Volume 83 // Issue 3

IN THIS Sports Read about the Women’s volleyball team sweeping over the weekISSUE end in Hawaii. PAGE 11.

Free Bowling

News

Come out to free bowling the first Thursday of every month. PAGE 6.

Check out SRJC’s new Public Safety training center. PAGE 5.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 83 // ISSUE 3 SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMEBER 16, 2019

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

COURTESEY // Google An example of some of the vegetables from the 2018 National Heriloom Expo and Pure Food Fair.

Petition Heirloom expo celebrates sustainable living, real food against 120’s

TRAVIS GILLMORE STAFF WRITER

T

he National Heirloom Expo and World’s Pure Food Fair, features the world’s most extensive collection of heirloom fruits and vegetables -- over 4,000 varieties, 100 plus speakers, 300 vendors, and 150 exhibitors, will take place Tuesday through Thursday, September 10-12 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

All profits from the Heirloom Expo are donated to The School Garden Network, a non-profit located in Santa Rosa with a mission to “grow healthy students, families, schools, and communities through garden-based education.”

Since 2003 the School Garden Network has “awarded $260,000 in grant funding to 60 local schools” and helped seven schools affected by recent wildfires and flooding events, according to their website.

After its inception in 2011, the Heirloom Expo has grown to become a world-renowned pure food festival. As the largest event of its kind, thousands will travel to Santa Rosa from around the world this week, and visitors will rub shoulders with industry leaders and the brightest minds in the sustainable, real food movement.

The Heirloom Expo is a family-friendly event with activities and educational opportunities, and the Kids’ Pavilion is open all three days for youngsters to explore. The Cool Bean Swap is a chance to learn about the importance of saving seeds and is a great hands-on experience. Heirloom Expo representative Lisa was excited to announce a new living soil exhibit and invited all to explore the inner workings of soil ecology.

The International Heirloom Conference is held all three days at the Expo and features a list of high profile speakers, including Dr. Vandana Shiva, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jeffrey Smith, Rachel Parent, Zen Honeycutt, Ocean Robbins, Joseph Simcox, and many more.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, and his work as an environmental activist and attorney documenting the links associated with glyphosate exposure and NonHodgkin’s lymphoma led to the groundbreaking verdicts that have awarded over $300 million so far, with thousands of more lawsuits remaining. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be featured in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, September 11 at 11:30 a.m. with Dr. Vandana Shiva and Bob McFarland, moderated

by Mary Jacob.

The Heirloom Expo is the creation of the Gettle family and the Baker Creek Seed Company, and the annual event highlights sustainable farmers, chefs and activists while celebrating heirloom crops, seeds and foods. The Expo has become the premier non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) event of the year.

Mendocino County led the nation by becoming the first County to ban the planting of genetically modified organisms, also known as GMO’s, in 2004. Sonoma County voters followed suit in 2016 with the passing of Measure M, which prohibited the planting of genetically modified crops in unincorporated Sonoma County. The leadership exhibited by voters in these counties makes the area the perfect home for the Heirloom Expo, as the festival celebrates non-GMO activism.

The Heirloom Expo includes a Giant Pumpkin Contest, a gorgeous collection of flowers in the Dahlia Show with cash prizes awarded in several categories, an International Seed Swap and Seed Circus, live music all day long, and a collection of halls filled with discussions, round-tables, and exhibits.

Admission is free for ages 17 and under. Tickets are available at the gate. One Day Pass $15, Three Day Pass $30.

For more information, visit TheHeirloomExpo.com, and don’t forget to take a picture in front of the gigantic squash tower.

STAR REPORTERS

A

new petition aimed at eliminating the dreaded “120” citations that student households can get for making noise, is gaining steam among students who think the ordinance unfairly discriminates against students.. A 120 is a noise citation that is issued to households with more than 10 people present that a neighbor has reported as excessively loud. This unique type of ordinance was passed by the Rohnert Park City Council in 2013 in an effort to placate neighbors of college households.

How it works is if people are living in a house and they have people over with loud music, the Rohnert Park Police Department comes and delivers them the 120. For the police to come to a residence they need a complaint, generally from the neighbors. If they deem that there is too much noise, they give them the 120 to display in the front of thier house, usually in a window. After the first citation, a $500 fine is issued.

The petition started by Luke DeWilde is calling for an end to the 120’s, saying that it creates a hardship for any sports team, greek organization, or club to gather outside of campus. The controvery comes though with how proportionately these 120’s are being issued to all members of the Rohnert Park community. The point expressed in the petition is that, generally speaking, a house full of college kids is going to get one over a house filled with middle-aged people. The amount of people and noise volume can be the exact same, but since 120’s were designed against Sonoma State students the college kids are going to get the noise violation.

According to language on the petition, it boils down to the notion that if Rohnert Park really is the “friendly city” and if they want to keep the large amount of college students in their community satisfied, something has got to change.

Sonoma County

Santa Rosa Junior College to offer

warns of the

unique hemp cultivation program

dangers of vaping CLARK FAHRENTHOLD STAFF WRITER

O

n Saturday, September 2nd Sonoma County health department issued a health alert that warned of the lung injuries that are and have been related to vaping and the use of other E-vapor products.

Dr. Celeste Philip, the head of Sonoma County health office was responsible for the issuing of the alert last week. Warning of the possible health risks of the use of e-vapor and other vaping devices.

The Health alert came out only a few days after the warning issued by the California Department of Public Health had issued its own statement on the use of vape products. According to the California State of Public Health, “Since June 1st, there have been 36 cases of vaping-associated lung illness that have required California citizens to be taken into medical care throughout the state.”

According to Dr. Celeste Philip, “Although the Health Alert document is for clinicians, we want all residents and visitors in Sonoma County to be aware of these serious lung injuries.”

Though The Sonoma County Medical Alert was only intended for clinicians and other medical professionals, Dr. Phillip said: “We want all residents and visitors in Sonoma County to be aware of these serious lung injuries that these products can cause.” see VAPING on pg. 4

CHELSEA PINKHAM STAFF WRITER

S

anta Rosa Junior College will soon become the first community college in California to offer hemp agriculture courses. Beginning this spring, students can enroll in hemp production classes within the Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture programs, but by fall 2020, SRJC hopes to launch a specialty degree program focused entirely on hemp. Introduction to Plant Science, Soil and Plant Nutrition, Integrated Pest Management, and Organic Crop Planning and Production are just a few of the many classes that will be included in the program.

“Hemp is a versatile plant at the center of a multi-billion dollar legal industry for medicine, fiber, oil, seeds, textiles and more. We are preparing our students with the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the workplace,” said SRJC’s Dean of Agriculture Benjamin Goldstein in an interview with Bay City News Service.

Contrary to some common misconceptions, the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.) contains less than 0.3% THC, and cannot be used as a psychoactive drug. Hemp and marijuana plants look and smell exactly alike, and are commonly mistaken for one another. Hemp, however, is a highly sustainable renewable resource that is utilized for a wide variety of purposes. In recent years the crop has skyrocketed in popularity, with hemp-based clothing, hemp-based paper, and food products such as hemp seeds and hemp milk becoming increasingly widespread.

Hemp can even be used as an alternative to plastic, a product, so many conscious consumers are currently attempting to move away from. It is a high yield, fast-growing crop. The National Hemp Association proudly calls it “the only plant that can feed you, house you, clothe you and heal you.” While students will not be growing marijuana on campus, the knowledge gained from these courses is applicable for doing so. SRJC does not take a stance on how students will choose to apply their expertise in the future.

“Hemp is a dynamic crop with a myriad of uses. It is ideal for teaching plant science and plant propagation techniques in indoor and outdoor environments while addressing the tenets of agro-ecological sustainability. As a plant science instructor, I am thrilled to utilize hemp in my classes as an educational tool,” said SRJC faculty member Dr. George Sellu in a statement.

Despite hemp’s immense popularity and high profitability, hemp cultivation is currently illegal in Sonoma County, likely in part because of the crop’s close resemblance to marijuana. Many local farmers hope to eventually add hemp plants to their agricultural operations, bringing in extra profit and diversifying production, but are unable to do so because of current regulations. SRJC received an exemption from the current ban due to its program see HEMP CULTIVATION on pg. 4

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board Brennan Craig, Editor-in-Chief Jonah Trosky, News Editor Gillian Chaffer, Opinion Editor Jack Messier, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Devon Pique, Student Life Editor Holly Chandler, Spor ts Editor Natalie Dolan, Photo Editor Audrey Knopf, Distribution Manager Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Natalya Swensen, Olivia Verbeck, Daniela Clinton, Leah Magnuson , Maddie Lam, Carson Brown-Field, Izabel Carrillo, Lela Perivolaris, Christy Chew, Salvador Fernandez, Mia Pollak, Julissa España, Joseph Owen, Athena Franklin, Julissa Munoz, Brandon Sparks, Travis Gillmore, Doug Trumm, Clark Fahrenthold, Moira Raffer ty, Christian Dasilva, Shay Daly, Eve Rabinovitz, Ryan Nop, Gianna Grillo

Photographers Cour tney Bagg, Genesis Botello, Ashley Cobb, Taylor Clark, Audrey Knopf, Jacob Loher

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: “Dig into nature: student naturalist training” Training helps students with different skill sets to thrive in their future careers.

Read the article on page 6.

Corrections/Clarifications

SEPT. 10- SEPT. 16, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

New petition sparks conversation of potential discrimination

S

onoma State University is home to over 8,500 undergraduate students that make up nearly 20% of the Rohnert Park population, a considerable percentage of the surrounding community that surely cannot go overlooked. Of that student population, 20% are members of campus fraternities or sororities, known for organized social gatherings and activities. And yet, things are still being overlooked.

The city’s strict ongoing treatment of off-campus social gatherings, in a college community completely lacking a recognized Greek row, is is counterproductive to the campus community these groups try to build.

