Volume 80 // Issue 11

IN THIS ISSUE

Starbucks training The company’s decision to host racial bias training needs to be an example for others. Pg. 3.

J. Cole album

Rapper’s fifth studio album revives fans with powerful social messages. Pg. 7.

Eco-friendly campus

Students give their take on what SSU can do to be a greener campus. Pg. 8.

SONOMA STATESTAR SINCE 1979

VOLUME 80 // ISSUE 11 APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Despite lack of funding, CSU will not raise tuition

ASHLEY GIESKE STAFF WRITER

A

tuition increase was starting to look like a reality for Sonoma State University students for this fall. However, despite receiving less than one-third of the budget requested by the CSU last fall, Chancellor Timothy White announced last week that he has decided to not increase tuition for the 2018-2019 school year.

“In light of California’s strong economy, California’s students and their families should not be saddled with additional financial burden to attain public higher education,” White said in a written statement on Friday. White went on to say that California should provide sufficient funding for students so they can have easier access to their education along with their degree completion.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins said the decision shows that students, staff and community have a voice in the education system and what they are paying for.

“I’m pleased with the CSU’s decision not to pursue a tuition increase for the coming year,” Atkins said. “I pledge to continue our work in the legislature to lower barriers and reduce the cost of quality higher education for all students.”

The reasoning behind the proposed increase was the budget request from the CSU system not being granted. In November, the CSU system asked for an increase of $282.9 million, but was it only received $92.1 million from the governor’s budget that was announced in January.

Due to this budget shortage, White and the CSU said they were considering a four percent increase in tuition for the upcoming year. This would have been the second consecutive year that tuition went up. Pointing the finger at Brown, the California Faculty Association organized a “Free the CSU” march in Sacramento earlier this month where White was a guest speaker.

Elaine Newman, professor of mathematics, statistics and chapter president of the CFA at Sonoma State, said she was proud of the “commitment by our activists.”

“Chancellor White and trustees were part of our rally and spoke about the importance of all of us working together to fight for sufficient funding for

Sonoma State STAR // Nate Galvan (top) CSU Chancellor Timothy White speaks to the crowd at the “Free the CSU” march on April 4. (bottom) SSU students protest a possible tuition hike at the “Free the CSU” march. the CSU to keep delivering quality education while keeping it affordable for students,” said Newman.

According to White, the CSU is retaining, graduating and enrolling students in record numbers despite the lack of funding. The CSU had almost 100,000 students graduate with bachelor degrees last year alone. Along with this, the system also claims to prepare more than half of the state’s teachers for working in classrooms.

Many students, families and staff members have worked hard to make sure this increase would not take place because of all the negative repercussions.

New Resource Center aimed to be one stop shop for academic help SAMMY SINATRA STAFF WRITER

W

was running for AS President and part of that was speaking about my experiences with CAPS,” said Ojeda: “Also, Trevor and I made it an effort to stay away from any competitiveness behavior, we wanted to set an example of how to campaign and behave properly as opponents.”

In 2017, 2,205 students voted. Wilson credits his victory to the work he did before the election such as speaking to at least three classes, clubs or teams every day.

“The campus needs to take seriously its commitment to civic engagement, and not just for AS elections,” Dickson said. “We need to commit to leading the CSU in voting in student, statewide and national elections. Everyone can do more.”

AS provides funding resources to chartered student clubs and organizations, club accounting services, shortterm loans and transitional housing for students.

hen Scott Miller, director of the Sonoma State University Writing Center, began his career at Sonoma State in 1997, he saw the Writing Center sprout in a little cubicle in Salazar Hall, which what was once the library. In 2000, it was housed in the new Schultz Library, on the second f loor where the DVD Central section now stands, and eventually moved to its most recent space, on the first f loor of the library.

This summer, the Writing Center, the Tutorial Program and Supplemental Instruction, which the Tutorial Center runs, will all be consolidated into what will become the Learning and Academic Resource Center. Each will still contain its own entities, but will be altogether under LARC, which the school will construct on the first f loor of the library, expanding out from what is now the Writing Center.

“I’ve always wanted to have the Tutorial Programs and the Writing Center be together,” Miller said, “able to share resources, able to work together, able to collaborate. So for me, this is just like a dream come true kinda thing.”

The school hopes that through the merging of these programs, students will feel welcome to come and get the help LARC is offering, in a more spacious, inviting location. They have set the new center to be more than double the space of the current Writing Center. Loriann Negri, current Multilingual Achievers Program director and Writing Center manager, will be the new director of LARC.

see RESOURCE CENTER on pg. 5

see RESOURCE CENTER on pg. 5

Sonoma State STAR // Gabriella Novello Students wait for the Associated Students election results at Lobo’s on April 10.

Student voting in AS election lowest turnout in five years HEBA MADI

STAFF WRITER

F

inal numbers reported for Sonoma State University Associated Students 2018 Elections show voter turnout was the lowest it’s been in the past five

years.

The official count showed 1,019 students cast ballots this year, 11.79 percent of the total student population, compared to 24.75 percent that voted in 2017.

Electoral competitiveness and campaign efforts affect voter turnout rates.

“It’s a pretty simple formula,” said Associated Students Executive Director Erik Dickson. “The more campaigning there is, the more students vote.”

According to President elect Manny Ojeda, this year’s candidates a more hands-on approach and a noncompetitive approach.

I really wanted the student body to understand why I

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 Andrea Mendoza, Student Life Editor Bianca Sanborn, Spor ts Editor Alyssa Archerda, Photo Editor Alex Randolph, Copy Editor Alex Daniels, Adver tising Manager Paul Gullixson, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Kaytlin Abad, Stefanie Bautista, Jessica Bennett, Kathryn Catanzarite, Blake Davena, Jennifer De La Torre, Danielle Estrada, Danielle Factor, Ashley Gieske, Jacob Gonzales, Kendall Grove, Tanner Gunning, Casey Herrmann, Lindsey Huffman, Emily Jenkel, Heba Madi, Luis Mejia, Brooklynn Miller, Manny Ojeda, Kathleen Perry, Kailey Priest, Renee Rodgers, Roland Schmidt, Tatiana Serrano, Samantha Sinatra, Sierra Sorrentino, Jeno Veltri, Madison Villalobos, Aaron Waskowiak

Photographers Gabby Novello, Christine Von Raesfeld, Justin Santos, Holle Depina, Carly Wade

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

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

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Earth Week an important lesson, but bigger changes need to be made

P

olar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising and coral reefs are deteriorating. This is just a generalized and miniscule list of climate change effects that are currently affecting the lifespan of our planet.

For years scientists have warned us of the dangers of carbon emissions, water use and production of waste. Slowly we have begun to adapt as a society to lessen our carbon footprint by making life changes such as driving a Prius or switching to paper straws. But it isn’t enough.

Under the Trump administration, we are now the only developed country in the world that has opted out of the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2020.

Our current administration is extremely vocal about its skepticism surrounding climate change. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has worked relentlessly to reverse Obama administration rules, such as the Clean Power Plan. This plan would have cut carbon pollution by a third, according to Politico.

Instead of doing what his job description requires, Pruitt is busy spending $43,000 on a soundproof phone booth that ultimately violates federal spending laws, according to The Washington Post. When government officials such as Pruitt

demonstrate such reckless disregard for protecting our planet, it erases the probability of our government holding factories and corporations accountable for their emissions, which account for the majority of air pollution. According to The Guardian, “100 companies have been the source of more than 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.” This statistic is telling of how great of an impact our industries have on the planet and the dichotomy between the preservation of the environment and the inherent needs of our consumer culture.

It can often seem demoralizing to contemplate how our existence so heavily correlates to the destruction of the planet, but we must channel this anger and grief into sustainability on both micro and meso levels.

Earth Week comes around every year, and each time it brings a feeling of hope that our individual actions can make a difference. This year, SSU is one of the many college campuses participating in sustainability education, activities and events that bring awareness to environmental conservation.

Director of Sustainability Jazmine Kary is one of the coordinators of Earth Week working along with campus organizations like Associated Students, Residential Life, Sustainable SSU, Campus Recreation Center

and Culinary Services.

JUMP sustainability coordinators curated events such as the Earth Day Kick Off Fair, the Stuff Swap, the Campus Garden Party and the Sebastopol Grange Service Day. The kick-off fair had 40 tabling activities including many community partners, waste management and carbon footprint games, a paint party, and lots of free sustainable giveaways like reusable water bottles and 100 percent organic cotton shirts. Kary explained the Stuff Swap brought out 500 people throughout the past week who swapped reused items. The Campus Garden Party worked to transform part of the campus garden into a more drought resistant landscape.

The Sebastopol Grange event will work on revamping the community area into a productive and efficient landscape.

As individuals, it is our responsibility to foster a sense of purpose within ourselves and others in a way that effectively makes a difference. We are not in a position to wait for government regulations and policies anymore.

It is our duty to get involved, even in small-scale ways. Kary agrees that “every action makes an impact, however, we do need structural changes and country wide regulations to make the biggest impact.”

