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
Adair Alvarez Rodriguez

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Editor

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez is in his third semester at The Oak Leaf. He is pursuing a degree in journalism and plans on transferring to San Francisco State University. Outside of school he likes listening to music and watching the Giants.

All content by Adair Alvarez Rodriguez
Firefighters sit idly by at the Calistoga City Fire Department in Calistoga at 6:55 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

6,803-acre Pickett Fire at 15% containment

Emelle Raschein, Nick Vides, Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Yna Bollock, Lauren Kelleher, Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Oliver Kindt, and Kevin Terlizzi-Bowes
August 21, 2025
The Pickett Fire as seen from Washington Street in Calistoga at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Patrons continue to dine out despite the nearby Pickett fire, in Calistoga on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Alfonso Angeles sits at a bus stop eating ceviche at 6:51 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Angeles' primary worry is the overall temperature but believes that Cal Fire firefighters are capable of keeping the situation under control; he mentions that this is something he's accustomed to seeing every year.

Jon Dell practices his drawing skills at the Calistoga Community Center, which was designated as an evacuation shelter but sits mostly empty, at 6:42 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Dell supervised the community center and mentioned only seeing roughly six people that day. "This is like business as usual, you know, no one seems panicked," Dell said.

Gilberto Trejo stands outside his home at 6:24 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Trejo has confidence in Cal Fire and its firefighters and shows little worry over the situation. "I'm not too surprised, just cause it felt like it was a matter of time before another fire," Trejo said.

The Pickett fire continues to burn later into the night at 7:23 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

A protestor watches as the crowd circles around downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. After an hour of assembling, the crowd went from approximately 30 people to at least 200.

Protestors march around downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The protest formed at the center of the weekly Santa Rosa Night Market and comes after days of ICE, the National Guard, and LAPD being present in the greater Los Angeles region.

Protestors line the side walks of Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

[Photo] Hundreds march through downtown Santa Rosa protesting Trump administration’s ICE raids

Emelle Raschein, Editor-in-Chief
June 11, 2025
A protestor waves around a Mexican flag during a protest in downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

A protestor plays a washboard covered in political stickers during a protest in downtown Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

The "Spellers" meet in Doyle Library with their Communication Regulation Partners. Back row (left to right): Dean Carlson, Noah McSweeney, Ryan Heller, Kira Duley. Front Row (left to right): Martha Carlson, Buckminster Barrett, Lindsey Goodrich, Erica Richards, Nancy Dulet

[Photo] Mighty talking fingers to the rescue

Noah McSweeney, Reporter
May 18, 2025

I lost my drag virginity in Long Beach

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter
May 15, 2025
Fashion Studies Program Coordinator Emily Melville makes some repairs during rehearsals for the 2025 Santa Rosa Junior College Spring Fashion Show at the SRJC Petaluma Campus on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Mina Nguyen walks down the runway with models dressed in her collection during the Santa Rosa Junior College's 2025 Spring Fashion Show at the SRJC Petaluma Campus on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Finalists for the Jacquard to Die For competition line-up to recieve their placement awards during the Santa Rosa Junior College's 2025 Spring Fashion Show at the SRJC Petaluma Campus on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Henrik Gutt takes center stage to claim his $100 reward for winning the people's choice award during the Santa Rosa Junior College's 2025 Spring Fashion Show at the SRJC Petaluma Campus on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Masking autistic traits to fit into the neurotypical world can be taxing, creating more anxiety and stress in autistic individuals. Lindsey Goodrich, Augmentative and Alternative Communication specialist, helps Oak Leaf reporter, Noah McSweeney, through a tense moment in Doyle Library.

[Photo] OPINION: Behind Autism's mask is a unique person longing to feel included

April 25, 2025
California legislators left, Mike Thompson, center left, Chris Rogers, center, Damon Donnoly, center right, Mike McGuire, and right, Andrew Pedina, seek to address the lack of action from Sonoma State University Interim President Emily Cutrer on SSU's budget cuts, during a legislative forum on April 14, 2025 at Sonoma State University.

[Photo] Legislators return to SSU to address “Bridge to the Future” plan

Zoë Steiner, Reporter
April 17, 2025
A smooth latte with a comforting aroma paired with a fluffy almond croissant from Petaluma Tea & Coffee on 212 2nd St. makes for a nice morning.

