Volume 78 // Issue 7

Voting opens April 3 Read bios, Q&A's and full ballot Page 5 Opinion: Staff writer Amira Dabbas gives her story of racism in America. Pg. 3

News: Associated Students elections underway Pg. 4 & 5

A&E: Stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle is back with more laughs. Pg. 6

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VOLUME 78 // ISSUE 7

Sports: Women’s golf places top 10 in invitational match. Pg. 11 MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

Decision reached in asbestos lawsuit; jury decides in favor of whistle-blower Sam Evans Staff Writer

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STAR // Megan Corcoran Thomas Sargent and his attorney Dustin Collier speak to students at the Mario Savio Speaker Corner in May 2016. Sargent was awarded $387,895 after winning the verdict in a case regarding asbestos in Stevenson Hall at Sonoma State University.

he trial of Thomas Sargent versus the California State University Board of Trustees reached a verdict on March 15. Supporting the claims of the plaintiff, the jury found that Sargent’s peers pressured him to leave his job at Sonoma State University due to harassment after bringing attention to potentially dangerous levels of airborne asbestos in Stevenson Hall.

Sargent was working for the Sonoma State University Environmental Health and Safety program when he noticed unsafe practices regarding the treatment of asbestos insulation in Stevenson Hall.

After vocalizing his concerns about the asbestos, his colleagues pressured him into resigning by treating him with contempt, according to the lawsuit. In 2014, he filed a lawsuit against the school on the grounds that the school should have protected him from any retribution under the California Whistleblower Protection Act. The jury awarded Sargent $387,895 to compensate for his lost income and damages such as mental suffering and emotional distress.

Despite Sargent’s concerns, an additional part of the jury’s verdict found conditions in Stevenson Hall “safe and healthful.” The school has conducted eight air-monitoring tests in Stevenson since March 8 of last year that confirms the finding.

Asbestos was only detected in one of the 89 different samples that it took.

And even then, it was only a negligible amount, according to California Occupational Safety and Health Administration established regulatory levels of asbestos.

Although the jury deemed the air in Stevenson Hall safe, it still called for the implementation of additional safety measures.

President Judy K. Sakaki released a statement about the trial saying, “While the jury’s ‘safe and healthful’ finding is encouraging, the verdict also found that some past practices can be improved upon. We are reviewing those findings and are committed to taking additional appropriate proactive steps to ensure that Stevenson continues to be a safe and healthful workplace.”

Her statement was unclear about past practices are, and how the school will be improving them. When asked to clarify this, among some other ambiguities in her statement, both Judy Sakaki and Associate Vice President William Kidder did not respond.

The Press Democrat, however, was able to find some more information regarding the matter. There were 16 different Occupational Safety and Health Administration claims in the lawsuit. Of those 16, the jury justified seven of them, according to The Press Democrat.

This includes a lack of maintenance for asbestos-containing floor tiles, a lack of proper dusting in many different areas in the building and a lack of the cleaning and maintenance of the building’s ventilation system.

While the outcome will be relieving to some, it may also raise questions and concern about the efficacy of the janitorial procedures that are in place in Stevenson.

In addition to the threat of the asbestos itself, there also looms the threat of discrimination against whistleblowers in the workplace.

CSU Board of Trustees approves $270 tuition increase STAR // Jade Eriksson Prospective students of Sonoma State University checked in at the Latino Family Summit held in the Student Center on Saturday. Lambda Theta Nu and Nu Alpha Kappa organized the event.

Latino Family Summit entices future SSU students Tyler Heberle Staff Writer

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ecently immigrated Latino parents and their high school children saw the plethora of Sonoma State University’s academic opportunities during the 2017 Latino Family Summit.

These parents and children attended the summit on Saturday in the Student Center. The summit presented topics ranging from counseling services to the Dream.US scholarship program to help Latino families better understand the American education system, ac-

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cording to coordinator of college readiness programs Magali Telles.

“The whole point is, ‘What are the different pathways to college?’” Telles said. “But more importantly, for this community that doesn’t see a lot of representation at their own high schools… we’re giving them an opportunity to see Latinos closer to their peer group.”

In an introductory speech, President Judy K. Sakaki stressed that attending college is possible, affordable, and that a university is a place where all students can be successful at.

See SUMMIT on Pg. 4

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Nathan Jew Staff Writer

n a narrow vote of 11-8, the Board of Trustees for the California State University system has approved a $270 tuition increase, the first since 2011. The increase takes effect this fall and could generate up to $77.5 million of net revenue.

The Cal State system will set aside a third for financial aide and use the rest to fund a CSU graduation initiative; a push to double four-year graduation rates within the CSU system and eliminate equity gaps for underserved and lowincome students.

Assembly members, faculty and students had mixed reactions to the tuition increase since its proposal last September. Many are concerned that the California State University system is not doing enough to support its students and commit to education. Massive student protests were held on the day of the decision.

Assemblywoman Sharon QuirkSilva has introduced Assembly Bill 393, a bill that would freeze tuition until the 2019-2020 academic year. “It is my belief

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that funding our systems of higher education should not be done on the backs of students and their families,” QuirkSilva wrote in a letter to the CSU Board of Trustees. “For this reason, we strongly oppose this tuition increase which would continue to put a burden on low-income and middle-class families.”

Sonoma State University Associated Student President Emily Hinton said that she opposed the tuition increase and supports AB393. “Our team will be making trips to meet with our local representatives to lobby on behalf of bills like AB393,” Hinton said. “In May we will be at the capitol lobbying for the May budget revise to include changes that will help improve student life.”

Hinton said students can get involved by going to the Student Activities Office and filling out postcards to send to Governor Brown. “We will also be collecting student testimonials for a video campaign that will demonstrate how the tuition increase affects student life,” she said.

See TUITION on Pg. 4

Visit: sonomastatestar.com

Page 2

Editorial

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2016 sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board Shannon Brown, Editor-in-Chief Thomas Call lll, Executive Editor Kim Baptista, Managing Editor Joseph Encinas, News Editor Nate Galvan, Asst. News Editor Jenna Fischer, Opinion Editor Emma Devitt, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Ethan Helms, Student Life Editor Bianca Sanborn, Spor ts Editor Sara Wildman, Photo Editor Rene De Amaral, Copy Editor Alex T. Randolph, Copy Editor Ashley Mar tin, Adver tising Manager Brennan Chin, Distribution Director Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser

Staff Writers Alyssa Archerda, Alexis Austin, Kevin Brill, Nolan Brough, Emma Capper, Braden Car twright, Simon Cherin-Gordon, Sean Curzon, Alexandra Daniels, Amira Dabbas, Sam Evans, Cailan Ferrel, Annie Finck, Kitana Gachero, Peter Gatembu, Kendall Grove, Tyler Heberle, Naaman Hightower, Lindsey Huffman, Olivia Hunt, Jacqueline Huynh, Nathan Jew, Matthew Koch, Brigitte Maina, Jahred Nunes, Erika Peterson, Edgar Sanchez, Konrad Schoffer, Chad Shaver, Lauren Sniffin, Jacob Tucker, Antonia VanWinkle, Michelle Violetti, Bailey Young

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

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

Editor’ s Pick This week’s can’t miss article: “Stranger things takes the world by storm”

Dave Chappelle returns to comedy after a ten year break. His new show, just released on Netflix, brings his fans through his thoughts on the last decade he’s missed.

Read the story on page 6

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.

STAR // Sara Wildman

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Hinton for re-election

ith the Associated Students elections upon us, the STAR sat down with both candidates to learn more about their goals and campaign platforms. Students are urged to make a decision for whom they will support in the upcoming AS elections, which determine who will hold each student government position for the coming 2017-2018 academic year.

Sophomore criminal justice major Wilson Hall is running against the incumbent, junior Emily Hinton. The two candidates had the opportunity to speak with the STAR staff on March 21 regarding their campaign goals, personal experience and ideas on improving the Sonoma State campus.

While both candidates focused on student needs and addressing large campus issues, they kept their goals and ideas unique.

After hearing from the two candidates, the STAR staff debated their answers and positions on each issue.

With strong support from both sides, the decision to endorse Emily Hinton for Associated Students president once more wasn’t easy by any means.

The discussion focused on her experience in the position, her previous track record on campus issues and the goals she has set for the future. The STAR believes that given another year as president, Hinton will be able

to complete the important work she has just begun.

Hall, an Oakland native, expressed his ability to utilize his background to connect with many different types of students. His experience as a summer orientation leader and with the Student Outreach Office makes Hall a well-known face on campus. He explained that he feels it’s vital for students to know who their representatives are and stressed the importance of being active on campus.

Improved campus lighting, changes to the general parking situation and rehauling student advising were all points of focus during Hall’s time with the STAR. He also spoke about his desire to increase diversity and his hope to get Sonoma State students back on the four-year graduation track. The STAR hopes that Hall will continue his efforts in student government and will work with Hinton to improve student outcomes at Sonoma State.

Hinton shared similar emotions toward campus diversity and increased graduation efforts.

Now finishing her first term as president, Hinton has shown her commitment to student needs through her work this past year. One of her first accomplishments was passing the Campus Accessibility Resolution, ensuring that students with disabilities can get around campus more easily. She was

also instrumental in earning Sonoma State the designation of a Hispanic-Serving Institute, working alongside campus President Judy K. Sakaki. Hinton’s efforts to increase diversity and fight for student needs can also be seen in the establishment of the Undocu-Resource Center, a program focused on the success of undocumented students.

While both candidates are opposed to a tuition increase, Hinton’s involvement and work with government leaders in Sacramento demonstrates her commitment to seeing AB-393 get passed, which would freeze tutition fees until 2019.

Although both candidates are certainly qualified and willing to put in the necessary work, allowing Hinton to continue, and possibly finish the work she has started, is imperative for the growth of Sonoma State.

Her time as president has put things into perspective, allowing Hinton to realize the scope of her power. Although she identifies parking as a problem for many students, her goals are more realistic than large policy changes. Her existing relationships with administrators, help ensure that promises to students won’t be thrown by the wayside.

Instead her passion for social justice tells our student body that she will continue her advocacy and that students won’t go unnoticed.

The STAR encourages students to vote for Emily Hinton.

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.

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.

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Opinion

MARCH 28 - APRIL 2, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Page 3

Dear United States, from a citizen just like you

Amira Dabbas Staff Writer

I

t was a normal visit to Kaiser with my mom where we took my grandpa to get a procedure done and were waiting in the sitting area.

We decided that my grandpa needed a wheelchair, so my mother tried to ask one of the staff members for assistance. She returned irritated that none of the employees gave her the time of day.

“Why don’t you try” she said to me, “You don’t have an accent, so they might take your more seriously.”

My mother, an immigrant from El Salvador, is such a strong person. She taught me to never let anyone make me question my worth, and to always stand up for myself. The fact something as simple as an accent could take away strength from her even for just a second, angers me beyond words.

According to a Pew research poll, Latino people are the second most discriminated against ethnic group after AfricanAmericans. She was right. The second I spoke to the woman at the front desk her whole attitude changed. My grandfather was immediately brought a wheelchair.

Both cultures that make up my heritage are targets of the current rhetoric surrounding immigrants. Just because someone is from another country and English is not their first language, they automatically become inferior to everyone or even looked at as dangerous. But it’s not myself I worry about, it’s my parents.

My father, an immigrant from Jordan, came home from work one night and told my mother and I that a woman had told him

Trump’s budget plan outrageous

Matthew Koch Staff Writer

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n March 15, President Donald Trump released his budget blueprint for the upcoming year — and it was anything but pretty.

According to Reuters, in Trump’s first budget outline, he calls for a security-heavy realignment of federal spending as he plans to increase military spending by 10 percent over the next year and beef up funding to help with deporting more undocumented immigrants with a proposed wall on the border of Mexico.

According to NPR, agencies to undergo the biggest proposed cuts are the EPA, losing 31 percent, the State Department losing 29 percent along with the Food and Agriculture Department losing 21 percent in total funding.

On the flip side, agencies to undergo the biggest increases are the Veterans Affairs Department, gaining six percent, the Homeland Security Department, gaining seven percent and the Defense Department gaining 10 percent.

This increase in military funding is completely unnecessary and absurd because the military already has more federal funding compared to nearly every other department.

We aren’t under any immediate threat. We’re safe. We aren’t facing air-strikes like Syria, we aren’t a part of a dictatorship like North Korea and we already have the most expansive military in the world.

It makes no sense and there’s no reason for funding the military any more than we already are, which is already more than it needs to be.

According to the National Priorities Project, in 2015 congress allocated $598.49 billion in discretionary spending to the military alone.

According to the International Monetary Fund, this is more than the gross domestic products of New Zealand, Greece, Puerto Rico, Ethiopia, Bulgaria and Bhutan— combined.

Meanwhile, according to the National Priorities Project, the discretionary spending allocated to energy and environment as of 2015 is a mere $39.14 billion—more than 15 times less than what the military gets.

Likewise, congress budgeted veteran’s benefits $160.63 billion of the total federal spending in 2015, more than the combined federal spending of both the energy and environment department and the education department.

The unnecessary raises and cuts to the specified departments are contradictory to Trump’s plan to reconstruct the GOP as the “workers party,” which is slowly crumbling as most of the policies he’s trying to enact only seem to devastate the working class citizens who put him in power.

According to Dallas News, some of the largest proposed cuts in the White House plan would eliminate the $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program that funds organizations like Meals on Wheels, the national nonprofit that provides food for the homebound elderly and disabled.

This grant program helps to provide funds to cities for things such as affordable housing and economic opportunities to people with little to no income.

Without that money, 32,000 meals would be eliminated a year, according to Dallas News, literally taking food from the mouths of the people he claimed to be supporting. Trump’s plan is not only unsound, but it’s wildly irresponsible.

It supports the few departments that are already receiving more funding than the others and it cuts funding from those that need it now more than ever.

Is this really the best way to make America great again?

to go back to his country after she overheard him speaking.

My father has lived in the United States for over 35 years. He has brought up a family and built his home here. There is no doubt about it, this is his country.

Although I never feel especially targeted myself, I’ll look at my mother’s face when she watches the news and see the fear creep into her eyes. I see the way my dad puts on a brave front every time he hears racist comments and imagine the sense of defeat that must bring. This is how I am targeted, through the people I love. And what actually keeps me up at night is knowing my parents who came to this country to find a better life for themselves, are faced with discrimination now more than ever.

According to ThinkProgress, anti-immigrant sentiment is mainly caused by concerns about immigrants making Americans less safe . This is absolutely absurd to me. To think that my parents would be considered by anyone as dangerous makes me laugh.

My mom works in the community and my dad wants to take up golf. I cannot think

of any more normal people than the two of them. As a daughter of two immigrants, I feel as though it is my duty to stand up and shout from the rooftops so everyone can hear me, “Immigrants are people too.”

According to a poll commissioned by Vox in partnership with Morning Consult, white American’s were found to have negative opinions about immigrants from nonEuropean countries.

Their views were least positive about immigrants from the Middle East, and also hold negative views about immigrants from Latin America.

So why are we basing these fears so much on race? The hilarious truth is that we are living a country where a person is more likely to die being crushed by furniture than from a terrorist attack, as reported as the Washington Post. Just because a person is from a different country does not automatically make them a threat to you.

Unless we are willing to address the current narrative about racism in our country, this racist mentality is what is going to break and divide us.

Breast implants linked to cancer, FDA finds

B

Lindsey Huffman Staff Writer

reast implants are popular for women in our society, but is it worth dying over?

Studies from the FDA are showing nine cases of women having plastic surgery for breast implants, which can lead to death.

Nearly 11 million women in the world have breast implants, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgeon Foundation.

The FDA stated, “The extremely rare cancer, called anaplastic large cell lymphoma, affects cells in the immune sys-

tem and can be found around the breast implant. It can be found in the skin or lymph nodes and is not a type of breast cancer.”

The data from the FDA suggests women with breast implants have a very low but increased risk of developing ALCL compared to women who do not have breast implants.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that in 2015 breast augmentation was the number one plastic surgery done for women. In addition, 279,143 procedures were done in 2015, up 31 percent since the year 2000.

The percent of breast implants surgeries done with women has gone up 18 percent in 2016.

Now, who is to blame for women wanting breast implants in the first place? Many things can lead to the reason why women decide to get such surgery done.

Media and the way women see themselves can heavily inf luence why they choose to go under the knife.

The pressure to be “perfect” is constant from media, but is plastic surgery solving women’s

issues? It seems now in our time and especially generation, the excuse of undergoing surgery is that it’s “normal.”

The United States National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health studies found, “Psychosocial and health behavioural covariates of those who have undergone cosmetic surgery, as well as more attitudinal and belief system factors such as life satisfaction, self-esteem and body image.”

The people that get these surgeries are far more self-conscious about their appearance and body image issues, rather than those who do not.

Now what does this tell young women, that in order to feel confident in yourself you need to pay for it?

It’s not unusual to see women undergoing plastic surgery, because it has sadly turned out to be the standard norm in our society.

So now the question is, are you going to be just another statistic, or are you going to go against the pressure of what society thinks is now normal?

American springbreakers embarrass entire country

Olivia Hunt Staff Writer

“I

n politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue.” This is the advice that former President Barack Obama gave during his commencement speech to the students of Rutgers University in 2016.

Unfortunately, almost a year later, ignorance of all kinds is being exhibited now more than ever, due to the divisive political climate.

In the aforementioned speech, the quote cited was in reference to President Trump’s campaign objective to build a wall between the United States and Mexico.

The former president made a point that suggested that we can build a wall along our borders and blame our challenges on immigrants is xenophobic and unethical.

The type of ignorance and hypocrisy that plagues many Americans was displayed last week as a group of students on spring break chanted “Build the wall,” while aboard a cruise ship in Cancun, Mexico.

This elitist point of view is se-

verely warped, considering these students are exploiting the country they are actively lobbying against.

According to the Yucatan Times, the Americans continued to chant despite the outward uncomfortability of other passengers and staff.

The locals on board implored the chanters to stop “but the Americans did not stop at all and continued singing the racist hymn,” the Yucatán Times stated.

Throughout Trump’s campaign, the timeline of who is to pay for the border wall has flip-flopped so frequently that it has become a comical exchange between himself and the president of Mexico, who from day one has asserted that his country will take no part in the construction.

To make a mockery of an entire people is to isolate ourselves from reality and progression, and that itself is a slippery slope.

Since Trump’s plan to force Mexico to pay for the wall failed miserably, his back-up plan is to take the money out of American tax dollars and have Mexico “repay the United States 100 percent.”

Yeah Donald, great plan.

The Yucatan Times reported the incident aboard the cruise ship was not an isolated incident but part of a larger list of complaints from locals, “who point out that in recent days many spring breakers have been offensive, rude and haughty

towards Mexican people.”

The overbearing and aggressive patriotism and bigotry displayed by these young adults is an indicator that the respect and importance of culture and human rights in general is not a priority for some Americans.

When discourse that incites hatred has become commonplace, it opens up an opportunity for a pseudo-Hitler to take control of a country and repeat history.

The audacity of Americans to disregard an entire country of people and be complacent with locking them out like animals is reminiscent of historical mindsets that extend to present day under a more nuanced facade.

To make a mockery of an entire people is to isolate ourselves from reality and progression, and that itself is a slippery slope.

forbes.com

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News

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Associated Students elections Voting for Associated Students to take place April 3-4

“

Emily Hinton, AS president candidate When it comes to

the biggest accomplishment, I think

it’s been changing the culture here at Sonoma State. Sometimes that’s really difficult for students to see, but in past years we haven’t been taken seriously as students.”

STAR: What has been your biggest accomplishment this past year?

Hinton: “I’ve accomplished a lot of tangible things. Increasing library hours that students have been advocating for for years is a goal we’ve accomplished this year through meetings with the library dean. When it comes to the biggest accomplishment, I think it’s been changing the culture here at Sonoma State. Sometimes that’s really difficult for students to see, but in past years we haven’t been taken seriously as students. Our priorities have never been put first.

Something like the undocumented resource center, student government has been advocating for that for the past two years and it hasn’t happened. Through meetings with Dr. Sakaki, it’s been able to move so quickly. It’s because of the new administration we have, and Dr. Sakaki putting value in the students. Being a voice for the students and working as a liaison to administration, I’ve been able to change the direction that Sonoma State has been moving in in the past.

I know that’s a broad answer, but I think it will change things for years to come. If we had a different student leader with different priorities, I was still allowed to set the foundation with the new administration for what the student expectations and the student needs are. Now, when Dr. Sakaki works with Associated Students and future presidents, she knows the importance and the need to listen and provide for the students.”

STAR: What is your opinion of Greek Life at Sonoma State and are you involved?

Hinton: “I’m not involved in Greek Life; I’ve been involved in other areas of campus. I think that our Greek Life does a lot of great efforts. I’ve tried to support them in their philanthropies. I attend their fundraisers and things like that.

Some of the efforts they make are really great, and it’s also a good way to get students involved and make friends on campus and find their place at Sonoma State. I think it’s really important for our freshman to find whatever it is they are interested and involved in so they stay at Sonoma State, and I think Greek Life does a great job at doing that.”

STAR: What have been some key changes you’ve made this year?

Hinton: “I passed a resolution called Campus Accessibility, and that was because my sophomore year I broke my ankle and I was on one of those knee scooters, and it was very very difficult to get around campus just simply because of the quality of the cement around campus. It was not handicap accessible.

So, realizing that last year fueled my passion to get engaged in student government to be able to have a voice. That was the first thing I did as AS President. The resolution was to implement more handicap buttons for doors, make sure all of our elevators are working, and improve the quality of the cement on campus and in the parking lot by Ives.

A week later, I met with the director of facilities and we wrote down all of the lights that were out to make sure our campus is also safe and accessible.”

Wilson Hall, AS president candidate STAR: What have been your biggest accomplishments as a student representative this past year?

HALL: I’ll start even before being the student representative, working as an orientation leader with our new incoming freshmen to promote our campus community, and to build those strong relationships with freshmen who are coming into the university.

After that, working in the student outreach and recruitment office recruiting students, giving tours, and going off campus reaching out to students. Because a big conversation is diversity, but what are we doing to bring diversity? You have to be the change you want to see. That means going out, and I’ve been out to Vallejo to some schools, like Jesse Bethel High School, promoting Sonoma State. I went to Oakland with President Sakaki on CSU Super Sunday, speaking on behalf of the university and recruiting our students.

As well as stuff we’ve seen just on campus like the degree planner. Me being a part of the academic advising subcommittee, that’s been a discussion for months. Just now it’s been fully released. I’m not in a specific senator position where I represent just one area of students. As an Associated Students representative I represent all students. I see myself as immersed on campus.”

STAR: What is your opinion on Greek Life on campus?

Hall: “I think Greek Life is definitely a great option for students when they’re coming into campus. They meet a lot of people, as well as build connections both on-campus and once they leave campus, because a lot of our organizations are national organizations.

Personally, going to Lip Jam, that was a great event that shows what Greek Life really stands for, which is the philanthropies. AGD raised over $50,000 doing that [over] multiple years. It’s great and we definitely need a push for it on campus.

Greek Life is not for everyone, so that also means making it known for students that you don’t have to be a part of Greek Life just to be involved on campus.”

STAR: What do you think you can accomplish as president?

Hall: “From a campus safety standpoint, students have expressed that there is a lack of lighting on campus. You’ve seen on Snyder, the flashing crosswalks, implement those. As far as organizationally, that leadership presence.

For academic advising, integrating a diverse faculty. We were able to apply to grants and get more resources; let’s see different faculty and more trained faculty. Also, just a stronger presence. I think that is what’s going to bring the change.”

“

You have to be the change you want

to see. That means going out, and I’ve been out to Vallejo to some schools, like Jesse Bethel High School, promoting Sonoma State.”

THE BALLOT

AS PRESIDENT WILSON HALL

STUDENT SERVICE SENATOR

EMILY HINTON

JENNA VALLE-RIESTRA

AS FINANCE PRESIDENT

PATRICIA AYALA MACIAS

MADELINE CLINE

AS VICE PRESIDENT BRIANA TAGGART JASON GORELICK WILLIAM CRUZ-MARTINEZ

DIVERSITY SENATOR EDGAR SANCHEZ

BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS SENATOR CARLEY CHATTERLEY

EDUCATION SENATOR KENDALL ORDINIZA

CHARLES ZABALA

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SENATOR ISABELLE BRISENO

INVOLVEMENT SENATOR

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SENATOR ALLAN CHORNAK NATALIE ASEMI

KATHRYN RODD SAMANTHA LONG

SUSTAINIBILITY SENATOR MAGGIE MURRAY

SOCIAL SCIENCES SENATOR AREN AMMARI

News

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Page 5

Associated Students elections AS president candidate profiles

PRESIDENT Wilson Hall

PRESIDENT

ability to advocate for student needs, playing a key role in helping to shape a refreshing new culture at our university– one that places priority on students above all.

In this process, Dr. Sakaki and I have created a strong relationship that has been crucial in our refocusing of the University’s values– but the work is far from over, which is why I would love the opportunity to come back and serve as your student body president for one more year.

Together, we can solidify progress.

EMILY HINTON

H

ello Seawolves!

My name is Emily Hinton, and as many of you may know, I am your current Associated Students President. It’s a great honor to be running for a second term but to do that I need your help again.

I need your help to finish what we’ve started here together, I need your help to continue passionately and rigorously advocating for our needs as students.

This year has been vital for our school– as well as our students. Because of our brand new administration, I’ve worked to the best of my

STAR // Jeno Veltri

I

think what makes me the best candidate is that I’m immersed, I’m committed and I believe I’m knowledgeable about other areas of campus. What makes me stand out is my charisma, my people skills,and my ability to relate.

Just even through walking around campus before the campaign and being spotted by students; “Oh hey, I’ve seen you at summer orientation,”, “Hey, I’ve seen you at the front desk of the rec center,” or “Hey, you give tours don’t you?”

Just by being a student, because again, even though we’re in leadership positions, we’re still the Associated Students. I’m just another student. I’m a leader, but

I’m someone you can ask questions to.

I’m present; I understand the AS President has a lot of responsibilities that are time consuming. I do have a position in government, I sit in meetings and I do many other things outside of student government that are campus involved.

So, by having that balance, organizational skills and being someone that’s present on campus. If you go to a random person and ask, “Who is your AS president?” a lot of them can’t tell you.

You say, “Do you know what the senate is?” and they can’t tell you. Wanting to see the change is what makes me a great candidate.

STAR // Sara Wildman Profiles are personal statements from both campaigns. Hall and Hinton are representatives from Associated Students and not the STAR staff.

SUMMIT: Lambda Theta Nu and Nu Alpha Kappa bring alumni to give insight to prospective students Continued from Pg. 1

“There are so many opportunities that you may not know about, but others will believe in you—maybe sometimes even more than you believe in yourself,” Sakaki said.

After Sakaki initiated the event, two Sonoma State alumni served as keynote speakers. The second was Dr. Cirilo Cortez, a Gates Millennium Scholar who also received a Ph.D. in education from UC Davis. Cortez gave future university students three tips for success.

“If you have faith in yourself, you will succeed… you have to have that grit,” Cortez said before making his final point, “take advantage of resources—you can’t do it alone.”

After the speeches, students and parents broke off into groups for workshops. For two rotating workshops—one about transfer pathways and majors, the other on how to balance college costs— Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity members helped male students, while Lambda Theta Nu sorority members helped female students. Counselors presented at a separate workshop for parents during this time.

Following the workshops, local organizations tabled at a resource fair. The Santa Rosa Police Department and the La Luz Center, along with on-campus clubs and resources, were among those featured, according to Nu Alpha Kappa president Erick Nuñez-Aguilar.

Nuñez-Aguilar, one of Nu Alpha Kappa’s many firstgeneration students, said the resource fair was helpful in promoting “better community relations.”

“This is our opportunity to tell [undocumented students] that you can [attend college]… and in the end, making this temporary sacrifice of coming out and obtaining a degree is going to open a world of opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to have,” Nuñez-Aguilar said.

Telles said she coordinated the summit with help from an “army of students,” including two EAP Ambassadors.

The Lambda Theta Nu sorority’s Latina Youth Leadership Conference inspired the summit program, which began in 2008. Joselynne Calvillo, Lambda Theta Nu president, said the sorority was the first Latina-centric one established both at Sonoma State and on the west coast. Nationwide chapters of Lambda Theta Nu use the leadership conference to encourage female high school students to attend their colleges. In 2008, they teamed up with Telles and the Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity to extend this service to male students through the first Latino Family Summit.

“We want to see the difference in our community and continue increasing the number of Latino students at fouryear universities,” Calvillo said.

Edgar Sanchez Larios, a Nu Alpha Kappa representative for the summit’s planning committee, said members of the fraternity, Lambda Theta Nu, and Sonoma State’s outreach office planned the event.

The planning committee had to reach out to and prepare for both parents and students throughout Sonoma County, including those from Piner High School and Elsie Allen High School, Sanchez Larios said.

“We’re talking about Latino families, most of whom are

TUITION: increase can be reversed depending on state budget Continued from Pg. 1

If students want to know more, they can attend the next pizza with the president town hall meeting which both Emily Hinton and President Sakaki will be attending.

“Students will have the opportunity to ask us questions related to the tuition increase, or any other fee related questions,” Hinton said.

The meeting is tentatively scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m on April 27 at the Seawolf Plaza.”

“I know how hard it is for many families and students to cover their expenses,” Sakaki said. “We’re at a critical point where we need additional revenue to add faculty, courses, advisors and other critical support services so students can be successful and graduate in a timely fashion.”

“No one wants to see tuition increase. I certainly don’t,” she said. “The good news is that

the 60 percent of our students who now have their tuition fee covered by grants or waivers will not be affected by this increase.”

According to CSU Spokesperson Elizabeth Chaplin, that number is similar across the Cal State system. “Sixty three percent of our undergraduates have their tuition fully covered by grants and waivers, which do not need to be repaid,” she said.

It may even be possible to reverse the tuition increase, but Chaplin said that depends on the California state budget.

“If the CSU receives sufficient funding from the state, an increase in tuition would be reduced or eliminated,” she said. “Students would be refunded or credited if they had already paid the increased amount.“ The state will release its final budget in June, Chaplin said. It will be clear whether the state intends to fully fund the CSU system.

immigrant families,” he said. “The children were perhaps born here and have lived here their entire life, but their parents come from Latin American countries and don’t have a lot of experience with the college system here in the United States.”

Sanchez Larios said the California Dream Act, which allows eligible undocumented students to receive state funding for college attendance, received some of its lowest application numbers for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

Calvillo said the anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislation from the Trump administration may scare undocumented students away from taking proper advantage of Sonoma State’s resources.

“It is because students are scared of what may happen if they expose their personal information to our new government,” Calvillo said. “So many threats have been thrown out there to undocumented people that even fulfilling their dreams of a higher education are put on hold until they can feel some kind of security.”

Sanchez Larios said he thinks the Latino Family Summit provided an opportunity for Sonoma State to be “present in the conversation.”

“We want to send a very clear message that college should be in their plans… and that they will have the support of people—of allies—that are willing to help them navigate through college,” Sanchez Larios said.

Nuñez-Aguilar said he hopes Sonoma State’s upcoming Undocu-Resource Center, which will provide unique services for undocumented students, will be ready before the next Latino Family Summit.

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Arts

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Netflix Review: Chappelle is back

Alexis Austin Staff Writer

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ave Chappelle is back after laying low for around 10 years. One of comedy’s finest is now on Netflix with two specials released just last week and a third promised to follow. They are titled “The Age of Spin,” the name Chappelle attributes to the current age.

He characterizes the millennial generation to be one that is ever flowing with information, in such a way that there is practically too much to keep up with or to care deeply about.

The first special takes place at the Hollywood Palladium and marks Chappelle’s first performance in Los Angeles in 10 years. He begins by explaining calmly a few of the things he has been up to over the last decade, his take on the current racial climate and how he plans to address all of the four different occasions he met O.J. Simpson throughout his life during this show. He moves from different topics with empathy and understanding, yet still catches his audience completely off guard with hilarious, out-of-left-field statements. “Here’s the kicker,” he remarks a few times.

Chappelle brings to light that he missed a Flint, Michigan celebrity charity event, meant to help with the water crisis, for the Oscars.

He believes this could be a reason he feels he has distanced himself from the black community over the years.

“They had Stevie Wonder there, they didn’t need me,” he says.

And when he arrived at the Oscars and was met with criticism for not “protesting” this particular Oscars, he reminds the audience of his own protest.

“I haven’t been working in 10 years, I’ve been watching Key and Peele do my show every night,” he said. A quick jab at the very successful comedy duo that stepped up to Comedy Central proceeding the hit “Chappelle’s Show”.

Chappelle jokes in a way that can be more meaningful and dimensional than simply comedic at times. Jumping from Simpson to the LGBTQ community, to Bill Cosby, a hint of controversial air unavoidably began to hover. Yet, he was confident and in a way, sensitive.

At one point, he explains the outrage of a young girl at a previous show when the Cosby topic surfaced and he declares himself a feminist. Although it can be cringeworthy at times to discuss things of this nature in any context, Chappelle at least is not one sided.

He brings more to each subject, varieties of scenarios that make you think and possibly see things in differ-

ent ways, and this is an important purpose of comedy to many.

A big highlight of the show was on the topic of Kevin Hart. It’s pretty hilarious to hear comedians comment on one another and a sort of unspoken rivalry. Similar to the “Chappelle’s Show” skit where his son develops admiration for Nick Cannon, he talks about his young son being a big Hart fan and begging for expensive tickets to see him.

Chappelle ends up taking his son to the Hart show and calls it “infuriating.” He did not think anyone in the audience recognized who he was and they were met with the reality of Hart’s success and fame.

All in good fun, Chappelle makes fun of himself a bit in this way, expressing his frustration of this, but keeps it light and respectful saying Hart is one of the only people one of those self-celebratory Drake songs could actually be about.

After his recent praise-worthy appearance on Saturday Night Live just after the 2016 election, Chappelle’s reintroduction to a very different America is welcome and appreciated.

These Netflix specials are exciting and display a very mature comedian, who has been missed over the last ten years. This has been a synopsis of only the first show (episode), check it out on Netflix along with the second and hopefully soon, the third.

Movie Review: Beauty & The Beast Kendall Grove Staff Writer

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he much anticipated live action remake of the animated movie, “Beauty and the Beast” finally made its way to the big screen. On opening day, it grossed $63.8 million. “Beauty and the Beast” follows a young French girl named Belle as she finds love where it is least expected.

With audiences already having preconceived ideas of what the characters should look like, Disney had a challenge ahead of them when making the live action “Beauty and the Beast.”

One of the first concerns many people had was based on the amount of animated objects in the original movie. Although the classic characters like Lumière and Mrs. Potts aren’t identical to their cartoon counterparts, it would be shortsighted to discount the beautiful computer generated imagery used in this movie. From the detailed features of the Beast to the “Be Our Guest” performance, the computer generated imagery continued to remain seamless.

The musical performances in “Beauty and the Beast” are full of the same fun and familiar imagery that are present in the animated version. This live action remake allows the details of the movie to stand out, which can been seen through the extensive cost umes

and sets.

Emma Watson, who plays the character Belle, is constantly dressed in beautifully detailed attire.

From the simple French village wear to the iconic yellow ball gown, the costumes seem to be authentic to the time period and impeccably crafted.

Luke Evans, who plays Gaston, fits the role of the overzealous and misogynistic village favorite perfectly. However, Evans is almost outshined by his dimwitted partner in crime LeFou who is played by Josh Gad. Gad has a certain familiarity to him that makes his performance feel genuine yet comedic.

There is even talk of LeFou being the first openly gay character that Disney has ever portrayed, but this was a point of controversy for some. The National Cinema Company in Kuwait, an Arab country on the Persian Gulf, did not find Gad’s betrayal of LeFou to be up to their standards and they have banned the movie from their country due to certain interpretations of the movie.

Dan Stevens, who plays the Beast is unmemorable in this role because of his lack of screen time.

The computer generated imagery used on the Beast is well done but also takes away any traces of the actor himself.

Although the live action version of “Beauty and the Beast” wouldn’t be achievable without heavy computer generated imagery, it does take away from the personal feeling Disney movies usually contain.

The storyline itself also differs slightly from the original animated “Beauty and the Beast” from 1991. One of the biggest differences in the live action version is explanation, which was lacking in the animated version. The new movie gives a clearer idea of certain concepts such as the imprisonment of Belle’s father, Maurice, and what happened to Belle’s mother.

David Hoberman, who produced the 2017 live action version, told the Hollywood Reporter that “The most difficult part was both honoring the original animated film and also giving it its own identity, but there’s also a lot you can get away with in animation that you can’t get away with in live-action.”

With more Disney live action remakes to come, one can only hope that they will continue staying true to the characters and storylines in future productions.

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Entertainment

Page 7

Video Game Review: Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild

Nolan Brough Staff Writer Video games have the unique ability to truly encompass the player and allow them to escape to another world, a place where you can live out your wildest fantasies. Few titles have been released that deliver a truly epic experience to the player: “Fallout: New Vegas,” “Skyrim” and “Knights of the Old Republic” are a few heavy hitters that gamers will surely never forget. “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” proudly earns a seat next to these titans, perhaps even surpassing some of the classic titles we have all come to know and love.

This new title, released both on the Wii U and the new Nintendo Switch is the story about Link, a knight who

has been asleep for 100 years who comes back to save the kingdom of Hyrule and Princess Zelda from the impending doom of Calamity Ganon. “Breath of the WIld” breaths new life into the beloved franchise as well as reviving old concepts that were lost after the original game. Ever since Link’s original iteration in “The Legend of Zelda” released in 1986, Zelda has adopted a linear style of progression. The original game allowed you to complete dungeons and explore in any way you wanted, completing tasks as you see fit along your journey. In more recent titles, the game has presented the player with straightforward instructions on what to do next after each task is completed. As long as the tasks are engaging and evolve as the player progresses, there is nothing wrong with this playstyle. However, the formula was beginning to stale after so many years.

This is where “Breath of the Wild” comes in. After a five minute tutorial teaching the player about controlling Link, that’s it. You’re on your own. You are completely free to do as you please within Hyrule, the kingdom Link must set out to save from the franchise’s ever-present villain. And there is plenty to explore. It’s hard to describe how massive the world is that Nintendo has crafted; never before has a map of this size been produced by Nintendo, and you can tell the developers wasted no time in the five years it took to create this game. It’s entirely up to you how you want to tackle the game.

Once you’re free, you can choose to get right to the story by attempting to beat the four main dungeons in the game, which are optional to the completion of the main story and can be done in any order you choose. You also have the option of powering up Link by activating shrines throughout the kingdom, in which after completing a puzzle, Link can

Remembering Chuck Berry Emma Capper Staff Writer

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t a high school talent show in St. Louis, a young boy won first place for his guitar and vocal rendition of Jay McShann’s big band number “Confessin’ the Blues.” That same boy later found himself pioneering what is now rock ‘n’ roll.

When you think of rock ‘n’ roll, it’s impossible not to think of Chuck Berry.

Any discussion of the genre will bring you back to Berry, whose inf luence has been present in popular culture since the early 1950s.

On March 18, the founder of rock ‘n’ roll died in his St. Charles home at age 90. The cause of death remains unknown.

Early on, Berry played the club scene in St. Louis. It was in Chicago that he met his idol, Muddy Waters, who told him to approach Chess Records. Label president Leonard Chess was fond of his tune “Ida Red” and scheduled to record with Berry. “Ida Red” became his hit song “Maybellene.”

The 1940s and early 50s in America was a time of cultural collision. While the racial divide in the country had many hard years ahead, Berry was one of the first to bridge the gap between African-American and white culture.

“If you were going to give rock and roll another name you might call it Chuck Berry.” - John Lennon “Maybellene” was significant not only because of Berry’s 24-bar guitar solo or his f lowing lyrics but also because it appealed to everyone. He was soon playing for audiences of aff luent white teenagers as well as Southern musicians. In 1958, Berry opened a racially mixed nightclub called “The Club Bandstand.” His rock ‘n’ roll combined elements of rhythm and blues with country western accompanied by powerful guitar licks, later imitated by bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.

John Lennon once said, “If you were going to give rock and roll another name you might call it Chuck Berry.”

In the 1960s, he inspired both California rock and The British Invasion. The Beach Boys reworked his “Sweet Little Sixteen” into “Surfin’ U.S.A.” Berry later sued them, receiving songwriting credit.

Brian Wilson said, “He wrote all the great songs and came up with all the rock and roll beats.”

In 1984, Berry received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys and in 1986 he was among the first group of musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Nicknamed “the eternal teenager” Berry performed well into his 80s. He was someone who made his audience want to get up and move. His iconic duck-walk, a guitar-thrusting strut that involved kicking one leg forward and hopping on the other, was one of the mesmerizing aspects of his performance.

Despite setbacks with the law and various business ventures, Berry never stopped working. After 65 years of service, his final album “CHUCK “ will be released on June 16. While Berry won’t be around for the release, the album will serve as a parting gift for his fans and family.

gain upgrades for his health and stamina meters. Players can even decide to run straight to Hyrule castle to face off with Calamity Ganon without prepping at all; it’s possible, but truly difficult. If you want to take your time, there are a litany of side quests and a slew of Hylian natives that could use Link’s help along his quest. From capturing rare horses to helping two estranged lovers find one another again, the game offers so many things to do, it’s sure to keep players coming back after months of solid play.

Despite nearly flawless gameplay, truly astounding graphics and one of, if not the most rich and vivid environments in all of gaming, “Breath of the Wild” does not come without its shortcomings. Perhaps the worst offense is the lack of gamepad features on the Wii U version of the game.

Early iterations of the game as well as other Zelda titles on the Wii U toted touch controls on the gamepad controller, but oddly these features were left out of the final product. Despite the company claiming that these features were taken out to create a better experience for the player, it’s pretty clear that the features were removed to level the playing field with the Nintendo Switch, a new console that launched alongside the game that lacks touch screen support. Also, while enemy and character designs are quite good, there is not as big of a variety of enemies in past games and they do not become more difficult as Link grows stronger, making for much easier gameplay as you complete the game, which can become frustrating.

Despite these gripes, Nintendo delivers a near perfect adventure that will entice any gamer and satiate any thirst for adventure. “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a worthy addition to the Zelda franchise, and depending on who you ask, may be the greatest game in the series.

Movie Review: Power Rangers Sean Curzon Staff Writer

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rowing up, I had two toy boxes. One for my regular toys, the other dedicated entirely to “Power Rangers.” It was a show about five teenagers who gain superpowers and dinosaur robots to stop the evil Rita. The show was an American remake of the Japanese show “Super Sentai,” using footage from said show for the monsters fights spliced in with shots with Americain footage. The show was a massive hit in the early 90s, becoming a cultural phenomenon for a few years. The show was stupid and has aged like milk, but there was a self awareness to it’s stupidity. I was the perfect age to watch “Power Rangers” when it was out, so it became a huge part of my childhood.

When I heard the big budget reboot was in the works my excitement was mixed in with a lot of caution. It turns out that the caution was needed because this movie is garbage.

When reviewing a movie I typically avoid spoilers, not talking about things that happen past the 20 minute mark unless it’s in a trailer, but I’m gonna break this rule because this is a big one. In this “Power Rangers” movie, about the Power Rangers, the Power Rangers don’t show up until past the 100 minute mark. The characters appear and they get their powers halfway through, but they don’t actually put on the Power Ranger suits until 100 minutes into this two hour movie. There is one fight scene and it’s the final battle.

This movie has a serious tone problem. It’s unsure if it’s wants a more grounded take or too embrace the show’s inherent silliness. Most of the stuff with the main cast is on the grounded side, but whenever the film jumps to villian Rita, played here by Elizabeth Banks, the film is much more campy and silly. It creates mood whiplash jumping between the two plots. This is never more apparent than during the only battle.

The rangers jump into there zoids, the score is playing then the Power Rangers theme cuts in for 20 seconds, only then to have “Power” cut in.

The plot structure is a mess. It feels like a first act padded into two hours. Most of the movie is sent building up the Power Rangers as opposed to having the Power Rangers do things. Mainly focusing on the home lives of the rangers, which is fine in theory but everything feels underdeveloped. The yellow ranger is upset with her parents, but it’s never explained other than “they don’t get me.” The black ranger has a sick mother, but it doesn’t have any days off. It’s an hour until the rangers get their powers and we still know next to nothing about them.

The film then wastes time with repetitive training scenes that neither develop the plot or characters.

The casting of Bryan Cranston as Zordan, the wise leader, is a neat touch. The famous actor actually did voiceover work on the original series, voicing some of the monsters.

The designs are not very good. The power suits designs are too busy. The film tries to give the suits an alien organic tech look but it doesn’t work. Rita’s minions are now these genetic looking rock monsters.

The original “Power Rangers” was silly, but was unforgettable. A rapping pumpkin is stupid, but you’re not gonna forget it anytime soon. And this movie is forgettable. That’s the one thing a “Power Rangers” movie shouldn’t be.

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Student Life

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Library displays Black Panther exhibit Amber Rodarte Staff Writer

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our former Black Panther Party members were part of a panel discussion Monday night at Sonoma State University. The discussion included former Black Panther Party members Barbara Easley Cox, Billy X Jennings, Elbert “Big Man” Howard and Emory Douglas.

The panel presentation was held at the 2North Gallery on the second f loor of the University Library as part of an exhibit by documentary photographer Suzun Lucia Lamaina’s titled: “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panther Party in Portraits and Stories.”

“The exhibit brings a tremendous statement to our community about social justice and memory work,” said Karen Schneider, dean of the university library.

October marked the 50-year anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland. The party offered protection to minority communities against the government in order to make these communities feel more safe. The founders of the group said the group was needed to patrol minority neighborhoods to protect residents from acts of police brutality.

The organization may have started in Oakland, but the Black Panther Party spread to have chapters all over the United States and had the greatest impact in large cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Black Panthers were considered controversial at the time because of their willingness to resort to violence to seek justice, but they also are credited with making great strides for minority communities.

Sonoma State’s exhibit dedicated to the Black Panther Party on the second f loor of the Schultz Library, which was originally shown in Oakland, includes photographs of members and

STAR // Erika Brooks The Sonoma State University library is displaying an exhibit celebrating the work and efforts of the Black Panther Party and their founders. The exhibit will be on display on the second floor from March 20 until March 31. inf luencers of the Black Panther Party taken by Lamaina.

The exhibit opened March 20 and will be up for viewing until March 31.

The content of the exhibit took Lamaina over 10 years to collect. The photographs and stories that go along with them celebrate the spirit of the Black Panthers.

In her book, Revolutionary Grain, Lamaina explained most of the photos taken of the panthers in the 1960s and 1970s include them wearing black berets, leather jackets, and carrying guns, so she wanted to take a different approach with her photographs.

Lamaina focused instead on their legacy.

“Although the Panthers are no longer making media headlines, they are still serving the people, body and soul

Fair to deliver student housing options Antonia Van Winkle Staff Writer

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s the spring semester begins to rapidly approach its last few weeks, many students at Sonoma State University have two things on their minds. The first being “finals, finals, finals” and the second is a question carrying equal, if not more, stress than finals themselves, “Where am I going to live next year?” Fortunately, that question can be answered at this years Off-Campus Housing Resource Fair.

The fair will take place on Tuesday, April 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. located in Ballroom A of the Student Center. Various property management companies, apartment managers and landlords from both Rohnert Park and the cities that surround it, will join the students in order to educate them on all things that go into living off-campus.

The event is another outlet for students to gather off-campus housing information in an easy way and for property companies to get their name out there. Additional dwelling information can be found via resident newsletters, informational f lyers located on several buildings throughout campus, and a resource booklet provided by Housing Services listing local apartment complexes.

The fair is being put on by the Sonoma State Housing Services. The purpose of this fair is to offer students a place to research different options and costs of living off-campus, gather information regarding different properties in the area, pick up applications, see pictures of potential living arrangements and ultimately to get a jumpstart over the competition.

Finding and locking down a place in off-campus housing can be competitive, so getting a head start, even if it’s just looking at a few places to get a general idea, can be very beneficial.

Aside from the presence of prop-

erty management companies, apartment managers and landlords, additional resources can be found at the fair as well.

In fact, CORT Furniture Rental will be attending to help students get increased insight on how to furnish their new places while sticking to a college budget.

Senior Amy Crawford has lived offcampus for two years now. “When I first looked into possible places to live offcampus I was extremely overwhelmed with how minimal the selection was,” she said.

Crawford called her mom, like many students would do, and was advised to speak with Housing Services to see if they knew any way to get around the situation. Crawford visited Housing Services, located on the second f loor of the Student Center, and was immediately given websites to use and specific companies to look out for.

Crawford looked up all the information she was given and ended up finding a house the rent within a week of meeting with the Housing Services.

She continues to express her support for the resource that Housing Services provides.

“The off-campus housing fair is a beneficial resource for all Sonoma State students to utilize,” said Leah Becker, sales and event lead assistant for Sonoma State. She discussed the importance of making timely, off-campus housing arrangements and gaining valuable decision-making experiences.

Becker has experienced the struggles of moving off-campus and doesn’t want her fellow students to undergo some of the hardships she has faced.

She mentioned that she wished she had visited the Housing Fair during previous years and that maybe the transition would’ve been easier.

For any additional questions or information, visit the Housing Services website at www.sonoma.edu/housing/ och/, call them at (707)664-2541 or email them at ssu.housing@sonoma. edu.

as teachers, ministers, lawyers and community activists,” Lamaina said.

Sonoma State Librarian Hilary Smith said she believes the exhibit is very relevant to our campus community today. She sees the exhibit as has having a strong connection to our Second Year Research and Creative Experience program and showing support for the different cultures of our students on campus.

This semester, the SYRCE program is focused on the 1970s which was a time when the Black Panther Party was very active in communities across the United States.

“It’s important for the SYRCE students to understand how important activism was to the young people of the 1970s and how we can learn from them and continue their activism in some

ways today,” Smith said.

She also sees the exhibit as a way to promote diversity on our campus.

Smith said that while there is still a small African-American population on campus, it shouldn’t give our campus any reason not to celebrate their culture and history.

“It is important to show support for all different types of students on campus,” Smith said.

The Black Panther exhibit gives a sense of pride to the African-American students on campus by honoring their ancestors and the great strides they have made in obtaining equality for all people.

More information about the exhibit and the university library can be found at http://library.sonoma.edu/about/artsandlectures/gallery

Student Life Calendar Wednesday, March 29 #BlackLivesMatter North Bay Women 6:30 p.m. of Color Student Center 8:30 a.m.

Student Center The Sex Education You Never Got Free HIV Testing 7:15 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

International 104 Student Health Center Thursday, March 30 Grad School Workshop Trans Visibility Noon 6:30 p.m.

Salazar 1040 The Cooperage Intramural Forms Due Noon Rec Center

Sunday, April 2 Brasil Guitar Duo 3 p.m.

Schroeder Hall

Student Life

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Page 9

County buses give students safer travel Peter Gatembu Staff Writer

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ith the cost of tuition and living expenses on the rise, public transportation is becoming a more dependable option for Sonoma State University students. Computer science major and Rohnert Park resident Shelby Munsch prefers using the bus because he finds it safer.

“I have totalled more cars than I should have already, and I can’t afford to buy a car,” Munsch said, “Being in the car with me isn’t safe, but taking the bus is safe.”

Safety isn’t the only appeal for students interested in taking advanteage of the Sonoma County bus system.

“There is a benefit of using public transportation and being a student in Sonoma County. All rides within Sonoma County are absolutely free and all that one needs to show is a valid school identification card.”

In December, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors extended the subsidized Transit Fare Pilot-program for Sonoma County college students.

According to the Bureau of Transportation statistics, the majority of Americans drive daily or are passengers in a motor vehicle, but how safe is a private vehicle in comparison with public bus transportation? A recent CNN report showed that cars and trucks accounted for more than 5.75 deaths per billion miles while buses accounted for only 0.4 deaths per billion miles. The report concluded that buses are one of the safest forms of travel.

STAR // Megan Corcoran The Sonoma County Transit offers free rides in 2017 to students who show their school identification card when boarding the bus.

“I have totalled more cars than I should have already, and I can’t afford to buy a car...Being in the car with me isn’t safe, but taking the bus is safe.”

Other than being safe and affordable, the Sonoma County bus services are easily accessible to Sonoma State students. There is an existing designated bus stop near the campus entrance. Buses numbers 44,10 and 46 access this pickup and drop-off zone with an interchanging interval of about 45 minutes between them.

It’s an advantage for students who live on or near campus, for they are uniquely positioned to use the bus given the centralized location in which most of their activities occur.

Students that use the bus won’t have to pay the cost of a parking permit, which makes it a good option for those trying to save money. With a general parking pass at Sonoma State costing $94 and a motorcycle pass going for $22, using a bus seems a reasonable option for students.Students can save time by taking the bus because there’s no need to find parking when you get to school.

Not only does bus transportation help in the conservation of energy, it also helps in the decongestion of the already filled freeways and highways. Plus the bonus of on-board wifi, public transportation can be a realistic option for many students.

On the contrary some students do not like using means of public transportation to get to school. Many claim that there is little comfort on the bus compared to driving their own cars or riding their bikes. Grant Hagstrom a junior and geology major uses his motorbike to get to school.

“It’s fun riding my bike. I’m also comfortable in my own private space” Hagstrom said.

He said that he does not mind paying the $22 to park his bike, because it’s still cheaper than buying a parking pass for a car.

“I would use the bike every time compared to the bus,” Hagstrom said when asked about his method of transportation.

CHECK OUT THE

OFF-CAMPUS

HOUSING RESOURCE FAIR April 11 | Ballroom A 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

3rd Floor in the Student Center QUESTIONS ABOUT LIVING OFF-CAMPUS? Please call Sonoma State University’s Housing Services:

707- 664- 2541 (d i a l 7 1 1 for Rel a y Servi ces)

Career Closet helps provide professional attire Brigitte Maina Staff Writer

A

temporary ban of a good night’s rest by your subconscious before a big interview can send you into deep, uncharted thought. Stressing, your mind pinpoints the realization that the outfit you planned to may not fit the image or expectations of your potential employer.

“Some students don’t know what’s appropriate. And it’s kind of hard, depending on the culture or organization you’re interviewing with,” said Career Services Advisor Ann Mansfield. “There are so many variables, and [the Career Closet] can be used as a guideline.”

Housing apparel in all areas except shoes, the Career Closet located on the ground f loor of Salazar Hall provides students with professional attire options when in need.

“I didn’t want clothing to come in the way of being successful in an interview or grad school,” said Mansfield.

Organized against the wall of windows inside career services, men’s button downs, dress pants, collared shirts and polos take up one of the closet’s racks, with an extended array of tie options near by.

The second rack houses women’s blouses, collared shirts, slacks and skirts in a handful of color options and patterns.

Sticking to the campus’ reclaiming philosophy, all items archived have been donated by staff and faculty, with donations by students and community members growing.

Its debut arrived in time for the Career Fair at the beginning of March where students happily reaped its benefits, and can again at the Educator Job Fair in mid-April.

“I was ecstatic about being able to pick out an interview-worthy outfit for free,” said junior Omar Garcia, who heard about the closet through his marketing class and f lyers around campus.

Accessing the closet is simple after entering the career center. Informing an advisor in the room about the event that requires the clothing, advances you to explore the racks. Mannequins are set

modeling affordable items from Target’s top brands with price tags attached for exact pricing.

Thanks to Mansfield, who reached out to the company about the ideal partnership deal, Target donated a gift card used by Mansfield and career service employees to purchase professional attire for examples.

“We want to build the career services in such a way that students can come here for a wide range of things,” said Mansfield. “When you want to borrow clothing, you want to ask a friend. But we want students to be comfortable [here].”

As time goes on, future plans for the closet include a separate room or office for privacy and confidentiality. Replenishment for the closet may be based on to clothing recycling through internal clothing drives with large corporations.

Full length mirrors for easier viewing also prioritizes the list.

Best part about using items from the closet is your ability to keep them. Another job opportunity may come up or a friend in need may call and the items you kept will be in arm’s reach.

However if students are planning on returning the clothes they will need to be cleaned first.

“If the donations go away, the closet goes away,” said Mansfield, who accepts donations at any time during the closet’s hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon, or during the service desk’s regular hours.

Jackets, skirts, and slacks are in high demand regarding donations and are preferred to be clean, professional, conservative and as current as possible.

“I think it’s an opportunity to serve the community in a way we haven’t before,” said junior and career service employee Jenna Valle-Riestra.

After picking a position-winning outfit, career services can go over student resumes to discuss appropriate interview tactics, and many other aspects of job hunting; killing many birds with one stone.

“We want to to talk about your career path...To be a resource on many levels, no matter where you are in your development,” said Mansfield.

STAR // Erika Peterson Located inside Salazar Hall, within the Career Services office, is a wardrobe of profesional attire available for student use. Anyone looking far clothing for interviews or meetings can stop by the office.

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Sports

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Men’s tennis team take first victory of the season against Hawaii Hilo Chad Shaver Staff Writer

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n Saturday, the Sonoma State University men’s tennis team collected their first win of the 2017 season over Holy Names University at home, 5-4. With a break in the rain, the Seawolves were finally able to capitalize on their home court advantage.

When it came to doubles play on Saturday, the Seawolves won only one match out of three.

Max Nudell and Alec Wong pulled the doubles victory for Sonoma State.

Following the doubles action, the Seawolves met for a 10 minute meeting in between the singles and doubles matches. Like always, they began to pump themselves up and prepare for the rest of the games. Due to the grind of the doubles matches, one of the Holy Names’ doubles players was unable to participate in his portion of singles. This gave the Seawolves a lineup advantage and they knew they must capitalize on it.

When it came to singles play, Mitchell Heckman and Nicky Valdecanas had quick matches, dominating their opponents. As for the other two victories in singles, players Blaine Mengert and Sullivan Roche had to dig deep.

“I wasn’t projected to play him from the start, but I ended up playing him due to line-up change. I was very confident going into the match because I had beaten him before,” Mengert said about his victory. “I still didn’t feel like I played my best, but I figured out my opponent and won with what talent I had for the day.”

Roche’s game was a very close match that went back and forth. The game was finally decided by a second set

tiebreaker, which Roche won. Getting this clutch victory gave Sonoma State the lead over Holy Names.

“I also wasn’t expected to play my opponent this match, but due to the lineup change I did,” Roche said. “I lost to my opponent in my previous meeting against him, but I did what I had to do to beat him. I was really happy with how I played because I had to adjust on how I was gonna play and it was a grind of a win.”

Coming off a huge victory during a time of rebuilding for the men’s tennis team, they were determined to carry their momentum into the next matches.

Unfortunately, a day later the Seawolves lost all of their games against Hawaii Hilo in San Rafael but one, which was Mengert’s.

“I had never played this guy before and I started out very slow. I thought I was going to play better against him, but I knew I was the better player and I grinded for the first two sets and finally in the third set I rolled through him,” Mengert said.

The doubles play on Sunday had a slow start, which didn’t give the Seawolves very much momentum into the singles play. Singles play was much closer and hard fought for the Seawolves.

Although only winning one match, they played hard throughout. The Seawolves were unable to capitalize, ultimately losing to Hawaii Hilo, 8-1. Sonoma State is determined to improve and continue gaining momentum for the rest of the season.

For their next set of matches, the Seawolves travel to Colorado, where they hope to pull off more victories against Colorado Christian, Colorado Mesa and Colorado college.

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com Top, Junior Seawolf Sullivan Roche won the tiebreaker to take the victory against Holy Names. Blake Mengert, bottom, won at No. 5 singles.

Tuesday March 28 Men’s golf 67th Annual SoCal Intercollegiate

Friday March 31

Saturday April 1

Women’s track @SF State Distance Carnival

Women’s track @ SF State Distance Carnival

Softball vs UC San Diego 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Men’s Tennis @ Colorado Christian

Men’s Tennis @ Colorado Mesa 10 a.m. @ Colorado College 2 p.m.

Baseball @ San Francisco State 12 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Wednesday March 29 Softball vs UC San Diego 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Thursday March 3 Women’s Track @ SF State Distance Carnival Softball vs. Western Washington (In turlock, CA) 6 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs Dixie State 11 a.m.

Women’s Waterpolo @ Cal State East Bay 1 p.m.

Softball vs Concordia (in Turlock, CA) 2 p.m. vs Northwest Nazarene (in Turlock, CA) 7 p.m.

Women’s Waterpolo @ Fresno Pacific 11 a.m.

vs Hawaii Pacific (in Turlock, CA) 7 p.m.

Sunday April 2 Men’s Tennis @ Metro State 10 a.m.

Baseball vs Cal State L.A. 11 a.m.

Baseball Vs Cal State LA 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Softball vs Central Washington (in Turlock, CA) 11:30 a.m.

Women’s Tennis @ Stanislaus State 12 p.m.

vs Western Oregon (in Turlock, CA) 3 p.m.

Softball vs Simon Fraser (in Turlock, CA) 4:30 p.m.

Women’s tennis team one match shy of a series sweep Kevin Brill Staff Writer

S

onoma State University’s women’s tennis team came out to play over the weekend, dominating Holy Names 8-1 in the series. After multiple matches being cancelled earlier in the season due to rainy weather, the Seawolves prepared to leave it all on the court, which is just what they did on Saturday afternoon.

The Seawolves’ lineup consisted of Jensyn Warren, Amanda Zuidema, Jordyn Kearney, Kaitlyn Haithcock, Katherine Long, Karlee Budge, Jenna DeTurk and Hillary Fazekas. In the singles competition, the Seawolves managed to win all but one of the six matches. Sonoma gave the Holy Names Hawks no remorse as they won all three of their doubles matches. This left the Hawks in an undeniable 8-1 deficit to the Seawolves.

Budge was scheduled to take on Holy Names Hawk Julia Golub in the singles competition.

“I have played Julia in the past and last time our

match came down to a tie breaker. I went into my match with her last weekend knowing that I had to give my 100 percent effort no matter what and to stay aggressive throughout the entire match,” Budge said. “Playing against someone with her style of play requires a lot of patience and resilience. It is safe to say I reached my goal by winning in straight sets.”

Sonoma State held strong throughout the singles competition and only lost one match to the Hawks.

Budge took down Julia Golub 6-2, 6-2. After her win, Haithcock defeated Taylor Barajas with the same outcome of 6-2, 6-2.Long triumphantly followed, beating Rutendo Gwaze 6-2, 6-1. Zuidema held strong against Dominique Ernst and won 6-1, 6-2. With two matches to go, Warren battled Jahan Bayramova for a successful win for the Seawolves 6-3, 6-2. Unfortunately it was not a clean sweep for the Seawolves; the Hawks’ Eliza McKean defeated Kearney 6-3, 6-4.

The Seawolves had a perfect record in the doubles competition, winning all three matches. Warren and

Kearney teamed up to defeat Gwaze and McKean from Holy Names 8-2. Sonoma kept the momentum going with Zuidema and DeTurk, who fought hard to win 8-3 against Ernst and Bayramova. Long and Fazekas played the last doubles match against Marlayna Durant and Barajas, where the two Seawolves were able to pull out a win 8-1.

With the games cancelled on Sunday against Nevada due to the rainy forecast, Sonoma State looks forward to playing Dixie State on the Seawolves’ turf at 11 a.m. on Friday in hopes of continuing their winning streak.

“Dixie State is a team that always comes ready to fight, which makes them fierce competition. My game plan is to remain positive during my match and to stay focused and determined to win,” Budge said. “As a team, we pride ourselves on giving our 100 percent effort no matter what the circumstance may be, which is part of the reason we have come to be so successful.” With this victory against Holy Names, Sonoma State has jumped the national rankings and now sits as the 17th ranked team in the nation.

Sports

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

Page 11

Women’s golf team places top 10 at Otter Invitational Annie Finck Staff Writer

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lacing sixth of the 18 teams in the Otter Invitational, the Sonoma State women’s golf team had a successful tournament and were able to prove themselves as tough competitors.

“I was pretty happy with how we played the first day, but the second day we struggled as a team,” said Erin Martens. “However, based on our finishes at Hiddenbrooke and Chico (second and first place finishes) I am really happy with how we are trending.”

Though the women came into the tournament facing teams that would be tough competitors, they were able to fight their way to this milestone and hold their own.

“The field at the Otter Invitational was stacked,” said Samantha Oliva.“We got to see a few of the top ranked teams in the region that we haven’t seen since preseason, so it was nice to kind of get a closer look of our competition as we start to move towards postseason.”

Even with their competition being stacked they were able to have multiple players respectively place.

Sabrina Virtusio led the team by tying for 17th place out of the 99 other participants. Virtusio had rounds with scores of 79 and 77, with a 36-hole total of 12 over par 156.

Erin Martens had scores of 82 and 77, giving her an overall total of 159 (+15) which made it possible for her to tie for 27th place in the tournament.

The team held a total score of 633 (+57) which was only 27 shots being Dallas Baptist, the winning team. Chico State was able to place fifth, only one spot ahead of the Seawolves.

“We came into the Otter tournament pretty confident since we had just won first at Chico’s event. We played pretty solid throughout the event, but I personally had a few mishaps the second day and ended up not shooting as well as I wanted to,” said Oliva.

After changing how she gripps her putter, Oliva is excited to see the change and progress. “It’s the first time I have changed something in my stroke in my 10 years of playing this sport. I am determined to get used to this change and I am really excited to see how it will work at our next event.”

With the team being ranked 21st nationally, the women have been seeing many victories along the way. They are performing well and is hoping to continue this throughout the remainder of the season.

“This year we are more established as a powerhouse and a lot of teams look to try to beat us,” said Oliva. “We are not necessarily number one, but we are definitely a tough team to beat and I think a lot of teams we compete against realize that more this year.”

“We host this coming week and then will hopefully be moving into post season and I feel very confident with where all the girls are at. Our goal is to play our absolute best at regionals and hopefully nationals,” said Marten.

With the Sonoma State Spring invitational being the last regular season tournament coming up quickly on April 3rd and 4th, Martens, a senior on the team, is looking forward to bittersweet event.

“You never really think about playing your last home tournament. I am so lucky to have been able to play four years at Sonoma State with amazing coaches and teammates,” said Martens. “Without them I would not be the athlete I am or the person I am, without the people I call my team and family.”

Baseball team falls twice to UC San Diego Jake Tucker Staff Writer

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he Sonoma State baseball team traveled down to San Diego this weekend for a three-game series against the UC San Diego Tritons. The Seawolves were able to take the first of the series, then fell to the No. 5 ranked team in the second and third.

The Seawolves sent Haydon Turpin out to the mound for the opening game, who has been their most consistent pitcher this season. Turpin earned his fifth win of the season, throwing 6.2 strong innings, allowing one unearned run on six hits and collecting seven punchouts.

“UCSD was a tough weekend for us,” said Turpin.

“They were a fundamentally sound team and executed well. They had a lot of big innings that we just couldn’t bounce back from.”

Turpin was sailing after his offense provided him with a three-run lead in the first inning off of a Mitch West double down the left field line, plating Daniel Caresio, an RBI single up the middle by Nathan Mann to score West, then an RBI sacrifice fly by Matt Richards.

Sonoma would tack on two more insurance runs in the fourth on an RBI single by West, and a run-

scoring fielder’s choice by Joshua Montelongo.

The Tritons put up an unearned run in retaliation in the sixth on a double and an error, but senior Ricky Clark came in and pitched the remainder of the game, getting the final seven outs and not allowing a hit, with just one walk and three strikeouts, earning his second save of the season.

“Yeah, UCSD is a top team in the nation for a reason,” said Clark. “We got our weekend off to a good start, just didn’t play good team ball on Sunday.

I’m confident we’ll fix the mistakes we made in time for our midweek games and the upcoming weekend against LA. We’re a good team just have to get it rolling and we’ll be scary down the road.”

The Seawolves did not have as much luck in the second game of the series, as they sent out another one of their consistent senior starters Matt Hammonds, who was plagued with unearned runs. Hammonds threw 4.1 innings with three strikeouts, surrendering six hits, three walks, and seven runs, only three of which were earned.

The Tritons put up two in the third on a two-run single by third baseman JD Hearn, then two more unearned runs in the fourth on a throwing error and a sacrifice fly. They would tack on by putting up three

more in the fifth on two home runs, taking a commanding 8-0 lead.

Sonoma State put up a fight run in the seventh on a single up the middle by Nicco Toni, scoring Richards. The Tritons would put up three more runs in the seventh and eighth innings to finish off the 11-1 victory.

The third game of the series was essentially the same story. The Tritons had eight extra base hits in the game, including three home runs, two of which were hit by their first baseman Tyler Durna, who finished with two hits, a walk, four runs, and four RBI’s. The Tritons put up the first 13 runs of the game until the eighth when the Seawolves’ shortstop Rayson Romero scored on a bases-loaded walk by Grant St. Martin.

The Tritons then put up one more run in the eighth on a solo homer to go up 14-1 and secure the win of the series.

“Game one we played well as a team and our pitching staff was able to lock down their lineup,” said St. Martin. Games two and three were a bit of a struggle, but we will put in a good week of practice and bounce back this weekend against Cal State LA.” The Seawolves’ next game will be a Tuesday doubleheader at San Francisco State starting at noon.

Let the talent do the talking Naaman Hightower Staff Writer

“W

hy isn’t my kid playing, coach? He’s the best one on the team.”

We’ve all heard these words in some form or another from our parent or guardian while competing in sports; words of support blurred by the bias of love from the ones who’ve helped raise us. Recently, no words have been louder than those of Lavar Ball, father of UCLA star Lonzo Ball. Of his many controversial statements, his most outlandish came when asked about his son’s comparison to NBA guard Stephen Curry.

“Do I think he can be as good as Steph Curry in the NBA?” Ball said. “Heck no. He gon’ be better than Steph Curry in the NBA.” Nothing like a father’s love.

Just to be clear, Lonzo Ball is a 19-year-hoop star at UCLA. A great player, albeit young, he will probably be a top three draft pick pending his decision to leave college this year. He is currently a finalist in voting for the Naismith Award, which recognizes arguably the single best player in NCAA Division I college basketball. With current freshmen averages such as 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and a whopping 7.6 assists, there is no doubt that he is a great player.

And his adversary?

With the NBA being arguably the best basketball league in the world, a reigning MVP of the NBA would classify him as arguably the best player in the world.

Meet Stephen Curry.

Those credentials are enough to stop any argument from saying a 19-year-old kid is already going to eclipse those achievements. The reigning NBA scoring champion and steals leader was asked about Ball’s outlandish statements in a recent interview.

“I don’t want to talk about that. I wish his kids the best,” Curry said.

Way to take the high road, Steph.

There is a huge difference between being a proud parent, and being simply ignorant, as the statistics above show. I’m all for being a visible presence in your child’s life, especially as an African-American father.

Dr. Todd Boyd, a professor of race and pop culture at USC, weighed in on Ball’s appearance in Lonzo’s life.

“I think there’s a stereotype in the culture at large of the absent black father,” Boyd said in an interview with Mic. “So many stories we hear about athletes have to do with absent black father image, and he’s obviously not absent. He’s very present.”

Ball himself has stated similarly that America is afraid of the black father

COURTESY // Hardwoodhoudini.com Lavar and Lonzo Ball embrace after a matchup against the Washington State Cougars. because of its elusiveness in sports. Though true, this is a def lection made to hide his ignorant and out-of-pocket statements to the media.

Lonzo is not in high school anymore. In a few months, he’ll be making millions of dollars as a pro ball player. The need to speak for him and make statements on his behalf has been over for quite some time.

What’s worse is Ball’s’s lack of knowing when to shut up can hurt his son’s professional career.

NBA executives and owners may not want to hear Ball his son isn’t getting the playing time or numbers that he expects. His ego could undoubtedly rub some coaches the wrong way. One thing for sure is Ball loves his kids and seems like a great father. However, putting that kind of pressure on your children can only do one of two things: bust pipes or make diamonds.

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Photo

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2017 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Konrad Schoffer Colin Chinn performs “Drain You” by Nirvana, left, and Gabriel Duran sings his original song “Time,” right, at ASP Presnts: We Speak on Friday in the Ballroom.

STAR // Jade Eriksson Amelia-Marie Altstadt from Singma Omega Nu performs Mama Mia at the MGC Talent show on Friday.

STAR // Jade Eriksson The Sonoma State Line Dancing Club performs a dance using a remix of country music.