Volume74 issue5

‘Facing Our Truth’ tackles race issues

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Student-run nightclub gets wild

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Tattoos and Blues Festival

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Sonoma State Star SINCE 1979

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2015

VOLUME 74 // ISSUE 5

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

STAR // Niquie Wilson Sonoma State University’s women’s track and field team was disbanded after a lack of interest from student athletes and lack of adequate facilities in 200. In the summer it was announced the team would return to Sonoma State after much interest from the student body.

Women’s track returns after seven years Rissie Markarian Staff Writer

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he seven-year hiatus of the women’s track and field team at Sonoma State University is finally over.

Junior global studies major and member of the returning women’s track and field team, Maria Hurtado is looking forward to the team’s up-

coming race on Saturday.

“We are excited to compete and represent Sonoma State in track and field against such competitive schools we have in our conference. We can’t wait to race on Saturday in Humboldt,” said Hurtado.

In 2007, the team disbanded in favor of women’s golf. Now that improvements to facilities are in progress and the roster has been filled,

women’s track and field is able to return to campus.

“Women’s track and field has a strong and positive history at Sonoma State,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, head coach for women’s track and field.

“We are pleased to bring it back as an option for current and future Seawolf studentathletes.”

One of the main issues as to why the program was dis-

continued was because they had trouble recruiting athletes and there wasn’t enough interest from student-athletes to maintain the track and field team.

The reinstatement of the women’s’ track and field team will allow Sonoma State to meet Title IX gender equity goals concerning athletics.

Title IX was initially established to create “gender eq-

uity,” so schools were required to give women equal opportunities in regard to athletics and all educational programs in general. An increase of federal funds are awarded to schools who meet this requirement, which will benefit not only women’s sports at Sonoma State, but men’s sports as well.

“By fielding a women’s outdoor track and field team that will compete in the spring

seasons,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Not only are we giving our student-athletes additional opportunities for achievement, but we’re aiding our training and recruiting efforts in women’s cross country by giving our student-athletes the ability to compete year-round.”

The women’s track and field team have their first official meet this Saturday in Humboldt.

Measles outbreak continues nationwide Joshua Gutierrez Staff Writer

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housands of individuals will visit or attend Sonoma State University during the semester. The likelihood that all will be vaccinated against an infectious disease is uncertain. Concern regarding the outbreak of measles has been a prominent topic within the United States recently and the discussion of whether to vaccinate against the disease has sparked controversy among many.

“People will not vaccinate because they see no cases in the United States and ask, why should I take on any risk from a vaccine?” said Sonoma County Deputy Health Officer Karen Holbrook. “The reality is that the risk of illness is ever changing and nobody is an island. Sonoma State is a perfect example of that.”

Since December 2014,

there have been 119 confirmed measles cases reported among California residents. There have been no confirmed cases of measles in Sonoma County, but neighboring Marin County has reported two. Sixtynine individuals over the age of 20 contracted the disease.

This information comes from a California Public Health Department update released on Feb. 18.

“Most of higher education is consistent with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and every other scientifically-based public health entity,” said Georgia Schwartz, medical director at the Student Health Center. “Immunization saves lives. The ponderousness of scientific evidence worldwide is that vaccines are safe and effective and substantially reduce the risk of disease.”

Sonoma State corresponds with California State

University and California law in regard to required immunizations. Measles and rubella, also known as the MMR vaccine and hepatitis B, are the only required vaccinations needed before a student can attend.

Though not required, the campus strongly recommends vaccinations for chicken pox, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, also known as DTaP, hepatitis A, human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, meningococcal, mumps and polio. Recommendations that run concurrently with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College Health Association.

Schwartz said public health officials feel more immunizations should be required simply because the generation that is beginning college were See MEASLES on Pg. 4

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Many gathered in support of immigration reform in San Francisco for a rally and march in 2010.

Immigration issues press on Gustavo Vasquez Managing Editor

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federal judge’s decision on Feb. 16 has blocked President Barack Obama’s executive order on immigration, which could shield millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States from deportation.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hansen filed an injunction against President Barack Obama’s executive order, stating it would make United States states “suffer irreparable harm in this case.”

Closer to home, Anayeli Cruz, alumna of Sonoma State revealed her experience graduating from a university with a degree and unable to

use it because of her legal status in the United States.

Cruz applied for Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) back in 2012, she isn’t currently affected by the recent injunction made

by Hansen.

“After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I was not able See IMMIGRATION on Pg. 5

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Editorial

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Repairing a broken immigration plan

THE STAR Editorial Board & Staff

Dylan Sirdofsky, Editor-in-Chief Peter Njoroge, Executive Editor Kayla Webster, Managing 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 Kory Arnold, Staff Writer Jake Burke, Staff Writer Samantha Cardenas, Staff Writer Connor Gibson, Photographer Jennifer González, Staff Writer Aidan Guthrie, Staff Writer Joshua Gutierrez, Staff Writer Olivia Johnson, Staff Writer Emily Johnstone, Staff Writer Kimmie Jones, Staff Writer Kayla Kring, Staff Writer Rissie Markarian, Staff Writer Ashley Martin, Staff Writer Ancia Purdy, Staff Writer Alex Sanchez, Staff Writer Ciara Smith, Staff Writer Sierra Smith, Staff Writer Aaron Walker, Staff Writer Michelle Welling, Staff Writer Niquie Wilson, Photographer

Contact Information 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:

“All-Americans: Seitz, Hull” They say all good things must come to an end, right? For the Sonoma State University volleyball team, their season can finally take a look back at all the accomplishments. Managing Editor Kayla Website profiles All-Americans Caylie Seitz and Kelsey Hull, and how they helped take their squad to new heights and reach the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Read the full story on page 11

Read more about recent immigration issues on page 1.

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Texas federal judge blocked President Barack Obama’s recent executive order on immigration—one that would shield millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States from deportation.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hansen ordered an injunction on Obama’s executive actions on the grounds states would “suffer irreparable harm,” and that the Department of Homeland Security bypassed a mandate to allow public comment on the policy changes.

The executive order was supposed to open on Wednesday, shielding people living in the United States before 2010 and those who arrived before the age of 16. Those who qualify don’t gain legal status, but have the right to work legally, get drivers licenses and not worry about being deported.

The executive order had two parts, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and part two, which was scheduled to be in effect next month, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans. The last clause defines parents who don’t have legal status, but have American children.

What harm would the United States suffer—letting roughly 4 million to 5 million people already in the country for at least five years work and go to school legally?

Hansen’s decision lacks consideration; there are no disputable facts given to support this decision to allow a

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.

lawsuit filed by 26 states to move forward. The states want to block Obama’s executive order, claiming the president is overreaching his authority.

However, there are strong arguments that support the president.

Obama has made 203 executive orders while in office, which is well below President George W. Bush’s count of 291 and far below President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 3,522.

The United States has had seven different amnesty programs since 1986, which marked a huge turning point in American immigration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act passed that year gave 3 million undocumented immigrants legal permanent status, the ability to stay in the United States without fear of deportation as well as to work and drive legally.

Furthermore, immigrants built the United States.

This country is a melting pot of different cultures, ethnici-

ties, religions and beliefs.

No human is illegal; the idea of being born in the United States and the privilege to live here from that privilege seems imprudent.

The majority of people in the United States have ancestors who came from somewhere else; a statement people can’t argue against unless they are of Native American descent. Many Americans who express chauvinism fail to realize this.

It’s shameful and wrong to deny someone the access to live, grow and prosper especially if that individual has already lived in the country for a significant portion of his or her life, and calls it home.

The president’s executive order is meant to legalize those who have lived in the country for some time. It’s not for those residing in another country and wanting to become a U.S. citizen.

When an individual grows up somewhere, it becomes their home; it’s all one knows. Imagine living

in the United States, then being ripped away from family and friends and thrown into an unfamiliar country where one doesn’t feel they belong?

Fundamentally, the culture one associates with is the one that’s present from early on.

It defines a person.

What is blocking Obama’s executive order going to do? It’s most likely just going to cause a delay.

The United States can consider suffering “irreparable harm” as wasting the federal government’s time, and taxpayer money.

There’s no possible way to deny legality to the millions of people who reside in the United States. The resources needed to do so surpass what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers and wont cause any change. Those deported will surely be back soon because they call this place home.

Obama’s executive order is not the final solution to fix a broken immigration system. Nonetheless, it’s a start in the right direction.

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.

Corrections/Clarifications In the Issue 13 article, “Associated Students proposes fee increase,” there were a few errors related to funding. The Tutorial Center receives $4.64 currently per student, and Associated Student fees range from $30 to $180 up and down the state of California. The corrections have been adjusted in the online edition.

STAR // Eddie Blake

Letters to the Editor

Financial incentives for grades?

Intrinsic motivations matter

D

ear Editor, Economics, perhaps more than any other discipline, is about studying how people respond to incentives. Incentives are characterized as either extrinsic (financial rewards for good grades) or intrinsic (pride in a job well-done).

In economic literature, there’s substantial research on the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and how it affects behavior. Psychologists have also spent a great deal of time and ef-

fort studying this topic. The bottom line is that extrinsic motivations tend to crowdout or dominate intrinsic motivations.

