Volume74 issue12

Sonoma State Star SINCE 1979

APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2015

VOLUME 74 // ISSUE 12

COURTESY // Erv Peterson Environmental studies professor Erv Peterson announced his retirement at Sonoma State University on Friday in his retirement party at the Environmental Technology Center.

Renowned professor Erv Peterson retires Aidan Guthrie Opinion Assistant

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here are certain people in the world that can completely change one’s understanding of it. For many students, faculty and alumni, Erv Peterson was exactly that person. Peterson has been teaching environmental studies at Sonoma State University since 1990 and involved with the school since 1987.

Friends, students and coworkers gathered in the Environmental Technology Center for an intimate farewell party on Friday. The location next to the school gardens, where students actively tended plants, couldn’t have been more appropriate for a man who dedicated most of his working life toward educating others about the environment.

About halfway through the event, everyone came together in a circle to share some of their favorite thoughts and experiences about Peterson.

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

Rocky Rohwedder, a professor in the environmental studies department, has known Peterson for 35 years.

“Erv is one of the kindest people I know.

He’s incredibly humble and strong and I’ve never seen him raise his voice once in anger,” said Rohwedder. “Working with him on the Urban Environmental Program in Los Angeles in the late 1970s taught me how to be a better educator. His teaching techniques and demeanor are incredible.”

Peterson is a native to Sonoma County, being born and raised in Petaluma on an egg farm. He attended the University of Michigan where he first met Rohwedder.

Later, the two ran an Urban Environmental Program in Los Angeles where they shut down the freeway for the first time to hole a 5K run to save trees. As the years went on, both eventually found themselves working together again at Sonoma State.

Peterson practices sustainable living in all facets of his life. This extends all the way to his own home which he designed and built himself. The walls are constructed from recycled rice stalks and clay. They are made very thick to keep in heat during the winter and cold air during the summer. Even the orientation of the house and placement of windows is designed to capture as much natural sunlight as possible during cooler months. In addition, Peterson has his own well, solar panels, chickens and a renovated old chicken coup that’s now an art studio/in laws unit.

In his personal life, Peterson is a croquet player who has been adopted into the national croquet hall of fame.

When asked what prompted him to go into teaching environmental science, Peterson recounted going on a family trip to glacier national park with his family around age 9. It was there he said a park ranger started talking about how different altitudes can affect what and how trees grow in a particular area. Years later he spent five years in Tulare county working at SCICON School of Science and Conservation. These two experiences were prominent in his forming an interest and passion for the environment and

See PETERSON on Pg. 4

Suspect of recent burglaries arrested Rissie Markarian Staff Writer

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onoma State University Police Services reported on Monday a suspect has been arrested in the recent burglaries on campus. The suspect, Joshua Travers, 32, of Santa Rosa, was booked in Sonoma County Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges. During the arrest, authorities also found numerous items from prior burglaries during the planned police operation.

In the series of burglaries that occurred in Stevenson Hall in recent weeks, electronic computer equipment, cash, credit card information and keys were stolen. According to the Police Services website, thes incidents occurred between April 5 and 13 either late at night, or on weekends.

“What happened has shown a vulnerability in the school’s security,” said Luke Ammerman, undeclared senator for Associated Students. “Although this is not an incident that is highly anticipated. Maybe we should look into a future of higher and constant security, seeing as

thousands of students may have their most valuable information at risk.”

Police refused to comment on the specifics of this case, such as the amount of belongings and information stolen though they did send out an email on April 7 prior to the arrest to inform the greater campus community about the recent administrative office burglaries.

Ammerman questions the efficiency of notifying the campus community via email and said he believes sending out warnings with text alerts would be a better alternative.

Teeyona Rhea, a junior and a communications and media studies major, said she is satisfied with the work Police Services has done to inform the campus about this particular crime. She learned about the investigation and extra patrolling by postings she saw in various buildings.

“I’m just happy they’re doing more than just sending out emails,” Rhea said.

“They have stepped up their game with security and have warning signs posted all over campus.”

Media campaign encourages safe driving Michelle Welling Staff Writer

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he next social media campaign will hit the Twittersphere on Thursday. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and as the latest effort to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will launch a safety campaign they’re calling “#Just Drive.”

Starting at 8 a.m. Eastern time and running all day, the National High Traffic Safety Administration will share facts on the dangers of distracted driving, as well as tips and resources on how to make the roads safer. The administration urges social media users to join the fight against distracted driving by creating a social media frenzy using the hashtag #JustDrive.

According to data gathered by the California Traffic Safety Survey, 61 percent of Californians surveyed said they had been hit or nearly hit by a driver who was talking or texting on a cellphone. However, cellphone use is not the only form of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s eyes or mind off the road, or hands off the steering wheel. Other practices unsafe while driving include eating and drinking, grooming, adjusting the radio or music player, using a navigation system and talking with passengers.

“You can see when someone’s distracted when they’re driving, you pass them and their head is bobbing up and down,” said Mark Lothe, instructor at Miller Driving School in Cotati.

“I tell my students to watch out for them because they can serve over at you. People don’t realize

STAR // Niquie Wilson Texting while driving is a common occurrence among college students and the most recent media campaign, #JustDrive discourages distracted driving. if they check a text for even just a second that at high speeds if someone in front of you slams on the breaks or a kid runs out [in the street], there’s nothing you can do to avoid a collision.” #JustDrive is not the first campaign to raise awareness

against distracted driving. The every 30 minutes program is a two-day alcohol awareness event held annually at the local high schools before prom and graduation. The program is based on the statistic that every 30 minutes, someone is killed

in an alcohol-related crash. The program begins with the Grim Reaper removing student participants from class every 30 minutes to represent these fatalities. A mock car crash is also staged where police and fire respond as though it were a real alcohol-related crash with injuries, a fatality and a DUI arrest.

Another demonstration of unsafe driving habits was a hands-on driving event, which was designed to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving on area roadways. In 2012, St. Joseph Health of Sonoma County, the Simraceway Performance Driving Center, Farmers Insurance and the California Highway Patrol teamed up to show seven northern California high school students the dangers of distracted driving. The students completed a series of highspeed lane changes while juggling basic in-car distractions such as sending a one-word text

message, adjusting the radio and opening the sunroof.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving while texting is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.

“The one [form of distraction] that’s probably the most disturbing for us is the texting,” said Lt. Bill French at the Cotati Police Department.

French also said when texting, one has to type in the letters, making it so they have to take their eyes off the road.

Many people have a habit of holding their phones in their lap while texting, so their eyes are focused on their hand while the car is traveling. French sees a concern for pedestrians who don’t always use the crosswalk.

According to French, there’s especially a concern that at night someone will get hit down See CAMPAIGN on Pg. 4

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Editorial

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board

Dylan Sirdofsky, Editor-in-Chief Peter Njoroge, Executive Editor Gustavo Vasquez, Managing Editor & Distribution Director Kayla E. Galloway, News Editor Alexis Mills, Opinion Editor Brandon Stachnik, Arts & Entertainment Editor Jessie De La O, Features Editor Shannon Brown, Features Editor Kyler Khan, Sports Editor Edward Goquingco, Photo Editor Amanda Saiki, Advertising Director Brennan Chin, Marketing & Design Director Eddie Blake, Editorial Cartoonist Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser

Staff Writers Kory Arnold, Jake Burke Samantha Cardenas, Jennifer González Aidan Guthrie, Joshua Gutierrez Olivia Johnson, Emily Johnstone Kimmie Jones, Kayla Kring Rissie Markarian, Ashley Martin Ancia Purdy, Alex Sanchez Ciara Smith, Sierra Smith Aaron Walker, Michelle Welling

Photographers Connor Gibson, Niquie Wilson

Nichols Hall 323, 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Telephone: 707-664-2776 Business & General Inquiries: sonomastatestar@gmail.com Corrections and News Tips: star@sonoma.edu

Editor’s Pick This week’s can’t miss article:

“Film attempts to decode ‘The Bro Code’”

Growing up as a young male, it takes a while before one notices the influences of society’s gender roles and how others can define our attitudes and ideas. Features Editor Shannon Brown covers the film known as “The Bro Code,” and how males are taught at a young age to treat women wrongly.

STAR // Eddie Blake

Speak now, stop holding your peace

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n Thursday afternoon, the phones of Sonoma State University students simultaneously started “blowing up” in classrooms with alerts about an off-site traffic accident.

But why aren’t they alerted in a similar fashion on issues that are just as concerning, if not more so for students, faculty and staff of the university?

For example, an email was sent out April 7 from Nathan Johnson, SSU chief of police and executive director for Enterprise Risk Management, to the campus community, warning about a string of recent office burglaries.

No additional information was provided, including details on what was stolen and where, whether they were taken from offices or classrooms and the estimated dollar amount of the thefts.

