Volume 81 // Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Rohnert Park public safety Read about the recent and upcoming changes to Rohnert Park’s public safety department on PAGE 4.

Women’s golf

Women in Conversation

Learn about the women’s golf team’s first place aspirations on PAGE 10.

Find out what different inspiring women, including President =Judy Sakaki, have gone through on PAGE 8.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 81 // ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 8, 2018

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

Confidant relocating to dorm office EMILY TWISSELMANN STAFF WRITER

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COURTESY // Petaluma Police Department Tyler Bratton, from Santa Rosa, is set to be relleased from jail on Oct. 17.

Man pleads guilty to dorm room stabbing ASHLEY GIESEKE STAFF WRITER

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yler Bratton, 20, plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and unlawfully possessing a knife on school campus.

He will be released from jail on Oct. 17 and be placed on three years of probation if the judge approves the settlement agreement, according to the Press Democrat.

Bratton will have spent 157 days in jail.

Bratton stabbed 26-year-old Steven John Garcia to death in the bathroom of a dorm in Sauvignon Village on the night of May 13.

The dorm room belonged to student Riley O’Rourke, who was finishing out her freshman year at the university. She testified that her friend Bratton killed Garcia in self defense. Other witnesses testified that Garcia was indeed an intruder and was forcing his way in to confront O’Rourke before he was killed.

Junior Isabelle Briseno, who is an active member on campus, believes that three years probation isn’t enough for the crime that was committed; “It’s hard to believe it was self defense because no one knows the exact story that happened that night. It makes me more cautious around campus.”

Junior Karina Dulberg also agreed with the statement made by Briseno. “ Bratton should definitely be in prison for a long time because he took someone else’s life. We truly don’t have any way of actually knowing if it was completely in self defense.” Dulberg further questioned the safety of themself and their peers, saying, “It freaks me out... that since he is being released he could come back.”

The Press Democrat spoke to Bratton’s lawyer Lynette Brown who said she believes Bratton’s actions were in self defense to protect himself and O’Rourke from further repercussions. Brown also said that they chose this plea deal because it would allow for a shorter sentence.

ince April, Sonoma State Victim’s Advocate, Susan Polido, has been operating from the student affairs office on the third floor of the student center. Polido’s difficult work can be described, part, by her official title: Confidential Sexual Violence Victim’s Advocate. As for the students who’ve experienced her current office situation, it’s safe to say that they understand it’s shortcomings in providing a confidential space. Many students have found that Polido’s office doesn’t allow for the confidentiality required for the position.

By nature, all of what Polido is working to achieve is greatly influenced by the space that she is given to exist and conduct work in. Unfortunately, her current space does not adequately serve the needs of her students, as it is not very private.

This is all about to change; within the next two weeks, Polido will be given a comfortable new office space in the Beaujolais community. The positive impact that her new office in Classico 117 and it’s accessibility will have on Sonoma State students is expected to increase.

At Thursday’s Academic Senate meeting, Polido went into even more detail regarding her position. For victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, abusive relationships, and more, Polido said, “I provide individualized, compassionate support…and I do this all in a nonjudgmental space.”

Polido specified that she isn’t employed under Sonoma State’s Title IX services. Rather, she states, her services are more open ended, and mostly fall underneath the umbrella of health and wellness.

Title IX services generally deal with official proceedings and internal investigations regarding reported sexual assaults.

Thanks to Executive Order 1097, Polido is permitted to communicate with and work alongside Police Services, Title IX, Residential Life and victims’ professors without even having to disclose personal or specific information.

Fostering a healthy social environment and eliminating sexual assault are goals that fall under both Title IX and Polido’s agendas. Ultimately, their mutual intentions are to educate and cooperate with students to empower them to reach a place of healing.

However, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

The tricky part is that all Sonoma State and Title IX staff are mandated to report and investigate every sexual assault that they have knowledge of — this includes professors, administrators, RAs, peer mentors, and student employees. While this procedure is put in place to protect our community and the well being of students, the fact of the matter is that students don’t have a choice in reporting their trauma when they speak to mandated reporters.

Unlike every other Sonoma State staff member Polido is not a mandated reporter. What this means

is that when students confide their personal, traumatic experiences with Polido, she doesn’t have to open an investigation or file a report to Police Services and Title IX. This is all intended to return the deserved power of decision-making to the student-victims.

Polido, of course, encourages everyone to report.

In fact, according to her, every time she reaches out to students she highlights the importance of gathering evidence and building a case. In reality, she also understands not all students have interest in doing so. By providing students with accurate information regarding their options, a non-judgmental, safe space to process their experience, and a chance to simply

STAR // Braden Cartwright Susan Polido doesn’t currently have her own office, making the confidentiality aspect of her position more difficult talk about what happened, Polido helps students in their path to recovery.

Polido stresses the fact that she is not a therapist.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and oftentimes between these hours, Polido dedicates herself to assisting survivors by other means: through education, collaboration and confidential listening.

According to information found on Sonoma State’s Counseling and Psychological Services Polido is experienced in providing assistance to victims regardless of their age, sex, socioeconomic status, gender, ability or sexual orientation. In addition, she also has years of experience and training in crisis management and health education.

Polido is certified to empower victims through accompanying them to emergency room visits, forensic testing, medical appointments, police meetings and legal questionings. “Basically, I accompany the victim along the healing journey in whatever capacity they’d like,” she said.

On her opinion of Polido, peer mentor and second year communications major Yulianna Cisneros said, “I’m Susan Polido’s biggest fan. I think she’s amazing and a great resource for students on campus.”

Associated Students push student vote affect them. In the upcoming election, we are voting for a new governor, who sets the budget for public STAFF WRITER colleges in California, affecting our campus. he lack of college-aged voters in past elections has So far, student involvement has seen a significant resulted in a push to get students to register to vote increase in voter registration among Sonoma State in the upcoming November election. Sonoma State’s students by their encouraging efforts. The last day to student leadership department, Associated Students, register is October 22 to be able to vote the election has been working hard to encourage students to on November 6. To register, students can go to the register in order to vote. website, registertovote.ca.gov. When registering, Low voter turnout among young adults has been students will see a tab that allows them to enter in their college campus so that an ongoing issue for many years it contributes to the campuses and college campuses around overall points in the Ballot California are encouraging Bowl Competition. students to register. One of Associated Students said it the ways college campuses will be tabling with more inforare combating this issue is mation on the propositions and by establishing a competition candidates that will be on the between all CSUs, UCs, November ballot. Associated and Community Colleges in Students recommends students California to see which campus to check their county’s regiscan get the most students trar office for more information to register. The competition about the voting process. is called the “California “My last piece of advice University and College Ballot would be for students to request Bowl.”

Vote-by-Mail ballots from “California is home to your county registrar’s office. many great college rivalries, If any students have questions, and our students love a good they can come to the student competition – that’s why we government office,” said are launching the Ballot Bowl,” Chatterley.

California’s Secretary of State “I think Associated StuAlex Padilla said. dents efforts to get students regSonoma State University is istered to vote is beneficial beparticipating in the competition cause their voices will be heard and is currently in second STAR // Natalie Dolan in the upcoming elections,” said place.

Carley Chatterley, Associated Students president, Luke Gover tells fellow student Pierce Woodward the benefits of voting in the upcoming junior kinesiology major Alex Farfan. said, “The Associated Students election, at the Health and Wellness Fair.

LUKAS BROWN

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is encouraging as many students as possible to register to vote. We are tabling in the plaza a few days a week, speaking in classrooms, reaching out to club leaders, and sending out emails.” This is in the effort to not only encourage students to register, but to make a difference in the upcoming election.

Chatterley went on by saying that voting in elections is one of the most important things that those who are eligible participate in. Most college students don’t realize that the propositions and candidates on the ballot could directly

2 Editorial

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

THE STAR Editorial Board Kendall Grove, Editor-in-Chief Braden Car twright, News Editor Luis Mejia, Opinion Editor Ashley Napier, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Haley Kara, Student Life Editor Brennan Craig, Spor ts Editor Alyssa Archerda, Photo Editor Lukas Brown, Adver tising Manager Christine Von Raesfeld, Social Media Manager Savannah Lizarraga, Copy Editor Gillian Chaffer, Copy Editor Mandela Linder, Copy Editor Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser Staff Writers Morgan Arancio, Jessica Bennett, Analy Bravo, Kelly Britton, Lukas Brown, Madeleine Brown, Nicholas Ceschin, Gillian Chaffer, Mar tin Contreras, Christian Francisco, Alex Funchess, Ashley Gieseke, Teresa Maria Gulli, Amanda Hadley, Emily Hoffman, Laurie Kelso, Mandela Linder, Nina Lopez, Mariah Maldonado, Emiliana Mar tinez, Carly Olsen, Kathleen Perry, Joseph Piombo, Kailey Priest, Renee Rodgers, Alison Snider, Jennifer Spence, Natalya Swensen, Michelle Tadlock, Emily Twisselmann

Photographers Mariah Ponce, Luis Madrigal, Natalie Dolan, Kaylie Boettner

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

Editor’s Pick This week’s can’t miss article: “Inspiring women share life stories during ‘Women in Conversation’”

Staff writer Kailey Priest writes about the inspirational women who spoke during the event.

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.

COURTESY // Alexander Long

Measure W will support first responders

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he Sonoma State campus and downtown Cotati are in danger of not having a team of first responders at our fingertips if Measure W does not pass this midterm election season.

Measure W will be on the ballot this November to prevent the shut down of the Rancho Adobe fire department. This department comprises the first responders that respond to any emergency calls from Sonoma State, Cotati, Penngrove and Liberty Valley.

