The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

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Free and anonymous HIV testing protects students

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer December 12, 2018

The Student Health Center located on the west side of campus directly across the Zinfandel Residence Halls recently held a free and anonymous HIV testing for all students encompassing Sonoma State campus. The event was on Dec. 4 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. with the hopes and intentions to bring a large number of students to come and get tested. 

With being located on a college campus, the Student Health Center knew with the year wrapping up it would be smart for Seawolves to come in and make sure they are healthy going into the holiday season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Youth aged 13 to 24 made up 21% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States.” With many students attending Sonoma State within the age range, HIV is a disease that can happen to anyone, especially on a college campus. 

QSA holds candlelight vigil for transgender community

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer December 5, 2018

With the transgender community experiencing strong feelings of hardship and a disconnect with society, the Queer Student Alliance (QSA) has teamed up with the HUB to hold an event remembering those who have been killed for being transgender. 

Violence against the transgender community has been an ongoing issue and the statistics continue to rise with each year that passes. According to the organization Human Rights Campaign, “In 2017 advocates tracked at least 29 deaths of transgender people in the United States due to fatal violence”. According to an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) article, a survey done by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that “one in four transgender people have been assaulted for being trans.” 

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Student Spotlight: Makayla Freed

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer November 7, 2018

Makayla Freed, a transfer student and experienced naturalist, has been lucky enough to get involved in a major and program that has shaped her experience here at Sonoma State University. 

The senior Environmental Studies and Planning student came to the university as a transfer student, unaware of how she would get acclimated. During her first weeks as a seawolf, when she was overwhelmed with a feeling of loneliness, she knew she had to get involved somehow. 

QSA club tables against DHHS’s memo

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer October 31, 2018

This week, the Queer Student Alliance club used their voices to make it known on campus what is happening in our world. Recently, it has been headlining in the news that the Trump administration is making efforts to eliminate basic transgender rights. 

This action brought on by the administration has caused numerous people around the world to wonder if anyone is safe anymore to express their identity. The Queer Student Alliance, also known as QSA, took action and wanted to make a change. 

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Restaurant of the Week: The Drawing Board

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer September 26, 2018

A restaurant filled with creativity, excellent customer service as well as lick your plate clean type of food. The Drawing Board, located at 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma will give you a memorable experience....

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John Legend wins legendary title

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer September 19, 2018

Singer-songwriter John Legend is known for his world renowned voice, rocking the record labels, and racking up hardware at almost every award show. Legend brought much attention to his name last Sunday...

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Netflix Originals “Like Father”

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer September 12, 2018

Netflix’s new original film, “Like Father,” is a drama starring Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer. The film is one hour and 43 minutes long and will keep you completely hooked. The film is worth...

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“To all the boys I have loved before” just another teen romance?

Mariah Ponce, Staff Writer September 10, 2018

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before: heart fluttering, heart breaking and humorous all wrapped up within one hour and thirty-nine minutes. The Netflix original is a perfect mix between romance and comedy,...

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