Volume 82 // Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Water Polo trip

Filmmaker visit

Lip Jam 2019

Read about the women’s water polo team’s upcoming season and their trip to Hawaii on PAGE 10.

Boots Riley, the director of ‘Sorry to Bother You’ is visiting Sonoma State. Find out more on PAGE 7.

Read about the upcoming annual lip syncing battle between sororities on PAGE 8.

SINCE 1979

VOLUME 82 // ISSUE 1 JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4, 2019

WILL HAHN

THE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER

@SONOMASTATESTAR

PG&E files for bankruptcy

STAFF WRITER

T

he Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 14 due to the litigation of lawsuits resulting from the 2017 and 2018 wildfires in Northern California.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, PG&E spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said in an email that the decision to seek bankruptcy protection was reviewed with great measure and that “it is the only viable option for PG&E and will maximize the value of the enterprise for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

As a result of the devastating wildfires, especially those engulfing Santa Rosa and Paradise, PG&E is liable for the damage that cost thousands of citizens their homes, with fire investigators determining PG&E to be the cause of at least 17 of 21 major Northern California fires in 2017 resulting in billions of dollars in liability claims due to the wildfires from the past two years.

Cal Fire just announced that PG&E wasn’t responsible for the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, going against what many had thought.

The company’s website says they

are responsible for the distribution of natural gas and electric service to nearly 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California. Such an expansive distribution of these services to millions of citizens across California proves a fiscal responsibility to make sure that citizens who lost their homes are not left in a financial abyss.

Erin Brockovich, the well-respected and popular environmental activist, recently spoke at the state Capitol building in Sacramento to talk about the bankruptcy controversy.

“There is no good reason why these good people should not have the assistance of our legislation,” she said. “[And] of our governor and of this company to help them be made whole and to rebuild their lives and recover.”

In the meantime, the delay of the payments continues to cause uproar amongst the victims and lawyers involved in the lawsuits against PG&E. Brockovich questioned the necessity of PG&E’s bankruptcy filing because it essentially threatens to delay or reduce the payments that the fire survivors and the lawyers could obtain from

Storms pose new problems for fire-burned areas COLE MCKEITH STAFF WRITER

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esidents of Sonoma County have experienced a series of heavy downpours throughout the county’s wet season, felling trees and powerlines in areas and prompting warnings of flash floods in others. Throughout the mid-January storms, county officials worked overtime to clear roads closed as a result of the weather.

The strongest storm of the season moved over Sonoma County on the week of January 16, in which residents anticipated as much as 10 inches of rain across Sonoma and Mendocino counties, and causing power outages for hundreds of residents in Sonoma county, according to The Press Democrat.

Many areas affected by the October 2017 wildfires were at a higher risk for flooding, debris and mud flows, and rock falls, according to the Sonoma County Recovery, a website launched after the fires to bring awareness about post-fire dangers.

Speaking on the December following the 2017 fires, former California governor Jerry Brown described the fires as “the new normal.” Brown also described the possibility that blazes of comparable destructiveness would occur in subsequent years, as they did last year, when the 2018 wildfires spurred the most destructives fire season since 2008.

The increased frequency of devastating wildfires in recent years and the increased risk of environmental disasters in the areas most affected by the wildfires may be considered compounding effects of manmade climate change. There are also links to increases in the amount of precipitation an area receives and average temperature increases as a result of global climate change.

According to NASA, increased amounts of evaporation as a result of higher temperatures result in more storms, and increased flooding risks and precipitation.

Sonoma County Recovery advises residents living in areas most affected by the fires to take specific precautions in preparation for powerful storms, such as the ones which passed through Sonoma County in January.

These precautions principally involve evacuation preparation, in which endangered residents should prepare according to the dangers associated with their location with emergency supplies and at least two evacuation routes. The website also advises residents to fortify their property against environmental dangers with particular tech-

STAR // Jacob Loher PG&E service vehicles park alongside Old Redwood Highway and Markwest Springs Road last Wednesday, January 23. the company. This characterization of PG&E definitely falters their public image, since they are filing for bankruptcy to escape the lawsuits against them.

PG&E is caught between a rock and a hard place, having reportedly tried to acquire financial assets from multiple financial institutions in order to avoid a bankruptcy filing, revealing a devastating lack of financial stability.

On January 22, PG&E acquired the security of JPMorgan, Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup Global Markets for financing to assist in an increase of its capital to a total of $5.5 billion in order to operate during bankruptcy.

Subsequently, PG&E has suffered an 80 percent stock value decrease in the last two months and an extremely poor credit rating resulting from the California wildfires.

The City of Santa Rosa sued PG&E in mid-July last year as a result of the fires in October 2017.

In a statement released by the City of Santa Rosa, they described their decision to go after PG&E as a difficult, but necessary, one. “Our city suffered tremendous social and economic loss and faces millions of dollars of expense for emergency response and recovery efforts, including the ongoing work of rebuilding damaged infrastructure.”

Last week, Cal Fire announced that PG&E was not responsible for igniting the Tubbs Fire, which destroyed five percent of the buildings in Santa Rosa. This fire was a large reason why Sonoma State was shut down for over a week during the disaster. Instead, Cal Fire said the blaze was caused by a private electrical system on someone’s personal property.

Shutdown disrupts more than salaries COURTESY // Amazon niques, like installing obstacles to impede debris and removing existing debris.

Additionally, signing up with SoCoAlert notifications allows residents to use their phones for alerts from the National Weather Service and to keep a weather emergency radio in areas at risk for power or cell service outages.

NBC Los Angeles ranked California’s 2017 and 2018 winter storms as among the worst in the state’s history, and while the effects and destruction of the 2019 winter storms may not be sufficiently cataloged to rank them amongst recent years, the compounding effects of climate change in increasing the risks of environmental disaster are unprecedented in the state’s longterm meteorological history.

According to KQED, the sort of extreme weather events intensified by manmade climate change also correlate with a myriad of other problems, including mental health issues like depression, health risks associated with pollution, such as in cases where f looding contaminates water supplies, and infection, largely in areas where increased rainfall led to an increase in fungus growth.

While any single one of these events may pose a negligible health risk, their danger intensifies when combined, and with a wet weather pattern returning in the coming weeks, it is important to take every precaution possible.

JULIANNA FERRARA STAFF WRITER

A

defiant Donald Trump tweeted that “we will not cave [on building the wall],” during House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s press briefing on January 24, although the end of the most recent -- and longest -- government shutdown came to an end Monday.

Outside of government employees directly impacted by salary cessation, many people may not see the first-hand effects of the shutdown, although hikers and adventure enthusiasts certainly have.

Beginning December 22, the American governments’ partial shutdown had been the direct result of Congress and President Trump’s inability to reach an agreement over how to fund Trump’s much-promised, controversial Southern

Border wall. While much discussion has revolved around the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers that are working without pay, an oft-overlooked impact on the National Park Service has left frequented, public areas with zero supervision.

Since December 22, the American governments’ partial shutdown had been the direct result of Congress and President Trump’s inability to reach an agreement over how to fund Trump’s much-promised, controversial Southern Border wall. While much discussion has revolved around the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers that are working without pay, an oft-overlooked impact on see SHUTDOWN on pg. 4

COURTESY // Press Democrat Visitors at the Great Smokey Mountain National Park drive through the park but facilities, such as Visitor Centers, remained closed.

2 Editorial THE STAR Editorial Board Braden Car twright, Editor-in-Chief Kasey Williams, News Editor Gillian Chafer, Opinion Editor Alison Snider, Ar ts & Enter tainment Editor Haley Kara, Student Life Editor Brennan Craig, Spor ts Editor Natalie Dolan, Photo Editor Mandela Linder, Adver tising Manager Corinne Asturias, Faculty Adviser

Staff Writers Kayla Allen, Samantha Billingsly, Kaylie Boettner, Kelly Britton, Holly Chandler, Giulia Chlarson, Clark Fahrenthold, Julianna Ferrara, Alexander Funchess, Ashley Gieseke, Teresa Gulli, Will Hahn, Garrett Kitchen, Emily Kowalski, Katherine Kur tt, Madison Lam, Cole McKeith, Jack Messier, Gabriella Novello, Thomas Peterschmidt, Joseph Piombo, Devon Pique, Sunday Simon, Brandon Sparks, Jonah Trosky, Marissa Ugar te, Jackson Waldron, Aaron Waskowiak, Mattie Williams

Photographers Christine Von Raesfeld, Jessica Rivera, Kaitlyn Bradley, Jacob Loher, Ethan Prins

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

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Finally, a fully funded CSU

G

ov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to fully fund the CSU system, meaning there will be no tuition increase next year, should be met with emphatic applause

by Sonoma State students. In previous years, the threat of a tuition increase has constantly loomed over students as California’s government has failed to provide all of the funding the CSU has requested.

Newsom’s budget plan shows his commitment to education. In addition to fully funding the CSU, his plan calls for an additional $262 million in one-time funds that would be mainly devoted to fixing up CSU campus buildings and building child care centers.

It also provides $2 million to explore adding a new CSU in Stockton.