Responding to the fatal dorm room stabbing of last spring and every call made from downtown Cotati about an overly intoxicated college student and countless other events are among the things that the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District (RAFPD) does to keep the Sonoma State community safe.

Without adequate funding, the station is in jeopardy of closing down, costing hundreds of firefighters their jobs resulting in no nearby first responders to protect our campus.

RAFPD has had to deal with multiple monetary issues within the past year. After the October wildfires, Sonoma County decreased property tax by $16 million, which decreased the department’s share of the property tax payments by $63,200. Another concern for the station is that the Graton Casino pays the county $2 million a year to compensate for the amount of public safety issues they may possess and for the added workload on public safety officers. That $2 million is divided among agencies within

the county and RAFPD usually receives $300,000 of that fund, but the money that the Casino pays was only a part of a 5-year deal with the county and expires in 2019 with no promise of renewal.

If Measure W does not pass this midterm election season, the Sonoma State campus, Penngrove, Cotati and Liberty Valley can expect response times to double meaning emergency medical calls could take twice as long to respond to, and a spike in the cost of homeowners insurance.

The Rancho Adobe fire department has set out on a campaign to approve Measure W, addressing important issues that they have faced since 1993. With response calls increasing 250 percent and still only receiving a parcel tax of $40 a year from each single family household in their district, RAFPD could see its stations shut down like that of the mortgage meltdown of 2007, according to their informational flyer.

These are not the department’s only issues. Full-time firefighters working under RAFPD make, on average, 22 percent less than their fellow firefighters at other stations as well as only receiving a pension of two-percent a year compared to other stations whose workers make 3 percent. For the department’s 20 part-time workers, they are at even more of a disadvantage.

Their part-time employees made only $11 an hour until March 2018 when it was increased to

$15. To put this in perspective, a McDonald’s crew member on average makes $10 an hour and Jersey Mike’s team member makes between $15-$18 an hour. With these unfortunate circumstances, it has become increasingly difficult to attract more employees when other stations have better pay and benefits.

With their employees grossly underpaid, Measure W sets to right the wrongs that RAFPD employees have faced over the past 25 years. A “YES” on Measure W means that fire stations will remain open 24/7, necessary upkeep of equipment including fire engines, their part time employees will become full-time and all of this will be funded by replacing the $40 a year parcel tax with a $300 a year parcel tax. This would only cost homeowners 82 cents per day, with “a maximum 3 percent annual adjustment for inflation,” according to their informational flyer, with an annual audit to show how revenue is spent to remain honest.

Sonoma State students do not pay a dime of the $300 a year parcel tax. These costs are only supported by local homeowners in their district. Although that may come off as unappealing, many other districts make up to $500 a year through either a special or parcel tax, one of those districts being Bodega Bay. This measure greatly benefits Sonoma State students and homeowners alike, to keep our district safe. Make sure to vote “YES” on Measure W on November 6.

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.

Opinion 3

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Kavanaugh hearing sparks uproar around sexual assault

KATHLEEN PERRY STAFF WRITER

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ast Thursday, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Professor Christine Blasey Ford took part in an official hearing to debate an alleged sexual assault that took place 36 years ago. Both Kavanaugh and Ford gave highly emotional testimonies while Democrats and Republicans took their turns accusing politically-charged ulterior motives.

Ultimately, the case ended in a he-saidshe-said disagreement, similar to many sex-

ual assault cases.

The hearing came at a peak moment of time since the accusation came out right before the vote that would move Kavanaugh closer to becoming a judge on the Supreme Court. This led many politicians to question possible underlying motives for the accusation, which left them asking Ford why she never reported sooner.

“I’m not ever telling anyone this. This is nothing, it didn’t happen, and he didn’t rape me,” Ford told the Washington Post when describing her feelings after leaving the party where she was attacked. She also stated during her testimony a few other reasons including that she did not want her parents to know she was at a party drinking beers with boys and that she was thankful to have gotten out of the attack alive.

There are many reasons why people do not report a sexual assault: shame, embarrassment, confusion, fear that nobody will believe them, fear that they will be blamed, fear of being powerless . . . with the list continuing on. Ford had her own reasons for not reporting. However, when she finally did come forward to tell her story, it ended in a

hours-long hearing with inconclusive results.

These results allowed her alleged assaulter to still be in the running to become a powerful judge on the most superior court in America.

According to the Huffington Post, 99 percent of perpetrators of sexual violence will walk free. This alarmingly high number comes from a deeper problem: people are not reporting their assaults.

According to the anti-sexual violence organization Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), roughly 69 percent of assaults go unreported.

The accusations against Kavanaugh came forward at a time when there have been many movements to shine light on on sexual violence. Many women have been coming forward with their own stories via social media with hashtags being used as a powerful way to unite victims and show the staggering number of them.

In addition, the problem of not reporting, there is also a problem with how reported cases are dealt with. For the cases that do get reported, they rarely end with actual charges, and only 4 to 5 percent of reported sexual assault incidents resulted in conviction accord-

Trump’s U.N. speech echoes struggle, but promises progress

Smart devices stir concern in the home

NICK CESCHIN STAFF WRITER

TERESA GULLI

STAFF WRITER

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e are living in the future. It may be a different one than what we fantasized on television with flying cars and personable A.I., but a world of voice-activated microwaves and wall clocks that set timers for themselves is in many ways just as revolutionary.

Recently, Amazon unveiled a series of household appliances adding to their new smart house trend, according to CNET. In preface and in fairness, we already have digital refrigerators and speakers capable of adding items to a grocery list to be charged and delivered through one’s Amazon account. But a voice activated microwave may be too far.

Some of the products Amazon has set to release soon are voice activated microwaves, clocks, security cameras, security camera installation and smart lock installations, with most of them functioning through WiFi. But voice activated devices may not be in our favor when it comes to the future of technology.

This is where privacy will take a decline. There is a slow transition into a new transparent world where each and everyone wants to fully project their life online and adapt to the appealing appliances that seem to make tasks easier for them.

This is also where the start of invasion of privacy truly begins. The Amazon company has knowledge of every item ordered using their Amazon Echo (Alexa) system, as items automatically get added to the cart when demanded, almost like security recordings of a person’s lifestyle.

Turning your house into a smart house does have its benefits. After all, having a home security system is the largest reason for creating of a smart home and cloud technology. Having the ability to see who is at your doorstep is revolutionary from a safety perspective.

Laura Heller of Forbes reports that although it brings safety to your footsteps, it may potentially bring danger to the cloud, where most of a person’s information is stored.

The idea of a safe and smart home sounds ideal, but ultimately, not knowing what we are putting into our homes could affect our privacy. There could be hacking of the cloud where the tapes are stored, glitches or even wear and tear due to time itself.

If safety and efficiency is the number one reason to incorporate these items in our everyday life, we must take the time to fully read into everything that we buy. That being said, according to CNBC, Amazon has already teamed up with Lennar Corporation, a home construction company, for the modeling of the first fully functional smart homes.

The more advanced the products are in the technological world, the more that consumers want something new and different. Perhaps having a smart home isn’t the route we want our reality to take; that television is not as it is cracked up to seem.

Consumers have watched a fake reality for many years that use these appliances, but are still unaware of the harms that this could have on society. Companies express to us that products are a must-have in the household or everyday life even if they hold the power to threaten modern society.

Of course, people want to keep up-to-date with the latest gadgets, but not everyone needs to be unison when purchasing the same items.

As we continue to make these decisions on whether or not we want a smart home, we must be smart of our choices of what we choose to reveal to technology versus what we don’t. It is worth remembering that technology has the power to take over our lives.

ing to one study reported by the Daily Press.

After Trump directly tweeted out about Ford not reporting sooner, thousands of women and men began tweeting responses about why they never reported in support of Ford. “#WhyIDidntReport because the first time I did for a serious sexual assault as a teenager nothing came of it, and later I felt that I wasn’t important enough to make a big deal over,” actress Mira Sorvino tweeted.

Many sexual assault cases end with few real consequences for the attackers, as the Ford and Kavanaugh story appears it will as well. People are questioning why so many assaults go unreported? That is why.

This case was important because it reminded abusers that their past can catch up with them, regardless of who they were, who they are, or who they could be. Whether the actions occurred an hour before or decades, wrongful behavior will always linger.

The Ford-Kavanaugh hearings should never have been made to seem like a partisan agenda. At the end of the day, whether democrat or republican, sexual assault is sexual assault and should be treated as such.

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erhaps it’s time that we all take a step back and hold America to a higher standard than just simple peace offerings. Maybe it’s time, as Americans, to encourage our representatives to answer the problems of the rest of the world with not only open arms but closed fists; to love our friends and at the same time not be trampled by political correctness, shame or guilt.

Last week, President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations, paying tribute to America’s prosperities of the past two years, noting that, “In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country.” The audience laughed.

The U.N. speech was mostly a declaration, or even a display, of tradi-

tional American values. Trump stood on stage and declared America a power that puts the protection of its people first, alongside fair trade and interaction with the people of all other nations.

Trump spoke to the record funding for our military: 700 billion dollars this year, 716 billion dollars next year and a 2.4 percent pay increase for military members.

In regards to North Korea, Trump said, “Nuclear testing has stopped.

Some military facilities are already being dismantled. Our hostages have been released. And as promised, the remains of our fallen heroes are being returned home to lay at rest in American soil.”

What stands out isn’t what Trump said, but what it actually proves true: a cold war with North Korea since the 1980s that has begun to slowly deteriorate as facilities are slowly being taken down and the last of the American hostages have been released. Perhaps, after all, justice comes from a mixture of friendship and friction, as it would appear is Trump’s tactic for negotiating with countries that pose threats to the United States.

