Volume 77 // Issue 4

In this issue:

Sports: Women’s soccer off to an impressive start.

Pg. 11

Student Life: New communications professor aims to get students inspired. Pg. 9 Opinion: New heart disease studies show bias. Pg. 3

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 77 // ISSUE 4

A&E: “Blair Witch Project” sequel just as chilling as orginal 1999 film. Pg. 6 SEPTEMBER 20 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

Police chief remains on administrative leave but no charges will be filed Noah Treanor Staff Writer

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o charges will be filed against Sonoma State University Police Chief, Nathan Johnson, who has been on paid administrative leave for three months following a domestic altercation with his step son.

The incident, in which Johnson allegedly used a gun and a power drill to subdue his stepson, took place in Johnson’s Hayward home on May 30.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office was in charge of the incident, and decided not to pursue the matter for any wrongdoing.

However, there will be an internal investigation conducted to determine Johnson’s future at Sonoma State University.

When deputies arrived at the chief’s home, they found Johnson with a wound to the head supposedly inflicted by his stepson, 20 year-old Elijah Latimer.

Johnson described the situation as a family conflict that escalated. The two exchanged significant blows.

According to Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, soon after the violence was over, Johnson called police and reported the incident.

Johnson told deputies he fired his personal pistol in the heat of the brawl.

Johnson said the fight ensued for some time, and after beginning to fear for his own safety, fired a warning shot to potentially deter Latimer and end the fight.

Latimer fled the scene, but was found at a neighbor’s house with what appeared to be stab wounds to the chest.

Early reports indicated the wounds had been caused by a power drill. Johnson told deputies the fight reached a point where he felt extreme measures were necessary.

That is when Johnson allegedly used a power drill on Latimer, as a form of self-defense. Whether the drill was on or not is still unclear.

That night, Latimer was taken to a local hospital and treated for a supposed collapsed lung.

Johnson was treated for his head injury. Although both parties gave different stories regarding how the fight took place, neither pressed charges The only witness of the dispute, Latimer’s mother, did not speak to officers and could not be reached for comment.

“It’s hard to go forward in these situations when you have a witness that is unwilling to cooperate,” said Kelly.

Teresa Drenick of the Alameda County DAs office said the incident was referred to them by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and that after a full review of the facts presented, the District Attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges.

Sonoma State placed Johnson on paid administrative leave soon after the incident.

“He [Nathan Johnson] is still out on leave.. and the investigation is ongoing,” said Associate Vice President of Sonoma State Human Resources Tammy S. Kenber. “Due to the sensitivity of the situation, the investigation was being conducted by a third party investigator outside the California State University system. The investigator was selected collaboratively

STAR // Sara Wildman Sonoma State University Police Chief Nathan Johnson spoke on a panel in April. Johnson has been on administrative leave for three months with his status pending, following a domestic incident.

by Sonoma State Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel at the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach.”

Acting Chief of Police, David B. Dougherty, said the situation involving Chief Johnson was a confidential, personnel matter and did not wish to comment.

Dougherty replaced Johnson after the incident.

According to Johnson’s LinkedIn

profile, he served the California State Chancellor’s Office for three and-a-halfyears as the Systemwide Chief Law Enforcement Officer, where he managed statewide protocols and the critical response team for the entire Cal State system, and had been the Chief of Police at Sonoma State since 1999.

Neither Johnson nor Latimer could be reached for comment.

University president brings interim administration Nate Galvan Staff Writer

A STAR // Sara Wildman The roof of Stevenson Hall is now under construction to fix a water leak under cell towers on the roof. The project is expected to be completed Oct. 2.

Stevenson Hall undergoes repair to fix water leak Charlotte Grayson Staff Writer

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hursday marked the beginning of construction for a project that will attempt to repair the roof of Stevenson Hall. The campus community received an email notification Monday morning informing them of the construction and another on Wednesday afternoon reminding them the project would be taking place.

These notifications are the latest in a series of emails regarding construction on Stevenson Hall. The campus community received multiple emails over the summer about the removal and movement of cell towers across the building in preparation for this roofing project.

Director of Operations and Engineering for Facilities Management John Duke, explained why this project was necessary.

“Stevenson Hall has three cell

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companies with cell equipment mounted directly on the roof. The roof has water leaks directly under this equipment. Facilities is addressing this issue with the new roof under this equipment,” he said.

The roof repair is happening after a lengthy effort to move the cell towers from the roof of Stevenson to make sure they are not in the way of the construction.

“The university has been working with the cell companies to have them relocate their equipment two feet above the roof line to give the roofing contractor the required space to do the re-roofing project,” said Duke. “The cell company equipment relocation has taken the most time to accomplish, at around two years. It is just this week that the roofer can now begin roofing work without the cell equipment blocking access.”

See STEVENSON on Pg. 5

@sonomastatestar

s Sonoma State University welcomed President Judy K. Sakaki to campus over the summer, the school also bid farewell to several top administrators who were replaced by interim administrators with extensive backgrounds in the every-day operations of running a university.

“I feel very fortunate to have a world class team of experienced higher education administrators and leaders, all of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with during my career,” said Sakaki during her convocation speech on Aug. 22.

“They each have expertise and experience in their respective areas but none of them are candidates for permanent positions.”

Administrators who are no longer with the university are Provost Andrew Rogerson, former Vice President for Development Erik Greeny, co-executive director of the Green Music Center and former Vice President of Administration and Finance Larry Furukawa-Schlereth, and former Vice President of Student Affairs Mathew LopezPhillips. Rogerson left the university to become president of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, while Phillips is now the associate vice president of

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student affairs at Sonoma State. Schlereth, according to Nicholas Grizzle, news and information coordinator for Sonoma State, decided to retire at the end of the previous school year.Except for newly appointed Chief of Staff Bill Kidder, who most recently served as associate vice chancellor and assistant provost at UC Riverside, all of Sakaki’s handpicked administrators are at Sonoma State on an interim basis and were in retirement before agreeing to join Sakaki at the university.

“Each one of us has worked with President Sakaki over the years in different capacities,” said Interim Provost Jeri Echeverria. “Let’s just say I wouldn’t have come out of retirement just for anybody.”

Echeverria was associate provost at CSU Fresno and most recently was the executive vice chancellor of the California State University system. Echeverria knew Sakaki since their time at CSU Fresno where Sakaki was the vice president for student affairs.

When asked what can be improved at Sonoma State during her time here, Echeverria looked long term, long after she’s gone, and how the university can improve its image.

“Over the next five years, Sonoma State is going to want to look at its image in the community

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and what it contributes,” said Echeverria. “It is a lot better run than most people know.”

Taking over the position of vice president of administration and finance is Stan Nosek, who previously was vice chancellor for administration at UC Davis.

Nosek, whose daughter graduated from Sonoma State, also knew Sakaki from her time as vice president of student affairs for the UC system. Nosek said he considers Sakaki not only a colleague but a friend as well.

“Even though retirement is the best thing ever invented,” said Nosek, “My respect for Dr. Sakaki, and sense of service to Sonoma State, compelled me to respond affirmatively.

Newly occupying the position of vice president of student affairs is Michael D. Young, previous vice chancellor for student affairs at UC Santa Barbara. Young has had extensive work with student health over his career in the University of California system and also points to his relationship with Sakaki as a major reason why he decided to leave retirement.

“I have known Dr. Sakaki for over 15 years,” said Young, “I believe in her vision, her values and she supports what I hold most dear.”

See INTERIM on Pg. 5

Visit: sonomastatestar.com

Page 2

Editorial

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board Shannon Brown, Editor-in-Chief Ashley Mar tin, Executive Editor Kim Baptista, Managing Editor Joseph Encinas, News Editor Jenna Fischer, Opinion Editor Emma Devitt, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Ethan Helms, Student Life Editor Bianca Sanborn, Spor ts Editor Thomas Call III, Spor ts Editor Sara Wildman, Photo Editor Rene De Amaral, Copy Editor Rachael Newman, Copy Editor Hailee Zastrow, Adver tising Director Brennan Chin, Distribution Director Julia Albo, Editorial Car toonist Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser

Staff Writers Trevor Abrams, Travis Adams, Alexis Austin, Phil Baculik, Taylor Berghoff, Analy Bravo, Karlee Budge, Amanda Buth, Ronald Campos, Francisco Carbajal, Braden Car twright, Sarah Citti, Sean Curzon, Amira Dabbas, Gerard Desrosiers, John Dolan, Sam Evans, Noe Felix, Annie Finck, Kitana Gachero, Nate Galvan, Charlotte Grayson, Kendall Grove, Kaitlyn Haga, Tyler Heberle, Naaman Hightower, Nickey Homen, Lucy Lopez, Madison Muro, Jared Nunes, Samantha Olyer, Alex Randolph, Marcella Richmond, Christopher Schwarz, Tatiana Serrano, Andrea Sims, Sierra Straub, Noah Treanor, Jenna Qualls

Photographers Perla Alvarez, Megan Corcoran, Bryce Dowd, Reagan Dowd, Lindsey Huffman, Jeno Veltri

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: “Deaf model creates lasting impact” ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ winner, Nyle DiMarco, doesn’t shy away from speaking to people about his disability. DiMarco has been deaf since birth and sees it as a strength rather than a weakness.

Read the story on page 9

Corrections/Clarifications The STAR values accuracy and works diligently to check facts before publication. However, if inaccuracies occur, we want to know. Please report errors to the editor at star@sonoma.edu.

Publication The STAR is published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Sonoma Media Group. 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 400 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 // Julia Albo

S

The highs and lows of rave culture

trobe lights flashing, bass pounding, the crowd is pulsing and your best friend is lying on the floor.

This alarming scenario has become a regular occurrence at raves and music festivals, especially with the elevated misuse of MDMA-based drugs like ecstasy and molly.

While authorities realize they can’t search every inch of even the most sparsely covered individuals, new laws in some parts of Southern California now require these large events to be more closely regulated and prepared to handle any type of drug-related incidents.

This push for reform stemmed from the tragic death of 15-year-old Sasha Rodriguez, who overdosed at a rave held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2010. “Sasha’s Law,” AB 74, requires venues to conduct a threat assessment for shows with more than 10,000 people expected in attendance.

