On an unexpectedly sunny August weekend, San Francisco’s biggest music festival attracted more than 200,000 people to Golden Gate Park to eat, drink, smoke and be merry with a diverse range of 111 artists...

On the second day of San Francisco’s premiere music festival, and for the second day in a row, the sun made a surprise headlining appearance. I entered the festival around noon with Alex, Oak Leaf...

As gates opened on the first day of Outside Lands 2022, the sky was clear. Food vendors set up their booths, staff members drove golf carts through fenced-off areas, and festival goers slowly trickled...

It was a series of firsts Sunday afternoon as all four winners in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle picked up their first Sonoma wins. Bob Tasca III had a challenging path...

The Sears Point hills roared back to life as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returned to Sonoma Raceway July 22. The cold and breezy conditions helped Funny Car driver Robert Hight secure...

Outside Lands, San Francisco’s biggest music festival, will see SZA, Green Day and Post Malone headline a weekend of music, food and drink Aug. 5–7 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Outside...

An award-winning director spent three days on-set filming, editing, cutting and coaching with Santa Rosa Junior College students to make “You Don’t See Me,” a short film that will premiere at the...

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known for their equally bizarre 2016 directorial debut, “Swiss Army Man,” have struck the strangest kind of gold with their newest foray into the absurd, “Everything...

The latest and most ambitious project from renowned Japanese development studio FROM Software has set a new bar for open world games and perhaps even video games as a whole, showcasing a mastery of subtle...

The Santa Rosa Junior College theater department’s performance of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” was an unforgettable milestone for the cast and crew, as it was their first in-person...

Vengeance has arrived with the release of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” and it has delivered on all expectations, becoming one of the best film appearances of DC Comics’ Batman. “The Batman”...

The Santa Rosa Junior College theater department will host its first in-person production in more than two years with “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” at Burbank Theater March 4-13. Director...

Well over a year after the original release date of the PS5, I could not be happier with the console. The massive power upgrade from the PS4 has made so many games playable in the best way possible, and...

Looking for a dispensary that’s close to Santa Rosa Junior College, features boutique items and offers special student pricing? JANE Dispensary opened last semester on 2074 Armory Dr. and offers a 10%...

When a star-studded cast, an experienced director and a drama-filled storyline come together, you would expect a masterpiece. Unfortunately, Ridley Scott’s 2021 “House of Gucci” falls far below expectations. The...

Two former Santa Rosa Junior College film students will begin producing their first feature-length film Jan. 15, thanks to crowdfunding, their SRJC education and childhoods obsessed with filmmaking.  Mahlon...

Have you ever wanted to see Spongebob duke it out with Aang from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” in a fast-paced brawl set in the Ghost Zone from “Danny Phantom?” “Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl”...

Acclaimed horror director Mike Flanagan returns to Netflix for his third limited series, “Midnight Mass,” a religion-focused spectacle that delivers an excellent combination of powerful messages and...

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band created a beautiful, atmospheric sensation at its first online concert of Fall 2021, “Lift Off!” conducted by Director of Symphonic Band and...

After years of waiting, Academy Award-nominated director Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” is finally upon us, and it has delivered on nearly all expectations. The film has set the bar high for both the...

If you told film producer and Santa Rosa Junior College screenwriting instructor Eric J. Adams that the film he was starting six years ago would involve spending two weeks on airplanes traveling to and...

“Metroid,” one of Nintendo’s most beloved yet long dormant franchises, is finally back and arguably better than ever with “Metroid Dread,” developed by the Spain-based Mercury Steam and published...

Willow Creek Road Trail in Occidental provides a good warm-up for a summer of hiking with a mellow trek through the coastal hills and redwoods one person can blaze-through or a group can dally.  This...

If you do not feel safe traveling due to COVID-19, you can still have a luxurious summer to remember in the Bay Area. These five staycation spots will make you forget you're only an hour away from home. Amsterdam-like...

“How do we protect her?” Why victims stay with their abusers is not the question that needs answering; rather we need to focus on how we protect victims and how we prevent domestic violence from occurring...

Sonoma County trees are blossoming, the rain is intermittent and businesses are beginning to burst out of their long pandemic-induced hibernation. With Sonoma County officially blossoming out of the purple...

Greta Van Fleet’s sophomore effort “The Battle At Garden’s Gate” wears its nostalgic intentions on its sleeve, as well as demonstrating the band's inability to have ideas of their own. The Michigan...

Fashion designer Svetlana Shigroff and Santa Rosa Junior College students proved upcycling clothes is easier than you think at SRJC’s "Trashion Fashion" April 22. Athena Weathers, Vice President of...

Although the stars have been cooped up inside for the past year they did not forget how to serve fashion looks that will go down in history. They either had to dress to the nines or not dress up at all...

Finals are on the horizon but everyone needs a study break. Sonoma County theater has just what you need to take a breath, relax and pretend that huge project worth half your grade isn’t due next week. “Spring...

And the Oscar for best food design goes to — well, there isn't one —  but let's make them wish there was. The Oscars are just around the corner with the star studded event set to commence April 25....

COVID-19 halted film production around the globe; however, local filmmakers found innovative ways to continue telling stories while social distancing.  Nowhere was this more apparent than in this year's...

The irreverent animated blockbuster hit “Shrek” has been through a lot over the course of 20 years. From critical reception back in 2001, to children growing up loving it, to an odd memetic resurgence...

You probably don’t need a film major to tell you that cannabis and movies go well together, but some things, like peanut butter and jelly, are a perfect match. Here are eight films The Oak Leaf recommends...

As another month of online learning begins, Sonoma County theaters bring more entertainment right to your computer. From local playwrights to student-based works, the theater community has a lot to offer...

“Last Days at Paradise High” is a striking look at grief, trauma and triumph that serves as a pre-COVID-19 snapshot of coping with catastrophe. The documentary short directed by Emily Thomas and...

"Los Dioses," the latest collaboration between reggaeton and Latin trap superstars Anuel AA and Ozuna, delivers a familiar sound that builds on their god-like command over popular Latin music. Los Dioses...