The maltreatment arrives in the form of an inflexible noise citation called a “120.” The citation form, ordered by Rohnert Park City Hall and issued by the city’s police department, outlines that any house hosting more than 10 people is subject to a 120 day period of no amounting noise whatsoever. If noise persists during that period, however, another “120” is issued--this time paired with a $500 fine, and $250 added on top for each instance thereafter.

Six years into its increased enforcement, the “120” citation is evidently hammering away at the social lives of students alike.

Entirely indifferent to weekend gatherings all the while, the citation is suffocating the opportunity for off-campus student households to host friends, greek life to host meetings and gatherings, and some households to even simply play music.

While the citation can be issued at any given time to any given household--according to the city’s municipal code--college students’ unfortunate familiarity with the citation remains uncanny. The explosion of student experiences with the citation over the last year alone, especially greek life, has even reached the point of a newly surfaced petition

to remove the crippling social effects of the citation.

The high usage of 120’s towards college students leaves them wondering if their adult community member counterparts are receiving the same penalties for noise violations as well.

Titled, “Remove Rohnert Park 120s,” the rapidly popular petition recently released on the Change.org website on Sept. 2, created by Sonoma State student and Greek Life affiliate Luke DeWilde. DeWilde’s goal, along with the 548 others (and counting) who have since signed the petition, is to bring substantial action and awareness to amending the targeted limitations of the citation in coordination with city hall.

In his experience, like other students who have made a point to sign the petition, DeWilde explains, “most of the time the police do not even look to see if there are more than 10 people; if they hear any type of music playing you will get a citation.

Even if (the police) do not agree with giving the 120.” According to DeWilde, this city policy puts police officers in tough position because “they still do not want to go against department policy, so they have no choice but to force a ‘120 fine’ on college students.”

Like a multitude of other students, the feeling is as though the long-standing stigma against greek life members and college students as perpetually wild, uncontrollable “kids” carries a direct impact on the profiling nature that the 120 citation takes on. Such stigma pervades the treatment that students receive from the police.

While such stigma surrounding Greek Life members-one that is shallow in its widely perceived one-size-fits-all application, as films like the renowned movie “Animal House” and the media sow seeds of egregious misportrayal. Other signees of DeWilde’s Change.org petition

contributed in light of their own unique issues with the citation. In describing his reason for signing the petition, Leonardo Gutierrez, resident of Santa Rosa, says, “my neighbors won’t let me enjoy my passion for music even during the day time.”

The automatic nature of the citation’s issuance to off-campus college houses also reveals a direct contrast to the treatment of noise complaints for students living at Sonoma State. Residential Advisors on campus, as they survey living areas for noise all the same, called “tours,” follow a much less restrictive policy on treatment of noise complaints.

RAs are instructed to issue a verbal warning upon first noise disturbance, with an ensuing visit resulting in documentation, or “write up.” However, documentation simply entails an email sent to the student(s) that acts as yet another warning. Students receive three warnings, verbal or written, before a meeting is scheduled to discuss violation of the University policy.

Dylanger Rucker, a Residential Advisor for Beaujolais Village, says “between all of last year and this year so far, I’ve given verbal warnings to 10 residences; only 4 of them have received documentation after that.

I know other RAs I’ve worked with have had the same experience.”

While the socially suffocating treatment of off-campus houses continues in contrast, many students like DeWilde’s signees are still, as he describes, “astounded that a city is allowed to pass a law allowing this much discrimination towards an age group,” and to, “silence someones entire house for a 120 days.”

After all, as Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Chief Student Affairs Officer and VP of Student Affairs at Sonoma State explains best, “students are not an interruption in our day, but the reason why we are here.”

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

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

Letters to the Editor Letter writers may expect prompt publication in the newspaper’s op-ed section, as space is available. Letters of up to 400 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Friday before the publication date. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts. The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication to any letter and to edit for length. Letters must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. To send a letter to the editor, email star@sonoma.edu.

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Opinion 3

SEPT. 10 - SEPT.16, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

A joke turned festival: Storm Area 51

SALVADOR FERNANDEZ

STAFF WRITER

P

lanning to storm Area 51 slowly becomes viral.

The event “Storm Area 51, They cant stop all of us” was created by Matty Roberts, a 20 year old video game streamer. His goal was to have people come to Area 51 and “find aliens.” Of course, this wasn’t meant to be anything more than a meme.

The plan to storm into a highly secretive government base would later become an issue for people who live in the area and those who plan on attending. In the first place, this event itself wasn’t going to be huge. It had its fair share of attention, but with a couple of days it exploded and eventually over 2 million people claimed to be going to the event.

Some local counties in Nevada have gone to extreme measures to keep their homes safe. Commissioners in rural Nevada have pre-signed an emergency declaration. Both Nye and Lincoln Counties have signed and approved the declarations. Two towns are considered the focal points for some festivals: Rachel and Hiko. Aleinstock and Peacestock 51 are the names of the festivals.“Storm Area 51” event has slowly moved into the small town of Rachel which is considered to be the “UFO Capital of the World.”

Linda Looney, who is the manager of the Alien Research Center in Hiko, thought that this whole event would not be possible. Looney said “I got excited, And then I got worried,” Looney isn’t the only one worried about this event turned festival; the county sheriff has gotten involved in making a plan to prepare for the worst. Sheriff Kerry Lee said, “we have been nonstop preparing for the past few weeks.” . Even though the event online says well over 2 million are attending, officials are expecting around 30,000 people to come, however they question if more people will show.

Just the area itself is in the middle of nowhere; there will be no water, food, hotel spots or emergency services in the area of Rachel or Hiko. The

closest hospital is in Las Vegas, which is around 3 hours away.

Air Force Spokesperson Laura McAndrews said, “as a matter of practice, we do not discuss specific security measures, but any attempt to illegally access military installations or military training areas is dangerous.” The Air Force has not stated or said anything else about trespassing into the military base. It still leaves more questions in regards to what would actually happen if a horde of people went in to raid Area 51.

Early this year on January 28, a man drove through a security checkpoint in Mercury, Nevada which is 60 miles away from Area 51. The checkpoint turned into a car chase. He refused orders made by the Nevada National Security Site Officers and was shot to death. Trespassing is obviously dangerous, and can result in arrest or death.

It’s best to just enjoy the festivals “Alienstock” and “Peacestock 51” and share alien facts and knowlege with others.. Storm Area 51 has turned from a funny facebook page to an event that has left hotels with no vacancy, locals in fear of incoming tourists, and most of the military and world confused and fearful of what will really happen September 20th.

The mistreatment of incarcerated pregnant women

LELA PERIVOLARIS STAFF WRITER

I

ncarcerated women have long been overlooked by broader scope statistics regarding local jails, state prisons, and federal prison. Over 60% of women jailed are awaiting trial and haven’t yet been convicted of a crime, typically because they are less likely to be able to afford bail. Those who belong to this group live below the poverty threshold with an annual income of $11,071, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. A majority of women both jailed and in the prison system are mothers and are often the primary caregivers for their children -- the group that’s largely forgotten, though, are the expectant mothers.

In a self-titled “first-of-itskind” study conducted by researchers at John Hopkins Medicine, around 1,400 women were pregnant upon admittance to state and federal prisons alone from 2016-2017.

The twenty-two prisons surveyed hold nearly 60% of the prison population of women, many of whom serve time for non-violent offenses

related to drugs or property, as reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The highest rate of pregnancy is seen in local jails (where there are potentially thousands of pregnant women admitted across the US), where women have come forward saying that they were forced to birth their babies in their cells with no assistance from medical staff.

Last year, a 26-year-old Diana Sanchez delivered her son in the cot of a Denver County Jail cell supplied with only an absorbent pad after alerting a guard that she was in labor and pleading for help. Only after she gives birth did a nurse enter her cell and an ambulance was called. In an interview with a CNN affiliate, Sanchez says, “that the pain was just -- it’s indescribable, and what hurts me more, though, is the fact that nobody cared.”

Very few policies exist surrounding care for pregnant women in jails or prisons. They can be shackled (now only under specific circumstances), put in solitary confinement, and face nutritional deficits that could threaten healthy development of an infant. In an interview with The Guardian, a woman in her early twenties was pregnant in a Washington state county jail where, for four months, she was forced to “[subsist] on milk, fruit and cold cereal, as well was commissary purchases of donuts, candy, trail mix, meat and cheese sticks, and flavoured popcorn,” often times wherein the milk was expired.

While the argument could be

made that depriving women this way is medical neglect, some women receive better care and structure within the system than on the outside. Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, an advocate for better health care (with a focus on pregnant women) in jail and prison systems, explains that many women “lacked health insurance pre-incarceration...., stable housing, employment, and access to drug or mental health treatment” in an interview with Rewire News.

As a part of the First Step Act passed in late 2018, the use of shackles are prohibited on pregnant women as long as they are not a risk to themselves or others. As Dr. Sufrin said, “What we do to these women behind bars tells us about society more broadly… [and] how we view reproduction for poor women and women of color who are disproportionately represented in incarcerated populations.”

As reported by the Prison Policy Initiative, the prison system is still mainly structured for men without properly addressing womens’ unique needs, ranging from feminine hygiene to pregnancy to menopause. Women are still at risk for “sexual abuse by correctional staff or other incarcerated women” and most prisons do not have adequate programs to help women manage mental health issues or substance abuse. The population of incarcerated women requires more attention now than ever as it continues to grow at double the rate compared to men’s, and we cannot continue to fail pregnant women in the process.

Edibles can be more potent mixed with chocolate

IZABEL CARRILLO STAFF WRITER

M

arijuana, Mary Jane, pot, ganja, weed, and cannabis: the list of names for this substance are endless. Marijuana is the first legalized controlled substance in some states. It can be smoked, used to cook with, and also for medical use. Among new college students and current students, marijuana is the most common and popular drug. Most students first experience a high via edibles, a cannabis- infused food.

For years marijuana has been frowned upon, but since 2016 when Proposition 64 was introduced, the drug has been legalized for personal and medical use. Pot shops have been allowed in some cities with regulations. Here in Sonoma County there are more than 15 local dispensaries. There are also more underground dispensaries that don’t disclose they are dispensaries to avoid being taxed. These dispensaries carry anything from infused oils, pre rolled blunts and joints, edibles, lotions, wax, dabs, pastries, and of course weed itself. You can also pick up your very own plant and take it home to grow.

