Students on spring break were notified by Sonoma State University, through email, that classes were to be moved from in-person to online, starting March 24 and ending on April 20. Later that week, another email was sent out stating that classes will remain online for the rest of the semester. The first emails had mentioned that the school was beginning a plan to allow professors time to adapt to the situation and also change course criterias. This was due to COVID-19, as the disease slowly began popping up in different cities across the Bay Area.

Students were given the option by Sonoma State University to stay on campus if they had nowhere else safe to stay, but they were encouraged to move back home if it was possible, in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Seawolves who stayed in their dorms still had access to the Student Center, the cafeteria, along with the library and computer lab in case some students didn’t have access to a computer to complete their online classes. Although they eventually couldn’t remain open, Sonoma State’s library sent out emails asking students if they needed a laptop for remote learning purposes. To obtain one of these laptops, students were asked to “Submit a request… and [the library] will mail a laptop to your home address.” The laptops are only available while supplies last.

On March 17, President of Sonoma State Judy Sakaki, sent out an email regarding Sonoma county joining the “shelter-in-place” order that was enforced at midnight and would continue until April 7. Sakaki stated that, “The shelter-in-place order directs county residents to stay in their homes and only go out for essential purposes. The intent of this order is to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus(COVID-19).” Judy Sakaki would send out another email on March 19 notifying students that classes would be remote for the rest of the semester. 

In response to the issue, Associated Students sent out an email offering any Seawolf basic needs during this crisis by keeping Lobo’s Pantry open on Tuesday and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will be limiting the distribution to just prepackaged bags of staple foods. In order to pick up the bags, students had to follow certain guidelines that would ensure that everyone was practicing the six feet of social distancing. Hand sanitizer was provided at the tables where people were given bags and staff was there to assist using gloves during the process. 

Students were still allowed to travel to essential places such as grocery stores, auto repair shops, offices for medical assistance, and home if they wished to leave. Sonoma County announced that the parks, trails, and beaches will be closed, as well as recreational areas. The decision was made because of the high volume of people visiting these locations even after the “shelter-in-place” was put into action. Faculty and staff were given permission to be on campus, but were encouraged to practice social distancing. 

Rohnert Park and other neighboring cities have closed most businesses, but essential businesses have stayed open. The owner of Mac’s Deli, Toraj Soltani, said “Thursday was the worst day I’ve seen in 15 years.” The restaurant had most of it’s tables filled Friday afternoon, but Soltani said the restaurant was still down about 30%.

While people are struggling to remain positive and hopeful during these difficult times, it’s important to keep in mind what we do still have and remember what resources are available in our community.