Issue 2 Fall 2020 Sonoma State STAR

IN THIS ISSUE

Playing favorites

Drive-in cinema

Celebrity sentencing exposes the disparity in court decisions.

PAGE 3

Going to a movie is feeling like a backto-the-future outing.

PAGE 6

REVIVAL New magazine arrives on campus.

PAGE 9

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 85 // ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

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

Courtesy // Sanfranman59 Rural housing markets are on the rise as city dwellers flee the pandemic and civil unrest.

STAR // Sarah Gallagher Air pollution from recent wildfires may lead to more Coronavirus deaths in Sonoma County.

Increase in air pollution links to higher chance of Coronavirus deaths

SIEANNA NARINE STAFF WRITER

A

reas affected by the LNU fires are experiencing a tremendous rise in air pollution. The unhealthy levels have caused the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to urge local residents to limit their outdoor activities and to always wear a mask when outside. The thick haze of PM2.5 that has always been over the heads of residents in the North Bay, has now transitioned to toxic clouds of smoke.

The thick clouds of toxic smoke had Harvard University questioning if this would have any effect on the health of individuals who already are exposed to areas with heavy levels of air pollution. In their national study, Harvard University found that individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution have an increased chance of contracting COVID-19. The results from the national study stated “A small increase in long-term exposure to PM2.5 leads to a large increase in COVID-19 death rate.”

PM2.5 exacerbates the respiratory system, so individuals living along the NorthBay with asthma and respiratory issues are now prime candidates to contract COVID-19.

In the analysis, Harvard discovered that if Sonoma County had lowered its contribution to air pollution by a single unit, it would have decreased the death rate by 37.8%.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural

Areas defines PM2.5 as, “Particulate matter (PM) used to describe the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Particulate matter (including soot) is emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating, and in-vehicle engines.” Dr. Luke Montrose, an Environmental Toxicologist, breaks down what makes up PM2.5. “PM2.5 contains thousands of individual compounds, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.”

These compounds are what make up the smoke from the wildfires--which is why The Bay Area Air Quality Management District put Sonoma County under Spare Air Alert since the morning of August 18, and has been extending it as the unhealthy quality of air rises.

Dr. Montrose also detailed in his article how the smoke is exacerbating lung issues. “Studies have shown that repeated exposure to elevated levels of wood smoke can suppress macrophages, leading to increases in lung inflammation.” The multitude of chemicals that the body is having to filter through is causing extra stress and damage, when it needs to be strong and healthy to fight off the pathogens of COVID-19.

Sonoma County housing demand surges

SAMUEL SAYER STAFF WRITER

T

he dominating effect of COVID-19 on the economy continues to send ripples throughout markets on all levels. As the Bay Area’s housing market suffers from demand venturing north, the Sonoma county area faces a housing boom of its own.

Many are currently suffering from reduced or a complete absence of salary, and according to real estate and mortgage analysts Black Knight Inc., a mass of mortgage delinquency has come with it. A record breaking 1.6 million case jump was observed nationwide in the span of March-April, which the Federal Housing Finance Agency has stepped in to offer some assistance with. This assistance comes in the form of extensions and payment deferment. In spite of these changes, COVID-19 itself is having a separate effect on the housing market in Northern California: a shift in price and demand. San Francisco has commonly had high prices for both home ownership and rent, largely due to it’s convenient proximity to many businesses that are located in the city. However, with the wave of work from home that’s come as a result of the pandemic, the need to live close to a physical office has diminished greatly. see SONOMA COUNTY HOUSING on pg. 4

see AIR QUALITY WARNINGS on pg. 4

STAR // Sarah Ramos Council members discussed the Alcohol Offenses and Loud Parties Ordinance at the Rohnert Park City Council virtual meeting.

New partying restrictions in Rohnert Park

JAYLINE ALVARADO STAFF WRITER

T

hough students are discouraged from hosting parties of any kind during a pandemic, this hasn’t delayed the complete overhaul of the Alcohol Offenses and Loud Parties Ordinance of Chapter 9.48 by the City Council of Rohnert Park.

It redefines how many people constitute a party from 10 people to 2 people or more in a group and would increase the civil penalty to $500/$1000/$1000, along with any additional cost incurred by an officer’s response and also harsher penalties for those found drinking or using drugs and are under the age of 21. However, it’s in the process of being approved by the city council.

The Vice President of External Affairs Emily Ann Miller states that, “[The Rohnert Park City Council] has done nothing to communicate with or even respect me. During the meeting they mentioned they worked with the Sonoma State Associated Students to produce these changes, when in reality, they did not make any efforts besides inviting me to watch as they maliciously voted this into law.”

Miller continues, “This new law is aggressive towards students who are facing so many obstacles already. These fines are way too large and unreasonable for students to even attempt to pay, and it feels like residents want to drive all young adults out of the city.” Miller also argues that they don’t recognize students as being a part of the Rohnert Park community. see RESTRICTIONS THREATEN on pg. 5

COURTESY // Sonoma.edu Sonoma State University professor Farid Farahmand holds his invention, InSee.

SSU professor’s invention may help Coronavirus patients

EMILY CRIPE

STAFF WRITER

I

n November of 2016, SSU professor Farid Farahmand and a group of engineering students began working on a new invention that assists patients with recovery from respiratory issues. Fast forward nearly four years, that same invention could potentially help patients recovering from COVID-19, as well as other conditions.

InSee, “A patented prototype device that may help to encourage patient compliance of incentive spirometers, including those recovering from severe cases of COVID-19,” is still in development, according to the Sonoma State news page. But, Farahmand and his team of Sonoma State engineering

students have come a long way.

In an interview from the Sonoma State news page, Farahmand explained that the idea came to him when a friend of his was hospitalized in 2016 and needed to use an incentive spirometer, a device used to measure how deeply one can inhale. When his friend expressed concern about his ability to remember to use the device, Farahmand had an idea to invent something that would both remind the patient to use the spirometer, and track important data related to recovery. After three years of hard work, InSee was born and eventually became patented and trademarked.

see SSU PROFESSOR”S INVENTION on pg. 5

2 Editorial THE STAR

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Let’s not rush into things

Editorial Board

Travis Gillmore, Editor-in-Chief Kylie Rose Lawrence, News Editor Maria Pineda Contreras, Opinion Editor Christy Chew, Arts & Entertainment Editor Devon Pique, Student Life Editor Noah Philpott, Sports Editor Brandon Sparks, Photo Editor Taylor Clark, Digital Editor Kevin Flores, Editorial Cartoonist Samantha Billingsly, Distribution Manager Staff Writers Taylor Clark, Emily Cripe, Sieanna Narine, Samuel Sayer, Jayline Alvarado, Natella Guy, Katelyn Dodge, Isabella Simoni, Nancy Insua, Max Robinson, Myles Grabau, 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:

“Build a sense of community - online Seawolf Plaza.”

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.

W

hen one typically thinks of “Greek life” at Sonoma State University, what comes to mind?

Is it the philanthropic endeavors Seawolves typically see on campus? Is it the awesome parties that have students chattering about them the next day? Maybe it’s even the rush process; talking to the active members, becoming a pledge, and the exciting journey of becoming a brother or sister. Well, in this new age of COVID-19 what students can typically expect out of Greek life is something entirely different.

With a shift over to virtual learning and social distancing, fraternities and sororities alike are having to adapt to this strange new reality we are living in. The rush process will be completely online, there will be no inperson events, and, if proper safety protocols are followed, big parties will be a thing of the past.

So with so much being taken away or changed some students are wondering: should I even rush this year?

For one thing, even though a litany of events are being cancelled, postponed, or altered to work online, members are still going to have to pay dues, money to the fraternity or sorority that goes toward funding these endeavors. Although many fraternities and sororities are cutting their dues, students may still have to pay hundreds of dollars to be a part of Greek life. Essentially, students will still have to pay, even though there are no in-person events.

Formals, philanthropy events, even meetings will have to take place over an online forum or be cancelled entirely.

Suddenly, what many people see as big bonuses to Greek life are stripped away. The money that would normally go toward these events may be cut out of dues entirely or repurposed for other virtual events and needs.

Money also must be paid to the national chapter of many of

STAR // Kevin Flores

the fraternities and sororities, meaning that students will simply be paying for being in the fraternity or sorority. Without these events, is forking over hundreds of hard earned dollars worth the cost?

Another important factor of Greek life, to some, is the partying. It’s no secret that many college students like to go out and have a good time, and “frat parties” are something that quickly comes to mind. However, with over 6 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States, massive social gatherings like those are extremely dangerous.

According to the NY Times, UC Berkeley had 47 cases of COVID-19 that directly linked to fraternity and sorority events within just one week. At the University of Washington, 15 out of 25 fraternity houses hosting students over the summer suffered a coronavirus outbreak.

