Volume72 issue13

There’s an app for that in ‘Silicon Valley’

P. 7

Petaluma celebrates Butter and Eggs

P. 8

Rugby heads to Sevens Tournament

P. 10

Sonoma State Star

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 72 // ISSUE 13

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

Educator Job Fair provides career options for students Sara Molenda Staff Writer

L

STAR// Connor Gibson Beginning in July, Sonoma State’s Sports Club Programs will be under the control of the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service (CSLIS). Director of Entrepreneurial Activities Neil Markley, center, encourages students to be confident in the change.

Sports Club Program to change management in July Markley: Mike Dominguez to play a role “for the short term” Cara Fuqua Staff Writer

T

he Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service (CSLIS) is preparing to take on 23 sports clubs in addition to the 180 organizations they already manage at Sonoma State. This change is an attempt to include all student life clubs under one management. But to the athletes of Sonoma State, it is a concerning adjustment.

The Associated Students meeting on Friday confirmed that all sports clubs will be under the supervision of CSLIS starting July 1.

Currently, CSLIS is in charge of over 4,200 students involved in various student organizations on campus. Once the sports clubs are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Center, CSLIS will be representing a total of over 4,720 students and athletes.

“If I wanted to be treated like Greek life, I would have joined a sorority,” Sonoma State Sapphires Dance Team Captain Sam Bosarge. “The move from the Recreation Center to the CSLIS officewill be incredibly detrimental to all Sports Clubs. The CSLIS Office lacks the experience and time to run and advise organized Sports Clubs.”

The biggest concern among student

athletes that were present at the Associated Students meeting seemed to revolve around the question of: Is CSLIS equipped to handle this many clubs on campus, especially since sports clubs have such a high risk? Many student athletes questions the capabilities of the CSLIS office in handling the needs of student athletes.

“I am very disappointed that decisions are being made by the school without any consideration for how it will affect student,” said Nicole Detmers, a sophomore and member of the Equestrian team. “As students, we are paying to attend this university and receive a higher level of education; however, it seems those responsible for making decisions in regards to social and competitive student organizations are not holding themselves to the same standard that we, students are expected to hold themselves to.”

Athletes were given the opportunity to address their concerns about CSLIS being in charge of a new realm of student life at the meeting. Director of Entrepreneurial Activities Neil Markley encouraged athletes to remain confident in CSLIS’s capabilities to handle sports clubs.

“For the short term, I know Mike will continue to play a role,” said Markley.

This transition will mean that Mike Dominguez, a representative of all sports clubs on campus for nine years, will no longer supervise any competitive sports at

Sonoma State. However, Dominguez will still continue to hold his position as lead coordinator of marketing, operations, memberships, reservations and the kid’s camp at the Campus Recreation Center.

Many of the student athletes present at the Associated Students meeting on Friday continued to stress the importance of keeping Dominguez in his current position as lead coordinator of all sports clubs. In response to this concern, the Associated Students board emphasized that Dominguez will still play a role in Sonoma State’s competitive sports program.

With the experience and knowledge Dominguez has in working the campus recreation programs, Associated Students’ President Mac Hart agrees that it is important to utilize him has a resource for sports clubs.

“I think [not using Dominguez as an advisor] would be a waste of a resource for sports clubs,” said Hart.

It was agreed in the meeting that two new CSLIS advisors would be hired that specialize specifically in the area of competitive sports. In addition, it was clear that Dominguez will remain as a resource to athletes despite the change in management.

Currently, it is yet to be determined who the new advisors representing the sports club division of CSLIS will be. Regardless, the sports clubs will indeed be under CSLIS management starting on July 1.

ast Friday afternoon, Sonoma State students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from 42 different school districts from around California at the Educator Job Fair. The fair was an opportunity for students, who are close to graduating from the School of Education at Sonoma State, to start networking with employers for possible teaching opportunities after college.

Students who still have some time before their graduation were also able to participate in the event.

Members of the Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) who helped with the organization of the fair, were able to get a taste of what the experience might be like for them in a year or two.

Freshmen Megan Riley and Rachel Mackey were both present for the job fair to represent the booth for SCTA student club and answer any immediate questions about the association. Both students joined the SCTA club their first semester at Sonoma State and immediately became involved.

“We have a leadership team within the club that volunteers to table at any event related to education,” said Riley. “We are tabling to get people to involved in the club and learn about what we do for the community.”

The club volunteers in events around the community including Read Across America and craft making for Teacher Appreciation Day. Students can also attend teacher conferences where they learn more about their potential future careers.

“The conferences are an opportunity to learn about what it is to be a teacher and about the common core subjects that we will be teaching,” said Mackey. “All of these events are an opportunity for us to go out there and meet the teachers and their students to show that we care.”

Paula Lane, an associate professor affiliated with Literacy Studies and Elementary Education, was involved in supervising and advising student teachers to prepare them for the job fair.

“I am so proud of them,” said Lane, “Everyone is dressed up so professionally with their resumes ready to go.”

She said that this event is one of the first opportunities for students to learn how to act in an interview and how to sell yourself and your skill set to possible employers.

“This event is a wonderful introduction to job possibilities in and around Northern California,” said Lane, “It gives students a chance to sell themselves in their interviews with representatives from different districts.”

Lane said that for many students, there isn’t much standing between graduation and employment. After the students of the School of Education pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), they are eligible for employment. With the market for teaching jobs starting to open up due to current educators retirement, there are a lot of openings for student teachers close to graduation. Events like these give students the opportunity to engage with employers in a comfortable setting on a familiar campus, rather than in an unfamiliar interview setting.

Representatives from different school districts set up booths in the Student Center Ballroom from 1 to 6 p.m. to meet and interview with students. The employers present at the job fair came from a variety of areas of California. There were entire school districts, individual public schools, charter schools as well as the Tri-Valley Learning Corporation and the Yolo County Office of Education. The diversity of the job opportunities and locations gave students the opportunity to explore all possible career paths depending on what they are interested in.

Check out our crossword puzzle on page 2!

Read the clues and search through the articles to find the right word! Post a picture of your completed puzzle to Instagram and tag @SonomaStateSTAR to be mentioned in next week’s issue!

Page 2

Editorial THE STAR

Spring 2014 Editorial Board Katie McDonagh, Editor-in-Chief Micaelyn Richmeier, News Editor Kayla Galloway, Asst. News Editor Shyanne Lopez, Opinions Editor Cameron Hatheway, A&E & Online Editor Dylan Sirdofsky, Asst. A&E Editor Amanda Levine, Features & Asst. Online Editor Kayla Webster, Sports Editor Connor Gibson, Photo Editor Chad Bianchi, Copy Editor Brandon Stachnik, Copy Editor Garett Knight, Editorial Cartoonist & Distribution Manager Amanda Saiki, Ad Manager Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser The Sonoma State STAR is located at 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928, Salazar Hall, room 1053.

To contact the Star office call (707) 664-2776.

For advertising information please call (707) 664-2714 or e-mail sonomastatestar@gmail.com, attn: Amanda Saiki.

For other information, e-mail the STAR at star@sonoma.edu.

Subscribe to the STAR!

Get Sonoma State’s student-run newspaper delivered straight to your door next semester.

Perfect for families, friends and alumni of Sonoma State.

star@sonoma.edu

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Chasing the college drinking problem Why getting rid of Greek life won’t make things better

T

he Greek community at Sonoma State University has been having a rough time lately. With three separate incidents of substance abuse poisoning all taking place at Greek life formals, the groups were given a warning of suspension if similar situations were to happen again from none other than President Ruben Armiñana.

From the looks of it, he seems to be taking the cautionary steps before jumping to any conclusions (read more on page 4). But is the idea of suspending all Greek life taking things too far? Who’s really to blame?

Cancelling formals would be more appropriate than going to the extreme of getting rid of Greek life altogether. Think about it this way: what if you were to discover and unseemly wart on your arm? You wouldn’t jump to the conclusion of amputating the entire arm to remedy the situation.

Only a few bad apples are running the risk of ruining Greek life on campus, so why not simply deal with those individuals or groups specifically? It is unfortunate people who can’t personally

take care of themselves are creating issues for those that put a lot of money into these events.

Why not let the Greek communities manage this situation themselves? They can deal with the troublemakers, and then pass on the information to our university for the legal recourse to take place.

Figure out the individuals who choose to still act like it’s their first time having a beer, and publicize their punishment as a message to others. Actions as far as expulsion may even be necessary, but this shouldn’t be ref lected on all of Greek life in general.

We don’t think Armiñana will get rid of Greek life, simply because of the large amount of people it attracts to our campus, but there may definitely be a cutoff as far as formals, cocktails, mixers and special events go, sending a message to people who act irresponsibly and expect to get away with it.

Suspending Greek life certainly won’t end the drug and alcohol problems. People, whether involved with student life or not, make their own personal choices in this

case, and there is obviously too many people who take advantage of what their body can handle.

It ref lects poorly not only in the Greek community, but practically everyone else on campus. Student life is one of the biggest attractions for colleges, and by possibly shutting these down, this leaves prospective freshmen and transfer students with one less major incentive to come here.

Students and outside parties love to complain or point out how we don’t have a football program, and as empty of an argument as that is, it still leads us to question what could happen when one big thing suddenly gets taken away.

Banning all Greek life outright would cause students to f lock to other nearby schools that welcome it with open arms, and there wouldn’t be an ideal pull to attract future Seawolves: “Um, we have a football—no wait. Um, we have several fraternities and sororities to choose—no wait. We have the Student Center. That’s what I meant.”

Sonoma State University

wouldn’t be the first in the CSU system to do this. Two fraternities at CSU Chico were suspended for two to three years in last May, both of which were for alcoholrelated incidents.

We need to encourage our students to be smarter, not just when it comes to taking a risk by attending a questionable party or event, but keeping in mind how the consequences that may transpire will have a negative effect on the campus as a whole.

Even with all the drama at our formals this year, there are still many benefits to being in Greek life, and completely suspending it would make for an unfortunate decision. Many of us who aren’t affiliated with Greek life can clearly see a large proportion of students on campus are, and love it.

Maybe this comes down to a generational or societal shortcoming: we care too much about chasing the next high or reaching a blackout status—what kind of life is that? People need to be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, whether they’re a part of Greek life or not.

Editorial Policy: The commentary expressed in the unsigned editorial represents a majority opinion of The STAR’s 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.