Recent studies have shown that edibles are a more popular item on college campuses, as well as just smoking it. Weed is known to have a different potency when mixed with chocolate, according to studies. According to Newsweek, new studies have shown when chocolate is mixed with Cannabis the potency is skewed, not giving the correct potency results. Some ingredients in chocolate suppress the presence of THC in and edible making it harder to determine potency levels. The suppression in potency level is known as a “matrix effect”, meaning if there’s more chocolate in an edible, it leads to less THC being detected. If an edible has less chocolate, THC is much easier to detect.

Researchers aren’t quite sure what ingredient in chocolate causes this, but they do have an idea. Some suspect it could be the fats in chocolate that are manipulating the potency results and THC might be fat soluble. According to Newsweek, Tristan Watkins, Chief Science Officer of marijuana company Lucidmoon, says, “some ingredients in edibles, like healthy fats, may help with the absorption process and produce stronger effects.”

When purchasing edibles from a dispensary, the THC dosage is labeled on the packaging, although the potency levels could be inaccurate if it contains chocolate.This can lead to some people feeling a stronger high than if they were to be smoking marijuana.

If someone prefers edibles, vaping or smoking can be a different high. Studies have shown that ingesting THC is going to give someone a much longer high that can last anywhere from six to eight hours.

When vaping or smoking THC, the high will be can be short, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, and oftentimes edibles can last even longer.

Some college students have had negative experiences using edibles because of their potency level.

Even though weed is known as a chill drug,, it could lead to a negative experience. Students who have ingested THC don’t feel the high right away leading to them wanting to ingest more. This usually results in the high hitting them later and much stronger which could possibly last for more than just a few hours. Weed can be a relaxing experience and can help with many ailments. Just make sure that all instructions are followed on the packaging to avoid any negative effects.

Japan begins whaling after 30 years of peace

LEAH MAGNUSON STAFF WRITER

H

istory is repeating itself as commercial whaling resumes in Japan.

Although there has not been a commercial whale hunt since 1986, on July 1st, a fleet was sent out with the intent to kill. This change shocked citizens since Japan left the International Whaling Commission last year that does not allow

the hunting of whales. This whaling ban was put in place to allow the whale population to recover and grow, according to environmental organization Greenpeace.

However, even though the last hunt occurred over 30 years ago, Japan seems to be going back to its old ways.

Japan’s decision to begin whaling commercially again is an attempt to revive the whaling industry, which was once booming, but is now fading away.

This has caused international disgust as well as an overwhelming feeling of disappointment by activists, political leaders and citizens alike. The slaughtering of whales is carried out by impaling them repeatedly until they bleed out in the water before being hoisted by crane onto the boat. The process of doing so is barbaric and inhumane, and could seriously damage whale populations, especially if other countries lead by example.

Whaling will once again take place

for these majestic creatures that have almost been brought to the point of extinction because of being hunted by humans.

BBC News stated that Japan has argued that hunting and consuming whales is part of their culture. Many countries alike have different traditions than western culture that can seem violent in nature, even though it’s normal to those people. It is true that whales have been hunted by different communities for centuries, but that was out of necessity because of scarcity and limited availability of food. Whaling was once needed to provide an essential protein source, but it is no longer necessary. It is now being used in an attempt to try to revive a dying industry for the quest of big profit, even if the ultimate cost is the extinction of this species.

The taste of whale flesh has been desired less and less, and many believe that this will not bring this industry back to

life. An article posted by The Guardian stated a quote by Patrick Ramage, director of marine conservation at the International Fund for Animal Welfare; “The palates of the Japanese people have moved on.” Many are hoping that japanese people will also protest this barbaric practice and not support killing whales, by avoiding buying whale meat and other products.

Ramage explains that the practice is not conventional or desired, and that it will eventually burn itself out. “What we are seeing is the beginning of the end of Japanese whaling.” There is hope that whaling will once again become obsolete, but the slaughtering that is occurring in the meantime is worrisome as well as potentially catastrophic for the whale population. Many activist groups have decided to take a step back, but the future for our oceans and those that live in it is uncertain.

4 News

SEPT. 10 - SEPT 16, 2019

JUMP events this month

JULISSA ESPANA STAFF WRITER

S

tudents at Sonoma State University can look forward to JUMP’s new volunteer events.

Join Us Making Progress, also known as JUMP is the community service program of the Associated Students INC. JUMP encourages students to strive for community building, by participating in various volunteer opportunities.

JUMP has four different coalitions; human services, youth program, days of service and jump sustainability.

The Human Services coalition is a semesterlong commitment and a great opportunity for students to volunteer their time once a week (or more) in serving vulnerable populations around Sonoma County.

JUMP’s Human services coalition has six, semester-long programs, these include: Sam Jones Dining hall, Family support center, Lobo’s Pantry, Pop up pantry, the respite program and the living room.

Some of these jobs include working with those experiencing Alzheimer’s, feeding families in need of extra assistance, and helping female homelessness.

The Living Room is an organization that invites JUMP to bring Sonoma State students on site to help and gain experience working with those in need.

The Living Room, located in Santa Rosa, is a resource center that provides a safe space for women and their children experiencing homelessness. The organization offers tangible resources for women, such as tampons, food stamps, and clothing. The Living Room also provides resources for those who have mental health conditions.

There are social workers on-site that cater to each individual’s circumstances.

JUMP provides transportation to Sonoma State students who participate.

“This is a weekly opportunity and commitment to volunteer in our community. The weekly activities JUMP volunteers to do for The Living Room is conversing lightly with the women who come in for help, or play with their children so they can have some time to themselves. We also organize all the donated items. It’s really a feeling of community,” says, Sophomore and coordinator of the Living Room, Sara Feinman.

For this Fall semester, students have the opportunity to volunteer three times a week.

The volunteer schedule begins Monday from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., followed by Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and finally Friday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students may

choose one out of three days to participate or volunteer two or three days.

In contrast, JUMPs days of service provides oneday volunteer oppaortunities.

JUMP has several days of service planned for this semester, which includes the Goatlandia event on September 14.

Goatlandia is an animal sanctuary located in Santa Rosa that rescues farm animals and works to rehabilitate them.

Goatlandia is the perfect one-day event where students can assist farm animals, without having to commit to volunteering on a weekly basis.

Coordinator of Goatlandia and Sophomore Jenna Fairman says, “This will actually be my second time hosting and coordinating an event with JUMP, my first being with Bayer Farms. Goatlandia is great if you love animals because you really get the opportunity to interact with some adorable rescue animals. This time we’ll get to do things like feed the animals, paint the chicken coup, and just generally hang out with the animals. Last year there were also some baby goats that we got to interact with, so I’m really looking forward to seeing those adorable guys again.”

If students can not make it to the Goatlandia event and are still interested in helping animals, there is another opportunity.

Rohnert Park Animal Services is looking for volunteers on September 21, to assist with various tasks that the shelter needs. The tasks include weeding the garden, cleaning the storage shelters and interacting with the animals.

Coordinator Valerie enjoys helping the adorable animals on site. She has a deep admiration for assisting the sheltered animals in need and thinks that more students should participate in the amazing event.

Rohnert Park Animal Services appreciates any and all volunteer services as the many sheltered animals need positive attention and support.

Volunteering through JUMP allows for a humble experience.

“JUMP is a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus! I’ve been introduced to so many amazing people and been given such an incredible and rewarding opportunity to help out in our community that anyone on campus also has the opportunity to partake in,” says Jenna Fairman.

At ASB Bowling Night on Thurs., Sep 5.

COURTESEY // Courtney Bagg

VAPING: Recent deaths are cause for concern

sonomastatestar.com

Killer of SRJC custodian gets 4-year prison term DOUG TRUMM STAFF WRITER

A

fight that broke out two years ago left former Santa Rosa Junior College custodian Dondiego Hermillo Andrade dead, and now one Lake County man sentenced to prison. All of this began over a dispute from a parking lot ding.

On September 15, 2017, at approximately 11 p.m. at Graton Resort and Casino, James Morgan Lewis Jr. 44, of Lake County, and Dondiego Hermillo “Milo” Andrade, 55 of Santa Rosa, entered an altercation that would prove to be fatal. Andrade reportedly started the incident by opening the door of his Honda SUV into Lewis’ truck. Lewis and his girlfriend, who were inside the truck at the time, noticed the SUV had dinged their truck and began arguing with Andrade.

The scene escalated when a group of men exited Andrade’s SUV and someone punched Lewis in the face, while also throwing his girlfriend to the ground. Police arrived on the scene at approximately 11:30, after being called by an anonymous source. However, by the time the deputies arrived, the violence had stopped. The attacker who committed these assaults was not Andrade himself.

According to Mercury News, “the alleged victims did not request prosecution, saying they didn’t know for sure who assaulted them”.

After the police left the scene, more violence broke out between the two parties. The second fight is what resulted in Andrade’s death. Andrades brother-in-law, John Gurrola, was on the scene and gave his testimony during the hearing.

Gurrola said that rather than just shoving Andrade, Lewis “ran like a full speed linebacker” when he dealt the fatal blow. He also claimed that Andrade was “defenseless” when attacked. Lewis had no comment on this statement.

Andrade fell to the ground and hit his head on concrete after being shoved. He sustained severe brain damage and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he died 3 days later. Lewis, on the other hand, was arrested at the scene after police arrived a second time. He initially was arrested on the charge of “suspicion of felony assault causing great bodily injury,’’ according to fugitive. com. Bail was posted at $50,000, and Lewis was set free.

However, after hearing of Andrade’s death, Lewis then turned himself into Sonoma County deputies to await further trial, now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter.

