to support 1.5 million players at once, and disconnections were way too frequent to make the game enjoyable. However, since this major issue was patched, there were far less issues regarding the gameplay other than lag. Another issue that should be noted bumping other players happens nearly every game, and it can be rather annoying when you’re trying to break away from the pack.

The controls on the game are insanely easy to pick up, and it leaves room for competitive and casual players alike to enjoy the game together.

You can “grab” other players or items in the minigames (SHIFT key on keyboard; Left bumper on controllers), and you can even hug other fall guys around you! One thing that I find annoying about grabbing is that other players can literally use their grab to hold you in place for a couple seconds, which can hinder your progress when you try to get ahead.

Overall, this game has some serious potential in the gaming industry.

It’s easy to get hooked into playing multiple “shows” in a row, and it’s near impossible to sit down and just play one quick game. While this game has a relatively casual approach, I can clearly see some true eSports value to Fall Guys. While racking up your crowns is the quickest way to become a pro, they certainly aren’t easy to obtain when you sit down for a quick game.

COURTESY // YOUTUBE Fall Guys was released on August 8, 2020 and has already sold over 2 millions copies in only the past few weeks.

8 Student Life

Many locations around campus are closed including the Recreation Center.

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

STAR// Sarah Ramos

Welcome back!? Amid pandemic and wildfires, student services shift gears, again

Kristina Schmuhl STAFF WRITER

A

mid the novel coronavirus pandemic and wildfires throughout the region, many may wonder what services, if any , will remain on campus and remotely. The fall semester kicked off on Aug. 18 with all but 3% of courses to be offered online.

This semester at Sonoma State University is certainly unprecedented as students return to campus, not in person, but virtually to start classes. Because of these special circumstances, as students return to their studies amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, many may wonder what services, if any, are available both on campus and remotely.

The University is aiming to stop the spread of COVID-19 by having as many classes and services remote or virtual as possible. Services that will remain open virtually include: the Advising and Transfer Center, SSU Career Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Services for Students, Financial Aid, IT Help Desk, the Learning and Academic Resource Center and the Seawolf Service Center. Most of these services will be operating 8am-5pm Monday through Friday by appointment online or by phone.

Elise Terry, a senior Theater Performing Arts Major said, “I am glad that a lot of services are open in an online forum for people who need them, such as transfer student services and peer resources/counseling.” She admits she does not use a lot of those services but is happy they are available to those who need them.

Even with things operating remotely students have had mixed feelings about how smoothly they were able to receive prompt responses to inquiries.

Megan Reilly, a senior and Global Studies major, has already had both positive and negative experiences getting information virtually. She spoke positively about experiences with Graduation Advising and working with the Advising and Transfer Center but struggled to get the support she would like with academic advising.

She said, “Communication has been really frustrating. I wish we could show up to campus in instances like that. Show up to office hours and physically be there. Sometimes Zoom can’t really replace an in person conversation.”

She also added, “Although I’m frustrated I’m trying to treat everybody with a little grace right now.”

Approximately 1300 students returned to on-campus Housing facilities with each student getting their own bedroom and bathroom to ensure social distancing. The Residential

Education and Campus Housing Main Office, (REACH), will remain open Monday through Friday 9 a..m. - 5 p.m. to support student needs and the REACH Service Desk in Tuscany Village will remain open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Even with students on campus in resident halls, all culinary and dining facilities will remain closed for the duration of the Fall semester as well as the Recreation Center and Library. The Library will remain closed for normal business activity but does have limited pickup hours. Students can pick up requested textbooks, materials or laptop rentals from the Curbside pick-up service located at the clocktower entrance Tuesday and Thursdays, 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

The University Bookstore located in the Student Center is also closed but students can order textbooks, school supplies and Seawolf apparel online that will be shipped to their houses. Students and staff can order items from the official Sonoma State Bookstore website or by phone call.

The Student Center remains closed for normal capacities but this last week Missy Brunetta, the Director of Emergency Services and Associate Risk Manager at the University, announced that the Student Center will be opening as a “clean air center for residential students” every day from noon-7pm. This will allow students to escape any poor air quality concerns they may have had from smoke coming from wildfires raging in Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties.

Brenden O’ Connor, a senior Communications major, felt that given the closure of most things he “didn’t see the advantages of living on campus,” adding, “it’s more practical to stay home and save some money.”

There will also be a Wildfire Evacuee Shelter located on campus in the Residential Community of Cabernet. Since campus housing is only at 41%capacity, in guidance with social distancing, residential buildings on campus could remain open for relief shelter for the semester.