Editor’s Pick

Letters to the Editor

This week’s can’t miss article:

Students attribute gambling addictions to Graton

“Campus remembers student Ivan Tapia-Solis” Sonoma State University student Ivan Tapia-Solis, 21, died in a car accident last Monday. Described as kind, friendly and dependable, Tapia-Solis will be remembered by family, friends and community members, including generous efforts from Alpha Psi to fund a candlelight vigil.

Turn to pg. 5 to read more

Letters to the Editor A letter to the editor forum will be open to the expression of fact or opinion that will be of interest or importance to readers of the STAR. Letters which fit within the scope of First Amendment protection, and that meet other stipulations spelled out in this document will be published on a space available basis as explained below. Each edition of the paper will include a letters column if letters are available.

Letter writers may expect prompt publication of their letters in the paper’s opinion section, as space is available. Letters of up to 500 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Thursday 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 editor is also responsible for making decisions as to the pertinence of the letter to the SSU community. 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. The Star will honor requests for anonymity at the editor’s discretion.

To send a letter to the editor e-mail star@sonoma.edu. Letters received in any format other than by e-mail will not be published.

Corrections/Clarifications

The STAR values accuracy and works diligently to check facts before publication. However, if inaccuracies occur, we want to know. Please report errors to the editor at star@sonoma.edu.

Publication

The STAR is published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Healdsburg Printing.

The weekly publication of the STAR is made possible by Instructionally Related Activities Funding.

Opinions

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

Dear Editor, The commanding presence of the newly opened Graton Casino has unknown social complications on the community in Sonoma County. The massive advertising campaign to showcase the grandiose casino has penetrated a spectrum of media such as TV networks, internet and newspapers; media forms of advertising range from large to some as small as the STAR. Nationally, gambling addiction affects five percent of the population, which is a two percent rise in less than a decade.

A group of sociology students from Sonoma State conducted a student survey regarding gambling amongst students since the opening of Graton Casino. Out of the 310 students surveyed, 32 percent reported that they did know a fellow student with

a gambling addiction. 39 percent of students surveyed also reported that they had seen a rise in gambling amongst their friends since the opening of Graton Casino.

With the extreme proximity of Graton Casino to Sonoma State, we suggest that the counseling department be more equipped and prepared to help those students that may develop or currently have a gambling addiction. Currently, the Sonoma State counseling department offers no help toward students with gambling addiction. As the casino becomes a normalized part of the community, there will likely be an increasing need in counseling for students with a gambling addiction at Sonoma State.

- Gabriel Colson and Kelly Bartlett, Investigative Sociology students

What’s the word?

Across 8. Where the Rugby team is headed 9. The island where “The Galapagos Affair” takes place 10. Where Butter and Eggs Day was 11. New psychology course (2 words) 12. Notable project started by Scott Horstein and Paul Draper (2 words)

Down 1. President who warned to suspend Greek life 2. “_____ Monday” kicked-off Earth Week 3. Where Day in the Sun was supposed to take place (2 words) 4. Baseball team swept by the Seawolves 5. Heroine of “Alabaster” (2 words) 6. Campus club that swims, bikes and runs 7. Director of Entrepreneurial Activities (2 words)

1

2

3

4

5

6 7 8

9 10

11

12

Across Last week’s answers:1 8 City where the rugby Across team is headed.

9. Sustainability Down 3. Evan Croker 10. Otters 1. Stephen Colbert 9 "The 4. Golf The island where 12. Earl Warren 2. Wildcats 5. Suspect 13.

Seawolves 6. Mike Dominguez Galapagos Affair" takes 2 7. Susan Kashack 14. KTRY 7. Santa Cruz place.

10 City where Butter & Eggs 3 Day took place.

Down President who is 8. Heartbleed suspending threatening 11. Verity Greek Life. "______ Monday" kicked-o Earth Week.

Where Day in the Sun wa supposed to take place (

Opinion

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

There’s no place like home after graduation Gian D’Ambra Staff Writer

W

hen I first moved out to California, I never thought I would be moving back in with my parents. I had gone to school in New York for two and a half years, and took a semester off to save money for a move out to the West Coast to start the rest of my life. As these last three years progressed it seems as though life had other plans for me, and it’s time for me to hop on board.

Originally from Rhode Island, my parents always told me to get out and explore the world, or at least the country. Going to school out-of-state was always being pushed on me, as my parents didn’t want me having the same fate as them; living out the rest of my life in the smallest state in the country.

So, I was a good boy and did as I was told, sort of. I went to school at Hofstra University, and never imagined even leaving New York.

After my sophomore year of going to a Division I private school, college was getting expensive, coincidentally I had just took my first trip out to California.

I knew I had to do something about the loan money that was building up too fast for me to handle, even though I didn’t want to. I loved the West Coast and immediately thought I could see myself here for the rest of my life. I looked into transferring, stumbled upon Sonoma State, and packed my bags for the move a year later.

One thing I didn’t do enough of was pre-

pare for what was in store. Everyone I talked to was telling me that I needed to save money to prepare for the move.

Unfortunately, I had just turned 21, and wanted to spend the semester I took off having great times with my best friend. Especially since I thought it was going to be for the last time. I had fun, yes, but am still now learning the hard way the repercussions of my actions.

I spent my semester away, and am now moving back in with my parents, three years later, because of it. But, you live and you learn. It sound cliche, but I guess I had to go through it.

When I thought I was ready to handle life fully on my own, I was wrong. It’s a tough pill to swallow but I know I am nowhere near the only person in my same situation.

Even though I’m disappointed, this actually isn’t a bad ending to my college career.

And those of you who will have to move back in with your parents after graduation, for whatever reason, should feel the same. That is, if you get to do it in the same manner as me, which I am extremely lucky and thankful for.

My relationship with my parents is awesome. They trust me, let me make my own de-

STAR // Robbie Geiss cisions and are letting me live back with them free of charge. I have guaranteed jobs that I don’t want to settle for, but for the time being, are my best option.

So many recent graduates are without a job, so if I have to move back in with my parents across the country to start working and saving right away, I should feel fortunate to be in this situation; and I do.

When I thought I was ready to handle life

fully on my own, I was wrong. It’s a tough pill to swallow but I know I am nowhere near the only person in my same situation.

Having just a little more free time with my parents can’t hurt, and will only help me become a better man and be able to take care of myself better when the time comes to finally leave the nest for good. Don’t feel bad if you’re in my shoes as well; there’s much more life to be lived and learned from.

Finals: outdated method of testing comprehension Tyler Drinnen Staff Writer

W

hile the we a t h e r remains noticeably indecisive, one thing for sure remains clear: the term known as “dead week” is here. In the week leading up to finals, the library becomes a sanctuary intended for cramming last minute information for final exams and term papers, making it imaginably one of the largest college clichés of every semester.

I made a promise to myself before this week even started. I promised to keep my integrity intact by allowing my ethical and moral decisions of reasoning decide the outcome of my study habits.

In my opinion this isn’t just cram time, but it’s a dark time for students ,and I for one refuse to allow myself to become sucked in by the chaos and madness of finals.

Adderall and caffeine have become the two darkest and most abused form of coping in terms of study habits, especially among our campus where students are so uneasy about the feelings of finals they are willing to risk their health in order to get a passing grade.

So I beg the question: when a large percentage of student health reaches its all-time low, why is it that this outdated university tradition is still considered to be the most important time of a school semester?

It is every student’s choice to make the decision to misuse and overuse these drugs and not everyone is the same, but when students are driven to the point of insanity one way or another merely on the basis of passing their classes who can blame them.

The standard is so high that sometimes we don’t even know how to approach it. That’s not to say I don’t like to be challenged, because I do. Every day of the semester is just as important as “dead week” because that’s when I’m really retaining my information.

In the week leading up to finals, the library becomes a sanctuary for cramming last minute final exam information.

Yes, I would have to agree that obtaining a degree or certificate does require an individual to prove their knowledge and understanding of a subject before completion, but there are other means of obtaining proof of competence without a scantron.

I hate the feeling of being overwhelmed by a test that will not ref lect my actual abilities, but only my thoughts at that particular moment. I would prefer to demonstrate my knowledge by performing tasks hands-on on for a given field of study.

This is a shout out and a thank you to the professors that understand what students need by either giving a final just challenging enough to cover the main idea of the class, or not giving a final exam all together. I commend and acknowledge you.

Allowing us to show our competency daily makes me feels less like a robot and more like a human. We appreciate f lexibility and respect that you sanction us to show our skills of the craft in our own way, by participating through input and output of the skills ref lecting your course daily.

But really it all comes down to one thing and one thing only: you.

You have a decision to be triumphant in the outcome of every semester and you also have the power to destroy your own success. One way or another take the credit, but must importantly act accordingly and be realistic.

Grounding myself by managing these stress levels and keeping them within my control has allowed me to learn more about myself and what I can do with my experience as a student.

Now I look at the bigger picture and allow myself enough time to get the class material down. The idea of scantrons and long exams sitting in front of my face for the last week of each semester is daunting and stressful, but universities expect us to get through it. It’s almost as if their real test is how you react under pressure and perform under stress, and not really the subject matter from the course.

STAR // Eddie Blake

The art of saying no and letting go of toxic people Shyanne Lopez Opinions Editor

G

rowing up, we are always taught that the decent thing to do is forgive and forget. Those words have been repeated for generations, drilled into our minds with other basic moral teachings like saying “please” and “thank you.” But now, far away from those elementary classrooms where teachers taught us originally “forgive and forget,” I can’t help but think about how that phrase needs to be forgotten.

Okay, maybe not entirely. It’s useless to hold onto grudges when someone wrongs you because ultimately it only hurts you and keeps you from moving on. I completely agree with that. However, I don’t think that forgiving someone for wronging you necessarily means you should keep them in your life.

That’s the hard part though: knowing when to forget what they did and how they made you feel, and when to just forget that person.

I’ve always been someone who forgives extremely easily.

Even if I don’t exactly forgive them, I let them get away with it. In high school I had this friend who used to just never have anything nice to say to me. Ever. She’d criticize my hair, my

clothes and even aspects of my personality.

Yet I stuck around. I considered her a friend and always seemed to be there for her when she needed help with a personal problem or to listen to her cry about a boyfriend. Looking back now, I feel as if the only reason I didn’t tell her to take a hike was because I believed the things she said about me.

Seven years later I look back at that and regret being there

Cut ties. Burn bridges. At the end of the day, someone else’s happiness and emotional well-being is not as important as your own. for someone who so obviously was a toxic person in my life who gave me a lot of insecurities in high school. All the times I did favors, I should have just said no. It’s a learning process though, right?

