Issue 1, September 14, 2015

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Newspaper

The

Oak Leaf SRJC picks Woman reports rape on campus police www.theoakleafnews.com

September 14, 2015

Volume CXVIII, Issue I

chief nominee

Luke Heslip and Maci Martell

Co-Editor-in-Chief and News Editor A reported rape leaves the college community shocked and fearful.

Santa Rosa Junior College student told campus police that a masked man raped her in Barnett Hall’s women’s restroom on the Santa Rosa campus at approximately 9 p.m.

Aug. 20, district police said.

Medical personnel informed campus police of the incident Aug. 25 on the victim’s behalf, according to district police.

District police immediately notified and transferred leadership of the case to Santa Rosa Police Department’s Domestic Violence Sexual Assault (DVSA) detectives, their report states.

According to past Campus Security Reports, there were five incidences of forcible sexual assaults between the years of 2009 and 2013. A forcible sexual assault includes rape, sodomy, rape with a foreign object, oral copulation, sexual battery and fondling.

The victim said the suspect confronted her as she entered the restroom, forced her against a wall and raped her. He then fled in an unknown direction, according to her

Faith Gates

Co-Editor-in-Chief

JoshuOne Barnes/ Oak Leaf

The women’s restroom in Barnett Hall where the alleged sexual assault occured the night of Aug. 20.

testimony.

The victim described the suspect as male and potentially white with a stocky build and around 5 feet 10 inches. She said he wore a black beanie type mask, a long-sleeve black t-shirt and black pants. This was the extent of information she could render at the time.

Interim SRJC Police Chief Robert Brownlee said, “These types of incidents are

rare.”

Brownlee said his department is working in collaboration with SRPD, which is heading the investigation because their resources are appropriately suited for a case of this magnitude. “In Sonoma County law enforcement, in general we work in partnership,” he said. “We are in close communication with SRPD.”

One win, one loss Mixed start to Bear Cubs Football Austin Burmester Social Media Editor The Santa Rosa Junior College Bear Cubs football team started the season with a disappointing loss to the Delta College Mustangs Sept. 5 but quickly rebounded with a win against the Butte College Roadrunners a week later.

The Bear Cubs started off the game against Butte strong, with solid defensive play forcing the Roadrunners to turn the ball over twice through the first four offensive plays of the game. The Bear Cubs entered halftime with a 23-0 lead, but the Roadrunners controlled the second half, scoring 20 points over the final 30 minutes, falling just short of a miracle comeback as the Bear Cubs escaped with a 23-20 win.

“We executed our plays much better this week. And our defense put our offense in good field position to score or move the ball down the field,” said Nick Reynolds, a sophomore tight end. “We also practiced

Benjamin Farren/ OakLeaf

SRJC wide receiver Kerr Johnson catches a pass during a game against Delta College Mustangs on Sept. 5.

much better this week which helps out a lot because it gives us confidence going into the game knowing our opponent and

having a good idea of what they might do.”

Following the recent departure of Matthew McCaffrey, Santa Rosa Junior College’s district chief of police, SRJC has selected Lorenzo Dueñas as the final candidate for the position.

After McCaffrey left to work for the Novato Police Department, SRJC was left with the task of replacing him. Initially it chose Joe Palla, former interim police chief, to fill the position until information surfaced that changes in the California Public Employee Retirement System prohibited his return.

Doug Roberts, senior vice president of finance and administrative services, announced he would be in charge of the department. However Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) rules state only a peace officer can act as interim police chief.

Sgt. Robert Brownlee has been interim police chief for the last five months while SRJC officials formed a committee to find a new chief. A job posting went out for the position and the college received applicants from all over the country. SRJC formed the committee with representatives from the board of trustees, administrators, classified union, Academic Senate and Student Government Assembly. The committee chair was Patie Wegman, dean of student conduct.

“I volunteered because I have a lot of involvement with the district police,” Wegman said.

The committee members first met in June to lay down the qualifications they were looking for in a new chief. These categories included overall experience, communications and management, understanding diversity and leadership crisis managing.

The candidates invited to come were given a written crisis scenario and had to draft their answer in 30 minutes. Next the committee interviewed the candidates.

According to Wegman, the interviews were comprised of 13 questions and took a total of 90 minutes.

The search committee chose Dueñas as the top candidate for the job.

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SRJC fall theater preview

Getting lost on campus Biotechnological Bias

Bear Cub catcher earns scholarship

A frosty preview of the theater department’s fall production “Almost, Maine.”

Students struggle with navigating a bewildering campus.

The misunderstood truth behind stem cell research.

Catcher Ryan Haug earns scholarship to the University of Arizona.

Opinion, Page 14

Sports, Page 16

A&E, Page 8

Centerspread, Page 10-11

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gram

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September 14, 2015

News

www.theoakleafnews.com

Bear Cubs athlete faces life in prison JoshuOne Barnes Staff Writer

Editors-in-Chief:

Faith Gates and Luke Heslip Managing Editor:

Maci Martell

Section Editors: A&E Editor |Estefany Gonzalez Copy Editor | Carin Huber Copy Editor | Alex Randolph Features Editor | Haley Bollinger News Editor | Maci Martell Layout Editor | Catherine Ramirez Opinion Editor | Catherine Ramirez Multimedia Editor | Kyle Schmidt Photo Editor | Daniel Kong Sports Editor | Parker Dangers Oncken Social Media Editor | Austin Burmester Web Editor | Rebecca Dominguez Senior Staff Writers Devin Marshall and Robert Marshall Staff Writers JoshuOne Barnes, Anne-Elisabeth Cavarec,Tommy Dennen, Brendan Dorsey, Mitchell Garcia-Black, Craig Gettman, Nikki Goetz, Arthur Gonzalez-Martin, Gideon Halpin, Matthew Koch, Taylor Kong, Travis LaBrucherie, Rico Pinola, Amy Reynolds, Devin Schwarz, Kelsi Sibert, Anthony Sosa, Stephen Wolmarans and Candler Weinberg Photographers JoshuOne Barnes, Craig Gettman, Guillaume Jackson, Matthew Koch, Catherine Ramirez and Kyle Schmidt Distribution Travis LaBrucherie and Stephen Wolmarans Layout Team Rebecca Dominguez, Craig Gettman and Catherine Ramirez

Contact Newsroom: 707-527-4401 Ads Office: 707-527-4254 Anne Belden, Adviser: 707-527-4867

abelden@santarosa.edu EMAIL oakleafonline@gmail.com Advertising Keshia Knight oakleaf-ads@santarosa.edu LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We appreciate your feedback. Send letters to oakleafonline@gmail.com or to the Oak Leaf office. Letters should include first and last name and be limited to 300 words. Letter may be edited for style, length, clarity and taste. Libelous or obscene letters will not be printed.

A Sonoma County judge ordered a Santa Rosa Junior College Bear Cubs football player be held for trial on charges of attempted murder and assault with a firearm after he allegedly shot and paralyzed a prostitute in a Rohnert Park hotel in July.

According to court records, Rohnert Park Police detective Deborah Lamaison testified during a preliminary hearing that ended Aug. 31 that SRJC student Ronnie Paul Threadgill, 23, shot Kenisha Jackson, 24, of Sacramento after Threadgill paid Jackson to have sex with him July 6 at a Motel 6 in Rohnert Park.

Lamaison testified that Threadgill left his designer prescription glasses at the scene when he fled after the shooting and a bloody set of boots at his apartment linked him to the crime, according to court records.

Sonoma County Judge Julie Conger ordered Threadgill to stand trial in Sonoma County District Court. Conger also ordered Koa Sibley, 19, a roommate of Threadgill’s, stand trial as an accessory to the crime. Police testified Sibley apparently drove

Photo courtesy of Motel 6

The Motel 6 in Rohnert Park where Paul Threadgill, 23, allegedly shot and paralyzed Kenisha Jackson, 24.

Threadgill to and from the crime.

Information obtained through the Sonoma County Sherrif ’s office shows that Threadgill is being held at the Adult Detention Facility on a $1.11 million bail on felony attempted murder and use of a deadly weapon charges that carry a maximum penalty of 32 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Threadgill is also facing gun-crime enhancements that carry additional penalties of up to 70 years.

The enhancements, ranging from the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony to committing an attempted murder that caused great bodily harm, including paralysis, are included

in the charges against Threadgill because Jackson was paralyzed from the neck down in a crime that involved the use of handguns, according to Sheriff ’s Office records and the California Penal Code.

Assistant District Attorney Keith Shaw, who is handling the case, said his office does not have any plea deals on the table at this time. Shaw also said Sibley’s and Threadgill’s cases will be set for trial on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Threadgill’s father, also named Ronnie Paul Threadgill, was executed by lethal injection in Texas on April 16, 2013 for a shooting during a 2001 carjacking that left a 17-year-old dead. The younger Threadgill was 9 when his father

went to prison for the murder.

SRJC Bear Cubs head football coach Lenny Wagner told ABC7 news in a July interview that he had counseled the younger Threadgill during his father’s execution and that he had once referred Threadgill to student health services about the situation. Threadgill is listed as a freshman Free Safety #47 on the Bear Cubs’ 2013 roster. Threadgill was not part of the team during the 2014 season.

Ellen Maremont Silver, spokeswoman for SRJC, said in a written statement, “We are saddened by this waste of human potential… The justice system must take its course.”

SRJC student President Joshua Pinaula expressed his alarm and concern regarding the incident.

“I feel horrible. The SGA [Student Government Assembly] is going to meet to figure out how to effectively campaign against sexual assault and help students feel safe,” Pinaula said.

He added that the student health branch of the SGA is creating a sexual assault awareness initiative with emphasis on reporting incidents and protecting those with information. “I feel ashamed as well; we need more cameras in public areas,” he said.

“We are going to do everything we can to make SRJC a safe environment as possible for all of our employees and students,” said SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong.

He also said, “We are providing the necessary support services to the victim.”

These services include the support service of Verity, a non-

profit that provides sexual assault counseling, prevention and intervention and provides a crisis hotline. This is consistent with the district police’s report.

“I met with my senior administrative team and district police on Wednesday, Aug. 26 to assess the situation and develop a plan of action,” Dr. Chong said in an email to faculty and staff. “Though such incidents are rare on our campus, we take them very seriously and are committed to preventing all sexual assault.”

Dr. Chong said he met with the Feminist Club on Aug. 26 and plans to coordinate with the members and other student led groups to address this issue and prevent future assaults. “We have a relatively safe campus and we want to keep it that way.”

In response to the rape incident, a group called Damsel in Defense is organizing a self defense workshop to inform participants

on how to protect themselves when attacked and will be selling pepper spray, stun guns and other self defense tools. The workshop will be at 4 p.m. Sept. 26 on the Santa Rosa campus.

Dr. Chong developed and released a four-point plan to maintain health and safety on campus. His plan includes offering free and confidential counseling to any students and employees affected by this incident, offering workshops about preventing sexual assault and maintaining personal safety, increasing police presence on campus and implementing an internal review of campus security after hours.

All information relevant to the investigation should be submitted to SRPD Sergeant Terry Anderson at (707) 5433598 or email tlanderson@srcity. org; or SRPD Detective Stephen Bussell at sbussell@srcity.org.

Rape incident causes stir in SRJC community Continued from cover...

Authorities are still searching for potential suspects.

In the wake of this incident Brownlee said district police will expand their evening surveillance.

“For the time being we are going to beef up our night patrol.”

According to SRJC district police, there are no cameras on Barnett Hall specifically, though there are some in the area. Student cadets regularly patrol the buildings that lack surveillance cameras until midnight, SRJC District Police said.

Brownlee said he spoke with the SRPD detective in charge of this investigation the night of Aug. 25 and said there are no new developments in the case to his knowledge.

“We’re a community and we have to respond to this like a community,” Brownlee said.

Brownlee implored all students to report suspicious activity to the campus police.

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www.theoakleafnews.com Left and Right: The corridor outside Barnett Hall’s women’s restroom, the site of the alleged sexual assault, sits desolatly in the evening.

Matthew Koch and Kyle Schmidt/ Oak Leaf

www.theoakleafnews.com

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September 14, 2015

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New chief pends confirmation Redistricting to come Brendan Dorsey

Continued from cover...

“His communication skills were exceptional,” Wegman said, who also praised his emphasis on diversity and locality. “We really wanted someone who stuck to our needs. He felt like a really good fit for what we needed.”

Dueñas was in the Marine Corps before working as a police officer for 28 years, starting at the Sonoma County Sheriff ’s Office in 1989 and working his way up to Sheriff ’s Deputy.

“I’m not just credentials and a degree, I’m actually a person that grew up in your community,” Dueñas said in a forum on Aug. 18. “The reason I got into law enforcement is solely because I truly wanted to help people. The bottom line is it’s customer service.

The campus and the students are our customers and we are supposed to be there for them.”