The final hearing for this case took place this summer on July 9, 2019. Information from patch.com states that no plea bargain being accepted in this case. Deputy District Attorney Robert Waner claimed the case was “vetted at the highest level of our office”. The courtroom situation became emotional for both the family of the victim and for Lewis. Andrade’s wife was among those most affected by his death. Lewis broke down in tears and expressed regret over the situation.

The final verdict resulted in Lewis sentenced to 4 years of prison, with the possibility of early release on parole for good behavior. District Attorney Waner exclaimed that “Mr. Lewis behaved badly and impulsively killed Milo and deeply impacted his own family”.

Lewis, as well as Andrade, were both fathers.

Andrade worked as a custodian at Santa Rosa Junior College for 35 years and was an usher at a nearby church. His attorney described Lewis as a “good, big-hearted man and a volunteer in the Hidden Valley Lake Community”.

HEMP CULTIVATION: SRJC first in CA

continued from pg. 1

The Medical Alert also asked Sonoma County medical professionals to collect vapes and other e-vapor products for “further clinical testing.’’

As of the start of September, there are no known or reported vape related ailments or illnesses in Sonoma County. However, the Sonoma County Health officials feel as if it’s better to be proactive and aware of the risk’s saying “a great deal is unknown about the risks of vaping and how dangerous it can be to your lungs.”

And According to a study conducted in Sonoma County in 2018, “More than 25 percent of Sonoma County 11th graders vape or use e-cigarettes regularly. A 7% increase from 2016”.

For some Sonoma State University Students, this comes as quite surprising news. As current Sonoma State Junior James Ito said “Honestly until I read the report I had no idea that vaping could cause that much damage to your lungs. In a way, it’s a wake-up call, but it is certainly one that is needed”.

Ito went on to say “I think now that I know that there are actually reported cases of vaping and other e-vapor products causing serious lung damage that I’m just not going to use vape pens anymore. Just to big of a risk.”

Another Sonoma State University student, Junior Aidan Kelleher, said, “I’m not shocked by the report. I mean anytime you put smoke in your lungs your putting your body/your respiratory system in severe damage. But I think this report will hopefully help shed some more light on how dangerous vaping can be”.

Sonoma State University, it’s self, has been a tobacco and smoking, including vapor products, free campus since July 1st, 2015. As the University made this decision in direct response to the US Surgeon General’s findings “that there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.” The University also made this decision to “protect the immediate and long term health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including those campus employees who work outdoors.”

In the Closing of Dr. Celeste Philip’s Medical Alert, said: “As we learn more about the cause of these injuries, I urge individuals to limit their use of vaping products or quit using them altogether.”

COURTESY // Google Some of the many vape products.

continued from pg. 1

existing for educational purposes. Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner Tony Linegar told The Press Democrat that the future of hemp production is “very uncertain”.

Regardless of hemp’s future in Sonoma County, one thing is certain: hemp cultivation is a booming industry throughout California and an increasingly popular trend across the state. Bringing in a whopping $1.1 billion in revenues across the United States last year, hemp products could very well dominate the agricultural industry in the future. SRJC students choosing to further their education in hemp cultivation could easily be stumbling upon a financial goldmine, preparing themselves for a prosperous future in a rising industry.

COURTESY // Google Some of the many vape products.

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

News 5

Healdsburg Reach for Home implements new “street medicine”

JULISSA MUNOZ STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma County-based organization, “Reach for Home” has created a new program that helps the homeless on the streets in Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale, and Windsor areas. Their new “Street Medicine” program will bring medical and mental health evaluations to those in need.

Creator of the program and the Executive director of Reach for Home, Colleen Carmichael, said their mission is to “establish a relationship with the most vulnerable people in the community, and create a foundation of trust so they can seek further help from a physician after the program initially gets them there”

Carmichael’s team has recently partnered with a retired psychiatrist, and a former nurse to help get the dice rolling on the project which is the first of its kind in the Sonoma County area. “Once we started talking about it, we knew we could launch the program once we could get the funding for it.” Said Carmichael.

There are numerous different organizations within Sonoma county who have offered grants and donations. The Rotary Club, The Northern Sonoma County Health Care Foundation, Healdsburg and Geyserville fire departments, and the Wine Country to the Rescue, just to name a few.

“All we need for a program like this to work is compassionate people who are willing to help,” says Carmichael. The nurse on the street medicine team, Jaclyn Ramirez also said, “It’s just very cohesive, and once we make a relationship out on the street, it carries over to the hospital. It makes for better coordination of care.” When a community can come together, they can move mountains.

Sonoma County’s homeless population has been decreasing in recent years (2% from 2016 to June 2019), but that is not to say there is no one to be helped.

There is still a 2951 some people in the Sonoma County area who are experiencing homelessness according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

The Reach for Home website states that homelessness is a problem that can be solved, “a programmatic approach the homeless can return to stable living environments. As reported by the Press Democrat, Jennielynn Holmes, Catholic Charities director of shelter & housing in Santa Rosa, states that a redoubled push to quickly house those needing basic assistance, including rent subsidies, appears to be paying off. The housing retention rate among residents who have participated in transitional housing programs so far is about 94 percent.”

Reach for Home is not the only organization battling against homelessness though, “The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires Sonoma County to conduct a Homeless Count to be eligible for approximately $3.7 million annually. This year, the State’s Homeless Emergency Aid Program provided an additional $12 million in what was supposed to be one-time funding for homeless services.” Said Michael Gause, Continuum of Care Coordinator of Sonoma County.

The non-profit organization, Reach for Home, has been changing the lives of the homeless in our community for what is 4 years now. And the success of launching this program will only bring more opportunity and help for those in need.

Carmichael said that she and her co-founders could not emphasize enough how grateful they are for the organizations who donated and the community who believed in the “Street Medicine” program. “When people see the worth in it and want to help is what it takes for this program to be successful, and all the compassion is only helping it grow.”

COURTESY // Santa Rosa Press Democrat A Healdsburg nonprofit has launched the region’s first street medicine team to provide first aid and mental health screenings for the area’s homeless population.

SRJC opens a new Public Safety Center

MOIRA RAFFERTY STAFF WRITER

S

anta Rosa Junior College just opened its newest campus addition in Windsor: A Public Safety Training Center. The multi-purpose facility provides college-level curriculum classes to students who are interested in pursuing emergency medical careers, fire protection technology, in-service training for public safety and criminal justice.

The need for another training facility arose when the space provided by the previous building became too overbooked. Next to the previously existing gym facility sits the new $5.7 million building, at 7,355 square feet that can approximately fit up to 376 people. This has many benefits when regarding larger classroom capacity and enhanced class scheduling.

According to the Press Democrat, Associate Dean Larry Brown voices that this has been nothing but pure success; “We’re loving it” says Brown, “Everybody is using it.”.

Besides being the Dean, Brown also oversees the Intensive Basic Police Academy.

“I don’t want to turn students away because agencies need people on the streets to provide public-safety, this building allows us to more efficiently and effectively and safely train public safety students.” says the Dean and this helps accommodate abundant space for everybody.

According to the Director of the National Park Service Park Ranger Academy, Brian Marvin, tells the Press Democrat how “Lots of public safety training is hands-on and you can’t do it all in the classroom — you need to be able to get out in the gym,” which is critical when pursuing any of these careers.

Not only will it offer much more space for students, but it also features an acoustic sound partition that can divide the room in half, permitting the instructors to

teach two classes at once.

The completion of the facility was originally aimed towards mid-April when Construction started last October, though due to the heavy rainfalls we experienced last winter it postponed the project several months.

“All the kids here are absolutely lovely,” says registrar Page Munksgard, “Due to being a quite unique program, we have kids flying in from all over the country, but there are many who are from Southern California as well.”

She mentions how special the Ranger Academy compares to the other programs, and how this is one of the few schools that offer this program. According to Munskard their institute stands out from others because they provide lots of different agencies and personnel which contribute to the success of the facility.

“We’re here for the students and their parents are trusting us and they are just all such great kids overall,” explains Munskard when asking what she enjoys most about the program.

Before the extension about an average of 250 to 300 students were using the original building from early morning to late at night, at least six days a week. It also meant that often remedial training was forced to schedule on Sundays.

Now with the new facility right next to the original, there is no question that things are to run much more efficiently and space-friendly.

According to project manager Heather Chicieri, the construction process was “pretty smooth” and she says that it has been “a great experience” to the Press Democrat. She also highlights how the project stayed within the budget, and to say the least, they are “happy with the building”.

This new building is great news for anybody looking to fuel start their career as a future police officer, paramedic, firefighter, a corrections officer, or park ranger.

COURTESY // The Press Democrat Students attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Public Safety Training Center at the Santa Rosa Junior College campus in Windsor on Aug. 29, 2019

6 Arts ‘Dig Into Nature’: naturalist training meeting unearths the unexpected

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

SHAY DALY

STAFF WRITER

Ever visited one of the Sonoma State University preserves? A student experience well worthy of undertaking, the Sonoma County area boasts three university preserves: the Osborn Preserve, Galbreath Preserve, and Los Guilicos Preserve.

At the “Dig into Nature” informational meeting held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, led by Suzanne DeCoursey, students explore what the student Naturalist training entails at the Osborn Preserve.

The Osborn Preserve is six miles away from the Sonoma State campus. The Center for Environmental Inquiry created the Naturalist program, which is all about connecting to the natural world with others and being able to teach others about the preserve’s natural inhabitants. In the program, students learn about species, biodiversity, fire ecology, geomorphology, and much more.

“What interested me in this meeting is that I actually have the capability and the opportunity to go to a preserve that this campus owns, and I can learn about so many different species, trees, flowers, animals and other living things--what is literally right among us, which I think is so cool,” says Shayna Hammer, one of the students attending the meeting.

There is profound uniqueness from two different angles within the program. What community partners find unique about the center is the opportunity given to their students. For instance, the K-12 teachers are extremely excited that their students get to interact with college students because it allows for their students to start viewing college as more of a realized opportunity; whereas, before, some of the students had never known anyone who was going to college. Community partners alike certainly find such value rooted in the center. From the students’ point of view, it is an opportunity to receive real, hands-on experience that is otherwise hard to obtain knowledge over from simply learning in a classroom setting.