Now I come across similar people. People who will knock someone down to build themselves up. The truth of the matter is these people are trying to make others feel as badly as they feel about themselves. They’re not happy and if anything they

need your compassion and help. That said, it doesn’t mean they deserve it.

There’s a children’s book called “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and it perfectly sums up the way a negative friend affects your life. That mouse kept asking for more and more, making a mess of the kid’s house and giving nothing in return.

It’s a silly example, but I think it works.

No one should ever settle for the company of someone who tears them down. It’s important to realize that. We’re not obligated to keep people in our lives; isn’t that why we break up with the people we date? We know we deserve more. I think that it shouldn’t be so different with a negative friend; sometimes you need to break up with the ones who don’t treat you the way you should be treated.

I don’t mean for this to be pessimistic, and I’m not necessarily giving advice because this is a concept that even I currently struggle with. What I am trying to say is that life is too short to spend it with people who don’t value you. Even if they do care, sometimes their own emotional baggage doesn’t allow them to express it. That’s still unhealthy. The best way for these types of people to grow and realize that their behavior is wrong is to be left alone.

So, cut ties. Burn bridges. At the end of the day, someone else’s happiness and emotional well-being is not as important as your own.

Page 4

News

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Greek community rocked by substance abuse incidents Megan Kleszcz Asst. Copy Editor

A

fter three isolated incidents of substance abuse poisoning at Greek life formals, President Ruben Armiñana warned all members of the Greek community that he would suspend Greek life if similar incidents happened again.

“I have asked [Chief Student Affairs Officer] Matthew Lopez-Phillips to look into this matter before considering any actions,” Armiñana told the STAR. “Clearly, I am not going to pre-judge.”

Lopez-Phillips declined to comment.

If some sort of suspension action were taken, Sonoma State would not be the first university in the California State University system to do so.

CSU Chico suspended fraternities Pi Kappa Alpha for three years and Sigma Chi for two years last May, both for alcohol-related incidents.

While these particular incidents happen to relate to Greek life, alcohol use by both minors and legal consumers is not a secret of college life.

Armiñana’s warning was only to Greek life members and is by no means guaranteed, but the incidents highlight the issue of alcohol and substance abuse campus-wide.

“I don’t think the issue of an excessive use of drugs or alcohol is an isolated Greek issue,” said Heather Howard Martin, director of the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service (CSLIS). “I think it is a societal issue around college students. The excessive use of hard alcohol seems to be the norm and the drink of choice.

Brining a handle to a party seems to be the drink of choice. When drinking straight from the bottle, one loses [track of] how much they consume.”

“I don’t think that we can blame the individual, or even the individual organizations – we need to blame the whole,” said Skye Dow, an unaffiliated freshman. “I don’t think substance abuse is amplified in the Greek community as a whole.

We’re wrongfully targeting them based off their Greek affiliation.”

An anonymous member of Alpha Omicron Pi said she doesn’t believe there is a drug or alcohol problem in the Greek community. “I think in general, college students like to experiment, let loose and have fun,” she said. “If that means resorting to alcohol or drugs, that’s a personal choice.”

A member of Gamma Phi Beta shared similar sentiments.

“Some individuals may have an alcohol problem, but there are strict rules in Greek life where people are not allowed to be associated with any alcohol during sorority events—at least for Gamma Phi Beta,” she said.

However, another member of Gamma Phi Beta disagreed.

“I feel that Greek life adds more pressure onto teens to feel like they have to drink,” she said. “Hazing is technically banned, but I am sure there is still some form going on. I think within the youth culture, it is considered ‘cool’ to get drunk to fit in at parties.”

Michael Rood, an unaffiliated freshman, also felt that substance abuse is a common occurrence.

“I would argue that the Greek community, like every community, encourages substance use.

When a group of people get together, common interests are more freely shared under the influence of substances,” said Rood.

Some Greek members want to change the way others view fraternities and sororities.

“I know every Greek organization on campus is doing their absolute best to change the scrutiny of the public eye. Being a member of a fraternity or sorority is to get an education and create memories like everyone else, not to promote drinking or drugs,” said a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. “I think that the Greek organizations should try to monitor functions more closely or put measures in place to prevent things like this from happening,” said Maya Jones, an unaffiliated sophomore.

A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon said he believes people don’t just join Greek life to drink and party, but to make connections for their future. Another Sigma Alpha Epsilon member argued that unaffiliated students with drug or alcohol problems use the Greek system as a “scapegoat.”

“As a campus and as an administration, we can only do so much,” said Martin. “The community and students have to regulate and develop what they want their new norms to be. I think that shifting a social culture is going to have to come from the students. Administration can help to provide education and resources but students have to decide what they want as a community and how they are going to make that happen.”

“I think one really needs to understand their limits, understand safe drinking, and understand the symptoms of alcohol poisoning,” said Martin.

same usf, just closer.

and less fog.

Change the world from here

Graduate degrees available in Nursing or Counseling.

New online programs now available.

LEARN MORE AT AN

InformatIon meetIng

STAR // Connor Gibson Student Lauren Dillier presents a psychology’s class plan to implement Restorative Justice on campus.

Psychology class hopes to implement Restorative Justice Julia Chacko Staff Writer

A

psychology course is spawning a wave of support for the implementation of Restorative Justice at Sonoma State University.

Partnering with Restorative Resources of Santa Rosa, two students from psychology professor Maria Hess’s Intro to Community Mental Health class, Lauren Dillier and Cody HoffmanBrown, presented their research concerning the topic at an open-forum presentation on Wednesday, April 23. At the forum presentation, held in the Bennett Valley room of the Student Center, Dillier and Hoffman-Brown voiced their hope for its application throughout the Sonoma State community in the future.

Restorative Justice can be defined as a community based approach on how to deal with crime, the effects of crime and the prevention of crime. The approach is something that functions on the belief that the path to justice relies on problem solving and healing rather than punishment and isolation. “[Hess] was looking for a way to engage her students with community organizations, and we [Restorative Resources] agreed to do an introductory training with her class and take on five students for a semester-long service learning project,” said Jessica Hankins, volunteer coordinator and adult program coordinator for Restorative Resources.

“There, the idea was born that we could explore bringing Restorative Justice to Sonoma State, and Maria approved this [task] for [Dillier and Hoffman-Brown]. From there, the three of us met several times throughout the semester, identifying stakeholders on campus, generating interest on the subject and planning our presentation” “I will admit that, at first, I was a little skeptical about seeing how [Restorative Justice] would all work,” said Dillier, psychology major and Community Services Advisor.

“But in our first meeting with Restorative Resources, we did a role-play activity where one [person] played a victim, another played an offender and a third was the mediator. Through this simulated process, I could see the healing that happened with both the victim and the offender.”

Instead of simply punishing a perpetrator for a crime, the restorative justice model strives to bring reparation and resolution to all, in the form of a facilitated circle wherein the victim, offender and others affected are all brought together to discuss the circumstances and motivations behind the crime as well as a fitting way for the offender to make amends.

“Victims are given the opportunity to be heard and share what they need to move on.

Offenders are given the chance to hear how their actions have affected others, and because of this, are less likely to repeat their offense in the future,” said Hankins. “Restorative Justice is also a good idea because it teaches everyone involved how to communicate bet-

ter and strengthens community by involving everybody at an equal level. Instead of pushing people out when they have made a mistake, it brings them back in and reminds them that they have a place in their community, just like everyone else.”

If Sonoma State were to take on these practices, the university would be following in the footsteps of several other colleges and universities across the nation, including University of Colorado, Boulder (the first to do so), Skidmore College, University of Michigan and University of San Diego. One of the members of the group that implemented Restorative Justice process at the University of Colorado, Boulder was Matthew Lopez-Phillips, vice president for student affairs and chief student affairs officer at Sonoma State.

“We had amazing results with the program, and the community enjoyed being a part of the process as well,” said Lopez-Phillips.

“SSU could benefit from such a program as it brings the larger community together to address issues of harm. Repairing that harm is the cornerstone of Restorative Justice circles.

It would be great to see a RJ program on campus.”

The event, which Dillier, Hoffman-Brown and Hankins said is the first of many, drew a crowd of about 20 people, ranging from a few students, to faculty, to Sonoma State Chief of Police Nathan Johnson, all of whom voiced their support for a Restorative Justice program at Sonoma State University.

“Exactly where it would be situated, what kinds of issues would be brought to it, who would actually do it, etc., is unclear at this point,” said Pat Jackson, professor of criminology and criminal justice studies. “My sense of our purpose now is to involve key persons and groups at SSU and the surrounding community to consider the idea and how it might work.”

Some program requirements/necessities discussed at the event were the implementation of an on-site paid coordinator, and a designated space for Restorative Justice conferences (circles) and volunteers. So far, ideas of how to fund the program have spanned from the offender paying a fee, to the student body paying a small fee ($5 or less) as part of tuition, or the use of grants and off-campus funding.

“We’re working on scheduling some time to sit down with Matthew Lopez-Phillips as well as the chiefs’ of Police for our campus, Rohnert Park and Cotati to discuss how we can advance or outline a restorative program for both the campus and local community,” said Hoffman-Brown.

“We are also looking to talk to Associated Students and the school of education,” said Dillier. “We do plan to try and continue these types of conversations over summer and see where things can go.”

For more information on Restorative Justice, visit the Restorative Resources website, and for news on the latest in the push to implement Restorative Justice at Sonoma State, contact Dillier or Hoffman-Brown.

at the USF SANTA ROSA CAMPUS Wednesday, may 14, 5:30pm

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Learn more or to RSVP call 707.527.9612 visit www.usfca.edu/santarosa or email santarosacampus@usfca.edu

www.facebook.com/SonomaStateSTAR @SonomaStateSTAR

News

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

Campus remembers student Ivan Tapia-Solis with candlelight vigil Amanda Scrabis Staff Writer

onoma State University is mourning the loss of one of its students this week. Ivan Tapia-Solis, 21, died last Monday in a car crash on Petaluma Hill Road. Tapia-Solis was driving a Honda Civic around 2:45 a.m. on Monday when reports say he may have fallen asleep at the wheel. He died in the ambulance while en route to the hospital shortly after the crash.

There were two other passengers in the car during the crash. Edgar Ortiz, 20, was killed during the crash and Jesus Cardenas, 19, was severely injured. Cardenas suffered a concussion and broken collarbone and was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he is currently residing.

Tapia-Solis was a senior, Hutchins major and was studying to become a math teacher.