Once the committee chose a candidate, it presented him to SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong who interviewed Dueñas himself.

“I was very impressed,” Dr. Chong said. “He’s a local product; very qualified.”

Dr. Chong said usually hiring committees choose two or three

Staff Writer

Guillaume Jackson/ Oak Leaf

Lorenzo Duenas answers questions for the community in a forum Aug. 18.

candidates, but this time they only had one.

“He seems cool,” said SRJC student President Joshua Pinaula. “He seems good for a college evironment.”

According to Brownlee, SRJC is in the final processes of hiring Dueñas. An outside consultant is conducting an indepth background check, which is expected to be finished by next week.

Following an approval of the background check, SRJC will offer Dueñas a conditional job offer. If he accepts, he will be

required to have a psychological evaluation and then a medical exam at Kaiser Permanente before starting his role as police chief.

“I hope that he keeps his word about being out and about to be easily contacted by students,” Pinaula said.

Dueñas declined to comment until the college makes the conditional job offer.

“I’m looking forward to having him join us,” Dr. Chong said.

“He’ll usher us into a new era.”

education,” and “improvements to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century.” The list is broken up into four different categories, including projects such as health and safety improvements, maintenance and repairs, modernization and new construction.

One example of the projects listed includes renovating the Emeritus building – an estimated $25 million.

“These are sort of early estimates,” Sata said. “This is all actually going to change or be modified, but these are the projects that were brought forth early. This is the way of kind of giving a sense of what was needed on campus.”

Sata said SRJC will bring in a facilities master planner to continue work on project planning, which began prior to the bond.

Overall, transparency is the answer, and Sata also noted the importance of making the project

planning an inclusive process where everyone involved can express opinions about the projects from the facility’s master plan.

“Dr. Chong is committed and I’m committed to working with all constituents on campus, including students, faculty and staff, and the external community as well,” Sata said.

The plan is still in its infancy, so it’s difficult to say how it will turn out. Sata said that whether it takes the estimated 15 years to execute these projects, a shorter amount of time, or even a longer amount, it will still require an extensive period for them to transform the college.

Students are encouraged to communicate how they want their school to use the funds.

“I’m interested in hearing ideas about how to communicate with the students,” Sata said. “And so if there’s either groups on campus that already exist that we can present to or that we can work with, I think that would be helpful.

This is my fourth day here, so I just don’t know all the answers yet.”

Sata hopes to maintain SRJC’s level of quality. “I’ve seen the work of different community college campuses, and this is definitely up there as one of the nicest around,” he said. “I think people should be proud of it. And we want to make sure that the bond keeps that standard.”

Public documents of SRJC’s current plans for allocating Measure H funds can be found online, at www.santarosa.edu/ about_srjc/bond2014.

Measure H bond supports SRJC Devin Marshall Senior Staff Writer Santa Rosa Junior College will soon receive $410 million. Thanks to voters, Measure H passed in November of last year. Now, these funds will go directly to improving the campus.

Leigh Sata of San Francisco was appointed as director of capital projects at SRJC to help oversee implementation of the measure.

His first day in office was Aug. 31.

“Dr. Chong calls it the 2030 plan, which is 15 years out,” Sata said. “Whether it takes that long to execute is open to question.

We’re just starting the planning work now. It’s a multi-year program for sure.”

According to SRJC’s Measure H project list, plans for the bond money include “increasing capacity to address overcrowding and improving access to affordable, local higher

Matthew Koch/ Oak Leaf

A portion of the Measure H bond money will go to renovating Emeritus Hall.

The Sonoma County Junior College District (SCJCD) Board of Trustees is waiting on a study from Santa Rosa Junior College President Dr. Frank Chong on a redistricting proposal to split up some of the SCJCD’s trustee voting districts.

Board president Jeff Kunde commissioned the study to explore options for changing district boundaries to divide District 3-4-5 into three separate voting districts.

“I am still working on the fact gathering for 3-4-5. It is a complex issue and a complex process. I have been meeting with redistricting experts, county officials, Sonoma County Board of Education and students to better understand this issue,” Chong said.

The district is currently divided into five trustee areas. Four of the districts (1, 2, 6, 7) are single trustee districts representing approximately 70,000 Sonoma County residents. The fifth district, commonly referred to as District 3-4-5 is an at-large voting district that represents 200,000 Santa Rosa area residents.

District 3-4-5 is three times larger than other districts. It starts in northern Santa Rosa and extends south to Rohnert Park and Cotati.

The board held its first public forum on March 25 to hear public comments on the redistricting issue. Community organizations and student leaders presented arguments for redistricting, contending that the current structure does not fairly represent the large Hispanic population.

Reform advocates claim the atlarge system weakens minority voice in 3-4-5, particularly for

Hispanic residents who make up 30 percent of the area’s population. There has only been one Latino representative from 3-4-5 since 1965.

“As a resident of 3-4-5 you have three points of access, whereas the other districts you don’t.

Three-four-five costs more to file a candidate statement, two or three times as much,” said Jessica Jones, former SRJC student body president who advocated for redistricting for three years.

The high cost of filing a candidate statement and running a campaign in the geographically large 3-4-5 district can prohibit less affluent community members from running.

The Student Government Assembly (SGA) approved a motion Aug. 31 reiterating its support for the 3-4-5 redistricting initiative.

Chong said he is committed to providing the board with a report with recommendations and options for redistricting by no later than the end of the semester.

“The best thing to come out of Chong’s proposal is a project timeline,” Jones said.

There are two likely routes to redistricting. The first would call for an election where 3-4-5 residents would vote to redistrict to single trustee districts. The second would be for the board to submit a waiver to the Chancellor of California Community Colleges to bypass the election and approve the new districts.

Once the Board receives the study, members will review the redistricting information and make a decision on what to do.

Redistricting 3-4-5 has broad support from organizations in the community, such as the Sonoma County League of Women voters, the Sonoma County Democratic Party, and the SEIU Local 1021.

Courtesy of Sonoma Gazette

The Sonoma County Junior College District 3-4-5 map by the US Census Tract.

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September 14, 2015

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SRJC to preserve Oak Leaf history Bylaws change SGA Gideon Halpin

Luke Heslip

Staff Writer

Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Santa Rosa Junior College Student Government Assembly (SGA) unanimously approved a recent measure to digitize the college’s Oak Leaf newspaper prints from 1928 to current production.

This endeavor would preserve and guarantee easy access to the history of the college as recounted by its own student body. “I can’t think of any other news source that would highlight what student life was like in the past,” said SGA President Josh Pinaula.

To implement funding, the board of trustees needs to approve the measure because the funds allotted to the digitization process come from a reserve account. The initiative is not to exceed $20,000, but digitizing options are still open for outsourcing such as Scanning America, California Digital Newspaper Collection or other professional scanning companies.

A few firms have made bids based on loose estimates of the project, but a firm price will not be available until the magnitude of digitization is fully known and the bidding process is completed.

However, before actual digitization, the college needs to navigate the legalities of copyright.

If the legal team deems Oak Leaf articles to be college property,

A revised constitution and new bylaws altered the makeup and increased the autonomy of the students’ representative government following last spring’s student elections.

The Student Government Assembly (SGA), Santa Rosa Junior College’s student government, drafted and passed the first bylaws, or inter-body operational rules, in the college’s nearly 100-year history, SGA chair Joshua Pinaula said.

SRJC students voted to pass an amended constitution in the April 2015 elections, which provided the SGA with three new democratic seats, and eliminated one existing position bringing their total of elected chairs to 13.

This was the first constitutional amendment since Spring 2012, according to Student Affairs records.

Sonoma County Junior College District Board of Trustees sanctioned the bylaws and constitution over the summer.

The bylaws facilitate greater control for the SGA over its functions, such as defining its positions and responsibilities and clarifying committee structure.

Prior to the bylaws the SGA was unable to modify or redefine such things without a student wide election.

Maci Martell/ Oak Leaf

Fragile old Oak Leaf newspapers ready to be digitized to preserve SRJC history.

there should be no problem. If not, then every contributing Oak Leaf writer from the past 88 years would need to approve the republishing of his or her work - or the family if the writer is deceased within the last 75 years.

Another concern is online storage. If the SRJC IT department is able to host the data, then there will be no ongoing costs of storage.

But if the college outsources the online storage, the SRJC would have to pay thousands of dollars per year to the host website.

The Oak Leaf Newspaper originated in 1927 and has since printed weekly or bi-weekly issues. The print editions are archived in Doyle Library in bound volumes with nearly

every issue since 1928 with the exceptions of a few years in the mid-1950s and several unfiled copies missing throughout.

A conservative estimate of the number of newsprint editions is around 1,000; almost all in delicate condition. In the 1920s and 1930s, newspapers contained acid, which causes the prints to deteriorate beyond the effects of normal aging. Because of the age and delicacy of the newsprints, the scanning process is entrusted to professionals experienced in fragile documents.

Technical Services Librarian Paula Burks said, “We are protective because this is all we got. It’s our history and we want to take care of it.”

“I think it gives more opportunity for more students to be involved [about the reforms],” said SGA advisor and Dean of Student Affairs Robert Ethington.

He continued, “At the end of the day this is more about student engagement and development than it is about governance.”

He added that many students probably think the reverse.

The student constitution already codified Alice Sturgis’s parliamentary procedure and the Brown Act—a state code regulating public meetings—as the SGA’s principle guidelines for internal operations. The bylaws specify areas where these policies are mute.

The constitution provides for non-elected at-large representatives in the SGA. The bylaws define these officers as assembly members.

Assembly members are nonvoting SGA officials and do not count towards quorum, which is the minimum number of members present necessary to commence an official session.

The SGA’s quorum is a simple majority of seven members.

Elected SGA chairs appoint assembly members by a majority vote as temporary agents of the body, usually for a specific cause or initiative.

Continued on page 5...

SRJC awaits full accreditation Rebecca Dominguez Web Editor

GET

A DEGREE IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE Graduate degrees in: Nursing • Teaching • Counseling Financial aid and scholarships available

CONTACT US TODAY 707.527.9612 santarosacampus@usfca.edu Information Meetings held at least once a month.

For dates, go to: www.usfca.edu/santarosa

CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) reaffirmed Santa Rosa Junior College’s accreditation March 2015 but requires a follow-up report addressing certain deficiencies.

SRJC was one of three community colleges in California that passed its evaluation without major problems, though the college didn’t meet three standards. Reaffirmation with a followup is required when there are flaws that are not immediate risks to the institution.

To meet the standard, the ACCJC External Evaluation Team requires SRJC to provide more reliable and comprehensive support services for online students. Also, SRJC must expand its online tutoring services.

Referring to student services, Ricardo Navarrette, vice president of student services, said, “Equitable is the same as you can get in person, which is a challenge. We have to evaluate how many changes need to be made in order to meet the equitable, comprehensive and reliable recommendation.”

Each department that provides student services must evaluate itself and report what changes departments can make to expand services to include online students. Navarrette gave the example of health services: the website is extensive, but it’s not possible to provide a diagnosis without an in-person exam.

“Some departments can provide some services, but not all. Each department has to go through all their services to see which can be adapted for online,” Navarrette said.

The ACCJC External Evaluation Report also stated there is “significant concern” regarding SRJC’s lack of an ongoing financial plan and fiscal contingency plan.

In addition, SRJC needed to expand its

evaluation of student learning outcomes (SLO).

Kris Abrahamson, dean of liberal arts and sciences and chair of committee working on SLOs, said, “We were out of compliance because our full time faculty were required to reflect upon SLOs, but our adjunct faculty were not.”

SRJC complied with this standard immediately by requiring adjunct faculty to fill out a simple report form regarding SLO assessment.

The college met all other standards but received commission recommendations to increase efficiency. The recommendations are to increase the quality of student data and to break apart student achievement data by instructional method.

“They wanted to see how online students are doing compared to in-person students, but the way we gather student data, we couldn’t give them a definitive answer,” Abrahamson said.

The commission also recommended SRJC expand its assessments of SLOs and use that data to make improvements in teaching methods.

“It’s about faculty figuring out how students are learning and the areas that students are below the level they should be for the course. Then we need to make improvements in the materials, or the teaching method,” Abrahamson said.

Despite not meeting these standards, SRJC did receive commendations from the evaluation team in other areas.

The commission praised SRJC on specific programs such as its comprehensive Public Safety Training Center and the noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

SRJC also received commendations on its multicultural activities, formation of the Presidential LGBT Advisory Committee and the creation of a preferred name option in the student cubby.

SRJC must resolve all issues and file the follow-up report by March 15, 2016 to keep its accreditation.

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September 14, 2015

Eli Egger elected SRJC’s student trustee discount for students who purchase the optional Cub Card Plus service.