[Photo] The Shift to Local Coffee: Ditching Corporate Chains for Community- Oriented Cafes

May 13, 2025
Petaluma Tea & Coffee barist Hazel filters through coffee to beans before putting a bag of them up for sale at Petaluma Tea & Coffee on 212 2nd St. in Petaluma on March 31, 2025.

Petaluma Tea & Coffee barista Hazel restocks the pastry display as a customer makes there selection. The coffee shop is located on 212 2nd St. in Petaluma.

Fresh pastries that taste as good as they look line the counter at Petaluma Tea & Coffee on 212 2nd St.

An assortment of tea blends fill a wall inside of Petaluma Tea & Coffee on 212 2nd St.

Petaluma Tea & Coffee barista Sebastian prepares a fresh latte with a charming design for a thirsty customer. The coffee shop is located on 212 2nd St. in Petaluma.

Janis Phillips shares a moment with her colleagues during a Women and Gender Studies class in 35 Darwin at Sonoma State University on April 2, 2025. Phillips' conversation comes after a presentation on the book Feminism is Queer by Mimi Marinucci.

Mallory Field records a short video of Poliento Ico during a Women and Gender Studies club meeting at Sonoma State University on April 3, 2025. The video is part of a series of interviews for the WGS club’s instagram about why students think spaces like WGS are important.

[Photo] Uprooted but unbroken: The fight to save WGS at Sonoma State

Zoë Steiner, Reporter
April 24, 2025
Xochilt Martinez Balladares provides the room with instructions during a Women and Gender Studies club meeting located at 3118 Stevenson at Sonoma State University on April 3, 2025. As Balladares’ time at SSU nears its end, she worries how safe spaces like the WGS club will thrive in the face of budget cuts.

Madelyn Boyd writes on a whiteboard inside of the Women and Gender Studies club room located in 3118 Stevenson at Sonoma State University on April, 2, 2025. The text is part of a prompt for a series of short interviews for the WGS club's instagram.

Located in 3118 Stevenson at Sonoma State University, the Women and Gender Studies club acts as a safe space for students to build a strong community.

Women and Gender Studies Club President Shawn Ramus converses with other club members on April 2, 2025. The club is located in 3118 Stevenson at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park.

Sonoma State University Women and Gender Studies Professor Don Romesburg gives a brief lecture before students give presentations in his classroom, in 35 Darwin on April 2, 2025. Romesburg's course is one of the many being dropped due to Sonoma State University's budget cuts.

Ava O'Brien reads a section in Feminism is Queer by Mimi Marinucci during a Women and Gender Studies class in 35 Darwin at Sonoma State University on April 2, 2025. Feminism is Queer is a book that discusses both feminist theory and queer theory, and finds the relation between both schools of thought.

The Rohnert Park Police incident report offers details on the arrest of Santa Rosa Junior College IT employee Jordan Mead outside of SRJC Vice President Kate Jolley's home on March 19, 2025.

[Photo] Police incident report reveals SRJC employee called police before going to VP's house

April 3, 2025
SRJC instructor Yolanda Delgado takes a moment to look outside her classroom on SRJC's Roseland campus on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Delgado is an associate faculty member who teaches English to multilingual speakers.and works with many students of varying backgrounds.

SRJC forward Jaden Washington yells as he dunks powerfully against Yuba on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025 at Haehl Pavilion.

SRJC men’s basketball blows out Yuba College to open playoffs

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter
March 3, 2025
Polar Bears forward Jon Christenson receives cheers after a win against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Polar Bears defense Owen Hamblin is met with cheers after a win against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Polar Bears forward Kirill Konoplianko takes a hard stop during his match against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

The Polar Bears celebrate their win against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

The Polar Bears huddle before their match against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Polar Bears forwards Antonio Hernandez and Austin Gunter celebrate after a goal against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Polar Bears forward Austin Gunter celebrates after a goal against the University of Nevada, Reno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Yanik Anderson attempts a layup against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Spencer Langowski fights through Yuba College's defense at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Bear Cubs forward Audon Forgus attempts a two-pointer against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Bear Cubs head coach Craig McMillan coaches his team during a timeout against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Santa Rosa guard Andrew Pengel looks for an opening against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Bear Cubs forward Tayden Collins low-fives the bench after being swapped out during his match against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The Bear Cubs take a moment to rest during a timeout against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

