Volume 80 // Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Music streaming

Athlete spotlight

Comparing and contrasting which music streaming service has the most to offer. Pg. 6.

Senior guard Madison Burroughs becomes the fifth female player in SSU history to score 1,000 points. Pg. 11.

STAR music playlist What are the STAR’s editors listening to this Valentine’s Day? Catch our current playlist on Pg. 7.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 80 // ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 19, 2018

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Damage to vineyards from October fires less than expected A recent study conducted by Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute shows North Coast wineries are recovering rapidly after wildfires BROOKLYNN MILLER STAFF WRITER

A

fter the smoke cleared, how big a mark the fires would leave on local vineyards concerned many in the wine industry .

The answer, according to an ongoing Sonoma State University study, is clear: not much.

A recent survey conducted by the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University has found that the October fires left 99.8 percent of the North Coast’s vineyards unaffected. The school based the study on a survey of more than 200 vineyard and winery stakeholders across Lake Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties, covering a total of 139,204 acres of vineyards. According to Honore Comfort, wine business executive in residence at Sonoma State, the Institute meant the survey to give stakeholders plans for recovery and revitalization via a “fact-based assessment of the true impact of the fires on the North Coast Wine Industry.”

As such a massive part of Sonoma County culture, wine dominates lifestyles, economies and acres of land in the North Bay. According to the study, 93 percent of wineries reported as unaffected by the fires, in terms of struc-

tural damage and long-term impact. In even more promising news, the study concludes wineries recovered 99.5 percent of the total crop value, when comparing numbers to 2016’s crop.

A common concern was that grapes can become stressed when in uncommon environmental situations.

Many vintners were worried that consumers would conclude that 2017 wines had experienced smoke taint from grapes in the fire areas. But the study showed most of the grapes from 2017 had already been harvested by the time the fires hit.

However, while Comfort said grapes can’t become stressed, harsh growing conditions can affect the vines. In fact, Comfort said, “a certain amount of managed stress to the vine is a good thing, as it reduces yield and concentrates flavors in the grapes.”

An important factor in the study was that the fires occurred late in the grape’s growing season, which, according to Comfort, was actually a benefit. “The grapevines were… still full of water and green leaves. These acted as a natural fire-retardant so the fires rarely penetrated vineyards beyond the first three to four rows of grapevines,” Comfort said.

See STUDY on Pg. 5

Sonoma State University Effects of the North Coast wildfires.

Associated Students student government gears up for elections KAYTLIN ABAD STAFF WRITER

S

tudents now have the opportunity to make their voice heard by applying for office for the upcoming Associated Students student government elections.

According to AS Elections Commissioner Jamie Corder, the best way for students to make an impact on campus is through AS. “It is to truly make an impact,” she said. “The students who are involved in AS Student Government are extremely passionate about making changes that benefit us as students, and that is a unique experience in itself.

There is no better way to make a change than by being proactive and contributing.”

Being the spokesperson for 9,000 students is one of the reasons current AS President Wilson Hall said he wanted to run.

“We are those that have been given the opportunity to advocate, address issues and look toward meaningful change not only on this campus but throughout the entire CSU system,” said Hall, a third year criminology major. “Knowing that has been the best part of AS; coming to the office and meetings knowing that I am representing our students.”

AS student government also gives students the opportunity to not only build their resume, but to gain valuable learning experiences that can be used toward their future endeavors. Hall said AS has given him tools he can use after college and throughout his life.

“AS has given me a lot of opportunities to learn within the organization itself. The experience of dealing with people and creating a vision, as well as advancing a mission, will serve me in any facet of life,” Hall said. “The professional development has been outstanding. The experience you’ll get while being on AS is immeasurable” As the end of their term is quickly approaching, students such as second year liberal studies major Isabelle Briseno reflect on their time working with their peers and AS in general. “Working as the Senator for Community Affairs has been such a great experience,” she said. “I have met a lot of new people, and gained a lot of new skills that can help me later in life. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Students interested in applying must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and must be enrolled in at least six units. There are 15 open positions to apply for, including four AS Executives and 11 AS senators.

If you are looking to becoming the next voice for Sonoma State students, the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on March 2. Information sessions for students interested in running for office are being held on the second floor of the Student Center at 5 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 22. For further information visit sonoma.edu/as/government.

Sonoma State STAR The Vagina Monologues aim to educate social attitudes towards violence against “womxn.”

Empowerment in the embodiment of “womxnhood,” ‘The Vagina Monologues’ begin this week Check out the story on Pg. 8

SSU introduces new VP of Student Affairs

HEBA MADI

STAFF WRITER

G

reg Sawyer, the new vice president for student affairs starting April 1, comes to Sonoma State University, most recently serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at CSU Channel Islands. While there, the university’s Division of Student Affairs was recognized as one of the nation’s Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for the past three years by Diverse Magazine. In an interview with Sawyer, he offered some thoughts on his new position at Sonoma State, his background and what drives him to make a difference.

STAR: Can you tell us about your educational background?

Sawyer: I did my undergraduate work at a small private school in Ohio called Mount Union College, now known as University of Mount Union. My background is organizational communication, so I studied communication, theater and journalism. I ended up with several majors, but that’s my earliest background. I also have a master’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales and that’s in organizational communication.

And then my doctoral degree is from the University of

North Texas in Denton. And it is a PhD in higher education administration with an emphasis in organizational communication.

STAR: Can you tell us about your professional background?

Sawyer: I started off teaching at Amarillo College at the age of 23, teaching communication. I was there for two years then decided to work on my achieving my PhD after that. But I went from Amarillo to Denton, Texas, and I started off as a hall director, financing my way through school. Basically in a nutshell, I’ve been in [higher education] all my life. I was an adviser for a lot of clubs on UNT’s campus—The Progressive Black Student Organization, MASA and GLAD. I ended up being at the University of North Texas for several years. I went from a services coordinator to assistant dean to associate dean to dean of students all at that institution. I was a dean there for 10 years. And then I went on to start my career at the Florida Gulf Coast University, and I was there almost seven years as founding dean.

See NEW VP on Pg. 4

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, Heba Madi, Luis Mejia, Brooklynn Miller, Kathleen Perry, Kailey Priest, Renee Rodgers, Roland Schmidt, Tatiana Serrano, Samantha Sinatra, Sierra Sorrentino, Jeno Veltri, Madison Villalobos, Carly Wade, Aaron Waskowiak

Photographers Gabby Novello, Christine Von Raesfeld, Justin Santos, Emily Jenkel, Holle Depina

Nichols Hall 323, 1801 East Cotati Ave Rohnert

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Despite what Trump says, truth will always prevail O

n President Donald Trump’s first day in office, he called journalists “among the most dishonest human beings on earth.”

Over a year his opinion hasn’t changed.

As “fake news” still spouts from Trump’s mouth on a regular basis, the public has become more cautious on what they see as trustable news sources. For better or worse, journalists and news publications have been thrust under the microscope more than ever.

Over the past year, reputable news outlets have been flooded with chaos of trying to fend off attacks from the president while also trying to uphold their credibility.

To add to the turmoil, publications like the Los Angeles Times, which have hired and fired three editors-in-chief in less than six months, and Newsweek, which recently fired its editor-inchief and executive editor, have

Replacing Moodle?

Telephone: 707-664-2776 sonomastatestar@gmail.com Corrections and News Tips: star@sonoma.edu

Editor’s Pick This week’s can’t miss article: “‘‘The Vagina Monologues’ to donate profits to violence prevention center’” The annual ‘Vagina Monologues’ opens this week and will donate all of its earnings to local nonprofit company Verity, which strives to help violence and abuse victims.

Read the story on page 8

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

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

Opinions

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

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

ingly difficult.

However, not all the blame can be put on one administration.

News organizations need to be held accountable as well, as holding the public’s trust and confidence is a job that needs constant upkeep.

This can be seen in the media’s coverage of Trump’s candidacy, as many failed to take his running seriously.

With the basis and practice of journalism becoming all the more crucial, journalists must try even harder to uncover truth in the most unlikely of places and to point out “fake news” where it really exists.

In a time when even cold hard facts seem to be questioned, now is when journalists must stand together to uphold the truth and, in the process our democracy as well.

Truth still matters. Journalism still matters

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.

Park, CA 94928 Business & General Inquiries:

been in the public eye in a less than favorable way.

Another casualty of Newsweek’s most recent firings was reporter Celeste Katz, who reported on her employer’s financial woes, which included a raid of the Newsweek’s offices by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

In a time when reporting negative news seems to guarantee push back from even the leader of the free world, news organizations and the work of journalists has become more important than ever.

While Trump is certainly not the first president to question the validity of news sources, there has long been a recognition for the American news media by and largehonest and credible news.

The hallmark of our democracy relies on journalists to be speak freely and loudly, and while our country hopes they continue this effort, it has become increas-

E

ditor: I am writing to inform you that SSU is evaluating Canvas as a replacement for Moodle. This change will affect all faculty members as well as the students at SSU. I believe you, as students, are stakeholders for this change. I do not support this change for the following reasons. Moodle is a [free] open-source software and Canvas is a [for-profit] proprietary software and I am concerned about moving from an open-source system that we have predictable costs of hosting to a proprietary one with unpredictable costs.

Concerns were raised about Canvas by Professor Elizabeth Stanny, in the School of Business and Economics about the financial condition of Canvas. She reports that:

Canvas (for profit firm): • For every $1 of revenue it has 63 cents of Sales and Marketing expense • For every $1 of revenue it loses 48 cents Personally, I have spent countless hours mastering the capabilities of Moodle to build online course sites that I consider my and SSU’s intellectual property. If Canvas is selected, I might partially or completely lose this intellectual property.

Therefore, I think you may find that this issue requires a larger audience to include all the stakeholders who will be affected by this change.

– Michael Santos, SSU professor of finance

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

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Opinion 3

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

“Deepfakes” are illegally appropriating celebrity images and the internet is stumped

LUIS MEJIA

STAFF WRITER

T

en years ago, if someone were to tell you that robots would eventually take over the world as we know it, every Sci-Fi movie released from then to the end of the decade would likely lead you to believe it in some capacity.

Although that sentiment awaits from a reasonable distance, for some, teasing the possibilities has already begun.

Enter: “deepfakes;” a Reddit username turned application title and video genre at the helm of the first major con-

test against artificial intelligence. Having garnered attention in December 2017, the user made available to the platform a video software with the ability to swap faces amongst people from multiple angles, altering the qualities of the picture and making it look real.

While the feature seemed harmless at first, it soon gained an unsavory amount of traction when a number of similar applications sprouted from beneath the creases of the internet, followed by examples of a newfound hobby.

According to The Washington Post, a number of celebrities have become the target of pornographic face-swaps, including Taylor Swift and Gal Gadot, in which fictitious sex tapes are being composed of subjects engaged in sexual activities, having their faces replaced by AI technology.

Through scores of photographs fed into an algorithm, a face - swapping software is able to create a kind of human mask to replace the face of anyone on video, says Nick Statt of The Verge. In allowing the software to improve over time, the accuracy of these swaps has become disturbingly realistic, ultimately lending

itself to the ignorance of those who watch and do not know any better.

While “deepfakes” claims the original software required a fair extent of computer and programming knowledge, recent installments are reported to be much simpler to navigate, thus more accessible to the casual user. “I think the current version of the app is a good start, but I hope to streamline it even more in the coming days and weeks,” the redditor behind an alternative app told Vice: Motherboard.

To be fair, this alone does not condemn this type of technology as a bad thing seeing as it technically classifies as yet another variation on computer - generated imagery. Not only has CGI existed for longer, but it was the exact means by which Paul Walker’s entire face was recreated in the seventh “Fast and Furious” movie.

If most viewers are honest with themselves, if it weren’t for them hearing about his passing beforehand, they would hardly have been able to tell the difference, if at all.

This type of technology isn’t new.

AI, however, still has yet to breach its

infant stage considering how far people mean to take it. If the thought of a software having the power to automatically change how a person is depicted on camera is the future, then so help us all. What if celebrities are only the beginning?

Despite since being deleted, over 15,000 anonymous users were reportedly enlisted in “deepfakes’ private subreddit, spawning a sort of shameless delight in sharing these videos amongst themselves.

Adult-friendly sites such as Pornhub also have a history of removing videos from their platforms that violate their community guidelines for illegal or immoral use.

Using someone’s face without consent in this manner may just conceive of a new form of defamation even satire cannot pardon. And do not even get me started on the vomitrocious possibilities of revenge porn.

Who knows how far this will go. Suffice to say as of now, there does not seem to be a clear way to stop “deepfakes,” whether they are used for fun or for malice. Software is only going to improve as the years go by, and attempting to halt technological innovation in 2018 is about as ambitious as fighting the ocean.

New generations are making old technology trendy again

SAMMY SINATRA STAFF WRITER

Y

ou’re sitting in class and suddenly your ringtone blares. With embarrassment, you reach to pull out your new Apple flip phone from the back pocket of your jeans. Is this a crazy time warp back to the 90s and early 2000s? Maybe not.

Apple has recently put a patent on an electronic device that is foldable, similar to a flip phone, resulting in technology from the past looking to make another comeback.

When iPhones gained popularity back in 2007, it seemed to be looked down upon to still own a flip phone. People who still had them were questioned “why?” and thus began the steady decline. Now, Apple has patented what seems to be a new form of the infamous flip phone.

According to CNN Tech, the patent is for an, “electronic device [that] may have a flexible portion that allows [it] to be folded.”

This patent describes an obviously new and more advanced phone, but at the core can still be seen as a flip phone. We are catapulted back to years earlier, continuing the cycle of old to new.

Over time, technology has proven to surge and die out, although numerous devices and ideas have resurfaced years later as a new trend. From polaroids to podcasts to vinyl records and now flip phones, each has returned with a contemporary flourish.

What is it about old technology that has people reminiscing?

According to Media Genius, “Nostalgia marketing is a powerful strategy that relies on consumer emotion to drive action.”

They emphasize that Millennials are the ones most affected by this, therefore in the

retro tech category, Millenials are the main demographic. Over the course of history it can be observed that technology comes full circle. What is old now will once be new again in the future, and Millennials feed into this.

Of course, not all old media trends have made a comeback. However, trends and interests change and progress over time which causes “old” tech devices to be brought back with a new twist. Because of changing culture, there is always an unknown of what could potentially become popular and return to everyday society with new enhancements.

Podcasts came and went, and now, as stated by Forbes, “At least 112 million Americans have listened to podcasts, a figure up 11 percent from last year, with 67 million listening to podcasts at least monthly.” This extreme increase notes the dramatic change in popularity and trends with technology today.

dailymail.co.uk Hundreds of Apple factory workers line up for roll call.

Consumers need to know the reality of labor exploitation

From polaroids to podcasts to vinyl records and now flip phones, each has returned with a contemporary flourish.

The well-known polaroid camera has been of high interest within the past couple years as well. As stated by Media Genius,“ This gadget’s comeback is not without a modern twist. While originalstyle Polaroid cameras are still for sale, many people buy updated models.” The revamping of old things brings sentimental value to a new object, drawing the users in.

The advancement of today’s technology has provided people the sources to have easy accessibility to what was once not so easy. It is the blend of the past and the present that form ideas of the future.

We clearly wouldn’t be where we are without the tech inventions of the past, and that, weirdly enough, is of sentiment to some. This is what drives us to revert to past innovations while the advances of present day allow us to play, change, and revamp old items and ideas.

So, sometime in the future, when your ringtone blares, what phone will you pull out of your back pocket?

designboom.com Apple’s prototype for a futuristic flip phone.

JENNIFER DE LA TORRE STAFF WRITER

I

f one of your co-workers showed up to work one day nervous and shaking, voicing their concern to you about the possibility of your workplace conditions leading to grave bodily injury or perhaps even worse, you would probably dismiss it as paranoia or some exaggeration on their part.

For many people overseas however, these workplace nightmares are a stark reality. In Bangladesh, workplace nightmares happen too much. In 2013, a building containing several factories in Bangladesh collapsed injuring 1,000 workers and killing 134. The building had safety code violations.

The haunting scenario is described by a quality inspector at a garment factory. “I heard screams,” said Mahmudul Hasan, “my heart started pounding. I laid down near a pillar and started thinking that perhaps I was going to die.”

No electronics, shoes, or clothing are worth the loss of life.

Apple is one of the most essential companies in the United States. There are currently more than 700 million iPhone users worldwide, according to Fortune.

International Business Times states the majority of cases for Apple products are produced by the company Catcher, located in China.

According to China Labor Watch, workers employed by Catcher are sometimes exposed to harmful chemical substances.

With any product, it’s difficult to tell where the ingredients and parts are made.

Usually they’re made across the globe

and not under the guidance of watchdog groups. Poverty, lack of guidelines, and a preference of profit over ethics, are the ingredients to a sweatshop made product.

Regardless of this information, I am not eager to throw away my iPhone. My concern is that American consumers, including myself, value convenience and luxury over humanity. Where does that take us?

Americans tend to view themselves as the superior country in comparison to others, when really this is not the case.

We are a large part of the reason these conditions continue to exist. By keeping my MacBook and iPhone I am giving the message to Apple I care, but I don’t care that much.