Santa Rosa Junior College Orchestra and Symphonic Band entertained with Dizzy Gillespie's 1945 hit, “Groovin’ High,” in its first online event of spring 2021 when conductor and SRJC’s Director...

Let me start off by making it clear that the Elan IIe is one of my favorite cameras. It’s fast, it’s reliable, and it's got an excellent range of lenses. I picked mine up from a thrift store for...

Award-winning archaeologist, national lecturer for the Archaeological Institute of America and Stanford University instructor Dr. Patrick Hunt shared his geographic expedition of Carthaginian General Hannibal’s...

For both dungeon masters and initiates, SRJC Theatre Arts vanquish quarantine monotony with the Dungeons & Dragons-inspired play “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms,” a fantastically fun online...

Though not comprehensive on Fred Hampton’s life and the Black Panthers’ politics, Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah” is a great, stylized introduction to America’s most successful Marxist-Leninist...

Langston Hughes, the first Black artist to challenge anti-Blackness in America, was celebrated on the 100th anniversary of his first poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” with a discussion of his best...

The Golden Globes went virtual this year, giving stars the creative freedom to either stick to the norm and dress to the nines or embrace the stay-at-home fashion they have been sporting for the past year. Here...

Tired of scrolling through the same dry movies and shows online? Sonoma County has offered a variety of new and original content to stream brought to you by local theaters companies. “Crawfish: We,...

Reggaeton artist Bad Bunny has taken the world by storm this past year with two record-breaking studio albums and one compilation album. The pandemic didn’t put the brakes on his music but rather gave...

Poor production and lazy songwriting abound on “Medicine at Midnight,” a weak entry in Foo Fighters’ discography that sees the band doing the bare minimum and nothing more. “Medicine at Midnight”...

“Lessons from Losses” is a personal hip-hop diary detailing the darkest and brightest corners of a young man dealing with the heartache of losing his father, and the necessary positives and negatives...

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening for two or a cozy evening in PJs on the couch, check out our list of some of the best romantic films available to stream while you celebrate this Valentine’s...

Weezer, the ultimate "its old stuff was better" band, may have just proven the nerdy alt-rock perfection of its 1994 debut wasn't a fluke, while also renovating its instrumental palette. Rivers Cuomo...

My relationship with the Contax G1 is complicated. When I first looked into picking one up, I wanted something that every photographer wants at some point; a camera that could do it all. I was, at the...

When I first heard about “Population: One,” a new virtual reality battle royale game developed by BigBoxVR, I was very put off.  I thought to myself, “Battle royale in VR? This sounds super janky.”...

It’s almost been a year since the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted our weekly routines and opportunities for leisure. Movie theaters are becoming a thing of the past as movie enthusiasts and producers...

A thrill for movie nerds, a cascade of meta-narratives and an explosion of old-timey cinematic devices, “Mank” rewards patient viewers with an experience unlike any other in director David Fincher’s...

For all those hopeful activists longing for change, in a year where our current systems are being questioned, one need not look further than Sam Soko’s documentary “Softie.” In collaboration with...

SRJC’s Theater Arts prevailed through this unprecedented pandemic year of remote learning and arranged an innovative and heartwarming production with “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Its final showings...

2020 has had a lot of downs, something country music thrives on, so it’s no surprise that artists have created some of their best songs this year to provide an escape from the lonely COVID blues. Here...

Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts performs “It’s a Wonderful Life” as its second online play and first online musical” at 7:30 p.m. Friday Nov. 27 live on YouTube.  The iconic story about...

When My Chemical Romance’s fourth studio album “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys” first hit stores, fans were divided over the futuristic album, which combined the sounds of ‘60s...

Kurupi’s "Con Mi Gente: Shelter In Place Demos" is a poignant yet intimate look at the effect COVID-19 has had on our lives and a must-listen for any Santa Rosa Junior College student who loves music...

Armenian-American metal group System of a Down shocked listeners after a dramatic breakup and a 15-year hiatus by dropping two new tracks full of outrage and astounding guitar riffs, treating fans to a...

The Museum of Sonoma County is keeping the magic of Día de los Muertos alive with a free, immersive outdoor art display celebrating loved ones who have died. The exhibit features artwork by Peter Perez,...

Halloween is here, and you need a movie to watch for your quarantine night-in. These are the best horror, suspenseful, haunting and thrilling movies available to stream now on Netflix and Hulu.  Netflix Creature...

Gorillaz, the long-running virtual band spearheaded by UK songwriter Damon Albarn, has released one of their most colorful collections of tracks to date with “Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez,”...

Santa Rosa Junior College and Our House Intercultural Center hosted a film screening and Q&A session Oct. 21 with Bronx-based rapper Bocafloja about his documentary “Nana Dijo: Irresolute Radiography...

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Music Department will present a digital Oktoberfest on YouTube as its first event of the semester at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30.  The event will have a GoFundMe account set...

SRJC Theatre Arts is performing “Murder On The Orient Express,” a play based on Agatha Christie’s 1936 novel, and streaming live on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24. Laura Downing-Lee directs...

Fleet Foxes come through with a shimmering collection of tracks on “Shore,” showcasing what makes them a special folk force, along with a unique and catchy flair.  Robin Pecknold, the creative...

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us in many ways, as well as some of the things we love. The virus has postponed or canceled new music, movies and television, but creators and audiences everywhere...

With “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” Charlie Kaufman has crafted one of film’s most confounding documents in the form of a tense, existential drama whose rules are constantly bending. Kaufman...

"XCOM: Chimera Squad" is an interesting entry in the XCOM series, to say the least. It’s advertised as a story-focused spin-off to a game series known more for its focus on gameplay than anything else....

If the last list left you wanting more Spanish shows to binge watch, look no further. Here are the last five of 10 suggestions for Spanish shows streaming on Netflix to satisfy your binge-watching needs.   “Gran...