Although the future is uncertain when students will be able to return to campus and what will be open in the Spring semester, in an article by the Press Democrat titled, “SSU president says school year is starting with energy, excitement despite pandemic” Sonoma State President Judy Sakaki said her goal is to ensure the campus comes back “even better, even stronger” even if if it requires being “a little different, because the world is changing.”

New LoboConnect app unveiled Moragh Graf

STAFF WRITER

O

n Aug. 17, students at Sonoma State University were greeted with a brand new tool to start the school year.

Seawolves were introduced to the LoboConnect mobile app, which has a plethora of tools to help students stay organized and get the resources they need to stay successful this semester.

Since it has been announced that most classes will not be held in-person, there has been some concern among the efficacy of online learning. Last semester at Sonoma State was taught completely virtually for the last two months of classes, a surprising turn of events for everyone.

While there has been more time to prepare for the upcoming virtual semester, many students and parents worry about the effect on education. At this time, it is very important that students feel the same support and reliability from the campus as they would in any other circumstance. Hopefully, LoboConnect will be able to provide Seawolves with just that.

“LoboConnect Mobile App will be able to send student push notifications about events to get them further engaged in academic/nonacademic programs,” said Derek Bradley, an Academic Advisor who was heavily involved in deciding the content of the app. “More features will be added later to allow students to map out their academic plan.”

LoboConnect has a variety of tools to assist students in gaining success. There is a tool in which students can explore requirements for their major and what careers are available to someone with a degree in that field. The tool dedicated to

resources provides students with people and places that can help them with whatever they need. The ToDo and Appointments tools make it easier to stay on top of assignments and meetings with advisors or professors. The Study Buddy and Class Schedule tools work together to find other students in those classes to start virtual study groups.

Students are saying the release of this app could not have come at a better time. Due to COVID-19 not allowing many schools to open, LoboConnect is just what students need to stay on track this year.

“I’m really excited to use the new app,” said third-year student Eli Carey. “I feel like I could easily get lost this semester but hopefully LoboConnect can help me stay organized.”

This app has the potential to help students thrive as much as possible in a time like this. Loboconnect has actually been planned out for some time. Luckily for students, it’s being pushed out during a time where staying on schedule in this strange school environment is difficult.

“Sonoma State University has actually been in the planning and implementation of this app for over a year,” said Director of Student Success and Advising, Jamie Zamjahn.

While Sonoma State has been implementing the use of the app’s technology for advising and other services for about two years, this is the first time it will be accessible directly to students.

“The app will actually help students with a few aspects of virtual learning,” Zamjahn said. “This app connects students with advisors,

COURTESY// Sonoma State Loboconnect can help students reach out to advisors, pick a major, find a study buddy, and much more. student services, staff, faculty, and peers. Students can identify their advisors and set up an appointment directly in the app. Plus much more!”

The app also has the ability to sync with the Calendar app on any iPhone, so users can further schedule their schooling in accordance with their personal or work lives. However, some students may find that they already know how to stay on top of their schedule and assignments without the help of LoboConnect. Deja Whitney, a fifth year at Sonoma State, said, “I don’t think I’ll be using it at all unless my teachers tell me to.”

As with every new technological development, there are going to be people who show no interest in the matter. This could very well be the case for Sonoma State’s new app. As Whitney said, there is the likelihood of students feeling that the app is unnecessary in achieving success. This may especially be true for students who are farther along in their college careers, as they are mostly done with the exploring and advising portion of their education. However, that does not mean that a fourth or fifth year student has no use for the app.

It still provides the option of finding study buddies and a tool to find a tutor, which can be useful for anyone.

“The app allows students and staff to work together to help each student persist,” said Zamjahn.

For more information on LoboConnect, visit studentsuccess.sonoma.edu or contact their academic advising by emailing loboconn@sonoma.edu.

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31 2020 sonomastatestar.com

Student Life 9

ASP starts the school year off with “Sonoma Feud” Amanda Koba

STAFF WRITER

T

he energy was high in the final round of the Sonoma State University “game show”. Team W and Team ? were neck and neck. The suspense of waiting for the last question had everyone hovering over their buzzer. Finally the question was shown and the first to buzz in was Team ? ultimately leading them to take the win at Associated Student Production’s (ASP’s) Sonoma Feud. The event was held Aug. 20 and had two teams facing off in a virtual game show, live from Zoom.