“I was most interested in the fact that within this program, I get to work with kids and people

of all ages and be able to share my knowledge-and to be able to learn more about nature myself, just by exploring and being able to see different types of animals, trees and flowers and all kinds of stuff that makes this world so unique,” says Amber Hukanother, another student attendee.

Whatever a student’s major or intended future career may be, there is something worthy of exploration at the center for all types. If one was to ask employers what they value most in graduates, most of them will not talk about content knowledge; employers talk about foundational skills such as the ability to communicate, ability to work as a team and leadership skills. The programs offered by the center are a premier way to obtain said skillets because, again, such are difficult to acquire inside of a classroom environment. In working as part of a team, or even having to lead a tour, participating students witness first-hand the crossover to a workplace environment and the dynamics therein, with public speaking and leadership development surfacing as inherent aspects of the student experience all the while.

Training for the University’s Naturalist program takes place every semester; the mandatory meetings for the program are at the beginning of the semester as well as at the end, in preparation for the following semester.

As Suzanne DeCoursey, the Education Manager at the Center for Environmental Inquiry, summarizes best, the differences between a classroom environment and the learning--and skillsets--it funnels, offers a direct contrast to the plethora of learning opportunity found in the environment of the program.

DeCoursey explains, “It is just fun! Students really do need these skills anyway, no matter what your career may be that you are going into. It is great to have these things on your resume,” she continues, “and you might need the credits, so why not get them in a way

COURTESY // SEAWOLF LIVING Impassioned students gather together during the Spring 2018 naturalist training. that’s fun, enjoyable and essentially allowing you to play outside, instead of having to sit in a box of fluorescent light.”

Altogether, the program offers more than an already fantastic hands on experience and ongoing interaction with nature, as the career skillet

overlap--for any type of student--is equally invaluable. As DeCoursey ultimately reinforces, students will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the dynamic opportunity before them-one that they would likely have never expected

‘Late Nights at Lobos’: The weekly event that fulfills your friday night

CHRISTIAN DASILVA STAFF WRITER

On Friday nights, the Sonoma State campus may seem quiet and dead, with its empty halls and symphony of crickets, but Lobos campus pub surely is not. Sounds of laughter and singing permeate the Lobos walls as it continues to celebrate its weekly “Late Night at Lobo’s” event.

Every Friday, Lobos holds a rotating selection of different events from karaoke, trivia, bingo, and game night. Called “Late Night at Lobo’s”, the weekly event is held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with all of its activities and themes listed on Seawolf Living, AAG and Blurb calendar.

For those looking for a fun way to start off their Friday night, Lobos might just be perfect for you.

With free admission and openness to all, bring friends and enjoy a relaxing, close time with peers alike. Unlike most places that host trivia and karaoke nights, Lobo’s doesn’t require students to be 21 to participate and is open to people of all ages. So for those itching to get out and about but feel limited due to age, Lobos this Friday might be just what you are looking for.

With prizes available in bingo and trivia nights alike, the event nights also showcase a different theme every time. Student involvement member, Will Montgomery, described how each selected residential advisor is in charge of the topic and questions for every trivia night. Montgomery says, “a really popular one last semester was ‘Game of Thrones’ trivia, with special themed prizes like shirts and mugs.

For those into board games with friends, Lobos game night brings back many of the classics. From games like “Connect-four,” “Apples to Apples,” “Life,” checkers and more, students are sure to find a game for themselves and their friends. However, there is no need to feel like one has to be limited to the aforementioned, as anyone is welcome to bring in his or her own games too; if any student has a fun game that he or she loves playing with friends, bring it in! After all, students just might find others who like it just as much and end up making some new friends in the process.

For those who like to sing but are between being comfortable and uncomfortable with a mic, Lobos just might be perfect for them too. With an ever growing list of songs to choose from, it has a variety of different popular songs. Admirably, Lobos does not play many songs within the last five years;

COURTESY // SONOMA.EDU however, students are also welcome to play any songs on personal playlists as well. So, for those with that “one song” constantly playing and rocking out to, students alike just might fit in perfectly at Lobo’s Friday night festivities too.

Last Friday, Lobos held its first karaoke of the semester and definitely saw no shortage of people eager to sing. Non-Sonoma-State-student Megan Reilly, 22, broke the ice and went first with “Move along” by the All American Rejects. There with another friend, Reilly described how she actively goes karaoking and appreciates how different the Lobos setup is.

“You’re not a stage and not dead center of the bar, so it actually helps to take some of the pressure off and it’s easier to be yourself,” Reilly said.

Next up, Erick Carientos, owned the room with “Warning” by Incubus. Erick is a first semester transfer to Sonoma State and although this was his first karaoke night at Lobos, he has attended a large number of the campus social events already this semester.

“It’s because of the events on campus that I already

feel at home and why leaving home hasn’t been such a shell shocking experience,” Carientos said.

Two other new students, Lydia Burdorf and her friend Abima, tried their hand at “Take a Chance on Me” by Abba. Although half-way through the song the students realized that they chose the wrong version and were thrown off, their laughter filled the air, instead of their anxiety. The students only needed a short intermission before they were right back up and singing Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Sweet Transvestite.”

The atmosphere throughout the night was both uplifting and relaxing. As everyone is either trying to unwind from the school or work week, Lobos provides everyone with a great place for people to let go and potentially make new friends. So whatever your fancy is: games, trivia, singing or even Bingo, Lobos has you covered. With good food and plenty of drinks, too, students are sure to have a fantastic night out.

Entertainment 7

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

Taylor Swift returns with ‘Lover’

COURTESY // GUYSDRINKINGBEER

GIANNA GRILLO

COURTESY // BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

STAFF WRITER

Taylor Swift is one of the biggest singers and songwriters of our generation--and she just got bigger. On Aug. 23, Swift released her newest album, titled, “Lover,” which is already raging with success. In a single week, “Lover” netted the equivalent of 867,000 album units in the US, according to Billboard. “It is the largest sales week for any album since Swift’s last 2017 release, ‘Reputation,’” Billboard Magazine says.

“The new album finds her escaping the celebrity drama and returning to what she does best,” says the media outlet’s Carl Wilson.

“Lover” draws inspiration from Swift’s three year long love story with British actor Joe Alwyn. Most of her previous albums showcase songs involving heartbreak and failure, but she shows a new side on this album, with songs that are about romantic success, but, of course, also the hardships of sustaining it.

“There are so many ways in which this album feels like a new beginning,” Swift tells Vogue Magazine, continuing that, “this album is really a love letter to love, in all of its maddening, passionate, exciting, enchanting, horrific, tragic, wonderful glory.”

Swift writes and co-writes, as well as produces, each and every song on the record, highlighting yet again the talent that Swift possesses as an artist.

“Taylor’s brilliant body of work has shattered industry metrics around the world,” Republic Records founder and CEO, Monte Lipman says.

Swift guides listeners through one song on the album called “The Man”-a listener favorite--which is about the sexism that she, like countless women, has endured. Swift speaks out on how difficult it was for her to get to where

she is because of her existence as a woman in the current societal landscape of the world, as she has not been one to shy away on what she believes in either.

“I Forgot That You Existed,” another song on the widely popular album, explores the first time that freedom from a heartbreak is experienced.

Swift describes the relief that stems from the first time where it is fully realized that the person who once caused pain has crossed the mind no more; this, as well as the happiness that comes with a person realizing that he or she is okay with the other person, and pain, not being apart of personal life anymore.

“I thought it would be a really fun way to open the album, like, basically kind of shrugging off a lot of things that you’ve been through that have been causing a lot of struggle and pain,” Swift tells Billboard Magazine.

Taylor Swift has made a name for herself all throughout her career, as the new album, “Lover,” proves once again how immensely well received she is across the world. The way Swift can sing about her personal experiences and turn them into hit songs underscores how creative she is--and why she is so relatable for many of her listeners. The fact that so many people can relate to Swift’s crafted lyrics is just one of the many ways as to why her music is routinely successful, and, really, why she has gained such widespread popularity.

Swift not only proves she can sing; she proves that she is an authentic songwriter and can craft many of her own beautiful songs from her personal struggles, ultimately turning those struggles into something positive.

The Lagunitas Beer Circus: a ‘Freaktacular’ event

EVE RABINOVITZ STAFF WRITER

The Circus is coming to town! For students of age, this not-so-typical circus invites those to grab friends, family, and prepare for a unique, beer-filled experience worthy of “hopping” out for. Ranging in its various types of entertainment and local craft beer, this for-charity event arrives at an affordable price. Petaluma’s 10th Anniversary Lagunitas Beer Circus will be held on Sept. 14 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Strap in and get ready for an unforgettable experience with over 100 performers at two main stages that feature all-star bands, burlesque, sideshow acts, aerialists, and many other thrilling performances. The event will also provide a variety of local, delicious food trucks, Midway games, souvenir items and face painters.

Be sure to check out the headliner, Gogol Bordello. From the American punk band, one can expect nothing less than a gypsy punk performance at this year’s Beer Circus.

Get those creative juices flowing for this year’s event, as Lagunitas will be adding a fun twist: the brewing company will be encouraging guests to participate in the circus with its “Beer Circus Costume Contest.”

While Lagunitas Brewing Company is the main host of the event, guests can anticipate delving into a variety of their favorite craft beer. In addition to its best-selling brews, Lagunitas invites a few of its local friends in the brewing business. The breweries left to join remain a surprise-- however, expect to see some of Sonoma County’s top breweries too.

Sonoma State University Alumni, Keahna Nicholson, attended the 2018 Lagunitas Beer Circus event and shares her experi-

ence. Keahna says, “it was absolutely incredible. Everyone was filled with energy and excitement. People showed up in the craziest costumes as they portrayed different circus characters.

It was truly a thrilling event, definitely one not to miss,” she continues, “and I also highly recommend attending because not only are you having a fun, eventful day, you are supporting some great non-profits.”