In his free time he worked at Starbucks and held a management position. Tapia-Solis resided in Santa Rosa with his family. Ariana Reed, a friend and former coworker of Ivan’s, said that he was one of the kindest people she had ever met.

“I will always miss his kind-heartedness and how hard he worked for his goals. He was always able to bring a smile to anyone’s face that he came in contact with and that will forever be missed,” said Reed.

Friends described Tapia-Solis as a kind, friendly person that was always up for an adventure. Taylor Bonilla, a friend of the victim since their freshman year at Sonoma State, said that he was a very dependable person.

“He was that person you knew that if you needed anything you could go to him. He was always willing to hang out and be there for

S

you,” said Bonilla.

There have been many accidents that have occurred on Petaluma Hill Road over recent months. During the past six months there have been three major car wrecks in the same approximate location as this most recent one.

Petaluma Hill Road is narrow and dark, especially at night, so always use caution when navigating this road.

Some tips to stay alert and avoid drowsiness behind the wheel include getting plenty of rest the night before a long trip (at least six hours), scheduling a break approximately every two hours or every 100 miles during a trip and stop driving if you become fatigued.

Being tired impacts reaction time, judgment and vision, causing people who are very tired to behave in similarly to those who are drunk while driving.

This Wednesday, members of the Alpha Psi Fraternity will be hosting a vigil to remember Tapia-Solis. Chris Whalen, a member of Alpha Psi Fraternity, approached Bonilla with the idea for the vigil and the fraternity offered to take care of all the costs thus far.

“I’m so glad that he had people here at Sonoma State that cared about him and were willing to step up. That shows you the kind of community we have here,” said Bonilla. “He wasn’t a part of the fraternity; he didn’t know them as well. But when a Sonoma State student passes away we all come together.”

The vigil will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Stevenson Quad. There will be a lighted path in candles to lead you to the event.

Each person will receive a candle and there will be posters for all the attendees to sign.

The posters will then be given to his family and the Hutchins Department to be displayed.

Bonilla began passing out green ribbons

COURTESY // Taylor Bonilla Ivan Tapia-Solis, left, pictured with friend Taylor Bonilla, will be remembered as a kind and hard-working friend. and wristbands to remember Tapia-Solis. The ribbons and wristbands will be green, honoring Tapia-Solis’ favorite color. If you would

like any more information about Wednesday’s vigil, please visit the Facebook event page at facebook.com.

Page 6

Arts

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Bay Area musicians rock Lobo’s K

Brandon Stachnik Asst. A&E Editor

SUN Radio’s Day in the Sun music festival was irnoically held indoors this year, but the visiting artists still managed to keep the small crowd alive.

The event lasted from noon. to 6 p.m. and was held inside of Lobo’s last Friday due to rainy weather. Sonoma State University’s campus radio station, KSUN, invited a total of nine acts to perform, and three of the musicians present were SSU students. All other acts who came and played were local Bay Area artists.

The event consisted of plenty of acoustic performances, but a couple bands played louder sets later on in the evening. One of the first groups to play was the duo Times of True, consisting of guitarist/ vocalist Gabriel Duran and drummer Russell Brackett.

“We’ve only been playing together for about two months and that was our second performance,” said Brackett. “I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out. I thought KSUN did a good job finding an emergency venue and putting it together.”

Times of True’s set was sweet sounding, and the combination of Brackett’s drumming and Duran’s guitar playing was easy to nod your head to. The set, like all the proceeding sets, lasted for only a few songs.

Lobo’s was not full by any means, but the small crowd that surrounded the stage seemed to enjoy the show. KSUN’s programming director, Matt Dougherty, was disappointed they weren’t able to hold the event outside.

“If [Day in the Sun] was in the Alumni Amphitheater, we would have been one of the only organizations utilizing the spot and we

STAR // Brandon Stachnik Left, David Luning performed his signature Americana music. Right, The crowd danced in their seats. would have attracted a lot more people,” said Dougherty. “But I think there are some people that were committed to coming today that really wanted to see the live music.”

One of the singer/songwriters who shined at Day in the Sun was artist Keeley Valentino. Accompanied by Ash Scheiding on guitar, Valentino was able to show off her avid guitar playing and wide vocal range. Valentino remarked that she enjoyed playing at the venue.

“We were just excited to come out and play for a new audience,” said Valentino. “Everyone’s been super kind and all of the acts are super talented. I’m just excited to be a part of the lineup.”

STAR // Brandon Stachnik Left, Keeley Valentino sung her heart out during her set. Right, Jimbo Scott soulfully strums his guitar.

‘Comedy of Errors’ still entertains, delights

E

Micaelyn Richmeier News Editor

ven 400 years later, thine defecation is most amusing. Despite casting issues resulting from a last minute illness and unscripted traipses across the stage, director Dario Tangelson’s production of Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors” was exactly that – full of good-humored confusion and great laughs.

The play, which examines the innumerable confusions and misunderstandings that arise when dealing with two or more indistinguishable people, is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and shortest works. In it, two sets of male twins are tragically separated from each other and their parents/guardians during a tempest at sea, and follows the story of their rather chaotic reunion.

“This play definitely helped me develop as an actor; I had tons of fun being a prostitute, a nun and a man at the same time,” said Noelle Dominique Rodriguez, who played Emilia, the Abbess and the Courtesan, as well as Balthazar.

The play began with the actors emerging one by one, faces painted white like mimes, from closet-like rooms in the back wall of the stage. Funky 80s music played as each actor walked down the center of the stage and struck a humorous pose, eliciting hesitant laughs from the audience.

The two sets of twins, the source of all the trouble within the play, were easily identified by their matching costumes; both Dromio’s were dressed in red jackets with jeans and red snap-backs, and the two Antipholus’s wore matching black blazers with purple detailing and different shaded blue wigs. The other characters’ costumes were also in the modern style, but were fairly non-descript.

Shakespeare, however, is not the most popular type of play to be performed at a college, and as such, it presents unique challenges to the performers. In order to deal with some of these challenges, the cast chose to up-play the physical humor to the extreme by parodying slapstick comedy, and not even making an effort at stunt-violence; instead, characters who were being hit or slapped would stand completely still and clap as their abuser pretended to hit them, and would only begin to be in pain once the slapping had stopped.

“I really liked the physicality of this play – it’s really difficult for audiences to follow along and understand what’s going on, so we used the physical humor to keep them engaged,” said Noelle Dominique Rodriguez, who played Emilia, the Abbess and the Courtesan.

Similarly, because the play was staged in Ives 119, the cast had to get creative with the way they depicted certain scenes, specifically the main character’s (Egeon) retelling of how he lost his family during the storm. In order to effectively stage this scene, the cast used a flashlight and a sheet to create a shadow-theatre reenactment of the merchant’s early life, the birth of the twins, and the storm while Benjamin “Charlie” Baker

(Egeon) performed the accompanying soliloquy.

It seemed that the cast achieved their goal; they frequently had the entire audience bursting into fits of laughter, particularly when Phil Ferrero (Dromio of Syracuse) broke the fourth wall, and addressed the audience directly on numerous occasions, telling them if the scene was taking place indoors or out, and declaring a stack of suitcases to be a door. After delivering the lines, he said, “Come on, this stuff was hilarious 400 years ago, and all I get is a chuckle?”

Most amusing of all, however, was easily the director’s impromptu and inspired performance of Antipholus of Syracuse, which was originally supposed to be performed by Vero Gray, who was taken ill before the play. In the middle of lines he would pause, stumble over words, and even tell the audience that he was paraphrasing for their benefit. At one point he even pantomimed an entire soliloquy rather than read the lines from the script. Although it may have been disconcerting for some viewers at the beginning, the audience quickly adapted and rolled with the punches right through the end.

“He’s a director, so he’s a very seasoned actor,” said Rodriguez.

Cassandra Slagle, who played Adrianna, wife to Antipholus of Ephesus, as well as Jailer 1, was an exceptionally notable actress, not only for her outrageous (and enormously entertaining) Jersey Shore accent, but also for her easy and confidant delivery and performance. Even after accidentally walking across stage as the wrong character at the wrong time, she quickly recovered and delivered an exemplary performance throughout the remainder of the play. Her stage presence was undeniable, and the strength of her character as Adrianna provided an excellent focal point, both for the audience and for the rest of the cast.

Ferrero was also notable, primarily for the unending sass with which he delivered both his lines and his asides. His easy improvisation and flexibility when dealing with Tangelson, specifically in the instances where he confidently turned to the script to help him find his lines, alleviated the audience’s tension at seeing an actor struggle, and even made the situation funnier.

His counterpart, Max Reiner (Dromio of Ephesus) was equally amusing, as he performed his character with a Shrek-inspired Pinocchio voice that really played up the ‘dumb-and-dumber’ nature of the Dromio twins.

Finally, Kyle Ryan, who played the Duke and Angelo, deserved recognition for his skillful and fluid transition between the two characters mid-scene and even mid-line; he was able to effectively switch between the two personas, and the way in which he did so was amusing rather than unsettling or awkward.

Overall, very few lines were cut (the most being from Adrianna’s biting soliloquys) and even fewer were added – excepting those asides made by Ferrero and Tangelson. All of the actors displayed an obvious mastery of their lines, and their creative and original voices added a distinction to each character that is often lacking in more traditionally staged performances.

Next to perform was former “American Idol” contestant David Luning. Luning’s performance was exceptionally fun to watch, and it’s clear that he is just as good an entertainer as he is a songwriter. A completely acoustic set, Luning’s upbeat Americana music had the crowd dancing in their seats.

Blueshift, a band whose musical style is comparable to that of Sublime’s, was next to take the stage. The group, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Jared O’Connell, bassist Alex Izzarelli and drummer Anthony Garcia was one of the first rock and roll bands to play at the event. Their sound was alternative, with unmistakable hip-hop and funk influences. The native Santa Rosa band played one of their hit songs, “Way Too Much,” where Izzarelli’s funky baseline carried O’Connell’s fast-paced lyrics.

Jimbo Scott’s folksy guitar playing made his performance a soulful one. While his set tended to blend in with the rest of the performances, that didn’t stop the crowd from bobbing their heads to every song he played.

The bigger acts performed later on in the evening. The bands the Hundred Days and Picture Atlantic have both traveled around the country and KSUN was pleased to have them come and perform.

Day in the Sun was created by KSUN years ago and used to be held annually on the SSU commencement lawn. The last time it was held was in the 1990s, so Dougherty and KSUN’s general manager Ashley Floren were eager to bring it back. “I think it’s something that we’re going to try to bring back because it’s such a great event and it’s a good way to promote the station by bringing all these awesome acts in,” said Floren.