“Are You Experienced” is the critically acclaimed debut album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience and one of the albums that invented hard rock. The album was released on this day… 53 years ago. Yes,...

“Final Fantasy VII Remake” is an ambitious and stylish piece of video-game art that, while occasionally tedious, is well worth more than five years of waiting. Publisher Square Enix, which released...

If you're finding yourself bored at home, why not stream TV in Spanish to either experience a different culture and learn a new language, or to practice what you already know while being entertained. Here...

The show went on for the annual Sonoma County Student Film Festival, which presented student-made productions virtually, at 7 p.m April 3 via a Zoom videoconference. Despite Santa Rosa Junior College...

It’s been a month since quarantine started, you haven’t seen your friends in forever and you're probably bored right out of your mind. So what kind of games would be good to play in a time like this? Here...

With shelter-in-place orders extended through April, here’s a list of five must-watch new and old shows on Netflix that will make your home quarantine more enjoyable. “Altered Carbon” With...

It’s easy to get bored with your typical media consumption habits during quarantine. Instead of another list of feel-good content that will take your mind off the coronavirus pandemic, here are five...

Everyone is stuck indoors until this pandemic blows over. If you’re bored of Netflix and video games, there is another option to occupy your time: board games. An American staple since long before...

The grand reopening of Santa Rosa Junior College’s Burbank Auditorium brought students, faculty and alumni alike through inviting doors to celebrate the updated building. “We’re really here, aren’t...

From “Prince of Persia” to “Assassin’s Creed,” video game film adaptations are notoriously bad, but “Sonic the Hedgehog” is an odd surprise. The film concerns the inter-dimensional blue...

“The Slow Rush,” the fourth studio album by psychedelic music project Tame Impala, is a vibrant, genre-bending alternative rock odyssey, despite a few flat songs.  The album was released on Valentine’s...

After a year-long hiatus from performing at Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts returns to the newly renovated historic venue with “The Cripple of Inishmaan” to open the auditorium’s...

Lady Gaga’s new single, “Stupid Love,” graces Gaga fans with the artistic, out-of-this-world sounds and fashion on which the star has built her career, but breaks away from the country- and jazz-influenced...

There are thousands of horror movies out in the world featuring different themes, languages and cultures. Some of them are bound to be terrible. Lately there has been an influx of horror movies revolving...

“Daybreak,” released on Netflix in October, is a teen comedy set in a zombie apocalypse, and despite the tropes, the show is fun and colorful. Colin Ford stars as Josh Wheeler as he and his friends...

For two weeks every year, the Russian River Brewing Company releases one of the nation’s most sought after beers: Pliny the Younger. This Triple IPA is only available to consume at the brewery’s taprooms,...

We've all been there, you brought another case of chocolate chip cookies to a potluck from a random supermarket. But have you wondered if the one you purchased were any good? No need to drive around town...

“Birds of Prey” is a visually stunning thrill ride that revitalizes the comic book genre with kinetic and captivating fight scenes, inclusive and innovative political views and a killer soundtrack...

When I think of my childhood, one thing that comes to mind is the Oscars.  Growing up, I would watch them while crammed on the couch with my mom. She loves movies. When I was younger, the famous actors...

Miss Americana herself, Taylor Swift, is the subject of a highly anticipated documentary that premiered Jan. 31 in theaters and on Netflix.  The documentary premiered at Sundance on Jan. 23, but came...

The Mystic Theater in Petaluma clamoured with dancing feet and sweaty audience members enthralled with the new age spanish sound emanating from San Jose-based band SuenaTron.  “If you have a drink...

In the 2010s, we saw many new classics by directors ranging from old masters to emerging talent. From the rise of commercial LGBTQ films to the wider acceptance of minority-directed films, it’s never...

Branden Carrell and his bandmates watch where they step in their makeshift recording studio. The former garage, once a photo studio, now serves as Carrell’s grandmother’s bedroom. Carrell’s band,...

New York rapper, Scorcese film starring actor and aspiring painter Action Bronson collaborated with long-time friend and producer The Alchemist for a new album, “Lamb Over Rice.” In his new tape, Bronson...

“The Irishman” may be a long watch for a Netflix blockbuster at 3 hours and 29 minutes, but its lead performances combined with Martin Scorsese’s superb direction make it a compelling piece of cinema. “The...

The hills of Sonoma County were filled with the sound of music Friday evening as Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University collaborated on the production of “The Sound of Music” at SSU’s...

Although director Boon Joon-Ho isn’t a household name in the United States, his latest film “Parasite” is praised internationally by moviegoers for its masterful portrayal of socioeconomic inequality...

The first live-action “Star Wars” television series is here, and after three episodes, it’s clear “The Mandalorian” is some of the most exciting “Star Wars” content in years. But what makes...

The hills of Sonoma County will be alive with “The Sound of Music” from Nov. 22 to Dec. 8! Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts Department students will perform the classic Broadway musical “The...

“Everybody’s Everything,” Lil Peep’s posthumous emo rap album displays the talent that Peep held, and the career that could have been achieved. The late rapper's 19 song album is a compilation...

Standout horror studio A24’s recent release, “The Lighthouse,” captures the dread and isolation of being marooned on a rock in the middle of the ocean in a bleak, black and white contrast. The Lighthouse...

The wolf in sheep’s clothing scares us more than any real wolf. John Carpenter grips this idea tight in “The Thing” and uses tense psychological uncertainty to keep the audience reeled in. The...

Featuring over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins, Pumpkin Nights boasts games, eats and entertainment to make any evening feel spooky and spectacular.  While the event is mid-sized, tickets cost $20, as much...

As if the real life of Kincade Fire week wasn’t frightening enough, the grand finale of our oh-so-beloved season of haunts, bewitchment and pumpkin-spiced everything has arrived—and we’re here to...

Though not complex or thought-provoking, “Scream” is a classic slasher film whose charm and chills will make you want to watch multiple times for its over-the-top jump scares and gore. Blood and guts...