The upcoming Lagunitas Beer Circus is not only an entertaining event, but a charity event as well. Last year 12,000 people attended the event, raising nearly $100,000 for their nonprofit partners: Wild at Heart Foundation, CRISP, Urban Artworks, Petaluma Phoenix Center and The Learning Center, namely. These non-profits and youth programs provide a range of services and activities for young people to uphold a safer and welcoming community for the future--the Circus is all about giving back.

If interested in attending this year’s Lagunitas Beer Circus, purchase tickets through EventBrite.

Tickets are currently selling at $40, but with your first beer on the house, it makes the cost all the more enticing.

Unfortunately, this excitement-filled event is strictly for those 21 years of age and older; as it is a charity event too, once a ticket is purchased, it cannot be refunded. Make sure to drink responsibly, have a designated driver or public transportation available and most importantly, have fun!

Of course, “it’s not a Beer Circus until you show up,” says Lagunitas Brewing Company.

Double Decker, ASP free bowling: the event that cannot go unforgotten as the year continues

RYAN NOP

STAFF WRITER

Double Decker Lanes, the premier bowling alley in Sonoma County located at 300 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park, hosted a free bowling night for the students of Sonoma State University on Sept. 5. As the event only lasts from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., even students arriving early to the bowling alley’s widely popular event notice the huge line stretching out the door, winding its way around the building. Upon entry with student I.D., free admission is granted; with bowling shoes aplenty, the event showcased f locks of students eager to enjoy the night ahead.

Throughout the allotted time, Double Decker’s well cherished, reoccurring free bowling night allows for up to two free games altogether.

The Sept. 5 event also boasted a long list of delicious food for excited students who came out to bowl, with classics like pizza, nachos, and hot dogs making the usual star appearance. Right next to the snack bar is a massive section of arcade games to play all the while--whether for taking a load off from the last poor frame, or to enjoy with friends. Boasting games like “Hoop Fevers,” foosball, a hockey table, pool table and an assemblage of video games to play, Double Decker surely fits the bill for all types of entertainment.

Unfortunately, for students 21 years of age and older, the bowling alley did close off the bar to any students of Sonoma State University. Positive energy and excitement still f lourished throughout the scene of the bowling lanes, however, as every single lane in place at the bowling alley was taken and filled with friends alike. Students who found themselves waiting for the next available lanes to come still gained the chance to enjoy the free bowling night, though, as many hopped on next as soon as other groups fin-

ished two games of their own.

Sonoma State University student Tyler Poppino said, “I really liked just being out with my friends at a free event, a lot of times money is an issue for college students. So, I am glad Double Decker was able to host a free bowling night for the students of Sonoma State,” Poppino continues, “and doing events like this brings a lot of people together which is really cool to see; I will be coming here every Thursday of every month because this was a lot of fun.”

The overall environment at Double Decker is certainly tailored to the maximum enjoyment of the bowler, as lot of pop music and other songs from genres across the board were perfectly accentuated by colorful, f lashing lights. Many students pointed to the enjoyment of seeing other students dancing to the music as a perfect indicator that everyone there truly maximizes the opportunity to simply have fun.

“Last year’s event was super busy as well, but this year’s looks like more people showed up. When getting here, you immediately saw the line was wrapped around the parking lot. There were so many students here it was crazy. I think it was especially crazy because of all the incoming freshmen at Sonoma State,” Poppino says, in outlining the differences between the event prior and the Sept. 5 event.

As Poppino alludes, Stephania, a worker at Double Decker Lanes, confirms, “we absolutely do hold the free bowling nights the first Thursday of every month!” However, another worker at Double Decker, Cody, was asked about the comparison to last years free bowling event and said, “the first few Thursdays of every month are extremely crowded with people-but unfortunately, it gets less and less people during the year.”

While the free bowling night hosted by Double Decker Lanes on Sept. 5 was yet another success, with the turnout of students proving tremendous, the event’s ability to bring students of Sonoma State closer--and even walk out with new friends--proves that taking advantage of the free bowling night throughout this school year is a worthwhile cause to uphold.

COURTESY // SONOMA.EDU

8 Student Life

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

Manage college living with Adulting 101 CHRISTY CHEW STAFF WRITER

W

ith the stress and excitement on a young adult’s busy life, it can become extremely useful to gain tips to help better your career, and that’s where Adulting 101: Tackling College Classes comes to lend a hand. On Wed., Sept. 11, 2019, Schultz Library will be hosting a mini workshop in Schultz 3001 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45am in order to help students better their techniques in their college classes. This event is provided to assist students and improve their semester, by learning tips and tricks to manage the college life and find balance.

“As a freshman I wish I gained better techniques throughout my college journey, it would have made it easier and less time consuming,” said Senior Cerena Clifford.

The first of many of these mini workshops throughout the semester will be based on topics that aim to improve student’s lives and teach important lessons. Tackling College Classes will be focused on time management, academic speed-reading, and bullet journaling techniques. The Adulting 101 series is provided to give students the tools to tackle challenges they may face with the help of the University Library.

College classes can become stressful, and this workshop can manage the amount of coursework to set students up for success. Tackling College Classes is here to teach students fundamental techniques that they can carry on throughout their time here at Sonoma State University and beyond.

Participants will embark on hands-on experience to gain practical skills to

thrive through adulthood in a positive atmosphere.

“Librarians have conducted indepth research on best practices for each topic and will be sharing that knowledge with participants in an interactive, engaging way,” said Outreach and Inclusion Librarian Catherine Fonseca.

Students will be participating with academically relevant activities in an engaging way outside of the classroom atmosphere. During this event, workshop leaders will guide peers through a time management activity, active tricks to make academic text reading more applicable, and a method of organized rapid note taking to make a student’s life manageable. They will not only learn from the guided workshop leaders, but can also gain some insight from fellow peers.

Adulting 101: Tackling College Classes will also be featured two other times during the semester, offering the same information, to allow students to find a session that best fits within their schedule. Students who attend will learn practices on specific topics to help benefit themselves and their peers.

This series is provided to give students the tools to help guide them as they continue through school, in a fun and interactive way. This mini-workshop is geared to help students tackle topics in a proactive way, and gain outstanding benefits with those tools.

Along with other events that will be hosted at the library, Adulting 101 is here to provide students with life skills that meet various obligations. The library has also teamed up with fellow

COURTESY // Sonoma State University Adulting 101 is meant to teach students how to handle college living. organizations like CAPS and the Career Center to offer interested learners about the topic at hand. These events will contribute to topics like self-care strategies and prepping for job interviews as the semester proceeds. These workshops will not only include entertaining activities and light refreshments, but also a chance to win a prize and gain new connections with peers.

“Practical skills and techniques are definitely important to have. Throughout my college years I learned skills

that will come in handy later in life,” says Clifford.

Managing college-level work and maintaining an organized lifestyle can become difficult. The Adulting 101 series wants to assist in helping students prosper, and provide them with relevant information to take with them to new heights.

“Adulting is hard and you don’t have to go it alone. Everyone can use a refresher on the practical skills we learn,” said Fonseca.

Students get to see club life at the Student Involvement Fair JESSICA SIAS

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University prides itself on being the type of campus, in which getting involved is the best way to gain an amazing college experience. Sonoma State has a variety of ways students can get engaged on campus from intramural sports, Greek Life, and over 120 clubs offered. On September 11, there will be a Student Involvement and Club Fair going on in the Seawolf Plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. Student Involvement will also be providing students with a free hot dog lunch courtesy of University Culinary Services and Sonoma State Enterprises.

The main purpose of this Student Involvement and Club Fair is to give students the opportunity to be exposed to the different clubs Sonoma State has to offer. There are clubs that identify with students individualities like the LGBTQ+ and Ally club, MALCS (Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambios Social), Mock Trial, Chemistry Club, Black Student Union, Disney Club and more.

Mo Phillips, the event coordinator, and their team have been advertising this club fair for the past two weeks.

“We are expecting about 50-60 clubs for the Involvement Fair. The tables are offered on a first come, first serve basis. They sign up on orgsync to

reserve their spots. The only requirements are that they are a chartered club or organization in good standing and that they sign up.” said Phillips.

The beginning of the year is the perfect opportunity to show up to events like this.

“We know that if students do not make connections, engage in campus,or find their niche in the first six weeks of being on campus, that things can be much more challenging for them and they may decide not to stay. Our goal is to help them find that niche, to make that connection, to engage with others and have shared experiences. We want them to feel like they matter here,” said Phillips.

The president of MALCS will be tabling during the club fair.

“The Club and Involvement Fair is a great opportunity to get our name out and be recognized at the beginning of the semester. It provides the student with a wide variety of populations and variety of interests. It allows the student to find a way to fit in and feel welcome on campus,” said Gabriela Davila, MALCS president.

These clubs will not only be tabling to allow students to get involved, but it will give them an opportunity to find connections and create new experiences that will be beneficial in the long run.

COURTESY // Sonoma State The Involvement Fair gives students a chance to find a club they love.

Club fairs are offered once a semester during club week.

“If students want to find out more about getting involved, joining or starting clubs, they can always come up to our office on the second floor of the Student Center in the Student Activities suite. You can also find out about other opportunities to get involved in the Student Activities suite, but checking out the Associated Students JUMP, ASP, and Student Government,” said Phillips.

There are different ways in which Seawolves can get involved and if students do not know where to start, the Student Activities Suite can help find whatever suits students needs.

If there are any clubs that are not

being offered starting a club is easy.

“To charter a new club, all you need is an idea, a president, treasurer, an advisor and 3 other students. Once you have that, come see us in Student Involvement and one of our Advisors will help with the rest. We currently have about 120 clubs and organizations,” said Phillips.

There will be more success fairs being offered during the semester that will continue on being advertised through Student Involvement. For those who want to know more about success fairs coming up, you can check out the Club and Organization section in Seawolf Living and or check out their office on the second floor of the Student Center.

