Volume73 issue1 by Sonoma State STAR

P. 6

Funny Girl: A Quirky Masterpiece

Welcome back dance draws crowd

P. 8

Women’s soccer defeats Santa Cruz

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Sonoma State Star SINCE 1979

VOLUME 73 // ISSUE 1

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2014

Water bottle refill stations sheds light on sustainability Kirsten Reeves Staff Writer

ecently Sonoma State University has stretched their sustainability achievements further by implementing water bottle refill stations across campus. These electronic stations provide students with cold, filtered water and make refilling reusable water bottles more easy and accessible than ever. The intention of these stations is to ultimately decrease Sonoma State’s ecological footprint, in both a green and convenient way that benefits not only the university students on a local level, but the environment on a worldly one as well. As of 2013, Americans have been responsible for the purchase of approximately 29 billion plastic water bottles yearly, accounting for over five billion pounds of polyethylene terephthalate plastic and creating a massive ecological footprint. This large demand of plastic also creates a demand in oil, with more than 17 million barrels of oil used in the United States alone every year, resulting in a rather large carbon print as well. The Associated Students of Sonoma State University have always taken pride in its relentless sustainability efforts, with sustenance being a core value of Sonoma State University. Sonoma State uses reclaimed water on lawns and in some toilets to reduce water usage and waste, and runs an extremely eco-friendly dining hall by using compostable products. In addition, the Recreation Center as well

as Salazar Hall both use solar panels, made to have avoided using by instead taking advantage convert light into electricity. As of February, of the refill stations and reusing their water botSonoma State’s Recreation Center was awarded tles. a Green BusiDuring the last ness Certificate academic year, action from the Bay was taken by the AsArea Green Busisociated Students to ness Program of phase out single-use Sonoma County water bottles in a resfor their efforts to olution that was coconserve resourcauthorized by former es and ability to Community Affairs, comply with enviSenator Libby Dippel ronmental needs and current Sustainand limitations. ability Senator, AlliStudents can son Jenks. find these water This resolution bottle refill staworks toward a ban tions on every on single-use water floor of the Stubottles, by providing dent Center, in facts and statistics as Charlie Brown’s to how doing so would Café and in severimprove our environal other buildings mental impact, resultscattered across ing in a more ecocampus. friendly environment In addition to for future generations. providing water, The resolution the electronic refill resolves that two “hystations also keep dration stations” are a tally and allow to be implemented students to see the each semester until COURTESY // SSU NewsCenter equivalent of how there is a refill station many single-use Sustainability Senator Allison Jenks encouron every floor of evwater bottles they ages students to use refillable water bottles. ery building exclud-

ing housing facilities. Associated Students also plans to stop purchasing single-use water bottles at events, with a few exceptions, and is optimistic towards completely banning single-use water bottles by the year 2020. In addition to improving the environment, there is an emphasis placed on the quality and cleanliness of the water provided via the water bottle refill stations in comparison to the quality of bottled water. The Resolution states that not only does bottled water cost 1,000 times as much as tap water, but also that approximately 22percent of bottled water contains contaminant levels exceeding California state health limits. All water bottle refill stations have a built-in filter with a light that indicates when it needs to be changed to avoid water purity issues. Students seem to be reacting positively to the water bottle refill stations. “They’re both useful and convenient because between going to classes and working on campus, it’s nice not needing to constantly purchase water at a vending machine or dining venue,” said student Julia Provost. “I can instead throw a single water bottle in my bag and refill it throughout the day.” Allison Jenks states that using these stations will ultimately “make filling reusable water bottles easier and cleaner. This will then give students a better option than single-use water bottles by saving them money while being more environmentally friendly” and encourages everyone to begin using them.

Religious organization on the chopping block Aryssa Carvalho Staff Writer

ith the start of the fall semester, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is no longer an affiliated club on the Sonoma State University campus. InterVarsity is a Christian group that can be found at universities all over the country, and during the past few years has struggled to keep active at SSU. The group on campus has around 190 members that meet several times a week. Many of the members are of Christian faith, but there are also some exploring different types of faiths and religions to see which suit them best. In 2011 Student Activities – Executive Order 1068 was put into action by former CSU Chancellor Charles Reed, stating: No campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society or other student organization that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation or disability. In 2013 it was brought to new Chancellor Timothy White’s attention that this was an issue for religious groups on all CSU campuses. Executive Order 1068 also says that clubs cannot discriminate when selecting members for leadership positions. “Due to the failure of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship to meet the California State University’s requirements of formal recognition of student organizations, specifically the open membership policy, the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service at Sonoma State University was required to re-

voke their charter for non-compliance,” said Heather Howard Martin, the director for student leadership, involvement and service. The executive order was called to action with diversity in mind. The chancellor and his counsel didn’t want anyone to feel discriminated against in clubs so they made this order to prevent clubs from discriminating against people that aren’t exactly like them. Since the student organizations are not allowed to discriminate against people with different religions, this has become a problem in spiritual groups on campus. “InterVarsity as a whole is a very diverse organization; we encourage ethnic and cultural exposure,” said Paige Drake, the social events leader of InterVarsity. “InterVarsity fosters diversity and exploration. Although our group’s constitution says that our leaders need to be Christian, a whole host of people are welcome to join our group.” InterVarsity members believe that not just anyone should be able to lead the large or small groups held by the organization because it is imperative to have someone that truly believes in Christian values. InterVarsity asks that all members who hold leadership positions in the organization be of Christian faith. An amendment to the ordinance exempts sororities and fraternities from gender discrimination, and InterVarsity groups around California would like a similar compensation. “We are a faith based group, our group is based around our faith and our student leaders lead all events on campus,” said InterVarsity Area Director Jenny Klouse. See INTERVARSITY on Pg. 4

STAR // Jenna Fischer Sonoma State named as one of the most beautiful colleges in California.

SSU ranked as one of the ‘Most Beautiful’ campuses Ryan Estes Staff Writer

onoma State University was ranked 25th of the Most Beautiful Colleges in California by the Colleges in California website. The top spot is owned by Stanford University and then followed up by Pepperdine University and the University of San Diego. The article from collegesincalifornia.net states “Sonoma State is known as being one of

the most modern colleges in all of California, as its buildings (using Urban architecture) and landscape were all designed to accentuate this.” The ranking was based on student votes and recommendations of the school, previous listings of beautiful college campus in national publications and some editorial judgment made by the article writers at Colleges a California. Sonoma State is set in the heart of wine country and surrounded by trees, plants, grass and flowers. Among the

landscape sit large, concrete and stucco buildings built in Urban architecture style. All the buildings are placed strategically to have some sort of view of the landscape. “I wanted to attend San Jose State until I came here [Sonoma State] for a tour. I fell in love with the campus and is the one of the big reasons why I came and why I am back for my Masters,” said Aimee Rodriques, a recent graduate. See BEAUTIFUL on Pg. 4

Ice Bucket Challenge overload

Schroeder Hall opens this week

Freshman explore with Wilderness Welcome trips

Check it out on Pg. 3

See the full story on Pg. 6

Read more on page 1.

rowds of Seawolves new and returning come out every year for an event that brings together the whole campus for one night only, one Big Nite. As an opportunity to enjoy games, rides, performances and get to know our campus’s clubs, departments and organizations, there is meant to be equal representation of everything we have to offer for the students. Unfortunately, one club was unable to share what it’s all about this year, and now may never have the chance to formally promote itself again. The InterVarsity Christian chapter is no longer an official club. After being granted an exemption for the 2013-14 school year from CSU Chancellor Timothy White, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship must now follow suit with Student Activities – Executive Order 1068, a policy issued by former chancellor Charles Reed which calls for recognized student groups to open the opportunity for all students to become potential leaders. Under the group’s constitution, those who hold leadership roles must be within the Christian faith, thus being the reason the InterVarsity chapter is no longer being recognized as an affiliated student club due to discrimination as laid out in the policy. However, the organization as a whole is very diverse, with members exploring different faiths and religions (see page 1). The key factor is how the chapter is unwilling to make this change, as it feels if it leaders don’t believe in the Christian faith that this completely changes what the group is fundamentally representing. One of the biggest issues it face is having to now pay extremely high fees with the loss of state funding as well as access to campus facilities, which some people may find ridiculous, and others seeing as perfectly fair. While there is students who feel their rights of freedom of speech and expression are being taken away, perhaps non-Christian

members of the group see it differently. There are those who believe anything that promotes discrimination should not be state funded, but how many members of the group who don’t share the same faith are even interested in a leadership role? While none of us can directly say, it’s partly the idea of someone out there that might be which truly counts. So what does this mean for other religious groups on campus? While they may not restrict leadership based on their affiliation, does this mean they are safe to stay? This could only be the beginning of new policies taking place that will target far more than the InterVarsity chapter, such as other belief-based, political or certain interest-based clubs. Overall we feel that these students deserved more time to get the situation under control, that the club has a right to be representing what it’s all about and shouldn’t have everything completely taken away from them. In an amendment to the ordinance, sororities and fraternities are exempted from gender discrimination, which is something those affiliated with InterVarsity would like to see as a similar compensation to its case in the future. One thing can be said is how InterVarsity doesn’t force it views on other students, or coax anyone to join. Some people feel that it has a right to be represented on campus, and that students should have the option to join an organization of people who share its views. On the other hand, any sign of discrimination means much more to the campus as a whole. Students should remember this is not just a Sonoma State issue. It’s a CSU-wide policy, one that is likely to see some backlash. InterVarsity students say they will continue to meet, but the question we are left with is, how far will this go? What clubs will be kicked off campus next?

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

Letters to the Editor

Nothing to do on campus?

ear Editor, During the opening weekend of Schroeder Hall we attended five of the 10 concerts. We have attended concerts in Weill Hall, both inside and on the lawn. Weill Hall is very nice, but Schroeder Hall is exactly what I envisioned when I first heard plans for the Green Music Center (GMC) in the 1990s. Wow. But one thing about this weekend bothers me. It seemed like the only students there were performers or ushers (they all seemed to be enjoying the concerts). All the concerts were free. There were many empty seats at several concerts that we attended. It was the first weekend of the semester, so I doubt that serious studying had begun. During the debate three years ago over raising student fees to help pay for the new Student Center, a common complaint from students was that there is not enough to do in Rohnert Park. So you are provided with a world-class music venue, free concerts featuring world-class performers, and there is “nothing to do”? Okay, I’m biased. I like most kinds of music. I enjoyed many rock concerts while living in San Francisco in the 1970s, and a Wagnerian opera keeps me on the edge of my seat. My all-time favorite performers include Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Scruggs, Mick Jagger, and Marilyn Horne. And I have always loved organ music. I found the Brombaugh organ in Schroeder

hall to be an absolutely stunning combination. Performances by Ruth Ann Swenson, who is on the vocal faculty at SSU, took me back to seeing Marilyn Horne in recital in Hertz Hall at UC Berkeley when I was in grad school there in 1968. Again, wow. WOW. Yes, the concerts may not have featured your favorite types of music, but the whole point of a university education is to expand your mind. To be honest, we were not fond of the music in one of the concerts, but we still enjoyed the extraordinary talent of the performers in that concert. Over the past several years I have publicly criticized the wisdom of committing so much of SSU’s talented resources to the construction of the GMC. Given that music venues like the GMC typically have funding problems, I still question whether the benefits will outweigh the cost. But this is an unanswerable question, and the GMC is a done deal. At this point we should all enjoy and support the success of the GMC. You have a fantastic resource right here on campus. Check out the performances being offered by the Music Department (http://www.sonoma.edu/music/concert_calendar/). If you click on the link “Venues & Directions – Tickets, Box Office and Parking” near the top, you will find that admission is included with your student I.D. - Robert Plantz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Computer Science

Opinion

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

The truth about dorms vs. living off campus

Megan Minturn Staff Writer

S STAR // Marybeth Mondok

Ice Bucket Challenge turns people cold Veronica Benvenuto Staff Writer

y now the words, “Ice Bucket Challenge” should send a shiver down your back every time you log onto your social media accounts. Without a doubt, this social media phenomenon, which continues to sweep the nation, has encouraged millions of Americans to soak themselves in a bucket of chilly ice water. But why? To donate and create awareness so the foundation can fight against ALS. The campaign has swept the nation, and has even involved many celebrities. Even though the challenge is going toward a great contribution, I think people are forgetting the true meaning behind this cause. It’s not just a social media fad; it’s about the people who are affected, as well as their families and friends. It was just a few weeks ago when I watched the first “Ice Bucket” video and I thought it was hilarious, but it never crossed my mind that it would become a booming trend. A week later, it went viral and my Facebook news feed began blowing up of, “ALS Ice Bucket” videos. Practically every friend I have on Facebook is either posting a video or donating. I find it heartwarming knowing how involved people are getting toward this cause. Even though there is a lot of support, there are mixed opinions. While there is a lot of positivity, there has also been a lot of negativity about the campaign.