In a context where students are provided financial rewards for earning good grades, this implies students are more likely to abandon a curious pursuit or interesting challenge in favor of an “easy A.” In addition to distorting the incentives of faculty and the university, this stifles actual learning and personal development.

Financial rewards are often a useful device for aligning incentives of differ-

ent decision-makers and agents, but it’s clear that whenever incentives are artificially manipulated—especially extrinsic ones—unintended consequences are apt to follow.

While I understand and even empathize with the sentiment behind the typical arguments for paying students for good grades, it’s almost certainly counterproductive.

Michael S. Visser is a professor in the department of economics at Sonoma State University.

Editors need to edit better D ear Editor, I read the Sonoma State STAR edition of Feb. 10 to Feb. 16. I was surprised at the poor writing, misuse of words and high number of cringe-inducing phrases and sentences.

Is anyone editing the paper for grammar, usage and readability? It was embarrassing to read “the edition of Grier to Sally Tomatoes already impressive comedic pedigree…” It should be “addition” and the possessive apostrophe is missing. Almost ev-

ery article had an impressive number of mistakes, often more than one in each sentence.

The article on the smoking ban was filled with mistakes such as, “Sonoma State has long felt we [sic] could do more to protect our students’ [sic] and employees from second-hand smoke.”

I would never hire anyone who came to me with these articles in their portfolio if I expected that person to write business letters or professional documents.

Mia James is a resident of Santa Rosa.

Opinion

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Excessive food waste a luxury of the past

Aidan Guthrie Staff Writer

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STAR // Gustavo Vasquez

Misguided attention in consuming information

Emily Johnstone Staff Writer

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rom red carpet events to all the gossip stories, celebrity obsessions are noticed all over society. There are times that I definitely can’t help myself from going and picking up the trendy magazine that’s on the stands. However, I feel that a huge issue occurring in society is the amount of attention we’re placing on unimportant topics, such as the lives of celebrities.

The people working in the field of media and selling stories to the public know the different reasons people are interested in reading about the lives of famous people and they use it to their advantage.

As if there wasn’t enough going on in day-to-day life, people tend to find entertainment learning about the lives

of others. In order to grab the attention of people, those working in the media come up with ideas and stories that will sell to the public.

For a large demographic, a topic that tends to pull our attention is looking into the lives of public figures or celebrities. Society is getting its fix of entertainment by reading all kinds of stories about celebrities. Those in the media know this and seem to be willing to go to whatever lengths necessary in order to sell a story.

“It’s hard for legitimate news and information sources to be heard above all the noise,” said Ed Beebout.

Getting those parts to create something they’re able to market and sell requires them to go to great lengths.

With thousands of magazines in the United States all fighting for the highest sales, reports will spin anything to make it a big deal by playing off the emotions and thoughts of the public.

As some readers skim the pages of a magazine or scroll through articles online, they are intrigued by the sense of living vicariously through someone else. Seeing what it’s like for those who are wealthier, famous and desirable has created a great interest into the lives of celebrities.

A sense of envy and fascination tends to have people wanting to read about them and imagine their pleasurable lives. While the media may thrive from stories of celebrities extravagant trips, lavish weddings and expensive purchases, they also know how to sell the screw ups as well.

Society also finds pleasure in the misfortune of those celebrities that look like they’re living a carefree life. Reading about the embarrassment tends to give us a sense of superiority because while everything isn’t necessarily great in our lives, their lives aren’t perfect either.

Reading about their breakdowns and issues shields us from thinking about the problems we have in society.

“The news is bad. Who wants to know that when we can watch Lindsay Lohan

Have an opinion?

We’d like to read it.

E-mail all opinions to

star@sonoma.edu

Page 3

drown in a sea of Vicodin?

It’s just way more fun than facing what is actually happening out there,’’ said Danny Bonaduce, a former child star in an interview with CNN. Living with the reality of what’s going on in the world around us has fallen on the back-burner to celebrity gossip. It’s a light topic that doesn’t require much thought, yet provides those who find any enjoyment in celebrity gossip with a sense of entertainment. However, what does that say about where people in society place their interest and attention?

“It’s hard for legitimate news and information sources to be heard above all the noise,” said communication and media studies professor Ed Beebout. “That’s why it’s more critical than ever for each of us as individuals to seek out that information.”

Reports and paparazzi in charge of getting stories or insight into the lives of these well-known stars are required to play on the wants of the public. From the Kardashians to Charlie Sheen, Tiger Woods to O.J. Simpson, the appetite we have for celebrity misbehavior seems unquenchable.

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.

mericans throw away nearly half of the food consumed, which is a disturbing example of how society is being built upon excess and waste.

The Huffington Post estimates that this lost food is worth about $165 billion annually. That is, in effect, $165 billion taken out of the American economy and literally thrown in the trash. This waste of food poses moral, economic and ecological dilemmas.

From a moral standpoint it almost goes without saying that throwing away nearly half of our food when we live in a world where millions starve every day seems criminal. But Americans are insulated from this reality by an economy and culture that’s designed with the mentality of more is better.

The food industry is just one facet of the excess and waste that dwells within American consumerism be it clothes, technology or otherwise. In short, we have a moral obligation to pay more attention to our own wasteful habits in a world where others starve.

From an economic standpoint, wasting food, especially for the consumer, results in a loss of money that can’t be retrieved.

The obvious fact that food is perishable makes any essentially lost wealth. The problem is exacerbated on two fronts, the food industries overproduction coupled with a culture which conditions consumers to buy more than they need, which encourages wasting food.

The United States Government also provides $10 billion to $30 billion worth of cash subsidies for agricultural industry, largely benefiting corporations.

These subsidies are distributed with the intent of making farming lucrative in the United States and thus keep the country’s food products competitively priced on the world market. This backward logic encourages farms to produce food at maximum capacity, often through expensive technologies or at the expense of the environment.

The intensive farming that takes place in the Midwest requires large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides in order to achieve maximum production. These substances, through water drainage, make their way to the Mississippi river and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.

Their impact is apparent through a significant lack of marine life in areas affected.

These so called “dead zones” exist around the world as a re-

sult of modern farming techniques.

Human nature tends to follow the status quo. In light of this, and the urgency in which environmental issues surrounding food production need to be addressed, we don’t have the time to spare waiting on consumers to change.

Therefore, I advise steps be implemented, by various levels of government, to curb food waste and install more sustainable practices.

These sustainable practices come in many forms, such as growing a diversity of crops instead of practicing monoculture. This would help maintain soil integrity and support native species of animals and insects that need a variety of plant life to thrive.

Putting compost bins in every home, school or place of work would slash the amount of organic waste put in landfills. While compost programs take an initial investment to organize, in many cases they are self-sustaining by selling composted materials as fertilizer to farmers.

The city of Las Vegas, while offering no natural resources, operates one of the most successful compost programs in the country.

By far the most resource taxing portion of the food industry is meat production.

The meat industry uses vast amounts of water, land and fossil fuels for relatively little product if those resources were put toward farming. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that livestock contribute 15 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions and the numbers are much higher for industrialized nations.

In addition, large-scale livestock farms stress the land they use and pose a constant threat of contamination for surrounding areas. For these reasons, the meat industry’s farming practices must evolve to be less damaging and its operation as a whole should ultimately be downsized. This is achievable through regulation.

Some of these suggestions would definitely be unpopular. If they were actually mandated and implemented by the government, a rise in food prices could surely be expected. However, they are concrete solutions to environmental degradation that are much less painful than facing an agricultural or economic crisis.

Such a crisis could come in the form of crop failure, water contamination from pesticides and general negative effects as a result of greenhouse gasses speeding global warming.

Change can start on a local level at Sonoma State.

Creating a compost program and individuals taking initiative to waste less at food at dining venues on campus are immediate actions that could help reduce our personal contribution to the food waste problem.

In the modern world, nature is at the will of humanity. Our relationship with food must change from blind consumers to conscious stewards of our resources.

Greater attention toward minimizing and utilizing food waste would improve our moral standing as a society, benefit the economy long-term, improve the public’s general health and create an ecologically sustainable future.

Sometimes we need to feel discomfort in order to change for the better.

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News

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

North Carolina shooting shows media’s faults

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Aaron Walker Staff Writer

ecently, a fatal shooting of three Muslim students occurred in Chapel Hill, N.C. and the case has sparked uproar around the world.

On Feb. 10, Craig Hicks arrived at the students apartment and fatally shot Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, her husband, Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23 and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19.

Hicks, a self-proclaimed ‘gun-toting atheist,’ was subject to search warrants by police who found more than a dozen firearms, and large amounts of ammunition in his house. When the assailant turned himself in on Feb. 10, he was in possession of a handgun.

Early reports indicated the dispute was over a parking space between Hicks, the victims’ neighbor, but the family of the students’ claim they were targeted because they were Muslim. The Islamic community around the world is outraged at the way the United States is handling the investigation.

In light of the attack on these Muslim students, many people question the mainstream media for labeling the killings as ‘atheist murder,’ because some believe these murders are an act of terrorism.

This has created controversy around whether the label of “terrorist” is one-sided in that it only applies to people who are not of Caucasian descent. Criminal justice major Juan Barrera believed the stigma surrounding Islam stems from the media.