This last Thursday students gathered over Zoom to participate in a game modeled after the show Family Feud. The TV show has two teams of five members going against one another trying to guess the popular answers that people choose to questions that appear on the game board. The game had questions that related around campus and Sonoma State student life such as “which academic hall is the prettiest?” Or “ what’s the best dish served at The Kitchens?” (It was mini corn dogs.)

Sonoma Feud has set the stage for all future virtual events for the upcoming Fall semester. With classes online at Sonoma State, all events have either been postponed, cancelled or have gone virtual. The transition to online meant Sonoma State wouldn’t be able to host the well-known kick off event to the school year known as “Big Nite”. In lieu of the popular event, ASP were quick to create this game show esque meeting for students.

Mac Patefield, Seawolf Pride Director said they ended up choosing this idea because they “...needed an event for Welcome Week, something that was SSU related and would get returning and new students excited about Sonoma state.”

She followed by saying “other schools had done this type of event and we made our own version from there.” after being asked how ASP came up with their first event for the semester.

One of the questions asked was “Where is the best place to eat on campus” and students stated different locations such as Lobos, Sip and Charlie Browns; all appearing on the board yet the Kitchens were not a fan favorite earning the team that guessed them a strike.

This new way of life has created some challenges

STAR // Sam Billingsly It didn’t take long for contestants to realize that Lobo’s was the most popular food choice on campus. for students to interact with one another and ASP has spoken with how they will continue to bring some kind of normalcy to students.

Erik Dickson, the Executive Director of ASP said, “I am so proud of the transition and hard work that ASP has done getting ready for this virtual semester. They have really stepped up and been creative, resilient, and true student leaders.”

The total of participants came out to be 15 people at last Thursday’s event. The question of turnout for any event crosses the planners mind and Dickson said, “Our job is to learn from both and grow in our capacity to serve the students through ASP.” Some of the events Seawolves know and love will also be shared through the virtual platform such as open mic nights and various game nights as well as some new events.

Mariah Atkins, Programming Director hinted at “some po-

tential special guests” in the future. These various events can be found on the ASP instagram, @ssu_as , as well as Seawolf Living.

With hopes high and quick solutions ASP has worked with what was handed to them, creating ways for students to interact while also trying to establish, “...the fun and leisurely events that ASP will be putting on this semester,” said Patefield.

ASP Programming Director, Mariah Atkins hopes “... that SSU students feel that they have a space, an outlet, and a resource to utilize as a way to engage, relax, and build community.”

These events that ASP continue to hold are meant to create a sense of community with all students and faculty no matter the distance. In our new reality, virtual events are becoming more normal with this transition to a new way of having social interaction.

SSU launches Naturalist Training program

Students will get the chance to learn more about the natural world around us during Sonoma State’s Naturalist Training program.

COURTESY// Creative Common

Rachel Gonzalez STAFF WRITER

On Sept. 13, Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry will be launching a new program called the Student Naturalist Training program. The program will last for five consecutive Sundays, beginning at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m through Oct. 11.

Along with the majority of events and classes being held at Sonoma State, the free program will be completely virtual.

The program does offer additional and optional opportunities to experience the program outside, safely, throughout the course. However, this is not required.

Students who choose to participate in the SSU Student Naturalist Training will be undergoing an educational experience that will expose them to a wide range of topics surrounding nature. Such topics include biodiversity along with natural and cultural features of Northern California.

The objective for this program is to have the participants leave with the ability to engage with the public and communicate and inform their newfound knowledge on the environment.

Education Director for the Center of Environmental Inquiry at Sonoma State and provider of the Naturalist Program, Suzanne DeCoursey, describes the significance of the program as essential as she believes that, “No matter what you major in or what you do for a career, we all need to be environmentally ready.”

DeCoursey showed excitement for the training and explained how she connects to it personally.

“I try to learn as much as I can to be environmentally ready myself, and I love sharing what I learn with students and learning from them too. I also enjoy giving students the opportunity to share what they know in order to educate people of all ages,” DeCoursey said.

With their newfound knowledge, members of the Naturalist Training will “put those skills into practice by helping lead digital environmental education programs for school children, creating educational videos, or participating in other projects such as wildlife camera monitoring on SSU lands,” said DeCoursey.

The STAR also reached out to Kerry Wininger who is the Center Outreach Lead for Sonoma State University and has gone through the non-virtual version of this program and helped run it as a graduate student TA. “Truly, this is an amazing community to be a part of. Our Naturalists help kids and

the earth, gain skills that employers actively seek out, learn about the most fascinating things in nature, and it’s just impossible to not have fun in the process,” Wininger said.