There is a lot more we need to learn, and that is why this campaign is so important because there is no cure for ALS. But who would have thought a bucket of ice would turn controversial? The main annoyance involves people who are getting tired of seeing videos every time they’re on social media accounts. The biggest issue for those in California is the serious drought going on. This contribution is having an effect on the people who fear of the low water supply. I do consider myself one of those people who fall into the category of having concern and fear for wasting water every time I see the video of water being dumped. In the Los Angeles region, some people are being fined for participating in the challenge. It was not until my boyfriend mentioned a story of his soccer coach being diagnosed just a few years ago, who is now paralyzed, that I realized how serious ALS is and the impact it has on the family and friends. The progression of it happens almost instantaneously and the life expectancy of it lasts from two to five years. There is a lot more we need to learn, and that is why this campaign is so important because there is no cure for ALS. The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body, overtime the degeneration leads to death when the whole body becomes paralyzed. Even though California is going through a drought, some people are getting creative and using other options to conserve, but also participate as well. For instance, using pool water or even going to the beach to use cold ocean water. The best way to help this contribution is by donating to the ALS foundation so they can find a solution for this disease. The point of the Ice Bucket Challenge is to raise awareness of ALS and help find a cure. So, to all the ice bucket haters, if you have a problem think about how this is actually making a positive difference in the world. We can only hope it brings comfort for those who suffer with this cruel disease.

onoma State does not offer your typical dorm hall with community bathrooms; in fact they include heated f loors and stateof-the art kitchens. The past two years that I have attended Sonoma State, I lived on campus. Freshman year my home was a two-bedroom space where four girls shared a bathroom and living room. The students staying in dorms known as Verdot, like to call them “Verghetto.” Although, these dorms are considered “ghetto” here at Sonoma State, they are far from it compared to other universities. Sophomore year, I moved into Tuscany with five roommates of my choice and a beautiful kitchen to cook in. As nice as the dorms are at Sonoma State, I always wanted to live off campus because I thought I still needed more independence. This year, after a lot of time and worrying that my roommates and I would be living on the streets, I was lucky enough to find a two-story house in M-Section with three of my best friends. You know the saying, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone?

That’s how I feel about on campus housing. Living on campus makes life very simple. One doesn’t have to drive to school, the options of a meal plan are available (cooking for yourself every night isn’t as fun as one would think), and while living on campus, students do not have to worry about paying utilities. The best part of all, dorms come fully furnished. Meeting up with random people that are selling couches and TV’s on craigslist is not at the top of my list of favorite things to do. All this put aside, living off campus gives a whole new meaning to the word freedom. First off, lets talk about how nice it is that I will never have to answer my door to a CSA again. Never again will I have to tiedie shirts with people that I never talk to in my living area. These activities that are mandatory attempt to bring us residents together, but more often than not, no one wants to spend time doing these somewhat childish activities. I can also come home late from a party and not have to worry about hiding or running away from the CSA’s (I thought I didn’t have to worry about that after high school). Coming to college we all think we will be treated like adults, but that is not always the case. Though,

I do have to worry about my neighbors, like all RoPo locals, who have a lot of conf licts with college students. Although driving to and from school and finding a place to park is an inconvenience, it is nice being able to leave campus after class each day. Coming home to a house is a completely different feeling than going back to a dorm. For me, coming back to a house is more comfortable than a dorm. It is a place where I can forget about school and de-stress for at least a little while. More than anything, living off campus is a really big responsibility. This is probably the reason why part of me misses living on campus. However, at this age, living in a house is great experience for the real world. When we leave college, many will not be able to simply call maintenance and get our heater fixed for free or even unclog a toilet. When we leave college we won’t only have one bill to pay on time, we will have multiple. It may be more convenient to live on campus, but I think it is important to get a taste of the real world throughout our college career. So far, living off campus proves to be one of those real, grown-up experiences.

The first tastes of freshman year Shannon Brown Staff Writer

ith college being a time of uncertainty and adjustments, it’s easy for me to say that I didn’t have a clue what to expect my first year. I understood that my main objective going into college was to get an education, but as far as the changes I was going to face, I was going in completely blind. Even though most freshmen across the country have to go through the same adjustments, the ways colleges or universities help foster independence, can be a large part of how freshmen first perceive college and how well they do in dayto-day college life. Beginning in early June, freshman orientation helped make each student entering feel more comfortable and confident at Sonoma State. Orientation made it easier to come back a few months later in August because I knew more about the school and felt more comfortable around other students. From the well-trained orientation leaders to the endless “ice breakers,” the mandatory freshman orientation helped me ease into the transition from high school to college. Along with orientation, the first week of classes came with nu-

merous activities for all students, which helped blend the freshmen with the other students. Although Big Nite was sometimes incredibly overwhelming, due to the amount of people I didn’t recognize, the fact that I got to spend time with my roommates and feel a part of the school was a great introduction to what college life will be like. A big part of the reason why I chose SSU was the housing. When I toured in April, the spacious living room and kitchen as well as the intimate bathroom area, was a huge plus. I didn’t realize until after I moved in and spent my first few days in my dorm, just how much the housing helped me transition from life at home to life in college. I still had a kitchen right outside my door but this time the freedom to choose what to stock it with. Since I shared a bathroom with my little sister at home, doing the same thing with a single roommate in college is a breeze. Compared to some of my friends off at large, southern universities who share a bathroom with their entire f loor, I consider myself lucky. Sonoma State’s housing is only an added benefit to freshmen that are just starting their college career. It may be difficult finding a balance between immediate indepen-

dence and not severing your ties to home completely. With SSU’s dorms being so homey and apartment like, the transformation was easier for me to get acclimated with life without my parents. This is where Sonoma State and their housing are such an added plus for new adults attempting to be independent for the first time. One still loves and needs their parents, but at the same time, living on campus provides an opportunity for growth as an adult. A large part of freshman year at Sonoma State is the Freshman Learning Communities. The program I’m in, known as Freshman Year Experience, focuses on learning in a new way by introducing interesting novels and intriguing guest lectures to be discussed in a small and private group setting. This not only gives me a more positive outlook on learning my freshman year, but I feel more self-assured in the education that Sonoma is going to give me. Even though I’m just dipping my toes into adulthood, I know that Sonoma State will always have the resources I need to have a successful freshman year. From their reputable housing, to the infinite amount of events held on campus, Sonoma State is the prefect environment for me to grow and f lourish in my first year of college.

Drakes Bay Oyster Farm closes Danielle Hansen Staff Writer

f asked what defines you as an individual, what would you say? In today’s culture selfexpression and individualism is highly valued. Individualism in particular is ideal to reach. A majority of society is trying to be different from everyone else; the whole hipster trend is an example of individualism. What makes me different? This is something that I had to think long and hard about. The things that first come to mind for me are my morals, spiritual and religious beliefs, the food I eat, life style in general and so much more. All of this forms who I am as a person, and what is important to me. At our core is our beliefs and culture; this is the foundation of who we are as a person. Personally the way I was raised plays a huge factor in my individualism. I grew up in the Polynesian culture, and an immense part of that is the heritage behind it. It is the traditions passed down through generations that keep it alive. Everything about me is directly

linked to my heritage. Heritage is the foundation to me as a person and an individual. Three weeks ago the Federal Government shut down the locally owned and operated Drakes Bay Oyster Farm located in Point Reyes after a long protracted legal battle. The end result of this legal case was the closing of an almost century old piece of history, business and thriving mariculture farm that supported most of the west coast. Heritage being at the foundation of what makes me the individual I am, makes me sick to see a whole community losing the foundation of who they are. This small thriving business being forced to close its doors is saddening, especially in a time when too big to fail businesses are being bailed out by the government. It doesn’t make sense to shut down the Drakes Bay Oyster Farm. Why close a business that is ingrained in its community and a huge suppler of food for the west coast? Not only is this town losing this great piece of history; California is losing a productive Oyster Farm. With this business gone, we will be importing more Oysters from Wash-

ington and other non-local locations. California is losing 30% of its shellfish market. Food prices are already on the rise, and with the closing of local Farms we will be forced to look elsewhere for food. Is it our government’s goal to end up importing everything from China and other countries? This is a loss of a natural sustainable food source. If not outraged for the loss of a piece of history, we should be outraged at the loss of a plentiful food source. While the closing of the Drakes Bay Oyster Farm has been linked predominantly to the claim that the oysters are causing damage to the surrounding environment. Environmentalists have stated that oysters actually work to clean and remove plankton and organic particles from the water. Oysters can actually filter up to 50 gallons of water a day; this improves the waters quality and clarity. The heritage of Point Reyes is slowly being ripped away. Where a town that once thrived off the land and its waters, will now been taken over by tour bus’ showing where everything once was. This town is slowly losing its individuality. It’s become a ghost town,

a museum no longer productive. It’s the small business ran and operated by active community members that keep this town alive. Preservation of loss of local business is what we need to focus on to help keep Point Reyes alive. This small town will fail in its productivity and become history if something is not done. This town losing a part of its heritage is a tragedy. Point Reyes is slowly losing its individuality with the closing of the Drakes Bay Oyster Farm.

bestandworstever.blogspot.com California loses tons of shellfish market.

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News

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

BEAUTIFUL: Addition of new buildings attracts students to Sonoma State

STAR // Connor Gibson, Maud Busson Over the past 15 year, Sonoma State University has had modernized its campus with the additions of many new buildings, including the Green Music Center (left) and Schultz Information Center (right). Continued from Pg. 1

While on a campus tour, local resident Shawn Johnson from Windsor said “[The campus] is nice, but the newer facilities standout.” The tour group was pleasantly surprised when told about the ranking of Sonoma State but a bit unanimous that Sonoma State is nice but nothing special and the newer and future facilities are more exciting. Over the past 15 years, Sonoma State has worked to modernize its campus with the addition of many new facilities and academic buildings. The first major change was the addition of the Schultz Information Center that opened in 2000 and replaced Salazar Hall

as the campus library. Following the Schultz Information Center came the introduction of the upperclassman campus housing and the renovation of Darwin Hall. More recently, Sonoma State welcomed the additions of the Recreation Center, Green Music Hall and new Student Center. Sonoma State wasn’t always considered beautiful but rather a plain an unimpressive campus. Walk down the halls of Salazar Hall and one can see the pictures of Sonoma State rising from the dirt with concrete buildings and immature trees just freshly planted. “When the school was to be designed, with Urban architecture in mind, a style that would allow the university to have its

own unique identity,” cites the Colleges in California article. Has Sonoma State created its own unique identity that is just as unique as the very students, faculty and staff that walk its campus everyday? That is for each person to answer himself or herself; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Colleges In California is an online publication with the objective of providing future students with the best information possible to help them find the college that best fits them. The website has information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships and much more to help future students pursue their college dreams. The full article and review can be found at: http://www.collegesincalifornia.net/rankings/beautiful-colleges-in-california.