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.

Want to join the STAR staff?

Sign up this semester!

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.

AWARDED FIRST PLACE IN GENERAL EXCELLENCE BY THE CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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.

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

Opinion 3

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Companies need to mirror Starbucks’ racial bias training

BROOKLYNN MILLER STAFF WRITER

Y

ou would think Starbucks employees would know better than to burn themselves, but now the tension is high and the coffee is hot.

The topic of racial bias is not new; it’s been brewed, burnt, put on ice and served on the same counters black activists have been sitting at for years. If not experienced directly, everyone in the United States witnesses racial profiling one way or another.

Two African-American men were unjustly arrested at a Starbucks in Philadel-

phia on April 12 after the store manager called the police on them “for trespassing,” said Chris Isidore of CNN. Cue the protesters, make the posters and buy new batteries for the mega-phone.

It seems lately that when controversial issues such as this arise, the company under reprimand is slow to gain footing, unlike activist groups and protesters. In a statement released on Starbucks’ website after the incident, Starbucks’ CEO, Kevin Johnson, handled the situation well and was quick to step up.

“Our deepest apologies to the two men who were arrested with a goal of doing whatever we can to make things right,” Johnson said. He also made a point to reassure both customers and partners that “Starbucks stands firmly against discrimination or racial profiling.” While people expected this somewhat worn-out statement, it was a necessary step towards crisis recovery that Johnson had to take.

CBS News interviewed former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz who admitted that “it’s possible that what unfolded

THC use should not affect chance of transplant

in Philadelphia is not an ‘isolated’ incident and said a complete review of their policies is in the works.”

This specific racial dispute highlights what it means to be white versus AfricanAmerican. Many customers who were in the store at the time of the incident have turned to social media demanding answers from both Starbucks and the authorities.

Melissa DePino turned to Twitter and called for Starbucks to supply answers for the two men arrested who were just “waiting for a friend to show up, who did as they were taken out in handcuffs for doing nothing. All the other white ppl are wondering why it’s never happened to us when we do the same thing,” she said.

DePino is not the only one with this question. Would the manager have called the police if the customers were white? The answer, inarguably, is no.

Companies seem to repeat these statements and promises to repair and mend these crushed social boundaries over the years, but rarely do companies boldly act to educate and move forward. In its at-

Southwest tragedy proves air travel is still risky

AARON WASKOWIAK

STAFF WRITER

O DANIELLE FACTOR

STAFF WRITER

E

very 10 minutes, doctors put someone on the waiting list for a transplant. As of now, there are over 110,000 people waiting for a transplant.

The most common transplant is the kidney transplant, according to the data collected by United Network of Organ Sharing. Transplants are no joking matter, and those who need the transplant usually need it to end very serious health problems and pains they may be suffering through.

Over the past year, there have been stories about people dying due to the fact they weren’t able to get a transplant because they had THC in their system. For example, in 2017, a teenager got very sick with pneumonia and doctors told him he needed a double lung transplant in order to survive. The doctors then denied him from being put on the organ transplant list due to the fact that he had THC in his system. He died not too long after.

Letting people die over marijuana use is absolutely ridiculous in today’s society. Twenty-nine states have legalized medical marijuana (while nine also legalized it for recreational use). As legalization of medicinal and recreational use has slowly taken off, we are seeing far more studies showing how we can use cannabis to help treat a multitude of things, whether it’s a serious illness or something less life-threatening, such as insomnia or anxiety.

There are many benefits for those on the transplant list to use medical cannabis, such as a natural pain reliever over a prescribed opiate, which does a lot of damage to the body if used frequently. Not only can opiates cause liver and brain damage, but they’re also extremely addicting. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, it’s estimated that between 26-36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, while an estimated 2.1 million people in the U.S. are suffering from substance abuse disorders related to prescribed pain relievers.

Cannabis, a much safer substance, can relieve discomfort. It helps reduce nausea while increasing appetite, which is very beneficial because a lot of health problems can lead to significant weight loss. Cannabis is also non addictive, according to The British Journal of Psychiatry.

Doctors shouldn’t use the level of THC in one’s system as a reason to deny them access to a lifesaving transplant. According to the AJT report, Itai Danovitch, MD, noted how there’s very little evidence that use of cannabis predicts a worse transplant outcome.

The procedure is life or death for most, and being denied a lifesaving operation over using cannabis is not okay, especially in those states that have legalized medicinal or recreational use.

We need to remove Cannabis as a schedule one drug, which currently classifies it alongside heroin and LSD. Those drugs are far more dangerous than cannabis and there are many studies that prove this to be true.

Due to it being categorized as a gateway drug, cannabis still has a very negative stigma surrounding it.

We must put this stigma to an end, because there are many benefits to cannabis use over other drugs prescribed by doctors. We should not make someone be ineligible to receive a transplant due to using a plant for relief over using an addictive and damage-causing opiate as the deciding reason as to whether someone gets to live or die.

tempt, Starbucks will be backing up its statements on May 29 when it will close 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States to conduct racial bias training for its employees.

This massive but temporary closure is making quite the impression. A company with as much power and financial stability as Starbucks could make it through an issue like this without doing anything, but instead Starbucks has shown it’s taking control and taking a stand.

From a public relations perspective, Starbucks is handling this scandal very well. Starbucks knows its customer base. It knows its stakeholders. More importantly, it knows how much influence it has over the United States population and how huge of a daily impact it has on millions of lives.

The revenue lost from the upcoming 8,000 store closures will be nothing compared to the positive response Starbucks will receive for conducting racial bias training on such a grand scope. Today shows a controversial and daring move, but tomorrow brings the new world we all want to see.

n Tuesday at 11:19 a.m., Southwest flight 1380 came to a gentle stop on the Philadelphia International Airport tarmac.

First responders rushed onto the aircraft, greeted with relief and chaos from the 144 passengers and five crew members aboard, who experienced a situation out of a nightmare.

The four-hour New York to Dallas flight climbed to its 30,000 foot cruising altitude when disaster struck.

In a sudden brutal explosion, a fan blade detached and tore apart the left engine of the Boeing 737 in a cloud of shrapnel as the powerful turbine sucked it in. Debris violently gouged open a window of row 14, and in the rapid depressurization that followed, the suction partly pulled a passenger through the gaping hole.

As oxygen masks dropped and passengers prayed, Captain Tammie

Jo Shults coordinated with air traffic control and rerouted the plane, calmly stating that they were “not on fire, but part of it’s missing.”

Asking for medical personnel to be ready for the injured, Shults told air traffic control that “they said there’s a hole, and uh, someone went out.”

In an act of heroism, and with what one passenger described to the Associated Press as “nerves of steel,” retired Navy pilot Tammie Jo Shults saved the lives of 148 passengers.

Jennifer Riordan, 43, a mother traveling from Albuquerque, was the passenger seated next to the shattered window. Her injuries sustained from being partially pulled from the plane led to her death, shortly after they removed her from the plane via stretcher.

“She was vivacious. She was the energy in the room but not the overwhelming energy. She just had an aura and a positive karma about her,” her sister-in-law Marianne Riordan told the Burlington Free Press.

As the National Transportation Safety Board conducts their investigation into the engine failure, more information will come out helping to explain why this tragedy took place and Riordan’s life was lost.

“I know people want answers right away,” said NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. “Right now, we just want to document everything we can.”

With a visual inspection of the engine having taken place two days prior to the flight, the failure is being attributed to an interior crack on an engine blade consistent with metal fatigue.

As someone who travels frequently and has spent many hours becoming very comfortable with air travel, these infrequent scenarios always elicit mixed feelings.

It’s shocking of course, but there is a sense of understanding as well.

Whenever you set foot inside a plane, bus, train or any other complicated machine crafted by man to move us from point A to point B, there has to be an understanding that something may go wrong.

It’s because of pilots such as Shults that I am not cancelling my 40+ hours of air travel I have arranged this summer. In situations like these, where an engine explodes 30,000 feet in the air, I’m reminded that no matter how advanced the technology and time we live in, things still go wrong.

People will assign blame as they always do, fingers will be pointed and as the investigation continues I have no doubt someone will take legal action. However, at the end of the day, Shults saved 148 lives. One was lost.

Let us remember Riordan, and be thankful for Shults whose actions prevented the loss of many more.

Legalization of LA street food benefits city

MADISON VILLALOBOS STAFF WRITER

W

alking down the streets of Los Angeles, it’s impossible to miss the sound of people’s teeth biting into Mexican street corn, or the smell of bacon wrapped hot dogs sizzling on the grill cart. Street food is a staple of the City of Angels, and it’s going to remain where it belongs.

The Los Angeles City Council just recently legalized street food within its city limits. The vote passed 11-4 in front of a crowd of hundreds of street food advocates.

Although this is a push in the right direction, there are more regulations and discussions necessary under this new ruling.

For the past several years this topic has arisen, but L.A. officials have taken no actions due to simple framework issues halting its advancement. The consideration of the brick and mortar business veto, which gave restaurants and business owners the right to prevent sidewalk vendors selling food within their property lines, had left

street vendors and their advocates concerned.