He is hoping to see a $10-15 Staff Writer parking discount for all Cub Card Student trustee Eli Egger started Plus holders. his year long term with two main “[Being student trustee] means goals in mind: make parking and that I am more responsible for textbooks more affordable. the quality of education of every Santa Rosa Junior College student at SRJC. It means that I have students elected Egger as their a greater amount of responsibility board of trustee’s representative in than any other student on the April 2015. campus,” Egger said.

Referring Qualifications to the goal of for student trustee more affordable are maintaining “[Being student textbooks, Egger a minimum 2.0 said he plans on trustee] means that I GPA and an “ i mpl e m e nt i ng enrollment in a am more responsible minimum of five a program of free textbooks units throughout for the quality of to some extent.” the term of education of every He would like to office. see a half-dozen B e f o r e student at SRJC.” or even a dozen becoming student of each required trustee, Egger - Eli Egger, textbook on was involved Student trustee hold in the SRJC with Student library and more Government for availability to approximately online textbooks. two years.

In He thinks cheaper parking is 2013, he created the Entrepreneur not reasonable because all the Club and in Spring 2014, the parking revenue goes towards the Student Senate appointed him as District Police, but he would like vice president of student marketing. to make it his goal to have parking He served this position for one more available and to have a larger semester, and then went on to Kelsi Sibert

SRJC sustainability: Amy Reynolds Staff Writer As the first community college in the state to receive a National Science Foundation grant to promote sustainability and sustainable agriculture education, Santa Rosa Junior College is ahead of the game.

“That’s our mantra. Everything we do here is sustainable,” said Ganesan Srinivasan, dean of agriculture, natural resources and culinary arts. “If you’re not sustainable it’s very difficult for a small farmer to survive here.”

SRJC is the only community college with a certificate program in sustainable agriculture and it is growing fast. This is a region where organic farming and sustainable practices are the norm, so it’s not surprising students are interested in learning about these practices.

Starting with an intro to sustainable agriculture, classes

involve organic practices and composting. Classes include entry level students and established farmers who want to learn more.

Sonoma County wants 100 percent sustainable vineyards by 2020. The 84-acre vineyard and winery on Shone Farm is already there. The farm is reducing water, chemical and energy use by using recycled water on the vineyard and using wood from their own forest on the farm.

Shone Farm has planted 150 acres of forest, teaching forestry students and park management.

All lumber taken from the forest is used for fencing and other projects on the farm. The Tiny House Club is even working on its first house from lumber harvested on the farm.

SRJC’s cafeteria gets a lot of its food from Shone Farm and all waste coming from it and the culinary café goes back to Shone Farm for

become executive vice president of the student senate.

Egger has been at SRJC on and off since 2011. He is currently double majoring in political science and business administration.

When he transfers to a UC, ideally UC Berkeley, he will have to choose one major. Egger is not sure if this will be his last semester at SRJC, but predicts that after he’s done at a UC he will attend law school.

He believes he is doing everything necessary for the student trustee position; however, he thinks there could be more requirements to prevent people from slacking off. He also thinks the student trustee should be required to sit on multiple committees.

According to SRJC student president Josh Pinaula, Egger is great to work with and has been receptive to information brought up about programs and campaigns.

Egger’s leadership is straightforward when it comes to financial matters, Pinaula said. He thinks about the future and is very helpful when it comes to finances and listens and acts accordingly.

Egger created the program which student government and students who sit on committees at the college will start getting paid. He also created the student grant system.

Photo courtesy of Santa Rosa Junior College

Eli Egger, SRJC’s current student trustee.

According to former student vice president of membership and marketing Alex Smith, Egger is the most qualified for the position because SRJC students elected him to be their voice.

Originally Egger had an opponent to run against, but student affairs disqualified his opponent leaving Egger the only one running for the position of student trustee.

“I think it’s important to have a student representative on the board, but I’d like to see even more power given to the students, possibly by adding more student seats to the board,” Smith said.

Various ways the SRJC community can improve environmental stability composting. Drip irrigation allows the plants to receive just only as much as they need as opposed to flat irrigation.

Srinivasan has plans to go far more into solar in the fall, although he has already bought a solarpowered electric cart for taking visitors around the farm and plans to put some solar changing stations in. Most of the produce grown on the farm (all organic) goes towards the Shone Farm Community Supported Agriculture, although quite a bit supplies both the culinary café and sometimes the cafeteria.

Ideally Robert Ethington, dean of student affairs and engagement programs, sees a bike/pedestrian bridge between Coddingtown and Elliot. The city is looking into a pedestrian/bike only Elliot Avenue and a shuttle between the Petaluma and Santa Rosa campuses.

Members of the SRJC Sustainabilty Collaborative have

Shone farm supplies the SRJC cafeteria with much of its fresh food and composts cafeteria waste.

Photo courtesy of Brooks Blair

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Continued from page 4...

Their positions expire on graduation day of the academic year in which the SGA appointed them.

Assembly members may sit on one regular committee and one SGA standing committee. They may also chair ad-hoc committees.

The bylaws clarify the SGA’s proxy policy. The new procedures allow for a current SRJC student to stand in for SGA members, with the exception of the SGA chair, in public sessions.

The bylaws do not factor the proxies into quorum or attendance; neither can they propose official motions.

The only substantial power of proxies is they can vote in an SGA’s officer’s stead.

Several elected SGA members did not assume their offices.

Vice President of Student Health elect Diana Kingsbury transferred to the University of California Berkley in the Fall 2015 semester.

The SGA promoted Feminist Club leader Hannah Cagle to the office.

The SGA removed Hakeem Sanusi July 27 as the vice president of finance after he failed to attend two mandatory SGA gatherings and shirked other responsibilities, according to Pinaula. Sanusi also transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in September 2015.

Pinaula said Hakeem indicated he would resign but did not submit necessary documentation.

Multiple SGA members said the dismissal was amicable.

The SGA voted to appoint Eduardo Arango to Sanusi’s chair.

SRJC students originally elected him as Director of Clubs in Petaluma, which is now vacant, SGA minutes state.

Former student representative and 2015 vice president of committee’s candidate, Alex Smith, also bid for the finance chair.

Cheri McLean, who won reelection for the sustainability seat of the SGA in April, opted to peruse environmental opportunities in Portland, Oregon. Lucas Avillar, formerly the sustainability committee vice chair, filled the post.

SGA advisor Zack Miranda said the bylaws outline clearer job descriptions for the student representatives and enumerates their responsibilities, because they are now paid through a public service fellowship program.

“A student can really jump into the SGA and get started right way and know what is expected of them,” Miranda said.

created the Green Print Project, a plan to help create a culture of sustainability on campus. The plan details 18 objectives to be completed by 2018, ranging from aligning water, food and waste with the best sustainable practices, to assuring green building and sustainable facilities to implement sustainable SRJC lectures and events.

Members also plan on improving sustainable transportation, increasing community outreach and collaboration. The collaborative is not only trying to increase the visibility of this plan and the brand which is a sustainable SRJC, they’re focusing on making a sustainable life a little easier for students.

The collaborative is hosting a “Transportation Innovation Forum” on Sept. 23, attended by SMART Train, the Bike Coalition, Santa Rosa City Transit, Sonoma County Transit and the Sonoma County Transit Authority. The forum will focus on what they can do to make students feel more encouraged to ride their bike or take the bus, rather than drive their car.

Another proposal the collaborative is working on is the Real Food Challenge, getting SRJC’s food service vendors to agree to certain criteria for the food they serve, such as humane regulations and local, organic and fair trade.

One of the college’s goals going forward is creating a culture of sustainability. The SRJC Sustainability Collaborative, comprised of 23 Daniel Kong/ Oak Leaf students, faculty and administrators, Thor Olsen, former vp of advocacy, and is hoping the Green Print Project is a Dr. Dean Tahir working the polls during plan for how we can get there. the spring 2015 student election.

6

A&E

September 14, 2015

Calendar of Events

www.theoakleafnews.com

Curtains of color and curls of light

Curtains of color and curls of light

Coming up at SRJC Sept. 15 “Inov8” – Inspiring stories from local pioneers, such as former CEO of Cliff Bar and Plum Organics, Sheryl O’Loughlin.

7:15 p.m. at the Bertolini Student Center.

Sept. 18-20, 25-27 “Hubble @ 25” - In celebration of Hubble’s 25th anniversary, SRJC Planetarium will look back into the Hubble Space Telescope’s astronomical past.

7 p.m. Sept. 18-19, 25-26; 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27, $8 General $5 Children and Students.

Sept. 21 “Reshaping of the Skull” A lecture focused on the modification of bodily functions through different cultures led by Dr. Nicole Slovak.

Noon-1 p.m. in the Newman Auditorium.

-Kyle Schmidt, Multimedia Editor

Estefany Gonzalez/ Oak Leaf

Kai Schade, one of many students who sports dyed hair, considers her hair a conversation starter in front of Doyle Library on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus.

Nikki Goetz Staff Writer Purple, green, blue, orange, red and all the colors of the rainbow.

It is easy to spot students with colored hair at Santa Rosa Junior College showing off their style.

Students want to express their individuality with everything from their clothes to their hair.

The Oak Leaf sat down with four students who choose to dye their hair non-traditional colors as a way to express themselves. Inspiration came from different places for these students, each with a story to tell.

Kai Schade, 24, first dyed her hair pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She continued dyeing it different colors because

she loved it so much.

“I’ve done purple, red, blue, green, teal and all different combinations,” Schade said.

Schade now sports a combination of blue and green hair. She found some colors work better than others. She would normally re-dye her hair every two months, but to keep the blue and green intact, she now re-dyes it every three to four weeks and washes her hair twice a week to keep the color from fading.

Schade considers her hair a conversation starter because people she serves at work remember her. She says one of her favorite reactions is from the elderly, who don’t like colored hair but love it on her.

Jamie Kitchel, 20, was not

Bottoms up on a school day: -Rico Pinola, Staff Writer

Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar and Grill

Heritage Public House Third Street Ale Works

allowed to dye her hair when she was younger and decided for a change when she started college.

She always thought red hair wasn’t too different and was really pretty.

So she ditched her brown locks for a vibrant red. She credits many famous women as influences.

“I get a lot of inspiration from people like Christina Hendricks, Lucille Ball and actually a lot of cartoon characters like Jessica Rabbit,” Kitchel said.

Kitchel enjoys having colored hair, but gets irritated when people ask her if red is her natural color.

She also dislikes attention from men who have a fetish for red hair and has gotten inappropriate jokes. Despite what she says, for the most part, no one treats her differently.

Devan Deleon, 18, sports her favorite color, pink, in her hair today, but has dyed it all sorts of colors.

“I really like colorful stuff but most of my clothes are dark colors,” Deleon said. “I’ve done reds and purples and pinks and cotton candy colors [for my hair].”

When Deleon had red hair, her inspiration came from Ariel in the “The Little Mermaid.” Deleon goes to great lengths to keep the color of her hair intact.

“I wash my hair and it fades really quickly. I’ve had to dye it more times than most people. I have a special conditioner that is supposed to keep the colors in longer,” Deleon said.

Continues on page 9. . .

Five bars near SRJC to kick back at after class Gary’s at the Belvedere

Russian River Brewing Company

Devin Schwarz/ Oak Leaf

• • •

Open 11:30 a.m. until 1 a.m.

609 5th St. 0.9 miles away from SRJC

Ausiello’s 5th Street bar and Grill offers a place for students to relax while watching their favorite teams on a big screen. There isn’t a chance your favorite sport won’t be playing as tvs are at every table. Burgers, chili fries, fish and chips, salads and sandwiches all under $10 complement their beers. Happy hour is the perfect time to go enjoy, Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. when beers are half price.

• • •

Open 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.

1901 Mendocino Ave. 0.3 miles from the SRJC

Heritage Public House is located a few blocks from Santa Rosa Junior College. It’s a perfect place to escape between classes for lunch, or to share a cold refreshing beer with friends. Drinks are half off every happy hour, Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. The menu, with oysters at $3.50 each and burgers at $12, makes it easy for students on a budget to enjoy a pleasing meal.

• • •

Open 1:30 a.m. until midnight 610 3rd St. 1.1 miles from SRJC

Third Street Ale Works is the place to be if you love freshly brewed beer that is constantly evolving. Over the years Ale Works built a reputation for delicious $10-$13 pizza, $9-$12 hamburgers and $9.50-$13 sandwiches. Not only are drinks half off during happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., but the restaurant also provides TVs for fans to enjoy their favorite sports.

• • •

Open 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.

727 Mendocino Ave. 0.5 miles from the SRJC

Gary’s at the Belvedere is located just south of campus, and offers an entertaining environment where you can enjoy a game of pool or air hockey with friends while having a drink. It has a casual, hometown feel with a rustic interior making it a popular hangout spot. During happy hour, Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. every beverage is $1 off and ranges from $2.50-$4.50.