It goes without saying that the world of live shows, especially among contemporary rap artists, has become all too lifeless and overrated, with artists just lip-syncing over the instrumentals and vocals...

This review is spoiler-free. “Breaking Bad” ended in 2013 with one of television’s greatest finales ever, and “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” is an epilogue that exceeds fans’ lofty expectations. “El...

Santa Rosa Junior College celebrated Native American people, their history and their culture on Oct. 14 in Bertolini Quad as part of the college's fifth annual Indigenous People's Day, a holiday replacing...

A car filled with teenage boys rolls up to a car full of teenage girls at a stoplight. The boys suggest a drag race, and the girls agree. As they muscle for position on a rickety drawbridge, the girls’...

Acclaimed author Victor Villaseñor spoke to the Santa Rosa Junior College community 12 p.m. Monday at Newman Auditorium, sharing his wealth of knowledge and candid personal philosophy. California native...

An exhibit at Santa Rosa Junior College, “Beyond Stereotypes: Native Americans Restyle the Comic Book Universe,” opens Oct. 15 at the Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum and will display a compilation...

Detroit-native Danny Brown’s excellent new album “uknowhatimsayin¿” is another collection of psychedelic beats peppered with Brown’s signature frenetic voice and paranoid lyrics. While White...

Out of all the portrayals of Batman’s villain in the last 50 years, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker is the best yet; it’s heartbreaking, bittersweet and sad, but in the best way possible.  Director...

Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts Department opens their fall season with "The Good Doctor" at 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 in Newman Auditorium's Emeritus Hall — the last time the classroom will be used before...

Up   In this one your boys examine the deep relationship between graphics power and art style at the root of gaming visuals. We discuss the best and worst we've seen and whether or not,...

In the last few years, both fashion houses and wearable tech companies have explored the idea of adding music to your environment with Sony Xperia Ear Duo, Aftershokz Trekz being two examples. Known for...

A$AP Rocky’s “Babushka Boi” is a vibrant song beautifully produced with a vivid and hard-hitting video.  New York rapper Rakim Mayers, 30, known by his stage name A$AP ROCKY, released the song...

  On our 15th episode we discuss music (and sound as a whole) in video games. We discuss the horrible voice acting of Oblivion, the memorable sound effects of World of Warcraft and the swelling...

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless by the media coverage of climate change. However, we are duty-bound to stay informed on this topic so that we may fight for change before it’s too late. One...

        I spent 752 hours — over 31 days — watching movies last year. If those numbers sound ridiculous, it’s because they are. Most people’s New Year’s...

Students and activists across the country gathered in San Francisco last weekend to convey their deep concerns about the world they will inherit, if they live long enough to see it.  San Francisco’s...

Ms. Lauryn Hill and CeeLo Green performed for a sun-soaked audience to close out the first weekend of the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival on Sunday. The audience freely wandered the grounds of the...

Lana Del Rey’s sixth studio album is a broken record. She fails to deliver any new sounds that differ from her previous albums. By sticking with piano ballads and her electronic pop style, Del Ray doesn’t...

The Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum at Santa Rosa Junior College has curated a Native American exhibit focused on the ancestral Puebloan civilization, with the college’s oldest collection of Puebloan...

“Jesus Forgive Me I Am A Thot” is the latest single from up-and-coming artist Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, better known as JPEGMAFIA or Peggy. In a musical landscape where popular rap production...

“Look Mom I Can Fly,” Travis Scott’s first documentary, gives viewers a first hand look at the notable life of the 28-year-old rapper. The Houston native documented his moments of work, play and...

Disney’s D23 Expo took place Aug. 23-25 in Anaheim, California, and left a glut of entertainment news in its wake from announcements of new shows streaming on Disney+ to upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe...

"Fear Inoculum" is proof that good things are worth waiting for; the album is an experimental masterpiece, with guitar, bass, drums and synthesizer weaving in and out and crashing together for tremendous...

“Goodness, that’s awkward,” Crabbin said. “‘Goodness, that’s awkward’? Is that what you say to people after death?” Holly Martins asked. On this day 70 years ago, the shadowy world...

Picture this, if you can stomach it. It’s November 2004, Usher’s “Yeah!” blares from the speakers of your Toyota Camry, memes are in their primordial state, "all your base are belong to us" comes...

Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album “Lover” echoes what the final song whispers: “I want to be remembered for the things that I love, not the things that I hate.”  The lyrics to the closing...

  In this episode we discuss the 5th and second to last episode of Game of Thrones season 8. We talk about the Mad Queen, deaths both deserved and unexpected and what they could possibly do...

This week we talk episode 4, we discuss deaths, ghosts and the inevitable reign of King Podrick. Join us next week for episode 5.   Music courtesy of Floating Point Image courtesy of SyFy

On our third episode we discuss...you guessed it, the third episode of season 8 of Game of Thrones. We talk deaths, survivors and how much Jordan hates all of it. (We apologize for this late upload,...

Join directors from across the country to celebrate animated and live action short films this Saturday at the 11th annual Film Fest in Petaluma. Film lovers will have the opportunity to see a mixed...

The Santa Rosa Junior College Orchestra and Symphonic Band will present a multimedia concert with visual projections this May called: Circadian Rhythms. Tenured music instructor Dr. Jerome Fleg will...

Cross international waters. Stroll down cobblestone pathways at dusk. Clink wine glasses as your eyes wander onto the Ponte Vecchio while the sun takes its final bow. Many college students see international...

On episode two we discuss...you guessed it, episode 2 of Game of Thrones season 8. We talk Ser Brienne, Podrick the Bard and play death bingo. Music courtesy of Floating Point Image courtesy...

SRJC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” has a few kinks to iron out, but has all the elements of a near-flawless spectacle: a great cast, eye-catching choreography, entertaining music and excellent set production....

Fern Bar is a much-welcome haven for anyone craving a bit of bigger city atmosphere. As a fusion between the popular Lowell’s and the trendy Nectary, both in Sebastopol, Fern Bar takes the farm-fresh...