It‘s easy to think this problem is bigger than any of us. Apple is an internationally popular company, so would they care if I sent a strongly worded letter and incited a protest at Sonoma State? There is precedence.

After Georgetown University students protested, Nike agreed to their terms. The group United Against Sweatshops had two dozen protests on college campuses. Nike agreed to have watchdog group, the Workers’ Rights Consortium, to inspect its factories.

My hope is to cease the awful working conditions in these factories. Realistically, are we all ready to give up any electronics or clothes made from retailers, where the reason for cheap prices is a result of paying low wages workers in the garment factories?

According to the Los Angeles Times, workers were enduring 10 hour days with low pay, sewing clothes for Forever 21, Ross Dress for Less and T.J. Maxx. Since many aren’t ready to completely boycott everything they own such as technology, clothes and shoes, the best way is to write, tweet or protest to these companies that we know what’s going on and demand change. Strides could be made in providing better conditions and wages to these workers so they meet the minimum treatment we would give to our own workforce.

Easing stress on factory workers, allows them an easier path to fair wages and opportunities equal to the amount of work they provide for these companies.

4 News

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

NEW VP: ‘I came out of retirement for Sonoma State’ Continued from Pg.1

Sawyer: After that, I had a chance to start at CSU Channel Islands, where I was the founding VP. I was at Channel Islands for 16 years until I decided I was going to retire.

And then this wonderful opportunity came about. I’ve known president Sakaki for several years, and I thought, “Wow, to be able to work with her and work in Sonoma; I will only come out for this one.” So I decided to come out of retirement for Sonoma State.

STAR: What are your goals within this position when you arrive in April?

Sawyer: The first 100 days for me would really be to find out where everybody is.

The last thing anybody wants is someone coming in making changes, and they don’t even know your campus. One thing Diverse Magazine does for the last five years is identify those promising places to work in student affairs within the nation. What I would like to do at some point is make Sonoma one of those promising places to work in student affairs. They picked the top 13 schools for this year. I would love to be able to say Sonoma, we are there. We are a place that students want to come. In terms of students affairs, I want to help in any way, shape or form for students to matriculate and to help students graduate on time.

STAR: What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to at Sonoma State?

Sawyer: I love the campus, but I’m most looking forward to getting to know the students. That’s my number one priority. I’m very eager to know the students, understand them and in terms of student affairs find answers: Why Sonoma? What makes Sonoma the draw? What is it like to be a Seawolf? What is it like to be part of this community? That to me is very, very exciting. I am eager to tap into that excitement because I can see it and I can feel it. I just want to hear it from the people.

STAR: What is the biggest challenge you anticipate within your position at Sonoma State?

Sawyer: I think right off the bat there is a lot of work to be done when we start with a new strategic plan. It’s not so much the challenges; it is getting everyone to read the same sheet of music. It seems as though that has already been done. Also, particularly for the smaller campuses in the state of California, the budget is always going to be an issue. I think those are things we would work together on with the brand new cabinet that I’m very excited about working with.

STAR: What is an initiative you’ve worked on or implemented that you are most proud of?

Sawyer: I can speak to Channel Islands, but also other campuses, but that is having the students walk away with a sense of pride and understanding that they can be trustees of their communities, now that they know how to be leaders. Being a leader doesn’t mean one got elected, because that could be a popularity contest. Instead they found they were leaders because of the skills, characteristics and values that they were able to bring to the table to help change policy. They were able to help individuals move along and help other students reach leadership goals. That is the initiative that is sustainable.

Those, to me, are some of the most important things we’ve done.

thecamarilloacorn.com Sawyer speaks with guests at his retirement party from CSUCI in December.

CAMPUS CRIME Date

Crime

Location

STATUS

Feb. 1

Rape

San Francisco

Refered

Feb. 1

Marijuana Possession

Verdot V.

Closed

Feb. 2

Marijuana Possession

Lobos

Closed

Feb. 2

Marijuana Possession

Beaujolais V.

Closed

Feb. 3

Marijuana Possession

Verdot V.

Closedd

Feb. 4

Disturbing the Peace

Zinfandel V.

Closed

News 5

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Allergy season arrives early and with force CASEY HERRMANN STAFF WRITER

U

sually arriving in April when flowering plants bloom, allergy season this year has come to Sonoma State University with an early ferocity. “This allergy season has been undoubtedly the worst since I’ve been attending Sonoma State,” said Xavier Martin, a senior biology major. He is one of many affected by the sudden appearance of allergens in the region’s air. Each morning, Martin takes a non-drowsy antihistamine. “I might have one sneezing attack [after the medication,]” Martin said.

“It’s better than about 10 a day.”

Dr. Joseph Lin, a professor of biology at Sonoma State who specializes in immune system research, said allergies are a result of a human’s complex immune system, which causes it to sometimes misidentify pollen or other allergens as something malicious, and thus reacts accordingly. Toni Boracchia, a nurse in the university clinic and advisor to the Student Health Advisory Committee, said allergy symptoms can happen year round, and students unfamiliar with Northern California’s plant pollens can possibly suffer allergic symptoms for the first time in their life. She mentions that the Student Health Center is currently busy with many students suffering from flu-like symptoms.

However, there has also been an increase in temperatures this February. Professor

Jose Javier Hernandez Ayala, director of the Center for Climate Research in Sonoma State, said this is part of a larger national trend of increased temperatures and unusual weather patterns. According to him, records were set last week across the bay, with temperatures reaching into the high 70s. He also cited research by Charles W. Schmidt that concluded that with warmer temperatures in winter, caused by more carbon dioxide in the air, it is possible for plants to grow and pollinate more. According to a study presented in 2012 by Dr. Leonard Bielory, member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, these environmental factors among others are likely to double the pollen count by the year 2040.

Heidi Herrmann, a lecturer at Sonoma State specializing in native plants, said the temperature increase prompted an early bloom in plants. Caitlin Hachmyer, a lecturer and expert in agroecology, said a heat wave in February is not unusual, but combined with low rainfall, it is forcing her to make decisions concerning water distribution and weather to grow warm or cold weather plants.

To avoid allergens, Boracchia recommended frequent hand washing, six to eight hours of sleep, eating and drinking regularly and bathing and washing clothes and pillow sheets. If you are experiencing symptoms and wish to see a doctor for this or any other reason, she said to call and make an appointment at 707-664-2921, starting at 8 a.m. with last appointments at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Rohnert Park Rohnert Park Public Safety officers responded to a suspected drug overdose and saved a person’s life, for the second time in as many weeks. Using a rapid reversal medication that every officer now carries, on Friday, police units arrived at a Racquet Club Circle residence to find an unresponsive 22-year-old man who appeared to be having an opioid overdose. According to the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office, 20 percent of Rohnert Park’s deaths in 2017 were related to drugs.

Canton, MA Dunkin Donuts released a memo announcing it would begin to eliminate the use of foam cups in all locations starting in this spring. The announcement comes as part of the company’s “commitment to serve both people and the planet responsibly.” They will implement the use of a double walled paper cup. The new cup will use “paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Standard”.

PyeongChang, South Korea The 23rd Olympic games are underway. This year’s theme is “Peace in Motion” and is largely shown in the attendance by Kim Jong-Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong.

In the opening ceremony both North and South Korea entered the Olympic arena waving a flag of Korean unification.

Alabama Alabama is the most recent state to file a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for mis-marketing OxyContin to generate sales. Attorney General Steve Marshall, argues that Purdue Pharma misrepresents the risks and benefits of opioids, enabling prescriptions to be written for chronic pain conditions.

Sonoma State University Gail D. Barksdale joins Sonoma State having work experience with professional sports teams like the then New Jersey Nets and the New York Mets.

Athletic director brings professional experience to collegiate level AARON WASKOWIAK STAFF WRITER

F

ollowing the October retirement of 20-year Sonoma State University veteran and Senior Director of Athletics Bill Fusco, the Seawolves officially welcomed their 10th athletic director, Gail D. Barksdale.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Barksdale has spent the last seven years at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis where she most recently served as deputy director of athletics. Living in New York for most of her adult life, she has also been employed by professional sports organizations such as the New Jersey Nets and the New York Mets. Barksdale said her past experiences have led her down a path different from most.

“I’ve had an eclectic background compared to some of my counterparts,” she said.

Barksdale earned a bachelor’s of business administration degree in marketing and management from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s of science degree in sports management and athletic administration from Indiana University. Barksdale, never having played sports on the collegiate level, said she has always felt the competitiveness of sports could relay into her professional life.

“I like the intensity, the stress, the exhilaration and the disappointment, and all that comes with athletics,” Barksdale said. “Ten seconds left

in the game you can be at the height of the world, the other team hits a basket at the buzzer and you lose and you just get the life sucked out of you, and I just love that sensation.”

Despite working for two professional sports teams, Barksdale said she fell in love with collegiate athletics and found it’s where she could be her most successful. “I love the 18 to 22-yearold demographic,” she said “You’re independent enough to where you are not in the high school or middle school league of sports,” Barksdale said, “but you’re still impressionable; I can still help you grow as people, as individuals, and have an impact on their lives and their community.”

Barksdale said, “I think now I’ll be helping to grow the university, and if athletics can be a conduit to do that and helping to grow enrolment, helping to grow the diversity of the university population, I want to be able to be a vehicle to help the university to reach its own goals.” Seeing how the student body turns out for events excites her.

When it came to moving across the country to Rohnert Park, with family waiting for her in San Francisco, Barksdale said this move wasn’t out of the blue, rather “It was just a matter of timing and finding a job that I wanted in an area that I wanted, and it just came full circle into the perfect storm.”

“I really get joy helping people become the best person they can become,” she said.

STUDY: Tourism coming back to the area Continued from Pg.1

According to the study, in the affected areas, vineyards often served as firebreaks that prevented the spread of fire, which is considered a primary cause for the limited damage. In fact, 90 percent of affected wineries and grape growers reported that vineyards would not need to be replanted or replaced, and of those that do, most would be less than 10 acres.

While the public expected to see a greater physical impact on the grapes, the study noted more of a financial impact. According to the study, 71 percent of survey respondents experienced an immediate drop in tasting room traffic compared to the same period last year, but this trend started to recover in November. The unexpectedly large percentage of vineyards unaffected by the fires is helping the industry regain traction and is bringing tourism back to the area.

“The most significant impact on the North Coast wine industry was an immediate and temporary slow-down of visitors to the region,” Comfort said. The Sonoma County tourist industry believes it took a hit due to miscommunicated information, or according to Comfort, “early accounts of the fires led to inaccurate reports of damage to wineries and vineyards.”

With 75 percent of respondents noting online sales as equal to or higher than during this same period last year, the dip in economy and tourism is already beginning to correct itself. According to Comfort, moving forward, those at the Wine Business Institute “will apply these findings in a coordinated plan to ensure confidence among consumer, media and trade organizations in the quality standards for the 2017 vintage.”

The Wine Business Institute will continue to gather information further into 2018.

With the Wine Spectator Learning Center grand opening scheduled for May, 29, 2018, the Wine Business Institute is expecting a busy year ahead.

6 Arts

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Modern music videos reveal layers of complexity

KATHLEEN PERRY STAFF WRITER

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edding bells are chiming as Jesse Williams proposes to Demi Lovato in her new music video for “Tell Me You Love Me.” Slowly, their story begins to unravel on screen as the viewer learns that the video does not match the words to the love song, but rather tells a completely different story about unhealthy relationships. Lovato is one of many current artists who is no longer just producing music, but huge video productions to paint the full picture.

One can date music videos back to Aug. 1, 1981 when MTV, previously a 24-hour music television channel, released the first ever music video to The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Since then, music videos have become a common addition that many artists choose to use when releasing new songs, and there is wide variation among them.

There are many iconic, quirky videos that will always be remembered, like the members of Ok Go! sliding around on treadmills, Britney Spears strutting down a school hallway, or Beyoncé in a leotard and heels with her single ladies. Music videos were not necessarily movies, but clips that went together to create a song’s visuals.

While there are several music videos that do tell a story, it is becoming more of a trend to make bigger video productions. These videos are not only telling the full story, but also being used to recreate what the artist wants to send out.

Lovato’s production for “Tell Me You Love Me” is more like its own mini movie being almost seven minutes long. The first two and a half minutes show the relationship between her and Williams. Viewers see the unhappiness and hear the arguments that take place in their relationship before the song begins. As viewers continue watching, they see Williams and Lovato not in a love-filled relationship, but a poisonous one. While the lyrics alone suggest love with Lovato singing, “I don’t know who I am without you,” Lovato uses the video to talk about something less discussed: toxic relationships.

Extravagant video productions are becoming much more common today. Artists are no longer calling them “music videos.” Justin Timberlake and the band Imagine Dragons, along with Lovato and many other artists, are using words like “film” and “directed by” in their opening credits, much like an actual movie production does. Music videos are also becoming much longer, furthering this movie-like feeling.

It is nothing new to have a lengthy video telling a story; Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” spends almost 14 minutes playing out a mini-movie. But today, the long stories that artists tell through video are often meant to also draw attention to larger issues or add more information that the lyrics don’t say.

P!nk’s “What About Us” spends its opening 40 seconds showing people surrounded by police search-

lights, alluding to the political system that makes some question, “What about us?” Some artists are releasing full “visual” albums, like Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.” While Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me” song is about lost love, the music video shows the full, happier story. Joyner Lucas’s video for “I’m Not Racist” shows two men of opposite races stereotype each other to draw attention to the disconnect among different cultures. Artists are now using videos to complete the messages they want to send out.

Music videos also serve as a platform for artists to reinvent their own image and what they stand for.

Lovato, who is an icon for self-love and both physical and mental health, allows viewers to see her more vulnerable through her depiction of herself in her music video. With her video, she makes herself relatable and credible to stand for toxic relationships rather than showing her usually empowering self. She uses her video to completely paint herself in a new light.

Big music industries and culture are changing, giving attention to things that they used to consider taboo. Songs are beginning to stand for important, relevant issues and music videos have quickly become a force to strengthen the songs. Video didn’t kill the radio star; video came together with radio to help music stand stronger than it does when it stands alone.

highsnobiety.com

Streaming services cater to unique, multiple types of listeners RENEE RODGERS STAFF WRITER

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shocking 96 percent of internet users consume licensed music, according to the IFPI. The current easy accessibility to music is creating a bigger market for music and musicians, but also more competition. Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora and Soundcloud know exactly how essential listening to music is and deliver it to us in an easy and reliable way, but some are arguably better than others.

Apple Music, housing about 40 million songs, includes a modern layout and beautifully displayed album artwork. Only $10 a month, and $5 with a student discount, the low cost is very attractive. When creating an account, various circles will pop up for users to select their favorite genres, artists and bands, curating the service to accommodate their music taste. The platform uniquely offers the option to download previously purchased music and CD’s. The most talked about perk of having Apple Music is getting access to new releases the fastest. This directly comes from the fact Apple Music does not have a free version, which results in more revenue to the music artists.

Beats 1 radio, Siri and the Connect Function are included in an Apple Music subscription. The Beats 1 radio function offers a live radio 24 hours a day with famous DJs like Zane Lowe. The Connect Function is Apple’s main social feature, which brings artists and fans closer together. Paired with Siri’s compatibility, the service aims to make listening as niche as possible. Since their June 2015, the service has already gathered about half of Spotify’s paying users and is growing every day.

Spotify takes the cake with the most users globally. With over 30 million songs and 20,000 more being added per day, according to their site, it’s easy for music lovers to get attached. The prices are the same as Apple Music offers, except with Spotify there is an ad-based version for free. Spotify comes with plenty of useful tools for discovering new music, so it is perfect for people who don’t have time to dig around for some. Discover Weekly and Release Radar come out with playlists personalized to your listening habits, New Releases groups together the youngest tracks for easy discovery, and additional tabs below artists can inform you about their growth, collaborations, and when they’ll be performing near you next. Secret Genius,

Spotify’s storytelling podcast, brings fans of pop music closer to songwriters behind their favorite hits. Sessions where songwriters describe the stories behind their hits are paired with their own curated playlists.

If you need playlists for working out, then Spotify is the one for you; Spotify Running automatically estimates how fast a user is running and constructs a playlist that won’t fail to get you pumped up. Unlike other services, through a mobile version you are able to see lyrics for the current song being played. Spotify gives users the perfect tools to expand their music library.

Any huge fans of Jay-Z will tell you Tidal is the best music streaming service, but others say it isn’t worth it. Ringing in at $10 a month for 320 kbps audio and $20 a month for lossless 24-bit music quality, Jay-Z’s Tidal is the leading music streaming service when it comes to the highest audio resolution. Although many artists release their music to Tidal first, Tidal has the least amount of tracks and poor music discovery features.

The oldies but goodies, Pandora and Soundcloud, are still extremely relevant to today’s music industry. Pandora banks on having the best internet radio service to this day. The thumbs up/thumbs down algorithm is the perfect combination for users that like to “press play and walk away.” Pandora includes about 40 million tracks and presents interesting facts about each song being played. Advertisement-based means it is a free service, but if you don’t want to listen to those annoying advertisements you can pay a low amount of $5 a month.

The almost gone but never forgotten Soundcloud is the prime contendant for the most diverse music library. With over 100 million user created tracks, there is nothing you can’t find on Soundcloud. The whopping 200 million active users per month definitely gives Soundcloud the biggest creative user base. If you are a lover of EDM and indie music, Soundcloud is the way to go. Music artists even post their sets from concerts and festivals so you can relive it all over again. The best part is that it’s free, for the most part. If you can’t handle the advertisements, you can pay a low fee of $5 a month and $10 a month for even more songs available.

Pyeongchang opening ceromony radiates harmony CARLY WADE STAFF WRITER

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group of children exploring a mystical landscape stumble upon ancient ruins and come across a ball of light. They touch it, not knowing of the consequences that may be at hand. Immediately, lights portraying historic animals and ancient artifacts are flying in the air. A white tiger appears, giving the children a stern, yet welcoming look. The children follow the white tiger into the dark. The screen goes black. The stadium is black and out walks a white tiger; portrayed by men holding up pieces of white plastic that make up its body. The children follow closely behind.

The opening ceremony in PyeongChang, South Korea held on Friday was a spiritual and historical event. The symbolic white tiger ran playfully with children atop of a stage with a large platform, beneath which casted colorful designs. The children and white lion eventually transported themselves from a snowy white location, to the top of Paektu Mountain.

More animals played by people emerged on the stage and the music flourished. Dancers then lit up the stage with their traditional dance, song, and attire.

On the digital stage, the symbols of yin and yang were illuminated, representing the idea of balance and harmony among the people and animals that is very important to the people of South Korea. The performances in their entirety were representative of how the people believe they connect with their land. Although, not everything the viewers saw on TV was visible during the actual ceremony. Officials added the effects through technology later on; as an NBC reporter announced to us viewers. With the digital stage, movements of the performers needed to be exactly on time, which is why this ceremony took two and a half years to create.

Moving forward from the yin and yang, the stage moved to a starry sky, giving homage to the Koreans who first marked the skies. This represented the ancient people trying to mark in the stars where they were in relation to others in the galaxy.

After the stars, the President of the Olympic Committee and the President of the Republic of Korea make their entrance into the stadium. Also in attendance at the opening ceremony is the sister of the current ruler of North Korea; Kim Yo Jong. This is the first time since 1953 that a member of the ruling family of North Korea has come to the South. Mike Pence is also present at the opening ceremony, and his guest of honor is the father of a 17-year-old boy who North Korea officials captured and imprisoned. The boy was recently returned in critical condition and passed away in a coma. It is clear that this opening ceremony is not only historic and vibrant with passion for the Korean culture, but political as well.

The Parade of Nations made its way around the stage with Greece following tradition and leading all countries. Also continuing tradition, countries walked in alphabetical order using Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

Athlete representation was different and historic for some as Russian athletes entered as country-neutral at the winter games this year. This comes after the state-sponsored doping scandal back from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. North and South Korean athletes walked into the stadium in unison. The spirit was heard and felt throughout the stadium, even more so after the President of the Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, gave an encouraging speech.

After raising the Olympic flag, joint Korean women’s hockey team players Chung Su-hyon of North Korea, and Park Jong-ah of South Korea, climbed the white stairs of the cauldron to pass on the torch to South Korean figure skater Yuna Kim. After a small routine, Kim lit the cauldron and signaled the start of the 24th Winter Olympic Games. You can view the remaining events on NBC on TV and online.

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7 “Little Dark Age” MGMT fans Review JACOB GONZALES STAFF WRITER

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he hype around the two-man group known as MGMT is well-known by now: college buddies who threw together a couple hits that no one will forget, like “Electric Feel” and “Kids,” capturing a generation of mixed youth. Partners Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser shot to stardom with those hits, only to spend the next two albums not meeting the expectations that fans, critics and their record company wanted to see.

Looking at their first three albums, and then their decline of streaming numbers on Spotify, confirms that the band’s fan base has steadily withered away over the past 11 years.

That’s hardly surprising; Indie has changed over the last decade. The good news is that “Little Dark Age” marks a comeback for the duo. It seems as they let go of their shaggy, 1960s references for streamlined pop, and have rediscovered their ability to write hooks.

The dark tones are continually present as the rest of their discography, but the lyrics are more focused and arranged.

The first song, “She Works Out For Me,” sounds extremely unfamiliar to their housepursuitofdopeness.com hold sound, and raises some concern in listeners who have waited for their classic takes.

The fourth track on the album, “Me and Michael” was released as a And as the album plays out, there still isn’t much familiarity to be found. The sense of single and paired with a video detailing the rise and fall of exploring new territories, or experimenting with new instruments and expanding their hoplagiarizers. rizons is clear.

It’s something different. MGMT is proving they still have a lot of talent and creativity. With something like music, creators can decide to shake up their sound with new albums, personas, groups or collaborations.

The track “Me and Michael” has strong progressive pop and rock overtones, similar to the band Phoenix. One of the most played songs on the album on Apple Music, it’s a great song to have the windows rolled down to while on a drive. For the same, relaxing vibes, both “James” and “When You Die” are perfect to complete a playlist.

From the new synths to the new lyrical changes, it can require some work to get on board with the newest MGMT.

Latest “Cloverfield” installment offers more questions than answers Review MADISON VILLALOBOS

STAFF WRITER

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equels are a double-edged sword, and a hard one to make enjoyable. When a story is so good it leaves fans craving more, it motivates creators to develop ongoing sequels of their stories. There is this notion that movie industries make sequels to make more money; however, they aren’t always beneficial to the movies’ franchise. Somewhere along the way, in the creation of the film something goes horribly wrong, whether it is the characters, plot or the camera angles. Sequels have the tendency to fall short of the originals, or sometimes fall off the map entirely. The horrible ones not only leave the audience disappointed, but destroy the entire franchise.

Directed by Julius Onah, “The Cloverfield Paradox” is based on “God Particle,” a script written by Oren Uziel, which had the same plot of a space station crew, but was originally unconnected to the other two “Cloverfield” series.

This film is now celebrated because of its African-American director, its well accredited producer J.J. Abrams and a diverse cast.

Set in space, the film follows a group of international astronauts aboard the Cloverfield space station. After trying to accelerate the craft to try to solve Earth’s energy crisis, they find themselves facing several setbacks, delaying their return home.

The scenes that followed were predictable to guess, even for someone not familiar with the franchise or genre. Although talented actors such as Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo and Daniel Bruhl fill the cast, they all played character roles who were cliche and easily anticipated from the beginning.

Some scenes of the movie f lashed back to the point of view of the main character’s significant other, which added more confusion to the storyline.

If there was anything to keep the viewers’ eyes on the screen, it would be the film’s music and sound effects. Loud sounds enhanced the scenes that popped out at you that threw the viewer for an unexpected twist in the storyline.

Slow monotone music played with the sad scenes that created a despairing tone throughout. And upbeat sound effects matched the happy scenes, that made a compelling argument that the characters did something heroic.

The third installment of “Cloverfield” hoped to reach a new genre, combining sci-fi and horror, but never reached the highs of its forerunners, “Cloverfield” and “10 Cloverfield Lane.”

IGN Entertainment describes “The Cloverfield Paradox” as a paradox within itself. Split between trying to be a stand alone sci-fi space horror movie and a missing link in the “Cloverfield” myths, the film never truly succeeds at being either.

Critics believe The “Cloverfield” movies share similar storylines, but are not entirely connected. There are several theories that fans have created since the release of “Paradox” that characters from the previous movies are resurfacing in the upcoming film.

However, the most captivating part of “The Cloverfield Paradox” was the film’s release.

According to Time Magazine it was the movie industry’s first time announcing a sequel with a 30-second trailer, and immediately dropping the film on Netf lix that same day. A surprise Super Bowl announcement was the first time “Cloverfield” fans got a glimpse of the new film, although the $5 million trailer did not reveal who the cast was or that it was dropping that same night.

Fans took to Twitter describing their first impressions. One fan wrote that the Cloverfield’ sequel got gasps, but the reveal that it was premiering on Netf lix got screams.

It’s title, “Paradox,” spoke for the entire movie, as it never offered clear answers or a suspenseful plot. “The Cloverfield Paradox” seems left open for another sequel, where rumors have come about saying that “Cloverfield 4” will be released sometime in 2018. Where “Paradox” lacks in impressing the audience, its ending cliff hanger gives hope that the next movie will be more entertaining.

8 Student Life

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

‘The Vagina Monologues’ to donate profits to violence prevention center

DANIELLE ESTRADA STAFF WRITER

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ve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” return to Sonoma State University to tackle issues that are often avoided and to highlight the struggles women of all ages, sizes and races have to deal with daily.

This year the show will be donating its profits to Verity, a non-profit that strives to end all forms of violence such as sexual assault and abuse.

With a cast and crew of 72, The show will debut on Thursday and will run through Saturday, with all shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and taking place in Ballroom A of the Student Center.

In order to be part of the show, cast and crew members had to attend an initial informational meeting where they made the choice to sign up. They then had to attend other meetings where cast and crew got to know each other, network, educate one another on the play’s mission and more specifically, decide what the mission would be at Sonoma State.

There are four different roles a cast member can take part of; one of them being the official director of the show. This position comes with the responsibility of choosing co-directors that will work alongside them, usually with somewhat designated roles. There are also performers as well as a backstage crew called the “Backstage Babes.”

Julia Kistner, a junior communications major, joined “The Vagina Monologues” because of her older sister, Amy Kistner, who previously co-directed and promoted the show in 2015.

“She introduced me to what it means to be a feminist, and I am so grateful that she helped me find my home at SSU,” Kistner said. “I was picked to be a codirector by Sarah Kaden, who was chosen by last year’s directors.”

According to Kistner, being chosen to help direct this production has been a great honor and a life-changing experience. She, along with the rest of the crew, is striving to create a space for anyone and everyone who feels comfortable talking about femininity, transness, queerness, body positivity and other important topics that are not typically brought into light in this kind of way.

“We are seeking to promote only intersectional feminist ideals with this show,” Kistner said. “It is not feminism if it is not intersectional.”

Co-director of “The Vagina Monologues” Nikki West, a senior women and gender studies and communications major, said her favorite part about being involved with the show is the opportunity it gives her to facilitate discussions about feminism, queerness and social justice in general.

“This gives women on campus an outlet to talk about the topics that are not openly being discussed,” West said. “The show’s purpose, at least at Sonoma State, is to spread awareness of gender-based violence.”

According to West, she’s hoping the show will promote open and honest discussions about gender and sexuality, and will raise money for their beneficiary, Verity, which is Sonoma County’s only rape crisis center and hotline that also works to bring sexual assault prevention education to local youth.

“The Vagina Monologues” will raise money for Verity through ticket sales and merchandise sold at the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase shirts, chocolates, stickers and the option of directly donating money or menstrual products to Verity.

Suzie Littlewood, a senior anthropology major, is a cast member of “The Vagina Monologues” and will be performing the piece “Because He Liked to

STAR // Gustavo Vasquez Audience members cheer on a performer during last year’s Vagina Monologues.

Look at It.” According to Littlewood, everyone involved in the show has been nothing but incredible. She described them as passionate, motivated, enthusiastic, funny and some of the most supportive and wellintentioned people she’s had the chance to work with.

“I think people who’ve never heard about the show tend to judge it based on the name, but once people learn about it I think they’re really supportive overall,” Littlewood said. “It’s an entertaining show that benefits a great organization and a cause that everyone should get behind.”

Littlewood said, “It pushes some people outside of their comfort zone, but it’s educational. It expands people’s world views and shows them other people’s experiences.”

Littlewood said she is often blown away by the overwhelmingly positive feedback the show gets. She’s seen professors encourage their students to participate or attend the show and some even incentivize it.

“We also have a great support system from other clubs and groups on campus who help us advertise and sell tickets,” Littlewood said. “I’m really grateful for everyone on campus who supports us.”

Students compete in laser battles at Student Center

KATHRYN CATANZARITE

STAFF WRITER

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f you’re looking for new ways to meet people on campus, get involved in recreational activities or just have a good time, then you might want to look into the many activities hosted by Student Involvement.

Lazer Battles was a free event in the Ballrooms of the Student Center where students played free rounds of laser tag. Student Involvement transformed the Ballrooms into a laser tag arena with bunkers for students to hide behind as they played. Student Involement desiged Lazer Battles to be a game of seven versus seven, but students could also come as individuals and play.

Mo Phillips, director of Student Involvement, hopes to provide opportunities for students to get together, with Lobofest being one of the three involvement weeks that allow SSU students to participate in fun on-campus activities.

“Lobofest is one of three spirit weeks designed to promote community

spirit and tradition on campus,” Phillips said. Laser Battles on Thursday night was the final event of the week of Lobofest.

Student Involvement has also created a new program called Swipe2win where students can earn points for going to events and win prizes at the end of each month.

“Swipe2win is an opportunity for students to come out to events like Lazer Battles,” said Rob Smith, Campus Life Advisor for sports clubs. “The more times they see us at events and swipe their ID cards that’s more entries they get to win prizes at the end of the month.

“We also select grand prize winners at the end of the semester,” Smith said. “Last semester they had bluetooth headphones and visa gift cards.”

This semester Student Involvement is giving away prizes such as Warriors tickets. Prizes can be anything and everything.

Morgan Sterni, a senior political science major, is an employee of Student Involvement and attended the

STAR // Emily Jenkel Students go against each other this past Thursday at Lobofest’s Lazer Battles. event on Thursday.

“Lazer Battles is a fun interactive game,” Sterni said. “Everything we put on for students is free, so this is a free fun event if they’re just hanging out on campus.”

According to Mishelle Baltazar, a freshman liberal studies major, it was

nice going to the event and being with friends since she is not from Sonoma County and can’t easily go home.

Eliza Verlarde, a freshman and a pre-nursing major, enjoyed playing Laser Battles because she said it was the perfect way to have, “a good time with friends and not focus on school.”

Student Life 9

FEB. 13 - FEB. 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Seawolves SPEAK!

STEPHANIE BAUTISTA STAFF WRITER

How are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?

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ingle, taken or its complicated? This year the STAR brought the excitement to campus and went around asking Seawolves what their plans are for this year’s Valentine’s Day. Love day isn’t only for your significant other, you can also spoil your friends or maybe even your pets. If you need some ideas, check out what other Seawolves are doing this year. Whatever their relationship status may be, it seems like students are ready to celebrate in their own way.

“Well, I’m going to spend it with my Galentine, who is my best friend, and then I really want to go to The Melting Pot, but I’m balling on a budget, so we will probably go to Amy’s drive Thru.”

-Lily Vrbka, second year english major

“My boyfriend is going to take me out to dinner and then I think he is planning to take me to a drive-in movie, then we are going to add on to our three-year tradition of getting a hot fudge sundae at Fenton’s.”

-Roma Nawy, third year kinesiology major

“After my long day of work, I am going to go out to dinner, bake and decorate cookies with my gals. The most important part of Valentine’s Day is celebrating love and all the people you love in your life.”

-Megan Riley, fourth year Hutchins major

“I’ll be celebrating this Valentine’s Day the next day on the 15th, because my boyfriend and I both have class all day and by the time we will both get out it will be too late to go out to a restaurant. We decided that we will go out to a romantic dinner the next night and exchange gifts.”

-Jules Ruiz, second year psychology major

“This Valentine’s Day I plan on living my life like I would any other day. I will go to class, work, eat tacos and sleep. If I’m feeling lovey I might bring my friends some chocolate, who knows.”

-Melanie Luster, third year political science major

“I will be driving down to Carmel California to confess my complete utter love to the girl who has stolen my heart for the last two years. This will be the first time I tell her the way I feel about her. I’m ready and prepared to lay it all on the line in light of it being Valentine’s Day. -Xavier Martin, fourth year biology major

Escape to adventure with Outdoor Pursuits DANIELLE FACTOR

STAFF WRITER

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amping, backpacking and kayaking are just a few of the things you can do through the Sonoma State University Outdoor Pursuits program.

Whether you’re an outdoors type of person or a beginner, there’s something for everyone with Outdoor Pursuits.

Having begun in the early ‘90s, the Outdoor Pursuits program has brought together SSU students, faculty and staff who all share love for adventure in the outdoors. The program takes participants around California to do a variety of activities, and sometimes offer the option of an out-of-state trip. This semester students can choose to take a trip to the Grand Canyon.

“This program allows people of all skill levels to experience the great outdoors here in California,” said Tre Jones, outdoor pursuits programmer. “Students benefit a lot from being able to get away from campus, and those who attend our trips are able to form strong connections with one another and create friendships that will last outside of the trips.”

Jones said he is excited for the spring break which he called “a sort of a farewell tour of some national parks in the region,” Jones said. “Due to Trump reducing the size of some national parks, we thought it would be fun to offer students a chance to join us in exploring Zion Park, Bryce Canyon, Red Rocks and more really cool places.”

To sign up for a trip, students can visit the recreation center and mention the Outdoor Pursuits program to the front desk clerk, or they can sign up by filling out all the forms then and there.

Prices range from $60 to $260. However, the prices include everything you may need during the duration of the trip such as experienced instructors, campground permits, maps, group gear such as stoves, water filters, tents, and cooking kits.

“Although I have never gone on a trip with outdoor pursuits, I think it’s really awesome that it’s open to everyone,” said Zach Somola, a senior SSU student.

“Being able to bring friends from off campus makes the program so much better.”

Senior Jonathan Alley said that although he’s new to campus and hadn’t

heard of the Outdoor Pursuits program, he thinks the program could be really useful for those looking for a little escape from school.

“I love to go camping,” Alley said.

“It is super fun and allows me to get a little break from everything.”

Sonoma State senior student, Krystal Bacon, said she’s excited for the trips

Courtesy// SSU Campus Recreation to begin and cannot wait to go on new adventures with her friends.

“The price includes everything you need and it’s super easy to go on trips,” Bacon said. “I didn’t bring very much camping stuff with me when I came back from break, so it’s nice that I don’t have to go buy anything in order to take these trips.”

10 Sports

FEB. 13 - FEB 19, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Fresno Pacific snaps Seawolves’ four-game win streak ROLAND SCHMIDT STAFF WRITER

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s the second weekend of the collegiate baseball season came to a close, Sonoma State University walked away with one victory and two losses against Fresno Pacific, with each game of the series concluding as anything other than a pitcher’s duel.

In the first game of the weekend, Sonoma State unleashed its offensive firepower, defeating Fresno Pacific 14-2 in similar fashion to opening day when the Seawolves blanked Holy Names University 12-0.

On the afternoon, a slew of hitters were responsible for the offensive onslaught. Senior outfielder Bryce Nagata opened the scoring with a third-inning solo home run to left field – his first of three hits on the day.

In the following inning, Grant St. Martin smacked his second home run of the season, a two-run bomb to left field that set the score at 3-0. From there, the Seawolves wouldn’t look back.

To continue with the theme of the long ball, senior Jake Sahagian came to the plate in the sixth looking to increase Sonoma State’s commanding 5-0 lead.

With the bases juiced and one out, Sahagian drove an outside fastball to the opposite field, resulting in a grand-slam that pushed the lead to 9-0. He finished the day going two for five with five RBIs to his name.

In swatting the homer, Sahagian’s approach stayed consistent throughout the at-bat.

“In that at-bat, I was just trying to get a hit to help the team out in any way that I could and not try to do too much,” Sahagian said. “I just needed a pitch that I could get the job done with and drive in some runs.”

Sahagian’s blast erased any hope Fresno Pacific had of breaking back into the game, as the 9-0 deficit became too

much to overcome in the late innings. not replicate its offensive success from the night before for Although the offense is mainly to thank for the win, the the majority of the game, the bats did not surrender quietly, pitching staff also came ready to play, limiting the Fresno of- scoring eight runs in the final two innings despite an 18-run fense to two runs on four hits and four walks. deficit. Home runs from Anthony Clyma, Alex Emerick, and Dominic Garihan took the mound to start the game, St. Martin helped bring the score to 19-9. hurling five innings of one-hit ball without allowing a runEven with the attempted comeback, 19 runs was more ner to cross the plate. Succeeding Garihan, Michael Warning than enough to hand Sonoma State its first loss of the season. pitched the sixth and seventh innings, giving up two runs on In the subsequent game of the doubleheader, the Sunthree hits and and three walks. Ultimately, the two runs cred- birds’ once again lit up Sonoma State pitching, doing so imited to him wouldn’t matter, as Nicolas Vega shut the door for mediately with an 11-run bottom of the first. Surprisingly, the the final six outs – helping Garihan earn his first victory of pitching staff managed to hold Fresno to only four runs for the season. the remainder of the game.

With Friday’s 14-2 triumph in the rearview mirror, SatOn the offensive side of the ball, Sonoma State carried its urday’s double-header provided fans with a bit of a different momentum from the final innings of the previous game into tune – a tune that included multiple pummelings at the hands this one – scoring seven runs over the course of nine inof Fresno Pacific’s offense. nings. But, the Sunbirds’ gongshow from the In his second start on the bump this season, jufirst inning became too difficult to overcome nior pitcher Tyson Canfield struggled to find the strike – earning themselves a 15-7 win and series zone, hitting two batters in the bottom of the third victory. The loss drops the Seawolves to inning, which eventually resulted in a three-run 4-2 on the season with a home showdown home run off the bat of senior infielder Hunter against Chico State on the horizon over Villanueva to provide the Sunbirds with a 3-0 the weekend. lead.

Even with the series loss, Sahagian remained Following the homer, Canfield took the positive about what’s next to come for the boys in mound in the fourth but continued to stumblue and white. ble after allowing a double and a single three batters “We have a great vibe going on right now,” into the inning. He was then replaced by sophomore Sahagian said. “Everyone is trusting one pitcher Kyle Stevenson, who was ineffective as another and it’s a great sight to see. We well and got knocked around for six runs in an just have to stay positive heading attempt to limit the damage. From that point into this next series and prepare on, Fresno continued to smack the ball all ourselves for a fun, over the yard, and before they knew it, the tough weekend Seawolves found themselves trailing 16-0 against this comat the end of the sixth inning. petitive conferSTAR // Emily Jenkel Although Sonoma State could ence.”

Senior pitcher Michael Warning.

Sports Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 13 Women’s Golf Mikuni Sushi Shootout Wednesday, Feb. 14 Softball vs Dominican 2 p.m.

Men’s Basketball @ Cal Poly Pomona 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Tennis @ UC Santa Cruz 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17

Women’s Basketball @ Cal State San Bernardino 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Track @ FPU Sunbird Invitational

Friday, Feb. 16

Men’s Tennis @ UC Davis 10 a.m.

Softball vs Cal State Dominguez Hills Noon & 2 p.m.

Softball vs Cal State Dominguez Hills 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Women’s Basketball @ Cal Poly Pomona 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Waterpolo vs Fresno Pacific 1 p.m.

Men’s Basketball @ Cal State San Bernardino 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18 Women’s Tennis vs Westmont (in Santa Cruz)

Water polo team down four to start the season JESSICA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

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inus four for the ladies in blue. Last weekend Sonoma State University’s women’s water polo team traveled down to San Diego for the season opener.

This, unfortunately, was not in favor of Sonoma State, losing all four matches this season. However, these matches will only prepare it to continue on with its season and improve for the rest of its 2018 games.

Sonoma State played some top teams this weekend, including top-seeded USC. Following that game, Sonoma State played Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and the Iona Killians. The first two games, USC and UCSB, took place on Saturday, while the Santa Clara and Iona matches were held on Sunday.

The Seawolves hit the water bright and early, starting off their first match against USC. Freshman Taylor Brooks put SSU on the board with her first collegiate goal. This was also the only goal Sonoma State made during the game.

“It felt great getting my first collegiate goal against a team like USC,” Brooks said.

During the match junior goalie Lisa Rodarmel started off the game and held USC with six saves in the cage. Rodarmel said her team motivated her.

“I think we know now that we can compete against top teams and stay in the competition,” she said. “We played our best that game so we need to remember this moment throughout the rest of this 2018 season.”

For the last 16 minutes of this USC match, freshman Brooke Sullivan jumped into the water, replacing Rodarmel during her first Sonoma State game. Sullivan had only four saves. Sonoma State lost 13-1.

After the tough loss against USC, Sonoma State battled it out again in the water for a game two against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.

With only a few seconds into the match, junior Jordan Williams tied up the game 1-1. Things were looking up for the Seawolves, but the four points earned during the UC Santa Barbara match was not enough for SSU to come back and claim a win. Sonoma State stayed down by six during the second match, with the final score at 10-4.

Continuing with the weekend invitational, SSU women’s water polo lost to Santa Clara 6-3 and once more against the Iona Killians 9-6.

The Seawolves said these tough losses would not defeat them.

“I feel like we definitely could have done better, but these were the first games of the season; we’re learning how to click as a team. This was also a learning experience. We know what we need to work on now for this season, so it’s back to the practice grind,” incoming freshman Cydney Bell said.

“I feel that as the season progresses we will get closer as a team and tweak the areas we need a little more work in. This invitational was eye-opening for what we can improve on for 2018,” Rodarmel said.

Sonoma State women’s water polo will have its next game at 1 p.m. on Saturday at home against Fresno Pacific.

STAR // Mikki Taylor Sophomore guard Brandon Tillis defends his opponent.

Seawolves fall to Gators TANNER GUNNING STAFF WRITER

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he Sonoma State Men’s basketball team looked to stop their four-game losing streak when they went down to face the Gators of San Francisco State. The Seawolves were coming off of a tough weekend at home where they lost two close games in front of a packed Wolves’ Den. The Seawolves came out firing, led by guard Lewayne Grant, who scored nine points out of the team’s first 12 in the first 9:27 of the game. The Seawolves, though never leading, had the Gators within striking distance for much of the first half.

