Volume 79 // Issue 12

IN THIS ISSUE

TWITTER REACTS

HOLIDAY DISHES

ON-FIELD RESCUE

Twitter users comment on the diversity of the recently released Grammy nominations.

Students discuss what typical dishes their families prepare for the holiday season.

Sonoma State women’s soccer coaching staff honored as valor award recipients.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 79 // ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 11, 2017

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

SSU students could see tuition increase for second time in two years

PAIGE HUNTER STAFF WRITER

CSU TUITION BY YEAR (IN-STATE)

F

6,000

4,500

3,000

1,500

0

20 01 -0 2 20 03 -0 4 20 05 -0 6 20 07 -0 8 20 09 -1 0 20 11 -1 2 20 13 -1 4 20 15 -1 6 20 17 -1 20 8 18 -1 9 **

or the 2017-18 school year, students had $270 added to their tuition costs. With another proposal from the CSU, this number could go even higher.

California State University Chancellor Timothy White has proposed a $228 tuition increase for in-state, full-time undergraduate students over an academic year, while the price per unit for non-resident students would go up from $396 to $426 and $264 to $284 for quarter campuses.

The CSU Board of Trustees will vote on this proposal at its March 21 meeting in Long Beach. If passed, it would be implemented for fall semester of 2018.

But before the regents move ahead with the proposal, White and others want to get the approval of the California State Student Association.

In a meeting Thursday with officials from the Chancellor’s Office, CSSA representatives asked questions and sought to provide alternatives to this potential increase in tuition.

According to CSSA President Maggie White, this tuition increase could negatively affect students financially.

“I feel that a tuition increase would harm affordabil-

** This increase is part of a proposal to be voted on in March.

Information for this chart was taken from California State University and can be found at www.calstate.edu

Sonoma State STAR A chart showing CSU tuition increases since 2000. California State implemented an increase for the current year, and are proposing another for the next academic year. ity for students who don’t receive full financial aid coverage of their tuition and are already struggling to make ends meet,” White said.

In order to meet the state funding requirements, the CSU system has requested a 2018-19 budget increase from the state Legislature of about $282 mil-

lion. Within this amount, they require $152 million to fulfill mandatory costs such as employee compensation. However, Gov. Jerry Brown has indicated that he will only grant the system $102 million in new funding this year, leaving a deficit of about $50 million just for mandatory costs.

CSU officials are afraid that without increased state funding, and even with the proposed tuition increase, there may not be enough money to fund the Graduation Initiative, which seeks to double four-year graduation rate from 19 percent to 40 percent and achieving a 70 percent six-year graduation

rate by increasing classes and taking other steps.

The upcoming academic year represents the second year of a six-year, $450 million investment plan in support of the Graduation Initiative.

According to White, the proposed tuition increase would not go towards helping the CSU’s graduation initiative; rather, it would help to cover university costs.

“This year, the proposed tuition increase is to cover mandatory costs like employee compensation increases including the rising minimum wage, and the rising costs of healthcare and benefits for employees.” White said.

Officials are also concerned about paying for enrollment growth and any work on deferred maintenance.

But student representatives are pushing back at the idea of putting the burden on students to make up these funds.

“I don’t feel that it should be students’ responsibility to pay for those kind of mandatory costs at a public university that is meant to be funded by taxpayers for the betterment of the state,” White said.

The chancellor has stated he and his team will be focusing on securing the state funding that the system needs to avoid the increase or any cuts at the campus level.

UndocuScholars Coalition looking for new club co-chair ANDREA MENDOZA STAFF WRITER

T

he UndocuScholars Coalition is looking for new perspectives and assistance in accomplishing future club goals as it meets with potential candidates to take on the role of co-chair next semester.

The coalition is a Sonoma State University club made up of undocumented students and their allies. Members are not required to be undocumented if they want to take part in discussions with the community.

Students in the UndocuScholars Coalition may be aware of issues surrounding the undocumented community, wish to be more educated on the subject or want to learn how they can become allies.

According to Mariana Martinez, coordinator of the UndocuResource Center and faculty adviser for the UndocuScholars Coalition, the co-chair shares the responsibility of helping the club maintain its existence and continuing the club’s original intent to support undocumented students as they navigate higher education.

“From its original establishment, the club is a co-chair model, but within the model of campus life one serves as the president and the other serves as the treasurer,” Martinez said. “They share the fact that they’re both in charge of the money, they are both in charge of decision-making and they are both in charge of deciding where the club is going to be headed.”

The UndocuScholars Coalition started the fall 2017 semester with Moises De Leon serving as cochair, but scheduling conf licts forced him to step down in September. The position has remained unfilled for the rest of the semester.

See UNDOCUSCHOLARS on Pg. 8

Courtesy // Tyler Lobe (left to right) Assistant Coach Margi Osmundson, Head Coach Emiria Salzmann-Dunn, senior defender Courtney Shoda, President Judy K. Sakaki and Assistant Coach Mark Dunn pose for a photo at Sonoma State’s first ever Valor Award ceremony.

Coaches awarded for saving the life of SSU soccer player RYAN ESTES

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University has issued its first Valor Award to the coaching staff of the Sonoma State women’s soccer team for saving the life of a student athlete.

The school honored head coach Emiria Salzmann-Dunn and assistant coaches Margi Osmundson and Mark Dunn for their heroic actions on Nov. 28.

“This could have been a devastating event,” said Joyce Lopes, vice president of administration and finance. “I could not have been prouder of how they showed such courage and compassion.”

On Sept. 1, the team was at

Humboldt State University for a tournament and was participating in a light practice when senior defender Courtney Shoda received a ball off of her chest and kicked it into the goal. After jogging back to her place in line, she stumbled and collapsed.

“I heard a player yell my name and point behind me and I turned and looked and that is when I saw Courtney laying motionless on the field,” Salzmann-Dunn said. “I ran to her side and I noticed she was struggling to breath.”

That is when someone yelled out for assistant coach Mark Dunn to come over. Dunn, who is an assistant coach in his spare time, is also a 26-year veteran firefighter and holds the rank of captain with the Rincon Valley Fire Protection District.

“Just by the sound of the scream, I knew something was seriously wrong,” Dunn said.

After checking for a pulse and feeling none, Dunn initiated CPR, assisted by Salzmann-Dunn.

Osmundson called 911 from her cell phone, and ran to the emergency campus telephone to summon help.

“Mark brought a level of precision and calmness that allowed me to use my CPR training,” SalzmannDunn said. “I never thought I would have to perform CPR on one of my own players.”

Within a couple of minutes, Shoda had regained a pulse and paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital.

See VALOR on Pg. 4

2 Editorial

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board Shannon Brown, Editor-in-Chief Ethan Helms, Executive Editor Nate Galvan, News Editor Olivia Hunt, Opinion Editor Brigitte Maina, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Tyler Heberle, Student Life Editor Andrea Mendoza, Assistant Student Life Editor Bianca Sanborn, Spor ts Editor Alyssa Archerda, Photo Editor Alex Randolph, Copy Editor Alexis Austin, Copy Editor Kitana Gachero, Copy Editor Alex Daniels, Adver tising Manager Lauren Sniffin, Social Media Manager Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Kevin Brill, Nolan Brough, Anna Burke, Kayla Buie, Braden Car twright, Madison Caballero, Francisco Carbajal, Nick Coats, Jana Duncan, Lauren Eipp, Ryan Estes, Becca Garner, Kaitlyn Haas, Kaitlyn Haga, Paige Hunter, Kayla Kring, Kailey O’Hehir, Suzette Plumley, Roland Schmidt, Emily Shaheen, Chad Shaver, Sierra Sorrentino, Alice Tennigkeit, Suleika Usher, Amber Weinstock

Photographers Mikki Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Luis Mejia

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: “SSU students could see tuition increase for second time in two years” California State University Chancellor Timothy White has proposed a $228 tuition increase for instate, full-time undergraduate students over an academic year, while the price per unit for nonresident students would go up from $396 to $426 and $264 to $284 for quarter campuses.

Read on page 1

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

Publication The STAR is published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters. Printing is done by Sonoma Media Group. The weekly publication of the STAR is made possible by Instructionally Related Activities Funding.

Opinions

Opinions expressed in the STAR are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the STAR or SSU. The editorial reflects the views of the STAR Editorial Board on issues it considers to be of particular relevance to the campus community.

Letters to the Editor Letter writers may expect prompt publication in the newspaper’s op-ed section, as space is available. Letters of up to 400 words will be allowed and must be submitted no later than the Friday before the publication date. Published letters must be free of libel, since the publication is held legally accountable for all content. Although personal controversy will be tolerated, it is the responsibility of the editor to check statements purporting the facts. The STAR reserves the right to refuse publication to any letter and to edit for length. Letters must sign all contributions and the editor must verify the signer and the writer are one in the same through personal conference. To send a letter to the editor, email star@sonoma.edu.