The program consists of three or more hour long programs with experts within the Naturalist field. Wininger revealed to the STAR that the program will bring “experts lined up from Oregon to New York to educate our students, with opportunities to connect with researchers in Argentina to South Africa, which is something we’d never be able to do during an on-site program.”

Wininger said “this program showed me the power of quality nature education and outreach in addressing environmental challenges, and how fulfilling it is to be a part of that effort.”

Receiving insight about the nature that makes up our planet is significant to the understanding of the challenges we have already been experiencing, such as fire seasons or heat waves.

According to CAL Fire, “The fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a key driver of this trend.”

Undergoing a program such as the SSU Naturalist Training could not only provide newfound knowledge about the environment but can also inform our students the importance of preventative measures that could benefit our climate and the well being of our planet.

The SSU Student Naturalist Training is not only for those who are interested in the environment, but also for those who are interested in adding more to their resume or in need for internship credit.

“The skills students learn look great on a resume, especially since digital skills are in such high demand during the pandemic,” DeCoursey said.

Digital leads are in high demand as telecommuting becomes more prevalent in the midst of the pandemic. Therefore, receiving as much experience as possible is valuable in our current circumstance.

Whether you are a student looking for internship credit or an individual who wants to experience naturalist training and wishes to better prepare themselves for the future challenges the environment may thrust upon us, the Naturalist Training program is an experience that you do not want to miss.

As DeCoursey said, “We believe in environmental readiness for all!”

10 Sports

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Jim Noonan SSU athletes are getting used to the new norm for COVID-19 and are awaiting to get back on the grind.

Sonoma State athletes waiting to play

Sean Kenneally STAFF WRITER

T

he fields and bleachers will be empty this fall for Sonoma State athletics. “Our hope is to play,” and give “[our] student-athletes a true college experience” grieves Sonoma State Men’s Lacrosse coach, Ben Hewitt, and Sonoma State’ Director of Basketball, Richard Shayewitz, respectfully.

Like the rest of the country, Sonoma State athletics f loat in the state of uncertainty due to COVID-19. The National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, decided earlier this summer to cancel all Fall 2020 Championships, according to an article by Corbin McGuire of ncaa.org. The NCAA permits “schools and conferences...to play part or all of their regular season in the fall semester if they follow the requirements set forth by the Board of Governors.” However, with too many precautions and uncertainties, many athletes, teams, and conferences determined to postpone seasons until it is deemed safe.

One of the conferences to postpone its fall season is the California Collegiate Athletic Association, CCAA, which holds Sonoma State as a member.

With the decision to postpone the fall season, all eyes have pinned on the upcoming winter and spring seasons. Shayewitz has been especially patient in the current times with his “Win the Wait” philosophy. The philosophy compiles of routine Zoom team calls and meetings, individual calls, and a “2020 Basketball Virtual Curriculum that includes mental and physical activity, life skills workshops, team building, and fun to keep the student-athletes involved with each other and mentally strong…”

Like Shayewtiz, Hewitt and coaches around the country adapted to the shift toward online coaching. “At SSU, our emphasis will be to put our focus into those areas that we can control and work to avoid the noise around those we can’t,” enforces Hewitt. Marcus Ziemer, head coach of Men’s Soccer, has utilized the time with his assistant to reconfigure the team’s manual and philosophy, while developing an online fitness program for the team to ensure they are ready at any given opportunity.

Outside the potential of a cancelled season, COVID-19 affected multiple other aspects for the teams, especially team chemistry, recruiting, and player retention. Hewitt, Shayewitz, and Ziemer all agreed that trying to establish a team identity online is severely more difficult. Despite all the available resources for online team building, the human element is halted through the black screen in front of everyone. “I really miss seeing our players and staff. Usually we see them 5-6 times per week, but now I see them on my iPad screen,” notes Ziemer.

In addition, the recruitment process has been affected immensely. Being unable to visit summer tournaments, Hewitt, Shayewitz, and Ziemer are relying on connections and whatever film is presentable to find potential recruits. All their major events were brought to a “dead halt,” says Hewitt, with the pandemic.

In the present moment, with the remote learning, a “few players and recruits...deferred for the fall semester and the spring remains unknown,” Hewitt commented. As for basketball and soccer, Shayewitz and Ziemer exclaim the programs were “very fortunate” that all of the student-athletes have stayed at SSU. Safety is the priority, yet “more than anything else we want to see our [teams] and participate in the game they have put so much time, effort, and love into” says Hewitt. Both coaches and Shayewitz stand by for any further information or action delivered by their respected division administrators.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher tests positive for COVID-19 Eliseo Fragoso

STAFF WRITER

T

he Cincinnati Reds recently became the third Major League Baseball team to have one of their players test positive for COVID-19 on Friday night. It was the last two games of their four game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates that had to be postponed due to the positive test results. The name of the player was not disclosed.

The Reds have begun to follow MLB’s protocols and have started contact tracing. This involves isolating players who have been in contact with the infected player. The team also will increase its testing to more than just every other day. Matt Davidson of the Cincinnati Reds had tested positive, but it was not administered by the league and they deemed it to be false as the new results had come back negative each time.

The club’s president of operations, Dick Williams said, “I think, right now, we feel very confident that we won’t have additional players and staff affected by this,” Williams said. “But we will continue to be very vigilant. Probably arranging some special travel for certain guys that may have been in closer contact with the individual who tested positive.”

Both teams had an off day on Monday thinking they may play a doubleheader, but the MLB decided protocol-wise that they did not want them to play Monday. “What goes into that decision happens a lot higher than me. They just informed us that we’re not going to play Monday, and we’ll reschedule,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton as he told Pittsburgh reporters that day.

No additional players tested positive on Saturday, but it can take a few days for other staff or players to test positive if exposed to the infected player.

On Saturday, Shelton also said, “The Pirates all tested negative from Saturday’s test and they held a

COURTESY // Creative Commons A Cincinnati Reds pitcher tests positive for COVID-19 and their series with the Pittsburg Pirates is postponed.

workout at Great American Ball Park on Sunday”. This is the second time the Pirates have had a game postponed because of a player testing positive. They also had their games postponed against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Miami Marlins had their own outbreak of players testing positive for COVID-19, which led to their series being postponed as well. The Marlins suffered the largest number of cases since the season started in late July, which led the league to change their protocols for all the teams.

The new protocols require players and staff members who aren’t on the field to wear a face covering at all times. The coaches and umpires on the field are required to wear

one as well. The teams also have to reduce the size of staff that is traveling with the team to only those who are deemed essential to the organization and must travel with the team to every location. Staff and players are also not allowed to meet in each other’s hotel rooms while on the road and may not go to large public outings unless given permission by team personnel.

Some players have chosen to opt out of the season and others like Marlins reliever Brandon Kintzler have continued to play. Kinztler said, “I’m OK with the rules, whatever helps us play the game. If you want to play, this is unfortunately how you’ve got to do it. If you don’t want to play, then don’t go by the rules.”

Sports 11

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020 sonomastatestar.com

PAC 12 and BIG 10 cancel all Fall sports Vincent Spence STAFF WRITER

C

ollege football is a shell of its former self, with two of the power five conferences opting out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19.

The Big 10 was the first conference to make this decision with the Pac 12 shortly following after.

This means teams like University of Southern California, University of Washington, Penn State, etc. will not be suiting up on Saturdays. For the first time since 1917, Ohio State University and The University of Michigan will not play each other.

Ohio State’s All American quarterback, Justin Fields, started a petition that nearly has 300,000 signatures on it called, #WeWantToPlay. Many of Michigan’s players signed the petition as well and they are a fierce rival to Fields and the Buckeyes.

Fields said in an article by the University of Michigan, “We believe that safety protocols have been established and can be maintained to mitigate concerns of exposure to Covid 19. We believe that we should have the right to make decisions about what is best for our health and our future.” He continued by saying, “Don’t let our hard work and sacrifice be in vain.”

College players all around the nation are relating to what Fields is saying. Players understand the risk of playing, but they have put in thousands of hours into their craft and want to reap the benefits of it.

Conferences like the SEC, ACC, and Big 12, as of late August, are still going forward with their respective seasons. Each conference has decided that the season will only be played inconference, rather than the first three games being eligible for out of conference play.

Nick Saban, coach of the University of Alabama, in an interview with ESPN said, “Coronavirus is the biggest opponent we have this season.”

Saban went on to talk about the lengthens in which Alabama football is taking to make sure that their student athletes will be safe.

Fans across the world will have to get used to this new norm.

With no end in sight and Coronavirus being as horrific as anything this generation has ever seen, the look of no fans in the stands and powerhouse programs like Ohio State, University of Oregon, and more are not playing.

The reigning National Champions, LSU Tigers, will play

COURTESY // Creative Commons PAC 12 and B1G 10 conferences cancell all fall sports including football.

their first game of the season against Mississippi State. Other big name schools that will still be on the gridiron are Miami, Texas, Oklahoma, and Clemson.

The Clemson Tigers will be bringing back the probable first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Trevor Lawernce.

With two power five conferences not playing, it is understandable that college football may not be at its peak in 2020, but there is still a tremendous amount of talent around the league.

If college football can pull off keeping their student athletes safe, the season will go smoothly. The NCAA has the resources to do this and have made it apparent that that is their number one priority.

Fernando Tatis Jr. and ‘unwritten’ mercy rules

Ryan Weiner

STAFF WRITER

S

an Diego Padres’ young star, Fernando Tatis Jr., has smashed a league leading 12 home runs through just 26 games this season.

On Aug. 17 against the Texas Rangers, Tatis Jr. hit his tenth and eleventh home runs of the season. However, one of them caused a stir around the league.

In the eighth-inning of the Monday night contest, the Padres managed to load the bases while owning a commanding 10-3 lead. Tatis Jr. then came up to the plate and worked a 3-0 count against Rangers reliever, Juan Nicasio. On the next 3-0 pitch, Tatis Jr. jacked a fastball into the right field bleachers, which angered the Rangers and their manager, Chris Woodward. He expressed his feelings on the home run in a post game interview. “This is an unwritten rule, I didn’t like it… you’re up by seven (runs) in the eighth inning; it’s typically not a good time to swing 3-0, it’s kind of the way we were all raised in the game… I don’t think we liked it as a group,” said Woodward.

After the grand slam by Tatis Jr., the Rangers replaced Nicasio with reliever Ian Gibaut. Gibaut’s first pitch was a 93 mph fastball aimed at the head of Manny Machado, who is another big hitter for the Padres. Tensions between the clubs then grew higher, but no altercations or ejections took place for the remainder of the game.

Jayce Tingler, manager of the Padres and former longtime assistant coach for the Rangers, had some words after the game regarding the incident. He noted Tatis Jr. was given the take sign on the 3-0 pitch. “It’s a learning opportunity and that’s it. He’ll grow from it,” said Tingler.

San Diego’s seven run lead in the eighth inning was by no means safe.

Entering play Monday, the Padres bullpen ranked 28th in ERA and had already given up numerous big leads this season.

Ryan Atchinson, a history major at SSU and longtime Padres fan, had thoughts on the incident. “The fact that some people believe what Tatis Jr. did was wrong probably does not know the Padres past too well. Not to mention Tatis Jr. is becoming one of the faces of baseball, and the reason for that is because he is hitting grand slams,” said Atchinson. These two teams are no stranger to blowouts and large comebacks. Tatis Jr. may have wanted to avoid what happened to the Padres back in 2016, when the team blew a 10 run lead and gave up nine runs in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners. Another game worth noting has to do with the Rangers blowing out the Orioles 30-3 back in 2007. The Rangers had no regard to the “unwritten rule” while cruising along to the largest margin of victory in Major League Baseball history.

After the Padres blew out the Rangers on Monday night, Tatis Jr. publicly apologized for his actions. ”I’ve been in this game since I was a kid, and I know a lot of unwritten rules. Probably next time, I’ll take a pitch,” said Tatis Jr. Many people consider Tatis Jr. one of the most electrifying talents in the game today, and he hopes to continue to be one with his actions on and off the field.

COURTESY // Creative Commons Fernando Tati’s Jr. hits a grand slam with a 3-0 count while having a 10-3 lead.

12 Photo

AUG. 25 - AUG. 31, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Parks in Rohnert Park shut down due to COVID-19

STAR // Sarah Gallagher Sunrise Park in Rohnert Park wrapped up their play structure in caution tape to stop the spread of COVID-19.

STAR // Sarah Gallagher All park structures are taped off for public safety.

STAR // Sarah Gallagher vPlaygrounds for little kids in Rohnert Park were gated and taped up so that nobody can access or get into the park due to safety precautions.

STAR // Sarah Ramos Vehicles students used to cheerfully dodge on their way to class sat still behind the Student Center Friday afternoon.

STAR // Sarah Ramos

What would normally be a bustling path outside the Student Center was instead left vacant early Friday morning.

STAR // Sarah Ramos The Kitchens, affectionately known by most students as “The Caf,� laid dark and empty without its standard lunch rush.

STAR // Sarah Ramos Signs posted on the doors of the Student Center enforced where students could enter and exit the building safely.