“This marks the single largest proposed investment by any governor in the history of the university and we are extremely appreciative of Governor Newsom’s bold investment in us,” CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White said in a statement.

In previous years, former Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget would fall short, by tens of millions of dollars, on the

money the CSU was asking for to fund itself. This would leave students, faculty, and leadership begging the state for more money, or else face a tuition increase.

The lack of investment by California in its higher education came to a head when the CSU raised tuition by five percent for the 2017-2018 school year. Another similar increase was proposed, that would’ve taken effect this year, that the CSU thankfully decided against.

Tuition increases are unfair to students, especially considering the already enormous cost of going to a four year college. When students start college, it is common practice to plan out the finances of all four years of attending school.

When tuition goes up in the middle of a person’s time at the university it can throw their entire plan for a loop. Financial aid or parent’s help may no longer be enough.

Sonoma State’s tuition is $7,798 per year. New students come here expecting to pay this for the entirety of their time here. While this number is subject to change, to raise tuition while someone is already committed to going here

forces them to pay more even when they don’t want to.

Newsom’s budget shows that when something is a priority it is easy to pay for. California’s budget is massive -- $209 billion -- and nine percent of it will go to higher education.

Higher education can be made a priority while still paying for other important things, like $60 billion for K-12 education.

It is about time California invested in its students. Not only will this budget plan give financial relief to the young residents of this state, it will set the entire state up for future success as more people can pursue higher education without worrying about it becoming even more expensive.

Just 12 years ago, tuition was less than half of what is today. Steady increases to the price in the beginning of the decade created a new normal where one semester of tuition costs more than a car. It shouldn’t be this hard to get an education.

Hopefully in 2020 and beyond, the California state government maintains the level of funding the CSU needs. This will create economic stability and peace of mind for millions of California students.

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.

Editor’s Pick

Your Art Here

This week’s can’t miss article:

Email star@sonoma.edu for more information.

“SSU Choir gets second chance at cancelled concert” Smokey skies cancelled last semester’s performance, but now they’re getting a second chance.

They’re only doing one song, but it’s 16 minutes and entirely in German.

Read the article on page 7.

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.

The STAR is looking for an editorial cartoonist.

Opinion 3

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Trump’s great wall sparks concern among Americans

BRANDON SPARKS STAFF WRITER

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t was 2016. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were battling it out as the last presidential candidates of the Republican and Democratic parties. One statement said by now President Trump forever rings in our heads day after day as his inauguration is beginning to take effect. Trump proclaimed, “I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I’ll have Mexico pay for that wall.” Today, after experiencing the longest government shutdown in history, many have seen emergency actions happening before their very eyes. According to CNN, Trump is preparing a draft that will put national emergency power into his hands to fund the wall with over seven billion dollars. With this new addition

Kamala Harris may not be as progressive as she claims

MADISON LAM

STAFF WIRTER

K

amala Harris, a North Bay native and California senator, announced her candidacy for the 2020 presidential election on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many Californians, especially Bay Area natives, are ecstatic about the mixed-race democratic Senator announcing her candidacy; but there are many who aren’t so happy about the announcement. The discussion throughout social media about Harris is that she is the “female version of Obama,” but her past proves that statement to be false--she is a lot less progressive than people realize.

Harris represents a number of communities as an African American and Asian woman coming from the diversity of the Bay Area. Being one of the few democratic minority women in the nation who openly fights for ending cultural and gender divides, many people are quick to give her their support.

“Among her achievements as District Attorney, Harris started a program that gives first-time drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment,” states her official website biography.

She is known to fight for liberal issues such as marriage equality, DACA, climate change, gang trafficking, the broken criminal justice system, and more. So from her upbringing, background, and progressive career path, she seems to be the perfect candidate for the Democratic party, which still strongly fights for cultural and identity issues. But many find Harris to be extremely controversial because of her contradicting beliefs and past as California’s attorney general. Harris herself has claimed to be a “progressive prosecutor,” but simple research on her term as attorney general shows otherwise.

Throughout her career as District Attorney and Attorney General, Harris stayed silent on addressing criminal justice reforms. She went through hot waters in 2010 for keeping information about a laboratory technician who was accused of tampering with evidence and stealing drugs from the police lab, according to The New York Times. Her argument against the ruling was that the judge posed a “conflict of interest” because the judge’s husband, who was a defense attorney, expressed the importance of disclosing evidence publicly. There was an Orange County case in 2014 that ruled the death penalty unconstitutional, in which Harris released a statement showing that she was for the death penalty, reports CNN. Harris was also against a bill in 2015 that made it a requirement to investigate shootings that involved officers and refused to support regulating the use of body cameras worn by police officers, which is extremely shocking considering police brutality against African Americans in our nation.

Among all these things, Harris has a record for wrongful conviction in cases. Daniel Larsen is in prison serving a 28-year-to-life sentence for possession of a concealed weapon, but there is copious amounts of evidence that proves Larsen’s innocence. Harris, however, has fought to keep Larsen in prison and claims that Larsen “failed to raise his legal arguments in a timely fashion.”

This is another example where Harris was on the wrong side of history.

Although she seems to be a reliable candidate for those who were underrepresented greatly during Trump’s term, her past stops many people from believing what she claims to stand for. If Harris wants a better chance at gaining more votes, it is important that she addresses her past mistakes and proves that she actually cares about the issues she claims to stand for. On the surface, she may seem like the “female version of Obama,” but is important to pay attention to the details that entail her character and drive her decision making.

almost becoming reality, we should ask ourselves: do we need this wall?

David Bier of Cato Institute researched this very matter. According to his studies, “a 2016 Migration Policy Institute review of the impact of walls and fences around the world turned up no academic literature...and concluded somewhat vaguely that walls appear to be ‘relatively ineffective.’” With a wall being studied to be ineffective, why does the president believe that the answer to keeping illegal immigrants out of the US is by a gigantic wall paid with their hard earned paycheck? Many people living at the border also do not agree with the making of a wall.

In an American Magazine article by J.D. LongGarcía, the writer interviewed people near the border about the wall and their opinions on the matter, “The idea of a wall is absurd,” said the Rev. Julio López, the director of Casa del Migrante in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. “The Berlin wall fell, why are we thinking about more walls?” Rev. Julio López has a point.

The Berlin wall was built by communists and stands as a symbol of lack of freedom during its time, and now America, the land of freedom, is building their own. The wall has become a laughing stock in America because of the absurdity of actually building a great wall that probably won’t even have an effect on the immigrants who pass through the border un-

noticed. President Trump has stated that the immigrants need to be removed from this country because of how millions of them illegally cross into America and take our jobs. As many research concludes, this is actually not true.

In a study by the Economist, Mexicans who were apprehended crossing over the border illegally have been slowly decreasing. In 2000, 1.7 million arrests were made at the border, with 90 percent of those arrests were Mexicans trying to illegally cross the border. During Obama’s presidency, only 47% of the 400,000 arrests being Mexicans. This steady decline started when the federal government built a fence in 2006 that stretched across the border to keep illegal immigrants from easily crossing over. With this information, Trump believes that a 40 foot wall will be a substantial upgrade and surely wipe out all forms of illegal immigrants in America coming from the southern border. The wall will not change anything, as criminals will find another way into America. It’s just a waste of American taxpayer money, but soon enough, it probably will be towering 35 feet over Mexico as a reminder of Trump’s promise to America that he is the president and this is what he’s chosen to do with our money. If anything, Mr. Trump, you’re the wall that’s stopping people from living in America.

Prenuptials can bring to light trust issues in couples

KELLY BRITTON STAFF WRITER

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ith marriage comes the decision whether to get a prenuptial agreement with your spouse or not. Prenuptials are used to protect one’s finances and assets. Recently, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos had an affair with Lauren Sanchez, and his wife, MacKenzie, will now become one of the richest women in the world. A prenuptial was very beneficial towards Bezos’ wife, but if the Amazon couple had agreed on no prenuptial, then MacKenzie would have left without any of their finances and assets. As the decision to get a prenuptial comes up in every relationship, there are always reasons behind each answer.

The pros of a prenuptial could outweigh the cons, however each marriage is based on different morals.

Inheritance rights make a huge impact, but the same could result in a loss when either spouse passes away.

Once your spouse passes away after a prenuptial, the one still alive will have access to all finances and assets. While in the engagement stage, it is often too early to tell if there is a need for a prenuptial. This

can scare the other one away before their wedding is even planned.

The decision of a prenuptial should be available to all people, no matter the situation. This goes to show why some individuals go against it. When presenting the idea of a prenuptial to your loved one, it could cause a lack of trust. This concept sometimes refers to “planning a divorce before getting married,” according to the website Find Law. This situation creates a fear of not being close enough to the person you are going to marry. Another reason why individuals are against prenuptials is because it can become unbalanced, therefore if there was a divorce, one person would walk away with a majority of their life, while the other is left with nothing. There needs to be a balance to ensure the couple are both receiving the same amount from their belongings.

Since divorce is ever so common, and according to the American Psychological Association, is up to 50 percent, it becomes hard to agree if a prenuptial is right for your relationship or not. Some couples decide to go against a prenuptial because of fearing their significant other won’t trust them.