STUDENT LIFE CALENDAR A Better High w/ Matt Bellace

Asian and Pacific Islander community and ally lunch

Late Night at Lobos featuring TRIVIA

Associated Students Student Government Senate Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 10 7:00 P.M. Student Center Ballroom A

Friday, Sept. 13 12:00 P.M. The HUB

Friday, Sept. 13 8:30 p.M. Lobos

Monday, Sept. 16 4:00 P.M. Sonoma Valley Room

Student Life 9

SEPT. 10 -SEPT. 16, 2019 sonoastatestar.com

Student Spotlight: Maria Luchetta MIA POLLAK

STAFF WRITER

W

ith Panhellenic recruitment just around the corner, it can be difficult to decide if going through recruitment is the right choice.

This is why Panhellenic’s Vice President of standards, Maria Luchetta, is here to discuss her thoughts on the recruitment season ahead.

Maria is a fourth year psychology major here at Sonoma State University and plans to graduate Fall of 2020. Her plan for after Sonoma State is to get her masters in art therapy and become certified as a marriage family therapist.

Maria grew up in Arcadia, a city in Los Angeles county. Back home, Maria enjoys exploring new places in Los Angeles or going to the Art District. Most importantly, Maria enjoys spending time with her family back home.

“When I came to Sonoma State as a freshman, I signed up for recruitment but was really intimidated. I didn’t want to go through but I had some encouragement from a family friend and decided that even if sorority life wasn’t for me, I could meet new people through the process” said Luchetta.

Maria believes recruitment is more than just an opportunity to find a home on campus, but also a way to meet people in the process.

“I went through recruitment my freshman year with the mentality of not really wanting to join, just wanting the meet new people through the process but then once I went through I realized sorority life

was nothing like the media shows,” said Luchetta. “I met each chapter and realized that they had similar interests and values as I did and spent most of their time volunteering of some sort which is what I had done throughout high school. By the end of the weekend there was a chapter that I ended up falling in love with which was something I never imagined could happen.

On bid day I ran home to the chapter that I am still in to this day” said Luchetta.

Maria is Vice President of standards for Panhellenic. Her job entails being Panhellenic President, Courtney Bagg’s, righthand man. It is also her job to enforce the National Panhellenic collegiate bylaws and make sure chapters are following the rules.

Panhellenic’s purpose is to work with the school and the chapters on campus. Their job is to help students find their home and oversee that things are running smoothly.

“Throughout my time in my chapter, my big saw the best in me and knew I would and should be a leader. I’ve held positions in my chapter and during that time my big was on Panhellenic. I saw her do all the amazing things that Panhellenic could do. She was my inspiration to join Panhellenic as I saw how it could change the way the school sees sorority life on campus” said Luchetta.”

In Maria’s years here at Sonoma State University, she has enjoyed going to bodega bay for crab sandwiches and Patrick’s taffy. She also loves trips to the city with friends, exploring new places, hiking and watching the sunset. On campus, her fa-

STAR // Courtney Bagg Fourth year psychology major Maria Luchetta smiles for the camera. vorite thing to do is catch up with friends at Lobos and W&B. Maria’s experience with joining a chapter can provide students with insights on the opportunities greek life can provide including leadership positions. Many roles in chapters can coincide with students’ interests and field of study.

“For me, it has boosted my confidence in all things I do whether it’s work, school or speaking to people. The most valuable thing I have gained from being in a sorority is that going greek means becoming part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

Sonoma State supports students with a resume workshop DANIELA CLINTON STAFF WRITER

A

superb resume is a needed factor when it comes to obtaining any sort of occupation, so head on over to the Resume Workshop to see how you can make your resume stand out! The Resume Workshop will be taking place on Sept.

10th, at the Career Center, International Hall 107. It will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will last for about an hour.

This workshop will break down the importance of a resume as well as teach students how to create and edit one. Beginning one’s resume can be rather overwhelming, therefore this event is aimed to make it less stressful for students.

“We will break this process down for students to demystify the process of resume writing, and students will leave with tangible ideas and strategies for how to build a resume that is right for them,” said Kelsey Bensky a career advisor at Sonoma State University.

Students will learn that there is much more to put on a resume other than just past job experiences, which will be a useful factor when it comes to people with no prior work experience, which many young students struggle with/ A resume is essentially one’s ticket in to getting an interview and portraying the best first impression. It is important to make sure you put your best foot forward when starting a job and your resume is the best way to do that.

“Your potential on an 8.5 x11 piece of paper sounds challenging, but is critical and can really open doors,” said Bensky.

The coordinators of this event want to show students how to make a grasping yet easy to read resume. Resumes should be abundant in with a plethora of information that can be easily seen by an employer. It is also key to remember that what is put under the “experience” category of one’s resume is not limited to past job experiences.

It can also include things such as: volunteer work, leadership roles, along with other important tidbits.

No matter the experience or resume knowledge one may have, this workshop is beneficial for all. They not only help build work experience on paper, individuals will also learn a great amount about themselves. The conversations presented at this workshop will help those who attend get an idea about how to create a persona of your own.

“Personally in my life going through the process of creating a resume always left me with a lot of stress, so I am excited to improve my resume through this workshop,” said Sonoma State student Catherine Crain.

COURTESY // Sonoma State University The resume worskshop will help students look great on their resume.

It’s A Guy Thing enlightens, brings awareness CARSON FIELD STAFF WRITER

I

t’s A Guy Thing is a place for all genders to have casual conversation about what it is truly like to be a man in today’s world. This group addresses not only the challenges, but also the responsibilities and other free conversation topics that arise within the group setting at the informal meeting. Students are allowed to freely voice their opinions and concerns in hopes to better understand men in society today.

This event is all gender inclusive and is held on Sept. 12th from 6 p.m. to

7 p.m. in the HUB Cultural Center on Sonoma State University’s campus. It gives

students from all ages, ethnic groups, genders, and interests the opportunity to come

together and talk about what exactly a “Guy Thing” is and what that entails. Third year student, Oscar Urbina, has experienced life as a guy in college and believes that this event is the perfect place for all genders to express how they feel.

“Although I have not been to an ‘It’s A Guy Thing’ event yet,” said Urbina,

“hearing about the conversations that happen and the freedom people feel when ex-

pressing their thoughts, opinions, and ideas has been inspiring. I am definitely inter-

ested in attending, it seems like an amazing place to hear the voices of the unheard and speak my own thoughts.”

It’s A Guy Thing gives students the ability to have a voice when they don’t

believe they may have one. Along with this, it allows for others to just simply listen without feeling the pressure to necessarily voice their own opinions or feelings. For

those who are looking to meet new people and enjoy the company of students with the same thoughts and ideas as you, this is the perfect event.

“Knowing what it feels like, personally, to be a guy in a college setting, there

is a lot of pressure to not end up like another stereotypical college guy seen in the

movies,” said Urbina, “I want to make sure that all guys, including myself, are held accountable for all of our actions and follow through with our responsibilities, this event seems like the perfect place to talk about it”

It’s A Guy Thing has made it its goal to become an event for students to be

active and to turn their thoughts into words and eventually into actions. Go be a part of the movement and the voice and visit It’s A Guy Thing on Sept. 12.

COURTESY // Sonoma State University It’s A Guy Thing encourages a healthy discussion of masculinity.

10 Sports

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Men’s soccer team ties with Seattle Pacific

OLIVIA VERBECK STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma Seawolves traveled to Seattle, Washington on Sept. 5 to play Seattle Pacific University, where they tied 1-1.

As the whistle blew to start the game, Seattle Pacific’s forward, Titus Grant, started out strong and aggressive. He was winning most of the attacks against the Seawolves defense.

When Sonoma had the ball, the Seahawks defended tightly and when they won the ball, they would attack hard on the Seawolves defense. As Seattle gained momentum they started to pick up on the Seawolves mistakes.

As the first half was just picking up, Sonoma started to run the midfield. Once Sonoma gained control, Seattle Pacific could not keep hold of the ball.

The Seawolves became stronger on the ball and it was hard to push them off. Within the half, the game got more aggressive and the referee started calling fouls.

In the twenty-third minute, Sonoma created a foul, which led to a penalty kick at the top of the eighteenth and taken by Titus Grant. Titus shot and missed wide, tipping off of goalkeeper Derik Engebretsen.

Sonoma became confident on the ball and started to send dangerous long balls into the Seahawks defensive half and started to be clean on the ball. The Seawolves had good stamina on and off the ball, creating many opportunities.

At the half, the score was 0-0. The Seawolves and Seahawks both had five shots on goal going into the second half.

The Seahawks came back into the half with the mindset to win. Within fifty-four seconds, forward, Alden Massey, passed it to Mario Vukic who shot from sixteen yards out on the lower left side, slipping past Engebretsen’s fingers.

After the goal, the Seawolves needed to comeback more aggressive in order to challenge the Seahawks defense and score. As time went on, the Seawolves created many plays and started changing their plays on attack.

In the seventy-first minute, the Seahawks fouled Sonoma. The free-kick was right outside the eighteen.

Eduardo Rodriguez and Sean Rohane were the ones nearing the ball. Rodriguez took the kick, but the Seahawks seven man wall clears it away.

Rohane was the player Seawhawks needed to try and beat throughout the game. Last fall, Rohane fell and broke his clavicle. He was out all fall season and re-

COURTESY // Dahogan.com Seattle Pacific’s soccer field. turned in the spring. He said “it felt great to be back.

This felt like a long awaited reunion with the game I love.”

In the seventy-third minute, two yellow cards were given. One to Jose Benavides on the Seahawks and Ulysses Vega on the Seawolves. The free kick was given to the Seawolves. The kick was taken by Salvador Gomez-Avila but was shot wide.

No more than twelve minutes later, Sonoma defender Devin Anderson was given a yellow card.

Two minutes after, Seattle Pacific’s Sam Malloch was also given a card.

As the half was wrapping up, Sonoma received a corner kick in the eighty-eighth minute.

Midfielder Kyle Owings took the kick and midfielder Eduardo Rodriguez was there to finish, making the score 1-1.