With such a situation that may affect most people on campus, there is no excuse for not giving the public more information.

Sonoma State police are particularly quiet at times, which doesn’t make sense.

How are people to be aware

The STAR values accuracy and works diligently to check facts before publication.

However, if inaccuracies occur, we want to know. Please report errors to the editor at star@sonoma.edu.

Publication

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

Opinions

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

Letters to the Editor

Letter writers may expect prompt publication in the newspaper’s op-ed section, as space is available. Letters of up to 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 STAR reserves the right to refuse publication to any letter and to edit for length. Letters must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. To send a letter to the editor email star@sonoma.edu.

later in the Press Democrat.

The idea of notifications about a car accident barely affecting students sent out twice in less than 20 minutes and yet the community receiving no similar alerts in cases of on-site theft or sexual assault incidents, is definitely a problem.

When a sexual assault occurred March 7, in which a student reportedly was raped in one of SSU’s residence halls, the information wasn’t announced until March 26—and only then because it appeared on the Police and Safety Services’ Daily Crime Log. Police have still declined to give out any details saying it’s an open investigation.

But if there is a real risk to women on campus, shouldn’t that information be shared?

Police Services representatives say Sonoma State doesn’t try to hide crimes from the public for reputation purposes, but with this case, shouldn’t there be more information put out than a simple listing on a website? Keep in mind; April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

It’s difficult to estimate how many students, staff and faculty are fully aware of the crimes happening around campus. It’s doubtful a crime log is the most effective strategy of relaying this information.

It’s a given sexual assault cases require a certain degree of care so as not to identify or bring unwanted attention to a victim.

Yet, there are ways to get the information across in an appropriate manner. As evident from last fall’s flash flood from Dec. 10 to 12, it’s hard to think of a moment during the past couple years where the campus was more unified and in full communication.

Mass alerts went out at that time as well.

Sonoma State should use this case as a model for how it can better communicate with students and faculty with openness.

Whether it’s traffic accidents, stolen property, preventing assault or being aware of dangerous weather conditions, these are matters deserving serious attention and preeminent messaging to the surrounding community.

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.

Read the story on page 8

Corrections/Clarifications

and cautious if they don’t know whether the thefts were made out of an office or classroom, and whether it involved computers, smartphones or something else?

What are these burglars targeting?

Daily Titan’s April 23 editorial, “Cal State Fullerton’s treatment of media presents huge transparency issues,” raises questions similar as the STAR about how Sonoma State administration is at responding and giving out information to students, particularly concerning public safety.

The editorial covered the years of obstacles the newspaper and other media outlets have faced dealing with the campus, pleading for more clarity and willing to go on the record.

Ironically enough, students signed up to receive SSU Emergency Management notifications were abruptly spammed with phone call, email and text alerts late Thursday afternoon about a pedestrian hit by a school bus turning on Petaluma Hill Road in Santa Rosa, as reported an hour

Letters to the Editor

Executive Order 1068 effects getting worse

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ear Editor, CSU Executive Order 1068: A seemingly harmless document that when enforced as official California State University policy has brought nothing but despair, frustration and isolation to many venerated student organizations affiliated with its campuses.

This policy is wreaking havoc as many student organizations are being forced to choose between compromising the values and beliefs of their group to maintain campus recognition, or stand firm and be derecognized; this policy is promoting diversity within student groups instead of protecting diversity among student groups.

Despite the significant problems created by the order, CSU administrators have stood in staunch support with unwavering commitment. They claim this policy is mandated by state law, or part of a state law having been around for decades, but this simply isn’t true.

There is no state or federal law, or court decision that mandates the California State University enact and enforce an “all-comers” policy, or any variation thereof.

While anti-discrimination policies have been around for decades to prevent

discrimination against protected classes (such as race, ethnicity, gender, etc.) they don’t provide legal support for the new mandates created by the order.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision states all-comers policies are allowed, but doesn’t state they are required, desirable, effective or even practical, simply because they aren’t.

Supporters of the order frequently claim public funding and campus resources should not go to clubs with restrictive policies, but this argument is a red herring.

If CSU campuses decide to fund student groups and make campus resources (e.g. meeting rooms) available to them, the campus can’t then decide what viewpoints they agree or don’t agree with, and correspondingly, who should and shouldn’t be entitled to these benefits.

Campuses must extend these benefits to everyone or no one, and therein a diversity of ideas is promoted. Universities do not become more diverse or inclusive by discriminating against some groups because of the restrictions they wish to impose on those that have freely decided to become leaders in the group.

With CSU administrators refusing to budge or compromise on this issue, some have taken the next steps of action. Our

group, CSU SOFA, recently endorsed the Student Freedom of Association Act introduced by Shannon Grove in the California State Assembly (csusofa.org/pressreleases.html).

This legislation is a positive step toward protecting student organizations on public university campuses in California.

If passed this legislation would mandate the California State University eliminate their policy, and forbid a similar policy from being created in the University of California or California Community Colleges System. A hearing on this legislation has been scheduled for today.

We hope you may be willing to take action on this issue, possibly by joining the CSU SOFA coalition (csusofa.org) and/or by expressing support for Grove’s act.

Help us protect the rights and existence of many well-established student groups as we try to get the California State University back on track toward truly being a student-focused leader in higher education.

Nate Honeycutt studies psychology as a graduate at San Diego State. His brother Logan Honeycutt is a second-year engineering major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Opinion

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

Death by coffee

Olivia Johnson Staff Writer

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hen in college, coffee becomes your best friend. It’s there to help with those early morning classes, crunching for an exam or writing long papers. Most people only see coffee as an energy booster and its positive effect.

What they don’t think about is the amount of caffeine they are consuming and how it affects the different operating systems of the body.

There are many pros and cons to consuming coffee, ones people aren’t aware of before doing some type of research. After that they will realize how important it really is to be aware and to keep track of the amount being put into their bodies.

Coffee, overall, seems to have a lot of perks when consumed. It gives you the energy you need at the moment to get certain things done.

Drinking coffee may also help protect against the chances of getting many different medical diseases like Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia and some oral cancers. It’s when one is consuming too much that problems occur.

Further, an overload of caffeine can happen very easily as there are many types of food that are made with it as an ingredient but are overlooked. A human body can only handle so many milligrams before a negative effect occurs. In an online article done by Healthline, 17 effects of caffeine on the body are addressed and discussed.

The article includes a picture of a human body and each different part affected when caffeine is consumed. From head to toe, the illus-

tration displays what can happen internally to the body. Examples include becoming jittery, irritability, confusion, rapid heart-beat, increased blood pressure and more.

The article then goes on to point out how each different operating systems of the body are affected starting with the central nervous system.

Although caffeine is able to bring alertness to an individual, too much can cause habituation. The body becomes dependent on coffee after a while which then makes the individual addicted to caffeine.

When going through withdrawal, there are many issues and symptoms that can occur, such as anxiety, irritability and drowsiness. A headache is a clear sign of caffeine addiction when going through withdrawal.

The article also states how there is such a thing as caffeine overdose and can lead a person to death by convulsions. In your digestive and excretory systems, the consumption of caffeine increases the amount of acid in your stomach which could lead to heartburn or an upset stomach.

So if one has stomach problems, such as acid reflux or ulcers, it’s very important to ask your doctor before consuming coffee.

Once absorbed through the stomach, caffeine then begins to make its way through the bloodstream forcing a rise in an individual’s blood pressure. If too much is consumed one could experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat and could potentially lead to breathing problems.

This same issue can occur when consuming caffeine while pregnant except the symptoms take place through the baby. Too much caffeine can also affect the growth of the fetus and in extreme cases, cause a miscarriage.

A very important fact the article also states is that large amounts of caffeine can interfere with a woman’s estrogen production making it harder for them to get pregnant.

The article really did open my eyes as to how important it truly is to keep track of the amount of caffeine one consumes. As a college student, I can drink coffee like water.

However, now that I’ve done some research, the risk of developing symptoms of caffeine addiction outweigh the benefits of an energy boost.

STAR // Kadie Anderson Although coffee gives one energy, it produces many negative results as well. Too much caffeine can give one a rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure and irritability.

No funding, no graduation Pat Gantt Guest Contributor

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hree years ago, Gov. Jerry Brown launched a four-year program of gradually increased budgets for the University of California and the California State University systems, contingent on keeping student fees flat.

Sounds pretty good, right?

The problem is, such small increases in the state’s share of funding, combined with tuition freezes, means funding for higher education is actually lower than the rate of inflation.

Rather than a guaranteed slow rate of funding growth, this is instead a guaranteed slow bleeding to death of California’s public higher education systems.

Plus, starting the Multi-Year Stable Funding Plan at the depths of the Great Recession meant starting when the schools were already terribly wounded.