STAR // Kevin Flores

Another tuition increase should highlight importance of state educational funding

A

s another calendar year comes to an end, the CSU system may be preparing to greet fall 2018 students with another tuition increase — the second major one in two years.

Back in March, the CSU system approved its first tuition increase in six years. This measure added a $270 increase for 2017 - 2018 to help with hiring 400 new faculty members and adding 3,000 course sections.

Undergraduate students in the 2017 – 2018 school year have their work cut out for them as a result of this increase, paying $1,665 or $2,871 per semester depending on the number of units they take.

When considering a separate $991 in campus-based fees, some students’ charges approach the $4,000 mark. Even dedicated students working multiple jobs may struggle with numbers like these.

For students who already have difficulty keeping up with payments for tuition, fees and housing costs, get ready to tighten your belts a little more — or at least ask for more hours at work.

Last Thursday, the CSU Chancellor’s Office met with the

California State Student Association to propose a $228 yearly tuition increase beginning in fall 2018.

Though the CSU Board of Trustees will not vote on the proposal until March, all students should be wary of the potential effects this increase could have.

According to California State Student Association President Maggie White, an even higher increase should be expected for out-of-state, credential and graduate students.

This second increase is in response to a potential lack of $50 million for mandatory costs.

If Gov. Jerry Brown, as presumed, grants the CSU system a mere $102 million instead of the requested $282 million in next year’s budget, it will have a much harder time helping Sonoma State with issues like enrollment growth and deferred maintenance, White said.

California’s colleges do not receive enough state funding.

The $50 million deficit could deprive Sonoma State of vital services such as the Graduation Initiative, which would improve graduation rates while removing unfair opportunity gaps from the system. But this situation is out of students’ control, so why

should they be getting hit with the brunt of these CSU-centric pressures?

At the Nov. 30 Academic Senate meeting, Sonoma State President Judy K. Sakaki said she believes “students must be allowed to engage” with policies that affect the cost of their education.

It would be a worthwhile idea for Sonoma State’s administration to set up a fast-paced notification system that could keep students up to date with fluctuating fees they may have to pay.

Students’ feedback might not fix financial dilemmas, but it could establish a greater sense of understanding between their administrators and them.

A more expensive education is certainly not ideal for students, but it’s important that they not lose sight of the bigger picture. Governor Jerry Brown must allot more money to his state’s greater educational institutions, and students should direct some of their feedback toward Brown and other local legislators.

The shortest email or phone call could raise awareness for why tuition hikes too often become a necessity.

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.

Student missing the point of the Green Music Center

E

ditor: I’m sorry that Braden Cartwright is unhappy with the programming offered at the Green Music Center (“Green Music Center doesn’t serve most students,” Nov. 14). However, I’d like to point out that Sonoma State is a university— that is, an educational institution. One of the things that can and should happen to you during your years here is personal growth. That means, inter alia, learning about new things. In particular, learning to enjoy and appreciate art forms that you have not understood before. May-

be you should take the opportunity of attending some classical music concerts, and eventually you might learn to appreciate violins. It is not necessary to be a music major to enjoy classical music. In fact, most educated people have learned to appreciate more sophisticated forms of music.

— Rick Luttmann, professor emeritus of Mathematics

Interested in placing an ad in the STAR? Contact our advertising manager at: sonomastatestar@gmail.com

Opinion 3

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Grammy’s fulfill public’s request for diverse nominations

KAITLYN HAAS STAFF WRITER

T

he 2018 Grammy Awards Ceremony is already making waves.

On Tuesday, the nominees for the Grammy’s 60th annual show were released and many celebrities and members of society are shocked and excited.

For the first time in 19 years, no white men or group are nominated for the “Best Album of the Year” award.

All male nominees are people of color, the nominees include: Childish Gambi-

no, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars, according to the Independent.

Many prognosticators and fans, according to The Washington Post, believed that the two nominees were going to be pop singer Ed Sheeran for his album “ Divide” or Kendrick Lamar’s album “DAMN”, but they were only half right.

Of course, Sheeran not getting nominated caused a Twitter frenzy but soon turned into the realization that all male nominees were Black for the first time in almost 20 years. In response to his fans disappointment and claims of being snubbed, Sheeran stated on the Ellen show “Maybe this isn’t my year… validation comes from actually seeing people enjoy the songs. I’d rather have a lifetime of people coming up to me and saying: ‘this is my wedding song’” according to Billboard.

In the past few years, many award shows including the Grammys has been criticized for the strong and apparent absence of diversity in the winners.

Last year’s Best Album winner was Pop singer Adele over the legendary

Beyoncé album “Lemonade.”

This was an outrage to the public and even Adele herself realized she was not deserving. On twitter she tweeted: “what the **** does she have to do to win Album of the Year? That’s how I feel,” according to the Huffington Post.

Also, the year prior to that White pop singer, Taylor Swift, was victorious over Kendrick Lamar’s sensational album “To Pimp a Butterf ly.” With this years nominees it does not seem like race will beat talent.

For many years now, Black music artists have been dismissed despite their astonishing talent. This award show is the biggest night in music and for too long artists who are doing something less challenging, less personal, less time consuming and less imaginative take the night.

It is unclear if the deciding process of nominees had anything to do with the Academy taking the negative feedback from viewers into consideration or not, The Washington Post reported that the Grammys opened up online voting for a wider range of ballots for

the first time ever this year.

This year’s Grammy has a lot of hype behind it due its big change and many are eager for the night of the ceremony. Will Jay-Z give credit to his wife’s hard work over the years? Will any of the winners mention the 19-year gap? Whatever does happen, it’s nice to see that society recognizes the societal importance and inf luence rap music has on this era. The Washington Post had a interview with Recording Academy president, Neil Portnow on the matter and he spoke highly of the results and what it means in terms of moving forward. “The results are ref lecting the music of the times – hip-hop and urban music is pervasive in our society worldwide – not just America,” said Portnow.

“So when that continues to be evident and evolve, this is a ref lection of that.” As much as everyone enjoys belting out one of Taylor Swift’s or any other catchy pop songs in the car, it will be nice to witness a person of real talent to win a Grammy for Album of the Year this coming ceremony.

Corrupt Republican tax bill will ruin lives BRADEN CARTWRIGHT

STAFF WRITER

T

he United States Congress just passed a massive tax bill that will reshape the economy for years to come.

Every American will be affected by this legislation.This bill is a complete disaster. It does exactly the opposite of what Americans need.

The benefits of this bill is based on the premise that lowering taxes on corporations will prompt them to hire more workers and raise wages. But, they’re more likely to pay out stocks and give bonuses to executives than give raises. Corporations have always shown they’re motivated by profits, not the welfare of workers.

According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, “258 corporations paid an effective federal income tax rate of 21.2 percent over an eight-year period, slightly over half the statutory 35 percent tax rate.” Large, hugely-profitable companies keep their profits overseas to avoid paying their share in taxes.

The rate these corporations are expected to pay will drop from 35 percent to 20 percent with the new bill. What they really pay is sure to drop too.

Republicans are rewarding the last group that needs a tax break. Faceless corporations known to avoid taxes however possible will reap the most benefits while hard-working Americans making five-figure salaries get a much lower tax break.

Prioritizing companies over people, CEOs over workers, and rich over poor is inhumane.

The United States current unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, a 17 year low. Basic economics says when the economy is at full unemployment, the government shouldn’t lower taxes.

Common sense is ignored in this bill though. The goal of creating jobs sounds noble but is misguided. Tax breaks aren’t what the American econ-

omy needs right now. There are issues far more important than creating jobs right now.

One issue that could be addressed in a tax bill is income inequality. After all, according to The New York Times, the richest one percent in the United States own more wealth than the bottom 90 percent. Yet, with the Republicans’ tax bill, people earning over $500,000 will receive the largest tax cut of roughly 2.5 percent.

Republicans are rewarding the last group that needs a tax break. Faceless corporations known to avoid taxes however possible will reap the most benefits while hard-working Americans making fivefigure salaries get a much lower tax break.

Wealthy people will benefit the most from the tax breaks in the bill. So, instead of fighting income inequality, this tax bill will only increase the disparity between the super-rich and the middle-class. The rich will get richer.

This bill will especially hurt young people. Most young people are students or just beginning their careers, so they won’t benefit much from the tax savings. The tax cuts are scheduled to end in 2025.

Down the road, young Americans will deal with the negative effects of this bill. A larger national debt and fewer domestic social programs will hold the younger generation back economically for decades to come.