This was Rodriquez’s first goal of the season. After he scored he said “My adrenaline was rushing and I did not know how to react.” He continued by saying “I was just excited because it was my first collegiate goal and also we’ve worked hard the

entire game so we deserved a goal.”

At the end of the ninety minutes, the score was tied 1-1. In the second half, the Sewolves had eleven shots and the Seahawks had eleven as well.

Since there was a tie, they went into two ten minute overtime with the golden goal in place.

In the first ten, the game stayed tied up with the Seawolves dominating the Seahawks defensive third. The Seawolves had seven shots while the Seahawks only had two.

In the second overtime, the Seawolves continued to dominate the half, but could not finish on goal. In the seventh minute, Anderson was given another yellow card, resulting it to turn into a red card. The game came to a close with the final score staying 1-1.

The head coach, Marcus Ziemer, was happy with how the boys did not stop fighting. He told the Sonoma Seawolves sports page, “I was proud of how we never quit. After we gave up the goal it was a wave after wave in the attack and we kept pushing until we got the equalizer.”

Women’s cross country knocks rust off in first meet

COURTESY // Gina Rowley Women’s cross country gathers for a photo.

JOSPEH OWEN STAFF WRITER

T

he Women’s cross country team and new head coach David Lawrence started their season off at the Humboldt Invitational on Friday. The Seawolve women, competed against Humboldt State, Oregon Tech, and Cal State Monterey Bay at the Baywoods Golf and Country Club in Arcata, running the enduring 6k race.

Coach Lawrence had this to say about the first race, “Knocking the rust off is never an easy task, but it’s off and now we can move forward with individual and team goals.” he continued by saying “The buildup and anticipation of the first race could be nerve racking and it was for most. We have two weeks until our next meet in Southern California and I can’t wait to see the end result.”

Humboldt State came out on top in both the Women’s 6k and the Men’s 8k race, coming in first place in both events. Despite the loss for Sonoma State, the team finished out the race strong with an end result of 4th place. The Seawolves had to overcome unfamiliar weather and terrain that was different from what some of the women expected, but they pushed through and finished with solid times.

Junior Gina Rowley was injured with a pulled back muscle this time last year, when asked about the Humboldt Invitational Rowley said, “Before the race I was nervous and excited because I had never raced the Humboldt course,” she continued by saying “the last two seasons I was injured from the race. After, I was disappointed in my time, but I did my best.”

Senior, Jasmine Casillas was the top runner, finishing the 6k race first for the Seawolves. Directly behind her was freshman Ashley Mendenhall. Sophomore

Alana Reyna came next with freshman Hailey Cross running in just a few seconds later. The women all did an incredible job of not only enduring the 6k race but also by finishing with impressive times.

The Cross Country team gained five new freshmen this season, one being Amanda Lewis. This was Lewis’ first race as a Seawolf and she said, “Before the race I tried to prepare myself by telling myself to just relax and to shake all my stress out” she continued by saying “After the race I felt really proud of myself for finishing and thought about how hard it was and how tired I was, but also how happy I was that I had just finished my first official 6k race!”

Amanda wasn’t the only one proud of completing the race, the entire team was excited to knock out the highly anticipated first race of the season. The team gave it their all and can only improve from this point forward.

Coach Lawrence motivated the team throughout the race and until they reached the finish line. The 6k race is a lengthy 3.7 mile competition where the athletes are pushed to their limits and can finish anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes.

Senior Bailey Stone was unable to attend the Invitational but was very impressed with her teammates. Stone said, “I think the team is great. All the girls are awesome and ready to compete this season. This season is going to be very different with a new coach, but as a team we all work together really well.”

The Seawolves will compete in their next event at the CSU San Bernardino Coyote Invitational on Saturday Sept. 21 at 8 a.m.

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

Sports 11

Women’s volleyball sweeps on Saturday in Hawaii

ATHENA FRANKLIN STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State Women’s volleyball sets a new record for the athletics department over the weekend in their pre-season tournament in Honolulu Hawaii where they started off with a sweep on Saturday when they won 6 straight

sets.

The Women’s 2019 volleyball team is now the first team at Sonoma State University to go 3-1 in the Honolulu Hawaii tournament. This is extremely impressive considering the season has just begun and they have already dominated against Hawaii Hilo University and Hawaii Pacific University.

Caiti Wiesner an outside hitter and fifth year senior at Sonoma State, is a big part of the teams success. Wiesner lead the team with 12 kills out of the team’s overall 44 kills for the weekend. Wiesner also put up an Ace, as she dominates the front row.

Wiesner said, “We look really good this season, beating very good teams in this tournament. We’re coming back from a rough season last year with a lot of injuries.” She continued her statement when she said, “I am coming back from a stress fracture but I am now back playing and this year we look really strong we’re definitely going to win a lot and I’m looking forward to it.”

In Sonoma State’s game against Hawaii Pacific the Seawolves ended up on top with a .323 hitting percentage and Hawaii Pacific fell short with a .276 hitting percentage. Hawaii Pacific had 17 errors while Sonoma State stayed behind with 13 errors. Sonoma State was able to stay on top with 54 points while Hawaii Pacific put up 50 points to end the match with a close score.

Sophomore Jenna Miller looks forward to this new season with her team, “Last year we started off strong, but along the way we had many injuries, this year we’re looking great and this tournament made us all the more excited for this upcoming season. With some hard work I believe this team will come together and we can win some big games.” Miller continued as she said “We look more refined and more physical this year. We are extremely lucky to be making unforgettable memories in Hawaii as a team and being able to bond together”.

Not only is this team setting new records but they are having fun and making memories while enjoying their team bonding in Hawaii.

Outside hitter, Emily Eaton is extremely proud of her team and is excited for what this season has in store for the Seawolves. Eaton said, “Our girls hustled and worked really hard all weekend. We did a really good job adapting and coming together as a team, as it was our first time playing in actual matches with a new line up.”

Eaton then added, “I have a good feeling about this season. We have a group of super talented girls and if we put in the same work ethic we had this weekend and keep having fun with it, we should be very successful. Hawaii is an amazing opportunity for us to really grow as a team before conference starts and become closer as friends” Starting the season off strong with wins behind them, conference games are now coming up. The Seawolves are back to take on Dominican University this Tuesday night at home in Rohnert Park.

COURTESY // goodfreephotos.com The sun sets on Sonoma’s Hawaii tournament.

Men’s ultimate frisbee club team prepares for eventful season

COURTESY // Instagram Men’s ultimate frisbee has fun posing for a picture.

NATALYA SWENSEN STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State men’s Ultimate Frisbee club team is a dedicated team who have been in major preparation for the Spring season. The team practices year round, but the spring season is where the tournaments count towards their ranking among other colleges. The teammates see each other as friends and family which makes them an even stronger unit.

Most of the players on the ultimate frisbee team can agree that the best part of the season is getting the opportunity to travel to tournaments. They not only get to travel to new places and play the sport they love, but get to spend quality time with their friends.

Wendel Simpson, Junior at Sonoma State and captain of the men’s Ultimate Frisbee team, has been part of the team for all three years and has loved every minute of it. For this upcoming season, he said, “ I am looking forward to making new memories with the upcoming rookies, playing some good ultimate and getting juicy with my fellow grapes.”

Simpson loves spending time with his teammates on and off the field. Off the field his best memory was going to Crane Creek with the team, he said “it created some great memories I don’t know if I will ever forget.”

His best memory on the field from last season was playing against Stanford University at sectionals. The men played their best and the game was close, but sadly Sonoma State came out with a tough loss. Though they lost that game it did not ruin their spirit; the tournaments remain most of the players favorite parts of being on the team.

Kyle Matheson, Sophomore at Sonoma State, is going into his second year playing on the men’s team. He is seeing improvements in his frisbee skills as the years go on and is constantly learning new techniques from his fellow teammates.

The team has incredible sportsmanship and Matheson said that while all of his teammates are friends with each other, they also make friends with players from opposing teams like Chico State and University of Nevada, Reno.

Anthony Delfino, Senior at Sonoma State, gets to play the sport he loves while surrounded by a great group of people. Delfino’s favorite part of the season is the Grape Escape Tournament.

“Grape Escape is a tournament that the team hosts every November. It was a great time to see how many alumni still live in the area that come out to support the team when they get a chance,” said Delfino.

Unfortunately, like all college sports, the team lost a few key players this season due to graduation. Delfino remains hopeful in the fact that they will have a solid group of returners as well as a growing number of new members. Delfino said, “this team really looks like it could be something special.”

Zachary Ormsby, Senior and President of the Ultimate Frisbee team, is often seen throwing around a disc in between classes with his fellow teammates. It is a great way for them to promote the club and this tactic has been proven to work as many students have gone up to them and joined in.

According to Ormsby, the club currently practices at 3 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. on Sundays and will occasionally have practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The practices will always be on the Intramural fields, located next to Beaujolais Village.

If any students are interested in joining, the men’s Ultimate Frisbee club team advises students to come to a practice and give the sport a try. There is also a women’s Ultimate Frisbee club team on campus so do not miss out on the opportunity to join.

12 Photo

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 16, 2019 sonomastatestar.com

March For Consent brings student’s voices to the forefont

STAR // Taylor Clark Students, family members, and friends start marching along the campus lakes for the march.

STAR // Taylor Clark Bella Bedford (left) and Lleana Noyes (right) wait for the march to start by the lakes on campus on Saturday, Sept. 7th.

STAR // Taylor Clark Courtney Avvampato, staff psychotherapist with CAPS, listens to the rally speakers and holds up a sign.

STAR // Brandon Sparks Tatiana Garay (left) and Grecia Gomez (right) hand out liability waivers to march participants.

STAR // Taylor Clark Kianna Maldia (left) Delaney McCannyes (middle) and Serena Santos (right) finish the march near the campus lakes.

STAR // Audrey Knopf Olivia Dowd, sophomore at Sonoma State, studies for Psychology 250 in the Student Center.

STAR // Courtney Bagg Transfer student Thea Paini focuses on her shot at the pool table at ASB’s Free Bowling Night.