With this issue’s circumstances being so unsettling, some advocates took campaigning matters into their own hands to encourage street vendors’ legalization. According to the Los Angeles Times, just last month police arrested seven women for protesting against the brick and mortar business veto in front of City Hall.

Before the vote passed, selling food on the sidewalk was a violation of the municipal code, which was punishable with fines. Not only were these vendors afraid of being ticketed, but they were afraid of being detained by police.

According to The Washington Post, Juanita Mendez-Medrano was selling flowers and leis outside of Perris High School in California. Police gave her a citation for not having a permit, but the altercation quickly escalated to the officer slamming her to the ground. Onlookers recorded Mendez-Medrano yelling in frustration, “Why don’t you go after gang members? Why those who are making a living? Why do you go after us like this?”

KTLA News has reported several other unfair incidents like Mendez-Medrano’s in the past several years. Police have brutally mistreated street vendors in Los Angeles while trying to make money to support their family.

Two years ago, vendors and their advocates sued the City of Los Angeles for taking their carts and destroying all of their personal

belongings while working on public sidewalks. According to the Los Angeles Times, when officers take the carts of the vendors, they should provide receipts so vendors can reclaim them. Rather, the vendors accused the Los Angeles Police of trashing their belongings without any receipts, even when the vendors weren’t being arrested.

City Council’s most recent passing vote was the push that the street vendors needed to start this ongoing conversation.

Street vending is an established part of the city’s community and culture. Both legal and undocumented immigrants take part in this, because it is difficult for those undocumented to find employment.

But at any moment police can arrest them on criminal misdemeanor charges for doing their job.

The threat of these criminal charges has been a constant concern for street vendors living in the country without authorization. But with President Donald Trump’s definitive action to deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and with criminal records, they live their lives in permanent fear of being ripped away from their families.

With the recent legalization of street food vendors, immigrants are reaping the benefits so they can maintain a steady job and eliminate the fear of deportation.

Restaurant owners and street food vendors will be working out a compromise of when and where they are able to sell their food within the next several months.

4 News

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

RESOURCE CENTER: Aims to be more ‘inviting’ for students continued from pg. 1

“It’s completely free, completely voluntary, but the research shows that students who attend Supplemental Instruction often have their grade go up remarkably,” Negri said. “It’s a program that’s run out of the Tutoring Center, so all of that will be under the Learning and Academic Resource Center.”

Miller, Negri, Orme, and Alix Pankhurst, who is an assistant director graduate student, have worked on this merge and its entailments this past school year, planning for the walls to go up on June 20-23.

“Lorianne, Scott, Alix and I all met throughout the semester to design the new Learning and Academic Resource Center, so for tutoring specifically, we thought about f lexible tables, things that can be pushed together, moved around, or on wheels,” Orme said. “We’re going to still have textbooks and other resources available. It’s going to be more colorful and hopefully more inviting.”

To make it more convenient for students, under LARC the Tutorial Center programs will still use WiseGuy to set up appointments online, and the Writing Center will continue its use of WC Online.

With this change, The Multilingual Achievers Program will be moving from the Writing Center to Salazar, where the program United For Success is. Both of these are government-supported TRIO programs that support first-generation, low-income students in their academic successes.

Courtesy // Alix Parkhurst (top) A Writing Center tutor helps students answer homework questions. (bottom left) Students and Writing Center tutors work together. (bottom right) Students work on homework together in the Writing Center.

Phi Sigma Sigma hosts philanthropy event for children in need KATY CATANZARITE STAFF WRITER

A

simple game of dodgeball can make all the difference to kids in need. Phi Sigma Sigma aims to make that difference for those struggling to obtain basic needs.

Their eighth annual dodgeball tournament, held on Sunday afternoon, allowed different organizations and groups to compete in a charity dodgeball tournament.

The annual tournament raises money and school supplies for the Kids in Need Foundation, which supports underprivileged families and schools.

Phi Sigma Sigma also had an opportunity drawing basket where students could bid on certain baskets to help raise money. For the viewers of the tournament, their entrance fee was a $5 donation or unused school supplies.

Emma Omega, a junior and a member of Phi Sigma Sigma, said, “donating school supplies is so important because without the proper supplies it can be hard for kids to succeed in school.”

However, this year half of the money raised from the tournament will be going to a cause that hits a bit closer to home with the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma.

They are donating half of the proceeds to the family of Sonoma State Student Paulette Quiba, who was a member of Phi Sigma Sigma and tragically passed away last semester when she was hit by a drunk driver. This year, eight teams showed their support for Quiba and the Kids in Need Foundation as they went head to head to

Courtesy // Alpha Delta Pi First place winners Alpha Delta Pi poses with members of Phi Sigma Sigma at their annual dodgeball tournament on April 22. win bragging rights and $100 donated to a philanthropy of their choosing.

Kaytlin Abad, president of Phi Sigma Sigma, said, “the annual Phi Sig dodgeball tournament is such a fun event that all of our sisters look forward to it each year.”

“I love that we are able to promote Greek unity and raise money for such a great cause,” Abad said. “We are so fortunate as college students that it is important to give back.”

Many sororities and fraternities

take pride in supporting other organization’s philanthropies, whether they partake in the games or donate to their cause. Allie Barri, a member of Alpha Delta Pi’s winning team, said, “It was so much fun playing against and cheering on other sororities and fraternities, and I definitely felt the Greek unity on and off the court.”

They divided the tournament into two brackets; a men’s bracket and a women’s bracket. The teams played rounds of dodgeball that consisted

of three games in a set. “Robbie and the Boyz” and Alpha Delta Pi played round after round, making their way into the championship game.

The winners of the men’s bracket were “Robbie and the Boyz,” a team composed of SSU students, while Alpha Delta Pi was the winner of the women’s bracket.

“Overall, it was a great day playing dodgeball and supporting kids in need,” Abad said.

News 5

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Petaluma A 16-year-old boy died from a drug overdose on April 16 in a Petaluma home. According to authorities, the boy’s mother, Danielle E. Foernsler, 34, said she and Robert Harrison, 39, put him in the shower in an attempt to treat him. When the attempt was unsuccessful, they transported him to the car. Harrison had recently moved into the rental home and invited Foernsler and her son, both transients, to live with him. Harrison’s roommate woke up and saw them taking the minor to the car, at which point he called the police. When police arrived, the pair had left the minor alone in the car, unconscious. Emergency services transported the minor to Petaluma Valley Hospital where staff pronounced him dead at 5:09 a.m. Officers arrested Foernsler in suspicion of manslaughter, felony child endangerment and two outstanding robbery warrants. They also arrested Harrison on suspicion of felony child endangerment, possession of a gun, possession of drugs and being under the influence.

ELECTIONS: Six AS positions still open continued from pg. 1

“One improvement that I want to make is making AS much more visible to the campus. More student awareness will likely bring more active voter participation,” Ojeda said. “I hope that more students will see AS’s commitment to the student body and we’ll see much more involvement next year.”

AS is the recognized voice of the students on campus and with the administration that takes AS concerns seriously, Dickson said.

“We’re the voice at the table for the

student population,” Christina Gamboa, current senator for undeclared students and vice president of financeelect, said.

Six AS positions remain open, as no student ran for them. Due to the vacancies, run-off elections for the senators of School of Business and Economics, School of Education, Community Affairs, Involvement and Undeclared will be held on April 30 and May 1.

“This is the opportunity for the students to show that they care and they want the university to know that students have a voice,” Dickson said.

Napa Police arrived at Irene M. Snow Elementary School in Napa on April 15 to investigate the death of a woman whose body was found on the campus. They determined it to be a suicide.The woman was identified as Holly Marie Bloom, 43. According to police, Bloom had doused herself with a flammable substance and lit herself on fire. Bloom was a mental health professional at Napa State Hospital. She was the mother of a 4-monthold baby and was suffering from postpartum depression. According to police, Bloom lived in the apartment complex next to the elementary school. Authorities had removed the infant from her care, but it was not clear when. Faculty closed off the school while Napa police investigated the scene.

Santa Rosa Airline officials staged a mock airline disaster at the Sonoma County Airport on Wednesday for drilling purposes. The test happened in a field away from the view of regular airline passengers. The scheduled mock drills happen every three years for emergency responders. Approximately 40 volunteers pretended to be victims and spread themselves across the field and inside an airplane. Intense makeup on the victims made the wounds seem very real. The organizers do not tell responders beforehand the types of injuries or the number of victims. The exercise is to prepare responders with training for the worst if such an event ever happens. First responders told ABC 7 News that the drill revealed some issues such as getting enough ambulances on the scene faster and improving radio communications.