In other words, even with these increased budgets, none of the state’s three public higher education systems—UC, CSU and the com-

munity colleges—is receiving enough funds to maintain their enrollment levels or to fix their decaying campus infrastructures.

In fact, none of the systems are receiving the full funding they need just to maintain the status quo.

But that can be fixed, and it can be fixed now.

This spring, the legislature is finalizing the 2015-16 state budget. Legislators need only look at the budget requests each system has made to see there’s an urgent need to increase the governor’s proposed higher education budget—just to keep our campus doors open and our higher education systems running.

By July 1, when the budget is set to be finalized, we could have a fix in hand, if only legislators and the governor will use some common sense and allocate full funding to all three systems.

Let’s look at the CSU system for an example. As part of his four-year funding plan, the governor has proposed $119.5 million in additional funding, which looks good on paper but in fact is $97.5 million less than the CSU Board of Trustees requested late last fall.

That’s $97.5 million for student success and completion initiatives, as well as critical technology and infrastructure needs.

The full $217 million in additional funding would allow the CSU to enroll up to 12,000 additional students, hire more faculty and staff, and invest in new educational approaches and proven technologies to increase graduation rates.

And, even then, it would only leave the CSU with the level of state support it had in 2007-08, without even taking inflation and student growth into account.

California will need at least one million more graduates by 2025 to remain economically competitive, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. How can we possibly meet this need if the state short-changes public higher education year after year?

A coalition of stakeholder organizations representing students and employees across all three systems has come together to press not only for full funding but also for a re-commitment to the California Master Plan for Higher Education.

Reclaim California Higher Education (re-

claimcahighered.org) advocates for a return to the vision of higher education affordability, accessibility and quality for all Californians.

This spring, its members are talking to legislators across the state, urging them to restore adequate state funding to higher education, starting with the pending 2015-16 state budget.

Now is the time to implement both increased state investment and institutional reforms.

As the group stated in a letter to Brown in early March, “Tuition and administrative costs are skyrocketing, while enrollment of in-state students is not keeping pace with the needs of our economy. Our institutions of higher learning should, once again, be engines of economic growth and good jobs in our communities.”

With the 2015-16 budget, it’s time to again prioritize higher education within the State of California.

Pat Gantt is president of the California State University Employees Union, which represents 15,000 classified staff employees across the 23 CSU campuses and the Office of the Chancellor.

We’re looking for Cartoonists Looking for passionate, artistic and responsible students.

Creates cartoons for weekly columns.

Will allow the opportunity to publish your artwork.

If interested contact: star@sonoma.edu

Page 4

News

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Connor Gibson Students and faculty gathered for the Society and Culture Undergraduate Research Forum where students had the opportunity to showcase their research on a wide variety of topics on April 15.

Symposium allows students to showcase research

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Ciara Smith Staff Writer

ore than 90 student researchers had an opportunity to present the findings of their work at the Sonoma State University Research Symposium.

The symposium was held April 15 in the Student Center Ballroom. The program included McNair Scholars, Provost’s Undergraduate Research Grant, Faculty Research Exposition, Graduate Student Showcase and Society and Culture Undergraduate Research Forum.

“Sonoma State University is about setting students on a path to successful careers, rich lives and essential to this is our belief in the teacher’s scholar model,” said Provost Andrew Rogerson “What an amazing showing today at our first research symposium that combined events that used to be held separately.”

The symposium showcased many research groups who had the opportunity to share their research.

All of the research programs were originally separated, so this symposium helped bring the diverse programs together to Sonoma State so students and faculty could show off their research to the public.

“Convincing them [the student researchers] what was in their best interest to come together, pool their resources and have this joined symposium. This is a really exciting event to see the fruition of undergraduate, graduate and student research,” said Melinda Barnard, associate vice president for Faculty Affairs and chief research officer.

The Presidents Award for Excellence in Scholarship was given out to Lynn Cominsky and Suzanne Rivoire. Cominsky is professor and chair of the physics and astronomy department and part of Sonoma State’s faculty for more than 25 years. She is also author of more than 125 research papers and a personal investigator for more than $25 million worth of research grants, and many more.

Rivoire is an associate professor

of computer science with an area of expertise in energy-efficient computing focusing on large-scale data centers of super computers. She also developed the first energy efficiency in benchmarking of computing, which is still being used today.

The Society and Culture Undergraduate Research Forum showcases research pertaining to issues involving society and culture.

Tamaiah Thompson from McNair Scholars Program did research focused on Black Women’s Perspectives in Higher Education.

“My research is about black women perspectives in higher education in regard to social and academic experiences in a predominantly white institution and how that’s a no go for us,” said Thompson. “I know more people here really need to not forget about the other kind of population of black women that is increasing on this campus, and they have voices they want to be heard too.”

Thompson found 13 of 15 interviewees have expressed experienc-

ing microaggressions in social and academic settings.

This program gives students the benefit of working with a faculty mentor, research training, publication of research in the McNair Scholars Journal and more.

Ashley Royston of the McNair Scholars Program did research focused on satisfaction with family quality of life and the individual, social and contextual Factors.

“My research is about families/ marriages and what makes them happy and what doesn’t,” said Royston.

“And also the factors that influence on how happy they actually are in the family and marriages.”

Provost’s Undergraduate Research Grant program exhibits research accompanied by faculty mentors. Faculty Research Exposition helps give professors a chance to share their scholarly work by being involved with students at some level.

Michael Haggmark from Provost’s Undergraduate Research Grants and Faculty Exposition did research focused on grass chroma-

tography and the determination of volatile organic compounds released from grass wounding with Mark Perri, and Ben Diamond.

“We quantify the emissions from [various] turf grasses, we’re motivated by several factors: the first is the prevalence of quants in the United States and lead to be three times the most cultivated crop in the U.S.,” said Haggmark. “Second is that you mow it more often during the weekend than during the weekday, and third is the compounds they emit in the presence of has nitrogen oxide species like in NO or NO2, it will increase the ozone levels in the troposphere which is bad for you.”

The student found that a method has been developed for quantitative analysis of the volatiles in grass using headspace Solid-Phase Micro Extraction and grass violations have increased several fold following mowing. Graduate Student Showcase shows the creative efforts of SSU’s 15 graduate programs by featuring graduate students presentations.

PETERSON: Campus gathers to honor professor Continued from Pg. 1

COURTESY // Erv Peterson Friday’s retirement party for professor Erv Peterson, of the environmental science department, drew many current and former students to celebrate the professor’s career.

sustainable living.

“When I started gardening Erv was really supportive of me,” said Tomio Endo, a previous student of Peterson’s and anthropology major. “Gardening and eating were sort of my way of coping with all the crazy problems you learn about in an environmental science class, and Erv is always supportive of anything that helps make a difference.”

A common experience throughout all those attending Peterson’s farewell party was that he is a person who has truly changed people’s lives.

In the experience of many of the other

Sonoma State educators present was that time and time again countless students have commented on how Peterson was the person who changes their life direction and broadened their horizons.

Many believe Peterson really does walk the walk and talk the talk about what it means to be a good citizen of the planet, and that his personality and positive demeanor is contagious.

John Isom, an environmental professor who is filling in many of the classes left behind by Peterson’s departure, said, “The first day I walked into class this semester I asked everyone who was taking this class, because of or related to what they heard about Erv Peterson to raise their hand. All but two hands in the lecture hall of almost

200 immediately went up.”

Peterson said there is a greater sense of urgency than ever before in the department of environmental studies. This is due to a more acute and serious understanding about the health of the planet’s ecosystems, that is they are undoubtedly in rapid decline across the board.

In his response to this reality, Peterson said, “You’re not responsible for these problems, and you’re not going to fix them.

But you can do your part in the solution.”

In his farewell message, Peterson said, “Students need to realize they can do whatever they’re good at and like doing. You don’t want to end up at a boring desk job, you need a sense of purpose in your working profession, we all deserve that.”

CAMPAIGN: Distracted driving a concern for pedestrians Continued from Pg. 1

there.”

The goal of #JustDrive is to prevent accidents like the hypothetical one French described.

French said if drivers must communicate while driving, it’s legal to

have their phones on speaker phone mounted on the dashboard, or by using a hands-free device. Or drivers could download applications such as AT&T’s DriveMode app that silences incoming text message alerts to help drivers avoid distractions and stay focused while on the road.

When enabled, the app turns on automatically when the vehicle is moving at 15 mph or more and turns off shortly after movement stops.

Furthermore, an auto-reply can be sent letting the sender know one is behind the wheel.

Texting is not the only form of

dangerous driving. Anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, even conversing with passengers, is unsafe.

“Sometimes when I have students in the car, I’ll be talking to them and they feel like they have to look at me while we’re talking,” said

Lothe. “That’s just not the case. Just worry about driving.”

Whatever precaution drivers use to stay safe, the National Highway Traffic Safety reminds those on the road that the most effective safety habit is to remained focused and just drive.