Clearly, the big gatherings that sororities and fraternities are known for pose a threat to the health of the community. Luckily, Sonoma State has informed chapters that getting caught partying with their Greek letters can result in getting kicked off campus. This severe punishment will hopefully act as a deterrent, keeping the community safe.

Hopefully, with the threat of removal, parties remain nonexistent for the wellbeing of students, however, this is a huge blow to students who were hoping that joining a fraternity or sorority could help get them into the party scene.

While it may be looking bleak for those still on the fence about rushing, it isn’t all bad news. In fact, in the isolated environment COVID-19 has put us in, now may be the best time for some students to rush.

Without in-person classes and on campus events, getting to socialize and meet members of the Seawolf community is difficult. Incoming freshmen are at an especially difficult spot as, for some, they are at a university where they truly do not know

anybody. Many students are living at home, far away from fellow Seawolves, making it hard to meet others. It can seem like a daunting task to actually manage to interact with fellow students. Luckily, joining Greek life gives one the opportunity to make connections that can last a lifetime. Several members of sororities and fraternities rave about how joining Greek life connected them to some of their best friends. These are potential connections for life.

So, when the time comes and students are once again allowed on campus and social distancing is a thing of the past, members will already have a brotherhood or sisterhood of friendly faces to see. Until then, at the very least, they will have a group of people to talk to and get advice from. Even without face-to-face learning, on-campus living, or in-person events, Greek life makes it possible to meet new and exciting people that can offer support, advice, and friendship.

Not only does it have a social benefit, Greek life can also be a feather on a Seawolf’s resume cap. Working in executive positions within Greek life and helping execute philanthropy events all have the potential to show leadership to an employee. Many incoming freshmen have minimal work experience, so perhaps joining Greek life can help give them an edge in the competitive job environment.

So, even though Greek life will be totally different from anything done before in the past, perhaps it is worth the time to check it out. Everything will be over an online forum, major occasions like formals; philanthropy endeavors; and rush events will be cancelled or altered, students will still have to pay dues, and parties will be scarce; however, sometimes that social connection makes it all worth it. As isolated as many students are beginning to feel, maybe now more than ever, rush is looking like a great option.

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.

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.

COURTESY // Sonoma.edu

Opinion 3

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

No justice with celebrity sentencing

NANCY INSUA

STAFF WRITER

O

n Aug. 21, actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving their college admissions scandal. The couple spent nearly $500,000 to get their daughters into the University of Southern California by colluding with the university’s rowing coach and paying him off to earn their daughters two of the teams’ admission spots.

In this case, the couple maintained their innocence for over a year but finally pleaded guilty and received charges for their crimes.

Loughlin has been sentenced to two months in prison, a $150,000 fine, completion of 100 hours of community service and upon release from her prison sentence will be

placed under a two year supervised release program.

Giannulli, who was found guilty of orchestrating most of the deal found through evidence of tracked emails, recorded phone calls and messages, was sentenced to five months in prison.

He was also given a $250,000 fine, ordered to complete 250 community service hours, and will also be under a two year supervised release.

The pandemic had fared the couple well when it came to their prison sentence. According to the prison population initiative, due to the pandemic, “California jail populations have dropped. In Los Angeles County and Sacramento County, jail populations have decreased by over 30%. Orange County’s jail population has dropped by almost 45%, while other counties, including San Diego, San Mateo, and Stanislaus, have released hundreds of people held pretrial.” The pair would likely have received more prison time if measures were not being taken to lessen prison capacity.

Many people have begun to criticize the sentencing the couple received, arguing that this is less punishment than the couple deserved for the severity of their crimes. One twitter user bluntly commented, “Lori Loughlin being sentenced to two months in jail is a slap in the face to the Black moms getting years for

sending their kids to better public schools” tweeted Ms. Saint-Pierre M.S.Ed. MPA. Still, we see a disparity in how this celebrity couple fared better due to their celebrity status. Crystal Mason has become a popular name among the conversation when comparing the outcome of this trial and critiquing the criminal justice system as a whole. Mason is a black woman and a mother of three sentenced to five years in prison for voting in Texas because she did not realize her past felony conviction made it illegal for her to vote in the state. Unfortunately, Mason’s case is not the only recent instance of racial injustice we have seen. Kelley Williams-Bolar was initially sentenced to five years in prison for using her father’s address to enroll her child in a better public school. The disparity in these cases versus Laughlin and Giannulli shows an apparent racial bias.

We must look at the system and see the ways race and class affect the sentencing for certain crimes. If the pandemic was enough reason to lower the sentencing to a couple of months for high-stakes conspiracy crimes, then it should be applied to Kelley Williams-Bolar, who did not understand her voter eligibility dilemma. However, she received five years in prison, nearly 60 times longer than Loughlin’s sentence.

Jeff Bezos: Hoarder of wealth

NATELLA GUY

STAFF WRITER

A

s reported by the New York Post’s Nicolas Vega, “The Amazon CEO’s net worth soared to a record $200 billion on Wednesday when shares of his online shopping behemoth closed at $3,441.85 on surging demand for contactless shopping.” According to Tyler Sonnemaker from the Business Insider, if Jeff Bezos’ wealth grows 34% a year, he could become the world’s first trillionaire by 2026.

When Amazon was first created

by Bezos in 1994, it initially started as just an online book store. However, Bezos always saw great potential in Amazon and knew it would one day grow to sell “everything” type of products, which has certainly become a reality. Now more than ever, especially with the shelter in place regulations placed across the country, people are turning to Amazon as their virtual shopping destination.

While as appealing and popular as shopping from Amazon may be,

Bezos and Amazon are facing media scrutiny over warehouse conditions that employees have faced. Matt Rocheleau, from the Boston Globe, speaks about Amazon’s employees protesting unfair working conditions as the pandemic stretches on. Rocheleau said, “the company had not disinfected work areas after an employee tested positive for the virus… an employee was showing up to work with symptoms because they did not have enough sick time...masks allegedly were not provided until weeks after they were promised, and hand-washing and glove changes were limited...

Several deaths have been reported at its facilities across the country.”

Shirin Ghaffary and Jason Del Rey from Vox interviewed Amazon employee Rosie, who is being identified by a pseudonym for fear of being fired due to speaking to the press. According to Rosie, Amazon put some health regulations in place such as providing masks, and hand sanitizer stations, but then, “saw and heard around her: dirty air filters that aren’t replaced, a visibly ill colleague who vomited in the bathroom — even after passing the mandatory temperature checks the company instituted in early April and workers standing close together in the morning when they’re waiting to get shift assignments, even though the rules specify workers must always stay 6 feet apart.” Rosie reported that unfortunately, one of her colleagues, who was in his 20s, passed away from Covid-19.

Users are addicted to shopping from Amazon for many valid reasons; competitive pricing, rapid shipping, fast and simple return process, and reliable customer service. Vega told Business Insider, “With his $200 billion fortune, Bezos is wealthier than all three of the Walton siblings put together, who each hold an equal stake in Walmart, Amazon’s longtime retail nemesis.”

Vegas continues, “Bezos, Gates and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg are currently the only people in the world enjoying 12-figure fortunes.” On the flip side, Bezos did donate $100 million to Feeding America, which was the largest single donation of any hunger relief non-profits history, according to Catherine Clifford from CNBC. Business Insider noted that some ways Bezos spends his billions is by owning multiple multi-million dollar homes around the United States and much more. Though he has given large donations to Mary’s Place and the TheDream.US. While some may have wished for Bezos to donate more, we do not have the control to decide what he does with his money. We do have the choice to support Amazon or to shop locally in the future, as funneling sales to Amazon undermines local economies and is bad for small businesses. Instead, by shopping with local green businesses, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting your local economy and employees that share your values.

Time ‘tiking’ for TikTok

KATELYN DODGE STAFF WRITER

O

n Aug. 6, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the app TikTok would be banned in the United States unless sold to an American company by Sept. 16. The app suddenly came into the president’s sights as a security threat for the data it collects. The app collects its user’s GPS location, contacts, IP address, and other apps on the user’s phone. Donald Trump emphasizes TikTok being a Chinese owned company to claim that the American data it collects poses a security risk - as if this data was private through any other application. This data is nearly equal to that of what American owned companies, such as Facebook, collect.

This executive order comes only two months after TikTok users began to cause some chaos for the Trump campaign, specifically the Tulsa Rally event. Only then did the threats begin against TikTok’s dangers. TikTok users began a video chain stating that they were reserving tickets to the Tulsa rally to inf late the number of attendees and possibly slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Trump campaign expected about a million attendees, but due to the viral spread of the TikToks, only 6,200 showed up to see Donald Trump speak. Since then, TikTok users have continued to plan more strategic plans that go against the president, all the while he is attempting to ban the application for being Chinese.

This proposed ban is genuinely not a danger related target but a way to silence the young voices of thousands who use the app. The app’s market is similar to many social media apps that are all American owned. If the collected data were a problem, Google would be banned, but it is a massive American-owned tech conglomerate that Donald Trump would not dare touch.

