Session
A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
Session
A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
Session
A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Editor

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto (she/her) is returning for her third semester at The Oak Leaf. Part reporter and part editor, she is a jack of all trades with breaking news, opinion pieces, features, and her bread and butter – food reviews. As an aspiring journalist, she looks forward to creating more content with the team this semester.

All content by Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto
The Waterhawk offers Americana food with a lakeside twist. While its menu is not the most unique in Sonoma County, it does feature some classic options such as the Waterhawk Burger.

Waterhawk Lake Club: Potential paradise off the freeway

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Editor
August 29, 2025

Pickett Fire reaches 90% containment

Emelle Raschein, Nick Vides, Adair Alvarez Rodriguez, Yna Bollock, Lauren Kelleher, Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Oliver Kindt, and Kevin Terlizzi-Bowes
August 21, 2025
Jordan Mead, right, and his attorney, Ibrahim Agil, appear in court to request a mutually-agreed continuance for his alleged felony stalking case at the Superior Court of Sonoma on July 14, 2025. He will be arraigned on domestic violence charges on Sept. 9 after Santa Rosa Police arrested him Aug. 30.

Former SRJC employee’s alleged stalking case delayed until October

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
August 21, 2025

Thousands gather across Sonoma County for ‘No Kings’ protests

Debbie Van Dyke, Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Kevin Terlizzi-Bowes, Hana Seals, Nick Vides, and Oliver Kindt
June 14, 2025
Healdsburg resident Tim Yeakel is fighting his sense of hopelessness by attending the No Kings Protest on Saturday, June 14, by showing his dissatisfaction with the current administration with an upside-down flag.

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Local protestor, S’na, shows off their flag in the middle of the street during the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg, Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators shared a multitude of messages with handmade signs for the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators shared a multitude of messages with handmade signs for the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators shared a multitude of messages with handmade signs for the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators shared a multitude of messages with handmade signs for the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators shared a multitude of messages with handmade signs for the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Traffic affected going into downtown Healdsburg during the No Kings Protest Saturday, June 14.

Traffic affected going into downtown Healdsburg during the No Kings Protest Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Lifelong friends Dana, Rebecca and Bo hope to stand in solidarity with local officials, minorities and people who believe in democracy while attending the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg on Saturday, June 14.

Healdsburg citizens came out in droves in support of the No Kings Protest in downtown Healdsburg, Saturday, June 14.

As spring comes to Sonoma County, the grapes that will make this year’s wine begin to form in Healdsburg, on Saturday, May 10. (Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto)

Wine in America: Are the kids drinking enough?

Henry Fliflet and Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto
June 4, 2025
In the age of being more connected than ever online, young adults are feeling less connected to their social circles. Two friends decompress over a glass fo wine at Maison in Healdsburg on Saturday, May 10.

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The wine industry is cyclical in nature due to it’s dependence on volatile factors like agriculture and changing consumer demands. Saturday, May 10. (Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto)

Dating apps have gamified what should be a fun, spontaneous and exciting way to meet people. They also only show part of someone’s personality and likeness.

OPINION: Dating apps are dead, bring on the meet cute!

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
May 16, 2025
Analy Hall sits in the heart of Santa Rosa Junior College’s Campus and is now home to the newest anti-trans graffiti found on campus on April 22.

Hate speech continues on SRJC campus with anti-trans graffiti found in multiple restrooms

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
May 10, 2025
Students walk in front of Bussman Hall Annex, which is home to SRJC's Information Technology Department, on May 5.

SRJC community has mixed reactions to IT employee arrest

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
May 8, 2025

Coast Kitchen: Sonoma Coast’s Juxtaposition

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
May 3, 2025
SRJC’s Queer Resource Center (QRC) provides a safe physical space for queer students. The QRC invites all students to visit Bertolini Hall on Tuesday, April 2, for Trans Day of Visibility celebrations.

Anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments are closer to home than we think; anti-trans graffiti found in campus restroom

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
April 1, 2025
SRJC’s Queer Resource Center (QRC) provides vital resources like access to name change lawyers, mental health services and community building through events.

SRJC’s Queer Resource Center (QRC) provides a safe physical space for queer students. The QRC invites all students to visit Bertolini Hall on Tuesday, April 2, for Trans Day of Visibility celebrations.

SRJC’s Queer Resource Center (QRC) is the leading voice for LGBTQIA+ student protection, guidance and counseling on campus. You can visit Monday through Thursday in Pioneer Hall.

Jordan Mead, 47, gives public comment at the Board of Trustees Meeting on March 11, 2025 in the Bertolini Student Center while wearing a body camera. In his comments, Mead asserted his position as a whistleblower.

Jordan Mead pleads not guilty, posts $1 million bail

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto and Emelle Raschein
March 29, 2025
Sushi Koshō is one of numerous restaurants providing a plethora of cuisine in The Barlow in Sebastopol, joining the likes of Acre Pizza and Fern Bar along the main thoroughfare — McKinley Street.