With how much promise this year’s Day in the Sun held, hopefully next year’s can be held outdoors.

‘Alabaster’: not your typical fantasy tale Kathleen Collins Staff Writer

W

hen one thinks of mystic story weaving, a talking crow may not be the first narrator that comes to mind. In Caitlin Kiernan’s newest graphic novel “Alabaster: The Grimmer Tales,” this is just the case. The three-chapter novel offers a story including mystery, adventure and suspense, all within brightly animated boxes.

The first chapter “The Mermaid of Black Hammock” opens with a talking crow telling a story to a boxcar full of oddly humanistic looking rodents. The unnamed crow recounts a tale of a girl named Dancy Flammarion and her journey to Florida for some unspoken mission. Along her way, Dancy is accompanied by a strange ghost who acts as a sort of sidekick throughout the story. After stopping in a strange town called Black Hammock, which is rich with sea-themed monuments, Flammarion becomes pugnaciously involved with a mysterious woman who attempts to hinder her travels with bribery and violent harassment. The crow reveals that the waters of Black Hammock birthed the strange woman, who made a dangerous deal with a sea witch to change from siren to human in a barbaric ritual. With some struggle, Dancy manages to defend herself against the siren in a twist of fate.

The second chapter “Blackbird” opens with a change in scenery; a single astronaut working to man a large ship. After pleading over a radio system to an unresponsive “Oma,” she lands on a mysterious planet with talking animals and debris from a ship similar to hers. The girl is revealed to be Flammarion, who is trapped in a bizarre alternateuniverse version of “Little Red Riding Hood.”

After struggling through an encounter with a white wolf and a technical difficulty, Flammarion reboots the system, and shakes off the mysteriously familiar holographic figure hanging over her shoulder.

The third and final chapter “White As Snow” weaves the feathered story-teller into the plot, as he reconnects with the ghost from the first chapter who is now in human form.

The siren from the first chapter also makes an appearance and a bizarre murder-suicide follows, but not in a predictable fashion. The view pans out to show the narrator finishing his tale to a now-empty car, and flying off, bringing the book to a close.

The pieces of “The Grimmer Tales” are crafted with obvious care, but unfortunately the story-telling leaves much to be desired. In conjunction with the beautiful illustrations,

COURTESY // Dark Horse Comics “Alabaster: Grimmer Tales” follows Dancy Flammarion through the southern wilds. the development of the plot was mostly implied, which makes the read difficult for new comic book readers. A message was never made quite clear throughout the story, and neither was a theme. The entire three-part tale sort of comes out of nowhere, with an unmistakable disjointed quality throughout.

The images were violent where needed, but never too over-the-top and gory. Every frame was aesthetically pleasing and consistently detailed, with a style reminiscent of more organic cartoons, rather than the classic superhero standby. Additionally, the creators included a playlist before each chapter informing the readers of what they had listened to while making that section of the book. That aspect was interesting, as the artists had a decently wide-spanning musical taste, which was obviously reflected in the obscurity of their work.

Overall, the comic was elusively entertaining in that I was never able to fully wrap my head around what exactly was happening.

The general feelings were apparent in every few frames, but I enjoyed the journey despite the confusion and intangible plotlines.

If you’re looking for a read that truly makes you think, while also supplying brightly colored visuals, “Alabaster: The Grimmer Tales” is the book for you. However, if you are unfamiliar with comic books, this might be a bit of an advanced place to start.

Entertainment

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

Neon Trees’ psycho-dance party

The single that was released in January, “Sleeping with a Friend,” is about, well, sleeping with a friend and the complications that come from it. “But if my heart’s gonna break before the night will end / I said, ooh, ooh we’re in danger / Sleeping with a friend, fter the release of Neon Trees’ single “Sleeping with a sleeping with a friend / And why leave when I got you, baby? / It’s Friend” in January, the small town band from Provo, Utah a risk but babe, I need the thrill.”

“Unavoidable,” the sixth song from the album, is a collaborareleased their third album on April 22. The alternative dance rock album called “Pop Psychology” was released through tion between Glenn and drummer/vocalist Elaine Bradley. This song’s vocals create a type of harIsland Records. Any album cover mony that makes listeners feel more should represent the album’s songs and in depth with the album. Its slower rhythms. Neon Tree’s newest album did tempo contrasts the rest of the bubexactly that with its fluorescent colors bly, upbeat album. and their 80s look wardrobe.

Unlike the song “Unavoidable,” Vocalist and keyboardist Tyler “Foolish Behavior” is an upbeat Glenn directs the album in a catchy way song at first making you feel like to introduce their new approach to pop you are listening to an old 80s rock music. “Pop Psychology opens with the band. The song’s lyrics talk about biggest, shiniest songs he’s come up two strangers who came together for with, each taking on a slippery aspect of foolish behavior. “Well you started post-modern romance,” said Jon Dolan out a stranger / Foolish behavior of Rolling Stone Reviews. brought us together / Tonight.”

The first song of the album is “Love With the album’s plentiful in the 21st Century,” a catchy, bubbly, amount of 11 songs with creative, fast paced song to attract listeners with relative titles, the album comes tothe beginning of the album. The song’s gether to create 40 minutes of Neon pace and rhythm may remind listeners Tree’s newer music. Through “Pop of the band’s previously released single “Animal,” yet it adds a refreshing start facebook.com Psychology,” it is easy to see the professional work that the band put into to the album.

The alternative rock group Neon Trees recreating the album.

With its catchy chorus, “I guess it’s leased their third studio album, “Pop PsyThe bold album shows charac/ Love / In the 21st century / Oh, oh it’s chology.” teristics of pop while relating them tough / Broken heart technology / Your kisses taste so sweet / But then you click delete / Love in the 21st to real life. The songs from “Pop Psychology” demonstrate a type century,” listeners are drawn into the album with its pop-rock feel of musical experiment where art meets reality to bring together two and its message of romance in today’s modern world surrounded by types of genres.

While some of the songs sound similar to each other and even media and technology. The song’s lyrics make it clear that technology has a huge impact on how today’s youth shows love and the sound similar to their old albums and songs, “Pop Psychology” is an role technology has on relationships. “I don’t believe making out is album that anyone who enjoys pop music can appreciate.

Lyrically, the band moves in a new direction to become deeper a dead romance / I miss the days being kids simply holding hands / I’m sick of wondering if you would ever call me back / I check my through their lyrics, but still have a similar approach to the tempo of the music the band produces. The song’s lyrics come together to four different accounts just to end up mad.”

The album itself seems to explore the idea of media and tech- provoke thought through personal meaning and experiences. The nology’s effects on “Love in the 21st Century,” with the next song on album incorporates many different things to make the songs relatthe album being “Text Me in the Morning.” This song is about the able but enjoyable.

“Pop Psychology” is an album that connects the problems peomorning after a night with a girl where he is waiting for her to send her a morning text restating her love for him, possibly showing our ple go through with pop music, sending a strong message but allowing listeners to have fun with the songs. dependence for technology.

Melanie Hernandez Staff Writer

A

Get rich in ‘Silicon Valley’ Finn Maloney Staff Writer

E

gotistical nerds, messiah-like CEOs and a diverse group of comedic talent make up Mike Judge’s new HBO series “ Silicon Valley.”

The show chronicles Richard, (Thomas Middleditch), a young technical writer who has created a billiondollar algorithm that he has no idea what to do with.

In the show, gargantuan tech company “Hooli,” a Google-esque company that help pokes fun at the various luxury amenities and egos within the valley, tries offering Richard extraordinary amounts of money upon realizing what he has created.

The focus of the first season is Richard’s journey from building a company, selling an algorithm, competing in a vicious billion-dollar industry and learning to become some version of a grown man in the software based, incubated world that is Silicon Valley.

Richard’s company consists of fellow programmers and housemates played by darlings of the new comedy world Kumail Nanjiani, T.J. Miller, Zach Woods,and Martin Starr.

Richard is developing his company, “Pied Piper” with little experience or confidence, guided only by his Yoda-

style mentor, genius start-up CEO Peter Gregory. Christopher Evan Welch, who passed of lung cancer during the filming of this season, portrays Gregory in the first five episodes. How Welch’s death affects the plot of the show and season is yet to be seen.

The show was created by Judge, the creator of “Beavis and Butthead,” “ King of the Hill” and “Idiocracy,” among others.

The show falls perfectly in line with Judge’s signature fast and devastating wit, as well as with his previous entries into the television medium.

Judge is considered a legend in the world of comedy, yet has only found mainstream success in few of his projects.

Judge’s comedy works best when he manages to balance his smart yet dirty humor with his career-long themes of becoming a man and remaining true to oneself while the world changes rapidly. In fact, while other recent television projects of Judge’s have failed, this one seems much better rounded and seemingly holds a higher opportunity for long-term success.

Judge’s greatest accomplishment with “Silicon Valley” is making it feel as familiar as an 8-year-old Ipod Video right from the start. The show is immediately funny, thanks to the writing

by Judge, the portrayals and character choices by each individual actor, all

of whom perfectly nail the personalities and tropes that come with living around young, hip, motivated geniuses.

“Silicon Valley” is rooted entirely in satirizing the tech world that appears to be rapidly and relentlessly taking over the world, both on a corporate and personal level. The show deals with being bombarded with app ideas by everyone from your doctor to the BevMo bag boy.

Hooli, the most obvious iteration of a mock tech giant, is run by its super Zen, super giving, life-changing, CEO Gavin Belson who represents the god like figures within our modern tech industry, such as Steve Jobs, Richard Branson or Bill Gates, and shows how ridiculous worshipping these figures truly is.

The “Hooli” offices are littered with ping-pong tables, free work shuttles, cafeteria sushi and half -zipped hooded sweatshirts.

“Silicon Valley” is a hilarious and fresh take on a new culture that has been exploding for the past decade, the participants of which are now becoming the butt of jokes everywhere. What the show does well is creating likeable, relatable characters who have an immediate repertoire and will keep audiences tuning in week after week.

“Silicon Valley” is on every Sunday night at 10 p.m. on HBO, or is available for streaming on HBO Go.

facebook.com The HBO original series “Silicon Valley” follows the life of five young rich entrepreneurs in California.

COURTESY // Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine Dore Strauch and Dr. Friedrich Ritter were the first inhabitants on Floreana Island in the documentary “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden.”