The infamous app is on the verge of being sold, specifically to an American company, such as Microsoft or Walmart, who are attempting to purchase it. Either it is revoking the first amendment from the youth who could finally state their opinions freely or forcing an American only bid war, neither seems very fair. This action taken by the president is a capitalistic and even monopolistic way to force already large corporations to swallow consumers whole.

TikTok is fighting for its rights to exist in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, citing their right to due process and stating no actual security threats were found. With only 21 days left, users with large platforms are jumping ship and moving to other applications or abandoning the platform altogether. No end seems in sight for the negotiations nor the lawsuit. Since the ban announcement, alternative apps have become available that act like TikTok, such as Likee, an app made by a Singapore owned company. Another app, Byte, has risen in popularity as a Vine 2.0 made in New York. Give it a month though, and who says Donald Trump will not limit these apps too. Is it cybersecurity that is the issue, or is it

Political barriers to climate change

ISABELLA SIMONI STAFF WRITER

E

veryone who has a home knows that when things break or require fixing, you fix them. No sensible person ignores the problem or believes that the house’s repairs are fake. One does what they can, and cares for the home that shelters them.

One would not let their home whither away into nothingness.

Why can’t the same be said for the home we all share? Why can’t the same be said for Earth?

Earth is being pushed to its limit,

on a constant and daily basis.

The human race must collectively understand that we are not and never have been able to take more from the Earth than it can provide. However, we still do, and what is worse? We do it at a rate faster than the Earth can replenish itself.

According to Dr. Mathis Wackernagel for National Geographic, overshooting Earth resources are the gateway to “struggling fisheries, accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, soil erosion and deforestation.” We live in a state of excess, and in order to appease that, we take in more fossil fuels, cut down more trees, and release more carbon into the atmosphere. We ignore the more ecological options like clean energy and sustainable living paths because we come from a society that thrives off instant gratification.

Most people in the world are selfinterested. So when it comes to talking about trying to regulate climate change by way of introducing more clean

energy, changing the way one eats, rebuilding the forests that have been destroyed, everyone is up in arms against it.

Furthermore, by everyone, we are looking at big fossil fuel companies backed by the current president, and from what we have seen, when Trump says something is terrible, his followers consume it blindly. In an article for Sky Water-Earth, L. Hobart Stocking writes, “those that want to kill renewable energy and roll back sensible environmental regulations are those who stand to gain the most from fossil fuels.”

Considering the ties the current president seems to have with leaders of companies that thrive off of fossil fuels, it’s no mistake why he argues so heavily against cleaner energy production. Quite frankly, why he argues the very idea of climate change, and any attempts to reverse the lasting and damaging effects.

While there is an initial cost to set up renewable energy systems, the

cost will be paid back ten-fold in a short amount of time, considering the amount of power that can come from the sun in one day alone.

However, change comes, for the most part, from people in positions of authority. Sadly, the authority at the present moment does not see the urgency and gravity of making drastic changes to help reverse the human population’s damage for decades upon decades.

Earth is running out of time, and it is our job to start making changes in our own lives, however significant, and however small. Nevertheless, it is time to start focusing on candidates and individuals in positions of power with more aggressive climate change policies. There is no Planet B, and this is not a problem for the future generation. Climate change is a here and now issue that is progressively worsening.

Our home is at her breaking point, and in desperate need of repair. Why is fixing her a debate?

4 News

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Air quality warnings for Bay Area residents continued from pg. 1

Retail businesses suffer as pandemic continues

TAYLOR CLARK

STAFF WRITER

A

s the weeks have slowly turned into months, over half of storefront businesses have closed in San Francisco. The pandemic has left retail businesses unsure of the future and because of this, more and more businesses are having to close for the foreseeable future.

Jay Cheng, spokesman of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, told KPIX, “The survey showed only 46% of storefront businesses in San Francisco that were open at the beginning of the pandemic are still operating.”

Cheng summarized that while 1,200 stores are currently operating, about 1,300 have permanently closed due to the pandemic. He explained that,“If you’re a fitness studio, you can’t open because of the pandemic. If you’re a retail space, you could open, but you might have decided that there isn’t enough foot traffic or enough customer base to make that worthwhile to reopen.”

The job market is harder than ever, especially for recent graduates. There’s an obvious lack of retail jobs for college kids to apply for all over the Bay Area due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, there is also a lack of behind the scenes entry level jobs for graduates to take over. Take for instance, the gym example. There are much fewer job applications available for people interested in personal training, accounting, and social media. In the past, it was already difficult for graduates to find jobs fresh out of college. With the addition of the pandemic, people who have prepared to start their careers for the last four years are now left out to dry.

Sonoma State senior and history ma-

jor, Jack Christensen, is nervous about his future and stated, “It seems like it’s hard to enter the job market considering a large percentage of businesses are permanently closed . . . many opportunities are now lost in the current job market and there is no need for more staff.” Christensen emphasized that he is concerned about the safety and health of his family and is unsure what the right thing to do is--given the situation we are in now.

Restaurants have also suffered from the constant back and forth of opening and closing. Fortunately, many have been able to remain open while only serving takeout or by providing outside dining services.

Owner of Piazza Pellegrini Restaurant, Dario Hadjian, emphasized that the pandemic has remained challenging, but he is determined to keep his restaurant open in an attempt to help his employees stay afloat, according to KPIX. Hadjan said, “We are barely making ends meet. Whatever savings we have, we are trying to put it back into the business.”

Cheng mentioned that businesses are being forced to be more creative and adapt to their changing environment. He gives an example of a restaurant in Chinatown converting into a large grocery store in an attempt to garner additional revenue. It proves that while many businesses are being forced to close, there are quite a few that have shown resilience.

Cheng concluded that, “Until we get the public health crisis under control, we can’t get these folks back to work.”

With the Spare the Air Alert that has been put into effect since August 18, President of Sonoma State University, Judy Sakaki, responds to the unhealthy quality of air in a letter sent to staff, faculty, and students. In the letter, she states, “We are closely monitoring the air quality for those Seawolves who are on campus and have opened the Student Center as a clean air and cooling center for our campus residents. The safety of our campus community remains critically important, and we are working closely with the Red Cross and the County to make sure that COVID-19 screening and management protocols are enforced.” Sonoma State University administration is making an attempt to keep students, staff, and faculty safe during these trying times, but Seawolves are now at greater risk of getting COVID-19 because of how close in proximity the fires are to campus.

With ash falling from the sky and PM2.5 f loating through the air, it is drastically important that Sonoma County community members follow COVID-19 protocols and keep themselves inside as much as possible.

Sonoma County housing demand surges continued from pg. 1

Rather than endure the high prices of the city, many are moving north to the Sonoma county area, particularly the suburbs. Because of this, Sonoma County is experiencing a boom in housing demand, and with it, a rise in housing prices. Sonoma County Realtor Jenny Watson details the change as being a gradual, unexpected one. “We really thought it would bring our real estate market to a screeching halt...after the initial first few weeks, things shockingly picked up and took off at a wild pace.” The effects of this were drastic on a statewide level, with Sonoma County having one of the largest increases in home sales at 36%, according to the California Association of Realtors. This boom in real estate is not all positive for the county, says Watson.

The current housing market in Sonoma County is not an especially large one, particularly with COVID-19 leaving people hesitant to sell. Because of this, “The influx of buyers and the prices of homes going up at a disproportionately rapid pace, it creates a tough environment for many local people to stay in this area, whether buying or renting.” Many of the same housing problems that have gradually accumulated in other parts of Northern California are happening explosively here in Sonoma County due to this extreme gap between supply and demand, and Watson doesn’t see any departure from this trend anytime soon. She believes that many of those who are allowed to work from home--even as pandemic restrictions eventually decrease will continue to seek out a place to live in Sonoma County. Rather than a decrease in demand, an increase in supply is more likely, as those who are reluctant to sell their homes in the current market are eased back into the idea along with loosened restrictions for the pandemic. Watson also mentions that there is a downside to this trend and it’s continuation: many who are already in the community still will face hardship at the rising cost of living in this area, and will likely join the many who are moving out of California entirely in the search for a more affordable place to call home. “As many things are in this world, it is bittersweet--the rise in popularity that Sonoma County is experiencing is exciting, yet the implications of this newfound interest in moving here has proven to be a challenge for many.”

Courtesy // Flickr.com The University Police department is implementing a new service that will hopefully help them better serve the community.

Emergency 9-1-1 text service soon available to SSU students

KYLIE LAWRENCE NEWS EDITOR

I

n order to better protect Sonoma State students, the University Police Department is implementing a new, next generation 9-1-1 text service. This technology will broaden access for SSU community members who may be deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or who cannot safely call 9-1-1 in a dangerous situation.

The 9-1-1 text service is not yet live, but is anticipated to be available sometime this September at SSU. An announcement will be made on the University Police website once the service goes live, which will be no later than September 30, 2020.

