Oak Leaf Spring 2016 Issue 2

The

Oak Leaf

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Newspaper

Dance the night away with Capital Swing An annual West Coast Swing convention draws in dance enthusiasts for workshops and competitions.

Features, Page 13

February 22, 2016

Courtesy of Phoebe Larkin

Volume CXXXV, Issue II

Lights, camera, education!

Courtesy of Urbanindustry.co.uk

The Petaluma Cinema Series returns with Oscar-nominated films and director appearances.

A&E, Page 6

Party drugs to pharmaceuticals

Clinical trials show doctors may be able to treat patients suffering from depression with ‘party drugs’ in a controlled setting.

Opinion, Page 15

Baseball’s win streak hits nine games

Santa Rosa marches for justice Jynessa Lazzaroni Staff Writer “Listen, Act, Rise.” The women and men who participated in “One Billion Rising” sang out in unison, one hand in the air, pointer finger to the sky to

Letters to Malala: Haley Bollinger Features Editor

Anthony Sosa/ Oak Leaf

The Bear Cubs continue to devour their opponents. Their latest victim: Solano College.

Sports, Page 16

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symbolize the one billion women around the world who have experienced or will experience violence in their lifetime.

The global “One Billion Rising” movement began on Valentine’s Day 2012 as a call to action to lower the staggering statistics that say one in three women will be abused in their

Dear Malala, Your book made me ask myself how big is my world? Do I live in a small town where I see everybody at the local church and grocery store and ask about how they are doing? Or do I live in a big city without hope of meeting even a fraction of the people living there? Have I traveled across the country or maybe the globe to expand my horizon? I find that it is easy to only concern myself with trivial things, essentially living in a bubble isolated from the trouble of the world. I thought I was fairly connected to most of the world through

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online websites filled with content and discussions from people all over the world; however, reading I am Malala showed me how short sighted I am.

Your book changed my perspective of world peace and my role in it. My first realization was that I wasn’t as informed as I thought was when I read about the flood in your book.

Steven Guido wrote the above in his letter to Malala Yousafzai.

Malala’s memoir inspired a book of letters.

Malala, girls’ education activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient, wrote a memoir titled, “I am Malala,” about her experience fighting for women’s educational rights. Santa Rosa Junior College

OakleafNews

lifetime. Now, “One Billion Rising” events occur worldwide, with women and men rising up and shedding light on various issues that affect women within their communities and globally.

Sonoma County’s second annual “One Billion Rising” event kicked off Feb. 14 with a march from Old Courthouse

Square in downtown Santa Rosa to the Bertolini Student Center at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The march included community members, women from the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women and several other local organizations.

Continued on Page 2...

Students write intimate letters to young activist Malala Yousafzai students wrote letters to Malala in which they shared pieces of their lives. They compiled the letters into a book: “Letters to Malala.”

SRJC Reads — a college-wide program that invites staff and students to share reading curriculum, generate knowledge and learn together — chose Malala’s book to read for the 2015 school year. SRJC instructors Leslie Mancillas, Ann Foster and Karen Roche collaborated and brought together 70 student letters to the Malala. The students participated in their English and college skills classes.

The idea belongs to Mancillas.

“She is committed to having students write for a live audience, which I

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think is terrific,” said Foster, English instructor and SRJC Reads director.

Foster said students were generally excited about the project but a tad nervous about making their writing so public. Upon completion of the project, students expressed their appreciation to have the opportunity to share their thoughts, questions and ideas directly with Malala.

Malala wrote her memoir a year after a member of the Taliban shot her in the head when she was 15 in 2012. In 2014, she was the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient for her effort in fighting for women’s education rights worldwide.

Continued on Page 13...

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News One Billion Rising protest

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February 22, 2016

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Continued from cover...

Editors-in-Chief:

Estefany Gonzalez and Maci Martell Section Editors: A&E Editor | Devin Schwarz Assistant A&E Editor | Alex T. Randolph Centerspread Editor | Craig Gettman Copy Editor | Alex T. Randolph Copy Editor | Carin Huber Features Editor | Haley Bollinger Assistant Features Editor | Nikki Goetz News Editor | Maci Martell Opinion Editor | Robert Marshall Assistant Opinion Editor | Tommy Dennen Multimedia Editor | Catherine Ramirez Photo Editor | Daniel Kong Podcast Editor | Travis LaBrucherie Sports Editor | Anthony Sosa Assistant Sports Editor | Will Mathis Social Media Editor | Nikki Goetz Staff Writers Laura Buel, Treven Bulluck, Jessica Carter, Zachary Chew, Arthur Gonzalez-Martin, Albert Gregory, Lachlan Irvine, Jynessa Lazzaroni, Rita Losch, Daniel Medina, Kiana Medina, Jocelyn Mobley, Genesis Napel, Parker Dangers Oncken, Courtney Paige, Rico Pinola, Jaime Rodriguez, Frank Sumrall and James Wyatt Photographers Treven Bulluck, Estefany Gonzalez, Daniel Kong and Courtney Paige Distribution Jessica Carter, Tommy Dennen, Travis LaBrucherie and Jaime Rodriguez Layout Team Keshia Knight, Catherine Ramirez and all section editors and editors-in-chief

Contact Newsroom: 707-527-4401 Ads Office: 707-527-4254 Anne Belden, Adviser: 707-527-4867 abelden@santarosa.edu EMAIL oakleafstaff@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.

Content

Online Exclusives Exclusive, online-only content can be found daily at www.theoakleafnews.com Check out an article on SRJC’s Black History Month events and a preview of the upcoming Shakespeare plays.

Signs held above their heads read “Stop The Violence” and “End Violence against Women,” capturing the attention of countless passing cars and pedestrians who honked and chanted in support of the movement.

The event brought community organizations out to provide information and support to any potential victims or allies present.

Attending agencies included Verity, a local sexual assault organization, Damsel in Defense and many other organizations representing all of Sonoma County.

The theme of this year’s event, “Rise for Revolution,” encouraged women to speak out and take back their power.

Attendees were encouraged to revel in their femininity and to dance - a worldwide symbol of empowerment and self-acceptance.

Guest speakers included Kimberly Ellis, director of Emerge California, a Bay Area-based organization that trains women to take on positions of power within the political sector.

“Having women in political positions at the table when women’s issues are being discussed will ultimately improve the services that are provided to women throughout the state and hopefully across the nation,” Ellis said.

Community members also

Cover and top: Jynessa Lazzaroni/ Oak Leaf

Top: Attendees of the One Billion Rising protest join in on a dance to end violence in the Bertolini Dining Commons.

Cover: Santa Rosa community members gather downtown for a One Billion Rising walk for justice to the SRJC campus.

listened to Debbie Ternes, a survivor of domestic violence and an educator with Guided to Safety, a local domestic violence organization and a certified Fearless Living Coach.

“One of the things that I have been honored and blessed to do is work with teenagers to help educate them about what is acceptable and what healthy relationships look like, and what they can do to imagine a different

Textbook reform: Laura Buel Staff Writer With Santa Rosa Junior College students still feeling the 2008 recession, paying for outrageously priced textbooks proves to be too much, hindering educational progression.

Student Trustee Scott Rossi knows how it feels not being able to take a class because the books are too expensive. “I’ve had to drop classes because I couldn’t afford the books,” he said. “I’m behind on my schooling because I couldn’t afford the books.” He joked about figuring out what classes one can and cannot take like “deadly algebra.”

Rossi is not alone on wanting to stop the overpricing of textbooks and has proposed a textbook reform resolution for SRJC. In the resolution, the SRJC Student Government Assembly first recognized the hard work of bookstore employees, library reserve desk workers and the efforts and consideration of the faculty; and claims the resolution is not an ‘indictment’ to any group on campus. “Instead, the systemic deficiencies, inequalities, power imbalances and intersectional oppressions must be confronted if we are to maintain our core values and ensure equal access to education for all students,” the

resolution states.

Rossi said textbook prices have risen as much as 1,041 percent since 1977, leaving many students with no options.

“Sometimes I don’t buy the books and have to struggle by going to the library and checking them out, but it’s only for like two hours at a time,” said SRJC student Ana Vazquez.

The textbook reform resolution states it’s up to the student body “to encourage California Community Colleges, CSU and UC-level schools to all reject the idea of a ‘for profit’ textbook model.”

The resolution calls on faculty to “strive to center the use of older editions and work with the bookstore textbook coordinators to ensure older editions are available before considering new editions where texts are still academically sound.”

Rossi said there are perfectly good textbooks that teach the same material. However, because they don’t have the same aesthetic appeal as books sold through textbook companies, many instructors do not approve of them.

Reasonable options found in the resolution for faculty to stop ‘for profit’ textbooks companies include assigning a reasonable number of textbooks, requiring only texts that will be used, using e-books, refraining from accepting

reality for themselves,” Ternes said. She uses her story to help encourage more women to leave their abusers.

“If you have a friend who you suspect is experiencing domestic abuse, don’t give up on them.

Keep asking questions; just know that they’ll know the right time to go,” Ternes said.

A Marin County police officer spoke about how to avoid becoming a potential

victim by being more aware of one’s surroundings, walking with confidence and not being distracted by mobile devices.

All these things would deter a potential aggressor.

Following an afternoon of powerful songs and moving stories from several speakers, everyone joined together for one final dance to celebrate the rising and the change to come.

“It’s time for revolution,” Ellis said.

Student trustee Scott Rossi aims to eliminate educational barriers

Laura Buel/ Oak Leaf

SRJC student navigates high textbook prices at the SRJC bookstore.

free textbook materials to share the costs with their students and collaborating with other staff members to create their own texts.

The resolution states the Textbook and Instructional Resource Committee is encouraged to negotiate prices with publishers and attempt to reduce markups, including the purchase of more affordable international editions.

Rossi brought up the idea of a ‘book strike,’ to show textbook companies students will no longer put up with book price increases.

Rossi said as an employee of the bookstore, he’s not allowed to counsel students on other options, such as Amazon and Chegg, which

he finds morally unjust.

Most students already know of this option. “I only got one [book] from the bookstore; they’re cheaper online,” said SRJC student Alejandra Solis.

Despite most students knowing about other options, Rossi said it’s important to include a resolve in the textbook reform that allows bookstore employees to give other options to distressed students without fear of losing their jobs.

“The textbook industry is dying, and I think they know that and so they are really trying to extract as much profit as they can. But that really harms people and I’m not about that,” Rossi said.

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News

February 22, 2016

May the force be with you

In the

Know

Police officers speak with students over coffee

The Latino Student Experience

Courtney Paige Staff Writer

Courtney Paige/ Oak Leaf

Students buzz about and connect during “Coffee with a Cop” on the Petaluma campus.

Establishing positive relationships with police officers removes the jolt of hearing sirens or the sting that comes with seeing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror.

“Coffee with a Cop” is an outreach program focused on fostering a connection within the community.

Santa Rosa Junior College student Elizabeth Youngs said, “I think ‘Coffee with a Cop’ is great because it gives us a chance to talk to real people and thank them for serving our community, and it allows us to create a bond with them.”

SRJC hosted “Coffee with a Cop” Feb. 10 in the Petaluma campus café, creating a neutral environment where people connected and created partnerships with police they may have formerly viewed as foes.

“Our purpose is to create community engagement with the campus, faculty and students

so they understand what our capabilities are and that we are a full-functioning police department,” said SRJC Chief of Police Lorenzo Dueñas.

As protectors of the community, police monitor and mentor people who want to turn their lives around. “By helping people, we get satisfaction from being needed and I really like being outside and providing a needed service to the public,” said Petaluma Police Department Lt. Tim Lyons.

SRJC District Police Officer Dan Miller enjoys patrolling the districts and connecting with the community.

A success story that resonates with Miller highlights the epitome of a law enforcement mentor.

Miller knew a student from a guidance program at a local high school who ran into some trouble.

“I had to arrest him for drugs

and he got kicked out of school for drug-related issues,” Miller said.

“We told him even though he made a bad choice, just like we tell our children, we still loved him. We told him when he decided to turn his life around we would be there for him.”

The kind yet firm words Miller shared solidified the boy’s future.

He took responsibility for his mistake and eventually was allowed to enroll as a senior at Casa Grande High School.

“I was a representative and advocate for him and helped him get on the football team,” Miller said. “He ended up becoming an academic and all-league player, went to UC Davis and took over his dad’s business overseas.” The young man prevailed because a police officer believed in him, proving not all police are adversaries.

“Coffee with a Cop” is just one of

the community outreach programs SRJC District Police fosters. One event Miller said he’s proud of is “Shop with a Cop,” an opportunity for law enforcement to connect with youth in the community.

Miller said the department sponsored 13 under-privileged students with a $100 shopping spree to Target. “The smile on their face was a gratifying experience,” he said.

Dueñas said another community engagement program soon to launch is “Straight Talk,” in which police sit in a circle with folks for a question-and-answer session.

SRJC Librarian Phyllis Usina said she encouraged the event to happen on the Petaluma campus.

“It’s nice to meet folks and speak with the Petaluma police force because they are most likely our first responders,” she said.

Sexual assault resolution

SGA and Feminist United members strive to protect students Jynessa Lazzaroni Staff Writer Following a sexual assault and an indecent exposure incident on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus in fall 2015, students Hannah Cagle, 19, and Melissa Debret, 19, set out to create a sexual assault resolution to improve education on the issue.

Cagle is the founder and president of the Feminists United club on campus and Student Government Assembly VP of student health.

Cagle reached out to her peers last semester, wanting to inform students about sexual assault and develop an understanding of how many people are affected by it.

Cagle and Debret, treasurer of Feminists United, hosted a Take Back the Night march and consent workshop last semester to bring more awareness to the issue of sexual assault. The need for a resolution became more apparent after a young woman was attacked in August 2015 in the Barnett Hall restroom.

“I wanted to go a step further and get this [resolution] implemented and institutionalized,” Cagle said when recalling the incident, which fueled her determination to make

real change happen.