The people who stand to gain from this bill are the ones who need it least.

This bill would be a disaster for millions of middle-class Americans who are at the mercy of lawmakers ignoring the needs of many for the benefit of a few.

Mitch McConnell before the vote on Friday.

nytimes.com

snopes.com Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump pictured with a Jaguar they hunted.

What’s next on the list: The dangers of big game hunting

KATIE HAGA

STAFF WRITER

M

any different species of animals are dropping at an alarming rate which means the endangered species list is rapidly growing. One of the thousands of animals on that list is elephants.

The main reason the number of elephants are declining is because they are killed daily for their ivory tusks.

Despite the ban on the international trade in ivory, African elephants are continuously being poached in vast quantities On Nov. 16, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services under the Trump administration said they were reevaluating a ban made under the Obama administration in 2014 that outlawed importing trophy elephants from Zambia and Zimbabwe into the United States.

The overturning of this ban would ultimately allow elephant trophies to enter our country and encourage big game hunting of an endangered species.

According to the Great Elephant Census, in the past decade the population of African elephants has declined by 30 percent. Just when I think I can’t despise Trump any more than I already do, he does something even more outrageous that it heightens my hatred toward him.

The reversal of the ban would apply to elephants hunted in Zambia in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and to elephants hunted from Jan. 21, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2018 in Zimbabwe, according to NBC. The administration decided to only allow hunters two imports per year. How kind of them to limit these murderers to only two pieces of their victims’ carcases.

The Trump family seems to be very

keen on big game hunting and this overturned ban would benefit them - considering that in Dec. 2015 photos surfaced of Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., holding a cheetah they had hunted.

And another photo of Donald Trump Jr. holding a knife in one hand and an elephant’s tail in the other, according to The New York Times.

Which inclines me to ask what gives you the right to kill defenseless animals? When I googled ‘big game hunting’ and with a heavy heart clicked on images, the majority of photos that appeared were white people sitting next to or holding corpses of animals they have ruthlessly murdered.

As far back as our history textbooks go, white people, men especially, have seen themselves as the superior race. Which makes them so entitled, as if murdering thousands of Native American people on their own land or owning slaves wasn’t enough power for them; they now feel the need to move onto other species? It’s sickening.

After the statement was released, Trump and his administration received a copious amount of backlash on the potential decision. Many took to social media to express their disgust and anger toward the overturned ban; celebrities, activists and many other individuals in politics participated in the backlash.

With the amount of retaliation he received, the day after the released statement, Donald Trump tweeted, “Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!”

I think with the amount of negative feedback that was aimed at this decision, Trump miraculously got it through his incredibly thick skull that this decision was a bad one. Now if only he could make that discovery with every other decision he’s made since he’s been in office that would be great.

100 elephants die each day, and at this rate it is estimated that they will be extinct by the year 2020. It’s up to us to continue to protect them and what little life span they have left.

I can’t imagine a world without elephants; it baffles me that my children could potentially grow up in a world without them.

4 News

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

VALOR: Student may have suffered from Commotio Cordis Continued from Pg.1

“I do not remember much from that day other than I was doing a little warm-up,” said Shoda, a senior kinesiology major, “Everything I know I heard from my teammates.”

Shoda spent three days in the hospital and had to wear a vest with a defibrillator for a month and then a heart monitor for another month.

“The doctors believe I suffered from Commotio Cordis,” said Shoda. “But they won’t say that for sure because they have not found a case linked to a women soccer player before.”

Commotio Cordis is extremely rare and is caused by an abrupt blow to the heart during the brief period of time after the heart contracts, when the organ is recharging itself. During this time (a span of a few milliseconds) one part of the heart has recharged and is ready to fire, while the rest of the organ is not yet ready.

Even though Shoda was not medically cleared, she was allowed to attend trainings and games.

“With what Courtney went through and still wanting to be there for her teammates is the spirit of what team sports is about,” said Salzmann-Dunn, “Connecting and sacrificing for other people no matter what.”

Shoda has made a full recovery and has been cleared by her doctors and the Sonoma State Athletic Department to participate in soccer again. She participated in the team’s last practice on Friday, Dec. 1.

“This experience has encouraged me to slow down and embrace life,” said Shoda.

STAR Senior defender Courtney Shoda strikes the ball at a game in 2016.

STAR// Luis Mejia Rosa Zuniga (left) performs her original poem, “Andrew’s Poem.” Taína Asili (right) performs an original song while hosting “We Speak.”

“We Speak” provides safe space for expression

KAYLA BUIE

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University’s Associated Student’s Production presented “We Speak,” an interactive audience performance that addressed a wide array of social, political and personal issues. Held on Nov. 30 in the ballrooms, the purple and warm, complimentary lighting tones encouraged audience members to speak up in a safe space through poems, songs or dances.

“Art is a really powerful healing tool,” said host Taína Asili. A native of Puerto Rico, Asili is a songwriter, frontwoman of the eight-piece Afro-Latin band Taína Asili y la Banda Rebelde, and activist. Asili explained her belief in the importance of speaking your mind, and intends to continuously provide an encouraging environment.

The night began with the performance of “Sofrito,” a Spanish song of Asili’s named after a Puerto Rican sauce and delicacy. Sofrito reminds her of her grandmother and native roots, while also providing a blend of ethnicities and culture. She said singing and dancing lets her “[Singing and dancing] reclaim[s] humanity in the face of inhumanity,” said Asili.

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Audience members then volunteered to perform a piece of their own. The first volunteer, Rosie Zuniga, read a poem about her brother-in-law’s passing. “I really like to remember to tell people you love them,” said Zuniga. She spoke about missing him and the importance of living life fully around people you love.

Freshman Greg Todd played two of his original compositions titled, “Pray for Me,” and “Starlight in the Entropy.”

“I write music as a form of therapy,” said Todd, who played acoustically, providing sultry melodies.

Crystal Soto, a senior attending Santa Rosa Junior College, rhythmically read a poem about being judged by the color of her skin. “It’s like a merry-go-round to push us down when we try to get up,” said Soto.

Asili finished the performance with two more of her original songs. The first about political activism and speaking your mind in times of trouble, and the second about loving each other and trying to get along with others.

By the end, Asili left the performance with something for the audience to ponder, “How do we come together for a common purpose of love and justice?”

News 5

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Warren Court Prize goes to two winners ANNA BURKE STAFF WRITER

F

or the first time in three years, the Center for Ethics, Law and Society awarded two Sonoma State University students the Warren Court Prize for their essays reflecting on issues related to ethics, constitutional law and justice. Co-winners Kayla Brown, a senior majoring in philosophy, and Elizabeth Cardenas, a sophomore philosophy major, will each receive $450 for their victory.

In previous years, there has been only one first-place winner as well as one second-place winner and two honorable mentions, but this year the Center for Ethics, Law and Society decided to go a different route. The judges, who include Joshua Glasgow, director of the Center for Ethics, Law, and Society, a political science professor and a criminal justice professor , decided there would be no honorable mentions or second place; instead, they awarded two people to make the cash prize larger. And they felt that two essays stood out in all their submissions.

“Really what we’re looking for is excellence. And that’s excellence in writing, excellence in research, and excellence in arguments. And these two papers really demonstrated that,” Glasgow said.

The first to present was Cardenas, who presented her paper, titled “ My Philosophy on Libertarian Paternalism.” She compared the term “libertarian paternalism” to a “nudge,” to which she defined as when institutions under our government attempt in an unforced manner to steer people’s choices in the right direction.

Cardenas said she hopes her paper brings awareness to students about the components surrounding libertarian paternalism, which revolves around the idea that it is possible for private and public institutions to influence citizen behavior while also respecting freedom of choice.

“I hope that my paper encourages people to read more about libertarian paternalism, to question what factors in everyday life affect our unconscious processes, and to think twice about governmental policies and their legitimacy,” she said.

Cardenas said the nomination humbled her, and she is honored that the center named her a winning participant. She plans to use the money to pay her tuition next semester.

The second co-winner, Kayla Brown, presented her paper, titled “No Laws, No Masters: The Key to Un-Lock a State of Nature.”

A state of nature, Brown defined, is when human nature naturally exists in absence of any sort of organized or civil society.

Brown said that her initial reaction was shock; since she got an honorable mention last year, she thought the chance of receiving a prize two years in a row was slim.

One point Brown brought up in her paper was about how philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau showed how one can trace social inequality back to the origins of civil society.

“Rousseau argues that the social inequality we witness today has been birthed by the creation of civil society and is maintained by our system of ‘justice’; our judicial and military forces are in place simply to keep us in place,” Brown said.

According to Brown, she hopes that those who read her paper or hear her speech will look at societal structures more critically.

“The biggest message I want to send is to not lose the compassion within yourself for others, and to exercise that compassion to the greatest extent you can,” Brown said.

“I want people to remember that the power others possess is from a system we all participate in and if you don’t think their power is just, your voice and actions should reflect that. “ The Warren Court Prize’s namesake is Earl Warren, the 14th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, who is known for his critical role in promoting justice in cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda v. Arizona.

Ken Marcus, who used to be a Sonoma State professor in political science and criminal justice, donated the money to make this prize possible and to give students an extra incentive to produce their best writing.

CAMPUS CRIME Date

Crime

Location

STATUS

Nov. 25

Disturbing the Peace

Parking Lot A

Closed

Nov. 27

Marijuana Possession

Sauvignon V.

Closed

Nov. 27

Unlicensed Driver

Vine St.

Arrest

Nov. 29

Residential Trespass

Zinfandel V.

Suspended

Dec. 1

D.U.I

Parking Lot R3

Unfounded

Dec. 1

Marijuana Possession

Verdot V.

Closed

Dec. 2

Disturbing the Peace

Cabernet V.

Closed

Sonoma State University

Berkeley

On Nov. 28, an email containing a message from the president was sent to all the campus informing students that Vince Sales, vice president of university advancement, has left Sonoma State due to unknown family reasons. Sales retired officially on Dec. 1.

The email message acknowledges Sales brief stint with the University. “In his short time at Sonoma State, Vince led and integrated the newly-created division of University Advancement Sakaki said. Among the division’s accomplishments was securing funding for EOP — in coordination with WISP and the School of Business — and Summer Bridge, allowing for more first-generation college students to gain access to scholarships and support programs. Vince was also active in the community including representing the campus on the North Bay Leadership Council.”

Sales worked 18 years in the CSU system including at San Francisco State, Sacramento State and Sonoma State. Sales responsibilities will be handled by others in advancement while a new VP will be found.

The Rohnert Park family of SSU student Ashley Donohoe victim of a 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley, reached a settlement with the owner of the building, its management company and a real estate investment firm.

The family reached an with the apartment owner’s real estate investment firm BlackRock, and management firm, Greystar. Donohoe, a Rancho Cotate graduate and SSU student was killed on June 2015 along with five Irish students including her cousin Olivia Burke. The students were in the Bay Area to work summer jobs and became an international story. The Grammy-nominated singer, Hozier played at the funeral of Burke days after.

Building inspectors concluded that dry rot created by water damage weakened the balcony, and the state license board blamed “poor workmanship.”

According to the Press Democrat, the terms of the settlement were confidential.

Donohoe’s family fought for a bill for Gov. Jerry Brown to sign to prevent another tragedy. The bill SB 465 was signed in September 2016 requiring contractors to disclose to regulators within 90 days of any work-related criminal convictions. It also requires a working group to recommend potential changes to the California building code.

6 Arts

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

‘SYRE’ inspires new wave

Jaden Smith shines with debut studio album Review NICK COATS

STAFF WRITER

J

aden Smith’s creative complexity shines on his 17-track debut, studio album “SYRE,” released on Nov. 17

by Roc Nation Records. Presenting one of the better produced albums of 2017, the 19-year-old film and television actor, water-bottle company entrepreneur, fashion designer and musician continues his entertainment journey following his 2012 debut mixtape, “The Cool Cafe: Cool Tape Vol. 1.” Smith’s creative group MSFTSMusic, which includes his sister and fellow musician Willow Smith, continuously dedicate their talents to “supporting and waking up the population of planet earth, through attaining knowledge and personal growth,” as previously stated by Smith.

Smith’s labels by mainstream consumers over the years have ranged from transgressive to misunderstood to crazy.

“SYRE” feels designed to cut through all the noise and confusion surrounding him.

The album is most distinguishable by its extended, emotionally detailed verses that shed light on Smith’s teenage anguish.

Opening with melodic vocals from Willow that are captivating to listen to, the tracklist begins with four tracks named ‘B’, ‘L’, ‘U’, ‘E’ which all blend into one another creating a 13-minute intro that is surprisingly creative.

“Breakfast,” which features A$AP Rocky, veteran rapper and friend of Smith, has a nice, repetitive beat with solid bars and impressive flow from Smith.

Sadly, the Rocky feature is barely a feature at all, when all he does is speak to Smith in his distorted, Flacko voice which can be difficult to hear. Despite the disappointment, the song properly introduces Syre, who seems to be a young man on a mission. An ominous voice ends the song with, “So you think you can save rap music?,” defining Syre’s objective.

‘Hope’ follows ‘Breakfast’ and once again Smith spits some grade-a-bars with a very nice flow. The entire album is chalked full of amazing beats that feel like they are taking you on a musical journey, showing the production is the star of this album.

‘Falcon,” arguably the best on the album, pairs a beautifully written bridge and produced beat with the soft, melodic vocals of Raury. The beat and music in the track change so drastically, the creativity is felt up until the end of the song.

“Ninety” and “Lost Boy,” both very passionate and quite long, give off the catchy vibe most of the album holds.

Others include ‘Batman’ which is really enjoyable if you like the Dark Knight, and “Icon,” where Smith flexes his lyrical prowess.

Through the first listen of this album, it definitely seems scattered with tracks going back and forth that are drastically different in style. “SYRE” re-

Grammy nominations radiate with diversity

MADI CABALLERO STAFF WRITER

T

he 2018 Grammy nomination list was released last Tuesday after much anticipation from Grammy fans and nominees. This year’s nominees were surprising in many ways. There are nominees that almost every music lover could expect to be nominated and there are also a lot of well deserved artists who were snubbed.

It is clear that this year the Recording Academy paid a lot of attention to the rap and R&B genres.Nominees for Record of the Year include “Redbone” by Childish Gambino, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber, “The Story of O.J.” by JAY-Z, “HUMBLE.”

by Kendrick Lamar, and “24K Magic”

by Bruno Mars. The nominees for Album of the Year include “Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino, “4:44”

by JAY-Z, “DAMN.” by Kendrick Lamar, “Melodrama” by Lorde, and “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. Nominees for Song of the Year are “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber, “4:44” by JAY-Z, “Issues” by Julia Michaels, “1-800-273-8255” by Logic Featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid, and “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars. The final category in the General Field, also known as the Big Four, is Best New Artist and include nominees Alessia Cara, Khalid, Lil Uzi Vert, Julia Michaels, and SZA. For the first time in 20 years, there were no white men nominated for Album of the Year, f looding happiness regarding the representation of people of color in major categories. T h e Recording Academy was under fire last year after Beyonce’s album “Lemonade” lost to Adele for Album of the Year, shocking even aDele herself. Although not confirmed, it seems that the Recording Academy took the negative feedback from previous years and proactively did something about the lack of diversity. Most likely, avoiding following in the footsteps of the Oscars. For the forgetful, the trending hashtag, # Osca r sSoW h ite

emerged during the 2016 event over the lack of representation over the years.

Although many people were happy with this years Grammy nominations, there were a couple of artists some felt may have been looked passed. Both Vince Staples and Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest gave their opinions about being looked over on Twitter. On the day of the nomination list release, Staples tweeted to his followers about not bringing up the Grammys to him, preceding his anger about the academy’s ignorance of the commercial success of his recent project, Big Fish Theory. He also tweeted on Nov. 17 that his album “Big Fish Theory” is Electronic Album of the Year. Staples was not considered for any nominations this year.

Another anger-fueled snub from fans was about English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. In 2016 he walked away with two Grammy awards for his song “Thinking Out Loud.” This year, Sheeran’s nominations are in the Best Pop Vocal Performance and Pop Vocal Album categories, leaving him out of the Big Four. This may have something to do with the Recording Academy wanting to keep those major categories diverse, but many people think that Sheeran’s recording-breaking album “Divide” deserved a nomination.

rap-up.com Jaden Smith’s “SYRE” is currently number 24 on the Billboard 200.

quires patience, thorough listening, and an attention to detail. Otherwise, it’ll sound like a strange blend of hip-hop and alternative rock the casual listener won’t care to decipher.

“SYRE,” as Smith describes, is like a

“beautiful confusion;” the journey of a kid who’s stumbling along the path to enlightenment. While Syre is a kid who’s been floating in limbo trying to save rap music, Smith definitely seems to have found his footing in the rap game.

TWITTER SPEAKS!

2018 Grammy nominations

Entertainment 7

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Pixar strikes a chord with ‘Coco’ Review

JANA DUNCAN STAFF WRITER

P

ixar films are famous for their heart, animation, and tear-jerking moments, and this film made sure to check every box.

While Pixar has produced movies ranging from stories about sentient bugs, cars, toys, and beyond, they chose to take a turn for the cultural, and didn’t disappoint.

“Coco” tells the story of a boy named Miguel in Mexico, centering around the holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

When the young protagonist somehow crosses over into the land of the dead, he must figure out how to get back to the land of the living. Through his journey, Miguel must learn how to value family while also pursuing his dreams of being a musician. All the while, the film embraces the celebration of Día de los

Muertos and honoring the dead.

It is difficult to make a movie, but even more-so when the film is representing a whole culture.

Pixar creators are notorious for the extensive research they conduct with each film they make, and continued their practice by spending a lot of time in Mexico observing and learning about different aspects of the culture.

Though the main director, Oscar nominated Lee Unkrich, is not of Hispanic heritage, which he is aware of, he made sure to take every precaution in doing this tale justice.

As a way of further respecting the theme of the film, “Coco” involved an all-Latino cast to voice the characters. Though this seems only natural, it is really an important step for many to show people of the same ethnicity getting the chance to portray themselves on screen.

The cast which included heavy hitters such as Benjamin Bratt and Gael García Bernal struck all the right notes. Newcomer to the screen, Anthony Gonzales, who played the main character, matched the qual-

ity of his counterparts and made Miguel easy to root for and very believable.

Alongside the talent of the cast was the talent of the animators. The quality of Pixar’s animation has grown exponentially, largely due to the development of new technologies. Technology aside, the artistry of the animators shines through. The enormous amount of work to incorporate layer upon layer and each little detail requires the best talent and that is what Pixar has.

Though the details can be lost in the grand scheme of things, if it wasn’t there, the movie would look very different.

Another form of art that played a huge role in this movie was music. The beautiful styles of Latin music are flawlessly incorporated into “Coco” to its benefit. Rarely do mainstream audiences get to enjoy the sounds of mariachi or other Latin music, but this film glorifies it. The music is fun, is heartfelt, and refreshing. By far a hallmark of the movie’s unique splendor.

“Coco” is chock full of color, spirit and identity and that is how it’ll be remembered.

DISNEY PIXAR “Coco” grossed $107 million in its first 12 days, making it the fourth best Thanksgiving holiday opening in history.

Use of microtransactions reach new levels Video games getting more expensive with in-game purchases

Commentary NOLAN BROUGH STAFF WRITER

T

he gaming industry is an ever-fluid one. New ideas constantly rupture the status quo, from motion controls to virtual reality, and higher resolutions. Innovation has found a home in video games, but not all ideas turn out to be the greatest. Many ideas get left behind at the cutting room floor, and many conventions that are widely used today cause many consumers to roll their eyes.

One contested trope that has arrived in recent years and continues to grow in prevalence are microtransactions. Whereas in the past, consumers would purchase a game at full price and have all content available to them, companies have started putting out games which are free to download, but hide key parts of the game behind paywalls. Characteristics like artificial timers to complete tasks or random loot drops can hinder a player’s progression. But with a swipe of a credit card, these boundaries can be bypassed. These games have been dubbed “freemium”

games and have proven to be a massive moneymaker.

While a pay-as-you-go scheme may work for a free game, some developers have been quietly putting these practices into play in their triple-A titles. Huge gaming companies like Blizzard, Nintendo, and Microsoft routinely put out games with downloadable extra content. Many of these practices have been seen as harmless, as they are additional content that is not necessary to enjoy the full game like aesthetic changes to your avatar. Recently, however, Electronic Arts, who has won “Worst Company in America” on a consumer reports poll in 2016, has released a game that takes microtransactions to the next level, and consumers are up in arms over the decision.

The highly anticipated “Star Wars: Battlefront II” is a game that has something for everyone.

Hectic sci-fi firefights, space battles in iconic ships from the movies, and the addition of lightsaber wielding heroes and villains make this game a huge improvement over the lackluster first installment. However, all of these additions, accompanied with bar-raising graphics and gameplay, have been tarnished with a new

leveling system. This system requires players to earn credits to spend on beloved characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. The system in and of itself is fine, but the trouble arises when you begin to do the math to find out how much work is required to gain these credits.

A website dedicated to Star Wars games did a breakdown of the how long it would take to unlock everything in the game, and that total was calculated to be about 4,500 hours. This is on top of the base price of $59.99 that players spend on the game in the first place. To make things worse, all of these unlockables can be had earlier by purchasing in-game credits for real life money. In order to unlock all content monetarily, this will cost about $2100.

Once consumers began playing the game, the backlash was almost immediate. Many gamers took to reddit to voice their opinions.

One thread titled “Seriously? I paid $80 to have Vader locked?” amassed 155,000 points and even caught the attention of EA themselves. Their response, which currently has -673,000 points, the lowest on the site, states that the company is aiming to “provide players with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlock-

ing different heroes.” The comments following this response criticize EA for making the game too strenuous on the player, saying that many people will opt to purchase the unlockables before they earn them through gameplay.

Since this backlash, thousands of customers have purchased their pre-orders in an effort to stop this business practice. CNBC reports that EA stock is down 8.5 percent, which equates to $3.1 billion in shareholder value.

The game’s sales were far lower on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with Battlefront II selling 61 percent less than it’s predecessor. In response, EA has announced that they will rework the leveling system, and have removed the option to buy credits with real money until they have a better idea of how to move forward.

This response is a clear message to developers and publishers: gamers do not want to be stuck behind paywalls for their content.

With any luck, a line has now been drawn in the sand as to what consumers are willing to put up with. Hopefully in the coming months we will get that Star Wars game everyone pre-ordered in the first place.

‘Project Cars’ sequal signals new cars and racetracks Review KAILEY O’HEHIR STAFF WRITER

I

t’s hard to imagine yourself behind the wheel of an Indycar at the starting line of Sonoma Raceway, ready to race at 150 miles per hour. Yet thanks to today’s virtual reality technology, you can experience this as close to real as possible, without risking a trip to the hospital. The console game, “Project Cars 2,” released this fall by SlightlyMad Studios, gives modern day racing games a run for their money with it’s VR compatibility and stunningly realistic graphics. Truly, if users can get their hands on it, they will be shook to their core.

Giving users such a wide array of options proves “Project Cars 2” can give the ultimate racing experience.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, there’s plenty of ride options to choose from when starting a race in-game.

From open wheel cars, to touring cars, vintage cars, road cars, and even go-karts, each vehicle comes with customizable options and in-game driving that is true to it’s real-life counterpart. Moreover, you can bring your ride of choice onto one of 130 tracks, many of which almost perfectly mimic famous real-life racing tracks, including

local Sonoma Raceway, other tracks like Laguna Seca, and even California Highway 1.

What SlightlyMad Studios nailed down the best, however, was keeping relevant in today’s digital world.

Once you buy the game, don’t expect that to be it in terms of content. Though the game just released earlier this season, there is already an expansion pack in the works, where users can drift through dirt in Rallycross cars; and numerous downloadable cars ranging from classics to concepts.

Most interestingly of all, though, is the fact that the game can be played with a virtual reality set. This is thrilling, and so realistic that it can be incredibly nauseating for first time users. The downside, however, is that to get the full driving experience, users must have access to a VR headset, which can cost an upwards of $800, and a compatible steering wheel and driver’s seat for their computer. This eliminates a vast majority of gamers as most do not have access to this kind of equipment.

Despite its limited access, the VR experience of “Project Cars 2” is like no other. Because each track is perfectly mimicked to their real life counterparts, everywhere you look will give you the feeling that you are truly on the track as a professional driver. The game even gives you an audience surrounding most tracks; consisting of some generic, yet excited to be there, non-player charac-

ters that ultimately give you the full racing experience.

Starting the race, users must beware that shortly after they step on the gas pedal, the first couple turns on the track can be extremely dizzying for people susceptible to motion sickness. This is in part due to the fact that your brain thinks you’re moving at incredibly high speeds, but in fact you’re completely stationary. Thus, gamers must beware that their stomachs could be turned upside down within the first couple of races they simulate in VR. The concept of driving in VR can be intriguing. Because it’s gaming experience is so realistic, and there are no dire consequences for breaking traffic laws, it could potentially be a great tool for training new drivers. While there are many pros and cons to this thought, it will be interesting to see if driving lesson programs will be incorporating virtual training in the future.

As VR becomes more readily available and cheaper to consumers, it will be interesting to see how many parents put their children in front of games like “Project Cars 2.”

Overall, “Project Cars 2” sets the bar for racing games. With it’s impressive realism and compatibilities, there’s no doubt that gamers will become addicted as their adrenaline rushes them down the virtual tracks. It will be enthralling to witness what the future holds for this gaming series, and for the genre overall.

8 Student Life

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Courtesy // Cynthia Boaz Left: From left to right, Omar Santiago, Cynthia Boaz and Jason Gorelick. Right: James Lawson speaks at the James Lawson Institute.