Some men are like Hugh Hefner who have many girlfriends they are seriously involved with. Although Hefner did marry some, a prenuptial was not very likely as he constantly kept all his money and fortune. Without a prenup, women can be easily taken advantage of. Since Bezos has ruined his marriage, left his wife brokenhearted and destroyed his reputation, MacKenzie deserves all of the money she will be given. He can continue seeing the woman he chose over his wife, regardless of the impact of his affair on his career or personal life.

The Gray Area: Another ignored minority

SAMANTHA BILLINGSLY STAFF WRITER

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ex is everywhere, from television, magazines, education, and the media; scrolling through Instagram or flipping through the news shows sexualized women and men all around us. There is a huge weight on people in our society to be sexually appealing. Everyday life shows people coloring their gray hairs, wearing makeup, shaving, and more in efforts to look attractive. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, there is a group of people that suffer from the sexualized society.

A study done in 2017 by the American College Health Association shows that 4-5 percent of college students identify as a nonallosexual person, or those who don’t feel the conventional sexual attraction. These people belong further left on the asexuality spectrum, the far left being asexuality, those who feel no sexual attraction to others, and the far right being allosexaulity, those who feel sexual attraction. In the middle are several other identities, which can be referred to with the umbrella term gray ace, who can only feel sexual attraction under certain conditions. For example, demisexual people fall into the gray ace category as they only are sexually attracted to individuals they have an emotional connection to. There are many different sexualities that fall into gray ace, and none of them are black and white.

Some asexual people still engage in sex, even though they’re not sexually attracted to anyone. If a gay man slept with a woman, be it because he’s experiment-

ing, in the closet, or some other reason, it makes him no less homosexual; it just means he slept with a woman.

Enjoying sex and being sexually attracted to someone are two different things. The choice to have sex is up to them.

Some may be repulsed by it and choose not to ever have relations, while others may. Either option is valid, and neither option makes them any less asexual.

Since asexuality isn’t represented as often as other sexualities, many people are misinformed. Under representation and misinformation has detrimental outcomes, such as acephobia. Even those in the LGBTQ+ community can be acephobic. One of the most common arguments that misinformed people use is, ‘‘what if the asexual person just hasn’t met the right person yet?’’ This means the asexual person would have to meet 7.7 billion people to be sure they’re ace.

So following that logic, all lesbians would have to meet every man in the world to be sure, all gays would have to meet every woman in the world to be sure, and all straights would have to meet everyone of the same gender to be sure. With that argument, nobody is ever truly sure of their sexuality.

If someone identifies with a label because they feel it fits them best, then their identity should be respected. Furthermore, some are convinced that these people are victims of a sexually traumatic past. That’s not always true, and when it is true, that doesn’t mean that it’s causing them to be this sexuality. Some may also say that asexuality is unnatural, however a study done shows that it is present in the animal kingdom.

Doctor Charles E. Roselli, a scientist specializing in sex hormones, studied a group of 584 rams and ewes mating habits to find that 12.5 percent of them were asexual.

The fact of the matter is asexual people exist.

Those who identify as asexual are ignored as a whole.

There’s very little information on asexuals and an almost nonexistent amount for those who identify as lesser known sexualities. Because of this, many asexual people suffer mental health issues. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, LGBTQ people are almost three times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition. Ignoring these people highlights the worst parts of the American narrative—the belief that minorities don’t matter.

4 News

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

SSU Holocaust Lecture Series Returns

COURTESY // Sonoma State University The Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide’s banner used on their website.

OLIVIA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

T

Concept of Genocide”, the second lecture of the selearn from history,” Thomas said. ries, on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Goodman was a Professor Goodman, who retired from teaching in 2013 at Sonoma State from 1990 to 2013 and earned her at Sonoma State as a Professor in the Sociology current title as the Director of the Center for the Ho- Department, will be explaining in her lecture locaust and Genocide at Sonoma State. “how and why the international community had to The Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and create a legal basis for bringing perpetrators of the Genocide was formed in 1982 but have changed their mass killing to justice.” name since then. The group was originally named This year’s lecture series will not only focus The Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and didn’t on the Holocaust, but survivors and descendants of add the word “genocide” to the end of the title until the Armenian and Rwandan genocide, as well as 2010. Wanting to revise their mission, the name was eyewitnesses to the Bosnian genocide. changed to ref lect the group’s commitment to include “I believe the series is important for both the everyone affected by genocide. students and the community because it presents Initially, the groups’ internationally known scholars and Sonoma State intention was to give sur- faculty with expertise in the study of the Holocaust vivors and families of the as well as current genocides,” said Goodman. victims of the Holocaust a “I will present information on why it is imchance to share their sto- portant to understand how and when we can idenries and get information tify when circumstances foreshadow genocidal out about the atrocities that conditions, raise awareness of origins of current occurred during these dev- genocides and how we can work to effect change,” astating times in history. Goodman said, speaking about her lecture on Jan. Maria Revelle, a local yoga instrucMembers of the Sonoma 29. tor and Santa Rosa Junior College stuState faculty were and still The lecture series is a powerful educational dent, described a recent excursion to are very driven to expand experience for students, as Goodman says, and Joshua Tree National Park as nothing the knowledge of this sen- “it is unlike any other they have been exposed to short of maddening. sitive subject to students at Sonoma State.” These lectures are open to the “People are parking like crazy in and the community. public and all members of the community are welplaces that are clearly marked ‘No ParkSonoma State senior come, including middle and high school students. ing’ at any time, blocking streets so that Mackenzie Thomas thinks “I think students should be open to attending cars can’t pass through,” she said. “Trash people might be hesitant to these lectures because there needs to be an un[containers] are overflowing, signs evattend because of the heavy derstanding of important topics like these so that erywhere to pack out because there’s no subject being covered, but such events can be prevented,” says Lauren Shirk, services to clean up, yet people are still thinks they should have a a freshman here on campus. filling up the trashes and leaving their different perspective on it.

“We have a long and illustrious history on garbage everywhere.”

“They are important to dis- campus,” said Goodman. “The Center also was inWithout enforced rules and regulacuss as students because as strumental in bringing the Anne Frank tree to our tions, there is a sense of deindividuation future leaders, we need to campus.” amongst the public as people fight, litter, relieve themselves out in the open, and engage in other disrespectful activities as no one is being held accountable for their actions. This loss of personal responsibility is wreaking havoc on ecosystems and natural habitats.

Poaching, damage to off-limits areas of parks, and theft remain areas of Sen. Kamala Harris announced her intention to run concern, while human waste and overfor president at a rally in Oakland in front of about flowing sewage can leach into water 20,000 people on Sunday. supply, leaving animals at high risk in their own protected territories.

With the shutdown over for now, The Trump administration announced they will no longer many still fear that the damage already recognize Nicolas Maduro as the country’s president’ incurred could potentially be irreversible. leading him to expel U.S. diplomats from the country.

he Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide has put together the 36th Annual Sonoma State University 2019 Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series, a weekly event where guest speakers will share their knowledge and stories with the community.

Until May 7, all members of the community are encouraged to attend these programs, held on Tuesday nights from 4 - 5:50 p.m. in the Warren Auditorium of Ives Hall on the Sonoma State campus. The theme of this particular lecture series is “Genocide in Our Time: It Can Happen Here”. Sonoma State Emerita Professor Myrna Goodman, Ph. D. will be speaking on “The

CONTINUED: Shutdown continued from pg. 1

the National Park Service has left frequented, public areas with zero supervision.

As quickly as one week after the shutdown, many of the popular National Parks throughout the United States had been severely affected. Reports of overflowing garbage, unkempt public restrooms, fights over camping spots, and other damaging behavior began to surface.

After years of careful maintenance, vigilant attention to ecosystems, wildlife, and safe recreational usage, it seems that much is being undone as rangers and camp staff are unable to show up for work and enforce all that keeps the parks in shape.

As the shutdown drags on, the question of whether or not to close the parks altogether remains an important issue.

Part of a “revised contingency plan” for 2018/2019’s partial shutdown allotted for only a small number of staff to remain onsite and have resorted to spending entrance fee funds to fill in gaps, yet these funds have proved to be insufficient as Northern California parks, like Yosemite and Muir Woods, are overwhelmed with disruptive behavior and costly misusage.

NEWS IN BRIEF Oakland

Venezuela

CAMPUS CRIME Crime

Date

Location

Status

Burglary

January 3

Alicante Dorm Building

Closed

Resisting Officer

January 8

Parking Lot A

Suspended

Domestic Battery

January 14

Resisting Officer

January 19

Parking Lot A

Closed

January 26

Parking Lot R4

Closed

January 26

Savoie Residential Dorm

Closed

Weapons/Public Intox.

Petty Theft

Grenache Dorm Building Referred

News 5

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Media coverage of MLK Day exchange amiss JACK MESSIER STAFF WRITER

T

he Lincoln Memorial: a stout symbol of unity, integrity and perseverance, the historic site of Martin Luther King Junior’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and now witness to a feverish faceoff that went viral amid MLK Day. On January 18, the afternoon was winding down for students of Covington Catholic High School, or so they thought.