Cagle said despite the array of resources and services available to support victims of sexual assault throughout the county, she doesn’t feel the college has done enough to prevent this ongoing and widely known social problem.

According to studies from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in 32 men will be victims of sexual abuse, most without ever reporting the incident. The statistics for college-aged adults who have been affected on college campuses are also strikingly high, and reported crimes are as low as 12 percent.

Debret pointed out that, although many UC campuses have adopted preventative procedures, SRJC has not implemented any additional educational or procedural programs to increase student safety.

“The biggest point in our resolution is drafting a virtual infrastructure for a mandatory sexual assault class all students will be required to take prior to being admitted to the institution, a practice that UCLA has already implemented,” Debret said.

The resolution also suggests information on how to report sexual assault to be more easily accessible

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SRJC faculty members Laura Larque and Nancy Persons will facilitate a panel discussion on SRJC Latino student experiences, 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 24 in the fourth floor reading room in Doyle Library.

Take Back the Night Part 2

SRJC Student Life and Feminists United will sponsor the second Take Back the Night event to discuss and break down slut shaming and victim blaming, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 24 in Bertolini Student Activities Center and Dining Commons.

Intercultural Day

The SRJC Petaluma campus will host an Intercultural Day event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25 on the Rotary Plaza.

Moving the Needle

A Black History Month panel will discuss issues of low retention rates among black students and offer solutions to increase underrepresented student enrollment and retention, 2-4 p.m. Feb. 25 in Bertolini Student Activities Center.

Women’s History Month Potluck

The Petaluma campus will host a potluck supporting Women’s History Month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. March 1 in the Mahoney Reading Room.

What is Love?

SRJC Student Health Services staff and the PEERS Coalition will facilitate a screening of the film “Escalation” in an interactive presentation followed by a discussion on not tolerating abusive relationships or cultures that condone them, 4-6 p.m.

March 3 in the Bertolini Student Activities Center.

Women’s History Month Luncheon

Courtesy of Facebook

SRJC students congregate on Bertolini quad for Take Back the Night in fall 2015.

to students both on campus and online. Debret emphasized the lack of clear resource information on the college website, citing the omission as a possible deterrent for victims seeking help.

The SGA recently finalized the resolution and was introduced to the Student Health Advisory Board, which received it well.

Cagle and Debret hope to gain additional support from fellow student government associates to

move this resolution from its grass roots beginning to fruition.

SRJC students are encouraged to show support by joining them for the upcoming Take Back the Night Part 2 Feb. 23. Students can also show their support by contacting Cagle or Debret directly to ask how to become more involved or attend a Feminist United meeting, held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday night in the Bertolini Center for Student Leadership.

SRJC will host an awards luncheon with the theme, “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government,” noon-2 p.m. March 4 in the Culinary Café. Attendance is $30 a person and seating is limited; contact instructor Brenda Flyswithhawks to reserve a spot

by Feb. 26.

March in March 2016

SRJC Student Government Assembly members and other students who wish to attend will meet with community college students from across the state from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 7 at Capitol Avenue in Sacramento.

Transportation and lunch provided.

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A&E

February 22, 2016

www.theoakleafnews.com

On Cue Calendar of Events Feb. 25

Used Clothing

Pacific Boychoir Academy Performance: 7 p.m. in the Bertolini Student Activities Center.

“Letters to Malala:” SRJC instructors Leslie Mancillas College Skills 312, 313 and Ann Foster’s English 100 classes had students write letters to Malala Yousafzai and will have them participate in the reading of their recent publication, “Letters to Malala,” 7 p.m. at Copperfield’s in Montgomery Village.

Daniel Kong/ Oak Leaf

Used Furniture

Feb. 25 - 28

Open Poetry Night: An event where poetry writers come together at night to share their works, 5-6 p.m., in the Intercultural Center room 116 on the Petaluma campus.

March 3 “That’s Not Love: Escalation:” A film for Woman’s History Month, about building a culture of intolerant relationship abuse. Part of the PEERS workshop, 4-6 p.m.

Bertolini Student Activities Center.

March 4 First Friday Night Sky: A nighttime show presented on the first Friday of every month. Learn about the night sky: planets, stars and constellations, 7-8 p.m. and at 8:309:30 p.m. in the Planetarium.

March 5 and 6 Emotional Creatures: “The Secret Life of Girls Around The World”

by Eve Ensler: Made up of original monologues and songs about the lives of girls all around the world, at 8 p.m. March 5 and at 2 p.m. March 6 in Burbank Auditorium.

March 6 Astronaut Lullabies: Songwriters Jim and Kathy Ocean visit the SRJC Planetarium to present science and astronomy in the form of music and astronomical visuals, 3-4 p.m.

1899 Mendocino Ave. (707) 525-1963

101 3rd St. (707) 528-7247

Around the World in 90 Minutes: Multi-award winning author Marty Essen will present a 90-minute, high-energy, multi-media show 2-3 p.m. in the Carole L. Ellis Auditorium on the Petaluma campus.

March 1

The Last Record Store

Hot Couture

Spiritual Journey: An exhibit of ceramic art pieces by instructors Hiroshi Fuchigami and Gary Erickson, 4-6 p.m. at Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery.

Path to Cygnus X-1: Learn about the constellation Cygnus that emits X-rays with its stellar black hole and compare it to other stellar black holes, 7-8 p.m. in the SRJC Planetarium.

Vinyl

Crossing the Jordan

3403 Santa Rosa Ave. (707) 588-9388

Crossing the Jordan appears at first glance to be like every other thrift store; racks of rejected clothes, toys with no children to love them and VHS films no one will play again. However, as you round the corner into the store’s secondary room you’ll see an army of furniture ranging from worn to wonderful. Handcarved desks, particleboard TV cabinets and couches galore grace the floors of the shop. Almost all furniture at the store is under $100 and usually a step up from some of the things you’ll find at IKEA for three times the price.

These deals are perpetuated further by their daily deals; each day of the week Crossing the Jordan offers deals for specific groups within the community. Military Monday is 15 percent off for veterans and Student Tuesday is 15 percent off for students. There’s also BOGO Wednesday, Senior Thursday, 25 percent off for seniors, Facebook Friday, 10 percent off for those who have liked their Facebook page and Dollar Saturday. Crossing the Jordan is run by a charity for at-risk and impoverished families in the area and has a website where you can order clothing and learn more about their mission.

-Devin Schwarz

Hot Couture isn’t your runof-the-mill thrift shop. What makes this vintage boutique exceptional is the unique approach owner Marta Koehne uses to fashion each ensemble.

Some garments and accessories are for purchase and others are kept in a clandestine alcove strictly for costume rentals.

If you’re looking for a 1890s-1980s come up, Koehne outfits the couture fashionista within you. Koehne strives to ensure customers are comfortable in their style. She encourages clients to try on items until they find the perfect fit, then she’ll embellish on top of that.

Don’t bother scouring the emporium for last year’s clothes. Hot Couture only sells 35-years-and-older vintage clothing. Koehne said she won’t show anything newer than 1980 in the shop.

Koehne uses this era’s formula because that’s when fashion seems to go full circle and become popular again. For instance, pre-shoulder pad ‘80s is very popular right now. She buys and sells as old as she can get it; they have items as old as the 1890s Victorian age.

A key component to Hot Couture’s timeless vintage apparel is Koehne’s tagging system. Because sizing has changed dramatically in the past few decades, Koehne tags each garment by identifying in which decade the items were manufactured.

Koehne encourages customers to try on any items they like. She measures each individual client, leading them to the perfect find. “We only carry two sizes; your size and not your size,” she said.

Koehne handles vintage fashion this way so she doesn’t become bored. Hot Couture was established 33 years ago and has been in the same location ever since. “I never want to get bored, so I switch things up on a regular basis to keep things exciting,” Koehne said. Outlandish themes like ‘Cirque de Freak’ and the ‘Edwardian Ball’ are her favorite.

-Courtney Paige

Courtney Paige/ Oak Leaf

Used Books Treehorn Books 625 4th St. (707) 596-3845

Despite the advancements of Kindle and other online sources, many people still prefer a physical book to curl up with in the evening. And there’s no better place to get one then Treehorn.

Tucked into a small shop, a stone’s throw from Barnes and Noble at 625 4th St., what Treehorn lacks in store size, it makes up for in verity.

Emphasizing on used books, bookworms will find old treasures in every genre, from thick novels to children’s picture books. There’s even an extensive graphic novel section for comic fans. Those looking for new releases will be happy to know Treehorn also has the latest bestsellers available for purchase.

-Alex T. Randolph

Vinyl records are one of the oldest audio formats in the world, from old phonographs of the 1900s to the early radio disk jockies of the ‘70s. Vinyl was the primary music format until CDs in the ‘80s, then MP3s in the ‘90s and then music steaming sites in the 2000s.

So what is the next format craze? Why, vinyl of course!

With vinyl records making a comeback, why not get some at your local record store?

In fact, it’s the last record store in Santa Rosa. The Last Record Store, named after Little Feat’s “The Last Record Album,” opened in January 1983 and has survived other record stores, including one that inspired owners Doug Jayne and Hoiyt Wilhelm to open theirs.

Located on Mendocino Avenue near Santa Rosa Junior College, it has a wide selection of vinyl records of both new and old artists. Techno, RNB, classic and jazz; they have it all.

They also buy vinyl records if you want to make money from old records you don’t listen to or if you don’t have a record player. They resell them for as low as $1.25 or as high as $2.99.

If vinyl is not your thing, you can buy CDs from local bands & mainstream artists.

With a wide selection of music and knowledgeable staff, it’s a great place for music and vinyl lovers alike.

-Arthur Gonzalez-Martin

Daniel Kong/ Oak Leaf

5 A&E The merc’ with a mouth returns to Deadpool by demand: the silver screen in his greatest form February 22, 2016

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Alex T. Randolph Assistant A&E Editor We almost gave up hope.

After a reviled first appearance in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” where he was barely recognizable, comic book fans thought they would never see an accurate adaptation of Marvel Comics’ Deadpool, a foul-mouthed, wisecracking killing machine who knows he’s a fictional character.

But actor Ryan Reynolds never stopped campaigning for a more faithful adaptation.

Break out the chimichangas, because “Deadpool” is on the big screen, original comic roots fully in place.

Wade Wilson is a mercenary who finds out he has terminal cancer and signs up for an experimental procedure that may save him. After nearly being tortured to death he becomes super powered but also horribly disfigured and insane. Now nighunkillable, the newly christened Deadpool seeks revenge against the man who experimented on him, played by Ed Skrein, and in the process rescues his ladylove when she is taken hostage.

The plot is pretty standard – “get payback and save the girl”

– but the strong writing, great characters and sharp humor prevent it from becoming stale.

Interestingly enough, the movie spends more time with Wilson then it does Deadpool.

After an opening scene where the titular character takes out a whole group of trained killers in the present day, we flashback to Wilson before his cancer, taking small hit jobs and starting a relationship with prostitute Vanessa (Morena Baccarin).

This backstory, especially the romance, takes up a good portion of the running time, with Deadpool’s antics in the present day mostly saved for the beginning, the final showdown and several scenes in between.

Yet it works, thanks in large part to the film never letting up with its humor and sense of fun. Baccarin and Reynolds have chemistry as two messed-up people whose similar troubled backgrounds and psychosis make them perfect for each other. So much so, in fact, that we actually care if she’ll take him back when Deadpool looks, in the movie’s words, “Like an avocado f**ked an older avocado.”

It’s obvious from his performance that Ryan Reynolds is having a blast as the titular merc’ with a mouth, throwing

Courtesy of Foxmovies.com

Ryan Reynolds returns as the original Deadpool with constant wisecracks and frequent fourth-wall breaks keep the audience laughing throughout the film. There’s never a dull moment when the merc’ with a mouth is around.

out one-liners with aplomb while indulging in the fourthwall breaking humor that the character is known for, including several self-deprecating barbs at Reynolds’ earlier roles in “Green Lantern” and especially “X-Men Origins.” The small bits of seriousness, such as Wilson’s first diagnosis, are also played with real emotional impact, which helps contrast the toilet humor and cartoonish violence everywhere else.

This is possibly the most faithful adaptation of a comic book character ever put on the big

screen, which is ironic since it’s also the first film with Marvel in the opening title that is absolutely not for children. Popular X-Man Colossus – and to a lesser extent very obscure X-Man Megasonic Teenage Warhead, who only got in the movie because of her awesome name – is also true to the original comic as a steadfast hero who plays straight man to Deadpool’s antics. In fact, he’s truer to the source then he is in the X-Men films.

Fans of the character will find a lot to like in the flick; conversely, people that hate the anti-hero’s

off-brand sense of humor won’t find much here for them. People get blown into bloody chunks, including the main character, whose ability to recover from nearly anything means he gets shot up and eviscerated for black humor.

“Deadpool” is filthy, raunchy and hyper-violent. Its main character is a sociopath who murders even worse sociopaths in horrific ways while gleefully ramming a leather-clad boot straight through the fourth wall.

In short, it’s Deadpool. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Food on the fringes

Ethnic cuisine outside your comfort zone Devin Schwarz A&E Editor Mexican here, Chinese there, a couple French and a handful of Italian.

The cultural food landscape of Santa Rosa is as diverse as it is expansive, but it is frustratingly mainstream. So where does one go to break the norm and explore the world’s palette?

Sazon

1129 Sebastopol Rd. Sazon, Santa Rosa’s only Peruvian restaurant is one of its most precious hidden gems. Oddly located in the heart of Roseland, Sazon serves a class of food that would surprise anyone used to the taco truck cuisine of the surrounding businesses.

All five senses are on full alert as soon as you walk into the establishment’s tightly packed dining area. Delicious smells waft from the kitchen as chittery music floats from the speakers mixing with sounds of people conversing and the chefs communicating in their native tongue. By the time you’re seated, you think you have a grasp on what kind of restaurant you have just walked into. Then the menu is placed in front of you; it’s full of words you won’t understand and foods you’ve never heard of.

Sazon serves a huge variety of

ceviches, fish cooked in lime juice and made into a salad; Chupe de Camarones, creamy prawn soup with rice, peas and poached egg; Pollo a la Brasa, heavily seasoned chicken served on a bed of fries; and the true shining star of the menu; Anticucho de Corazón, grilled beef heart skewers.

There is absolutely no way to go wrong at Sazon, whether y o u choose t h e executive lunch to have alone or go with a whole party and try their wine pairing menu with a little bit of everything on the menu.

El Coqui

400 Mendocino Ave. Like Sazon, El Coqui serves South American cuisine taken to a whole other level. Puerto Rican cuisine throughout history has been greatly influenced by other cultures due to its proximity to America and her trade routes. This is immediately visible on El Coqui’s menu as it has a great

variation of dishes, ingredients and styles of cooking.

The enormous variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, daily specials and drinks will require you to visit every day of the week to fully appreciate the culinary landscape of Puerto Rico.

Choosing the best dishes on the m e n u is like throwing darts, but of the ones I’ve tried, the plantain spiders, thin strips of plantain fried into insanely crispy balls, and chicharron de pollo, un-breaded fried chicken crispier than anything your grandma dipped in flour, have got to be my favorites.

Abyssinia 913 4th St.

Abyssinia sits tucked away on the east end of Fourth Street, serving up delicious Ethiopian cuisine with the freshest ingredients available, truly one of Santa Rosa’s

Devin Schwarz/ Oak Leaf

Plantain “Spiders” are made from thin grated savory plantain formed into balls and fried into a crispy nest of greasy goodness. Plantains are a specialty at El Coqui.

greatest restaurants.

At Abyssinia, you come for the ambience and stay for the food. The interior is dimly lit and fabulously decorated to give one a real sense of eating in an exotic land. When the food arrives at the table, you can’t help but water at the mouth with anticipation; tender chicken, stewed lamb and steak tartar, fantastically seasoned and masterfully cooked by the restaurant’s single employee.

Every dish at Abyssinia is accompanied with lentils on a bed of injera, unleavened sourdough bread made with teff, the smallest grain in the world.

As delicious as the tartar is at Abyssinia, some may be afraid of eating raw meat, although you can tell by looking it is far from

dangerous. As an alternative, the second-best menu item is the Abyssinia combo, a plate served with all of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including doro we’t, stewed bone-in chicken; yebeg key we’t, stewed lamb cubes; yebeg alecha, spicy lamb strips; and tikel gomen, seasoned cabbage and root vegetables.

Break the mould that is ethnic eating in the Santa Rosa area, explore your senses and indulge your curiosity. Say what you will about Drake but he was right on one count: you only live once and only have so much time to explore all the food the world has to offer. Luckily you live in the Bay Area. You can experience all the cuisine you want without paying thousands of dollars on airfare.

6

A&E

February 22, 2016

a m u l Peta

www.theoakleafnews.com

C i n em a

Series

Photos Courtesy of theguardian.com, notey.com, hollywoodreporter.com, theatlantic.com, ciniviral.in and urbanindustry.co.uk

Devin Schwarz A&E Editor

The Petaluma Cinema Series returnes for another semester with a host of new and fantastic independent films to watch and learn about.

Series organizer Mike Traina promises an exciting set of films this semester with Oscarnominated films included in the lineup. “THEEB,” nominated for best foreign language film, will show Feb. 24 and tells the story of a Bedouin boy as he travels across the Wadi Rum desert in WWI era Middle East.

“Room,” nominated for

best adapted screenplay will show April 27. It tells the sad tale of a child raised in captivity, a coming-of-age story that showcases human development despite extreme circumstances.

This year’s Cinema Series also showcases a number of directors as they guide students through their films from their point of view. Tom Donahue visits during the pre-film lecture at 6 p.m. March 16 in the Carole L. Ellis Auditorium to answer audience questions before and after the screening of his film “Thank You For Your Service.” This is within the same few weeks as the

film’s official release, giving viewers a unique opportunity to view it for the first time.

Justin Lerner will visit along with his film “The Automatic Hate.” Traina hopes Lerner will also participate in the film festival later in the year to lead workshops for students.

“The idea behind the Cinema Series is to build a community around the art of cinema,” Traina said.

Petaluma has a thrilling series of films coming your way and you’d be a fool to miss them. Show up, learn something, enjoy yourself and most importantly, support your community.

Cinema Series Line Up Feb. 24 THEEB: Naji Abu Nowar, 2015, United Arab Emirates/ Jordan

March 2

After the Wedding: Susanne Bier, 2006, Denmark

March 9

Strangers on a Train: Alfred Hitchcock, 1951, USA

March 16

April 13

Blow Out: Brian De Palma, 1981, USA

April 20

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence: Roy Andersson, 2015, Sweden

April 27

Thank You For Your Service: Tom Donahue, 2015, USA

Room: Lenny Abrahamson, 2015, USA

Slow West: John Maclean, 2015, U.K.

Anomalisa: Charlie Kaufman, 2015, USA

March 30 April 6

Mulholland Drive: David Lynch, 2001, USA

May 11 May 18

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: J.J. Abrams, 2016, USA

Astrology -Haley Bollinger, Features Editor

Aries: The act of being selfless often goes

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.

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CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE

unrecognized. Keep kindness fluid; the feeling of inner peace from helping others is the reward.

Libra: Routines exist and productivity is usually the outcome. Yet a break from the ordinary is a temptation lately. Take it—your spirit will be rejuvenated.

Taurus: A bull relishes in green pastures, content Scorpio: The trickle of water flowing down a in its surroundings; only when forced into a rodeo does it retaliate. Even if life harbors unwanted circumstances, buck them off.

stream. The sound of waves crashing in at high tide. A hot mineral bath being drawn. Find a source of water and relax.

Gemini: Lately your life has been imitating Sagittarius: Arson is a serious crime. The a slapstick comedy. Bounties and barrels of laughter are served to any friends lucky enough to chuckle from your humor, or your falls.

desire to light the world on fire is buried deep in your subconscious. Make a campfire as soon as possible and save yourself the felony.

Cancer: If your passion for life is in a drought,

Capricorn: Lavender fields are full of bees. Even

Leo: Disappointment is the awkward pain

Aquarius: Sarcasm was popular in the ‘90s.

don’t wait for it to rain. Motivation is not available over the counter.

that fuels further growth. If a situation leaves confusion in your life, don’t let it stump you; learn and keep flourishing.

if something smells good and is known to relieve stress, it can still find a way to sting you.

While funny at times, it’s out of style. How about you communicate nicely?

Virgo: A magician can’t fool other magicians. Pisces: Practice pointing out the positive in Tricks work for only so long, eventually you’ll run into someone who sees through your shenanigans.

everyday life. Maybe you’ll see mundane miracles do not happen.

www.theoakleafnews.com

A&E

February 22, 2016

7

Slow creatures, fast music

SRJC band of the week: Sloth & Turtle Estefany Gonzalez

Co-Editor-in-Chief Some Native Americans believed an animal guide follows each person throughout their lifetime to lead them on their journey. These animal totems created the beginning of a musical career. Sloth & Turtle formed from what founding members consider their spirit animals.

Guitar player Nico Molinari and drummer Linden Reed started out as an instrumental duo in May 2015.

Reed used to live on top of a mountain in Guerneville. It was there his roommate Noah came up with his spirit animal. “It was kind of rare that I would leave the mountain,” Reed said.

Sense of time also played a role in discovering Reed’s spirit animal.

“We used to have to lie and say we had to leave an hour ahead of when we actually had to be at a certain location,” Molinari said. “I’m a turtle because I have a strangely elongated neck and bad posture, so I think I resemble a turtle more in physical appearance than in spirit.”

The two said their lineup didn’t become complete until later that year when bass player Brian Kincaid played a Halloween show with them.

“Brian doesn’t have a spirit animal; he’s the ‘and’ in Sloth & Turtle. I made a snake out of the ‘and’ then put his face on it,” Molinari said.

Band members describe their sound as “post-rock” and “mathrock.”

“It’s extra filled out guitar, it’s pretty slamming drums and kind of backbone style bass,” Kincaid said.

Each member balances multiple musical projects with work. Molinari is a nurse in San Jose and Kincaid and Reed pick up small jobs to make ends meet. For these three musicians, making music is a constant.

Regardless of their busy schedules, they’re dedicated to making music together. “If we have a show, we practice before the show, but we don’t have a regular schedule,” Reed said.

What makes their project work is their friendship outside of the band.

“Sometimes we just have to hang out instead of play,” Kincaid said.

As Sloth & Turtle gear up for their upcoming tour with Horders, they offered fans insight on future plans, what inspires them musically and more.

How many other musical projects are each of you a part of aside from Sloth & Turtle?

Reed: I’m in David Luning Band and Sharkmouth.

Molinari: I’m in Horders and Couteaux.

Kincaid: I’m in a bunch of bands. My bands drift in and out of being active. I play in a band called Horders, in a band called Mean Girls and a band called Hautahuah.

Reed: We’ve been working on a bunch of music that Brian wrote.

Kincaid: We all generally write music.

Nico probably has tons of music that’s not

being played in Sloth & Turtle, Couteaux or Horders.

What sets Sloth & Turtle aside from your other projects?

Kincaid: I think the chemistry is totally different, and it shows our friendship chemistry and our creative chemistry. This band does have a way we write music together. Usually Nico will write a few riffs and bring them to Linden and they hash some stuff out. When I come in, I’ll try to write bass lines or there will already be bass lines written that Nico wrote.

Reed: Not all of it. All the new stuff is all together.

Kincaid: There’s a very Jello-like form that can be twisted around. We usually just go in and spend a couple of days on it, and we’ll like it after a couple of sessions of working on a song and it’s done.

Reed: We’ll restructure it together and sometimes add parts.

Kincaid: That’s been the theme as far as our writing process.

That would set us apart from all the other bands. Whatever that process is creates whatever the sound that we have is.

If you had to pick between vinyl, CDs or tapes which would you pick and why?

Molinari: I think just straight e i g ht - b i t .

We ’ r e gonna get as hipster as we

can and just go ultimate low fidelity.

Kincaid: Not to be lame but I like MP3’s. I grew up with CDs but at one point when I was 23 I moved a bunch. I didn’t have a specific house for a while. Throughout all the moves all of my CD’s got scattered around all these different places I was staying and I just kinda gave up, so now I just download music.

Reed: Originally I grew up listening to tapes. I had a Walkman and all that. I like how tapes and vinyl have a different sound, but I have no particular preference. They’re all different and kind of unique. None of us have a record player. I used to have a tape player in my car, but I don’t anymore.

Kincaid: We’re the least hip hipsters in the world.

Who would you want to be stranded with on an island?

Reed: Tom Hanks in “Cast Away.”

Molinari: Is it cheesy if I say these guys?

Kincaid: I have a friend from high school named Ryan Smith who’s a sheriff now. He used to be a fireman.

He’s kind of a badass.

What inspires you musically?

Kincaid: What inspires me personally is people’s different personalities and different takes on music. Other musicians inspire me.

Molinari: For this band, what I like about it is that I don’t have to worry about pleasing the audience. I just get to write whatever I want.

Reed: I think that whenever you write music with vocals in mind, you hold back a lot. You’re able to be more creative when you don’t have anything in mind ahead of time.

You don’t have to write something a certain way; you’re just writing music.

Estefany Gonzalez/ Oak Leaf

Top: Members of Sloth & Turtle hang outside of their practice space in rural Santa Rosa.

Middle: Bass player Brian Kincaid (left) and guitar player Nico Molinari (right) jam out.

Bottom: Drummer Linden Reed drums with precision during a Sloth & Turtle practice.

If you could play any venue which one would you pick?

Reed: I’ve always wanted to play The Fillmore.

Kincaid: As funny as it sounds, I’d like to play at Slims or The Great American Music Hall.

Molinari: I’ve always wanted to play at Bottom of the Hill.

Kincaid: I’ve played Bottom of the Hill. That would be pretty easy to do.

Molinari: Obtainable goals.

Future plans?

Kincaid: We have a tour kick-off show with both Horders and Sloth & Turtle at The Orchard house on March 11, and we’re going on tour for a week from March 16-23.

For more tour dates and information about upcoming shows visit their facebook page.

8

February 22, 2016

Features

Units and shifts: Nikki Goetz Social Media Editor Santa Rosa Junior College student Lena Ballard wakes up between 4 and 6 a.m. She starts her day with yoga or art before heading to her 7:30 a.m. class. She leaves the campus at noon and heads straight to work. After work she does homework before going to bed, and repeats everything the next day.

Ballard is one of many SRJC students who balance school and work on a daily basis. Sonoma County has one of the fastest rent increases in the country, leaving students to work more hours to make rent.

SRJC alumnus Faith Gates knows the struggle of managing a work and school schedule since she started her first semester at SRJC at age 15. Last semester she worked 39 hours a week at In-NOut Burger. She worked the closing shift and normally clocked out around 2:30 a.m., all while taking 20 units and being Co-Editorin-Chief at the Oak Leaf student newspaper. She said it was hard to manage work and school and had to make sacrifices to do both.

“Sleep would be the first thing that would go and then the next thing would be hanging out with friends,” Gates said. “It’s pretty much your life when you work and go to school. You really can’t have much else.”

Loss of sleep was hard on Gates. She would get up at 7 a.m. after getting little sleep from her closing shift. She’d try to leave the house by 8 to get to her class at 9.

Making time for homework was also a challenge. She would complete it during her classes

because the other option was after work at 3 a.m.

When at school, she’d be thinking about when she had to go to work and at work, she was thinking about all she had to do for school.

It was hard for her to get a day off both school and work unless she requested it. Whenever she did, she’d try to make time for friends.

Her parents motivated her to work, teaching her to earn her own money and pay her own expenses.

She bought her own car, pays for her own insurance and studied abroad with her own money.

“I’m saving money. I have savings for the future and that’s important.

That’s why I wanted to [work and attend school],” Gates said.

Ballard is a psychology and pre-med major taking 18 units this semester. She works as a sales associate at Old Navy. She’s busy every day and always on her feet.

When she’s off work, she does three hours of homework.

Some students would be exhausted with a busy schedule like hers, but Ballard makes sure she is well rested by keeping a tight schedule. She plans each day ahead of time by drafting a calendar on paper and updating it daily. She puts dates on two calendars, one for work and one for school and also keeps dates on her phone.

“I just want to keep busy and do everything I can to work towards my future,” Ballard said. “My career as a doctor, specifically an anesthesiologist, is going to allow me to help so many people; that’s my purpose in life.”

Even with her busy schedule, Ballard manages to make time for herself. Whenever she has a day off from both school and work, she plans trips to the ocean, river

www.theoakleafnews.com

SRJC students and almnus successfully balance work and school schedules

Daniel Kong /Oak Leaf

SRJC alumnus Faith Gates works the fryer at In-N-Out Burger. Gates balanced a near full time schedule at In-N-Out with 20 units.

or forest. She’ll go for a hike with her yoga mat strapped to her back and after she finds a spot in nature to relax, she’ll do yoga and meditate. She’ll also take time to paint or write music.

Maintaining a social life is important for Ballard. “I try to spend as much time with friends as possible,” she said.

Rebecca Kirk could not be more enthused to spend her Saturday night working at Oliver’s Market.

Courtesy of Rebecca Kirk

Student Adrian Inda has worked since he was 13, first landscaping with his father over summer, then working at a deli when he was 16. Now he works full-time as an assistant manager in the deli/ bakery at Ray’s Food Place in Cloverdale. Inda gets up around 4 a.m. for work and arrives to the deli by 6 for an eight-hour shift. With this job he works all positions; he makes sure employees stay busy helping customers, bakes at least 40 bags of bread, fries food and attends to customers when other employees are busy.

The only days Inda doesn’t work are Mondays and Wednesdays.

During those days he wakes up at 6 a.m. and heads straight to SRJC, where he majors in psychology.

Those two days are the only days he has time to do his homework.

School and homework come first for him and work is not always easy.

There have been days when work affects his schooling, like getting called into work on a school day.

He said it frustrates him because he’ll try to make plans on his off days and work almost always calls him in. It’s rare for him to get a day off from both work and school and it has left him feeling drained.

“I get very tired of waking up so early every day and working eight hours straight doing the same thing every day. It does get exhausting most of the time,” Inda said.

Yet he keeps at it. He’s motivated to earn his own money and hopes to get a better job after getting his degree. He plans to keep his job and transfer to Sonoma State to

finish his psychology degree.

Student Rebecca Kirk works parttime at the Oliver’s Market bakery department. She works around 24 hours a week while taking 14 units at SRJC and splits her time between taking morning classes and working in the afternoon. She sleeps a few hours a night and said work has affected her schooling and made her feel exhausted.

“It’s like a learning experience, I learned through time that I need to give myself more time for school,” Kirk said. “My first year [at SRJC] I didn’t know how to manage it because I took a lot of classes. Now that I’ve been here for a while and working since I was 16, I know how to manage it better.”

On Kirk’s days off, she uses her time to finish homework and catch up on sleep. Being financially independent and moving out of her parent’s house motivates Kirk to manage both work and school and to eventually have a stable career.

She hopes her hard work pays off when she transfers to California State University in Sacramento.

To those attempting to juggle work and school, she says it’s best to find a job that’s flexible with a school schedule and always make school the first priority.

Also, try to get enough days off for homework.

Struggling to work and attend school can be difficult, but these students and others at SRJC make it work to achieve their goals and have fulfilling and successful futures.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Features

February 22, 2016

9

Al Maggini: A century of success Rita S. Losch Staff Writer Al Maggini roars up in his shiny ink-black Porsche, 15 minutes early.

He’s got places to go and he wants the journey to be fun.

Stick-to-it-ive-ness is his middle name. Sixty-five years as an industrious stockbroker. Sixtythree years happily married to his beloved Helen. Thirty-five World War II bombing missions as a B-17 Navigator. Fifty years dwelling in the Sonoma Valley adobe home he built. Thirty-six years serving on the Santa Rosa Junior College board of trustees. Sixty-one fruitful years on the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Board. A longterm supporter of the Hanna Boys Center. A lifelong philanthropist.

And, on Sept. 5, 2015, Al Maggini turned 100.

Well-known and warmly welcome in the Merrill Lynch Santa Rosa office that he opened in 1978, the nowretired Maggini greets every passing employee by name and with genuine friendliness, the same respect he shows to significant donors.

Born in 1915, three years before SRJC’s founding, he grew up in San Francisco and graduated from St. Ignatius in 1933.

In 1937, Maggini entered Mitchum, Jones and Templeton security investment company in San Francisco. His beginning salary was $65 a month. By 1967, he was a director of MJT. In 1939, he met Helen Ryan on a blind date. They dated for more than two years. Then, he marvels, “We got married on $125 a month.”

He remembers his Helen: “This woman had class. When she walked into a room, people noticed. The

On Sept. 5, 2015 Al Maggini celebrated 100 years of life; 36 of which were spent serving on the Santa Rosa Junior College board of trustees.

ladies admired her dresses and asked where she got her hair done.” He makes the snappy comment, “She had class with a K, baby!”

But, it was the early 1940s. “And then, war was declared.,” he says.

Maggini joined the Army Air Corps, where he served in the Eighth Air Force as an aerial navigator on B-17 bombers. “My instruments were right up in the nose near the pilot and the bombardier. The four-engine bomber took an awful beating and it still came home,” he says.

Maggini did indeed come

home to Helen in San Francisco, where he worked on building his stockbroker career.

Then, in 1965, SRJC trustee Al Garcia made a proposal that brought Maggini north to Sonoma County.

“We’re putting a course together at SRJC for soldiers returning from the European theater who want to learn to fly,” Garcia said. So, Maggini taught ground school at night.

Randolph Newman, SRJC’s second president, suggested that Maggini teach a basic finance class addressing issues like how to choose

In honor of Al Maggini’s commitment to Santa Rosa Junior College, Maggini Hall was built and completed in April 1990.

a stockbroker. He taught this night class for 11 years.

He was then called upon to serve on the SRJC board of trustees. The humble Maggini said, “You don’t know what you’re getting. Why choose me?” The simple answer: “Because you have enthusiasm.”

Current SRJC trustee Richard Call remembers: “An Al saying whenever a tough decision was to be made by the trustees was ‘Is it good for the students?’ Those six words would often bring us to a decision.”

SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong

Courtesy of Cameron Potter

Rita S. Losch/Oak Leaf

says, “Al Maggini is a living treasure, an amazing centurion. He has the body of a 60-year-old, the mind of a 40-year-old, and the wisdom of a 1,000-year-old.”

After 36 years of vigorous service to SRJC, Maggini was honored by having a building named after him.

Maggini Hall, the only three-story structure on the Santa Rosa campus, was completed in April 1990. Its architect was Michael Palmer and its cost was $5 million.

Maggini Hall stands tall and splendid on campus. College employees have spotted the tall and handsome Al Maggini on the SRJC track, jogging when he was in his mid-80s. “They gave me the key to the weight room,” he shrugs.

He enjoyed skiing during the 22 years he and Helen owned a place in Squaw Valley. “And, at one time, I played pretty good businessman’s golf,” he says.

He and Helen spent many seasons at the opera. Italian opera is his favorite, and Venice “of course” is his favorite city. Why? “Amore!” he answers, eyes sparkling.

Today, he maneuvers his black Porsche Carrera GTS. “That thing can fly! It has 400 horses. It is fun to drive, especially on a curvy road,” he says.

For more than a quarter of a century, he has dedicated time, energy and expertise to raising money for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. He has endowed the Al and Helen Maggini Legacy Society to give money to those in need, especially poor children.

“The man is a marvel. He’s dapper, humble, generous,” says Press Democrat columnist Chris Smith.

Al Maggini is generous in every sense of the word. He has earned those Porsche keys. Alert and grinning, may he vroom-vroom around many a Sonoma County road.

Courtesy of Brian McCracken

To avoid pricy and chaotic gyms, Miranda McClenter works out at home where she can try new routines and relax.

Jessica

T

he alarm went off at 5 a.m. Tired, Gigi “Muscles” Disidoro got up and grabbed her bag to head to the gym for her early morning workout before sunrise.

Waking up in the morning to go to the gym may not sound appealing to some Santa Rosa Junior College students, but for others it’s part of maintaining a busy life of work, school and health.

Incorporating fitness into daily life takes time and can be difficult depending on how many units students are taking and whether they are working full or part time.

Many want to start working out but feel it is impossible with their schedules. SRJC student and fitness enthusiast Disidoro works out whether it’s early in the morning or late at night.

Disidoro battled to reach her goal weight and achieve a life that incorporated fitness. She hated her body at times and had setbacks like “yo-yoing,” where she would lose weight only to gain it back.

When she first started working out, the whole process intimidated her, especially lifting weights.

“I didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to look stupid,” Disidoro said.

She began to gain confidence in the gym with help from a friend. As he showed her proper form, she excelled and learned how to lift weights like a badass.

Staff She recognizes that everyone starts somewhere, just like she did, and it’s difficult to find the starting point. This is why she aspires to become a certified trainer and earn her master’s degree in nutrition.

“To be honest, I just want to help educate people on healthy eating and the importance of working out,” she said.

Disidoro’s success is in part thanks to her friend.

Networking and interacting with people who live this type of lifestyle is a motivator and great way to get started on the fitness path.

“The best thing is to always ask for help. People are willing to help get you started; you just have to be willing to do it,” she said.

Disidoro’s biggest tip for SRJC students is meal prepping, which is especially important for long days on campus.

“Always prep your meals the night before so you can grab and go and not stress about not eating or eating crappy food,” she said.

Her favorite meal prep? Sweet potatoes, green beans and chicken. She also keeps a planner to writes down her daily schedule and fits the gym into her day no matter what. She urges people to try

“I love feeling and being strong,” says Gigi Disidoro as she flexes on campus in between classes at SRJC.

Jessica Carter /Oak Leaf

new things and keep the body in motion even if it’s is key to success. just walking a dog.

Don’t have time to hit Browse through Pinterest for meal prep ideas that an early morning fitness c will make eating healthy fun. You can purchase meal student’s units, boost healt prep bags from various sources, which include tons like battling for a parking s of storage for all your food plus ways to keep it cold.

Benjamin Buechner, as Don’t know where to heat up these meals? Check out adjunct kinesiology, athle the Bertolini Student Center Bear Cub Cafe, where an of SRJC, works out with P accessible microwave is available for students.

With a jam-packed sched There are many perspectives to living a healthy, he still makes time to live fit life. Working out isn’t the only thing. We have all “My dad started me on heard the saying “you are what you eat.” To really Buechner’s father was understand what this means you must look into food kept active since he was a little deeper. of incorporating fitness Jill Tarver, SRJC dietetic technology program small obtainable goals a coordinator and nutrition dietetic technology to stay motivated. instructor, helps bring understanding to food and “Do not set a goal tha how to make it beneficial in the healthiest way. nice healthy meal when y Tarver teaches everything from class and w nutrition 10 to sport’s nutrition. One and late,” he class she teaches is clinical nutrition, Setting fr “I don’t see how which is how to feed people with different becomes a nutrition and diseases, and community nutrition in if kept up. B the spring where students work with advice is to exercise don’t go preschools, elementary schools, athletes together. Be active has goals sim and other community-based programs.

“Set times throughout your and work out Tarver’s students consist of nurses, athletes, kinesiology majors, students day. Move more. ” You do not aspiring to become dietitians, radiology texts your b - Jill Tarver, SRJC students and people who want to learn today. I work about nutrition.

Dr. Chong, nutrition dietetic Her classes offer a great opportunity text that I ca technology to learn about what you put in your Buechner instructor body and the effects. The healthier you admits it’s t eat, the better you feel. fitness a pri She advises, “The more natural himself up the better. People go for convenience realistic bala because they think healthy has to be either hard, In need of a fitness bu expensive or they don’t have time. It can be cheap and KAD instructors offer a it doesn’t have to be hours of cooking.” semester, like Buechner’s Tarver’s main focus is nutrition and food, but even class. He will not only ho she agrees, “I don’t see how nutrition and exercise good buddy should, but don’t go together. Be active throughout your day. way to being fit.

Move more.” She said even a short morning workout If the gym or an SRJC f will make her feel better. She noticed at her gym she doable, there are other could hardly find parking at the beginning of the Miranda McClenter, 28, g year, but now parking is a breeze because people She watches workout vid do not often stick with the gym. She believes it’s a up. McClenter moved in lifestyle, and even though it’s hard, an ongoing plan working seven days a wee

Five fitness apps to help you meet your fitne 7 Minute Workout Challenge

Workout Trainer (Skimble)

A research-backed, high intensity workout that includes 12 exercises that can be performed in seven minutes.

An app with a little bit of everything; from at-home workouts to lifting weights at the gym. Every exercise is timed with a step-by-step audio and photo and video instruction.

Courtesy of Brian McCracken

“I started working out at home because I felt that I did not have the time or motivation to get to a gym,” Miranda McClenter said. She watches workout videos so she can get fit in the comfort of her own home.

a Carter Writer

t the gym? Signing up for class at SRJC will add to a th and relieve major stresses spot or studying for finals. ssistant baseball coach and etics and dance instructor President Dr. Frank Chong. dule and a pregnant wife, e a balanced, fit life. n this journey,” he said. a wrestling coach. He has s young. Buechner’s style s into his life is setting and accomplishing them

at you will cook yourself a you know you have a night will be getting home tired said. requent goals eventually lifestyle and daily habit Buechner’s main piece of get a workout buddy that milar to yours. s and dates to always meet t. It holds you accountable. want to be that guy who buddy you can’t make it k out in the mornings with and I hate sending him a an’t make it,” he said. makes it sound easy, but tough for him. He makes iority every day and sets for success by having a ance. uddy? Buechner and other a variety of classes each 7:30 a.m. body mechanics old you accountable like a gives guidance along the

fitness class does not seem options. Business major gets her fitness in at home. deos that get her pumped to her own place and was ek, 13 hours a day to make

ends meet. She ate fast food and stopped taking care of herself. Before she knew it, she had gained 30 pounds and knew she had to change her ways.

“I started working out at home because I felt that I did not have the time or motivation to get to a gym,” McClenter said. “I was also self-conscious that other people would judge my body and level of endurance.”

McClenter feels more comfortable at home where she can try new routines, relax and let go of her tension from the day. To her, the gym is too fast paced and makes her feel rushed. McClenter recognizes that at home she doesn’t have all the equipment a gym has or a hard surface large enough to do some workouts that she enjoys.

McClenter has worked out at a gym before and admits she tries harder at the gym because she is self-conscious that others are watching her, giving an extra push that she doesn’t always give herself at home. Nevertheless, she is happier working out at home at her own pace.

“Don’t overdo it. If you do too much on the first

day or even the first week and exert yourself to the point of exhaustion and pain, you may not want to continue and give up. It’s OK to start slow,” she said.

Alicia Miller, 28, who graduated from SRJC in May 2015, decided to take a boot camp class on the Petaluma campus with a friend last semester. Her results are inarguable. She registered for a fitness class because being fit and healthy is important to her. She wanted to lose weight and get toned and did just that. Miller ended with a weight loss of 20 pounds and felt amazing. She recommends this class to any SRJC student and said, “To sign up for classes with a friend, it is easier to stay focused when you have a workout buddy.”

In the end, everyone is different: different body types, different fitness levels and different knowledge of the entire process. Whether you get a membership at a local gym, sign up for a SRJC fitness class, or get in some crunches in the comfort of your living room, you are your own advocate. There are tons of ways to start your journey or even finish it if you have gotten off track. Don’t let your New Year’s resolution slip away now. It’s only February.

As Disidoro arrives home from a long day of gym, school and work, she sets her alarm to do it again the next day.

Fitness classes at SRJC BODY CONDITIONING This course provides students with an exercise program designed to develop the key components of health related physical fitness: cardiovascular/respiratory conditioning, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

BEGINNING CIRCUIT TRAINING Join this class for the purpose of establishing muscular strength and fitness. In addition to various circuit training techniques, this class may also include cardiovascular and core workouts.

BEGINNING WEIGHTLIFTING Weightlifting for the purpose of establishing muscular strength and fitness. In addition to various weightlifting techniques, this class may also include cardio and core workouts.

PLYOS, SPEED AND AGILITY This introduces students to equipment and drills used to improve strength, power, speed, agility and jumping ability while developing coordination and balance.

WALKING FOR FITNESS

Benjamin Buechner reminds himself every day to keep proper posture as it builds body strength.

Jessica Carter/ Oak Leaf

Designed to teach and apply the principles of lifetime physical fitness: cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

A variety of health and wellness issues will be addressed. The components of fitness will be met through structured individually paced fitness, walking techniques and strength conditioning exercises.

ess goals and stay healthy on a time budget JEFIT This app includes 1300+ exercises with the ability to create custom workout plans, track workout progress and add friends.

Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker (MyFitnessPal) An app to track the foods you eat and how many calories you are taking in daily.

Human: Activity Tracker From pocket or bag, this app tracks your daily movement goals and will alert you when you need to take a few extra steps or when you have met your goal.

12

February 22, 2016

Features

www.theoakleafnews.com

Feminism and healthy habits

Student tackles social and health issues at SRJC Catherine Ramirez Multimedia Editor Even before 19-year-old Hannah Cagle became active in social issues, her underlying basis in life was to help others.

“My philosophy is do things that are going to ultimately help people, not harm them,” the Santa Rosa Junior College student said.“Look for the benefits: what’s gonna make people grow, what’s gonna help them succeed and what’s the best for the most amount of people to be happy?”

Cagle’s desire to help people led to her current advocacy in social issues and student health. She’s president and founder of SRJC’s Feminists United club and vice president of student health services for the Student Government Assembly.

She first majored in elementary education as a strong supporter for education, but switched to political science towards the end of the fall 2015 semester after realizing politics are her passion.

“When I started doing student government and club stuff, it made me realize how much I really love doing this,” she said.

Cagle grew interested in social issues after taking a history class about race, ethnicity and gender in American culture with SRJC instructor Erik Bruce.

“It was such a good class and it broadened my perspective,” Cagle said. “ I already knew a bit about feminist theory and the history of racism, but it gave me more depth on how we treated race and gender in the U.S. and that really resonated with me.”

While enrolled in the class, Cagle became more captivated by the intersection of all social issues during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement sparked by the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

“I had no one around me who saw the world the same way I did and was passionate and interested in learning more,” Cagle said. “So I decided to start a club and see if anything happened.”

Cagle first thought of starting a feminist club after realizing there wasn’t one at SRJC. “I’ve always been for women’s equality and empowerment. It was always there lingering, even from a very young age,” Cagle said. “I just didn’t really know what it was. I didn’t really call myself a feminist probably until high school.”

The Feminists United club was activated during an Inter-Club Council meeting in spring 2015.

Cagle held meetings over the summer, even though the club did not have a large turnout. She was determined to have a strong foundation for the fall semester.

“From there, we started to get a lot more club members and support from the JC community,” she said.

Hannah Cagle (center) leads one of the Feminists United club meetings, held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Bertolini Center for Student Leadership.

Feminists United concentrates on intersectional feminism which looks at social labels like race, religion and sexuality when talking about feminism.

“It addresses more issues, not just one,” Cagle said. “No one lives single-issue lives.”

The basis of the club remains the same as many past feminist movements - social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

The rape on campus last semester sparked the club’s activism within SRJC’s community. Feminists United created and hosted the first Take Back the Night event that dedicated a day to sexual assault awareness and provided a safe space for sexual assault survivors.

Cagle and club members came up with the idea for the event after hearing the concerns of many SRJC students about their safety during night classes.

“A lot of the conversation regarding [safety] was how you should handle yourself walking around the JC at night. It was more pressure on the potential victim than the people who were perpetuating the crimes,” Cagle said. “I got frustrated by the conversations surrounding it and I wanted something more in support of the victims and talking about how we can change it by changing our actions regarding getting consent.”

Feminists United club faculty advisor Jill Kelly-Moore believes the issues the club has raised are important for both genders. “[Cagle] seems to be doing a very good job in her role,” Kelly-Moore said.“I find her to be thoughtful, measured and caring.”

Although Cagle leads Feminists United, the club’s efforts have and continue to be a collaborative effort between SRJC students and faculty members.

History instructor Bruce is one just one start; people being able of those faculty members who to know about what services are examine race, class and gender available,” Cagle said. with the understanding these While being physically healthy aspects are interconnected. is important, Cagle also believes a “I would hope that the impact holistic approach on health is vital for [Cagle] would be a deeper for students. appreciation of the historical “Mental health is a huge roots of gender bias and therefore component; student psychological a clearer path to advocating for services offers counseling,” Cagle effective equality,” Bruce said. said. “A lot of people also don’t While remaining a full-time know about that.” student, working part-time and Cagle admits, as a student, it is leading the Feminists United challenging to remain healthy. club, Cagle applied for SGA’s vice “I do this in my own life; I neglect president position of student my health when I’m worried about health services in late July after finals or something. Sometimes it’s club member and vice president easier said than done,” she said. of student life Cagle remains Virginia Kerr told healthy through Cagle about the small habits like position. a lot “I’m impressed with drinking “I was kind of water and tea [Hannah Cagle’s] of hesitant. throughout the It’d be another day and getting leadership. Her responsibility eight hours of influence has been and I was afraid sleep each night.

I wouldn’t be “It’d be stupid incredibly positive.” able to handle it,” if I was like ‘eat Cagle said. “But I healthy and - Virginia Kerr, vice went for it.” exercise and take During SGA’s president of student life care of yourself ‘ summer retreat and then I went in July, SGA voted ahead and just Cagle in to fulfill did the opposite,” the position.

Cagle said. “I’m “I really am an advocate for not perfect - no one is - but I health and wellness and [health] is definitely try my best.” one of my things besides feminism,” Cagle is currently working to Cagle said. “They often go hand- prevent sexual assault through a in-hand too, so it seemed natural resolution that would ultimately for me to go for that position.” require SRJC students to attend a As an advocate for student sexual consent workshop or a onehealth, Cagle’s goal is providing weekend class as part of orientation. easily accessible resources for She has pushed for this resolution SRJC students to be healthy. One since starting her position as of Cagle’s first goals is to have the an SGA officer. She believes letters ‘Student Health Services’ be SRJC could set the precedent for put on the Race building. other community colleges, if the “There’s so many students who resolution was to pass. have no idea where it is. That’s “It’s a growing issue on college

Daniel Kong/Oak Leaf

campuses. It’s not getting better. If anything, it’s getting worse,” Cagle said. “Although the JC does not have dorms, it’s still an issue that affects people within and outside of the college community.”

Ideally, Cagle believes, the resolution would get SRJC to hire staff and create a curriculum to enforce it.

“A lot of people think they don’t need it, but there’s a lot of misconceptions about what sexual assault and what consent is and that’s dangerous for a group of mostly 18 to 24-year-olds who are just figuring out life,” Cagle said.

At 6-9 p.m., Feb. 24 in Bertolini Student Activities Center, the Feminist United club will host Take Back the Night Part II to furthermore discuss sexual assault with topics such as slut shaming and victim blaming.

Cagle and Kerr worked together for the upcoming event. “[Cagle] is by far one of the most educated student leaders in regards to feminism. I’m impressed with her leadership especially since she’s new this year,” Kerr said. “Her influence has been incredibly positive.”

Cagle plans to transfer, ideally, to UC San Diego after SRJC. “I want to be involved wherever I go next for the exact same reasons it’s important to be involved here,” Cagle said. “I wouldn’t be a good activist if I didn’t go to college.”

Cagle’s recognizes how much she’s grown from being a new student learning new social concepts to the strong leader and activist she is now.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot, but it’s also super humbling at the same time. I meet so many people who are doing really great things. It’s an inspiration to me,” Cagle said.“I learn a lot about myself when I help other people.”

13 Features Capital Swings into Sacramento February 22, 2016

www.theoakleafnews.com

Jocelyn Mobley

Full of social dancing, workshops and competitions, Capital Swing, the annual West Coast Swing convention in Sacramento, drew many smiling faces on President’s Day weekend 2016.

For pro dancers, it’s a chance to showcase what they’ve worked so hard for and gives others the opportunity to learn and dance with more experienced dancers throughout the night. Capital draws in a large crowd, varying from high school students to senior citizens.

Unlike East Coast Swing or traditional swing, West Coast Swing is an extension-compression partner dance with the potential to be contemporary or classic. Since it has both a six-count and an eightcount basic, it can be danced to almost any genre.

Dancing brings to plate a little something for everyone. Warren Pino co-owner of WNY Warehouse in Novato, explained he was introduced to dance shortly after divorcing his first wife. “About 20 years ago my friends told me I needed to get a social life,” he said.

Dance brings a sense of community. “Under one roof there will be teenagers to people in their mid-70s for the one love of dance,” Pino said. “I have met people all over the world.” He said people come to the warehouse from across the globe, and it’s one of his favorite things to hear

tourists say in their broken English how much they love it.

Dance has many benefits. Pino said dance has enriched his life in ways he could have never imagined.

“One, it’s healthy. It’s not built around drinking. Two, it’s good exercise. And three, it’s good for the brain. I may be the oldest all-star in the world. It [dance] keeps me young,” he said.

The annual Capital Swing Convention has a rich history. It’s run by the Capital Swing Dancers Club, founded in 1984, and is one of the oldest swing clubs in California.

Four years later West Coast Swing was announced as California’s state dance. The club organized its first convention in 1992.

Event director Dani Canzaini makes sure to keep the basic format of the convention the same. She has been the event director for 21 of the last 24 years of the convention and does her best to keep things classic and fair. “I try to get judges from all over the United States to not show bias,” she said.

There are three different competition categories; Jack ‘n Jill, Strictly Swing and Rountine.

Jack ‘n Jill is where competitors all dance at once to the same song.

Generally there are three different combinations where dance partners and songs are unknown and random.

For Strictly Swing, the competitor gets to choose a partner ahead of time, however the song is still unknown.

Continued from cover...

College skills instructor Mancillas said students could to relate to Malala’s struggles. Many college skills students have serious problems with family, health and finances.

Malala’s story is about overcoming obstacles and not giving up. “It has been very empowering for the students because many of them at the beginning of the semester were being challenged to become better writers, and now they are part of a published anthology,” Mancillas said.

Students will read their individual letters at a free event at 7 p.m. Feb 25 at Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village. SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong, faculty and students will join.

“Malala’s story is both moving and powerful. Many of our students can relate to the struggles and obstacles Malala experienced,” Chong said. “I read the letters that our students wrote to Malala and I would think that she would find the letters equally moving and inspirational.”

SRJC student Mina Ruiz, 19, felt empowered after reading Malala’s memoir and enjoyed writing to her.

In her letter, Ruiz wrote, “I believe that our major connection is being religious and caring so much about our family, and to always have them as first priority. I believe that standing up for what’s right is such a brave thing to do because

there will be people that will support you or others against you. You are such an inspiration at your age I feel that I wouldn’t have the strength to tell the world what I believe in because I’m a very shy and a small person. Thank you for reading my letter and I wish you the best of luck in your future goals.”

Ruiz related with Malala in that both women stand up for what they believe in. “That would be me standing up for immigrants trying to get some sort of justice here,” she said. Her parents came from Mexico but she was born here. She has participated in marches for immigrants’ rights since she was a child. Ruiz will continue to be an activist for undocumented citizens.

Writing the letter motivated Ruiz to continue pursuing further education. She realizes that attending college is a privilege not everyone has.

SRJC student Gary Kobrofsky, 52, is dyslexic. Reading and writing can be a challenge for him. After participating in writing a letter he is more confident in his writing.