The future of Nashville-based alt-rockers Cage the Elephant seemed uncertain in recent years when their lead singer’s life fell apart in the aftermath of his divorce, however the band members managed...

The annual Sonoma County Student Film Festival featured student-made productions April 5 at the Carole Ellis Auditorium on Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma campus. The film festival premiered...

 In this first installment of a limited series, Devin and Jordan talk with new addition Aria (no relation) about Game of Thrones, specifically Season 8 which just premiered. This will be the first...

The Santa Rosa Junior College theatre arts department will hold its production of the rock-opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” starting April 19. The musical is a concept album from the late ‘60s with...

Welcome to Hell. This unnecessary reboot hammers you over the head with its loud and obnoxious score, grueling pacing and grotesque, cartoonish violence. “Hellboy” lurks in the shadow of its predecessors...

“After” manages to elicit a yearning for more racy romantic trash like “Fifty Shades of Grey" because anything else would have been less excruciating than this clichéd look at abusive teen relationships. Josephine...

Horror nerds everywhere, fetch your reading glasses and plump up the cushions on your comfy chair: There’s a new book in town, and it doesn’t disappoint. Joseph Fink, New York Times bestselling co-author...

“Shazam!” is a fun, relatable and highly entertaining superhero movie that’s oddly family-friendly when compared to the rest of the gloomy DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Based on the DC Comics character...

Relying on psychological thrills with a mix of classic slasher films, “Us” tells a story with outstanding acting and directing. After the success of “Get Out,” Jordan Peele released his highly...

Mark Wilson, an adjunct art history instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College, recently published the novel “South Side Story,” his sixth work and first foray into fiction. The novel, available...

Summerfield Cinemas was the place to be Sunday if you like cats and were in the mood to have a good time. CatVideoFest 2019, a 70-minute compilation of laugh-out-loud cat video clips, played to three sold-out...

Last month, Cage the Elephant announced its fifth album, “Social Cues,” with the release of a teaser track “Ready To Let Go,” where frontman Matt Shultz poetically retold the story of his failed...

The Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery hosted an opening for “Meanderings: Sabbatical Exhibition,” a show featuring paintings by Stephanie Sanchez inspired by her her travels around the United States. The...

Santa Rosa Junior College’s production of “All the Great Books (Abridged)” is an interactive and hilarious experience that amounts to a must-see show. I was expecting a simple comedy, but what I...

Despite the doomsaying of Internet trolls, Brie Larson knocks it out of the park, delivering a fun, snarky portrayal as the titular Captain Marvel. The majority of the film takes place on Earth in the...

Students from Santa Rosa Junior College and other community members will gather Mar. 9 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts  for the “Who’s Got The Chop’s Lip Sync Battle,” a highly anticipated...

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments, the talent and the history of African-Americans. In observation of the month, it’s time to shed some light on a few black musicians who...

“Thank U, Next” is the latest and most prolific album from Ariana Grande, further cementing her status as a bonafide pop princess. Ariana Grande released her fifth studio album on Feb. 8 and is...

Music might seem like a small part of a movie, but according to seasoned composer David Newman it is the most important piece of the equation. The Petaluma Cinema Series invited Academy Award nominated...

The Oscars aired without a host Sunday and did not suffer from the lack thereof. Though the night proceeded without a proper host, the presentees prevailed and kept the show going smoothly and in order....

DreamWorks’ third and final entry of the “How to Train Your Dragon” series is a short and sweet send-off for heroes Hiccup and Toothless, keeping the theme of loss and acceptance strong after three...

Crashing drums, lumbering riffs and haunting vocals from frontman Bronson Lee Norton tick all the essential boxes for a perfect doom metal album. “Vol.6” is an intense thunderstorm of rhythm and vocals...

James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez may have turned an obscure manga series into a beautiful, eye-popping sci-fi blockbuster, but leading actress Rosie Salazar steals the show. Fans of action, sci-fi...

Love is a central theme in music, and since music speaks to people and evokes certain emotions in ways normal speech can’t alone, it’s a great medium to talk about such feelings. However, when...

Just because you’re broke doesn't mean your heart has to be. Valentine's Day is here, along with the opportunity to have a great day with your sweetheart. There’s just one issue: Your brain says...

A social justice speaker engaged students on breaking down racism, bias and assumptions related to a misunderstanding of race, ethnicity and nationality during an event Wednesday morning in the Girvin...

The typical Valentine’s Day consists of flowers, chocolates, dinner and a movie. The typical Valentine’s Day is expensive, too. This year, give your wallet a break; stay home and watch something festive....

Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar opened its new location in the heart of Santa Rosa on Fourth Street. With the town square consisting of bars and cafés, the addition of Noble Folk was something downtown...

“King of the Dudes” is the latest four song EP from New York City based rock band Sunflower Bean. The album was released on Jan. 25 with a runtime of roughly 20 minutes. The band departs from their...

“Ready To Let Go” is the newest song from Grammy Award-winning alt-rock band Cage the Elephant released on Jan. 29. This single is the emotional return to music fans have hoped for after a year of...

“If Beale Street Could Talk” is a warm, welcoming conversation about the beauty and anguish of the African-American experience in the 1970s. Director Barry Jenkins adapted the film from the novel of...

Capcom has started off 2019 with a strong remake of 1998’s “Resident Evil 2,” reanimating the classic survival horror entry with a modern face-lift and adding to the list of recent standouts in the...

Five months after the release of her much anticipated “Sweetener” album, Ariana Grande is set to release her most iconic album to date “Thank U, Next,” this Friday. The album features controversial...

The Santa Rosa Junior College theatre arts department will stage an abridged production of “All the Great Books” this March, a show The Washington Post described as English class meets Monty Python....

“Almost Free” is the third studio album from Los Angeles punk band Fidlar; it released on Jan. 24.  Band members Zac Carper, Elvis Kuehn, Max Kuehn and Brandon Schwartzel take some big risks to break...

Warning: This review contains minor spoilers!  M. Night Shyamalan's “Glass” falls flat despite its excellent predecessors, and in true Shyamalan fashion, the movie takes one step forward and two...

Your smartphone’s camera can likely rival any DSLR. It’s small, fast, powerful and able to share photos worldwide within seconds. With a few simple tips, you can improve your photography skills and...

With the constant release of new movies and video games, there isn’t enough time to watch and play them all. Instead, movie-buffs and gamers should devote their time to only the best of a given year;...

*The original version of this story included incorrect information. Reading Cinemas in Petaluma does not offer a $6 student ticket and free popcorn. We apologize for the error.  Healdsburg Golf Course Abraham...

New York native Action Bronson released his self-described “very first indy project in a very long time” on Nov. 1,  after a year of radio silence. Bronson fans will find “White Bronco” pleasantly...

The music of “Star Wars” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” has been some of the most iconic in Hollywood. The blaring horns at the start of a “Star Wars” film is enough to give any fan goosebumps....

No Thanksgiving is complete without a full face of festive makeup to “stunt” on your family. For those who need a tutorial, here’s a Thanksgiving 101 for fall makeup: Starting off with primer,...

Although the cast and crew of “Shrek the Musical” had to sacrifice two dress rehearsals to poor air quality, the show had to go on, and without a hitch, it did. As people filled the lobby of the...

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is nowhere near as fantastical as its predecessor nor its legacy. The movie moves at a snail’s pace without any resolution in sight as it follows the...

A fairytale will come to life this fall, although it is “Far Far Away” from Santa Rosa Junior College. “Shrek the Musical,” an SRJC theater arts department production, opens Friday at the Maria...

The scariest thing about Michael Myers isn’t his knife or the fact that he murdered five people while hunting down his long-lost sister--it’s the trauma he left behind. Just ask Laurie Strode, reprised...

Looking back on his four-decade career in the movie industry, renowned cinematographer Dean Cundey told Santa Rosa Junior College students how proud and passionate he was to tell stories through the language...

Kombucha, beer and limited time beers have been poured into our glass, but it's time for something fancier, a hard cider.  Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders is a California cider company whose first harvest dates...

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to view unique works by famous historical artists is coming to the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol, in late October. Reverberations: A Visual Conversation,...

Released, Friday Oct. 5, “Trench” is the fifth studio album from alt-rock Grammy-winning Twenty One Pilots. This is their first studio album in the last three years and after a year-long silence on...

Spoiler Free! If you’re going to pay to see “Venom,” stick with 2D and cheaper matinee shows. If you want to save some money, this movie might be fun to laugh at on the smaller screen when it...

Mega Man 11 - Release Date 10/2 The classic franchise returns with its precise platforming and tight controls, where we see Mega Man, once again, going through different stages of battling evil robots....

Bradley Cooper stars and directs this romantic musical drama about a turbulent relationship between a failing alcoholic country singer and his lover, as she rises to fame. The film is a slow burn of emotional...

“How the Garcia Girls lost their Accents,” a play based on a book by Julia Alvarez, follows a Dominican family that struggles to make it in the United States in the early 1960s. There are four daughters:...

Santa Rosa Junior College will hold a day of remembrance to mark the anniversary of last year’s October wildfires at 11 a.m. Oct 9 in the Bertolini Student Center. The event is a chance for those...

Art Trails Open Studios once again makes its annual appearance in Sonoma County for two weekends on Oct. 13-14 and 20-21. This year features 126 returning artists and 18 new artists working in a plethora...

“My Hero Academia: Two Heroes” is an all-out blast with incredible, goosebump-worthy fight sequences that will thrill and leave you wanting more. The movie cements the series as the top contender for...

What I feared might taste like a mix of Santa Cruz brand apricot mango juice and Lagunitas classic IPA, Mozango turned out to be the ideal blend of fruity, earthy and hoppy. The last few releases from...

Jennifer Garner delivers vengeful blows in her comeback film. In the movie industry, films about motherhood and films about revenge are often separate ideas, but Jennifer Garner bridges the gap between...

  So you say you don't listen to country music? I've got a question for you: why not? If you don’t respond right away, is it because you’re unfamiliar with country music? Could it be that...

Students who struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle while navigating busy class and work schedules may want to check out the sixth annual Wellness Fair this Oct. 18.   The Wellness Fair is a student-led...

Boochcraft is a Californian microbrew brand that makes high alcoholic kombucha. All six of Boochcraft’s brews have a 7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and taste much different than beer. Boochcraft’s...

For 42 years Lytle’s Beauty College college has been educating professional cosmetologists and estheticians while serving their community. Lytle’s is often forgotten among the major colleges of Sonoma...

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively co-star in this black comedy that explores the darker side of secrets, friendship and infidelity. The film shifts erratically from chilling to laugh-out-loud funny and at...

“Crazy Rich Asians” is a heart-warming rom-com that will have you laughing out of your seat, staring wide-eyed at the luxurious lifestyle of the Young family and booking airline tickets to Singapore. The...

This will be the first beer reviewed in the series, On Tap. New reviews will be featured every week, spanning from beer to kombucha. The next drinks will be two drinks with high ABV levels, Kombucha from...

On the corner of Mendocino Avenue and Seventh Street, Golden Bun is a shack-like food spot with an assortment of Banh Mi, open seating and friendly staff. When it comes to cheap, good food in Santa...

I have great respect for Marshall Mathers, but after listening to his new album “Kamikaze” after the Beyonce style surprise release on Aug. 31, I was so disappointed in him as an artist that I wanted...

The video game industry is constantly expanding. With so many new titles being released each month, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy, a main concern for college gamers. When trying to balance...

It started with a click. And $150 later I was off to see Taylor Swift at Levi’s Stadium. What felt like years in the making had transpired into the anticlimactic click of a keyboard. In the...

At 90 Old Courthouse Square lies a tucked-away stairwell, the entrance to Perch + Plow’s second floor location. Three massive windows let in natural light and provide a beautiful view of Santa Rosa’s...