According to Trump, ISIS has been driven out of the territory that they once held in Iraq and Syria. An article by TIME points out that in the years since the nuclear deal with the Obama Administration, Iran’s military

budget grew nearly 40 percent. To this day, however, it is not clear how a deal that provides a hostile country with more military power will aid the U.S. or the rest of the world in any way.

Towards the end of his speech, Trump claimed, “Only when each of us does our part and contributes our share can we realize the UN’s highest aspirations. We must pursue peace without fear, hope without despair and security without apology.”

Reading this back, it really is just a calling on all nations to come together to achieve these common goals. Yet Nic Robertson of CNN calls out Trump for being rather pompous during his U.N. declaration. “The longer he spoke, the more portentous it became. ‘We will never surrender America’s sovereignty . . . And we embrace the doctrine of patriotism.’”

As a proud American, stating that America is governed by Americans should not be viewed as portentous, but as a truly just statement. Water is wet, the sky is blue, America is governed by Americans. One should never feel guilty for showing pride for one’s own country, whether from America or New Zealand or Saudi Arabia or France. There is no shame to be had for loving the country one stands with.

However, in any language and culture, there is shame in having contempt for your own country.

Psychedelics join fight against mental illness illegal drug in the United States, many countries like the Netherlands, Jamaica, Brazil and more have all legalized the drug. The U.S. may soon come next.

Many researchers do not know why psilocybin does what it does. But Dr. Carhart-Harris, a UK scientist, stated that “psilocybin can “reset” the brains of people with untreatable depression, according to BBC News.

GILLIAN CHAFFER STAFF WRITER

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rugs of all kinds remain a controversial subject, but psychedelics in particular, are very taboo. With its rise in popularity dating back to the “hippie” era of the 60s and 70s, hallucinogens like LSD and magic mushrooms have been the inspiration behind many songs and fashion trends.

Though many look down upon the impact of psychedelic drugs on society, many have proven to give positive experiences to those going through illness.

The main chemical in what many refer to as magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a chemical that occurs naturally in these fungi. This chemical is what gives users a psychedelic experience, which can be accompanied by visual and audible hallucinations, as well as making the individual feel like they are having an out-of-body-experience.

Though magic mushrooms are seen as a party drug or drug to boost creativity, recent studies have proven that this chemical may be able to help those suffering with mental illnesses.

Though magic mushrooms are an

Carhart Harris studied psychedelics for many years, and determined that the chemicals can have positive, lasting effects. Though mushrooms essentially treat or reset one’s brain, the research for mushrooms assisting those with other mental illnesses like anxiety or even PTSD are very intriguing.

In fact, according to The Psychedelic Society, studies tested on those with depression and anxiety collected that “80 percent of patients report improved well-being or life satisfaction for up to six months from just a single dose.” A typical single dose for a normal person is around three and a half grams of the drug, with a high lasting four to six hours. Unlike medications that treat depression that are needed to be taken everyday, shrooms can have positive effects for half of a year, with only one high needed for its effect to take place.

Many individuals who take the drug agree that it is a very spiritual experience, that helps them associate with nature and themselves.

As mentioned, shrooms are not only for those with severe mental illnesses. People with day to day fears and anxieties, traumas and even addictions like smoking, food addiction and alcohol use can benefit from experienc-

ing the mushroom high. According to The Role of Psychedelics in Palliative Care, a trial using high doses of the chemical decreased “depressed mood and anxiety, along with increases in quality of life, life meaning and optimism, and decreases in anxiety related to death.”

Microdosing is also a popular way to ease into the healing powers of psilocybin without fully committing to a five hour high. This is when an individual takes very small amounts of drugs at a time, not to get them high but so that they will be more creative, in touch with their surroundings and happier.

Microdosing is done with other drugs as well, like marijuana, to feel the more positive effects without the sometimes scary side effects of being high, like altered states and anxiety.

According to The Third Wave, “Users often report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills.”

Though microdosing can be used recreationally for some of the effects listed, others “microdose in order to treat depression or anxiety, and some also report microdosing helps to heighten spiritual awareness and enhance all five senses.”

In conclusion, while psychedelics are taboo, current research has shown that they can have many positive impacts, and the stigma that goes alongside them is not always verifiable.

Skepticism in science is important, but it is equally important that we do not let fear and tradition hinder the pursuit of effective and long lasting treatments.

4 News

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Rohnert Park public safety undergoing changes MANDELA LINDER STAFF WRITER

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ohnert Park Public Safety, the city’s combined fire and police services, is currently undergoing some changes in an effort to improve operations and better serve the community. According to The Press Democrat, the department recently hired an outside consultant (The Center for Public Safety Management) to do an independent review of the department, and they recommend more than 70 changes.

The biggest challenge for the department remains staffing, according to Commander Aaron Johnson, who has been with Rohnert Park Public Safety for 21 years. “Our recruiting efforts are very successful as we usually have 50-plus candidates for our testing processes,” he said. “The difficult task is getting candidates through a polygraph and background because of some of their life choices.”

The department’s structure of having personnel trained in both fire and police duties does not seem to be a major issue in finding qualified staff. The Press Democrat reports that the consultant called the structure “highly suitable” for Rohnert Park due to the fact that the city has low rates of fire and crime.

However, the department does have issues with staffing, and all the officers are required to work mandatory overtime fire shifts.

“Any mandatory overtime can become a burden on staff, however we have staff in training as well as in the academy,” Johnson said. “Upon their successful completion, we will be fully staffed and the overtime will be reduced drastically. Also, understand the difference between mandatory overtime and volunteered overtime. Some staff sign up for a lot of

hours on their own, and others wait until they get mandated to work.”

Some ways the consulting firm is helping retain qualified staff, according to The Press Democrat, is to create more specialty positions within the department, such as K-9 units.

They also suggest creating more supervisor positions in dispatch, limiting the length of shifts, upgrading technology, and implementing incentive programs such as housing stipends to attract officers from out of the area. Whether or not these incentives will be extended to existing employees is unclear.

The STAR recently reported on the development of a new downtown center for Rohnert Park, which would draw community members to come out more often, but Johnson is not worried about that creating more work for the department. “Anytime you add more people and business, you have an opportunity for more crime,” he said. “however, I firmly believe the downtown will bring a much anticipated positive energy to our community.”

Another of the recent changes includes the selection of interim Director of Public Safety Jeffery D. Weaver, who will be on until February, when the department plans to bring on a permanent director. Weaver came on after the former Director of Public Safety Brain Masterson retired. According to KQED, Masterson retired “amid questions over seized marijuana and cash.” Two other officers, Sgt. Jacy Tatum and his partner Joseph Huffaker, were placed on leave during an investigation into a “suspicious traffic stop” last December,

COURTESY // The Press Democrat Former Sebastopol Police Chief Jeff Weaver has been serving as interim director of Rohnert Park Public Safety for the past two months. with Tatum no longer employed by the department in June, reports KQED. However, there is no direct evidence that Masterson’s decision to retire was related to the investigation. According to KQED he said that he wanted to spend more time with his family. “I do miss Chief Masterson as we too had a great relationship and he acted as a mentor and friend to me for the 8-plus years he was here,” Johnson said.

According to The Press Democrat, Rohnert Park Public Safety could spend up to $5 million on the suggested changes, and they will take place over a number of years.

Final approvals for downtown coming next month

COURTESY // Laulima Development A model of the proposed downtown, which will offer housing, office spaces, dining and shopping.

EMILIANA MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER

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tation Avenue, Rohnert Park’s new downtown, is in the works and the final approval for the project development will be voted on early November by the city council of Rohnert Park. While many anxiously wait for the new downtown area, there is still some work to be done by Laulima Development in order to complete the project.

Nonetheless, this project is something that is supposed to benefit both students and residents of Rohnert Park. “There are a lot of things that make a great University Downtown,” David Bouquillon,

COURTESY // Laulima Development An aerial view of the future downtown’s center space.

president of Laulima Developments said, “whether it’s feeling the palpable vibe of an alma mater, having tons to do, or the fact that your university town is a great place to stay after you’ve graduated. The opportunity exist to be considered along other cool college downtowns like Palo Alto, San Luis Obispo, Davis, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Claremont, Chico and Santa Barbara, to name a few.”

He also noted that the addition of the SMART train allows people to jump north to Healdsburg or south to the Larkspur ferry for a boat ride into San Francisco. “Not many college students have that type of option available,” he said.

Building such a large and multipurpose space will potentially present certain challenges for both the city and the developer. Bouquillon explained, “As with many Bay Area, large scale construction projects, controlling costs as a developer causes potential challenges. Last year’s wildfires were devastating to many people and their families where the rebuilding process puts strains on the available labor from the building trades.” The construction company contracted to build downtown planned for these issues early on.

The developer is confident that the project will overcome these challenges, saying, “We’ve been planning this development for over a year and we’ve put our most forward thinking into every detail.

We’re confident with an early November approval vote by the City Council we can meet our Fall 2020 grand opening.”

City council member Jake Mackenzie said that, “a good working relationship,” exists between the developer and the city of Rohnert Park.

In addition, Bouquillon said, “Collectively, our team has many years of experience working with other California cities.” The developers and the city of Rohnert Park have been collaborating closely on this project.

“This project is expected to be done by the year 2020,” Bouquillon said “We anticipate demolition of the exiting 300,000-square-foot vacant building to begin shortly after the formal city council vote anticipated for early November.”

The construction will begin shortly after they get the correct permits as Mackenzie said the only two things that the developer still needs are “planning commission and city council approvals.” Laulima Development is confident they will attain these permits Councilmember Mackenzie mentioned that, “Sonoma State did not have a central role. I don’t believe, but do not know, if they have commented on earlier versions of Laulima plans.”