“I think it’s very cool to share with people and say I have a letter in a book and we’re having a big book signing. Kind of exciting for someone who can’t even write or read really,” Kobrofsky said. He related to Malala’s memoir, the idea of what she stands for and what she is working towards.

Staff Writer

Grant Howell and Taylor Brandt compete at the West Coast 101 Competition in Sacramento, California.

Rountine competitions are for the highest-level dancers.

They meticulously plan out and choreograph a dance to one song which showcases their skills in front of the entire convention.

There are different ranks within Jack ‘n Jill and Strictly Swing.

Every time a dancer places in a competitioan they are awarded points. The higher a dancer places, the more points they are awarded.

Once they receive enough points they graduate on to the next rank.

Pro dancer Sean McKeever felt nostalgic as Capital was the first convention he attended in 2006.

McKeever said he was learning the basics of ballroom dancing for a few

years before a friend suggested he come to Capital, where he saw West Coast Swing for the first time and started learning how to do it.

“I think what makes this event stand out from other ones in a general sense is that it’s really historical. It’s one of the older events in the community,” McKeever said.

“There are new events popping up every year, but this has been around for a long time, and it’s run by one of the oldest swing clubs in the United States.”

There are also age categories. One of them is “Juniors,” which is under 18. Here one can see a wide variety of dancers. Ben Porter, 17, and Shelby Nelson, 14, stood out among

SRJC students write Letters to Malala In his letter, Kobrofsky wrote, “I really love the way you are so passionate about making sure all girls around the world have the right to obtain an education. You are so brave standing up for what you believe in, even after being shot on your way to school one day for your beliefs. I really like that fact you don’t let fear or intimidation from others stop you from working on your dreams.”

Student Sharon Anello, 50, wrote a more personal letter to Malala.

In her letter, Anello wrote, “I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict.

My addiction made it impossible for me to pursue my education. I feared not being smart enough, and being to old, and what I feared most was, not staying sober and working an honest program. I think having these struggles has made me more passionate about my education and given me the strength to work an honest program in recovery. It has given me courage, not to give up. I noticed that you stayed strong and brave, while you were hospitalized, and you never gave up. These challenges in life are what make us who we are today.”

Now, Anello attends SRJC to become a drug and alcohol counselor. “I thought it was interesting because she fights for girls to have an education, and I’m 50 and just got back to school,” she said.

She has a spirit similar to Malala.

Courtesy of Phoebe Larkin

adolescents. Ben is experienced enough to qualify in the all-star division while still young enough to compete in Juniors.

Grant Howell, a senior in the Nordquist dance program, came in first place for the Beginning West Coast 101 Competition. He said he started West Coast Dancing recently, but he had five years of ballroom dancing experience.

After being asked what makes a good dance, he said, “When you mess up, just laugh it off and keep with the flow.”

It doesn’t matter whether you have been dancing for two weeks or 20 years, Capital has something for everyone.

Courtesy of SRJC

SRJC students pose with “I am Malala” for the cover of their book, “Letters to Malala.”

“If you don’t fight for what you believe in, you’re never going to get anywhere in life,” Anello said.

Anello recognizes Malala’s story is important and can impact other young women going to college and

broaden students’ perspectives.

“Some students say ‘Ah I don’t want to go to school today,’ and here this girl is begging to go to school and she was shot for it,” she said.

14

February 22, 2016

Opinion

www.theoakleafnews.com

EDITORIAL

Society needs to stand up against rape culture While couples celebrated Valentine’s Day, dedicated members of the Santa Rosa community gathered at Old Courthouse Square to march towards Santa Rosa Junior College to speak out against rape culture.

A week before this uplifting march, a pro-rape rally was to be held in San Francisco 60 miles away.

This was one of 165 meetings in 43 countries where heterosexual males were supposed to come out of the shadows in support of legalizing rape on private property.

In no way is rape ever acceptable. It is a violent and unforgivable offense.

Consent is a basic human right every person deserves. People should have full control over their own body.

Daryush “Roosh V” Valizadeh, founder of a misogynistic blog “Return of Kings,” encouraged men to step out from behind their computer screens stating that they no longer had to hide.

On his blog, Valizadeh claimed society is approaching rape culture all wrong and rape would be eliminated if it weren’t punishable by law. “By attempting to teach men not to rape, what we have actually done is teach women not to care about being raped,” Valizadeh said.

This is a ludicrous statement because society has told women their whole lives to protect themselves through buddy systems or by

carrying pepper spray. There are various self-defense classes available as well as escort programs to help women fend off these attacks, yet there has never been a nationwide program to teach men not to rape.

Women are taught to fear strange men from a young age. It is ignorant to say we have taught women not to care about being sexually assulted because society has made it a woman’s priority not to get raped instead of making it a man’s priority to not rape.

Valizadeh is not eliminating rape; he’s simply making it easier for dirtbags like himself to take advantage of women. “If rape becomes legal under my proposal, a girl will protect her body in the same manner that she protects her purse and smartphone,” he said.

This is comparing women to objects and seeing them as less than human. He’s not protecting woman with his idea of legalizing rape; he’s demeaning them.

The sad reality is that Valizadeh is not the only man who thinks this way. It was only 22 years ago that marital rape became illegal among all 50 states. Throughout history women have had to fear men like him who think it’s OK to take advantage of them.

Luckily, there were more people outraged by his outlandish statements than in support of it.

Vaccine mandates: Daniel Medina Staff Writer In July, parents will be forced to allow their family doctors and nurses to inject their children with more than 40 doses of federally recommended vaccines.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 277, the most stringent vaccine mandate in the United States, on June 30, 2015. Families that don’t comply can’t exercise their state constitutional right to a free and appropriate education.

Petition Push in Petaluma Debra Baretta, an opponent of SB 277 and Bay Area mother of three, was on the SRJC Petaluma campus in September 2015 urging students to sign a petition to allow Californians to vote on the vaccination mandate.

“My boys are 10, 12 and 16 years old. They rarely get sick and have never been vaccinated. It was my choice for them and now this bill is taking that choice away from me and parents all across California,” Baretta said. She said the petition needed a little over 36,000 signatures to stop the bill and put it to a vote.

The petition fell short of

signatures and the deadline came and went, leaving concerned Californians baffled.

“I think the reason we didn’t get the signatures we needed is because most people believe their family doctor has their children’s best interest in mind,” Baretta said.

“What they fail to understand is that most doctors receive very limited training in vaccinations.”

SB 277 Timeline In January 2015, Disneyland officials confirmed a total of 45 cases of the measles in California, spawning a push to vaccinate.

In February, vaccine companies contributed over $90,000 to Senator Richard Pan, who received a position in the research department. Less than 90 days later, SB 277 was amended to bypass the appropriations committee and quickly taken to a vote on the senate floor.

SB 277, which eliminates state rights of religion and education, went from pen to vote in less than five months.

Due to the grandfather clause in the bill, children in second through sixth grade will not have to be vaccinated unless they transfer school districts, so a large number of students won’t be vaccinated under the new schedule. Pan

Valizadeh cancelled the rallies three days before the events took place due to public outrage and threats.

Locally, students and community members have gathered together in a march to combat these deplorable ideas of pro-rape. Sonoma County’s second annual “One Billion Rising” event showed our

community has no tolerance for sexual violence against women.

In California, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a “yes means yes” bill into law in 2014 clearly defining affirmative consent. This campaign, unlike the “no means no” campaign, protects women who can’t give consent, whether they’re intoxicated, unconscious or unable to say no.

While Americans have fought for freedom of speech, these prorape rallies are not protected under the First Amendment because they are inciting a breach of the peace.

To counteract “Return of Kings” rallies and the people in support of them, we should encourage more education in schools focused on consent and respect.

Senate Bill 277 under scrutiny of private agenda and severing constitutional rights reasoned the urgency in taking the bill straight to a vote was for the health of California’s children; over half of them won’t feel the needle pinch for another three to five years.

Future of SB 277 Some believe the bill is more about agenda than safety; all signs point towards that contention.

It’s very difficult for me to believe Senator Pan, formerly an opponent of immunizations, had a humanitarian epiphany and became a fervent proponent of the new vaccination schedule without the influence of the top drug makers in this state. Pan and the other lawmakers received over $2 million in campaign contributions in from 2013-14.

Dr. Lynne R Mielke of Pleasanton stood before the senate on the day the committee voted and said, “I am deeply concerned about losing my freedoms and inherent right to make my own medical decisions and that of my child.”

SB 277 has eliminated the personal and religious belief exemptions that Californians already had on file with their respective schools and physicians.

The bill contains language referring to the addition of immunization records into financial

aid folders for colleges in California.

“If you are attending any college in California and you need financial aid to ensure your education, these vaccination schedules must be met. If they are not, this will be noted in your scholarship schedule and financial aid portfolio,” Baretta said.

Depending on an individual’s genetic makeup, the downside of vaccinations may only be the sting of the needle. In rare cases it could mean permanent disability, stroke or possibly death.

Physiologically speaking, this is a dilemma that must be dealt with carefully and patiently to protect ourselves.

In January 2015, some children

got sick at Disneyland. State government and big pharmaceutical businesses seized an opportunity, and as a result we have lost one of our precious rights as Californians: the right to choose.

Correction for Issue 1 - In the “Know your rights” article on page 3, the term “illegal” in reference to immigrants should have stated “undocumented.” Also, the name “Hecter Jimenez-Carreno” should have been spelled Hector Jimenez-Carreno.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Opinion

Mainstream media sheep

February 22, 2016

d e m r o f n i n U

Staff Writer Some people call them sheep.

Others call them drones. I just call them idiots. To be clear, I am talking about the virus going around that turns humans into mainstream media zombies who get their news from one biased source.

These mindless people are easy to spot, especially on social media. A left-wing sheep can be seen grazing throughout your Facebook feed with multiple posts from Occupy Democrats or the Huffington Post. A conservative drone can be seen continually posting stories from Fox News,

From raves to Rx

Party drugs from your doctor

Tommy Dennen Assistant Opinion Editor The Food and Drug Administration is currently trying to avoid descending a slippery slope into granting the pharmaceutical industry permission to research and manufacture a range of drugs to treat the likes of depression and schizophrenia. The reason why it could pose an issue is because of the nature and illicit history of the drugs in question.

Just the tip Sexual fetishes Robert Marshall Opinion Editor

Feet, legs, bondage, spanking, sexual role-play—we all know these are some of the more common fantasies. But have you heard of formicophilia, emetophilia or stimming?

Fetishes are the stranger side of sex. We all have at least one thing that turns us on. I found eight fetishes from NYDailyNews.com you might think are odd or might like.

Who knows; you might have acted on one of these before. because we all know how “unDendrophilia: Sexual attraction It sickens me that most and affected the minds of the biased” Fox is. to trees. millennials can tell you the name American populace.

To these idiots, facts don’t matter of Kim Kardashian’s daughter but Having sex with a tree sounds difTo top it off, news sites also and neither does context. They can’t name their state senators. have to ensure the happiness ficult, but maybe it isn’t. New York will talk or post about a 15-second They care more about scandals of special interest donors that sex therapist Dr. William Picker says video clip with a misleading involving famous people than if fund them by covering stories you don’t have to have sex with a headline and immediately assume certain legislation is passed or less important to the American tree, but you might like doing it right they are experts on the subject. not passed. public but more beneficial to the next to one, or feeling the bark durI have watched all 14 ing the act.

To be fair, I do not put all the special interest groups.

Republican and Democratic blame on the individual; some of According to Tiger Devore, a Las The best way to combat the virus debates since Aug. 6, 2015. I the blame also lies in the hands of is to become an informed citizen. Vegas-based therapist, dendrophiliwas a political science major at the mainstream media.

Read the news from a variety of acs like to find bumps and bulges Sonoma State for three-and-aToday’s media and U.S. society sources as often as you can. Read that might give them gratification. half years before changing my prioritizes information based the same story on multiple sites, Some have preferences for certain major. When it comes to politics, on what gets higher ratings get all the facts you can and come types of trees.

I consider myself literate. I also and is more “trendy,” such to your own conclusions. Each Avisodomy: Sex with birds. read the news every day, but as Kardashian’s daughter. No news site is going to twist the I feel like this should be illegal, unlike mainstream media sheep, longer do they care about what story to convince you to think because birds probably don’t have a I get my news from more than is important. Over the years what they want you to think, but clue what’s going on. This is considone source. this thinking has trickled down don’t fall for it. Think for yourself. ered bestiality.

Wonder what the most common bird to have sex with is? Well if you guessed chickens, you’re right.

There is a setback; having sex with a chicken kills it. It might be pleasurable for you but just know you’re killing the chicken for your own sexual pleasure.

Larry Flynt, creator of Hustler magazine, claims that at the age of both are popularly used as euphoric exploded in the last two decades nine, he lost his virginity to a chicken. hallucinogens in the rave music scene. for recreational drug users that are Emetophilia: Sexual fetish inPharmaceutical companies are looking for a potent high. volving vomiting. looking to develop more clinical In other words, the people out in This is the grossest one of versions of these drugs to combat the field have figured out without them all. mental disorders. The FDA needs to the help of doctors that these drugs People who like to watch othgive these companies a shot. I’m not make them happy. Doctors have ers throw up will go to websites to usually one for promoting a pill as a recently caught up in a safer, and view it. cure for anything; I believe a lot goes more professional sense while closely “I’ve certainly seen couples where into treating any mental or physical guiding and monitoring their patients. they’ll go to a buffet and the partner shortcoming the homeopathic way. With a professional background in will pick the food they want and the But after doing some research into the nature of mind-altering chemicals other partner will eat them,” Devore the nature of depression, party drugs and their application as medicine, said. “Then, the eater vomits up the make sense. these doctors have reported long meal and the other partner eats it, all Here’s the sparknotes. Picture term positive effects of these drugs for sexual gratification.” the cells that make up our brains as on patients who had a quantifiable, Formicophilia: Stimulation a tangled collection of cables that chemical lack of our aforementioned from insects. share data to other parts of the brain. “happy chemicals.”

This is most common in SouthThe places where these “cables” I have never been depressed. west Asia.

In a limited number of clinical connect to each other is called a I know people who have. I also Bugs aren’t most people’s favorites, trials, the anesthetic and analgesic synapse in the brain, and instead know people who write off but formicophiliacs find bugs a total pain numbing drug Ketamine of binary data, synapses release depression as a “mental block” or turn-on. Usually they like to let bugs has been shown to nearly reverse chemicals called neurotransmitters. a “choice” to self-harming. I don’t crawl on their genitalia. the symptoms of depression. A People with depression release think it’s anyone’s choice to be Devore said that snails leave an innumber of psychiatric journals have lower amounts of the NTs dopamine sad, regardless of the potential life tense stimulation. reported success with treating manic- and serotonin from their synapses. events or setbacks that might have Fetishes come in all shapes depressive and PTSD patients with To simplify, lets call dopamine and triggered their descent into a black and sizes and everyone has that the party drug MDMA, also known serotonin the “happy chemicals.” hole. But there haven’t been any one turn on for them. Maybe we as ecstasy.

Depressed people don’t make enough developments in antidepressant won’t admit it or they aren’t as Ketamine at least has a documented of them, so they’re not happy. drugs in the last decade; and if odd as these ones. But whatever medical history. MDMA, on the Ketamine and MDMA have proved our best and brightest are saying gets you off, gets you off; all that other hand, has almost exclusively to be exceptionally good at improving that narcotics can help people who matters is you have fun and that been illegal since its discovery and mood and outlook in dramatic ways; think that there is no help left, I say no one is hurt. journey into the limelight. However, so much so that their popularity has we give them a shot.

What to consider while choosing media sources Austin Burmester

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February 22, 2016

Sports They’re a streakin’

www.theoakleafnews.com

Baseball team win streak reaches nine games, leads state in scoring

Bear Cubs

Will Mathis Assistant Sports Editor

Athletics

Averaging more than 10 runs a game, the Santa Rosa Junior College baseball team improved to 10-1, defeating the Solano College Falcons 7-1 for its ninth consecutive victory Feb. 20 at Cook Sypher Field.

The Bear Cubs’ 112 runs is the most in the state by 27 runs. They lead the state in walks, rank eighth with a .330 team batting average and are tied for second in doubles.

Scoreboard

Baseball Feb. 16 vs. Contra Costa: W, 13-5 Feb. 19 at Solano: W, 9-3 Feb. 20 vs. Solano: W 7-1

Men’s Basketball Feb. 11 at San Joaquin Delta: W, 77-67 Feb. 16 vs. Sacramento City: W, 86-59 Feb. 19 vs. Sierra: W, 90-78

Women’s Basketball Feb. 11 at San Joaquin Delta: W, 74-61 Feb. 16 vs. Sacramento City: W, 73-60 Feb. 19 vs. Sierra: L, 71-56

Softball Feb. 13 at Yuba: W, 11-4 Feb. 13 vs. De Anza: W, 11-2 Feb. 16 vs. Gavilan: W, 4-2

Men’s Golf

“We keep coming up with those big hits,” said center fielder Bryce Nagata.

“It’s amazing to be a part of this.”

Nagata’s RBI double in the fifth inning increased the Bear Cubs’ lead to 3-1 over the Falcons. He finished 2-4 with a double, triple, one run scored and two RBIs. Sophomore Mitch West setup Nagata’s RBI double with a single to lead off the fifth inning. He drove in the game’s first run with a two-out RBI single in the second inning. The left fielder finished 3-5 with one stolen base, one run scored and two RBIs. “We’re keeping the roll going,” West said. “We’re still trying to improve though. We can always get better.”

The Bear Cubs’ pitching has been equally impressive, owning a state low 1.73 ERA. They’ve allowed one run or fewer in seven of their nine straight wins, including four shutouts.

“Damon [Neidlinger, head coach] prepares us well,” said starting pitcher Ezio Bruchler after allowing one run on four hits in seven and

one-third innings pitched. “We take things one game at a time, one pitch at a time, and hopefully we come out on top,” he said.

Bruchler hardly faced any trouble, retiring the side in order four times and only allowing one run on a wild pitch. The freshman from Chico High School also improved his command allowing just one walk. In his previous three starts, Bruchler allowed seven walks in 12 innings pitched.

“I kept balls in the zone and had confidence in the guys behind me,” Bruchler said.

The Bear Cubs’ 10 wins is the most in the state and their one loss puts them behind just three undefeated teams in the state, including Big 8 Conference foe Cosumnes River College (9-0), who they play April 26 at home in the final series of the season.

“We’re well trained for the situation,” Bruchler said. “We’re not satisfied at all.”

The Bear Cubs’ next game is against Canada Community College 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at Cook Sypher Field.

Feb. 16 vs. Big 8 Tournament #3 1st Place

Ready for playoffs

Women’s basketball heads to postseason despite recent loss Anthony Sosa Sports Editor Fans packed into Haehl Pavillion Feb. 20 to watch the Santa Rosa Junior College women’s basketball team [18-11, 9-5] play the No. 1 team in the Big 8 Conference, Sierra College [13-1, 24-6], on Sophomore Night. Sierra showed why they are No. 1, defeating Santa Rosa 71-56, thus sending the crowd home unhappy.

SRJC’s size was no match for the Wolverines. Down in the post, the Bear Cubs had no answer for the Wolverines, allowing them to rack up 18 offensive rebounds and 46 rebounds overall.

Unfortunately for the Bear Cubs, their successful 3-point shooting didn’t occur in this game. Bear Cubs’ guard Jenna Dunbar, who nailed a SRJC women’s basketball record nine 3-pointers in their previous game, only made one against the Wolverines.

“They obviously scout us. They were taking Jenna out of it; they were taking Brooke [Santander, Bear Cubs’ guard] out of it,” said head coach Lacey Campbell. “They were going to make us play inside.”

From the start, the Bear Cubs found themselves trailing. The first quarter ended with a 24-9

Wolverines lead. The Wolverines never looked back and the Bear Cubs trailed by double-digits for the remainder of the game.

Santander performed well for the Bear Cubs putting up 20 points.

Dunbar contributed with 11 points and seven rebounds. Niambi Saint Louis also provided 11 points for the Bear Cubs.

“Their pressure really got to us,” Santander said. “We got frantic.”

A big factor in the game occurred in the first quarter when Bear Cubs’ guard Kerianne Noonan injured her knee on a play down low. Noonan leads the Bear Cubs in scoring this season with 13.9 points per game. She returned in the second quarter, but was limited for the rest of the game.

“Losing K [Noonan] hurt. Having her out for a long period of time; that’s really tough,” Campbell said.

Despite SRJC’s tough loss, it is still headed to the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs, but still awaiting its seed and who it will face in the first round.

Campbell reassured Noonan should be fine for playoffs, mentioning she has a week to rest up before their next game.

If SRJC wants to be successful in playoffs, it needs to continue its deep shooting success, which has been

crucial t h i s season. “ W e need to see who we are going to face first,” Santander said. “We n e e d to keep working on team concepts, esp e ci a l ly o u r defense.”

Coach Campbell believes the Bear Cubs have what it takes to succeed in the playoffs which will include Sierra and many other tough opponents.

“If we face them [Sierra] again I would put my money on us,” Campbell said. “I think we do a lot of good things. We are hard to play. Against most of the teams, I like our chances.”

Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images

Teammates congratulate the Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, after scoring a goal.

NHL talk: Canucks out of luck Lachlan Irvine Staff Writer

Opinion So much for retooling on the fly.

The Vancouver Canucks are free falling into the NHL standings basement, which doesn’t bode well for the self-proclaimed playoff team.

Over Valentine’s weekend Vancouver lost 5-2 to dead last Toronto and the Minnesota Wild, who had just relieved Mike Yeo of his head coaching duties.

As of Feb. 16, the Canucks sit 23rd in the 30-team league and just seven points ahead of last place Toronto.

There are rumours that the Canucks’ ownership has been handicapping general manager Jim Benning’s ability to make trades. Team president Trevor Linden has since publicly squashed this notion.

Vancouver fans are showing disapproval through online ticket resales, with tickets going for as low as

$35 in the hockey crazed market. This is mainly due to team management’s claim of the “retool, not rebuild” direction the Canucks are taking.

That may have cut it a season ago, but not anymore. It’s time for the Canucks to accept the fact that they are no longer a playoff caliber team. The best remedy for this team right now is to become sellers at the league’s upcoming trade deadline and stock the cupboard with draft picks for the next few years.

Players like Dan Hamhuis, Radim Vrbata, and Alex Burrows could pick up some returns from teams headed to the playoffs. The Canucks have an especially good chance at landing a top five pick in this year’s draft, where the big prize is American-born Auston Matthews, who’s been tearing it up in Switzerland’s pro league this season.

This method might hurt the attendance figures during the short term, but if the Canucks become Stanley Cup contenders again, the losing years will pay for themselves.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Sports

February 22, 2016

Pacquio’s comments are unjust Kiana Medina Staff Writer

Opinion

Jenner Dangers Oncken / Oak Leaf

Bear Cubs rebound

Bear Cubs’ center Arnold Silva fights for a rebound in a game against American River College Jan. 29 at SRJC’s Haehl Pavillion.

Men’s team gets hot in time for playoffs Frank Sumrall Staff Writer The Santa Rosa Junior College men’s basketball team [18-10, 8-6] won its season finale against the Sierra College Wolverines [1314, 9-5] 90-78 Feb. 19, ending the season on a three-game winning streak with plenty of momentum for the playoffs.

Bear Cubs’ guard David Niklasson led the team to a hot start, scoring 14 of his 21 points in the first 10 minutes of the contest.

Santa Rosa’s biggest lead was 18 in the first half, and was matched again at 83-65 with four minutes to play. A late run by Sierra made the game closer, but it wasn’t enough.

Sierra College’s hack-and-slash method of scoring struggled against the Bear Cubs’ interior defense. The Wolverines grew impatient and tempers flared.

Wolverines’ guard Eric Toles fouled out of the game at the end while

the referees ejected Wolverines’ guard Anthony Williams after a verbal dispute with Bear Cubs’ guard Siaan Rojas.

Wolverines’ head coach John Fusano lost his temper while his team lost control of the game.

Head coach Craig McMillan was proud of his team after defeating a tough divisional opponent. “At times we played as well as we could play,” he said. Defense and ball mobility are fundamentals he stressed throughout the season and they paid off during their three-game win streak.

After being on the fringe of a playoff position, their recent surge could land them a spot. A morale boost came with guard Kiel Long’s return from injury after missing five games. Long and forward Jordan Hickman, who averaged 14 points during the last three games with two double-doubles, bolster a once frail bench unit with depth.

“Right now we play pretty good defense, rebound well defensively

and we’ve been a good shooting team taking care of the ball and not turning it over a lot,” McMillan said. “We’re excited to hopefully get a playoff spot.”

The key to this team is sharing the ball. The Bear Cubs average more than 18 assists per game when they win, yet just 15.3 when they lose.

When guard Josh Douglas orchestrates the offense with his tremendous vision alongside guards Siaan Rojas and Jacob Wilson, SRJC dominates.

McMillan preaches to ‘share the rock’ so opposing defenses stay on edge. Four players average more than 11 points, yet the leading scorer is Rojas at 13.7 per game.

Not relying on a single scorer creates matchup issues and stronger rotations as McMillan coaches around who has the hot hand during a game.

Right now, the entire Bear Cubs team has the hot hand going into the postseason.

Boxer Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, who is running for a senate seat in the Philippines, recently compared the LGBT community to animals when asked about his views on same-sex marriage.

“If you have male-to-male or female-tofemale relationships, then people are worse than animals,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao is extremely religious. As a devoted Christian, he has mentioned his faith in God in many of his interviews; this time his remarks led to Nike’s decision to cut ties with him.

Nike released a statement shortly after Pacquiao’s anti-gay remarks became public.

“Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community. We no longer have

17

Courtesy of Bleacher Report

Nike cuts ties with boxer Manny “Pac- Man” Pacquio after questionable LGBT comments.

a relationship with Manny Pacquiao,” Nike said in its statement.

Pacquiao did not apologize for his statements due to his religious beliefs. He chose to go with what he thought the Bible told him.

“A lot of people were alarmed by the truth,” Pacquiao said during an interview after Nike cut ties with him.

Pacquiao is a beloved boxer and has been in the game since 1995. He has a huge Filipino fan base and is an international fan favorite.

His strong religious beliefs, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, it is completely unprofessional and disappointing to know that a beloved man and amazing athlete such as Pacquiao would publicly discriminate against a group of people.

Unfortunately, the LGBT community cannot expect an apology anytime soon.

Pacquiao doesn’t believe there was anything wrong with what he said, by his faith in God and his interpretation of what the Bible says.

Cam Newton: misfit or misunderstood Frank Sumrall Staff Writer

Opinion Cam Newton has come a long way to silence critics, but his shady past makes it hard for fans to forgive him, developing him into an easy target despite his character. Whether it was his dancing, interviews or his past, people can’t seem to forgive him.

Controversy began at the University of Florida where Newton stole another student’s laptop and was arrested. He transferred to Blinn Community College for a year when the charges were dropped, then to the University of Auburn where he gained fame for winning the Heisman Trophy and BCS National Championship.

More controversy came when the NCAA investigated Auburn for illegal recruiting, but the investigation ended with Auburn’s action clean involving Newton.

Newton’s been successful in the NFL. In 2015 Newton led the Panthers, an estimated

five win team, to the Super Bowl. In a world of professional sports, where winning the title is everything, it was a nice change of pace to see Newton and company enjoy time on the field. Carolina shocked the world with a 15-1 record; and Newton won the MVP award due to his maturity. Newton continued to show his generosity by giving every touchdown ball to anxious kids. He later received the Ed Block Courage Award for his off-field contributions in Charlotte and Atlanta.

But the dancing became a problem for fans when he started to win.

When the Super Bowl came around, his performance was once again criticized for poor sportsmanship after he darted out of an interview. Despite other athletes like Peyton Manning who showed the same conduct in his first Super Bowl loss, Newton was criticized the most.

While Newton tried to forgive his careless and illegal past, his critics continue to heckle.

Newton is an amazing athlete who will be a force for years to come. Of all the athletes to shame, Newton should be one of the last on the list as he has redeemed his past.

Women’s tennis rolling, men’s stays idle Albert Gregory Staff Writer

Daniel Kong / Oak Leaf

Bear Cubs men’s tennis members get set during a practice match.

The Santa Rosa Junior College Women’s tennis team [3-0] bounced back with two solid wins after a mediocre performance in the 2016 Mission College Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament.

SRJC started the season with an 8-1 routing of San Francisco City College but were not as successful when competing in the tournament.

The tournament was played in five flights for singles and three flights for doubles, with teams’ first-ranked player in the first flight and secondranked player in the second flight.

SRJC was the only tournament participant unable to win any of its flights and struggled to get players out of the first and second rounds.

One bright spot was Sally Finney. She made it to the final round of the third flight, winning her first and second round matches 8-2 and 8-0.

Unfortunately, she lost in the third and final round 8-0 to Canada College.

“I try not to think about winning or losing and just focus on playing hard for each point,” Finney said.

Finney made it to the third round of the second doubles flight with partner Coral Imhoff. They won their first match 8-2, second 8-3, then lost the final round 8-3 to Canada.

Betsy Samonte played in the first flight and reached the second round, winning her first match 8-0 but losing her second 8-0. She won the semi-final consolation 8-5.

After the Mission College tournament, SRJC won a close meet against Modesto at home, 5-4, then faced Mills College and handled them

easily with a 9-0 sweep on the road.

SRJC women’s tennis has not faced anyone in its conference yet. Friday’s home meet against Folsom Lake College was canceled due to rain.

SRJC men’s tennis [1-2, 1-0] has not been as fortunate as the women’s team, starting the season with a 5-4 loss to Modesto Junior College Feb. 11.

The men’s team won in its only conference meet so far this season on the road against Shasta College Feb. 16. However, that was quickly followed by an 8-1 loss to Grossmont College Feb. 20.

The SRJC women’s tennis team faces Sierra College and the men’s team takes on Solano College Feb. 23 at home. Both are conference meets.

“I think we have a strong team, so I’m hoping we can pull out a win this Tuesday,” Finney said.

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February 22, 2016

Sports

www.theoakleafnews.com

It’s no longer a question; they are the greatest

Warriors silence haters game by game

Courtesy of PointAfter.com

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson dominate the rest of the NBA. The Warriors are 47-5 this season, so far.

Jaime Rodriguez Staff Writer

Opinion The idea that the Golden State Warriors were lucky to win their NBA championship last season should be put to rest.

During the offseason, numerous NBA players and coaches questioned the Warriors.

Skeptics claimed the Warriors did not face “healthy” teams during their playoff run.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said the Warriors were lucky they did not face his Clippers or the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs and everything went right for them.

Houston Rockets point guard

Ty Lawson insinuated MVP Stephen Curry was not trying on defense during the Western Conference Finals.

Injuries are a part of sports. The Warriors played the teams put in front of them, and they prevailed.

This season, the Warriors started a record-breaking 24-0; the greatest start in NBA history.

There was no “championship hangover” and it seems the Warriors are motivated to prove their worthiness as champions.

Now, 54 games into the regular season, the Warriors have an outstanding 49-5 record. Along the

way, the Warriors have destroyed anybody and everybody in their path.

The Warriors faced the Cleveland Cavaliers Jan. 18 and embarrassed them by 34 points. Days later, they blew out the Spurs, the team with the second best record in the NBA, by 30 points.

The Spurs game was followed by a 31 point demolition of the Chicago Bulls.

On Feb. 6 the Warriors beat the team with the third best record in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-108.

Most analysts and fans label all four teams as championship contenders.

Through 54 games, Michael Jordan’s legendary 1995-96 Bulls team,

considered the best team in NBA history, owned a 48-6 record. They finished with a record 72 wins. The Warriors are on pace to break that.

Being compared to those Bulls is an amazing feat as that team is the epitome of greatness.

There are still 28 games left to play, but the Warriors have established themselves as possibly the greatest in NBA history.

If they break the Chicago Bulls’ all-time win record and win backto-back NBA championships, the Warriors will have reached the pinnacle of the sports world.

Draymond Green is the true leader of the Dubs Albert Gregory Staff Writer

Opinion The Warriors will return to the NBA Finals this season thanks to a huge contribution from the best player on the team: Draymond Green.

He is listed at 6 feet 7 inches and about 230 pounds, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he plays. Whether playing power forward or center, Green dominates. He takes advantage of any mismatch using his speed, 7-foot wingspan and mental toughness.

Whether he is shutting down Anthony Davis in the first round of the 2015 playoffs, making Timofey Mosgov chase him around on offense or switching to LeBron James and Kevin Love on defense in the finals, Green always comes out on top.

Green prides himself on his defensive prowess, narrowingly losing the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year award to San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard.

He never backs down from someone bigger than him and it’s rare to find a player capable of escaping him. His ability to switch on and defend any player on the court gives the Warriors an edge no other team has.

Green’s influence on the Warriors

shows the most in their small-ball lineup. When the Warriors take out Andrew Bogut, put Andre Iguodala at small forward, slide Harrison Barnes to power forward and Green moves to center, he plays like no one else in the league.

His teammates and coaches from high school to the NBA continually praise him for his work ethic, team play, unselfishness and motivation. Even after defeating the Cavaliers in the NBA finals last year, Green found a way to fire up his team to start the season with a 24-game winning streak, and as of now, an NBA-leading 49-5 record.

Before entering the league in 2012, selected by the Warriors with the 35th pick in the second round, Green played with a chip on his shoulder. He waited for schools to recruit him out of high school because he was viewed as an undersized power forward, and initially committed to Kentucky until Michigan State finally offered him a scholarship.

He did the same at the NBA draft as he watched every team pass over him until the Warriors selected him with their second pick. Green worked hard and quickly proved he is much more than an undersized power forward.

I am not disparaging Stephen Curry in any way; he is the greatest shooter of all time and the best player in the league.

But Curry is not the most important Warriors player; that’s Green’s role.

Courtesy of Inquirer.net Draymond Green remains under the spotlight of Stephen Curry despite monstrous numbers.

Green leads the Warriors by example, averaging 14.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and a team-leading 7.3 assists this season.

He has improved in almost all areas and leads the league with 11 triple-doubles.

His impact shows up off the floor. He is the heart of the Warriors, his attitude and confidence sets the tone every game before they even step on the court.

Green is easily the most confident on and off the floor. He has earned a reputation as the league’s greatest trash talker, replacing perhaps the greatest ever in Kevin Garnett. He always knows exactly what to say in front of the cameras, while Curry and Klay Thompson fumble their way through

interviews. Green has already become a postgame interview star, and doesn’t need an adorable 3-year-old girl to do it.

Curry is one of, if not the most impressive players to step foot on an NBA court this century. He shoots the ball better than any player ever, handles the ball among the game’s best and can close a game better than anyone today.

If Curry has a rough shooting night, there is a plethora of the league’s most talented players to back him up.

But if Green misses a game, they lose their swagger, their key to the ‘death lineup’ and most importantly, they lose their heart. That is why Green is the Warrior’s true MVP.

Will Mathis Assistant Sports Editor

Opinion It’s funny watching sports networks talk about the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers and other teams like they actually have a chance at winning the NBA Finals.

Are you kidding me? It’s all about the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors dominated both the Clippers and Spurs. They’ve beaten LA six of the last seven times they’ve played and beat the Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers by 30 points each.

They got former Cavalier’s head coach David Blatt fired. He lead the Cavaliers to 30-11, first place in the Eastern Conference, but after losing to the Warriors by 34 points Jan. 18, he lost his job.

Anybody who thinks the Warriors won’t win the championship is kidding himself.

The rest of the league is just a bunch of street-ballers. The Warriors play team basketball like nobody else before.

Everybody wants to play one-onone. The Warriors want everybody on the team to touch the ball and move it around, making the defense constantly switch and sprint to stop the shooter while the Warriors stand around playing hot potato.

The Warriors are taking advantage of an era of selfishness in the NBA by playing selfless basketball. They’re taking advantage of an era of me-first basketball.

No big trade was made at the deadline because no team is only one trade away from being on the same level as the Warriors.

They’re the best team of all time.

They’re going to blow by 72 wins; they’ll win at least 75 games. For this team 77-5 isn’t out of the question.

Their highlights aren’t fights and flashy ally-oops like the Clippers and Cavaliers. Their highlights are passes.

Their highlights are 3-pointers.

Guess what, 1995-96 Bulls fans’; three points is greater than two every time.

You’ve got Michael Jordan. We’ve got Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the best shooters of all time.

Make Scottie Pippen or Toni Kukoc beat you. Make Steve Kerr beat you.

Make anybody else beat you. Just don’t let Jordan beat you.

I’ll take the 2015-16 Warriors over the 1995-96 Bulls every time.

www.theoakleafnews.com

Sports

February 22, 2016

19

Daniel Kong / Oak Leaf

Santa Rosa Junior College third baseman Cheyenne Cooper makes contact with the delivered pitch in a game versus Gavilan College Feb. 16 at Marv Mays Field. SRJC won the game 4-2, to improve to an 8-3 record on the 2016 season.

The Santa Rosa Junior College softball team [8-3] increased its winning streak to five games using a three-run bottom of the sixth inning to rally and defeat Gavilan College 4-2 Feb. 16 at Marv Mays field.

Bear Cubs’ pitcher Rachelle Butulia pitched all seven innings and only allowed one earned run.

Butulia is the ace of the Bear Cubs’ two-woman pitching staff. The other pitcher is Ashley Stevens.

Combined, the two pitchers have a 2.65 ERA and six complete games so far this season.

“Each game we are told to get ground balls and outs, so we don’t have to work as hard,” Butulia said.

“It helps when you have a team behind you to get your job done.”

On the offensive side, Stevens

Put on your rally caps Late inning magic boosts Bear Cubs softball to fifth straight victory Anthony Sosa Sports Editor Reporting by Austin Burmester, Staff Writer contributed two RBIs in the win. Stevens is the team’s best hitter so far this season. She has contributed with a remarkable .514 batting average and a .561 on-base

Siaan Rojas Basketball

percentage. As a team, the Bear Cubs are hitting .322.

“We’ve been working a lot at practicing on production when we have runners on base,” Stevens said.

Bryce Nagata Baseball

“We are learning to be smart hitters and are having better at bats each game.”

During their five-game win streak, the Bear Cubs have dominated their opponents, outscoring them 38-17.

Matt Estes Baseball

Their hitting has been phenomenal with a .403 on-base percentage.

“That’s just a product of timely hitting,” Stevens said.

Stevens also credits the team’s success to the chemistry between players. “We all get along really well.

Transferring that onto the field has done wonders,” she said.

The Bear Cubs recognize there is always room for improvement, even with their recent success.

“We are hitting the ball well, but we need to be hitting the ball well with runners in scoring position,” Bear Cubs’ Cheyenne Cooper said.

“That’s how you win games.”

The Bear Cubs look to increase their win streak to six games when they take on Solano College at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 in Solano.

Myles Andews Baseball

What is your favorite song?

“No Flocking” by Kodak Black. It’s my pump-up song before games.

“Ball Like This” by L.A. Leakers. It get’s the dugout going.

“American Ride” by Toby Keith.

“Something Like That” by Tim Mcgraw. It’s the first country song I liked.

What’s your most difficult class?

Sociology, because of the tests.

Math 58, because I’m not too good at math.

Speech 9, because there is a lot of writing and work.

English 1A, because it’s a high-quality class with a lot of work.

What’s your favorite NCAA sport’s team?

LSU

Oregon Ducks

Arizona

North Carolina

What do you do most outside of your sport?

I sleep, because I’m tired from practice.

I like to go on hikes with Scheiner [teammate].

I go to the gym and stay in shape. I also watch Netflix.

I like to go hunting. I hunt pretty much anything that moves.

Crossword

ACROSS

By Travis LaBrucherie

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1 He played Freddy in “House of Cards” 4 Halt, to a pirate 9 Digital currency 12 Busta Ryhmes album 13 Disney’s “Wreck-It _” Difficulty: Monday 14 Comes before force or Jordan 15 He does machines* 11 17 Drug known as sass-afrass 18 Model of Pontiac 19 Mole enemy of the Turtles* 21 An ordinary person 23 Occurring once a year 24 30-down’s weapon of choice* 25 Electro suffix 26 Do this to a horse, again 29 First woman to swim across the English Channel 33 A love affair 35 Help 36 Composer Bach 32 38 Toronto has these kind of Leafs 40 Sergeant _, ally to the Turtles* 41 Hardware store 42 40-across is a mutated one of these* 43 The Shredder’s real name* 46 47 Sheep noise 48 Runs without moving 49 F1 neighbor 50 NBC’s adult version of “All That” 51 House 52 Tell tall tales

DOWN 1 40-across’ color* 2 They did “Xanadu” with ONJ 3 _ Frog, member of the Punk Frogs* 4 Threepio’s pal 5 Latin woe 6 Adrain Peterson’s nickname 7 Turtle’s master* 8 Pricked 9 Ritchie Valens’ “La _” 10 Type of wave 11 Aggro _, you get a piece if you win Nickelodeon’s “Guts” 16 It gives you money 20 Suffix meaning dull or blunt 21 Small Chevy truck 22 South Carolina airport code 25 He leads* 27 NFL safety Clinton-Dix 28 National petroleum company 30 He is cool but crude* 31 John or Kim 32 A city in the Netherlands 34 Still on the shelf 36 Where 7-down is from* 37 Newscaster friend of the Turtles* 38 Basil of Baker Street is this 39 They can be smart or dumb 40 Tiny Toons character 44 Beer barrel 45 YouTube personality known for his FIFA gameplay 46 Vanilla who did the Ninja Rap*