From wahaka shrimp tacos to chicken and broccoli alfredo fettuccine pasta to Austin's Texas burger, KC’s American Kitchen offers something for all. The owners David & Kathy Culley opened this...

Have you ever wanted to relive the colonial days of building up your settlement and the lands you claim ownership, without all the witch trials, attacking natives and deadly winters? Then “The Colonists”...

If you want the best Mexican food within walking distance of Santa Rosa Junior College, you need to check out Juanita’s. Located next to the Chase bank on Mendocino Avenue, Juanita’s is the perfect...

Amy Schumer’s newest film, “I Feel Pretty,” hams its way through the cliché trope of inner beauty besting outer beauty, prompting few laughs and a lot of cringe in a rather reluctant-to-watch theater. Schumer,...

Not many bands can part ways, pursue individual careers, not speak to each other for years and reconvene 20 years later and release an album as hard hitting as Sleep’s “The Sciences.”   Released...

This film had the guts to do what so many blockbusters failed at before, aside from films like Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. This film tells a strong story with real stakes, elicits emotion and...

Student filmmakers, professionals and film enthusiasts alike will converge at the historic Mystic Theater next Saturday for the 10th annual Petaluma Film Festival, an all-day event featuring short films...

Somewhere between the Beatles and the Fray lies the Wallows: a new and improved alternative-pop persona that encompasses the qualities of early ‘80s garage bands. First albums are usually exciting...

Santa Rosa Junior College students who wished to study fashion between the 1930s and 1970s earned a degree in home economics. Today, SRJC students may not know this was once the backbone of fashion studies. Known...

Santa Rosa Junior College embraced its love of film with the introduction of a Mass Media class in 1968 taught by instructor John Bigby. The class, Drama 468B, taught students to create their own films....

The year, 1974. The cost, $200,000. The purchase, Santa Rosa Junior College’s first computer. In 1974, The Press Democrat reported SRJC as the first community college in the nation to buy the Hewlett-Packard...

Emulating the likes of Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and Madonna, Kylie Minogue revitalizes the sound of past pop divas into a fresh and modern new album.   Kylie Minogue outshines the rest in...

Powerful, chaotic vocals. Growling, thunderous bass lines. Sharp, screaming riffs.   In their 2018 release, “Firepower,” their first album release since 2014’s “Redeemer of Souls,”...

Three high-profile women in technology shared experiences working in a field that doesn’t typically see a woman’s name beyond Siri and Alexa. Women from X, the moonshot factory, Ancestry.com and...

Racism isn’t new. It hasn’t just now come to surface under the Trump administration. Perhaps it stems from the American dream, the belief that success is purely dependent on how hard ones tries, an...

Ivo Marloh believes that to make a good film, you must live the film. This philosophy inspired him to create the award-winning documentary, “All the Wild Horses.”   Marloh visited the Petaluma...

With their March 2018 album, Used Future, doom metal heirs The Sword step out of their comfort zone. Departing from the purity of heavy metal, the band takes a risk and strides into the world of hard rock....

The tables were set. Books and bags of dice were unpacked and sheets of paper were placed on the table. One person sat at the head of every table. The others waited with a mix of terror and excitement...

Three trailblazing women from three very different professions shared their experiences facing a misogynistic society and the unwanted, unwarranted, yet  normalized sexual advances that accompany such...

“Love, Simon” is as much a celebration of diversity as it is an idyllic and witty reimagination of the modern teenage experience. It’s a poem to gay youth across America; a sonnet that personifies...

Aries (March 21-April 19) Let your adventurous and upbeat nature lead you down a new path— or perhaps trail. Give Alamere Falls a chance. Picnic near where the waterfall meets the ocean. For extra...

Tyler-Avery Lewis, 22, is the newly crowned Miss Sonoma County. Lewis, a Rohnert Park native, studies dance at Santa Rosa Junior College. We got the chance to speak with Lewis about winning the crown,...

War doesn’t end when a soldier returns home. The aftermath is felt for generations. In “Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter,” it takes shape in the form of a play. Many veterans filled the audience on Sunday...

The One Love Diversity Festival on Feb. 28 provided activities and learning opportunities to engage with the diverse culture that is integral to SRJC and the community.

The international art exhibition, “The Farthest Shore,” invites viewers to experience art and ideas beyond themselves. The exhibition features six printmaking artists from Canada, Ukraine and the U.S....

The release of “Black Panther” has been interesting to say the least. The hype train, combined with social justice movements has taken this film to new heights. It has a majority of African Americans...

We as a society have preconceived notions that all famous rappers and singers live the high life. They have the extravagant cars, VIP treatment, luxurious mansions, excessive jewelry, ritzy vacations and...

Since most of our wallets are still recovering from spreading Christmas cheer, a “boujee” Valentine’s Day date is most likely out of the question. College life is expensive, but even on a budget,...

Justin Timberlake’s new album, “Man of the Woods,” combines folk, country, contemporary pop and modern trap/R&B/funk influences into a strange experiment that is unbearable at the start, but...

Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” beautifully captures the true story of The Washington Post’s 1971 publication of classified government documents featuring leading lady Meryl Streep as publisher Katherine...

A Santa Rosa Junior College centennial ceremony called, “100 Years in the Making,” went on display Jan. 31 at the Herold Mahoney Library Gallery on the Petaluma Campus. The exhibit featured student...

Biographies are easy reads. It’s inherently interesting to read about a life that produced intellect, heroism or art. But a good biography is insightful, with the power to contextualize history and reframe...

With humanity long gone from earth, Godzilla: King of Monsters was left alone for 10,000 years as earth continued to evolve. Humanity was forced to look for a new planet to call home. With supplies running...

It came as a surprise to many as Bruno Mars took home six awards at the 2018 Grammys including, “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.” Mars frequented the main...

I remember being a youngster and watching his daily routine like I was witnessing some from of divine intervention; the universe and all of its secrets opening itself up to a pre-teen boy. The way he’d...