The president of the project developer made it very clear that Sonoma State was taken into consideration in the developing of this project. “Absolutely, the University is not only a major employer, but it’s 10,000plus students and almost 2,000 faculty members are a tremendous draw for quality shops, restaurants, and entertainment businesses.” Bouquillon said “The university is part of the fabric of the community as well as the downtown. We envision a vibrant walkable streetscape that you can tell classes are in session with a quick glance at the mix of people coming and going at Station Avenue.”

Sonoma State student and Rohnert Park resident Christina Oliver said, “I am excited to have a new downtown that offers easy and accessible transportation around the Bay Area” She explained that she was from further down in the bay area and she is excited to have an easier form of transportation to commute back home if necessary.

Students, the developer, and city council members are all hopeful and excited to see the new downtown come to life in the heart of Rohnert Park. Mackenzie said, “Overall , it’s clear that a well-executed plan will benefit Rohnert Park and Sonoma State and other parts of Sonoma County as another attractive community center.”

Bouquillon said, “In our view the downtown is everyone’s downtown and the university students and facility should feel like it’s an extension of the university. We strongly believe Station Avenue will be a catalyst for future development’s that will in some ways compete with other larger Bay Area cities and keep their locally trained grads in Rohnert Park and the North Bay.”

News 5

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Governor signs emergency alert bill

ANALY BRAVO STAFF WRITER

The night of Oct. 8 changed the lives of North Bay residents forever, when many woke up to the loud pounding at their doors coming from frightened neighbors, others from the noise of brave firefighters rushing towards the thick smoke coming from the horizon that lit up the night sky, and even more from frantic texts from family.

On Sept. 21, statewide emergency alert protocols and regulation became law when SB 833 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. This legislation was introduced by state Senator McGuire in partnership with Senators Bill Dodd and Jerry Hill. The legislation is the first of its kind that will advance statewide emergency alert standards that all of California’s 58 counties can adopt.

“Statewide emergency alert standards will be developed, training for local emergency managers will be implemented and we will be investing in a more proactive and effective mutual aid response system,” McGuire said in a statement.

The California Emergency Services Act establishes that the Office of Emergency Services (OES) is responsible for the state’s emergency and disaster response services for natural, technological, manmade

STAR // Paul Gullixson Last October’s Northern California wildfires claimed the lives of 44 people and destroyed 8,900 buildings. disasters and emergencies. This bill would require OES to provide each city and country with a copy of guidelines for alerting and warning the public of an emergency.

These guidelines must be developed before July 1 of next year will include emergency responders and public safety leaders from across the state, along with local elected officials, disability advocates, radio and television broadcasters.

At Sonoma State, the university is responsible “for protecting the lives and property of every person on the campus in the event of and emergency”. Sonoma State’s emergency management program establishes policies and procedures to ensure campus safety through effective management of operations during an emergency situation.

Students are quickly alerted about critical campus information and up-

dates in real-time by Sonoma State’s Emergency Notification System (ENS).

These notifications are currently sent as messages to cell phones via voicemail and text messages. All mobile phone numbers entered into PeopleSoft are automatically uploaded to the system.

Sonoma State released its first downloadable application called Sonoma State University Emergency Response Application. Its purpose is to replace paper guides that were previously found in classrooms and offices to give users a quicker way to access critical instructions to keep safe in case of an emergency. The app can be downloaded to a desktop or mobile device and can be accessed without service or internet connection. The guide contains clear instructions on how to keep safe in case of a bomb threat, active shooter, fire, earthquake, hazardous materials incident and more. According to the Sonoma State University Emergency Response App this includes important, “planning, response and recovery information including evacuation and lockdown planning, key emergency resources and designated area, building and f loor marshals.” To opt-in or update your information to receive alert messages via voicemail and text message or to download Sonoma State’s emergency response app visit sonoma.edu/risk/

General education being revised AMANDA HADLEY STAFF WRITER

A

fter identifying problems with Sonoma State University’s General Education (GE) program, in fall 2017, Sonoma State has created a General Education Revision Subcommittee to work on a “campus wide process of revising GE.” Many say that a wellplanned GE program is the key to succeeding in the future after college. It is important to find courses that best suits an individual’s current interests and how certain courses will shape their future.

The two standing committees in charge of making the GE changes are the Educational Policies Committee (EPC), chaired by Jenn Lillig and EPC’s GE Subcommittee, chaired by Heather Smith. Suzanne Rivoire, Associate Professor and Chair of Department of Computer Science gave some insight as to why the GE pattern needs changes saying, “There are two reasons. One is a CSU systemwide executive order that was signed last August…the idea is to make sure that GE transfers go smoothly across the CSU system. Our current GE pattern is out of compliance with those requirements, so we have to change it.” These changes were supposed to be final by this school year, but Sonoma State got a 1-year extension to finalize those changes by the 2019-2020 year.

Rivoire goes on saying that the GE Program Review “identified weaknesses in the coherence of our GE program; how students perceive it; assessment

NEWS IN BRIEF

and clarity of requirements.”

Good news for students is that Sonoma State does not change the GE requirements on students once they’ve enrolled. This year’s freshman are the first group that will be working with the changes. Many of the changes center around Area A of the GE pattern.

The pattern is now down to 48 units temporarily by cutting out Area D, which is social sciences.

“We are trying very hard to create a program that works for both 4-year and transfer students without standing in the way of graduation. We are doing our best to make sure that it doesn’t get in the way of high-unit and highly structured majors whenever possible,” Rivera said. “We’re trying not to impose too many additional requirements, but instead to allow opportunities for students and departments who want a little more customization or integration across GE.” The next formal GE pattern program review will be in 5 years, and GE revision can be very hard to pull off.

In spring 2018, the Provost’s Office and Educational Policies Committee formed the GE revision subcommittee to help envision a new model for the GE program. As said on Sonoma State’s website, “It is essential that subcommittee members be able to separate themselves from what they may consider personal, developmental, or school-based stakes in GE, in order to think creatively about how best to re-imagine our campus GE program while preserving our best practices.”

Some of the goals that the General Education Revision Subcommittee (GERS) had for changing to GE courses were to, “create a meaningful program of general education with clear differences between lower- and upper-division GE, to improve student access to courses, removing roadblocks to getting into GE courses, distinguish between GE and major courses, build in assessment of GE learning outcomes, and support faculty learning communities around general education themes, pedagogies, and assessment without creating an undue burden on faculty.”

The goal of the GERS is to have the departments prepare new and revised courses for curricular approval in spring 2019 and in fall 2019 have it debut.

As of Aug. 7, Sonoma State has a “tentative plan” for a new GE program, but they are still working out the details of it all. Changing the GE program around and improving it will make a huge difference not only for Sonoma State University, but for all CSU’s.

Izack Romero, a senior transfer student, says “Getting through the GE pattern is a difficult task and being a transfer student does not help. There are some classes that do not transfer and others that are not available at the junior college’s that set you back even longer.” For students like Romero, making the GE pattern not only more convenient for transfer students to complete, but organizing it to where more students will be able to complete each unit needed for the GE pattern, will make it much easier to graduate on time.

Washington D.C.

The FBI is undergoing a week-long investigation of claims by Christine BlaseyFord that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

Washington D.C.

President Donald Trump agreed to a revised trade deal with Canada and Mexico, which will replace NAFTA.

California

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill making California become the first state in the country to require that women be included on companies’ boards of directors.

CAMPUS CRIME Crime

Date

Location

Status

Disturbing the Peace

Sept. 22

Sauvignon Village

Closed

Public Intoxication

Sept. 23

P.E. Building

Closed

Trespassing

Sept. 24

Sauvignon Village

Closed

Indecent Exposure

Sept. 24

Parking Lot J

Closed

Burglary

Sept. 26

Student Center

Open

Burglary

Sept. 26

Student Center

Open

Burglary

Sept. 27

Student Center

Open

6 Arts

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Restaurant of the week: Bird and the Bottle

Michelle Tadlock STAFF WRITER

W

ith over 500 reviews on Yelp and a four and a half star rating, it’s understandable that Bird & The Bottle is so popular. It’s a beautiful place in downtown Santa Rosa, only a 20 minute drive from Rohnert Park. If you’re looking for an inspired, contemporary place to eat, this is the spot for you. It may not be the place for a college budget, but it is well worth the splurge with the quality of food and the ambiance it provides.

The restaurant gives off a modern bed and breakfast atmosphere. Right as you walk in there’s a warm and inviting tone with admirable artwork to fill the room. It almost feels as if you have just walked into a living room. It’s doesn’t look like your typical restaurant environment, which makes it more of an enjoyable experience. There’s a fireplace and cozy chairs to each dining table. The best part is the fully stocked bar to fulfill your adult needs at any time of the day, with the inviting aspect of an outdoor patio. Red and white umbrellas fill the outside along with white dining tables and chairs. The outdoor seating is a simple and fun way to make the dining experience more intimate. Economics major Tyler Lyn states, “Bird & The Bottle has a great environment and the food was better than expected. I definitely want to come back for their happy hour specials.”

As for the food, it’s everything your tastebuds want. The menu is abundant. Their selection ranges from seafood, poultry, meat, and even street tacos for the whole table.

Carly Wade, a senior at Sonoma State said, “I loved their selection of plates! It was a great spot to bring my family when they visited.”

The way you order is unique compared to most restaurants. Each person typically orders at least two to three plates because of the small portions.

This is a nice change because you are able to try an array of items. The B&B mini burgers are $9 and

the fried chicken sliders are $12. The craft mac n’ cheese is $12 and thrice fried potatoes are $8. All dishe were full of flavor with different spices and sauces.