There will be strict requirements concerning how the service is used, and even more strict consequences for those who misuse it. As many already know, it is a crime in California to make a false 9-1-1 call. Depending on the facts of the case, a fake emergency report could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony--meaning that a person who reports a false emergency could face up to one year in county jail, or a $1,000 fine. It is also considered a crime to delay a peace officer in the performance of their duties, so sending unnecessary text messages that distract an officer from performing their duties may also be charged as a crime.

Although campus is currently limited in activities, Lieutenant Lee Swicegood reminds the campus community to “‘See something, say something’ and dial 9-1-1 for an emergency response anytime while on campus.” Even those who do not have hearing or speech impairments are encouraged to use the 9-1-1 text service if they cannot call or would prefer to report discreetly. Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, but if that isn’t possible, the new text service will soon make it possible.

Oftentimes, people fear a negative or violent reaction from the person they are reporting, as it may be more dangerous to make a call than text. Making it known that one is calling the police can sometimes cause even more immediate danger to the caller. In many situations, an emergency texting service will make it easier and less frightening to report a crime.

There are some limitations to the texting service, however. Users of the ser-

vice should keep in mind that text messages should be brief, easily understood, and should not contain abbreviations, emojis, or slang. Users cannot include 9-1-1 in a group text or while roaming. Users should be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the police department. Lastly, emergency personnel cannot always determine location solely on location services information, so in the first text message sent, users should be sure to include clear information about the location of the emergency and the type of help needed.

The choice to implement this upcoming new technology was not left up to SSU. “The State of California Office of Emergency Services required all California police dispatch centers implement and execute launching the text 9-1-1 system based on Senate Bill 1211, which was signed into law,” according to Lieutenant Lee Swicegood.

Swicegood says that the 9-1-1 text service will eventually be implemented statewide and many other local law enforcement and fire agencies are already equipped to receive 9-1-1 texts. This includes our very own Cotati Police Department, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Santa Rosa Police Department, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, and more.

Police departments across the nation are being scrutinized for their effectiveness in how well they protect people of color. Recently, many Americans have been calling for widespread defunding and reformation of the police, due to their overall lack of ability to protect certain community members. Executing this service now may be controversial due to the additional resources that were invested into creating and installing this service. But, it’s important to keep in mind that the intent of the service is to make it easier for everyone, even those that are not able-bodied, to request help from emergency departments.

During such a contentious time as now, it is reassuring to know that the police department at SSU is developing and implementing a new service to try and protect everyone in our community more effectively.

News 5

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Sam Billingsly Eucalyptus trees bordering the campus will be removed due to fire concerns.

Fire protection efforts lead to removal of 50-year-old trees TRAVIS GILLMORE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

S

onoma State University is removing 205 trees from campus grounds that border E. Cotati Ave. and Petaluma Hill Rd. Work began Monday, Aug. 31 to eradicate the non-native stands of 50-year-old, towering blue gum eucalyptus.

According to Robert Eyler, SSU’s interim public information officer, “The eucalyptus removal is being undertaken to increase defensible space on campus and in neighboring communities. The trees produce substantial amounts of highly-flammable leaf litter and they are adjacent to potential ignition sources on the roadways.”

To fund the eradication, the university requested and received a hazard mitigation grant for a fuels reduction project through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2018.

SSU received a California Environmental Quality Act exemption because the “project constitutes fuel management activities within 30-100 feet of structures..it is intended to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation and will not result in the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees other than for forestry purposes, nor result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion or sedimentation of surface waters.”

Students expressed specific concern about how the eradication would be performed. The customary commercial method is to use chemicals such as Garlon or glyphosate to kill the roots, but in light of SSU’s recent glyphosate ban, Eyler says the university will be using solely mechanical methods.

The eucalyptus trees at SSU were planted in 1970, four years after the campus opened its doors, and photographs hanging in the Salazar building document the site before the trees existed.

Several students opposed the removal, and a petition was launched on change.org.

As of Aug. 31, 267 people have signed the request to halt the plan.

In response to questions and concerns from the campus community, Vice President of Administration and Finance Joyce Lopes wrote in an email announcement, “Since we know the importance trees play in our ecosystem, we plan to replant new trees across campus in the coming months...when replacing trees, we pay special attention to planting...California native species.”

Eucalyptus is ubiquitous in California, and at one time there were approximately 600,000 acres across the state. Early settlers believed the timber and botanical products

would be valuable, and stands were planted for windbreaks, shade, and greenery.

Over time, the plant proved to be a poor choice for economic production, and government agencies now view the plant as a threat to the state instead of a commercial crop. Environmental concerns include the complex system of shallow roots, greedy resource consumption, and high degree of fire danger.

While eucalyptus was imported from Australia to California in 1853, the bacteria that decomposes eucalyptus leaf debris did not accompany the trees in sufficient numbers to handle the amount of leaf litter in the state. This results in a thick floor of dry material that competes with native species and contributes to wildfire concerns.

Eucalyptus leaf litter is a source of fuel, and the California Invasive Plant Council notes that “because stringy bark is carried away while burning, eucalyptus forests are considered the worst in the world for spreading spot fires.”

The CIPC lists eucalyptus as an invasive species due to the plant’s “effects on fire danger, native plants, and wildlife,” in addition to the copious amounts of groundwater the trees consume.

A joint study by UC Berkeley and Tulane University found that eucalyptus affects the body condition and skin microbiota of native salamanders, and evidence suggests that more research is needed to understand how invasive species impact native wildlife.

This is not the first time the eucalyptus trees on campus have drawn attention. As reported by Dr. Rick Luttmann, professor emeritus and former chair of the Academic Senate, safety issues posed by the trees were used by high-ranking administration officials to compel action in dramatic presentations to the Campus Planning Committee in the 2001-02 academic year, and the university successfully urged the county to remove free parking areas adjacent to campus on the grounds of public safety.

Critics claim this maneuver was designed to increase revenues by forcing students and visitors to pay for parking permits or daypasses, while proponents argue that the trees and road conditions presented safety hazards that required parking access be removed.

Eyler says, “The County of Sonoma, not the university, made the decision...the critical factor was safety from passing cars...the areas are not paved and there are no sidewalks to allow safe access from the parked cars to campus.”

Restrictions threaten year-long penalties for parties SSU professor’s invention continued from pg. 1

She expected a better relationship with city leaders and is shocked by how they could be so “divisive and ageist.” Miller views it as “hypocritical for the City Council members to take away the students’ opportunity to have social gatherings of any size when they themselves lived it up at schools like Oregon State and Chico.”

The change in group size was made so the responding officer doesn’t have to focus on counting group size but on the conduct and behavior of the group. Also, posting of the property would be at the discretion of the officer and would change from 120 days to a full year. Enforcement of the new ordinance would be reactive through filing a complaint to the city and applying the ordinance to the situation.

In response to the repealment of the ordinance, Miller stated that this has already discouraged students from living in Rohnert Park and that “Sonoma State students will also have an even more difficult time finding housing off campus as landlords will not want to risk their house getting attention from the police.” She also argues that every time this item came on the agenda, it was during periods where students weren’t able to be present. “During the meeting they mentioned they worked with the Sonoma State Associated Students to produce these changes, when in reality, they only came to our Student Senate meeting at our request.”

Yeymi Nohemi Perez, the senator for community affairs, shares the same sentiment that the complete change in the ordinance would make it harder for students to find housing off campus and that SSU students play a big role in the community.

According to Senior Code Compliance Officer Louis Kirk, the repeal and change in the code wouldn’t have an impact on students. If students want to have a party and “be respectful of neighbors and not jump off the roof into the swimming pool at 3 a.m, you won’t hear from the city” but it’s “designed for the small percentage of cases where people are not socially responsible.” According to him, the most important thing for students to do is communicate with each other and their neighbors.

In the last council meeting on Aug. 25, Kirk stated that part of the reason for the overhaul is so that municipal codes are consistent with each other and “enable productive pursuit of response costs and associated restitution.” Kirk also argued that in the last city council meeting, on Jan. 28, the Director of Public Safety brought up the occurrence that when officers would respond to a noise complaint they would “encounter a scattering of individuals quickly leaving a scene of a group of less than 10 people would less likely constitute a violation under the existing code.” As a result, there was a change in how many people constitute a party; from 10 people to 2 or more and that an officer would be free to focus on conduct and behavior rather than how many people are present.

Kirk does recognize that if the posting period is increased to one year it would carry into an academic year and would deter renters because the home has already been posted. Not only would it create a financial strain for an absentee property owner, but it would also prompt property owners to be proactive and prevent another posting from occurring.

This remodeled ordinance will be discussed at the next council meeting on Sept 8, and if approved, will be put into effect 30 days after its passed.

continued from pg. 1

The pandemic created a newfound urgency in the medical field for equipment to help treat the violent illness sweeping the United States, and Farahmand’s invention may be just the thing medical professionals are looking for in these desperate times.