SSU welcomes new faculty Psychology department Sara Molenda Staff Writer

he release of the California Governor’s final budget offer of $142 million to the California State University system will give Sonoma State the opportunity to hire nearly 45 new professors in the next three years. The students at Sonoma State could reap the benefits of this opportunity to add to the existing pool of tenure-track professors. Provost Andrew Rogerson revealed that Sonoma State is already on its way to increasing the number of professors in an effort to offer more class sections and relieve overflowing courses. Rogerson explained that just this year, Sonoma State was already able to hire 11 new professors, none of which are a part of the possible 45 future hires. The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies welcomed Dr. Mercy Romero as an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and American Literature/American Studies. The Philosophy department added Dr. Joshua Glasgow as an Assistant Professor. The Biology department welcomed Dr. Sean Place as an Assistant Professor. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics welcomed Martha Shott as an Assistant Professor. The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies welcomed Dr. Emily Ascencio as an Assistant Professor. The Counseling Department welcomed Dr. Tiffany O’Shaughnessy as an Assistant Professor. The Sociology Department welcomed Dr. Brian Gillespie as an Assistant Professor. Sonoma State also welcomed Ms. Caitlin Plovnick as the newest Librarian. Along with these new professors, Sonoma State welcomed three visiting professors: Dr.

Jennifer Casey to the Chemistry Department, Dr. Erik Nielsen to the Department of Sociology and Dr. Renata Schaefer as the International Business and General Management Visiting Professor. These professors bring degrees from all over the country from universities such as University of Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC Riverside, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA and many more. Upon meeting the new hires, President Ruben Armiñana conveyed his hope for the next few years. “Professors are starting to retire and these new faculty will bring their own educations and experiences to the university, as well as creative approaches on how to improve the curriculum,” said Armiñana. In regards to the future hires, Provost Rogerson will meet with the Dean’s Council in the next year to decide which departments will get new faculty. The council will meet and discuss where the need for more course sections or advising might rest. “Right now there is need in the Mathematics Department and the Chemistry department but the council will make the final decisions based on a variety of factors,” said Rogerson. Rogerson also explained that the decisions will be made in a two year period, meaning that certain department needs that are not met in the first round of hires, will be met in the next academic year. Furthermore, these new hires will have no direct effect on student fees, since these hires are subsidized from the Governor by the state of California. Sonoma State students and teachers alike could benefit from new faculty that could bring new and creative insight into existing courses.

wins award

Peter Njoroge Staff Writer

n partnership with the community parenting institute and Sonoma State University’s Psychology Department, the Collaborative Autism Training and Support program (CATS) received a community recognition award in July 2014 for its support to families with children who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ASD is categorized by difficulties in social communication and interaction in different contexts, repetitive patterns of behavior and is usually noticed within the first two years of life. “There are a range of characteristics and also a range of severity of involvement,” said program director Dr. Lorna Catford. Catford’s involvement with the program began when she started receiving calls from distressed parents whose children needed support and care. “I basically started the program,” Catford said. The CATS program began with a onesemester class with 20 students who worked with 20 other students who were on the autism spectrum along with their families. Fast-forward 10 years and the program now runs for two semesters the number of students having doubled to 40 per semester. With the help of partnerships with around 30 other local autism programs and Sonoma State University, the program has f lourished.

“Part of why I got the reward is because it spread and became wildly respected,” Catford said. The CATS classes are service oriented. This means they are split into three parts which are composed of academics, community service and ref lection on the impact the services has had on the recipients as well as students. “It’s a little bit like an internship on steroids,” Catford said. Further, the program also has parent support groups, which students also take part in. Students apply what they learn in the classroom and are required to practice responsibility. “It’s not the kind of class you can go online and read a book in your pajamas,” Catford said. According to Catford, students apply and learn skills they can utilize in their future careers with other clients. Such skills include finding strengths in people on the spectrum, respect and an understanding of the fact that not all people on the autism spectrum are alike. In addition, most students who graduate after participating in the program eventually get a job from their connection to CATS. “I think students who are studying psychology should really look into it,” said Sonoma State’s psychology student Patrick Finnigan. Catford encourages all students to join regardless of where their college careers might take them. “Some people fall in love, other people find their calling,” Catford said.

INTERVARSITY: Executive order put into action by chancellor Continued from Pg. 1

COURTESY // Jenny Klouse Members of InterVarsity have stayed within the boundaries set by SSU.

“If the leaders don’t believe in the faith, which our group is about, then [the] group seizes to be what it is about,” said Klouse in response to why the group won’t change their policy to fit the demands of the chancellor. There have been some restrictions to what InterVarsity can and can’t do on campus, now that they are not recognized as a club. They no longer receive funding from the state and are not allowed to reserve facilities on campus for free. The group has also been prohibited from tabling at Big Nite and is not permitted to participate in any clubrelated affairs. There have been no organized protests to challenge the order, but the members of the group started wearing what they call “banner backpacks,” which are being

used in place of tabling to raise awareness for InterVarsity. The members of InterVarsity are trying to not break any rules that the school has set, but aren’t going down without a fight. Last year the group wanted to abide by the rules of the ordinance so they decided to vote for their leaders, and if the results were not unanimous then they would reevaluate the situation and figure out why it was not agreed upon. “We are really trying to stay within the boundaries that the school has given us,” said Brennan Pryor, another InterVarsity leader. “The school itself has been very supportive and even sympathetic toward our situation.” InterVarsity members say they will keep fighting for their cause and will still hold meetings on or off campus as a group unaffiliated from the school.

News

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

invested in it. It really is the people in the industry that have supported it, and made all this possible,” said Ray Johnson, director of the Wine Business Institute. Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of the Wine Spectator Magazine recently donated three million dollars to Sonoma State University for the construction of the Wine Spectator Learning Center; Shanken is one of many who has contributed to the funding of the new building’s construction With the help of Rob Rubin, owner of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery and Walt Klenz, who is a part of the Vincraft group a wine business investment group here in the North Bay, the construction of this new facility has been made possible. ToSTAR // Gustavo Vasquez gether Rubin and Klenz reached out to Marvin The Wine Business Learning Institute will replace the former University Commons building on campus R. Shanken, a mutual and is set to open in the 2015-16 academic year friend, to help contribute to the Sonoma State Wine Business Institute. Gary Heck, chairman of the board of directors of Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute, contributed the initial one million Gustavo Vasquez 14,580 square feet building will be created into dollars to the construction of the upgraded Staff Writer a new space that is organized around three fo- facility. Heck contributed the first million to cal areas, an education core, student common lead the campaign and to encourage others to area and industry center. contribute like Marvin R. Shanken. ithin the next two years, students in The building will be housing to new and “As an alumni, I have enjoyed the opporthe School of Business and Econom- improved classrooms, common areas, a board- tunity to go back to the university myself and ics with a wine business strategy room, a lakeside terrace and a hospitality gar- do the best I can to add value to the program concentration will have a new facility to learn den. Currently, Sonoma State University is the by way of being the President of the Wine and grow in on campus. The Wine Business only university to offer a graduate degree pro- Business Institute alumni council. I have been Learning Center will be replacing the current gram in wine business. delighted to work with the faculty and staff off University Commons building on campus. The “We’re very grateful to be the people who the Wine Business Institute and I am thrilled

Wine Institute welcomes new facility, to open next year

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to see the program continue to succeed,” said Paul Finn, who is one of the first graduates of the wine business program in 2001. Finn added, “A brick and mortar building dedicated to the Wine Business Institute will usher in a whole new era of continued success and will continue to add value to both the institution and the wine industry.” “One of the greatest aspects of Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute is its location, in the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country. We have a unique opportunity here as students to experience the industry unlike any other schools because we are surrounded by world class vineyards. Having a building dedicated to the Wine Business Institute will solidify our stature as a unique Wine Business school and program,” said Christina Vizcaino, president of the Sonoma State University wine club. Vizcaino also stated, “As a wine business student currently enrolled in the program, it is incredibly exciting to see that we will finally have our own building to call home and also to cache our wine glasses. We are a leading program in the industry and deserve to reflect that in our educational facilities. As President of the Wine Sense Club on campus, I know we will all be extremely proud of bring our visitors and guest speakers from around the world to present in this world class building.” The Wine Business Strategies program began almost 18 years ago, when a group of industry leaders wanted to create a program where students of future generations could study wine business. “Right now over 600 people each year study with us in one way or another, that’s in the master’s program, the bachelor’s program, or one of our certificate programs for people in the wine industry,” said Ray Johnson. Sonoma State University was the first university within the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field of wine business beginning in 1998, and the first wine master’s program in 2008. Sonoma is one of the leading schools with a degree in wine business in the United States. In 2011, the university began offering the first online certificate in wine business management. In 2012, the program offered the first MBA in executive wine and hosted the first global conference on wine business education.

Sustainable food policy implemented across CSU system Nicole Detmers Staff Writer

R wikimedia.org Sonoma County and the state of California is still amidst a “mega-drought” according to Governor Jerry Brown.

Drought continues in Sonoma county

Adam Roth Staff Writer

alifornia is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in the states recorded history with no clear signs of relief in sight. In January, Governor Jerry Brown declared California in a state of emergency due to the extreme drought conditions and warned that we could be headed for a “mega-drought,” urging residents to reduce their water usage by 20 percent. Currently, 58 percent of the state is within the D-4 category, the highest and driest category on the dryness scale according to United States Drought Monitor. At this time last year, no part of the state had reached this level and the D-4 category is predicted to spread to more parts of the state. “Sonoma is already using some really innovative ideas to conserve water such as using recycled water and gray water programs to irrigate lawns,” said Dr. Laura A. Watt, associate professor and chair of environmental studies and planning at Sonoma State University. In a recent mass email sent out by Craig Dawson, director of energy and environmental health and safety on campus, he suggested multiple ways people living on campus can cut back on the amount of water they use by shorting shower times, soaking pots and pans in the sink, washing only full loads of laundry and reporting any leaks immediately to Seawolf Services. “20 percent of the energy used in California is used to move water around, the fact that we have water coming out of the tap is a pretty amazing thing. The more people can gain awareness

about water conservation, the better off we will be in the long run in preparing for the next drought that is inevitably going to come,” said Watt. Awareness about the drought and the message of water conservation is spreading as fast as the ALS ice bucket challenge. Many students are concerned about the drought and are doing their part to conserve. “I try my best to waste as little water as I can” said Pete Widders, a junior at Sonoma State, “I no longer leave the water running when I brush my teeth and cut my shower time by 30 percent. It’s concerning to think that we could run of such an important resource that all of our lives depend on.” It is unclear when the much-needed rain will return to California to refill our reservoirs and replenish our dwindling water supply. Local communities such as Healdsburg and Cloverdale in Sonoma County are cracking down on water wasters after they were endanger of loosing water completely within 60 to 120 days back in January. “California has been a going through periodic droughts for millennia,” said Watt. “It shouldn’t be surprising that we are in a drought, you can’t predict when they are going to come, but we’ve always known that we are going to have more drought cycles” “I’m hoping this winter will bring a lot of rain to California, things are a little tense right now but I’m hoping that I won’t have to leave California because of the drought.” Widders said, “It’s a group effort to conserve our water, every little bit counts right now and people need to look at the big picture, it’s a humanitarian effort.”

ecent events including the current drought and wildfires have increased the need for awareness and utilization of sustainable resources. In the interest of encouraging success in local businesses, as well as a sustainable lifestyle, each California State University must ensure 20 percent of all food purchased must be from local community based farms by 2020. The approval of this bill exhibits the interest by students in the state of California for the future of resources and an innate need for innovation. Sonoma State included, many campuses across the state, both CSUs and UCs have created models to adopt a sustainable policy toward student life. The bill mimics others like it calling for a statewide increase of renewable energy and emission reduction to 1990 levels by 2020. Brought about by student leadership, the movement calling for change, promoted awareness and activism toward sustainability was voted into play with a petition containing over a thousand signatures. Students from all over the state of California brought the interest in sustainability to the attention of the CSU.  “The sustainable food service goal in the university policy demonstrates the power of student participation,” said Michael Clemson, associate energy analyst at the California State University chancellor’s office. The bill was passed and put into effect on May 21. This policy describes sections on resource usage including energy, water, buildings, and food. The student campaign, Real Food for CSU’s or the “Real Food Challenge,” called for fair, local, community based, ecologically sound and humane food systems. Encouraging students to grow their own produce, use refill water stations and purchase locally grown businesses not only supports the local economy but creates a sense of leadership and welfare for the good of everyone. On the local level, Sonoma State has been channeling the need for change through leadership from both staff and students. With the addition of the Student Center as well as student run programs such as Sonoma State Growers Cooperative and a

growing interest in sustainability from the Associated Students. In April of last year, 2014 student representatives from Sonoma State attended the Sustainable Enterprise Conference in Sonoma County along with other leaders in creating sustainability in all aspects of local life. “Sustainability is an important issue on the campus and it is of utmost importance that when talking about sustainability we remember that is encompasses the cultural, economic and environment. Not just the environment. Culinary services is doing a good job touching each aspect of sustainability. I hope to continue to see and be a part of these changes across campus,” said Allison Jenks, sustainability senator at Sonoma State. The Culinary Services of Sonoma State currently supports local business and promotes sustainable practices within the university’s dining venues. Currently through culinary services, a vast amount of food purchases are from local companies all around the bay area including doughnuts from widely popular Jelly Doughnuts, and Shone Farm that comes from the Santa Rosa Junior College. As a campus, the option to recycle and compost is everywhere, making it easy for students to make a conscious decision to do more. The Student Center utilizes repurposed water, and a completely environmentally friendly design. “Sonoma State University has committed to sustainable practices throughout numerous avenues on campus such as the Culinary Services compost program to the Recreation Center’s Green Building Certification,” said Dustin De Matteo, Sustainability Ambassador at Sonoma State. University programs such as the Sonoma State Growers Cooperative exist to create an opportunity for students to grow produce that provides food for themselves and their peers. Produce grown by the grower’s cooperative is purchased and used in the Student Center. This kind of change is powerful as it allows students to develop the culture of the future world. De Matteo said, “As students and faculty members commit to a sustainable future I’ve seen a sense of culture, unity, and pride start to emerge across diverse fields here at SSU.”

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Arts

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Schroeder Hall Opening Weekend Sonoma’s Bach Choir A Tribute to Charlie Brown Sierra Smith Staff Writer

crowd with a smile and said, “So a duck walks into a bar…” The entire hall erupted into laughter as Worth continued on with his joke while the techn the late morning of Schroeder Hall’s sec- nological problems were fixed, leaving a refreshond day grand opening, various elegantly ing aura among the crowd in time for the concert dressed guests waiting for the opening con- to officially begin. cert, performed by Sonoma Bach Choir, conAs the applause began to falter and the sumed the lobby of the Green Music Center on lights began to dim before the first performance, Saturday. the energy in the hall was notably impeccable. The Sonoma County sun was just beginning Many families and friends of the choir whisto reveal itself amidst the cloudy sky as more pered to each other in anticipation for the choir guests began to consume the intimate enclosure ensemble to begin, in which Parsons set the atof Schroeder Hall. With the maximum occupan- mosphere with an incredible opening on the orcy of 250 seats, Schroeder Hall has presented a gan. musical landscape for all sorts of performancFor the next hour and a half, Schroeder Hall es and ensembles was the epicenSonoma State Uniter for the stunversity will now bening series of gin to offer. performances by Upon entering the Sonoma Bach the hall, the most Choir. It was clear noticeable preson every performence stood itself er’s faces how dedmagnificently beicated and moved fore the crowd: the they were by their Brombaugh Opus 9 own efforts in cregmc.sonoma.edu ating the astonishTracker Pipe Organ. The honorable do- Robert Worth led the Sonoma Bach Choir ing acoustics that nation given by B.J. consumed the hall. and Bebe Cassin, The range of ages Donald and Maureen Green, Robert Worth and between the performers was evident; the choir Margaret McCarthy complemented the small- included community members and students scale venue. The sum of its parts encompasses approximately between the ages of 25 and 65. many scarce types of wood, including red oak. Despite the difference of ages between the perThis outstanding instrument was constructed formers, their harmonies and solos were flawapproximately 40 years ago by an organ archi- less. Hence the name of the choir, pieces by Bach tect in which the instrument was named after, dominated the event to emphasize the Baroque John Brombaugh. period and the emotion in his music. Other piecUpon entering the stage, the Sonoma Bach es such as the infamous Ode to Joy, by Ludwig Choir modestly assorted themselves in their ar- van Beethoven, was a recognizable hit among rangements surrounding music director Robert other composers with pieces in German, Latin, Worth, a Sonoma State University alumni and and English. current professor at the university since the year By the end of the performances led by 1985. Just as the concert was to begin, some Worth and Parsons, the energy in the hall radiattechnological complications were brought up ed with excitement and passion for the choir and involving the camera that guided organ player their unforgettable performance; a performance David Parsons to be in sync with Worth for the that is one of many that will take place in the performance. new venue next to Weill Hall and the Hospitality To lighten up the mood, Worth faced the Center.

Alyssa James Staff Writer

ith the grand opening of Schroeder Hall, the Green Music Center has been abuzz with concert-goers eager for a fresh new musical experience. Since the opening of Weill Hall in 2012, Schroeder Hall has been a structure in the background on the Sonoma State University campus that many have always been curious about. Named after the pianoplaying Peanuts character, the 250-seat hall was designed statuesque and slender in order to emphasize and accentuate the musical impact of instruments and vocals. The name Schroeder Hall was chosen by Jean Schulz, the wife of the famous and beloved late cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz, who was the visionary behind Charlie Brown and Friends. Now that the doors of Schroeder Hall have finally been opened, it is only fitting that one of the first performances at the venue was titled a “Tribute to Charlie Brown,” performed by pianist David Benoit, along with his group which consisted of a bassist and a percussionist. Benoit began the night with a few wellknown popular Charlie Brown songs, including “Linus and Lucy,” from the Christmas special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” During Benoit’s rendition of “The Great Pumpkin,” the lights of Schroeder Hall were dimmed orange in order to accentuate the song as well as spark the audience’s imagi-

nation and recollection of the cartoon and television special. Many of the songs that Benoit covered, he attributed to renowned jazz musician, Vince Guaraldi, who composed the music for the Peanuts cartoons. Guaraldi composed the music for the earlier specials, while Benoit composed the music for many of the later specials. Along with songs from Charlie Brown and Friends, he also performed songs that were favorites of Charles Schulz. One song, entitled “Pebble Beach,” was written for Schulz by Guaraldi because he loved to spend time at Pebble Beach in Monterey County, California. Another song played was called “Snow Dancing,” a song by Benoit that Schulz always asked him to play. After the death of Schulz in 2000, Benoit recorded an album in remembrance of the cartoonist entitled Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years, a compilation of Peanuts songs as a tribute to him. Throughout the performance, Benoit spoke in between songs about his longtime friendship with Schulz. He fondly remembered going out with Schulz to get burgers, which is when he asked Benoit to call him by the name “Sparky.” Benoit laughed as he recalled this memory and told the audience that he felt he could never call him by this nickname because he saw Schulz as such an iconic and exceptional person who he respected highly and greatly admired. Benoit’s piano mastery along with his band mates’

complementary instrumentals were a joy to listen to and the audience was constantly applauding. Audience members, young and old, were brought back to memories of Peanuts cartoons that they had all grown up with throughout their childhood. Charlie Brown is an iconic and beloved character that will be adored and loved for generations to come and Sonoma State is lucky to be so highly influenced by the incredible imagination of Charles M. Schulz.

gmc.sonoma.edu The new 3,420 squarefoot Schroeder Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music boasts a 1,248-pipe Brombaugh Opus 9 organ that’s constructed of red oak.

‘Funny Girl’ delights Santa Rosa audience Natalie Bergman Staff Writer

very woman wants to feel as though she possess something special, whether she’s recognized for her beauty, talent, humor or character. Human beings all differentiate from one another, and each and every one of us are trying to make the best with what we’ve got, to prove that we can make it on our own in this world. It’s that power that comes from within—the kind that convinces us that we are unique and of great worth—that makes some of us stand out from the crowd. Growing up I’ve always had a sweet spot for musicals, but after watching “Funny Girl” for the first time with Barbara Streisand, something resonated within me that I believe captured others in the same way. Fanny Brice’s character is so raw, that even in her most awkward moments one cannot help but smile and laugh with her rather than at her. It was to no surprise that I rushed to the opening night of “Funny Girl’ at The 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa upon hearing it’s current showtimes from Friday to Sept. 14. It’s an American classic, and it instantly became very apparent to me how proud the theater was to be running the show, along with many other classics in the near future. Barry Martin, the Director of the show, had a few words to say about the production. “With one of the most wonderful scores ever written, and a story based on interesting real people, Funny Girl is simply one of the best musicals ever. But during the course of directing this production I discovered a love not just for the show but for Fanny Brice too —an amazing woman who was far ahead of her time, who took her career into her own hands and became a star on her own terms,” said Martin. “She paved the way and she was loved by those she worked with - a thoughtful and caring person, down to earth and real - a far cry from the reputation of many of today’s big stars.” Even as I sat in the crowd, I could feel the pulsating vibrations of all the positive energies coming from each of the audience members throughout the entire performance. The demographic was roughly 80 percent ranging between their 40s-70s, and the rest were a mere 20 percent of children and young adults. However, all ages alike had smiles from ear to ear. What I enjoyed most about the tone of the play was how it allowed the audience to be interactive without appearing rude. Since “Funny Girl” is a story based on a woman who is not particularly a “Miss American Beauty,” but has a heart of gold and a sense of humor that blows all other personalities out of the water, the tone for the show was quirky, comical and refreshing. On several occasions

audience members would shout out in the middle of scenes, allowing a certain freedom to be a part of the show, rather than just a quiet bystander/observer. Hollers, cheers, laugher and even out-loud peanut-gallery commentary such as, “awww yeahhh’s” made the whole experience feel welcoming and exciting, like I was part of something communally. “Funny Girl’ has elements in the story that each and every one of us can relate to; including selfdiscovery, passion, matters of self-esteem, breaking barriers, individuality, and even the classic heart break we’re all familiar with: when love is found, only to then be lost. Because of its relatable characters involved in a story consisting of relatable experiences, it truly is an amazing show that hits the audience where is counts. I certainly could relate to Fanny’s drive and determination to be recognized, yet conflicted within her own insecurities of beauty, trying to make it in a world where it mattered “if a girl isn’t pretty.” Fanny Brice, along with all of the other characters in Funny Girl, really remind ourselves that we are all human, and it doesn’t matter how much talent we have or how special we are, we all still love and hurt the same. Funny Girl emphasizes that we all deserve respect and recognition; even it has to be demanded and sought out through our own desires. Fanny made the world her stage, quite literally, and she did it her way, without compromising herself; moving mountains and paving the way for other women in show business, all the while making her own mistakes, as all people do. As I was passing through the crowd once the show was over, there wasn’t a single unhappy face in the building. Joy, laughter and harmony filled the concessions and lobby area all the way to the parking lot, full of entertained and satisfied Sonoma County locals, already talking about the next show they will be attending at the 6th Street Playhouse. I felt welcomed and at home in the seats of the theater, and even standing around listening to others chatter at the beginning, intermission and end of the show. It became very clear to me that the 6th Street Playhouse had a proud, local, dedicated audience. One show in, and now I’m convinced that the 6th Street Playhouse knows what they’re doing in their production choices, and has made a new regular viewer out of me. I look forward to productions they will be holding in the future, including “The Adams Family Musical,” “Clybourne Park,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “Assassins.” I truly urge everyone to see “Funny Girl” while it’s out before it’s gone on Sept. 14. If you are looking for some comic relief involving and a quirky real girl to remind the world that not all women are the same, than this is the perfect show.

COURTESY // 6th Street Playhouse Actress Taylor Bartolucci flawlessly executed her performance as the quirky Fanny Brice in 6th Street Playhouse’s rendition of “Funny Girl.”

Entertainment

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

New Khalifa: just another weed album Marissa Oliveira Staff Writer

facebook.com Director Bryant Boesen is joined by his parents on a trip to the Burning Man Festival.

A trip to Burning Man Alexandra Rentoria Staff Writer

he film “Taking My Parents to Burning Man” directed by Bryant Boesen, also the main star of the production, was hosted in Sonoma State University’s Warren Hall in Ives auditorium by the Sonoma Film Institute. The Sonoma Film Institute has been around since 1973 and several films will be shown annually, starting in August. The institute has had many star appearances such as Nicholas Ray and has shown many films of various genres. The film “Taking My Parents to Burning Man” starts off with the director asking random people on the street “what is Burning Man?” Some responded with “it’s a party in the desert,” “it’s a place where people can express themselves freely without judgment” and “it’s a place where anything can happen.” Right from the very start, Boesen had his viewers wondering what is this film really going to entail? Boesen, the main lead, had convinced his parents to go to Burning Man with him. While his parents were somewhat resistant at first, they eventually came around to joining their son on a journey far from their comfort zones. A day before Burning Man, Boesen and his family found that they did not have a ride. Distress starts to set in due to their lack of transportation, Bryant’s mother’s injury and their inability access their money from their fundraiser. Not knowing if the family will be able to attend Burning Man, created a feeling of uncertainty among audience members. Boesen did not let this obstacle stop them and by the chance of luck he and his family are able to get a ride with his friends on a bus. This bus ride was like any enjoyable trip with family and friends except when Boesen played the well-known game “never have you ever” along

with his family and friends; which was the start of many humorous moments throughout the movie. The film made its audience feel as if they were there looking at all the interesting sights, such as the art cars, the intense lights, the burning of a set up wall street made of wood and community that Burning Man created. The camera angles display how desirable Burning Man is at night, for it looked like a carnival of expressed creativity held back by no barriers. For the duration of the movie Boesen and his parents break down barriers and their relationship starts to strengthen. The most heartfelt moment was when the family fully united and went to the Temple where people go to remember their lost ones. Bryant’s grandmother had passed recently and going to the Temple helped the family find some closure. While the trip starts to wrap up, it is clear that the whole Boesen family has gone through a transformation. Right before the Boesen family leaves they watch the major part of the Burning Man festival where the Man is set on fire ending the festival for the year. The end of the film takes a look at the Boesen family four months from when they left Burning Man and shows them getting ready to go to next year’s Burning Man festival. “The perfect way for me to experience Burning Man. All the color, spectacle, spaciousness and none of the dust, wind, throb, thirst- highly recommended,” said Kathryn Kettier, fellow moviegoer. “I’ve always wondered about Burning Man and I’m so grateful to be able to see this much of it without having to eat dust,” said Mary Grul, another spectator. This film made one feel as if they were there with the Boesen family sharing all the stressful moments, good times and enjoying Burning Man first-hand.

Bring tissues to ‘If I Stay’ tal car accident due to the bad weather. Mia soon realizes her spirit has left her body and she then watches the events unfold around her and reflects on what she has left in life. She must decide to stay and live or to let go of life to be with her family. The film is divided into two stories, Mia’s out of body experience in the hospital and flashbacks to important memories in Mia’s life; Predominantly, Mia’s former romance with her high school love Adam. Adam was mesmerized by Mia

for the cello and love for Adam are important enough for her to continue to live without her family. ife is this big fat giganI loved this movie and “ tic mess but that’s the would definitely recommend it. beauty of it too.” “If I Going to a movie can be pricey Stay” is a film about not closing and when I leave feeling like I the door on oneself. It shows us got my money’s worth I know that even in the worst of times it was a good movie. I only had one can still find the good. The a few minor complaints about film centers on a teenage girl this movie. It is a movie about named Mia, played by Chloe love; love between Mia and her Grace Moretz. Mia reflects on parents, Mia and her brother, her life as a spirit who must deMia and the waiting room full cide whether or not she should of people who loved her, and return to her comatose Mia and Adam. Mia body and continue to and Adam’s love story live after a fatal car acwas overwhelmingly cident. shown, which I underThe opening scene stand was crucial to the in the movie shows film and Mia’s decisionMia, her younger brothmaking process. Hower Teddy, and her parever, I was bothered ents in the kitchen getthat they did not pay ting ready to leave for more attention to the school and work. The loss of her family. The dynamic of the family few scenes that show is shown perfectly in Mia and her family give Facebook.com this scene. Mia’s parthe audience a sense of ents are former rockers Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackhow close the family who calmed down after ley star in “If I Stay.” is and the impact they they had kids but still have on her life. own their cool vibe. “If I Stay” follows Mia’s younger brother Teddy is the day he first laid eyes on her. the trend of a young adult the perfect blend of the parents, Adam is a rocker, very different book-turned to-movie adaptahe’s outgoing and loves rock than Mia, but they connect over tion. The book was written by music. Then there’s Mia, the their passion of music. Over a Gayle Forman. Forman served outsider in the family. She is year and a half Mia and Adam as an executive producer of the close with them, but she discon- fell madly in love but their film and was heavily involved nects because her passion in life breakup comes when they both to make sure the film was done is classical music and playing decide to pursue their passion right to please all audiences. the cello. Mia is awaiting her of music. The film adaptation does a good acceptance letter from Julliard. Adam’s band is touring and job completing the story and Mia’s family hears on the gaining more success while Mia staying true to the book. Fans radio that school is cancelled has aspirations of playing the of the book know that the film for a snow day. Her parents talk cello at Julliard, a school across ends rather abruptly to set the her into taking a family road the country. When Adam shows stage for the sequel “Where She trip to take her mind off it and up at the hospital Mia must Went.” Unfortunately, movieto enjoy the day off. The road make a decision. Mia has to goers must accept and hope for trip sets up the whole movie decide whether these memories a screen adaptation of the sewhen the family gets into a fa- of her life including her passion quel as well. Brittany Finley Staff Writer

ewly released album “Blacc Hollywood” is just as clear as Wiz Khalifa’s head might be after a full night partaking in his favorite activity. His last album O.N.I.F.C. (One Night in First Class), released in 2012, is far better than the latest from the rapper. It may have something to do with his marriage to Amber Rose in 2013 and the birth of his son, Sebastian, this past February. Since turning into a family man, critics say that Wiz has become soft. The album was released on Aug. 19, the day after his one-year wedding anniversary. Much like the rest of Wiz’s albums, this one is about weed, women and wages. His musical style has changed since mainstream rap, and he definitely left those roots behind on this record. This is the fifth solo album for the 26-year-old rapper. It left many fans that have had to wait the last couple years for the release disappointed. Wiz released his 28 grams mix tape earlier this year in May, which also happened to be full of lazy intros and auto tune, much like his newest record. The album starts out with some spoken word from Chevy Woods and leads into the song “Hope.” This seemed hopeful for fans until the lyrics, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, hope you got thousands in your pocket cause she ain’t lookin’ for love.” The second song on the album “We Dem Boyz,” is a stand out track. The single happens to be on the Billboard Hot 100, but it is number 57 and moving down. The lyrics are just the name of the song repetitively and then some rap verses that wiggled their way in between. “We Dem Boys” may be a song playing repeatedly on the radio, but it is a song that no one wants to hear. “So High” is also another stand out track, but only because of how high he must have been when writing the song, with half of the lyrics being “I get so high” and “Uh huh.” On a lighter note, track eight, “Stayin Out All Night,” sounds a lot like the old Pittsburgh rapper beginning his rap career. One of the better parts of “Blacc Holly-

wood” was a song at the very end of the record called “You and Your Friends.” This track is probably the highlight of the whole album. If any more songs from the album end up on the top hits lists, I would guess that it would be this single. It sounds very similar to other party songs, but I suppose that would be the point. Wiz had some featuring help from Snoop Dogg and Ty$ with the song, which is why it was decent. With lyrics like, “Came here with all of my dogs, but I’m tryna leave with you and your friends,” it’s bound to have people dancing. On a scale of one to 10, I’m giving “Blacc Hollywood” a solid four. The only reason it’s not rated a three is because of the track “You and Your Friends,” which shows some potential. The rest of the album was very subpar. If anything, Taylor Gang expects a lot more from Young Khalifa in the future, especially when looking at some of the previous mix tapes and albums from his past. While some fans want the old style music from the rapper, others just want him to grow away from this experimental phase. Either way, it looks like there aren’t many hits for Wiz and this time we are not referring to his frequent marijuana usage.

facebook.com Wiz Khalifa’s new album, “Blacc Hollywood” is anything but original.

Michael Cera’s surprise folk experiment Edward Goquingco Staff Writer

ack in fall of 2007, a movie titled “SuperBad” was released. It follows two socially awkward best friends, played by actors Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, going through their final year of high school. These two friends set on an adventure to make their last year of high school the most memorable time of their lives by partying, chasing their high school crushes and getting wasted on occasion. Most high school seniors were able to connect with Hill and Cera’s characters when trying to make their last year in high school a memorable one. Some of us are familiar with Cera, a Canadian actor who plays the exact same nerdy, awkward, level headed and bland character in every movie he was ever casted in. Movies such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” “Juno” and “Paper Heart.” Some may also know him from the TV show “Arrested Development”. But an interesting fact one may not know is that Cera is not only an actor but he is also a musician. Fans saw glimpses of his musical talent when he played the bass in “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” and when he picked up a guitar at the end of the movie “Juno” to play the outro song with Ellen Page. Jonah Hill even tweeted out in support of his friend saying “My great friend Michael Cera not only is a brilliant actor, he also makes great music. Check it out: michaelceramusic.bandcamp.com” About a week ago, perhaps Michael Cera was trying to emulate Beyoncé when she dropped an unannounced music album last year. Cera released his own surprise debut indie-folk album composed of 21 tracks. He is aware of the comparisons with Beyoncé. “I mean, it does feel good to get the comparison,” said Cera in an interview with the Huffington Post. He also joked, “I get compared to her for a lot of other reasons and it’s nice to finally get compared to her musically.” He released “True That” with no partnerships with music labels or any promotions. Interestingly the album wasn’t produced and recorded in a studio but solely done using the app “GarageBand.” “True That” is mostly composed of instrumentals, a few vocal tracks and covers of other songs as well. A few stand out tracks are Cera’s cover for Blaze

Foley’s country track “Clay Pigeons.” This definitely shows his talent with the guitar and vocals and it reminded me of some songs from the indie pop group “Bell and Sebastian.” The track “Too Much” is an instrumental featuring only a guitar, which was just soothing to hear if you just want to relax and read a book. Cera also plays an all-instrumental piano track “On a Thursday” which illustrates his interpretation of his own jazz genre of music. But the song I liked the most is the last track titled “Silent Struggle (I was blind).” The track reminded me of outro songs played in indie movies. It wouldn’t surprise me if this track ends up in a one of Cera’s movies in the future. Cera’s surprise album definitely shows a different side of him that is seen from his films. He shows that he is musically inclined. His combination of playing the guitar and his work on piano instrumentals shows that he is more than capable of holding his own. Lastly, Cera’s vocal work is not something to look over, as it did not end up half bad. In all honesty, “True That” is surprisingly quite good. And without the ads and promotion makes the album more convincing to listen to. The album is available to stream through michaelceramusic.bandcamp.com/releases or buy it for $7.