• • •

Open 11 a.m. until midnight 725 4th St. 1.2 miles from SRJC

Russian River Brewing Co. is a popular place to spend time with friends and family; not to mention famous beers like Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. It has a dynamic environment with great energy. If you are low on money you’ll love their munchies menu with cheesy bread for $5 as well as other snacks ranging up to $15. Happy hour pints are $1.25 off at $3.50. Happy hour is 4-6:30 p.m. and all day Sunday.

A&E

www.theoakleafnews.com

September 14, 2015

7

Daniel Kong/ Oak Leaf

Sepulchre is composed of Luis Olguin (left) on electric bass, Forest Giulletti (center) on drums and Chris Olney-Burnett (right) on guitar and vocals. They refine and practice their music in Forest Giulletti’s furnished garage.

Devin Schwarz

Photo courtesy of Gunner Whelmstead Photography

A sepulcher is a holy grave site or monument meant to house the dead, much like a mausoleum; Assistant A&E Editor Sepulchre is an old-school death metal band made up of young and talented performers from Sonoma County emulate the spirit of the ‘90s with their unique and raw style.

Band members have changed over the years but this particular group, which includes Forest Giulletti (drums), Luis Olguin (bass) and Chris Olney-Burnett (guitar/vocals), has been together for four years. They met through the local band scene where they quickly became friends and formed Sepulchre.

When asked what inspired them to perform music, Olguin said, “Ever since I was little I wanted to perform and come up with my own cool sound.”

Olney-Burnett was influenced by rock from a young age and grew up in a musical household, which inspired him to perform classical music.

Sepulchre has performed at a number of venues throughout its history but when asked what their ideal venue is, Giuletti answered with an enigmatic smile, “The International Space Station.”

This group epitomizes a young and energetic garage band; members plan their Santa Rosa Junior College schedule around band practices and performances because the music always comes first. The Oak Leaf had the privilege of sitting in on a practice session of the band and observing their palpable energy. As if connected by a spiritual bond, the band members’ synergy was like fire; harmony does not come close to describing what they have. Everything about the band’s presence, attire and attitude screams, “We are a rock band, hear us roar.” And roar they do.

Luis Olguin lifts his head in a salute of sweaty exultation.

Left: The band records themselves practicing on a video camera. Right: Giulletti (left), Luis (center), and Olney-Burnett (right) chat after band practice.

Daniel Kong/Oak Leaf

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September 14, 2015

A&E

Fall ‘Almost, Maine:’ SRJC theater preview

www.theoakleafnews.com

Astrology -Haley Bollinger, Features Editor

Aries: Embark upon a journey to Libra: Unless you want our next be yourself and enhance what you believe are your odd characteristics.

People are attracted to honesty. Be real and like-minded people will be drawn to you.

president running around the White House saying, “You’re fired,” vote responsibly. Or stop complaining about politics because those who do and don’t vote are the problem.

You might think you are cute and scantily clad, but rather you are miserable. Drinking a 40-ounce in the park is not dainty and it will not bring you freedom.

Cuddling with your pet may seem like a good use of time, but when deadline day comes, your cat’s typing skills aren’t as funny as they were last week.

Taurus:

Gemini:

Courtesy of SRJC Theater Arts Department

Christine Vondralee and Kot Takahashi in SRJC Theatre Arts’ production of John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine.”

Luke Heslip

Co-Editor-in-Chief A frosty New England romance sweeps into Santa Rosa Junior College with the theater department’s fall production of John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine,” opening Sept. 25.

John Shillington directs this tale of strange and confusing love upending the residents of Almost on a chilling winter evening.

Come and witness how the majestic northern lights plunge the townsfolk hearts into the unknown.

Cariani describes his work as a narrative, “about real people who are really, truly, honestly dealing with the toughest thing there is to deal with in life: love.”

“Almost, Maine” is staged in nine scenes and features 17 characters.

All SRJC employees are

Mild Max:

entitled to one $5 ticket.

The production runs Sept. 25Oct. 4 in the Santa Rosa campus’ Newman Auditorium on Elliot Avenue.

Production dates: • Sept. 25, 26, 30, Oct. 1-3 at 8 p.m.

• Sept. 27, Oct. 3-4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets available at theatrearts. santarosa.edu.

Video game fails to meet expectations raised by film franchise’s legacy

Contemplation is satisfying but action is what you’re looking for. Put on your fancy clothes and do what you’ve been thinking of − even if your therapist would advise otherwise.

Cancer: You’re not losing it; you’ve already lost it. You might not even know you’re in outer space until you can’t find a place to park your starship.

Scorpio:

Sagittarius: Smoking cigarettes is bad for your health, but so is getting your knickers in a twist. Quit your bad habits tomorrow, today is for focusing on the breeze.

Capricorn:

Insomnia will drive a person mad and it appears to have taken ahold of you.

Figure out what’s keeping you up at night because you are living on the dark side.

Leo:

Life’s a bowl of alphabet Aquarius: Straight outta soup until you choke on the wherever you came from is where D. Don’t kill yourself trying to you learned to be you. Don’t forget please others. your roots while branching into the future.

Virgo: Smoke on the water just Pisces: means that your boat is on fire.

Jump off and swim or learn to fly.

But either way, keep the kids away from the kerosene next time.

Let your personality shine and don’t worry, it won’t contribute to climate change.

But think about how you could protect our environment, and help it shine too.

Cinema series returns to Petaluma Campus

Courtesy of the Petaluma Cinema Series

The Petaluma Cinema Series offers a wide variety of films to fit all

Devin Schwarz Assistant A&E Editor

Courtesy of Madmaxfullgame.wordpress.com

Mad Max and his mechanic lay waste to an enemy vehicle showering the wasteland with fire and scrap.

Devin Schwartz Assistant A&E Editor High octane thrills. Explosions. Car Crashes. Gunfire. Powerful female characters that don’t need no man. The film “Mad Max: Fury Road” delivers spectacular visuals and an amazing story that left expectations high for the video game released just a few months later. Unfortunately, it falls short.

Go here, shoot this, maybe blow that thing up, drive for 10 minutes, meet some guy that hates you, try to get him to like you, rinse and repeat. The “Mad Max” video game is monotonous at best and at times can put you to sleep.

The action sequences are fast-paced

and thrilling but repetitive. After the 40th time, they lose their luster and fall flat compared to any action sequences seen in the film.

The game’s plot follows “Mad” Max Rockatansky as he once again loses his Interceptor, “the Black on Black,” and is captured by the War Boys, a large population of meaningless grunts that are killed in droves throughout the game.

Max then befriends a hunchbacked mechanic who promises to build him a new car and worships Max as some sort of messiah-like figure. He later inexplicably meets a wandering mystic by the name of Griffa, who spends his screen time spouting nonsense before drugging Max and giving him a bunch

of super human abilities. These abilities include the useful, like a one-in-ahundred chance of receiving one extra bullet when looting a corpse, to the mundane, such as needing less water to survive.

Overall, the game is a fun thirdperson vehicular manslaughter simulator, but this is where the fun ends. The plot is muddled and the action is repetitive. The gameplay itself is akin to reputation grinding in MMORPGs like “World of Warcraft.”

This game went on sale on multiple websites in its first week of release, often a precursor to a game’s failure, and for good reason—it is simply not worth the $59.99.

The Petaluma Cinema Series returns to Carole L. Ellis auditorium on Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma campus with an emphasis on international films.

Mike Traina, director of the Petaluma Film Alliance (PFA), said, “It has an international focus that is extremely contemporary. Half the films have been in theaters in the last 12 months.”

Each night of the series begins at 6 p.m. with an hour-long lecture by Traina, about film terminology and how to analyze content. The film begins at 7 p.m. and a discussion on the film and its impressions on the audience follows.

Admission is free for Cubcard+ and PFA members and is $6 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors.

A series pass is available for $45 that will grant access to every screening and saves people $39. Parking for the general public is the standard $4 or a parking pass for the series is $20.

Upcoming Screenings: ‘Safety Last,’ showing Sept. 16: A critically acclaimed silent comedy from 1923. A live musical performance

by Rick Friend accompanies the screening. The story follows the hijinks of Harold Lloyd (Harold Lloyd), a hopeless romantic in a dead-end job that must convince his love that he is wealthy and worthy of her amorous reciprocation.

‘White God,’ showing Sept. 23: A Hungarian drama from 2014. Directed

by Kornél Mundruczó, the film follows the life of a half-breed dog named Hagen after his owners shun him.

As a result Hagen sparks a half-breed crusade consisting of 250 dogs that revolt against their human oppressors.

www.theoakleafnews.com

A&E

How to: Estefany Gonzalez A&E Editor

September 14, 2015

9

The temporary way to change hair color

Nervous the colored hair life isn’t for you, or just too much of a commitmentphobe to pick a color you can’t wash away?

Hair chalking allows people to take a walk on the wild side. There are a variety of hair chalk products sold in stores; some are inexpensive but others retail for up to $30 a color. You can get the same effect for if you follow the steps below.

What you’ll need is simple. A quick trip to an art supply store will do. You’ll need artist chalk, a paintbrush and a towel to keep your clothes chalk-free.

1. Pick a color.

It is hard to choose, but the best part about chalk is that you don’t have to pick just one.

Left: Daniel Kong / Oak Leaf Right: Estefany Mendoza / Oak Leaf

Two SRJC students proudly rock their vibrant locks on a warm September day.

Rainbow locks

2. Brush the knots out.

Smooth untangled hair is best for application.

4. Apply color. It’s best to start from the root and brush downward to not damage your hair.

3. Section off your hair.

Pick what sections of hair you want colored and separate with hair clips.

5. Wash it out. You may be tempted to leave your hair chalk in, but remember it’s chalk so it’s best to start again another day, unless you want to wash your bedding the next day.

Continued From Page 6

Deleon has seen other students with pink hair too, but of slightly different shades. Deleon said dyeing your hair is a big commitment.

“It’s fun and different, but it also takes a lot of time and money to maintain. Also add lots and lots of conditioner,” Deleon said.

Nikki Bunting is all about individuality. She has dyed her hair many colors and right now has a combination of black and blue.

“I do love to express myself, with the clothes that I wear and the colors of my hair. I’ve [dyed it] every color of the rainbow,” Bunting said.

Though it has gotten better over

the years, Bunting has received some backlash about her hair.

People have called her a punk rocker, which she doesn’t identify as, and she has received bad service at restaurants.

“They think I’m not going to tip them because of my hair,” she said.

Bunting washes her hair less to keep her color from fading. She uses a special brand of shampoo for when she does wash her hair.

Bunting suggests those who want to dye their hair to wear gloves, put Vaseline on their hairline and be prepared for small children to stare at you everywhere you go.

An A-maze-ing Pl Rita S. Losch

Contributing Writer

Y

ou’ve heard of college orientation. What about college disorientation? It’s easy to get lost on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus. Classically beautiful, it is also serpentine, byzantine, elusive and downright baffling, particularly on your virgin visit.

Before your first day of classes, explore the terrain, map in hand. Find your way to your classroom building from your car. Once at the building, find your way to your classroom. Memorize this route, and the reverse route back to your car.

Do not be surprised if you continue to get turned around, over and over. You can get lost every single time, week after week, even in the final week of the semester. The wrong route can be different each time.

Or, the wrong route can be identical each time, imprinting the mistake more and more deeply on the hapless late student’s harried mind.

Here are some student reactions to the curvy enigmatic layout of the campus.

“I’ve gone to the SRJC for three consecutive years and every semester I still get lost. If you ever end up in Lark Hall in the Life Sciences Department, whatever you do, don’t follow the wall: it will lead you in circles,” said student Nora Milton.

Victoria Rose of the SRJC Anime Club said, “My first semester, I had to carry a map with me wherever I went.” Her fellow student and Anime fan Richard Rose says, “The map is still disorienting since the maps are not always relative to your position.”

But even if you have a map, it can not help you navigate the building once you get there.

“My first year at the JC I took my first class in the biology and life sciences building, the odd shaped one, that has a round central building and three spokes off of it,” SRJC student Ashleigh Hess said. “Every time I went to find the bathroom, which was on another spoke of the thing, I would circle the hub building several times before I found it.”

Campus experience does not necessarily lead to enlightenment or even familiarity.

“This still happens to me,” Hess said. “The campus is huge and sprawling and separated by parking lots and gardens, there are paths that lead to locked doors, and when the foliage changes with the seasons you lose your markers.”

Perfectly intelligent people can find themselves standing between Baker and Lark, scratching their heads and feeling panicked, ashamed and stupid about once again misplacing the disappearing Bussman Hall. The student, otherwise prepared, is now entirely farblondzshet,

which is Yiddish for “bewildered.”

“Our way-finding on campus needs to improve. We will be developing a new signage plan as part of the Facilities Master Plan,” said SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong.

The college experience is fundamentally about the “where” of who-what-when-where-why-and-how. Stroll along the winding pathways with a pile of books cradled in your arm or heavy in your backpack. Or recline with Sophocles under a majestic Quercus suber oak. But, you will have trouble finding the proverbial ivy-covered hallowed halls and the idyllic ivory towers.