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News

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

University reacts to former softball coach’s arrest Kimmie Jones Staff Writer

A

former Sonoma State University volunteer softball assistant coach was arrested in New York and charged with more than 94 counts of improper sexual contact involving 13 players.

Kurt Ludwigsen, 43, coached for the Nyack College Softball Team in New York, where he had allegedly been inappropriately touching and kissing women on the team, authorities say.

According to CBS San Francisco Bay Area, Petaluma police investigated him for his behavior in 2013, but didn’t find enough evidence to charge him.”

Ludwigsen was hired by Nyack College in September and COURTESY // South-Nyack Grand View Police Dept. fired from his coaching immediFormer volunteer assistant softball coach at ately when the investigation in New Sonoma State University, Kurt Ludwigsen, was arYork began. The husband and farested on counts of improper sexual conduct involv- ther of two was arrested on April 9. ing 13 players spanning across the many schools he Having coached at Sonoma coached at.

State 12 years ago, there are not many people in the area who were students or coaching at that time.

Bill Fusco, senior director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Sonoma State, was at the campus when Ludwigsen was coaching.

“Kurt Ludwigsen was a volunteer assistant coach in 2002 and 2003, not an employee of Sonoma State,” said Fusco. “There were no complaints at that time or sense of any inappropriate behavior that we knew of.”

Now that these allegations are out, 12 years later, students and players are just now starting to speak up. Seawolves’ shortstop Ancia Purdy did not know Ludwigsen, but has heard about the allegations.

“I would like to think that I would report something like that,” said Purdy describing how she would handle the situation if it were to have happened to her.

“But to hear that there have been almost 100 allegations since 2002 and nothing has really been talked about until now is a little unnerv-

ing.”

A softball player from Sonoma County was able to share her experience with The Press Democrat but wished to stay anonymous. While she was playing for Ludwigsen’s Nor Cal Assault Team she said there was an incident where he had groped her chest, according to her interview with The Press Democrat. Although this was just one situation, it’s not the first time an incident like this has happened on college sports teams.

Hiring male coaches for female sports teams has become a trend on college campuses. According to an article in the Star Tribune, within the six conferences, men coach roughly 40 percent of women’s basketball teams.

Purdy, who grew up with mostly male coaches, has never seen this as an issue. She said how she has trust in the people who are coaching and expects they are coaching with the right intentions.

“It’s hard to tell if there’s an issue of sexual harassment on cam-

pus and within the athletic department,” said Purdy, “because more times than not victims don’t speak up. But I do think it’s more of an issue than people know about for that very reason.”

Because Ludwigsen coached at Sonoma State 12 years ago, Fusco expects few to remember him.

With an entirely new coaching staff and all of the players having long graduated by now, there isn’t much more Sonoma State can do or say regarding the issue.

As for Ludwigsen, his next court date is May 11. Nyack detectives, along with Petaluma detectives are working on getting more information for the case.

According to the Journal News of Westchester, New York, Ludwigsen reportedly began his coaching career as a member of the University of Arizona softball coaching staff before moving to California.

Disclosure: Ancia Purdy is a staff writer for the Sonoma State STAR.

Sonoma County housing remains problematic for students Joshua Gutierrez Staff Writer

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hile Sonoma County is quickly becoming an attractive seller’s market, the landscape for rentals continues down a bleak path, making it a pertinent topic to Sonoma State University students who live or wish to live off campus.

Over the past three years, rent in Sonoma County has increased 30 percent, placing the average rental at $1,579 per month, according to Real Answers.

This stands in contrast to a recent study by realtor.com, which lists Sonoma County as fifth in the nation in how fast houses are being bought and sold.

Shawn Kelly, a Santa Rosa

Junior College student and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, recently began the process of buying a condo in Rohnert Park with his fiancée.

“It’s terrible down here,” said Kelly. “You’re looking to pay $500,000 for a three bedroom, two bathroom, living room, dining room and small backyard.”

Kelly and his fiancée opted instead to buy a $206,950 condo on Enterprise Drive, which he said is an amazing price for a two bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom condo.

In the coming weeks, Kelly and his fiancée will move into their new home. Yet, their ability to do so has been the culmination of well-thought planning.

The pair took advantage of being first-time homebuyers,

which allowed them to place nothing down in initial funds.

Secondly, Kelly’s service in the army allowed him to take advantage of Veterans Affairs’ home loan, which approved them for a $500,000 loan at less than 2 percent interest. Kelly and his fiancée, who work at Target and Starbucks respectively, earn $3,600 to $4,000 per month. In order for them to live comfortably, the pair budgets their mortgage and bills to be around $2,000 or less per month.

In the past months, Kelly and his wife lived with family, allowing them the opportunity build their savings account.

Kelly said the dynamics of students may differ, but the most important thing to do is save money. If a student were living

at home, he said it would be wise to get a part-time job and save as much money as possible.

“If you are renting, shove as many roommates as you can in the place,” said Kelly. “Shove them into the walls. Have like 12 people living there. It’s all about saving money. If you have bigger savings, you are more likely to get approved.”

Unfortunately, many apartment complexes forbid tenants beyond who signed the lease to live in the apartment. Unless students are shoved into walls with no one the wiser, the burden of payment falls to the lease signer.

According to an available listings search on apartments. com, the average cost of rent in Rohnert Park for a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment

is $1,458. The highest rent in Rohnert Park is at the Windsor at Redwood Creek, priced at $1,805 for their lowest priced unit. The lowest available unit is at Dalewood Apartments at $1,025.

Besides living for free, with parents or another arranged situation, student residencies on campus are the considered the most affordable option.

The Sonoma State website lists a Cabernet Triple per academic year at $9,886, as the lowest residency on campus. The highest priced residency is Sauvignon Single at $14,688. Both plans include a meal plan.

And yet, on campus housing for the academic year has increased as well. According to statistics provided the Institute of Education Sciences, average

housing at Sonoma State room and board is currently priced at $11,799. This price increased 7 percent since the 2011-12 academic school year.

Sonoma State Housing Services does not have any agreements in place with off-campus residencies, but does provide varied resources. Every month, Housing Services provides updated availability listings for apartments in Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Any locations outside this area are not listed as they are considered too far from campus.

Sonoma State Housing Services is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact methods include by email at ssu.housing@sonoma.edu or by phone at 707-664-2541.

Page 6

Arts

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Album releases: A week in review Blur, Metz, Raekwon

Alex Sanchez Staff Writer

Blur - “The Magic Whip”

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amon Albarn, the voice of the cartoon band Gorillaz, returns with his original band Blur for its first album since the Banksyadorned trip-hop flop, 2003’s “Think Tank.”

Known mostly for its hit song “Song 2,” Blur is a pretty under the radar band. In fact, one would probably be completely unaware that the voice of 2D from Gorillaz used to be a pop star across the pond.

The britpop superstars are back and within the first four tracks, the sounds of Blur’s 1995 masterpiece “Parklife,” Albarn’s soulful solo debut “Everyday Robots,” and early Gorillaz cuts are melded into 50 driving minutes of pop, rock and even some electronic.

Even though it’s not in as high a register as when he was in his 20s, Albarn’s voice

is still as it used to be and guitarist Graham Coxon is in just as fine a form as he was 20 years ago.

Blur is back and with a brand new evolved sound.

The inf luence of both in-between projects and the band itself make for one interesting, albeit sometimes dull, ride.

While it may be dull, veteran Blur fans can rejoice that the experimentation and bleeps and bloops from their 2000 album “13” are still intact, and some may even find that the only redeeming quality of this record in comparison to the band’s discography.

facebook.com Blur’s “The Magic Whip” released Monday.

Raekwon -

“Fly International Luxurious Art”

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aekwon the Chef, one of the members of the legendary martial artsinspired hip-hop collective The Wu-Tang Clan, is back with his first album since 2009’s dismal “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Part 2,” and the bravado of a mogul is still intact.

While most rappers use bravado as almost a staple in hip-hop, Raekwon knows how to do it best. Kanye West could learn a thing or two from the Chef.

“You have too many stamps on your passport, you can’t visit Abu Dhabi, Mr. Chef,” a British woman says in the record’s first few seconds.

Some tracks feature fellow Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah, others include acts who were most likely influenced by the Wu, like A$AP Rocky and French Montana.

Raekwon’s raps are always top notch and it shows on this

record. Even collaborators shine on “Fly International Luxurious Art,” like the track “Wall to Wall,” which showcases what may be Busta Rhymes’ best verse since his prominence in the early 2000s.

This album definitely isn’t “Enter the Wu-Tang: The 36 Chambers,” part two; it’s not even remotely similar to “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.” “Fly International Luxurious Art” is Raekwon dropping the gimmick of “mafioso rap” and just getting down to the basics: smoking with close friends, traveling to exotic lands and living the life of a hip-hop legend.

facebook.com Raekwon’s “Fly International Luxurious Art” released today.

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n the aptly titled sequel to their self-titled debut, Canadian punks Metz assault the ears of listeners with raw, fast guitar and melodic vocals.

The production of the album as well is a major improvement, showcasing just how precise and fierce punk can be.

“II” revisits the sound of 2012’s “Metz” with unforgiving ferocity that begins with “Acetate” and stops a mere 30 minutes later, leaving listeners wanting more from the esteemed Polaris Music Prize runners-up.

Much like fellow punks FIDLAR or Cana-

dian counterparts Fucked Up, there is catchiness to the cacophony of “Metz II.” The tracks are short but at the same time they are so promising and relentless in distorted wails of guitar and frantic beats of the drums.

The production of the album as well is a major improvement, showcasing just how precise and fierce punk can be.

Metz have waited three years to release this record and the wait has definitely been worth it.

facebook.com Metz’ “II” releases next Tuesday. It’s Metz’ first album since their selftitled release in 2012.

An ageless romance

Movie magic, remembered

Ashley Martin A&E Assistant

Sierra Smith Staff Writer

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Review

“I

didn’t go to jail,” said Welles, “I went to Hollywood.”

To an average college student, Orson Welles may ring a bell in reference to his infamous radio broadcast “War of the Worlds.”

The episode of a radio drama series released as a Halloween special on the eve of Oct. 30, 1938.

The quote was in reference the repercussions of the night America panicked; the night in which Welles’ career would take a tremendous turn.

The Sonoma Film Institute presented an opportunity for students to learn more about the prestigious actor and filmmaker with the showing of “Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles.”

The documentary film, directed by Chuck Workman, examined the remarkable genius of Welles in his career as a Hollywood star, director and independent filmmaker. Workman was able to efficiently cover the many milestones in Welles’ career.

The periods of his life and career that were explored in the documentary ranged from his boyhood in Woodstock, Illinois to his time where he innovated three major forms of media: theatre, radio and film.

Workman is most notable for his theatrical short, “Precious Images,” which released in 1986 and won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

The eight-minute short film features 470 scenes from the most prominent movies through the history of American film.

Each of these scenes is only shown for a half of a second. His other work includes many documentaries presented in various film festivals such as the London Film Festival, Berlin Festival, Tribeca Festival and Sundance Festival. He also is a leading maker of movie trailers such as “Star Wars” and other major films.

Through his notorious talent with the creation of documentaries, Workman crafted the brilliantly filmed documentation of Welles from his childhood to all of the highlights of his career through his directing, acting, and producing experience.

His passion for the film industry began with his involvement in theatre. Shakespeare was among his greatest interests, for Welles directed many such as “Macbeth” beginning at the early age of 16, although at the time he claimed himself to be 19. The “Orson Welles Stage” in the Woodstock Opera House was dedicated to him on Feb. 10, 2013.

For the duration of the film, rare footage of Welles himself was distributed throughout.

Workman excellently incorporated clips of television commercials, radio broadcasts and scenes from the many films he directed and acted in.

Metz - “II”

facebook.com Chuck Workman’s documentary, “Magacian,” illustrated the life of Hollywood star Orson Welles.

The film also featured interviews with renowned directors, producers and actors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich and Richard Linklater.

Workman was dynamically able to research and incorporate all collective history and information known and previously unknown to the general public regarding his struggle with funding and unfinished films such as his very first film project, “Heart of Darkness” (1940).

This unfinished production was before his greatest success, “Citizen Kane” (1941). There were other various films that were halted midproduction due to lack of funds–funds that Welles insisted on raising himself.

He was reliant on self-production, which resulted in the many unfinished projects that still remain unfinished today.

“Citizen Kane” is deemed one of the most renowned films in the industry. It was the first movie he directed as well as the first time he’d been on a movie set. He was only 25 years old.

However, countless films such as “Don Quixote” (1969) and “Moby Dick – Rehearsed” (1955) never made the final cut. During his time of struggle when searching for ways to fund the productions of his films, Welles went back into the acting business to raise money. However, he asked to be unaccredited because he wanted to be known as a director, not an actor.

He reportedly died at his desk, writing for a television show called “Magician.” The television special, filmed between 1976 and 1985 featuring Welles performing various magic tricks, was unfinished, not released until the year 2000.

Workman was able to piece together the many undiscovered aspects of Welles career through thorough research of his experience in the media industries.

He illustrated how Orson introduced many ground-breaking cinematography techniques in terms of style. His fame has not faltered in the current generation of filmmakers who still look to him as an inspiration for their work.

Review

lie. This style of acting, often somewhat limiting in range, screams “look how little I have to try in order to be sensational,” which is a break from the constant over-dramatic acting we often see on the big screen today.

While struggling with having to change her identity once again, Adaline finds herself in love with a man named Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) a role that was so simple and commonly seen in movies that nearly anyone could have played it.

It was as if the casting director picked up a “male love interest” catalogue and chose the most generic ruggedly handsome man they could find, ultimately causing for less investment in the romance between Adaline and Ellis.

The romance that is truly one to cheer for is the long lost romance between Adaline and William Jones (Harrison Ford) a relationship that was sparked in the 60s but regrettably abandoned by the ever-changing identity of Adaline.

Although William succumbs to the typical forces of age, there is undoubtedly a familiar chemistry between the two after 40 years, a chemistry that will make an audience member beg for a redo of their tragic past.

Ford effectively proves to the audience that he’s still got it even at his age, as his talent for convincing and emotional acting is a rare one indeed.

Adaline in the film also has a daughter, Flemming (Ellen Burstyn) that was born in the 1930s, a woman who looks like she has almost defied age herself. Burstyn acts the part of Flemming rather playfully, being the typical spunky daughter that ignores her younger mother’s warning against over-salting her food, making for an interesting and relatable relationship to watch.

Regardless of the slightly above average acting, the cinematography is what truly stole the show, as it was stunningly executed.

With dramatic facial close-ups and vivid vintage flashbacks, seeing this movie takes the viewer on a trip through the eras.

This made the film especially relatable and riveting for the older audience, while still magical for those who are younger.

“The Age of Adaline” may tackle the immortality theme that we are all familiar with, but does it in a way that is not entirely cliché. Lively and most of the cast enhance the storyline and create a film that is truly a great work of art.

n a world where Olay face serums and plastic surgery rule the anti-aging market, Adaline Bowman seems to defy the effects of time completely in the new film, “ The Age of Adaline.”

Not a wrinkle or gray hair shows up for more than 60 years, drastically changing the lives Adaline (Blake Lively) and her loved ones forever.

The success of Lee Toland Krieger’s film is the result of a combination of its stellar cast and exceptional cinematography.

In a world where Olay face serums and plastic surgery rule the anti-aging market, Adaline seems to defy the effects of time completely in the new film.

The movie centers around Adaline, a woman who magically remains at the crisp age of 29 after a freak car accident.

Adaline finds she must change her identity every decade in order to avoid suspicion concerning her age, causing much heartbreak along the way.

“The Age of Adaline’s” main purpose as a film was to showcase Lively as a serious actress, despite her less dimensional roles played onscreen such as in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the TV series, “Gossip Girl.”

Adaline certainly serves Lively as a better vessel to showcase her talent, as her role as Serena in the “Gossip Girl” series simply wasn’t cutting it anymore for the adult actress.

The one-dimensional characters she had been playing up until this point have not done her career justice, and her performance as Adaline proves that she has grown out of tween movies such “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” resulting in a refreshing transformation. facebook.com Lively proves to have a “The Age of Adaline” is a romance that illustrates the sort of charming aloofness life of Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), an immortal when it comes to her acting, 29-year-old who faces much heart break. similar to that of Angelina Jo-

Entertainment Seawolves SPEAK!

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

Movie Reboots/Sequels

Jake Burke Staff Writer

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ransformers,” “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “Star Trek.” These are just a few of the many reboots guaranteed to fill theaters.

Critics and fans alike praise some of these movies, while others have been thought of as an easy-money grab created by huge movie studios.

The constant hunger for new content manages to motivate these studios to

Are movie reboots/ sequels an easy way for movie studios to make money or are they trying to give proper fan service? create either a sequel to something that worked, or a completely new series of previously less-than-successful film.

The constant f low of sequels/reboots

may seem like a pure for-the-money scheme, but some of these reboots prove to be about the fans more than anything.

Yet, after countless reboots of properties like “Spider-Man” and the many sequels of “Transformers,” maybe Hollywood now focuses more on money and its own fans.

Are movie reboots/sequels an easy way for studios to make money or are they trying to give proper fan service?

The STAR asked Sonoma State University students what they think about Hollywood’s reboot conundrum.

facebook.com

“If they’re done right and at least somewhat honoring the original source material, then they can just be a real fun way to update stuff from the past.”

