Volume 77 // Issue 9

In this issue:

Sports: Women’s golf places in top five at invitational. Pg. 11

Opinion: Proposition 60 an issue of public health. Pg.3 Student Life: OLLI offers no credit classes to adults wanting to expand knowledge.

Pg. 9 A&E: Alumni comic book artists found love at Sonoma State. Pg. 6

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 77 // ISSUE 9

OCTOBER 25 - OCTOBER 31, 2016

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

CSU considers $270 tuition increase Charlotte Grayson Staff Writer

A STAR // Jenna Qualls Supervisor David Rabbitt spoke with the STAR on Oct. 18. He said he hopes to see SMART special discounted fares for students.

Supervisor David Rabbitt discusses SMART delay and ballot measures Alexis Austin Staff Writer

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avid Rabbitt, one of the five supervisors representing Sonoma County, met with the Sonoma State STAR on Tuesday to weigh in on issues concerning the county such as ballot measures and propositions. Rabbitt represents the southern part of Sonoma County, including the area around Sonoma State University. His district is composed of the entire city of Petaluma, Cotati and three precincts in Rohnert Park. Rabbitt is an architect by profession and practiced for 28 years before being elected to the Petaluma City Council. Rabbitt currently serves as the director of the Sonoma County Water Agency, commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, and serves on the board of directors for Sonoma-Marin Area Regional Transit train and the Golden Gate Bridge. What follows is an edited transcript of that discussion.

STAR: How long have you been involved in Sonoma County?

Rabbitt: It’s been six years on Board of Supervisors and four years on Petaluma City Council.

So 10 total elected years. Running for supervisor is a bit of a different gig from the council because it’s a much larger organization; we are the largest employer in the county with about 4,100 total employees, 27 different departments and $1.65 billion

budget.

STAR: SMART is starting with 10 stations and then there are going to be a few added stations later in Windsor, Healdsburg and Cloverdale. Is that now pushed back because you have announced that SMART trains won’t be operating until the Spring?

Rabbitt: What we call now “The initial operating system” is a truncated version of what was envisioned way back when it first went through. It was envisioned to be 71 miles and now it’s somewhere around 49 to Larkspur. That’s what we have the money for and will complete. The piece to Larkspur was added on after the fact. That was about a $40 million add-on, $20 million through the president’s budget. That was a good thing. That’ll get added in later, the piece further north is really not there yet.

What’s not funded is to go all the way to Cloverdale. That has to be in a totally separate financial drive going forward.

STAR: Why is the SMART train being delayed?

Rabbitt: It’s a culmination of things.. As they work through the testing phase, the trains are going faster and each time they run. they have to go back and tweak the software. This was all anticipated.

We are at the place we should be at this point in time. We also have some brake issues that they are working through.

See RABBITT on Pg. 5

McKibben encourages climate action before its too late Ronald Campos Staff Writer

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s the effects of global warming run its course, the Earth we once knew has changed in fundamental ways that will never be the same, famed author, educator and environmentalist Bill McKibben told a Sonoma State University audience Oct. 18.

Record high temperatures were set in 2014, only to be smashed by temperatures in 2015. Now those temperatures are being smashed by those of 2016, he said. Earth has begun reaching such extreme temperatures that less-developed countries like the Philippines, Ethiopia, Haiti and many more places, people have started to experience such extreme droughts, storm damage and rising sea levels that they are losing their home and livelihoods.

“Ultimately, it is our fault because our daily life decisions contributed to leaving behind a greater carbon footprint and raising the temperature a little

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over one degrees celsius,” said McKibben, founder and leader of the international environmental organization 350.org. The organization was based on 2007 research that the safe upper limit of CO2 in the atmosphere to avoid a climate tipping point was 350 parts-per-million, ppm. It’s now at closer to 400 parts per million.

The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is rising at about 2 ppm every year, he said.

Meanwhile, as part of the 2009 Copenhagen accord, world leaders agree that 2 degrees celsius, or 3.6 degrees fahrenheit, was the limit that the world could tolerate in terms of temperature rise.

To stay below that level, researchers have estimated that the planet can afford to dump another 565 gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which, based on its currently accelerating rate, should occur by 2028.

But, as McKibben points out, fossil-fuel companies have roughly 2,795 gigatons of carbon sitting in their coal, oil and gas reserves. That’s five times more carbon than world leaders have

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already acknowledged that the planet cannot handle.

That is one of the reasons he and 350.org have supported protests against the Keystone XL Pipeline and the current Dakota Access Pipeline protest in North Dakota. The 1,172-mile Dakota pipeline would deliver fossil fuel from a vast underground oil deposits known as the Bakken Formation near the border of North Dakota and Canada to South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. But the world can’t afford to store up or use any more oil deposits, McKibben said.

“Unlike 25 years ago, we know what to do. Things like solar power we talked about with our fingers crossed. Engineers have done their job well, the price for solar panels have dropped 80 percent over eight years. This opens up a lot of possibilities for other countries to generate clean energy,” said McKibben.

McKibben has authored a dozen books about the environment, including his landmark publication “The End of Nature” See CLIMATE on Pg. 4

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proposal released this month by California State University Chancellor Timothy White includes every college student’s least favorite words: A tuition increase.

The chancellor is proposing an increase of $270 per student, an increase of 4.9 percent, to take effect during the 2017-18 school year.

The tuition hike is needed for a number of reasons, the chancellor explained in a recently released 13-page document.

For approximately 20 years, the number of students enrolled in the California State University system has increased, while state funding has decreased.

Since the universities are funded by allocated tax revenue and tuition, when tax revenue goes down, tuition has to increase to ensure that the Cal State system can still operate, he said.

“The CSU has two funding sources: the state general fund, provided by the state Legislature and governor, and systemwide tuition, paid by students and their families,” said California State University spokesperson Elizabeth Chapin. “Every year, the CSU requests adequate funding from the state as part of the budget cycle. As of right now, there is a $169 million gap between the CSU’s preliminary budget plan for 2017-18 and the state’s funding plan.”

The CSU system only received the funding it requested for one of those years. Altogether, this means the CSU system did not receive more than $400 million that it needed and requested over the last four years.

The $270-per-student increase was calculated to create more than $70 million in revenue for the university system. If the Board of Trustees approves the tuition increase at its January meeting, the increase would go into effect for the 2017-2018 school year.

“If the state does not fund the gap, the CSU may need to consider difficult options including reducing programs and services or an increase in tuition,” Chapin said.

The tuition increase proposal also includes a proposed budget for the year, which totals estimates of what the CSU system would spend on its expenses and how much revenue it would receive.

According to the table that outlines all of the costs and income for the year, the CSU systemneeds to increase revenue by almost $170 million in order to

pay for all expenses.

In many cases, however, the increased tuition costs may not even affect students. The tuition increase is promised to not affect financial aid, both on the state and federal level. According to the proposal, almost 80 percent of CSU students receive financial aid, and more than 60 percent of students have their tuition paid for entirely by financial aid.

According to the proposal, the California State University system has three possible options to maintain their budget: receive more money from the state, increase tuition or reduce services offered.

The first option is cited as the most ideal, but the state budget will not be finalized until June, leaving the CSU system uncertain as to how much funding it will receive until then.

Conversely, the third option is least ideal because it would ultimately hinder students’ ability to graduate on time.

“The first and highest priority to close the gap is to advocate in Sacramento for increased state funding,” said Chapin. “CSU leaders, students, and stakeholders will work with the governor and state legislative leaders to advocate for increased funding for the CSU to ensure that the university has the resources needed to continue to provide affordable, high-quality degrees to California students.”

Individual CSU campuses will have to assess how the system-wide tuition increase will affect their school and students.

“We are currently gathering input on the proposals, and students are encouraged to express their views through Associated Students,” said Nicolas Grizzle, news and information coordinator, before referring to the CSU system’s statement.

Students are concerned about what an increase in their tuition will do to their financial state both now and in the future.

“I transferred from Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall semester of 2015,” said senior communications major Kelsey Taylor. “After my two years at Sonoma, I will owe roughly $28,000 plus interest that has accumulated over time. With that sum of money hanging over my head, I am so grateful that I did not spend any more time at Sonoma State. That is not to say that I have not enjoyed my time at SSU, but I cannot even begin to imagine graduating with any more debt than I already have.

This semester I am taking 19 units just to be absolutely sure that I can graduate in spring 2017.”

COURTESY // California State University The California State University system has not had a tuition increase since the 2012 - 2013 academic year.

The Office of the Chancellor has proposed raising tuition from $5,472 to $5,742, a 4.9 percent increase.

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Page 2

Editorial

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 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 Aramal, 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, Sara 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, Jahred Nunes, Samantha Olyer, Alex T. Randolph, Marcella Richmond, Christopher Schwarz, Tatiana Serrano, Andrea Sims, Sierra Straub, Noah Michael, Lindsey Huffman

Photographers Perla Alvarez, Megan Corcoran, Bryce Dowd, Reagan Dowd, Jeno Veltri, Jenna Qualls

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: “McKibben encourages climate action before its too late” Author and envrionmental activist Bill McKibben came to the Green Music Center on Tuesday to talk about 350.org and the impact global activism has today.

Read the story on page 1

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

Law enforcement not above the law

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ccording to a recent Gallup poll, 48 percent of Americans have “some,” “very little” or no trust in law enforcement. This is the lowest rate of confidence in law enforcement the United States has seen in 22 years.

The relationship between law enforcement and the general public has been on thin ice due to recent tensions rooting in excessive use of force. But what can law enforcement offices do to alleviate the tension in these kinds of cases?

On Sept. 24, three Sonoma County deputies were called to a residence in Sonoma Valley due to a resident’s complaint about a loud argument. Once they arrived, the wife answered the door. While she was being questioned, two deputies reportedly went to find the husband. He was in his bedroom and refused to open the door.

The deputies were able to get inside the bedroom, and according to a press release by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, “the deputy ordered the husband to stand up, but the man refused. The deputy grabbed the man’s arm and the man pulled away. The deputy deployed his Taser, but it had little effect... The deputy then pulled out his baton and struck the man in the leg. The second deputy became involved and the two deputies tried to physically restrain the man on the bed... The man was able to break free and run towards the bedroom door. The primary deputy then swung his baton several times into the man’s back ... The third deputy deployed his Taser which was effective and they were able to get him into handcuffs.”