He acknowledges this in stating, “We hope that the InSee device can assist providers in differentiating patients in terms of their likelihood to develop respiratory complications, thereby allowing them to better allocate vital resources.” The device will allow medical professionals to better assess patients’ conditions through the data it will collect, therefore preventing unnecessary use of important equipment. The surge of COVID-19 in America has created a whole new urgency in Farahmand and his students, and they became determined to do their part in combating the illness.

When asked about any new developments on the project, Farahmand stated, “We are currently at the second phase of development and completing the medically compliant prototype of InSee that can be used for clinical trials.” He expects the prototype to be finished in October, and from there, they will begin testing it on a small number of patients suffering from respiratory ailments.

Although his work on this project provided Farahmand and the SSU engineering department with many new opportunities and perks, Farahmand states, “The most rewarding aspect of this project has been the fact that through engaging our students and our collaboration with external partners, we have been able to build a real world device that can help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”

During the process of collaborating and creating with students and local entrepreneurs, Farahmand recalls that each of the hands that helped bring InSee to life were able to contribute something unique, and he couldn’t have worked out all the product requirements without help from the entrepreneurs. He explains that, “This project is yet another testament to the strong talent that exists at Sonoma State University. Our focus on combining fundamentals and hands-on training, as well as developing relevant industry skills, puts our...students in a unique position to stand out.”

6 Arts

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Genesis Botello A signature dish containing vairous fresh fruits, a brunch staple.

STAR // Genesis Botello Cafe Mimosa has an illuminating atmosphere and calming environment.

Favorite local restaurant: Cafe Mimosa CHRISTY CHEW

A&E EDITOR

D

uring times when you’re forced to stay indoors due to a mandated order, and away from others, you want a little taste of freedom. You may not want the same meals you’ve been eating for the past two months, and that’s where Cafe Mimosa is ready to serve you with open arms.

Cafe Mimosa, located on Rohnert Park Expressway, provides its customers with a full variety of delicious food and drinks. This welcoming atmosphere of cleanliness, kindness, and comfort is what makes this restaurant shine.

For those who want to support local businesses, and especially in an unprecedented time like this, Cafe Mimosa makes it easy to do so with patio dining and take out options. They’ve made every effort to open their doors during these trying times, allowing the community to still enjoy what this wonderful restaurant has to offer.

“It’s become hard to want to go out during a pandemic, but Cafe Mimosa is doing a great job at keeping us all safe while we can enjoy some breakfast and mimosas,” says Senior Tyler Chase.

Cafe Mimosa opened their outdoor seating extensively, in order to serve as many customers during the pandemic.

Reservations must also be made ahead of time before coming in, to ensure distance between parties.

During this time, they are also accepting take-out and mimosas to go, for those who would like to enjoy while at home. For those in the Santa Rosa area, Cafe Mimosa has a restaurant open only for take-out on College Ave. Cafe Mimosa offers a range of breakfast and lunch items from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether someone is feeling like a basic breakfast or a burger and fries, Cafe Mimosa has exactly what your taste buds need.

On top of their delicious food, for those 21 and over Cafe Mimosa is a perfect stop to enjoy some flavored mimosas, that range in all types of fruity flavors. Their selection of mimosas are made with fresh fruits, with seven different standard flavors including traditional, mango, raspberry and grapefruit. Cafe Mimosa also offers a special mimosa flavor that changes each month, each with its own unique and delicious taste.

Pricing for breakfast and lunch is quite reasonable, and even a student on a college budget can come and enjoy it. Eggs Benedict average $14, and lunch items like sandwiches range to around $15. These items are a hefty serving and there are many side items to choose from.

To those coming for some bubbly in their morning, Cafe Mimosa offers a mimosa sampler for $15, and for those a bit thirstier, bottomless mimosas are available for $15 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Customer satisfaction seems very important to this restaurant, with reviews that are close to perfect. People have included leaving this establishment full of food and full of smiles, becoming a favorite to those in the community.

“Cafe Mimosa has been my favorite place to come and enjoy spending some free time with friends, catching up, and enjoying some amazing food and wonderful mimosas during this hard time,” said Senior Ashlyn Finkbeiner.

Drive-ins in the Bay Area are making a comeback

MYLES GRABAU STAFF WRITER

D

uring the pandemic, you may find yourself bored while you’re stuck inside, or yearning for a new form of entertainment to keep you busy. With in-person cinemas falling in popularity due to the pandemic, it is important that we find a safer and more sanitary way to view films when they are released. The drive-ins are a great source of entertainment, and it’s even better because of how easy it is to social distance.

There aren’t too many drive-in theaters around the Sonoma County area, so your visit to one of them is bound to be something to remember. While the movies playing aren’t always the most recent or most popular, it is still a great excuse to get out of where you’re sheltered in place and try something new.

With that said, there are three drive-in theaters within a 50-mile radius of Sonoma State University.

There’s Cameo Cinema in St. Helena, West Wind Solano Drive-In in Concord, and Lakeport Auto Movies in Lakeport.

Cameo Cinema, located in St. Helena, is only about 17 miles away from Sonoma State, and they offer a lot of great movies if you can get tickets before they sell out. On their website (https://www. cameocinema.com/drive-in-movies), they have specific pandemic guidelines for social distancing, which would be a great place to visit if you’re unsure about how establishments are handling their sanitation. Gott’s Roadside restaurant even offers in-car delivery service if you have tickets to any of the showings, or you can eat at their outdoor picnic tables. Tickets are set at $35 per car, and $40 per car with a jumbo-sized Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn.

However, tickets are limited to 42 cars per showing.

They are bound to sell out quickly, so make sure to plan your night out accordingly.

West Wind Solano Drive-Ins, located in Concord, is roughly 55 miles away from Sonoma State, and they offer a variety of different movies every night. While there are not a ton of restaurants around for midmovie snacks, there is a restaurant named Kinders across the street that offers some delicious barbeque.

General admission is $8.50 per person, and tickets for kids aged 5-11 are priced at only $2.00. “Family Fun Night” is every Tuesday, so general admission is

Courtesy // Unsplash.com Drive-in cinemas are becoming the new normal throughout Northern California. lowered to $5.50 per person. On their website https:// www.westwinddi.com/blog, they have a blog where they post about future events, so be sure to stay up to date on what they have to offer for the community.

Lastly, Lakeport Auto Movies, located in Lakeport, is about 70 miles away from Sonoma State. This theater keeps their website up-to-date on the movies they are showing, and they are quick to get the new showtimes out to the community.

The first tab you see on the website (https://www. lakeportautomovies.com/index.php) is “COVID

Rules”, so they make it clear that they are trying their best to be as safe and sanitary as possible.

For first-timers who might be confused about how drive-ins work, they have carefully laid out instructions on how to navigate the premises. This is especially helpful for college students who might not know their way around a drive-in theater and will definitely help to garner more business of all ages.

Their website is easy to navigate and straight to the point, both of which are great reasons to give them a visit soon.

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Parties and gatherings continue amid COVID-19 pandemic MAX ROBINSON

D

STAFF WRITER

espite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of over 180,000 Americans, many popular TikTok and Instagram inf luencers continue to hold large house parties, inviting over 100 peo-

ple, without adhering to proper social distancing protocols.

Many such parties have been held in the Los Angeles area, and the party throwers are facing consequences for their actions. TikTok stars Bryce Hall and Blake Gray are both facing criminal charges for throwing multiple parties with many guests. Both Hall and Gray were charged with causing a public nuisance, as well as violating local emergency orders by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer.

“We allege these hosts have been incredibly irresponsible with a highly infectious disease spreading in parties banned because of it, and we allege they violated the law,” Feuer told the Los Angeles times on Aug 28.

These charges could lead the TikTok stars to fines upward of $2000 and jail time, but sentencing for these misdemeanors has yet to be determined. Feuer also added that the party throwers violated the Safer L.A health order, and the city’s party house ordinance.

Hall and Gray held gatherings on Aug. 8 and Aug. 14. Neighbors reported that over 100 guests attended the parties, and videos showed that attendees were not following any social distancing protocols nor wearing masks to protect against the diffusion of the coronavirus. Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to the party in order to break it up, marking at least the second time

Courtesy // Unsplash.com The controversy between the social media application TikTok and the government.

in several days that officers have been forced to visit the home, according to the

his TikTok page, captioned “c’mon now”, in which he gives the middle finger to

Los Angeles Times article headlined “Party in a pandemic: TikTok star Bryce

the camera.

Hall’s birthday celebration prompts visit by LAPD”. Following action taken by

Hall and Gray are not the only inf luencers to be holding parties during the

the LAPD to break up the party, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed that

coronavirus pandemic. Controversial YouTuber Jake Paul reportedly threw a

the power to Hall’s and Gray’s shared residence was cut.

large party in Calabasas just last month, receiving much criticism for his unsafe

“Despite several warnings, this house has turned into a nightclub in the hills, hosting large gatherings in f lagrant violation of our public health orders,” commented Garcetti.

