The Sonoma State Star, the university’s student-run newspaper, was honored Saturday by the California Newspaper Publishers Association with two first-place awards in the college division, including a First Place award for General Excellence.

For the second year in a row, Cotati’s Jaded Toad have taken home the honors of “Best happy hour” and it’s easy to see why. It has an inviting cool, backyard feeling, an outdoor spot with an awesome selection of beer. Jaded Toad is concept type restaurant with fire pits and picnic tables to setting a casual ambiance. The music sets the tone with some upbeat tunes, making you just want to sit back and enjoy a game on one of the many TV’s or take in a game or two of corn-hole.

On March 11, our campus will host a medical cannabis symposium. But before we get into that, let’s rewind to Nov. 8, 2016 -- election day. The United States got a new president and California got marijuana. 

Truth, credibility, integrity and the Trump administration. One of these words doesn’t belong, and it’s no secret to a majority of the population as to which one. Thousands of news sites, millions of words, billions of people and one president. In a matter of a week, media have turned into a guessing game of the truth. 

The sweet relief of finishing classes, loading up the car and driving home for the holidays is something many college students look forward to at the end of every fall semester. The only thing that keeps them sane during finals is the thoughts of their parents’ cooking and their childhood bed. 

If the election were held today, some 55percent of California voters would likely cast their ballots in support of Proposition 64, according to a recent poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California.  That means Calfornia could potentially join Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska in legalizing the recreational use of marijuana; but voters should be wary.

According to a recent Gallup poll, 48 percent of Americans have “some,” “very little” or no trust in law enforcement. This is the lowest rate of confidence in law enforcement the United States has seen in 22 years. 

At first glance, the cancellation of an amphitheater that would cater to more student-focused performances might sound like an injustice, but surprisingly it’s in the student’s best interests.

Strobe lights flashing, bass pounding, the crowd is pulsing and your best friend is lying on the floor. 

This alarming scenario has become a regular occurrence at raves and music festivals, especially with the elevated misuse of MDMA-based drugs like ecstasy and molly. 

For a senior on the basketball team, playing on your home court can be one of the most special memories you have in college. 

The roar of the students cheering, their energy fueling the team to push forward and win. For students and players alike, basketball games in the Wolves’ Den are a school spirit staple.