“I think it means they don’t have any ideas right now, so they just use old ideas instead of making new ones.”

- Shelby Hoats

- Jason Vitkovich

“I feel like part of it is for the fans because people are so into these movies, but from the movie industry standpoint they definitely just want more money.”

“It depends on who’s working on it and who’s

- Amy Lewis

- Austin Hartford

funding it. A lot of the time I feel like people reboot a movie because it’s a classic and they want to capitalize on past popularity.”

Page 8

Features

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Israel Defense Forces share their stories Aaron Walker Staff Writer

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facebook.com Filmmaker Thomas Keith showed his documentary “The Bro Code” to Sonoma State University students April 21. Keith’s film aims to show audiences that from an early age, men are taught to treat women like sexual objects.

Film attempts to decode ‘The Bro Code’ Shannon Brown Features Editor

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ollege students are constantly being influenced by the people around them. People like coaches, friends and the media send messages that can help shape human behavior. What one takes from those relationships can change who they are as a person.

Thomas Keith, a professor at CSU Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona, showed his documentary about sexual assault against women on April 21. Fittingly called “The Bro Code,” it discussed the ways in which men are taught from a young age to treat women like sexual objects.

Keith shed light on the fact there were close to no men in the audience.

“A lot of the men that need to hear these messages, like what we’re talking about right now, are not in this room,” Keith said. “They’re somewhere else because they see something like this as, ‘Oh it’s just some feminist thing, I don’t know. What’s on TV tonight? I think the NBA playoffs are on,’ so the question becomes how do we get to those guys to come?”

The 4-year-old documentary examined the different ways in which men view women, which could potentially lead to violent acts against them.

Through contemporary media forms targeted specifically at young boys, Keith shows how women are shown more as entertainment to men than as actual human beings.

Things like types of porn, rap music and television shows were all brought up in the hour long documentary.

Women shown as being there for men’s sexual pleasure and nothing else, were depicted through clips of music videos from popular artists, like Justin Timberlake, Ludacris and Snoop Dogg.

In order to combat this, Keith said, “Men need to humanize women. Empathy for victims. As men we are taught to objectify women and not see

bout 30 individuals gathered at the Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa on Thursday to hear stories from two Israeli soldiers, Korkit and Tsil, who spoke about their experiences while serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

The lecture tour, which was sponsored by StandWithUs and co-sponsored by Hillel of Sonoma County, is taking the two soldiers through the entire north west.

Hillel is the largest Jewish student organization in the world and they have a strong presence on the Sonoma State University campus. The Sonoma County chapter caters to both the Sonoma State and Santa Rosa Junior College campuses.

Korkit was born in Ethiopia and moved to Israel when she was a toddler. As a child, Korit served as a translator for her parents and grew up with opportunities that weren’t available to her in Ethiopia. Israel provided a safe home for her family and gave them equal employment, and education opportunities.

“When you turn 18, you join the Israel Defense Forces,” said Korkit. “We live in a tough neighborhood with the Hamas.”

Conscription is a requirement for all individuals over the age of 18 in Israel, except some individuals are exempt because of religious beliefs. Men are required to serve at least three years, while girls are required to serve at least two years.

The Hamas are an Islamic political organization that exists in Palestine and they have a military wing associated with them.

Restricted to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the Hamas operate within the Palestine population and are always a threat to the safety of Israel’s citizens.

Korkit proved herself in the Israel Defense Forces and quickly worked her way up to officer. She served as an officer for the Department of Basic Training and for the pilot cadet course.

After completing officer training, Korkit described seeing her mother cry at the ceremony. Korkit explained these were tears of joy because her mom was overwhelmed by the opportunities Israel had given her family.

Currently, Korkit is a reserve soldier and studies law, and government at IDC Herzliya

University.

Tsil was born in Northern Israel and has served four years in the Israel Defense Forces.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from Tel Aviv University, and is still a reserve duty officer for the Israel Defense Forces.

The missions Tsil described involved him and his unit searching out Hamas tunnels, which were often dug into hospitals or schools.

There is a code of conduct that all Israel Defense Forces soldiers follow and this code prevented them from firing rockets directly at an abandoned hospital suspected of Hamas activity.

“We will never fire on a humanitarian facility, without being 100 percent sure of Hamas activity inside,” said Tsil.

The code of conduct was put into place to protect civilian life during conf lict, but it comes at a price to soldiers. When searching out the abandoned hospital, the Hamas fired a rocket directly at them. The Hamas had stuffed the walls of the hospital with explosives and the attack killed three of Tsil’s fellow soldiers.

The Hamas are constantly firing rockets at Israel and usually the intended targets are the civilian population. The Israel Defense Forces have built strong defenses against the Hamas and they can usually sound a siren to warn of a rocket.

“If you live in the red zone, you have about 15 seconds to make it to cover,” said Tsil.

Obtaining peace with the Hamas is nearly impossible, considering the Hamas do not recognize Israel’s right to exist. The Hamas have been notorious for breaking cease fires in the past and Tsil believes it’s only a matter of time before fighting erupts again.

After recounting their stories, the soldiers answered questions and spoke with members of the audience, some of which have family currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

Many of the questions focused around military campaigns the soldiers were involved in, but some were eager to hear about the soldiers’ careers and studies outside of the Israel Defense Forces.

Disclosure: Korkit and Tsil’s last names were withheld from this story for security reasons.

tomkeith.net Filmmaker Thomas Keith spoke about his 2011 documentary, “The Bro Code,” which he showed to Sonoma State University students on April 21. them as humans like us.”

During the Q-and-A portion of the night, Keith was asked about “Agents of Shield,” the mandatory online class sent out to every student about sexual assault. He liked the idea colleges are bringing up the issue.

However, he believes it needs to be more personal in order to reach the intended audience.

Keith said, “…so I think it needs to be a more personal approach then an online course.

That’s my take.”

Women in the audience, like freshman student Ambreana Burciaga, agreed with this.

“It’s extremely important that we get more young men involved in this topic on a personal level,” said Burciaga.

“They have so much undiscovered influence on this topic. As women, we can be as educated about sexual assault as we want [to] be but it’s going to take the men of the world to afflict real change.”

In the beginning of his documentary, Keith talked about the ways in which he grew up with “the bro code.” He was conditioned from a young

age to dehumanize and disrespect women. His knowledge of American philosophy and pragmatism, combined with his personal experiences growing up and being a man, makes him an expert on “the bro code.”

With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this topic was extremely relevant.

As part of the student body, it’s important to be reminded of the severity of campus sexual assault.

“I think it’s critically important to continue our efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault and to continue to discuss as a community what we can do to prevent sexual assault,” said Laura Williams, a psychologist at Sonoma State University. “And how we can support those who have been assaulted. Sexual assault impacts our entire community.

We need to work together to address the problem.”

Like Keith said at the end of his presentation, it’s going to take a revolution to change the face of sexual assault. But, as he also pointed out, it will not be impossible.

STAR // Aaron Walker Korkit and Tsil, who have served in the Israel Defense Forces, spoke at the Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa on Thursday. The guest speakers recounted stories of their experiences with the Israel Defense Forces and how living in the country allowed them better opportunities, such as with a higher education.

Korkit and Tsil also spoke about Hamas and the code of conduct soldiers must adhere to, which was put into place to protect civilian life during conflict.

Features

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

Restaurant Review: Bianchini’s The Sandwich and Salad Market Emily Johnstone Staff Writer

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ustomers line the counter as their eyes glance through the glass barrier at the ingredients needed for a delectable sandwich or salad. While some families and couples are enjoying their meals at tables close by, others choose to sit at the tables outside.

Before you know it, the time has come to make the difficult decision of what to order.

“I’ve never seen a place that has so many choices of such tasty things for both the sandwiches and salads,” said customer Kat Johnson.

facebook.com Bianchini’s The Sandwich and Salad Market has two locations that provide a wide variety of options for the lunch and dinner.

Bianchini’s The Sandwich and Salad Market was started by Steve and Deborah Bianchini. Their son Bryan Crane took over the business when they retired and after falling in love with the business, he decided to purchase it from his family. Crane and his wife co-own the business and they wanted to provide customers with a healthy choice for their lunch or dinner.

Bianchini’s opened its first store in Petaluma in 2008, and then opened its second store in Santa Rosa in 2013. The market features

17 specialty sandwiches, as well as basic sandwiches.

Everything from tri-tip and grilled chicken to veggiefilled sandwiches and vegan choices; the goal is to have something for everyone.

With prices ranging from around $8 to $25, customers leave feeling satisfied after having eaten at Bianchini’s.

“This is the place I come when I need a satisfying sandwich,” said customer John Kerry. “I always feel like I’m getting my money’s worth for my meal when I come to Bianchini’s.”

Rather than ordering a sandwich, there are lighter choices that provide the customer with many options.

