Volume74issue11 by Sonoma State STAR

‘Orchard Development’ premieres

Pg. 6

Pg. 10

Club Profile: Softball

Preview: Entreprenoma Market Day

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Sonoma State Star SINCE 1979

APRIL 21 - APRIL 27, 2015

VOLUME 74 // ISSUE 11

SONOMASTATESTAR.COM

CineNoma:

A joyous pinnacle Ashley Martin Asst. A&E Editor

Review

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Sonoma State University students attended the ‘CineNoma’ film festival on Thursday where they had the opportunity to submit their films and receive awards at the event featuring a red carpet reception, live performances and film screenings.

any members of Sonoma State University’s growing film community came out of hiding Thursday evening, into the spotlight as the first CineNoma film festival showcased several student films on the big screen, many for the first time. The night, which consisted of a glamorous red carpet photo opportunity, featured eight student films that had been submitted for judging by industry professionals. “We feel great, but I’m glad we didn’t get first place,” said Alex Bretow of BaldoBretow Pictures. “All of the calls were made by people in the industry with honest opinions, and that means a lot.” Bretow and Mary-Madison Baldo’s film “Uproar” won Second Place for Best

Insight on the misconceptions of veiling Michelle Welling Staff Writer

here’s a saying that one cannot understand the life of another until walking a mile in their shoes. Or as with the case of Sahar Amer’s lecture, “What is Veiling,” at Schroeder Hall on April 14, simply substitute “shoes” for “veil.” The professor and specialist of comparative, cross-cultural relations between Arab and Muslim societies and Western culture, conveyed the forming of a holistic understanding of the Islamic culture practiced by Muslims, particularly Muslims living within U.S. borders, must come from considering the experiences of those living with those beliefs, and without discrimination of sources. The University of Sydney professor spoke to a full audience at the Green Music Center lecture hall about little known aspects of Muslim veiling practices that are often neglected by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A multi-media dance

theater performance preceded Amer’s talk. The expressive prelude performance portrayed the complexity of sisterhood and struggle felt by those who wear veils. What’s more, veiling is not exclusive to Islamic culture. In fact, some Christian and Jewish women, as well as Amish women, are also required to wear the veil and to dress modestly, she said. Where then do the similarities and differences of veiling in various religions lie? Throughout her discussion, Amer insisted neither religion nor politics alone can account for the multiple, and at times conf licting, reasons why some Muslim women veil. “Veiling can best be understood when contextualized within wider cultural, geographic, feminist, economic and artistic discourses and also when taking into account its practices in both Muslim majority, and Muslim minority societies” said Amer. “Indeed my research has revealed that only a multi-disciplinary and intersectional

approach to veiling can help us understand Muslim women’s veiling practices, and truly uphold their human and civil rights to choose what to wear.” To enforce this sentiment, Amer insists that examining veiling from a multitude of contexts and perspectives avoids a onedimensional interpretation of veiling. That is, viewing the practice of veiling only as a form of oppression or religious expression. Such binary concepts are counterproductive to cultural tolerance, as they fuel biased media on all sides, she said. Indeed the message communicated by the lecture is that if Western culture is to begin to understand the purpose behind the veil, it must come from contemporary practices of Muslim women themselves. The explanation is not cut and dry. In fact, many Muslim women now carry creative and consumerist practices See VEILING on Pg. 4

Picture. This film is the sequel to “Rampage,” one of two films the duo produced that were recently accepted into the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The award for Best Picture went to “Insect,” directed by Jimmy Rich, a psychological thriller that documents the aftermath of a man’s brain being infiltrated by an insect, which leads him to having an urge to kill. Bretow teamed up with event coordinator Anna Luna of SSU-TV to assemble an event that would be a reunion for many talented and undiscovered students. Although the dress code of the evening was almost entirely formal, there was an underlying tone of familiarity among all of the attendees, as most of those who attended were directly involved with Sonoma State’s film community. See CINENOMA on Pg. 6

Student recipient of activist award J oshua Gutierrez Staff Writer

onoma State University student Sandy Espino Valenciano will be recognized with the Mario Savio Award for student activism by the American Civil Liberties Union northern California chapter of Sonoma County on May 3 in Santa Rosa. As Northern California Coordinator of the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance, Valenciano has devoted herself to the fair treatment of undocumented persons. “I was very humbled,” said Valenciano. “But, it’s weird for me to receive this award. I don’t do things because I want to be rewarded or acknowledged. Something See AWARD on Pg. 4

STAR // Connor Gibson Sonoma State welcomed professor of the University of Sydney, Sahar Amer to lecture on the complex and often misunderstood concept of veiling.

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Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board

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

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

Photographers Connor Gibson, Niquie Wilson

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

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

“Softball team saves their best for last” It’s been quite a season for the Sonoma State softball team, but all good things must come to an end eventually. Staff Writer Jennifer González highlights the team’s final home games and how they closed out the season on a hopeful note for next year.

Read the story on page 10

Corrections/Clarifications In last week’s article, “Realities of the California drought,” there was some incorrect information about the county’s water supply. It should have said Lake Sonoma stood at 88 percent capacity, with Lake Mendocino standing at 67 percent as of April 9.

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.

STAR // Eddie Blake

For many, electing a female president is extraordinary and something that could change the American dream, allowing other women to strive toward running for office in the future. back-to-back historic moments for the country. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, women hold only 19.4 percent of the 535 seats in U.S. Congress. With less than onefifth of Congress being comprised of women, can Clinton sincerely earn the majority vote and become the 45th and first female president? The name Clinton resonates with nearly all Americans. Whether it’s the name itself or the reputation that follows, the Clintons could once again etch their name into U.S. history books and reenter the White House next November. When it comes to voting, California is often considered a liberal state. Do the opinions

of Californians, not to mention college students, truly represent the U.S. consensus when it comes to the next presidential election? Women make 78 cents to every dollar a man makes and are often subjected to discrimination every day through the workplace and society in general. Could a female president change the gender hierarchy that exists today? For many, electing a female president is extraordinary and something that could change the American dream, allowing other women to strive toward running for office in the future. Electing a female president is more than the usual political ideologies and republican versus democrat—it’s

the hope women can and will be treated equally and given the same privilege and upper hand men are born with in the United States. Is the United States ready for a female president and will Clinton earn the majority vote? This is one question of many that remains unanswered, at least until 2016. U.S. government is a bureaucracy historically ruled by white, middle-aged men, and the thought of a woman leading the nation is foreign to many. The gender stereotypes existing in the United States are so deeply ingrained and rooted in the American identity, it makes things hard to believe a woman can change them and become leader of the free world.

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

Letters to the Editor

Publication

Opinions

Hillary 2.0

illary Clinton announced her candidacy as the Democratic nomination for president on April 12, her second attempt to run for the highest office in the United States. But is America ready for the first woman president, or is the nation tired of political dynasties and reluctant to elect another Clinton to the White House? Is she too old? By 2016, Clinton will be 69 when the November elections take place. And if she wins a second term, which incumbents usually do, Clinton will be 73. As a result, she is going to need to show voters, particularly young Americans that she can connect with them as President Barack Obama did eight years ago. Some Americans resist her age and name as the main reasons she shouldn’t run for president. They argue she’s too old to be commander in chief and run the country. Voters aren’t looking forward to a Clinton running the country for another eight years. They want a fresh face and someone with less mileage, whereas Clinton has accumulated more than 45 years of public service and is still an influential force in the political world, even out of office. With double-digit leads over other potential democratic candidates such as Elizabeth Warren, Martin O’Malley and Joe Biden, it’s inevitable that Clinton will win the democratic nomination for presidency, without any real challenges ahead. Experience-wise, Clinton wipes the field over her would-be Democratic rivals and Republican front-runners as well. Her résumé includes being first lady, senator and secretary of state, but critics point out if Clinton were elected it would simply be an extension of Obama’s policies, where about half of Americans disapprove, thus being labeled “Obama’s 3rd term.” It will be historic on two accounts if Clinton is elected: She would be the first woman president in United States history; that alone is a merit on its own. Second, coming from the 2008 election where the United States elected its first black president, it would be an unprecedented two major

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 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.

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Factual discrepancies about local theater company

ear Editor, After reading “The little cinema that could,” I believe Rialto Cinemas was inaccurately and wrongfully portrayed in the article. I will endeavor to brief ly set the record straight. “Rialto showed conventional films, or typically blockbusters and large name pictures for the time the company owned the property.” This is patently untrue. We never owned the property. We leased the building from Lakeside Leasing Inc. We owned the business of operating Rialto Cinemas. Rialto Cinemas operates three unique theatres. It’s a collection and not a chain. We established the location as an art-house in January 2000, and through hard work, dedication and good bookings, we built an art-house in a market where conventional wisdom said it wouldn’t work. Again, this is all readily available information reported in The Press Democrat, The Sonoma County Independent (now the Bohemian) and other sources. Cinema West’s David Corkill is quoted in an article as saying that Rialto

Cinemas is one of the country’s top-50 art houses. “It wasn’t until November 2010 that Tocchini was sold the property by its owner’s mother in a rather dilapidated state.” As I understand it, the Duggan Family Trust still owns that property. The property was leased by the Duggan Family Trust to Lakeside Cinema Partners as of Sept. 1, 2010. The Summerfield Cinemas opened in late November 2010, but control of the property began on Sept. 1, 2010. The article implies Rialto Cinemas left the property in a dilapidated stated, which is not true. There was seismic work that needed to be done, but that wasn’t the responsibility of Rialto Cinemas under the terms of its lease with Lakeside Leasing Inc. I would like to point out that a newspaper article should be researched, and an interview should be presented as one. This article, from a factual standpoint, reads like an interview. I strongly feel Rialto Cinemas is owed a published apology from both the writer and publication. Ky J. Boyd is the proprietor of Rialto Cinemas.

Opinion

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

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A perception on good manners

Aidan Guthrie Asst. Opinion Editor

C STAR // Gustavo Vasquez

Zoos are prisons for animals

Olivia Johnson Staff Writer

s a child, going to the zoo is always such a fun adventure. All the different exhibits allow people to see animals the majority of people wouldn’t be able to see in life if it weren’t for zoos. At the same time, these wild animals don’t belong in zoos. Seeing little monkeys playing with each other and having an actual polar bear right in front of you is far more entertaining. Unfortunately, this outlook changes as one gets older. I learned the majority of the extremities that wild animals go through in zoos through an environmental studies class. One major focus in the

class was the habitats, where a specific species are able to adapt in the different regions. The class allows students to see how everything we do as humans affects nature. Overall, the class works at opening students’ eyes to deforestation and how wellknown animals are going toward extinction. Some causes of animal extinction are due to natural disasters, but others are from human behavior. However, taking a class where one learns and studies about different types of animals going extinct, how could going to the zoo ever be the same? The fun and positive energy of the zoo’s adventure turns to sadness. I can’t help but feel bad for all the animals that are in the exhibits. They don’t belong there, they belong in the wild. Which is why zoos are so entertaining to children, but once you get older you are able to grasp the reality of the situation. Yes, some animals are brought there as rescues, but once animals are treated they

then stay trapped. Instead of being in the wild, they live life in a measured space where they spend their days being stared at. In a features online article done by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals titled “13 Times Zoos Were Bad For Animals” the organization brings attention to the cruelty that can lay behind zoos. One example the article gives is that after a stock of baby animals had fully grown in a Minnesota zoo, because they no longer fit the exhibit’s requirements, they were sent to be in a livestock auction. What’s worse is zoos hold animals that are currently on the way to being extinct. As they are used for entertainment, their species slowly grows smaller and smaller. The only way to stop extinction is to not interfere and let nature take control. These animals need to be together in their natural habitats where they can reproduce and raise their offspring. Although the majority of the time the issue to why these animals are becoming extinct

is due to natural disasters but that’s where adaptation comes in, such as survival of the fittest. “How could any of those animals be happy?” said Amy Unruh, environmental studies major. “Growing up you learn about all the different animals and what regions they are able to live in. So for me, I never understood how something that is used to and suppose to be living in the wild could survive anywhere else.” There’s a high risk for so many different species in context to extinction. With issues like global warming and sea levels changing, wild animals are suffering the most as their habitats are forced to go through drastic changes. Some might see a zoo as a way to help keep animals alive and in a safe place, but no matter what the zoo isn’t a natural habitat. It’s a place divided into different sections where animals are kept so people will pay to see animals that are meant to be in the wild. That’s what’s so cool about the zoo right?

onflict over manners and etiquette is an almost universal experience that most have along generational divides. The dialogue of these discussions frequently reveals a few theories about the integrity of manners amongst the millennial generation. A majority of the older generation would make the case that millennials represent the farthest decline of decorum in all time, or at least in memorable history. To argue this they source common examples of millennial behavior they find objectionable from shamelessly burping in a public forum to the decline of common courtesy and chivalry. Their claim is that certain socially constructed confines of behavior are important in maintaining public decency and bestow a greater baseline of respect to everyone. This position tends to gloss over other possible interpretations of young people’s increasingly nonchalant behavior. On the other hand, the younger generation contend that the relaxed nature of millennials is simply due to shedding the burdensome formalities inherited from previous generations. In effect, this is paving the way for more candid and open social interactions. A reduction in formal speech and behavior allows for more open and constructive dialogue that ultimately leads to greater success and quality of life. This theory tends to overlook the possibility that the increasing prevalence of casual conducts impacts the levels common courtesy and kindness expressed amongst millennials.

Both age groups would undoubtedly agree that common courtesy and kindness are important qualities for anyone to have. However, their interpretation of what those qualities mean and how they ought to be implemented in real life, differ. As with most issues, I believe the truth lies somewhere inbetween. A certain level of dignity and sophistication expressed in public conduct has been lost amongst my generation, amongst millennials. I notice examples of this within my own conduct when my body language is too comfortable or relaxed in other people’s homes, or I shamelessly burp or yawn in public only to be quickly criticized by my parents, aunts or uncles. There is something to be said for how more reserved behavior can convey more respect or appreciation for what someone else is doing, such as inviting you to a social gathering at their home. This however, doesn’t imply that millennials are any less intelligent or dynamic than those from a previous generation. Rather, millennials have surrendered a certain amount of formality in exchange for a more frank and honest dialogue in their everyday lives. In my personal observation, young people seem to cut through social barriers several times faster, on average than older people. I would attribute this toward more nonchalant conduct precipitating more open discussion. The claim that the present, younger generation is losing social decorum isn’t a new one. It’s an argument that has been made throughout history. This argument or perception of young people is almost universal theme that transcends throughout to all time and cultures. For this reason I don’t believe we have too much to worry about. The only thing we need worry about is the day that youth aren’t challenged for their divergent thoughts and behavior, because they have none.

We’re looking for Cartoonists! Looking for passionate, artistic and responsible students. Creates cartoons for weekly columns. Will allow the opportunity to publish your artwork.

If interested contact: star@sonoma.edu

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News

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Greeks to change sexual assault climate K immie J ones Staff Writer

T facebook.com Rolling Stone Magazine retracted an article on April 5 depicting an incident of sexual assault at the University of Virginia,

Students react to Rolling Stone controversy Rissie Markarian Staff Writer

olling Stone magazine issued an apology earlier this month for publishing a false report in which a student at the University of Virginia claimed she was gang raped by members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. After further investigation on this case, it was found the article was a journalistic failure. The alleged victim appeared unreliable, yet the reporter and editors failed to verify the details, resulting in a national controversy. In order to remain sympathetic to the presumably traumatized victim, the author of the piece took the “victim’s” fabricated story as the whole truth and neglected to search for additional details and accounts from those allegedly involved in the story. “Accusations of rape should never be taken lightly,” said Kate Dalman, a junior communication and media studies major. “The fact that an extremely popular magazine published such accusations without knowing the whole truth is disgusting.” Despite retracting the article and apologizing for the misinformation spread, the once-esteemed magazine severely compromised their journalistic integrity. Rolling Stone was disoriented and disappointed by their failure to accurately represent the facts. In their attempts to regain their credibility, they hired the Dean from the Columbia School of Journalism, Steve Coll, to issue a report detailing the mistakes they made in failing to report the truth. “A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA” was published on Nov. 19, 2014, striking up much controversy for the college campus as well as its Greek community. The fear for similar incidents spread all over the country, making rape and sexual assaults on college campuses national headlines. Members of the Greek community at Sonoma State fear they are gaining a negative reputation as a result of other chapters engaging in inappropriate and

shameful behaviors. “We try to avoid that image by being the people we are, the events we host, and how we are when we host events,” said Trevor Hilbert, a junior and a member of Phi Delta Theta. He said those things don’t happen in his fraternity because their recruitment process is long and considerably grueling in order to truly find out who potential members are and avoid recruiting those who may contribute to an unfavorable image. Dalman is a member of Gamma Phi Beta and said those that are affiliated with the Greek community take the safety and well being of others very seriously and that she has never felt unsafe or threatened during any Greek events. They wish to dispel the notion that they engage in harmful behaviors by volunteering their time out in the surrounding communities and advocating for important causes. “All of our goals as a Greek community are to be a part of something bigger by donating to our philanthropies and influencing people in positive ways,” Dalman said. Rape and sexual assault cases should never be ignored. This means it’s crucial that they be reported should those cases unfortunately occur; it also means they should never be stories concocted in order to enact some sort of ineffable revenge. People’s reputations are destroyed in addition to the organizations they serve. Sergeant Clarence Jones of the Sonoma State Police Services encourages victims to report their cases. “We want to get them cared for, be supportive of them, and help them through the process,” Jones said. Police Services also provides crime prevention training throughout the year and hopes to provide self defense classes for anyone interested in attending. The university is hosting two more events this week as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Bro Code” will be in Ives 101 from 7-9 p.m. today. On Wednesday, there’s a film viewing and discussion on “The Hunting Ground.” This will take place from 5-7 p.m. in Ballrooms B and C of the Student Center.

hroughout the month of April, Sonoma State University has worked to create a safer campus by educating students on how to prevent and report sexual violence in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Universities all over the country are working on ways to make their campuses a safer place. Greek organizations Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Phi Epsilon have taken it to the next level. Live Your Oath is a campaign created to start a conversation and movement to end sexual violence on college campuses. This campaign has started through trending social media posts, including a video. In the video, the sisters and brothers of the two organizations address common assumptions about sexual assault and share the facts. The video begins with clips of news reports from past occurrences of sexual violence on college campuses. “This is on all of us. Every one of us to stop campus sexual assault,” said President Barack Obama in a speech shown in the video. The Live Our Oath campaign was created with inspiration from the White House’s campaign, It’s On Us. Both share a common theme that it’s on the students to make a difference on their campus and to end sexual violence. According to the video, sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the clear consent of the recipient. It also states that 9 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. Sonoma State is on board with the movement

to end sexual violence on its campus. Sonoma State’s “Rights and Options for Victims of Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking” helps to provide the information for victims of sexual assault by sharing information about how victims of sexual assault can get help. Students can get information on how to report sexual violence, rape and other types of assault by visiting sonoma.edu/crvd. The Campus Responses to Violence and Discrimination website home page has a link to the Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination. Joyce Suzuki, Sonoma State’s Title IX coordinator, is determined to create a safe environment for students. She has sent out a mandatory survey to all Sonoma State students to better promote awareness. Students who don’t complete the survey by June 30 will be dropped from their fall 2015 courses. Suzuki has focused on Greek life at Sonoma State by presenting at Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council round tables this past fall. The round tables consisted of leaders from every Greek organization on campus. Campus Life Adviser Micki Estuesta said, “Leaders in organizations tend to be the ones that people go to about these issues.” That’s why it’s important for leaders in Greek life to provide the right education and resources to their members. Workshops and presentations are also given to Panhellenic new members within the month of them receiving their bids. Suzuki is also presenting, in every organization’s chapter, meetings this month about the differences between consensual and noncon-

sensual sex and the importance of consent. The Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee and the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition, got together to lobby against colleges investigating sexual assault cases before a police investigation. Many organizations and campuses fought back. Including an advocacy group called “Consent is So Frat,” which similar to “It’s On Us” and “Live Your Oath,” “promotes a culture of consent within fraternities and the Greek system” according to their website. These groups and campaigns are working hard to spread awareness and education on college campuses. The men and women of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Delta Pi are reaching out to their brothers, sisters, classmates and peers on campuses around the United States, to join the movement and “Live Your Oath.” By spreading the word through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media outlets, members of Greek organizations and leaders on college campuses are getting inspired and taking the oath. Estuesta said, “There’s value in connecting it back to the choices and commitment that people make when they join Greek organizations. If all organizations choose to live up to their founding values and their oath, what an incredible organization and individuals they’ll be creating.” The campaign hopes to bring Greeks and all students alike to stand up to a greater cause and to use power in numbers and education to stop sexual violence on college campuses. For more information on Live Your Oath campaign, visit liveyouroath.org.

AWARD: Civil liberties union honors student

COURTESY // Sandy Espino-Valenciano, facebook.com, berkeley.edu Sonoma State Universiy student, Sandy Espino-Valenciano is being awarded the Mario Savio Student Activist Award by the American Civil Liberties Union on May 3. Continued from Pg. 1

needs to get done, it’s my responsibility to do it as a living being and human.” The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance promotes leadership amongst undocumented youth. Valenciano, who is undocumented herself, reached out to the alliance in 2011 when she first started to attend Sonoma State. Her involvement has blossomed since. Valenciano is engaged continuously with the implementation of California’s Trust Act, which aimed to disentangle the cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. She was also part of a strong push for the passage of California’s Assembly Bill 60, which requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a driver’s li-

cense to undocumented persons who can prove identity and California residency. In the coming weeks, Valenciano will travel to Arizona as part of the #Not1More campaign, which aims to stop deportations and close detention centers. This is after contributing to the Health4All campaign, a legislative effort to provide healthcare coverage to all Californians. In April 2014, Valenciano proved the ability to stand up for causes she promotes. Under President Barack Obama’s administration, it was estimated more than 2 million individuals were deported from the United States. What ensued was a 300-plus person protest at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s offices in San Francisco. The protest eventually closed

an intersection. Valenciano was among 26 individuals arrested, but not charged. The story of her family and their struggle with the classification of undocumented, Valenciano said, has been her motivation to improve her life. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Valenciano would spend only a handful of years in her birth country. In 1998, at the age of 4, the Valenciano family immigrated to the United States. They eventually settled in Antioch. Valenciano said there existed barriers which influenced her life merely because her family was undocumented. Those barriers included the confiscation of vehicles, her parents unable to find employment and their inability to receive state aid. Even after years of living in the

United States, there exists a distinction between her family and millions who share undocumented status. Recently, her grandmother passed away. Her father, because of his undocumented status, was not able to visit his mother in Mexico. “My dad cried more about the fact that he would be able to see his mother in the casket, rather than her passing away,” said Valenciano. “No person ever deserves to feel like that, so hopeless, to be in such pain. I don’t think anyone thinks of immigration in that perspective.” Valencia will graduate Sonoma State in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is the first of her entire family to attend a four-year university. Her activism parallels the accomplishments of Savio, an activist most

commonly associated with the Berkeley Free Speech Movement of the 1960’. Savio became a professor at Sonoma State just before he passed away in Sebastopol in 1996. At the northwest corner of the quad, Sonoma State honors him with The Mario Savio Speakers’ Corner. The American Civil Liberties Union Northern California chapter of Sonoma County will honor Elbert “Big Man” Howard and Carole Hyams-Howard with the 2015 Jack Green Civil Liberties Award. Elbert Howard was one of the founding members of the Black Panther Party and has recently help found the Police Accountability Clinic and Helpline of Sonoma County. The Awards Celebration and Luncheon is on May 3, at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa.

News

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

STAR // Connor Gibson During Thursday’s “What is Veiling” lecture, a dance performance showed the audience the sisterhood and complexities of veiling.

VEILING: New perspectives educate audience Continued from Pg. 1

often considered Western or European. The cross-cultural evidence supports the idea that Muslim women are indeed expressing themselves through these activities, all the while maintaining the expression of their faith through their actions and self-representation. The lecture conveyed numerous examples of this, amongst them: The expansion of luxury designer fashion catered

toward the Muslim community, the cosmetic upkeep performed by some Muslim women such as having highlight-treated hair, even though some wear a hijab that covers their carefully maintained hairstyles, the presence of beauty pageants in Muslim communities with veiled and unveiled Muslim participants alike, as well as the birth of a children’s doll - a Muslim answer to the Western Barbie. “While such arguments are

questionable from a strict religious perspective,” said Amer. “They reveal that being stylish and maintaining a perfect hairdo, are top priorities for women who wear a hijab or niqab.” In response to conservative critics, Amer said these Muslim women may counter with the preservation of a modest soul. While these contemporary examples of veiling practices are progressive elements to Western perception of the tradition, those

in the audience could have benefitted from more historical information of Islamic culture. “I think overall the lecture was really interesting,” said Layla Allary, a Sonoma State American Language Institute student from Jordan. “It’s really good for people to know about the Islamic culture and traditions. It’s important in this university and all the universities of the world to know about Islam and other religions.”

When prompted the question of why some Muslims choose to veil, Allary alluded to a response given by former broadcast journalist and director of the International Union of Muslim Women, Aminah Assilmi, who embraced the act of covering one’s hair as an identifier for women who proudly follow Islam. The late advocate believed the hijab represented a woman of strength, virtue, and dedication.

However, not all women who cover their hair in an act of faith wish to be perceived as a representative figure for an entire religion and culture. During, her talk Amer referenced spoken word poet and activist, Linda Sarsour, who was made famous through her efforts to have Muslim women seen not just as representations of a belief, but also people under the veil, who are sensitive and strong just like anyone else.

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Arts

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

‘Orchard Development’: Clever, but cluttered Jake Burke Staff Writer

Review

“W

here does one look?” This question is sure to be asked by any person watching Sonoma State’s latest show. “The Orchard Development” is a unique combination of technology, acting and dancing based on Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” While on paper this idea may seem bold and daring, but in reality, this mixture may be the show’s weakest aspect. As each of these three elements collide on stage, the audience may struggle with which group deserves their focus. As a whole, “The Orchard Development” is a marvel to look at, the stage is beautifully painted with a fancy looking rug, the many television screens add a unique sense of style, the lights showcase the true splendor of each movement and the performers are dressed to the nines. Yet, despite the show’s overall good looks, there is an inherent confusion as “The Orchard Development” struggles with true identity crisis. While the actors play out a scene, they’re being filmed by crewmembers so their face is projected up on six separate screens on stage. This gives the

audience a rare look at an actor’s face only seen in movies, and most of the actors rise to this challenge. A few times throughout the show an actor uses an iPhone to Facetime themselves onto the many screens, but there is a definite five-second lag where the voice and mouth don’t sync up. It managed to pull this reviewer out of the show and wonder why such a distraction was even used. As the actors appear both on stage and on screen, the addition of dance heightens the uncertainty of where to look. The modern dance itself is outstanding as each dancer is in tune with the rest of their company. Each move is precise, provocative and overall impressive, as showcased in the upbeat dance number right after intermission. Yet when added in with the actors and technology the stage becomes overwhelming and cluttered. The audience’s focus is pulled in every direction as each separate aspect begs for attention. Rarely does one aspect complement the other, which is a true shame because separately each element is a true marvel. The show is filled with marvelous moments only to be overshadowed by such confusion. The acting is one quality that shouldn’t be overlooked. The casting is superb and highlights

each of the actor’s talent making most of the characters relatable. The show’s true standout is Matthew Lindberg as the eccentric student Peter Tempke, who demands the audience’s attention in almost every scene he’s in. The emotional scene between Lyla Elmassian’s Lyubov Andrea and himself is the acting highlight within “The Orchard Development.” These contained emotional moments are something this cast succeeds at; there is never a moment that is over-acted. “The Orchard Development” is about the little moments or the one rare scene that the technology, dance and acting truly complement each other. An example includes a scene where Elmassian gives a heartfelt monologue about her life woes while being filmed and supported by the talented dancer, Emma Higgins. This one moment is the show’s technical achievement. “The Orchard Development” had many good ideas that just struggle to fit together. The audience may understand each element of the show after multiple viewings, but the lack on focus is “The Orchard Development’s” one downfall. As each separate aspect works well on its own, the combination only adds on confusion that may leave the audience wondering: “Where does one look?”

COURTESY // David Papas “Orchard Development” incorporates multi-media with traditional theater.

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Left: Winners of Best Picture, Jimmy Rich and Zac Hersh for “Insect.” Center: Winners of Best Cinematography, Cara Fuqua and Serena Kamlani for “The Sound of Silence.” Right: Winner for Best Actress, Kayley Kemp, and Winner for Best Actor, Charlie Baker.

CINENOMA: Just the beginning Continued from Pg. 1

Many joked around with poses on the red carpet, giving CineNoma an exceptionally warm atmosphere. Audience members said, “No, keep going” when emcee Bretow mentioned taking a break in watching the submitted student films, showing how much excitement and energy filled the ballroom. “We definitely have room for improvement,” Bretow said. “It went really well, but we didn’t have as big of a turnout as we were hoping for.” Although only about 60 people came to the event, it made for a more intimate evening of film appreciation and entertainment. “It seems more like a party than a stuffy awards show,” said freshman Amanda Hernandez, “I like that it’s so fun. I’m glad I came, honestly.” CineNoma was comparable to the Academy Awards, if the Academy Awards were to be thrown by a close group of college friends who shared a genuine love for film. Student-musician Gabe Duran was booked

for the intermission of the evening. Duran wowed the audience with a voice and guitar playing abilities that would make John Mayer jealous, leaving many in the audience with goosebumps. The night was not without laughs, as the stage was missing a mic stand, forcing Bretow and Best Actress Kayley Kemp to hold up microphones for Duran as he performed. The Academy Awards equivalent would have been if Neil Patrick Harris and Julianne Moore held microphones for John Legend’s performance, and understandably added a quirky charm to the evening. “I’m very pleased with the quality of the films,” said SSU-TV faculty adviser Ed Beebout. “We really would like to build a larger film community, and it starts with SSU-TV.” Beebout is a professor at Sonoma State and has vast experience as a news broadcaster, as well as much knowledge of the film industry. The opportunity for students to show off their hard work to their peers and industry professionals who appreciate fine film is priceless. “I am extremely honored to have won [Best

Cinematography and Third Place] at CineNoma 2015,” said senior communication and media studies major and director Cara Fuqua. “Creating ‘The Sound of Silence’ with Serena Kamlani, Alex Bretow and Charlie Baker was a rewarding experience.” “The Sound of Silence” is a short film that revealed a woman’s inner thoughts on her relationship, detailing the everyday ups and downs to her specific romance, highlighting the fact that not all relationships are the same. “I highly recommend participating in CineNoma 2016 to anyone who becomes inspired to make a short film,” said Fuqua. “Get a couple of your friends together, brainstorm and create something you’re proud of. You’ll have a blast making your idea come to life.” The night was a compilation of many months of dedication and hard work by all involved, and the bar was set high for the years to come. “We [at SSU-TV] are on the right track,” Beebout said. “The crew put a lot of time and effort into putting on this event.” SSU-TV looks forward to hopefully build-

ing CineNoma into a Sonoma State legacy for years to come, and Thursday’s first go at it was an exceptional start. “This film fest is important because it gives people here at SSU a chance to show their talents,” said Kemp, a senior communication and media studies major who won Best Actress for her role in “Uproar.” Many students expressed much gratitude to SSU-TV for taking on the challenge of setting up a platform for students whose passion lies in film production. “The event was amazing. Anna Luna went above and beyond decorating and planning and making this event something people would enjoy and want to keep coming to,” Kemp said. “As for winning best actress, I was shocked but it felt amazing.” Next year, CineNoma is expected to grow in size with the help of early promotion, but as for this year, the festival has fulfilled its duties to the campus. CineNoma served as a social event that many attendees had been craving and turned on the spotlight that many students have been looking for in order to shine.

Entertainment

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

‘Unfriended’ is horrifically relatable Sierra Smith Staff Writer

Review

t’s easy to classify “Unfriended” as a contemporary spin-off of all classic horror films, because that’s essentially what it is. Despite the film’s hype across the web, the paradigmatic storyline combined with the sense of “connection” the Internet offers was what made viewers prepare for extreme disappointment. If executed in the wrong way, the film would most likely be deemed terrible. The entire premise of the film is exhaustively unoriginal: The night a year after a teenage girl commits suicide as a result of excessive cyberbullying, her cyber-spirit stalks a group of her high school friends who were possibly involved. Although the plot is flawed, “Unfriended” stands out from the rest of horror flicks because it completely pinpoints the media culture the current generation is immersed in. The entire movie unfolds before viewers on one character’s computer screen over many Internet platforms with the webcam service, Skype, as the primary one. In the opening scene, a YouTube video of Laura Barn’s suicide opened on a computer screen. Whoever is watching the video clicked on suggested link that may reveal why Barns (Heather Sossaman, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) killed herself. The user’s Internet search is interrupted by a Skype call, and then the audience is immediately introduced to all the characters and the story

wastes no time in delving into the connection between Laura and the rest of the group. The film unfolds on the computer screen when Blaire (Shelley Hennig, “Teen Wolf”) is revealed as the main user when she accepts the interrupted Skype call. Throughout the 82 minutes of the film, all of Blaire’s computer activity is viewed simultaneously between the Skype video call, private instant messages with her boyfriend, Mitch (Moses Jacob Storm, “Correcting Christmas”), internet searches on Laura on Google and listening to music on Spotify among other familiar routines related to teenagers’ impeccable ability to multitask. The attention to detail with the way the computer is navigated in the film is what makes it nearimpossible to look away. The usual sudden scares and occasional gory moments were carefully placed in the sequence that made it harder for the audience to avoid. For instance, many could relate when Blaire typed something when searching the Internet or instant messaging before deleting it and type something entirely different. One can sense the sheer panic she felt when Mitch didn’t reply to her quickly, or the frustration when she cannot click on a link or a simple computer function in which she clicks back to the Skype call window to ask one of her friends for help. For teenagers and young adults, or anyone else Internet and social media savvy, the combination of these subtle moments add an entire new parallel of relatability that renders the film engaging, entertaining, and astonishingly effective.

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Albums releasing this week Speedy Ortiz - “Foil Deer” (Indie rock) Yelawolf - “Love Story” (Rap) Alabama Shakes -

“Sound & Color”

(Rock)

Built to Spill - “Future Hearts” (Indie

Rock)

Movies releasing this week The Age of Adaline - starring:

Michiel Huisman, Blake Lively, Amanda Crew

Little Boy - starring:

Kevin James, David

Henrie, Emily Watson

The Water Diviner - starring: Russell

Crowe, Jai Courtney, Isabel Lucas

facebook.com “Unfriended” is shown entirely through the view of a computer screen.

Hidden FLIX Our Netflix favorites

“Funny Games” (1997) This Michael Haneke film is the epitome of psychological thrillers. Two seemingly harmless young men prey on a family staying at a country club in Austria before torturing them with sadistic games.

“Funny Games” is available to stream on Netflix.com

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Features

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

facebook.com The Market Day event at Sonoma State University will allow student entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their inventions and companies to faculty and their fellow students. Those who are interested in creating their own business are encouraged to attend today’s event outside the Seawolf Plaza, between the Rec and Student Centers, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Innovators, ideas at Entreprenoma’s Market Day Samantha Cardenas Staff Writer

ith Sonoma State having a student body of more than 9,000 students, there is an immense amount of hidden talent waiting to be discovered. Entreprenoma will host the second annual Market Day today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., outside at the Seawolf Plaza, between the Rec and Student Centers. This is an event allowing entrepreneurs at Sonoma State to showcase their inventions and companies. Entreprenoma, is a student-led entrepreneurship program that encourages students to express their ideas for starting their own businesses, and helps to jump start them. It has partnered with and funded by the school of business and economics.

Entreprenoma’s Market Day exhibits the many entrepreneurs at Sonoma State, and gives them the opportunity to connect with students and faculty. Students and alumni are able to advertise themselves and their products for possible partnerships with Sonoma State. Some participants display the produce they’ve harvested from their own farming businesses, hoping to connect with The Kitchens at Sonoma State to sell their products, while others have turned their love for wood burnings to create customized, thoughtful pieces of art to gift to friends and family. Market Day provides students, who might sit in their rooms trying to sell their products online or by word of mouth, an actual setting to show their products off to hundreds of people. “It’s an opportunity for student

vendors to grasp what it’s like to be in a real business setting,” said Darren Fong, marketing director and student leader for Entreprenoma. “We hope attendees become aware of what products and services student vendors have to offer, and we aim to inspire fellow Seawolves to pursue and start their own businesses.” Last year’s event had almost 30 eager entrepreneurs ready to show off their talent to more than 250 students. From the turnout and general positive response, participants were able to establish promising connections with attendees. “It was great to see so much support from students and faculty,” said Cassie Faulding, art director of Primitivo PR in a prepared statement. “A few people took some of our f lyers and business cards and they said they’d be in touch, so

we’re hoping we have some new clients and business connections.” People interested in creating their own business are highly encouraged to attend the event. It’s very common for people to want to take their craft or passion and turn it into a profit, but most don’t know how to go about it. At Market Day, students will have the chance to listen in on guest speakers, who will share their experiences with wellknown companies, like Apple, or from their experience in starting a company. Many of the participating entrepreneurs, who are students, have it tough with balancing school, jobs and chasing their dreams. But if the passion is strong enough, it can all be possible. “It makes me really excited to be a part of Market Day. It can be extremely difficult to start your own

company and you might have a lot of doubts,” said freshman and founder of Athletic Board, Clayton Taylor. “From my perspective, being able to interact with other student vendors and learn from them while sharing your own experiences helps everyone grow and gain confidence. With the fun atmosphere Market Day provides, my company is excited to get out and meet other aspiring entrepreneurs.” In addition to a day full of exposure to new products, companies, networking and educational speeches, there will also be free food, live music performed by students, prizes, raff les and giveaways. Students in particular might take an interest in the “Dunk Your Professor” portion of the event, which includes a dunk tank, allowing students and teachers to have a little fun and dunk their beloved professors.

Poets showcase talent at Zaum gala Gustavo Vasquez Managing Editor

he crowd sat silent, their eyes all focused on Dulce María Preciado Encarnación in the dim room of Redwood Cafe, while reading her poetry piece “America.” Preciado was one of 10 poets who read their published works in the recently released print issue of Zaum Nineteen, Sonoma State University’s literary magazine. Zaum Press held their gala for the release of Zaum Nineteen, at Redwood Cafe in Cotati on April 14. “America is inspired and dedicated to the entire continent of the Americas - from the most northern tip of Canada to the most southern tip of Chile and Argentina where I seek to defy and explore where is America,” said Preciado, senior and global studies major. Zaum Nineteen, does not

“It means a lot to have your peers come support something you’ve worked so hard on,” said Perkins. only consist of Sonoma State poets, but students from all over. Student Kali Pollard from the UC Berkeley was published in the latest issue of Zaum, and read two of her works at the gala. “Never done anything like this before,” said Dean Elayda, a senior and economics major. “Never had I been published before and it was real exciting to do.” The night consisted of platter after platter of fruit and cheeses, a photobooth for goofy portraiture, the sales of Zaum Nineteen, as well as back issues and raff les that included goody baskets. Various items were also donated to Zaum Press to raise funds, including a 1920s Royal typewriter by Liliah Ornelas, poetry editor for Zaum Press. “The money earned from raff le ticket and magazine

sales goes right back into paying for field trips, and various Zaum expenses, so it’s important to fundraise,” said Carly Perkins, senior editor for Zaum Press. “Luckily our efforts were successful.” Not only were the items raff led donated by individuals, but Redwood Cafe also donated gift certificates and the space to hold the gala. “I think what distinguishes us is that we are 100 percent student-run and we are so dedicated to show what students are capable of,” said Natalie Albana, managing editor for Zaum Press. Zaum Press is a one of a kind program like no other. It’s a completely student-run literary magazine, producing two issues every year: Zaum, the print edition and Zaum XS, the online edition. Both editions are filled with student poetry and prose

writing. “It means a lot to have your peers come support something you’ve worked so hard on,” said Perkins. The staff of Zaum Press goes to work at the beginning of each semester to review submitted work and to work on the design of the magazine. For anyone who interested in becoming a part of the culture and Zaum Press community, look for English 368: “Small Press Editing: ZAUM” in the fall 2015 course catalog. “I think Zaum is an amazing resource for emerging artists like myself because the magazine is distributed in the Bay Area,” said Preciado. “It feels great to know I am published in their 19 th edition, for I am now part of a legacy of artists, and that feels great.”

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Zaum Nineteen is a collection of poems, prose and art work written by students from all around the world.

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Far left, Zaum Editorial Staff Meelina Galope and Senior Editor Carly Perkins, taking part in the introduction at the Zaum gala on April 14. Far right, student poet Dulce María Preciado, one of 10 poets who read their published works at the gala, passionately recites her poem “America.”

Features

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

NAKland promoting education, fun for all

Emily Johnstone Staff Writer

he smiles and laughter of families could warm the hearts of just about anyone. The Sonoma State community will soon be able to help provide that happiness to less fortunate children through a unique fraternity event. Nu Alpha Kappa’s Gamma Chapter, established at Sonoma State in 1992, has since been contributing to the university and community through philanthropic events and fundraisers. The gentlemen of Sonoma State’s Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity or NAK, present their nationally recognized and award-winning philanthropy event NAKland to the Sonoma County community. This fifth annual carnival day, taking place Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m on the Stevenson field, is Nu Alpha Kappa’s national philanthropy put on by all of its chapters across the country. Games, activi-

ties, sports, face painting, food, entertainment, egg hunts, prize giveaways and much more are being brought to the Sonoma State campus to celebrate “Día de Los Niños,” which translates to Children’s Day. Although this event is open to the public, the men of Nu Alpha Kappa focus primarily on inviting low-income elementary and middle school-aged children, and their families from within the community to assist them and show they care. Because NAKland is a free event, the men of Nu Alpha Kappa raise money throughout the year by holding fundraisers, such as their Miss Greek competition for sororities on campus, and through generous donations. “This event [NAKland] is by far my favorite event that the gentleman of Nu Alpha Kappa put on. It’s truly amazing how they get the Sonoma community together for a great cause and to help members of the community,” said senior Marlene Bojorquez. “The gentlemen of

Nu Alpha Kappa strive to give back and open a type of educational experience which is what makes their event that much better.” In hopes to get the word out about this event, members of Nu Alpha Kappa promote at local schools and churches, put up posters around the community and put information about it on social media. “NAKland is an important philanthropy to us because many of us are first-generation college students who faced many challenges along the way,” said Nu Alpha Kappa president Diego Ancira. “Our goal is to promote higher education to younger kids who may be less privileged.” One of the main purposes of the NAKland Children’s Carnival is to promote and foster a positive relationship between the Sonoma County community and college students at Sonoma State. In doing so, Nu Alpha Kappa leaders say they’re trying to make this a caring environment for families and children. An example of

this: Nu Alpha Kappa members provide children and families that attend NAKland with toys and books to take home. “I remember going up to [NAKland] last year and not knowing anything about it. I saw the smiles and heard the laughter of kids and knew this was the moment I knew I wanted to become a NAK,” said Nu Alpha Kappa public relations chair Jorge Casanova. “NAKland comes around every year but I feel it’s often undervalued in what it brings to the community. You can walk into the event for a minute and know that what it means to these children is the most beautiful thing.” Using educational workshops within the carnival-style games, NAKland is built around the idea of gaining a higher education, while also providing a safe and fun environment for children. The members of Nu Alpha Kappa wish to teach children about the importance of education, healthy habits and safety through the games and activities

Page 9

they do with them. Not only does NAKland offer a chance for children to learn about college, but they also hold an educational seminar for parents, which offers information about Sonoma State and financial aid opportunities, while reinforcing the importance of college. “There is a great importance for this event because we as young leaders hope to make a difference in the community,” said Nu Alpha Kappa member Vince Venegas. “NAKland is an event that helps the school community and the local community come together to help promote higher education for young children.” The members of Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity say they want to bring the members of the community together to help promote education to families and children who may think it’s something out of their reach. This carnival also helps provide an enjoyable and educational day for all who attend.

facebook.com Nu Alpha Kappa presents its philanthropy event NAKland on April 26. The fifth annual carnival, which is held nationwide, will provide food, activities, entertainment and much more, and focuses on assisting children and their families from the Sonoma County community. Above photos are from NAKland 2011.

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Page 10

Sports

Softball team saves their best for last T

Jennifer González Staff Writer

he Sonoma State softball team continued a game against Dominican University on Wednesday that was suspended just after four innings played due to darkness back on Feb. 4. Before the game was suspended, the Seawolves were taking the lead of 3-1. Starting off the first inning of the fresh game, Dominican took the lead but the Seawolves came back after scoring two runs. Carlie Daniel started off the scoring by hitting a double to left field that scored Keeley Ray. Mayleen Mazon then stepped up and had a hit to center field that brought Daniel home. At the end of the first inning, Sonoma State was in the lead 2-1. In the bottom of the second inning, the Seawolves scored again, making the score 3-1 after Ray’s hit toward left field scored Alison Strycula. The game went seven innings long, but it was during the sixth inning where Seawolves made the last and final score of the game. Holli Brown was already on second base when Mazon came up to hit. Mazon hit the ball to right center field allowing Brown to reach home. The final score of the game against Dominican was 4-1. The second game against Dominican University was a tough one. In the first inning, Dominican took the lead by scoring two runs. By the third inning, the Seawolves tried their best to catch up when Mazon grounded a hit that scored Ancia Purdy. The score of the game at this time was 3-2. The Seawolves were only losing by one heading into the fourth inning. Dominican was not going to give in too easily. In the fourth inning, they made three more scores to bolster their lead, which would remain. The final score of the game was 7-5, with Dominican taking the win. “I love watching the Softball team play. Makes me feel really proud of being a part of this school,” said sophomore Jessica Lopez. “Even though they lost their second game, they continue to show high spirit and give each other support. That’s a great team.” On Friday, Sonoma hosted the San Francisco State Gators for a four-game series and the last home game of the Seawolves season. They got off to a hot start in their first game. In the second inning, the Seawolves took a two-point lead on the Gators. First baseman Jena Kaser hit a homerun to start off all the scoring. At the end of that inning, the Seawolves were leading 2-0. In the fourth inning, Purdy’s hit to third base helped Kristine Ricossa advance to second, Karly Macadangdang went to third and Brown scored at home. Bases were loaded when Ray went up to hit. She got to first base by a fielder’s choice and Macadangdang scored home. Up came Mazon and she got a hit to right field that brought Ricossa home. The score by the end of that inning was 6-0. The Seawolves were in the lead. At fifth inning, the Gators scored two runs in an attempt to catch up to the Seawolves, but the final score of game one was 7-2.

Unfortunately, the second game didn’t have as great of an outcome as the first. In the first inning, the Gators scored four runs to take the lead and scored once during the second inning, adding to their total. The final score of this game was 5-2. Saturday was an exciting day to watch Seawolves softball. There were the final games of the four game series, the last game played at home for the year, and it was Senior Day. Holli Brown, Amanda Rossetta, Ancia Purdy and Keeley Ray were the softball seniors that were celebrated. “I’m just going to miss seeing them every single day. They’ve been with me through all my ups and downs this year and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Purdy said. “It’s truly a luxury to have 21 other girls who are experiencing this journey with me and I’m so blessed to have gotten to know them.” The first game was a great celebration for the softball team. The game only lasted five innings and the team made 10 runs in the first inning alone, which gave them quite an advantage over the Gators. During this inning, bases were stolen, homeruns were hit and hitters were walked. Rossetta and Brown went backto-back with home runs at one point. Six more runs were made during the second and third innings. Senior players were definitely making the best out of the last games they were playing at home with the offensive surge. The final score of the first game played on Saturday against the Gators was 16-1. “You can see that the girls are working hard to finish strong playing their last games at home. I’m so proud of them. They are really here to play,” said Fred Bass, a long time family friend of a Sonoma State softball player. The glory wasn’t going to stop in the second game. The Seawolves won the second game 9-0 with only five innings played, putting their total runs scored at 25 in their last home appearance.

“It’s truly a luxury to have 21 other girls who are experiencing this journey with me and I’m so blessed to have gotten to know them,” said Ancia Purdy. Both games featured strong pitching from Gabby Dupree and Amanda Llerena. “Saturday was truly a celebration. This year we’ve really emphasized game day as being a celebration of all the hard work we put in during the week, and to be able to celebrate my and my fellow seniors’ careers thus far, along with two wins, was more than I could ask for,” said Purdy, who had seven hits in seven atbats, scored six runs and had three stolen bases on Saturday. Sonoma State will be playing next weekend at Turlock against CSU Stanislaus on Friday and Saturday to finish their regular season. CCAA Playoffs are scheduled to begin on May 1, 2015.

Seawolf Standings Baseball: (Overall: 20-21, Conference: 14-18) Men’s Tennis: (Overall: 5-15) Softball: (Overall: 35-16, Conference: 21-10) Women’s Tennis: (Overall: 16-9) Women’s Water Polo: (Overall: 8-18) Men’s Golf: (Highest Spring Finish: 2nd out of 20, Tim Tierney Shootout) Women’s Golf: (Highest Spring Finish: 2nd out of 16, Super San Diego Championship) Women’s Track & Field: (Highest Finish: 3rd out of 5, Humboldt State Invitational)

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Connor Gibson The softball team showed great offense, defense and pitching in their final games at home by scoring 25 runs to just one run over two games.

Sports

April 21 - April 27, 2015

sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

wikimedia.com, sonoma.edu According to data collected in 2013 by USA Today, 13 schools generate over $100 million in revenue yearly.

Should college athletes be paid? Kayla Kring Staff Writer

Commentary

magine yourself wanting one dream your entire life and being so close to achieving that dream a deafening crack splits through the air: you have just broken a bone. While some may say that it’s not that bad, others may say it means someone’s entire life. For a college athlete wanting to become a professional, it means their dream just came to an all-time stand still with no chance at moving forward. The controversy on whether or not college athletes should be paid had all started with one man by the name of Ed O’Bannon. He was at his day job at a car dealership, when one of his friends came by to show him a video game that his son had been playing. The video game in question was none other than National Collegiate Athletic Association licensed NCAA Basketball ’09. With his friend’s offer to let him check out the game, O’Bannon was angered at the likeliness that the character on screen held in comparison to him. “Left-handed, height, weight, skin color, everything. Bald-headed, yeah it was me for sure,” said O’Bannon in an interview. Ever since O’Bannon fought for his right to compensation, since it was his image that the

NCAA was using to sell their product, student athletes have began questioning why they were not getting paid for their efforts. For many sports fans there are plenty of days to celebrate and one of them is March Madness. This NCAA college basketball tournament brings in over $1 billion in total revenue. To put this into perspective, March Madness makes more than the SuperBowl. “There is nothing wrong with a sporting tournament making huge amounts of money,” said John Oliver, host of the Last Week Tonight show, “but there is something slightly troubling about a billion dollar sports enterprise where the athletes are not paid a penny.” The truth of the matter is that this is the case. To find out if college athletes should or should not get paid we talked to current athletes and coaches at Sonoma State University. “I think the scholarship works, as long as your education is paid for you still have room to go professional,” said junior center, Hannah Sourek of the women’s basketball team. The men’s head basketball coach Pat Fuscaldo could neither agree nor disagree with the arguments being provided. “I think the scholarship itself has a lot of weight,” said Fuscaldo, when talking about students at the lower division schools. Yet, when talking about the Division I or Division II schools, his mind seemed to change. “In the top four conferences, those students should be getting paid, there should be stipends for them, there should be a nest egg

Seawolves Schedule Apr. 24

Women’s Water Polo at WWPA Championships Geneva, OH Women’s Track and Field at Brutus Hamilton Open Berkeley, CA Baseball at San Francisco State 3:00 p.m. San Francisco, CA Maloney Field Softball at Cal State Stanislaus 4:00 p.m./6:00 p.m. Turlock, CA

Apr. 25

Women’s Water Polo at WWPA Championships Geneva, OH

Baseball vs San Francisco State 11:00 a.m./2:00 p.m. Rohnert park Seawolf Diamond Softball at Cal State Stanislaus 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. Turlock, CA Seawolf Field

Apr. 26

Women’s Water Polo at WWPA Championships Geneva, OH Baseball at San Francisco State 12:00 p.m. San Francisco, CA Seawolf Field

for when they graduate,” said Fuscaldo. “They [NCAA] are making billions of dollars and those kids are working more than 20 hours a week.” The average college student attends about 16 hours of class a week, with roughly 20 hours of homework a week, if going by the hypothetical situation of having three classes that are two hours long and one class that is four hours long, and for every hour spent in class is two hours of homework, it’s something that students are more than capable of. Now, what would happen if you added into your schedule, the life of an athlete who is in mid-season? Current NFL player Richard Sherman was one of those student athletes. “You wake up in the morning and you have weights at this time. Then after weights you go to class, then after class you maybe go to try to catch a quick bite to eat. After you get your quick bite to eat you go straight to meetings,” said Sherman, as he relayed a student athletes typical day to the press. “Then after meetings you’ve got practice, then after practice you’ve got to try and get all the work done you’ve had throughout the day.” While this controversy focuses mainly on Division I schools in the field of basketball and football, it would mean that everyone across the board would have to be paid for their efforts. The NCAA cannot start paying athletes only in football and not start paying those in other sports such as baseball. Yet, there is also another matter at hand that no one has seem to even begin to consider

in this argument, which is women’s sports. In all the talk about student athletes getting paid, reporters have only looked at football and basketball players. No one has gone to a women’s team and asked them their opinion on whether or not student athletes should get paid. If the conference decides to pay student athletes they will not only have to pay the athletes of all sports, but they will also have to pay female athletes in sports such as softball, as well. “As much as it would be awesome to get paid I think it would take away from the game,” said softball player Keeley Ray. “As you can see in professional leagues the sport doesn’t become about the game anymore it’s now all about the money and how much you are getting paid.” As you can tell the athletes and coaches at Sonoma State University are more against having student-athletes get paid then for it, which some might find strange. Yet, if one takes in all aspects of the debate, they might find their own voice in the matter. Some may say that the scholarship is enough, because the athlete is receiving an education and others may argue that they are at a high risk of losing everything than the average college student. Wherever your voice lies in the matter, anyone can shed a little bit of light on whether or not college athletes should be getting paid. Do you think college athletes should be paid? Will we see college athletes being paid in the near future?

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Photo This week in photos...

April 21 - April 27, 2015

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STAR // Connor Gibson Top left: Seawolves pitcher No. 9 Gabby Dupree winds up for a pitch against San Francisco State. Read more on the story on page x. Bottom left: The Veiled Lecture Series focused on LGBT issues and the Arab Spring. Read more on the story on page 1. Right: Society and Culture Undergraduate Research Forum (SCURF) held their seventh annual awards ceremony at the Student Center Ballroom.

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