The B&B mini burgers were incredibly juicy and their secret sauce made it even more luscious.

The fried chicken sliders seemed to be a fan favorite.

A perfect amount of crisp paired nicely with their mustard and B&B pickles.

Their original craft mac n’ cheese is topped with a house-made pastrami which is a delightful touch. Surprisingly, the pastrami is exactly what the mac n’ cheese needs.

It’s actually a perfect duo and was nice to stray away from the typical topping of bacon.

However, the thrice fried potatoes should have just been twice fried. The potatoes were overly crispy which took away the delicious taste potatoes usually have. All in all though, this place deserves five out of five stars.

What’s even better than their food menu is their happy hour specials. If of the legal drinking age, this is the spot for you to not overspend on drinks. Their happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

They serve a diverse range of alcoholic beverages including cocktails, margaritas, wine and beer and the

Courtesy// Bird and the Bottle price is unmatched. Each item ranges from four to ten dollars and they also provide a two dollar taco menu.

This would definitely be the time if you’re looking for a fun place to grab drinks with friends.

Although their regular pricing isn’t the most affordable for the average college budget, it is worth giving a shot. Bird & The Bottle is the perfect spot for dates, grabbing drinks with friends or even to bring visiting family members. It’s a nice change to explore what our surrounding towns have to offer.

Famous director brings ‘High School’ to SSU

KACEY WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

In Frederick Wiseman’s “High School” (1968), we are given a 75-minute glimpse into what life was like for students and faculty at Northeast High School in Philadelphia in the spring of 1968. The factory-esque campus, the brazenly curt interactions between teachers and students, the Coke-bottle reading glasses -- all vividly seen but never narrated.

Late last week, Wiseman, 88, was kind enough to attend a live Q&A after a screening of the film at Sonoma State’s Warren Auditorium. Unsurprisingly, it was difficult to find an open spot in the 200-person seating arrangement.

Wiseman has been a prominent figure in the film business for some 50-plus years with 44 documentaries and counting, something he admits was never his original intention. “I was bored with what I was doing, which was teaching law, and I reached the age of 30 and I figured I’d better do something I liked before I was

an unhappy old man,” he told the audience, “And I’m an old man now.”

It would be an understatement to say that the world of documentary filmmaking, and filmmaking as a whole, would have been vastly different if Wiseman had never made that pivotal career shift in his 30’s. From his first documentary “Titicut Follies” (1967), about a hospital for the criminally insane, to his latest work, “Monrovia, Indiana” (2018), which debuted over the weekend at the New York Film Festival, Wiseman has focused primarily on the exploration of American institutions.

When asked to expand on a joke he made in which he said it “only seemed logical” to follow up a documentary on a hospital for the criminally insane with a documentary about high school, Wiseman was reluctant to do so. “Well, no. I mean, it’s a bad joke. It kills the joke to expand on it,” he said. But the parallels are there, and hard to ignore.

The structuring of Wiseman’s films are often what sets him apart from other popular “direct cinema” or “cinema verite” filmmakers of the 1960s, and “High School” is no exception.

Adopting a “day in the life” format, the viewer is led through an arrival at the school, opening “thought of the day” dialogues from teachers, gym classes, meetings with the vice principal, cafeteria and lunch breaks, etcetera. Do not refer to this as a “fly-on-the-wall” perspective, though. “It’s an insulting term,” he said jokingly, “Most flies I know aren’t conscious at all, and I like to think I’m at least 2 percent conscious.”

Indeed he is. While Wiseman set out to make a film about high school as an institution, he admits that certain aspects of the film’s agenda only arose through keen observation in post-production. “One of the principal themes of the movie, which only emerged in the course of the editing, was how values are passed on from one

generation to another.”

This idea is driven home by the insistence of the faculty to emphasize a conformist attitude among students, even going so far as to tell one student that there is “a time and place for being individualistic.” The student must then apologize.

It has been 50 years since “High School” debuted, and when asked about the audience’s perception of the film still being an accurate depiction of high school today, Wiseman did not disagree.

“It’s depressing,” he said, eliciting a bit of laughter from the packed auditorium.

Shortly after his Q&A, Wiseman was scheduled to get on a flight to New York for the debut of his latest project, which Variety critic Guy Lodge considers “among his most invaluable recent works.” We can safely assume Wiseman’s prominence as a documentarian, however happenstantial a career it may have been, will continue.

Netflix’s new drama-thriller does not disappoint EMILY HOFFMAN

Review

STAFF WRITER

M

aniac, the new Netflix original series has finally premiered starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, and it did not disappoint.

This show takes place in New York City, time period unknown.There is fashion resembling that of the 1980’s, yet there are also “bots” casually strolling down the street as if it were a future series maintaining a mystery that keeps the audience intrigued to try and figure out what kind of society this is.

The audience is first presented with lead actress Emma Stone as Annie; a closed off, bitter, lonely, young woman. Appearing homeless in the opening scene, Stone’s character immediately exhibits law breaking habits to get by in the rough world that surrounds her. As the episode goes on it is clear there is more to her story, lower class status and brutal actions. She gives off a vibe that she makes things harder on herself than they have to be because she doesn’t trust anyone in the environment around her.

We are soon introduced to Owen, played by male lead Jonah Hill. He seems to struggle with schizophrenia, which keeps him in his own little world. He lies about taking medication, but it is evident in this episode he is not. Like Annie, he is lower class, with more to his story. He loses his job for what appears to be no

reason, a surface excuse for an obviously deeper message of not really fitting into the office anyways, so no one would care if he was gone.

The plot on Owen’s side of poverty deepens as we are introduced to his family at a dinner party in their home. His family is extremely wealthy; their house, attire and attitude reflect typical New York upper-class stereotypes. The stark difference between him and his family keeps the audience engaged as they wonder what happened to cause such an estrangement.

Owen’s schizophrenia engages the audience over the course of the pilot because we can’t really tell if he is “crazy” or not. He clearly sees people that are not there, but this phenomenon that can’t be explained occurs, like seeing Annie’s face everywhere throughout the episode before they even meet.

A common theme of the episode is that he believes something is going on in this world and that he is “the chosen one” to save the world from some kind of destruction no one understands but him.

Annie and Owen meet towards the end of the episode because they have both agreed to be testers for a medical trial. Owen is drawn to believe that Annie is the partner he has been waiting for, and it is she who is going to give him the directions on how to complete his mission.

Director Cary Joji Fukunaga does a good job of creating the sense that these testers are the evil that Annie and Owen need to combat. These doctors are beyond strange, yield signs of corruption, and make multiple allusions to subjects tested gone wrong in the past.

The recognizable lead characters pull the audience in on the surface that sets the show up for the audience to uncover deeper meaning of themes about humanity and society. Fukunaga plays with the idea of the rich doing shady things to keep the status quo, and the poor choosing poverty over conforming. The theme of necessity for human connection and how society tampers with that also surfaces as the two characters are completely alienated for completely different reasons that we can’t entirely understand just from this episode. The audience is driven towards resolution when engaging in the story. The pilot is extremely clever in it’s set up of incorporating all of these elements to keep viewers wanting to engage from beginning to end.

Christopher Hooten from Independent calls it “The most enticing TV plot in quite some time.”

Overall this series yields fascinating, twisted, and impressive.

Courtesy// Netflix

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Entertainment 7

Lobos manager tours Italy with fellow student

MARTIN CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER

S

teven “Dandy” Brown is an Ohio native now based in Santa Rosa, CA. Most people on campus will know him merely as the manager that runs the beloved Lobo’s Pizza and Pub on campus, but he’s much more than just a manager. From performer, to producer, to teacher and now manager, Brown has held many titles, experienced life to the fullest, and inspires all he meets.

His musical journey has taken him to all corners of the world but it all began when his mother, a church organist, sat him down as a young boy and taught him hymns and gospels on their Wurlitzer organ. From then on his passion and love for music only grew. His family moved when he was about 13 and shortly after the move he befriended two neighbors who had a band that consisted of them on guitar and drums.

They had a bass guitar lying around, Brown picked it up and was then introduced to a world of music that was unknown to him but would subsequently become one of his lifelong passions.

“My first formal band was with Greg Dulli, the guy who went on to form a band called the Afghan Whigs. Greg and I played in a band called the Black Republicans for a couple of years. After that, I bounced around in quite a few metal bands until forming a hard rock band called Dock Ellis. The band was signed to Capitol Records and provided me with the stake to open the recording studio that I operated for about a decade in Cincinnati” said Brown. After a few years of performing Brown started branching out in the music industry and used his prior experiences to open up SureTone Recording Studio in Clifton, Ohio in 1993. It was a very successful decision because throughout the 1990’s Brown engineered and produced albums for an innumerable amount of local and regional artists. While working at his recording studio, he met and got the opportunity to work with lots of a talented musicians.

After working on a heavy blues album, he met John Garcia and from there the band Hermano was formed soon after in 1998. They quickly picked up speed and finished recording their first album in 2002. They recorded four albums from 2002 to 2007. Following their 2002 album release, the band toured Europe and North America. They toured Europe once more in 2007 after their third album release. The band, while still active, performs less frequently in the present day, have been working on a new album but no release date has been announced.

Brown also founded an American desert rock band named “Orquesta del Desierto” in 2002. They released two albums from 2002 to 2003. The band dissolved in 2006 as the members split to pursue different artistic projects.

When asked what his favorite show has been Brown humbly replied, “Every show that I play is special to me. I’m just so lucky and thankful to be where I am. I have opened for and played alongside so many incredible artists from Black

Courtesy// Dandy Brown Sabbath to The Pixies.”

Brown has been working on some new material recently and new songs and music videos are set to release sometime this year with Taxi Driver Records which is based in Italy. This past summer Brown toured Western Italy for about two weeks with his partner Dawn Rich, a fellow Sonoma State student. Brown elaborated on his tour.

“Back in March, in order to support my new album, my label, Taxi Driver Records, asked if I would come over to do a handful of shows to promote the release.

The album title is “Scattered Days.” Since Dawn and I had been working on new music for the last year, we decided to put together a set that draws upon songs from my catalogue, along with new material that she and I have written over the last year. The tour was a huge success. We played in venues that have a capacity of anywhere from 100-200 people, and we played to packed houses every night” said Brown. They both agreed the it was an incredible experience and they had a wonderful time performing Within the past year Brown relocated from Southern California up to Northern California where he now resides in Santa Rosa. He is currently running Lobo’s Pub on campus and is working on his Masters in Education. Brown shares his excitement about how his life is going at the moment. “I love being here at Sonoma State. I love the program here. I love my coworkers and colleagues, and I love the people and the atmosphere here,” said Brown.

Seawolves SPEAK! What is your favorite artist at the moment?

ASHLEY NAPIER A&E Editor

S

onoma State students have a variety of music tastes that range from hip-hop to country, so we decided to go around campus asking students who there favorite artists are at the moment.

-Luis Rivas, Freshman

“My favorite artist at the moment is Travis Scott. I have been listening to him a lot lately.”

-Ryan Weiner, Sophomore

“For the past couple of weeks I have been listening to The Weekend. ” -Ana Daniela Maya, Senior

“Right now, I would have to say that Drake is my most listened to artist at the moment. ” -Eliseo Fragosos, Sophomore

“I have been listening to Kuando Rondo at the moment.”

8 Student Life Inspiring women share life stories during ‘Women in Conversation’

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

KAILEY PRIEST STAFF WRITER

T

hree women who were incredible speakers with three very different stories took to the stage for “Women in Conversation” at the Green Music Center for the third year, attracting people from all over California.

The first speaker was none other than our very own President of Sonoma State University Judy Sakaki. Second was abduction survivor and founder of the JAYC foundation and author of two best sellers, Jaycee Dugard. Lastly, was motivational speaker Dr. Tererai Trent.

All three speakers discussed their personal upbringings and moving stories, creating a wave of emotions throughout the venue.

President Sakaki started the conversation off by touching on the loss and devastation caused by last year’s Northern California fires. Sakaki, who lost her home in the Tubbs fire, discussed not only her story, but the many others who experienced the same thing “directly and indirectly,” regardless the struggles everyone had to face.

Sakaki’s moving words paved way for Dugard to then come out and completely silence the audience with her moving story of being abducted from South Lake Tahoe at the age of 11 in 1991. Dugard was held captive for 18 years by convicted sex offender Phillip Garrido and his wife Nancy Garrido, in a shed behind their house all the while police came in and out without suspicion checking up on Garrido who was on parole for a previous kidnapping and rape.

While held captive, Dugard gave birth to two girls with without doctors,

friends, or family. Dugard raised her children, trying to hold onto any hope that remained, until she and her daughters were rescued. She was 29.

“When I think back on the worst day of my life, and the 18 years of captivity and emotional torture I endured, what comes to my mind?” said Dugard. “First and foremost, I accept it. I accept that it happened and that might seem simple, but for me, always acknowledging that it happened and most importantly that I survived is an important reminder for me every day.”

Dugard would go onto write an autobiography titled “A Stolen Life” in 2011 as well as “Freedom: My Book of Firsts” in 2016.

Today, she focuses on her two children, telling her story and staying healthy and happy. Through the steps of her recovery, she created the JAYC foundation, a service for families and non-families who have dealt with abduction, using her experiences to help with others.

The third speaker is notoriously known as Oprah Winfrey’s “All Time Favorite Guest.” Dr. Trent was born in Zimbabwe, immediately having to take on the “women’s role” at a young age. She was denied an education because under the Colonial rule, it was not common for women to attend school. In order to get an yeducation, Dr. Trent would secretly do her brothers homework.

After being forced into marriage as a child and having 3 children by the age of 18, she knew that something needed to be done to change her life.

Her dedication and perseverance would help her achieve the ultimate goal of getting her Doctorate.

After eight years, she finally re-

ceived her GED which lead her to get her undergraduate at Oklahoma State University. Bringing her then five children to the states and working three jobs, Dr. Trent managed to get her masters and then doctorate, breaking her family’s cycle.

“It’s how our personal dreams are connected to our greater good,” said Dr. Trent. “That’s what’s going to make our world a better world. There are two kinds of hunger in our lives: there is the literal hunger. The literal hunger is all about immediate gratification: I want it now, how many facebook likes did I get today?

But the great hunger, the greatest of all hungers, is hunger for meaningful life.”

Dr. Trent and Oprah have paired up to build 11 schools so far for girls and boys in Africa. It is her mission to continue speaking and fighting for quality education for all and women’s rights across the globe.

The inspirational speakers left everyone touched and uplifted. A student who attended this event could not have been more pleased with this year’s Women in Conversation.

Janine Jaber, a senior kinesiology major, came to see Dugard specifically, but instead was blown away by all the speakers, “The strength it took for these women to get on stage and tell their stories to a sea of people is mind blowing.

They all went through such horrible experiences, yet still came out the other side, and that is nothing short of miraculous,” Jaber said.

“I loved how they did not want to be called survivors ... they were so much more than that: they are fighters and they are women.”

COURTESY // Sonoma County Women In Conversation (Top) Jaycee Dugard, (Bottom) Dr. Tererai Trent

Spotlight: Phi Delta Theta Free skate draws large crowds JENNIFER SPENCE STAFF WRITER

A COURTESY // Facebook Phi Delta Theta’s annual Teeter Totter charity event in 2015.

MORGAN ARANCIO STAFF WRITER

T

he gentlemen of the fraternity Phi Delta Theta, or more commonly known as “Phi Delt,” are very passionate about their philanthropy. They will be bringing back their 19th annual charity event, Teeter Totter, on Oct.15 through 19. It is a 104 hour long event. All of the chapter’s proceeds will be donated to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Greek life organizations have the opportunity to win money for their philanthropies as well.

The Teeter Totter began in 1999 at Sonoma State to raise money to help end Lou Gehrig’s disease, more commonly known as ALS. In 2006, Phi Delta Theta changed their philanthropy to honor a fellow member, Brent “Woody” Bolin. Bolin lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis on August 2, 2006. Ever since then, Phi Delta Theta has continued to work and help raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and assist those that are diagnosed with the life-threatening dissease.

Christian Gergus, Senior Economic and Business major and a member of Phi Delta Theta said, “Teeter Totter was one of the things that sold me on joining Phi Delt. It allows us to give back to the one thing that we can all connect on a personal level.” said Gergus.

“Even though I didn’t personally know Woody, I still love that his friends, family, and wife come out to support our cause that we do in memory of him.”

Their goal this year is to raise 15,000 dollars.

Phi Delt Theta last year celebrated their 20 years at Sonoma State University. Every year they are growing and Teeter Totter has been more successful than the last.

Alec Pesavento, Senior Kinesiology major, is in charge of this year’s Teeter Totter. “The reason why I’m so passionate about this is to show the community and the campus what we are really capable of. It brings a sense of unity during the week,” Pesavento said.

Some events in the past that the fraternity have done are wing eating competitions and movie nights. The chapter camps out on the lawn across from Pearson Theater the entire 104 hours.

This year, they have partnered up with the Northern California Cystic Fibrosis Foundation chapter that helps families in the Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park area. They will be in attendance for this year’s event.

In the past, the Teeter Totter was a 2x4 piece of wood that rested on a cinder block and had two couch chairs as cushions. As the Phi Delta Theta chapter has grown, they have made improvements. Now they have an 18 foot teeter totter that is ridden for the duration of the week.

Some of the events they will be bringing this year are inflatable games like dunk tank and inflatable jousting, along with the Panhellenic and Intra Fraternal Council, or “IFC,” wing eating competition sponsored by Hooters and a cornhole tournament sponsored

by Brewster’s Beer Garden. The full itinerary will be posted on lobovision and on their website. Phi Delta Theta is also selling long sleeve t-shirts this year for 15 dollars.

You can donate to their venmo account, or personally stop by during Teeter Totter, or buy a t-shirt. Every donation helps. “Friendships and memories are made throughout the week, as well as all of us striving towards a common goal to leave Cystic Fibrosis better than we found it,” Pesavento said.

ssociated Student Productions brought back the popular glow skating event at Cal Skate of Rohnert Park. The roller skating event had all different students coming out in glowing colors on Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and some of them even won free glow sticks, glow glasses, and other glow prizes. With pop and old hits playing all night, it was like a throwback to different decades.

Sammi Glatt, the director of Campus Connections and the only returning member to ASP planned the glow skating event as part of her position. This past week’s event was not the first time the glow skating has been done, but it is the first time is has been put on in a year.

While the event is free to Sonoma State students who bring their ID, ASP has a budget for each event they put on.

“We paid a price per student that attended, but they did give us a deal on the price per person and they were excited about having students there,” said Glatt.

Around 300 students came to Cal Skate on Wednesday night which was way more than the ASP team expected to come. “We didn’t do as much marketing as we could have so it was cool to see that the word still got out,” said Glatt.

When planning events like these, ASP puts on events that they know the students want. “We always have goals to make sure we accommodate to our mission but also make sure we are reaching each student,” said Glatt.

Many students heard about the glow skate from members on ASP who posted about the event on social media. Juliana Dellorusso, a junior, heard about the event from a facebook post from Glatt.

“I thought it would be something different and fun to do on a school night,” said Dellorusso.

Dellorusso and her friend got to the skating rink towards the end of the event and there were still so many people skating on the rink. “The line to get our rollerskates was so long that I was surprised we even got our sizes,” she said. Even though there were a lot of students at the rink, it was big enough where students still had enough space to skate around and show their moves.

Students seem to really enjoy the events ASP has already put on since the semester started. “I really like how the school is working to make events free so that all students can go and have fun,” said Dellorusso. She continued by saying that it is a good environment to get to know new peers.

Another junior, Meghan Pieratt agreed that ASP has done an amazing job at meeting the needs and wants of the students. “Making events free encourages more people to go, which makes school spirit even better,” said Pieratt.

She explained that sometimes Rohnert Park can get boring since there is not much to do, but the multiple school events going on makes the weeks a little more exciting. “I loved the neon theme.

It made the event feel like we were back in the seventies,” said Pieratt.

STAR // Luis Madrigal SSU Student getting ready to take off and join everybody else skating around Cal Skate of Rohnert Park.

Student Life 9

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Fair highlights student health options CARLY OLSEN STAFF WRITER

H

ealth and wellness is extremely important to think about as a college student. Students are constantly under pressure with classes, homework, and extracurriculars like clubs or Greek life. Not to mention many people have jobs outside of school as well.

With all of this going on, stress is unfortunately inevitable. However, students should be aware that there are many resources available to them both on campus and within the community to help them get through difficult times.

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Sonoma State University offered a Health and Wellness Fair in the Seawolf Plaza for different organizations to come promote their programs to the students. A huge resource available to students right on campus is our Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS. They provide free counseling and therapy for students who are going through a hard time, whether it be stress, anxiety, depression, or other issues.

They have also been offering a wide variety of discussion groups throughout the week, which anyone can attend.

“We want students to know that it’s okay to talk about things,” said student CAPS member, Kayla Moceri. “This year is the first time we’ve reached a waitlist because so many students are coming in for our services.

We want to help as many people as we can, so we’re really advocating for people to go to the groups this year, too.”

To meet the demand of students, CAPs is looking to add more psychologists to their staff in order for there to be more available appointment times. Until then, the discussion groups during the week are a great alternative because anyone can drop in, students don’t need an appointment. There are a variety of different groups such as the Women of Color Collective, Healing After Sexual Assault, People of Color Support Group, and many more that you can find on their website.

In addition to CAPS, students have access to many other resources surrounding us in the community. One of them is the Full Heart Treatment Center in Santa Rosa, which is an intensive outpatient program for disordered eating. They offer support for people who are going through this, as well as psychotherapy and nutrition support.

“We have Wednesday night group sessions from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and they’re free, so anyone can drop in when they would like,” said registered dietitian Janelle Estournes.

The Songbird Community Healing Center in Cotati is another local resource. They offer a wide variety of programs and wellbeing services that students are encouraged to check out.

“We’re very excited for our Hands of Gold Healing Clinic this year, where people can receive a great deal of support for different issues they’re facing.” said Director Jasmine Gold. “We usually have about six to ten practitioners that expertise in certain skills at these clinics.

Additionally, we offer walk-in hours where people are

welcome to drop by. We want students to be able to see that there’s an alternative to the medical system and more holistic approaches to healing,” A fun wellness event that’s coming up is the second annual Sonoma County Yoga Festival from Oct. 19 through 21. It’s going to take place in the SOMO Village in Rohnert Park. There will be classes and workshops for people to enjoy, as well as local food and live music.

“We really want students to check it out and get more involved within the yoga community because it’s so beneficial,” said Maddie Mackey, Sonoma State alumni and now yoga instructor.

“Sometimes when people are in college they don’t notice that just a little breathing and self-care goes a long way. We’re told to stay productive and join clubs and all these things, when sometimes doing nothing is the best thing for you. This festival is designed to be a way to get people excited about meditating and doing yoga, and the yoga community is for all ages,” said Zachary McCloskey, Sonoma County Yoga Festival general manager.

Students can buy discounted tickets online at sonomacountymusicfestival.com and use the coupon code “riseaboveyoga” which will give them an additional 30 percent off. InMotion classes at the Recreation Center will be raffling off tickets to students throughout the next few weeks.

With all of this information, students should know that they are not alone and there are many resources surrounding them. Whatever issues they’re facing, many people are willing to help them get through it.

STAR // Natalie Dolan (Left) Rosse Linares, Kayla Moceri, and Lacy Finkelstein chatting at their CAPS table during the Health and Wellness Fair on Sept. 26, 2018.

(Right) Lobo tissue packs being given out by CAPS during the Health and Wellness Fair.

Quarter-life crises hit SSU students NINA LOPEZ

STAFF WRITER

I

t’s nearly halfway through the first semester of the 2018-2019 academic year and Sonoma State University seawolves graduating in the spring are starting to feel the pressure and anxiety that comes with the idea of the future.

With their time at Sonoma State coming to a close, many students have begun speculating about whether or not their schooling and internships have been enough to show employers that they’re qualified to delve into their professions.

However, this period of uneasiness is very common amongst millennials and shouldn’t be something to worry about too much.

In the 2016 podcast hosted by “The Thoughtful Counselor,” doctor of philosophy and licensed professional counselor, Cyrus Williams, described the difficult transition out of college as being part of one’s quarter-life crisis.

Cyrus noted that during this time people between the ages of 20 and 25 are typically “a mess trying to figure out what they’re supposed to be doing and why.”

Sonoma State fourth year and communications major, Sunday Simon, can attest to this feeling of uncertainty.

When asked about her future outside of college, she was quick to confirm her own feelings of anxiety about finding employment.

Simon is especially worried about finding a job because “nothing is ever guaranteed, especially in my field - in all fields. Mine is centered around media where everything is constantly changing and that’s pretty scary.”

As opposed to Simon, biology major Kristina Kurzadkowski, who is hoping to obtain a masters degree upon completion of her bachelors, feels confident about securing an internship after graduation and is not necessarily looking for a job right away.

Student Life Calendar Wednesday, Oct. 3

Lobovision Movie Night:

It’s A Guy Thing:

Princess Diaries 1& 2

Redefining Masculinity

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

Seawolf Plaza

The HUB Friday, Oct. 5

Late Night with Lobo ft.

Indigenous Wisdom & “Pop Takeover” Karaoke Shamanism Conference

8:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

Lobos

Student Center Ballrooms

Saturday, Oct. 6 Saturdays @ Seven 7 p.m.

Barrel Room

However, Kurzadkowski is mainly worried about the expenses she’ll have to pay within the coming years, thanks to student loans.

Seeing as though she isn’t financially secure on her own, she plans to move back home with her parents after graduation and steadily work until she’s acquired enough money to move out and pay off her debt. She isn’t sure how long this process will take or if her future job will pay enough to make a substantial dent in what she owes, but she is hopeful.

In the case of transfer student and communications major, Tal Rimoni, he was sure to obtain three different internships at various TV news stations throughout his college career in order to gain the hands-on experience that he couldn’t learn in the classroom.

However, when Rimoni found himself doing mindless “grunt work,” he began questioning if he’d made the right choice about pursuing a career in media.

Rimoni now believes that internships

can be a “hit or miss” because “they may look good on a resume, but it doesn’t mean they were helpful to you at all.”

Although he didn’t find his internships to be enriching, Rimoni still has high hopes of moving to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry and he’s excited about what he can accomplish after graduation.

The transition between college and the real world is a time when nothing is for certain. However, this ambiguity doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Rather than focusing on the negative, millennials can take this time to appreciate the vast possibilities and routes they can take after college.

It is important to realize that the uncertainty that comes with the idea of one’s future is completely normal, and while the idea of the quarter-life crisis might seem incredibly frightening, it’s safe to say that every millenial, and Seawolf, will experience it at one point or another.

10 Sports

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

Women’s ultimate club team striving for success

JOEY PIOMBO STAFF WRITER

T

he smell of fresh cut grass sweeps along campus as the women’s ultimate frisbee club team gets ready for practice.

The women’s ultimate frisbee club has been competing for over a decade.

The team has competed in many tournaments throughout the fall and spring semesters each year. They play in tournaments with aspirations of qualifying for the sectional and regional tournaments.

While competing the team will often play clubs from Chico, Humboldt, Stanford, Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Diego, Reno, and Davis.

Ultimate frisbee is a fast-paced game that requires unique skills and techniques. Strength and great handeye coordination are just two of the basic skills a player should strive for in order to compete. The rules of the game are fairly simple. Each team is allowed seven girls on the field at a time meaning that there are fourteen players on the field. A team’s goal is to get the frisbee down the field into the end-zone.

The frisbee is passed throughout the field but it is never ran with. Once a player is holding the frisbee they must stop and throw to another player. The athlete must pivet to get a window to

pass the frisbee.

The passer is looking for other teammates that can make cuts and run routes very similar to football. When a team successfully gets the frisbee into the end-zone the scoring squad is rewarded with one point.

When asking Karissa Dedmon, the teams president and captain, about some basic skills needed for the game she said, “You have to know how to throw... and also know how to get open for the disk” Dedmon said.

Last season the club did not meet their expectations. The team qualified for sectionals but their performance did not grant them an invitation to the regional tournament.

Looking back at last season, Dedmon describes the whole experience as “pretty rough, we did not learn to the best of our ability..it was a pretty relaxed season.”

The team is planning on bouncing back this season with a fresh start. They practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m as well as a Friday practice from 9:30-12:30 during the day.

They use this time to condition, scrimmage and bond together as a group.

