Amidst the current demand for social justice, schools across the country have been taking steps to provide resources that promote diversity and inclusion. Sonoma State University is one of the many schools to join the movement.

Small local businesses have taken a huge hit since the closure of Sonoma State University’s campus. What used to be a largely student-based community, is now left to survive without the financial income that students tend to bring to nearby businesses.

On this year’s ballot, Proposition 16 was presented to California voters. The proposition asked residents whether or not the ban on affirmative action should be lifted in the state. After all votes on the proposition were counted, it was announced that California voted in favor of not lifting the ban.

Although Sonoma County residents are struggling with a global pandemic and intense fire season, fortunately, homelessness in local youth is declining.

On Oct. 19, the Sonoma County Administrator’s Office released a statement informing residents of new COVID-19 testing centers.

Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17 year old who murdered two and injured one in a Wisconsin Black Lives Matter protest, will not be facing gun charges in his home state of Illinois. Rittenhouse has been held in a juvenile detention center in Lake County since August, when he committed the crime.

COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. almost a year after its original appearance in the country. Locally, the amount of Coronavirus cases rises every day, as the transmission rate grows. Out of the 58 counties in California, Sonoma County is among the most concerning. “Behind only Shasta, Lassen, Inyo and Amador counties,” Sonoma County ranks fifth in the state for COVID-19 transmission rates, according to The Press Democrat.

It’s wildfire season here in Sonoma County, and with it the threat of possible evacuations. The Glass Fire, which started around 4 a.m. on Sept. 27, has burned about 63,000 acres of land in the Sonoma and Napa counties. Sonoma county has been impacted by the fire with worsening air quality, red-flag warnings, and looming possible evacuations.

Sonoma State University’s production of The Vagina Monologues, originally written and performed by V in the 90s, has been an annual event for years on the campus, but things are looking a little bit different this year. Instead of the usual production of students reading their poetry, made impossible with COVID-19 guidelines, a performance in the near future may not be possible for the group.

On Sept. 16, Sonoma State University hosted one of its long-time events, Open Mic Night, through Zoom. This is one of many virtual events that Sonoma State continues to host through social distancing. Open Mic Night provided a safe space for students to share their talents.

This semester, Sonoma State University has been hosting their usual groups and workshops online, on top of some that are brand new to students, such as the Leadership In Crisis group. In this group, Sonoma State provides panels of SSU alumni to share their leadership experiences and discuss the roles of a student leader in a time of crisis. The Leadership In Crisis group is held on Zoom biweekly on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

One of Sonoma State University’s many services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is changing due to COVID-19, but is still available to students. Through telehealth, CAPS will be providing students with the same accessibility while retaining social distancing protocols.