The law also allows a panel of local officials to enforce a minimum age requirement, a maximum attendance rate and

increased security. Onsite medical care is mandatory, specifically aimed to treat the overdoses happening far too frequently at these events.

But why even let it get to that point?

If an individual feels they are responsible enough to “safely” consume a nearly toxic amount of MDMA in the first place, shouldn’t they be able to recognize how much is too much?

It’s tricky, when there are thousands of people who are unknowingly absorbing adulterated drugs into their system while simultaneously denying their body vital replenishments — water and food.

Many don’t realize when they are paying for molly or ecstasy, what they’re usually getting is a concoction infused with drugs like LSD, codeine or cocaine. More bang for your buck? Not exactly.

With all the possible combinations of illicit drugs that might be mixed with MDMA, it just adds to the possibility of overdose and cause serious damage to the body.

While nobody realistically expects to rid partygoers of their go-to substances, there’s no doubt that something needs to change.

Nationwide, there have been 25 drug-related deaths at raves since 2006, with 12 of those cases occurring in Southern California alone.

Unfortunately, it seems that no amount of aftercare can truly resolve the issue, so prevention is key.

It starts with ravers understanding what substances are likely being injected into their systems, and knowing the risks involved in consuming molly, ecstasy or any illicit substance.

Staying hydrated, nourished, and aware of one’s surroundings during events can help avoid dangerous situations.

No matter how many laws are created to regulate the issue, the only real solution lies with the individual and the choices he or she makes .

Remember that MDMAbased drugs are illegal for a reason.

Are they worth risking your life?

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.

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E-MAIL ALL OPINIONS TO STAR@SONOMA.EDU

Opinion

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

Gov. Brown vetoes bill that would end ‘tampon tax’

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Katie Haga Staff Writer

s a woman, I can honestly say having a period once a month isn’t fun and definitely isn’t a luxury; but the state of California is trying to tell us otherwise.

Tampons and other feminine hygiene products have been deemed “luxury items” and are taxed as so.

Those who oppose the tampon tax agree menstrual products should serve as tax-free medical necessities. After all, menstruation isn’t a choice but rather a mandatory situation women

endure. tries like the UK, Netherlands and IreWomen generally experience men- land abolishing a similar tax, Governor struation between the ages 12 and 50 Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 1561 on and the average price of a box of tam- Tuesday. pons is $7.

Once again, a man making deciNot to mention the prices of panty sions for women. In his veto message liners, pads, Midol, heating pads, re- for the bill Brown said, “Tax breaks are placing stained underwear and all of the same as new spending.”

Along with the veto on tampon tax, the chocolate cravings that come with this particular week, I refer to as “shark Brown vetoed six other bills including one that would end a week.” tax on diapers.

As if the pain of “Basically, we are But why? Becramps wasn’t enough, being taxed for being cause according to looking at our bank acwomen,” Garcia told Brown, they would counts after a week of the Washington Post. cost the state budget hell causes more pain. too much money.

California AssemPerhaps since the issue has nothing blywoman Cristina Garcia introduced a bill Jan. 4, proposing an end to tampon to do with men, the tax exempt shouldn’t tax. even be considered.

“Basically, we are being taxed for Rogaine, a hair growth product pribeing women,” Garcia told the Wash- marily aimed towards men, is exempted ington Post. from taxes. Weird, I didn’t know that Men simply don’t understand the was considered a medical necessity.

In order to be successful with the frustration women have, being taxed for something we have no control over. gender equality process we should start Although there was immense sup- off small. Perhaps reconsidering the port across the state, as well as coun- luxury tax on feminine products would

Bias in heart disease study discovered

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Amira Dabbas Staff Writer

researcher at University of California, San Francisco recently discovered documents from the Sugar Research Foundation, known today as the Sugar Association, that suggest the last five decades of research regarding nutrition and heart disease may have been inf luenced dramatically. There was a bias happening right under our noses, and no one had a clue.

These documents showed in 1967, Harvard scientists were paid to publish a review of sugar, fat and heart research. The Sugar Association picked the individual studies they wanted to use to publish in the New England Journal of Medicine, and were able to diminish the correlation between sugar and heart health, blaming heart disease on fat alone.

Issues such as these might seem insignificant because they don’t affect our everyday life. However, what we may not be considering is that we are literally being fed lies. Something some of us might use every single day, in our coffee and cooking, might have a greater impact on our lives than we ever thought, simply because scientists didn’t include many studies in the New England Journal of Medicine. This is serious, as cardiovascular diseases cause more deaths every year than all forms of cancer combined.

According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. This is our number one killer, but we’re not being told the truth about it or how to prevent it properly. There might be a whole other aspect of preventing heart disease that we have been blissfully unaware of for the past 50 years.

A similar situation in the past was when the tobacco industry tried to deny the dangers of cigarettes by releasing studies funded by their own company. These studies originally denied many of the health hazards which cigarettes are known for today, and why wouldn’t they? The very livelihood of the company itself depended on those studies.

Why wouldn’t they want to fund their own medical research study to clear their conscience and make the general population feel secure?

Obviously sugar doesn’t have the same health hazards as tobacco, but the same research-based bias is still there, just concerning different products. Both companies have something in common: they need profit, so covering up what will prevent consumers from purchasing their product isn’t too surprising.

This isn’t an isolated case when it comes to the rest of the our food industry. Companies such as Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola Co., even agricultural companies such as beef and berry companies often fund studies that are published in medical literature.

“Food company sponsorship, whether or not intentionally manipulative, undermines public trust in nutrition science,” stated Nestle, a longtime critic of scientific studies funded by companies.

It isn’t okay for us to be told half-truths about products we use in our everyday lives, especially products that have to do with our health.

We have to look out for not only ourselves, but for future generations.

be a good start.

There are a handful of states where tampons are tax-exempt, recently including New York and Illinois, but the debate is continuously gaining momentum.

In 2015, a woman in London ran a marathon without a tampon to fight period shaming and to take a stand for women around the world who don’t have access to menstruation products.

Social media has also helped try to end the stigma surrounding periods through trending hashtags such as #HappyToBleed and #FreeTheTampons.

If men’s masculinity wasn’t so fragile, and if the topic of feminine hygiene didn’t make them so uncomfortable and they understood the vagina and menstruation, this tax wouldn’t exist.

But that’s just the way it is.

This seems to be a man’s world and women just happen to live in it.

We will never reach success in gender equality if we can’t even recognize t feminine hygeine products aren’t luxuies that should be taxed.

Period.

Islamophobia still on the rise 15 years after 9/11

Jahred Nunes Staff Writer

W

ith the 15th anniversary of 9/11 passing just last Sunday, I find myself taking part in the somewhat unspoken American tradition of taking a moment to remember the day New York City skies went black.

The attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 remain unforgotten in the American mind and are now considered to be one of the defining factors of the new Generation Z. However, the negative effects of 9/11 on innocent people of the Islamic community and people of South Asian or Middle Eastern descent still ripple onward today.

Islamophobia is a term, in the wake of 9/11, that has only recently gained momentum but has been around for quite some time. First used in 1923 in “The Journal of

Theological Studies,” the term Islamophobia quite literally means “dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims.”

The United Nations held a conference in 2004 headed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan entitled “Confronting Islamophobia,” re-introducing the term in the public eye.

Annan later asserted that the term had to be coined in order to “take account for increasingly widespread bigotry.”

Although the conversation of confronting Islamophobia was started over 10 years ago, very little “confrontation” has actually occurred in modern times. Islamophobia has far worsened in the years following 9/11.

In fact, on the anniversary of 9/11, a Florida mosque was targeted and set ablaze, leading 2016 to be The Council on American-Islamic Relations second-worst year on record when it comes to mosque attacks, with 2015 being the worst year with nearly 80 mosque attacks nationwide.

This mosque also happened to be the place of worship for Omar Mateen, who gained notoriety as the man responsible for the Orlando mass shooting, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

On the same day, rocks were thrown at a New Hampshire mosque while worshippers were inside.

CAIR has called for a federal inves-

tigation into these incidents.

“In light of the hostile political climate impacting the American Muslim community, and because of the spike in hate crimes and threats targeting Muslims and their institutions, we urge federal law enforcement authorities to add their resources to the investigation to help bring the perpetrators to justice and to establish a motive for this disturbing crime,” said CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry in response to the New Hampshire mosque attack. Little effort has been shown by federal law enforcement.

In many cases of hate crimes, but specifically those involving hatred for Islam, the motive of the crime will often be argued as the result of a criminal’s personal opinions rather than acknowledging the existence of a widespread prejudice against Islam, such as the case of the attack on the Florida mosque.

Many reporters of the incident are using their platform in the media to debate whether it was an act of hate or arson, rather than acknowledging this is an argument of intent versus impact, and the damage has already been done regardless of motive.

The first step towards a solution to this issue is awareness, and the next is action.

The 2016 elections are chance to take that action.

Too attractive to teach? look, the physical appearance of women has been nitpicked by American culture.

If a woman is too skinny, she needs to gain weight. If she is deemed too big, she needs to lose weight. If she is too muscular, society criticizes her for not be feminine enough. If she is skinny, she’s

Naaman Hightower Staff Writer

W

ho says you can’t look good and be a teacher?

We all remember that one “hot” teacher we had in middle school or high school.

Nowadays, it seems you can actually get in trouble for being too curvy and attractive.

Patrice Brown, a teacher from Atlanta, has come under fire for being a “distraction” to her students for her apparel choices.

America seems to want to know if her attire is inappropriate for the classroom, but is that the real issue?

Part of the issue is the gender bias placed on women.

Men usually aren’t called out for having sexual or distracting parts that can be viewed in the professional world, while women are quite the opposite.

From “cat-calling” to having their worth placed on how they

If she wore a giant pillow case, it would be seen as seductive in some way. “normal.”

What happens when she is too curvy? Should she should be fired and get publicly shamed for her figure?

Women just can’t seem to win in America. If Brown wore a giant pillow case, it would be seen as seductive in some way.