SRJC forward Jaden Washington rushed to the hoop to attempt a layup against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Santa Rosa guard Gavin Cook-Whisenton goes for an open layup against Yuba College at Haehl Pavilion on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Lee Stumbaugh filters through records while searching for a gem at The Next Record Store on Mendocino Boulevard on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

[Photo] Three stores for physical media surrounding SRJC

March 25, 2025
Lee Stumbaugh skims past the Elvis Presley records at The Last Record Store on Mendocino Boulevard on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Trey Tuxhorn checks out the rock section at The Next Record Store on Mendocino Boulevard, one of three local places where Santa Rosa Junior College students can buy physical music, on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

A large crowd forms in anticiaption of the state legislative forum at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Attendees wear solemn faces as Interim President Emily Curter addresses the crowd at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Sonoma State University students picket in Seawolf Plaza before the state legislative forum at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

[Photo] Students, faculty and lawmakers voice their concerns over SSU budget cuts at public forum

Zoe Steiner, Reporter
February 24, 2025
Pickets sit outside of the state legistlative forum at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Chicano and latino studies professor Ronald López attempts to rile up the crowd before the state legislative forum at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Sonoma State University soccer players (L-R) Isaac Bandabaila, Cypress Navarro-Acio, and Brian Chang sit in attendance for the state legislative forum at Sonoma State University on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The Bear Cubs sophmores point to Cele Urzua before their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Ivy Gonzalez awaits for her name to be called before her match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Ivy Gonzalez walks with her family wearing a big smile before her match against American River College on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The Bear Cubs raises their arms at the end of the national anthem before their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The Bear Cubs starting five wait for their names to be called before their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guards Cele Urzua, left, and Shasta Vlasak, right, shoulder bump each other before their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Shasta Vlasak, left, looks to pass to guard Ivy Gonzalez, right, during their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Ivy Gonzalez attempts a layup against American River College on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The Bear Cubs bench watch the players on the floor play against American River College on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Bear Cubs head coach Lacey Campbell briefs her team during a timeout against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21. 2025.

The Bear Cubs raise their fists after a huddle to preapre themselves for their match against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The Bear Cubs bench cheers after a score against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Bear Cubs guard Ivy Gonzalez attempts a two pointer while outnumbered against American River College at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

A protestor with a solemn face stands amidst the crowd during a protest against immigration crackdowns at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

A game used ice hockey puck signed by Oak Leaf reporters, Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Nathan Kaito Morris, and Yna Bollock serves as a sweet souvenir from the Polar Bears' games against Fresno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Jan. 31, and Feb. 1, 2025

Opinion: Ice, pucks and cocoa, everything to love about an SRJC Ice Hockey game

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter
February 20, 2025
Bear Cubs guard, Andrew Pengel, left, forward Audon Forgus, center, and Jaden Washington, right, re-enter the court following a grueling first half against Cosumnes River at Haehl Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.

SRJC men’s basketball can’t overcome early struggles, lose 71-62 to Cosumnes River

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter
February 13, 2025
Two SRJC students play against each other in Super Smash Bros at the financial aid fun fair outside of Plover Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

An inflatable-tube-man waves around at the financial aid fun fair outside of Plover Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

[Photo] Financial Aid Fun Fair and Club Day bring resources and engagement to SRJC

Samantha Arnott, Reporter
February 15, 2025
Two SRJC students converse at the financial aid fun fair outside of Plover Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Flyers for MEChA, a chicano student organizaiton, sit atop a booth at the financial aid fun fair outside of Plover Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

A group of picketers stand outside of Hotel E in protest of immigration crackdowns at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

SRJC student organizes “A Day Without Immigrants” protest, sees a wave of support in downtown Santa Rosa

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, and Bryan Fructuoso-Zurita
February 7, 2025
The Polar Bears' Luc Caron looks out at the rink during a break play against Fresno at Snoopy's Home Ice on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

SRJC hockey shows out with dominant wins in a two-game series against Fresno Bulldogs

Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Reporter
February 7, 2025
Crystal Favela Bautista stands in protest of immigration crackdowns at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

Sergio P. protests the crackdown on immigration at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

Ashley, left, and Dayren, right, stand in protest of immigration crackdowns at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Two protesters wrapped in a Mexican flag stand against the crackdown on immigration at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

A mob of picketers stand in protest of the crackdown on immigration as cars pass by at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Picketers stand in protest of immigration crackdowns at Old Courthouse Square on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

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