They had the game close at 20-22 with 7:23 to go when the Gators made their push to end the first half. Once San Francisco State started to make baskets, there was no stopping them. The Gators went on a 21-9 push to end the first half, and to extend their lead to 14, making the game 43-29 at the halfway point.

“We definitely did not come out strong. They were making their shots and we just couldn’t match them and their intensity in the first half,” starting guard Brandon Tillis said.

But, as this team has shown us all year, no lead is safe. Armani Nicolis and the Seawolves started to march their way back, as they have done for most of the games where their trailing.

Down 14, they started to inch their way back, with baskets from Isaac Davison and Nicolis himself.

“I think once the pressure was off and we were down double digits, we played a lot more freely,” Nicolis said.

“We started playing for each other more once facing a large deficit which gave us energy and momentum. We definitely do play better when fighting back from behind, it allows us to be more free,” guard Jordan Fleck said.

“When the second half came around we started to play a little more as a unit. We did an awesome job of fighting our way back but the whole we dug ourselves was just a little too deep tonight,” said Tillis.

He was right; and the hard charge was too little too late, as the Gators couldn’t be stopped and ended up beating the visiting Seawolves 84-79. The Seawolves are off for the week and then travel down south to face a couple of conference opponents in Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino.

“If we play the right way and defend we can win games,” Nicolis said.

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STAR // Christine Von Raesfeld Junior point guard Serena Santos drives past her defender. Santos scored 12 points with 57 percent shooting against San Francisco State University to aid the team’s blowout victory.

Seawolves blow Gators out of the water JENO VELTRI

STAFF WRITER

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oming off a close win in their last home game against Cal State San Marcos, 75-69, the Sonoma State University women’s basketball team was determined to continue that momentum on the road last weekend.

Sonoma State took its talents to face San Francisco State with a Saturday evening matchup hoping to come out with a big win.

Senior guard Madison Burroughs said, “The team

knew we had to step up and secure this win, and we had the week to prepare and only had to focus on San Francisco since it was a single game weekend.”

The Seawolves started off Saturday evening with a slow start by allowing San Francisco State to get a quick advantage by leading the way after the first quarter.

After a well contested first half, the Seawolves wasted no time when they began to catch fire in the third quarter and never looked back after shots began to fall.

The Seawolves hit a remarkable 15 of 20 shots

that formulated a 37-13 run over a 15-minute span which helped them take the rest of the game with ease after such a strong push towards the end of the game.

“Even though we had a slow start we wanted to tire them out, which we eventually did in the start of the third quarter, which led us to winning,” said sophomore forward Ugochi Anudokem.

The Seawolves in the end coasted to secure a victory with a score of 77-57.

The Seawolves showcased a great shooting display in this victory, while shooting 53.3 percent (32 of 60) from the floor, 66.7 percent from three-point range, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.

Kim Savio, Anudokem, Burroughs, and Serena Santos led the Seawolves’ shooting heroics. Savio lead the team with a double-double with 13 points, 11 total rebounds, while shooting 50 percent (5 of 10) from the floor in 19 minutes played.

Santos contributed towards the Seawolves’ success with 12 points, while shooting 57.1 percent (4 of 7) from the floor, in 23 combined minutes played.

Burroughs and Anudokem also contributed towards their team’s victory by both picking up 10 points, with Anudokem shooting 62.5 percent (5 of 8) from the floor, and Burroughs shooting 40 percent (4 of 10) from the field.

With the victory, the Seawolves record moved to 10-12, 7-11 in CCAA which gives them a shot at placing in the CCAA championship tournament in the upcoming weeks.

“We knew we had to win this game to solidify our chances of us making the playoffs,” Anudokem said.

The team said the momentum of this victory is just what the Seawolves need to carry on in the upcoming weeks, continue to finish strong on a hardfought season and eventually go into the postseason.

“I think the team is so much better than when we were at the start of the season, both offensively and defensively,” Anudokem said. “We gel together well and can make really good reads every time we play together.”

The Seawolves will head out south next weekend for their final two road games where they will meet Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino. The two matchups will tip-off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Softball team break even with UCSD Tritons TATIANA SERRANO STAFF WRITER

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he Sonoma State University softball team finally played its first league series games of the spring 2018 season. After splitting the matchups, the unit was brought to an overall record of 5-4.

Friday was an interesting day for the team as it began with a difficult loss of 9-1.

As a result of this game the team realized it needed to “sharpen up defensively a little bit … and continue to hit on early in the game,” said Brielle Vidmar.

The Tritons entered the game strong as they scored three runs each in the first and second inning. The two teams each kept a strong defense as neither team was able to score in the third inning. However, the Tritons slipped in one run in the fourth inning and two in the fifth inning. The Seawolves refused to let the team fully sweep them, with Alex Flores was able to score home.

“UCSD capitalized on our defensive and offensive mistakes,” Lindsey Calcany Blair said. Sonoma State was extremely low in hitting during this game, as its hitting record was exactly half as much as San Diego. San Diego managed to get a record of 12 hits within the game, compared to six for Sonoma State.

The second game was better for the Seawolves as they picked up a win of 2-0. As an example of a total turn around, Cameron Kirtlan slammed a triple to the right cen-

ter. This game brought much excitement and intensity to the team.

Vidmar said, “It was great to come out victorious in that situation.” Even though the Seawolves only scored in the first inning by Julie Davis and by Alyssa Cuffia in the fourth inning, they managed to prevent the Tritons from scoring the whole game with the help of Vidmar with a four hit shutout.“Brielle had a great shutout victory for us,” Calcany Blair said.

Saturday provided a clean slate for the team with another win of 4-2 and a close loss of 8-5. Both teams were struggling with their hitting, as neither team was able to score in the first and second inning. The Seawolves were finally able to score two runs within the third inning and fourth inning by Brigid Ruiz, Flores, Sarah Langley, and Cuffia. The Tritons managed to get their chance to squeeze two runs in the fifth inning.

The Seawolves and the Tritons battled a close game to end the weekend.

“UCSD had some big hitters to give them some clutch homers,” Calcany Blair said.

The Tritons started off the game with six runs in the first inning. Then the Seawolves fought with two runs in the third inning, one in the fourth inning, and lastly two in the fifth inning. But as much as the Seawolves tried, the Tritons ended up on top with a final two runs in the sixth inning.

The girls will be back Wednesday for their first home game against Dominican University at 2 p.m.

sonomaseawolves.com (Left to right) Junior pitcher Brielle Vidmar, junior infield Alex Flores, and senior catcher Sarah Langley of the SSU softball team.

Athlete Spotlight: Madison Burroughs

TANNER GUNNING STAFF WRITER

One Thousand points. the number itself, in any sport, brings to mind great accomplishments, especially in the world of women’s collegiate basketball. At Sonoma State University, there have only been four other women to score one thousand points in their career; Jann Thorpe who has the most points ever scored by a female player with 1,575 career points, along with Tara Whiteside, Nicole Fischer and Genny Anderson. Then came Maddison Burroughs. The senior guard from Alamo, California became the fifth player in the program ever score 1,000 points during last Saturday’s game at home versus Cal State San Marcos. Her accomplishment was then followed by a standing ovation from the crowd, and a key victory in their season.

“Personally, it is a reminder that hard work and grit pays off without you even having to realize what exactly you are working hard towards, it is a milestone that holds a valuable reminder to that effort,” Burroughs said.

Her efforts and success this season have been largely supplemented by her coach Rich Shayewitz.

“Rich has meant a lot to me this past year. I was very grateful he stepped in as our head coach when our team needed him the most. While it is unfortunate not being able to have a full career under his coaching, I am making the most of the time I have with him and this team,” she said.

STAR // Mikki Taylor Burroughs says being a part of the team is her greatest feeling. According to her, the most gratifying part of the last four years has been Senior guard Madison Burroughs fends off her defender as “the lifelong relationships I have formed with my teammates.” she drives around her.

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Students put under spell by hypnotist

STAR // Justin Santos Paul Ramsay hypnotizes students and puts them to sleep.

STAR // Justin Santos The audience participates in a relaxation exercise with Paul Ramsay.

STAR // Justin Santos STAR // Justin Santos Paul Ramsay has students hold their heads while they are hypnotizes

Students hypnotized to pretend they are playing guitars with their tongues.

STAR // Emily Jenkel Malachi Jones lining up his target at Lazer Battle in the Student Ballroom on Thursday night.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld Becca DeMent, member of the Vegan Club, talks to interested students at the Spring Involvement Fair on Wednesday.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld Students sign up for Phi Sigma Sigma’s Spring Recruitment.

STAR // Emily Jenkel Katie Robbins prepares to shoot her target.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld The Vagina Monologues cast advertise their upcoming shows.