Confessions of a Hippie Survivalist
Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor
April 3, 2020
It’s difficult being a hippie survivalist. I should know. I have a foot in each camp, but belong to neither. It’s like this: I go to the shooting range and I meet friendly and capable people, but I’m scared of breaking gun etiquette the entire time (with guns, proper safety must be observed...
A reasonable — and perhaps beneficial — choice: Postponing the Tokyo Olympics
Kayla Beaton, Sports Writer
March 30, 2020
The International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday that the Summer Olympics will be postponed to July 23, 2021. While this news is surely heartbreaking to many athletes whose strict training schedules are now upended, it is good news for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Forward Alex ...
Every California resident must participate in the 2020 Census
James Domizio, Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2020
Every 10 years, the U.S. government counts the country’s population to determine federal funding and congressional representation for every state. Californians — a word that for the census means everyone who lives in the state, including documented, undocumented and homeless residents alike — mu...
Four reasons why the U.S. isn’t ready for coronavirus
James Domizio, Editor-in-Chief
March 12, 2020
Coronavirus has arrived in America, and America isn’t ready. COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, has canceled the remainder of NHL and NBA seasons, closed Disneyland and forced most major universities to offer online only instruction. California, North Carolina, Washington and other states have declared ...
The Oak Leaf endorses Bernie Sanders for President
Oak Leaf Staff
February 26, 2020
The Oak Leaf Editorial Board, considering the interests of Santa Rosa Junior College students and faculty, endorses Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont to be the 46th President of the United States because of his positions on climate change, Medicare-for-all, student debt relief, tuition-free public col...
Why female coaches matter in male professional leagues
Kayla Beaton, Staff Writer
February 25, 2020
History was made earlier this year when women made headlines on coaching staffs in two professional sporting leagues. On Jan. 9, Alyssa Nakken took her place as the first female full-time coach in Major League Baseball, for the San Francisco Giants; one month later Katie Sowers was the first female to ...
Why my 50s are my metal years
Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor
February 11, 2020
I’m 51. This is my Metal Decade and I have the scars to prove it. They might not all be visible, but I assure you it took everything I’ve ever had for me to make it this far in life. I’ve been through a lot. There was the time, not so long ago, when I walked into a wall and hit my head with...
Opinion: Let’s help the homeless
Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor
January 28, 2020
I went down to the homeless encampment on the Joe Rodota Trail yesterday and handed out a case of candy bars. It was a good excuse to get out of the house and do something worthwhile for a change. I talked in-depth to one couple and got to see firsthand how people are living there. It was a dirty, s...
Opinion: Los Guilicos is a lie
Zane Zinkl, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2020
The City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma are failing their homeless residents, again. Despite the “hunger for change” and a community that is “on board and invested in solutions,” as described by Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, efforts to improve the conditions of the county’s poo...
Evacuating Healdsburg: My experience fleeing home during the Kincade Fire
Jose Gonzalez, Staff Writer
December 12, 2019
I had tears streaming down my face and my hands were shaking — I feared what would come next. Healdsburg was under mandatory evacuation. I wondered if it would burst into flames and if I would return to a pile of ash instead of my hometown. The Kincade Fire started at 9:27 p.m. Oct. 23 near Geyservi...
The digital detox diary: My 24-hour device-free diet
Mark Fernquest, Co-Magazine Editor
December 12, 2019
The rules: my digital diet will last 24 hours, during which time I will forgo cell phone, laptop, internet, debit/credit card and electronic key-fob usage. I will, however, use analog technology as usual, including clocks, my truck and a pay phone — if I happen to come across one that works. Prefa...
Carceral state: The prison industrial complex wasn’t the solution for my mom
Jesse Kapukui, Co-Features Editor
December 12, 2019
The first time my mom was incarcerated — for vandalizing public property — I counted the approximately 730 days until she’d get out. Every weekend I got used to the dehumanizing routine. I checked my pockets for contraband, made sure my clothes followed the dress code, walked into the crowded...
Lauren A. Spates, Staff Writer
Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor
Lauren A. Spates, Staff Writer
James Domizio, Editor-in-Chief
Kayla Beaton, Sports Writer
SRJC to begin remote instruction March 30
March 21, 2020
Spring sports cancelled indefinitely; Athletes given another season of eligibility
March 19, 2020
Depriving myself of coffee for 24 hours — while working at Starbucks
March 19, 2020
Refurbished Burbank Auditorium opens after two-year closure
March 19, 2020
Going a month without social media
March 17, 2020