Satan in paradise Cameron Hatheway A&E Editor

W

hat started as a journey to an uninhabited island in the Galapagos quickly turned into an adventure with rival parties, mystery and murder. In the documentary “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,” filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine explore the fascinating human history of three groups of people on the Galapagos island of Floreana, with a twist of a delicious whodunit mystery.

“In 1998 we were shooting and doing sound for a friend on a science [Darwin] project that took us to Galapagos, which was a fantastic opportunity,” Geller told the STAR. “But neither Dayna nor I had a clue that there were any people down there at all. We just thought it was tortoises, iguanas, some finches, and no humans.”

After Goldfine started reading a book on their motorsailer about the human history of the Galapagos and got to a chapter titled “Murder in Paradise,” she was hooked and the seeds of the project were planted.

It wasn’t until years later through lots of coincidences, a recently found archive of film footage of the island’s inhabitants and memoirs from some of the people who were there at the time when Geller and Goldfine actually got into production on the movie.

In 1929, Dr. Friedrich Ritter and his lover Dore Strauch fled from their lives and families in Germany for isolation in paradise to start anew. They would live off the land in their own private Garden of Eden while Ritter worked on his Nietzsche-inspired philosophy, hoping to one day be published.

When word spread around the world of Geller and Goldfine’s decision to abandon civilization, more people started to arrive to the island.

In 1931, Heinz and Margaret Wittmer, with their 14-year-old son Harry, arrived on the island, much to the distain of Ritter and Strauch. The couple found it an invasion of their seclusion, and wanted nothing to do with the newcomers.

A few months after the Wittmers, Baroness Eloise von Wagner and her two lovers Robert Philippson and Rudolf Lorenz arrived on the island. The Baroness had an ulterior motive to set up a hotel to attract millionaires, instead of playing “Robinson Crusoe” like the rest of the inhabitants.

The Baroness was a force to be reckoned with, for while the Wittmers, Ritter and Strauch wanted nothing to do with her, she was still a big threat as to who really controlled the island. She always carried a revolver with her, was constantly accompanied by her armed lovers and did her best at attracting government officials and nearby millionaires to garner interest in her plans of a hotel.

The dynamic between these three groups of people on the island of Floreana was a powder keg just waiting to explode, with someone from each group capable of lighting the fuse. It’s not until the disappearance of the Baroness and her lover Philippson when the documentary becomes a game of “Clue,” with the filmmakers giving the viewer all the evidence of who could have been behind the suspected murder of the Baroness.

“The Galapagos Affair” is a combination of old footage of the island’s inhabitants taken by themselves and Captain Hancock’s team of the research vessel the Velero III, as well as present day interviews with residents of the nearby Santa Cruz Island and surviving family members of the protagonists.

The filmmakers found out about the Captain Hancock archives at USC around 2001 but had to sit on it because they were in the process of producing their other project “Ballets Russes.”

“Later we got in touch with Melinda Hayes who is the archivist at the Doheny Library and we went down and sort of eye-balled what was sitting there and it was unclear initially if the footage could be salvaged at all, it was quite old, it smelled like vinegar,” said Goldfine.

Because of the tremendous voice casting, the characters really came to life thanks to actors like Thomas Kretschmann, Josh Radnor, Diane Kruger and Cate Blanchett.

“We knew we wanted Cate Blanchett early on to do a role, any role. She’s just a genius of an actor, and it turned out we had a colleague in common, so we could begin to discuss with each other a possibility,” said Geller. “And when she ultimately said that she would be happy to do any role, we thought she’d be perfect for the Dora Strause role because in some ways it’s the heart and soul of the movie and we knew she’d just run with [it].”

Once they had Blanchett on board, the casting director started suggesting people and they knew they wanted for the German characters actors who really were native German speakers rather than people who would put on an accent.

“The Galapagos Affair” is a truly remarkable film, telling the story of true-crime, scandal and mystery that was once known only to the Galapagos residents. The documentary shocks and intrigues in a way only Alfred Hitchcock could, leaving audiences craving for more.

The film is currently showing at the Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol. For more information on the film, filmmakers, or what books to read on the subject, visit www.galapagosaffair.com.

Page 8

Features

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Staff Spotlight: Scott Horstein Stuart Courtney Staff Writer

M

“

otivation is not something one ‘does to’ someone else — good motivational practice requires that we engage others in a common quest,” writes editor Michael Theall — a veteran professor, university administrator and social scientist — in the citation for “Motivation from Within: Approaches for Encouraging Faculty and Students to Excel” (June 1999).

Many experts in the field of academic motivation concur, maintaining that a realistic prognosis lies in the creation of environments where students can motivate themselves. Thus, it may be inferred that motivational speakers are actually inspirational speakers.

Scott Horstein, assistant professor of playwriting, dramaturgy and contemporary theatre, creates a nurturing environment where students absorb training, transcend obstacles and fulfill achievement. In just his fifth year of full-time teaching at Sonoma State, the Los Angeles native has already garnered a reputation for mentoring students and inspiring them to selfmotivate. He has also affected the Sonoma State community-at-large in a positive manner.

“Scott Horstein is a delightful and support-

COURTESY // Scott Horstein Scott Horstein is the curator for the Super Mega Molten Hot Lava New Play Festival that takes place each semester, in which students read their plays in front of a live audience.

ive colleague and an integral part of the Theatre Arts & Dance department,” said Kristen Daley, associate professor and department chairperson.

“He’s a problem solver, always offering up innovative and intelligent ideas and solutions. His ability to tap into the creative minds of undergraduate students and mentor their artistic voices is impressive and inspiring.”

Horstein earned his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and his master of fine arts in dramaturgy at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He has been a professional dramaturg and director and taught as a part-time instructor for a number of years.

“Dramaturges are advocates for plays,” writes Lily Janiak in her blog, The Split End. “They work with directors and playwrights to make the play be as true to itself as possible. They are experts in the world of a play.

They look at what a script suggests about its world and, through research, flesh it out so that artists and audiences alike have a better contextual understanding of the play.”

He was the manager of play development for the Cornerstone Theater Company and the literary director at the Black Dahlia Theater while his freelance dramaturgy credits include the Denver Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Old Globe where he dramaturged for Arthur Miller on his penultimate play “Resurrection Blues.”

He has directed at Native Voices, East West Players and the West Coast Ensemble, and taught at South Coast Repertory, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and UCSD. “Scott has a unique ability to find something that someone is good at and challenge the individual,” said Jake Burke, a junior majoring in theatre arts with a theatre studies concentration.

“He sees that talent and urges the student to go after it.” Burke has taken four classes taught by Horstein, including Playwriting and History of Theatre, and would like to write and direct films after he graduates.

Horstein teaches courses in dramaturgy, playwriting, theater history and dramatic literature.His theatrical roots grow deep. He participated in drama as a junior high and high school student, and gives credit to his family for exposing him to theatre at an early age.

“My grandparents took me to a lot of theatre in the Los Angeles area,” said Horstein, “and my grandmother kept notes about each play in a jour-

nal. In some ways, my writing of program notes and reviews of shows are a result of her influence.”

Horstein said a German playwright coined the term “dramaturgy” in the 18th century, but that it only gained popularity in the United States over the last 50 years.

The craft is also spelled “dramaturge” or “dramateur.”

“I mentor student dramateurs,” said Horstein. “It’s a journey of discovery and an interesting experience for students since many have never been in a position of leadership before. It’s empowering because it puts them in a position to advise or consult with faculty directors.”

Horstein’s approach to teaching and mentoring is grounded in empowerment.

“Having students ‘get it’ is the whole reason why I teach,” he said. “Sometimes I find myself getting tingles or head rushes when I see students starting to think like an artist or a dramaturg, or like a person who is engaged with the world in a meaningful way.”

Senior Laura Millar, a theatre arts major with an acting emphasis, is one of his protégés.

She has only taken one course with Horstein, but his mentoring of her interest in dramaturgy has been profound.

Her work on the 2013 Sonoma State production of “Ghost Sonata” earned her the top national award in the dramaturgy category at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

The awards ceremony took place April 14 – 19, 2014 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. “That experience resulted from working with Scott,” said Millar, “and to think, I didn’t even know what dramaturgy was this time last year.”

In recognition of her accomplishment, Millar was awarded membership in the Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas and a place at the Kennedy Center’s Summer Intensives as an assistant dramaturg.

Horstein was the dramaturg of the Copeland Creek Project (2013), an original play written by students with senior acting and theatre tech students.

“We had them write about the presence of Copeland Creek coming down Sonoma Mountain and flowing through campus to the sea,” said Horstein. “The idea is that it’s a creek of voices from the past, present and future.”

He also curates the annual Super Mega Mol-

sonoma.edu Scott Horstein’s passion lies within the world of theatre arts, and his goal at SSU is to help theatre students succeed in their craft. ten Hot Lava New Play Festival near the end of each semester’s Playwriting class. Plays written by students are presented as live readings for an open audience.

“We do it garage style with loud music and encourage people to focus on the idea of process,” said Horstein. “They are first-time plays that have not seen the light of day. There are no props or costumes and the actors have had little rehearsal.

It’s a celebration of the act of creation.”

Another notable project, Water Works, is a multi-disciplinary initiative started by Horstein and colleague Paul Draper, the director of the acting program in the Theatre Arts department.

“Faculty from across campus, as well as expert guest lecturers, are devoting class sessions and entire courses to the exploration of inland water flow as a locus of political and social interaction, as well as a site of imagination and memory,” states the Water Works academic page (sonoma.edu/waterworks/academics/index.html).

Horstein believes Water Works encouraged people think about the resources we already have, and in some ways, that awareness mirrors his ability for inspiring students to reach within themselves and discover their hidden talents.

“He makes people want to be better people so they can do better work,” said Millar. “When he’s part of a project, all of the frustrations start to become unimportant, the project comes together, and everyone walks out of the room with a sense of accomplishment.”

STAR // Alexis Garcia-Mills The day long celebration of Petaluma’s rich history included a family-friendly parade, beer gardens, local food and games.

Petaluma celebrates history with Butter and Eggs Alexis G arcia-Mills Asst. Features Editor

A

ll lovers and supporters of Petaluma f locked to downtown Petaluma for the celebration of the Butter and Eggs parade and festival. Including Sonoma State students, reportedly more than 30,000 people walked the streets.

The Petaluma Downtown Association put on events where people celebrated everything homegrown in Petaluma while also having fun.

The 33 rd annual Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival continued with tradition to recognize all local talent.

“My favorite part of Butter and Eggs Day is the parade.