The first choice comes from getting either a regular size salad which includes six toppings or a small salad which includes four toppings.

Bianchini’s salad bar has romaine, spinach and baby spinach, and more than 30 fresh toppings to choose from. For an extra charge, avocado, chicken, tri-tip, tuna salad or portobello mushroom can be added. To finish off the salad, customers can choose from a list of Bianchini’s own salad dressings.

“I’ve never seen a place that has so many choices of such tasty things for both the sandwiches and salads,” said customer Kat Johnson. “Most of the time it’s too hard to make the choice of which I want to order, so I have to get both.”

If it becomes difficult for customers to select a meal,

Bianchini’s offers the ability to order combinations of half sandwich, small salad or a small soup.

The side choices Bianchini’s offers fill the small refrigerated grab and go cases. Small containers of egg, chicken, tuna and their special turkey cranberry salads are stacked just above the specialty salads, such as Chinese chicken salad, taco salad, salmon salad and southwest BBQ chicken salad.

When finishing off the meal, there are all different kinds of potato chips lining the way to the register, as well as bottled or fountain drinks to choose from. Bianchini’s also sells beer, including Petaluma’s own Lagunitas.

To curb the sweet tooth, customers also have some dessert options, including ice cream treats, fresh baked cookies, brownies and lemon bars Inside and outside seating is available, so customers can enjoy their sandwiches at a table indoors or outside in the sun.

Bianchini’s The Sandwich and Salad Market is located at 1367 North McDowell Blvd. #100 in Petaluma, and is open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bianchini’s in Santa Rosa is located at 2240 Mendocino Ave. and is open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For any questions, please call the Petaluma location at 707-776-4570 or call the Santa Rosa location at 707542-3354.

First annual Saturdazed jump starts summer break Samantha Cardenas Staff Writer

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-shirts, shorts, sandals, barbecues and plenty of warm weather. The anticipation of summer being just around the corner has everyone, especially students, yearning for different ways to relax during their extended time off.

And nothing says relaxation quite like live music, drinks and food.

Students and Sonoma County residents can expect this and much more when Edgework Entertainment and Second Octave Entertainment bring Saturdazed Music and Arts Festival to the Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center in Rohnert Park on May 9, from 1-7 p.m.

Although Sonoma State University is constantly putting on different events to keep students busy and entertained, students are always looking for exciting activities to do off campus. The creators of Edgework Entertainment want to help students fill that void.

The company put together FLI HIGH Nightclub, Rohnert Park’s Premier Nightclub for College Students, which debuted in February and sold out to more than 500 students.

“We saw a need and serious demand for a social scene in Rohnert Park, specifically for Sonoma State students,” said co-founder of Edgework Entertainment Adam Loria. “After the nightclub, we wanted to create another music related event for the community that was not exclusive to just Sonoma State students this time, and we created Saturdazed.”

With this being the first year the event is being put on, having big names artists like rapper Shwayze, alternative reggae-rock trio Radical Something, and g-punk band New Beat Fund, they are sure to attract a wide range of guests. More than 1,500 people are expected to be in attendance to make this year’s event debut one to remember.

Organizing Saturdazed didn’t happen in a day.

But with dedication and high aspirations, it was all

“We saw a need and serious demand for a social scene in Rohnert Park, specifically for Sonoma State students,” said cofounder of Edgework Entertainment Adam Loria. possible. “We all are working day in and day out on Saturdazed while we are also in school and involved in many other extracurricular activities,” said cofounder of Edgework Entertainment Darren Fong.

“It becomes very overwhelming and difficult to juggle at times, but the Edgework Entertainment team is extremely passionate and motivated, so I know it will feel that much more rewarding when the day finally comes.”

The event’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect being that it will give students a last hoorah before having to buckle down and focus for finals.

Being that most music festivals price points range from $150 to upwards of $500, most students aren’t able to afford those luxuries. However, the guys over at Edgework Entertainment have made sure this event is affordable so that students won’t feel they have to miss out.

“I’ve been wanting to go to Coachella for years now, but have never been able to afford the expensive price tag,” said junior Michaela Harris. “Even though there isn’t a huge lineup for this festival, it’s still worth it to listen to live music and not feel like I’m spending money I don’t have.”

In addition to live music, attendees can expect to enjoy gourmet food and drinks from local favorites like Lagunitas.

Saturdazed welcomes guests of all ages to attend for a full day of good vibes and entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now on eventbrite.com for $25 and will be sold at the door for $30.

somoconcerts.com Saturdazed Music and Arts Festival on May 9, from 1-7 p.m.

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Page 10

Sports

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Connor Gibson The softball team ended their regular season at third in their conference with a record of 38-17 (overall) and 24-11 (conference).

Softball team’s next stop: CCAA Tournament Jennifer González Staff Writer

S

onoma State University’s softball team went to Turlock this past weekend for a four-game series against CSU Stanislaus.

These were the last games the team played for the regular season before going to the California Collegiate Athletic Association Softball Championships.

Game One

The first game was played on Friday at 4pm.

The Seawolves continued the winning streak from their previous games played at home.

In just the first inning of game one, the Stanislaus Warriors took the lead by one. The Seawolves came back quickly to take the lead by two during the third inning.

Shortstop Ancia Purdy hit a double to right center field and catcher Aubrie Tolliver scored home. It didn’t stop there. Olivia Lucchese advanced home when Jena Kaser reached by a fielding error. The score at this time was 2-1.

During the fifth inning, Kaser hit the ball up the middle and the ball was in by the time she got to second base, but Keeley Ray and Purdy scored, resulting in Seawolves taking the lead 4-1.

Then in the top of the sixth inning, Ashley Long scored when Purdy hit a single to left center field. The score was now 5-1.

During the sixth and seventh inning, the Warriors made two scores, but that wasn’t enough for them to catch up to the Seawolves.

The final score for the first game was 5-3.

“I’m very proud of the team and how far they have come this season. Winning hasn’t been what they want,” said Fred Bass, a family friend of a softball player. “For them, it’s all about playing for each other and you can see that when they play.”

Game Two

The second game of the day against the Warriors didn’t have a good turn out for the Seawolves.

The Warriors dominated throughout the whole game and made their last runs during the sixth inning. By the end of the sixth inning, the score was 6-0.

The Seawolves made their only three scores of the game during the seventh inning which was not enough to tie or win.

Purdy, Lucchese, and Mayleen Mazon were the players to score. Seawolves lost 6-3 in their second game.

“When I’ve watched the softball team play at home and they’ve lost, it doesn’t seem to really bother them. It seems like they look at what they could of done better and remember that for their next game,” sophomore Brittney Hung said. “And it seems that they did that exact same thing for Saturdays games.”

Game Three

Saturday, the Seawolves made a turn around from the last game’s loss from the day before.

The first game of the second day, the Seawolves dominated throughout the whole game.

Baseball team wins three; Goelz gets 1k

F

Kory Arnold Sports Assistant

or the past 30 years, coach John Goelz has shaped Sonoma State University baseball program into one of the most respected NCCA Division II teams in the nation and has now passed a milestone that will join him in an exclusive group of which only 15 other coaches have joined.

After taking game two in this past weekend’s series against San Francisco State, Goelz recorded his 1,000 career victory as a head coach. Since taking the job in 1985, Goelz has built the baseball program from the ground up at SSU and now has an everlasting accomplishment to last with it. With the Seawolves season slowly skidding to an end and playoffs seeming very unlikely, this accomplishment will at least be able to shed some light on future seasons.

“I would not be the ballplayer I am today without coach Goelz,” said senior Devin Alexander. “The amount of effort he puts into the team and the way he balances it to focus on each individual player is something you never see coming from a head coach and it’s extremely encouraging.”

The Seawolves took on the San Francisco State Gators in a four-game series with the first and last games being played at San Francisco State’s Maloney Field with a doubleheader taking place at Seawolf Diamond in between.

Game One

Game one was nothing less of an offensive showcase for the Seawolves as they went on to pound out 16 hits on the day for an 11-6 win over the Gators. Junior Spencer Neve was the primary offensive standout, going a perfect 4-4 while driving in three RBIs. Senior slugger Alex Crosby also recorded three RBIs on the day and finished going 2-4.

Game Two

Game two was an absolute cakewalk for the Seawolves, with it ironically sealing

Goelz’ 1,000 th victory, due to the outstanding pitching performances by junior DeVon Golden and freshman Mitch Coombs who combined for a one-hit shutout of the Gators.

However, the Seawolf bats would not be unheard, putting up seven runs on 11 hits with two multi-RBI home runs coming off the bats of junior Adam Manzer and senior Jourdan Weiks, Weik’s first of the year.

“The amount of volume our bats produced gave us a bunch of confidence going into the later innings because we knew we could keep them off our heals, and I guess a couple home runs won’t hurt either,” said Weiks. “Most importantly, I’m stoked that we were able to have this type of performance for Goelz to finally get his 1,000 win.”

Game Three

After the celebrations concluded for coach Goelz following the first game, it was already time to get back on the field to kick off the second half of the double-header. The Gators were determined to get on the board early and were able to put up a 3-0 lead after two innings of play. It would not take long for the Seawolves to respond with base hits from both Neve and Phillip Ramos, and with a little small ball the score was now 3-2.

The Gators would only tack on one more run for the game in the top of the fifth and the Seawolves would once again respond with one run in the bottom of the sixth but would leave two runners stranded, which would essentially cost them the win. The Gators were able to finish up the job in the bottom of the seventh to take game three with a final score of 4-3.

Game Four

The final game was an exciting one that lasted 11 innings. The game was tied up at five from the eighth inning until junior Cody Morris stepped up to the plate and drove an RBI double that scored Devin Alexander all the way from first base. Alexander then pitched perfectly in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Seawolves the win. The win put them over the .500 mark at 23-22 overall.

Just in the first inning, the Seawolves showed great strength while making the first three scores of the game.

During the second inning, again the Seawolves scored. Second base player, Holli Brown hit a single when Purdy was on third base that helped Purdy score. The Seawolves continued to put runs on the board later in the inning.

Amanda Rossetta flied out to center field, which gave Ray the chance to come home. Then Tolliver hit a single to the left side that made Kaser advance to second base and Brown to score. It didn’t stop there.

Freshman Jordann White hit a double to left field that helped Kaser score.

In just the second inning, the score was 7-0 with the Seawolves taking the lead.

The third game of the series only lasted five innings and the Seawolves scored their last two runs during the final inning. The Seawolves didn’t allow any runs for the Warriors. The final score was 9-0.

“It’s really nice to see that our school’s softball team won their last games of the regular season,” junior Julia Wilson said. “It makes you feel proud to be a Seawolf and have more school spirit.”

Game Four

The final game was a bit longer and lasted nine innings.

It was unknown during the first three innings whose game it was going to be since no team made any score yet.

In the fourth inning, the Seawolves were the

first to score in this final game. Taylor Batey hit a single down the right field line. Middle infielder Kristine Ricossa advanced to third, but then ran home on a throw and made the score 1-0.

By the sixth inning, both teams were tied up 3-3, but the Seawolves broke the tie during the ninth inning where they came up to bat and won the game.

Ray hit a single up the middle that helped Purdy advance to second, Amanda Llerena advance to third and Ally Bryant score. Because of a wild pitch, Llerena was able to run home and make the score 5-3, while Ray advanced to second and Purdy to third.

Brown then came up to hit a double to left center field that brought both Ray and Purdy home. Outfielder Alison Strycula was up and hit a double to left center field that brought Brown home.

Strycula made the last score when Batey hit a single to left field.

The Seawolves won the final game of the series and regular season, 9-3.

“I look forward to watching them play at the championship tournament. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose, as long as they have fun and play for each other,” Bass said.

The team finished third in the CCAA. The Seawolves will be going to the CCAA Softball Championship Tournament this weekend from Friday to Sunday at Arnaiz Stadium in Stockton, CA. They will be playing against Humboldt State in game two of the CCAA Championship at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Seawolves Schedule Baseball Apr. 28

2:30pm,, vs. SF State, Rohnert Park, Seawolf Diamond

May 1

3:00pm, at CSU Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA

May 2

12:00pm/3:00pm, at CSU Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA

May 3

11:00am, at CSU Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA

Softball May 1- 3

TBA, at CCAA Tournament, Stockton, CA

Women’s Track and Field Apr. 30

All DAy, CCAA Championships, San Francisco, CA

Women’s Golf May 4

All DAy, NCAA West Regional, Rohnert Park, Foxtail Golf Club

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Women’s Water Polo

Sports

Page 11

team comes up short Kayla Kring Staff Writer

T

o start off their 2015 Western Water Polo Association Women’s Championships, the Sonoma State University women’s water polo team hopped on a plane that was headed towards Geneva, Ohio.

Their first competitor would be Gannon University on Friday morning. With this being the first match of the weekend, the girls were off to a great start with a strong lead of 7-0 against the Lady Knights.

From then on the Seawolves would continue to overpower the Lady Knights, winning with a final score of 14-5.

Jessica Becker, Kaysie Lewis and Alexa May each scored a goal to start off their strong 3-0 lead.

Following suit would soon be Lexii Morabito, Noelle Herrera, as well as Lewis to give the Seawolves a 6-0 lead heading into halftime.

Once the third quarter started it would be Shannon Baer to place the ball in the net, but that would end the Seawolf goal streak. Gannon’s Alyssa Cooney was the first Lady Knight to make a goal, thus leaving the score at 7-1. From then on the Seawolves would continue their dominance with a nine- point lead, 12-3, against the Lady Knights with seven minutes left on the clock. The buzzer would soon ring throughout the venue, signaling that the match was over and the final score was 14-5.

With the added win to their name, the No. 2 Sonoma State Seawolves had pushed their overall record to 9-18. Yet, the added win was not the only positive outcome to happen. Thanks to Friday’s win, the women were then scheduled to play the No. 4 seed, CSU East Bay, in a semifinal match on Saturday. From there, the winner of Saturday’s match will move on to the championship match, while the loser will play for the third place recipient.

As the girls entered the pool, they knew what was on the line: a chance at the championship match.

Unfortunately, they would not be able to keep their grasp on the winning title and lost by only one point.

With a tough team to play against and a big match on the line, no one wanted to relinquish their lead on Saturday. With the match falling into double overtime, it seemed the match would never end. It did, as the Pioneers took their advantage of a missed offensive opportunity by the Seawolves to score the final goal needed to end the match at 8-7.

Even though the Seawolves had lost to the Pioneers, they still put up a fight. It would be a tie match at 3-3 in the late third quarter. From there neither team would be able to take a lead larger than one goal. Brittny Hummel would score a goal in the last few seconds of the fourth quarter to tie up the match once again at 5-5 to send the Seawolves and the Pioneers into their first round of overtime.

It would then be Hummel again to place the

Seawolves in the lead by one goal in the start of the first overtime. Yet, East Bay was not going down without a fight as they responded with two goals of their own to place them in the lead by one, 7-6.

The Seawolves were able to respond. Just when it seemed like the match was finished, Kaysie Lewis came in with a last second shot to tie the match once again at 7-7, sending both teams into sudden death double OT. It was during the sudden death, that the Seawolves had lost their grip on the match against East Bay. They had won the sprint, but had failed to make something of their opportunity, leaving East Bay’s Jenn Lightbody to receive possession over the ball. As she fought through the traffic in front of the goalmouth she would be able to get the ball past the Seawolves, giving her team the final point they needed to win the match at 8-7.

With their loss on Saturday, the Sonoma State Seawolves were placed in a match against CSU Monterey Bay for the third place ranking.

While they had been sent into double overtime with East Bay, that was not the case on Sunday’s match. Instead, the Seawolves would come up short against the Otters.

Alexa May would be the first to score on Sunday’s match with a brilliant powerplay, but it would be the only score the Seawolves would seem to get in the first half of the match.

Luckily, the Otters would do no damage as they too could not place any more points on the board except for the one that would tie the match going into the third quarter.

In the second half, the Otters would take the lead by one, 2-1, but thanks to Hummel she would redeem the Seawolves, tying up the match at 2-2.

From here on, the game remained tied after both teams traded goals. Yet, with six minutes left on the clock the Otters would be able to tie the match back up at 5-5, ensuing a nail-biting atmosphere to drape across the stadium.

Unfortunately, for the women of Sonoma State, CSU Monterey Bay’s Adriana Craft would steal the ball that was deep within SSU territory, allowing her to score and take the lead 6-5.

With no time to waste, the Otters once again gained possession over the ball, but would soon be called out on a shot clock violation.

This would then leave the Seawolves with only a mere 10 seconds to set up one last offensive play.

As Hummel’s name was called, it would be Amanda Jennings from CSU Monterey Bay to stop the play just as the clock had run out, signaling the loss at 6-5 for the Seawolves as well as their fourh place rank in the tournament. It would be their second 1 point losts in just as many games.

With the 1-2 record for the weekend and close play in all of their games, the Sonoma State women’s water polo team had their 2015 season come to an end with their overall record at 9-20.

sonomaseawolves.com The women’s water polo team gathers during their tournament play in Geneva, Ohio. They went 1-2 with losses by only two points combined.

Page 12

Photo This week in photos...

April 28 - May 4, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

For more, visit our galleries at SonomaStateStar.com

Seawolves baseball, softball teams in action

STAR // Connor Gibson Both baseball and softball teams were in action this weekend against San Francisco State and CSU Stanislaus. Read more about softball on page 10.