COURTESY // fanshare.com Actor/Musician Michael Cera surprised fans with his experimental album “True That.”

Page 8

Features

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Dancing the night away

S COURTESY // Cody Fitzgerald This years Big Nite carnival welcomes back students with a night full of carnival rides, activities and food.

The biggest ‘Nite’ of the year Lauren O’Malley Staff Writer

arnival rides, food, henna tattoos, tarot readers, zip lines and tables were only a few of the array of the exciting activities at Big Nite. Many of Sonoma State students anxiously awaited the arrival of 8 o’clock so Big Nite, Sonoma State University’s biggest school carnival and tabling event of the year, could start. Big Nite was split between three separate locations on campus; the Student Center, Parking Lot D, and the campus Rec Center. There were many exciting activities held at each location. Students were introduced to every club that tabled at Big Nite including the Panhellenic Table, the Rugby Team, Track and Field and a new club on campus, the Beer Tasting Club, among many others. Big Nite included an array of food, freebies and music. As students entered the Student Center, they would have noticed an extravagant smell coming from Weyden and Brewster and Lobo’s. Samples were being given out in Weyden and Brewster from potential food suppliers, including some healthier options and gluten free types of food. Students had the opportunity to go to our head chef in the kitchens and tell him which food they thought should be added to the menu. “It was so awesome being able to determine which food we liked and whether we think it should be available to us daily,” Karina Whitehouse, a junior at SSU told me while painting a ceramic pig at W&B. Whitehouse thought that the addition of food sampling to Big Nite was much cooler than the last couple years because we haven’t had many things to do other than, “walk around and look at tables.” Being able to try different food types and being a part of the selection process is an amazing way to stay connected to our campus. If you enjoyed the free samples, go to the cafeteria and let the chefs

know you would like it served there. Along with many food samples, there was music of all kinds being listened to at Big Nite. Megan Minturn, a junior at SSU, stated that her favorite part of the night was the “music and the djs because we haven’t had that before.” She felt that having the radio station 101.7 DJ-ing live in front of all the clubs tabling made it feel more upbeat and in the moment than just listening to a playlist through speakers. In front of the campus Rec Center, student DJ’s were given the opportunity to showcase themselves to their peers through thirty minutes play sets. “I absolutely loved playing for the students and seeing their faces react to the music,” said DJ Pasket, a DJ from Phi Delta Theta. Big Nite is amazing because it allows students to have a huge part in the event other than just attending and having a good time. The Sonoma State Star had a table at Big Nite and was giving away prizes to people who had put their name in a raffle. Monica Morales and Savannah Garnkie were two of the students who won t-shirts from the Star’s tabling. Congratulations girls! Inside the Rec Center there were many different activities going on, including a zip line, a rock climbing wall and bounce house obstacle course. “I really enjoyed big night because I made me feel like I could act like a kid again,” said Autumn Nelson, a junior at Sonoma State and a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Many students were really surprised with the addition of so many thrilling amusements to this year’s Big Nite. Big Nite will always be the one end of summer event that continues to bring all graduating classes together for one last hoorah before classes start and fall takes place. With many large crowds out Sunday night, it was an amazing start to Sonoma’s fall 2014 semester.

Emily Hill Staff Writer

onoma State students gathered Saturday night in the Student Center Ballroom for the first dance of the school year. DJ Earworm, a San Francisco based artist, provided the entertainment for the night with his unique collection of “Mashup” music. Sonoma State scored big having DJ Earworm at this event; his music has become popular around the world and he has performed at venues in Singapore and the UK. His popular mashup style layers songs over one another to build momentum and create an exciting atmosphere. Earworm hit the charts with his 2007 mashup, United State of Pop, which featured the top 25 songs of 2007 and artists like Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake and Fergie. On December 25, 2008, DJ Earworm released another mashup called United State of Pop 2008 (Viva la Pop), featuring Coldplay’s song “Viva la Vida” as the backing track. The mashup peaked at number 70 on Billboard’s now defunct Pop 100 Airplaychart. The Ballroom was able to hold all 1,000 people that bought tickets- a great turn out for the first big event of the 2014/2015 school year. It seemed as though the majority of the students were having a great time and enjoying the music provided by DJ Earworm. Sonoma State Junior, Amy Lee, believes the dance was a great way to bring the student body together after the first week of classes. Although a majority of the tickets were bought by Freshman, fun was enjoyed by all grades. Sean Tadlock, a junior and CSA in the Tuscany village, really enjoyed the dance and thought “the lights made the setting even bet-

ter.” DJ Earworm’s unique mashup of music complimented the lighting in the ballroom as sounds pulsed and lights flickered. The dark setting with colorful lights really made the dance feel more like a rave than an on-campus event. A dance is a great way to bring a community of students together in one setting and allow everyone to attend. The Student Center ballroom has hosted several campus events now and has been an incredible resource for the students. Not only could the tickets be bought on the first floor, but the Student Center is also located in the middle of campuseasy access for people of all grades. In addition, since its on campus and close to all of the dorm villages, people can walk to the dance instead of having to drive. This reduces the chance of driving under the influence, and makes it easier for students to get home safely. Had the dance been off campus somewhere, many of the students living on campus most likely would not have attended. It’s convenient and much safer for students to be able to walk to the venue instead of having to find a ride. Campus police were able to escort people back to their dorms who needed assistance and help with any other conflicts. Nikki Lougee, a Junior who works at the Student Center front desk, was highly impressed with the amount of tickets bought and was glad that freshman were getting involved with campus activities. “The best way to meet people is to attend these events,” Nikki said. “Plus it was free. Why wouldn’t you go?” All in all, the Welcome Back dance was a huge success and was a great way to kick off the new school year.

STAR // Sara Wildman Sonoma State students danced the night away with friends to celebrate after the first week of the semester.

New concert venue across Text Wars gets rowdy from campus: SOMO with twerking Jonathan Angulo Staff Writer

f one were to spend an afternoon asking fellow Seawolves if they have heard of Sonoma Mountain Village (SOMO), they might cock their heads and say something along the lines of, “what is that?” Most Seawolves know that we have the Green Music Center, but considering that SOMO Concerts is still relatively new, only a few students might have heard of it. SOMO Concerts is part of a bigger organization, Sonoma Mountain Village. When asked about the new concert arena Rebekah Israel, replied, “That is part of the new planned green community, right?” Rebekah had heard of the development in her environmental studies class where an organizer had stopped by their classroom to discuss the plans for the future of Sonoma Mountain Village. Sonoma Mountain Village (SOMO Village) is roughly located 1.5 miles away from Sonoma State and is still in the early developing stages. It is a planned 200-acre community where they combine homes, amenities, culture and a sense of belonging. The slogan, “One Planet One Place” lives by 10 principles; health and happiness, culture and heritage, equity and local economy, local and sustainable food, land use and wildlife, sustainable transport, zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable materials and sustainable water. Although the community is still in the earlier stages, it is paving the way for a greener way of life. Taking a walk around the grounds of SOMO Village it was clear that they were tearing down the stage from last night’s concert. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings had played to a large crowd of people. Brian Baker, who is the production manager behind SOMO Concerts where part of his responsibility is setting up and tearing down the stage.

The first thing Brian Baker talked about was the exhausting process behind setting up a stage and tearing it down in just a couple days. “This place was alive last night. We had about a thousand people come to watch the show. The front over there by the stage was for the VIP section and behind that and to the sides was the general admission, with only a third of compactly last night we have a ton of room for more people to come out to the show,” said Brain Baker. The venue itself without a stage looks bare and it was hard to imagine a thousand people dancing and hanging out the night before, but Baker’s crew who was hard at work was proof enough. Brian went on, “Before we had Sharon Jones, we had the Goo Goo Dolls play here. We want that caliber of artists coming in and playing shows. In time, we want to be a known venue to the greater Bay Area, including Sonoma County too, of course.” Their venue is working with all the big agencies to get a variety of artist in and they are working hard to get big names to play for the upcoming season. For their smaller shows they use Sally Tomatoes where Carlos Mencia was the entertainment for the evening. Sally Tomatoes is called the Celebration Destination, where they serve lunch and dinner. There, every Friday night they feature local rock, blues and jazz artists, and every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month they host a comedy showcase. Sonoma Mountain Concerts would like to see a more permanent structure, so that one day they can rival the Green Music Center. His hope is to see SOMO Village residents spend more time outdoors and together, creating a better, greener and friendlier environment. If you would like more information about SOMO concerts, check out somoconcerts.com and join their mailing list to stay up to date on upcoming shows. Also, check out sallytomatoes.com, The Celebration Destination.

Nataly Estupiñan Staff Writer

aughter and joy oozed out of the Grand Ballroom, Thursday, in Sonoma State’s Student Center. Comedian’s, Jimmy Failla and Dean Imperial, brought out the best in our fellow SSU students at Text Wars, a friendly competition. This competition allows audience members to compete against each other and try to answer the host’s questions first, via text message, for cash prizes. This financially helpful event was made possible by ASP and Mo Phillips, as part of a series of events put on throughout the first week of classes to welcome the students back for the fall 2014 academic year. ASP’s Charlie Baker stood outside the doors of the grand ballroom and invited students to come in and enjoy the event; he stated that the purpose for this was “to create a fun, easy-going, competitive event, that creates a sense of community.” As the students filled the ballroom, they couldn’t help but to smile and look hopeful. They were all excited to try and win some cash. Fifth year student, Elizabeth Lemus commented that she “came to hang out with friends and see what the event is about because she didn’t think the event had happened before on campus.” Her friends, Tanya Acevedo and Melanie Capili, also came to support the ASP event and win cash prizes. Freshman student, Auburn, arrived to the event to win cash, along with the support of her three friends. One of the two funny men that hosted the show, Jimmy Failla, happens to be “…a New York City cab driver turned professional stand up comedian. He was named Best Male comic at the 2014 New York City Nightlife Awards” (“About.” Jimmyfailla.com. Interactive Blend, 2014. Web. 23 Aug. 2014.). He has also been seen on numerous television shows, such as “America’s Got Talent” and “Kelly and Michael.” In April of 2014, he wrote his first book “Follow That Car! ‘A Cabbies Guide To Conquering Fears, Achieving Dreams, And Finding A Public Restroom.” His co-host, Dean Imperial, has made appearances on Failla’s podcast, “Off The Metter with Jimmy Failla. Text Wars was essentially a trivia game where the audience competed for cash. In the first round, the first person to send a text to the host with the correct answer won $10 cash on the spot. After round one was over, they asked the audience to text the words “physical challenge,” the first eight people to respond were able to go up and compete in a dance-off for a cash prize of $25. When the time had come to decide who was the best dancer, the audience was torn because everyone had some really interesting and unique dance moves. The dance competition then turned into a twerk competition, where anyone who wanted to compete was welcomed on stage. Two female and two male students went up to compete; the two male students did not stand a chance against the two female students. The twerk off turned into a battle between the two female students, where only one was able to walk away with the $25 after she came down from the stage and proceeded to twerk upside down. It was too bad for the other contestant because she was so determined to win that she even provided her own twerk song. After the physical challenge, the answers were worth $20 in the second round of trivia. All in all the students managed to walk away with some extra cash in their pockets and a smile on their faces. One of the students even managed to walk away with a $50 gift card to Mary’s Pizza Shack.

Features

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

Alumni Spotlight: Trevor Reece Taylor Graham Staff Writer

hen we were children, we had crazy dreams of what we wanted to become. Some of us wanted to be rock stars or movie stars or even the president. Whatever our dreams were, we pretty much all aimed to be the top person in that specific career. Our parents told us to “shoot for the stars,” in support of our dreams, knowing that most of us would fall short of our original, uninhibited goals. Trevor Reece, however, just made a giant step in fulfilling a childhood dream of his own. Trevor Reece, a Sonoma State University alumni and writer for The Press Democrat newspaper’s comics blog “Four Colors,” has just been chosen to create a two-minute animated short for Nickelodeon called ‘Cupcakery of Doom.’ His pitch was chosen from over 100 different ideas that were presented at the first everopen call at Comic-Con in San Diego this past spring. Reece credits a lot of his success to his family. “I have a really fun family that likes telling jokes and making each other laugh. That’s always been a thing with us, and I wanted to apply it to my life. I feel very lucky and fortunate that my family has been so supportive,” said Reece. Reece, who studied history at Sonoma State University, has been drawing versions of the characters in his new short, since he was 5 or 6 years old and has been working on the idea of “Cupcakery for Doom” since 2011, while writing for the Sonoma State STAR. “Sonoma State was instrumental in the story of where I am today. I wouldn’t even be drawing if I hadn’t gone to SSU and joined the STAR,” Reece said. He added, “the short that I am doing was a story I originally wrote while still a student at Sonoma in 2011. I spent a few long nights in the 24-Hour Lab editing and creating the storybook version of the story that I ended up using for

my pitch to Nick.” His desire to make people laugh and passion were definitely the elements that made his pitch stand out from the rest. “We loved Trevor’s clever angle and adorable characters, but overall, Cupcakery just made us laugh,” said Jenna Boyd, Senior Vice President, Animation Development, Nickelodeon, in the press release for Cupcakery. “Trevor is a life-long Nick fan who told us he actually sent in a story idea to our very own Stick Stickly when he was a kid back in the 90s.” In the 90s, Reece was inspired by the shows on Nickelodeon. For about the last 20 years he has been coming up with ideas of comics and cartoons, and now those ideas are going to be showcased for an entire new generation to be inspired by. “One joke I have made during this experience is that I kind of need to find a new life goal. I have wanted to do this since I was a kid, so it obviously means a lot to have an opportunity like this,” Reece said. His excitement about the future of ‘Cupcakery’ is becoming too much for him to control based off of his recent tweets, which read, “I AM GOING TO HAVE A CARTOON!” and “This is beyond ridiculous that this is happening! Thank you @NickelodeonTV.” Although Reece is making his childhood dreams come true, it was not an overnight success. Ever since his time at Sonoma State University, he has been creating and working with comics regularly. First he drew comics for the STAR, which is where he credits most of his success. After Sonoma State, he went on to get an internship with The Press Democrat and then he landed his current job creating the comics blog for The Press Democrat. His recent success has been years in the making, but is definitely well deserved. If Reece’s story does anything, it inspires the students here at Sonoma State. It shows that people’s crazy, outrageous dreams can

be achieved with hard work and determination. Doing what you love and what makes you happy is the most important aspect in finding success. Shoot for the stars and work to become a rock star, a movie star or the president that you’ve always wanted to be. Who knows, maybe your dreams aren’t so crazy after all.

facebook.com Cupcakery of Doom! is Trevor Reece’s cartoon that will be featured on Nickelodeon.

Students embrace all cultures

Kimberly Paasche Staff Writer

ulture Fest was just one of the many Seawolf events during the “Seawolf Days” week. Culture Fest was held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. located in Evert B. Person Theatre. Paolo Ochoa, our Cultural and Current Events Director worked hard to make this event happen, along with Mo Phillips, Campus Life Recreational Center and The Hub. Paolo Ochoca explained to the crowd of 139 students that they are hoping to create a new tradition. This event was designed to give new or current students a chance to see all the different culture on our campus. The main entrance was filled with six main booths, lots of people, music and freebees. Visiting the ASP booth, Casey LaBarbera from ASP, the Associated Student Productions, made it clear that any student can help with the panning event process of campus events. If anyone wants help planning future student events, please contact ASP. The IEEC club had a booth at Culture Fest. IEEC is The International Education Exchange Counsel. They were promoting studying abroad, informing of the campus events created with exchange students, supporting NSE, or students from other states, promoting volunteering, helping with internship programs for students graduating and informing students of their weekly coffee and culture events every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. If interested in studying abroad, they often have informational meetings, with a signup sheet in International Hall. Another Booth at Culture Fest was the Sonoma Hillel, Sonoma County’s Jewish Student Connection. One do not need to be Jewish to join the club, or attend events, but does need to be open to new experiences. In the celebration of Sabbath, they do a big dinner every Friday night in the Newman Center. The dinner is free, anyone is welcome to come and the food is all home cooked. The dinner is to build community, make friends, eat lots of food and to feel at home. The Sonoma Hillel also plans other events such as beach bonfires, BBQ’s and even game nights. The FAASSU Club was also found at Culture Fest. FAASSU is the Filipino American Association at SSU. Anyone is welcome to join this club, and over a half of the members are not Filipino. This is the largest most diverse cultural club on campus. This Club puts on lots of mixers and activities such as game night, bowl-

ing night, open mic and talent night. This first semester of each year, this club travels to Los Angeles for the Friendship Games, which can also be described as Filipino Olympics to compete with other Filipino clubs on the west coast. They are one of the smallest clubs in the Friendship Games, but still place in the Top 5 out of 50 other schools. During April, which is Asian Pacific Island Heritage month, they put on PCN or Pacific Culture Night to showcase all different kinds of traditional dances. They have a Lumpia fundraiser twice a semester where they bond while preparing, cooking and selling Filipino egg rolls. BSU, Black Scholars United had a great energy at Culture Fest. Kamryn Rayson from BSU explained BSU provides support for all students, they support academics first and they support a welcoming and supportive environment. They also encourage student leadership, and student excellence, as well as, provide opportunities for positive change. BSU has family dinners, lectures, family time and dances. They also volunteer in the community, and are currently working on a blood drive this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Mckinley Gym. They have meetings noon to 1 p.m. every Monday in the Hub Building. Last, but not least, the Hub also had a booth and was a big supporter of Culture Fest. The Hub is the Honor Uniting Building. It is a center for cultural exchange and connection. This building is a place where people can go hang out and get to know others, study, rest, reserve for club meetings and so much more. It is a community building where everyone is welcome and everyone can be themselves. Culture Fest was not just a room with booths and clubs, it was also filled with amazing performances. FAASSU did some amazing Polynesian dancing, The Tribe Step Team performed stepping and stomping where Joe HernandezKolski and DJ Jedi there with a few spectacular performances as well. Joe Hernandez-Kolski preformed aspects of his life through hip hop, movement, spoken word, dancing and acting, all while DJ Jedi was there to set the tone with music and sound effects. There were times when this performance pulled at heart strings, made the crowd laugh, made the crowed sit at the edge of their seats and at times even want to dance along. The performance taught the audience about being proud of your culture and who you are, as well as, doing things for you and no one else. It was perfect for culture night.

STAR // Kimberly Paasche A group of students smile for a picture that all participated to celebrate the diverstiy of cultures at Sonoma State.

facebook.com Some of the volunteers for The Wilderness Welcome Program enjoy their time relaxing in a natural hot spring after long hours of hiking.

Freshman get a breath of fresh air Amy Lee Staff Writer

ave you ever wished that you had the opportunity to make friends prior to moving to Sonoma State University? That wish became a reality for three groups of freshman who took on this opportunity Aug. 10 to Aug. 16 by signing up for the Wilderness Welcome Program. There were three different excursions to choose from, including Bay Area Backpackin’, Tahoe Trek ‘n Climb and Point Reyes Paradise. These trips provided a chance to explore the great outdoors while making new friends prior to starting school. As most of us can recall, the transition into college life is a crazy time. It is more likely that one may not know many, if any, people at your new school. Having the opportunity to meet other students who feel the same way that you do, before even starting school, is an experience most people do not get to have. However, the outgoing freshman that signed up for the Wilderness Welcome Program became fortunate enough to be able to gain these experiences, friendships and memories prior to beginning their journey at Sonoma State University. The Bay Area Backpackin’ trip gave students the chance to explore San Francisco from the city to the wilderness. They learned to safely use Bay Area transit, explore Angel Island, hike Mt. Tamalpais, walk through Embarcadero and so much more. On the Tahoe Trek ‘n Climb trip, students got to rock climb the Sierra Nevada’s, sleep amongst the stars, take a dip in the deep blue water and make memories in one of the more beautiful places California has to offer. Lastly, on the Point Reyes Paradise trip, students got to backpack Pt. Reyes and kayak through Tomales Bay, giving them the chance to see all of what the area had to offer. All three of these trips, prices averaging around $400, gave freshman

greater knowledge on what the area around Sonoma State truly has to explore. Each trip was designed to have an emphasis on healthy living. They ate organicvegetarian food and learned more about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Sophia Larson, an upperclassman at SSU, had the opportunity to oversee the Bay Area Backpackin’ trip. “The trip really gave a chance for students to open up about real life experiences and share this opportunity with peers,” said Sophia on her wilderness experience. Having created a memory like this one establishes a bond that not all friendships get to have. “Going into college your freshman year already having this bond with people is bound to put you more at ease when moving on campus,” said Larson. These trips both started and ended at the SSU Rec Center. On the first night, each student got to climb the indoor rock wall and begin to get to know his or her fellow peers who were also taking part in this weeklong journey throughout Northern California. The trip ended on the morning on Aug. 16, which was the day that freshman were able to move into their dorms. This meant that the Wilderness Welcome Program leaders were then able to help the freshman move their personal belongings into their dorms. This gave them the chance to have upperclassmen give them even greater advice on their freshman year of college, as well as have a familiar face around them on the first day. The lessons learned, memories made and adventures taken while on any of these three trips gave incoming freshman a greater sense of comfort before moving away from home to a college campus. They were able to explore the great outdoors in ways they may not have before, make connections and friendships they may not have made otherwise and overall were welcomed with open arms to the wonderful Seawolf experience that is Sonoma State University.

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Sports

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

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STAR // Maud Busson The Lady Seawolves beat UC Santa Cruz 3-0, and then enjoyed some friendly competition in their annual ‘Alumni Scrimmage’.

Lady Seawolves back in action with solid victory against Banana Slugs Meaghan Whitehorn Staff Writers

he Sonoma State women’s soccer team rang in the start of the new semester with an exciting weekend at home as the Lady Seawolves dominated the field against UC Santa Cruz on Friday. They also played an exhilarating game against a team of familiar faces in the Alumni Game on Sunday.

“The UCSC game and the Alumni game show continued improvement and a team that has very good natural chemistry.” The intensity and excitement of a fresh sea-

son was tangible in the air even before the start of the game as the Lady Seawolves formed their huddle and ritualistic pump-up on the sidelines. Fans were also excited and loudly cheering as the starting lineup manned the field and game number two in the 2014 season for Sonoma State women’s soccer had begun. The Lady Seawolves came out victorious in a 3-0 win against the Banana Slugs this past Friday in the second of four exhibition games before the start of their season. Senior Lauren Curtin, returning All-American player, tore the field up, scoring all three of Sonoma’s goals in the second half. They occurred at 51, 79 and 81 minutes into the half. “[Curtin] gave a performance against Santa Cruz that a senior should give: leading by example, working hard, putting away her chances,” said head coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn of Curtin.

The summer break definitely didn’t hinder the Lady Seawolves’ game or endurance, as the offense consistently kept possession, fired shot after barely missed shot at the Banana Slugs’ goalkeeper, and worked hard to set up plays for each other. The Lady Seawolves outshot the Banana Slugs in a 23-7 differential. The defenders also contributed tremendously to Sonoma’s success, and were aggressive, unrelenting and easily shut out their opponents under the supervision and sure hands of their new goalkeeper Ashley Luis, a Santa Rosa Junior College transfer. After an exhilarating victory, the Lady Seawolves spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon with a little friendly competition amongst generations of past Seawolves. But a learning and growing experience for the team and coaching staff stemmed from the fun as well. “The UCSC game and the Alumni game

Equestrian club gets back in the saddle W

Ancia Purdy Staff Writer

ith its first Nationals appearance under its belt, the Sonoma State Equestrian team is ready to make some more history. While its purpose includes teaching and promoting the correct riding styles and disciplines of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the West Coast Collegiate Eventing League (WCCEL), it also advocates good sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy lifestyles, among many others positive attributes. Former president and current member Shira Rebibo has a serious passion for riding. Even though Rebibo decided to step down as president, after serving for two years, the senior cannot imagine her life without riding. “I have been riding for 15 years and I don’t plan on stopCOURTESY // SSU Equestrian ping anytime soon,” said Rebibo. The Sonoma State Equestrian team competes in three dif- The equestrian team competed in Nationals last year. ferent disciplines: hunt seat equitation, western horsemanship, and eventing. Riders in hunt seat and western are not required to own their own horse, but eventing riders must at Another way the girls become so close is through the funleast have access to one. draisers they hold about once a month. Fundraisers include The hunt seat team rides a few miles away from Sonoma bake sales, carwashes, dine-and-donates, as well as holding a State’s campus at Petaluma Hill Stables with trainer Carrie major fundraiser at the end of each year. In the past that has Hover, while the western team travels to Peter Larson Train- been a wine tasting event, but last year the team hosted a dresing Stables in Sebastapol to train. Because the eventing team sage show, which was a huge success. must own or have access to a horse, they can train at any apSenior Taylor Leigh has been riding since she was 6 years proved barn for eventing. old and has been riding hunt seat ever since. She also rides A typical season consists of about seven regular season her own horse, which she brought up from Los Angeles, Calishows and up to three shows during post-season. The team fornia. competes against eight other schools in California and is cur“I look forward to spending time with the team and to rently ranked third in the state behind Stanford and UC Davis. making to new friends who share my passion,” said Leigh. The team requires that all riders have two gym days per The girls all love riding and have a passion for it, but week to stay conditioned, in addition to mandatory lessons, there are also lessons to be learned through riding and being which is dependent on the discipline. on the team. Senior Rebibo has learned that working with With a full semester’s schedule, it can be hard to balance different trainers and showing to different judges is a positive everything from school, riding, work, and other extracurricu- and great learning experience. lar activities. Some girls devote six hours a week to being Villaseñor has also learned some valuable lessons. Being on the team, while others with more responsibilities, such as on the team has given her a higher sense of responsibility being president, treasurer, or captain, can commit to 10 or because she has to stay on top of everything by balancing more hours. school, work and volunteering; in addition to the demands of Sarah Villaseñor, one of the riders who went to Nationals the team. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania last year, loves how close the Although interested students do not need to have experiteam is. ence in order to be on the team, an introductory lesson with Because the members of the team all share the same pas- the correct trainer is required. From that, riders will be placed sion, it is easy for them to get along and make lifelong friend- in the appropriate levels, even if they decide not to compete ships. Rebibo has lived with girls on the team for the past their first year on the team. two years and agrees with Villaseñor that one of their favorite Members of the team will also hold three info nights on parts about the team is the people they have met. Aug. 25-27. The team is open to any and all current Sonoma “One thing that keeps me on the team is the people. They State students and anybody interested should check out the are such a great group and since we are a smaller team, we are website at ssuequestrian.com send an email to ssuequestriclose,” said Villaseñor. an@gmail.com, or attend one of the info nights.

show continued improvement and a team that has very good natural chemistry,” Salzmann Dunn said of her team. “They are seriously competitive in trainings, but when they come together in a game situation they work extremely hard for each other. It is a selfless and determined group.” With a second place CCAA record of 10-3-3 in their 2013 season and victory already under their belts, the 2014 season is sure to be a great one for Sonoma State women’s soccer. “If we can continue to train at a high competitive level, stay healthy, and continue to work on our team chemistry, we feel confident we will have another great season,” Salzmann Dunn said. The Lady Seawolves head to Oakland next weekend for a scrimmage against Holy Names, and then kick off the official 2014 season at Azusa Pacific on Thursday Sept. 4.

Seawolf Sports Women’s Aug. 27 Volleyball Men’s vs. Western Soccer at Cosumnes Washington 5 p.m. river JC (scrimmage) Men’s 4 p.m. Soccer at Simon Aug. 29 Fraser Women’s 7:30 p.m. Soccer at. Holy Sept. 5 Names Men’s (scrimmage) Soccer 1 p.m. at. Cal State Monterey Men’s Bay Soccer 11:30 a.m. at. Holy Names Women’s (scrimmage) Soccer 3:30 p.m. at. Cal State Monterey Bay Sept. 4 2 p.m. Women’s Soccer at Azusa Pacific Courtesy of 4 p.m. sonomaseawolves.com

Sports

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

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Current, former Seawolves face off in Alumni game

Page 11

Men’s soccer victorious Aubrie Tolliver Staff Writer

he men’s soccer team headed out to the Seawolf soccer field on Aug. 24 to take on the former wearers of the navy and Columbia blue. Sunday was the team’s first scrimmage at home this season and, although they faced the alumni, it was anything but an easy win. The SSU alumni made it clear that they were not going down quietly.

“I am just kind of at that point in my life where I have missed these events because of coaching. You don’t get to step into a time machine that often.” Both defenses started off strong, allowing no goals until the end of the first half of the match. It was then when the Seawolves’ offense emerged and the alumni had a hard time keeping up. The alumni were able to score two goals during the game but could not stop juniors Dylan Strafford and Brenton Frame and sophomores Armando Coronel and Raspreet Sandhu from making their shots. “We tried to cheat,” alumni John Sayre, a previous forward for the Cossacks between the seasons of 1999-2001, jokingly admitted. “But it didn’t work out.” It remained a high-intensity game from the first minute to the last but, in the end, the victory went to the current men’s soccer team by a final score of 4-2. It was goalkeeper Dave Kaufman’s (1989-

1991) first SSU alumni game since 2008. After a six year absence, Kaufman came back for the opportunity to play with his old college teammates and to see one of his past players, freshman goalkeeper Mitch North, in his former colors. “I am just kind of at that point in my life where I have missed these events because of coaching,” admitted Kaufman. “You don’t get to step back in the time machine too often.” He certainly made the most out of his debut. He had two impressive, diving saves which kept the alumni close in the game. Kaufman is currently serving as head coach for South Medford High School in Medford, Oregon. As for our men’s team, it was certainly an impressive outing—hopefully a first look at a great season to come. Senior Zanin Mahic seemed to think so. “This is probably the best squad we’ve had in a really long time,” Mahic revealed.

“Definitely was a good barometer...should be an exciting year.” Although it was just a friendly scrimmage, the team believed that it was still a good way to prep for upcoming matches. “We are building toward our season,” said Mahic. “Definitely was a good barometer… Should be an exciting year.” The Seawolves will travel to Oakland to scrimmage Holy Names on Friday before starting their regular season the following week. Their first home game will be on Sept. 11, where they will take on the Lancers of Cal Baptist.

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Kaelene Curry is the new assistant coach for the softball team.

Coach Profile: Kaelene Curry K yler K han Staff Writer

here’s a new Assistant Coach in town. The softball team at Sonoma State has just added Kaelene Curry as a member to its coaching staff. Originally from Chicago, Curry’s experience with the game dates back to her playing days in the first grade. She continued playing through college where she was a University of MissouriKansas Kangaroo for four years and during that time the team experienced a big season during her junior year.

“We made great strides as a team...we went from winning 8 games to 38 games...we went to postseason and conference tournaments. It was awesome to be part of.” “We made great strides as a team…we went from winning eight games to 38 games [her junior year]…we went on to postseason and conference tournaments. It was awesome to be a part of,” Curry explained. In addition to the team’s overall success, Curry was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year. During her career, Curry enjoyed the opportunity to play at Auburn University and the University of Hawaii and says her favorite part of Kangaroo softball was “being part of a program at that caliber and level of play.“ She added that, “[softball] basically being her job throughout college was a really cool experience.” She graduated as a Kangaroo in 2012 but her time in college didn’t end there. Curry continued her academic pursuit at the University of Denver where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology. While

COURTESY // SSU Athletics The men’s soccer team beat the alumni 4-2.

Score Box

Women’s Soccer Friday Aug. 22 SSU - 3 UC Santa Cruz - 0

Men’s Soccer Sunday Aug. 24 SSU - 4 Alumni - 2

in Colorado, she also spent two years as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Northern Colorado. Beyond softball, Curry said it “would be a dream” if she could do professional Sports Psychology consulting in the future. Curry only recently moved to the area from Denver but mentions that Rohnert Park is similar, “because you can go to the city, you can go camping, you can go to the mountains, and here you can go to the ocean which is great, so right now this feels like a vacation.” If she could meet any coach or player she admires, it would be coach Sue Enquist, whom she already met at a conference in Colorado where she was a real student of the game. Curry said she and the other coaches “picked her brain a little bit and asked her some questions. She’s like the John Wooden of softball so she’s big time.”

“It’d be cool to be the Caterpillars or something. The Goldfish. Something not intimidating so it’d just be kinda goofy.” She was a Kangaroo as a player, a Seawolf as a coach now, but what if she could have her own team? “It’d be cool to be the Caterpillars or something. The Goldfish. Something not intimidating so it’d just be kinda goofy,” Curry mentioned. She also thought of options like the Golden Retrievers, Jackalopes and Robots. Apparently the love of the game runs in her family. Curry has a brother who is a professional baseball coach in the Miami Marlins organization. Welcome Kaelene Curry to Sonoma State University and best of luck with the softball program in the 2015 season.

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Photo This week in photos...

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2014

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For more, visit our galleries at SonomaStateStar.com

Welcome Back Dance

STAR // Sara Wildman Sonoma State students gathered Saturday night in the Student Center Ballroom for the first dance of the school year. DJ Earworm, a San Francisco based artist, provided the entertainment for the night with his unique collection of “Mashup” music. Sonoma State scored big having DJ Earworm at this event; his music has become popular around the world and he has performed at venues in Singapore and the UK.

SSU Most Beautiful Campus

STAR // Connor Gibson, Maud Busson Sonoma State University was ranked 25th of the Most Beautiful Colleges in California by the Colleges in California website. The top spot is owned by Stanford University and then followed up by Pepperdine University and the University of San Diego. The article from collegesincalifornia.net states “Sonoma State is known as being one of the most modern colleges in all of California, as its buildings (using Urban architecture) and landscape were all designed to accentuate this.”