I’m from Petaluma so I love going every year,” said sophomore Gianna Boracchia. “This year I brought two of my friends from SSU so we could all get a break and relax before the last week before finals.”

The beginning of the tradition started in 1918 but actually was not held again for quite some time.

The festival was revived in 1981 and has continued every year since then. All the curbs were overf lowed with families, friends and any Petaluma lovers.

The diverse activities and events attracted people of a variety of ages. Before the parade there were still many events, traditions and contests.

The day started off with events such as a Lion Club Breakfast, arts and crafts, vendors, kids activities, local businesses, non-profit organizations and much more.

The traditional Cow Chip (cow poop) Throwing Contest started to ease anticipation as competitors strategized on how to make their cow pie soar the farthest.

Police Chief Patrick Williams came with the win as he used all his strength to have his painted cow pie soar.

STAR // Alexis Garcia-Mills The iconic Petaluma chicken and eggs float makes its debut in the parade.

Parents dressed up their newborns and toddlers in adorable costumes for the Petaluma Egg Farms Cutest Little Chick Contest. Farah Caldwell, a 1-year-old from Penngrove, won first with her yellow feather tutu and a matching headband.

There was an option for people to buy a Parade Button

at local stores that provided special offers April 19 through April 27. If you had the button there were many discounts and even specials for free.

At noon the main parade started where everyone walked around visiting the booths while enjoying the people, parade and entertainment.

For anyone who was looking for lunch or a snack was not disappointed because the variety of good eats could just about cure anyone’s food craving.

From corn dogs, burgers, burritos, or all the variety of meat being barbequed heightened indecisiveness on what choice to go with. The Beer Garden was filled with people over 21 enjoying local Petaluma breweries such as Lagunitas Brewing Company, Dempsey’s and HenHouse Brewing Company.

There was a different event or opportunity for fun at what it seemed to be at every corner.

By just walking around people could find petting zoos, jump-houses, dunk tanks, shopping for clothes or accessories, all while the parade was making their rounds in downtown Petaluma.

At the dunk tank anyone had the chance to take down U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman.

This fun way to raise money to fight cancer left Huffman soaked from being immersed into the chilly water from the participants.

Butter and Eggs Day gathered people for an event to enjoy but also to recognize their community, help local businesses and make a difference for good causes.

The emphasis is taking pride of one’s community and everything Petaluma has to offer.

To recognize the unique companies and talents that the community gets to enjoy on a day-to-day basis. This event perfectly exemplifies a traditional way to connect together as a community.

Features

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

STAR // Connor Gibson Members of FAASSU celebrated their heritage by performing a variety of cultural dances that spanned from areas such as China, Thailand and New Zealand. See more photos on page 12.

Culture and heritage celebrated through art of dance Claudia Jambor Staff Writer

A

frican choreographer Chuck Davis once said, “To understand the culture, study the dance.” A concept embraced at the very heart of the Pacific Culture Night at Sonoma State University. The event, now in its fifth year, highlighted the power of the arts to connect all people from different cultures.

That power could be felt by the excitement of the audience cheering on their performing friends and peers at an almost full Pearson Theatre on last Thursday and Saturday night. Various cultural clubs on campus united with the Filipino-American Association of Sonoma State University (FAASSU) in orchestrating the event. Vice-president of FAASSU Kristen LaForga and club member Giornel Seisa were enthusiastic and fun hosts, who both ensured there was not a dull moment by breaking up the show with games and raffles.

The night was kicked off with Samantha Basas singing both the American and Filipino national anthems. The performers donned the traditional dress of their ancestors and guided the audience on a journey across the islands of the Pacific in dance and song.

The Philippines was the first destination with a theatrical dance performance called Pasigin, meaning “fish net.” The playful choreography imagined by Bria Gabor and Kyle Her created a flirtatious “cat chases mouse” atmosphere as the dancers depicted excited fishermen catching fish, danced by females.

LaForga and Seisa articulated the history behind each dance with wit, allowing the meaning of the dances to translate across the culturally diverse audience. The night moved through the Pacific to the intense and sharp choreography of the New Zealand Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry. Following to organic and gentle movements of the Hawaiian hula and the energetic struts of hip hop by Bay Area dancers known as Joe and Gold.

Maydy Lo Victoria Vue and Der Lor of the Hmong Association spiced the program up by performing Zes Hmoob. The dance is an infusion of Hmong, an Asian ethnic group from the regions of China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, and traditional Thai dance.

“SSU hasn’t seen a Mong-Thai dance before so we decided we should showcase it,” said Lo. Vue described performing at the event as “a perfect opportunity” to share their culture with the students of Sonoma State.

“It’s an honor to be part of [Pacific Culture Night], for us it’s really a way to showcase our culture at our school,” said Vue. Danielle Zimmermann, treasurer of the Filipino-American Association, enjoyed the variety of cultural dances on show this year.

“It’s good to see a variety of cultural dances because you don’t really get that here at SSU. This is the only show that puts us [various cultural clubs] together for the campus,” said Zimmermann.

Freshman Matt Hollenbeck also enjoyed the variety of performances praising the event as “more entertaining than a lot of the things I’ve seen this year [on campus].”

“The hip hop was a surprise; I thought it was going to be all cultural stuff, stuff I don’t really understand. But it’s definitely pretty

relatable,” Hollenbeck said.

The event’s fusion of modern and traditional cultural performances exceeded the expectations of freshman Markatta Flowers.

“At first I thought it was going to be very cultural and boring, but it’s not. They’re [FAASSU and other cultural clubs] open and do modern stuff,” said Flowers.

LaForga encouraged the audience to close their eyes and open up their ears as the event showcased its musical talent. The appropriated versions of popular songs were big crowd pleasers.

Basas’s moving performance of pop song, “All of Me” by John Legend with pianist Aaron Robinson left the crowd with goosebumps. She later teamed up with musicians Sebastian Cardona, Shaun McGinley and John Coloma to perform as ‘Jammers’, the quartet sung several acoustic mix-ups of various hits from 90s hip hop to today’s hits.

A playful Filipino dance called Tikling concluded the evening.

The dance originated from the native Filipino bird the Tikling, which has very long legs. Filipino folk music filled the theatre as the dancers imitated the Tikling bird’s movements as it would walk through various terrain, symbolized in the dance through the use of bamboo sticks.

Zimmerman said Pacific Culture Night has grown significantly since its inception five years ago. A transformation that Zimmerman is excited to continue to see grow in the future.

“Three years ago we were in Ives 101, that only holds 100 [people]. Now, [Pacific Culture Night] has grown into this huge production now, everything has grown,” said Zimmermann.

Oliver’s Taste of Sonoma Photos from the event

STAR // Evan Croker SSU Earth Week was a week-long sustainability awareness event which showcased options for ‘going green.’

Earth Week showcases sustainability Vasilios Loufas Staff Writer

O

COURTESY // JAG Public Relations Oliver’s Market in Cotati partnered with local vendors to showcase North Bay farms, food producers, wineries, breweries, non-profits and more. Hundreds packed the market’s parking lot to visit each booth.

ver the past week, SSU has organized seven events recognizing the “go green”-themed week including a creek cleanup, a clothing exchange and a sustainability fair. The majority of the events took place in the Darwin Quad and other locations were planned according to the event’s purpose.

Bright and early on April 19, students went to the Santa Rosa Creek Clean-Up where they picked up trash to better the creek’s well-being.

Creeks tend to get cluttered with waste products and students were able to clean up all of the trash that pollutes in the water. April 21 in the Darwin Quad, a man playing a bagpipe brought his own style to introduce Earth Week.

The pipes blew the quad up with a musical sound and had most students confused but also appreciative of the spontaneous entertainment.

That bagpipe player was part of the Earth Week kick-off on what is also known as “Meatless Mondays.”

The Earth Day nooner last Tuesday incorporated live student talent along with “Rock the Bike” smoothies. Rock the Bike smoothies are where you bike yourself a smoothie. The power came from the biker riding the bike to power up the blender to make the fresh beverage.

Students had the option to plant their own basil or cilantro plant and check out local sustainable groups. Event-goers could also register their bicycle and receive a free lock and safety light.

On Wednesday the Toward Route Zero College Sustainability Fair took place. Route Zero employee Eric West said, “We are basically doing a showcase of electric vehicles that are more sustainable options than a regular gas-powered car.”

Route Zero also showcased high-tech electrically-assisted bicycles. They have a 60-mile range and as the biker pedals the bike will also

pedal with it so that the passenger doesn’t have to do as much work.

“We don’t sell any of this. We simply show it and say ‘This is out here. Open up your options’,” said West.

This past Thursday was a big day for Earth Week, because of the multiple earth-friendly events going on. Students had two options: a free yoga class and a clothing exchange.

People always get sick of clothes really easily and the idea of being able to swap and exchange clothing with others was an innovative idea for recycling clothing through an exchange. Students could also bring an article of clothing and decorate it or make it into a tote bag.

Friday kicked off not only the weekend but also the Garden Party that took place near Cabernet Village. Starting in the middle of the day, the event had free food sampling. The winner of the “#Sustainagramies” contest was also announced in the closing moments of the garden party. The contest was held through the cell phone app Instagram which contestants used pictures to try and win.

This event served as one of the last days of Earth Week festivities and celebrated a successful and intelligent series of events. The Garden Party was followed by the Pepperwood Restoration Project the next day. From morning through afternoon students who signed up to volunteer online made their way in efforts of the Pepperwood Restoration Project to Santa Rosa County to help better the Earth and practice what Earth Week is all about.

Earth Week is a grand week to be respected by every human being on Earth. The human population has done wonders to the home planet over the past century. It is our job to sustain energy and restore our ecosystem for our home and for future generations. No one will do it but us. SSU has done various events this past week to pass along a positive message on living within a healthy and sustained environment.

Page 10

Sports

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Seawolf rugby qualifies for Sevens Tournament Halia Daugherty Staff Writer

A

lthough the season has ended, the Rugby Sports Club has one last goal they want to achieve this year. May 31 and June 1, 12 members of the Rugby team will be playing in the Sevens Tournament in Philadelphia; also called the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC). They will be playing against the top 20 schools in the United States, including the defending national champion Occidental College, who the Seawolves beat at the Northern California Collegiate Rugby Conference (NCCRC).

The NCCRC took place at University of

“I expect the national championship and we always have a really good time on the road together.

It’s been the highlight of my whole career.”