With the spring season right around

COURTESY// Sonoma State Women’s Ultimate Frisbee the corner, the club has their sights set on having a successful year.

“One of our goals is to really learn all of the positions….and trying to go to regionals and win a lot more games this year” Dedmon explains. The team plans to achieve these goals through hard work and commitment.

To kick off the fall season, the girls will be competing in Chico and Humbolt. These games will be huge for their growth. These two weekends

will be spent competing against teams they could possibly face in the spring at regionals. After these two away competitions, the team will be hosting a tournament on November 3 and 4 to kick off their first home preseason games.

For fans interested in coming out to watch the action the tournament will take place on the grass fields close to the baseball diamond and track on campus.

Women’s golf team eager for first ALEX FUNCHESS STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State’s women’s golf team have their eyes set on making a run for the national title this season. The team is truly confident this year as returning players continue to push each other and strive for success. With the addition of two new members, the team looks to overcome their challenges alongside Head Coach, Val Verhunce, and Assistant Coach, Ellie McPherson.

The team had a great season last year, finishing 2nd in Division II of The California Collegiate Athletic Association.

“The team did pretty well last year but we had a lot of new players, four returners and eight freshman and transfers.” said Rio Smith, a Senior on the team. “We were lacking the depth and experience needed to really complete at the level we needed to.”

Smith goes on further to say, “This year with seven returning players and two new freshman, we’ve really been able to capture the team environment and competitive atmosphere that we’ve been missing.”

Smith has faith with the new additions of freshmen players, Megan DaLeo and Gabriella

Lewis, who have both already qualified for traveling tournaments. As a student athlete, it’s often difficult to balance academics.

“As an Electrical Engineer and Bi Disciplinary Math major it’s been difficult to balance classes along with the golf schedule. But I love the challenge, I love competing, and I’m incredibly proud to call these women my teammates,” said Smith.

While the team’s roster and chemistry is promising, the Seawolves may continue to face obstacles.

“Last year we faced some challenges with losing players and not scoring as low as we would’ve liked too,” explained Junior Team Captain, Cristina Picariello. The team encountered several struggles last year, finishing 12th in their region.

Picariello is eager to win this season as she helped carry the Seawolves to 4th place with a T-11th place finish at The Western New Mexico University Intercollegiate on September 24th and 25th.

“The challenges this team faces is keeping the motivation and positive vibes going throughout the season,” Cristina said as her team looks to take first place

at the Western Washington Invitational this week. “We started off strong in our first event so to keep that energy going until May will be huge. As a captain this year, I’m facing some new challenges. I want to keep my team focused and driven throughout the year and encourage us all to having a winning mentality.”

The team’s support for one another will take them far this season, Christina explained.

“Out of the three years I’ve been here I would say this team works together the best. We are very similar and extremely supportive of one another which makes for a great practice environment. We already had our first event of the season where we placed 4th out of 19 teams and never put anyone down for not trying their best.

I’m extremely lucky to be part of a team as well rounded and hardworking as this one.”

Already off to a good start this season, the Women’s Golf Team remains dedicated with strong direction from leaders including Team Captain, Cristina Picariello.

The team truly supports one another until the last day of the season as they remain determined to win the national championship.

COURTESY// Sonoma State Women’s Golf The team from last spring season

Sports 11 Victory over the Wildcats

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

JESSICA BENNETT STAFF WRITER

A

win over the Wildcats, Sonoma State’s rival team was crushed by our ladies in blue. The rivalry between Chico State and Sonoma State goes with many of the two school’s team sports, and volleyball is no exception.

After playing four sets the Seawolves came out on top against Chico State. During set one Sonoma State had the Wildcats in the bag with a 20-17 lead, but Chico State came back with seven points gaining a lead over Sonoma. That was no match for the Seawolves because the final score in set one came out as Seawolves on top 26-24.

Match two Sonoma State fell short to the Wildcats with the score being 15-25. The Seawolves knew they needed to come together to get a win and improve their CCAA overall. It was a tough loss because ideally they wanted to keep the momentum going, but the Seawolves were able to bounce back.

During the game, Tate Battistini had a new career-high of 13 digs. Battistini said, “It felt really great to get that win! We have been laying tough teams and falling short lately so for us to push through and defeat a team like Chico, it was awesome.” Battistini is a strong player for the Seawolves.

Battistini continued to say, “I struggled in the beginning but pulled it together down the road. I

think we all did really well in staying composed and calm.”

Also, during this game, senior Adriana Baysinger hit a career high of 19 kills against the Wildcats.

She had a stellar performance which helped elevate the Seawolves past the Wildcats.

During the third set, Sonoma came back with the win gaining the first four points and winning the set 25-23. The third set was the closest one of the four, and it was a crucial turning point in the overall game.

By winning this close set the Seawolves showed they were thirsting for the win.

Finally, the last match Sonoma State battled it out and came out victorious. Sonoma scored the first point in all four matches. Jenna Miller said, “It’s really great to get a win, especially against a team like Chico.” she continued to say, “The whole team contributed, and we had some amazing hustle plays. We all played hard throughout the entire match, and that helped push us to the win.”

Because Chico is such a big rival team for Sonoma State, these games mean more for the team. It’s one thing to get a win, but it feels a lot better when it’s against the people you really want to beat.

It seems like every game versus the Wildcats will come down to the wire, but luckily the Seawolves

have held them in check. All around the all-time series becomes 45-32 with the Seawolves on top.

Sonoma State holds a four-match winning streak against the Chico State Wildcats.

Sonoma takes the road to go up against Cal State East Bay the Friday.

STAR//Mariah Ponce The team huddles together in between sets

STAR//Mariah Ponce (Right) Junior, Tate Battistini, raises her hand as she serves the ball (Left) The back line gets into their defensive postions, preparing to dig the serve

Athlete Spotlight: Mady Smith

NATALYA SWENSEN STAFF WRITER

M

ady Smith is a third year student at Sonoma State University and Lacrosse is her life. She is the Vice President of the club women’s Lacrosse team at the University along with the head coach of the women’s team at the local high school, Rancho Cotate.

Prior to playing lacrosse, Smith ran for the track team and was even looking into scholarships to schools for college with an average five-minute mile time.

She is grateful now that she took her moms advice in trying out Lacrosse because it is a great passion of hers now. She referenced the sport to being the “backbone of my life” and shares that passion with the rest of her family.

Her dad is her assistant coach for the high school, mom is the treasurer for the Rancho Cotate lacrosse club, and her brother is already looking at lacrosse scholarships at universities.

As Vice President, she is in charge of booking fields to play on for

COURTSEY // Mady Smith

games and practices as well as scheduling with and paying the coaches. She takes on all of these responsibly along with supporting the President and treasurer with anything they need help with.

Sam Sanon, treasurer on SSU’s women’s lacrosse team, describes Smith as “the definition of a team player.”

She always willing to help her teammates understand plays and positions and “on top of that she cares so much about lacrosse as a game and is always there for her teammates on and off the field,” says Sanon.

Sisters Melissa and Kelly Hazelton are the two coaches for the team and were just hired last year after letting go of the previous coach Mac. It was Mady’s idea to hire them because she knew how great they were from experience.

The two coached for Rancho Cotate’s girls team and Melissa was Smith’s first Lacrosse coach when she started the sport her sophomore year of high school.

Melissa thinks highly of Smith and goes to say “her strengths on the field include being a strong leader, and constantly striving to better herself and her team. Off the field her biggest strength is her dedication.”

Having the connection Smith shares with the coaches makes for a stronger and more unified team.

Her favorite game of last season was against Humboldt State.

The early morning drive had a bumpy start when Smith hit a log, slicing the tire of her truck. Her, along with a few of her teammates, were not sure if they would make it to the game, but luckily the coaches came to the rescue and helped replace the tire.

The game was stressful, Humboldt State is one of their rival teams, and one of their players had gotten on Smith’s nerves.

“I just ended up taking the ball out of the goal and running it up the field and got a goal. It was one sprint all the way up I haven’t done a sprint like that since high school, then they gave me a yellow card and the reff told the coach Kelly that I should be playing rugby.”

It is extremely rare for a defender to make a goal; their position is to protect the goal. Smith made an instinctive decision and it paid off.

Smiths hopes for this upcoming lacrosse season is obviously to win, but most importantly to leave every game like they they won.

She wants the team to have good sportsmanship and to not get discouraged after a loss. Melissa hopes for the team to “challenge everyone to exceed their individual full potential physically and mentally.” Her hopes are that in making this the focus of giving 100 percent, it will make them a better team as a whole.

12 Photo Seawolves battle it out on the court

OCT. 2 - OCT. 8, 2018

sonomastatestar.com

STAR // Mariah Ponce Seawolves women’s volleyball cheer on their teammates from the side lines after getting point.

STAR // Mariah Ponce STAR // Mariah Ponce Lexi Mudd, No. 8, brings her teammates together for a pregame pep talk.

Tate Battistini, No. 2, preparing to serve the ball to the opposing team.

STAR // Natalie Dolan Rosse Linares (right), Kayla Moceri (middle), and Lacy Finkelstein (left) telling Melinda Becker about CAPS at the Health and Wellness Fair.

STAR // Natalie Dolan (Top) Meghan Muller signing in the event book for Pan, Cafe y Chocolate on Sept. 26, 2018 on the second floor of the library. (Bottom) Melanny Lemus (left) and Lee Hughes (right) relaxing as they donate blood at the Health and Wellness Fair.

STAR // Kaylie Boettner (Top) Tony Olivas (left) and Ricky Sevilla (right) begin a friendly game of ping pong in the Rec Center. (Bottom) Ricky Sevilla (left) chatting and playing ping pong with his friend Tony Olivas (right).