The private boys’ school, located in Park Hills, Kentucky, bussed its students to Washington D.C. to partake in the March for Life rally on Capitol Hill. A large sum of the students then finished their day with a visit to the nearby Lincoln Memorial.

A small group of Native Americans were simultaneously participating in the Indigenous People’s March by the steps of the memorial, and within an hour of the memorial visit, other demonstrations, namely of the Black Hebrew Israelite religious group, quickly transformed restless banter with the high school teens into menacing racial slurs.

While the exchange was captured on video, the role of the religious group to initially incite the hoard of MAGA hat-wearing students did not surface until later.

Rather, another condensed video recorded by an Indigenous March attendee, Kaya Taitano, rapidly captivated social media users. The viral video depicts the large group of Covington Catholic students, led by high school junior Nick Sandmann, seemingly taunting and coming face-to-face with 64-year-old Native American and Omaha elder, Nathan Phillips.

The video, captioned, “This MAGA loser gleefully bothering a Native American protester at the Indigenous People’s March,” reeled in 2.5 million views and 14,400 retweets, according to findings by CNN Business of the since-deleted tweet.

In less than 24 hours, Covington Catholic High School and its Diocese released a joint statement in apology to Phillips, asserting the potentiality of student consequence -- up to expulsion -- upon investigation into the incident.

COURTESY // NBC News “Today” Show host Savannah Guthrie sat down for an interview with controversial subject Nick Sandmann last Wednesday.

In his own separate statement funneled by Louisville-based, family-contracted public relations firm RunSwitch PR, Sandmann asserts, “By remaining motionless and calm, I was helping to diffuse the situation,” adding, in reference to the confrontation with Phillips, “I was not intentionally making faces at the protestor. I did smile at one point because I wanted him to know that I was not going to become angry, intimidated or provoked into a larger confrontation.”

Due to a slew of death threats to Covington Catholic High School in the ensuing week, assemblages of police cars lined Dixie Highway to block access to the school during its two-day campus closure. It has since re-opened under police protection as of last Wednesday.

Later, hour-long videos of the ordeal from multiple perspectives, including that of one rowdy Black Hebrew Israelite, revealed an alternative understanding of the altercation.

Within the first 30 minutes, the video exhibits shrieks and insults catapulted by the Black Hebrew Israelite group towards a large crowd on the steps.

Shortly thereafter, one member is heard calling students, “A bunch of babies made out of incest.”

Phillips attempts to get between the students and Israelite members is roughly an hour into the video.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Phillips, noting his efforts in watering down the fiery situation, clarified, “Some members of the Black Hebrew Israelite group were saying some harsh things,” he said. “I had put myself in between that, between a rock and hard place.”

In the midst of the exchange, Phillips’ perception of the situation, what he refers to later as embracing “a choice of right or wrong,” should serve as a lightning rod in piercing through political and ideological differences we face as people -- especially when amplified in hostile, conflicting display.

Propositions Section K “University District” Facing Backlash development well underway ASHLEY GIESEKE STAFF WRITER

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he passing of Proposition 47, 57, and Assembly Bill 109 have been something that has been up for debate for nearly five years now in the state of California. These propositions, which many view as extremely controversial, are potentially to blame for a large number of violent crimes that have taken place in the state over the last few years, leading many to wonder if the state should reconsider their enactment.

In 2014, Proposition 47 was on the ballot and was passed by California voters with a majority 60 percent.

This proposition reduced certain drug possession felonies to misdemeanors. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said that it does not necessarily mean that inmates are just getting a free pass and will be let go, as the felons would still have to petition the court for a resentencing in order to be considered.

With 47, inmates who had already been released would also be able to petition the court to have their felonies changed to misdemeanors on their record. To make sure that not just anyone can petition for this, if an inmate was convicted of any kind of sex crime, murder, attempted murder, or anything violent enough to receive a life sentence, they cannot get their conviction changed.

Along with 47, Californians passed Proposition 57 in November 2016 with a majority 64 percent. Proposition 57’s purpose, for civil and criminal trials, was to reexamine the requirements in granting parole for “non-violent” criminals and juvenile court cases.

The approval meant that voters were saying yes to increasing parole for those convicted of a felony if it was a “non-violent crime,” along with allowing judges to be able to make a decision if a juvenile would be tried as an adult in a court of law.

Both of these props have raised huge controversy on convictions and whether or not inmates deserve to have their sentences lightened and what technically constitutes a “violent crime.”

In 2011, California also passed Realignment Assembly Bill 109, which has stirred up a lot of questions as well.

This Assembly Bill was formally called “California’s Public Safety Realignment Initiative,” and, along with propositions 47 and 57, it was initially proposed to help decrease the prison population.

According to Shouse California Law Group, AB 109 was set up to divert those who were convicted of less serious felonies from state prison to more local county jails. The bill still did not pertain to those who were convicted of sex crimes or anything violent, just as those of 47 and 57.

The controversy surrounding these propositions and assembly bills has to do with public safety and the well being of those outside of the prison system. Since their passing, there has been a number of cases where inmates who were released due to these have commited worse crimes than they were originally incarcerated for.

In 2017, NBC Los Angeles gave a horrifying example of these propositions going south. Michael Meja, a known gang member, shot and killed Whittier Police Officer Keith Boyer after he was put on probation, rather than being kept in a Department of Corrections, as would previously have happened prior to the passing of the propositions.

Meja was involved in a traffic collision early one morn-

COURTESY // Brookfield Residential A rendering of a single family home in the University District, starting at $600,000.

KATHERINE KURTT

s the new semester begins, more students are noticing the quick advancements of K Section, also known as the University District.

The new neighborhood, nestled in along the foothills of Sonoma County and close to many K-12 schools, including Sonoma State University, is planning for 1,236 single-family detached homes, seven acres of commercial companies, two public parks, and three miles of trails around the Rohnert Park area.

After the 2017 wildfires ravaged much of Sonoma County and destroyed some 8,900 structures, many of them homes, the new housing community could not have come at a better time.

Brookfield Residential, the homebuilder developing the University District, will present their plans to satisfy a requirement to build “more than 200 affordable rental units in its development north of Sonoma State,” according to the Press Democrat. The homes will range in price from $500 thousand to $600 thousand and contain anywhere from three to five bedrooms and a two-car garage.

The lot, which overlooks the lush green foothills in the spring and colorful trees in the fall, also plans on adding a 218-unit apartment complex on the corner of Keiser Avenue and Petaluma Hill Road.

“Putting all the units in one apartment complex is a great way to do it,” said Jeff Beiswenger, the planning manager for the City of Rohnert Park. “You end up with a big, quality project that’s well managed, and

keeps it affordable for a very long time — perpetually basically.”

The hope is that, of those looking to live within the University District, displaced fire victims from both the 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires will be able to find refuge and a new place to call home.

With its convenient location on Highway 101, Rohnert Park is also an ideal location for commuters and students alike.

Citizens working in the San Francisco Bay Area often find themselves living in the North Bay due to relatively affordable housing and increasingly easier trips to the city. Rohnert Park is a quick 40 minutes away from San Francisco and other surrounding Bay Area cities, although commute hours can often complicate the trip.

Many students are also excited to see the residential community grow as well.

Noah Rosenthal, a senior at SSU, discussed how he is very eager to see the city grow after he graduates. “I am excited to see how the new houses in K Section will improve the community in a positive way and help students find housing since nice houses for students are hard to come by.”

Rosenthal also hopes that K Section will provide a comfortable environment for students without fear of disturbing residents of the community. Many students are subjected to noise complaints due to the amount of families close to the university, which can cause tension between neighbors and students.

ing in Feb. 2017, where he shot Boyer and his partner shortly after they arrived. While already being a convicted, known gang member, records had shown that Meja had multiple encounters during his time as an inmate, which should have been a red flag before his release.

Instead of being released into the general public, Meja was also supposed to be checked into a drug re-

habilitation facility just weeks before he took Boyers life.

Californians are second-guessing their choice on their ballots due in large part to situations like these.

Questions remain on if it really is best to release these inmates, regardless of them being originally convicted of a non-violent crime.

STAFF WRITER

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6 Arts

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Student Spotlight of the Week: Vivian Knee GIULIA CHLARSON STAFF WRITER

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eing involved in the Theatre Arts and Dance Department challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Junior Theatre Arts major Vivian Knee dedicates her time to acting and performing with Sonoma State’s Theatre Arts program and while she spends almost everyday in rehearsals, she would not have it any other way.

She has always had a passion for the arts. Performing in shows at her local church and community theatres sparked her love for acting.

“I can’t ever see myself not performing,” Knee said. Her inspiration for the arts began with singing, although that was cut short when her tonsils were removed, going from a soprano to an alto range.

That was a hard transition for her to get used to, but has seen it as a chance to further her acting skills and improve her voice as an alto.

Knee is the eccentric and lively peer we all need in our lives. Her outgoing personality and ability to put a smile on anyone’s face is what makes her stand out, and even what got her her first audition in theatre.

The Sonoma State Theatre Arts Department has been a really positive space for Knee. She has met people who “challenge her and help her develop as an actor,” which has created an overall valuable experience.

Knee will be in the upcoming show of “Sweeney

Todd,” which will be her third show at Sonoma State.

She appears in the chorus in “Sweeney Todd” and is the understudy for the Beggar Woman.

Knee expressed her excitement for the upcoming performances saying, “Come see ‘Sweeney Todd’ Feb. 7-17! Tickets are free for students!”

Before being cast in “Sweeney Todd,” her most recent appearance was in “Twelfth Night” as Olivia, which was her first lead role. “Twelfth Night” had a unique quality with being the first Shakespeare show with a non-traditional cast of 13 women and one nonbinary person.

Knee spent her sophomore year as a peer mentor to a Communications class. She said this was a great way for her to meet people outside of her regular realm that she normally would not have the chance to meet. Besides working in the theatre, being a peer mentor was one of her favorite ways to get involved on campus.

In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in acting. “Being in the space of the theatre is something I love so much,” Knee expressed, “I just want to create art.”

She wants to further her on stage acting, but she would take any opportunity she can get.

Her favorite memory involved with acting was auditioning her freshman year and getting cast right away. She remembers doing a monologue about embarrassing yourself on a first date which got her cast.

Knee has met all of her best friends within this

department who have helped her build self-confidence and “get past her inner critic.”

Something she would like to share with someone considering the Theatre Arts major would be to “put yourself out there…if you’re not passionate, then you won’t reap reward.”

She says that it is a small department, it is hard, but it is a great place to be, surrounded by people who will not judge you. She feels so strongly about this department and wants to help spread the word about all its great qualities.

STAR // Jessica Rivera Junior Theatre Arts major and “Sweeney Todd” cast member Vivian Knee.

Hulu and Netflix documentaries dive into the secrets of a fraudulant festival

KAYLIE BOETTNER STAFF WRITER

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wo of the online entertainment giants, Netflix and Hulu, recently released their own separate documentaries of the infamous Fyre Festival.

While, both Netf lix and Hulu made films about the same festival failure they take vastly different approaches.

Billy McFarland was the mastermind behind the festival with his celebrity hypeman Ja Rule. The festival was meant to be a cross between Coachella and Burning Man, on a beautiful island in the Bahamas, but was ultimately a failure.

Hulu’s “Fyre Fraud” and Netf lix’s “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” are both about an hour and thirty five minutes in length.

Hulu’s “Fyre Fraud” is directed and written by Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst. The synopsis is as follows, “Fyre Fraud is a true-crime comedy exploring a failed music festival turned internet meme at the nexus of social media inf luence, latestage capitalism, and morality in the post-truth era.”

This is a true representation of what to expect from this documentary as it not only looks at the Fyre Festival but also the implications of inf luencers on social media.

“Fyre Fraud” takes a step back to look at the larger problem at hand with Millennials, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the need to have extravagant ex-

periences for no other reason than just to f launt on social media.

Netf lix’s Fyre documentary is directed and written by Chris Smith. The synopsis on Netf lix is “He promised supermodels and yachts, but delivered tents and cheese sandwiches. How one man engineered a music festival disaster.”

Even though Netf lix gives a short and sweet rundown of what to expect from their documentary it is exactly what the film is about. “Fyre” definitely focuses its attention on the build up and then epic failure of Fyre Festival. Netf lix focuses far more on just the festival and does not really look into and critique Millennials and social media as a whole.

The biggest difference between “Fyre” and “Fyre Fraud” is that Hulu’s version has an exclusive interview with Billy McFarland.

According to Los Angeles Times, “Fyre”’s director Chris Smith could have also had an interview at a price of $125,000, apparently much less than Hulu paid but he could not ethically agree to it.

Los Angeles Times wrote, “Furst and Nason acknowledged that they did pay McFarland to license footage and indemnify the production from his potential claims of defamation. They denied that the amount was $250,000 but would not say how much McFarland was paid.”

McFarland does not confess to anything in “Fyre Fraud” but he does give us a look into his childhood

and just his mere presence gives Hulu’s version a different perspective.

Furst told Los Angeles Times, “I find it a little curious that we’re being asked if we have an ethical problem when the Netf lix project was produced by Jerry Media, one of the companies that ran social media for Fyre and deleted negative comments on the festival’s Instagram page.”

“Fyre” having Jerry Media involved is slightly off putting just because viewers cannot be 100 percent sure that they did not taint the outcome but they did not give any slack to the event or the people involved.

Both documentaries have people involved that could be seen as problematic but both documentaries expose the fraudulent festival.

Hulu’s “Fyre Fraud” and Netf lix’s “Fyre” are both interesting documentaries with their own theatrical approaches. Depending on what viewers are looking for will decide which documentary to watch.

“Fyre Fraud” studies what led this festival to come about and has an interview with Billy McFarland.

“Fyre” has more actual footage from when Fyre Festival was being put together and interviews with Fyre employees and the island workers.

Both documentaries are worth the watch. Even though they have some overlap, they each bring something different to the whole story.

Shock and excitement surround the 91st Oscar nominations

TERESA GULLI

STAFF WRITER

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he nominations are in for the 91st Academy Awards Ceremony to be held once again at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.

As the nominations have been recently announced, many fans have had their expectations met, while many are stunned and disappointed in their favorite films not making the cut.

Shockingly to fans “Crazy Rich Asians” did not reach a single nomination, considering the buzz circulating around the film and success in the box office its first week.

Many supporters agree that this film deserved to have at least one nomination since very few films host an all Asian cast. Although, the romantic comedy genre is commonly overlooked in the Academy compared to the dramatic film genres.

According to Vanity Fair, “Crazy Rich Asians was a box-office wonder last summer, retaining audiences at a nearly unprecedented rate throughout its theatrical run; since its release, it’s earned more than $238 million worldwide.”

Leading with the most nominations has tallied up in a tie between Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Favourite” with a total of 10 nominations.

Netf lix scores its first nomination for Best Picture with its film “Roma”, although movies from

streaming sites are not typically up for nomination as it overpasses the box office and delivered straight to consumers.

As many fans predicted, the film “A Star is Born” has racked up a number of earnings, eight in total including Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, and Actress in a Leading Role.

Just behind with seven nominations is “Black Panther” to include Best Picture and Costume Design.

Supporters of the director, Spike Lee, are excited to see that he has finally been nominated for his first Oscar nomination, Best Director, for the film, “Blackkklanmans.”

Although “A Star is Born” has acquired several nominations, many fans were surprised to see that Bradley Cooper did not receive a nomination in the Best Director category.

A part of the ceremony that many viewers look forward to watching are the numerous performances of their favorite songs in the Best Song category.

This year however, the Academy has made the decision to only feature two of the five Best Song nominations to perform compared to three of five nominees in the previous years, cutting one performance.

Performances include Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s song “All the Stars” from “Black Panther” and Lady

Gaga’s “Shallow,” from “A Star is Born.”

According to Vanity Fair, “The decision is said to be a time-saving measure meant to keep the famously long awards show at a three-hour run time.”

This year the Academy has opted for a host-less Oscar, which has not occurred in the Academy since 1989, which many have believed to be widely considered the worst Academy Awards ceremony in Oscars history, so many are excitedly anticipating what this year’s Academy has planned to tackle the hosts duties.

The decision to have a host-less Oscar comes after Kevin Hart stepped down as a host just days after the announcement of his hosting gig. Hart gave up his postion as host after receiving a significant amount of media attention and backlash circulating his tweets made in 2010 and 2011 over what was deemed as homophobic tweets.

According to Variety, “The ceremony will likely buck the tradition of having a master of ceremonies.

Instead, organizers have chosen to patch together a host-less show.”

With the reduced length in show time and hostless ceremony, the award show is expected to be different from previous shows.

The 91st Annual Academy Awards will begin at 5 p.m. Feb. 24 on ABC.

Entertainment 7

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

SSU Choir gets second chance at cancelled concert DEVON PIQUE STAFF WRITER

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fter the Camp Fire smoke unfortunately cancelled their performance last semester, the Sonoma State Symphonic Chorus will finally be able to showcase their set.

On Friday, Feb. 1 the Sonoma State Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Sonoma State Symphonic Chorus will be having a performance beginning in Weill Hall at 3:15 p.m. before moving into Schroeder Hall for the second part of the concert.

Previously, both the Concert Choir and Symphonic Chorus were set supposed to perform on Nov. 9 of last year but the air quality was too poor because of the fires raging in Butte County near Paradise.

“It was, of course, very disappointing to not have the opportunity to perform and showcase the singers’ hard work. However, we understood the circumstances and our hearts went out to those directly affected by the fire,” Choral Director Dr. Jenny Bent said.

Originally having been told the night before that the show was to go on, the smoke and air quality coming from the tragedy closed down campus events for the weekend and the chorus was told the morning of the concert that they would no longer be able to perform.

“Because of the cancellation I believed I would not be able to perform this piece, at least not this year,” said freshman choral member Brandon Corr. It seemed unlikely that the group would be able to share the hard work they put in for their performance and it was clearly disappointing.

While many performers, friends and family were initially saddened by the news that they would not be able to perform and watch, their attitudes turned

around when the students learned they would be able to show off their set after all.