CAMPUS CRIME Date

Crime

Location

Status

April 15

Obstruct public officer

McCabe Plaza

Arrest

April 18

Hit and run

Parking Lot R5

Arrest

April 18

Grand theft

Stevenson Hall

Suspended

April 19

Vandalism

Parking Lot R8

Suspended

April 20

Auto burglary

Parking Lot R9

Suspended

April 21

Disturbing the peace

Trentino Hall

Closed

6 Arts

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Comedienne Irene Tu uses humor as a platform for social change

KATHLEEN PERRY STAFF WRITER

“A

nd then you see it on his face. He freezes and he’s freaking out, he’s probably thinking something like, ‘Oh my God, this might be sexual harassment.’ And that... That just makes my day.”

In her show “Intersectional Comedian,” Irene Tu uses her platform to show how comedy can be used for social change. The humor in her jokes provides a way for her to easily talk about typically uncomfortable problems within our society.

She makes statements about racism, homophobia, and feminism, while also making light-hearted jokes about braces and broken cell phones.

While she makes several silly jokes, Tu centers her shows on being Asian, queer, and woman and the many experiences she’s had. Furthermore, Tu explains that becoming a comedian was a great way for her, a self proclaimed introvert, to be able to talk at people and not to them, where they would listen to her feelings and not respond back.

“This is hilarious! Nobody talks about these things and we need to if we want them to change,” said junior Nereida Miramontes. “Irene Tu finally is and she makes it so easy to talk about things that are so hard bring up.”

Based, and a graduate from Berkeley, Tu’s earned degree in “basically ethics,” made her “super broke, but also super woke.” She performs in comedy clubs while also working in a small book store.

Currently living in Berkeley, she is originally from Chicago, “but that doesn’t matter since nobody from the West Coast knows any geography anyways.”

Inspired by Ellen Degeneres, Tu hopes to become “Asian Ellen!” When asked where Tu finds her inspiration and how she decides what controversial topics she’ll make jokes about, she answered, “Whatever is most interesting to me at the moment is what comes through with my jokes. The things that keep bothering me in my everyday life is what I write my jokes about.”

“My favorite part was just having someone who was also queer poke fun at it, along with her many identities, without putting [the queer community]

STAR// Christine von Raesfeld Born in Chicago, Irene Wu was given the “artist on the brink of fame,” title by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2017, according to her site. down for it like so many other comedians do,” said junior Giovanna Castellanos.

Many of Tu’s jokes really picked apart major issues that still exist in society. Tu wasted little time before diving deep into more serious topics, going as far as talking about personal thoughts of suicide.

However, remaining true to the comedian that she is, she declares she won’t because she does not want people writing on her Facebook wall.

Tu provided a way that she could share her own experiences on very serious subjects openly without making people uncomfortable by warping them to be funny instead of dreary.

Tu is very aware of the weight many of her jokes hold. She frequently reminds the audience that they need to “get on board” with each joke. They are long and story-like, but they are meant to be funny, they are meant to be jokes.

When the stories come too close to the line that separates serious and silly, she reminds the crowd to get on board and laugh at the things that are wrong with society while also realizing that these problems exist.

For information about upcoming showtimes and locations, Irene Tu can be found on Twitter and Instagram with the username Irene_Tu.

Hip-Hop passes the Pulitzer Prize milestone

PREVIOUS PULITZER PRIZE MUSIC WINNERS

Commentary

KENDRICK LAMAR, DAMN HIP HOP, 2018

DU YUN, ANGEL'S BONE OPERA, 2017

HENRY THREADGILL, IN FOR A PENNY, IN FOR A POUND JAZZ, 2016

JULIA WOLFE, ANTHRACITE FIELDS OPERA, 2015

JOHN LUTHER ADAMS, BECOME OCEAN MODERN CONTEMPORARY, 2014

•ALL WORKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING ON SPOTIFY•

SIERRA SORRENTINO STAFF WRITER

D

AMN. He did it.

Kendrick Lamar makes history by being the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize for music with his 2017 album, “DAMN.” His win left the music community stunned because in the past, the Pulitzer board has awarded exclusively classical musicians with this honor; along with the occasional jazz musician after they opened up the prize to the jazz and pop genres a mere 13 years ago.

They named the Pulitzer Prize after the man who created it; Joseph Pulitzer, a pioneer in American journalism. As stated in his will, and according to the Pulitzer’s official website, he wished to set up these awards as an incentive of sorts so journalists will continue to strive for and push the limits of success. They first implemented the awards 101 years ago in 1917 and originally divvied them out as such: four for journalism, four in letters and drama, one for education and five traveling scholarships.

As the decades pass, the Pulitzer board has made changes and expanded the potential winners to fit the times, such as including categories for music. However, the Pulitzer Prize is most commonly associated with the literature and journalism field. If the board awards an author, journalist or photojournalist this coveted prize, he or she is not only granted glory and recognition but also attains admission into an exclusive, prestigious group. As a Pulitzer Prize winner, you not only receive ultimate bragging rights in the form of a certificate, or a gold medal if you are a part of the news organization who wins the Public Service category of the journalism, but also $15,000.

With prestigious awards and groups, there is a tendency to ignore certain parts of the population, whether they intend that or not. The Pulitzer community may not realize, but they have done this with mainstream musicians like Lamar. Just because artists like him make popular music for and that is enjoyed by the masses does not mean there is no story or talent behind it.

Since 1943, the Pulitzer board has awarded artists “for distinguished musical composition” and, also since that time, these distinguished artists have mostly been those of the classical genre. The first winner, composer William Schuman, and the 2017 winner, Du Yun, represent this genre; with a majority of the winners in the between years having classical roots as well. The Pulitzer community is severely lacking in musical diversity – until now.

On the surface, Lamar’s win is an amazing achievement for African-American musicians – more specifically, hip-hop artists. However, was this prize granted to Lamar to simply reward him and, in turn, spread the important societal messages his music evokes, or was it to aid the Pulitzer community itself?

As described by the Pulitzer jurors, Lamar’s album is “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”

The jurors accurately illustrate the strong societal impact the tracks on “DAMN.” provide. However, did they completely ignore Lamar’s 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly” or, pretty much, his entire rap career? Through music he has preached about the struggles of being “pimped out” by the industry, racial tensions and overall has produced politically charged statements. However, it is better late than never Lamar gets recognized for the way his music manifests a deeper message and thought within the listener.

Honesty, Kendrick Lamar did not need this Pulitzer Prize to prove himself or further his career.

Yes, this is a great honor; however, besides being a bona fide resume builder, this prize is a bigger win for the Pulitzer community than Lamar. In the grand scale of things, the Pulitzer prize for music goes unnoticed as each year passes. Now that the Pulitzer Prize has associated its name with a Grammy Award-winning rapper, and the news of this being spread across all media outlets, people are suddenly aware of this prize, or maybe the Pulitzer itself, for the first time.

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Action Comics celebrate one thousand issues CASEY HERRMANN STAFF WRITER

I

n June of 1938, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster revealed Superman to the world with a debut to remember in Action Comics #1. Now entering his 80th year of publication, Superman celebrates this momentous achievement with another: the first serial comic book to have released 1000 issues.

The cover for the issue is underwhelming. Jim Lee’s penicilwork is impressive as always, but the picture itself is rather bland and unimpressive, only showing Superman in front of the Daily Planet. There’s little to differentiate this cover from any other superman book. Veteran fan’s will notice the return of the famed red tights, but only the #1000 and the caption of “Landmark Issue!” will draw the casual observer’s eye.

The issue has no central writer or artist, as it is an anthology of stories to celebrate Superman’s past, present, and future adventures. This works to the book’s advantage, as it allows for variation in theme, tone, and message, though the order in which they are presented is somewhat chaotic and could have done with some reordering. This is shown off best in the story “NEVER-ENDING BATTLE” written by Peter J. Tomasi and drawn by Patrick Gleason, in which Superman is thrown through time by super villain Vandal Savage, visiting various chapters in his long history, from stopping a locomotive from running over a child, battling Nazis, and other singularly famous moments in his history. The artstyle changes as we are shown these different periods, such as the more brightly colored pages of the early decades, to Superman’s costume and even linework changing subtly to reflect the era the Man of Tomorrow is trapped in.

The story also highlights how far Superman himself has come as a character in these past 80 years. In the story titled, “THE CAR” written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner (yes, THAT Richard Donner, director of the 1978 and 1980 Superman feature length films) with pencils by Olivier Coipel, a Superman from the golden age of comics does something he likely would have never done in his earliest adventures: offer a chance at redemption to a common criminal. The criminal, named Butch, would have easily fallen in with the crowd Superman described pages ago as “men who might as well have been wearing t-shirts that said, ‘punch me, I’m the bad guy.’”

Instead, Superman gives him a simple offer. “You’ve had your fair share of knocks. And you can keep knocking the world back like you’ve done. Or you can make a decision. Today.” Butch is not the only example within the book either.

Throughout the book, criminals are not shown as terrible people or plagues on society, but ordinary people, who are trapped in a cycle of being hurt and hurting others. It shows as shift in tone not only in comic book writing, but perhaps American society at large, as we all learned that while becoming a criminal is not always a choice, stepping away from the life can be with a bit of help from a well-meaning

polygone.com Debuting in 1938, Superman entered the world and began the Golden Age of Comic Books. Characters inlcuding Wonder Woman, Batman, and Captain America would soon follow to continue the list of superhero archetypes. visitor. So powerful is this optimism, that even Lex Luthor, Superman’s archenemy for nearly 80 years of comic history, lays down his arms and simply reminisces with his Kryptonian foe in the story “THE FIFTH SEASON” written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Rafael Albuquerque.

But the final message imparted, not without ulterior motive, is a message imparted by Gspie in the tale “ACTIONLAND!” written by Paul Dini and penciled

by José Luis García-López. “I don’t think you want the story to end. Ever.” Gspie said to Mr. Mxyzptlk, a long time foe of Superman. And for the past 80 years, we have proven her correct. The public has never turned away from the last son of Krypton’s adventures, and from the look of things that will continue for years to come, or, perhaps, as the narrator puts it, until “our time...ends.” But until that time, and perhaps even beyond then, Superman will return whenever we call, just like he teaches the world.

‘KOD’ release repairs fans and breaks records

rap-upcom With 64.5 million streams, J. Cole’s “KOD” broke Drake’s Apple Music record for most album streams in the first 24 hours.

Review RENEE RODGERS STAFF WRITER

J

ermaine Lamarr Cole, widely known as “ J.Cole,” has returned with his fifth studio album “KOD,” released on Friday. Following “4 Your Eyez Only,” the emotional, 43-minute long rollercoaster serves as a dedication to his slain friend, while criticising hip-hop’s excessive drug culture. Cole’s bringing new excitement back into hip-hop with his perpetual lyricism that has his name immortalized.

Cole’s built a reputation for staying under the radar, and he has remained quiet with his social media accounts. Surprising fans, he came to Twitter on Wednesday to announce “KOD” and its artwork. The album cover spoke a million words about what was to come with the

project, as an image of the artwork sparked controversy because of the portrayal of children participating in the use of drugs. In recent times, hip-hop has been known for glorifying drugs and violence. Maybe “KOD” is Cole’s response to what is happening with hip-hop and its influence on younger generations.

The coincidence between the release date and culture behind it didn’t go unnoticed. On 4/20, a day dedicated to cannabis, the use of the plant on the cover continues the speculation on the meaning of the work’s acronym. “Kids on Drugs,” “King OverDosed,” and “Kill Our Demons” have all been detailed by Cole in videos teased on Twitter.

Cole has been an icon when it comes to introductions. “Intro” holds the underlying message is that everyone has pain and the way we cope with this pain must be ”chosen wisely.”

Cole says this phrase is said repeatedly whilst the song fades out, placing importance to the listener about the decisions we make in life. It’s arguable that the intro and tagline on the cover, “This album is in no way intended to glorify addiction,” go hand in hand.

Cole has a different purpose with this album as he showcases his abilities to transcend any current trend of sound happening in hip-hop. Hip-hop has changed immensely in the past years. A faster-paced beat from the roots of South Atlanta, Georgia called “trap” music has inspired the current sound of hip-hop. Cole takes this current trend of beats and adds his clarity and lyricism to it, which combines to create a timeless album that is representative of the current state of hip-hop today.

Songs including “KOD,” “ATM,” “Motiv8” and “1985” are some of the tracks that Cole uses to infuse his lyricism with the South Atlanta trap-inspired beats. The song “ATM” puts the thought of money in perspective, “can’t take it when you die but you can’t live without it,” Cole says “KOD” slows down with “Kevin’s Heart,” a track with a nostalgic, retro-sounding beat that you’d think was coming from an old video game system. The effortless flow with the beat and melody comes to create a song that anyone can slow down and vibe to.

In “Friends,” Cole features an artist named kiLL Edward. Actually a pitched-down recording of Cole, the song pairs rudimentary beat flow and intricate wordplay to highlight addiction and the excuses made to cope with issues that people have in life. This song gives realization about issues communities have with addiction and how drug use is a vice for children to escape. Cole highlights this in the song with the lyric “them kids is grown and they blowing trees and poppin’ pills dues to the chronic anxiety.”

The project closes with “1985,” and some may say this song is a direct shot to the current wave of hip-hop artist we are seeing. Instead of disrespecting these artists, Cole come in from another direction, giving guidance rather than dissing his peers in the hip-hop game. Cole talks about how he used to relate to the new wave of artists and how he’s adapted to become immortalized in hip-hop.

Cole’s “KOD” does not fail to disappoint, and keeps exceeding expectations. Cole’s ability to combine his wordflow and clarity with the different types of beats is refreshing to hear.

Maybe this is what hip-hop has been missing; someone to check the current state of hip-hop and show the new wave of hip-hop artist how to achieve longevity in the game.

Cole’s message throughout “KOD” is easy to digest, highlighting the issues of drug use and addiction. The current state of hip-hop and its glorification of drug culture has to change, and Cole has made immense efforts to address the issue.

Spring Fest returns with new events BLAKE DAVENA STAFF WRITER

W

ith midterms right behind us and finals coming up in a matter of weeks, most students feel the need to relieve some stress and enjoy the warm spring weather before finishing out the semester. A great way to achieve those goals is at Sonoma State University’s 2018 Springfest.

Students can kick off their week of Springfest by joining the Cruising Into Finals Dinner at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. In the Student Center Ballroom, students can have a blast with their classmates for a night of great food, fun and even prizes.

Wednesday is for raising awareness and shattering the silence around sexual assault, domestic violence and rape culture. Take Back The Night is a night of empowerment and aims to support and inspire students by uniting the entire SSU community. This event will also be in the Ballroom and will begin at 7 p.m.

This year holds the second annual MGC Step & Stroll, which will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Salazar Plaza. Live performances from many organizations that make up the Multicultural Greek Council will fill the event.

Gender Bender is a drag show held at 7 p.m. on Friday in the Ballroom which will celebrate and embrace gender nonconformity through the form of dressing up, dancing, music and fun. Right after will be the all-inclusive dance party, Rainbow Prom. Both events are in collaboration with Sonoma State’s Queer Straight Alliance.

ASP, Campus Life Programming and RSA have teamed up to bring you a fun day in the sun on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Beaujolais Quad. Students will be able to partake in live music, inflatable water activities, free pizza, crafts, games and a student talent showcase. With the event being free to all students, what more could you ask for?

In you want to cut loose and enjoy some spring activities, Springfest is the place to be. The event welcomes all students and encourages them to participate in some free, pre-finals fun.

8 Student Life

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves SPEAK!

What are some extra steps we can take as a school that can help us continue eco-friendly habits?

KAILEY PRIEST STAFF WRITER

E

arth Week raised awarenss of the importance of sustainablilty and encouraged students to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Sonoma State University is already taking steps to a more sustainable campus. We asked students to provide more ideas on how we can come together as a school to help our environment.

“To continue sustainable habits at SSU I would like to see singleuse plastics, like straws and cups, reduced around campus.

Continuing good re-use and recycling habits as well as adding more compost bins around dining areas would also help us reduce our impact on the Earth.”

-Taryn Carr, fourth year environmental studies major.

“Having more events on campus year round, that are supported and given resources by the University, would allow for the possibility of engaging more SSU students that might commute to classes and not have the ability to attend many events during Earth Week.”

-Vanessa Cortez, fourth year sociology major.

“I’ve began to notice there is a lot of people leaving their trash outside of their cars in the parking lots on campus.

I think a good think we can implement are signs on light posts in parking lots reminding the public and campus to dispose of their trash properly”.

-Alec Pesavento, third year kinesiology major.

“An extra step SSU could take to encourage green habits would be more affordable public transit for students, such as semester long Smart train passes. Accompanied with available rental bikes offered through the school, student will have access to sustainable transportation from more distant communities.”

-Josh Krisman, fourth year environmental studies major.

“I always bring a reusable water bottle to campus and fill up at the hydration station!

I try to walk or ride my bike to campus whenever possible!

Some things I think the school could do to help be more eco friendly put solar panels on campus.”

-Daisy Agers, third year early childhood development major and history minor.

“I think some extra steps we could take at our school to keep the earth clean would be to place more recycling and trash bins around campus!

We could also look into more environmentally friendly food containers at our on campus vendors.”

-Katie Martin, third year early childhood studies major.

Student Life 9

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Carly Wade Student Jessica Gonzalez looks at her new options for transportation in Sonoma County at the Smart Train Tabling.

STAR // Carly Wade Students Andrew Kalich and Raquel Moritz listen to the representative from Smart Train at tabling on Wednesday.

Smart Train offers eco-friendly transportation DANIELLE ESTRADA STAFF WRITER

T

he Smart Train is the Bay Area’s newest passenger rail service which provides a safe and efficient transportation alternative to cars and buses. Trains provide a congestion-free, easy commute for Marin and Sonoma counties The whole system is 43 miles, which includes stations in he Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, Novato, and San Rafael. They are hoping to extend the system to a 70 mile system in the future which would include rail services in Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale.

“The smart train will benefit stu-

dents with the bike share programs that are planned near our stations,” said JeAnne Belding, Spokeswoman for SMART. “Having an alternative to sitting in traffic daily is a huge benefit, in addition to the general benefits public transit provides for the environment and for our quality of life.”

Heather Weisheitinger, a business major says there’s not enough information about SMART and that she hasn’t heard anything about it recently other than it being recently built.

“Personally, I don’t see it benefitting other students,” said Weisheitinger. “ Most of my peers live on campus and our campus offers everything from food to books to personal hygiene items all available in our bookstore so I don’t see

why these other students would need to use the smart train.”

SMART offers a variety of discounts including 50 percent discounts for youth ages 5-18, and for seniors ages 65 and older. College students are eligible for substantial discounts through Eco-Passes, which would be offered through their university system.

Those passes would work much the same way the passes for Sonoma State University employees work. The university would purchase the discounted passes from SMART, and the university then handles the distribution to students.

The areas are zone-based, which means it is based on where you are traveling.

It would also depend if you are using one of our passes. It is $3.50 for the first

zone, and $2.00 for each zone thereafter.

Belding also said that students benefit from SMART because of the bike share programs that are planned near their stations.

“Having an alternative to sitting in traffic daily is a huge benefit, in addition to the general benefits public transit provides for the environment and for our quality of life,” said Belding.

According to Belding, taking the train offers many benefits. It provides a stress-free and congestion-free option.

It is dependable without the unexpected traffic delays and gridlock. Taking the SMART train provides the opportunity to relax, read or do other things instead of sitting in traffic.

Social media becoming a popular news source for students TANNER GUNNING STAFF WRITER

A

bout 20 years ago there were only a few ways to get the news about what was happening in the world; the radio, the newspaper, and the evening news on whatever channel the audience fancied.

Now everyone can be an “on-thescene reporter” with just a click of the camera and a few taps on their phone, any “John Doe” can be the first person to break the biggest story in the world.

Even big news outlets depend on amatuer first hand video and accounts of the events, they do not necessarily

have to send someone out to the scene to do reporting, they just take what they shot on video, or tweeted, or said to another reporter.

Now, it is almost impossible not to know what is going on in popular culture, because social media and the internet is so evident in our daily lives that we will see or hear about it at some point, because odds are, if you have not looked at your social media, someone around you has and will be talking about it.

Sonoma State University students also get their news from several different media outlets, including social media.

Tuesday,

Your Guide to LinkedIn

April 24

12 p.m.

How to Ace an Interview

Salazar 1070

12 p.m.

Salazar 1070

Friday, April 27

Wednesday,

SPRINGFEST: Gender

April 25

Bender/Rainbow Prom

SPRINGFEST: Take Back

7 p.m.

the Night

Student Center Ballrooms

Ballrooms C/D Saturday, Thursday,

April 28

April 26

UNDOCU5K

Urban Bush Women/

8:30 a.m.

Spring Dance 2018

Sonoma State Practice

10 a.m.

Fields

Person Theater

“The Majority of the information that I find out about in the world, is through social media,” said Armani Nicolis, a senior American multicultural studies major. “Instagram and Twitter often provide me with a lot of global and nationwide topics in which I can gather different opinions from a variety of people, so that I can form my own educated opinion on the matter.”

“I go onto Google news and the news app on my phone mostly,” said Christian Gergus, a junior. “I find that it’s more accurate and less biased than the local news stations.”

Clayton Chatterley, an SSU student, said he watches Fox News every

morning because it provides him with a real credible news source that social media cannot give him.

Students say they get the majority of their pop culture news from social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram, but when it comes to politics the outlets differ.

“I go on social media, but the only problem is that there are so much biases that sometimes the lines get blurred,” said Emily Ball, a Junior Hutchins major. “If I want to hear the different opinions, I like to go to class and have the educated discussions rather than seeing people argue over Twitter where a lot of people are run by emotion”

10 Sports

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves drop three to Gators at home ble.

TATIANA SERRANO STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State University softball team hosted back-to-back doubleheaders against San Francisco State University on Friday and Saturday. The team also honored its seniors this weekend, as it will be their last home game for the spring season.

Nine seniors will be leaving the team: Malory Masajlo, Sarah Langley, Jenn Amaral, Gabby Dupree, Karly Macadangdang, Aubrey Blankenburg, Ashley Long, Brigid Ruiz and Jordann White.

For the Seawolves, the weekend consisted of only one win and three losses against the Gators. This placed the team with an overall record of 26-21.

On Friday the Seawolves came out swinging, defeating the Gators 2-1. Ruiz pitched the entire opening game and managed to only give up seven hits, one run and a successful strikeout. Ruiz got caught in a rough patch with bases loaded in the fourth inning and only one out. The team only lost one run and was able to wrap up the inning and put its bats to the plate.

In total, the team’s offense had six hits off San Francisco’s pitching. It scored the two runs within the fifth inning. It began as Lindsey Calcany Blair tapped a single, which Julie Davis followed with another single. These two singles pushed runners on to first and second base, which provided some hope for the Seawolves.

Next was a bunt from Cameron Kirtlan, which shifted Davis to move to second even though Calcany Blair was out. Finally, Alee Balanon launched a double to left center so Davis and Kirtlan were able to score. This placed Sonoma State in the lead of 2-1. After this fifth inning San Francisco was incapable of scoring for the rest of the first game.

However, Friday took a turn for the worse, as the Gators took the game 5-0.

Ruiz took a break from pitching and Brielle Vidmar stepped into the circle.

Unfortunately, the game went into the Gators’ hands as San Francisco’s Mallory Cleveland managed to get on first base from a dropped pop f ly. This lead to five runs from San Francisco State within the second inning. It hit two singles into centerfield and one triple into right center. In all seven innings of the game, Sonoma State was only able to push three hits.

Saturday was not in the Seawolves’ favor either. San Francisco took charge of the game and won 7-1. The Gators attacked with five runs by the second inning.

Ruiz opened the game once again, but was then given a rest and let Dupree take over.

Sonoma State was able to score from Langley’s single to the left field, which brought Julie Davis dashing home. It worked for a total of seven hits during the game, which was its peak of the weekend.

Game two was more intense for both teams. Sonoma State brought out sophomore Teresa Danenberg to pitch for the entire eight innings. The defense helped Danenberg with a total of six hits throughout the game.

The two teams tied each other at the bottom of the first inning, until San Francisco State scored in the first inning from a defensive throwing error. However, after two back-to-back doubles Davis was able to score from Balanon’s dou-

The tie was then broken in the eighth inning when Danenberg accidentally hit a batter, allowing the third base runner to reach home base. The game was then wrapped with an additional three runs by the end of this inning. The Seawolves would then not receive another opportunity to improve their runs.

The team will have another chance to show its Seawolf pride next Friday at Humboldt State University, which will wrap up the regular season and enter the CCAA Tournament. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

STAR // Justin Santos Pitcher Brielle Vidmar, No. 22, sends the ball over home plate.

Club baseball player Gabe Marchand’s love for the sport perseveres despite obstacles ROLAND SCHMIDT STAFF WRITER

I

magine this: You’re a 7-year-old playing your first Little League game at the Single-A level. You’re enthralled by every ping of the bat, blade of grass glistening in the sunlight, colorful butterfly buzzing around you and the barbecue scent that wafts from beyond the dugout.

But then, in a moment of confusion, your coach yells at you for being out of position – as most 7-year-olds are – and then screams, “get down and give me 30 push-ups” as the game is playing out. Would you: A, want to continue playing; B, quit and never give baseball the chance it deserves; or C, not have a choice because your mother won’t let you quit?

Just ask Sonoma State University club baseball player, Gaberiel Marchand, and he’ll tell you the third option was the only one he had.

“My mom wouldn’t let me quit,” Marchand said. “I loved baseball, but if not for her persistence and prodding I might very well be playing soccer right now and not baseball.”

Although soccer was on his radar early on, he said it was never in the cards because it was just too boring.

“When I played soccer, I

was pretty good, but the sport never quite hooked onto me like baseball did,” he said. “Baseball is more the sport that energizes me and provides me with the rush of adrenaline that I need.”

As a young kid growing up in San Mateo, he loved playing wiffle ball with his friends in the backyard, often emulating the mechanics of his two favorite Major League players Albert Pujols and Omar Vizquel.

While he attributes Pujols and Vizquel with holding his intrigue in baseball early on, he credits his dad as the real reason he still cherishes the game.

“From when I was young,” Marchand said, “my dad would take me out to the field and work with me on whatever it was that I needed to work on. Whether that be ground balls, fly balls or just hitting, he always took the time to make me better.

Baseball has always been my passion and I really owe it to him for instilling that love for the game in me.”

Living in the vicinity of his dad and older brother, Marchand took to sports from an early age.

He recalled that both of them are responsible for his love for not only baseball, but a wide array of sports ranging from soccer, to basketball, to football and even hockey.

“Growing up, my dad and brother watched a ton of sports, not just baseball. My older brother was a three-sport athlete and I would watch him play whenever I had a chance,” Marchand said. “To

this day, those two are responsible for my love for sports and I wouldn’t change that for anything.”

While his affinity for sports has done more good than harm, it’s without question that the injuries amassed while playing have left him challenged physically and mentally on and off the diamond.

“Injuries are definitely a challenge,” he said. “In high school, I pulled my hamstring seven or eight times and had elbow tendinitis, which always stuck with me. There have been times when I’ve thought, ‘maybe I can’t play anymore,’ but I’ve always got back up and persevered through them.”

Perseverance is often a trait that drives athletes to greatness, but in Marchand’s case, it pushed him through one of the more traumatic incidences of his life, and this time, it was far worse than a pulled hamstring on the outskirts of the infield.

“Prior to coming to Sonoma State,” he said, “I got in a bad car accident while driving my mom’s Mazda Millenia. I was cut off by a Toyota minivan that smashed her car to bits. Now every time I pass that section [of road] I feel a rush of adrenaline and try to remain as calm as I can,” he said. “Without question, that accident has scarred me physically and emotionally, but I’ve always just felt that I needed to push past it in order to feel okay and get back to what I love most; baseball.”

As injuries have passed and the memory of that horrific accident has slowly crept away from the forefront of his mind, Marchand has emerged as one of Sonoma State’s leaders between the lines and doesn’t plan on hanging up his spikes any time soon.

“I love the game and wouldn’t leave it for anything,” Marchand said. “It’s a great escape, and what’s better than a sport where you can fail seven out of 10 times and still be considered successful? Nothing.”

Waterpolo team falls to Sunbirds JENO VELTRI

STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State University women’s water polo team traveled down to Fresno last weekend to take on the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific University. The first period of the matchup was very well contested and resulted in a 3-3 score after the first period of play.

The Sunbirds were led by Julia Ponce, Emma McBride and Hannah Holly who all came out with one goal a piece after the first period of play. The Seawolves returned the favor with one goal apiece by Amanda Weddle, Cassidy Mundt and Lily Carlon.

The Seawolves quickly opened up the second period with a power play goal by Carlon, with Taylor Brown assisting. The Sunbirds fired back with a score of their own by the efforts of Emily Knowles.

The Seawolves looked to finish off the second period strong by scoring another goal, which was scored by Taylor Brooks with three minutes left to play.

Going into the second period of the half, the Seawolves were ahead 5-4 with a whole other period to play. The Sunbirds came out scoring an early equalizer in the third period thanks to the efforts of Sam Witt, which brought the scoreline to 5-5.

The Seawolves quickly retaliated by picking up three more goals in the final three minutes of the third period. Brown, Mundt and Jojo Williams were responsible for building a comfortable lead.

The teams entered the fourth and final period with Sonoma State leading 8-5.

The first goal in the fourth period was scored by Carlon, her second goal of the day to push the Seawolves to a 9-5 lead. However, the Sunbirds weren’t ready to give up yet.

Fresno quickly took control of the game back after picking up six more goals in the period. While Sonoma State managed to slip one more goal past the Sunbirds in the fourth period thanks to Williams, it wasn’t enough to overtake its opponents.

The final score left Fresno Pacific ahead of the Seawolves 11-10. The lead contributors towards the final six goals in the fourth were lead by Holly, who picked up three goals, Knowles, who brought in two and Emily Woodruff brought in one with an assist from Gabriella Garcia-Roy. The Seawolves ultimately fell to the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds by a score of 11-10 in a hard-fought battle. With the tough loss, the Seawolves finish their regular season with a record of 6-18.

The Seawolves will travel to face off in the WWPA Championship tournament that will start on Friday in La Jolla.

Sports 11

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Sports Schedule Wednesday April 25 Men’s Golf CCAA Championship 8 a.m.

Friday April 27 sonomaseawolves.com Jensyn Warren sends the ball across court against Holy Names on Wednesday.

Women’s tennis team place fifth in PacWest Conference Championships KAYTLIN ABAD STAFF WRITER

A

fter concluding their regular season with a 19-8 record, the Sonoma State University women’s tennis team ended the Pacific West Conference championship 4-1, placing fifth overall.

The Seawolves started the conference off strong in Surprise, Arizona with a 5-0 win against Holy Names University during the first round on Wednesday.

Junior Jensyn Warren and freshman Carolyn Brooner started off the doubles competition with a 8-3 win. Sophomore Jenna DeTurk and senior Amanda Zuidema followed with an 8-2 win against the Hawks, along with another 8-2 doubles win by junior Katherine Long and freshman Hannah Highsmith.

The match concluded with Warren winning her two singles matches 6-0 and 6-1, and DeTurk winning her’s 6-2 and 6-0.

Moving into the quarterfinals, the Seawolves took a loss against Point Loma 5-1 on Thursday. The morning had a slow start with three losses to the Sea Lions. Warren and Brooner lost their match 8-6, Zuidema and DeTurk lost their match 8-4

leaving with Long and Highsmith with a loss of 8-3.

The morning of the PacWest Consolation Semifinal started off with wins from all three doubles matches against Stanislaus State University on Friday. Warren and Brooner won 8-1 and a 8-2 win from Zuidema and DeTurk.

The doubles matches concluded with a 8-4 win from Long and Highsmith. The match ended with the two necessary singles match victories from Brooner with a 6-1, 6-1 win and DeTurk with a win of 6-0 and 6-2.

The conference ended on Saturday morning with yet another 5-0 win from the Seawolves against Concordia University Irvine.

The women’s team started out strong by winning the doubles matches 3-0. Warren and Brooner won 8-6, while DeTurk and Zuidema 8-3.

Ending the doubles matches was Long and Highsmith, with a score of 8-4 against Concordia.

Due to the lead from the doubles matches, the Seawolves only needed to win two singles matches to place fifth in the conference. DeTurk won her five singles matches 7-5 and 6-2, and Long won her singles matches with a 6-4 and 6-4 win over Concordia.

The team expects to play in the NCAA Division II West Regionals on Saturday.

Women’s Track @ Brutus Hamilton Open Women’s Water Polo Vs Fresno Pacific (in La Jolla) 12:45 p.m.

Softball @ Humboldt State 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Softball @ Humboldt State 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Baseball @ Cal State East Bay Noon and 3 p.m.

Sunday April 29 Women’s Water Polo @ WWPA Championship Women’s Tennis @ NCAA Regional Preliminary Round Baseball @ Cal State East Bay Noon

Baseball @ Cal State East Bay 3 p.m.

Saturday April 28 Women’s Track @ Brutus Hamilton Open Women’s Tennis @ NCAA Regional Preliminary Round Women’s Water Polo @ WWPA Championship

Seawolves nearly swept by Otters in four-game series JESSICA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

P

laying the top seed baseball team Cal State Monterey Bay, Sonoma State University knew it needed to bring the heat.

After a long tireless weekend during the final game and extra innings the Seawolves gave it their all, winning 8-7.

Starting off Friday at 2 p.m. in the first inning the Seawolves and the Otters had tied each other 1-1. In the top of the third Monterey Bay came back with a three-run homer.

Junior outfielder Zach Guardino drove a ball deep, scoring Bryce Nagata.

Sonoma State was not giving up.

Finishing off the inning was Joshua Lenney and Grant St. Martin, both with swinging strikeouts and leaving Sonoma State’s men on base not scoring.

In the top of the fifth, Monterey Bay brought in run after run, pushing the Otters’ lead 11-2.

Returning to the Seawolf Diamond at 11 a.m. for game one was starting pitcher Michael Warning.

In the top of the third the Otters advanced to a 3-0 lead. It wasn’t looking promising for the Seawolves. Monterey Bay’s Hayden Duer smashed Warning’s pitch out of the park and over the left field wall.

Sonoma State had the bases loaded, but unfortunately Joshua Montelongo and Lenney struck out ending the inning for the Seawolves.

Error after error from the Seawolves allowed Monterey Bay’s player Connor Caspersen to score in the seventh.

Sonoma State lost with a final score of 7-0.

Game two on Saturday resulted in yet another loss for the Seawolves.

Sonoma State battled it out against Monterey Bay’s pitching staff for six innings.

Senior Mitch West came in hot during the second inning with a homerun over left field, and the Seawolves took the lead 1-0.

Jackson Berumen only allowed one hit during his three-inning outing.

Matthew Richards started off the sixth with a hit pitch. Later in that inning Richards rounded third in hopes to score. However, he was unable to beat the throw by Kyle Guerra.

The Seawolves took the lead 2-1 when an RBI single from Anthony Clyma scored Medina.

St. Martin took the mound in hopes to lock up the game for the first Seawolf win.

The Otters won the game by six straight balls and two walks to home, ending with a final score of 3-2.

To end the series on Sunday, Sonoma State came back with a tenth-inning win 8-7 over the number one team.

Michael Byerline started off pitching and having an excellent performance, only giving up three runs to the Otters.

“Overall I feel really good about my performance today. Even when I got myself into a jam, I was able to get out of it for the most part,” he said. “My body felt great today physically, which is a great feeling heading into the last few weeks of the season and into playoffs.”

Guardino and Rayson Romero started it off for the Seawolves, each scoring in the first inning. But the Otters came back in the top of the second.

The Seawolves pushed harder in the fourth and fifth with senior infielder Nathan Mann’s hit allowing the Seawolves yet another run.

Coming in to relieve Byerline was a transfer from Skyline College making his 10th appearance as a Sonoma State Seawolf; right-handed pitcher Rory McDaid.

“In a situation like that with no outs, I wanted to come in a fill up the strike zone and ultimately get a ground ball and try to turn a double play,” McDaid said.

The Otters were coming back strong in the sixth, but that had nothing on the Seawolves’ drive.

Going into the top of the ninth Monterey Bay came back with the lead. But Sonoma State was able to keep it on its toes and tie up the game, forcing extra innings.

On the top of the 10th, pressures were high when Monterey Bay took the lead 7-6. Sonoma State came back with bases loaded and two outs, while Mann singled up the middle, scoring the tying run.

Mitch West rounded third, also scoring at home for a Seawolf win, 8-7.

“It felt amazing, I was really happy and fortunate to help the team win,” Mann said.

Sonoma State will face off against Cal State East Bay at 3 p.m. on Friday in Hayward.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld (Top to bottom) Anthony Clyma rounds the bases, players huddle during a game and Joshua Montelongo warms up before a series.

Sports 11

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

Sports Schedule Wednesday April 25 Men’s Golf CCAA Championship 8 a.m.

Friday April 27 sonomaseawolves.com Jensyn Warren sends the ball across court against Holy Names on Wednesday.

Women’s tennis team place fifth in PacWest Conference Championships KAYTLIN ABAD STAFF WRITER

A

fter concluding their regular season with a 19-8 record, the Sonoma State University women’s tennis team ended the Pacific West Conference championship 4-1, placing fifth overall.

The Seawolves started the conference off strong in Surprise, Arizona with a 5-0 win against Holy Names University during the first round on Wednesday.

Junior Jensyn Warren and freshman Carolyn Brooner started off the doubles competition with a 8-3 win. Sophomore Jenna DeTurk and senior Amanda Zuidema followed with an 8-2 win against the Hawks, along with another 8-2 doubles win by junior Katherine Long and freshman Hannah Highsmith.

The match concluded with Warren winning her two singles matches 6-0 and 6-1, and DeTurk winning her’s 6-2 and 6-0.

Moving into the quarterfinals, the Seawolves took a loss against Point Loma 5-1 on Thursday. The morning had a slow start with three losses to the Sea Lions. Warren and Brooner lost their match 8-6, Zuidema and DeTurk lost their match 8-4

leaving with Long and Highsmith with a loss of 8-3.

The morning of the PacWest Consolation Semifinal started off with wins from all three doubles matches against Stanislaus State University on Friday. Warren and Brooner won 8-1 and a 8-2 win from Zuidema and DeTurk.

The doubles matches concluded with a 8-4 win from Long and Highsmith. The match ended with the two necessary singles match victories from Brooner with a 6-1, 6-1 win and DeTurk with a win of 6-0 and 6-2.

The conference ended on Saturday morning with yet another 5-0 win from the Seawolves against Concordia University Irvine.

The women’s team started out strong by winning the doubles matches 3-0. Warren and Brooner won 8-6, while DeTurk and Zuidema 8-3.

Ending the doubles matches was Long and Highsmith, with a score of 8-4 against Concordia.

Due to the lead from the doubles matches, the Seawolves only needed to win two singles matches to place fifth in the conference. DeTurk won her five singles matches 7-5 and 6-2, and Long won her singles matches with a 6-4 and 6-4 win over Concordia.

The team expects to play in the NCAA Division II West Regionals on Saturday.

Women’s Track @ Brutus Hamilton Open Women’s Water Polo Vs Fresno Pacific (in La Jolla) 12:45 p.m.

Softball @ Humboldt State 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Softball @ Humboldt State 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Baseball @ Cal State East Bay Noon and 3 p.m.

Sunday April 29 Women’s Water Polo @ WWPA Championship Women’s Tennis @ NCAA Regional Preliminary Round Baseball @ Cal State East Bay Noon

Baseball @ Cal State East Bay 3 p.m.

Saturday April 28 Women’s Track @ Brutus Hamilton Open Women’s Tennis @ NCAA Regional Preliminary Round Women’s Water Polo @ WWPA Championship

Seawolves nearly swept by Otters in four-game series JESSICA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

P

laying the top seed baseball team Cal State Monterey Bay, Sonoma State University knew it needed to bring the heat.

After a long tireless weekend during the final game and extra innings the Seawolves gave it their all, winning 8-7.

Starting off Friday at 2 p.m. in the first inning the Seawolves and the Otters had tied each other 1-1. In the top of the third Monterey Bay came back with a three-run homer.

Junior outfielder Zach Guardino drove a ball deep, scoring Bryce Nagata.

Sonoma State was not giving up.

Finishing off the inning was Joshua Lenney and Grant St. Martin, both with swinging strikeouts and leaving Sonoma State’s men on base not scoring.

In the top of the fifth, Monterey Bay brought in run after run, pushing the Otters’ lead 11-2.

Returning to the Seawolf Diamond at 11 a.m. for game one was starting pitcher Michael Warning.

In the top of the third the Otters advanced to a 3-0 lead. It wasn’t looking promising for the Seawolves. Monterey Bay’s Hayden Duer smashed Warning’s pitch out of the park and over the left field wall.

Sonoma State had the bases loaded, but unfortunately Joshua Montelongo and Lenney struck out ending the inning for the Seawolves.

Error after error from the Seawolves allowed Monterey Bay’s player Connor Caspersen to score in the seventh.

Sonoma State lost with a final score of 7-0.

Game two on Saturday resulted in yet another loss for the Seawolves.

Sonoma State battled it out against Monterey Bay’s pitching staff for six innings.

Senior Mitch West came in hot during the second inning with a homerun over left field, and the Seawolves took the lead 1-0.

Jackson Berumen only allowed one hit during his three-inning outing.

Matthew Richards started off the sixth with a hit pitch. Later in that inning Richards rounded third in hopes to score. However, he was unable to beat the throw by Kyle Guerra.

The Seawolves took the lead 2-1 when an RBI single from Anthony Clyma scored Medina.

St. Martin took the mound in hopes to lock up the game for the first Seawolf win.

The Otters won the game by six straight balls and two walks to home, ending with a final score of 3-2.

To end the series on Sunday, Sonoma State came back with a tenth-inning win 8-7 over the number one team.

Michael Byerline started off pitching and having an excellent performance, only giving up three runs to the Otters.

“Overall I feel really good about my performance today. Even when I got myself into a jam, I was able to get out of it for the most part,” he said. “My body felt great today physically, which is a great feeling heading into the last few weeks of the season and into playoffs.”

Guardino and Rayson Romero started it off for the Seawolves, each scoring in the first inning. But the Otters came back in the top of the second.

The Seawolves pushed harder in the fourth and fifth with senior infielder Nathan Mann’s hit allowing the Seawolves yet another run.

Coming in to relieve Byerline was a transfer from Skyline College making his 10th appearance as a Sonoma State Seawolf; right-handed pitcher Rory McDaid.

“In a situation like that with no outs, I wanted to come in a fill up the strike zone and ultimately get a ground ball and try to turn a double play,” McDaid said.

The Otters were coming back strong in the sixth, but that had nothing on the Seawolves’ drive.

Going into the top of the ninth Monterey Bay came back with the lead. But Sonoma State was able to keep it on its toes and tie up the game, forcing extra innings.

On the top of the 10th, pressures were high when Monterey Bay took the lead 7-6. Sonoma State came back with bases loaded and two outs, while Mann singled up the middle, scoring the tying run.

Mitch West rounded third, also scoring at home for a Seawolf win, 8-7.

“It felt amazing, I was really happy and fortunate to help the team win,” Mann said.

Sonoma State will face off against Cal State East Bay at 3 p.m. on Friday in Hayward.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld (Top to bottom) Anthony Clyma rounds the bases, players huddle during a game and Joshua Montelongo warms up before a series.

12 Photo Seawolf baseball falls short of win

APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2018 sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Justin Santos Bryce Nagata, No. 1, prepares to bunt the ball.

STAR // Justin Santos Joshua Montelongo, No. 15, stands ready on first base.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld

STAR // Justin Santos Rayson Romero, No. 2, steps up to the plate against Monterey Bay.

Junior Dominic Garihan, No. 5, pitches against Monterey Bay.

STAR // Holle Depina Coach Jennifer Bridges gives player Julie Davis a high-five after hitting a line drive Saturday afternoon against San Francisco State.

STAR // Justin Santos The Seawolves huddle before the game.

STAR // Carly Wade STAR // Carly Wade Colin Chinn sings his own rendition of a song by The Menzingers at ASP open mic night.

Jennifer Johnston sings a country cover of “My Church” at ASP open mic night on Wednesday.

STAR // Carly Wade Dominic Bianco sings his original songs “We Should” and “Poppin’” at ASP open mic night.