Pacific College in Stockton. It consisted of 18 games between college rugby teams who are a part of the Northern California conference, with the exception of Occidental College. The Rugby Sports Club won in the NCCRC and qualified to go to the CRC. “We did well in the North Carolina Sevens Tournament last fall, where we took third place. It was a good learning experience and I feel confident going to this tournament,” said Jack Mcnamara, president of the Rugby Sports Club.

“We’ve been improving every year since we’ve been a club. Last year we didn’t make it to play-offs and this year we made it to the first round of play-offs.”

Every year the CRC is held at the Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) Park in Pennsylvania. It has garnered much media attention, including NBC Sports News, who records the championship every year. It is the highest profile rugby competition in the United States, and continues to grow in popularity, atten-

COURTESY // Jake Boettchers Rugby will compete in the national tournament May 31 and June 1 in Philadelphia. dance, and participation.

The first time any form of college rugby was aired on television was in 2010, when the first CRC took place. It has allowed smaller schools to be noticed as well as bringing attention to other schools, whether it is personal attention to athletes or new supporters and sponsors for a team. It is an honor to qualify for the CRC and a good experience for all rugby teams whether they win or lose.

“I expect the national championship and we always have a really good time on the road together. It’s been the highlight of my whole college career,” said junior Jake Kuluris.

“I’ve been to the three Sevens Tournaments that we’ve been to.”

After the Rugby season ended, the sports club immediately began practicing Sevens to prepare for the CRC. They had a good season and grew from the experience they have had this year.

Score Box Men’s Golf Wednesday April 23 5th place Baseball Saturday April 26 SSU - 6 Stanislaus - 1 SSU - 7 Stanislaus - 1 Sunday April 27 SSU - 6 Stanislaus - 3 SSU - 3 Stanislaus - 2 Softball Friday April 25 SSU - 2 San Francisco - 3 SSU - 8 San Francisco - 13 Saturday April 26 SSU - 8 San Francisco - 0 SSU - 6 San Francisco - 0 Women’s Water Polo Saturday April 26 SSU - 8 San Bernardino - 6 SSU - 5 UC San Diego - 14 Sunday April 27 SSU - 7 Monterey Bay - 4

Courtesy of sonomaseawolves.com

“I feel great about going to this tournament, it’s my last year playing along with Tommy Fallon and Tommy Porter, who are also graduating this year...We’re starting a men’s club in Rohnert Park this year that I’ll continue playing with.”

“We’ve been improving every year since we’ve been a club. Last year we didn’t make it to play-offs and this year we made it to the first round of play-offs,” said Mcnamara.

“Last year we played in Sevens and lost in the championships, and this year we made it to two national championships.”

The Rugby Sports Club wants to continue to improve as a team and as a sports club.

This is its third year as a club and it has been the strongest year yet. They want to come home with the national title for the CRC, but overall they are grateful that they were able to qualify.

“I played on the Sevens team last year when we went to Colorado. We placed second in the Western region. I feel great about going to this tournament. It’s my last year playing along with Tommy Fallon and Tommy Porter who are also graduating this year,” said senior Declan Maher. “I started playing Rugby here at Sonoma State and I’m kind of burned out, but at the same time I don’t want it to stop. We’re starting a men’s club in Rohnert Park this year that I’ll continue playing with.”

Support the Rugby team on May 31 and June 1 by watching them compete in the CRC on NBC Sports News.

Club Profile: Triathalon Angelica Viera Staff Writer

A

s if swimming, biking and running isn’t a workout enough, try doing them all in the same day at one event. Sounds daunting, right? Well this is exactly the kind of high intensity workout that the Sonoma State Triathlon Club trains for. Being one of the smaller clubs on campus at a steady 10 students enables the group to bond even closer and motivate each other to keep pushing.

“What I love most about this club is that I now know I can accomplish tasks that initially seemed beyond impossible and I’ve seen firsthand that remaining dedicated to something I’ve said I’ll do does pay off in the end.”

Briana Valenzuela, triathlon club treasurer, says the group gets together two to three times a week to work on cardio, endurance, and different muscle groups needed to compete.

“Although triathlons are an individual sport it really helps to have teammates to support you and help you improve,” said Valenzuela. “I’m a runner so I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to swim, bike or lift at the gym if it wasn’t for them.”

There are four typical racing distances for triathlons and they are usually done in the same order: swim, bike, and run. There’s Olympic, full, half and sprint. The sprint distance is the most popular among first time triathletes because it is the shortest of the four options with a 750-yard swim (about 30 laps in a 25 yard pool), biking 1013 miles depending on the event and finish it all off with a 3.1-mile (5k) run.

While daring students compete to finish all three individually, there is a relay option offered for triathletes who aren’t quite ready to finish the race alone. Students can participate in trios and each contributes a leg of the race. Triathlon Club President Sebastian Carrizosa says the relay race is ideal for people who want to get involved in the club but might be hesitant to join.

“Before I joined I always thought it’d be cool to finish a triathlon. I love swimming and cycling, running not so much, so it was a ‘why the heck not’ kind of moment for me,” said Carrizosa.

COURTESY // Campus Recreation Club members compete in running, swimming and biking.

The club works hard to train for each triathlon and so far it’s been working for them. This season they have raced in two triathlons against other collegiate teams from larger schools such as UC Davis, Stanford, UC Berkeley, CSU Chico and many other teams although the majority of triathlons are open to all competitors as well.

The first triathlon event was the “Stanford Treeathlon” where two relay teams took first and third place. At the second event, the Napa Hits Triathlon Series, two triathletes took second place in their corresponding age divisions.

“What I love most about this club is that I now know I can accomplish tasks that initially seemed beyond impossible and I’ve seen firsthand that remaining dedicated to something I’ve said I’ll do does pay off in the end,” said Carrizosa.

Anyone who in interested in joining triathlon club can find the team on Facebook, keyword SSU Triathlon Club or by e-mail at ssutriathlongclub@gmail.com.

Sports

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Aaron Gillis, left, and George Asmus, right, helped secure the victories with their stellar pitching performances.

Seawolves sweep Stanislaus in four-game series Advance to the third Capital City Clash next weekend Jake Tucker Staff Writer

A

masterful senior year continues to improve for the Seawolves’ ace George Asmus, as he dominated the Cal State Stanislaus Warriors in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Asmus threw seven and two thirds innings, giving up only one run and one walk while collecting six strikeouts.

The game proved uneventful until the eighth. Stanislaus struck with its first and only run when Dayton Mellor drove in Marcus Mastrobuoni from third with a double after Mastrobuoni tripled to the right center gap.

Nick Voumard also had a solid outing on the mound for the Warriors, throwing six and a third innings, striking out eight batters, while surrendering four hits, one run and three

walks. The final score for the first game of the series was 6-1 after Sonoma brought home eight runs in the top of the ninth inning.

The Seawolves were led by junior first baseman Alex Crosby, who finished the game 2-4 with a run and a run batted in, and senior second baseman Jackson Stogner, who ended up 1-3 with a double, a run, a RBI, and two walks, and junior shortstop Jourdan Weiks who went 1-4 with two runs, a RBI, and a walk.

The Warriors were led by Mastrobuoni, who went 2-3 with a triple and a run, and Mellor who finished the day 2-4 with a double and a RBI. The second game also ended in a Seawolf victory. Jon Richards earned the 7-1 victory with a stellar pitching performance. Over seven innings of work, Richards surrendered seven hits, one run, and a walk, while collect-

ing five strikeouts.

The Seawolves’ offense came out in the second inning as they put six runs on the board. The main offensive contributer for Sonoma was Stogner, who went 1-4 with a double, a run, and two RBI. Jourdan Weiks also went 2-2 for the game with a run, a RBI, and two walks.

Mastrobuoni and Mellor each collected a pair of hits for the Warriors.

The Seawolves finished off the dominant four game sweep Sunday as they would collect 6-3 and 3-2 victories. Eight different Seawolves sprayed hits for a team total of 10 hits, as Stogner would get three of his own including a double and two runs in the first game of the double header.

Haydon Turpin and Aaron Gillis combined to throw the entire game, striking out six Warrior batters.

In the last game of the four game series, Stanislaus put up their best fight, but Sonoma State still left triumphant.

Senior catcher Shawn Walters drove in two of Sonoma’s three runs on a single to center field in the fourth inning. Daniel Caresio and Devin Alexander each collected a pair of hits, including a triple for Caresio. Mastrobuoni led the way for the Warriors’ offense, going 2-4 with Stanislaus’ only two RBIs. Matt Hammonds gave a quality start, throwing six innings, giving up five hits, one run, one walk, and struck out four on the way to earning his second career collegiate victory.

The Seawolves will wrap up the regular season with three games against Chico at the Seawolf Diamond next Friday and Saturday, and a series cap off in Sacramento at Raley Field against the Wildcats.

Seawolf Sports May 2 Baseball vs. Chico State 3 p.m.

Softball vs. CSU Monterey Bay (at Stockton) 4:30 p.m.

SUMMER

AT THE

UNIVERSITYOF SAN FRANCISCO

May 3 Baseball vs. Chico State 11 a.m.

2 p.m.

May 4 Baseball vs. Chico State Capital City Clash 1 p.m.

May 5 Men’s Golf at NCAA Super Regional All Day

Hit the books in the heart of the city ‣

1/3 Off Your Tuition & Housing*

‣

3-week, 6-week, and 12-week classes

‣

Get ahead, catch up, or stay on track

SUMMER AT USF 2014 SCHEDULE 5/19

Courtesy of sonomaseawolves.com

5/26

6/2

6/10

6/17

6/24

6/30

7/9

7/16

7/22

7/29

SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4 SESSION 5 SESSION 6 SESSION 7

*Tuition reduction applies to traditional undergraduate courses only

Learn more: usfca.edu/summer

8/8

Page 12

Photo

April 29 - May 5, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

This week in photos...

Read more about “Pacific Heritage Night” on page 9

STAR // Connor Gibson Students of the Filipino-American Association at Sonoma State University (FAASSU) presented their fifth annual “Pacific Culture Night,” an exciting and entertaining show of their pacific culture in honor of Asian-Heritage Month. To read more, turn to page 9.

Summer Session 2014 GRADUATE SOONER!

Register Online Now for Summer May 27 - August 7, 2014 3 week sessions: May 27 - June 12 July 14 - 31 4 week sessions: May 27 - June 19 July 14 - August 7 We are offering over 120 academic courses, many fullfill GE requirements. Classes generally run Monday - Thursday.

For a complete list of courses and to register:

www.sonoma.edu/exed

SCHOOL OF EXTENDED & INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION