Volume73 issue13

P. 7

Pink Floyd’s last album

P. 10

Women’s basketball faces defeat

‘A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving’

P. 8

Sonoma State Star SINCE 1979

VOLUME 73 // ISSUE 13

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

NOVEMBER 18 - NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Students address fees at trustees meeting

S

each students campusbased fees in order to pay for the $62 million project. As students reflect on what the Student Center has meant to them over the past year in service, many have come to realize just how valuable the Student Center is to campus life at Sonoma State.

With a small crowd huddled around the posters explaining the Student Center’s history, upperclassmen

ince 2002, campus-based fees have increased 283 percent with increases occurring nearly every year. This year, California State University Chancellor Timothy White and the Board of Trustees have granted Student Success Fees to several campuses. On Nov. 13, students from different California State Universities arrived in Long Beach to address White and the Board of Trustees and address the issue of fee increases.

“The ‘Well, that’s the way it is,’ attitude from not only university systems, but state legislatures alike should be a great cause for red flags. Not only with students caught up in fee increases, but for the American public as well,” said Ryan Robello, San Francisco State University student. “Without easy or affordable access to higher education, the American standard of living is sure to decrease, and the American Dream could be something of the past.”

The meeting had CSU students united as one to protest the discontinuance of fee increases. Students and supporters were outside of the building promoting the anti-student success fee. Inside of the building, students took advantage of the public comment section in front of the board. Students addressed the issue of fee increases and how it negatively affects students in college, out of college and students who are considering attending a university system school.

“I always thought education was an investment to our own future success, and should only come at the price of hard work and dedication. However, now I fear that it’s the complete opposite of that. Still it being an investment, but now more of the fiscal variety, and not even to our own portfolio,” said Derek Biner, California State University, Fresno student. “Students, already, have to work more hours than they are at school to afford it, and many are also forced to take out student loans which may hamper them with tens of thousands of dollars in debt for years to come.”

In 2012, a survey was given to California State University students, regarding the fee increase and how it will affect them. Results showed 68 percent of surveyors said that these fees would force them to take on more loans, 59 percent said they would need to take on more hours at their job to make payments. Students feel that an alternative to student success fees is an increase in classes.

With more classes, students are able to graduate faster, therefore avoiding any added time that causes students to make more payments. In fact, 88 percent of students surveyed feel that having the opportunity to receive more classes would benefit them academically and financially.

“We want to graduate. We just can’t get the classes we need,” said Maria Lopez from California State University, Long Beach. “I’m feeling my wallet get smaller and smaller, while my campus administrators’ pay gets bigger and bigger. Its time they stop clowning around and start prioritizing what students really need.”

Seventy-five percent of California State University students work and have an income.

The College Board Advocacy and Policy Center pre-

See BIRTHDAY on Pg. 4

See ACADEMIC FEES on Pg. 5

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Sonoma State University’s volleyball team won its first California Collegiate Athletic Association championship on Saturday and is headed to the NCAA Division II West Regional Tournament for the seventh straight year.

Seawolves headed to tournament following championship See the full story on volleyball’s win on page 10.

Associated Students proposes fee increase Nicole Detmers Staff Writer

A

ssociated Students is exploring the possibility of raising the current Associated Students fee of $99 per semester to $111 over the next four years.

Those behind the proposal believe the $12 increase is needed to account for the growing student population and the need for more funding for student services that the current budget is unable to provide.

A draft proposal was discussed

Friday by the Associated Students but no formal decision has been made yet.

The Associated Students is scheduled to discuss the fee increase further on Friday. If the proposal is approved, students will be able to vote on this issue in the upcoming spring semester.

The Associated Students Senate is looking at increasing the fee by $12 over four years. The first $3 increase would provide funding for the Tutorial Center, which currently receives $6.47 per student This draft proposal accounts for the demand for an increase in funding for the campus Tutorial Center. The

center focuses on “at risk” students and aids in student support of academics. Currently, the Tutorial Center receives $6.47 per student and within the month of October, about 1,800 students use the Tutorial Center.

“I think it’s important to note that AS hasn’t proposed anything yet, nothing is officially proposed until the Senate votes,” said Chief Financial Officer Adam Rosenkranz. “Contact their Senator so they can hear the students concerns before the Senate approves anything.”

This proposal will be revisited during next Friday’s meeting in the

Student Center at 1 p.m. Associated Student fees can range anywhere from $50 to $100 up and down the state of California dependent on functions of the student body and school budget.

This marks the second proposal for a fee increase in the past year.

Last year, Sonoma State University explored the adoption of a success fee of $250 per semester, which would have been added to tuition and gone toward the addition of more faculty and increased class availability. By comparison, this fee increase would See PROPOSED FEE on Pg. 5

Student Center’s one-year celebration Shannon Brown Staff Writer

O

n Nov. 13, 2013 Sonoma State University opened the Student Center after almost eight years of planning and construction. The Student Center’s first anniversary was last Thursday and the school planned many small events and incentives, like free food and beverages, in order to show their appreciation for the benefits the Student Center has on

faculty and students on campus.

Although the celebration of the Student Center seemed small to some students, the small tokens of appreciation like free coffee and muffins and a history of the Student Center located on the first floor were presented. Freshman, who weren’t able to experience life before the Student Center, found the history lesson as a surprise.

“I didn’t realize how much planning it took to

create the Student Center. I was surprised to know that they started planning for a student union in 2005 and didn’t start construction till 2011,” said freshman Madison Muro.

The building, designed by architects Hornberger & Worstell Inc., implemented many green and eco-friendly initiatives.

The Student Center uses natural and energy-efficient lights as well as recycled materials. Sonoma State also aims to save water by

using reclaimed water in the restrooms. As a fully functioning building, which includes dining, retail, and meeting spaces, the Student Center is constantly being used by students.

“Part of the reason why I chose this school was the fact that the Student Center was so nice. I think it continues to impact every student that tours this school.

It’s an awesome place that future students [will] love.”

A $150 per semester student fee was added onto

Jon Cappetta Staff Writer

Men’s basketball splits at Ron Logsdon Classic

“Dumb and Dumber To”

Health and Safety Fair educates children

Check out recap on Pg. 11

See the full review on Pg. 7

Read more on Pg. 12

Page 2

Editorial

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Fall 2014 Editorial Board

Dylan Sirdofsky, Editor-in-Chief Kayla E. Galloway, News Editor Aryssa Carvalho, Asst. News Editor Rachel Keigley, Opinion Editor Brandon Stachnik, A&E Editor Alexis Mills, Features Editor Kayla Webster, Sports Editor Connor Gibson, Photo Editor Gustavo Vasquez, Asst. Photo Editor Megan Kleszcz, Copy Editor Peter Njoroge, Copy Editor Brennan Chin, Online Editor & Distribution Manager Amanda Saiki, Advertising Manager Anika Jess, Marketing Coordinator Eddie Blake, Editorial Cartoonist Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser

Star Production Lab Sonoma State University Salazar Hall 1053 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 664-2776 Advertising: sonomastatestar@gmail.com, attn: Amanda Saiki

Subscribe to the STAR!

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

Perfect for families, friends and alumni of Sonoma State.

star@sonoma.edu Editor’s Pick This week’s can’t miss article:

“Stay healthy with selfies” With the rise of social media, pictures of people taking selfies has become more popular than ever before. But how much of this participation is done in a way that will be beneficial to one’s self-esteem and body image? Staff Writer Kimberly Paasche covers the healthy-selfie challenge, which will attempts to promote healthier lifestyle changes.

Turn to page 9 for the full story Letters to the Editor

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

Each edition of the paper will include a letters column if letters are available.

Letter writers may expect prompt publication of their letters in the paper’s opinion section, as space is available.

Letters of up to 500 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Friday before the publication date.

Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts.

The editor is also responsible for making decisions as to the pertinence of the letter to the SSU community. The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication to any letter and to edit for length.

Letters must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. The STAR will honor requests for anonymity at the editor’s discretion.

To send a letter to the editor email star@sonoma.edu.

Letters received in any format other than by email will not be published.

Corrections/Clarifications

The STAR’s “News Around the World” section has a new name, and is now called “News in Brief.” In last week’s edition, the section had inaccurate information about the Berlin Wall. (See this week’s “Letter to the Editor”)

STAR // Eddie Blake

A birthday well-suited for Seawolves Read more about the Student Center’s one-year celebration on page 1.

W

hat could be considered the mall of Sonoma State University— the Student Center—a central place for students to socialize, purchase food and supplies on campus, celebrated its first birthday on Thursday.

It’s already showing its maturity—and value. The ease of finding everything a student needs in one place wasn’t possible before the $62 million, 130,000-square-foot building officially opened on Nov. 13, 2013.

Students had to walk from afar, whether to scattered eating venues, the much smaller former location of the Student Union, or the now-demolished home of the old Bookstore, to get what they needed.

According to the first thing posted on the center’s website, “The SC (Student Center) is a centralized building on campus focused on enhancing student life.” In many aspects this is true. It offers a redesigned eating experience, state-of-the-art conference rooms and the largest ballroom in all of Sonoma County, which can be divided five ways.

What many said and continue to say is a drain on school resources and funds, others see as a way to create a better college experience for students. Housing a 4,000-square-foot central lounge for students to hang out and socialize, a new pub and copy and mailing service center are

just some of the many other resources.

Compared to many, the Student Center is making strides in the right direction, and has organized everything in one place for students.

It’s fashioned in Apollonian style compared to what could be considered Dionysian, like the wine business program, which has its courses spread-out across the school like autumn leaves falling off a tree. This semester alone, the program had courses in Salazar, Stevenson and Carson.

Students are counting their pennies. A

The Student Center, after a year, can be seen as bringing the whole campus more together, being right in the heart of Sonoma State. $150 increase in tuition to help pay off the center’s bond for 30 years may seem like a large financial burden placed on cashstrapped students, yet they will have less funds to allocate toward living expenses.

However, after gathering some perspective, this increase equates to only a 4.12 percent increase in tuition for a full-

time undergraduate student.

In determining whether this was a worthy expensive, students must remember and consider the benefits provided by the center. The Student Center is made available to students for more than 12 hours per day; allowing access virtually any time.

The variety of dining options offer convenience and a worthwhile social experience to students.

Campus Prints and the Bookstore provide resources and additional convenience to students. In addition, the Student Center serves as the central hub for student clubs, organizations and special campus events.

These offerings in totality provide many luxuries to students in one central place. The many benefits of the Student Center seem to outweigh the cost of a 4.12 percent tuition increase.

Many students only make minimum wage. But look at it this way, the Student Center has a lot to offer students, and creates a better sense of community on campus.

Every student has their reasons for why they chose Sonoma State, from programs of degree to just feeling like they fit in. The Student Center, after a year, can be seen as bringing the whole campus more together, being right in the heart of Sonoma State.

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

Suggested title: Fun news

D

ear Editor, I was amused to read some of your “News Around the World” in your Nov. 11 to 17 edition: Nearby Copeland Creek (nice that you consider events close to our campus to be part of world news), a “man was

confronted by a suspect and asked for his wallet.”

Really? A suspect did not attempt to rob the victim of his wallet but the victim actually “asked” the attacker for his wallet? But moving to international news, I chuckled when I read that the Berlin

Wall was supposedly built “to prevent people from fleeing to the communist East Germany.”

Hmm. Interesting but false revision of history—the fortified border prevented East Germans from leaving their country and fleeing to

the West. I was also surprised to read Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel supposedly changed her first name to “Angelo”...

- Michaela Grobbel, Ph.D., Professor of German, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Have an opinion?

We’d like to read it.

Publication

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

Opinions

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

The STAR welcomes and encourages letters to the editor and guest submissions. For more information, read the left sidebar for our policies on editorials and letters to the editor.

Email all opinions to

star@sonoma.edu

Follow us on Twitter:

@sonomastatestar

Opinion

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

#BreakTheStereotype

Taylor Graham Staff Writer

B

e skinny, but not too skinny. Have curves, but not too many curves. Wear makeup, but not too much makeup.

The media constantly tells girls to be themselves, but to simultaneously make sure they follow the rules and trends so they can fit in with everyone else.

The pressure to look, dress and act a certain way creates a struggle for young girls to either be themselves, or strive to be this cookie-cutter person that society tells them is the correct image of beauty.

The heavily edited images constantly portrayed through media give people, especially young girls, false expectations for their own appearance.

The constant reminder that other people are “perfect” and they are not, play a huge role in harming young girls’ self-confidence and self-esteem.

Recently, images of Kim Kardashian have

been released where she is completely naked, with only her legs partially covered by some black, sequined material. Kardashian is known for her extremely curvy figure. In these pictures, however, the extreme editing is nowhere near realistic. She looks like a real life Barbie.

The problem is, if Barbie was a real person, she would be 5 feet and 9 inches, with a 16-inch waist, 39-inch bust and would weigh a mere 110 pounds.

She would most likely not menstruate because she is so severely underweight, and would have to walk on all fours due to her proportions. Just like Barbie is not a real person, these images of Kardashian aren’t real.

These days, it’s custom for pictures in magazines and on the Internet to be Photoshop’d and airbrushed so all f laws disappear.

This gives the impression that models and celebrities don’t have any blemishes, discoloration, cellulite, rolls, f lyaway hairs or any imperfections what-so-ever. It takes away from the individuality of the models making them all look the same.

Little girls look at the images in all different forms of media and aspire to look like their favorite celebrities or the prettiest models.

Although there are articles and videos of celebrity makeup tips and tricks all over the Internet and in magazines, no amount of makeup can create an image as perfect as one that has been Photoshop’d and airbrushed past the point of recognition.

Another recent media image that just became public and has raised a lot of controversy, are the images of Calvin Klein’s model, Myla Dalbesio.

Although she refers to herself as “a bigger girl” and is commonly referred to as “plus size” in the modeling industry, Dalbesio is just a normal woman.

She doesn’t have bones showing or have the ever-popular “thigh gap,” but she should definitely not be considered “plus size.” She is actually smaller than the average American woman.

Typically, “plus size” is a size 12 or above, but Dalbesio is a size 10. Regardless if she is officially “plus size” or not, it’s pathetic how crazy the media reacted to a regular-sized woman in an ad. It should be the norm to use women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to represent the wide range of looks in the average woman.

Media should be encouraging women to love themselves because our unique imperfections and differences are what make us all beautiful.

Although Calvin Klein does not refer to Dalbesio as “plus size,” they recognize using her in their ads shows they are representing all different shapes and sizes of women.

Rather than truly representing the everyday woman, or celebrating the fact that each person’s imperfections are what make them individuals, images in today’s media creates a standard of perfection that is our society’s unrealistic definition of beauty.

Due to the unreachable perfection little girls strive to achieve, their self-esteem is negatively affected. They don’t understand the images they look at all over the media aren’t real. As a child, it’s hard to differentiate between a real image and one that has been Photoshop’d.

When looking at an image of one’s self, people see all of their own imperfections, such as an unwanted wrinkle when they smile or the red tint in their skin. This criticism of oneself is heightened in children and preteens because they don’t understand why they cannot have perfectly airbrushed skin or perfectly whitened teeth like the celebrities and models all over magazines.

It’s unrealistic to believe all women can be over 5 feet and 9 inches, with a thin waist, large breasts and curvy hips. This exclusive definition of beauty makes young girls feel inadequate.

Rather than telling women to lose weight, push their boobs up and wear makeup, media should be encouraging women to love themselves because our unique imperfections and differences are what make us all beautiful.

The world would be very bland if there were seven billion people walking around who were all spitting images of Barbie and Ken.

Shop till ya’ drop (dead)

Jonathan Angulo Staff Writer

B STAR // Marybeth Mondok

Hiding behind the screen

Kirsten Reeves Staff Writer

I

t’s no secret we, as students, are smack dab in the middle of the most technologicallyadvanced century yet. Even when we were young, we had Gameboys, Playstations and even Tamagotchis, all small but important factors that make teenagers today arguably the most tech savvy generation.

That being said, it seems that nine out of 10 of these platforms require that individuals make an account prior to accessing the application or site. The logins that people create are usually true to their identities, but there are accounts made under fake names and pseudonyms, or perhaps not even names at all.

The way that these sites are often designed, it’s easy to remain anonymous or post from a fake name.

Anonymity can be a powerful thing online. It’s fair to say sometimes individuals see this anonymity as a sort of entitlement, and an excuse to say things they wouldn’t ever say to another person face-to-face. This idea stems from the assumption that because they are anonymous, their comment can’t be traced

back to them.

Websites like Ask.fm, formspring.com, and even the popular application Yik Yak that is becoming popular around Sonoma State University, are all anonymous platforms where individuals are free to say whatever they’d like to whomever they’d like. Even websites like Tumblr and Twitter don’t require vital personal information, but rather just an email, address and username of your choice.

Sometimes this sort of anonymity seems necessary. It’s easy to understand that sometimes people need their privacy on the Internet, or to vent or reach out for help in circumstances when they aren’t comfortable with revealing who they are. That being said, it’s important to understand Internet privacy is very limited. Much of anything and everything you do online is tracked and stored in a database that more often than not, can be traced back to an individual if need be. Depending on its intended purpose, Internet anonymity doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It can be used as a safety bubble that can result in negative comments and cyber bullying.

The website Formspring was very popular when I was a junior in high school. Formspring, like Askfm.com, allows users to “ask questions” to other users anonymously. In my personal experience, while questions were asked occasionally, it was more specifically used for people to offer their explicit opinion of one another whilst

hiding anonymously behind a computer screen.

I remember a rumor going around that Formspring was going to flip the switch and reveal the usernames of everyone who posted. Chaos ensued as people rushed to delete their accounts completely in hopes the individual on the receiving end would never know it was them who had said that hurtful thing to them.

Another example is the MTV show “Catfish,” where two cast members, Nev Schulman and Max Joseph help individuals uncover who they’re really talking to online. A “catfish” refers to someone pretending to be someone they’re not, online.

Oftentimes these individuals upload pictures of random people and take on fake names. In some circumstances people pretend to be a different sex or a different age than they really are, or even pretend to be a celebrity, all in order to pursue these deceptive online relationships. Usually, this decision takes a toll on both parties involved.

It’s not fair to say that everyone who takes on an anonymous identity online is doing so for the wrong reasons, but more often than not, the decision to be anonymous affects more than just the primary user.

If someone is only comfortable saying something anonymously, maybe it shouldn’t be said at all. While these websites are a great advancement technologically, it may have put us back a few steps as a society when it comes to our communication skills.

lack Friday; otherwise known as, the sale to die for. A few years ago I worked at Best Buy and I know firsthand how awful it can be working Black Friday. Fortunately when I worked at Best Buy, they began their sale at 6 a.m. However, this still required that I be at work at 5 a.m. to get the store ready for shoppers. When the floodgates opened, a rush of people would swell in like a frantic pack of lunatics; tired beady eyes, hunched backs, the smell of sour beer and gravy still on their breath.

People are impatient and demanding during this time.

“Where are the TVs? What do you mean you’re all out? I’ve been waiting for hours.” It is almost something out of a Hunter S. Thompson novel. While I’m yelling over the microphone, “I

need some back-up here in Mobile; I’m overran by these swine.

They are demanding things in Chinese, Spanish and Latin. I don’t understand a thing their saying!” “What? Someone was stabbed in isle four?”

As extreme as that may sound, that is the sad truth behind Black Friday. People lose it. Consumers turn dark and people have actually died, and many injured.

According to blackfridaydeathcount.com, seven people have died, and 90 have been injured in the Black Friday Rush. The first Black Friday death happened in 2008 when Wal-Mart employee, Jdimytai Damour was knocked over and trampled to death.

Is this what consumerism has done to our society? Has the demand for goods increased so much that we will kill for a little savings?

Maybe this is the result of too many ads. It doesn’t matter if one is listening to Pandora, watching TV, YouTube, or browsing the Internet on a computer or cellphone, the ads will find their way to one’s conscience. CBS news reports people are exposed to as many as 5,000 ads a day. In the 1960s, Black Friday used to indicate the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Most department stores were in the “red” in terms of

profit and the day after Thanksgiving, they were back to being profitable and using ‘black’ ink to record this. Hence, Black Friday. The Best Buy I worked at had shoppers lining outside for up to three days before our sale began. Now, they won’t have to wait that long.

Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and other stores have decided to open up on Thanksgiving Day, which some are referring to as Grey Thursday. The idea that people would actually go out shopping Thanksgiving Day is repulsive.

Doesn’t anyone care about the workers? Yes they chose to work there, but more than likely, they need that job not because they are passionate about Wal-Mart, but because they need to pay the bills.

When we require these businesses to open up on Thanksgiving, we are forcing the workers to miss out on precious time with their family. I don’t believe that any sale is worth giving up a holiday such as Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is about family and friends to come together and celebrate life. To be thankful for everything they have, even if sometimes they feel like they are lacking. Life is about the connections we make with people, not about the material objects we accumulate in our lives.

College: Getting ahead 101

Emily Hill Staff Writer

A

s a freshman, you may think it’s too early to start thinking about a career. In fact, I did. I would roll my eyes and ignore any information thrown at me about my future when my mom would try and advise me. Similar to many, my life and career after college was the last thing to worry about as a freshman or sophomore. However, after some very particular advice, I began to prepare for what would follow my four years at Sonoma State.

The advice was as follows: there are only four years in college to prepare for the real world. These years fly by faster than one can even imagine. Cre-

ate connections that will lead to a potential job, participate in a voluntary research project that will strengthen your resume and most of all, meet and talk to as many people in your field of interest as possible. Sometimes even a quick conversation can lead down a completely different path than one ever expected. There are endless careers out in the world that have yet to be discovered; it’s our job as students and young adults to create them.

For some reason, this advice stuck. Maybe because it came from an extremely professional woman whom I idolized greatly, or because I began to realize that four years is not as long as I thought it was. Start early. If you think finding an internship will take a week, it won’t. It takes months of phone calls and interviews to find one that perfectly suits specific needs and expectations. Meet with people in your field just to pick their brain about their career. Even 15 minutes of their time will do.

The more conversations with people in your field, the better.

When preparing for these conversations, whether they are over

the phone or in person, dress to impress. You never know, your dedication to learning about their career and a stellar outfit could someday land a job. In addition, do some background research on the person you are interviewing.

Knowing their past job titles and experiences that are documented on LinkedIn will save time in the interview. LinkedIn is a social media site that is used to engage digitally with employers globally.

Be sure to ask direct questions that will get productive answers. Take notes of the interview and ask for a business card. In addition, it’s imperative to thank the guest for their time and acknowledge how helpful their advice has been. Following up with a thank you email never hurts either to acknowledge their contribution to future success. Creating this network early gives more time for expansion over fours years.

It’s shocking how willing people are to talk about their career and background. Even if you feel like someone is too busy to sit down with you for 15 minutes, give it a shot. After all, you’ll never know until you try.

Page 4

News

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Model UN headed to New York

News in Brief Manuscripts leave Italy According to The New York Times, the St. Francis Manuscripts were taken from Italy to the U.S. The manuscripts haven’t left Italy in 700 years and were showcased in the United Nations headquarters in November. The documents are the oldest of those related to Francis’ life and theology. St. Francis gave up a “prosperous” life to live in poverty and preach peace. The Roman Catholic Church later canonized him around 1228.

Lightning strikes increase in global warming Scientists have calculated that more lightning strikes will happen due to global warming according to an article on BBC. With each single increase in degree of temperature, the occurrence of lightning strikes will increase by 12 percent. The research model had a few uncertainties according to the article, but the scientists said lightning is a source of nitrogen-oxides in the troposphere and controls other greenhouse gasses such as methane. In context to global warming, they said lightning strikes would be the least of expected problems.

Jakarta’s investment on a new sea wall Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has a $40 billion project underway to protect the city from yearly floods, which displace people from their homes. According to BBC, the plan is opposed by fishermen who say the wall directly affects their income. The wall will solve 8 percent of the flooding problem in Jakarta, which intensifies the ongoing controversy of its effectiveness in other parts of the city.

Japan’s floating train Train enthusiasts and citizens alike boarded a maglev train in Japan to participate in an experiment. The Central Japan Railway Company is undertaking for eight days according to BBC reports. One-hundred passengers were taken on a journey between the city of Uenohara and Fuefuki at speeds reaching 311 mph. The trains utilize magnetic levitation to reach high speeds and are expected to be in service around 2027.

Disappearing drones Students from Stanford and Brown University created a biodegradable drone out of fungi according to FORBES. The frame of the drone was grown in a lab and is made from mycelium, which is the vegetative part of a fungus. The idea here is to use such a drone to gather data in environments that are potentially harmful to humans, and if something were to happen to the drone, it wouldn’t harm the environment due to its organic make-up.

#YaMeCansedelMiedo In September, 43 college students went missing in Mexico and are now presumed dead. This has sparked outrage and protest by citizens throughout Mexico and led the citizens to look down upon the nation that is filled with corruption and crime.

F

Ryan Estes Staff Writer

or the past 15 years Sonoma State University has participated in the Model United Nations, which introduces students to the world of diplomacy, negotiation, policy development and decision-making.

“The Model United Nations program at Sonoma State University functions as a class and club to educate Sonoma State students about the U.N. and to provide experiential opportunities to learn and simulate U.N. committees,” said Andrew Sousa, a senior and president of the Sonoma State Model U.N. club.

During the spring of every year, Model U.N. delegates who include 5,000 students from 300 colleges and universities around the world, gather in New York to simulate a role of an ambassador of various countries.

During the conference delegates get to work on real life issues and create papers that are given to the head of each committee and create a draft resolution that can be voted on.

The conference teaches delegates how diplomats coordinate and execute diplomacy at the U.N. level.

This year, the Sonoma State delegation is representing Nigeria. Nigeria’s population and economic worth is the largest in Africa. Nigeria also has a seat at the U.N. Security Council.

“This year, SSU will be sending a delegation of 27 to New York, which includes 18 students from the class, seven Model U.N. veterans who

are returning for a second or third year, and two head delegates who will assist me at faculty adviser and help lead the group while in New York,” said Cynthia Boaz, professor of political science.

To participate in the Model U.N. program, students must be enrolled in or completed POLS 345: Model United Nations and be a member of the Model U.N. Club, which is a student-run organization.

“The course focuses on international organizational theory, with an emphasis on the institutions, processes and outcomes of the United Nations,” said Boaz. “Because students in the course are also expected to be involved in the co-curricular activities including the conference and the club, they can expect a very well-rounded and demanding but rewarding experience.”

The Model U.N. delegation from Sonoma State has been considered competitive for the past five years at the world’s largest and most prestigious U.N. simulation.

Boaz’s students have come home with numerous awards, including Outstanding Delegate, Best Position Paper, and several for Distinguished Delegation.

A large number of today’s leaders in law, government, business, and the arts participated in Model U.N. while in college.

Some examples are United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Chelsea Clinton and actor Samuel L. Jackson.

“Model U.N. is a once in a lifetime kind of experience.

The vast majority of students who participate tell me that

the experience changed their life.

It exposes them to perspectives, people, and challenges that they do not commonly encounter in a college classroom environment,” said Boaz.

If students have any questions they can reach any of Model U.N. board members at the following email: sonomast ate.mu n@g mail.com or directly to Andrew Sousa at sousaa@seawolf.sonoma.edu.

“I believe students at Sonoma State University should join the Model U.N.≠ club, because it is great family of students that share a passion to learn and wish to change how our leaders execute policies throughout the World,” said Sousa. “Our class and club is lead by our political science professor, Cynthia Boaz. She has been a beacon for our program here.”

sonoma.edu Sonoma State University’s Model United Nations will represent Nigeria in the spring with guidance by professor of political science, Cynthia Boaz.

STAR // Wes Brossard, Charlotte Yates Students were able to take a stroll back in time and look back on the early stages of the Student Center at the buildings first birthday celebration on Thursday. Pictured above is the Student Center’s progress between 2011 (left) and 2012 (right).

BIRTHDAY: Campus remembers Student Center construction Continued from Pg. 1

were thinking back to the time when they had the cafeteria saying things such as, “This was such a perfect place to host sorority recruitment.

Without this building it wouldn’t have been the same.”

The Student Center is constantly hosting events.

With the biggest ballroom in Sonoma County, it’s essential for most campus events because it can hold many students.

From Associated Students to Join Us Making Progress (JUMP), the Student Center hosts numerous student activities.

The HUB is also located in the Student Center, which serves as a resource for promoting inclusiveness and diversity at Sonoma State.

At the HUB, many intellectual discussions take place and students get the chance to voice their opinions and plan upcoming projects.

The Kitchens, which include six restaurants within one common dining area, is a large part of the freshman lifestyle.

Not only do freshman visit it regularly because of their meal plan, but the reviews of the food are positive as well.

The anniversary of the Student Center allowed many students to reflect back on just how much the Student Center has influenced their education and their day-to-day well-being at Sonoma State.

During planning, the project was almost shut down due to budget cuts in 2010, but the student fee that was passed in April 2011 and in November 2011 by the California State Univer-

sity Board of Trustees, which made the Student Center a reality.

Nov. 13 will continue to be an important anniversary for Sonoma State because of the impact the Student Center has had on campus life.

As the host of many more events to come, the Student Center continues to be an important and proud focal point at Sonoma State.

For more information on the Student Center’s history and funding, students are encouraged to visit sonoma.edu/studentcenter or their Facebook page.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram Facebook.com/sonomastatestar; @sonomastatestar

News

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

Community college degrees with guarantees

C lao.ca.gov Tuition fees have steadily increased in the California State University system in the last seven years.

ACADEMIC FEES: Students in more loan debt Continued from Pg. 1

formed a study in 2010 and found that student loan users using $30,000 or more occurred more frequently among the 27 percent of African American bachelor degree recipients as opposed to the 16 percent Caucasian recipients. In 2012, the Center for American Progress created a survey that found that 14 percent of all Latinos in America who are older than 25 gradu-

ated from college as opposed to the 34 percent of Caucasians in America with their bachelors degree.

A similar survey found that these results have to do with the fact that these students are financially torn, making them have to choose between helping support their families or choosing college. Increased academic fees have proven that the financial aspect of college is a burden to the hardworking student who strives for education.

Amy Lee Staff Writer

alifornia community college students wanting to eventually attend a four-year university now have a better chance at being accepted into schools due to a recently created program.

Students enrolled in community colleges in California have been given an opportunity for easier admission into state schools once they receive their associate degree. A new program called A Degree with a Guarantee is helping students with this. It has doubled the statistics of transfers from community colleges to state schools in California in only a year, proving its success rates. The new program guarantees students a priority transfer from a community college to a California state school granted that they received their associate of arts or science degree to transfer while being enrolled in the transfer program.

Although it isn’t a complete guarantee to their no. 1 school, it does raise their chances of acceptance. Students are eligible for a GPA boost if they’re transferring to an impacted state school out of their local area or into an impacted major that’s deemed similar to what they received their associates degree in. Students are then able to start right away at the 60-unit junior standing and can then graduate with a bachelor degree with only 60 more units to go. This creates more opportunities for transfer students, which they may not have had before.

Media Representative Mike Uhlenkamp of the California state university system sees good things coming from this new program.

“This is a preferred pathway for students to transfer from community colleges to state universities,” said Uhlenkamp. “We are starting to see an increase in students using this program which is a positive outlook for California.”

There are 112 community colleges in California participating in the program and 23 state universities in California that connect with the community college transfer program. Sonoma State is included in that demographic.

According to state figures, of the 11,673 students who earned an Associate Degree for Transfer in 2013-14, 6,905 of them chose to continue on and transfer to a state university with the transfer program. That was a 100 percent increase when compared to the 2012-13 academic year showing the degree with a guarantee is steadily growing and making a difference in educational opportunities. A recent transfer student from Santa Rosa Junior College, Emily Semans, didn’t use the degree with a guarantee program.

“Transferring from SRJC was pretty easy as far as paperwork, but getting into the communications major was only because of my GPA and because I transferred from a local school,” said Semans. “It’s a hard and impacted program to get into so I’m thankful for the chance to study here.”

Semans is one of the people who didn’t have a difficult time transferring to Sonoma State. But for people who do have a difficult time, the degree with a guarantee program was created mainly for them to assist in furthering their higher education.

Those attending community colleges who are receiving their Associate Degree for Transfer and are interested in the program should contact their counselors and visit the degree with a guarantee website for more information.

PROPOSED FEE: Additional three dollars per semester Continued from Pg. 1

primarily using these fee’s for the campus Tutorial Center, as well as distributing it to grants for clubs, the Join Us Making Progress program and all of the other programs that the Associated Students has been able to support. This is very different from the success fee, where the funding would be allocated to “support student success,” leaving students unsure where their money was really going.

“Even though the word ‘fee’ scares many people, these on-campus resources can go a long way,” said Diversity Senator Cynthia Figueroa.

It’s in the best interest and intention of Associated Students to mitigate cost for students now and in the future, as the senate is a direct representation of the student body. Associated Students carries the responsibility of funding Associated Student Productions, Join Us Making Progress, the Children’s School, CSLIS,

grants for student-run clubs as well as the Tutorial Center.

“Three dollars is a nominal amount of money that would allow us (Associated Students) to provide these services at Sonoma State,” said Rosenkranz during Friday’s meeting. “Increasing funding to the Tutorial Center will balance the demand of students” As the services offered are free to Sonoma State students, the tutorial center has been rendered a student resource for

enriching their own education. In October 2014 the Tutorial Center was able to serve students utilizing 61 percent of their entire fund for the academic year.

“Having a resource like the Tutorial Center will help students who are underrepresented and will give them the opportunity to utilize all of their resources,” said Chair of the Senate Bianca Zamora.

Despite the influx of student activity at the Tutorial Center, they have been unable to hire more tutors due to lack of

finances – this fee is designed as a solution to the issue.

“I think that the tutorial center is a growing per year and the $3 fee is important in maintaining this program,” said Arts and Humanities Senator Annie Green.

Because the idea for this fee remains a draft, students are able to state their opinion in the Associated Students meeting on Friday in the Student Center at 1 p.m.

Page 6

Arts

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Justice in journalism Nataly Estupiñan Staff Writer

gmc.sonoma.edu Los Cenzontles performed in Weill Hall at the Green Music Center on Thursday.

Hispanic heritage shared through music Ashley Ronsse Staff Writer

“T

his is 25 years of creating and discovering Mexican culture and tradition,” said Eugene Rodriguez, lead of the band Los Cenzontles.

Los Cenzontles is in its 25th year of promoting Mexican pride, dignity and accountability. Los Cenzontles honors traditional Mexican musical roots and blends American culture to bring a fresh new sound.

The Chicano and Latino studies department was given an academic grant that gave Professors Ron Lopez and Amanda Martinez-Morrison the opportunity to invite Los Cenzontles to perform at the Green Music Center Thursday evening.

“Los Cenzontles are both a touring band and a cultural-arts academy for youth in San Pablo, California,” said MartinezMorrison. “The band is often described as a ‘Chicano roots rock’ band and compared to Los Lobos. They mix traditional music from Mexico with other genres like rock, soul, bluegrass, cumbia, salsa, etc.”

Eugene Rodriguez, from Los Angeles, was joined at the Green Music Center on Thursday Evening with the other members of the band: Fabiola Trujillo, Lucina Rodriguez and Emiliano Rodriguez.

The front vocals of the band are Trujillo and Lucina Rodriguez. Fabiola, born in Mexico, moved to Oakland at the age of seven and joined Los Cenzontles at the age of 15. Lucina, also born in Mexico, moved to California at the age of 11 and joined Los Cenzontles at the age of 15. Emiliano, born in San Francisco and raised in Richmond, joined the Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center in San Pablo for over nine years and plays a variety of instruments, including piano, electric bass, guitar, jarana, and leon, with the band Los Cenzontles.

Los Cenzontles is more than just a band but also a cultural arts center in San Pablo. Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center, founded in 1989 by the band’s Eugene Rodriguez, is also a non-profit organization that connects young Mexicans to music, art and their cultural roots.

The center is a cultural academy that provides classes and workshops that teach young children about music, dance, arts

and crafts that relate to the Mexican tradition in an effort to keep the Mexican culture alive. Lucina works at the Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center as a dance teacher and business manager.

The band’s sound is a mix of modern electric bass and drums, and traditional Mexican instruments including jarana, vihuela, requinto, pandero and quijada. This mix of traditional mariachi music paired with contemporary American sounds creates a contemporary soulful musical sound.

“Their approach is not to think of ‘folk’ or ‘traditional’ music as archival, overly precious, or metaphorically frozen in amber but as a living tradition that is constantly changing and adapting to the realities of people’s lives,” said MartinezMorrison.

In a blended sound of upbeat tempo of the electric bass and traditional mariachi sounds, Eugene sang, “Soy Mexico Americano.” As he sang, the audience clapped along in enjoyment and two young girls from the cultural academy dressed in colorful Mexican traditional dance costumes jumping around the stage in rhythm with the music.

Los Cenzontles performed some songs in English and other songs in Spanish.

“Adios California” was a fun and entertaining number sung in Spanish that even English speakers could enjoy.

Los Cenzontles has worked with multiple artists and bands, including Los Lobos and Neil Young. The band performed a song about positive vibes from the future which they learned from “Los Lobos,” which Eugene described as “the greatest Mexican Chicano musical group.”

The performance ended with a song

by Neil Young using folk instruments and traditional Mexican sound.

Eugene’s purpose for the creation of the Los Cenzontles Mexican Cultural Arts Center and the formation of the Los Cenzontles band is to advocate and educate our children, which is the only way that to move forward.

Los Cenzontles has come a long way from their start and has toured all over California spreading traditional Mexican roots and culture.

Follow the band on Facebook and YouTube to follow their successes.

O

Review

ne hundred and eighteen days of torture, loneliness, sadness and madness.

That’s how much time Maziar Bahari spent in an Iranian prison in solitary confinement under the accusation of being a spy, when in reality, it appeared there was much more lying behind the reasons of his imprisonment.

This Friday, “Rosewater” premiered at local Rialto and Summerfield cinemas.

This film is based on a true story and accounts in Bahari’s book, “Then They Came For Me,” all based on his imprisonment in 2009 while covering the Iranian presidential elections for Newsweek magazine.

In his directorial debut, Jon Stewart mixes seriousness with a bit of satire to expose the ridiculous accusations against Bahari of espionage due to his interview with Jason Jones for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

In that initial interview, Jason Jones wears dark glasses and pretends to be a spy, simply for the purposes of a satirical sketch, but this is the footage the interrogator used to accuse to Bahari.

In a later interview with Stewart, Bahari jokingly blames

him for his imprisonment, saying “Those guys who arrested me wanted to fabricate charges against me, I could have been on ‘Sesame Street’ and they could accuse Elmo of sedition.”

In the film, Bahari is played

by Hispanic actor Gael Garcia Bernal, whom does a great job portraying his role as a journalist and as a survivor.

In the film, Bahari f lies to Iran to cover the presidential elections, once he arrives he meets Davood (Dimitri Leonidas) whom appears to be a cab driver but really is not, who drives Bahari around the city to cover the different polling places.

When driven to an area of high poverty, Davood introduces him to his friends whom are voting for Mir-Hossein Mousavi because they believe it would lead to a better government.

While covering the polling places, he discovers that they’re being closed early and that they already announced that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has won the election.

Soon chaos ensues and protest begin, many protestors questioning, “Where is my vote?”

Caught in the chaos, Bahari decides to stay longer and cover the protest, which lead to him filming and baring witness to the shooting of protestors.

It’s when his footage is shown in news/media outlets around the

facebook.com Gael Garcia Bernal plays journalist Maziar Bahari in “Rosewater,” a film based on a true story.

New plays, small stage Nicole Detmers Staff Writer

O

COURTESY // SSU Theatre Arts and Dance

Sonoma State University Dept. of Theatre Arts & Dance Presents:

“Heart” and “Soul” Two separate performances for the Fall Dance Concert

Nov. 20 th - 23rd

world that he is arrested.

The film goes on to show his time in prison, his blindfolded interrogations and ghost from his past which pay him visits and encourage him to stay strong.

The educational value in this film is worthy, it reminds there are many worldly issues to pay attention to of how crucial and important having the chance to vote is.

Although full of chaos, violence and what appears to be real footage of the protest in Iran in the beginning, the film can seem a little dull during the scenes of Bahari’s time in prison.

This dullness is later replaced by humor, which Bahari uses to help him push through his last few days of imprisonment, and hope, which Bahari feels after he finds out that many people including Hilary Clinton, are talking about his unfair imprisonment.

Stewart does well in making the audience understand and feel what Bahari went through, the excitement of the elections, the danger of filming the protest, the fear during interrogations, and the relief and feeling of hope when he discovers that people are speaking on his behalf to free him from prison.

“Rosewater” is definitely a must see film, not only does it remind the audience of worldly issues, but also to stay strong and have hope in times of turmoil.

pening night, the lights cast down on the rows of chairs so an audience of family and friends could fill the seats.

An excited murmur across the room, soon to be disturbed by loud music and a fitting fiery presentation that projected to the screen on stage. In the basement of Ives from Thursday to Friday, playwrights watched their works come to life.

Each play was by students in the Playwriting and Playwriting II classes (THAR 367 and 377). The festival was held to demonstrate readings of plays that are still works-in-progress. Writers were sitting amongst the audience to hear their plays in early stages and figure out what could be improved on.

“Top of the Hill” was the name of the first performance. A tale of three detectives – two of which were brothers and a newbie are working on a case. The two senior detectives are brothers, one is more reckless and the other – more cautious.

Giving the newbie a hard time gave the play an easy comedic appeal while the relationship between the two brothers was far more serious. Written by Mark Wilson, directed by Alex Bretow and Camila Vasquez as stage director. Playing the detectives were Phi Tran as Alex – the newbie, Christopher Mortensen as Thomas – the more cautious, and Joe Ingalls as Rodney – the more reckless.

Written by Jenna Stefl, the next piece was titled “Swallowed Whole,” and told the tale of a couple that was going through a rough patch.

The play described a case of bad communication and misinterpretation that led to a couple not sure where they stood in their relationship. Audrey Rink directed the play and stage directions were by Alex Moore. Alexandra Jiongo played the wife, Connor Pratt played Brad

and Kendall Bare played Amy’s friend Alyse.

The last play of the night was a concerning comedy called “Re-Up? You’re Crazy!” written by Adam Brasherars and directed by Doyle Ott. The piece consisted of a number of military personnel considering re-enlistment.

It was evident the author had done some research, though more could have been done considering a few things were not exactly accurate. The audience laughed and seemed to appreciate every well-placed joke. The actors and stage directors included Christopher Mortensen, Joe Ingalls, Phi Tran, Isabel Meshot and Carlos Rodriguez.

COURTESY // SSU Theatre Arts and Dance The sixth annual “Super Mega Molten Hot Lava” play festival took place Thursday through Saturday.

Entertainment

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

Romance in darkness Jenna Fischer Staff Writer

“B facebook.com Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star in “Dumb and Dumber To,” released on Friday.

Newest ‘Dumb’ film even dumber Alyssa James Staff Writer

“D

Review

umb and Dumber To” strikes yet again as another moronic film filled with overly exaggerated, pointless humor. This is the third movie in the series, following the original, “Dumb and Dumber” and “Dumb and Dumberer.”

As with the previous two films, “Dumb and Dumber To” lives up to its title as a mediocre and less than satisfying comedy that will only appeal to a very slim audience who enjoys the kind of humor that it presents.

Co-written and directed by brothers Bobby and Peter Farrely, the movie is a continuation of the story of best friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) as they set off on another wild adventure.

“Dumb and Dumber To” begins with Harry visiting and taking care of Lloyd at a mental hospital that he has been staying at for 20 years.

Lloyd is paralyzed in a wheelchair and cannot move, function or speak. During the visit, Lloyd jumps out of his wheel chair and exclaims “got ya” at Harry and explains he had been tricking him into thinking he was paralyzed the entire last two decades.

Harry finds this absolutely hilarious and thinks this is the best prank that has ever pulled. The two leave the mental hospital together as if nothing had changed in the past 20 years.

After arriving back at their old apartment where Harry lives with a new roommate who replaced Lloyd while he was in the mental hospital, Harry reveals to Lloyd one of his kidneys is failing and he needs to find a donor in order to survive.

They set off to Harry’s parent’s house that he hasn’t been to in decades. His parents are overjoyed to finally see him after such a long time.

Even though his parents are Asian, Harry does not realize he is adopted and asks if one of them would be willing to donate a kidney to him. His parents drop the news on him that he is not their biological child and they cannot help him replace his kidney.

On their way out, Harry’s dad gives him his mail he has saved since it started piling up in 1991 when Harry left his parents.

He opens a letter from a past lover of his, Fraida Felcher (Kathleen Turner), that says she is pregnant and needs Harry to call her.

Harry is astonished to find out that he has a daughter who is 24 years old now.

The duo then set off on a mission filled with many crazy twists and turns to find his daughter so that he can finally meet her and also ask if she could donate one of her kidneys since she is blood related.

After watching this film, it’s apparent that the immature humor is more suited for pre-teen boys who would probably enjoy it more than other audiences.

“Dumb and Dumber To” is a movie that is a little too dumb to be funny and is definitely not suited for everyone.

Pink Floyd’s farewell Sara Molenda Staff Writer

H

Review

aving sold 250 million records worldwide, ranking number eight on MSNBC’s “The 10 Best Rock Bands Ever” and named as Q magazine’s biggest band ever, Pink Floyd’s 15th and final album, “The Endless River,” has been much anticipated.

The start of the farewell album prepares listeners for the start of a journey through time and space. More specifically, the eerie combinations of percussion and keyboard bring about a trance-like sound that calms and intrigues the listener.

The title of the track, “Things Left Unsaid” begs the question of what the band feels they have left unsaid over the many previous songs and albums they have produced.

Rhythm picks up a bit with the track, “Ebb and Flow” where the band uses extended mesmerizing notes on the electric guitar combined with gentle flowing lyrics to continue the sound journey.

The next four tracks titled “Sum,” “Skins,” “Unsung” and “Anisina” all feature similar sounds of paired percussion and electric guitar while continuing the eerie spacey sounds very familiar with the band’s sound.

This set of tracks sports many dissonant chords and tunes seem to clash at different points but always find a way resolve themselves into a harmony. The progression and resolution is truly magical in sound.

“The Endless River” introduces the melodic tunes of the piano as a way to change up the spacey sound in the short but sweet track, “The Lost Art of Conversation.” The next track to pick up steam once again is “Allons-y,” which features once again the creative sounds of David Gilmour on the electric guitar.

The band throws it back to the 60s with the track “Autumn ‘68” which features a melancholic tune, remnant of the sounds produced by a church organ.

The fourth movement of the album features four different tracks all with the same characteristics of Pink Floyd: long flowing melodies, melancholic and eerie notes and crescendos and descendos of sound.

In an interview with Redbeard in 1994, David

Gilmour, guitarist and vocalist for the band, provided the source for most of the material of what would be “The Endless River.” He explained that most of the inspiration for this farewell album originated from a series of 90-minute recorded DATs, which produced five or six hours of music.

In the interview, he explained that all the music already existed in the heads of the band members but by choosing specific pieces and adding new ones over time, the band was able to create an album they deemed worthy, especially after the loss of their keyboardist and fellow founding member, Richard Wright.

Overall, the album is exactly what the band members have described. The musicians sat down for hours and hours and just played what they felt.

The pure genius and originality of the their sound cannot be argued. Their universal sound has seen success across a global market of music.

The album has received mixed reviews from such a large fan base. The group’s original die hard fans are sad to say goodbye to their loved musicians. The success with albums such as “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here” probably won’t compare to the sounds of this album. However, any fan of Pink Floyd will find something to like and appreciate in this farewell album.

Like many classic rock bands, Pink Floyd has shifted in sound directions and group members but has consistently maintained a fan base by maintaining their everlasting popular stellar space rock sound.

facebook.com Pink Floyd’s 15 studio album, “Endless River,” released Tuesday. th

Review

eyond the Lights” swoops behind the f lashing cameras and screaming crowds that come with fame and injects the hardships and humanity behind the facade of a seemingly perfect celebrity. Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a superstar for her brilliant voice, but her perfect image in front of millions of fans isn’t truly her, for one sees Noni attempt to end her life by jumping off a balcony in the first few minutes of the movie.

Thankfully, the officer who is acting in as her bodyguard, Kaz (Nate Parker), grabs her hand as he sees her attempt to jump and convinces her to hang on until he pulls her back up to the balcony.

Kaz sees her in the most raw state possible, and he still chooses to care for her instead of writing her off as a cliché celebrity sob story.

The first scene of the movie is when Noni is entering her first talent show as a small child, and she sings “Blackbird” by Nina Simone excellently, but comes in second place.

Her mother, Noni’s only parent, storms her out and has her throw away the runner up trophy claiming only first place is worth anything.

The small, humble child the audience pities in the beginning scene is replaced by hypersexualization of a superstar.

With this insight into Noni’s roller coaster life, the audience watches the budding romance between her and Kaz, and how difficult it is to truly let someone in when perfection is the image that one has to constantly hold.

This movie could have easily fallen into the cliche of an unstable woman being swept off her feet, but it doesn’t. Instead, “Beyond the Lights” takes the audience on a journey not only of finding romance through pain, but also Noni’s path to finding and empowering herself.

A scene that depicts this is when Kaz is sitting with Noni on her bedroom f loor and she brings out a box full of lyrics she never pursued. Kaz is blown away by the brilliance and true emotion in her own lyrics, and in this moment, Noni is opening a part of herself and her heart to his eyes, not just because she is swept off her feet, but because she truly is willing to break down her facade for him.

This movie goes beyond the cliché,

chick-f lick romance and opens up an understanding of how to love someone through all of their forms. No one is perfect, and that is portrayed in a realistic way by watching a celebrity break down and find her way back to who she truly is.

Celebrities are highly criticized and their private lives are broadcast for all to see; “Beyond the Lights” goes beyond a romance movie into a ref lection of the imagebased society we have today.

It shows the damage not only to those in the spotlight, but also to those who feel invisible, as shown by Noni’s single mother struggling to make a life for her and Noni on her own.

Another thing “Beyond the Lights” does well is the amount of diversity in the cast.

Most stereotypical romance movies severely lack diversity, but “Beyond the Lights” embraces it and shows the reality of the challenges that come with it.

Overall, “Beyond the Lights” is a fresh new perspective on romance. Even though the audience can predict most of outcomes, the scenes are poignant and gripping throughout the entire movie: there are no unnecessary scenes.

Also, there are symbols and themes that are brought full circle within the movie to create a deeper meaning: an example is the song “Blackbird,” the first song Noni sings in front of a crowd, and the meaning of the lyrics of the song are woven through the plot of the movie and driven home with Noni’s last song being her own version of “Blackbird.”

With the majority of new movies being sequels, revivals or popular novel interpretations, “Beyond the Lights” is truly original and a great addition to the romance genre.

facebook.com Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker star in “Beyond the Lights,” released Friday.

Page 8

Features

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Options in handling stress Alexandra Rentoria Staff Writer

S

STAR // Edward Goquingco The comic above is from the exhibit to celebrate the 40 anniversary of the short film “A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving,” which was to recreate and remember the seasonal film. th

Thanksgiving: More than just a feast Natalie Bergman Staff Writer

F

amilies and friends of all ages gathered together on Saturday at the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” This event began last year as a dedication to the 40th anniversary of the short film’s first airing.

Since then, the volunteers and staff for the Charles M. Schulz Museum decided the event should continue for the nostalgic joy it brought to a wide demographic.

Gina Huntsinger, the marketing director at the Charles M. Schulz Museum for over 10 years, was overjoyed with the turnout and hopes to keep the event running for many years to come.

“I love the story behind this event,” said Huntsinger. “Last year we were trying to figure out how to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ and we thought ‘Wouldn’t everybody want to see it on the big screen? We could even recreate Snoopy’s terrible Thanksgiving meal.’ Everyone could bring their grandkids and show them their favorite special when they were growing up.”

Huntsinger was proud to be a part of the event for its second year in a row and to be a part of its origin.

“This has become such a sweet event in my opinion, because I love to see that people are taking their kids to see something that they enjoyed while they were growing up,” said Huntsinger.

Grandparents can relate to it and grandkids can relate to it, so every age in the family can really have fun. I think it should be a tradition.”

The museum brought contribution to the food bank by allowing attendees one free child’s admission ticket for every two cans of soup donated.

Bins were filled to the top with cans as people contributed to support those less fortunate.

Admission for the event included Snoopy’s Thanksgiving meal in the Great Hall, a showing of “A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving” in the Auditorium, arts and crafts upstairs in the Education Room and admission into the entire Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center.

The Great Hall had stations that served an exact replication of Snoopy’s meal from the short film “A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving.” This included jellybeans, pretzels, popcorn and variations of toast. The volunteers got creative with the

toast as there were many varieties from cinnamon-chocolate to garlic-parmesan.

Food was allowed in the auditorium and throughout most of the museum, excluding the gallery. Just like in the short film, there was also a Snoopy wearing a chef’s hat walking around the museum for hugs and photographs with the guests.

The auditorium played “A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving” on a loop for hours. This allowed everyone the chance to watch the short film. The squabbling chemistry between Snoopy and Woodstock on the big screen had children, parents and grandparents alike all laughing and smiling together. The seats were always full and those who were too impatient to wait until the next showing had no problem sitting on the floor.

Although comical, the short film has a deep message that represents what Thanksgiving is all about. In one scene, Peppermint Patty is frustrated at the terrible meal Snoopy and Charlie Brown present, yet under further reconsideration she realized Thanksgiving is about more than just the food.

“Thanksgiving isn’t about the food, it’s about being together,” said the Peanuts gang.

After the short film there was a brief “making-of” video that featured the producer of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Charles M. Schulz’s wife, son and some of the voice actors from the show. They all spoke of what it was like to make the special and to be a part of the series as a whole, sharing their favorite memories and moments as they turned a comic strip into a motion cartoon.

Upstairs, in the Education Room, there were endless art materials for children and their families to create something special. Tables topped with glue sticks, markers, googly-eyes, cardboard tubes and colored construction paper allowing guests to create their own Thanksgiving turkeys, fall leaf garlands and whatever else their imagination desired.

There were coloring books, stickers, how-to instructions to draw characters from the Peanuts gang and the option to make one’s own cartoon strip come to life in a giant zoetrope — a device used to bring motion to a sequence of drawings.

The event lasted from 1-4 p.m. and gave all ages a chance to come together and share how thankful they were for one another.

STAR // Edward Goquingco Santa Rosa continued to celebrate Snoopy with an exhibit full of comics and activities.

tress can be an overpowering obstacle that makes it seem like there is no way to avoid the anxiety, pressure and strain to achieve a relaxed state of mind. The mindfulness and stress reduction workshop provided

by Counseling and Psychological Services teaches individuals how to manage it with academics, society and emotion.

In the group they supply several useful strategies to cope with stress and any student is allowed to attend the meetings. The workshops were divided into three meetings and all on different subjects.

The last of the three workshops, on Friday, was led by Isabel Avila Saiter in Stevenson 1002. Everyone in the group was first asked to do a check-in for the session.

They asked how everyone is doing or what they did for the week. The focus of the workshop was compassion for others as well as oneself.

Packets were handed out for this session just like the last two meetings which contained information on the stress relieving exercises, definitions and poems.

The group met for about an hour and practiced several stress relieving exercises.

This included how to make one’s own metta script, which is normally about four lines of one’s positives writing

about anything the individual wants.

Another useful technique was mindful listening, which can bring significant insight into how people listen to each other and how a person’s mind can wander.

The goal is to have a conversation with another person by just listening without interrupting them, and when they are done respond back to what they said.

This teaches one to listen to others fully and how to bring the mind back when it wanders.

The meeting came to an end and even though this was the last session there is a significant chance these workshops will be done again next semester.

Some of the topics talked about in the first two workshops encouraged wellness through mindfulness, dealing with pessimistic talk and strenuous emotions.

At each session a packet was provided that gave further insight on each topic.

Each packet outlines specific strategies of how to be aware and move forward to accomplish goals.

The first packet explained how to practice being mindful with an easy to follow five-minute mindful breathing technique. It stated how to do the five-minute exercise to help an individual feel relaxed.

The second packet focused on how to deal with negative self-talk and difficult emotions an individual

might encounter in everyday life. One of the exercises available was walking mediation.

This is when an individual walked in a quiet place, takes into account their surroundings and focuses on only their every footstep.

The last packet focused on compassion. Another practice available the group didn’t have time to do was called STOP. S stands for stop; T represents take a breath; O is for observe; last P is for proceed.

The strategy STOP is used to lower one’s stress in everyday life and bring one back to being at peace or centered.

If ever stressed, one can take a moment to take a deep breath, analyze their environment and take the next step in what they decide to do.

All the methods listed above were provided from the mindfulness and stress reduction workshops and they are easy to do. These workshops give students techniques to help them cope with stress and anxiety.

Several of the strategies are mediation oriented, which can help one feel at ease and relaxed.

Whether it’s not doing very well on a test, pressure to do well in a class or other obstacles, these workshops truly help in making stress a manageable aspect of life.

“I felt very relaxed, when doing mediation,” said Mike Acquista, attendee of the event.

Plenty of fresh produce available Megan Minturn Staff Writer

F

ood lovers across Sonoma County united at the Santa Rosa Farmers Market on Wednesday morning to gather fresh and local pro-

duce.

The Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market was established in 1967 as one of the first in California to become a certified market. The market prides itself on providing a showcase of the diversity of agriculture in Sonoma County.

Pegi Ball, the manager of the Santa Rosa Farmers Market, told the STAR, “The SROC Farmers Market offered a great opportunity for students and folks of all ages to really see and taste the difference of fresh picked vegetables and fruit, and feel the passion our farmers put into producing their products.”

The market is California Certified, meaning all of the fresh herbs, plants, cut flowers, fruits, nuts vegetables, honey and eggs are all harvested in Sonoma County. The same goes for the meat sold at the market. This means the person who sells those fresh products is the farmer who produced them, their family or an employee.

“I really like knowing all the food is locally grown,” said senior Amanda Arcila. “I feel like everything here is healthy, which is great because it can be hard to eat healthy in college.”

The market encourages shoppers to come and meet the farmers and ranchers who raise and grow the food they are eating. The best way to know about the food is to ask the people who grow it. The farmers market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, rain or shine with different vendors each time.

On the Santa Rosa Farmers Market’s website, they post which vendors will attend each day they are open. On Wednesday some of the vendors included Hectors Honey, Sebastopol Berry, Pure

Puer Tea, Wine Country Chocolates and various others. Vendors provide information about how they harvest their food. Farmers are not required to sell all organic products, but customers may ask them about their personal farming practices. The market requires all farmers to conspicuously label produce that is grown from genetically modified seeds.

There are also vendors who sell products like bread and already prepared foods. Again, they are not required to list their ingredients, but customers can always ask.

“The Santa Rosa market is just a nice way to start out any Saturday, we are lucky to go to school in an area that has so much naturally grown produce,” said senior Christina Thomas.

The Wednesday market is a convenient time to shop. There is free parking, shopping and a chance to talk to vendors.

Shoppers can go to look, shop or for a morning and get a snack or meal. The Wednesday and Saturday market usually have music as well, to contribute to the easy day of shopping, eating and looking around.

“I love going to the Santa Rosa Market, there is so many different things to look at,” said junior Taylor Baloy. “Plus I love going around to all the different vendors and trying all of the different foods.”

A few vendors accept credit and debit cards, but cash is preferred for the market. The Sonoma County Department of Health prohibits smoking and only service dogs are allowed to be on the market grounds.

The market occasionally has special events that are usually annual. They frequently have shop and donate deals for local schools or charities.

Those interested can look at their website calendar to learn about events and when they are, or check out their Facebook page. To experience it go to the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts any Wednesday or Saturday morning starting at 8:30 a.m.

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez At the Santa Rosa Farmer’s Market there is a large variety of fresh local produce.

Features

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

Restaurant Review: Shangri-La Lauren O’Malley Staff Writer

S seawolfliving.com

Stay healthy with selfies Kimberly Paasche Staff Writer

S

onoma State University students are being rewarded for taking selfies. The Campus Rec Center is currently holding a healthy-selfie challenge to promote healthy lifestyles. As most students know, a selfie is photo taken of one’s self.

The Campus Rec Center is giving out prizes to students who post selfies of healthy living on Instagram.

The photos can be of workouts, sports, healthy meals, completing homework or even just taking time for ones self such as reading a book.

The first winner of the healthy-selfie challenge was a student with impressive weight loss.

Some of the other winners posted photos of healthy food, hand stands and even a yoga instructor. All of the winners posted photos of healthy lifestyles.

The photo must have a hashtag of #ssucampusrec and #healthyselfie. A hashtag is a word or a phrase with no spaces that has a hash character in front of it (#). Some also know this character known as

a pound sign.

“It’s a good way to get involved and be healthy while on social networks,” said front desk employee of the Rec Center Brendan Byrne.

“The healthy-selfie challenge could be a game changer for health on campus.

The healthy-selfie challenge started on Nov. 10 and continues until Friday. Prizes are awarded each day for the best picture.

The daily prizes include T-shirts, bags, drop passes for the inMotion classes and a pass to the upcoming turkey trot event.

There will also be one grand prize winner. For each photo a student posts to Instagram of a healthy-selfie, the student will have their name put in a drawing for the grand prize. The grand prize winner will win $100 to the Campus Rec Center.

The Campus Rec Center is throwing this event not just to promote working out and exercising in the building, but to promote an overall healthy lifestyle.

“It’s always good going hiking outdoors, or doing anything in nature. Just doing anything to better yourself in any way rather than just going to the gym. There are

other options,” junior Tyler Evans.

On Thursday morning there were 152 posts with the hashtag ssucampusrec, and 7,564 post with the hashtag healthyselfie. It’s unclear how many posts are from Sonoma State students, but it’s clear the numbers are growing.

“Its a good way for people to get recognized for their hard work,” said building supervisor of the Campus Rec Center Nick Kemper.

Along with the many photos uploaded with the ssucampusrec hashtag, The Campus Rec Center has Instagram profile named SSUCAMPUSREC. Photos of the daily winners of the healthy selfie challenge will be shared and posted on the profile.

Stress Less with the Rec, is a similar event the center will be putting on in the next few weeks.

It will aim to help students feel less stressed with finals and the holidays approaching.

Questions on the Sonoma State healthy-selfie challenge can be posted on the Campus Rec Center Facebook page.

For questions on any of the upcoming events, or the Rec Center in general feel free to just walk on in.

Tree lighting coming to Snoopy Arena Veronica Benvenuto Staff Writer

S

tep into the Arena of the family classic “Snoopy” where the theme attracts people of all ages.

Especially with the holiday season coming closer, the arena provided a lot of fun activities and events to get people into the holiday spirit and enjoy the rink.

“I like going because first off I love the Snoopy-themed decorations and it’s a very fun family-orientated environment with cool lighting incorporated with music and fun games like ‘hokey pokey,”’ said senior Cassie Denault.

A Santa Rosa icon for over 40 years, Snoopy’s Home Ice offered a unique atmosphere for families to enjoy recreational iceskating and a world-class facility. It supports the goals of local athletes in the sports of ice hockey and figure skating.

Home to the Warm Puppy Café and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop, the arena complex is also a popular destination for Peanuts fans from across the globe.

“When I went it was fun and exciting filled with music and lots of people having a good time,” said junior Abby Williams. “Also for beginners like myself I felt encouraged by people working there giving me helpful tips on skating.”

The arena opened on April 28, 1969 with a gala event starring the 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist Peggy Fleming and the Vince Guaraldi trio. The grand opening was the culmination of almost a year of construction.

The arena offered lessons to people wanting to learn how to skate or even for those interested in getting more into the sport.

“I’m so blessed to be able to coach at this beautiful rink and share my passion of skating to my students,” said Skating Instructor Tessa Jacobs.

Snoopy’s Home Ice also does a lot of work for the community through volunteer center’s Secret Santa program. Secret Santa works with and benefits over 100 local non-profits.

Even if skating is not fun for some there is a café to get warm by the fireplace and watch the entertainment of people attempting to skate.

“I’ve been going to Snoopy Arena ever since I was a little girl and I love the cozy café with the fireplace especially after falling on the ice multiple occasions skating,” said senior Kylie Hartman.

The café is known for the nice warmth, sitting next to the fireplace enjoying a Peppermint patty hot chocolate.

After skating, enjoying a meal or a cup of hot chocolate while watching the other ice skaters can be a way to unwind from a day of skating.

There is also outdoor seating under the shade of umbrellas for those sunny days.

Young or just young at heart, there is something for every appetite.

“Every time I go it brings back childhood memories when I use to have my birthday parties there,” said Hartman.

Every year there is a Tree Lighting Ceremony where people from all around go to enjoy watching the Peanut gang skate around the Christmas tree.

This year was the 11th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The ice skating exhibition will be on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Once the tree is lit it remains on the ice for the rest of the Holiday Season.

“I love how every year we have our annual tree lighting put on by skating club which is a great way to get people into the holiday spirit,” said Snoopy Arena Staff Kimmy McIntyre.

If interested in checking out the arena or enjoying a night of skating go onto snoopyshomeice.com where one can see the calendar on events and public skating times.

hangri-La welcomes customers with an aroma that overtakes senses and leaves mouths watering. Shangri-La is a restaurant with many food flavors with foods that descend from the Himalayas and Nepal. The owner of the restaurant, Meenakshi Sharma, made and designed all the food herself. Sharma came up with the menu by asking regular customers what their thoughts were, and to be honest about how it tasted.

“We feel like we are family and I feel like it’s our growing family,” said Sharma.

Sharma has described her restaurant as family-style because of how often she sees her customers and regulars.

Sharma and her family are from Nepal and moved to Rohnert Park about 20 years ago with their restaurant open for about 10 years now.

“We are from Nepal so our food is more influenced by northern Indian food because we are next to each other,” said Sharma. “I cook here just like how I cook at home.”

The food served at Shangri-La is made and influenced by food Sharma was fed by her mother and family when she lived in Nepal. Food in Nepal is made mostly with different types of spices, lentils and a majority of the food consists of some type of curry. At Shangri-La, they offer three different kinds of curry with different spice levels such as mild, medium and spicy.

Sharma also buys most of her food products locally and fresh. Sharma buys organic but prices are high so she doesn’t want to over spend. She cooks all of her meals freshly before opening for the two sections of the day.

Shangri-La is open Monday through Sat-

urday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

With the two hours between lunch and dinner, Sharma gives the staff an hour break and then an hour before open they start to prepare the food again.

Shangri-La has different lunch specials everyday such as Butter Chicken Thursdays, Tiki Tuesdays, Garlic Naan and much more.

“I love butter chicken Thursday, the deals are so cheap for such a quality serving,” said freshman Marissa House.

With seven different appetizers such as Aaloo Tkki Chaat, Chicken Chhoela and Vegetable Momo, four different salad options, over 35 meal options such as Riata, Lamb Tikka Masala, Aaloo Tikka Masala and a few side order options.

Sharma has tried to make Shangri-La as much as a home environment as possible by getting to know her customers and their children as well as the students that come in from Sonoma State University.

“I always enjoy coming here on the weekends with my friends because it’s such a friendly and homely environment,” said junior Karina Whitehouse.

Shangri-La staffs Sonoma State University students for the up front and for waiting and waitressing. In the kitchen Sharma is more disciplined about who she chooses to make all the food. Each person Sharma has hired to work in the kitchen was trained individually because Sharma has a certain way to cooking the food that she feels should be all the same.

“The people that work at Shangri-La are super cool and really nice, and the food is dank,” said sophomore kinesiology major Kelly Watson.

Shangri-La had a lovely feel to the restaurant and was welcoming and accommodating to all who entered the building.

Kochergin’s natural art Natalie Bergman Staff Writer

W

hat began as a gloomy, foggy morning brightened into a sunny, warm afternoon full of wine and art of the natural world. The sun parted through the clouds and shined right into the big wooden windows of the Dutton-Goldfield Winery, lighting up the entire tasting room.

Botanical artwork produced by Victoria Kochergin is on display in the Dutton-Goldfield Winery Tasting Room from November until January. On Sunday, the winery was set up to hold a special artist reception for Kochergin from 1-3 p.m. Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication, Kochergin was unable to come to the reception thrown in her honor.

David Hewitt, Dutton-Goldfield Winery’s taste room manager, said that the winery usually rotates their artists every two and a half months.

This was Kochergin’s second time being displayed in their tasting room, her last time being about two years ago.

“We know Victoria very well,” said Hewitt.

“She works for Joseph Phelps Winery in Freestone, where our winery also grows the grapes for our pinot noir. There is a lot of camaraderie in this industry, and by working together with Joseph Phelps Winery in Freestone we have gotten to know Victoria quite well.”

People trickled in throughout the afternoon, some for wine tasting and others for Kochergen’s art. By 2 p.m. Hewitt feared that Kochergin may have rescheduled her reception for another date and called the reception off. Although the reception was no longer going to happen, Kochergin’s art still brought smiles to those who dropped by.

Kochergin is a botanical artist and illustrator whose art consists of colored pencil drawings of plants displayed on every wall of the wine tasting room. Her meticulous detail was clear and precise as each pedal was unique from one another. The veins in the stems and leaves are seen by her shading technique.

All of her original art pieces on the walls were for sale in addition to cards and prints for lower prices that were laid out on a burl wood table. Cards came in boxes of eight for $23 while every box had a selection that consisted of one of each of her pieces, including “Lilac,” “Lavender Columbine,” “Tulips” and more.

Her prints were sold in three different sizes ranging in prices from $25 to $50. Kochergin also has her own set of Christmas cards consisting of red poinsettias and a decorative “Merry Christmas” in shiny red cursive script on the cover.

On the table that displayed her cards and prints for sale, was a laminated sign that gave Kochergin’s background as an artist. Although it would have been more personable to hear Kochergin in person, the sign was written by Kochergin herself and gave observers a close look into the heart of her art.

Kochergin’s introduction said, “As a botanical artist, I closely study each subject to assure that I capture all of its wonderful details. In doing so, I am continuously amazed and in awe with the amount of variety, complexity and beauty within the botanical world.”

For more information of Kochergin’s artwork, one can visit her website at victoriakochergin.com and view all of her artwork online or in person at Dutton-Goldfield Winery until January.

STAR // Natalie Bergman Victoria Kochergin’s artwork is on display and for sale at Dutton-Goldfield Winery until January.

Page 10

Sports

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Women’s basketball falls to Menlo, San Francisco Ancia Purdy Staff Writer

J COURTESY // SSU Athletics The Seawolves advance to the NCAA post-season after beating Cal State Stanislaus.

Volleyball wins first CCAA Championship Adam Roth Staff Writer

C

hampions! The Sonoma State University women’s volleyball team brought home the 2014 CCAA Championship Title this weekend, capping off a historic regular season while advancing to NCAA Championship Tournament in Nampa, Idaho.

This is the team’s first conference since joining the division in 1998. The Seawolves put an end to Cal State San Bernardino’s eight-year winning streak as CCAA champions Saturday night with a victory over Cal State Stanislaus.

The Seawolves won the first two sets 2513 and 25-12 against Cal State Stanislaus in their final regular season game. Once the Seawolves tasted blood, they went for the kill. They started the third set with a demanding 14-0 lead and ended it with a 25-6 score to sweep Stanislaus. The win confirmed their title as the 2014 CCAA Champions and a spot in the NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship Tournament.

Madelyn Densberger lead the pack with 11 kills while Kaitlyn Connolly contributed 17 digs to secure the win.

“We spent a lot of time and energy trying to play hard,” said Head women’s volleyball Coach Bear Grassl. “Making sure we don’t make mini vacations out there, and I think that’s what has made us so successful this year.”

The team finished the regular season with an overall record of 20-6 and 18-4 in the conference division.

The Sonoma State Seawolves will now travel to Idaho take on the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves on Thursday. The winner of that match will take on either rival Cal State-San Bernardino or Western Washington University on the Friday.

“We spent a lot of time and energy trying to play hard,” said Head Coach Bear Grassl.

“Making sure we don’t make mini vacations out there, and I think that’s what has made us so successful this year.”

This is Sonoma’s eighth appearance at the Division II Volleyball Championship Tournament, with their last appearance being in 2013 and a record of 3-7 at the tournament.

64 teams will be participating in the Women’s Volleyball Championship, eight teams from eight different regions. The regional competition will be single-elimination, meaning best three-of-five-set matches. The winners of each region will advance to the Finals held in Louisville, Kentucky on Dec. 4-6.

Visit NCAA.com for more information about the championship tournament and to set up an interactive bracket.

unior center Hannah Sourek had 23 points over the weekend but The Seawolves dropped their season opener against Menlo and weren’t able to bounce back in their final exhibition game against the Division I University of San Francisco.

In the midst of the men’s basketball tournament, the women’s team was able to get a game in on Saturday against Menlo (46-54).

SSU was the first on the board with two free throws by Sourek, but the Oaks of Menlo College gained the lead and took control of the game just under three minutes into the game.

After getting seven points behind, the Seawolves only saw the lead twice though they tied the game up several times. The Seawolves would end the half one point ahead of the Oaks.

The first points in the second half didn’t occur until three minutes into the game, but the Seawolves held the lead for the first eight minutes of the period.

Unfortunately for Sonoma, Menlo would hold onto the lead to the end of the game and at one point led by 10. From there, the Seawolves would only come within six points, never seeing the better end of it.

“Going into a game when our opponent is undefeated makes up push much harder,” said Sourek. “We are all extremely competitive and no matter what we are going to do anything on power to win.”

In addition to Sourek’s 12 points, junior Taylor Acosta and freshman Madison Burroughs added eight a piece. Off the bench, freshman Molly Donovan and junior Molly Robledo combined for 12 points in Saturday’s game.

The next day, SSU traveled to San Francisco to take on USF, but fell 42-83 to the Dons on Sunday.

For the first eight minutes of the game, the Seawolves held their own against the Division I team, only trailing once due to the first points of the game. Nine of Sonoma’s first 13 points came from three pointers by Sourek, Tanner Adams and Molly Kommer.

Shortly after, the Dons tied the score at 13 before running away with the lead, gaining as many as 19 points above the Seawolves before halftime.

Within four minutes of the second half, USF was the only team to put up points, eventually gaining a 30 point lead. SSU attempted to chip away on two Donovan free throws and a layup but to no prevail.

“Our intensity level was much higher on Sunday,” said Donovan. “We played great defense in both games, however we were lacking on offense.”

The Seawolves had 14 points in the second half, compared to USF’s 37. Sourek and Donovan ended the game with 11 points, while four players from the bench added a total of 14 points. SSU shot 26.3 percent on 57 attempts and had five total three-point field goals. The Seawolves were successful on 70 percent of their free throw attempts.

“We are learning from our mistakes,” said Sourek. “We are a very young team and we are learning how to play with each other. Mistakes are going to come.”

Sonoma State will travel to Oakland to take on Holy Names on Thursday at 7 p.m. for a non conference game, before playing their last non conference game before conference play against Dominican University the following week.

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Hannah Sourek scored 12 points in the game against Menlo.

Noma baseball drops three-game series Aubrie Tolliver Staff Writer

T

he Sonoma State University club baseball team headed out to their home field at Rancho Cotati High School this weekend to scrimmage the University of Nevada at Reno Wolf Pack. The three-game series featured strong pitching on both sides. However, it was Nevada that was able to string together big hits and big innings and come away with three victories by the end of the weekend.

On Saturday, the first day of the series, the teams played a double header. Game one was a pitcher’s duel. Sophomore Isaac Brown took the mound for Sonoma and, in his six innings of work, allowed only one hit with no runs. By the end of his outing, he collected five strikeouts.

Sonoma State’s offense remained relatively quiet the entire game, accumulating only three hits over the seven innings. Two of those hits belonged to senior Justin Leong, who went two for three with two singles. Sophomore Nick Langworthy had the other hit, which was a single to right field.

“We are stoked for this year,” said Sean MacDuffy, who is returning for his second year.

“Everyone’s excited to play and excited to be out here. It is still competitive and still fun.”

The game was tied up at zero apiece until the Wolf Pack’s offense busted open in the top of the seventh inning. The team scored eight runs on six hits and two walks.

After a walk to senior Brad Mulvihill and a hit by pitch to freshman Matt Ramsey with only one out, the bottom of the seventh seemed

promising for Sonoma State. However, sophomore Sean MacDuffy would eventually hit into a game-ending 4-6-3 double-play, which finalized the score at 8-0.

Junior Nik Rowen was the starting pitcher for game two and was looking to turn things around for his team. After retiring the first two batters in the top of the first, Rowen allowed four consecutive hits, which brought in one run. But, he eventually settled in and gave up only one hit in his next four innings.

Sonoma came back in the bottom half of the first, putting up two runs. Freshman Bailey Jones started off the inning with a walk, eventually reaching third. He would go on to score on a bunt from Leong. Then, just a few batters later, Leong was driven in with a single by MacDuffy.

The team put another run on the board in the top of the third with an RBI single by Mulvihill, driving in freshman RJ Schmidt. The score was 3-1 by the end of the inning.

Reno put two runs across in the fourth and one in the fifth, but Sonoma’s offense responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. The RBIs were accredited to MacDuffy’s single to left field and Ramsey’s sacrifice squeeze bunt.

The score was 5-4 going into the top of the seventh with Sonoma State on top. However, junior pitcher Tyler Storozinski could not hold off Nevada’s offense and allowed two runs to the heart of the Wolf Pack’s order.

Sonoma could not push a run across the plate in the bottom of the inning and the final score ended up at 6-5 in favor of Nevada.

Sunday morning, the team played their final game of the series. Junior pitcher Russell De Jong was hoping to help his team avoid a sweep.

While Sonoma State’s offense remained quiet throughout the first four innings, Nevada’s did not. By the top of the fifth, De Jong would allow five runs on nine hits.

On the other hand, Sonoma State was able to push across two runs in the top of the fifth with a bases loaded walk to Storozinski and

COURTESY // NOMA Baseball Noma baseball is the club version of team baseball at SSU, but it is not affiliated with the NCAA. a sacrifice f ly ball by Langworthy. These would be the only runs the team would score through nine innings of play.

Nevada scored three more runs in the top of the seventh and, after a quick bottom of the inning for Sonoma State’s offense, the 8-2 victory, once again, went to Nevada, who finalized the sweep. Rowen earned the loss but Leong led his team with hits, going two for four in the game.

Although Sonoma seemed to have a trying weekend, Mulvihill, who is playing his second year with the team, believes that there is a silver lining: the team was able to practice and get comfortable playing alongside each other, which will ultimately help them during their spring season.

“Preseason I don’t really care what happens,” said Mulvihill. “It’s more along the lines of filling a base ground for the season where we can structure on top of it.”

Having been established in 2013, the team is fairly new. Last year was their first season being able to play against other colleges in their division. Even though they were newcomers, they had a successful season, finishing with an overall record of 12-6. The team even beat first-ranked Cal Berkeley two times

in a three-games series.

Looking forward to this season, many players believe they have the potential to improve upon their previous year’s success and make it to playoffs.

“We are stoked for this year,” said MacDuffy, who is returning for his second year. “Everyone’s excited to play and excited to be out here. It is still competitive and still fun.”

Leong, a five-year senior and cofounder of the club, has high hopes for the upcoming season, even though he will not be able to continue to play with the team.

Leong is graduating at the end of this semester and, therefore, will no longer be able to play on the team he started. However, he hopes that he will continue to be a part of the team, whether as a coach or just a fan.

“As of now, I am planning on coming back and coaching,” said Leong. “I am probably still going to come back just to see the team grow.”

The Sonoma State baseball club is still taking on newcomers for their spring season.

If interested in playing next semester, join the NOMA Baseball Club Facebook page to stay up to date on practice times and meetings.

Sports

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

Seawolves split at 14 annual Ron Logsdon Classic th

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Left, senior Mike Harris scored 22 points in Friday’s win over Anchorage. Right, junior guard David Ahern finished with 16 points versus Pacific Union.

Kyler Khan Staff Writer

T

his year’s two-day tournament featuring Sonoma State University, Chico State University, Pacific Union College and University of Alaska Anchorage was full of action.

“We’re going to work on defending,” said Fuscaldo. “Going over fundamentals, executing. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”

The weekend started off on a strong note for host Sonoma State. In their first official game of the season, they pulled off a win versus the Seawolves from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Senior Forward Mike Harris contributed 22 points for Sonoma State

and also helped open up their first half lead of 35 to 17 with a stretch of three straight steals and fast-break scores.

The first half was capped off with a deep three at the top of the key from junior guard David Ahern and another three-pointer before the buzzer from senior guard Zen Maki. The Seawolves went into the locker room with a 41-28 lead.

“We played to our potential. We didn’t turn the ball over for the first 14 minutes,” said Head Coach Pat Fuscaldo. “The bench played excellent. It was a good win against a quality regional opponent.”

Despite coming out with three unanswered baskets, Alaska Anchorage was unable to overcome Sonoma State’s large halftime lead. Alaska managed to cut the lead to 64-57 in the later part of the second half but Harris responded to their scoring with a corner three-pointer. Sonoma came out on top with a 74 to 66 victory. Junior guards Jabri Jenkins and Andy Mitchell added 10 and 9 points.

In the earlier and first game of the tournament, Chico State beat Pacific Union College

Player Profile: Ashley Luis A

Jonas Brock Staff Writer

shley Luis, who currently boasts a save percentage of almost 80 percent, has been a major benefactor to the Seawolves 14-5-1

record.

“In my culture growing up soccer was always a big thing,” said Sonoma State University women’s soccer goalkeeper Ashley Luis.

From the time she was five years old Luis had been playing sports. She accredits her love for the game of soccer though to her father; who had moved over to the U.S. from Portugal, bringing with him the love for soccer that so many Europeans possess.

Though she has now found a home in net, Luis didn’t always play keeper. Up until the age of 12 Luis had always played in the field. She explains that it was during a particular game in which her team was winning by a wide margin, that her coach decided to throw her in goal. Upon making “a cool save” Luis decided that from then on she was going to play in goal.

After a very successful high school career where she won a sectional title, Luis was being scouted by coaches from across the country.

Though her biggest offer came from a school in Florida, in which she was given a full scholarship, personal matters kept her in state where she eventually ended up going to play at Santa Rosa Junior College.

“She has really good composure on the ball and knows how to settle a game down when it gets frantic,” said Madison Minton.

This minor setback didn’t hold Luis back though as she went on to play two years at SRJC. During her two years there, personal and team accolades were to follow. Following a freshman season in which her team won a state title, her sophomore year saw her become the No. 1 goalkeeper in the entire state.

COURTESY // SSU Athletics Ashley Luis has a save percentage close to 80 percent on the season.

That was sure to draw the attention of coaches across California and after finishing her time at the junior college; Luis had plans to go play in Sacramento. That was until she learned that SSU had been looking at her as well.

Since she comes from Petaluma and claims to be a “Sonoma County Girl”, Luis said it was an easy decision to come play here. This season Luis is the proud owner of a Goal Against Average (GAA) of 1.15, a true testament to how important she is to this Seawolves team. Madison Minton, one of Ashley’s teammates said of her keeper, “she has really good composure on the ball and knows how to settle a game down when it gets frantic.”

For Ashley, the road to SSU hasn’t always been the most direct but she attests her success in becoming a college athlete to her family.

“Going through the stages of trying to figure out where to go, they were always behind me and supported me in all of my decisions.”

Luis is only in her junior year but she still has aspirations of playing at the highest level. Though she knows how hard it is to reach the echelon of professional sports, Luis believes that her love of the game will always drive her to try and reach the next level.

by a score of 104 to 62.

The final game of the tournament, between Sonoma State and Pacific Union College, also turned out to be the closest. Scoring for Sonoma State came less frequently than the night before but David Ahern and senior Forward JJ Mina, the teams leading scorers for the night, were able to keep the team in the game. The Seawolves were down by one heading into the second half. Pacific Union managed to capitalize on Sonoma’s turnovers and turned the ball over less than the Seawolves. They used a full-court press defense, which contained the Seawolves for most of the game.

“I take my hat off to them. They trapped us,” said Fuscaldo. “We played a little faster than we should. In the end we started throwing the ball away.”

The lead changed twice in the last seven seconds of the game. Junior guard Jabri Jenkins sunk two free throws with three seconds left, giving Sonoma State a 66 to 65 lead. On the following inbound play, Pacific Union’s guard Jarron Crump was fouled on a half

court shot with just .1 seconds on the clock.

The controversial foul call put Crump on the line where he made and finished the game on all three free throws. The Pioneers stunned the Seawolves with a final score of 68 to 66.

“We’re going to work on defending,” said Fuscaldo. “Going over fundamentals, executing. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”

Earlier in the day, Chico State beat Alaska Anchorage for their second win of the tournament. Sonoma State and Pacific Union split their games and Alaska Anchorage was winless.

After the tournament finished up, Chico State’s Robert Duncan was named the Logsdon Classic Most Valuable Player. Jordan Semple and Corey Silverstrom from Chico State, Greg Brown of Pacific Union, Brian McGill of Alaska Anchorage and Mike Harris from Sonoma State were chosen for the AllTournament Team.

The Seawolves look to bounce back from this win in their next game at Dominican University, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.

Page 12

Photo

Nov. 18 - Nov. 24, 2014

sonomastatestar.com

Safety awareness comes first in recent fair Gustavo Vasquez Asst. Photo Editor

O

ver 80 children were given free helmets and taught how to safely ride bikes on the street at the Health and Safety Fair held by the California Highway Patrol and Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition at the Sonoma County Fair grounds in Santa Rosa on Saturday.

“When you have a captivated audience who have come to hear about all things safety and healthy, half the battle is won,” said Angie Perez, representative of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. “When they walked through the doors and find a fun safety activity, they are eager to hear what we have to say. We were able to serve these families with important educational information about helmet fitting, bike safety and the benefits of riding.”

Eighty-one bicycle helmets were donated to the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, which were distributed among the children who attended the event for free. The coalition also showed parents and their children how to properly fit and wear a helmet.

“Ultimately it comes down to community, without that community connection the cycling movement I don’t think could get very far,” said Ryan Griffith, assistant manager with Windsor

S O N O M A

Bicycle Center. “It’s all about a collective effort. Being a part of something like this and a part of the Sonoma county bicycle coalitions efforts benefit everybody.

The more people we can get on bikes the better.”

Children were able to bring their bikes for checkups, and adjustment by Griffith. Children who didn’t bring a bike were able to use the bikes brought by the bicycle coalition to ride during the event.

“The best part had to have been when the four children who won the bikes came to us looking for a helmet to go with it. It was clear, that a bike won means nothing unless there is a helmet to enjoy the ride with,” said Perez.

The “two finger rule” could be heard as volunteers fitted helmets on kids: two fingers with between eye brows and helmet, one finger width between strap and chin and the side straps should meet directly below the ears.

Dozens of emergency vehicles were displayed from the patrol’s new 2015 Ford Police Interceptor to a Dodge Charger Interceptor, and even the local CHP helicopter, which flew and landed during the event.

The patrol was doing free car seat checkups by appointment only for people at the event.

“The turnout today was great,” said Tina Panza, a repre-

S T A T E

sentative of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, “that had a lot to do with the partnerships that have been developed between the Bike Coalition, the CHP, and all the other agencies that were involved in this safety fair, including a number of radio stations that promoted the event and offered support.”

Radio LAZER 107.1 raffled off seven bicycles to children at the event.

Sponsors of the event included the CHP, La Mejor 104.1 radio, Radio LAZER 107.1, Eddie Sandoval from State Farm agency, and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.

Since 2008, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School program has been doing on-bicycle education. Since then they have done over 250 bike-education events, including community bike rodeos like the one Saturday, family bicycling workshops/rides, and in-school bicycle safety/ skill classes. The bulk of the on-bicycle education services are their in-school safety/skill classes, which are usually done with fourth graders. In 2014 the coalition did over 30 in-school on-bicycle classes.

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has scheduled its next Community Bicycle Rodeo for May 2 and will be at the Community Center in Rohnert Park.

U N I V E R S I T Y

November 20-23, 2014 Evert B. Person Theatre

T I C K E T S w w w. s o n o m a . e d u / t i x

707.664.4246

FREE ADMISSION with student ID

Left: Angie Perez, with the bicycle coalition properly fitting a helmet.

Center: California Highway Patrol Helicopter landing at the Sonoma County fair grounds, in Santa Rosa for the health and safety fair.

Right: Adrian riding a borrowed bicycle at the bike rodeo.

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez