Volume 79 // Issue 2

IN THE ISSUE

COMPOST PROGRAM

SMART TRAIN

VOLLEYBALL TEAM STARTS STRONG

Students that live on campus will now be given the option to get compost waste bins. Pg. 8

SMART Train won’t offer a student discount with the cheapest ticket being $3.50.

The women’s volleyball team begin its season with three wins over the weekend. Pg. 10

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 79 // ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Directive to eliminate remedial courses draws mixed reaction from Sonoma State faculty BECCA GARNER & RYAN ESTES STAFF WRITER

C

alifornia State University Chancellor Timothy White has directed Sonoma State and the 22 other CSU campuses to stop offering noncredit remedial courses traditionally offered to students who are unprepared for collegelevel instruction. Set to begin fall 2018, the order calls for Sonoma State University, along with the other 22 CSU campuses in the system, to replace these courses with “stretch” courses to provide remedial help as well as general education credit.

According to CSU officials, the system directs roughly 40 percent of their incoming freshmen to take at least one remedial class each year.

CSU officials say the classes, which come with no credit, often sidetrack students in their efforts to complete their educations within four years. Just 19 percent of students achieve their bachelorette in four years, a number the CSU system hopes to double by 2025.

“It will have a significant impact on the number of students that ultimately cross a commencement stage with a degree in hand, ready to move into the workforce, ready to move into graduate or professional school,” said James T. Minor, Cal State’s senior strategist for academic success and inclusive excellence.

As it happens, Sonoma State is ahead of many of its sister campuses in responding to this demand as the university has stretch courses already underway in the English Department, and math stretch courses are in their pilot stage this fall.

These courses were part of a gradual three-year implementation plan; Executive Order 1110 speeds that timeline to one

semester.

Through a directed self placement program on Moodle, which students can complete in about 90 minutes before or during freshman orientation, students can choose to take either the stretch English course (ENG100A/B) or ENG 101.

However, according to some university faculty, the time frame of implementing these “stretch” courses is too short to truly benefit students.

“It is not in the best interest of our students,” said Melinda Mulligan, chair of SSU Academic Senate Educational policies committee educational policy committee. “We have to figure out how to push back against this timeline because it’s unreasonable; it’s untenable.”

According to Doctor Brigitte Lahme, chair and professor of the mathematics and statistics department, the math department currently has a pilot stretch program in place, with four sections and 120 students. Yet, estimates say 600 Sonoma State students need remedial math development.

“In the mathematics and statistics department, we are not sure how placement will occur,” Lahme said. “Two concerns are the timeline and vetting the classes out so they will benefit the students.”

In addition to the removal of remedial courses, the order also plans to eliminate the English and math placement tests the school requires some incoming freshman to take before coming into the CSU system.

According to Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Matthew Benney, they will acquire placement function accomplished through the tests in other ways.

“These measures may include spe-

STAR //Kayla Kring Several university Senate members including, (right to left) Joyce Lopes, Damien Wilson, Lisa Vollendorf and Michael Young, discuss at length the positives and negatives of the removal of remedial courses. cific high school course grades, GPA’s, grades in relevant college courses completed, ACT/SAT scores, AP scores, International Baccalaureate scores, SAT subject tests or Smarter Balanced Assessment/Early Assessment Program scores,” Benney said. While details are not fully known, Doctor Karen Moranski, associate vice president of academic affairs, sees the possible benefits of the removal of the ELM/EPT. “The tests, while useful for admissions and placement, also constituted a barrier to student progress in some situations,” Moranski said. “Students who did not complete the tests were sometimes at

risk for disqualification, and we do not want students put at risk over the failure to pay for and take those tests.”

In a written statement by Jennifer Eagan, president of the California Faculty Administration and professor at CSU East Bay, the union is “demanding that CSU management meet-and-confer over these changes as they directly impact faculty and our working conditions.”

“Our timeline for implementation is aggressive,” Minor said, “but we’ve got more than enough evidence to suggest that our current treatment of students, with the use of developmental education courses, doesn’t serve them very well.”

Recent GMC policy changes to affect student ushers SUZETTE PLUMLEY STAFF WRITER

A STAR // Brennan Chin President Judy K. Sakaki mentioned in her Convocation the ease at which she and new Provost Lisa Vollendorf collaborate.

Sonoma State welcomes three new cabinet members and 19 tenure track faculty KAYLA BUIE

STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State University has started the academic year with a number of new top officials, including a provost, chief financial officer, and a new head of the Green Music Center.

After a year of using interim hires, Sonoma State President Judy K. Sakaki added permanent and official members to her staff for the upcoming school year. She introduced Sonoma State’s new provost, Lisa Vollendorf, during the convocation on Aug. 21. “Dr. Vollendorf stands out for her strong commitment to students and faculty,” Sakaki said, “and for her admirable track record overseeing a large and diverse college in a collaborative and inclusive manner.”

Vollendorf was a Spanish professor at CSU Long Beach and, since 2012, had been the dean of the College of Humanities and the Arts at San Jose State University before replacing interim provost Dr. Jeri Echever-

ria at Sonoma State University on July 1.

“I chose to come to Sonoma State because I am deeply committed to making a difference in public higher education,” Vollendorf said. “We have the potential to be educational and thought leaders as the only public liberal arts institution in California.”

Sakaki also used the Convocation to introduce Chief Financial Officer Joyce Lopes, who previously served in the same position at Humboldt State University for five years.

Lopes said she will focus her efforts on easing the financial strain some students experience while attending a four-year university.

“I’m very committed to the California State University system to provide residents with access to affordable education,” said Lopes, who started on Aug. 14, replacing interim CFO Stan Nosek.

See CABINET on pg.4

s the Green Music Center seeks to use more community volunteers instead of student ushers, a handful of current ushers will be given new work opportunities.

Under a new policy enacted during the summer, volunteers will be employed as ushers alongside students. Kathryn Stewart, the associate director of communications for the Green Music Center, said no student ushers will lose their jobs under the new policy.

“I think it’s part of our job as representatives of Sonoma State University to really connect with our community and be of service to engage them in different ways,” Stewart said.

Lead ushers, who are in charge of all regular ushers during concerts, will continue their jobs, volunteers will support general usher tasks, and regular student ushers can choose to transfer to the Seawolf Ambassador Program, where they will work in different areas on campus.

Students in this program will be cross trained in a variety of areas ranging from security support and operational support.

Neil Markley, the associate vice president for administration and finance, says about 100 students are employed at the Green Music Center, but the number of student ushers f luctuates based on the time of year. Fewer students work during the summer

than during the school year.

During this past summer, the center began allowing community volunteers over the age of 18 to work under student lead ushers.

Stewart acknowledged that students were made aware of the new changes during spring 2017.

Though some were initially nervous about what the policy’s impact might be, all of the responses Stewart has received have been positive.

Stewart said she sees the Seawolf Ambassador Program as a positive change.

“The chance to be an ambassador for Sonoma State is a really incredible opportunity for students,” Stewart said.

Some student ushers have expressed concern about the new program and having more community volunteers.

Mercedes Castro, who graduated in spring 2017 with a bachelor’s in music education, is currently in the credential program at Sonoma State and has been working as an usher at the Green Music Center since the summer of 2015.

Currently, she is a lead usher in charge of other student and volunteer ushers during performances.

“I have an appreciation for the hall, and I like to share that with the patrons that came in,” Castro said.

See GMC on pg.8

2 Editorial 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 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, Luis Mejia, Andrea Mendoza, Kailey O’Hehir, Suleika Perez-Usher, Suzette Plumley, Samantha Schuh, Roland Schmidt, Emily Shaheen, Chad Shaver, Sierra Sorrentino, McKayla Taylor, Amber Weinstock

Photographers Kayla Kring, Alice Tennigkeit, Lauren Eipp

Nichols Hall 323, 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Telephone: 707-664-2776 Business & General Inquiries: sonomastatestar@gmail.com

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 4, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Will elimination of remedial courses leave students behind?

I

n an effort to increase ontime graduation rates, the California State University system plans to eliminate placement tests and remedial courses.

Executive Order 1110, signed

by CSU Chancellor Timothy White on Aug. 2, directs all 23 campuses to end programs for remedial math and English by fall 2018.

In the past, incoming freshman have been required to take placement exams to determine if they are qualified for collegelevel math and English. If students showed that they weren’t sufficiently prepared for the next level, they would be directed to take a remedial course. While the idea of allowing students the opportunity to catch-up seems fair, the reality was that students would often become stuck in the remedial track where they weren’t earning credit.

On top of that, students weren’t able to begin their general education until completing the remedial courses, which limited their ability to earn units toward graduating.

According to the CSU system, about 40 percent of regularly-admitted first-time freshmen at Sonoma State University needed remediation in the fall of 2015. Of those students, only

This week’s can’t miss article: “Directive to elimate remedial courses draws opposition from Academic Senate ” Sonoma State’s Academic Senate has opposed a new executive order by Chancellor Timothy White to get rid of remedial courses to prepare students for college.

Read the story on page 1

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

graduation rates to 40 percent by 2025. The removal of remedial courses and placement tests are simply steps to ensure that these rates improve.

While doing away with remedial classes will undoubtedly help some students, others may fear that they will be lost by starting in a higher level class, a class that they may not be ready to take. This is certainly a possibility, but the curriculum changes take into account some students learning at a slower pace and allows for the collegelevel course to be taken over more than one semester. The executive order leaves it up to each campus to decide how they will implement these changes, but makes it clear that all freshmen will now receive credit starting their first day of classes.

This is another example of the changes in the CSU systemthat demonstrate students are becoming a higher priority across the 23 campuses. While the results of the changes may not be seen for years, the removal of remedial courses and placement tests is a step toward a more student-focused university system. But despite the good intentions, the elimination of the remedial track may leave struggling students in the dust.

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.

Corrections and News Tips: star@sonoma.edu

Editor’s Pick

about 10 percent didn’t complete remediation.

The changes by Chancellor White are aimed at addressing these issues by additionally altering the Early Start Program, which would allow students to take the remedial courses in the summer and ensure they receive university credit. This is an important step that gives students the option to take the remedial classes and still be on-track in the fall. Campuses are expected to have changes to Early Start Programs implemented by the summer of 2019.

Although students will have the ability to participate in the Early Start Program, there’s no guarantee that students will be on-track for college-level courses in the fall. To many, it may seem as though the CSU system is abandoning students in an effort to increase on-time graduations. While a large group of students won’t be affected by the change, others may be forced to struggle while trying to catch up to their peers.

Executive Order 1110 isn’t the only change that White has made regarding graduation rates. He has also been a key component in beginning the Graduation Initiative, a program that hopes to increase four-year

Letter to the Editor

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ditor: The STAR had a student op-ed ion Aug. 29 titled “University District Not Affordable for Students.” The author Mikki Taylor, had discovered that, “the University District, despite its name, isn’t being built with students in mind.”

Although it’s proximate to the campus, and multitudes of Sonoma State students desperately need affordable off-campus housing, “the University District clearly doesn’t fit the needs of students.” Located right across the Expressway from the campus it would seem the ideal place for student housing – right till the price schedule for these new homes is discovered.

Yes, the University District is a gigantic missed opportunity. It need not have been so.

Ten years ago, Bill Kortum and I pleaded with the Rohnert Park City Council, to no avail, to force Brookfield Homes to come up with a better plan for this project. Located right across from a university, the University District was not designed to serve the needs of the school but only to maximize profits for this already profitable conglomerate.

Brookfield has a fantasy department known as public relations which put out a story that

they had modified their design to include affordable housing, green features and campus-serving businesses. Yes, they had indeed — they’d moved about 5 percent of the way toward a truly public serving and campus serving project.

But the Rohnert Park City Council — a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce, apparently bought the lie. And so here we are today with a major state educational institution on the city’s borders, which continues to have development built up around it that just further isolates it from the community.

Mikki Taylor ends her essay with the plaintive “hope that better housing will be available to students in the near future.”

Alas, it will not happen in the University District. The benighted Rohnert Park City Council blew any chance of that ten years ago when the currently a-building anti-student proposal was green lighted and set in stone.

– Rick Luttmann, SSU professor emeritus of mathematics.

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.

HAVE AN OPINION? WE'D LIKE TO READ IT. THE STAR WELCOMES AND ENCOURAGES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND GUEST SUBMISSIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, READ THE LEFT SIDEBAR FOR OUR POLICIES ON EDITORIALS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

E-MAIL ALL OPINIONS TO STAR@SONOMA.EDU

Opinion 3

SEPT. 5 - SEPT. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Trump terminates DACA program for DREAMers

KAITLYN HAAS Staff Writer

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n the past 200 some - odd days discrimination has trumped equality by a long shot, no pun intended. President Donald Trump is currently reviewing and considering the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act. Barack Obama created DACA in order to provide immigrant children with the chance to receive an education and adults, a legal working permit.

The permit is not available to every immigrant, there is a list of requirements that each applicant must meet and the act is capped at 787 thousand.

As reported by the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, in order to

qualify for DACA, each individual must have been under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012, entered the United States before the age of 16, lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, be currently in or graduated from high school or obtained a GED, have no criminal record and the permit must be renewed every two years in order to ensure each applicant is in school or working.

Despite the act’s complex process, over one million people have applied every year since it was introduced.

Throughout Trump’s 2016 campaign, he promised to repeal DACA in order to reduce the amount of criminals in our country, but news flash Mr. Trump, all applicants and awardees must have a clean criminal record.

Repealing DACA would ruin lives of the DREAMers - the name of the students who have received the award - and result in many being deported to their country of origin.

The process of deportation is not cheap, according to the Washington Post to deport just one individual costs about $10,854. Repealing DACA will commit our country to spending billions of dollars in deportation expenses, $8.5 billion to be exact.

The DREAMers are in complete dis-

array and fear that their bright futures are coming to an end. NBC News reports that DREAMers and DACA advocates have been at the White House everyday since Aug. 15.

These young adults have become Americans, most have lived the majority of their lives here and being deported would mean being placed in a foreign country even though it is their country of origin.

To quote a DREAMer from an NBC News interview outside of the White House: “DACA is young immigrants that were brought here when they were children and some of them don’t even speak the language of the country to where they would be deported,” he said.

Forcing people out of the country, who were raised here, developed roots here and are achieving life-long dreams here would be cruel.

Illegal immigration is a problem, the U.S. does have the right to control who lives in the country and there are people who should be deported from the U.S. but DREAMers are not those people.

Telling these people that their roots and dreams do not matter is just injudicious.

Considering that in order to receive this award one must have entered the U.S.

under the age of 16, these immigrants came as children and shouldn’t have to face the consequences of choices their parents made for them.

On Sept. 3, President Trump announced he has chosen to end the program. The program is set to end with a six month delay, which gives Congress a window of time to stop it, according to The Hill.

Repealing DACA would ruin lives of the DREAMers, the name of the students who have received the award, and result in many being deported to their country of origin.

Sonoma State University is one of the many schools that has a program for DACA students, so repealing the act would mean losing some of your fellow students and friends.

DREAMers are not a menace to society, do not pose a threat to national security or public safety, they are simply students and employees just like every other average American.

The official statement is scheduled for Sept. 5, until then nothing is set in stone.

The trouble with celebrity imitation

KATIE HAGA Staff Writer

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scandalous sex tape, a 72-hour marriage, major body reconstruction, but believe it or not folks, Kim Kardashian has made headlines once again. Shocker. Kardashian’s best attribute undoubtedly is her ability to make herself look foolish, but this time she has gone too far.

On Aug. 28, Kardashian took to Twitter to post pictures from her latest photoshoot for the September edition of Interview Magazine. On the cover, Kardashian is pictured with a big 60s - like hair - do, long white gloves and a ‘60s esque dress.

Accompanying Kardashian is her daughter North West, who is also dressed in 1960s attire. With the photo, the caption “America’s first lady KimKardashian West and her daughter North West” is displayed.

As the great John F. Kennedy once said, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.”

With that being said, I believe what I can do for my country is say that Kardashian is a disgrace.

It is painfully easy to see that in this shoot Kardashian is trying so hard to imitate Jackie Kennedy Onassis and fails miserably doing so.

Onassis is arguably the greatest first lady the United States has ever seen and to be disrespected that way is upsetting.

In the story accompanying the photos of Kardashian, journalist from Interview Magazine, Janet Mock states, “If anyone can be said to embody the American Dream, it’s Kim Kardashian

West.”

When we start to compare Kardashian to Onassis and dub her as our nation’s face of the “American Dream,” we have failed as a country. When describing the life of Kim Kardashian, I wouldn’t use “American Dream,” I believe “American horror story” would best suit the life of Kardashian.

This photoshoot has caused major backlash; so much so, that according to Metro News many people are accusing her of ‘blasphemy.’ Although people thought she looked incredible, many took to the internet to express their anger and disbelief over the photos.

As a Kennedy clan enthusiast, I must say I am appalled that Kardashian would have the audacity to pull a stunt like this. Onassis was a political, public and fashion icon. Kardashian will never amount to the same eloquence or perfectionism as Onassis. Another critique many people had toward Kardashian’s sad attempt at imitating Onassis was her makeup.

According to Fox News, Kardashian received backlash over ‘blackface.’

Some claimed that the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star had her facial makeup purposely darkened to match her daughter’s skin tone.

It seems as if Kardashian struggles so hard to just be herself. Although the constant changing of her physique through unnecessary surgeries is what she is best known for, the attempt to imitate someone she clearly is not is pathetic. The Kennedy photoshoot isn’t the only instance she did this.

According to Huffington Post, just days later, Kardashian took up a new identity and “channels her inner Cher” for the September cover of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.

We may have a real problem on our hands; Kim Kardashian is suffering an identity crisis. The woman obviously lacks originality - who knew it could be so hard to be yourself.

Whether you like Kim Kardashian or not, it is safe to say she is not, and never will be as iconic as Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

She does not have the style, grace nor poise to be remotely close to the standards of Onassis.

instagram.com Kim Kardashian posing as the late Jackie Kennedy in new photoshoot.

Courtesy // Flickr.com Whole Foods and Amazon announced the collaboration on June 16.

Amazon merges with Whole Foods

MIKKI TAYLOR Staff Writer

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mazon has been introducing ideas to the world recently that have taken technology and movements to another level. Many people are aware that Whole Foods has pricey groceries, and that many families can’t afford to shop there.

With that in mind, Amazon decided to change that issue and make the food more affordable overall.

Amazon has taken over, making sale prices of the food at Whole Foods split almost in half. Amazon isn’t just making changes in the food industry, but in other fields too. Amazon is essentially taking over the buyer’s world.

The Los Angeles Times states that Amazon’s purchase of $13.7 billion shares of Whole Foods Market, on Aug. 28, immediately cut prices of most popular foods up to 43 percent. Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate said, “It’s impressive they would execute the pricing strategy so quickly.”

Matthew Casey a supermarket consultant said, “Whole Foods has that ‘Whole Paycheck’ reputation and they want to be able to work on eliminating that.”

For families, groceries can be tough to afford, and that has been an ongoing issue for a noticeable time. Families can’t afford to buy the organic food that is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

Whole Foods has made organic food their brand since opening in 1980. “It’s the volume game Amazon brings to the table for the Whole Foods customer,” said Trip Miller, managing partner at Gullane Capital Partners. “They might

be making less (profit) margin or no margin,” but for Whole Foods, more buyers means more customers are coming into the store.

What kind of changes are we going to see? Los Angeles Times stated the prices of organic bananas were cut 30 percent, organic avocados fell 29 percent and organic rotisserie chicken dropped 29 percent.

This pursuit has caught the world by surprise, but people are having no problem taking advantage of this new situation.

Whole Foods is not hesitating to one up the other stores in the same area of business. The Los Angeles Times also states, “rival supermarket chains, which already operate with thin profit margins, are expected to face further pressure to keep prices down and strengthen their loyalty programs or risk losing shoppers to Whole Foods.”

Let’s not forget Amazon’s new electronic device, the Echo, who is run by the robot “Alexa.” The Echo is a machine that can order pretty much anything to your door, including those new lowered price groceries from your local Whole Foods Store.

From ordering pizza, to playing your favorite song, Alexa is a new fan favorite. Emarketer facts states just this year already, Alexa has been purchased by over 25 thousand people who use this device at least once a month. Amazon is stepping up its game with so many new innovations and endeavors.

Whole Foods and The Echo are just a couple of the innovations that we have obtained from Amazon in the past years.

Amazon has taken their progress to another level when prime membership meant getting faster and free shipping for a payment of $99 a year, a good deal in most eyes.

The Los Angeles Times states that prime members will be given incentives to shop at Whole Foods for a possible point system for discounts.

There is no doubt Amazon knows what they are doing when it comes to pleasing their customers. With Amazon in the food industry the endless ideas are just getting started.

4 News CABINET: Sonoma State starts semester with 26 new faculty members

SEPT. 5 - SEPT. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Continued from Pg.1

For the upcoming school year, Lopes said she is interested in aligning budgets and having a strategic plan to support President Sakaki. New Green Music Center Director Jacob Yarrow previously worked for the past eight years as a programming director for Hancher Auditorium, the main performing arts center of the University of Iowa. “The opportunity to work at Sonoma State University was very exciting,” Yarrow said, “because the GMC is a wonderful facility with the ability to engage people across campus with artistic experiences.”

Yarrow succeeds Zarin Mehta, the former president and director of the New

Sonoma.edu New Green Music Center Director Jacob Yarrow previously worked as the programming director for Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa. The university hired an executive recruiter of help narrow down an initial pool of 51 candidates.

Sonoma.edu New Chief Financial Officer Joyce Lopes previously served in the same position at Humboldt State. Before Humboldt State, Lopes spent two years as assistant superintendent for the Western Placer Unified School District in Sacramento.

York Philharmonic Orchestra, who had held the Green Music Center director position since 2013. Yarrow said he is looking forward to meeting Sonoma State students and faculty and coming up with an effective strategy for the Green Music Center.

At the Convocation, Sakaki also announced the hiring of an additional 19 new tenure track faculty members for the upcoming school year. According to Sakaki, the new faculty is more diverse, including more women and people of color than previously employed in those positions.

“Dr. Sakaki and I already have a tremendous partnership,” Vollendorf said. “We believe we must put students first at all times, and to do so we must also find ways to support our faculty and staff.”