Signs are everywhere, but the signage is confusing and inadequate. “You are here,” it insists. But, where is here? And, how do you get from here to there? The distance between two points should be a straight line, but the campus has no straight lines.

Do you enter the Doyle Library on the first or the second floor? If you plan to meet a fellow student in front of the library, do you wait on the ground floor or is it the basement?

Or do you wait on the balcony up on the first floor or is that the second floor? Why does the elevator go down but not up? And, where is the secret staircase?

Who cares that the library is the second largest facility on campus at 145,000 square feet, housing nearly 130,000 printed books and that the website says it “incorporates a white

noise generator that block [sic] ambient sounds,” if you cannot find the restroom or the drinking fountain?

Then there are the building codes. Say you have miraculously figured out, by bumbling around, that 2803 means Maggini Hall, Building 28, Room 3. Just wait until you realize that Maggini’s ground floor is 27, its second floor is 28, and its third floor is 29. Nobody has explained this to you. It’s enough to make you scream.

Why does journalism meet in a science lab, complete with individual sinks? Perhaps it is the closest location to The Oak Leaf campus newspaper’s bungalow -- called a “hut” on the 1950s mimeographed archival map you came upon -- in Analy Village. But why is Analy Hall so far afield from Analy Village? And how do you pronounce “Analy” anyway?

The 1996 Call Center is not for placing telephone calls or practicing your ornithological birdcalls: it houses the Child Development Department and the Children’s Center. Why? Because it is named for Robert Call, Trustee during the early 1970s. Who knew?

There’s the bizarre “B” phenomenon. Burbank Auditorium, Barnett Hall, Bailey Hall, Bussman Hall, Baker Hall, Bech Hall, the Button Building, Bertolini Student Center, Burdo Culinary Arts Center, not to mention Bear Cub Way. Why so many B’s? Are the venerated Trustees -- whose names these sites bear -- trying to drive the already-frazzled lost students crazy, trying to gaslight them?

These “B”s make you feel bewildered, befuddled, bereft, bamboozled, buffaloed, blurry, bypassed, balled-up, brainless, balmy, betrayed, backbitten, bollixed, boondoggled, bothered, bummed and bad.

Why is this campus so difficult to navigate? Seeking control over chaos, you beg for a campus tour from one of the student Ambassadors. Alas, your request seems to be denied: tours are only for new faculty and staff, and prospective students. You are already a student. A lost student.

In the Library, the academic temple where all answers dwell, a reference librarian just happens to mention Amy Malaise, SRJC Library Technician in the Archives. You make a beeline to secure an appointment to peruse the College’s historical materials with her. Deep in the back rooms of the library: paydirt! Finally, you get a reality check.

“The Santa Rosa campus can be so perplexing because it has done a lot of growing in the last 85 years. Since the original acquisition of Burbank Park in 1930, the campus has gone through several ‘building spurts’ as the College has acquired new land through purchases made possible by various bonds and other money sources,” Malaise said.

The same architects built clumps of buildings in the same era, which explains why one building is often the mirror image of another in this verdant hall of mirrors. But, which curved archway belongs to which edifice?

Garcia Hall, Analy Hall, Burbank Auditorium and Bussman Hall, all 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) structures designed by Calvin Caulkins, resemble each other but are unrelated in function.

Getting lost on lace: srjc campus Photos by Daniel Kong

To exacerbate the confusion, Shuhaw Hall, Doyle Student Center, Barnett Hall and Bailey Hall, each designed in the 1950s and ‘60s by Clarence Feliciano, are similar but different nonetheless.

Lookalikes Bech Hall, Quinn Swim Center and Emeritus Hall also had the same architect, John Van Dyke, which adds to the confusion.

The illusion and the hope of a meaningful pattern tricked you, when in fact the school layout is rather willy-nilly and scattershot.

“Since the campus is spread out and is now even separated by major streets, it doesn’t have an overall unified feel,” Malaise said. “There is no real central area around which the buildings are clustered, with the exception of the open space between Pioneer, Bertolini, and Doyle Library. There also isn’t a major focal point to help orient visitors, such as a bell tower or other tall structure. This can make the campus sometimes feel difficult to navigate.”

Past SRJC President Brook Tauzer’s Historical Report lists campus landmarks like: the Engineering Stones which name retired Engineering faculty; the Legion Gate, dedicated to Luther Burbank by Theodore Roosevelt in 1935; the Museum Dogs, two identical male Great Pyrenees; the Carillon, a 1971 gift from businessman Hymmie Jacobs and Joe’s Rock, in memory of Joe Smythe, a mathematician at SRJC from 1965 to 1982 who died in an automobile accident. It bears the inscription “Unauthorized Personnel Only.” Even these quirky and cute landmarks might not help you find your way.

Floyd P. Bailey, SRJC President from 1934-57, in his “History,” said he was “locating the buildings, began to plan the layout of the school, walking up and down the 40 acres, stopping and turning and pacing off walkways and buildings, athletic fields and roads.” Anecdotally -- according to Malaise -- Dr. Bailey carefully observed the patterns of students criss-crossing the campus, before having pathways and sidewalks laid out.

In spite of these intuitive, organic beginnings, there is no scheme to make sense of what is where on the SRJC campus.

So, dear lost student, to leave you with some advice to the campus-lorn: • Always carry a campus map. A compass wouldn’t hurt, either. And notice where the sun is rising or setting.

• Memorize and make friends with landmarks, such as the two-dog museum or your favorite bench or trashcan.

• Use whatever mnemonic devices you can find or invent.

• If asking for help or directions, approach an older person, probably a teacher, maintenance person or gardener, who is wearing long pants and not carrying a skateboard, and who looks like she knows where she is going and how to get there.

• Do not ask students for directions. Sadly, most students you ask will not have a clue. “The student center? I didn’t know there was a student center,” or “I just use my phone’s GPS; it even gets me to the room number,” wrongly presuming everybody has a smartphone.

• Try not to pathologize your absolutely nonexistent sense of direction.

• Give yourself permission to get lost. Try to enjoy the adventure of getting lost.

• Blame the designers of the campus.

• Blame the campus itself for its impossibly cryptic, arcane configuration.

• Love the campus, in spite of itself and yourself.

12

September 14, 2015

Features

www.theoakleafnews.com

Good vibrations provide a rush of adventure from A to B Matthew Koch Staff Writer Enticement all over, you pull the throttle in harder, feeding your unquenchable urge.

Looking ahead, the path clears before you; to your side, a cosmic blur of visual intangibleness. The vibrational fury that is your seat cushion boisterously purrs along through the wind that engulfs your body and you come to the subtle realization: motorcycling is something much more than transportation.

Riding on the back of this modernized steed, the operator has the freedom of becoming part of his/her environment, as opposed to naively navigating through it.

The author of the classic 1974 book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” Robert M. Pirsig, stated it best, “In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it. . . you’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a cycle, the frame is gone. . . you become in complete contact with it all.”

Removing this “frame” essentially opens up the world around you; making colors more vivid, sounds more audible and overall experiences and daily escapades more sensational.

For many Santa Rosa Junior

College students, the aspiration to ride comes from a varied set of causes.

For SRJC student Brian Meyer it was an interest that started when he was much younger.

“Since [I was] a child, I’ve always been interested in motorcycling as a recreational activity. It’s just nice to be out and more involved in the environment,” he said.

Some people ride because their parents did, some ride for the economical advantages and others only ride for the sex appeal that comes with owning a bike.

An SRJC student who wished to be named under the alias “Danger Dude” attests to the dangerous sex appeal aspect.

“Man, I only ride for the ladies, man. When I put on my leather jacket and my leather boots and cruise down the street, I definitely see them catching eyes, man,” he said.

This more than eccentric, egotistical-leaning view towards motorcycling isn’t unjustifiable. For many who seek the thrill that comes with danger, or even appearing dangerous, they too might find a rapturous release through cruising down the street and catching the gaze of the voluptuous and the majestic.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a more pragmatic reason for motorcycling is presented

Educate yourself: Haley Elizabeth Bollinger Features Editor Kenneth Chase, 26, a Santa Rosa Junior College student doesn’t want younger students to make the same mistake he did.

He has attended SRJC for seven years.

Instead of following his meandering path, he advises students to see a counselor and make an education plan.

“The conundrum is that we are lucky because SRJC is such a great school and offers so many

different classes. But then you end up taking all these classes that you are interested in and some of them don’t transfer, I’m like ‘am I a culinary major or a sustainable age major? Or what?’” Chase said.

Whether it is your first semester at SRJC or your seventh, goals are the key to your educational success.

Buying books, finding a parking spot, figuring out where your classes are and making time to study are all stressful in the first few weeks of school.

SRJC has a three-step plan to ease the process and help students create a strategy for their time

Matthew Koch/ Oak Leaf

Students who ride motocycles have designated parking spots on campus where parking is readily available.

through the perks that come with this bi-wheel transport.

Motorcycles and cars differ in a range of monetarily beneficial aspects. The gas tank of the motorcycle, though smaller in size, requires the use of more constant, cheaper fuel. This means that though gas is purchased more frequently, it is only needed when the cyclist knows he/she will be operating the bike and for a price hardly ever ranging into the double digits.

It doesn’t end at gas prices either.

“I started really getting into

motorcycling ever since I found out that the parking pass was cheaper,” said SRJC student Michael Morley.

The motorcycle parking pass costs $10 compared to the car parking pass, which costs $60.

“The parking here is so nice,” said SRJC student Andrew Ferguson. “At my old school, they didn’t even have designated motorcycle parking, so this was a great surprise.”

Parking becomes a task deemed less stressful, especially for the SRJC cyclist who gains the option of parking in a car parking spot or the

designated motorcycle parking spots on campus.

The passion for motorcycling may or may not arise for many of those who seek its transportation, considering it simply a tool of getting from point A to point B. However, those who do hold it in high regard hold it so radiantly and endlessly as they choose to cruise down the street or race like a bat out of hell. Eventually, the subtle realization will be made: motorcycling is something much more than transportation.

Assessments, orientations and education plans are three important steps to unlock future success spent at SRJC’s oak-filled campus.

Before the next semester starts or during this semester, make time to complete your assessments, orientation and education plan.

Assessments show students where they should be placed in different departments. The testing center helps figure out students’ math and English scores and is located in Plover Hall. It offers a variety of scheduled times to take the tests. Study guides are also available to help students brush up their skills and score higher.

Students are allowed to take both tests twice and use the best score.

Daniel Kong/ Oak Leaf

An SRJC student waits to meet with a counselor at the Bertollini Center in the Counseling Department.

Orientation is available online or in person. SRJC’s campus is huge and if you’ve never been on campus you’re likely to get lost.

Orientation makes students aware of different programs, departments and learning communities on campus, and provides a sense of comfort for students so they don’t feel lost.

The most important of these three steps is creating an education plan. Anthony England, program specialist of the Student Success and Support Program, says students can make an abbreviated plan, one or two semesters of planned classes to give them a start and help them to begin carving out a goal, or a comprehensive education plan.

The latter shows which classes students need to complete for their transfer major or which classes they need for one of SRJC’s certificates.

Students who complete an education plan get priority registration. “Those first three steps are crucial. For all students I would encourage them to take care of them right away for registration purposes,” England said. “Here is where you can control your own destiny and make sure you get your classes. At least give yourself the best opportunity to get in the classes you need.”

Part of student success is to get an assessment, orientation and education plan. Once students have those things, ideally they will have a goal in mind, and will know the campus. Once they are connected, they are more likely to

complete their goals, earn a degree and transfer or get a certificate, England said.

Student Carina Brambila, 23, made an education plan to transfer to a university as a history major.

“I think having a plan is a must. I feel that without having a plan you’re definitely going to take a bunch of courses that are not needed for your major, because I did that at the beginning,” Brambila said. She said the counselors did a good job informing her of classes for transfer and the counseling department has a text-back option so she didn’t have to wait inside to see a counselor.

SRJC Tips: • Schedule a meeting with a counselor before drop-in lines, which are so crazy not even Hermione would wait in them.

• Student Health Services is part of your enrollment fee. If you’re sick, visit the Race building and see a nurse practitioner.

A note will excuse any missed classes. Also available is Student Psychological Services in Plover Hall.

• Visit Plover Hall for financial aid, assessment testing, admissions and records and scholarship information.

• Check out theoakleafnews.com or the Bear Facts newsletter to see what exciting social events are happening on campus.

• Doyle Library is a mecca.

• Join a club. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and be social with other students.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Features

13

September 14, 2015

Meet the new faculty Thirty-three new faculty members join SRJC

Katherine Valenzuela Mathematics Q: Why did you want the position?

A: I am born and raised in Sonoma and a former SRJC student. I wanted to come back to the JC to help students realize their potential with math. I believe any student can learn and understand math and it is my goal to teach them.

Q: How do you relax at home?

A: I like exercising, playing with my four dogs, or taking them to the beach.

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: To be the first Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve. Janet Yellen beat me to it.

Q: What is your favorite junk food?

A: Buffalo chicken pizza from Mary’s Pizza Shack.

Eve Miller Librarian Q: Why did you want the position?

A: I missed working directly with students in the library.

SRJC in general and the libraries in particular have such a great reputation; this job seemed like a wonderful opportunity to not only work with great students but with talented staff and faculty as well.

Q: How do you relax at home?

A: I love to cook. Every chance I can I try a new recipe or try refining some of the old classics.

As a vegetarian, refining classics is a must.

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: My sister says I was destined to be a librarian; I loved to look up then memorize facts and figures when I was a kid. So I guess that means being a classical librarian was my dream job.

Q: What is your advice for students currently attending SRJC? A: Don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers; stay after class and go to their office hours.

Jessica Longoria Counselor Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?

A: As a second generation Mexican-American most of my experience has been at Hispanic Serving institutions, such as Santa Rosa Junior College. I will continue to advocate for firstgeneration college students.

Q: How do you relax at home?

A: Playing with my kids, cycling, good food and drink and provocative television programs produced by HBO and Showtime.

Q: What is your best college memory?

A: Sitting in Newman Auditorium waiting for Diane Smith’s cultural anthropology class to begin. She would play world music from indigenous cultures. Enthralling!

Jennifer Poovey Dental Assisting Q: Why did you want the position?

A: I have been teaching at SRJC since 2004 as adjunct faculty, my goal was to one day become a full time faculty member. I love teaching and learning and students allow me to do both.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?

A: I wish to continue to educate dental assistants and dental hygienists of tomorrow; they are our future!

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: Teaching, although I was very interested in teeth at a young age. My cousins let me practice in their mouths!

Q: What is your advice for students currently attending SRJC? A: Embrace all learning opportunities that come your way and continue to pursue others to develop and further your knowledge and skills.

Katherine Lantz Medical Assisting Q: Why did you want the position?

A: I have been a nurse for 11 years, and I have always loved nursing and teaching, so this position gives me the best of both worlds!

Q: What is the sound track to your life?

A: “Stayin’ Alive.”

Q: What is your advice for students currently attending SRJC? A: Keep at it, make the time, it all will be worth it when you’re done.

Oh, and go to nhi.edu to sign up for a $25 massage from students at the National Holistic Institute in Petaluma who are getting their clinical hours by massaging the public. It’s the cheapest, easiest way to relax, and get some body therapy for all the stress that accumulates as a student.

Tracy Hollie Counselor Q: How do you relax at home?

A: Well, I have three little munchkins at home, so it’s tough to relax, as they constantly keep me on my toes. Once they’re all tucked into bed, if it’s not too late, I’ll relax by sharing a glass of wine with my husband, watching an episode of “Friends,” and talking to each other about our day.

Q: What is your best college memory?

A: When a bunch of my friends convinced me to skip class and take a day touring wine country.

I was extremely studious all throughout college and did very little outside of studying. Having a day off to relax and laugh with my friends reminded me of the importance of balancing life with school (I am not encouraging skipping classes, though!).

Q: What is your favorite junk food?

A: Cheesecake all the way! I’m not a huge fan of chocolate, nor do I eat a ton of candy. I absolutely love creamy delicious cheesecake!

Amy LaCasse

Disabilities Specialist

Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?

A: I hope to help students become aware of their strengths and become comfortable taking steps to reach their goals. I want to increase awareness of the Disability Resource Center so students know all the resources that are available to them.

Q: How do you relax at home?

A: I enjoy cooking, reading and gardening. Sitting in my hammock especially helps me relax!

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: I wanted to be a travel writer or a lawyer.

Q: What is your favorite junk food?

A: I love any kind of chocolate and especially love the tacos at Chipotle.

Hannah Skoonberg Art/Digital Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?

A: I hope to build my program and get my students excited about making prints. I also want to support young artists, build them up and help them acquire the skills they need to be successful artists.

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: Artist!

Q: What is your favorite junk food?

A: Cheez-its.

Q: What is your advice for students currently attending SRJC? A: I would say that if you can focus on one thing at a time you will be able to manage a difficult semester without feeling overwhelmed. Talk to your teachers.

Amanda Mansfield Counselor Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?

A: I want to be a helpful part of the academic journey for students while I continue to learn, grow and contribute to the college as an educator.

Q: How do you relax at home?

A: I usually relax by heading outdoors. I love to road trip, hike, camp, run, kayak, bike and explore new places with my family. I also have the occasional living room dance-off with my two small boys when I need to blow off steam.

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: To be a National Geographic photographer and archaeologist; the latter being inspired by my love for the “Indiana Jones” movies as a kid.

Matthew Murray English Q: How do you relax at home?

A: I love to hike, bike and garden.

Q: What was your dream job as a child?

A: Ever since my mom took me to classes with her when she returned to college, when I was about 8 years old, I knew I wanted to be a college professor.

Q: What is your best college memory?

A: My best college memory is when a group of us visited an abandoned nuclear missile silo in west Texas in the middle of the night. We climbed down several stories below ground level until we were stopped by water that had filled up the lower levels. It was dark, scary and beautiful!

Q: What is your favorite junk food?

A: Potato chips. All kinds.

Profiles by Staff Writer Gideon Halpin and Copy Editor Alex T. Randolph

Check out the rest of our new faculty members in our next issue Sept. 28

14

September 14, 2015

Opinion

www.theoakleafnews.com

EDITORIAL

American college culture is at a critical point where adherence to political correctness threatens to undermine the sanctity of free speech, a supreme value of higher education.

This conflict intensifies in a period where “trigger words” and “microaggressions” make college curriculum a virtual landmine. This comes simultaneously in a political climate where numerous pundits and politicians are in revolt against political correctness.

When a comedian like Jerry Seinfeld, who built his career on joking about mundane misadventures and everyday boredom, refuses to bring his act to college campuses because he thinks students will find it too controversial, it is reasonable to say political correctness probes at the binding of the nationwide college community and demands re-evaluation.

Political correctness is an imminent problem when it constricts ideas and academic dialogue.

The phenomenon is a set of approved ideas, outlooks and vocabularies, which in theory promote an environment where the majority of people are not marginalized or offended.

More specifically its intent is to shield historically and/or potentially vulnerable groups like ethnic or

religious minorities, victims of abuse and disabled people from psychologically harmful or uncomfortable situations. This is a commendable sentiment that affirms the virtues of tolerance in the abstract. However its literal application is not as utopian.

Academic ecosystems should stimulate intellectual growth, foster bold thinkers and challenge them to question established ideas and their own beliefs. Students must be at liberty to explore concepts and arguments that stray from the sterile boundaries of political correctness without apprehension of their peer’s scorn or exclusion.

If ideas are expressed respectfully and do not objectively incite violence or infringe on the rights of others, then they are valid and worth contemplation and discussion in a college setting.

Political correctness is a type of ideological filtration, which boxes serious discussions into predetermined outcomes. For example, under the rules of political correctness conversations on race relations must not criticize the tactics or rhetoric of advocacy groups representing disenfranchised peoples.

Supporters of political correctness often interpret criticism of such groups or really anything short of praise as rejection of racial justice,

and publically coerce criticizing parties into abandoning their positions through social media harassment. Ironically, these critics usually agree with the overarching ideals of racial equity and only differ on matters of style and approach.

Take presidential candidates Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders.

While speaking at a liberal activist forum in Phoenix in July 2015, members from the Black Lives Matter movement accosted them on stage and declared that if the candidates failed to bend to their vocabulary, then they were unsympathetic to protecting black lives.

The candidates both fumbled with the confrontation and delivered responses that were unsatisfactory to the activists. Social media personalities pounced in earnest.

Black Lives Matter is the not the grand judiciary of racial justice and their noble objectives don’t automatically vindicate their practices.

Sanders and O’Malley both cham-

pion economic and social policies beneficial to African Americans, including criminal justice overhaul, police reform and easier access to higher education. Sanders marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement, and O’Malley soothed race relations in his eight-year tenure as mayor of Baltimore. Their race credentials should not be at the mercy of disruptive activists’ approval, nor should anyone’s.

Santa Rosa Junior college film instructor and Petaluma campus cinema series director Michael Traina said he received more requests from students in recent years to abridge films with controversial content from the series or to issue “trigger warnings” about potentially upsetting scenes. He said he thinks this is indicative of a larger educational trend of customer service college, in which students expect curriculum tailored to their comfort zones.

“We are all here to serve students,

“Political correctness is an imminent problem when it constricts ideas and academic dialogue.”

but there is a balance,” Traina said.

“It’s a tricky issue.”

Political correctness has value.

Peoples of all backgrounds deserve dignity and societal assimilation, which political correctness contributes to in part. American society’s progress in gradualy discouraging discrimination and racial slurs is reassuring to man’s continuing endeavor for justice.

Many public figures, including several presidential candidates, abuse the failings of political correctness to justify their own bigotry. Issues like immigration and the definition of marriage are fit for public forum, but this does not license anyone to institutionalize intolerance or trample over civil rights in the name of rebuking political correctness.

Recent years witnessed disconcerting trends of college students protesting visiting speakers because they disagree with what they have to say, or pressuring instructors to avoid bluntly lecturing about uncomfortable topics like rape or the Holocaust, hence “trigger words” and “microaggressions.”

Academia at large must empower instructors to engage their students in honest, adult discussions that may lead to unsettling truths. If students do not have the threshold for

Stem cell research: debated controversy

The truth behind the

Tommy Dennen Staff Writer

What do you know about stem cell research?

Does the phrase leave a bad taste in your mouth? Does the concept make you anxious about scientists’ ability to manipulate the human condition beyond the realm of what you consider ‘natural’?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you should change the way you think about this field, and the way you might perceive future pioneer medicines.

The biotech industry deserves a better reputation. Chronic media bias and lackluster background research has channeled the conversation of the topic into a political, and nearly religious debate. Stem Cell Research’s (SCR) opponents should not lump it into the same conversation as reproductive rights, because scientists are no longer confined to harvesting stem cells from embryonic tissue and miscarriages.

You read that correctly; modern research is slated to remove nearly all controversy surrounding SCR from the equation as complex techniques become more mainstream. In

order to understand how this is possible, and how the discovery of this technique has fully opened the door to the reality of regenerative medicine, observe this synopsis of a process called cell differentiation: the reason behind why stem cells are the keystone element in making regenerative medicine clinically useful and ethically acceptable.

In a multicellular organism, such as a person, one will find a variety of different cell types. A skin cell, for example, has certain features (called organelles) within its membrane that make it a skin cell, and it has the ability to divide and proliferate to create more

skin cells, but is not able to divide and create a different type of cell with seperate organelles. Stem cells are special because they can differentiate into many types of cells. Technicians can graft them to a certain tissue type, begin to fortify said tissue to help it return to its native structure and function.

When you cut your hand, the affected skin cells know how to recombine and repair, so the damage is not permanent. However if, due to an accident or a disease, you had a mass of tissue removed from an arm muscle or part of your liver, humans would be incapable of full muscular and

organ regeneration like members of amphibian phyla, such as salamanders.

Since humans are incapable, of said regeneration by their bodies’ natural healing, it’s crucial mankind use SCR to achieve it. The applications are extensive. Imagine the ability to repair a shattered bone, an obliterated nerve, a damaged liver.

It is a moral obligation to pursue SCR because it can heal such afflictions.

SCR is a sophisticated and practical way to discover means of regenerating human cells via existing human cells. It is not an unnatural manipulation of life or scheme to play God. It is utilizing science to harness life.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Pro

Opinion

September 14, 2015

Just the tips Ask, don’t tell

and

Carin Huber

Con

Self-driven automobiles

Automatic driving will allow passengers to do all of the things that cause Carin Huber so many accidents now: send calls and texts on their phones, eat, sleep, Copy Editor go to a bar or party, conduct busiSelf-driving cars, like those being deness, manage children’s squabbles. veloped by Google, promise to usher Anything one can do in a parked car in a new age of safety, convenience one will be able to do in a moving and independence. While some car, saving time while staying safe. people lament the loss of control over Parking frustrations will become a their vehicle when driving, the truth thing of the past. With cars able to is autonomous cars can’t become drive and park themselves, curbside mainstream fast enough. service will be standard. Available According to an International New parking can be as much as a mile York Times report, Google cars have away without inconveniencing the been in 16 accidents, mostly minor, passenger. A simple app on one’s since 2009. In every case the cause phone can recall the car for passenger was human error. In the one accident pickup. A similar app would make in which the Google car was at fault, car sharing programs even more its human “safety driver” had control convenient, when the car will come of the car. Had the car been in control to the passenger for of itself, the accipickup. dent might not have Driverless cars occurred. present an opportuProgrammed to nity for unmanned strictly follow traffic package and pizza laws, the occasional delivery. Upon arapparent malfuncrival the car could tion of self-driving text the customer cars usually proves with the electronic to be caused by lock code for the human drivers in compartment other cars failcontaining their ing to follow the delivery. Pizza cars laws properly. In could have heated compartments. one such incident, a Google car was Perhaps the most exciting prospect unable to navigate a four-way stop is extended independence for the because the other drivers kept inchdisabled and elderly. One of the most ing forward at their stop signs, rather frustrating things for such people is than coming to a complete stop and having to rely on others for transwaiting for their turn as dictated portation. They often become virtual by law. When the majority of cars shut-ins because they are unable to are autonomous, with the ability to drive safely. Self-driving cars will communicate with one another, these alleviate this problem immensely, alproblems will virtually disappear. lowing disabled and elderly people to Autonomous cars will save time continue living rich, full lives without on the road, too. When most cars feeling like a burden to friends and are able to exchange information, family. bottlenecks and mystery slow-downs I understand the thrill of speed and will become a thing of the past, as control that comes with driving a car. will rubbernecking at accidents. It’s I remember learning to drive my first time to come up with a new excuse car, an MGB convertible, on winding for being late.

PRO

“The most exciting prospect is extended independence for the disabled and elderly.”

Copy Editor

Google promotes self-driving cars.

CON

Candler Weinberg

Staff Writer There is appeal to autonomous cars.

One can walk out to the car, get in and go. They promise to bring safety, convenience and independence. No need for driver’s ed or a license .Just hop in the car and go wherever.

Automakers have been testing autonomous technology for years.

It started with cruise control, then adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning systems and lane departure warning systems. The list goes on.

According to an International New York Times report, Google autonomous cars are involved in 16 accidents since 2009. While most have been minor, it shows the technology is dangerous. There was one accident where the Google car was at fault. A Google employee was driving the car at the time of the accident.

Google has programmed their cars to obey traffic laws absolutley.

This could be a detriment in a life-or-death situation. What if the car needs to suddenly brake or speed up? It would be incapable of making such decisions.

Autonomous automotive technology will advance to the point where there will be no need for brakesor anything that drivers use.

This means that there would be no way for the human passengers to stop the car or take control of it in the event of an emergency.

Another thing to keep in mind with autonomous cars is the death equation. This equation determines who dies in the event of an unavoidable death. For example, imagine you are in an autonomous car that

www.extremetech.com

loses control and will hit another car. There is a family in a car coming towards you in one lane. In another lane is a car with a single passenger in it. The computer has to decide in a matter of seconds who dies. Is it you? Is it the family? Is it the single passenger? Humans can be faced with this problem as well. How do us humans, let alone a computer, decide who lives and who dies? Would you trust a computer with your life? I don’t think I could bring myself to let a computer determine whether I live or die.

As an automotive enthusiast, I lament the fact that cars with manual transmissions are becoming a thing of the past. Manual transmissions allow the driver to exert far more control over the car. You can stop quicker, accelerate quicker and you have the ability to truly enjoy the car.

You won’t be able to do any of that when autonomous cars take over. Many people would rather get into an autonomous car that does all of the work for them, but the underlying problem is we won’t be able to teach others a valuable skill.

While there is a benefit to autonomous cars for the disabled and elderly, there is no other large benefit for the rest of the population. Buying an autonomous car won’t be cheap. This technology is so cutting-edge and carries so much liability with it that the prices of autonomous cars will likely be astronomical. Many people won’t be able to afford an autonomous car, or at least not until the price drops.

I love cars with a passion, but I won’t willingly embrace the autonomous car. I’m afraid that our roads will become a bleak dystopian future.

“I don’t think I could let a computer determine whether I live or die.”

Birthright citizenship is Trump proof Catherine Ramirez and Luke Heslip

Opinion Editor and Co-Editorin-Cheif Is it fear or sincere ignorance that consumes the mind and speech of Donald Trump? Probably both. The issue isn’t his disregard for critical thinking, but rather that he is leading in the 2016 presidency.

On June 16, Trump launched his presidential campaign “Make America Great Again.” During his announcement, he discussed ways he would restore the “American dream” by solving the issue that threatens the very core of this dream: illegal immigration.

One of Trump’s positions on immigration reform proposes mass

deportation of all undocumented immigrants and their children through the abolishment of birthright citizenship.

Without a doubt immigration is a serious issue in the U.S. However, repealing birthright citizenship is not the solution, despite Trump’s conviction.

A staggering problem with repealing birthright citizenship is profiling.

If authorities are to crack down on undocumented immigrants having children in the U.S., they will invariably target all people of Hispanic heritage, since the majority of recent immigrants hail from Latin America. This type of policy will effectively legalize racism, throwing into doubt the citizenship of almost all Latin Americans.

15

It is inhumane to create citizenship criteria that unfairly affects certain ethnic groups. The entire concept of nationality is origin of birth, not ethnic background. And if birthright is removed as the preeminent qualification for citizenship, what will replace it?

Besides the nearly eradicated indigenous population of North America, there is no homogenous American ethnicity.

Americans vary tremendously in heritage, and establishing a hierarchy of resident ethnicities reeks of fascism. The only constant commonality of Americans is their shared home and the underlying values of the U.S., which are independent of any ethnicity.

America is the land of immigrants.

Succeeding waves of immigrants built America and are responsible for its thriving growth and prestige. This new wave of immigrants is no different.

Immigrants add to the American identity, workforce and character.

It would be inconceivably expensive and painstaking to identify, try in court and remove all undocumented immigrants and their Americanborn children. The U.S can’t afford such a wasteful witch-hunt to honor immigration laws. It’s simply impractical.

Trump, many of his supporters and some of his GOP rivals propose elimination of birthright citizenship under Trump’s unconstitutional terms. This is racist. This is wrong.

This is un-American.

You may worry that your partner will think you expect too much or they’ll think you’re some kind of freak. There’s only one way to get what you want.

Ask. You should find out as soon as possible if the two of you have compatible interests. Neither of you will be happy if you like “reverse cowgirl” in front of a mirror, but your partner is strictly a lights-out-missionary-position kind of guy.

You don’t have to negotiate a contract of what you’ll do in bed unless that’s what you like. You’ll be able to tell from his reaction if he’s willing to try it. If he doesn’t respond or responds negatively, don’t dwell on it. Suggest some other activity and keep the energy going.

You can answer any questions he has later. Be honest and nondefensive about your interests and offer ideas. Maybe he’s not ready for handcuffs; ask him to hold onto the headboard and not let go without your permission.

Let him test the water before diving in head-first. If his answer is still no, decide if the issue is a deal-breaker.

It’s just as important to be on the same page in an established relationship. Living together brings a whole new set of challenges.

Does she leave dishes in the sink for days? Don’t let the frustration build up until you’re ready to blow up. Talk about it. The key here is to not attack with your words. Ask, don’t tell. Try to present the issue as you needing help, not as her doing something wrong. She’ll be more likely to listen if she feels she’s helping you than if she feels you’re blaming her. Maybe there’s a reason she can’t stand washing dishes.

Be open to negotiating a different division of labor.

If the problem is one of hurt feelings rather than poor housekeeping, it’s important to be calm and clear, not reactionary. Did he go out drinking with the guys after work and leave you sitting at home with a nice dinner getting cold? First, wait until the next morning to talk to him about it.

That will give him a chance to sober up and you a chance to cool off a little.

When you do talk about it, try to be non-confrontational. Communication experts say to use “I” statements and to refer to the behavior, not the person, as the problem. Tell him, “when I’m left waiting, I feel forgotten.”

Don’t say, “you’re so inconsiderate!” That will just make him feel defensive.

Communicate, communicate, communicate! Talking something out with you and your partner is more important than your pride or apprehension.

Otherwise you risk resentment between you, and that leads to a

16

Sports

September 14, 2015

Raider Invasion: Oakland will win battle for bragging rights Anthony Sosa Staff Writer

Opinion

From Bear Cub to Wild Cat

www.theoakleafnews.com

Former SRJC star catcher heads to University of Arizona Anthony Sosa

Here in the Bay Area, football bragging rights are determined by one thing. Are the Raiders or the 49ers superior? Clearly the 49ers have dominated the discussion over the past decade.

The 49ers have finished each of the last 12 seasons with a better record than the Raiders. But fear not, Raider fans, the dubious streak is coming to an end; the Raiders will end 2015 with a better record than the 49ers.

It’s clear that the 49ers are in decline, while the Raiders are trending up. The 49ers’ once terrifyingly stacked roster has been reduced to a collection of rookies and veterans coming off injuries.

The biggest reason the Raiders will have greater success than the 49ers is due to an incredibly tough NFC West Division, which consists of the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks and two very tough defensive teams in the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams. The division slate will be a rough six games for the 49ers and it will be difficult for them to win any of them.

While the Raiders division is hard, it is not on the same level as the 49ers. The Denver Broncos are a top team in the AFC, but the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs are hardly juggernauts. With a little luck the Raiders could come away with a .500 record within their division.

Youth will also be a factor for the Raiders’ success this season.

With young stars including Kahlil Mack, Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, the Raiders have built the foundation for a successful future.

The 49ers on the other hand have lost most of their defense to either retirement or suspensions.

Both teams have new head coaches this season. The Raiders have Jack Del Rio and the 49ers have Jim Tomsula. I don’t see Tomsula immediately ushering this 49ers team into a new era of winning football, but Del Rio can lead this Raiders team to a level of success that it hasn’t seen in over a decade.

The Raiders will finish third in the AFC West with a record of 7-9, while the 49ers finish last in the NFC West with a record of 5-11. Enjoy this season Raiders fans, for the first time since 2004 you will have football bragging rights in the Bay Area.

Staff Writer Last season Bear Cub catcher Ryan Haug shone bright in the Big 8 Conference, earning himself the conference MVP award.

With success came reward, as the Univeristy of Arizona gave Haug a 60 percent scholarship.

Haug showed what hard work and dedication is all about with his performance last season. He hit .368 with an on-base percentage of .479. Even more impressive was the way he played defense. Catcher is universally known as one of the toughest positions to play in sports, and Haug made it look easy. He had a fielding percentage of .991, committing just two errors and allowing one passed ball.

That type of play earns you Division I offers. “Haug is one of the rare athletes with tremendous talent and sincere humility,” said Santa Rosa Junior College baseball coach Tom Francois. “Haug made the best of every day he was out there. And the results of that effort are what will continue to propel him to perform at the next level.”

The University of Arizona wasn’t the only school to offer Haug a ride.

“I got offered a 90 percent ride to Youngstown State, and a 30 percent athletic ride to the University of Santa Barbara with financial aid to cover everything,” Haug said. He chose the University of Arizona despite receiving other offers first.

“They [the schools he declined offers from] just didn’t feel right to me. Something in my gut told me to wait,” he said.

Haug originally received an offer from the University of Nevada Reno and was recruited by head coach, Jay Johnson. Nearly a week went by without hearing from Johnson.

Finally, Johnson called with both good and bad news. Johnson informed him the University of Nevada scholarship was no longer available. Then he continued on, telling Haug he had been hired to serve as head coach for the University of Arizona baseball program and offered Haug a scholarship.

“I was in shock,” Haug said.

“Johnson was hired on a Monday,

Courtesy of Joseph Barkoff

Former Bear Cubs star Ryan Haugh received a scholarship to the University of Arizona.

and was at my house by Wednesday to talk to my family and I about going there [Arizona]. We talked for a couple hours, and I was sold.”

By the end of the day Haug was verbally committed to the University of Arizona.

While attending the University of Arizona, Haug continues to work hard to improve his game. “The Pac 12 is another level and it’s something I am going to have to work at every day in order to succeed for both myself and my team,” he said.

Haug will suit up in a Wildcat uniform as the team’s starting catcher when the season begins this spring.

“It’s truly an honor and blessing to be here, but there is a ton of work to be

put in before that,” Haug said.

As he settles into life in Arizona, Haug knows he made the right choice. “I wouldn’t change my decision for anything,” he said. If Haug keeps up his hard work, the next challenge ahead of him might be MLB. “All Haug has to do is to continue to strive towards his goal. He has an outstanding work ethic, and a boatload of talent,” Francois said. “He’s a very mature young man with a desire to get to the highest level of his game, and he will be relentless to succeed with every opportunity he is given.”

Brady shamed by “Deflategate,” Commissioner Roger Goodell is to blame Parker Dangers Oncken Sports Editor

Opinion It is time for NFL fans to move out from under the black cloud of ignorance and misplaced anger towards the New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady. Since allegations that the Patriots tampered with footballs during the AFC Championship came to light, an unending stream of legal battles and bad publicity has consumed the NFL. This chaos has mutated into a monster, destroying Commissioner Roger Goodell’s already fragile reputation, while further tainting the Patriots’ image among casual fans.