Hall has received much backlash from fans and critics alike, with much of the criticism being centralized on Twitter, including videos of the party.

“People were very close together, shoulder to shoulder,” as Twitter user Def Noodles puts it.

The tweet includes a video which shows many of the party guests standing right next to one another. No one is wearing a mask. Hall later posted a video to

actions.

In response, Paul commented “No one has answers, our leadership is failing us, and everyone kind of just doesn’t know what to do. But I personally am not the type of person who’s gonna sit around and not live my life.” Similar to the case of Hall’s birthday party, Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub said that the city was considering pursuing legal action against Paul for his actions.

Although social media inf luencers have received much criticism for throwing parties during the coronavirus pandemic, it is unlikely that inf luencers will stop these gatherings.

8 Student Life

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

What to expect from online rush

KRISTINA SCHMUHL

STAFF WRITER

T

he fall 2020 fraternity and sorority recruitment season kicked off this week with information sessions hosted by the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity Council of Sonoma State University.

Every fall semester, both fraternities and sororities go through a formal recruitment process consisting of days of social events and mingling with different houses and ending with a bidding process between the potential new members and the chapters. This semester will be no different when it comes to this process except that all events will be virtual over Zoom, and bids will be emailed instead of handed to potential new members.

Vice President of Panhellenic Recruitment Daisy De Martini explained, “Certain chapters on campus were expected to have some sort of formal recruitment, specifically in the fall. Therefore, we decided our best bet was to do an online recruitment in the fall so that every chapter would be participating in recruitment at the same time.”

Greek life makes up about 10% of the student body population with 20 unique chapters run by the three councils.

The organizations hosted a variety of events including a “Meet the Greeks” event giving prospective new members the opportunity to get more information about the distinctive groups over Zoom. This is an event that normally takes place every year in the quad between the Student Center and the Recreation Center during the second week of the fall semester.

In the next coming weeks there will be more information sessions hosted via Zoom for all three councils leading up to a formal recruitment process for sororities and fraternities at SSU. The information sessions will be held during the month of Sept. with the Interfraternity Council meetings on the 3, 9, and 14 at 6 p.m. The Panhellenic Council is hosting two more information sessions on Sept. 1 and 10 at 6 p.m. The Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity Council is holding an information session Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.

At these sessions, one can gather more information about the qualifications, time commitments, requirements and get a feel

for the different chapters on campus.

You can register and join these information sessions via the SSU engage website at https://sonoma.campuslabs.com/ engage/events.

Rebecca Wynn, a 365 recruitment Director of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority said, “We want to make the girls going through recruitment feel comfortable because it’s so new and foreign to all of us. We are just trying to make the most out of this new situation and we know it will be a lot of fun.”

When asked if she anticipated a difference in the new experience over Zoom, she added, “I really think the process is going to be as amazing as it always is and I’m super excited.”

Vincent Spence, a senior communications major and president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity said, “The criteria will be the same as normal rush but chapters have to be creative with what they do during those zoom meetings. During rush we usually have a normal meet and greet, sports day...etc. The way we’re planning on getting to know potential new members is the same as other semesters. We’re looking for higher character guys who have an interest in all aspects of our fraternity, school, philanthropy, and brotherhood.”

Spence elaborated that Phi Delta Theta will be hosting a series of events such as Thursday night football and a virtual poker tournament in order to get to know the potential new members better and imitate a similar environment to what they would normally do in person.

Despite a complete change in the normal recruitment process, the Panhellenic Council is optimistic about the impact being a part of a “sisterhood” can make on young women during a pandemic. In an information session on Aug. 26, Martini said, “Having sisters to lean on during this time is so rewarding and makes the next school year a little more exciting.”

She also added later, “Having sorority sisters during this time has been one of the biggest lifesavers I could have possibly had. Being able to have such empowering women get me through this very lonely time has made me more grateful to have joined a sorority than I had ever thought possible.”

A former alumni of SSU Greek life, who wanted to remain unnamed, thought

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld No longer will fraternity brothers like the ones seen in Nu Alpha Kappa be able to table for rush. the change to virtual recruitment could be ongoing pandemic. Gamma Phi Beta has a positive one for some chapters who might temporarily postponed their “Moonball” be more concerned with superficial aspects fundraising tournament to raise funds of recruitment, saying, “girls will actually for the Girls on the Run Foundation until need to pay attention and not just look at the spring semester. Despite events being them [potential new members] for looks.” pushed back, all chapters are planning on The alumni did assure that, after the continuing their philanthropic missions intense recruitment process, “Bid night is so and are finding more creative ways to raise fun and we just tackle our new sisters and funds. have great rituals and lots to look forward So, while there may be many changes to.” to the typical rush process, Greek life at Most chapters at Sonoma State have a Sonoma State hasn’t stopped and there philanthropic mission that they raise money is plenty of time to check out the various for throughout the year but many normal chapters Seawolves have available to them. events have had to be tabled because of the

The online Seawolf Plaza allows students to build a sense of community

AMANDA KOBA

STAFF WRITER

I

n the past, at the beginning of the semester new and continuing students could be found all over campus, chatting and going around from class to class. Walking through Seawolf Plaza on any given day, one would hear the familiar sound of students watching Lobovision, talking about different events on campus and seeing all the clubs tabling, hoping someone will stop by.

The ability to walk through campus and see a familiar face has helped many students feel welcome at Sonoma State. With classes moving online this type of exposure to new and continuing students hasn’t been able to happen. Seawolf Plaza has helped numerous students find a group that has the same interests, whether it be Disney Club or Greek life. Through the transition, students and staff have been working together to try to navigate this new way of interacting and building the SSU community that many know and love.

Virtual campus events hosted by Associated Student Productions have been leading the way. Director of Student Involvement, Mo Phillips, has started events called Seawolf Plaza Online. To explain what the Seawolf Online Plaza was, Phillips said, “Events are opportunities for you to connect in this virtual environment with other new and continuing students. Each meet up will have a topic/interest area/ region connection. Find the topics you like, take a step out of your comfort zone and engage!”

Students all over the nation have had their social lives and ways of interacting with one another taken away. Without the ability to interact on campus, school has just been classes and their respective workloads. Cassie

Wildes, a junior at SSU said, “The transition to remote learning has been somewhat hard.”

The different meetings are the online alternative for Seawolves to connect with one another so they have a space to relax and get to know each other. Some of the events have included regional meetings, and game discussions. The most recent event was a Super Smash Brothers meetup for students to talk about the popular game and it acted as a precursor to Associated Student Productions’ (ASP) Super Smash Brothers tournament to get potential students more comfortable and create a group.

With there being so many Seawolves with a plethora of interests, the events are based on numerous themes.

The different themes of events include things such as mindfulness as well as academic success resources. The variety of virtual gatherings are being held by the different clubs and organizations on campus, guest speakers, current students and alumni. The upcoming events can be found throughout the Sonoma State media pages such as Seawolf Living, Engage@SSU and Loboconnect. Events found on these pages are available with a Zoom link. This week Seawolves will be able to participate in Academic Success Week by attending Academic Success Resource events that are being hosted by Student Involvement, School of Extended and International Education, and Counseling and Psychological Services.

The goals of these online events are to get students to attend, talk about themselves, make connections and continue to talk outside of the meeting.

Students at these meetings are invited to breakout rooms created by the host and encouraged to participate in small

STAR// Ashley Cobb Since the Seawolf Plaza on campus is closed, it has shifted to an online forum. icebreakers so a conversation can form. Phillips said she wanted students to “... get talking and share experiences, connect and have that sense of belonging at SSU.” These shared experiences are usually formed through move-in, or hanging out and playing pool at the Recreation Center but now they are through the pandemic and online classes. This new reality has affected students, but these Zoom meetings have created a community bonded by a shared experience.

Jessica Martinez, a junior at SSU said, “These events give us that chance to create that sense of community. Though I can’t say it’s the same as going to Lobo’s for game night or a craft night with my friends and being there with them.”

Phillips hopes the online events can provide students the same opportunity of feeling a part of the university community. This includes resources for new and continuing Seawolves by hosting different groups such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), alumnae, and fun ASP events to make SSU students aware that online learning doesn’t have to take away from their Sonoma State experience.

Student Life 9

SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 7, 2020

sonomastatestar.com

An intersectional feminist magazine hits Sonoma State

MORAGH GRAF STAFF WRITER

S

oon to hit the scene at Sonoma State University is a new online magazine, REVIVAL. What started out as a UC Davis student-run magazine has expanded and branched to its very own chapter here at Sonoma State.

REVIVAL focuses on spreading a message of intersectionality in feminism and strives to inform and educate readers on societal issues along with how to bring them to justice. Part of the magazine’s mission is to create a safe space for women, people of color, and more among the Sonoma State community.

