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A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

Staff Profile
Mark Fernquest

Mark Fernquest

2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2022-2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025

The Oak Leaf's youngest member, Mark is a freelance writer and editor with a penchant for cryptids and all things post apocalyptic. His articles have appeared in The North Bay Bohemian, The Marin Pacific Sun, The East Bay Express, Smart Meetings Magazine and Made Local Magazine.

Dec 14, 2024
Nov 30, 2023
May 12, 2020
May 12, 2020
Review: Super Burger (Story/Photo)
Apr 23, 2020
Apr 08, 2020
Apr 03, 2020
Feb 11, 2020
"Synesthesia is how I experience the world," says SRJC student Noah McSweeney, 23. A blending of senses creates sensory overload. "Your control panel is a mess of tangled wires and the system is on the fritz."

OPINION: Sensory Salvation

Noah McSweeney, Reporter March 13, 2025

This journal is my simple attempt to offer readers a unique opportunity to experience a first-person perspective as a non-speaking autistic student. The title refers to how I see the world through my senses....

By the Fireside Episode 2: Themes and Motifs

In this episode, we invite experienced writer and editor Mark Fernquest to talk with us about themes/motifs within stories, what makes a good theme and how to shape a story. We examine movies, video games...

The Last American Outlaws Podcast Episode #3: Bonnie & Clyde

Mark Fernquest, Journalist November 30, 2023

Join Oscar DeJung and guest Mark Fernquest for this podcast about the Big Gang Era’s most violent gangsters — The Barrow Gang. Learn about Bonnie Parker’s poetry and Clyde Barrow’s skills as a...

Superburger's Cheese Superburger makes for a dependable, if messy, feed.

Review: Super Burger

Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor May 12, 2020

Super Burger | 1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa; Also in Windsor, Bennett Valley, Cotati, Stony Point | (707) 546-4016 | Most entrees under $15 4.5 of 5 Oak Leaves Signature Dishes St. Helena Avenue...

Central Santa Rosa's back alleys offer walkers a peaceful and calming respite from traffic and paved roads.

Walking Santa Rosa’s back alleys

Mark Fernquest, Magazine Editor April 23, 2020

  I’m a walker. Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s I walked long miles to school and home (by choice) and by high school I regularly walked from my home in the Silicon Valley sticks to downtown...

The Joe Rodota Trail homeless encampment is unofficial home to over 200 people.

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...

Photo courtesy of Gloria Anrade

SRJC mourns loss of beloved custodian

Séamus Reed, News Editor September 26, 2018

Santa Rosa Junior College faculty, staff and students are mourning the death of beloved veteran custodian Hermilo Andrade, who leaves behind a three-decade legacy of service at the college. Andrade died...

Pandemic Notes: Parts I and II

Pandemic Notes: Parts I and II

Mark Fernquest, Staff Writer April 8, 2020

Part I Greetings from the edge of the known world! By which I mean human civilization at this uncanny hour. I’m a survivalist from way back, having grown up during the waning days of the Cold War,...

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