Once the struggle ended, the deputies conducted an investigation and found the incident to be a non-criminal domestic argument.

After the deputies were able to handcuff the man, he was taken to the hospital and then booked into Sonoma County Jail for threatening an officer, resisting and obstructing an officer and a battery on an officer. The names of those involved have not yet been released.

On Oct. 11, after reviewing the case, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office dropped all criminal charges against the husband. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office then started an internal investigation of the incident, including a review of the body camera footage, to which they found, “that the actions of the primary deputy were excessive for the circumstances and were in violation of our use of force policy. Our use of force policy specifically states that use of force by deputies must be reasonable and appropriate for every situation and in this case we felt this deputy’s use of force was excessive. This deputy is no longer employed by our office.”

Currently, there is an independent investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department in coordination with the district attorney which will determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the primary deputy.

“The sheriff is deeply concerned over the incident that transpired. We are conducting a thorough investigation of all deputies involved and will take prompt, firm, and appropriate actions in this matter,” the sheriff’s office

said in the press release. “We have reached out to the victim in this case and offered our sincere apology. We also want to apologize to our community... This is an isolated incident that we are proactively addressing, and does not reflect the values of the Sheriff’s Office.”

While the primary deputy should have adhered to the use of force policy in the first place, this is the kind of response law enforcement should have when excessive force is used.

Too many times in the news we have heard about case after case of cover-ups by law enforcement to protect an out-of-line officer.

Three years ago last week, 13-year-old Andy Lopez from Santa Rosa was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy. Lopez had been carrying an airsoft gun that looked very similar to an assault rifle, and because of it he lost his life.

This case has caused extreme controversy and tensions in Sonoma County, so it’s refreshing to see the Sheriff’s Office not only punish this deputy but also issue an apology to the community.

Law enforcement is a dangerous, demanding job, but it’s also one that comes with a high level of responsibility.

These are the people who are supposed to protect and serve the community, and they must be held accountable as so.

We expect the Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement offices, to continue to have high standards and enforce them in these kinds of cases.

No one should be brutally beaten and tazed in their own home for a non-criminal argument.

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

Letters to the Editor

The problem with the pipeline

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ditor: I am responding to the column about the Dakota Pipeline protest titled “Hypocritical protesting of the pipeline” that was featured in the STAR issue of Oct. 18 – Oct. 24.

The column states that the Dakota Access Pipeline is important to the economic livelihood of Americans and will lead America closer to energy independence while doing so in an environmentally friendly way.

Those are completely erroneous and naïve claims while disrespectfully calling the Standing Rock Sioux, and the many other Native American tribes protesting, “hypocritical.”

The only people who will really benefit from this pipeline are the oil companies and the banks funding the project.

The jobs created for construction will be nice for those 8,000 to 12,000 people, but are only temporary and will be short lived.

The Dakota Access Pipeline isn’t helping the U.S. to be more energy independent, in fact, it’s doing the exact opposite.

We should be turning away from using harmful non-renewable energy. With the U.S. being the No. 1 consumer for crude oil in the world, creating access to more oil will only being continuing the problem of dependency.

Imagine if the kind of money that was in-

vested into drilling and transporting oil was put into alternative sustainable energy.

Then there would be no need for conflicts like this and ones that have plagued the Middle East over the last decade.

The statement that transportation of crude oil is safest by pipeline is technically true, but it is still very hazardous.

In 2015 alone, there were 39 accounts of pipeline spillage and accidents. This has extremely detrimental effects on the environment and can completely ruin entire watersheds that provide drinking water for millions of people.

Peaceful protests of the pipeline turned violent when contracted security officers of the pipeline attacked protestors with mace and guard dogs.

Images of these dogs can be seen with bloodied mouths from attacking protesters, one of whom was a pregnant woman.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a direct threat to the environment and cultural integrity. The project has already caused the destruction of ancient burial and cultural sites.

These people live in some of the worst conditions in the nation, and we continue to treat them with neglect.

— Sean Evans Sonoma State University student

Opinion

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

Prop 60: Don’t roll your eyes, it’s for public health

Taylor Berghofff Staff Writer

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ixty-six percent of people in the porn industry have herpes. This is why Proposition 60, the Condoms in Pornographic Film Initiative, is on the ballot.

Proposition 60 would require the use of condoms during the making of pornographic films that involve intercourse and would require the producers of these films to finance checkups, tests and vaccines.

The porn industry is a business, and

the film companies should take responsibility for the health and well-being of their workers. Just as the construction industry requires helmets, the porn industry should require condoms. For a business that has such high health risks, precautions are necessary.

According to ballotpedia.org $4.9 million dollars have been raised in support of the proposition, while a mere $445,000 have been raised in opposition.

The sole contributor of the support money is the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Yet, even with so much money raised in support, polls indicate that only about 53 percent of people are in favor of the proposition.

Proponents of the proposition argue the new legislation would lead to lawsuits and would violate the privacy of the workers.

Still, compared to the threat of disease and even death that are huge risks in the porn industry, lawsuits and privacy seem irrelevant. In the industry, 100 gay and straight performers have died from AIDS and there have been 26 reported

Study reveals food insecurity for UC workers

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Proposition 60 will also require adult film producers to get state health licenses and will require notices to be posted in the filming location stating condoms are required during sexual intercourse. The porn industry is loosely regulated and enforcing these new laws would help create a future atmosphere that is more responsible and more accountable.

Food workers are required to wash their hands after using the restroom, citizens are required to wear seatbelts while operating a vehicle, cafeteria workers have to use gloves while handling food and performers of porn should be required to wear condoms.

All of these practices are in place in order to not only keep the individual safe, but to keep others safe as well.

Individuals are free to choose whether or not to use a condom or other health safety practices at home, but when working for a business precautions should be taken and regulations enforced.

This not only helps keep the performer safe but ensures the health and safety of their partner as well.

Freedom of press questioned over Dakota pipeline

J eno Veltri Staff Writer niversity of California clerical and administrative support workers have been hit hard with the reality of not getting paid a high enough salary to bring food home to their families.

In a Occidental College study, released last Monday, reported 45 percent of 2,890 employees surveyed throughout the 10 UC campus system are going hungry at times in their workplace. This has had major impacts on many employees by causing health concerns such as having to change the quality of their diet because money is an issue. The food insecurity in the UC system is higher among workers than those of students.

“This is not a handful of people who happen to be down on their luck. They need a living wage so they can afford to feed their families,” said Peter Dreier, a professor of politics at Occidental College.

UC spokeswoman Dianne Klein said they are in the starting to discuss over contract negotiations. These talks could lead to beneficial wages that could affect the future of employees and their families in the UC system.

UC President Janet Napolitano has announced that a $3.3 million effort will be added to help stop against malnutrition on campuses. This might be something that benefits students but in the end, employees still are in a battle of trying to get high enough wages to feed their families.

The other factor that could be affecting employees in the UC system are the high housing costs that make it very difficult to live comfortably.

This shouldn’t change the fact the UC board is still not supporting their employees with a secure workplace that also gives them benefits for their families. Giving back to their employees is something that the UC administration should do sooner than later. This is an issue that needs to be solved before employees start leaving their jobs or even start up protests against unfair wages.

The UC system needs to start looking into more statistics of how many of their employees are having trouble feeding their families. This is a problem that could be solved if the board would look more into higher wages or better benefits.

This little epidemic is leading towards situations where UC employees have to skip meals just to have enough money to buy their daily health medications and support their families.

Joseph Meyer, a 31-year old administrative assistant at UC Berkeley, has had to to skip breakfast and even several meals throughout the day just to have enough money to get his asthma medication.

“It becomes Top Ramen week,” said Meyer.

It’s people like Meyer who need the help of the UC system to be more reliable and effective and to make sure their employees are being taken care of for basic necessities.

It’s a situation which is taking place not only in the UC system but also throughout the country but no one has yet to speak on behalf of other universities. The UC system needs to come to a mutual agreement in the near future which helps benefit the wages of their employees, as well as making it possible to help aid their families and to overcome medical obstacles that some may face.

cases of HIV since 2004, as well as 2,396 cases of chlamydia and 1,389 cases of gonorrhea, according to Stanton Healthcare. With Proposition 60, the number of STD cases and deaths in the porn industry has the potential to dramatically decrease.

The proposition states the film producers would be responsible for not only providing the condoms to performers, but ensuring performers are wearing condoms during performance. Many don’t like this idea saying producers shouldn’t be held responsible for such a personal decision. This may be plausible in the real world but in a business there should be someone looking out for the workers and ensuring and encouraging safe practices.

Not only would the proposition protect those in the porn industry, it would protect the general public as well. There are about 40 million people who view pornography on the internet in the United States. Without proper sex safety measures, the spreading of disease and infection from the industry to the general public is greatly increased.

Travis Adams Staff Writer

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he 1,100-mile-long, $3.8 billion pipeline that’s making national headlines plans to carry almost 500,000 barrels of crude oil from the fracking oil fields of North Dakota, to Illinois and then proceed onward to the Missouri River, and into the Gulf of Mexico.

In direct protest against the plan to build this pipeline, thousands of people have f locked to resistance camps where the Dakota Access Pipeline is slated to cross under the Missouri River.

If anything were to happen to the pipeline, millions of people downstream would lose access to their freshwater supply.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, are among a reported one hundred or more tribes spanning from the upper midwest and Canada for the past six months who have taken a stand against this pipeline being built.

More than 140 people have been arrested, and there are no notable signs that number will begin to plateau.

Just this past week, Democracy Now!, one of the largest public media organizations in the

United States captured footage of pipeline guards unleashing pepper spray and attack dogs on Native American and non-native pipeline protesters standing to defend the land and the water.

The piece of footage went viral overnight, attracting more than 14 million views on Facebook alone, along with being rebroadcasted on many mainstream news outlets.

What happens next is nothing short of head scratching. Democracy Now!’s lead anchor Amy Goodman was charged with criminal trespassing for Democracy Now!’s reporting of the Dakota Access Pipeline company’s violent attack.

These protestors were exercising their right to assemble, doing everything in their power to prevent the destruction of sacred sites, including ancestral burial grounds just a few miles north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Five days later, North Dakota issued the arrest warrant. The head prosecutor, Ladd Erickson, had dropped the trespassing charge, but proceeded to file an even more ridiculous charge than the first: rioting.

When asked to explain the reasoning for arresting a working journalist, Erickson told the Grand Forks Herald that he didn’t consider Goodman a journalist. “She’s a protester, basically,” said Erickson, “Everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions.”

He later added, “I think she put together a piece to inf luence the world on her agenda, basically. That’s fine, but it doesn’t immunize her from the laws of her

state.”

Judge John Grinsteiner refused to sign off on the riot charge.

The case was dismissed.

The fact the prosecuter is attempting to surpress freedom of the press is alarming.

It’s a total embarrassment to the state of North Dakota that it has willingly proceeded to try and get this woman thrown into jail for simply reporting.

Is it too much to ask for indigenous people to not be disregarded by corporate America? Perhaps that’s to idealistic for this nation to even consider.

Journalism and the freedom of the press lives to see another day with the North Dakota judge dismissing the criminal charge against Goodman on Oct.17.

Now this shameful event that was orchestrated by Erickson can be cast aside and the substantive issue at hand can now be brought into focus: the reality that this pipeline can cause millions of people to be harmed. It would further the destruction of native culture, and heritage as well as speed up the process of mankind effectively destroying our planet.

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Prop 56 may extinguish tobacco habits

Lindsey Huffman Staff Writer

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ith elections three weeks away, California has some big decisions to make, including Proposition 56 which increase tax for tobacco.

By voting yes, voters are agreeing to increase the tax by two dollars for cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes. But will that two dollar increase stop avid cigarette smokers or tobacco users purchasing cigarettes or smoking overall?

The revenue from the tax mon-

ey from the increase goes to the General Fund, tobacco prevention, healthcare services for low-income persons, environmental protection, breast cancer screenings and research. With every addiction comes a cost with one’s well being.

So not only is tobacco use affecting users, it’s also putting non tobacco users lives as risk, which is quite alarming.

A study done by Kevin Callison and Robert Kaestner of the Nation Bureau of Economic Research, found most older adults won’t stop cigarette consumption unless a sizable tax increase occurred. So this two dollar increase might be thing California needs in order to reduce consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco usage.

There are many effects of smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products. According, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, effects can be anything from harm to nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases and reduces the health of smokers in general.

Quitting smoking lowers your risk for smoking-related diseases and can add years to your life.” According to ASH, tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and 250 of them known to harm humans. Individuals have no clue what they are inhaling in and out of their mouth.

In 2014 the tobacco industries made over $744 billion dollars in revenue. But with these industries over 20 percent of all deaths in the United States came from tobacco use and products, according to ASH. Raising the tax on cigarettes, this can help avid smokers to potentially slow down and eventually, quit, as well as protect non-smokers lives as well. Even though is it only a two dollar tax increase, this could be the turning point for some smokers.

So will 2016 be the year we see the most decrease in cigarette smoking and tobacco use? By voting yes, this might give reason for cigarettes smokers and tobacco product users to think twice when it comes to using and purchasing products.

Page 4

News

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

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COURTESY // Mariana G. Martinez Chicano and Latino studies professor Mariana G. Martinez, pictured in the center, is vying for a Board of Trustee position at the local Santa Rosa Junior College. Martinez is looking to give underrepresented students a voice on the community college campus, and one day hopes to become a president of a college institution.

Sonoma State lecturer wants to put students first as SRJC trustee Tyler Heberle Staff Writer

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ith dyed blue hair, a bright smile and a Wonder Woman water bottle, Mariana Martinez provides a casually welcoming vibe for Sonoma State University students. As it turns out, the Chicano and Latino studies lecturer dedicates her on-campus work to the academic and personal achievements of all students — especially those who are “underrepresented.”

“At the end of the day, we need to think about the fact that we need all of these students with some form of higher education,” said Martinez.

Martinez, 35, is the research coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded on-campus program that helps 27 Sonoma State students per year get accepted into graduate schools to achieve master’s degrees or Ph.D.s. Between this and her work as an adjunct Chicano and Latino studies professor, she serves Sonoma State students on a regular basis.

But as the fall 2016 election approaches, Martinez is setting her sights toward students farther out in Sonoma County. The destination is Santa Rosa Junior College, as Martinez is running to become a trustee in the 3-4-5 District. If elected, she’ll oversee the school’s policies and budget while representing Rohnert Park, Cotati and Santa Rosa.

Martinez said she would focus on the issues of affordable student housing, full-time student enrollment and transportation if elected as trustee. She hopes to represent the “changing demographics” of Santa Rosa Junior College, whose needs may vary from those of Sonoma State students.

“Most students who go into a four-year [college] are more likely to graduate because there’s steps there,” said Martinez. “With the community colleges, there’s such a diverse need that you don’t know what to address first.”

According to Martinez, the “diverse needs” at Santa Rosa Junior College may include returning students, those trying to achieve a vocational certificate or AA degree or students who are trying to learn English.

She is no stranger to students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college. Along with low-income students of any ethnicity, these students are among those Martinez works with through the McNair Scholars Program.

Daniel Smith, director of the McNair Scholars Program, said that Martinez works hard to help the program’s students succeed.

“It’s really obvious that she has an exceptional level of passion for supporting

and promoting the education of underrepresented students,” said Smith. “She’s also been exceptional at … working toward equity for Latino and Latina students in particular.”

Martinez was born in Mexico before becoming a U.S. citizen in November 2011 and learning both speaking and academic English, she said. She was one of the few students of color in “most of her schooling experience.”Martinez said that as a trustee, she would aim to establish policies that transcend students’ race and social class.

“It’s not just my racial diversity, but it’s the fact that as of May, I was still a student [working toward a Ph.D. in education policy, organization and leadership from University of Illinois],” said Martinez. “So I definitely think in terms of a ‘poor student’ mentality.”

Smith said he thinks Martinez working with students in the McNair Scholars Program helps her to better understand the challenges they face.

“I think she approaches things from a social justice framework,” said Smith.

Donald Williams, a former Sonoma State student who’s currently working toward a Ph.D. in animal behavior at UC Davis, was part of the McNair Scholars Program from fall 2014 to spring 2016 under Martinez. He said that she formed a “social support network” for underrepresented and first-generation students through the program.

“She would always make time for all of her students,” said Williams.

Williams, a first-generation college student who went to Santa Rosa Junior College before attending Sonoma State, said Martinez could help Latino and Latina students, among others, at the junior college by being present on the Board of Trustees to “voice their concerns.”

“What she does is absolutely critical for developing underrepresented students in academia,” said Williams.

Martinez said she anticipates that if she becomes trustee, there will be a “trickle effect” of Latina women and other underrepresented demographics receiving more opportunities in Sonoma County.

“It’s a huge deal when you think about higher education in the county and the country, there’s more women than men, yet we hold very [few] positions of power or high levels,” said Martinez.

Beyond potential service at Santa Rosa Junior College, Martinez said her goal is to become president of a 2-year or 4-year college institution someday.

To earn a seat in the Nov. 8 election, Martinez would need to defeat at least two incumbants .

CLIMATE: grassroot movements gain momentum in environmental activism Continued from Pg. 1

in 1989 that triggered an effort to raise awareness about climate change and pressure leading industrial nations around the world to take action. . His book raised awareness about everything: the ice caps and high-altitude glaciers that are melting to the Tropics expanding 2 degrees north and south thus pushing drought ahead of them and the chemistry of seawater steadily becoming more acidic as the oceans absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

“We’ve already passed the point where we can avoid serious change, and with it the need for a real rethinking of how we’re going to live on this planet,” McKibben said.

During McKibben’s talk in the Green Music Center as part of the 3rd Annual Sustainability Day at Sonoma State, he discussed the path towards sustainability people must take in order to make a positive impact on climate change.

His solution begins with people abandoning their focus on the growth in economics and focusing on smaller scale ways of living.

One way of doing this is by investing in solar energy and windmills, rather than relying on a few centralized power plants.

World leaders know what needs to be done, McKibben said. But there’s a crisis that our species must face;

money and power because of the tremendous power of the fossil fuels industry and its willingness to use its money to make sure change does not come, thus preserving the status quo even when that means endangering the planet.

“It was not until a few years ago when investigative reporters including the LA Times announced that fossil fuel industries had scientists that told them exactly how much the Earth will warm up as a result of oil drills and fossil fuel production,” said McKibben. “Rather than telling people, fossil fuel industries decided to keep it a secret and denied the fact climate change was real.”

As a community, McKibben believes people must work together to break the power fossil fuel industries have in order to move forward with clean energy.

For starters, McKibben proposes protesting the mass production of fossil fuels and joining his “350 group.”

This group brought countries from all around the world together to make an effort in achieving sustainability through limiting fossil fuel use.

Through organizing on college campuses, online calls to action and massive public demonstrations, 350. org has organizers in more than 188 countries. 350.org stems from the grassroot movement of every community looking to hold its leaders accountable to answer to the realities of science.

For more information, go to 350.org.

STAR // Sara Wildman Author and activist Bill McKibben speaks at the Green Music Center regarding the growing global warming crisis facing our world today.

News

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

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Environmental efforts earn university a Bronze Award for sustainability Nate Galvan Staff Writer

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few years ago, a group of concerned students began a journey to make Sonoma State University a more sustainable campus. Fast forward two years later and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education is recognizing the efforts started by those students by granting the university a Bronze Award for sustainability.

Claudia Sisomphou, the current Senator of Sustainability at Sonoma State, was only a freshman when she and other students formed a group that was looking into ways to make the university more sustainable.

Over the past two years, with the group never reaching more than a dozen students, the collective reached out to a variety of departments and programs on campus to try to gather necessary information that is needed by AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System.

“Looking back at the whole journey to this bronze award is almost nostalgic,” said Sisomphou, a now third-year environmental studies and planning major, “I don’t think any of us were aware of just how much work we were actually doing.”

Allison Jenks, Kara Kelly and Dustin DeMatteo, all now alumni of Sonoma State, were co-founders of the group. According to Sisomphou the group’s current members did not receive more than one unit, if any, of

internship credits.

“To me it is really important to highlight that the students that worked on this project did this because it was something that mattered to them,” said Sisomphou.

“This achievement proves to the student body that if we want to see something completed that is important to us, like this report, we have the power and ability to do it.”

Geology professor Dr. Jeff Baldwin acted as the faculty adviser to the group. Baldwin sees this accomplishment as a reward for a lot of time and effort put in by willing students.

“It took 700 man hours on the part of unpaid students simply because it is important to them,” said Baldwin, who is known to ride his bike to work most days and include sustainability as part of his geography curriculum. “For the university to get a bronze from a student run group on its first try is incredible.”

Sonoma State is now among the eight out of 23 campuses in the California University System that has received a STARS reward, receiving 37.5 points on the STARS system with 45 points needed for a silver rating. California State University Sacramento and Northridge received Gold ratings earlier this year.

STARS is a self-reporting system that allows for higher education institutions to measure their sustainability performance. Costing about $900 to submit the final report, with a bronze award Sonoma State will be featured in the annual STARS Sustainable Campus

Index which covers different areas for evaluation from sustainability research on campus to the air quality of buildings and more.

“I think the hardest part of the process was really just staying motivated,” said Sisomphou. “In order to complete this report we had to reach out to a variety of departments and programs on campus for data and information and there were many weeks that went by where we would not get responses to our emails because no one on campus really knew what we were doing.”

Campus facilities have been recognized in past years for their environmental efforts such as the university’s Recreation Center receiving a Green Business Certificate from the Bay Area Business Program of Sonoma County. The award recognized the Recreation Center for compliance in reserving its resources.

Campus culinary services has noted on the university website their efforts to be sustainable by using trayless dining, recycling used fryer oil and using a composting program that was started in the spring of 2012.

“I am really honored to have the opportunity to bring light to these broad topics that fall under the umbrella of sustainability,” said Sisomphou, “Every person that was involved in the completion of the report could not be more excited to see how this STARS award will support the progression of sustainability at SSU.”

Electric charging stations being built near Green Music Center Francisco Carbajal Staff Writer

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STAR // Reagan Dowd Six electric charging stations will be present on campus soon. Two stations will be in Lot D near the Student Center and four stations will be in Lot L by the Green Music Center.

onoma County has decided to offer incentives for drivers to switch to electric cars. The county has approved a $240,000 program to help offset the costs of electric cars for Sonoma County residents.

This money would come from the Vehicle Pollution Mitigation Program, so it would not come from the Sonoma County General Fund.

This can be used for up to $2,000 off of a hybrid and $1,000 off of an electric motorcycle. Residents are also able to obtain a rebate up to $3,000 on a first come first served basis from the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District. This is great news for the county and for some Sonoma State students.

“If I didn’t have my lease on my Jetta, I’d love to get an electric car to zip around in,” said Rebecca Dedekind, senior economics major at Sonoma State People who would want a new car, can save money, help the economy buying a new car, and save a lot of money on gas.”

This is particularly good news for Sonoma State students as the campus will also be installing six plug in electrical charging stations on campus for electric

cars. Sonoma State University joins other California State universities by installing plug-in electric vehicle charging stations.

The charging stations will be installed in Lot D by the Student Center and Lot L by the Green Music Center by the end of the year. Four vehicles will be able to charge at one time in Lot D and two in Lot L. Any car with a valid Sonoma State parking permit will be allowed to charge.

“I love driving my Prius everywhere. It’s funny.

Everyone in my family has a different colored Prius.

It never runs out of gas and it just makes driving fun.

I’d love to see more environmentally friendly cars out there,” said Payton Devore, sophomore pre-nursing major at Sonoma State.

This was made possible by a $14,000 grant awarded to Sonoma State by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Charge! Program.

“I really like how Sonoma State is adding that on campus. I know some future students might be worried they won’t be able to drive their cars over here but now that problem is solved for them. No need to leave your car behind. It’s another green initiative that makes this campus more appealing I think,” said Devore.

RABBITT: Sonoma County supervisor weighs in on GMOs, Prop. 64 Continued from Pg. 1

Not that they can’t stop, but they want to make sure they all work smoothly. The latest thing is the engine. It’s the connection with the gear shaft. They have to pull those out and redo some pieces in there.

For me, while you set a date and you want to start service by that date for certain, I don’t think you start until you’re 100 percent ready to go. It’s more important you give everyone the best possible experience. You don’t want to open up early. I think it will more realistically be ready in April.

STAR: Will there be any change to the cost of fares?

Rabbitt: I was one of two that actually thought the fares were too high when we set them. My view is that we need to try get people on the train, give them a chance to ride it and see how great it is, and then hopefully they will get hooked and say,”That’s the way I want to go to work or school.” I think we accomplish that by having a fare that is set to be attractive.

Why push the numbers higher when you can have fares be a little lower, attract more people and more ridership, especially being a brand new entity. Why don’t we have it be free? Everyone should get at least a free ride on the train. We want to attract people so they can hopefully come back again and again. I do think we will revisit fares. They are adjusting it; there may be a school year pass for students.

STAR: Measure M, banning GMO crops, are you against it?

Rabbitt: For me the science/ evidence isn’t there. You can ban GMOs for lots of other reasons. It’s a marketing thing, in my opinion. It’s not the same thing as organic. We don’t have any GMO crops in this county. No other counties in California have really banned GMOs so I don’t think we want to go down that path.

One of the arguments against Measure M is that we have a lot of grapes here, about 65,000 acres of grapes. It’s a huge money crop for a lot of people. It makes the county a lot of money as well. There might be something over the horizon that might be GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) that will use less pesticides and herbicides and will be something that won’t be a problem. Why would we want to preclude ourselves from that? I think a lot of people would see it as something we should capitalize on and not put ourselves in a box.

STAR: What is your position on Proposition 64?

Rabbitt: Twenty years ago, we passed Prop. 45, something that we all thought was a very compassionate thing to do for those that were dying of cancer, and we ended up with dispensaries and all sorts of other issues that we had never thought of. Dispensaries were not even mentioned in that initiative.

What’s not mentioned in this one that will come up? The business is already here in Sonoma County. I don’t think we should see it as the cash cow that we really want to capitalize on, epecially if it becomes a bigger business, you still have the federal issues. Much of the rural crime and certainly a huge number of the homicides in the county are marijuana-related. Maybe not the marijuana itself but certainly the bags of money that are there. I know we want to do the right thing and not

spend money chasing something that isn’t legal when it is prevalent and everything else, but I just think we need to be smart about it. I’m not convinced it’s really the place we want to be right now.

STAR: What are your thoughts on Measure L and do you support it?

Rabbitt: Yes. L is the 3 percent increase in the transient occupancy tax (TOT).

The hotel tax. We have 7.5 million visitors to Sonoma County every year, which is great, we’re a popular place to be, but this creates a lot of pressure on the government entities. We need to make sure we can have a funding source to make sure the tourists do pay for what is needed. The TOT tax can also provide funding for many community-serving entities.

STAR: Are we on track to finish the wideninfg of Highway 101 to Marin?

Rabbitt: I think the No. 1 one transportation priority for the North Bay, SMART train excluded, is really to get the Narrows complete as quickly as possible. We did refinance our own bonds from the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, which freed up some capacity. We’re doing a deal with the Metropolitan Transit Commission, and we’ve cobbled together enough to get the next section done. Sometimes it’s just incremental, getting as much money we can to afford these things. We will still have a gap through Petaluma, which is $85 million, so if anyone has any extra change around just let us know.

STAR: The CSU just released a plan to increase tuition, how do you feel about that?

Rabbitt: I feel your pain, having two kids out of college and one in. Education is so important and the cost has seemed to go up disproportionately to the Consumer Price Index. Why is that? It seems to go up to the amount that the allowable student loans are at any given time. I find this awfully convenient that it matches that. In my mind, it’s a state issue that they really need to make a priority.

STAR: What is your view on Measure Y, a tax increase to support county barriers?

Rabbitt: I support it. We got it on the ballot. I think our library system over the course of time has changed and has needed to adapt. Libraries today fulfill a place in society for those folks who don’t have access to computers. It is and should also be a place everyone enjoys. We need to have a solid library system just like we need to have a solid educational system at all levels in Sonoma County. It’s a wise thing to invest in. an eighth of a cent (tax increase) is really affordable.

STAR: Is there another way to appropriate the funds for libraries without increasing the sales tax?

Rabbitt: It would still go to a vote of the people, I’m sure you could do it from a parcel tax. When Prop. 13 came through, it kind of froze everything at that particular point in time, then set certain percentages of who’s getting what. Prop 13 depending on where you live, allows you to increase your property tax by a certain percentage. The library originally started at such a low place they could never truly catch up. They also had issues for a year with labor. They ended up cutting hours , and that was not very popular. Long answer short, yes there are other ways to do it, but I think they see this as a way that is probably the most efficient and simple.

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Arts

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Love, art and manga: a Sonoma State alumni love story Alex T. Randolph Staff Writer

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ine arts major and self-proclaimed comic book nerd Emily Martin was still at Sonoma State University when she started dating Brett Grunig. On their first date, Gruning started talking about how Japanese manga was underappreciated.

He then mentioned “Battle Angel Alita,” which just so happened to be Martin’s favorite manga. Martin responded with a marriage proposal.

“It was a joke,” she said. “But then we actually got married.”

This husband and wife team, both Sonoma State alumni are behind the art of the Eisner-nominated comic “Princeless.” The team also teaches art and comic skills at Megamoth Studio, using what they learned at Sonoma State to make their careers before passing it onto a new generation.

Martin grew up in Sacramento, with parents who were professors at Sacramento State. She attended Sonoma State to major in printmaking, with an emphases on etching, but her heart was always in illustration.

“I’ve always been into art,” Martin said. “I’ve always been into drawing and as an extension of that, comics and animation.”

It was here that Martin first began teaching, by helping a friend teach teens and young adults how to draw in comic book and manga style.

Grunig was born and raised in Santa Rosa before attending Sonoma State. His fine art major in printmaking was a last minute choice.

“I had never heard of printing until the week I signed up for classes and somebody said ‘you should take a printmaking course,’” he said.

It turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as it was there he met Martin and learned a medium that would last him a lifetime. He graduated earlier in 2004, two years before Martin, and spent a couple of years in Wisconsin before returning to Rohnert Park. The couple married in 2011.

Martin’s first job teaching art was at “Scribbles and Giggles” Art Center, teaching kids age 9-10. When she moved on to teaching older kids, she named it Megamoth Studio, named for Martin’s long-standing affection for Mothra. She realized 11-18 year olds wouldn’t like having to say they went to a place like “Scribbles and Giggles.”

Rather than a regular class, Megamoth Studio is more of an after-school workshop for aspiring young artists. Classes are small, private affairs with only a handful of students, and Martin and Grunig do their best to teach each one individually, depending on their skill level.

Martin started drawing for “Princeless” when it was already on it’s second volume. She was brought on as a co-creator shortly after signing onto the comic, allowing her to have some creative control over the design of the characters.

Two issues after Martin started drawing for “Princeless,” Grunig took over as colorist for the book; a role that had previously been filled by one of Martin’s own students, Kelly Lawrence, until her schedule forced her off the book.

M. Goodwin, the original artist for “Princeless,” is currently creating the comic “Tomboy.” Martin and Grunig both recommend it, but caution it isn’t for young viewers.

Martin grew up watching animated films, such as “The Last Unicorn,” “The Flight of Dragons” and reading comic strips like “Calvin and Hobbes.”

One of Martin’s biggest influences is Osamu Tezuka, creator of “Astro Boy” and often called the God of Manga. Her recent favorite is the comic series “Elfquest,” written and drawn by Mary and Richard Pini, which heavily influenced her own style. She has little interest in mainstream superhero comics, but has several indie favorites

Grunig’s inspirations are Northern European printmakers and Golden Age illustrators like Arthur Rackham, but he has taken some inspiration from comics such as Jim Lee’s X-Men. Both Martin and Grunig credit their time at Sonoma State for teaching them how to teach.

“A lot of the professors I’ve had at Sonoma State and their approach kinda helped me figure out how to approach teaching art,” Martin said.

Gruning echoed that sentiment, saying his current job as a part-time professor at the Santa Rosa Junior College is due to what he learned while he was a student.

“When it was time to plan my own [classes] I definitely thought about what assignments they gave here and what I liked or didn’t like about them,” Grunig said.

Though Sonoma State did not have a focus on comics and illustration, Martin’s teachers did their best to help incorporate what she learned to her preferred art style.

Aside from the art of “Princeless” and their respective teaching positions at Megamoth and Santa Rosa Junior College, Martin self-publishes the comic “Otherkinds.” Both of them also do freelance work on the side.

Some of their favorite comics out right now are “Lumberjanes” and “Gotham Academy,” although they have little time to read comics right now.

COURTESY // Emily Martin Sonoma State University Alumni Emily Martin and Brett Grunig married in 2011. Together, they teach art to students individually at Megamoth Studio in Rohnert Park.

Top halloween cult favorites Sean Curzon Staff Writer

Commentary

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alloween is that special time of the year where we as a society gorge on sweets, dress in costumes and indulge in scary stories. While most people know Frankenstein, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, there are other monsters that stalk the night. Let’s take a look at some more lesser known horror movies and specials.

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“Horror of Dracula” Dracula can be considered one of the most well known characters in fiction, but I’m talking about the 1958 version starring Christopher Lee. This film is overshadowed by the Bela Lugosi version from 1931 and more modern films, which is a shame. While the plot of “Horror of Dracula” has a very different plot than the book, it’s the closest to the tone of the book. Dracula is a nigh unstoppable force hunting in the night. Filled with styled blood and gothic imagery, this is a must watch for any vampire fan.

“Halloween III: Season of the Witch” The “Halloween” film franchise was supposed to be an anthology with only the first two featuring Michael Myers, with the rest being different Halloween themed stories.

But when the third was released and fans flipped out at the lack of Michael Myers, every film in the Halloween franchise has had Michael Myers since. They were all awful. “Season of the Witch” however is a very interesting horror film. It’s a supernatural thriller as opposed to a violent slasher of the other film.

The film centers around the popularity of the Silver Shamrock Halloween masks and how the company is more sinister than they appear.

“Over the Garden Wall” This 10­part mini­series that aired on Cartoon Network follows two brothers who are lost in a mysterious wood called “The Unknown.” In order to get home, the two most face ghosts, pumpkin people and a beast who devour children’s souls. The series is a love letter to old animation from the forties with a lot of winks and nods from cartoons from that era. “Over the Garden Wall” also breathes fall. From the weather, the colors and the whole environment of the unknown, I’ve never seen a show that embodies fall like this show does and brilliantly balances scares and laughs.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Speaking of forties animation, there’s the Disney classic, “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s packaged with an adaption of “The Wind and The Willows.” The two films are collectively titled “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” but let’s focus on “Sleepy Hollow.” A loyal adaptation of the short story by Washington Irving and narrated by Bing Crosby, this short is oozing in creepy atmosphere. Especially the final chase between the headless horseman and Ichabod Crane. It has been overlooked in recent years in favor of more modern films which is a shame. It’s perfect spooky fun.

“Trick ‘r Treat” This is the holy grail of Halloween movies. Following a Halloween night in a small town with several interlocking stories, this film has everything you associate with Halloween: ghosts, pranks, vampires, werewolves, urban legends, slashers and trick­or­treating. This was meant to be theatrically released but Warner Brothers only released it to DVD and Blu­Ray which is a shame. “Trick ‘r Treat” is one giant love letter to Halloween and Horror. Director Michael Dougherty also directed last year’s Christmas horror comedy “Krampus” which had similar sensibility.

Entertainment

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

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Gaga is back and better than ever with “Joanne” Jahred Nunes Staff Writer

Review facebook.com “American Horror Story: Roanoke” has taken on a reality TV show style, different from anything creator Ryan Murphy has done before.

“American Horror Story” takes unexpected turn Amira Dabbas Staff Writer

Commentary

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s promised, creator Ryan Murphy gave the anticipated twist in episode six of “American Horror Story: Roanoke” that we’ve all been waiting for. The seasonal shift of the story gave everyone a new perspective of the show we thought we were watching.

Warning: spoilers ahead.

In the first five episodes, the audience was under the impression they were watching a true-crime docu-series called “My Roanoke Nightmare.” The show followed Shelby and Matt Miller, telling the horrifying story about their time living in Roanoke, North Carolina.

The episodes consisted of “real people” telling their stories and actors portraying them. Now from a new behind the scenes perspective, we get to see who these actors really are.

Audrey Tindell (Sarah Paulson), the actress who played Shelby Miller, reveals early on in the show that she has recently married her co-star Rory Monnaghan (Evan Peters), who played Edward Mott, the original owner of the house.

Monet (Angela Bassett) the actress who played Lee Harris, became an alcoholic blaming it on the stress of her role.

The actress Agnes Mary Winstead (Kathy Bates) suffered from a mental breakdown after her role as the Butcher.

She went on a crazed rampage in downtown Hollywood and was sentenced to six months in a mental facility after assaulting someone.

Unfortunately, we come to find out that the real Shelby (Lily Rabe) and her husband Matt Miller (Andre Holland) separated after Shelby had a fling with the actor who portrayed him, Dominic Banks (Cuba Gooding Jr.). As for Lee, fans of the show were unaccepting that spirits were the culprits for the murder of her husband Mason and there is a petition to have her arrested.

The audience learns that “My Roanoke Nightmare” was a huge TV hit, and

is coming back for a second season titled “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell.”

It’s almost a “Big Brother” version of the nightmare house.

The shows producer Sidney Aaron James (Cheyenne Jackson) pitches the idea and wants to bring back the reenactors along with the real Shelby, Matt and Lee for a reality show. They will all be trapped in the sinister house for three days straight during the ominous “blood moon.”

Cameras will watch the participants every move, documenting everything creepy that takes place.

Sidney wanted to give audience members a real look into the Roanoke nightmare. Snide comments from him reveal that he wouldn’t mind if a few characters became a little unhinged during the three days.

Admittedly, towards the beginning of this episode the season shift just seemed like a natural progression. It was somewhat disappointing because this transition wasn’t unpredictable.

However, towards the end of the episode, a bomb is dropped on viewers. A title screen tells the audience that what they are witnessing is recovered footage, and that every member in the house had died mysteriously, except for one. The show originally planned by producers never aired and what they are watching is assembled found footage.

This created a huge mystery factor into the story, giving audiences a taste of the end without spoiling everything. What we don’t know is who is going to die, and who is the one that is going to do the killing.

Diehard “American Horror Story” fans are still awaiting the appearance of some actors who have not made their debut this season. It was confirmed Oct. 18 that Finn Wittrock will be returning this season in a shocking, twisted role according to The Wrap. Fans are still wondering if Jessica Lange will eventually make an appearance.

What we do know is that this isn’t going to be the last twist. We’ve learned from Ryan Murphy that nothing is ever what it seems and we can expect almost anything in the upcoming episodes.

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fter years of anticipation for her next solo act, Lady Gaga’s little monsters can finally dive into her new music in her latest release, “Joanne.”

A dedication to her late aunt from whom the album gets its name, “Joanne” sets aside the glam and disco influences of 2008’s Grammy winner for Best Dance Album “The Fame” and 2012’s Album of the Year nominee “Born This Way.” Instead, “Joanne” strips Gaga’s style back to the classics.

At its core, “Joanne” is an ode to Shania Twain’s country grit of the 90s mixed in with a dash of glossy dance pop for which she’s known.

Other artists such as Elton John, Simon and Garfunkel, and Dolly Parton come to mind when thinking about the album’s influences, but the biggest question was whether or not Gaga could make it all work.

She not only makes it work, she turned this amalgam of rock, country and electronica into an instant

classic. Lady Gaga becomes “Joanne” and has embodied the true rockstar persona of our generation.

Prior to its release, “Joanne” donned three somewhat well-received singles. Although they didn’t compare to the charttopping success of her previous singles, they established Gaga’s new sound and new persona.

With help from Tame Impala’s lead Kevin Parker and newly legendary producer Mark Ronson, the first single “Perfect Illusion” made its debut early September with a hard-hitting rhythm and vocal power never seen in Gaga’s repertoire before. However, critics were divided on their impressions. The single is decent on its own, but in the wake of the entire album, it feels almost like fan service to little monsters in an attempt to bridge the gap between 90s country rock and electronica.

The following singles, the slow and nostalgic “Million Reasons” and the upbeat anthem “A-YO” give a clearer image of the sound Gaga is experimenting with in this new era. She dives further into the country rock genre in both with gutwrenching vocals over sleek rhythmic guitar.

The title track of “Joanne” is a true highlight of the album. Raw guitar

matched with simple vocals reveal the emotional struggle behind the lyrics. Written by Gaga as a tribute to her aunt, Joanne Germanotta who died of lupus at 19 after being sexuallly assaulted on her college campus. Germanotta along with Gaga’s own personal experiences were large influences in the writing of her Oscar-nominated original song, “Til It Happens To You.” Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme adds guitar in the lead track “Diamond Heart” and tribute to Paula Cole’s cowboy compulsion in “John Wayne.”

However, even in the midst of such deep western cuts, there’s still room for the shebopping reggae rhythm of “Dancin’ In Circles” which also happens to feature fivetime Grammy Award winner Beck.

“Hey Girl” featuring Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, came as a shock to many of Gaga’s listeners since she has so few duets in the span of her work, however this steady Prince tribute also rings reminiscent of Elton John’s legendary “Bennie and the Jets.”

“Joanne” serves as a striking reminder of what it means to be a true album artist, and despite its shortcomings, it’s also a reminder of what making music as a passion looks like.

facebook.com Lady Gaga released “Joanne” Oct. 21 and was streamed more than seven million times its first day on Spotify.

“Ouija” spells out success for horror fans Katie Haga Staff Writer

Review

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round Halloween each year, there is a horror movie released to set the spooky mood and put audiences in the Halloween spirit. This season, that movie is “Ouija: Origin of Evil.” Typical, right? Yet another horror film about people using a wooden board to contact the dead. Originally as a joke but the characters start freaking out once strange, scary things start to happen to them. But this particular film has a different plot.

Set in the late 1960’s the audience is introduced to a family of three, a widowed mother and her two daughters. Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) works from her home as a fortune teller/medium, helping people get closure from loved ones they have lost.

With the help of her two daughters Lena (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson) she is able to give people the closure they so desperately need.

Her daughters have specific jobs and act as the “spirits” that come forward, basically just scamming their customers. Alice decided a Ouija board would add more flare to their performance.

Thinking she’d be able to get in touch with her late father who was killed by a drunk driver, nine-year-old Doris decided to play with the Ouija board, asking questions and getting the answers she wanted from her “father.” Doris went back to the board night after night to talk. After constantly hearing voices late at night and noticing a change in Doris’ behavior Lena decided bring it up with her mother.

With the usual scare tactics horror films have to offer, the whispering in the house at night, something or someone pulling at the bottom of the covers, crawling upstairs, creepy laughter of a child in the distance, this film also offers a different, more developed story line.

Director Mike Flanagan, known for his other horror/thriller films such as “Oculus”

and “Hush,” adds a different approach to a rather played out story idea. Not sticking with the traditional outlook on the hundreds of years old board game, Flanagan added background and gave the spirits their own character. Throwing in a few plot twists here and there, this film was not entirely like the typical Ouija board films.

Reaser, known mostly for her role in the “Twilight” Saga, delivers a performance that audiences have not really seen from her. Audiences are familiar with her motherly attitude from when she played Esme but were blindsided by the fear she so greatly portrays in this film. As for Basso, this isn’t her first rodeo, horror films seem to be her forte. Playing a role in another one of Flanagan’s films “Oculus,” the audience is not entirely surprised by her excellent performance. She has the ability to show the audience the true meaning of fear as she watches strange things happen to her sister.

This film shows the audience that not every horror movie has the same plot and is capable of changing up an overused story idea. Providing the audience with a movie perfectly suitable for the Halloween season with scenes that’ll make you jump, gasp and maybe even curse under your breath a little. It may not compare to the greatness of any of the original horror films such as “The Exorcist,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “The Shining,” but it gives a much needed change to the storyline of one of the most used horror film ideas ever.

facebook.com “Ouija” earned only $14 million its opening weekend of Oct. 21.

Page 8

Student Life

Oct. 25- Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Student places studies ahead of talent

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Karlee Budge Staff Writer

t’s not everyday you come across an artist who found her passion for art at such a young age.

Fourth-year Sonoma State University student, Yolanda Gillotte began her interest in art in a unique way. Growing up as a young child in Thailand, Gillotte was involved in summer camps and often chose to be in the art camp. During these times, she found herself immersed in different forests and beaches where she would use water color, acrylics and other mediums to re-create the landscapes.

Gillotte is currently majoring in kinesiology at Sonoma State, studying to become an occupational therapist. Besides painting, Gillotte enjoys going to the gym frequently, which she says helps her with stress, as well as hiking and eating.

Gillotte’s parents are extremely supportive of her passion in art, her dad even suggested that she should drop her kinesiology major and pursue art full time.

“We all know daughters have a way of surprising their parents; Yolanda excelled at singing and volleyball. But, what I didn’t expect was her strong interest and ability to translate those passions into paintings. From oils to watercolors, from impressionism to abstract canvases, there seems to be an eager intellect mixed with passion and curiosity in her work,” her father Donald Gillotte said.

As much as she enjoys art, she disagrees with her dad due to the fact her heart has been set on becoming an occupational therapist for quite some time.

When asked what her inspiration for her artwork is, Gillotte confessed she does not have a certain person or thing that serves as her inspiration, rather she enjoys creating art that she thinks is nice to look

at. Gillotte’s preferred style of artwork is painting.

“I started [painting] when I was very young, it’s easy to love because I actually enjoy it. As opposed to my other classes where homework or studying is considered ‘work’, when I have to put time in on my paintings I consider it leisure time. I get to listen to music and just paint for hours,” Gillotte said.

“I enjoy a lot of the pieces I make, but none I would consider a favorite,” Gillotte said.

With plans on attending graduate school to achieve a master’s degree in kinesiology after graduating from Sonoma State, Gillotte doesn’t see herself pursuing art as a career in her post-grad life.

Although Gillotte has received multiple offers from her friends to buy her artwork, or even requests to create special pieces, she has declined these offers due to her time consuming schedule of school and work.

Balancing time is a skill Gillotte has really had to perfect in order to balance the many responsibilities she currently holds.

“I’ve gotten multiple comments from my professor saying my pieces could be better if I put more time into them. Although I understand and see his point of view, my semesters are always so busy. This year I’m taking 20 units, four classes here at Sonoma State and one at Santa Rosa Junior College,” said Gillotte. “I also work four times a week and there’s not a single day where I don’t have either work or school. I plan on squeezing more time to work on projects into my planner but it’s hard to balance.”

Gillotte also noted some helpful advice that her art teacher has given her.

“The main thing that my professor always tells me is that you just have to care; care about the work you’re making and put in the time to get it done right.

I think that advice can not only be applied to art but anything in life,” Gillotte said.

COURTESY /// Yolanda Gillotte Despite her unique talents as an artist, senior Yolanda Gillotte has her eyes set on a career as an occupational therapist.

Post-grad debt, a probable reality Braden Cartwright Staff Writer

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he Institute for College Access and Success recently published a study laying out some of the financial statistics of universities across the nation. At Sonoma State University, 51 percent of graduates in 2015 had debt, according to a study recently published by The Institute for College Access and Success. The average debt of these graduates who took out a loan was $20,779.

The cost of attending college is a large expense, which forces some students to take out loans. Last year at Sonoma State, the cost of tuition was $5,472. This does not include the cost of living, which brings the total estimated cost of attending Sonoma State $23,655.

The median income in California is $61,320, so these prices create an obstacle for many families that want to send their children to college. Also, these costs are not going down – they are going up.

This makes it more difficult for students to get through college without taking out a loan. It creates financial hardship during and after college when the cost of attendance is not affordable, and can create stress when searching for employment.

“I felt a lot of pressure to find a job

[after graduating] and it was difficult not having experience, especially knowing my student loans were coming due,” Colleen Bryson, who graduated in 2014 said.

“I felt like I had to take the first job offer that came along.”

Tuition prices have seen a dramatic increase in the past ten years at Sonoma State. For the 2006-2007 school year, tuition was $2,520. Since then, it has more than doubled.

Susan Gutierrez has been the director of the financial aid office at Sonoma State for 14 years. The financial aid office awards aid to students who fill out the application, based on need.

“We do sometimes have restrictions in the amount of money that is available, so sometimes students won’t be eligible because the fund has been exhausted,” Gutierrez said.

Many students that choose Sonoma State face a dilemma. Freshmen are required to live on campus which forces them to also pay for on-campus housing, which is costly. The university is not a typical commuter campus and many students move to the area to attend, driving up costs.

“The temptation for students is ‘gosh I love that school, I want to be there, whatever it takes to be there I’m going to do it.’ In many cases this works out fine.

Other students end up having borrowed more than they can realistically afford after they graduate,” said Gutierrez.

Sonoma State also faces obstacles in attracting and accommodating low-income students. It’s not easy for students coming from out of the area due to the price of rent in the county. “I believe there are low-income students who can find other campuses that are more affordable for them,” said Gutierrez. On a national scale, the Pell Grant is offered to low-income families to help make it possible for them to attend college.

“I felt like I had to take the first job offer that came along.”

Some financial aid programs have an unlimited amount of money available to award to students. These grants or loans, such as the Pell Grant, will be given out to anyone who is eligible and fills out an application. The federal direct loan also works the same way.

At Sonoma State last year, 34 percent of students received a Pell Grant.

If these funds are an unlimited resource from the federal government, it begs the question as to why this proportion is not higher. Gutierrez cites the income level

of the students as a possible reason.

“Our campus tends to attract a number of students who come from higher income families,” Gutierrez said.

There are some other programs where only a certain amount of money can be given out to Sonoma State students.

“We do have a limited amount that is allocated to Sonoma State,” said Gutierrez. “Only a portion of the students who are eligible will receive [financial aid] because we run out of the funding.”

The Federal Work-Study program, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Supplemental Education grants all work in this way.

Statistics that show more than half of Sonoma State students graduated with loans can be misleading. Not everyone who borrows has a need – some choose to borrow because the federal loans have friendly interest rates.

This issue of student debt is not unique to Sonoma State University.

The national average for student debt is $30,100 per borrower, higher than Sonoma State’s. At all universities across the nation, students are accruing debt.

The grand total of all student debt is estimated at more than one trillion dollars, even higher than the nation’s credit card debt.

October welcomes disability awareness Gerard Desrosiers Staff Writer

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ctober marks the beginning of National Disability Employment Awareness month and looks to remind students there are facilities available on campus that can help those with disabilities pursue both a higher degree in education and a long career in most expanding professions.

Students at Sonoma State University can find assistance at the Disabilities Services for Students in Salazar Hall 1049. The office is run by Director Brent Boyer, who helped explain exactly what kind of services are accessible for students who need them.

“In addition to providing disability-related academic accommodations for our students, the DSS office provides academic advising, which also includes discussion about vocational goals and planning. The student with a disability, at some point in their life, will have to determine if they will need to request accommodations in the workplace,” Boyer said. “So it is important for them to know about their rights and responsibilities under the ADA, to know what, when and if, they should disclose information about their disability to their employer.”

“We work closely with the CA State Department of Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehabilitation) and encourage our students to seek assistance from this state agency, which is at no cost to the student,” said Boyer. The department provided two on-campus ori-

entations earlier this month and have actively taken part in Sonoma State’s Disability Awareness Month in April for the last seven years.

For local events and opportunities, a schedule is available on the university’s website at sonoma.edu/ newscenter In addition to the services on campus, California attorney Mark Potter, one of the heads of the awareness movement had much to say about the subject.

“Until now I have limited my advocacy to litigation. After hearing so many news articles regarding ‘diversity in tech’ referring to only race and gender and none referring to disability, I decided I’d like to change the conversation,” Potter said. “So much positive [change] is coming from the press regarding the lack of diversity in the tech industry. The big tech companies appear to be working hard to change the reality regarding lack of racial and gender diversity.

If ‘diversity’ gets changed to include ‘disability’ then these tech companies will likewise work to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.”

Potter hopes to start Students for Access Club chapters in all California schools.

“Starting the on-campus club chapter Students for Access is easy. I will fund the beginning stages and have ideas regarding how it can raise more funds.

I just need to find motivated students who are interested in disability rights. ‘Diversity in Tech’ is the motivating issue for me, but then the students can work on other issues that are most important to them.

This is a great opportunity for students who were

looking to make a difference. I can mentor them on how to organize and I can make it all fun too,” Potter said.

Any student can create a Students for Access club, and with the help of Potter and Boyer, those students will have the opportunity to work with some of the most significant people in their respective fields.

Student Life

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

sonoma.edu The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is not unique to Sonoma State University. With over 110 programs at different campuses across the nation, OLLI provides the chance for hundreds of adults to continue their education.

Adults continue lifelong learning in OLLI Sierra Straub Staff Writer

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here is a program at Sonoma State University that offers no tests and no quizzes, and is just six weeks long.

And in about 30 years, current Sonoma State students can participate.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI, is offered at Sonoma State to students age 50 and older. Currently in it’s 15th year, the program serves 1,500 students.

OLLI at Sonoma State is one of 119 other Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes based on college campuses all over the country.

Funding for the program comes partially from the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco.

Students come from all over Sonoma County to learn just for the sake of learning. The classes are non-credit, and offer no tests, homework or quizzes.

Philip Harriman, a former assistant professor at the University of Missouri and Duke Medical School, has been an OLLI student since 2002. For him, it’s a great way to get back on a college campus.

“I’d been away from a university for the 24 years that I was working for the Federal Government, and I wanted to be able to spend time on a campus again. In addition to the OLLI courses, I use Schultz Library a lot and attend open lectures in the different sci-

ence departments here, mostly astronomy/ physics and biology,” Harriman said. “OLLI is chance to keep growing and interacting with a great group of students. A chance to take part in campus activities. I’m on the campus so much that I buy semester parking passes instead of daily permits.”

Harriman graduated from Caltech with a B.S. in physics and received a PhD from Berkeley in biophysics. Not only is he an OLLI student, but he has also taught OLLI classes at Sonoma State.

“After a few years of taking courses I proposed teaching a class on genetics and it was accepted. I’ve taught a total of six classes for OLLI at Sonoma State and a few others in the OLLI program at Dominican University in San Rafael,” Harriman said.

Some students take just one class, while others take up to eight.

“While more than half of our students take one class per term, many others take two, three or even up to eight classes each term, some coming to campus four days a week,” Carin Jacobs director of Sonoma State’s OLLI said.

Classes are held in two locations, Sonoma State’s main campus and also in Oakmont, a large senior-living community in Sonoma County.

An average day for an OLLI starts with a 9:30 a.m. class. Students who stay for the 1:30 p.m. class can often be found having lunch in large groups in the Student Center

Mock Interviews help career development

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Lucy Lopez Staff Writer

tudents go to school in order to gain a degree and be able to pursue their future career.

Part of obtaining a career is being able to utilize the skills you have and apply them in the work field. Resume building and prepping for interviews requires some help and practice.

Career Services at Sonoma State University offers help in many possible career paths. “[Career Services is an] oncampus resource where students can develop professional acumen,” said business accounting major Monica Lopez. “[We help] assist students in preparing for life outside of school by connecting employers to students.”

Career Services encourages students to be active participants in the career development process.

They help prepare students to make informed decisions regarding their future by providing resources, including career advising, job search strategies, resume and cover letter review, along with other career related services.

On Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. Career Services will be conducting mock interviews.

“A mock interview is a practice interview that is geared toward helping students strengthen their interviewing skills, professional confidence, and overall professional development,” said communication and media studies major Jenna Valle-Riestra.

According to a press release, Career Services has invited realworld employers and recruiters to sit with students, conduct a mock interview, and provide immediate feedback.

“I did it two years ago and I think it’s a really good experience.

They ask you realistic questions,

and the advice they give you is really helpful,” said criminal justice major Adriana Avalos.

According to Lopez there’s 10 employers. Students will go to employers for first 30-45 minutes for the interview, and after the employers will give them feedback on each question they asked. Some of the employers attending include Columbia distributing, staffing agencies and others who are experienced in recruiting students.

“The employers will be here to offer tips to students not to hire,” said Lopez.

“The mock interview workshop is one of many ways Career Services benefits Sonoma State students and recent alumni. This year, Career Services has added drop-in hours for resume and cover letter review to its plethora of services in continual effort to ensure the highest quality of support in career development for Sonoma State students and alumni,” said Valle-Riestra.

Drop-in hours will be every Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Career Services hosts regular workshops, such as helping students master the professional networking platform LinkedIn .

“Other workshops this academic year are to be determined, but ones we like to have include Resumania, Professional Development Week, and panels of employers catered to majors. Our largest event of the year is the Career Fair, which will be March 1 and feature over 100 employers,” ValleRiestra said.

Students can get a hold of Career Services by emailing careerservices@sonoma.edu or calling at (707) 664-2196.

Also, students can follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn at “SSU Career Services,” Twitter and Instagram @ssucareercenter.

or Charlie Brown’s Cafe.

Joanne Lapinski has been an OLLI student for nine years, having previously graduated from Sonoma State in 2007 with a B.A. in liberal studies from the Hutchins School.

“I enjoyed my academic experience at Sonoma State, and wanted to continue the learning journey through OLLI classes and being a part of Sonoma State,” Lapinski said.

When Lapinski’s three children started college, she found herself wanting to finish her ambition of being a teacher and getting a four year degree.

When she realized she would be 60 by the time she finished her credential, she decided to become a student forever.

“I love Sonoma State. I usually walk the entire campus in the morning before classes. It makes me feel alive and gets me ready for the classes.”

Harriman and Lapinski, however, is not the only OLLI student with previous college experience.

“Roughly 95 percent of our students have a college degree, and at least 50 percent have advanced degrees. They are well travelled, well educated and extremely curious,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs is one of just two full-time employees for OLLI. For her, seeing the students interact with each other is great.

“I am also moved by the way many of

our students have created extended families and strong friendships, looking out for each other in times of crisis, and traveling the world together in times of good health,” Jacobs said.

Ruth Timbercrest, who has taken OLLI classes since 2004, echoed that statement.

“I do not want to sound sappy but I have made friends, traveled the world and taken classes on every subject imaginable,” said Timbercrest.

Areas of study for OLLI include arts, contemporary issues, food and wine, natural sciences, social and political history, and world cultures. There is also a science club and an art club, which features lectures during the lunch hour and some off-campus meetups.

Timbercrest is particularly fond of the history classes because of the travel opportunities the subject provides.

“Sometimes the professors will take us on a tour of the country we have been studying. Thus far I have been to Egypt, Cuba, Israel, Romania and so many more. Next spring I have signed up for a tour of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.” Timbercrest said.

Not only does Harriman love Sonoma State, but he also loves OLLI, and is quite proud of it.

“I’m proud of the fact that the Sonoma State OLLI program is the second in the lifelong learning programs that Bernard Osher has funded,” Harriman said.

Page 10

Sports

Oct. 25- Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Chico State snap Seawolves’ unbeaten streak Trevor Abrams Staff Writer

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he Sonoma State men’s soccer team split their two games this week while keeping on the hunt for a postseason berth. Prior to Wednesday’s contest against the Humboldt State Lumberjacks, the official NCAA Division ll west region rankings were released and the Seawolves claimed the No. 6 spot. If Sonoma State kept this spot by the end of the regular season, they would clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2010.

With postseason dreams in mind, the Seawolves put together a dominating victory over the lumberjacks 3-0. In the first half Sonoma posted 17 shots to Humboldts 1. Alek Cucuk found the back of the net in minute 35, and shortly after Eric Alvarado converted a penalty kick to give the Seawolves a 2-0 advantage going into the half. Sonoma State continued to roll into the second half when Raad Aljabi intercepted a Lumberjack pass and turned it into a goal, giving them the 3-0 lead that would eventually become the final score.

On Friday, Sonoma State travelled north to take on division rival Chico State, looking to retain their first place division standing in the CCAA. After 88 minutes of play, the score remained tied at zero, until Chico’s Dylan Wakefield stunned Sonoma State, scoring the winning goal with just 92 seconds left in regulation.

Although Sonoma State had more shots on goal than Chico (5 to 3), none off their shots found the back of the net, ultimately leading to a scoreless effort from the Seawolves. This loss to Chico ended Sonoma State’s eight game unbeaten streak.

With just two games left in the regular season, Sonoma State holds third place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association standings, three points out of first place. They trail only Chico State and UC San Diego, and are just above fourth place Cal Poly Pomona.

“It was a tough loss. I think the biggest thing we can take away from that game is that in this conference anybody can be beaten on any given day,” said sophomore Midfielder Sandro Schoenhoefer. “It was a hard lesson to learn especially against our rivals on the road, but none the less the team’s general feeling is that we know we will bounce back allowing us to go into our last regular season games with the utmost confidence that we will win and finish out the season.”

Sonoma State returns home this week to play Dominguez Hills on Thursday and Cal State LA on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.

STAR // Megan Corcoran The Seawolves split the week’s matchups against Humboldt and Chico State

Sports Schedule Tuesday 10/25

Friday 10/28

Women’s Golf @ CSUSM Fall Classic

Men’s Tennis @ Saint Mary’s Invitational

Thursday 10/27

Women’s Volleyball @ Stanislaus State

Women’s Volleyball @ Chico State 7 p.m. Sunday 10/23

Saturday 10/29

Womens Tennis @ Warrior Invitational

Women’s Soccer vs Cal State Dominguez Hills 12:30 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs Cal State Dominguez Hills 3 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs Cal State L.A. 2 p.m.

Men’s Tennis @ Saint Mary’s Invitational Women’s Soccer vs Cal State L.A. 11:30 a.m.

Sunday 10/30 Men’s Tennis @ Saint Mary’s Invitational

Men’s golf end fall season with 10th place finish Tatiana Serrano Staff Writer

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he Sonoma State Seawolves placed 10th in the Otter Invitational at Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside.

Justin Shluker, one of the team’s seniors, finished the tournament with the 16th spot. The team had a total of 899, 35 over par.

Even though the Seawolves placed in the top 10, there is still some room for improvement.

“We need to keep improving during offseason so make a solid run for National Championship come spring time,” said Shluker.

Shluker, playing in NCAA Division II school and a number of CCAA Championships, knows he has many more improvements to

make as he wraps up his final year on the golf program. Shluker led for the third time out of five fall tournaments. He had a total of 7374—220.

Shluker will continue to improve his game and make sure he reaches the best of his ability as he believes his real struggle is the competition against himself and his own improvement in the sport.

Golf, like any other sport mainly focuses and consumes the players’ mentality. Players become physically, emotionally and mentally stronger.

“The things that separate the pros from the amateurs is their ability to snap out of a negative mindset,” said Spencer Clapp.

Clapp, sophomore, was only four strokes behind Shluker. Clapp ranked in the 32nd spot with 78-73—224.

“My rededication for the game is my proudest accomplishment,” said Clapp.

Clapp is proud of his performance during the tournament as well as the team’s achieve-

ments throughout the tournament and season.

“We moved in our rankings which is one of the goals we wanted to accomplish,” he said.

Freshman Devin Gregg finished the tournament in 45th with 76-76-77—277.

“I have been able to help and contribute to every tournament,” said Gregg.

Freshman Chase Fritz ranked 53rd with 78-76-75—229. Chase Dossa, senior, ranked 57th with 76-75-79—230, and junior Ian Hoffman ranked 71st with 81-76-77—234. “[If you] don’t have a positive attitude while playing, it’s really hard to succeed,” said Devin Gregg.

This tournament brings Sonoma State University to the end of their fall season, but they’ll try to come back even stronger in the spring championship in February.

The team will try and receive more wins to complete the year at the Cal State San Marcos Fujikura Invitational in Vista on Feb. 6 and 7.

Sports

Oct. 25 - Oct. 31, 2016

sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

Women’s golf places top five in SSU Fall Invitational Chris Schwarz Staff Writer

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COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com Haley Whitbeck (top) lead the Seawolves with nine over par, and Sabrina Virtusio (bottom) finished 10 over par.

he Sonoma State University Seawolves got off to a rocky start at last Monday’s home tournament. Sophomore Sabrina Virtusio lead the Lady Seawolves during the opening round as she shot four strokes over par with a 76, which left her tied for 11 overall.

As a team, the Seawolves finished the opening day at fifth overall out of nine teams, and fourth overall in the tournament at the Foxtail Golf Club in Rohnert Park. The Seawolves finished day one with a total of 316, leaving them 20 strokes behind opening day leader Arkansas Tech.

Heading into day two, senior Haley Whitbeck come out with a strong performance and lead the lady Seawolves in recording the second lowest score of anyone else that day at an even par 72.

Whitbeck’s amazing day two performance catapulted her from 32 overall to finish tied for seventh as an individual for the tournament, with a 153 total for both days. Whitbeck tried to lead a day two comeback, but the Seawolves were only able to improve one place overall to finish fourth as the host team of the Sonoma State Fall Invitational at the Foxtail Golf Club.

Taking home the team victory was Arkansas Tech, who finished 26 over par with a 602 team total. Giving Arkansas Tech a close battle until the end was Academy of Art, who finished 31 over par with a 607 total. Chico was able to narrowly hold off Whitbeck and the Seawolves on day two to finish with a 39 over par 615 total while the Seawolves finished 41 over par and a 617 team total.

The remaining teams finished as follows: Holy Names, 55 over par and a 631 total, CSU East Bay, 61 over par and a team total of 637, Western Washington, 62 over par and a 638 total, Point Loma, 70 over par and a 646 team total, and finishing off in ninth was Dominican University with a 86 over par and a 662 team total.

Whitbeck lead the Seawolves overall with a 153 total, finishing nine over par, followed by teammates Erin Martens and Sabrina Virtusio, who both shot 154 totals and 10 over par for the tournament, finishing the teammates in a tie for 11th place overall. Samantha Olivia finished in a tie for 14th place, with a score of 12 over par for a total of 156. The fifth Seawolf competing, Cristina Picariello shot 27 over par to earn her a total of 171 and a 47th place finish.

The Seawolves golf team will look to continue to improve over the break before heading into their spring schedule and into the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Women’s soccer end in 1-1 standoff with Chico State John Dolan Staff Writer

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t the University Soccer Field in Chico, a clash of rivals took place between the 20thranked Sonoma State University Seawolves and the Chico State Wildcats.

It started off strong for the Seawolves as Sam Layman scored for the second time in three matches, putting the team up early 1-0 in the first half.

However, there was no time to celebrate for the Seawolves. Chico State struck back and evened the score just four minutes later. As a result, the matched ended in a 1-1 tie.

Friday’s game was stimulating from the start.

Four minutes into the match a penalty kick was rewarded to Chico State’s Shelby Lanksbury. Sonoma goalkeeper Kristen Spear came up with a big stop on Lanksbury’s attempt to keep the score even at 0-0.

At 18:45, Kristyn Lerma passed the ball to Lay-

man who put Sonoma State on top by one. As quickly as Sonoma State scored, Wildcats’ Katie Brown netted the equalizer four minutes later at 22:20. The match was 1-1.

Both Chico and Sonoma State had their chances to put the game away, but none would be successful.

Time expired with neither team coming out on top.

As a result, the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

In Friday’s match, Chico outshot Sonoma, 19-13, including a 10-5 margin in shots on goal. Spear made a career-high nine saves in goal for the Seawolves.

With two matches left, the 20th ranked Seawolves remain in second place in the CCAA standings with 25 points (8-1-1). This puts Sonoma two points behind UC San Diego (13-2, 9-0 CCAA). The Wildcats moved to 7-7-2 (3-7-1 CCAA).

For their final two regular season games, the Seawolves return home to face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Thursday, Oct 25. at 12:30 p.m. On Saturday Oct. 29, the regular season will close with Sonoma taking on Cal State L.A. at 11:30 a.m.

Cleveland, Ohio Second baseman Jason Kipnis sprained his left ankle, potentially keeping him out of Game 1 of the World Series.

Chicago, Illinois The Chicago Cubs are headed to the World Series for the first time since 1945.

New York City, New York New York Knicks player Derrick Rose was cleared on all counts in his civil rape trial, and will not have to pay his accuser.

Oklahoma State Highway 88 Former Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd died in a car accident at the age of 50. Byrd received the Most Inspirational Player Award (now called the Dennis Byrd Award) after his incredible recovery from the devastating injury that ended his career.

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com The Seawolves have eight wins, one loss, and one tie in conference play, holding to second place in CCAA conference standings

Cross country team finish second-to-last in CCAA Championships Annie Finck Staff Writer

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s the end to a successful season draws near for the women’s cross country team, their streak of accomplishment seems to be approaching a detour. After many successful meets, first place wins and record breaking races, the women’s team placed 11 out of 12 teams at the CCAA Championships.

“I’m happy with the way all of our girls gave it their all, we were hoping to place better, but somethings did not go our way,” said Maria Hurtado, a senior and captain of the team.

Even though this is the third time in the last four years the Seawolves have placed 11th, their team seems to be stronger than before.

“This year our team is so much better and stronger, not only talent wise, but we all bring something to the table that makes our team positive and strong,” said Hurtado. “We believe in each other and we keep each other up. Our team dynamics just seems so much better than other teams.”

Despite low placement at the CCAA Championships, spirits are high and there is still hope circling around their upcoming competition at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships in Billings, Montana on Nov. 5.

“We fought especially hard during conference and am proud that we were able to take 11 place, which seems that we have improved from last year’s season. I know we will have a great race at Regionals in Billings Montana in a couple of weeks,” said Analicia Garcia.

Garcia placed 24 at the conference, this is the first time a woman from Sonoma State placed this high in six years.

“This season has been successful because we have so much support and care for one another to push each other to our full potential,” said Garcia.

On the opposing side of the meet, Chico State placed first for the ninth year in a row.

With six of their seven runners placing in the top 10, they were a force to be reckoned with.

With the invitational in Montana quickly approaching, the women’s positive outlook and appreciation for their teammates and coaches is shining through and making itself more present and noticeable.

“Both of our coaches are amazing and they seriously believe in us so much that it makes us want to run with more heart. If it was not for them I don’t think we could have been as successful as we have been this season,” said Hurtado.

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com Seawolves Jasmine Casillas, Maria Hurtado, and Mikayla Mesker pacing themselves in the CCAA Cross Country Championships.

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Oct. 25, 2016 - Oct. 31, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

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BROKERS WELCOME ©2016 Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. All rights reserved. Brookfield Residential is a licensed real estate broker, CalBRE license no. 01996804. Builder reserves the right to make changes in design, pricing and amenities without notice or obligation. Model does not reflect racial preference.

BH008845 University District Ad | 11.5” x 20” | Sonoma State Star | 10/25

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