Why have football fans exhibited such rage over a situation so mundane?

The Patriots “allegedly” deflated footballs, meaning prosecutors haven’t proven beyond doubt that the team violated any league rules regarding the air pressure of footballs. Even so, fans have come at the team with a vengeance, claiming the allegations

taint every aspect of the Patriots’ legacy.

While fans are entitled to their opinions, and exemplify a passion for the sport with their determined stance, it is the way the NFL has gone about dealing with Deflategate that has left the rest of the sporting world laughing at its ineptitude.

This decision marked the zenith of Goodell’s incompetence during his reign as commissioner.

Just months after he handed down a two-game suspension to Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice ­ for beating his wife— a crime committed in a public elevator with security cameras— he leveled a four-gamer on Brady for a crime we don’t know he committed.

Goodell, a self-proclaimed enforcer of justice within his league, deemed the deflation of footballs a more heinous crime than domestic violence.

The hypocrisy exhibited by Goodell during the last several years of his commissionership has been blatant and comical. Rice got a two-game ban for beating his wife; Brady got four games for allegedly deflating footballs. Greg Hardy, Dallas Cowboys defenseman, got four games for severely beating

Courtesy of Nola.com

Roger Goodell may see his reign as NFL Commissioner end as a result of poor and unfair decisions in handing out game bans to players for the different crimes they commit.

his girlfriend; Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns wide receiver, was handed a 16game ban for smoking marijuana.

The punishment should fit the crime, and too many times during Goodell’s reign, it hasn’t. The severity of each indiscretion in question should be weighed against its real world consequence, not against the commissioner’s personal measuring stick of righteousness.

The Deflategate ruling is a joke. The Supreme Court Judge who threw out

Brady’s suspension based on lack of evidence affirmed that.

By no measure is the possible violation of an arbitrary rule within the confines of a sport built upon greed and an unquenchable desire to win worse than beating a loved one unconscious in an elevator. The profound lack of logic is mind-boggling.

It’s time for NFL fans to step back, pull the blindfold off their face, and identify the true villain of Deflategate: Roger Goodell.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Undefeated

Sports

Bear Cubs women’s soccer team stays dominant

SRJC students talk fantasy football Travis LaBrucherie Staff Writer

Craig Gettman/ OakLeaf

SRJC soccer star Amanda Galbraith controls the ball during the Bear Cubs opener.

Anthony Sosa Staff Writer

The Santa Rosa Junior College women’s soccer team is off to a hot start, undefeated through five games.

The team is lead by Amanda Galbraith, who has quickly piled up seven goals. The freshman star leads a lethal offense, but credits the Bear Cubs’ hot start to defense. “We have a lot of solid players in our back line.

They work well together, and I’m confident whenever the ball goes that way,” she said.

The Bear Cubs held opponents scoreless for the first five games

of the season before giving up a single point to the Lassen City College Cougars in their most recent match.

It won’t be easy for the Bear Cubs to keep up both the offensive and defensive success that they have showcased so far, but right now they look to strike fear in any opponent they face.

“We have big goals for the season, and I’m confident that we’ll reach these goals if we keep working hard and take the season one game at a time,” Galbraith said.

The Bear Cubs look to stay hot and achieve a sixth straight victory when they play at home against Lake Tahoe on Sept. 19.

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September 14, 2015

touch more often.” He also relishes the opportunity to “win big money, to talk mad s*** and watch some football.”

For people who participate in multiple fantasy leagues, like SRJC student Luke Molitor, the football season can quickly become confusing. “I’ll be rooting for a player in one league but rooting against him for the other league,” he said. “Fantasy football teaches me to watch every game, watch the players and to get more involved.”

Fantasy football often becomes more than a hobby for those involved. Players may put aside their responsibilities to prepare for the fantasy season.

Participating in a fantasy draft while at work is a common practice among

SRJC students.

While a select number of people treat fantasy football like a job, most look at it as a way to spend time with friends and possibly win some cash. SRJC students Alex Bryson and Chris Tomaszewski play in leagues replete with old friends, and simply look forward to “bragging rights, indecision and grey hairs.”

Whether fantasy football is your hobby or your life, September is a time rife with possibility. Fantasy football is a way to personally connect with a sport we are surrounded by, giving each drop back, reception and touchdown more meaning.

Fantasy football will either make you feel superior to your peers, or make you pull your hair out. It’s an addiction that affects an estimated 19 million people across the nation. But what is it that makes fantasy football so appealing?

Most people use it to gain bragging rights over friends, family and colleagues. Others use it to make money in cash leagues, while some have fantasy teams to become more involved with football. “It’s about creating good times and memories, trash talking and winning money,” said SRJC student Spencer Cervantes, who plays in three fantasy leagues and also plays Draft Kings.

For many college students, the fantasy season can’t come fast enough. “It’s worth more than just the money, it’s about a year’s worth of bragging rights and taking home our beloved trophy, the Jenna Rose,” said SRJC hockey player Patrick Parnell. “Last season I lost the championship game, flushing away a glorious season after 16 weeks.”

Parnell said fantasy football can bring people together. “My brother set up a family fantasy draft so we have our whole family participating Courtesy of Champsnation.com in it and it allows us to keep in Many SRJC students enjoy playing fantasy football throughout the fall months.

Bear Cubs turn troubles around for second game

Left: Bear Cubs safety Charles Apuna attempts to tackle the opposing Delta College Mustang on Sept. 5. Right: Bear Cubs quarterback Mitch Hood looks to pass against Delta College Sept. 5.

Continued from cover...

The game against Butte was a complete turn around from the week before. While the 17-27 affair against Delta was closer than the final score indicated, the Mustangs proved themselves the superior team over 60 minutes.

During the opener, Bear Cubs second-string quarterback freshman Mitch Hood took most of the snaps during the game, finishing 16 for 29 with one touchdown as well as a costly interception.

Starting quarterback Vincent Jefferies had a poor night, completing nine of 15 and

accumulating just 22 yards.

While it was a shock to see the Bear Cubs switch quarterbacks mid-game, that was Head Coach Lenny Wagner’s strategy coming into the game.

Hood and Jefferies continued to share quarterbacking duties during the Butte game, with Hood starting and Jefferies finishing the game.

“We planned on playing both of them. We currently have two quarterbacks battling for the job and both are slated to see the field again this week. Whoever is performing the best will get the most time,” said Coach Wagner.

Freshman running back

Ja’Narrick James had a memorable debut performance against Delta.

The former Redwood Empire player of the year finished with 109 yards from scrimmage, punctuated by a 71 yard run.

“This opening night performance was disappointing for us,” James said following the opener. “It showed us that no matter how talented you are as a team, you can’t win without playing with discipline.”

The Bear Cubs’ offense totaled 318 yards against Delta, often putting together long drives before stalling in the red zone.

Coach Wagner blamed the redzone struggles on dropped passes,

penalties, blown assignments and missed field goals.

The Bear Cubs made far less mistakes against Butte, and the result was a win. This simple fact resonated with James. “We limited our mistakes and took advantage of theirs,” he said. “Winning games is often that simple.”

James said that while the Bear Cubs should be proud of how they played against Butte, they have the potential to be even better. “We feel like we have a special group of guys with tons of potential,” he said. “We showed great improvement in game two, but we haven’t shown what we are capable of.”

Benjamin Farren/ OakLeaf

The Bear Cubs roster is very young, and still trying to transition into collegiate play.

“Seventeen of our 22 starters were first-time starters. We are very young and I think we made young mistakes,” Coach Wagner said. “Hopefully it was a big learning experience for all of them. I expect them to be much better this week.”

“We are working hard to correct our mistakes and most importantly finish drives and finish games,” he said.

The Bear Cubs are .500 and are playing the Sacramento City College Panthers at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19 at SRJC

18

September 14, 2015

Sports

www.theoakleafnews.com

Former Bay Area stars look to sweep top honors in Major League Baseball Parker Dangers Oncken Sports Editor

The Major League Baseball MVP race is the hardest awards category to predict among all the major sports. Each year during the summer months, the discussion begins in earnest.

The winner of this prestigious award is never obvious.

This MLB season is no different. Worthy candidates litter both the National and American League landscapes, leaving those with a vote pulling their hair out, and baseball fans everywhere relishing bar-room discussions for the ages.

While the list of notable players is long, here are the top five candidates in each league as we head into the final weeks of the regular season.

Courtesy of Gammonsdaily.com

Left: Josh Donaldson, third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, is a leading candidate for American League Most Valuable Player. Right: Despite spending the first half of the season in the American League, Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets outfielder, is in the race for the National League Most Valuable Player.

Nelson Cruz: Nelson Cruz has been one of few bright spots on a Mariners team who entered the season with World Series aspirations but is now struggling to avoid finishing the season in last place. Cruz currently leads the AL in hits, and his 39 home runs are just one off the league lead as well.

In the American League…

Josh Donaldson: Toronto’s superstar third baseman has exceeded all expectations after being acquired from Oakland last offseason for four minor players.

With 37 home runs, 114 RBI and a .305 batting average, Donaldson is putting together what may be the best individual season in Toronto Blue Jays history. Couple his mammoth individual season with the fact that the Blue Jays are speeding their way towards the franchise’s first postseason in over 20 years, and you have your AL MVP frontrunner.

Mike Trout: The 2014 winner has once again been one of the best players in the major leagues this season. Checking in with a .294 average and 34 homers, Trout has kept a disappointing

Sports Star

Frank Ocean or The Weeknd?

Favorite non-sports activity?

The Weeknd for sure!

Ball is life. It’s all I know

South, so it’ll be like Southwest Airlines

The Nae-Nae or The Whip. I like to stay current.

The Weeknd

Singing

South West

The Farren!

Ja’Narrick James

In the National League…

Yoenis Cespedes: Acquired by the Mets at the midseason trade deadline, Cespedes is trying to do the impossible and win the NL MVP after spending half the season in the AL. With a .330 batting average and 14 home runs for the Mets since the late July trade, Cespedes has transformed an anemic offense into the league’s best, catapulting the Mets into first place.

With 31 home runs and 92 RBI overall, Cespedes is having a season worthy of collecting the

hardware.

Anthony Rizzo: At the tender age of 27, Rizzo is the veteran leader of a very young Cubs team that has World Series aspirations.

With nearly 30 home runs and an OBP of over .400, Rizzo’s case for MVP is as simple and effective as the player it represents.

Buster Posey: The Giants AllStar catcher is quietly putting together another historically good season, almost singlehandedly keeping a team wracked by injuries within striking distance for a playoff spot.

With a .332 batting average and 85 RBI, Posey is continuing to build an undeniably strong Hall of Fame case.

Andrew McCutchen: The most dynamic player in the NL over the last several seasons, McCutchen is once again in the thick of the MVP discussion, checking in with .302 batting average and 20 home runs, while

also playing Gold Glove caliber defense in center field for the NL’s most dangerous team.

Bryce Harper: While Harper is having the strongest statistical year of any candidate, leading the league in batting average, OBP and home runs; he is leading a historically disappointing Nationals team that looks like a lock to miss the postseason.

While an underperforming team isn’t indicative of the type of season Harper is having, the Nationals collapse is sure to cost Harper dearly among the MVP voters.

We won’t know the results of the MVP race until early November, meaning the next two months are sure to be filled with discussions of every shape and form.

With so many deserving candidates, there is no wrong answer to the MVP question. So sit back, relax and watch history unfold.

Angels team on the fringe of the playoff hunt despite having no lineup help outside of a resurgent Albert Pujols.

Lorenzo Cain: As the best player on the best team in the AL, Cain gets obligatory notice in the MVP race. But, upon deeper investigation, he deserves more then a passing glance. Couple his historically good defense with a .320 batting average and nearly 30 stolen bases, and you have one of the most dynamic players in baseball.

Manny Machado: Machado’s MVP push has taken a hit over the last month as the Orioles have nosedived out of playoff contention. But, even as the team around him has fallen apart, Machado has kept up his incredible play, hitting .295 with 27 home runs, while strengthening his status as the best defensive third basemen in the American League.

What should Kim & Kanye name their next baby?

Football

Jocelyn Mobley

What is your Go-To Dance Move?

Cross Country

Nicholas Rauch Cross Country

The Weeknd

Dancing

Konan

The Whip

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Sports

10

September 14, 2015

2015-16 Home Season Schedule 9/25/2015 UC Berkeley 10/17/2015 Portland State Univ.

10/24/2015 Santa Clara Univ.

10/30/2015 Stanford University 11/20/2015 San Jose State Univ. (D2) 11/21/2015 Santa Clara Univ.

12/11/2015 San Francisco State 1/8/2016 Santa Clara Univ.

1/9/2016 Santa Clara Univ.

1/23/2016 San Francisco State 1/29/2016 San Jose State Univ. (D3) 1/30/2016 UC Davis

All games are played at 8:30 p.m. at Snoopy’s Home Ice, 1667 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403