News 5

SEPT. 5 - SEPT. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

SMART train ridership has good start FRANCISCO CARBAJAL STAFF WRITER

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oday marks the first official day that the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit system will be operating with full ride fares, and officials throughout the region will be eager to see how many ride the rail system. The train started giving out free rides last week to get riders hooked on the new SMART system that allows passengers to travel from the Sonoma County Airport all the way to San Rafael.

The cheapest ticket to ride is $3.50 and allows passengers to ride from Rohnert Park to Downtown Petaluma. A trip from the Sonoma County Airport back to campus would cost a regular passenger $7.50 and comes with a free bus ride courtesy from Sonoma County Transit. The Cotati station, which is the closest station to Sonoma State University, is about a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride to campus.

Bikes are welcome on SMART trains, with each twocar train providing spaces for up to 24 bikes.

SMART officials had indirected that discounts would be available to college students but, according to the SMART website only discount for students is through the form of an Eco Pass, an unlimited, f latrate pass available only to employers, colleges or institutions to load onto Clipper cards which as of now Sonoma State has no access to.

The SMART train’s first six days of paid operations saw weekday ridership that was shy of projections, but weekend traffic that far exceeded target numbers, according to preliminary figures provided to The Press Democrat by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit.

Officials were full of optimism at the official rail system kick-off in downtown Santa Rosa on Aug. 25.

“The long-awaited day has arrived. We are about to make history here,” said Debora Fudge, mayor of Windsor and chair of the SMART board of directors

just minutes before the SMART train’s ribbon-cutting.

In regards to the almost 60 year absence of a rail service in the North Bay, and the nine year wait after voters approved Measure Q to fund the SMART system, Fudge said, “We thank you for your patience.”

Also in attendance at the SMART train ribboncutting ceremony was State Sen. Mike McGuire, who spoke on the impact the system will have on greenhouse gas emissions in facing climate change.

“SMART embodies the bold steps that we have taken as a region and as a state to tackle one of the toughest challenges of our time, and that is climate change,” said McGuire.“ If Washington, D.C. won’t tackle climate change, California will. The biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the automobile. And one of the best things that we can do is ditch our cars, watch the brake lights as we travel on the SMART train.”

sonomamarintrain.org Payment for fares can only be made through the use of a Clipper or the SMART eTickets app, no cash payments are accepted on the train.

Seawolves SPEAK! Students react to the new SMART Train being unveiled

MADI CABALLERO STAFF WRITER

“I think it was expensive to build and operate but I think the intent was good when they were getting ready to move ahead with the plans, but then prices came out, and it’s like 10 dollars one way. It’s cheaper to take the bus but with taking the SMART train you would save time. I would try the SMART train to see how fast and punctual it is.”

-Emerson Robles-Tuttle, third year “I believe that the train may be a good idea for those living around the area but as for the environment, it takes away more than it can give. It kills and destroys habitats.

The pricing is too expensive for students living in the area when we actually have free transportation via the bus. I don’t think I would ride it, I have no reason to.”

-Ian Critchfield, second year

“I hate the SMART train because I live in Cotati, and it makes too much noise when it goes by my house. It also stops at the worst possible times during the day causing me to be late to class, and I will never ride it for those reasons. It’s too expensive for me to ever consider riding.”

-Franchesca Galletti, fourth year

“I think it’s a good idea and it could grow into something useful, but as a college student it is too pricey for me to consider using.”

-Elliot Picket, first year

“I think it will be great to lessen traffic on the road for people commuting from Sonoma County to the San Rafael area as well as lessen our carbon footprint. If for any reason I needed to take the SMART train I am all for it, but right now there is no reason for me to take it other than for fun.”

-Katelyn McGrath, third year

“I think It’s a good option for people who are commuting to school or work. I hope that the train will be extended all the way into San Francisco because there is so much to do there.

I would ride the train if I needed to, but I have my own car and I heard it’s expensive.”

- Tiana Harris, fourth year

6 Arts

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sonomastatestar.com

STAR// Brennan Chin

Sonoma State Sapphires shine year around Sierra Sorentino Staff Writer

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ational champions, dedicated performers, and active community members are just a few ways to describe the Sonoma State University Sapphires. Since their establishment in 1996 as a small dance club, the Sapphires have grown significantly as a team, not only in size but also in school spirit. On campus, they perform in numerous sporting events ranging from side-lining at basketball games to half time shows for soccer.

They perform at “Midnight Madness,” the Petaluma veteran’s day parade, and produce their own Spring Showcase annually.

“Becoming part of the athletic department is a dream I have for the team in the future,” said coach Megan Bowcott.

The Sapphires have earned awardwinning titles since becoming a competing team in 2009 by dancing for the United Dance Association, or UDA, and in United Spirit Association, or Nationals. In March of 2016, they took home first place, and their first title, for division 2/3 hip-hop and second place for lyrical at USA Nationals. Their path of winning continued in the following competition year after placing second in both hip hop and lyrical.

“It has been a goal of mine since joining the team and to see it come true was insane,” said Bowcott.

Off campus, the national champions feel just as passionate for giving back to the community. One of the team’s favorite activities is volunteering at the animal shelter via Sonoma Serves. At the shelter, the Sapphires clean the grounds to maintain a safe environment for the animals. “Sonoma Serves not only helps the community but is great for team bonding,” said junior and three year team member Haley Leffin. “Getting to play with the puppies after is just a bonus!”

Besides serving as an outlet for dancers to creatively express themselves, the Sapphires are a close-knit team linked together by the passion for performance and hard work. Despite the team’s recent achievements at

2016 and 2017 USA Collegiate Nationals, they still face the challenge in not being recognized as an official sports team at SSU. This obstacle, however, does not dull the Sapphire’s shine and just shows how committed each dancer is to their craft and school spirit. “I am a more confident person because of the support and sense of community the Sapphires have given me,” said team captain Jen Novero.

If you have a love for dance, want to find your home away from home and a girl-squad that rivals all others, come to the Sapphires fall auditions on Sept.

9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Niagra Studio of the Recreational center.

Subcription passes alter theatre scene Commentary NOLAN BROUGH

Staff Writer

T

he buttery smell of popcorn, the anticipation of standing in lines with fellow fans, and experiencing your future favorite films on the big screen for the first time: there’s nothing quite like a trip to the movie theatres.

For decades the cinema has been a staple American past-time, a great end to a long week or great casual outing for a first date. The impressive presentation of the screen and the speakers has made for an unmatched viewing of Hollywood’s greatest products. However, audiences are beginning to stray away from the movies.

This past summer was one of Hollywood’s lowest grossing years, with

profits in July falling 12.2 percent since last year. In early August, AMC, a massive movie theatre chain, announced budget cuts that sliced it’s stock by 26%.

It looks like movie theatres could soon be phased out in favor of more comfortable options like Netflix and Hulu. TV technology has become so advanced that cheap HD TV’s can sometimes be enough for even the most avid cinephile, especially if they can forego the snacks.

All hope is not lost, though. A company called MoviePass is looking to change the way we watch movies in the theatre forever. Adopting the popular subscription based business model, MoviePass is currently allowing its customers to see one movie per day for $9.95 per month. No, that was not a typo. This is a new offer from the company who has recently promoted Mitch Lowe, an executive at Netflix and Redbox.

MoviePass has been around since

2011 and offered customers the same services but for around $30 a month. “If I’ve learned anything at Netflix and Redbox, being first to market really matters,” said Lowe. “MoviePass’ patented technology will allow millions of consumers to go to the movies more than ever and is proven to substantially increase attendance for the theaters. This is great news for all — exhibitors, studios and consumers.”

MoviePass works by sending you a debit card that you can use every time you get to the theatre. Just slide your card, and MoviePass takes care of the rest.

While it sounds too good to be true, this model does make sense. Movie theatres are enthusiastic about the service because the low cost will encourage moviegoers to spend the money they are saving on concessions, where the theatres make the bulk of their money. The service will also certainly help with get-

ting audiences out of their homes as well, and could very well reverse the downward trend the cinemas are experiencing.

The revolving question many have been asking themselves has been how the company would ever hope to turn a profit.

The answer to that is data collection.

Data is a huge commodity that companies are willing to pay massive amounts for. The cards that the company provides data for MoviePass that is valuable to show what movies people are seeing, the demographic of the audiences, theatre locations etc.

It will be interesting to see how such a radical service will affect the movie business in the coming years. Statistics show that MoviePass tends to double the amount that consumers go to see movies. Perhaps this will be the jump start the movie industry needs to regain our attention.

Entertainment 7

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sonomastatestar.com

STAR// Alice Tennigkeit

Seawolves take over Santa Rosa Epicenter AMBER WEINSTOCK Staff Writer

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ednesday night went off with a bang, as the students of Sonoma State University enjoyed a night of tremendous fun and excitement at Santa Rosa’s very own Epicenter. Dubbed “The Seawolf Takeover”, the $18 million dollar sports and entertainment complex opened their doors to students to enjoy a night of complimentary fun and explora-

tion as a kick-off to the new semester.

From 9 p.m. until midnight, interactive 3D zombie rides, upscale bowling, laser tag, and arcade games kept students busy. If games weren’t desired, a trampoline park was available for all acrobatic joys.

“We wanted to focus on creating a place for all students to come to, a place to have fun art that doesn’t solely rely on alcohol to have a good time,” said senior management Ryan Porter.

To add even more entertainment, Epicenter rolled out karaoke for additional fun throughout the night. AS President Wilson Hall and duet partner Jeaneia Arciaga took advantage and paired up to sing an upbeat duet of T-Pain’s “Bartender;” a fun and riveting performance that had the crowd singing along.

Epicenter also houses its own restaurants, soccer fields, and a 24 hour gym, truly making it a place for all ages to enjoy.

With its overall success, the Epicenter has informed that they will be offering value passes throughout the school year.

This will give students a chance to have a place to go to when they need a night away from their studies. and all the laughter and fun to be had just proves that the center is not just restricted to children There’s much to see, explore and experience at the center; and with discounted prices, more epic nights are to come.

New comedy “Disjointed” sheds green light Review

NICK COATS Staff Writer

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ake sure you’re nice and cozy when you sit down to watch Netflix’s new original comedy series “Disjointed”. With legalization on the rise across the U.S., “Disjointed” supports the growing normalization of cannabis use in fun and informative ways. Co-created by Chuck Lorre, responsible “The Big Bang Theory” and producer David Javerbaum, former writer of the “Daily Show”, the 10-episode season released on Aug. 25th surprisingly feels a lot like a sitcom you would see on network television, but with a lot more freedom to use profanity and other language that can catch you off guard at first.

The series centers on Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, played by veteran actress and star of the show Kathy Bates. Feldman is the owner of the Southern California wellness center, “Ruth’s Alternative Caring” and runs it alongside her son Travis, played by Aaron Moten and other employees at the shop. Feldman is a former marijuana activist who fought hard for the legalization of the plant for many years, and has been in and out of jail as a consequence. As a result of this, Travis feels like his mother has not always been there for him and believes she loves the plant more than her own son. The two frequently clash heads over how to run the center, with Travis viewing it as good business opportunity to expand, and Ruth totally appalled by the idea of marijuana industrialization.

The main characters in the show go through personal issues and face emotional truths, which are brought forth and alleviated with the use of cannabis and the comfort of their peers. The center’s security guard Carter, played by Tone Bell, has recently returned from a military deployment and struggles coping with his PTSD. Although reluctant to try cannabis at first, he’s ready to take on the world again after his first use. Through his mind, the show depicts what it feels like to be under the influence through the use of mesmerizing psychedelic animations. Glimpses into different character’s thoughts and imaginations really capture what it feels like to drift off into your mind during just about any situation. The writers also address small truths and stigmatisms about cannabis in the dialogue between characters; while the actors do a wonderful job of portraying stoners, making you wonder if they are actually high.

Throughout most of the series, Ruth and her employees are rather elevated,

tvline.com Carter (Tone Bell) and Ruth (Kathy Bates) scrape the surface of medicinal effects in the season’s pilot. influencing the amount of jokes pertaining to the plant. The humor can be really funny at times, but can also come off a little dry and somewhat difficult to understand for people who do not partake in the culture. Supporting characters like Dank, played by Chris Redd, and Dabby, played by Betsy Sodaro, fully play into the “pot makes you stupid” stereotype, in a ridiculous fashion that keeps your glossy eyes glued to the screen. While the show’s “Strain O’ the Day” segments put the spotlight on different strains that are available at Ruth’s dispensary, some very real and others laughably fake. On another note, there are a lot of racial stereotypes applied to the Asian-American character Jenny (Elizabeth Ho) more so than any other character.

The producers really bring the traditional sitcom feel to Netflix, with the use of laugh tracks and amusing little commercials advertising different pot related products, the show mimic advertising breaks, as you would see on regular network television.

Cool September: GMC calendar preview PAIGE HUNTER Staff Writer

E

ven though summer is over and Halloween is weeks away, this month is jam-packed with events to look forward to. September at the Green Music Center will be buzzing with talent and entertainment for those interested in musical performances, movie nights, topics of conversation, or cultural martial arts. All tickets can be purchased in-person at either the SSU Center or the GMC Box Office.

Do you love movie nights? If so, on September 17th, replace your normal trip to the movie theater with the feeling of a drive-in theater. Ditch the car, but be sure to bring your favorite sweats and blankets to Weill Hall and Lawn.

Don’t be late! Disney’s popular trilogy Cars 3 will be airing at 3:00 pm. The best part? It’s free!

With millions of albums sold and chart topping singles, the Latin music group Los Tigres Del Norte will take the stage in Weill Hall and Lawn. Mark your calendars for September 23rd, this musical event will start at 7:30pm and tickets can be purchased for $25.

Looking for a little more jazz in your life? Keep your schedules open for a performance that brings together a family of musicians. Well known jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo will take the stage with his daughter Sheila E. and two sons Juan Escovedo and Peter Michael on September 9th at 7:30 pm. Together, the family will bring a blend of percussion, R&B and vocals to Weill Hall.

Tickets can be purchased for $25.

On September 24, put aside your Sunday chores and indulge in the extraordinary performance from Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin of the People’s Republic of China. Since 1957, this group of astounding acrobatic and martial arts performers have been considered one of the best troupes in China. They bring their captivating talents to the stage of Weill Hall at 3:00pm. Those interested in the show can purchase tickets for $25.

To close out the month of September, the Green Music center will be joined by the talented and critically acclaimed musicians Irma Thomas and The Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet. This soulful, musical collaboration will be held at Weill Hall on September 30th and 7:30 pm. With tickets for just $30, enjoy an evening of music rich in soul and culture of New Orleans.

If you fancy jazz, make sure to check out the smooth sounds of saxophonist, Kenny G, accompanied by guitarist and singer songwriter, George Benson. With decades of best-selling jazz albums worldwide, the two instrumental phenomenons bring their passions to Weill Hall and Lawn. The iconic duo will be holding their concert this Friday, September 8th at 7:30 pm and tickets go on sale for $25.

Most popular for his musical work, actor, poet and film producer, Common will be speaking to an audience in Weill Hall and Lawn on September 16th. With two Grammy awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, don’t miss sharing an evening with the multi-star himself. The evening kicks off at 7:30 pm and tickets are selling for $25.

8 Student Life

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sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Alice Tennigkeit Shea Green introduces herself and cracks a joke at the API mixer Friday afternoon in the HUB.

The HUB fosters Asian and Pacific Islander communities ANNA BURKE Staff Writer

O

n the first day of September, 30 people filled the HUB. They devoured Chinese food, listened to the Bruno Mars Pandora station and happily conversed at the first Community and Ally Lunch Mixer of the semester.

Students in attendance identified as Filipino, Mexican, queer and more, but all were allies gathered in the same room to support the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

As students and faculty each introduced themselves around the room, support was vocalized and an emphasis on community within this space was reiterated.

Faculty from multiple departments attended the lunch mixer, including an on-campus psychiatrist, a financial aid worker, and Educational Opportunity Program coordinator Khou Yang-Vigil. All came as allies to the Asian and Pacific Islander community, and offered help and support as needed. Carina Buzo, the HUB program coordinator, said the goal of these lunch mixers, which occur Fridays at noon on the second floor of the Student Center, is to foster community.

In her introduction speech, Buzo said that “Oftentimes our first community is our family around a dinner table.”

The community and ally lunch mixers aim to make the welcoming family environment many have at home attainable at Sonoma State University, Buzo said.

“It’s important for people to come together, especially with so much violence and heartbreak being focused on in the media,” Buzo said. “It’s important to remember that some people just want to be apart of community and we believe that food can help bring community together.”

Shea Manzo, a third-year transfer student, said she came to the Asian and Pacific Islander lunch mixer because she wanted to find a community and potentially make new friends.

“I came because I am Filipino, I am gay and also I am hungry,” Manzo said as she quickly hurried over to fill her plate with some food.

The bulk of students that came to the lunch mixer were members of the Filipino American Association of Sonoma State.

Christi Kessler, a third year psychology major and the organization’s president, shared an unofficial slogan:

“You don’t have to be brown to get down.”

The slogan is meant to show that this organization is not exclusive to those of Filipino background, but is also open to anyone looking for a community, Kessler said.

“FAASSU is the most warm, welcoming, and funny group of people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Kessler said. “It is an open space for anybody to come and be a part of, regardless of ethnicity or cultural background.”

Kessler said she always felt like she was missing something until joining the organization, which helped her realize she had never gotten a chance to explore her cultural identity.

According to Kessler, the last time Sonoma State recorded its demographics, Asian students made up 4.9 percent of the population.

Kessler said lunch mixers make small numbers like this seem much less daunting to minorities at Sonoma State. Upcoming ally lunch mixers will offer a space for the African-American, Latinx and Chicanx, and LGBTQ communities, according to the HUB. For more information on upcoming events, contact Caroline Buzo at (707) 664-4237 or buzo@sonoma.edu.

New compost program a step forward for SSU sustainability JANA DUNCAN Staff Writer

C

onvenient composting has finally arrived at the doorsteps of Sonoma State University students.

Under a new composting program, students who live on campus and have a kitchen can sign up to receive a compost waste bin and bags. 100 kits were provided by JUMP as a starting point, and around 50 of these have already been claimed.

Those who live off campus or do not have a kitchen in their dorms still have ways to compost at Sonoma State. Students may purchase their own biodegradable bags and leave their compost in specially marked bins near the Sauvignon and Beaujolais villages. All compost will then be taken to the campus garden and returned to the earth, where it can yield more produce.

The crops that are grown from the students’ compost can be contributed to NOAH, a food pantry located on Snyder Lane in Rohnert Park.

Jazmine Kary, a fourth-year business and marketing major and JUMP’s director of sustainability, spearheaded this new composting campaign.

“It’s been challenging because it is a new program… but I am seeing a lot of student interest… and it makes it all worth it, makes it very rewarding,” Kary said.

Kary, who has been working on this project for around a year, was responsible for the organization and implementation of the program. She received the $2000 Greenovation grant from the California State Student Association.

According to Kary, the new composting program is an “initiative to get the school to be more sustainable as a whole.”

“Sustainability is important because… [it’s] everyone’s social responsibility to take care of the earth, the environment around them and the community that they live in,” Kary said.

Though there are people who understand the importance of sustainability, Kary said that students are not very educated on the subject and that it is left out of the conversation more than it should be.

Kary acknowledged that education about sustainability is not a one-person job and encouraged others to take up the task of making a bigger effort to live sustainably.

For Peter Forte, a second-year liberal studies major and user of a new composting starter kit, this program holds a lot of importance.

“I can attest to the necessity of having an environment that allows people to be hands-on in their learning experience,” Forte said.

According to Forte, composting has been a part of his life since he was a child. He said it was important to sign up for the program so he can spread this practice and educational opportunity to his roommates.

“Having to ref lect on where we dispose our food and what happens to it can be seen as a way to expand our own perspective to think about the larger impacts of waste,” Forte said.

As JUMP’s sustainability coordinator, Forte also gets to have a hands-on experience with the campus garden, where students can volunteer on Mondays from noon to 2 p.m.

“Students will come to understand aspects of growing food and maintaining a garden that can help contribute to their understanding of the cycle of food we eat,” Forte said.

Tremaine Austin-Dillon, residential education coordinator for Residential Life, said the composting program “is a great opportunity to encourage more sustainable practices… so it fell right in line with our vision, our values... I was really excited about it, honestly.”

In addition to this recent push for sustainability, Residential Life has its own ideas for sustainable living. Its STEP Up division is a relatively new sustain-

ability-driven development.

STEP Up’s goals are “a commitment to sustainability and looking at water and energy… responsible consumerism, and resource stewardship,” according to Austin-Dillon.

Residential Life utilizes its own program in conjunction with Kary’s project to teach students. “[We] want to empower residents to be [more sustainable people] beyond just when they’re in school… that’s the hope, is that they don’t just stop from living on campus but they learn sustainable practices forever,” Austin-Dillon said.

Another way Residential Life encourages sustainability is through competitions. There is currently a competition called Ban the Bottle, which urges students to use reusable water bottles instead of plastic, store-bought bottles.

Students residing on campus who use reusable bottles may be entered in the competition for a chance to win prizes from now until Oct. 20.

Austin-Dillon said that for people to be sustainable, they need to have a conscious understanding of their impact on the world and must develop healthy, environmentally friendly habits.

By initiating this composting program, Kary said she has opened the discussion about sustainability, since the program offers students the chance to see the cause and effects of their actions.

Kary said she hopes the idea of composting and sustainable practices continue to proliferate throughout Sonoma State.

“We’re trying to make students know that composting is a thing and that it can be part of our culture and routine,” Kary said.

For more information about getting involved or if you have questions regarding this program email jump.sustainability@sonoma.edu.

For more information about the STEP Up program go to https://web.sonoma.edu/reslife/sustainability/index.html.

Student Life 9

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sonomastatestar.com

SSU alumnus speaks out for undocumented students ANDREA MENDOZA Staff Writer

F

ear. Uncertainty. Shame. These are some of the obstacles many undocumented students face on their way to success, but without having to look hard, we can find students who demonstrate resilience and perseverance such as Monica Robledo Cornejo, Sonoma State University’s first undocumented commencement speaker.

In 2001, Robledo came to the United States at the age of six and immediately enrolled in school.

According to Robledo, being undocumented forced her to face extensive adversity in achieving her academic goals, and to live in constant fear of deportation, a reality that many undocumented students face on a daily basis.

Despite this adversity, Robledo battled on and eventually graduated from Sonoma State in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in queer studies.

During her senior year, Robledo became the president for the UndocuScholars Coalition, a club that provides services, information and advocacy for the undocumented community on campus.

One of the club’s achievements was the creation of the Undocu-Resource Center located in Salazar Hall.

Robledo said that it was only through extensive advocacy, emails, and meetings with President Sakaki that the center came to be, and admits that there is still a lot to be done by the current presidency to improve the center.

Robledo said that when she was growing up, the reality of being undocumented hit when she couldn’t apply for a job or a get a driver’s licence. Thanks to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better knoSwn as DACA, she can now accomplish this.

DACA, an Obama-era immigration policy, is now being threatened by the current administration, and several undocumented students fear the termination of the program, including Robledo.

“In school, I was told I was a hard working Mexican,” Robledo said. “That I had hard-working hands and was going to continue on and work in the fields.”

Instead of allowing these words to hinder her perseverance, Robledo continued her studies, which eventually landed her in college.

“It wasn’t until I hit my second year at the junior college that I was told education was an option,” Robledo said.

STAR // Lauren Eipp Monica Robledo Cornejo is the first undocumented commencement speaker in Sonoma State history.

Robledo took this information to continue her studies, and she plans to go even further by enrolling in graduate school and pursuing a communications major this upcoming semester at UC Santa Barbara.

Mariana Martinez, a faculty advisor for the McNair Scholars Program, said that Robledo tends to see a way to find justice.

“She’s very focused on what she needs to do, not only for her but to open doors for other folks who are in her situation,” Martinez said. “It’s also the fact of being the oldest, like one needs to protect people.”

Through her extensive involvement in clubs and organizations, Robledo has impacted many other Sonoma State students.

Jacqueline Echeverria, a senior and early childhood studies major, met Robledo on campus through the Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social Summer Institute, where they did volunteer work together.

“Monica is friendly, very well spoken, very down to earth and is always willing to help others,” Echeverria said. “She’s a source of inspiration because although

GMC: New policy to affect student ushers Continued from Pg. 1

Castro will not be a part of the new program because she only has one year left at Sonoma State, but she said she is not fond of it.

Castro said she likes having the student ushers specifically at the Green Music Center and feels that student ushers are already being replaced by volunteers.

Castro said that before this past summer, summer positions were previously exclusive to Sonoma State and Santa Rosa Junior College students.

“That’s kind of what made us unique, because most music halls use volunteers,” Castro said.

While she understands the intent behind the new program, Castro said she thinks the Green Music Center would lose something special by having less student ushers.

“A lot of the patrons expressed that they loved that the students worked there, and that will be lost if they continue with using more volunteers,” Castro said.

Jana Duncan, a fourth-year communications major at Sonoma State, has been working at the Green Music Center for over a year and is currently a lead usher.

She also expressed concern about the new policy.

“I think it’s just because we care. We want to see the GMC taken care of,” Duncan said. “I think we’ve all found a special bond in this job.”

Duncan said she appreciates that the Green Music Center is flexible with student ushers juggling work and school responsibilities.

According to Duncan, including volunteers was a decision made mainly to get the community more involved with Sonoma State, and student ushers being moved to the Seawolf Ambassador Program had nothing to do with students’ competence and performance as ushers.

While Duncan understands that this new policy is about community involvement, she said that “not paying students would save money.”

“It’s hard to say if I think it’s worth it… I think there’s something really special about having students working and students being able to learn in such a nice venue,” Duncan said.

For more information about the Green Music Center, contact Kathryn Stewart at (707) 664-3813 or stewart@sonoma.edu.

she was faced with many obstacles, she overcame them and has set such high goals for herself.”

While she pursues her graduate studies, Robledo said she will continue to work for the UndocuScholars Coalition as an advocate and mentor.

She will also continue her efforts to be an advocate for other members of the undocumented community.

Robledo said she looks back on her commencement ceremony as a prideful moment and said that her peers and mentors feared for the outcome.

“Being the speaker and actually coming out in front of so many people is something that my mentors told me not to do,” Robledo said.

But their concerns did not stop Robledo from speaking.

“I want to show others that this oppression that we’re under is no longer accepted,” Robledo said. “I want to be a part of a movement that creates change for the betterment not only of my community, but of all minorities and to be not only an example, but a force of ‘Join me, together we can do this.’”

STUDENT LIFE CALENDAR Tuesday, Sept. 5 Treats & Trending Topics 6 p.m.

The HUB IFC Recruitment 7 p.m.

Ballroom A

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Thursday, Sept. 7

Academic & College Success Fair 11:30 a.m.

Seawolf Plaza

Free Bowling Night 10 p.m.

Double Decker Lanes

Courtesy of: seawolfliving.com

Inquire to have your artwork published in the STAR

star@sonoma.edu STAR // Reagan Dowd The Green Music Center now hires community volunteers as ushers.

10 Sports

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sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Lauren Eipp Seawolves Taylor Moore and Courtney Seda celebrate after a play in their 3-0 homecourt victory against Holy Names on Saturday.

Women’s volleyball team off to a hot start with three-game win streak CHAD SHAVER Staff Writer

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t’s the start of a new season and the Sonoma State University women’s volleyball team is already remaining true to its dominant reputation.

On Thursday, the Sonoma State women’s volleyball team took on Pacific Union College at home in the Seawolves’ Den for the first match of the season.

Sonoma State won by scores of 25-18 in the first set, 25-16 in the second, and a crushing 25-11 in the last set, giving the Seawolves their first match win of the season.

For the first match of the season, Sonoma State’s Caiti Wiesner totaled 13 kills and three blocks. Trailing closely behind was Kelsey McIntire with 10 kills and two blocks, tying Morgan Annala who also had two blocks. Seawolf Megan Bohorquez totaled 14 digs on the day.

On Friday the Seawolves traveled to Belmont where they had a doubleheader, facing off against Biola University in the first match and Notre Dame de Namur University in the second. Biola gave the Seawolves trouble, forcing five sets to decide the tie between the two teams. The Seawolves ended the game with a 25-

Sports Schedule Thursday, Sept. 7 Men’s Soccer vs California Baptist 2 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball @ Hawaii Pacific 4:30 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs Dixie State 5 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs Azusa Pacific 2 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs Point Loma 5 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball @ Northwest Nazarene 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 11

Friday, Sept. 8 Women’s Volleyball @ Simon Fraser 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Women’s Soccer vs Southern Oregon 2 p.m.

23 loss in the first set, a 26-24 win in the second, another 25-23 win, and a 25-20 loss in the fourth. In the final deciding set of the match, the Seawolves went down 15-12 and Biola handed them their first loss of 2017.

The Seawolves regrouped and prepared for their next match against Notre Dame de Namur. Coming off a close loss, the Seawolves made this match theirs, quickly winning three set in a row, 25-20, 25-16, and 25-11.

To end the weekend the Seawolves had another double-header on Saturday against Dominican University and Holy Names University.

In the first match of the day against Dominican, the Seawolves didn’t waste any time, defeating it in three straight sets. The sets went 25-16, 25-26, and 25-20.

The momentum of this game carried over to their next game against Holy Names, when they swept straight sets again with scores of 25-12, 25-22, and a crushing 25-8. The Seawolves now hold a 4-1 overall record with only the D2 West Region Showcase remaining before their CCAA season opener against Cal Poly Pomona.They will travel to Nampa, ID for a weekend road trip where they will take on Hawaii Pacific University on Thursday, Simon Fraser University on Friday and face another doubleheader on Saturday against Dominican University and Northwest Nazarene University.

Sonoma State women’s soccer team kick off season with 2-0 start KEVIN BRILL Staff Writer

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he Sonoma State University women’s soccer team started the 2017 season on the road in Arcata, California for the Lumberjack Classic. The team began the season ranked 22nd, and has high expectations for this upcoming year after finishing in second place during the 2016 regular season.

“We need to have more consistent focus both in trainings and in between competitions. In the past, we swung too far between greatness and mediocrity,” head coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn said. “Continuing to grow in our intelligence on the field, to be smarter with how we play and not just use our fitness level to solve problems.”

Sonoma State played its first game against the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds.

The match got off to a slow start for both teams on the scoring end, remaining without a point through the first half, totaling 15 shots on goal. Sara Van Wagoner, senior forward, scored the Seawolves’ first goal of the season with a booming shot from far center field 57 minutes into the game. Shorty after, Fresno Pacific responded with a goal by Whitney Snow, junior midfielder, which forward Jessica Dondlinger assisted to tie up the game.

Bella Amyx, junior forward, scored the winning goal, finishing from the left side of the box assisted by Van Wagoner. Kristen Spear, junior goalkeeper for Sonoma State, played a strong defensive game while protecting the net. Overall, there was a total of 29 shots by both teams, nine of which Spear saved. Sonoma State finished its first game of the season with a 2-1 victory over Fresno Pacific.

The Seawolves faced Colorado Mesa on Saturday. Van Wagoner once again broke a scoreless first half, and Alexis Espitia, freshman forward, assisted as she scored 55 minutes into the game. During the 68th minute, senior defender Cecilia Sifuentes sealed the deal with a goal, putting the Seawolves 2-0 to start the 2017 season.

Sonoma State will look to continue its success and remain undefeated as it hosts two home games this coming week against Dixie State on Thursday, and Azusa Pacific on Saturday.

“Whether it’s training or a game we are focused and determined to better ourselves each day,” said Van Wagoner. “With that mindset, we can only improve. We have to stay humble and play the game we love to the best of our ability.”

Women’s Cross Country Humboldt Invitational 9 a.m.

Women’s Volleyball @ Dominican 12 p.m.

STAR // Jeno Veltri Forward/midfielder Sarah Lindborg attempts to intercept a pass.

Sports 11

SEPT. 5 - SEPT. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

Sonoma State men’s soccer team split first matches of 2017

ROLAND SCHMIDT Staff Writer

O

vertime is often proclaimed as one of the most nerve-wracking moments in sports, but if we learned anything in Thursday night’s thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over host Western Washington, it’s that the intensity of the moment doesn’t faze the Sonoma State University men’s soccer team.

After falling into an early 1-0 deficit on a goal by Western Washington’s Luke Olney, Sonoma State had a response of their own in the form of senior forward Andrew Ogilvy, squaring the score at 1-1 with 26:27 left in the first half.

The finish on the far post gave Ogilvy his first goal of the season, with senior midfielder Josh Sanchez earning credit for the assist on the play.

Following an eventful first half that included goals from both squads, the second half remained without a shot finding the net, leaving the score knotted at 1-1 heading into the first overtime period of the season.

With six minutes left in the period, the Seawolves pressed, with a shot fired wide of the post by sophomore striker Luis Mendoza.

Then came the moment of truth.

After securing the ball across Western Washington’s half of the field, sophomore midfielder Evan Roehrig jetted past a defender, evading a tackle attempt to reach the top of the goal box.

He then took a shot that the keeper def lected, but the Seawolves remained in possession of the ball.

Following the def lection, he let it f ly, rif ling a guided missile past Western Washington keeper Tyler Visten to settle the score at 2-1 in favor of Sonoma State.

Roehrig’s golden moment earned the Seawolves their first win of the 2017 season, leaving the squad with positive vibes en route to their next game against Seattle Pacific Saturday night.

“We’re looking really good right now - probably the best I’ve seen since being here,” said senior defender Eric Alvarado. “Seattle is coming off a loss, and us a win. So we’ve got the momentum right now going into Saturday.”

Following their scrappy overtime victory against Western Washington, the Sonoma State men’s soccer team ran into a proverbial wall known as Seattle Pacific, falling 4-1 at Interbay Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The loss is the team’s first of the season, leaving it with a record of 1-1-0 to kick off 2017.

The Seawolves struggled to make the most of their scoring opportunities, firing four shots without hitting twine, leaving them without a goal in the first 45 minutes of play.

Opposite of Sonoma State, Seattle Pacific looked strong in its pursuit, netting two goals in the opening frame. Early goals from the Falcon’s striker, Gabe Kellum, (14:22) and Titus Grant (28:52) earned Seattle a 2-0 lead heading into the second half.

The subsequent half continued with the story of the afternoon –– the Falcon’s ability to thrive off the counterattack and Sonoma State’s inability to take advantage of missteps left by the opposition.

“Seattle was pretty opportunistic with their chances,” Sanchez said. “We had the same amount of shots, but they did just a little better at finishing their chances than we did.”

With 30 remaining in regulation play, the Seawolves were dealt a stinging blow when Kellum added to his team’s lead, scoring his second goal of the game to give Seattle Pacific a 3-0 advantage.

Following Kellum’s strike, Sonoma State ignited a chance to get back into the game as freshman midfielder Kyle Owings scored the Seawolves’ first goal of the game from the left side of the six-yard box.

The short-yardage score gave Owings’ his first career collegiate goal, shrinking the deficit to 3-1.

Unfortunately, any hope of staging a comeback was squashed on an own goal in the 88th minute, sealing the score at 4-1 in favor of Seattle Pacific.

Following the road loss, the Seawolves will take on California Baptist at home, marking their first game on home turf this year. The tilt will kick off at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Seawolf Soccer Field.

SSU SPORTS RECAP Women’s Soccer (2-0-0) vs Fresno Pacific: 2-1 Win vs Colorado Mesa: 2-0 Win

Women’s Volleyball (4-1) vs Pacific Union: 3-0 Win vs Biola: 3-2 Loss @ Notre Dame de Namur: 3-0 Win vs Dominican 3-0 Win vs Holy Names 3-0 Win

Men’s Soccer (1-1-0) @ Western Washington: 2-1 Win @ Seattle Pacific: 4-1 Loss

Women’s Cross Country NDNU Argo Invitational: Placed 3rd of 8 teams

Cross country team takes third Sophomore Jasmine Casillas placed second with a time of 24:47 to lead the Seawolves to their third place finish at the NDNU Argo Invitational.

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com The cross country team poses after running against Academy of Art, Fresno Pacific, Notre Dame de Namur, UC Santa Cruz, Holy Names, De Anza, and Mills in the first invitational of 2017.

12 Photo

SEPT. 5 - SEPT. 11, 2017

sonomastatestar.com

SSU takes over Epicenter for the night

STAR // Alice Tennigkeit Sonoma State students got the opportunity to takeover the Epicenter in Santa Rosa on Wednesday.

NOW OPEN! FUN, FUNKY COMFORT FOOD

OPEN 11 AM TO 10PM!

CHICKEN TENDIES FRIED RICE BOWLS CHICKEN CAESAR

STAR // Lauren Eipp SSU’s women’s volleyball team on saturday in the Wolves’ Den.

GREAT STUDY SPOT! FREE WIFI & PLUGS AT EVERY TABLE!

295 SOUTHWEST BLVD ROHNERT PARK SMOKINBOWLS.NET FACEBOOK/SMKNBWLS @SMKNBWL

STAR // Lauren Eipp SSU’s women’s volleyball team on saturday in the Wolves’ Den. ssu-quarter-page-sept-2017.indd 1

8/31/17 10:42 PM