A different part of the issue is race.

Brown, an African-American woman, is genetically disposed to curves; like most women in the world.

She unrightfully became sexualized and shamed for how she looks because of her physical characteristics that are because of her race. Yet, if someone of a different race wants to get lip-injections, breast implants or a nose job, they’re seen as trendy and fashionable.

Brown broke no rules under the school’s dress code policy, un-

less you deem being attractive as a major transgression.

The school in question did speak to her. However, in a “warning fashion,” about her presence on social media. Sounds like even the school knows she did nothing wrong. We need to stop nitpicking at issues like this.

Ms. Brown could easily be out making money off of her looks, but instead chose to do the most important job in the United States: teaching the future of our nation.

bossip.com

Page 4

News

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Courtesy // Connor Gibson The Sonoma State gymnasium, also known as the Wolves Den, will experience a renovation on the week of Nov. 21. The project will cost around $1.1 million

Men’s basketball to miss out on 18 home games

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Braden Cartwright Staff Writer

onoma State’s gym is getting a long overdue upgrade. This winter, the current, 47-year-old wooden bleachers will be replaced with new, state-of-the-art bleachers. Construction will begin the week before Thanksgiving, which will disrupt the basketball seasons and cause both the men’s and women’s basketball teams to play some home games elsewhere.

The project will begin the week on Nov. 21 and will be completed before the end of winter break.

For the men’s basketball team, there are seven dates and 13 games that will not be played in the gym. For the women’s basketball team, they will miss five home games.

Their season now includes just four actual home games.

Bill Fusco, the director of athletics, realizes the timing is not ideal.

“Obviously it has a big impact on the [basketball season] and obviously our first choice was to do it during the summer, but that did not work out,” said Fusco.

A contract was signed by former Sonoma State President Ruben Armiñana in late June that approved the project and gave it funding.

“This [contract signing] pushed the timing on the project back quite a bit,” said Fusco.

The project is considered a capital project, which is a publicly-funded project that helps maintain or improve a facility. For every capital project, there are certain upgrades that must be made to comply with certain rules and building codes. Bill Fusco laid out these upgrades.

“The restrooms in the lobby have to be upgraded. There is also a fire alarm system being installed inside The Wolves’ Den, and a hearing assistance system.” said Fusco.

The bleachers themselves cost about $650,000, and the entire project will cost

approximately $1.1 million. This includes all costs, including the removal of the old bleachers and building fees. The funding is coming from Sonoma State UniversityThe current west side bleachers are completely dysfunctional officials say, which has been an inconvenience to many. During basketball and volleyball games, fans can only sit on one side of the court. Last April, Seawolf Decision Day, normally held in the gym, had to be moved to four different locations. This has heightened the need for new bleachers.

“These are the original bleachers when the gymnasium was constructed 47 years ago so these bleachers will have all the upgrades in terms of railings, seating, and all those things,” said Fusco.

The new bleachers will be plastic, with a steel frame and aluminum railings. One upgrade is the addition of 449 chairs with backs to them.

The displaced home games will take place at Santa Rosa Junior College or the College of Marin. Both of these schools are more than ten miles away, and how the team will get to the games is still unclear. Also, players are concerned that there is a diminished fan presence because of the distance from the school For Mark Rigby, the head coach of women’s basketball, this project creates a major obstacle for his team to overcome. Due to construction, women’s basketball will have only four games in The Wolves’ Den this year.

“I don’t think the impact on our team having only four home games will be a very positive one,” said Rigby. “At this point, we don’t even know where we are going to practice.”

The team will be at a disadvantage because instead of playing home games where they practice, they will have to travel to an unfamiliar location.

“It’s probably not the scenario you want to draw up,” said Rigby.

The timing of the project has put the basketball teams into a certain state of turmoil, with so much still up in the air as they approach their seasons. This season begins on Nov. 11 with an away game against Western Washington University.

Class prepares students for election Kitana Gachero Staff Writer

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onoma State University political science professor Richard Hertz has been a key figure in the university’s efforts to teach students about both the political process and technicalities of the United States government.

For this fall semester, Hertz is teaching POLS 199 Introductory Topics in Political Science, a class designed to teach students about the current election.

Specifically, the class delves into the 17 statewide ballot propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot as well as campaign funding and super PACs involved in the presidential race itself.

The class aims to inform students on the process of voting, knowing the deadlines for voting and going through the specifics of the presidential race. Hertz says he plans to teach students about various voting pathways and how to register to vote.

“My goal is to make people more familiar with the

election and to overall understand the election better,” said Hertz.

Enrollment for the class is very high, which comes as a surprise to Hertz, because it does not fulfill any general education requirements. There’s about 60 seats in the class, and all of those seats were filled by the end of fall registration. According to Hertz, there seems to be a gradual increase of student enrollment as the first few weeks of the semester pass by.

Outside the classroom, Hertz conducts polls for a living. For his most recent project at Sonoma State, Hertz worked with his class to put together a survey which seeks to gauge students’ general knowledge of the election.

Hertz plans to distribute the poll to various classes - and has partnered with the STAR to have it posted on the newspaper’s web site, in order to gain a better understanding about students’ engagement with the current political process.

Hertz also teaches POLS 200, American Political System, which encompasses a broader understanding of the United States political system as a whole. He calls POLS 199 a mini or more concentrated version of POLS

NASA grant allows departments to work together Samantha Oyler Staff Writer

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onoma State University received more than $770,000 in July and $2.2 million in August.

These grants have been distributed throughout the departments for different uses to benefit the students.

The Department of Science and Technology received $200,000 grant from NASA to send out a satellite into space to measure Earths ecosystems.

“This would be our second small satellite projectthe first- T - LogoQube- was successfully launched into Earth’s orbit in November 2013 and operated for a few months,” said Department Chair Lynn Cominsky.

Cominsky said that this grant is being funded by NASA’s Undergraduate Student Instrumentstion Project program. In 2013 Sonoma State sent out their first CubeSat project into space, the LogoQube. The LogoQube was successful in measuring Earth’s magnetic fields.

The EdgeCube program is going to include stu-

dents from various departments. Students from the physics, engineering, computer science, geography and business majors will all be included in this project.

“We are fortunate to receive funding for projects that give students the chance to gain career experience,” said Jorge Bautista, junior physics and computer science major who has worked with Cominsky for some time. “I have worked with Cominsky personally for a while now, and know this project will be beneficial for all involved.”

This project allows students the hands-on opportunity they will need in their future career. The EdgeCube will be used to measure the earth’s ecosystems from space.

Sonoma State University students are partnering with Santa Clara University students to make this project happen.

“I feel that the project will truly be a learning tool for the physics department,” said junior physics and astronomy major Weston Henry. “It gets students hands on experience in college, where many people have to wait until they graduate to get such an opportunity.”

200, which focuses more on the logistical aspect of how the political system works.

“This current election is unique because of the stark difference between two major candidates, especially their difference in their political backgrounds,” Said Hertz.

He also brings up the point of how there are numerous ballot measures in this election and it’s important to educate students on how to navigate this extensive political information.

“There isn’t one direct source where young people can get information about the political process online,” said Hertz, he stressed how important it is to get young people in the habit of not only voting, but being involved in public decision making.

Hertz thinks it’s important for young people to critically evaluate information online in order to apply it to their knowledge of the political process.

“My ultimate goal as a professor is to make students more aware of how political process works, as well as to make informed decisions when it comes to participating in the political process in our Democratic society,” said Hertz.

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News

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

Literary magazine enters 21st year Sierra Straub Staff Writer Zaum (Russian): the linguistic experiments in sound symbolism and language-creation of Russian-empire futurist poets. Zaum: the Sonoma State University literary magazine.

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urrently in its 21st year, “Zaum” is an award-winning literary magazine produced by Sonoma State Students. The magazine, previously titled “Mandala” has existed at Sonoma State for over 30 years.

Students enrolled in English 368, Small Press Editing: Zaum, have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with production. It is open to all students, not just English majors.

The student-run class is broken up into three separate sections, which also serve as the three sections of the magazine-prose. The sections consist of short stories, both fiction and non-fiction, poetry and artwork.

Each section has an editor, who must submit an application and must be elected.

Professor Gillian Conoley, who serves as the head faculty adviser for the magazine, says he tries to let students have the full experience of running a literary magazine.

“I want the students to have the experience of running their own magazine without professorial intrusion,” said Conoley.

Conoley is a English professor at Sonoma State, as well as a poet in residence. An accomplished poet, she has been involved with literary publishing for over 30 years.

“I love independent literary publishing and like to provide an opportunity for students to create their own magazine both at Sonoma State and once they graduate.” said Conoley. “Literary magazines are the lifeline of literary publishing. Most great works of literature first appeared in literary magazines.”

The national magazine, ranging anywhere between 70 to 100 pages, is published each spring semester and has a different theme every year.

New Editor-in-Chief Sean Johnson, a senior English major with a concentration in literature, is holding off on revealing this year’s theme for now, but says he is excited about it.

“This year I really wanted to make sure everyone had their say in it, so we came up with multiple themes and voted on it as a class and went which the majority,” said Johnson.

This year’s final deadline is Nov. 11, with the priority deadline on Nov. 4, but Johnson encourages writers to get entries in as soon as possible. “Zaum” is open to all Sonoma State students, not just English majors.

In fact, “Zaum” receives submissions from all over the country.

Works to be published are selected by the different groups of the class. Johnson feels having multiple sets of eyes helps when it comes to selecting, as different people have different opinions.

“Not everyone likes the same things,” Johnson said.

For a submission to be published, it must fit with the theme and have not been previously published.

Prose pieces are limited to 15 pages and poetry to six pages. Aside from theme, they look for structure and diction. From there, they decide where the piece would make sense.

“As long as it flows and makes sense, it has a chance.” Johnson added.

Submissions can be workshopped as well. Zaum editors will work with the writer so their work reaches it’s full potential.

For Johnson, the best part about “Zaum” is seeing students use all of their knowledge and abilities to put towards their goal.

“A lot of the students are very determined on becoming editors. Because of that, they take what they

facebook.com Zaum celebrated their 20th anniversary last year. This year, the deadline is Nov. 11. do in this class very seriously. They’re looking at this as getting their foot in the door of becoming an editor.

To me, that is one of the most rewarding things,” said Johnson.

Johnson hopes to leave the magazine even better than he found it, but what he would really like to accomplish is just getting the word out.

“Zaum is not known widely by the school. This is an award-winning magazine that no one, outside of English students, really knows about,” said Johnson. “I want people to know the magazine, that’s the biggest thing right now.”

Submissions for the 21st edition of “Zaum” can be sent to zaummag@gmail.com.

STEVENSON: Repairs not related to asbestos Continued from Pg. 1

Students can expect the construction to make some noise, which may be distracting during classes, but precautions are being taken to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum.

“For the roof project there will be some noise from the removal of the existing roofing material. A section of the quad sidewalk near the South West corner of Stevenson will remain blocked off to foot traffic during construction,” said Duke.

“The contractor will move material back and forth to the staging area near the south west corner of Stevenson, but must not block the fire lane with unmanned parked equipment for safety reasons,” he added.

Stevenson has also come under scrutiny recently after asbestos was found in the building.

Asbestos testing took place earlier this year.

Since the testing was completed, the building has returned to business as usual for most students, faculty and staff.

Duke says that this construction project was not at all affected by the recent asbestos controversy.

Professors who teach classes in Stevenson Hall were advised in the email outlining the project to keep all

windows closed to try to muffle the noise from the construction, as well as to ensure that dust does not get inside the classrooms.

Hillary Homzie, a lecturer for the Communications Department, teaches a journalism class on Thursday afternoons, which meets on the second floor of Stevenson Hall.

“So far the work hasn’t affected my afternoon class, which I’m grateful for,” said Homzie.

Homzie contrasted the noise from the construction to the noise of standard campus maintenance.

“Frankly, the leaf blower was louder. While I was lecturing, I felt like I couldn’t hear my own thoughts,” said Homzie.

Homzie, a first-year professor at Sonoma State University, made sure to note how she appreciates how beautiful Sonoma State’s campus is and how much effort goes into making sure the campus looks its best.

Students reacted differently to the construction, with some finding it bothersome and others considering it a manageable, necessary evil.

“The noise from the construction can be disruptive during class; it can make it difficult to hear the professor talk,” said Jamie Crosbie, a senior communications major enrolled in Homzie’s class.

The construction is expected to be finished by Oct. 2.

INTERIM: No date for announcing permanent replacements Contined from Pg. 1

John Welty will be a special advisor to Sakaki on a temporary, part-time basis. Welty is the president emeritus at CSU Fresno and will be working on how to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Green Music Center and the university.

“Facilities such as Weill Hall are among the best in the country,” said Welty. “I think the facility has an opportunity to provide exceptional opportunities to students and faculty and serve the region and beyond.”

Courtesy // Sonoma State University Interim Provost Jeri Echeverria spoke at the annual fall Convocation.

Peter Smits, former vice president emeritus at CSU Fresno, has taken over as the vice president for advancement.

There is no timetable for when permanent positions will be appointed to replace the interim administrators.

STAR // Sara Wildman The Sonoma County Water Agency is preparing for massive flooding for various parts of the county amid the extreme drought throughout the state of California.

Sonoma County officials prepare for massive floods Sam Evans Staff Writer

D

espite heavy rainfall last year, California is currently in a state of drought. However, the Sonoma County Water Agency is focusing its efforts on preparing for massive flooding within the next few years.

This may seem counterintuitive, or even paranoid, but as climate scientists learn more about the weather history of California, it seems that preparing for the unexpected may be a wise idea after all.

“California has a volatile sense of rain abundance. Some periods of two to five years are fairly wet, while some are fairly dry.” said Sonoma State University Environmental Studies and Planning lecturer John Isom.

According to Isom, California’s weather is continually oscillating between periods of several rainy years, and periods of several dry years. California is currently experiencing an extended dry spell, but soon, the climate has been predicted to revert to a succession of rainy years.

As the effects of global warming gradually increase the temperature of the region, Isom explained that both the dry and the wet weather paradigms are likely to become longer and more extreme.

It makes sense to think that the warming of the climate will contribute exclusively to the severity of the dry periods, while lessening the rainfall of the wet periods.

However, Isom explained that when air is warmer, it has the capacity to hold more moisture. Therefore, the warming of

the climate is predicted to amplify both the rainy weather, and the dry weather in California. “[The weather] is going to intensify in terms of volatility and therefore uncertainty, under most climate models,” said Isom.

“So 10, 20, or 50 years from now, we are highly likely to have greater unpredictability of how much rain we can expect. Two to five-year periods of less rain might extend to three to seven, and for a state with nearly 40 million people, that’s consequential.”

Flooding is still a common problem for Sonoma County, despite the lack of substantial rainfall over the past few years.

The Russian River is especially prone to flooding. Many recorded floods in the past have shown this. One of the most well known examples is the Valentine’s Day flood of 1986, where the banks of the Russian River rose to swallow many stores and houses in the surrounding area. However, there have been countless smaller incidents of flooding in the same area since then.

As the weather is driven toward harsher extremes in the coming years, it is the responsibility of the county’s infrastructure to prepare for such flooding.

“One of the challenges that we face is not just outlier, extreme storms where we get more rain than we’ve ever recorded in the past 150 years in a day, but that those kinds of extreme events are likely to become more common.” said Isom.

The possibility of an increase in the frequency of extreme storms has prompted officials such as the Sonoma County Water Agency to begin looking for solutions in advance. The agency hopes to minimize damage caused by flooding in the future.

Page 6

Arts

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

The Avett Brothers bring the blues

STAR // Sara Wildman The Avett Brothers are a well known blues and folk band from Greenville, North Carolina. Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon took the stage at the Green Music Center on Thursday, bringing with them honey-sweet tunes and matching the energy of the audience. The band played hits new and old, like “Ain’t No Man,” “Live and Die” and “I and Love and You.”

‘Blair Witch’ terrifies audiences Marcella Richmond Staff Wrtier

Review facebook.com “South Park” premiered its twentieth season on Sept. 14, leaving audeicnes confused and disappointed.

‘South Park’ season premiere disappoints Sean Curzon Staff Writer

Review

“S

outh Park” began its twentieth season last week. The show follows the misadventures of four fourth graders Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman living in the fictional town of South Park.

It has become famous for its crude humor, along with its cut and paste style. The Comedy Central show was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

“South Park” is very satirical in nature; often mocking subjects in the news. A typical “South Park” is written and animated in one week, while most other shows take about nine months to make.

This allows “South Park” to touch upon current events in a way few other animated shows can’t. This episode definitetly touches on current events.

The premiere episode “Member Berries” satirizes about Colin Kaepernick protesting during the national anthem for the wrong-doings against African-Americans and minorities, the presidential election, online harassment, Hollywood reboots, voter apathy and nostalgia.

The episode begins with the local media speculating whether the sole black member of the elementary school girls’ volleyball team would sit out the national anthem. The media is shocked when the entire team does.

The girls reveal that they are protesting the treatment they are receiving from an online troll, who every-

one thinks is Cartman. He denies he is the troll.

Meanwhile, congress decides to address the protesting of the national anthem by getting J. J. Abrams to reboot the national anthem.

Mr. Garrison, who is running against Hillary Clinton for the presidency in “South Park,” starts to panic when he realizes he doesn’t have any plans if he wins.

Back in South Park, Randy discovers the residents of the town are using member berries; talking grapes that when eaten, help the user remember the old days.

This episode is setting up a season long arc, which is something the writers have been exploring over the more recent seasons. Unfortunately, by mixing current events over several subplots, dilutes whatever message the writers want to get out.

The writers seem to just be throwing in anything that has happened since the last season ended. “Member Berries” fails to really say anything about the subjects they are talking about.

The episode was so focused on setting up the season, it forgot to tell its own story. While a few of the jokes got a chuckle, the episode lacks focus.

Which is a shame because “South Park” has delivered some of the most biting satire over its 20 years.

The show is known for its crude and surreal humor, but also being able to voice something about politics, religion, pop-culture and philosophy.

“Member Berries” felt like it was made with very little passion. It seems like the writers were checking off a list more than anything. The plot might build to something later in the season but for now, give it a pass.

D

uring the late 1700s, stories began to arise about the evil Blair Witch in the Black Hills of Maryland. Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick came across these legends and decided to direct a film called “The Blair Witch Project” in 1999.

The movie was a huge success and sparked the idea for the recent release of the sequel, “Blair Witch.” According to IMDB, the reason the original was such a success was because the directors told the cast the stories were true, so all of their reactions were real.

After the film was released in 1999, the cast “went missing” and the actors went into hiding for a couple months.

Sanchez and Myrick made the fictional story come to life in the most convincing and scary way possible.

If you have not seen “The Blair Witch Project,” no big deal, the sequel is easy to catch on to. The director, Adam Wingard, did a great job of incorporating the original story into it, since most people might not have seen the 1999 prequel.

The movie begins with a bit of backstory and moves slowly into the scary scenes.

Heather, the ringleader of the original “Blair Witch Project” crew, had a younger brother named James who always wondered what happened to her after her disappearance.

James, played by James Allen McCune, spent most of his life researching the legend of the Blair Witch. After finding a video on Youtube of what appears to be Heather in the same house she disappeared in, James and friends Lisa (Callie Hernandez), Ashley (Corbin Reid) and

Peter (Brandon Scott) embark on a mission to find her, entering the Black Hills for an overnight camping trip.

Immediately upon their entrance, Ashley cuts her foot relatively deep which later sparks a serious infection. As the film goes on, more eerie events begin happening.

From loud crashing noises in the forest, to stick figures popping up around their campsite, the jump scares don’t stop in this adrenaline fueled film.

Once they enter the forest, you are on the edge of your seat for the rest of the movie, jumping and screaming-every second.

Wingard made the film from Lisa’s point of view as she’s making a documentary about James and his story. The camera work was shaky, but intended to be that way. Wingard is also known for his other horror films such as “V/H/S,” “You’re Next” and “The Guest.”

The actors were definitely cast well.

These up-and-coming stars did a great job portraying terror.

McCune did a fantastic job in his performance and was very convincing.

This movie is interesting because most horror films take place in a house, not in the woods.

In an interview with Digital Trends, McCune said,” We were able to shoot longer in Vancouver (BC). We were in the southern tip of it [original shooting location in Maryland]. We had to find the most paring part and shoot in those woods to match the original.”

One can appreciate the director’s dedication in finding woods to match the same movie made in 1999.

Horror films are not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you are a fan of the original film, then this is a must see. No matter what was happening, one cannot sit still and leave their eyes open for too long without being scared. Besides the slow pickup of the film, it was definitely enjoyable.

facebook.com “Blair Witch” is a sequel to the cult classic “The Blair Witch Project.” The film made $765 thousand its opening weekend.

Entertainment

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

Page 7

‘American Horror Story’ checks out of hotel and heads to Roanoke County Kendall Grove Staff Writer

Commentary facebook.com Usher released “Hard II Love” on Sept. 16.

Usher proves he’s still relevant with ‘Hard II Love’ Noe Felix Staff Writer

Review

U

sher has spent the better part of the last decade being one of the biggest R&B artists in the world.

However, many die-hard fans of Usher would argue most of that decade was met with mundane and mediocre music. No one can blame them, Usher’s “Confessions” really put Usher at the forefront of R&B and was an impeccable album that stands as Usher’s best.

Since “Confessions,” fans have been wanting a project from him in the same vein. They want “Confessions 2,” however, what they don’t understand is it will never happen.

In the years since, music has changed, especially R&B. Usher has grown into a different artist, one that blurs the line between pop and R&B. “Hard II Love” is a reintroduction of Mr. Raymond into the modern age of R&B and it’s oh so good.

“Hard II Love” has something that his previous two albums, “Raymond v Raymond” and “Looking 4 Myself,” never had. Focus. Both albums were a sporadic mess sprinkled with some gems. Usher was too focused on trying to appeal to multiple audiences at once, that he fell short of what truly matters, making great music.

“Raymond v Raymond” and “Looking 4 Myself” covered too many genres at once which caused both albums to not have a sense of self. “Hard II Love” knows what it is, an R&B album for the new times. An album that proves Usher can still be relevant in a time where Kehlani and Bryson Tiller reign.

This album has no ventures into dubstep, pop or house. Usher has focused on delivering a concrete body of work that

has been his best since 2004’s “Confessions.”

People tend to forget how wide and how flexible Usher’s vocal range is. He’s able to switch from silky falsetto, to fast singsong and grand runs with ease. All of the tracks take advantage of his versatility.

With his voice, Usher can have someone feeling heartache, and in another minute, have someone feel ready to hit the dance floor.

This album finds Usher venturing into new territory. Songs like “Let Me” and “Downtime” find him doing singsong in the style of Bryson Tiller and Drake.

However, while some artists fall flat on this sort of style, Usher does it with his own flare. His smooth voice gives it a style all its own. “Let Me” stands as one of the best tracks because of the way Usher carries the song in singsong. The way he uses his voice will sure remind long time fans of his “Nice & Slow” verse.

“No Limit” finds Usher dabbling in Trap n’ B. Over booming bass and hihats, Usher makes them say “uhhhhh” on a track filled with lyrics about spending endless cash on his woman, with Young Thug stopping by to rap about how “You finer than wine/ baby girl I ain’t lyin’.”

It’s common knowledge that Usher makes some of the best bedroom jams in the business. Unfortunately, there is only one on the album.

“Tell Me” is sure to make clothes come off with its airy/tribal-ish feel. “Tell Me” has the best vocal run I have ever heard from Usher. As the song begins to build up and reach its crescendo, he sings, “I want to hold you till I can’t feel again/ Until your soul lets me in/ Tell me you want to make love.”

“Hard II Love” is filled with sleek production and great tracks. It feels like Usher has finally honed in on what he’s meant to do.

Usher is an icon, one that has helped shaped the R&B artists of today. “Hard II Love” proves that Usher still has the voice to make your booty go “clap.”

S

ince “American Horror Story” aired in 2011, viewers have been fascinated with the dark, macabre themes of the show. Ryan Murphy, cocreator and writer of the show, has allowed viewers to get up close and personal with some of their worst nightmares.

Murphy kept the promotions for season six vague enough so the theme reveal was a surprise. He even released six different trailers for season six, teased at the various possibilities and rumors of the theme.

This was the first season to not release a subtitle before the premiere. Since “American Horror Story” has already involved a murder house, an asylum, a coven, a freak show and a hotel, the possibilities were endless for season six.

Last Wednesday when the first episode premiered, viewers discovered that the theme was “My Roanoke Nightmare,” which is based on the 1590’s disappearance of the Roanoke Colony.

In a brief history, Roanoke was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh because Queen Elizabeth I wanted a permanent settlement.

The colony was struggling with relations to the local tribes so John White, governor of the colony, had to leave to return to England to ask for assistance. He left late in 1587 but was not able to return to the colony until 1590. The settlement is now referred to as the Lost Colony because when White returned, he found the settlement abandoned.

There was no sign of a struggle or battle.

The word “Croatoan” was carved into a post at the settlement and this is said to be the only clue.

In the first season of “American Horror Story” the word “Croatoan” also appeared

in a story as told by a psychic. The psychic claimed the spirits of the colonist who died there haunted Roanoke and the local tribes.

Season six of “American Horror Story” seems to be formatted differently compared to other seasons. The first episode read more like a documentary. It follows Shelby (Lily Rabe) and Matt Miller (Andre Holland) as they move from Los Angeles to Roanoke Island, North Carolina. The frames switch from Matt and Shelby talking to a camera, to what feels like reenactments. Different actors play Shelby and Matt in the reenactment, which leads to some confusion as a viewer.

The season six premiere was very different from some of the past season premieres. While the season five premiere was filled with dramatic gore, season six focused on setting the scene, which made it more chilling to watch. Murphy had told Entertainment Weekly this season would be “more rogue” and “dark.”

The paranormal documentary style the show has adopted makes the situations feel more personal. The main characters are talking to the camera, making the show seem realistic.

If that isn’t enough to keep you up at night, just make sure to pay close attention to the title slide that says, “The following story is based on true events.”

Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Denis O’Hare, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Wes Bentley and Cheyenne Jackson will be returning to the show as main characters.

Lady Gaga is expected to join the season six cast, but her character has not been introduced yet. Both Matt Bomer and Finn Wittrock will also be recurring characters in season six.

“American Horror Story” season six episodes will be premiering on FX on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. and if you live on campus at Sonoma State University, you can access Xfinity on campus and watch the show by logging in with your Sonoma State account.

facebook.com Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. play the unlucky couple Shelby and Matt in season six of “American Horror Story.”

Combining humor, satire and sensitivity through printmaking Karlee Budge Staff Writer

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ringing a unique twist to traditional art, 23-yearold Zoe Brester-Pennings shows us a style of artwork many are not familiar with. BresterPennings finds her passion in a different style of artwork called printmaking.

“Printmaking is transferring an image through any sort of media, through wood, or intaglio, which is carving something out,” said Pennings. “There’s also screen printing and lithography, there’s a lot of different variations to print making. It’s very complex.”

Before transferring to Sonoma State University, Brester-Pennings dedicated her last four years to studying at Santa Rosa Junior College. Her hometown, Healdsburg, serves as a convenient commute to both campuses, but she decided to transfer to further her art education.

Naturally, Brester-Pennings is majoring in art studio with an emphasis in printmaking.

Bester-Pennings commented on the fact that the art of printmaking holds a lot of history behind it. It has been used to make books for many centuries, and any sort of media such as posters, flyers and more.

Brester-Pennings has not always been a printmaking fanatic. Her love for printmaking began last fall when she enrolled in an intermediate etching and wood class at Sonoma State. Before printmaking, Brester-Pennings enjoyed painting and drawing.

“Printmaking is essentially like drawing,” said Pennings. “If you can draw, then you can do printmaking.”

Brester-Pennings thoroughly enjoys the uniqueness that printmaking brings to the table.

“With print, you can make additions and you can print multiples of something you’ve created, instead of drawing just one piece,” said Brester-Pennings.

She also gained inspiration to pursue printmaking

during a presentation by “Drive by Press,” a printmaking studio based out of New York. Their demonstration of the use of a press and how to make wood cuts really caught her eye.

Brester-Pennings exudes a sense of excitement and pure passion when she discusses aspects relating to her artwork. One can tell this is something she really enjoys.

When asked what messages she tries to portray through her art, Brester-Pennings commented that the best way to describe her style of art is “satirical.” Her art is humorous and her attitude towards things is shown throughout her work.

“Zoe knows how to combine both humor and sensitivity in a very sophisticated way in her art,” said Tyler Rosales, a fellow art student and friend.

What is unique about Brester-Pennings is she does not look towards other artists so much for inspiration as she does her environment, surroundings and everyday life experiences. One artist Brester-Pennings admires is Chuck Close, a photorealist who believes “inspiration is for amateurs.”

Brester-Pennings began creating art in her early childhood, after being exposed to comic books and copying drawings that stood out to her while reading through them. She explained that she simply just “had a knack for it.”

She was fortunate enough to be raised by two extremely supportive and encouraging parents, who to this day are behind her in whatever decision she decides to make regarding her passion for art.

“I am constantly in awe of her,” said her father William Pennings.

In 10 years, Brester-Pennings sees herself living in Chicago or Portland, teaching art at a high school or college level, while still managing to continue creating and selling art of her own. Something she hopes to accomplish is to make enough money off selling her art so she can support a comfortable lifestyle.

Brester-Pennings made sure to stress art is not an easy major like most people tend to assume. It takes just as much work ethic and preparation as any other time consuming major does. She spends a lot of long days and nights in the art department, which confirms the amount of dedication required to stay ahead within the competitive art world.

Brester-Pennings described the art department as a small community and a small family.

“Everyone is really close with each other, but you kind of have your cliques,” said Brester-Pennings. “You have the 3D people, the sculpture people, painters and printmakers. Painters and printmakers don’t always get along.”

Brester-Pennings loves working in her studio and has a hammock that she sets up outside when she wants to relax and get a bit of fresh air, or just to catch up on some reading.

COURTESY // Zoe Brester-Pennings A woodcut made by Zoe Brester-Pennings titled “Praise Buscemi.“

Page 8

Student Life

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Student volunteers assist community farm

STAR // Lindsay Huffman At various locations on Saturday, students from Sonoma State University gathered to serve the community around them. Penngrove’s Darling Farms was one of the locations selected to host the volunteers, along with area benefitting Habitat for Humanity and Daily Acts.

Outdoor workout class gets students dancing Jenna Qualls Staff Writer

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nMotion classes, available at the Sonoma State University Rec Center, have become increasingly popular over the years. Some free and open classes are being offered outside to attract people to see what InMotion has to offer, including Zumba and yoga in Seawolf Plaza.

There are a variety of different classes offered such as cardio kickboxing, spin, core flex, deep stretch and many others. The classes are taught by students who have their certification in personal training/instructing, This gives students confidence that they are learning from a credentialed professional.

Every Thursday, InMotion classes are offered outside of the Student Center for free until the end of September.

“It’s in a great location since people are always coming by at lunch-time, so many will stay and watch. After the class

is done outside people want to get out of the heat, but we do have a lot of people stop and ask what is going on,” said InMotion Coordinator Amaijah Summers.

“I think what we have here is a special program because we take the time to make fun knowledgeable classes. I want people to be drawn in to see what we offer,” said InMotion Instructor Bria Gabor.

“Last semester there was misknowledge since many students didn’t know what we had to offer. People feel they need certain experience to come, but that’s not the case,” Gabor said.

The class in Seawolf Plaza on Thursday was a hit. The speakers had music playing loud, naturally intriguing to everyone walking by. Although the sun was beaming on the Zumba dancers, students had to stop and see what was going on.

“Since the class is done outside with super loud music and with a headset, it gives it the flash mob mentality. When people see us out there they want to join.

My goal is to have someone join us outside and continue coming when the class-

STAR // Bryce Dowd Outdoor InMotion classes, available every Thursday in September for free, allows students to experience different and unique workouts. es are inside the Rec,” Zumba Instructor Megan Cooper said.

Students can take advantage of the classes because there is a wide variety to target exactly the kind of workout a student might be looking for. These classes

are just four dollars each, or $44 for the whole semester. This allows students to attend any class they like multiple times.

InMotion classes are offered in the morning, lunchtime and evenings for 10-12 weeks during the semester.

Apple drops iPhone 7, and headphone jacks Alex Randolph Staff Writer

Commentary

I

t seems as though it’s a normal part of September now.

Alongside the school year starting again, and ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ coming and going with little fanfare. There is now a new annual event - people crowding around their nearest electronics store for Apple’s newest iPhone.

This year was no different, as Apple fans and tech geeks across the globe swarmed stores Friday to either purchase or pick up their order for the iPhone 7 and/or iPhone 7 Plus, the newest member of Apple Inc.’s multi-billion dollar family.

Seeing how most stores sold out in hours, you or someone you know either already has or is waiting for their version of Apple’s newest toy. But those readers who are not diehard fans of Apple, and already have a smartphone of their own, have a very important question; is there a pressing need to get a new iPhone at all?

There’s not a lot different with the new iPhone compared to the old one. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S were already excellent, if the user reviews are to be believed. True, Apple’s newest software update, iOS10, comes with the phone, which got good reviews from websites such as Engadget, praising the new system for it’s numerous small changes that make for a more convenient experience. But there’s nothing stopping you from downloading the operating system to your older model iPhone, so it’s hardly a sales feature.

Some changes to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus include new water resistance, a longer battery life, expanded memory and a better camera. There has also been some praise for having a faster processor, although you may not notice if you don’t play a lot of games or watch videos on your smartphone. For the most part, these all work fine - a longer battery life and bigger memory is something all phones could use more of, and the water resistance is long overdue.

The iPhone 7’s camera is only slightly improved, capable of taking better low-light images, but the iPhone 7 Plus comes with dual rear cameras, making it capable of putting two pictures together to create different effects, such as an extra zoom.

However, there is some concern that the extra battery life and memory claim is misleading. According to Vaughn Lewis, a Verizon employee who tested the iPhone 7, the device doesn’t come with iOS 10 installed.

“I feel like the battery’s going to be great on it,” he said, “until you install iOS 10, and that’s going to take a lot of installation space off the phone itself.” And that could negatively affect the battery life as well.

If you’ve been following the news at all, you probably already know the biggest problem people have with the iPhone 7 is the total lack of headphone jack.

While steps have been made to accommodate for this, such as an included headphone adapter and bluetooth functionality, there have been complaints that plugging in the adaptor and the headphones creates unnecessary busywork.

More importantly, you can’t charge your phone and listen to music at the same time, since the adaptor plugs into the charger slot, and bluetooth functionality requires spending more money on top of what you already spent for a new phone. It’s also worth mentioning that the home button this time isn’t actually a button, but a solid circle that reacts to a press of your finger. If you’re wearing gloves or have a strip of cloth in between, the home button won’t register it. While not a bad change on its own, since there’s something to be said about lowering your chances of accidentally switching off your phone, there have been complaints about the unfamiliarity of the new design CNET mentioned in an article that it was quite an adjustment for them.

So, should you get the new iPhone? Well, if you don’t have an iPhone 6 or 6S and want to support the company, then yeah - by all accounts it’s still a good phone.

However, if you already have an iPhone 6S, perhaps the best thing you can do right now is wait - the iPhone 6 is a great piece of tech already, and the incremental improvements in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus may not be enough for you to get the new one.

Let the feedback from the actual customers come first, and decide from there.

Student Life

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

Deaf model creates lasting impact

I

Tyler Heberle Staff Writer

mages flash by without the softest peep to accompany them—this is a daily reality for the deaf. Those who can hear may have a hard time imagining a life with no noise, and wondering how the hearing-impaired cope with their condition.

Both the hearing and the deaf received a bit more insight about life without sound Sept. 14 at Sonoma State University. Nyle DiMarco, a model and deaf activist, spoke in the Student Center Ballroom about his life as a deaf man.

DiMarco made one thing clear, he doesn’t mind his deafness one bit.

“I love being deaf, honestly,” DiMarco said in American Sign Language. “I don’t regret it; not one day have I regretted it.”

In recent years, DiMarco has made notable splashes in the public eye. He was the second male contestant ever to win “America’s Next Top Model,” took home the Mirrorball trophy in the most recent season of “Dancing with the Stars,” and even spoke at Hillary Clinton’s 20th Annual National Dinner on Sept. 10.

But DiMarco chose to start his speech by describing his more humble beginnings. He was born into a deaf family in Queens, New York—his parents, grandparents and two brothers also share his condition. Since DiMarco was used to interacting with other deaf people, he said he struggled at an early age with learning to speak and use hearing aids at Lexington School & Center for the Deaf.

“The teachers were hearing, and a lot of people had transferred in from a lot of other countries…a lot didn’t necessarily sign, and I grew up in a deaf family, so it was very difficult to learn,” DiMarco said.

Texas School for the Deaf, which DiMarco began attending at age eight,

gave him the opportunity to learn through sign language with deaf students and teachers, he said. Since he thrived in this type of environment, DiMarco went at the age of 18 to Gallaudet University, initially with the hope of learning to teach deaf children. Shortly before his graduation, DiMarco decided to travel the world for a few months. After returning from his travels, he applied for a position as a deaf student recruiter at Gallaudet, but was then contacted by “America’s Next Top Model” to become a contestant.

DiMarco said that he preferred his subsequent experience on “Dancing with the Stars.” While he was on this show, one of his dance numbers involved a brief sequence where the music was removed to replicate the deaf experience for the audience. DiMarco said he felt he was able to make a huge impact, showing what deaf people go through daily with through his participation in the show.

“This is the reason why I wanted to be on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” DiMarco said. “It wasn’t about winning, it wasn’t about being on TV, it was about making an impact, and also raising awareness that being deaf is cool.”

Richard Senghas, a Sonoma State anthropology professor who teaches sign language and signing communities every other school year, attended the speech. He said that he thought DiMarco did a good job highlighting what deaf people experience for those without prior knowledge on the subject.

“He’s really good at talking [with sign language], the way he mixes both the inspirational ‘We can do stuff,’ but also highlighting the challenges…I think it’s a really nice opening,” Senghas said.

DiMarco’s message also reached Sonoma County citizens not enrolled at Sonoma State. Tyler O’Brien, a hearing Santa Rosa Junior College student who found out about the event in his ASL

Facebook.com Despite being deaf, Nyle DiMarco has found major success in the extremely competitive industry of modeling. class, said he was inspired by DiMarco’s positive message of language advocacy.

“I think his goal… not focusing on problems that deafness can bring, more focusing on the positives, I kind of draw a similar correlation with being in a wheelchair,” O’Brien said. “Being disabled, you have a different view of the world, a different perspective…to have a more positive one I think is very important.”

Beyond his public speaking and television appearances, DiMarco has promoted deaf activism through Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids, a national movement partnered with his Nyle DiMarco Foundation. The organization raises money and spreads awareness for the necessity of teaching language, often American Sign Language, to deaf children before they

begin kindergarten, according to Public Relations Director Julie Rems-Smario.

“LEAD-K is honored to have as our celebrity spokesperson Nyle DiMarco, who is a genuine and profound gentleman,” Rems-Smario said. “He is our champion to end language deprivation of deaf kids to get them kindergartenready.”

Senghas said he thinks deaf students should have proper educational resources available beyond the elementary school level. Though deaf Sonoma State students have access to interpreters through Disability Services, the university should offer even more programs for deaf students, he said.

“It takes a commitment, and we would probably have to work with the Deaf community to figure out how to get that started,” Senghas said.

New communications professor, a passionate addition Tuesday, Sept. 20

Thursday, Sept. 22

Celebrating STEM Femenist Lecture Diversity Series 11 a.m.

12 p.m.

Darwin Quad Stevenson 1002 IFC Bid Night 7 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom A Wednesday, Sept. 21 Women of Color Collective 12 p.m.

The HUB ASP Presents Open Mic Night 8 p.m.

Lobo’s

Saturday, Sept. 24 Chris Young 7:30 p.m.

Weill Hall and Lawn Sunday, Sept. 25 Shanghai Nights 2 p.m.

Weill Hall

Amanda Buth Staff Writer

L

ecturer of communication and media studies, Hillary Homzie is not a typical professor. Starting her first semester here at Sonoma State University, Homzie’s unfamiliar face draws student interest and curiosity.

“I really enjoy teaching. It gives me a lot of joy and I’ve always had in mind [that] I would enjoy teaching undergraduates at this school,” Homzie said. “I like the size and the campus. It’s very balanced and [after] living in Napa for 18 years, Sonoma State is a great location.”

An instructor for COMS 210, Web and Print Journalism, Homzie is well equipped to educate students on writing for the media.

Born and raised in Virginia, Homzie travels every summer to her alma mater, the University of Virginia, where she said she feels joy teaching graduate students.

“Undergraduates is such a dynamic age, because by the time you are a junior or senior you are really putting yourself in the right path making huge decisions. ‘Questioning who am I?’ ‘What kind of career do I want?’” Homzie said.

“As a freshman and sophomore you’re kind of looking at everything because everything is possible. It’s a very exciting age to teach, I get the chance to sort of watch students learn a path that already excites them or maybe they are seeing a new path for the first time,” Homzie said. “That’s why I love teaching this class, it gives students the many career opportunities to choose from.”

Students that are taught by Homzie at Sonoma State notice the unique qualities she posseses.

“I would have never known this was her first year teaching at Sonoma State. She seems very confident and most of all passionate. She is one of the most unique professors I’ve had from the way she uses her past experience as a forensics analyst to speaking in a completely different language,” senior Savanah Prichard said. “I feel like I’ve learned so much already and it’s only been a month into the semester.”

Her passion for writing is obvious to any student that observes the way she teaches.

Homzie has written different forms of communication work throughout her life.

“I came into professor Homzie’s class pursuing fashion magazine writing, but now

that I am learning all other styles of writing, I am open to following a different path,” junior Amber Rodarte said.

Homzie’s work experience is endless. Just 10 minutes into an hour-long interview she had a lot of insight in the work industries. The variety of positions she took on helped develop her confidence to adventure into undiscovered territory.

Homzie has had a multitude of jobs, some of which include working as a news reporter and as a news director for a small market radio station. Homzie has also worked as a public relations director for a Pennsylvania ballet company and as a publicist for the oldest hospital in the country, also located in Pennsylvania.

Surprisingly these aren’t her most notable accomplishments. Her own projects include her publishing seven fiction and two non-fiction books.

She tells of her excitement when she was allowed the rare opportunity to be a creative consultant, working with producers as they turned one of her children’s books into an animated children’s show. Homzie enjoys writing so much, she even blogs on the side, mainly about her interviews with other authors.

The closest contact to fame was her connection to actress Betty White. Both experts on blogging, they were the only two women blogging on the same subject of literacy and the importance of reading to children.

Homzie reminisced on one memory in particular that not only changed her as a person, but also affected the way she viewed the workforce. Immediately after graduating from high school, Homzie began writing for her college newspaper. She was so eager to start writing, waiting for summer to end was not an option.

Her dedication showed through the extensive emails she sent and her initiative of actually arriving at the newspaper, spending long hours writing a story. She recalls this moment in her life as one of the greatest gifts to herself.

“This was the first time I didn’t follow the specified guideline. I didn’t wait for my engraved invitation, I showed up with no permission. I feel if anyone is excited about something you don’t need to wait. And if one paper says no, find another,” Homzie said. “Trust that if you’re enthusiastic you’re going to find someone else who’s going to be excited and grateful for your enthusiasm. If you’re eager to learn there will be people ready for you.”

Page 10

Sports

Sept. 20 - Sept. 26, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves sweep Gators in straight sets Andrea Sims Staff Writer

I

n the chilly fog of the San Francisco State University Swamp, the Seawolves whipped out their dustpans and opened up their first conference game with a sweep.

Sonoma State University started off their first set rallying back and forth with the Gators to keep it tied, until Caiti Wiesner and Rachel Andrews broke the rally by firing in deep kills the Gators couldn’t match.

With remarkable offense from Wiesner and Andrews, the Seawolves reinforced their strength, working as a team to make critical defensive plays to hold the lead and not let the Gators sneak in more points. The Seawolves took the set 25-18.

Adrenaline still rushing from their first set, the Seawolves began the second set with solid offensive plays, taking the lead early. The Gators refused to back down, putting offensive pressure on the Seawolves.

“San Francisco had some really good plays, but what kept us focused was our control of the game. We didn’t let their good plays get in our heads and we stayed confident and composed,” said Kelsey McIntire.

Remaining confident and composed, the Seawolves completely took set two away from the Gators, 25-21.

Focused on finishing the sweep, Sonoma State charged right into the third set with forceful kills to set the tone for a win.

Feeding off the offensive energy, Emily Papale, Andrews and Wiesner each tied with a total of 11 kills throughout the entire match.

“One thing that I personally worked on during practice last week was bringing more positive energy onto the court, being more talkative with my teammates and motivating them to put forth their best effort all of the time,” Papale said.

While these three were tenacious on offense, the Seawolves knew they had a strong defense to fall back on. Libero Megan Bohorquez took away potential points for the Gators by stopping them

with a total of 15 digs.

Calan Seitz also helped put the team on her back by stopping the Gators with 12 digs.

After her phenomenal defensive game, Seitz said, “I try to work my hardest at the skills I do on the court to help the team out in any way possible. I think that if I work my hardest I will set an example for the rest of the team.”

The Seawolves ended the final set, taking the win 25-18. With an overall total of 53 kills, 3 blocks and 44 assists, the Seawolves opened up their first conference game like the defending champions they are.

Their teamwork and dedication pulled the Seawolves out of a 4-game losing streak.

“We have been working hard in practice since our tournament last weekend to get better at all our offense and defense skills which helped us get this win,” said Seitz.

The Seawolves will continue conference play against California State East Bay on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Pioneer Gymnasium, hoping to continue their success in CCAA.

Tebow time hits the diamond

Trevor Abrams Staff Writer

O

nce again we as sports fans find ourselves in the midst of Tebow-mania. The ex-NFL quarterback, Heisman trophy winner and son your parents probably wish they had, is back under the spotlight.

This time, he’s taking his shot at playing Major League Baseball. Tebow is 6 feet 3 inches of absolute muscle and power, weighing in at 245 pounds. It’s no wonder why he would want to find some outlet to display his athletic abilities.

We’ve seen this story before, when NBA hall of fame Michael Jordan quit basketball in his prime to

give baseball a shot, however his career was short lived as he only played one season of minor league ball.

Tebow held a showcase two weeks ago where 27 of the 30 Major league baseball teams were in attendance to see what the former quarterback could do on the baseball diamond, and he impressed enough to receive a contract offer from the New York Mets with a $100,000 signing bonus.

People are furious about Tebow signing a contract so easily when there are thousands of baseball players who dedicate their life to the game and never receive an opportunity like Tebow’s.

As a college baseball player myself, I say good for him, and here’s why: Tebow has earned his stripes in the athletic world, he’s shown he’s second to none as a competitor and he has the athletic abilities that seem as if they were created in a lab. So who cares if a team is willing to take a gamble on him? Sure, his swing is a little stiff, he looked awkward in the outfield and he’s still got a lot of work to do on his throwing motion but they don’t expect him to be a major leaguer right away.

Do I think that he will eventually make it to the Major leagues? Probably not.The guys is going to give it his best shot and if a team is willing to let him, more power to them. Plus, he’s going to sell tickets. Wherever he is playing in the minor leagues, tickets are go-

Men’s soccer split weekend match-ups Tatiana Serrano Staff Writer

S

onoma State University hosted No. 23 ranked Cal Poly Pomona Broncos Friday, demonstrating a timely win after tying with Azusa Pacific a week prior.

The Seawolves were able to shut down the Broncos with a 2-1 win in their conference opener.

The team was ready to pounce from the whistle, and within the fourth minute the Broncos were called for a handball violation, leading Joshua Sanchez to score his penalty kick. Sanchez, a junior midfielder, tallied his first career goal in this game against Cal Poly Pomona.

The second goal was tacked on by Armando Coronel after 29 minutes. Coronel was able to make his second career goal after rebounding a missed shot by Luis Mendoza. Coronel is a veteran on the team, and helped lead the Seawolves to victory.

“Our team is confident and well prepared going into every game, which will make us hard to beat,” said Coronel.

The fields were filled with an intense energy amongst the Broncos’ and Sea-

wolves’ fan bases. This energy flowed through the players as tensions began to rise and they became more aggressive in play.

By the end of the game, the two teams were forced to only have ten players on the field instead of the typical 11 players, when each team received a second yellow card.

In the second half of the game, the Broncos bucked back when Sergi Monso was able to score against Mitch North.

“We need to get better at managing our lead [and] we got caught up trying to defend our lead instead of playing our game,” said North. “Winning a close game is a skill that we will need to improve on as the season goes on.”

Once the Seawolves are able to stay with their lead and push through the victory, the team can go far. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case on Sunday.

After a scoreless first match against Cal State San Bernardino, the Coyotes howled louder than the Seawolves and scored the only goal of the game in the 68 minute, putting Sonoma State’s CCAA record at 1-1-0.

The Seawolves look to redeem Sunday’s loss when they face off against Cal State East Bay on Friday at 7 p.m.

ing to sell. Everyone is going to want to watch Tebow take a crack at baseball and who knows, maybe he can find a way to succeed. So to all the people hating on poor old Timmy, give it a rest. There’s no reason to hate on a guy who is trying to do his best at something he has passion for.

Even American league MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson supported Tebow when he tweeted, “I love the fact @TimTebow wants to play baseball. Looks like a left handed version of Jeff Bagwell. #mlb #tebowdroppintankstime,” If the reigning MVP can support Tebow, so can you.

Hating on the guy isn’t going to do any good and regardless of anyone’s opinion, Tim found a way to sign a professional baseball contract.

Good for Tebow.

I admire his willingness to go and attempt something that people say is nearly imposible, somthing that all of us can learn a lesson from.

SPORTS SCHEDULE Tuesday, Sept. 20

Saturday, Sept. 24

Men’s Golf

Men’s Golf

CSUDH Johnson Shootout

St. Martin Invitational

Friday, Sept. 23

Women’s Volleyball

Men’s Golf

@CSUMB

St. Martin Invitational

7 p.m.

Women’s Soccer

Sunday, Sept. 25

@ Cal State East Bay

Men’s Soccer

4:30 p.m.

@ Stanislaus State 11:30 a.m.

Women’s Volleyball @ Cal State East Bay

Women’s Soccer

7 p.m.

@ Stanislaus State 2 p.m.

Men’s Soccer @ Cal State East Bay

Monday, Sept. 26

7 p.m.

Men’s Golf Western Washington Inv

STAR// Megan Corcoran Men’s soccer stands 1-1-0 in conference play after this weekend’s matchups

Sports

Sept. 20- Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

Women’s soccer off to a perfect 2-0 CCAA start Phil Baculik Staff Writer

T

STAR// Jeno Veltri Sonoma State women’s soccer opened conference play with two wins.

he Sonoma State University Women’s soccer team competed against Cal State Pomona on their home field Friday in their conference opener.

The score was tied at 0-0 in the first half until forward Katie Mohr found a way to pound in the first goal of the game after rebounding a shot by Taylor Enzler, which was def lected by Pomona’s goalkeeper. This inspired a secondary goal by Bella Amyx only nine minutes later, resulting in the final 2-0 score.

The shots on goal were favored to Sonoma State by an impressive 11-5 shots in the second half, showing dominance throughout the contest. Even though Friday’s match seemed equal, the Seawolves proved they were playing for the win on their own turf.

In the end, Allison Hadidian snatched her 11th career shutout while playing in goal. Making four crucial saves to seal the victory, Hadidian proved herself a force to be reckoned with.

Friday’s win set the tone for Sunday’s game, when the Seawolves faced the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes in the blazing 95-degree Sonoma County heat.

The Seawolves were driven in this matchup, as both teams battled for domination of the game.

Sara Van Wagoner scored the first goal of the game with a beautiful strike from the right corner penalty box, a truly legendary score for her first goal of the season.

“Being that these last two games were the first of our conference play, they were definitely big games for our team. It shows us the potential we have for the future and definitely builds momentum for upcoming games,” said Van Wagoner.

The team’s ambition was apparent, as every cut and every through ball was played with vigilance and poise.

The heat was a major factor in Sunday’s game, testing the competitive spirit of the Seawolves and making an impact on the players and fans alike.

“It was definitely hot, but I think being in Utah last weekend for preseason play was good preparation for hot days like today,” said Van Wagoner. “Our team works extremely hard in fitness to build endurance therefore I think our team was more than prepared. We did feel the heat, but I’m just proud of the way my team came out and got the win.”

The intensity of the game began to match the weather, picking up heat in the second half with a fiercely accelerated pace. The high tempo of Sunday’s game made the Seawolves’ bleacher section go crazy, while San Bernadino’s fans remained silent.

“Our team focuses on hard work and giving everything you have. With that, will come the result. We focus on taking in the coaching points in our trainings and delivering them in the games. Everyone supports one another and pushes each other to be the best they could be,” said freshman Kristyn Lerma about the team’s dynamic this season.

It’s no question these past two games have proven the will and determination of the Seawolves. Allison Hadidian started Sunday, allowing zero goals and en abling Kristen Spear to close out the sweep on Youth Soccer Day at Sonoma State.

The Seawolves leave the week behind with a perfect 2-0-0 CCAA record.

The women play Cal State East Bay on Friday, which will continue on a road trip lasting until Oct. 14 when the Seawolves return home to host Cal State Monterey Bay.

Rec center still wrecked

D

American Outlaws invade Sonoma State

Travis Adams Staff Writer ue to the harrowing reality that the campus is without basketball and volleyball courts for the time being, students have been left to question when they will get their beloved gym

back.

According to Jessica Way, Director of Student Center and Event Operations and Campus Recreation at Sonoma State University, the restoration of the Everest Gym f loor is set to commence in a few weeks, and is scheduled to be finished by late October.

Way has been the focal figure in handling Rec Center operations, and the one that has spent a significant amount of time on this issue with the Everest Gym. In May of last year, a rogue soccer ball met one of the Everest Gym’s fire sprinklers, and from this collision, water coated the entire Everest gym f loor. Engineering was phoned immediately following the incident, and the water was shut off within 30 minutes of the initial breakage. Way personally insisted her relationship with this particular incident was not a great one.

“We are not friends” she said, referring to the pipe burst.

Time could only tell what the gym f loor’s response would be to the water, whether it would or wouldn’t result in the hardwood f loor bowing. Once it was clear the hardwood f loor did indeed begin to bow, Way immediately phoned to outside sources, beginning the process of restoring the gym f loor.

Now, this is where the head-scratching, hair-pulling, f loor -stomping phase of the process reared its ugly head. At the beginning of the summer, with the ideas of what needed to be done in hand, the paperwork was drawn up.

It shouldn’t be hard for anyone to understand this is a reasonably elongated process, and without question a detailed approach was needed to be taken by all parties involved.

Since Sonoma State is a public institution, there’s a laundry list of laws and obligations the school must follow in order to carry out a project of this magnitude legally.

Work was alleged to begin in early August before​ students moved in for the fall semester, but due to a misallocation of the paperwork processing, the operation was stopped dead in its tracks.

Try not to buy the narrative that the the head of Rec Operations at Sonoma State doesn’t care about our on-campus athletic resources-- you couldn’t be more wrong. The process is complicated, but the school understands how important the courts are to athletes here.

“For face value, it looks like there is nothing physically happening, where all the work is happening right this moment is in offices,” Way said.

Those involved in the restoration understand that the moment you enter the Rec you are greeted by a cream tarp covering one of the three large entrances that reveals seemingly nothing being done to improve the state of our gym f loor.

However, the real work, to restore ground the Everest Gym is a particular topic of urgency, and if all goes to plan, Seawolves are going to have their Everest back in no time.

John Dolan Staff Writer

I

n this country, there are numerous games and events that happen everyday. Sports have earned a special place in our culture. Growing up, many children desire to become professional athletes and millions of people tune in to watch whatever game is on. However, Americans tend to overlook the sport of soccer; which happens to be the world’s most popular sport. While the rest of world cannot get enough soccer, The United States tends to prefer other sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. While people wonder where the dedicated U.S. soccer fans are, the American Outlaws have always been there.

The American Outlaws, founded by three dedicated soccer fans in Lincoln, Nebraska, started off as a group of individuals throwing viewing parties and traveling to as many soccer games as possible. Their mission is to support the United States National Soccer Teams by creating a community of local and national soccer fans who are dedicated and unified. Today, The American Outlaws have over one hundred chapters across the country. One of those chapters, American Outlaws Santa Rosa, hopes to raise excitement about U.S. Soccer in Sonoma County.

On Sunday, The American Outlaws Santa Rosa chapter was invited to Sonoma State to watch the men and women’s soccer team take on CSU San Bernardino. After the games, they held a special event match viewing party at Lobos on campus for the U.S. Women’s National Team match against The Netherlands.

“What drew me to the American Outlaws was community,” said Danny Garibay, vice president of the American Outlaws Santa Rosa Chapter. “People who were interested in something more local and something that we can all get behind.”

Before becoming vice president of the Santa Rosa chapter, Danny co-founded the American Outlaws Inland Empire Chapter in Southern

California. Once he made the move up north, he tried searching for a local North Bay chapter, but found nothing. He eventually got in contact with Mike Parks, the current president of the Santa Rosa chapter. Since then, Parks and Garibay have been recruiting more members that eventually became an official chapter, one of 189 nationally.

“With the American Outlaws, we have a large group of passionate fans in all parts of the country that show their love for US Soccer,” said Parks. “As the professional sport continues to grow here in the states, the number of people interested in the national teams will as well, especially as the major professional leagues continue to expand.”

While the game of soccer is growing in popularity, Parks recognizes that it is difficult to find people that follow the sport.

“Typically, the responses that I’ve come across are that it’s a kid’s game, that it’s only popular in other countries, or that it’s too confusing to follow.”

Parks believes that it’s the duty of soccer supporters to show people why they love the game and to teach others why they should as well. By developing an American soccer culture on a grass roots level, the chapter hopes this will help local businesses, local teams, and traveling American Outlaws tourists visit their chapter and their North Bay community.

“Being supporters of US Soccer allows us to tap into the patriotic side of people to show them that they can love the game, and show their pride of their country, as we take on opponents on the world stage,” said Parks.

The American Outlaws Santa Rosa chapter typically meets up at Third Street Aleworks in Santa Rosa for all U.S. Men’s and Women’s team matches. If you are interested in joining them, you are welcome to come watch a match with them or sign up through the American Outlaws website. You can also contact the chapter through their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Page 12

Photo

Sept. 20, 2016 - Sept. 26, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Bryce Dowd Instructor Megan Cooper lead students in an InMotion Zumba class on Thursday in the Seawolf Plaza.

STAR // Perla Alvarez Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally performed on Sunday at the Green Music Center.

STAR // Megan Corcoran Marcus Salvador, No.16, gained possession of the ball at SSU’s home game against Cal State San Bernadino.

STAR // Megan Corcoran Evan Roehrig, No. 25, kicked the ball down the field.

STAR // Megan Corcoran Marcus Salvador, No. 16, passed the ball to his teammate.

STAR // Sara Wildman The Avett Brothers performed original bluegrass songs at the Green Music Center on Thursday.

STAR // Jeno Veltri Jori Wider, No. 4, kicked the ball downfield to an open teammate on Sunday.