Two SSU students refine their activist approach at James Lawson Institute SUZETTE PLUMLEY

STAFF WRITER

T

wo Sonoma State University students were recently given the opportunity to learn from Rev. James Lawson, a civil rights activist and ally to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Omar Santiago, a senior history major and UndocuScholars Coalition president, and Jason Gorelick, a junior sociology major and executive vice president of Associated Students, were among the 42 organizers and activists selected to attend the James Lawson Institute, hosted in Los Angeles from Oct. 26 - 29.

Gorelick, Santiago and two other undergraduates were accepted into the four-day program to learn about nonviolent civil resistance movements, strategies and planning.

Both Sonoma State students said they applied to the program to learn from Lawson, a prominent activist in the 1960s who engaged in forms of nonviolent resistance such as the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins, as well as listen to other accomplished activists and scholars.

Santiago said he knew about Lawson’s influence in the Civil Rights Movement and saw it as a “once in a lifetime” experience.

“How often do you get to study with a civil rights legend?” Gorelick said, explaining why he became interested in the program.

At the institute, Gorelick said he and Santiago were “surrounded by people who organize for a living,” and that many of the accepted participants were professional activists. Being some of the youngest participants, Santiago and Gorelick described the initial experience as intimidating.

Cynthia Boaz, associate professor of political science at Sonoma State and academic advisor for the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, spoke

at the event. The International Center for Nonviolent Conflict funded the first two James Lawson Institute programs in 2013 and 2014. As the institute expanded and needed greater funding, it branched off into its own foundation and started offering programs again this year.

Boaz previously spoke at the institute in 2013.

Her presentation, entitled “Intersectionality and How to Not Be THAT Activist,” was a highlight for both Gorelick and Santiago. Boaz’s presentation explained how to respect “people from marginalized communities” as an ally and to not “take over a certain movement.” Instead, allies can show their support by advocating for marginalized communities while also letting their members speak for and represent themselves, according to Boaz.

Staying “in your own bubble” is not a feasible option for those who are marginalized, which is what inspired Santiago, an undocumented student, to be an activist for immigrants and to “not be complacent.”

Santiago said he didn’t want to be “that person,” referring to someone who doesn’t advocate for their own rights and the rights of others. To Santiago, being an activist means staying “active in your community… through protesting, lobbying, and educating.”

Gorelick’s recent activism efforts have been focused on DACA and serving undocumented students.

He prioritizes a community’s immediate needs by “doing whatever I can to help and using my leadership skills to organize in whatever capacity needed,” he said.

Lawson, who was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, spoke on the philosophy of nonviolence, the overarching theme of the institute.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity for today’s young organizers and activists to get a chance to learn from [Lawson],” Boaz said. “He is 89 years old and still doing this work because he believes deeply in the

ideas of democracy and social justice. It is his life’s work.”

While Santiago approves of the nonviolent method, Gorelick went into the institute not entirely sold on this philosophy.

“It’s really difficult for me to respond to overtly violent actions with nonviolence,” Gorelick said, specifically referring to violence from neo-Nazis and white nationalist rallies within the past year.

Gorelick said while he is not completely sold on nonviolent strategies, he can understand their usefulness and thought Lawson explained the concept of nonviolence logically. Lawson stressed the importance of planning and “intention” when organizing a movement.

Gorelick said he learned that without “driving motivation” a movement will fail and nonviolent movements achieve goals faster than those with violent flanks.

Both students felt grateful for what they learned in Los Angeles and said they were still processing their experience at the institute.

Santiago left feeling “inspired” to battle for what he believes in through nonviolence. He said the institute taught him how to plan and organize movements, which are skills he will utilize as his activism efforts take off.

Coming away from the institute, Gorelick said he was more likely to plan his actions and focus on the specificity and intentions of his activism.

“A lot of things had to happen so that I could end up there, so I better do something with what I learned,” Gorelick said.

“What I would say to DACA students is to stick together,” Santiago said. “Come out of the shadows and unite as one because numbers play a big part, and the bigger the group we create, the faster we will get a solution.”

Leonard Bernstein’s life in music comes to SSU SIERRA SORRENTINO

STAFF WRITER

C

omposer, conductor, and insomniac are a few titles commonly used to describe the artist Leonard Bernstein.

Despite his inability to get a decent night’s rest, he thrived and became a renowned individual in the orchestral music community.

According to Jamie Bernstein, Bernstein’s daughter, “While most of the world was asleep, he would be awake composing.”

Jamie said this at a Dec. 1 event called “Late Night with Leonard Bernstein,” which was held at the Green Music Center.

Musicians such as soprano singer Amy Burton, along with pianists Michael Boriskin and John Musto, accompanied Jamie at this multimedia show.

The show focused on celebrating what would have been Bernstein’s 100th year of life.

Bernstein passed away at the age of 72 in 1990, but his works and inf luence continue to live on, particularly in the classical music and Broadway communities.

As the event’s title suggests, late night hours seemed to be when Bernstein would reach his peak inspiration and creativity levels.

Bernstein’s nocturnal habits routinely began during his

college years, something many students of today could probably relate to.

Instead of sleep, Bernstein’s late hours were occupied by attending parties and practicing his craft.

Whenever an empty piano was in sight, Bernstein would jump at the opportunity to show off his talents on the keys.

According to his daughter and colleagues, Bernstein had a very charismatic, extroverted personality which attracted party-goers and led them to huddle around him at the piano. Besides providing a brief profile of who Bernstein was, the event also invited the audience to gain a personal insight into the composer’s insomniac mind.

Jamie shared an audio recording that revealed a hidden treasure of Bernstein’s. The late artist was composing for a Broadway show he and his choreographer colleague Jerome Robbins were collaborating on.

Besides providing a brief profile of who Bernstein was, the event also invited the audience to gain a personal insight into the composer’s insomniac mind.

Hearing Bernstein him-

commons.wikimedia.org “While most of the world was asleep, he would be awake composing,” Jamie Bernstein said of her father Leonard (pictured). self speak about changes for the arrangement, as well as critiques he hoped Robbins could assist with, was a pleasant surprise for the audience.

Jamie, who showed some of her father’s more exuberant personality traits, was also able to share a video of her father playing the piano and singing, rather off-key, to

Marc Blitzstein’s “Zipperf ly.”

After the audience heard about what Jamie called Bernstein’s “warmth and goofy tenderness,” the video helped them visualize his spirit.

“The show was so intimate, it felt as if we were in [Jamie’s] living room,” Robert Tully, a Bernstein fan, said.

To close the event, the fea-

tured artists performed a couple of Bernstein’s lullabies because, according to Jamie, “Even for an insomniac, there is a bedtime at some point,” she said.

“I enjoyed that the show took a different take on his music and delved deeper into his life,” Philippe Cumia, another Bernstein fan, said.

Student Life 9

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves SPEAK! What does your family cook for the holidays?

SULEIKA PEREZ-USHER STAFF WRITER

T

he holidays are finally here. With Christmas, Hanukkah and plenty more December holidays around the corner, there’s bound to be traditional plates, passed down recipes and new foods to create. When it comes to holiday food, generational traditions and recipes can really bring a family together. Popular treats such as gingerbread, fruitcake and apple cider may quickly come to mind, but we asked our very own Seawolves what else their families cook during the holidays.

Here is what they said.

“Being Hispanic, I don’t find myself having traditional American dinners.

The food my family and I enjoy for the holidays varies from posole to tamales. My family also likes to enjoy desserts like flan, arroz con leche, Jell-O or chocolate abuelita con pan dulce. ”

“My family usually cooks two turkeys, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.”

-Andre Dhalluin, fourth year communications major

-Narda Garcia, fourth year communications major

“We usually have ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and peppermint hot chocolate.”

“My family normally cooks turkey or ham for Christmas, and for Hanukkah we eat potato latkes.”

-Conner Fulps, third year sociology major

-Kierra Boykin, fifth year psychology major

“For the holidays we cook some kind of pasta, and eat candy like fudge.”

“For the holidays my family makes plantains, salt fish, ackee, which is an island plant and lastly callaloo, which is also a plant.”

-Jenna Spolarich, fifth year kinesiology major

SSU student is Miss Hmong California 2018 at 12th annual pageant EMILY SHAHEEN STAFF WRITER

C

indy Cha, a student at Sonoma State University, recently became the newest winner of the Miss Hmong California Pageant.

This competition, hosted over Thanksgiving weekend by Sacramento Hmong New Year, Inc., was the organization’s 12th annual pageant thus far, according to its website.

Cha was one of 10 contestants at this year’s pageant. She described the competition as a way to help women get out of their comfort zones, stand up for what they believe in and make a change.

According to Cha, the purpose of the Miss Hmong California Pageant is to empower women and help them be confident in who they are as individuals.

Cha said that her mentality prior to the competition was to not win the title. She doesn’t speak much Hmong and doesn’t have many traditional Hmong talents, but decided to join so she could voice her opinion.

Through her participation, Cha said she aimed to show both men and women that it’s okay to be a Hmong American, whether or not one speaks the language or has any specific talents.

Fear comes with any competition, and Cha’s experience was no exception. She said she was scared to voice her opinion because she did not know what her family and the Hmong community, who have many more traditional beliefs than her, would think.

Cha also said she thought that people would automatically disagree with her speech since she didn’t speak

Hmong.

According to Cha, soon after she was announced as Miss Hmong California 2018, she was speechless because the judges accepted her for who she is.

“Since the judges chose me as this year’s Miss Hmong California 2018, it showed me that our Hmong community is slowly progressing, and that has been the biggest change I’ve seen in years,” Cha said.

Cha believes that her people are becoming more Americanized every day. She said that next to a good education, this is the only way to survive in the United States.

As soon as Cha began speaking English, she said she was reminded of her own worth and her fears slowlywent away.

Even though Cha is more f luent in English than Hmong, she still respects her culture and tries her best to keep up with the Hmong language.

“Since the judges chose me as this year’s Miss Hmong California 2018, it showed me that our Hmong community is slowly progressing, and that has been the biggest change I’ve seen in years.”

Cha said she knows it’s an honor that she took home the title of Miss Hmong California 2018.

“Joining this pageant has been such a great experience, because not only did I get to meet such talented and beautiful young women, but I learned something very important, which is sisterhood,” Cha said.

-Peter Gatembu, fourth year communications major

STUDENT LIFE CALENDAR Wednesday, Dec. 6

Thursday, Dec. 7

Saturday, Dec. 9

Strategic Planning Kickoff!

8 a.m.

Student Center 1F

Winter Wonderland Special Dinner 5 p.m.

The Kitchens

SHAC Puppy Play Day Noon South Lawn, Sauvignon Village

Courtesy of: seawolfliving.com

UNDOCU CO-CHAIR: Club aims to make leaders Continued from Pg. 1

Because of the club charting process at Sonoma State, the club will need a cochair for the spring 2018 semester, according to Omar Santiago, current UndocuScholars Coalition president and a senior history major.

“It’s been a one-way viewpoint, and so we are trying to bring in [a] different thought process that’s not just mine,” Santiago said. “We want different aspects of how we’re going to do certain things on campus and how we are going to bring awareness about undocumented students to campus.”

Santiago said that once a co-chair has been chosen, there will be lots of discussion on how the club can move forward to aid the undocumented community both on and off campus in the upcoming semester.

There will be special support for DACA recipients as the program nears its end.

One of the club’s goals that a new cochair will potentially assist with is to train and better inform students on how to get involved and take on leadership roles on campus.

“Part of next semester will be to build on the students that we currently have that are undocumented and mentoring them on taking leadership roles,” Martinez said. “That could take form in having a conversation with other undocumented students on campus who have taken such roles.”

“In order for people to become allies, they need to understand immigration,” Santiago said. “I feel like our message is consistent in that if we all unite together and stand up for one another, there’s nothing that we can’t do.”

10 Sports

DEC. 5 - DEC. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State volleyball team ends playoff run with two quarterfinal losses

CHAD SHAVER STAFF WRITER

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oming off a strong 3-0 win against San Francisco State, the Sonoma State University women’s volleyball team could not keep its momentum going, losing both games in the CCAA and NCAA West Quarterfinals.

On Nov. 6, the Seawolves took on Cal State L.A. in the CCAA Quarterfinals in San Francisco. In set one, both teams came out ready to play. Points went back and forth, but the Seawolves fell to the Golden Eagles in a very close set. Even though the Seawolves had more kills and fewer errors, they still lost 25-23.

In set two the Seawolves were determined to turn the game around. They came close, but their 19 kills and nine errors weren’t enough to defeat the Golden Eagles’ 17 kills and only six errors, losing 29-27.

With the game now on the line for the Seawolves, they knew a win was a must.

The Seawolves had a total of 12 kills and only four errors, with a scoring percent of .308 in set three. Cal State L.A., however, didn’t play like the past two sets, only totaling 13 kills and a detrimental 11 errors.

With the Golden Eagles out of sync, the Seawolves were able to capitalize on a dire set three, winning 25-18. Pushing the game to a set four, the Seawolves needed to win this set and one more to defeat Cal State L.A. With the game on the line once more, the Seawolves just could not keep the momentum going. With only a total of 15 kills and eight errors the Seawolves fell just short to the Golden Eagles in set four, 25-23, losing their CCAA Quarterfinal Game 3-1.

The team leaders in offense for the game were Calan Seitz with 20 kills, Kelsey McIntire with 13 kills and Caiti Wiesner with nine kills. McIntire and Amy Trephan had two aces and Courtney Seda had one covered for the game.

On the defensive side of the ball it was McIntire with five blocks, Tate Battistini with three and Morgan Annala with one. Megan Bohorquez had 22 digs, Ashleigh Phelps totalled 13 and Seda had eight.

Despite the tough loss for the Seawolves, they still had another game that, if won, would allow another opportunity to further a playoff run.

Unfortunately for the Seawolves, they took on California Baptist who are udefeated and ranked in the first seed. The NCAA West Quarterfinal Game took place on Thursday in Riverside. Despite the odds, the Seawolves determined to leave everything on the court. In set one SSU played hard with a total 13 kills and only one error. With its heart on the court and its head in the game the team was able to take set one, 25-21, shocking the Lancers.

Set two was another nail biter with kills coming left and right. With both teams even, with five errors a piece in the set, the Lancers this time were able to outscore the Seawolves 25-23; winning a very close second set. With set three approaching, the Seawolves knew a win here could put the momentum in their hands. Bouncing back, they did just that; with a total of 18 kills and eight errors the Seawolves were able to take set three 28-26.

Set four was another battle, knowing that a win here would take the game and upset the Lancers. But the Seawolves just couldn’t seem to get it going again with only 14 kills and 10 errors, losing set four 25-18. With the game and playoffs on the line for the Seawolves, they showed the Lancers their first set five all season.

When it came down to the final 15 points left to win the game, the Seawolves just could not get anything going offensively. With only three kills and five errors the Seawolves fell to the Lancers 15-9.

With the loss in set five the Seawolves lost the battle of a game, 3-2. On the offensive side of the ball for SSU it was McIntire with 16 kills, Sietz with 12 kills, and Annala with 11 kills. On defense it was Annala with 2 blocks and Trephan and Wiesner with one.

“Being the eighth seed, and them being the first, it was a little intimidating.

But we wanted to put up a fight,” Annala said. “I told the girls, pre-game, that no matter the outcome, we need to walk out of that gym having no regrets and saying that we gave it our all and played our hearts out. We took them to five sets and we were so close to winning. I was very very proud of the way we played. We were the only other team that took Cal Baptist to five sets.”

With these two losses the Seawolves ended the Season 20-9 overall and 14-4 in CCAA play.

STAR // Lauren Eipp The SSU volleyball team fell to Cal State L.A. in the CCAA quarterfinals and California Baptist in the NCAA West Quarterfinals, ending their season.

Sports Schedule Thursday, Dec. 7 Women’s Basketball vs San Francisco State 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 Men’s Basketball vs San Francisco State 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball vs Stanislaus State 5:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs Stanislaus State 7:30 p.m.

Seawolves of the Week

Ugochi Anudokem

Class: Sophomore Position: Forward Hometown: San Jose Transfer athlete Ugochi Anudokem’s premier season with Sonoma State University is off to a powerful start. In her first two conference games as a Seawolf, Anudokem averaged a team-high 18 points and one block, earning her title as Seawolf of the week.

She shot an impressive 66 percent against Cal State Monterey Bay, averaging 64.5 percent in both conference-opening games.

Jackson Gion

Class: Senior Position: Guard Hometown: Morgan Hill Senior guard Jackson Gion has put his offensive talents on display, averaging 13.5 points on 40 percent shooting in his first two conference games with SSU this season.

In their CCAA opener, Gion and teammate Armani Nicolis each put up 18 points to take the commanding win over Cal State Monterey Bay.

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sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Mikki Taylor Junior guard Armani Nicolis looks to drive past a Cal State Dominguez Hills defender.

Men’s basketball team can’t fend off CCAA opponents ROLAND SCHMIDT STAFF WRITER

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ith only seconds remaining between victory or defeat, Armani Nicolis held the game-winning shot in the palm of his hands. Handling the ball from the left corner of the three-point line, he fired his shot, the buzzer sounded, and the ball rattled in and then out – game over.

“Down two points, we had a chance to win it,” Nicolis said, following Sonoma State University’s 6462 loss at home to Cal State Dominguez Hills.

“We got the ball to one of our best shooters, and he missed. Then, we got the offensive rebound and swung it around to where I got a good look, but it just didn’t fall in our favor,” he said Nicolis is right – sometimes shots don’t fall – but Thursday’s loss to the Toros was full of missed opportunities – mainly from beyond the arc, where Sonoma State shot an uninspiring 17.6 percent for the game, the lowest of the young season. On 17 attempts from the three-point line, only Mason Phillips, point guard Brandon Tillis, and Nicolis found twine – with two shots striking at crucial moments in the final minutes of the game.

On the evening, Nicolis led the way offensively, pouring in 15 points in 33 minutes of action.

“I think attacking the basket worked best for me

during this game,” Nicolis said. “We didn’t shoot the ball too well, so attacking the inside and getting to the free-throw line worked well for me.”

Two other players, forward Isaac Davidson and Tillis, joined Nicolis in scoring in double-digit figures.

Tillis scored 13 points while managing to shoot 50 percent from the field. He also connected on all four of his free-throw opportunities.

Davidson, a sophomore hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, scored 12 points on five of six from the field while also sinking both of his free-throws.

In the opening minutes of the first half, Sonoma State climbed to a swift 6-4 lead on a jump shot from Davidson, along with four points by Tillis from the charity stripe. The Toros responded, surging to a 10-point run that spanned 2:43 and provided Dominguez Hills with a 14-6 advantage.

From there, the Seawolves crawled back on layups from Eric Nielsen and Tillis, notching the score at 14all. For the rest of the half, both teams played one another close, trading numerous free-throw attempts and points in the paint. After getting fouled while driving to the basket, Nicolis closed the frame with two freethrows, propelling Sonoma State to a 28-25 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Toros capitalized on the Seawolves scuffling post defense, an area of play head coach Pat Fuscaldo has noticed as a distinct difference

between this year and last year’s team.

“We’ve been struggling to defend in the post,” Fuscaldo said. “Last year we finished as the number one ranked defense in the nation, but this year we don’t have a couple of the defenders we had last year – so guarding the post has been a bit more difficult lately.”

As Dominguez Hills managed to find space in the paint, so did Sonoma State, especially early on, with Davidson scoring with a combination of layups and jump shots. His 10-point effort in the second half left the Seawolves with a 39-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Tied at 52 points apiece, the Toros had control of the game following two scores from Jonathan Nichols, giving Dominguez Hills a seven-point lead with 2:09 to play in regulation. Although a seven-point advantage is usually enough, a slew of missed free-throws down the stretch kept the Seawolves clinging to life.

With 00:22 left on the clock, Nicolis hammered home a three-pointer to bring the Seawolves within four.

Following the three-pointer, Phillips committed a foul, sending Dominguez Hills player Matt Hayes to the line – a trip that resulted in two crucial attempts that clanked off the iron and fell back to the hardwood.

With the clock quickly winding down, Tillis got the ball, stepped back and drilled a three-pointer in the defender’s face to cut the Toros’ lead to a single point.

The Toros would then add a point on a free-throw

by Nichols to make it a two-point game with 15 seconds left on the clock.

Sonoma State had a tough decision to make; go for the tie, or try for the win. It chose the latter, with an initial three-point attempt by Jackson Gion missing the mark. Tillis corralled the rebound, and passed the ball wide to Nicolis for a potential game-winning shot.

His attempt missed, and Dominguez Hills survived a late charge by the Seawolves, overcoming late miscues of its own to hold on by two points.

“On the final play, coach wanted the best look possible, and we got a great look for the win – it just didn’t go down,” Nicolis said.

With the win, the Toros improve to 4-6 and 2-3 in conference play. Now on a two-game skid, Sonoma State falls to 3-4 and 1-2 in conference action.

Following Thanksgiving break, Sonoma State dueled with in-conference foe Stanislaus State, falling 75-67.

Collectively, the team shot well, compiling a 44.7 shooting percentage from the field, but failed to play with consistency at the end of the game – thus resulting in the loss at the hands of the Warriors.

Jordan Hickman played a sharp game, leading the Seawolves in scoring with 24 points, his best point output of the season to date.

“Stanislaus didn’t really cover me too much, so I just took what they gave me and rolled to the basket,” Hickman said. “When you have great shooters around you, life becomes easier because it opens the floor and gives you space.”

Next on tap for Sonoma State is a Thursday tilt against the 5-3 San Francisco State Gators. Tip-off will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Wolves’ Den.

Seawolves down 0-2 in conference play KEVIN BRILL

STAFF WRITER

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fter a tough road loss to Cal State Monterey Bay over Thanksgiving week, the Sonoma State University women’s basketball team came back home to the Wolves’ Den in hopes of improving its 2-2 record.

On Friday, the Seawolves matched up against Cal State Dominguez Hills, knowing they had a tough matchup ahead of them as the Toros entered the game with an undefeated record in CCAA play.

The Seawolves got off to a comfortable start, leading 15-9 at the end of the first quarter. The game changed quickly as Dominguez Hills dominated the second quarter of play, outscoring the Seawolves 19-6, which left Sonoma State trailing 29-22 at halftime.

Even after trailing by 11, the Seawolves were reluctant to give up and slowly made their way back in the game, tying it up at 41-41 when senior point guard Carly Gill opened up the fourth quarter with a three-pointer.

Throughout the final quarter of play, the game was neck-and-neck until the final seconds.

Sonoma State’s Jerrica Crosby nailed the go ahead shot with five seconds remaining, leaving it up to the defense to make a final stop.

The Toros’ top scorer of the game made it to the foul line in the final second of play, hitting both free throws. This finalized the victory for Cal State Dominguez Hills, 61-60. Although the Seawolves outscored the Toros in three out of the four quarters, the deficit in the second quarter made for a difficult comeback for Sonoma State.

“I think our communication and execution needs to get better throughout the season in order to find success,” Gill said.

Sophomore forward Ugochi Anudokem led the Seawolves, hitting 7-11 from the field for a total of 17 points, and adding a team-high eight rebounds off the bench. Jessica Mitz, senior guard, contributed 13 points while shooting 3-5 from beyond the arc.

Madison Burroughs and Gill moved the ball well, each adding six assists to the stat sheet. As a team, Sonoma State struggled from the free throw line shooting 12-21, a low 57 percent. The Seawolves totaled 15 turnovers which hurt their chances of winning significantly.

“I think our strongest point right now is our intensity and readiness to battle for 40 minutes every night. We never give up and we keep fighting which is really encouraging to see and something we can continue to build on,” Gill said.

Nautica Morrow and Zhane Carter from the Toros caused problems for Sonoma State as they both led Dominguez Hills in scoring with 15 and 14 points.

Taylor Farris, the Toros’ senior forward, held the team together. She finished with the most minutes played and tallied nine points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.

After some heartbreaking losses for the Seawolves this season, the young team will look to improve each week as the season progresses.

This loss drops Sonoma State to an overall 2-3 record on the season and 0-2 in conference play. The team hopes to turn things around Thursday in the Wolves’ Den against San Fransisco State and Stanislaus State on Saturday, both games at 5:30 p.m.

“We need to get a win under us. Our main focus is always to win but we need this one,” Mitz said. “It is important that we focus on each game as they come, so once we take care of business with San Francisco we will move onto Stanislaus.”

STAR // Mikki Taylor Serena Santos and Jerrica Crosby communicate on defense (top) while Taylor Todd posts up her defender, looking for an opportunity to pass or score.

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sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves play Cal State Dominguez Hills

STAR // Mikki Taylor STAR // Mikki Taylor Seawolves cheer as the ref makes a call in their favor.

Armani Nicolis, No. 1, goes around the defender to approach the basket.

STAR // Mikki Taylor Madison Burroughs, No. 23, attempts to win the jump ball to start out the game strong.

STAR // Mikki Taylor Taylor Todd, No. 33, shoots over her defender.

Registration waits for no one.

STAR // Lauren Eipp A member of the university cabinet engaged with students at the “We are Here to Stay” talk on Thursday, Nov. 30.

STAR // Lauren Eipp Wilson Hall answered questions from students at the “We are Here to Stay” talk on Thursday, Nov. 30.

WINTER INTER SESSION

2018

Don’t miss your chance to register. www.4seie.info/Winter2018

STAR // Lauren Eipp President Judy K.Sakaki embraces Angela Toleno after the “We are here to Stay” event in the ballrooms on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Classes run January 3 - 17 Registration open now.