Santa Rosa Junior College faculty, board members, educators, students and alumni gathered on Jan. 24 at Bertolini Hall to kick off the first in a series of events celebrating the college’s 100 year...

   Aires (March 21-April 19)  The cautious optimism you cling to is unfounded. Your upcoming month will attest to the fact that life is a painful endeavor full of disappointment, exhaustion, and...

This year’s Winter Spotlight Dance Gala is a celebration of students’ hard work, commitment and talents at Santa Rosa Junior College. The show will consist of about 30 dancers spotlighting their...

Horchata definitely adds a refreshing touch to any meal. People that try Horchata seem to fall in love with it right away. Growing up in Mexico, Horchata was one of my favorite beverages to go along with...

Sonoma County has a large number of Mexican restaurants and food trucks, and everyone has a different opinion about where to find the best tacos. After trying 10 different locations, these were the four...

With finals approaching, students know how strenuous it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Winter Wellness Fair at Santa Rosa Junior College on Dec. 7 brought students together to learn how to...

Growing up, we become accustomed to reading fairy tales and poetry books that help us further our knowledge of life. We flip through the imaginary scripts that give us vivid dreams of what we think our...

If you are craving Thai food, you must try SEA Noodle Bar, Chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s award-winning restaurant. His culinary team offers a menu consisting of original Thai dishes combined with the highest...

“Kim Namjoon! Kim Seokjin! Min Yoongi! Jung Hoseok! Park Jimin! Kim Taehyung! Jeon Jungkook! BTS!” Fan chants overwhelmed Microsoft theater when BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond the Scene,...

Han Solo’s famous quote, “I got a bad feeling about this,” perfectly captures my thoughts on the new Star Wars video game, “Battlefront II.” Battlefront II improves upon many of the mistakes...

Everyone has a mother and that’s exactly Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson’s problem. Well, that and living in post 9/11 Sacramento, where the only exciting thing about being alive in 2002 is that...

Video Game Publisher, Electronic Arts (EA), received harsh complaints from consumers regarding it’s new Star Wars game, “Battlefront 2.” EA came under fire for incorporating microtransactions,...

Love. Love is salvation for humanity. Love motivates every wish and desire. Love can be everything you’ve dreamed of or capable of wrenching your heart out of your chest. Either way, we can’t live...

The deadly wildfires that swept through Sonoma and Napa counties last month damaged three local parks heavily. Sugarloaf and Shiloh parks are closed indefinitely, while 65 percent of Annadel remains...

“...Are You Ready For It?” is one question Taylor Swift imposed upon her fans when she first released the single. But after releasing her sixth album, “reputation,” it is obvious no one was ready...

Stop going to 7-Eleven for that mixed Slurpee concoction and check out the newest phenomenon to hit Healdsburg. It’s not Hawaiian shaved ice or any other ice-like dessert, it’s a Boston-style slush. The...

Santa Rosa’s Frozen Art’s slogan is the “The best ice cream in town.” With the largest selection of ice cream in town, it’s hard to choose between 45 unique flavors that bring the local business...

More than 40,000 people filled San Francisco’s AT&T Park for Band Together Bay Area, a benefit concert for Sonoma County fire victims on Nov. 9. “To be a part of this line-up is a collective...

The drums of war beat anew. For the first time in 14 years, red-eyed, green-skinned orcs are facing off against pale, fleshy humans. With the announcement of World of Warcraft’s newest expansion, “Battle...

A sparkling palace set receives finishing touches on the Maria Carrillo High School stage this week, complete with gilded accents and an enthusiastic cast milling about. It’s the rehearsal for “The...

College students may not always have time to shop in stores, let alone afford it. However, there are several tips and tricks on how to save money. Shopping online or thrifting is an efficient way to...

When you watch the ending of Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” you’re actually watching footage shot by Stanley Kubrick intended for “The Shining.” In 2015, Scott revealed this kernel of movie...

By 40 everyone has their life figured out, except for Alice Kinney. Although she is Home Again, it seems like everything is bursting at the seams; her life, her marriage and even her plush throw pillows. Home...

It is exhausting living in a world full of George’s and Izzy’s when you are a Cristina. When you’re a Cristina, you are strong and resilient as well as successful, determined, passionate and relentless....

Mikayla Butchart was tired of living in New York City. She wanted a quieter life, one where she could have more space and “refill her creative well.” After spending 15 years in the Big Apple, where...

On stage, DJ Dustin Everill is a superstar behind the one’s and two’s, off stage Dustin Engel, 20, is just another Santa Rosa Junior College student. He is one of the most requested DJs at local school...

Spirits soared high and bikes soared higher at the inaugural dual slalom race held at Stafford Lake Bike Park in Novato. Close to 70 riders attended the free event from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Oct. 1. The...

Okay. It’s the hour before the pre-Halloween party, and the the cake has flopped, the pizza guy is taking years to deliver and the decorations suck. Now what? Well look no further. To fix this party...

When democracy fails and fascism wins, freedoms are sacrificed by some, yet others bravely fight the fall with dark political satire. This colorful play intends to wake people up to fascism in the U.S.. Santa...

A city isn’t complete without the unique flavor and vibrant community provided by the presence of a Latino neighborhood. In Oakland, it’s Fruitvale. In San Francisco, it’s the Mission District....

“It” has a whole lot of “It” and not much else. The latest adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel allows the demonic clown to take center stage for the majority of the two hour and...

If you ever need some fashion tips or someone to shop with, you’ll want Santa Rosa Junior College student and economics major Claire Ernst. Ernst, 19, is a student whose fashion style will impress...

For Jordan Diomande, 18, fashion is the way he expresses himself best. He brings a cool and eclectic style to the table with clothes from ASOS, Pac Sun and Tommy Hilfiger. From Ivory Coast, West Africa,...

Conflict, mystery, love and suicide; all prominent themes in “Romeo and Juliet.” But what once reigned as the greatest love story has been dethroned to a story that has reached the hearts of a generation. No...