Just when it seemed that all hope of performing the piece was lost, Dr. Bent informed the chorus that a new opportunity to perform was at hand.

When hearing that Dr. Bent had managed to schedule another time slot they could perform their piece, Corr “was extremely excited.”

Now that the chorus had an opportunity where they could present their work, it then seemed as though this postponement may have even helped the group in some ways. This gave the chorus more time to practice and improve their skill in the piece they had been working on.

“Personally I feel that I have had more time to learn the piece and be more prepared for the concert,” Corr said.

Although the chorus could not practice together during winter break and the chorus only has one formal rehearsal before the performance, Corr is confident that everyone has been working on the piece separately and that “everyone else has put in the work to make this piece amazing!”

The concert is free for all members of the community and this event is a part of the NorCal Honor Band and Choir festival which “welcomes and showcases talented high school musicians from throughout Northern California,” said Dr. Bent.

While the Symphonic Chorus will be performing only one piece, “Schlicksalsied” by Johannes Brahms, it is not quite as easy as it may sound.

“It’s a beast,” mentioned August Perez, a freshman in chorus.

The piece runs a total of sixteen minutes long and

Rapper turned filmmaker comes to Weill Hall EMILY KOWALSKI STAFF WRITER

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n Feb. 4, Writer and Director Boots Riley, will be coming to Weill Hall for a showing of the film and will be answering questions from the audience beginning at 7 p.m.

Hitting the box office in July of last year, the satirical film “Sorry to Bother You” is now heading to Sonoma State for a screening and question and answer with the director.

Starting his career as the leader of the rap group Coup, Riley took to a new medium as he began to write the script for his satirical comedy.

Despite already having fame and notability, getting Hollywood to take him seriously as a writer and a director was not as simple as it may seem.

“Trying to get somebody to read your script and you’re a musician?”

Riley said to the New York Times.

“That’s the last person whose script you’re gonna read!”

While being turned down time and time again, Riley refused to give up, and eventually gaining the support of Patton Oswalt, Terry Crews, Tessa Thompson and more.

Taking place in an alternate reality of Oakland, the protagonist, Cassius Green, discovers that he must change who he is and use a fake “white person” voice to get ahead in the materialistic world. Being a black man, he uses this to his advantage at a personal cost. As his own career moves further and further ahead, he uncovers the dark secrets of the working world and realizes the mistakes he has made. The film explores the concept of a telemarketing job while taking a turn into a fantastical satire.

The film scored a 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80 percent on Metacritic. Although the critics

seemed to have liked the movie, students had more mixed reviews.

Sonoma State junior, Allyana Abonador, said that she thought the movie was “fine, but the movie could have gone further is discussing social racism as a whole. I can see how people think the movie was good, but I think it could have discussed societal problems more in depth”.

Despite the film’s high ratings and critical success, it did not receive an Oscar nomination last week, to the surprise of many fans.

Junior, Brooke Motl, thought that the movie should have been nominated for an Oscar Award because of the “diverse cast and interesting plot line”.

Riley was addressed by fans on why the film was not nominated for an Oscar and what he thought of the supposed snub.

Taking to Twitter, Riley explains that “the largest factor as to why we didn’t get nominated is that we didn’t actually run a campaign that aimed to get a nomination for Screenplay or Song. We didn’t buy For Your Consideration ads in the trade magazines and we didn’t service the whole academy with screeners…”

Although the movie was not nominated, many Twitter users are still saying it was the one of most “politically woke” movie of the year.

The movie attempts to combat social racism and tries to show the many ins and outs of the working world. The viewer gets a first hand look at corruption and what it does to a company and how greed can affect one’s life.

Questions about the film and the process that went into it, can be answered by Boots Riley at the “Sorry To Bother You” screening and talk back Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in Weill Hall.

is sung completely in German, a clear indicator of the level of difficulty a piece like this comes with and a testament to the Sonoma State Symphonic Chorus members’ skill.

The energy is sure to be electric and members of the choir are excited to show off what they have worked so hard to do.

The NorCal Honor Band and Choir festival will be at the Green Music Center Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.

The performances, featuring far more than just the Symphonic Chorus, are expected to be spectacular and the students and community members involved in all performing ensembles are extremely enthused to display their talents on the stage.

Perez said, “I personally am very excited for this performance! The piece we’re doing is beautiful and I’m really happy we get the opportunity to share it with others after all.”

COURTESY // Defining Moments Young People’s Symphonic Orcestra performing at Weill Hall.

Students seek positivity in creative movement GARRETT KITCHEN STAFF WRITER

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he Sonoma State Music Department has been recognized recently after two students, Jacob Rosales and Claudia Torres, created a movement to encourage others called the Face-Palmer movement.

The movement focuses on understanding each others differences and working towards creating a more healthy, comfortable COURTESY // Jacob Rosales environment for those in the department and Senior Jacob Rosales poses with at the school.

Rosales is a fourth year student at his Face-Palmer sweatshirt that Sonoma State, and created the movement reads “Finding Fault is Easy.” because he felt that he was not growing in the department.

The name and logo of the movement interactions of students and the differwas designed after a photo of the music deent aspects of the performances. partment chair, John Palmer, who is relaxed “There were more music departwith a hand placed on his face. The Facement kids hanging out and bonding Palmer movement is aimed towards looking more, it was humbling and really great through different perspectives and focusing to see,” Torres said. She would like all on the similarities we have with the people students, including transfer students, to around us. feel as though they are included in the “We can help each other in areas we are department and to feel as though other not good at; if we are able to look past it, students will have their back. we are able to help each other grow,” RoThe overall message that the Facesales says. He states that this movement is Palmer movement is giving is to spread geared towards current students, but also fupositivity to one another, and focus on ture students as well, since they should not community and the relationships built feel uncomfortable or out of place once they in the department and at Sonoma State. move to Sonoma State.

It is aimed to help others grow in the He wanted to start with a change in the Music Department and help them to department itself, and then soon spread to feel more confident about who they are those around campus. Rosales hopes that and their music. this will continue on at the university in the The Face-Palmer movement also coming years, as he plans to spread this meshas a website that includes merchansage in his life after he graduates as well. He dise such as clothing and other inforis happy with it starting at the school, and mation regarding the movement. then possibly spreading out to others in the The website is jarofmusic.com, community. where there are many items for sale Rosales created the movement along such as different hats and sweatshirts with the help of his friend and fellow Music with the printed logo on the front. major, Claudia Torres, who is a third year The movement has already made student at Sonoma State. an impact on the Music Department, Torres says that she saw an underlying and both Rosales and Torres hope to divide in the Music Department, and this see the movement make a change out movement could improve the collaborations in society as well. with recitals and other events. Torres felt A quote from the website states, she did not really have anyone show her the “This is an effort to look past our ropes when she started at Sonoma State, so faults, including our own, in order to this movement could help students who may build a positive, supportive community not feel as though they are included. and learn from, and with each other.

She has already noticed a change No one should feel unwelcome to be throughout the department, simply between their best self.”

8 Student Life Lip Jam soon to return to SSU JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

KAYLA ALLEN

STAFF WRITER

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ickets for one of Sonoma State University’s most outrageous and anticipated events, Alpha Gamma Delta’s 27th annual Lip Jam, went on sale on Monday, Jan. 21.

Amy Saduddin, Alpha Gamma Delta’s philanthropy chair, said “Lip Jam is our annual philanthropic event that raises money to help fight hunger. It is a lip sync and dance battle between Greek life and other organizations on campus.”

A lip sync and dance battle is where a person or a group of people pretend to be singing a song while enacting a scene or dancing. They compete against one or more groups, often to hilarious effect. An example of this type of event is the popular television show Lip Sync Battle, hosted by L.L Cool J and Chrissy Teigen on Paramount network.

During Lip Jam 2018, Alpha Delta Pi’s theme was American Horror Story: Asylum. However much fun it is, Lip Jam is not all for fun and giggles. According to Saduddin, all of the money raised by Lip Jam go towards the Alpha Gamma Delta foundation, who partners up with the charities Meals On Wheels and Feeding America.

Last year the event raised $69,362.25 and all proceeds were donated. The event raises money with all the ticket sales and also penny wars. Penny wars is when all the organizations try and get the most money into their jar of pennies so they can be the first people to pick their theme they want for the event.

Every year for the event judges see who has the best dances, lip synching and theme. You can win for certain topics such as best portrayal of theme, most entertaining, winner for large dance group category and winner for the small dance group category.

Halie Arbini, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, has

STAR // Alyssa Archerda A group performs at Lip Jam 2018. been participating in the event for the last two years.

“The turn outs every year is always great, seats are usually sold out within two or three days.”

Makayla VanSlyke, also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, reflected upon her past experience with the event.

“Lip Jam is a great way to bond with all clubs and greek organizations on campus.” VanSlyke went on to say “Every year the theater is always packed with many students and families that come to watch this exciting event.”

For more information on this event you can check out Alpha Gamma Delta’s Instagram page and see everything they have advertised for the event. Alpha Gamma Delta is also tabling everyday for the next three weeks outside of the Student Center in Seawolf Plaza.

Tickets for regular admission are $25- $35 and with student ID they are $20-$30. The tickets can be purchased online or on the first floor at the Student Center.

The event will take place at The Green Music Center on Friday Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld Lambda Kappa Pi members Ella Gomez and Natalie Sanborn talk to an interested student about their spring recruitment during tabling on Thurs. 24, 2019

Spring recruitment reveals pros and cons of sororities

MARISSA UGARTE STAFF WRITER

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pring Recruitment 2019 is right around the corner for those who missed formal recruitment in the fall. Formal recruitment is held by the Panhellenic Association here on Sonoma State campus. The chapters included are Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, and Phi Sigma Sigma.

Spring recruitment is a less rigorous process compared to the weekend long events that take place in the fall. The process is much more laid back in the spring because only a few of the chapters hold recruitment as well as giving prospective memebers the opportunity to choose which chapters they go into. This is in contrast with fall recruitment, where girls have to go to every chapter event.

Phi Sigma Sigma, one of the chapters holding spring Recruitment, will be holding info nights Feb. 1 in the Alexandera Valley room, and on Feb. 4 in the Bennet Valley Room.

Both meetings are from 7- 8 p.m.

During the meeting, you can learn all about what it’s like to be in Phi Sigma Sigma. When looking for what to expect

during this process, the chapters host events where you get to hang out with the girls of the chapter, whether it be a coffee date at Starbucks or a hike on Taylor Mountain.

Alpha Gamma Delta member Mia Pollak stated the best way to prepare for the recruitment process is to “Be yourself and have fun with it, the purpose of recruitment is to find a place to be your true self so my advice is to be 100 percent you, through the entire process.”

Pollak expressed how taking a position in Alpha Gamma Delta has brought her close to the organization and her sisters. She stated holding a position is the best way to get involved in a sorority. Pollack stated you get close to your sisters, learn responsibilities, step out of your comfort zone and grow in confidence and connection.

Another way to get involved if you are uninterested in taking a position is to just be present. It makes a positive impact on the chapter when girls go to all the philanthropy events, sisterhoods, mixers and other events.

Of course, sorority life is not for everyone and like with everything in life there are pros and cons.

In the article “Joining a Fraternity or Sorority: The Pros and Cons of Greek Life” from the website The Best Schools, they gave a list of things to consider if you are questioning

whether to go through recruitment or not.

Joining a sorority is not free. The prices vary between all the chapters. With cocktails, formals, events and apparel to spend money on, prices do add up.

Another element to consider is joining a sorority can be time consuming, with at least a couple hours of commitment every week.

On the other hand, there are many pros to consider such as social identity, philanthropy, networking, career connections and connections as well as friendship.

Phi Sigma Sigma member Charlotte Skolnik talked about her experiences in a sorority and how it has affected her college experience.

“Phi Sigma Sigma is honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only has it given me life long friends and people I will know forever, but it has made me come out of my shell”.

Although the sorority life is not for everyone, going through recruitment could be very beneficial if you’re looking for a place to call home here on campus.

If a sorority is something you would be interested in, the info nights are highly recommended and dates will be available at tabling this week.

STUDENT LIFE CALENDAR Holocaust & Genocide Lecture

LOBOFEST: Seawolves Got talent

Tuesday, Jan. 29 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 30 5:50 p.m.

Warren Auditorium, Ives 101

Thursday, Jan. 31 7:30 p.m.

Student Center ballroom A

Visiting Artist Lecture Series: DJ Spooky

Rainbow/Queer Community & Ally Luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 31 12 p.m.

Schroeder Hall

Friday, Feb. 1 12 p.m.

The HUB

LOBOFEST: Glitched: SSU Gaming Tournament Friday, Feb. 1 5 p.m.

Student Center ballroom A

LOBOFEST: Pack the Den Saturday, Feb. 2 1 p.m.

The Wolves Den

Lobo’s Karaoke Night

DIY Slime Night

Friday, Feb. 1 8:30 p.m.

Lobo’s

Saturday, Feb. 2 7 p.m.

Casentino Room

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sonomastatestar.com

WOCC shines a light on the marginalized

SUNDAY SIMON STAFF WRITER

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n the second f loor in the Student Center, there is a place called The HUB, where many events for those who identify as any minority are held. One of the most eagerly awaited weekly events held is called The Women of Color Collective (WOCC).

The group is for the women on campus who identify with being of color. Facilitated by HUB faculty Kristen Reynolds and CAPS counselor Isabel Avila Saiter, the space was made for those to bring their achievements, struggles and experiences to the table and find a connection amongst many who feel the same as they do.

“Women of color is an inclusive space for any woman identifying person of color to gather and discuss our experiences and challenges at predominately white institutions. It’s where we can socialize and experience joy aside from the trauma we experience as women of color,” said Symphoni Barbee, a junior studying political science.

The group also opens up opportunities for other events on campus based around women of color.

One particular event is the Women of Color Conference that happens in March, which is Women’s History Month. “Last year was amazing. I felt really understood and to be surrounded by women who face similar challenges on our campus was empowering. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my struggle” said

Ja’Keemah Seales, a junior.

The conference hosts a variety of topics that women of color can relate to. From talking about dating and family in the different cultures, to their experiences on campus as well as maintaining healthy relationships with friends and setting boundaries while navigating their way through predominately white spaces. The conference shines a light on those who are usually hidden within the margins.

The WOCC is a safe space to be vulnerable and still be supported amongst peers who may be going through the same situations.

“The group shows immense support to students who are disconnected from the homogeneity in the student culture and offers the opportunity for a marginalized community to flourish” said Keanu Thompson, a senior graduating this spring.

There’s tea telling, laughing and crying, but WOCC also offers validation, love, affirmation and guidance. The group is constantly evolving and learning from each member and each week when something new is brought up, the group collectively figures out a solution to help those in need.

Many women miss WOCC due to lack of attention and promotion, classes being scheduled during its regular time and some just don’t find the value of going. However, the space is open to all women of color who need it, of every ethnicity or color and every sexuality. Whether black, API, Latinx, or any other minority identity on campus, Women of Color Collective is a space to be welcomed and validated.

WOCC meets every Wednesday starting Jan. 30

from 12 - 1 p.m. Feel free to bring lunch.

COURTESY // The HUB

Seawolf SPEAKS! “How will you have a successful semester?”

THOMAS PETERSCHMIDT

STAFF WRITER

A

s the new year begins here at Sonoma State University, were preparing for the new semester. A new year is full of opportunity and obstacles to overcome. Looking towards the bright future, many Seawolves come back to campus to take on the next set of goals.

While the first week of school has come to a finish, the rest of the semester is still around the corner. By this time in the school year, many students have learned what they are up against and are preparing to overcome any sort of obstacle. A range of students, from freshmen to fifth years, have given some thought on how conquer this spring semester.

Some students plan on staying focused and prepared by planning their days out

and managing their time wisely. Others plan on going a step beyond organization and want to build professional relationships with their professors and get more assistance when needed.

However, students aren’t the only ones with a plan. Many faculty members have their own strategies as well. Many faculty and staff hope to make sure all students are able to get everything they need to have the best semester possible.

Faculty, staff and students are determined to hit the ground running when the semester kicks into gear. Regardless of their role on campus, many believe the way to success is to not have it slip through their fingers, but chase after it so they can accomplish their goals.

“Make sure all the students get learning material in a timely fashion to set them up for a successful semester.”

“Go to professor’s office hours, and write down homework assignments.”

Steve Higgenbotham, Campus Bookstore manager

Madison Green, freshman, Political Science

“Time management, staying on top of things.”

“Preparing everything in advance.”

Allie Hernandez, junior, Art studio major

David Mandoza, fifth year, Chicano/Latino and Spanish studies major

“Having an agenda.”

“Make sure that incoming students get the resources they need.”

Felipe Remirez, senior, Global studies and Spanish major

Colleen Mahoney, Orientation & Family Program coordinator

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COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com Junior Alex Wong after a win last spring.

Men’s tennis looks to contend for national championship JONAH TROSKY STAFF WRITER

S

onoma State men’s tennis team is beginning to kick off their quest to become national champs, with many of the athletes looking to improve upon last years results. Many of the players are confident in this year's roster, believing they can compete with anybody in the country.

Junior Alec Wong feels “that we have some of the best talent in the country.”

The team's goals go further than talent, however, with “a family environment and healthy, inspirational culture among teammates and coaches” being a focal point, according to All-PacWest member Nate Oppenheim. Oppenheim said, “Our record was good last year but we lost a bit of the team unity towards the end and it showed in the conference tournament.

We can’t be successful if everyone isn’t one hundred percent bought into the family style culture we have here,” Oppenheim said. He said all the players can agree that they are close to having somewhat of a breakout season. They just need everyone to be on the same page.

When April rolls around the team will be playing in Arizona. In previous seasons this is when the players have noticed that an adjustment needs to be made. According to Wong, the team needs “to just be more fit and prepared to play in the heat at the end of the year because we play in 100+ degree weather in Arizona. So just being in shape and ready to go when I’m called.”

The Seawolves lost one of their star players, Sean Alves. He was the number one player last year before ending his long tennis career. Alves was also named to the

All-PacWest team. Losing a top player calls for everyone to step their games up, including better communication. “I think the team just needs to be on the same page the whole time and not let anything distract us,” says Wong.

The journey has just begun as their first scrimmage match was last week against a Division 1 opponent, the University of San Francisco. They lost six to one, but the players are not too worried about that. This past weekend, they played scrimmage matches as they faced off against UC Davis Saturday and Santa Clara University on Sunday. Both of those matches were away. Their first regular season match is on Thursday, Feb. 7 against Southern Utah at the Sonoma State tennis courts. The Seawolves will play seven times this season at home as the rest of their matches are away from home.

The season is a journey and number four singles player Joshua Liu knows the grind.

“It is a long road to that [national championship] so I think we are just gonna try and perform our best each match that we play. Then we will see where we go from there,” said Liu. “When things are going good everything is good.”

The players all seem to be under the impression their focus has to be better this year if they want to compete for a national championship. The talent does not seem to be the biggest issue at hand. “We are a very hard working team and with the talent we have I am very confident we can accomplish this [playing in the NCAA tournament] and more,” Oppenheim said.

Women’s water polo team learns from losses in Hawaii JOEY PIOMBO STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State women's water polo team traveled to Hawaii last week to compete in a tournament against some of the best programs in the country.

The team f lew into Oahu on Jan, 16 with the Seawolves bringing twelve athletes on their journey to the University of Hawaii.

Throughout the weekend they played three well-respected opponents, San Diego State University, University of Hawaii and Marist College.

Since the Seawolves arrived on Wednesday, they had a great amount of time to bond outside the pool before the tournament began on Saturday. The girls spent the majority of their week doing team activities such as swimming at numerous beaches, hiking and even visiting the historical Dole Plantation.

When talking to Senior Captain Kelly Failner, she described the relaxing days leading up to the tournament.

“We actually had a lot of free time, which was really nice.”

The week was spent enjoying the states beautiful scenery and bonding with teammates.

Saturday rolled around and it was time for the team to compete. All tournament games were held on the University of Hawaii campus. The Seawolves started off with their first opponent, San Diego State University at 10:30 a.m.

They fought hard but ultimately lost 11-6 to the Aztecs. This would be their closest competition for the remainder of the weekend. The second game of the day was against the home team, the University of Hawaii. The game was extremely one sided with the final score being 16-2 in the Rainbow Warriors favor.

Sunday morning, Sonoma took on Marist University from New York. The team fought hard, but they were outplayed by their Division I opponent, eventually falling to Marist 14-3. The team then traveled home on Sunday leaving Hawaii with an 0-3 record.

The Seawolves compete at the NCAA Division II level but battled against three prestigious Division I opponents while in Hawaii. Despite their record on the weekend, there was a sense of growth throughout the team.

When talking to Failner she explained, “It was cool because this was our first set of games where we all played together as our new team this year”.

COURTESY // Kelly Failner The 2019 water polo team on a hike during their time in Hawaii.

This tournament was so meaningful to the team's growth because these games jump-started what could be a historical season. This is very important for the squad because of how young their roster truly is, meaning that they will look to some younger girls to contribute this year. The team saw this as a learning experience and plan to grow and prosper from this lesson.

Failner described the teams plans to succeed in the future when stating, “We learned that we definitely need to swim more and work on pressure passing, it’s the little things.”

Both these skills and more can bring them

great success as they begin their 2019 campaign.

Failner has high hopes for her team. As a four year player she has seen what it takes to compete at a high level.

She is positive about the season when stating, “We are going to do well this season,” she said.

The program will play their first game of the season on Feb. 16 against the Santa Clara Broncos.

The opponent is actually NCAA Division I. In the 2018 season, the team lost to the Broncos but are hoping to come out victorious in the home opener.

To support the team or stay updated with future games visit sonomaseawolves.com

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2019

sonomastatestar.com

Sports 11

Out with the old, in with the new Sonoma State’s softball team underwent major changes after seven key seniors graduated

HOLLY CHANDLER STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State softball team has had some major remodeling. After having seven graduating seniors, many of whom were starters, the team had multiple positions to fill and players to replace.

The softball team picked up five new freshman and four new transfer students.

The Seawolves also had to find a new Assistant Coach after Andrew Rich accepted a coaching position at Boise State University. This position was soon filled by Shelly Prochaska, a former CSU Bakersfield assistant coach.

Coach Prochaska spent her college years attending Oregon State University as a starting catcher. All of these new changes can quite drastically alter a softball program and their methods of going about the game.

When asked about their preseason and preparations for this upcoming spring season, outfielder Cameron Kirtlan stated, “Preseason was a new experience since we have so many new players playing together for the first time. There were many scrimmages, individuals, lots of time in the hitting facility, and many… many tarps.”

Obviously, the Seawolves definitely had to deal with quite a bit of rain during

their preseason. That translates to lots of field work and indoor hitting.

Infielder Megan Ambriz has definitely been looking forward to this spring season. Ambriz said, “I feel great about this upcoming season. We have a lot of new players this year who bring different things to the table that will help us be successful.”

Outfielder Julie Davis, a sophomore on the team, is very excited about the hitting lineup this year. Julie expressed her enthusiasm when she said, “I think that our bats will be a great asset to our team this year. We have a lot of power in our lineup which contributes to wins and a successful season.”

The key word that should be taken from both of their statements is “success”.

The Sonoma State Softball team has put in a lot of effort to prepare for this upcoming season and it will be very interesting to see the dynamics of this new roster.

With good communication and maximum effort, this season should be a great one.

Make sure to come out, watch, and support the Seawolves this spring season.

Time to rally up the team spirit here on Sonoma State campus to welcome the newcomers and appreciate our returners. The first home games will be against the Humboldt State Lumberjacks on Feb. 8-9. Friday’s games will be at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday’s games will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

You can also check out sonomaseawoles.com for further dates and information on times and locations of the softball games.

COURTESY // sonomaseawolves.com The 2018 softball team at their final tournament.

Athlete Spotlight: Josiah Butler ALEX FUNCHESS STAFF WRITER

T

he Sonoma State Men’s Rugby Club has an exciting season ahead of them.

Returning players are optimistic about the spring semester as the Seawolves ready up.

The Seawolves had a rough season last year, losing all of their regular season games. The team will surely encounter challenges along the way but look to make up for 2018 by starting the new semester on a strong note.

Josiah Butler, a Senior Forward on the team, is confident about his role on the team.

“We are a growing program,” explained Butler. “During the preseason, we proved that we can be a cohesive team. If we can properly execute and win as long as we stay focused on and off the field.”

Born and raised in Sacramento, Butler started playing rugby when he was ten years old.

“I started playing with this all Polynesian team,” Butler said. “That team really taught me the f luency of the sport. Fun fact, I scored during my first practice and totally fell in love with rugby.”

Now 21 in his final year of college, the forward hopes to continue his love for the game.

Butler has put his faith in his team and truly has a winning mindset. The Senior represented Sonoma State in the NSCRO Championship last summer and brought home the first place trophy. Eager to continue his success on the field, Butler is hungry for another championship under his belt.

The team was successful Saturday evening as they dominated Cal Maritime 35-0 in Santa Rosa.

Butler worked hard for his team on Saturday afternoon, scoring two try’s (10 points) as well as over half a dozen tackles.

“There was lots of communication on Saturday,” Butler said. “We passed the ball really well. We just need to learn how to take full advantage of the laws of rugby, including better tackles and kicking the back more for better field position.”

The team have proved that they can win together as they hope to continue their success during the remaining season. With that said, the team must overcome their obstacles.

“One of biggest challenges is simply commitment,” Butler emphasized. “People don’t understand that rugby is more than just a thing to do occasionally. It is a life choice. While it isn’t much of an individual sport, I must be able to better communicate with my teammates.”

One of Butler’s ultimate goals is to motivate his team. Looking to finish his final season on a strong note, he hopes to inspire the promising talent that he will leave behind. With improved communication on and off the field, the club hopes to succeed moving forward.

“The biggest challenge I’ll face individually is my last game of the season,” said Butler. “It will be my last time wearing blue with my brothers.”

The Sonoma State Rugby Team is ready to have a successful season while overcoming obstacles from their past. Our student athletes continue to prove that they have a great impact on the field.

The veteran leadership of Josiah Butler will definitely put the team at a higher advantage with his previous championship experience.

COURTESY // Josiah Butler Josiah Butler covered in grass stains mid game.

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sonomastatestar.com

Artisan Coffee and Food Truck Welcomes Back Students

STAR // Jacob Loher Students and school officials gather in front of the Green Music Center on Thursday to see what food or drink Fuelhas to offer.

STAR // Jacob Loher Fuel’s Vietnamese Iced Coffee and business card.

STAR // Jacob Loher Carmen Works grabs her lunch from Fuel food truck.

STAR // Christine von Raesfeld Lambda Kappa Pi sorority members Ella Gomez (middle) and Natalie Sanborn (right) hand out flyers.

STAR // Kaitlyn Bradley Carson Klemmer (left) and Riley Powers (right) talk while having lunch at W&B.

STAR // Kaitlyn Bradley A swarm of students watch their food being prepared at W&B.