“People will usually first hear about a story from a mainstream media source, and they are easy to believe whatever version of the story that media outlet presents,” said Barrera.

The Islamic community around the world is outraged that the United States is playing this double standard to the word terrorist.

Hicks made a number of social media posts prior to the attacks where he described his hatred for different religions, and some of which described violence against. Many consider Hicks a terrorist, yet resent that the mainstream media has failed to properly

identify Hicks.

Peter Phillips, professor of sociology at Sonoma State and founder of Project Censored, believes this issue needs to be looked at in the context of the U.S. global war on terror.

“The president of the United States can reap death from the skies with impunity against Muslims resisting the global empire of imperial power, and the corporate media justifies the murder as the killing of evil,” said Phillips. “Why would a crazed North Carolina white man think it’s justified to kill Muslims over a parking space?”

This negative stigma to the Islamic community is constantly reinforced by the media showing videos of beheading and bombing by those labeled as Muslim extremists.

“People will usually first hear about a story from a mainstream media source, and they are easy to believe whatever version of the story that media outlet presents,” said Juan Barrerra.

The FBI is now involved in the investigation of this case to determine whether any federal laws, including those relating to hate crimes, were committed. Originally the FBI said they would aid in processing of evidence, but wouldn’t conduct a separate investigation.

After much scrutiny from foreign countries, the FBI has now launched a parallel investigation into the killings. President Barack Obama called the slaying earlier this week as “brutal and outrageous,” but he declined to say if he believes the killings constitute a hate crime.

Nearly 5,000 people turned out for student’s funeral, many of which traveled for hours to pay their respects.

Diversity was embraced at this ceremony, and people from different religious backgrounds all came together to celebrate the life of the three students and the Muslim community.

STAR // Connor Gibson The Sonoma State University Health Center serves as a resource for students with questions regarding the recent outbreak of measles

MEASLES: No cases in Sonoma County Continued from Pg. 1

young when the anti-immunization movement began.

Earlier this month, the University of California system passed a proposal set to begin in 2017 that will require students to be screened for tuberculosis and vaccinated for chickenpox, measles, meningitis, whooping cough and tetanus.

Under California law, an “individual’s constitutional rights” are protected in the form of a Personal Belief Exemption. If a child were under 18 years of age, and their parents or guardians wished to not vaccinate, a healthcare professional would need to acknowledge and sign off. Constitutional freedom of religious expression is also protected under this law.

College students are afforded the same protection. These individuals are catalogued in such a way that in case of an outbreak, they can be easily identified, notified and if so protected.

There are standard public health mechanisms in place to control an outbreak of a dangerous disease. Procedures were in place before the current measles outbreak in California. Public health officials in the county are responsible for the diagnosis of such diseases

and have authority over Sonoma State’s campus.

“Let’s say that student X is identified. We would then interview that person and ask what dorm do you live in? What classes do you go to? We would map out where they were when they became infectious,” said Holbrook, in regard to potential outbreak of measles. “We need to identify the cohorts of people likely to be exposed. It has the potential to be very, very big. Maybe it gets the whole campus. Hopefully we stop the spread quickly.”

Individuals truly exposed or susceptible are subject to quarantine of 21 days. The incubation period of measles is generally acknowledged to be 21 days, with the identifiable measles-related rash identifiable around 14 days.

Though all individuals are different, they are usually contagious four-to-five days prior to the identification of the rash.

A student who waived out or cannot prove their immunization through a blood test, is subject to removal if they are identified to have come in contact with the exposed or in facilities where the exposed has been.

“Besides the fact that measles can be life or neurological function threatening, it certainly could be an academic quagmire,” said Schwartz. “It’s not designed to be punitive. It’s a public health measure designed to control the outbreak.”

News in Brief

AFRICA According to BBC, armed men abducted 89 boys in South Sudan in a camp in Malakal, a city located in northern South Sudan. The men, who weren’t identified, located boys over 12 and abducted them from their houses. The information came from the U.N. children’s agency. South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011 and is also the newest state in the world.

NORTH AMERICA According to The New York Times, “Birdman” was the top winner at the Oscars.

The film won four awards, which were best picture, director, cinematography and original screenplay. Alejandro G. Inarritu directed the film, which features actors such as Michael Keaton and Zach Galifianakis.

EUROPE A bomb killed two people in Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine, on Sunday and left ten injured. In the report from BBC, the attack happened while a rally was underway. The rally signified one year after the uprising that ended proRussian leader Viktor Yanukovych’s leadership. Four suspects were caught in connection to the attack.

AUSTRALIA Officials in Australia are looking at evidence and proposing tighter immigration laws after the Lindt café attack by Man Haron Monis in December. According to BBC, The attack left three dead with the inclusion of Monis. The Australian security hotline received 18 calls about a “self-styled” priest days before Monis’s attack. In the article, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbot said stricter visa, citizenship and bail regulations are likely to occur.

HEALTH In a Business Insider video, Dr. Daniel Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, spoke about the harm of looking at screens before going to sleep. He explained the photons from the backlight emitted from smartphones keep people up at night. According to Siegel, the light tells the brain to not produce melatonin, which is a hormone associated with sleep. This then causes sleep deficiency and creates a host of psychological problems.

Campus prepares to vote on fee via referendum Michelle Welling Staff Writer

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t’s not often students have direct control over how their student fees are spent, or how much they pay. However, this rare instance will fall into the hands of students March 9 through March 11, via their Seawolf emails, when a student referendum will be held to vote on a proposed Associated Students fee increase.

The increase is projected to be minimal – a $3 increase each year, to a total of $12 over four years – but significant. Raising the current fee from $99 per semester, over the course of four years to $111 will provide Associated Students more funding to support Sonoma State’s expanding student body.

Associated Students funds a number of on-campus projects such as Associated Students Productions, Join Us Making Progress, Center for Student Involvement and Service, the Tutorial Center, the Children’s School and grants for student-run clubs.

These services are stretched thin by the demand a growing student body brings.

One such resource that’s pressed for means: both funding and number of staff, is the Tutorial Center. The Tutorial Center is free to Sonoma State students, as its funding is supported by student fees, making it an excellent resource for students seeking support in academics.

However due to the inf lux of students matched with a shortage of finance, the Tutorial Center is unable to hire more student tutors to meet the demand for student academic support. The fee increase would result in a larger budget for programs like the Tutorial Center, and other on-campus resources.

“This is actually the second referendum concerning the Tutorial Center,” said Associated Students Involvement Senator Cary Yballa. “The last one gave the center $3 per student, and was passed by students.

This referendum makes sure the last is improved upon. It is for functions such as the Tutorial Center that students vote in favor of the fee increase. It’s a program that really helps keep students in school.”

An increase in student fees is often the catalyst for contro-

versy within a university, but this sum is one that is directly implemented toward student needs and resources.

This increase would be funded by student dollars, and the same students may communicate with Associated Student senators to reach a consensus of funding allocation; and this transparency could be the deciding factor for many students.

“It’s really important to know what you’re paying for, at any school,” said environmental studies and planning senior Sarina Healey. “In the future when you’re paying for your own house or bills, you’ll want to know that breakdown of how much you’re using, so this is kind of an entryway to financing and budgeting the resources you’re using.”

There are several information sessions students may attend leading up to the election so that students are equipped to make an informed vote.

The next session is Monday, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on the second f loor of the Student Center.

Additional information and details for information sessions are on the Associated Students website.

News

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

Associated Students election campaigning underway

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See the opposing candidate statements below

ssociated Students elections are approaching at Sonoma State University and below are statements written by each of the candidates that are running for an elected position for the 2015-16 school year. Each statement reflects candidates’ goals and intent in running for the Associated Students.

Voting period for the Associated Students

Brandon Mercer Candidate for Associated Students President

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y name is Brandon Mercer and I want to serve as your voice next year as Associated Students president. I am a third year double major in economics and environmental studies. My passion for leadership started while serving on Sauvignon Village Council. Building from my early experience, I transitioned into my

elections begins March 9 and ends on March 11 at 5 p.m. with the election results to be announced at Lobo’s Pizza and Pub in the Student Center between 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The campaigning period for all candidates running for an elected office began yesterday and will continue until Friday, March 6. Students will have the opportunity to meet niche at SSU welcoming in our students as a Summer Orientation Leader.

Falling in love with the organization, I was hired as one of four team leaders to organize and carry out the mission of orientation the following year guiding in the class of 2018. While serving in various leadership roles my eyes have been opened to the vast diversity we have at Sonoma State; my ongoing objective is to support the unity amongst our diverse student body.

I got involved with the Associated Students last semester while serving on three committees: Academic Senate, Campus Re-engineering Committee, and the Graduate Initiative Group. While serving on A.S. I have voiced student concerns in meetings of crucial importance not only to the future of SSU operation but also academic programs and current student activities. There is no greater issue we face than the six year graduation average for CSU students. The severe lack of class options, limited seats, and miscommunication between SSU and the student body has hurt us all in our bid to succeed.

I plan to address these head on, working with the administration to make Sonoma State a beacon of student success in the CSU system.

with prospective officers during a “Meet and Greet” at Seawolf Plaza, between the Student Center and Recreation Center on Wednesday.

Students will get a first-hand look at the students running for an elected office with a debate happening in Ballroom B of the Student Center on March 3.

The following statements do not ref lect

Nicole Dominique Candidate for Associated Students President

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y name is Nicole Dominique, and like Martin Luther King Jr., I have a dream.

I dream that Sonoma State University students see their university as a positive environment to call home.

They see their campus as a place where

Jasmine Delgadillo Candidate for Involvement Senator

they feel safe, accepted, heard, have a voice, a place to get involved, get a great education, and a great stepping stone foundation to the rest of their lives.

My major is psychology and I have great leadership skills, communication skills, involvement in the community, involvement in different campuses, SEAWOLF SPIRIT, pageant crowns and many more skills. I have the time and dedication to go above and beyond what the task “president” requires.

I am all about making a difference and making sure voices are heard. One thing about me is that I am the type of person who likes to succeed in everything I set out to do, but what sets me apart, is that I don’t like to succeed alone.

If I make it somewhere, I leave a ladder to pave a way for my peers so that we may all be successful as well, and we can all make a difference and change the world together, even if it’s one step at a time.

I am a team player and you are my coach.

Help me to make your dream campus a reality for us all.

On this campus, with me as president, dreams can come true. And remember, if you want victory over defeat, vote Dominique.

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ello Seawolves, my name is Jasmine Delgadillo. I am a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish.

Throughout my time at Sonoma State I have had the opportunity of being a member of the Greek community, in which I have learned the importance of being actively involved at Sonoma while also building my leadership skills.

Although grateful for the opportunities my sorority has given me, I am ready to take my leadership to the next level which is why I am running for Involvement Senator. If chosen to be Involvement Senator, I will do my best to ensure that all clubs and organizations get the help they need in order to succeed to the fullest.

Given the opportunity, I plan to reach out to all clubs and organizations in order to get their input on what they find most suitable in the current system and what needs to change. My main goal as Involvement Senator would be to help this community prosper campus-wide. Help make a positive change by voting for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

the ideas or opinions of the STAR staff or editorial board and are written for the sole purpose of informing the community at Sonoma State.

For more information regarding thi Associated Students Elections please refer to the Elections Guide on the Associated Students website.

Rosa Maria Martinez Candidate for Involvement Senator

y name is Rosa Maria Martinez, and I am currently a first year student at Sonoma State University. During my first year as an involved student, I have seen the empowerment that comes from student interactions, activism and participation.

I truly believe that a student’s higher education experience is constructed by a student’s outside of the classroom experience. It is my hope as the involvement senator that students will have an enriching, engaged and proactive Seawolf experience by providing more events and uniting everyone together. In my interactions with students, I have heard students express their dissatisfaction by stating, “There’s nothing to do at SSU.” I want to help fix that and connect students to school-wide events and meet more people.

Every student should feel supported to succeed both academically and socially at SSU. I want students to graduate from Sonoma State University stating,”I had the best four years of my life.” GO SEAWOLVES. VOTE FOR ME.

Recent study finds college freshman party less, study more Ciara Smith Staff Writer

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ollege freshman in America are more focused on their academics than their social lives this year, according to a study done by researchers at UC Los Angeles.

The 49th annual American Freshman study shows college freshman who lived through much of the nation’s economic turmoil during junior high and high school place as high a priority on and it found the self-reported rates of alcohol and cigarette use for first-year students at four-year colleges were at their lowest rates in 30 years.

Sonoma State University students seem to agree with the findings of the study.

“In my experience I had a really hard time, my freshman year, balancing my social life with my academia because of everything going on in SSU and I wasn’t used to that,” said Mary LoFranco, communications major and junior. “I was super social and I still got good marks but freshman that I know

this year [are] definitely more academically focused.

I’m in a sorority and I know they have requirements to meet, academic standards, I think that definitely holds them accountable hopefully balancing as well.”

Freshman and business major, Emily Coats is more focused on her academics rather than her social life and believes students should focus more on their education.

“One of my past roommate, half of the population of the freshman is gone by the first semester because either they party to hard, don’t focus on their studies and they have to leave because they are too focused on their social lives and forget that they are here to be at school,” said Coats.

Last year, 18 percent of students that were surveyed, spent at minimum of 16 hours a week socializing and going out to have fun, but more than 41 percent said they didn’t party or socialize at all.

Between 1987 and 2014, students who partied for at least six hours or more per week decreased quickly from barely 36 percent to under 9 percent.

The survey found that less students spent time during the senior year at high school at parties, which

is understandable since parents are getting stricter and other possibilities. From the survey that found less students partying in their senior year in high school, 41.3 percent stated that they didn’t go to parties at all, and then 61.4 percent said they had spent less than an hour a week at parties. Over time, the percentage of which students who had spent six or more hours per week at parties have dropped greatly, from 34.5 percent to 8.6 percent.

There are also college freshman that find their own middle ground between focusing on their academics and their social lives.

“I think it’s not even necessarily bad, just students are trying to find a balance but still have do your work and actually be educated and learn,” said Josh Salem, biochemistry major and freshman. “It makes sense because there has been a lot more pressure and school is getting harder.”

A portion of the freshman class planning to receive a master’s degree was roughly about 44 percent in 2014 compared to the 28 percent in 1974. A significance of 82 percent of students favored the importance of being financially stable one day. The survey

was on responses from more than 153,000 students across the United States, according to UCLA. When students are spending less time socializing with friends, the amount of time on social networks are increasing quickly.

“UCLA and high prestigious schools is where they are obviously be more dedicated to their academics. It’s harder for the students to be more social nowadays because of media and focusing on their studying rather than going out and socializing with people,” said Alissa Becker, pre-nursing major, freshman. “I probably focus more on school rather than who I am going to hang out today because my priorities is to get good grades.”

It’s a trend every year that freshman enter college intending to focus on academics for the first semester but after the first semester, they start putting schoolwork off.

“I can definitely say that I noticed students focusing on academics more,” said Gracie Pino, a community service Adviser and communications major.

“Students this year are focusing on school and are more academically minded.”

IMMIGRATION: Local students experience hardships Continued from Pg. 1

to use my degree, and my employment opportunities were very limited. I had a job that was paying minimum wage in retail,” said Cruz. “There were moments when I questioned myself whether the investment I had made in my education had been worth it. After I obtained DACA, I realized the privilege I had that many others who did not qualified lacked.”

After being accepted for Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, Cruz was able to apply for a social-security number, she was able to apply for a driver’s

license and work lawfully in the United States.

Cruz now is a legal immigration caseworker, working with an immigration attorney in the Bay Area providing legal services for immigrants.

Hansen’s decision came in response to a lawsuit made by 26 Republican majority states against Obama, and the White House, arguing he violated the “Take Care Clause” of the U.S. constitution, overreaching his level of authority.

“I can feel the uncertainty in the lives of classmates on campus,” said Lacinda Moore, president of the Multi-Cultural Education Club. “It has been

frustrating throughout the years to see government bodies playing with failed delaying and halting tactics over a broad variety of Obama’s initiatives whether it be the budget, the Affordable Care Act and now immigration reform”.

Announced in 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program would give people living in the United States unlawfully since childhood a two-year renewable pass.

Deferred Action does not give legal status, and those who apply may also work legally in the United States.

Deferred Action for Parents of Americans works in a

similar way, except the program is geared toward parents with children with legal status in the United States.

“It is very unfortunate that actions are being taken that inhibits the ability of undocumented students to gain legal status,” said Executive VicePresident Christian George.

“The executive order signed by the president recognizes the important economic benefit that immigrants provide the economy, and by expanding Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, it would allow students to have one less worry in their desire to better themselves, their families, and the country they call home.”

The injunction filed by Hansen has only affected those who wanted to apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and those applying for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans. Students who are a part of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, and Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals of 2012 aren’t affected, and can still renew.

George also said, “Fortunately, California has the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM) that provides opportunities for undocumented students to receive financial aid in their pursuit of a college education.”

The Republican Party has stated they will block Obama’s executive order by cutting off funding to the program through the Department of Homeland Security; a spending bill with attached language to dismantle Obama’s order.

The Department of Justice is filing a Emergency Stay this week, which is supposed to undo Hansen’s injunction on President Obama’s executive order, shielding those in fear of deportation.

“Although I feel it’s a benefit that people who qualify should take advantage of, I don’t see it as long-term solution,” said Cruz. “It is only a temporary relief.”

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Arts

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State University faces the ‘Truth’ Ashley Martin Staff Writer

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Review

omething significant began to stir in Ives 76 on Friday; all shows for “Facing Our Truth,” a small series of 10-minute plays on race and other social justice issues, had been completely sold out to intrigued Sonoma State University students and locals alike.

Each play, although short, was jam-packed with meaning as the topics of race and privilege were addressed and the story of Trayvon Martin was brought to light.

This mini series has been popping up all over the country in response to Martin’s death and shooter, George Zimmerman’s acquittal.

Sonoma State is the first school in the California State University system to present it.

“The focus tonight will be on the script,” said Scott Horstein, production director of the series, “These students have had only six hours or so of rehearsal.

American, yet one half of all homicide victims are African American, according to the American Journal of Medicine.

The performances did not shame those who find themselves stereotyping according to race, but questioned them.

Several questions such as “why does society do this?” and “how can we help?” were brought up in each play. The series has made its way onto college campuses in a very timely manner, since the young adult generation is the group is one that is the heavily affected by societal racial stereotyping.

This generation is also at the reigns of the future, and has the power to put an end to it.

Several plays diminished racial stereotypes, as many genders and cultures, including white women were thrown into Martin’s hoodie to experience the same tragedy themselves.

These characters were then able to bring the audience along to experience it with them.

This method certainly brought attention to the problem at hand.

“It’s great that we have the opportunity to do what we love, all while promoting such a positive message,” said performer Bria Gabor.

STAR // Connor Gibson Performers from the “Facing Our Truth” readings took roles of everyday member of our society and re-enacted scenarios in which race and privilege is tested.

When one hears how little time the actors had to rehearse for their performance, it can be easy to assume the acting may be subpar, but this was certainly not the case.

Despite the very short time for practice, the acting presented by the students involved was passionate, powerful and professional, which made the message even more real and relatable for the audience.

Actors also showed their musical capabilities in “The Ballad of George Zimmerman,” making for a very involved show.

The series of plays depicted unfortunate situations in which racial stereotyping and prejudice are obviously apparent.

However, many positive messages followed, such as “no one’s life is better, or more important than anyone else’s,” which provoked a lot of emotion from the audience.

Each play was focused on an aspect of racial prejudice that is not commonly talked about, such as the very real dangers of being an African-American male in today’s world.

One eighth of the American population is African-

Some actors were each given specific colors to define the way they acted based on the color’s stereotype.

This specific play made many question the way that they perceive others according to stereotype, as discussed in the facilitated discussion groups after the series.

As race and privilege continues as an issue even in the 21st century, the students involved in this production enjoyed being able to bring this issue to light on campus.

“It’s great that we have the opportunity to do what we love, all while promoting such a positive message,” said performer Bria Gabor.

Although very entertaining, the performances were meant to begin a conversation on campus regarding diversity and prejudice.

Actors of “Facing our Truth” communicated that it’s all too common that society may present an issue, but not dig deeper into its roots.

The department of theatre arts and dance, Black Scholars United and The HUB exposed society’s wound through this series, yet it’s up to students to treat it.

facebook.com The athletes of the McFarland High School cross country team have been immortalized on screen in Disney’s newest live-action film, “McFarland, USA.”

Inspiration found in an original story Kimmie Jones Staff Writer

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Review

he Blind Side,” “Remember the Titans” and many other true underdog stories have reputations for becoming instant classics and being owned by fans as soon as they are released on DVD. Movie watchers better make room on the shelf for Disney’s new classic, “McFarland, USA.” This film was not only inspirational, but eye-opening to those who have gotten most things handed to them easily.

When high school football coach, Jim White (Kevin Costner), gets fired yet again for aggressive conduct toward a player, he packs up and moves his family to McFarland.

To best describe what their thoughts were when driving into the town, the youngest daughter, Jamie White (Elsie Fisher), said “are we in Mexico?”

Dirt Roads, low riders and crop fields made up the town of McFarland, along with their population of only Latino Americans.

The White family, ironically enough, were an all-white, all-American family. It’s pretty safe to say they did not belong in McFarland.

As uncomfortable as they were, the people of McFarland were mostly all very kind and wel-

This movie truly can change anyone’s perspective by showing them that even the hardest working people don’t win that easily. coming.

Their hospitality played a huge part in the story. These strangers quickly became friends and McFarland started to feel like home for the White family.

When Jim, or “Blanco,” as the students call him, started the job as the physical education teacher, he noticed how fast some of the boys were.

Switching between scenes of them running from working in the fields at 5 a.m., then running all the way to school, and back to the fields, it made sense they are good runners.

White got inspired and started a cross country team. However, cross country is not the most popular sport, or the most watched.

Since the average moviegoer doesn’t know much about cross country, it was easy to feel like the rest of movie would not be very exciting.

However, this was more about the heart of the runners, rather than whether or not they had the correct form. White was tough on them in the beginning because, as shown in his coaching pattern, that’s the way he coaches.

These kids didn’t care if he was yelling at

them with a belt in his hand or if he was having a calm conversation with them. They were hard working and know what needs to get done.

It became clear this world of cross country running is new to the school at their first meet.

The boys from the other schools had matching sweatsuits and looked like a small army when they were warming up. The McFarland boys had matching shirts and shorts, but that was about it.

As most small town hero stories go, as the team got better, the support from the town grew bigger and the White’s became more comfortable in their new home.

Following the experience of White’s wife and two daughters gave a different perspective as well. The entire town even threw his oldest daughter, Julie (Morgan Saylor), a quinceañera.

It was easy to fall in love with this little town and hard-working, humble people who live in it. The movie showed a small glimpse into each of the lives of all the boys on the team.

Even though their families did not fully approve of them using time they could be working to run for the school, they were still supportive since family played a very impor-

tant role in McFarland.

That’s what this movie was. A new perspective of this culture through the eyes of Jim White, his family and the families living there.

The boys are fast because they run to school.

They didn’t have cars or bikes or money to take the bus. They work hard because it’s all they know and all they’ve been taught. They care for each other because their families cared for them.

Everything these boys learned in their lives helped create the successful team they became.

White doesn’t fully appreciate all that this team has taught him until the end, when he is forced to make a huge decision for the team and his family. It’s easy to get fully invested in the lives of each character.

The incredible true story and phenomenal acting made this feel more like a live documentary.

They even showed all of the characters in real life during the credits and what they are doing today.

This movie can truly change anyone’s perspective by showing them that even the hardest working people don’t win that easily. Being so similar to every underdog story, it’s easy to guess how it ends.

It’s the feelings of inspiration and hope when walking out of the theater that made this must-see film a new classic.

Entertainment

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

Academy Awards provokes thought Commentary

Alex Sanchez Staff Writer

facebook.com Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killah collaborated with jazz/hip-hop band BadBadNotGood on “Sour Soul,” which released today.

Collaborative record transcends genres Brandon Stachnik Arts & Entertainment Editor

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Review

ip-hop has received a gift from the world of jazz.

BadBadNotGood, a young collective of gifted musicians from Canada, have established a name for themselves as producers of creative jazz/hip-hop instrumentals.

The group first earned their reputation by covering many renowned hip-hop songs by artists and groups such as Gucci Mane and A Tribe Called Quest.

Their notorious jazz renditions earned the recognition of many current artists, which resulted in collaborations from Odd Future frontman Tyler, The Creator as well as singer Frank Ocean, among others.

The latest artist to collaborate with the group is rapper Ghostface Killah, known for

his music with the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.

Their collaborative album, “Sour Soul,” consists of 12 tracks that will quench the thirst of hip-hop heads who feel today’s rap is substandard.

Ghostface Killah verifies his proficiency as an emcee despite his age with intellectual lyrics: “Now its showin’ and provin’/keep the body movin’/exercising the mind is scientifically proven to increase your lifeline, strengthen your heart.”

Drummer Alexander Sowinski’s smooth percussion combined with Chest Hansen’s heavy bass lines and Matthew Tavares’ mellow keys pair very organically with the rapper’s rhythm.

Most tracks include short interludes from the jazz group to let the songs breathe after the violent lyrics of Tony Starks.

“Sour Soul” bares additional features from artists Danny Brown, Elzhi and DOOM. However, the collaboration of the two primary contributors to the album is enough to deliver exceptional, refreshing hip-hop.

Albums releasing this week Big Sean - “Dark Sky Paradise” (Hip-Hop) Of Mice & Men -

“Restoring Force: Full Circle”

(Metal)

Future Brown -

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ust as last year and the year before, the 87th Academy Awards were full of surprises, firsts for many nominees and celebration of pivotal past films and late members of show business.

Thousands crowded into Los Angeles’ Kodak Theater to celebrate their fellow actors, writers and directors as well as musicians and composers on Sunday.

Neil Patrick Harris of “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother” led the grand event and proved to be a successful host as compared to the last year’s Ellen DeGeneres and the previous year’s atrocious effort by “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane.

The opening alone, a sequence where Harris dances in the name of moving pictures and is eventually joined by “Into the Woods” actress Anna Kendrick and actor Jack Black, cements his prowess in hosting the Oscars, one that would make viewers want him to host again and again just as Billy Crystal did years ago.

Musical performances were a rather large part of the ceremony. Canadian twin pop stars Tegan and Sara were accompanied by Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island to perform their hit from “The LEGO Movie,” titled “Everything Is Awesome,” while rapper Common and singer John Legend performed their song from the film “Selma” titled “Glory,” which went on to win Best Original Song.

In addition to these performances, Lady Gaga came on a falsely wooded stage and sang a medley of songs from the 1965 film “The Sound of Music,” with the legendary and original singer Julie Andrews praising Gaga for her rendition.

Then came the biggest awards of the night: Best Actor/Actress and the coveted Best Picture award. J.K. Simmons won a Best Supporting Actor award for his role as a jazz band instructor from hell in “Whiplash” while Patricia Arquette took home an award for Best Supporting Actress for Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.”

Arquette then used her time on stage to preach her message of women’s rights and equality for women in the world.

Eddie Redmayne took the stage with an expression of absolute surprise and excitement as he won Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything,” thanking practically everyone he could name before finally thanking his wife and the Hawking family.

Julianne Moore took the time to speak on behalf of those suffering from Alzheimer’s dis-

facebook.com Alejandro González Iñárritu won best director for the film “Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” at the 87th Academy Awards. ease and learning from her film “Still Alice” about what it may be like to be stricken with Alzheimer’s later in life.

Finally, the nominees for Best Picture were given a montage to hype the audience up for the big reveal by Sean Penn, whose gilded envelope read that “Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” had won it all, collectively winning a total of four Oscars on Sunday night.

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu was ecstatic to have taken his concept and have it produced successfully enough to earn the highest of awards for cinema and give hope to his fellow Mexican citizens in Mexico.

Iñárritu message to his people said one day Mexico will have a stable government and the nation will prosper.

He then declared the latest generations of immigrants in the United States have helped transform America into a wonderful country rife with immigrant culture.

It was truly a night full of strong messages and the communication of love for moving pictures, much like Harris praised as he began the ceremony.

“Future Brown” (Electronic)

JJ Grey - “Ol’ Glory” (Southern Rock) Sam Prekop -

“The Republic” (Pop-rock)

The Black Ryder -

“The Door Behind the Door”

(Alternative Rock)

Movies releasing this week Focus - starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro

The Lazarus Effect -

starring: Olivia Wilde,

Mark Duplass, Evan Peters

Maps to the Stars -

starring: Julianne Moore,

Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson

‘71 - starring: Jack O’Connell, Sam Reid, Sean Harris

My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn - starring: Liv Corfixen, Nicolas Winding Refn, Ryan Gosling

facebook.com Above: Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris and actor David Burtka on the red carpet.

Below: Rapper Common won Best Original Song in collaboration with singer John Legend for their song “Glory,” written for film “Selma.”

Page 8

Features

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

COURTESY // Ann Mansfield Students gather at the 2014 Career Fair to obtain information on prospective employers. A total of 115 different employers will be at this year’s Sonoma State University Career Fair on Wednesday to answer questions students may have about their company, how to become a successful interviewer and to help prepare them for their future.

Career Fair a good source for all Jake Burke Staff Writer

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ost college students’ No. 1 goal after getting their degree is to get a job.

But like most things in life, that’s immensely easier than it sounds.

This year Sonoma State University is planning to make the transition into the job world easier for graduating students with the 2015 Career Fair brought to campus by Career Services.

This year’s fair promises to be even bigger with a wide variety of 115 different employers all looking for the next generation of employees.

“My goal is to bring opportunities to students,” said Career Services Adviser Ann Mansfield. “This is an opportunity to connect and see a more diverse group of employers.”

This Career Fair is not just about instant employment or for this year’s college graduates.

“It’s great practice even if you aren’t graduating this year,” said Career Services Adviser Mansfield.

“It’s great practice even if you aren’t graduating this year,” said Mansfield.

This Fair can be used as a way to learn the tools to become a successful interviewer in the competitive job market.

With so many different types of companies in attendance, finding out what they’re looking for in future employees can now be done all in one place. It’s quite a sight to have more than 100 different employers in one location.

The 2015 Career Fair’s’ main goal is to offer students with an overabundance of new opportunities.

“I’m excited to walk around and see all of the exciting opportunities at the fair,” said theater major Ashlyn Kelley. Whether an art major or hopeful future government official, the mass accumulation of different employers will offer a bit for every type of student.

According to the event’s online list of businesses, there is a wide variety of companies that range from Bear Republic, the FBI, Duckhorn Wine Company and even the Sacramento Kings. To check out the other 111 businesses, go sonoma.edu/career/student_services/fairs/.

With so many companies looking for employees, this is an important event for graduating seniors.

It’s not just preparing students for the next year, but for those to come.

“It is a chance to see what is out there, to get your personal brand out there,” said senior business major Jen Boldizar.

This year’s Career Fair really focuses on the students and how a student can learn the tools to success while navigating the business world.

Another new addition is adding more pro-

gressive companies like Craft Breweries, while still trying to hold on to traditional companies like the San Francisco Police Department.

“My goal is to bring together the most robust group of employers,” said Mansfield. Her goal is becoming a reality as no group of students will be left out of the Career Fair.

As a student, this opportunity should not be overlooked. It can be used as practice, preparation or the beginning of life after college.

Perhaps the best thing a student can do is to test the waters of this Career Fair and slowly discover how the business world works.

“What I can say is be prepared,” said Mansfield. “research companies and be able to articulate long-term goals and talk to as many companies as you possibly can.”

This advice is really the secret to this year’s Career Fair. Marketing one’s self is something rarely obtainable during the average day. Students are given the chance to market themselves come Wednesday in the Student Center, from at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get inked while listening to the blues Samantha Cardenas Staff Writer

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lues, tattoos and rad moves. Oh my. Guests can expect this and much more at Izzy’s 24th Annual Tattoo and Blues Festival taking place Friday to March 1, at the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa.

Throughout the Bay Area, there are plenty of conventions and conferences that showcase tattoos and music. However, this particular event is one of a kind, mostly because it’s one of the oldest ones to date.

“I’ve run this show for 11 years. This will be the 24th

year that the show has been going on,” said event owner and promoter Izzy LaPlante.

“It’s the second longest running tattoo convention in the country.”

With a track record like that, it’s no surprise that people keep coming back every year.

Every year at the end of February, thousands of people gather for three days to share their love of tattoos and live music. Guests can enjoy the sounds of award-winning blues bands while they visit different tattoo booths and stands to admire their work.

Tattoo artists and companies from all around the Bay Area

come to set up shop and display their work, as well as show off their skills and tattoo people at the festival. Tattoo enthusiasts also get the opportunity to see and speak with well-known tattoo artists.

In addition to music and tattoos, attendees can expect to see live acts, purchase goods from local vendors and enjoy delectable food. There are also raffles that are put on to raise money for the tattoo artists. In past years, the event has also done work with large organizations.

“I had a kid from the Make-A-Wish Foundation come in from Alaska and he got tattooed and won second

place for best tattoo at the convention,” said LaPlante.

Another big highlight of the event is the famous Wildfire Dancers. Based out of Ukiah, they are a group that is skilled in simultaneously performing different styles of dance while juggling or twirling batons lit on fire. The Wildfire Dancers were recently seen on TLC’s “Four Weddings.”.

Not only is this an event for those familiar and involved with the tattoo community, but those who are just getting exposed to the art of tattoos.

“I’ve always been so scared of tattoos and piercings. I think tattoos are beau-

tiful, but I’ve always just been so hesitant to get one myself,” said senior Jessica Sanchez.

“My coworker and I are going to attend the event this year, so maybe it will finally happen for me.”

Even those involved with the event are looking forward to see what this year has to offer. “This is a first-time event for me. I’m just impressed to see that it’s been going on for 24 years now. The music line-up, fire dancers and overall spectacle is what excites me,” said Jasmine Rios, publicist for the Flamingo Resort.

“Though I am currently one of those ‘blank skin types,’ this might be just the event where

I get myself inked for the first time. What image would I choose? Snoopy maybe.”

Attendees are encouraged to map out their days according to events going on at different times so that they don’t miss out on anything they were looking forward to seeing.

Several different raffles will take place throughout the day, as well as different bands performing and the Wildfire dancers will take the stage several times.

Tickets are available to purchase as day passes for $25 or weekend passes for $35 online at santarosatattoosandblues.com/home.html.

facebook.com Tattoo and blues music enthusiasts will have a chance to listen to some music as they get tattooed at Izzy’s 24th Annual Tattoo and Blues Festival, which is being held at the historical Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa from Friday to March 1.

Features

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

Behind the Scene at FliHigh Nightclub

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Peter Njoroge Executive Editor

hat Netflix binge session, and whatever else occupies a college student’s nightlife during the weekend, might take on a dramatic change if the vision of event organizers of the FliHigh nightclub is realized.

The nightclub had its debut on Friday at Sally Tomatoes in the Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. It featured two DJs, who switched back and forth to supply a variety of music to the sold-out and student-run event.

By 11 p.m., the main room was filled with people dancing and some heading to the VIP lounge and bar, which was strictly enforced with a three-

point checking system for age.

The nightclub was curated for anyone over 18 in Cotati and Rohnert Park, but it’s safe to assume the targeted demographic were students at Sonoma State University.

“Our main vision was for students by students,” said business and marketing major Connor Gallinetti.

Hours before the event, coordinators and volunteers were running around and making sure everything was ready for the 9 p.m. opening. Shuttle drivers, who were responsible for round-trip transportation for students and anyone wishing to be dropped off at the flagpoles at Sonoma State, were being briefed in the dense fog outside the venue. Meanwhile, security guards were also gath-

ering and preparing. A group of them, who were all dressed in black, stood in the parking lot and talked while the heavy fog seeped under them. John Soeters, who was part of this group, said he expected people to have fun and not get overly drunk.

“Well just after going to Sonoma State for the past four years and being a senior right now. I just noticed a lack of nightlife here especially compared to other schools,” said event coordinator Adam Loria.

The venue was fragmented into three sections, which included a main dance room, VIP lounge and bar. The atmosphere was filled with positivity and exuberance as time itched away closer to the grand opening.

“I was leading the promotion team, kind of getting the word out and letting people know about this,” said Gallinetti. “I was involved in the marketing and the promotion aspects of it. Going into Greek meetings, letting people know, flyers, social media posts, a lot of stuff like that just to get the word out and sell tickets.”

As for the DJs, they were already mixing and playing a variety of rap, hip-hop, EDM and dubstep, as well as testing their equipment. The music permeated the entire venue and two speakers were connected through to the VIP and bar area so people could hear and dance to the music in the main room.

Junior and DJ, Matt Smidt, was eager for the club to open.

With an energetic demeanor,

he expressed his readiness for the event and vision for seeing the crowd dance to his music set.

“We’re not afraid of what might happen, we’re about to embrace what might happen.

It’s definitely a big responsibility; however, I have been in music my whole life and performing is such a thrill to be up there,” said Smidt. “It’s this sense of urgency while you’re up there but [there’s] also [a sense of] euphoria. You’re just one with the crowd.”

A few hours later, Smidt was visibly and energetically one with his crowd as he put out a slew of ballads to people screaming and dancing. A majority of people were dancing while the rest were either in the bar area or VIP lounge. The

bar section was less energetic but more so filled with conversation, laughter and, of course, dancing.

“I think it’s going down pretty smoothly. I am having a great time,” said Sonoma State alumnus James Ginyard. “I appreciate this night. When I was going here [SSU] the only thing we had my freshman year was Mardi Gras.”

As the night progressed, people continued to dance.

Some got on stage with the DJs, some were filmed or photographed and some were happily inebriated.

In all, the FliHigh nightclub may have the potential to embody a place for students and others alike to go for a safe, fun-filled and memorable night.

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Many people, a majority of them Sonoma State University students, were attendance at FliHigh Nightclub’s grand opening at Sally Tomatoes Friday night. Two DJs played a variety of rap, hip-hop, EDM and dubstep music to liven up and get the crowd dancing at the sold-out event.

Kappa Alpha Psi honors Mike Henry Shannon Brown Features Editor

C STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity visited Senior Night on Saturday to show off their new banner and celebrate the fraternity’s history.

J Dunnick, the current President of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, brought two Kappa alumni and some of his fellow brothers to Senior Night at the Wolves’ Den on Saturday in order to honor his fellow fraternity brother, Mike Henry.

Henry, a three-time winner of the Sonoma State University Male Athlete of the Year and the Everett Shelton Award, as well as an alumnus of Kappa Alpha Psi, is one of the most honored athletes in Sonoma State University history.

Kappa Alpha Psi also was able to showcase their new banner that hangs proudly on the west side of the gymnasium.

“It is an honor to be the only undergraduate member of Kappa Alpha Psi and to see our banner in the gymnasium,” said Dunnick.

There is a large amount of pride for not only Dunnick, but for the rest of the members of Kappa Alpha Psi. To have such an honored alumnus as a Kappa Alpha Psi member, as well as the banner in the gym was an overwhelming feeling for Dunnick and his brothers.

“To have some of the men beside me on that night who made it possible, while also personally knowing Mike Henry… my pride in Kappa can not be measured on any scale,” said Dunnick.

Saturday night was just a small look into what the brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi share.

Page 10

Sports

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Connor Gibson Left: Junior pitcher Amanda Llerena finishes her motion versus CSU Dominguez Hills. Right: Senior outfielder Keeley Ray makes gets a piece of the ball in her at bat.

Softball team reaches seven straight wins

A

Jennifer González Staff Writer

fter coming back home from playing the Montana State University Billings Desert Stinger, the softball team was ready to continue their winning streak. Sonoma State University’s softball team played four games against the CSU Dominguez Hills Toros on Friday and Saturday; each were two games. Seawolves won both games on Friday, 5-4 and 6-0, making it seven games straight in a row that they have won.

Saturday they lost their first game against the Toros, 6-1, but came back with a positive attitude and won their second game, 5-1.

The first game of the weekend was a close one especially because the Toros weren’t going to let the Seawolves get an easy win. Shortstop Ancia Purdy led off the game with a single, and as second baseman Holli Brown came up to hit, she stole second base. That wasn’t the only thing to make the team continue to cheer, Brown then hit a homerun to left-center field, making the score 2-0 in just the first inning.

“I was excited. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re helping your team,” said Brown describing her homerun. “Everything we do out

here is for our team, so it’s all about that.”

During the second inning, the Toros showed they weren’t going to let the Seawolves win so easily. Dominguez Hills quickly scored four runs, putting them ahead at the time. It was in the fifth inning when the Seawolves tied the game. Because of a wild pitch, Purdy was able to score, making it four to four.

“I just trust myself. I’ve been playing this game for 15 years so I know what to do,” said Purdy. “I just have to go out there with confidence and have trust in myself and my team that if I don’t produce that they are going to come up behind me and produce for me.”

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Keeley Ray had a hit to center field with Purdy already on first base, allowing her to advance to third base then Ray went to second base on the throw in to try to get Purdy out. Brown was able to drive in the winning run in the game when Purdy scored, making it 5-4 Seawolves.

The starting pitcher for the second game was No. 15 Mayleen Mazon. Mazon had a good start during the game and continued for the entirety as she only allowed five hits and struck out six.

“I felt really relaxed and I had trust in my defense that if they (Toros) did hit the ball, they were

going to make the plays,” Mazon said.

The day ended with the second game at a score of 6-0, making it seven games in a row that the Seawolves had won.

Coming back on Saturday for their first game, the Seawolves definitely had high energy as they cheered on their teammates on and off of the field.

In just the first inning, the Seawolves scored their first run to put them in the lead 1-0. Purdy was already on third base as Ray came up to the plate and delivered an RBI on a groundball.

“It’s just a spark when the first batter gets on, we know we’re going to score and we just have that confidence and trust in each other that someone is going to score me or another player when they get on,” said Purdy.

In the third inning, Dominguez Hills caught up with two runs, taking the lead 2-1. The fifth inning was also a tough one. The Toros ended up scoring four runs in that inning and posting the final score of the game, 6-1. The loss of the first game on Saturday didn’t affect the Seawolves very much. They still continued to have high spirit and cheered for their teammates.

“I still felt relaxed. I didn’t really have an expectation to how yesterday or the first game went,” said Mazon. “I just went in knowing, trusting my

pitches, and trusting my defense.”

The Seawolves scored their first runs in the first inning. Outfielder Alison Strycula had a single to left field, which led to Brown running home for the starting score of 1-0. The Seawolves added three runs in the fourth inning. Taylor Batley, Karly Macadangdang and Leanna Georges were the players who scored the runs for the Seawolves.

The last run that resulted in the final score of 5-1 was in the sixth inning. No. 16, Amanda Rossetta, hit a single to left field and Purdy crossed the plate for the run.

“Everyone gave their all and there’s always room for improvement in every aspect of our game, personally and as a team,” said Brown.

“I think we brought energy today and we did a good job coming back from the first lost so there’s always going to be room for improvement, but I think we did well.”

Sonoma State’s softball team is now 9-3 this season and went 3-1 to finish their first conference game of the season. They will be playing the Academy of Arts on Wednesday at the Seawolf Softball Field at 1 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, they will play at home against CSU San Bernardino for another series of in conference play.

Seawolves Sports Feb. 25 Softball vs. Academy of Art 1 p.m./3 p.m Rohnert Park Seawolf Field Feb. 26 Men’s Tennis vs. UC San Diego 11 a.m.

La Jolla, CA Women’s Tennis vs. Notre Dame de Namur 11 a.m.

Rohnert Park Seawolf Courts Women’s Water Polo vs. Stanford 5:15 p.m.

Stanford, CA Feb. 27 Softball vs. Cal State San Bernardino 12 p.m./2 p.m.

Rohnert Park Seawolf Field STAR // Connor Gibson Above: Senior Holli Brown crosses the plate. Below: Junior Amanda Llerena (8) and senior Amanda Rosetta (16) keep it light on the field.

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Baseball at Chico State 2 p.m.

Chico, CA

Women’s/Men’s Basketball vs. Cal State Dom. Hills 5:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Carson, CA Feb. 28 Women’s Track & Field Humboldt State Invitational Arcata, CA Baseball at Chico State 11 a.m./2 p.m.

Chico, CA Softball vs. Cal State San Bernardino 11 a.m./1 p.m.

Rohnert Park Seawolf Field Women’s Tennis vs. Dominican 1 p.m.

Rohnert Park Seawolf Courts Women’s/Men’s Basketball at Cal State LA 5:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Los Angeles, CA

Men’s Tennis at Point Loma 1 p.m.

San Diego, CA

Mar. 1 Baseball vs. Chico State Capital City Clash 1 p.m.

Sacramento, CA Raley Field

Women’s Tennis vs. Mills 2 p.m.

Rohnert Park, CA Seawolf Courts

Mar. 2 Women’s Golf Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout All Day Vallejo, CA

Sports

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Left: Junior forward Andy Mitchell grabs a rebound, sophomore guard Khalid Johnson takes the ball upcourt. Right: Sophomore center Nathan Molony-Benjamin fights for a rebound, Johnson controls the offense.

Wounded Seawolves lose Pack the Den Celebration of seniors on Saturday night

Kayla Kring Staff Writer

O

n Friday night in the Wolves’ Den, Sonoma State University did everything they could against CSU Chico’s Wildcats, but with a depleted team the Seawolves could only do so much.

The game started off with the Wildcats gaining possession of the ball, and junior forward Drew Kitchens making a three-pointer. The Seawolves failed in their first two possession attempts.

That is how Friday night’s game went. Sonoma State would have possession of the ball, set up their shots, but weren’t able to make much, coming up short. In the first half the Seawolves were only a mere couple of points away from either tying or taking the lead, but that all changed when the Wildcats converted turnovers and mistakes into 10 points.

Just like the first half, the second half wasn’t better. It was the “unfinished plays,” according to Assistant Coach Natalie Wisdom, that the Seawolves couldn’t make up any ground.

“I didn’t think we played that bad, but we had all of our players, as well,” said Wisdom as she compared the first time they played CSU Chico to Friday

night’s game.

Indeed they did do better the first time they faced them. “We were hurt,” said Wisdom.

With Junior point guard David Ahern sitting on the sidelines with a broken nose from last weekend’s game against UC San Diego, as well as having James Davis, Mike Avery and Jabri Jenkins on the bench, wasn’t something the coaches had in mind when coming into the end of the season.

“They are leaders, so they are voices that used to be on the floor in practice,” said Wisdom.

Except, now they are voices on a bench, helping their teammates out from the sidelines. Unfortunately, that can only go so far.

“It causes roles to change and guys have to step up,” said Wisdom, “and players did step up in tonight’s game.”

One of those players was sophomore guard Topher Taylor. He was one among many players who had to adapt to the changes.

Toward the end of Friday night’s game Taylor would make a steal, giving Andy Mitchell the chance to score.

In the end, the Wildcat’s would be too much for the Seawolves. The fate of Friday night’s game was sealed at 80-43, Chico.

On Saturday night it was more than just another game; it was Senior Night. A night where the four Sonoma State Seawolves seniors (J.J. Mina, Mike Harris, Brandon Glanz and Zen Maki) would walk into the Wolves’ Den for one last home game.

Unfortunately, their last game at home didn’t go as planned. With a continuous battle between the Seawolves and the CSU Stanislaus Warriors, the men’s basketball team couldn’t find a solid rhythm.

As Sonoma started out with possession over the ball, it would be the Warriors who made the first basket of the night, thanks to senior guard Chris Read. With several chances at the net, the Seawolves would miss a majority of their shots, until J.J. Mina was able to find some opportunities, giving the Seawolves their first points.

With a little back-and-forth point battle between the two opponents, Andy Mitchell and Nathan Molony-Benjamin both took shots with nine minutes on the board to try and pull the Seawolves closer, with a score at the time of 8-20, neither could connect.

From then on, both participants went through a little bit of a rough shooting patch, when neither one of them could get their shots to go in. Mina would

sonomaseawolves.com Freshman guard Madison Burroughs leads the offense for the Seawolves.

Women’s basketball falls twice

O

Ancia Purdy Staff Writer

n a quest to come out on top in its final home games, the women’s basketball team came up short, falling to Chico State 56-51 and CSU Stanislaus 53-36.

Despite junior Hannah Sourek ending Friday night’s game against Chico State in double digits for both points and rebounds, the Seawolves weren’t able to hold off the rivaled Wildcats.

“Going into a game against a rival is an exciting feeling,” said junior Taylor Acosta. “It seems to add that much more energy and even the energy from the crowd is different.”

To start the Friday night game, the Seawolves seemed to bring the energy as they scored the first five points of the contest. Chico State quickly counteracted which led to three separate lead changes throughout the first half.

Going into the last 20 minutes of the game, the Seawolves trailed by nine. The Wildcats eventually widened their lead to 12 at the start of the second half. But Sonoma State didn’t go down without a fight.

“Chico is always an intense game,” said junior Tanner Adams. “Last time we went into overtime against them, so we were ready to battle.”

Though the Seawolves only gained the lead once in the latter half, they outscored their rivals 29-25 in the second half.

Unfortunately that wasn’t enough to send the Wildcats home with a loss.

Sourek ended the game as the lead scorer and rebounder of both teams, bringing in 20 and 12, respectively. Acosta was the team’s second highest scorer with seven points along

with 10 rebounds and one steal. The bench combined for 13 points and three steals.

Looking for a win for their last home game, the Seawolves took on the Warriors of CSU Stanislaus the following evening.

But the fight they showed was out-matched by their opponent as they dropped to 4-16 in conference.

Though not represented in the final score, the Seawolves started the game off strong with a lead of seven points just six minutes into the game.

As the Warriors battled back, Sonoma State was able to hold onto the lead for most of the first half, only relinquishing it with just four minutes before halftime.

“We had a really strong start,” said Adams.

“It was nice just because we’ve always been trying to be the first team to score rather than playing catch up for the entire night.”

But their strong start didn’t push the Seawolves ahead as CSU Stanislaus took the lead and ran with it. Sonoma State never came within single digits of the lead and even trailed by 19 twice in the second half.

Despite a rough second half, the Seawolves out-rebounded their opponent 41-35 as well as had the only two blocks of the game.

Freshman guard Madison Burroughs was the lead scorer for Sonoma State with 10 as Sourek trailed behind her adding eight on the night.

“We put in some new stuff and we were able to run it successfully,” said Acosta. “That’s promising when looking forward to the rest of the season and also next season.”

The Seawolves will round out their season on the road against CSU Dominguez Hills on Friday and Cal State Los Angeles on Saturday.

get fouled with a chance at the free-throw line changing the score to 20-10, Warriors.

The Seawolves continued to play hard and while there were plays and shots made by the Seawolves, the Warriors were the ones to walk in at halftime with a nine point lead and a score of 34-25.

“I addressed our mistakes and overcoming our obstacles. Let them know that in order for us to move forward, that we would have to take care of the ball better and execute better,” said Associate Head Coach Rich Shayewitz, “but most importantly instilled belief in them that we can do this.”

Once the players took to the court, the Seawolves began to play a much more rhythmic and organized ball game.

With Khalid Johnson, Mina and Brandon Glanz starting the team off strong the Seawolves were only trailing behind by six points (39-33). It would be an edgeof-the-seat battle for the next 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, the Seawolves would begin to fall apart again, letting the Warriors take a 12-point lead (60-48) with seven minutes on the clock. Within those remaining seven minutes Zen Maki would hit a three-pointer and get fouled, converting his two free-throw shots. Following in his footsteps, his fellow teammates Mina, Ahern and Johnson would

knock down shots and convert their foul shot attempts as well to bring the score to 66-60. Yet, it would be the free-throws made by CSU Stanislaus senior Wes Bartole and Seawolf junior Ahern’s last second lay-up at the final buzzer signaling the final score of 68-62, Warriors.

“Tonight’s biggest challenge was overcoming our own mistakes,” said Shayewitz in the aftermath of Saturday night’s game.

Those mistakes were noted as “turnovers, offensive rebounds miss-assignments and poor execution,” which are key points in a game that a team cannot afford to mess up. While the Seawolves did manage to get back up on their horse and fight for what was hopefully going to be theirs it wasn’t enough to come out with a win.

“We just knew that if we wanted any shot at the playoffs this was the last time to do it. The last 20 minutes to do it,” said Davis as he gave insight into what was running through their minds coming back out onto the court after halftime.

Since the loss of Saturday night’s game, the men’s basketball team doesn’t qualify for playoffs. Instead, they will pack their bags and head for CSU Los Angeles on Friday and CSU Dominguez Hills on Saturday.

Page 12

Photo This week in photos...

Feb. 24 - March 2, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

For more, visit our galleries at SonomaStateStar.com

Late Nights With Lobo Spirit Week continues

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Students filled the Student Center, Rec Center and Seawolf Plaza on Saturday, for Lobo’s Late Nite Kickoff Party, a part of Late Nights With Lobo. Free T-shirts, free pizza and kettle corn, live DJs, two build-a-bear stations, video arcades, giant versions of the games like Operation, Mega Wire, Jingo, Connect Four, hypnotist Paul Ramsey and laser tag.

The third spirit week of the year, the events take place after dark and are geared toward making the most out of students college experience at Sonoma State.

Throughout the week, Late Nights With Lobo is hosting an event every day through Friday. Tonight, there is Gospel Extravaganza with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir at Weill Hall at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday there is a late night art experience at the Student Center Ballroom at 9 p.m., Thursday there is best of SF comedy competition at Person Theatre at 9 p.m. and on Friday is the Recycled Percussion at Person Theatre at 9 p.m.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: During Lobo’s Late Nite Kickoff Party, live performances took place in the central lounge of the Student Center, students had the ability to create iPhone and Android cell phone cases at “It’s a Wrap Cell Phone Sleeve Craft” station at the cafe. Students lined up waiting to receive a stuffed animal at one of the two Bear-In-A-Box stations, while others suited up in sumo wrestling suits in the second floor of the Recreation Center.

STAR // Brennan Chin