“As an intersectional feminist organization, REVIVAL encourages women, as well as all underrepresented students, to broaden their perspectives, share their thoughts, and use their voices,” said REVIVAL Founder and President Katherine Breeher. “Not only do we empower feminists to share inclusive opinions regarding current events or social, political, and cultural issues, but we also strive to give everyone the opportunity and community to express themselves while discussing their unique experiences.”

The perceived lack of a voice that underrepresented groups are given in society has started to become more apparent to some. But while many are just starting to take notice, the leaders of REVIVAL have already decided it is well past the time to start making a difference. The team at REVIVAL SSU were inspired by the efforts of UC Davis’s mission and felt there was no center for the same movement among Seawolves. By bringing the magazine to students of Sonoma State, the team hopes to emphasize the ways in which the younger

generations can contribute to society and become more inclusive and educated.

“I was inspired to create a chapter of REVIVAL at Sonoma State because I don’t think our campus has ever had something like it before,” said Breeher. “Our publication, as written from the hands of underrepresented students, will give insight to social issues that Sonoma students face every day.”

The magazine is expected to look different in its debut year than it will in following years due to COVID-19. The team will be unable to do tabling or hang up flyers around campus as done previously at the parent chapter in UC Davis. The magazine is meant to be an online publication, but public outreach is sure to be cut short due to the circumstance of the pandemic. However, that is not belittling the passions and motivation of the team at REVIVAL. The leaders feel strongly about the duties that come with the magazine’s message.

“I want to help spread awareness of the inequalities of society, and I want to help create an environment that welcomes all shapes, sizes, sexualities, genders, and backgrounds,” said REVIVAL Public Relations Director Lydia Maldanado. “I want to inspire people who read our magazine to be who they are and love themselves, and for our magazine to bring some light into a world that has been seeing some really dark times lately.”

The REVIVAL team also places an emphasis on giving back to the community.

“We hope to participate in community service projects in the Sonoma County area,” said Breeher.

Because of the pandemic, there are not

Courtesy // Instagram REVIVAL is a feminist magazine that now has branched out to SSU. a lot of safe opportunities to do so. The team hopes that by the spring semester the circumstances will change enough to allow members of the magazine to volunteer and get involved in community service and encourage others to do so.

“I hope that people are inspired to further educate themselves and take action to fight injustice they see at Sonoma State and within their own communities,” said CoVice President Akayla Miller. REVIVAL is

taking a passion for social justice and turning it into a digestible, hands on learning experience for everyone in the community.

“I cannot wait to see the growth and development of REVIVAL with a team that is so passionate about what we are doing,” said Maldanado.

To find out more about REVIVAL or to get involved with the magazine, visit their instagram page at @therevivalzine. ssu.

Take a load off with a ‘Mindfulness and Self-Care’ class RACHEL GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER

I

t is no secret that stress levels are high this year as college students across the world begin, or continue, their education online due to the pandemic.

Now students can become more mindful and stress free with a self care class at Sonoma State University.

According to The American Institute of Stress, stress can cause significant effects on one’s body such as increased or decreased appetite, heartburn, stomach pain, increased frustration, and much more. It is advised that people who suffer from stress and anxiety look for tools to help manage these potentially detrimental side effects.

To help relieve some of that anxiety many students are feeling, on Sept. 29 Sonoma State University will be hosting Dr. Andrew Wallace, who will be providing a free “Mindfulness and Self-Care” class that is exclusively for Sonoma State students. The class will be on Tuesdays until Nov. 3, and will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Classes will be taking place online.

“Mindfulness-based practices are empowering and promote well being. I have designed this course with student needs in mind,” said Wallace, a philosophy professor at Sonoma State and a certified compassion cultivation training teacher.

How does one practice mindfulness, exactly? Wallace explains that mindfulness practices “...are exercises that strengthen a person’s capacity for mindfulness,” and that undergoing such exercise can strengthen concentration, attention, emotional regulation, resiliency, kindness, and well being.

Students will be practicing meditation, along with other exercises, that can support them to reach their full potential of handling stress.

Even though being a

college student alone can bring stress to one’s life, living through an isolated circumstance such as the pandemic brings a completely unique experience.

“Isolation causes distress,” said Wallace. “This class will help students focus, concentrate, and manage their stress better. Students will learn skills that will promote success in school and life. It will be a safe and inclusive space for everyone.”

Wallace assures the students that, “this class will not be a source of stress” and that it will not feel like another class that is adding more “busyness” to any students schedule.

The STAR also reached out to Sonoma State Professor Suzanne Maggio-Hucek, whose areas of expertise consist of social work, psychology, and sociology, for another perspective on the stress of college students during these unprecedented times.

“I think online education is sorely lacking when it comes to social connection. Despite the use of breakout rooms, live chats, and video cameras, there really isn’t a substitution for in-person connection,” said Maggio-Hucek. “I am hearing from my students that they are struggling emotionally. They’re feeling anxious, depressed, and even hopeless.”

Maggio-Hucek explained the significance of mindfulness and self - care and why it should be deemed so important in one’s life.

“Mindfulness allows us to tune in to the here and now.

Rather than spin-off on things we can’t control, staying mindful allows us to take things one step at a time, in small bite-sized chunks that are easier to deal with.”

Glenn Brassington, a professor of psychology at Sonoma State University and the instructor in

Courtesy // johnhain

In such a stressful time, self care is more important than ever. the Continuing Studies Program at Stanford University, also provided information on the possible stressors for college students and why mindfulness and self-care is important.

“This restricted engagement in pleasant activities likely is increasing the risk of students experiencing negative mood states such as sadness, fear, and anger,” said Brassington Brassington also mentioned the uncertainty the future holds is also a result of stress for students. A weakening economy, the structure of employment, and the lack of job opportunities within industries such as travel or hospitality could be on the minds of many. These uncertainties can cause students to be fearful and, as a result, can potentially be stuck in a constant loop of worry.

“Mindfulness type practices help students

Courtesy // tinytribes

engage in a process of mindful self-acceptance and commitment and in so doing students learn to manage stress more effectively and engage in more meaningful activities that lead to a richer and more successful life,” Brassington said.

Whether one has been battling with stress their entire life or is just beginning to experience more stress than usual due to the transition of online education, taking Wallace’s class will provide one with not only a safe place but tools to manage current and future stressors.

As a reminder to all students, Maggio-Hucek advises Seawolves to be gentle with themselves and she urges students to remember that “...The best cure for the things that worry us is to expose them to the light. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.”

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Courtesy // Creative Commons Damian Lillard, sporting a Malcolm X shirt, and the NBA, along with other professional organizations, respond to Jacob Blake shooting.

Professional athletes cry out for Jacob Blake

SEAN KENNEALLY STAFF WRITER

D

espite being housed in temporary bubbles and isolation, athletes still face the on-going issues of civil unrest within the United States. With the recent events of Jacob Blake, many athletes and organizations decided to have their voice heard in any way possible.

Blake, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, is the most recent victim of social injustice and police brutality happening in the United States. Once the press and media released the footage, athletes across all major U.S. sports voiced their grievances and sorrows for Blake and the continued mistreatment of minorities at the hands of the police. The overall message athletes are stating, according to Cole Tucker of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is “Ending police brutality is more important than sports.”

Many notable players across the leagues have voiced their opinion on social media and press conferences. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, put it bluntly on Twitter: “[Explicit] THIS MAN!!!! WE DEMAND CHANGE. SICK OF IT.” As a result of their frustrations, many players produced boycotts for their competitions, which in turn radiated across teams and respected leagues.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020 marked the first day in sports history where five American sports league competitions were boycotted or postponed, according to ESPN. The following five leagues postponed participation: National Hockey League, NHL; National Basketball Association, NBA; Women’s National Basketball, WNBA; Major League Baseball, MLB; and Major League Soccer, MLS.

In a statement released by the Milwaukee Bucks, spoken by guard George Hill, “... We [Players] are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment we are demanding the same from lawmakers and law enforcement.”

After this statement, the Bucks soon left their locker room boycotting play, and other NBA teams followed soon after. According to the Washington Post, that Wednesday night, the NBA Players Association held a decision on whether to continue playing or not. The decision was to continue playing.

The effects of the players trickled out to some of the notable anchors and commentators in the sports world, including Kenny Smith of ‘Inside the NBA’ and Stephen A. Smith of ESPN. Smith, a former NBA player himself, walked off the ‘Inside the NBA’ set in solidarity with the players. Smith commented, before he left, “...I think the biggest thing now as a Black man, as a former player, I think it’s best for me to support the players and just not be here tonight.” Smith himself, on a SportsCenter interview with Kevin Negahndi, stated “[He] was not surprised, and [he] applauds [the players] for the position they took.”

Athletes in each of the major sports leagues pointed out the coincidence of the boycotting to Colin Kaepernick, ex-quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, and his kneeling protest. In an article from the Washington Post, Kaepernick’s protest gained notoriety on Aug. 26, 2016 during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Competition will continue in all the leagues, yet tensions, grievances, and protests will also resume as well.

Courtesy // Creative Commons Dustin Johnson birdies hole 18 to win the tournament at 30 under.

Dustin Johnson scores second lowest score in tour history

RYAN WEINER

STAFF WRITER

D

ustin Johnson dominated the scoreboard in the Northern Trust Golf Tournament at TPC Boston, which is a difficult and long golf course for even the best in the sport.

Johnson completed his four day round with a score of 30-under par, making his score the second best total over 72 holes in relation to par since 1950, when records began. Johnson teed off on Thursday, which started his first round of a four round tournament, and shot a 4-under 67. This first round score had Johnson tied for 20th place on the leaderboard. The second round came on Friday, and Johnson shot an 11 under 60, including a 9-under on the front nine holes.

A notable performance in round two came from Scottie Scheff ler, who shot a rare 59 on the day. Johnson was one stroke away from tying Scheff ler and shooting golf’s magic number, a very low 59, which has been done only 11 times on the tour. This is the second time two 60’s or better have been shot on the same day. After the second round, Johnson was sitting pretty on the leaderboard in third place with a total score of 15 under par.

“Everything was going well today,” Johnson said. “I was striking it really well, I was giving myself really good looks and obviously I was rolling the putter nicely.”

The third round of the tournament came on Saturday. Johnson and others had to overcome a weather delay. The delay started at 3:45 p.m. while twenty-six players, including Johnson, were competing on the course. Ev-

ery player had to come off of the course and wait until weather permitted play. Even with a delay, Dustin managed to shoot a 7-under 64. This hard fought third round performance was enough to put Johnson in the lead.

The fourth and final round of the tournament came on Sunday afternoon, in which the weather forecasted rain. Dustin entered Sunday with a five shot lead over Scheff ler and Harris English, with Louis Ooshuizen in third place with seven strokes back. Johnson played some of his best golf in this round and made sure to start early. On the second hole Johnson made a great putt for an eagle and then went on to birdie holes four, five, seven, and eight. Despite already having a comfortable lead, Johnson birdied hole 18 to finish up the tournament.

His fourth round performance yielded 8-under 63 for a 30-under total, which lead to an 11-shot victory and his 22 career win. “It’s a big margin, and I’m definitely really proud of that… I played really well” expressed Johnson. Scoring 30 under par was a goal for him, “I’ve never shot 30-under in four rounds so it was just something that I wanted to do.” Now Johnson gets his name and score written in the PGA record books. His 30-under 254 is the second lowest 72- hole score in tour history.

Johnson is now ranked number one on the tour and looks to continue his hot streak as play continues after the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields North Golf Course, which took place Aug. 27-30.

Sports11

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COVID-19 affecting 2020 fantasy football season

VINCENT SPENCE

STAFF WRITER

F

antasy football is as American as football itself in today’s world.

Like everything

else in 2020, COVID-19 has altered how we

as a society will play fantasy football.

Every year when the season rolls around, thousands of people prepare for the fantasy season.

Fantasy football is made up of drafting offensive skill players, quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends while also choosing a defense and a kicker.

Fantasy leagues for the most part are made up of friends and family members. It is a great way to interact with loved ones during these unusual times.

“We all want the amusement of the game, but understand that it might be really different this year.

Courtesy // Creative Commons

If enough players test positive and miss games, you

The NFL awaits the unpredictable fantasy football kickoff.

could get frustrated with the basics like setting a

they compete for an NFL championship.

if they have to end up forfeiting because of the virus.

lineup or picking up players off waivers. Fantasy

“We have reached an agreement with the NFL to

For auction drafts, leagues will be implementing a

Football’s results can be frustrating, but there’s

continue daily testing through Sept. 5. We will

“daily free agent acquisition budget” where manag-

nothing like the draft and getting a lineup ready

continue to monitor positivity rates within each club

ers can add players because athletes on their team

each week to crush your friends.” said Dave Richard

and relevant information from each team community

contracted COVID-19.

in a fantasy CBS sports article.

to inform our assessment of testing frequency ahead

Kent Weyrauch from CBS sports suggests that

of the regular season,” said NFL commissioner,

“leagues need to stipulate that any additional IR

Roger Goodell, about the COVID-19 testing.

spots are for COVID-19 players only — not just a

Football is a league of constant change and

like COVID-19, the average fantasy owner will have to constantly adapt with whatever the virus throws at the NFL this upcoming season.

Fantasy football will be adjusting its rules by ex-

way to hoard players with other injuries. This keeps

panding the rosters. Players will be interchangeable

the league format more “normal” while at the same

The NFL will be starting its season on Sept. 9

for the 2020 season with the inevitability that certain

time helping teams that may be hit hard by the virus.”

with defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs,

athletes will contract the virus at a certain point. Ad-

The NFL season will be unpredictable just like

hosting the Houston Texans. The National Football

ditional IR (injured reserves) spots will be provided

the pandemic has been so far. But with fantasy foot-

League will be playing its season bubble-free, unlike

so a manager of a team can have more players be in-

ball, it will be enjoyable to have to work through a

the NBA and the NHL. The league will focus on

jured or have COVID-19 and keep them on his or her

problem and create a winning team with your friends

keeping its players safe and COVID-19 free while

roster. There will be a protocol for every NFL team

and family.

College campuses announce cuts to sports programs due to financial fallout ELISEO FRAGOSO STAFF WRITER

T

he University of Iowa recently announced that they will be cutting several sports programs after the 2020-2021 season due to the amount of money the school is losing during this pandemic. School officials said because of the cancellation of the upcoming football season, revenue will be cut by $100 million. The Hawkeyes tried to budget in July by $15 million for athletics to pay for employees’ furloughs. However, it wasn’t enough to keep the sports teams running for the upcoming season.

“A loss of this magnitude will take years to overcome. We have a plan

Courtesy // Creative Commons to recover, but the journey will be College campuses around the U.S. are continuing to cut sport programs due to money issues. challenging,” said school President, Bruce Harreld, and Athletic Director, in the gym and seeing distraught faces. People were reducing expenses to improve their programs’ chances crying. It was a shock for everyone, especially the of survival. A typical budget runs between $600,000 Gary Barta.

The programs that are being freshmen. They just got here; now what were they and $1.2 million per year.”

Traveling is one of the significant costs that teams discontinued are men’s gymnastics, going to do?”

The Hawkeyes went from 24 sponsorships to 20 would have to cut down which proposed the possibility men’s tennis, and men and women’s swimming. The deficit of expenses and those students that have an existing scholarship of having virtual meets that would be livestreamed for judges to score the games. The NCAA would have to versus revenues for these four programs will still have it honored by the school.

Iowa isn’t the only school to have some of their change their rules if it were to happen since the league was a total of $4.25 million.

Gary Barta set up a meeting in programs cut down. SSU has experienced drastic requires both teams to be in the same building.

Back in July, the Stanford University made the Carver-Hawkeye Area, which is the cutbacks to athletic programs, including the complete school’s basketball venue, for athletes loss of tennis and water polo teams. Many athletic decision to permanently cut 11 programs due to the to let them know that their season’s departments across the country are going through a pandemic as officials said in a statement that it would were being cancelled. Barta said, “... tough time trying to figure out how to pay for each lose $70 million over the next years if they kept funding sport. There are more than 200 programs that have the teams. It came as a surprise as the Cardinals are everyone is going to be supported.”

Many players began to talk amongst been cut through, not just one division, but all three known to be one of the wealthiest universities in the country, but the COVID-19 has affected many leagues. each other as they all were “nervous” and even the NAIA since March.

University of Minnesota coach Mike Burns, who Budget woes are affecting universities across the when they heard of the meeting.

Hawkeye swimmer Tom Schab said, “I began his career as an assistant for the Hawkeyes, country, and administrators are struggling to adjust. just kept looking around at everyone said that “ Men’s gymnastics coaches are focused on

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sonomastatestar.com

Wildfires and pandemic affecting Bay Area

STAR// Sarah Gallagher Trees in the East Bay hills that are painted black from the fires still stand tall.

STAR // Sarah Gallagher Residents are fleeing multi-family units in the city looking for an escape.

STAR// Sarah Gallagher East Bay fires burned over a thousand acres across the Mount Diablo Hills.

STAR // Sarah Gallagher Sonoma residents are using everyday materials to mark their houses that have burned.

Straw Hat Pizza shut down permanently and is now for lease at Mountain Shadows Plaza in Rohnert Park.

STAR // Sarah Ramos State coronavirus ordinances forced the Essence Hair Studio to temporarily close.

STAR // Sarah Ramos

STAR // Samantha Billingsly The eucalyptus trees being cut down near campus make plant life less of a fire hazard.