Sushi Kosho: Instagrammable but Inconsistent

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
March 27, 2025
Demonstrators cross the street towards Santa Rosa Avenue during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

International Women’s Day fosters enthusiastic support at Santa Rosa protest

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
March 14, 2025
Handmade signs are attached to the bottom carriage of a stroller as demonstrators gather for the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A hand painted sign is held by a demonstrator in support of the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A hand drawn sign is held up by a demonstrator in support of the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators hold handwritten signs in show of support during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Friends Valerie Seabag and Sarah Hylton dance with signs in support of the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators gather together with handmade signs during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A demonstrator carries flags through the crowd during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Sebastopol resident Lisa Reyes, 74, showcases a sign reading " Don't Tread On Me" while sitting at a bench during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators hold handmade signs during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A handwritten sign on cardboard is held up by a demonstrator during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A handwritten sign is held up by a demonstrator during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

A demonstrator celebrating their birthday holds up a hand painted sign during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators share their feelings on International Women’s Day wearing the chilling red cloak and white bonnet as described in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators gather holding handmade signs during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Demonstrators hold up a handmade banner that reads "The Future Is In Our Hands" during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Friends Judi MArley, 77, and Loreene Romero, 64, proudly hold their handmade signs during the International Women’s Day march in Old Courthouse Square on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Santa Rosa.

Cock Robin in Sebastopol has patio tables and bench chairs that offer community-friendly seating inside and outside of the restaurant. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Cock Robin: Bringing a taste of the Midwest to West County

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
March 6, 2025
Cock Robin in Sebastopol has patio tables and bench chairs that offer community-friendly seating inside and outside of the restaurant.

Inline: On the corner of Highway 12 and Morris St, Cock Robin is at one of the entrances of The Barlow in Sebastopol, the revitalized outdoor market district home to wine tatsing, taprooms, restaurants and shopping galore.

Cock Robin’s “One in a Million” milkshakes, one of the restaurant’s focal points, are on full display in the open-air kitchen.

Originally Prince Castle Ice Cream owned by friends Walter Fredenhagen and Earl Prince, Cock Robin’s concepts of burgers, fried chicken and “One in a Million” milkshakes are bringing a Midwest vibe to West County.

Cock Robin is located in the building previously home to Seismic Brewing and has been transformed into a lively fast-casual restaurant, centered around the open-air kitchen.

Originally starting as a chain of ice cream shops in 1931, Cock Robin in Sebastopol still serves “One in a Million” shakes.

Only a 15-minute drive from the Santa Rosa Junior College campus, Cock Robin in Sebastopol offers quality burger meals that won’t break the bank.

Cover: Cock Robin offers cost friendly burgers paired with fresh fries, pickles, ranch, and a romesco sauce.

Restaurant Week provides the community an opportunity to explore the best food and wine Sonoma County has to offer from Monday, Feb. 24 to Sunday, March 2.

More than 80 restaurants to participate in the 16th annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
February 20, 2025
Slow Co. Pizza, Cotati's latest pizzeria is located downtown near La Plaza Park and is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Slow Co. Pizza: A one-stop shop for your pizza needs in Cotati

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
February 13, 2025
Slow Co. Pizza, Cotati's latest pizzeria, is located downtown and open Tuesday through Saturday.

Slow Co. Pizza, Cotati's latest pizzeria, is located downtown and open Tuesday through Saturday.

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
Grossman’s Noshery and Bar offers a multitude of deli-inspired options for lunch in Historic Railroad Square, Santa Rosa.

Grossman’s Noshery and Bar: A Jewish deli-inspired hotspot for almost any craving

Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto, Reporter
February 4, 2025
A cutout in the wall connects Grossman's Noshery and Bar to Hotel La Rose in Historic Railroad Square, Santa Rosa.

Grossman’s Noshery and Bar in historic Railroad Square features a walk-up deli case where customers can purchase pre-packaged and housemade goods without having to sit down in the restaurant.

Grossman’s Noshery and Bar in historic Railroad Square features funky, art-deco inspired decor, giving the interior a fun and vibrant feel.

The Oak Leaf’s Reporter Cristan Molinelli-Ruberto’s lunch spread with a friend. The Falafel Pita, Half and Half sandwich, and spiced fries. Accompanied by two Arnold Palmer iced teas. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in the Historic Railroad Square Downtown Santa Rosa.

The Spiced Fries, dressed in minced garlic and Za’tar seasoning, sit at the picnic tables on the outdoor patio, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Historic Railroad Square in Downtown Santa Rosa.

Grossman’s Falafel Pita served on a plate, on the outdoor patio, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Historic Railroad Square in Downtown Santa Rosa.

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