Some Sonoma State University professors have begun including tribal land acknowledgements, recognizing Indigenous Peoples and tribes as the traditional stewards of the land, on their syllabi.   SSU is located on the traditional homel

Some Sonoma State University professors have begun including tribal land acknowledgements, recognizing Indigenous Peoples and tribes as the traditional stewards of the land, on their syllabi.

SSU is located on the traditional homelands of the indigenous peoples collectively known as Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo but is far from the only California State University institution with Native roots. Other CSU programs and faculty members have taken to formally honoring America’s Native people and their land that we reside on.

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Copeland creek shooting concerns students

Copeland creek shooting concerns students

The Rohnert Park Police Department is investigating a shooting which occurred on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 on the Copeland Creek Trail.

A public statement from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety explained that at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers responded to a call of a possible altercation on the Copeland Creek Trail. The attack occurred in the area of the Santa Ana footbridge, approximately 2 miles from Sonoma State’s Campus.

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SSU shaken up following earthquake

SSU shaken up following earthquake

Sonoma State University students were rattled by a 4.4 earthquake, and subsequent aftershock of 4.3, that happened Tuesday Sept.13 at 6:39p.m. The quake’s epicenter was about two miles north of Santa Rosa.

Many students were worried about what could happen next. Some called friends and family to make sure they were okay. Malia Carinio, a senior Psychology major said, “I immediately called my mom because she’s the first person I talk to when something like that happens.”

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Road rage leads to stabbing in SSU parking lot

Road rage leads to stabbing in SSU parking lot

On Saturday, September 3, at approximately 11:50 p.m, officers from the Sonoma State University Police Department and City of Cotati Police Department responded to a 911 report of a stabbing in the R12 parking lot near Tuscany Village. The search for the suspect is still under investigation by local law enforcement.

Upon arrival, Officers located a juvenile victim with a non-life threatening laceration to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and was later released.

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SSU welcomes new interim president, Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee

SSU welcomes new interim president, Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee

Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, Ph.D., came out of retirement to serve as interim president of Sonoma State University following the resignation of former president, Judy Sakaki on July 31. Lee’s interim appointment began on Aug. 1 and will span the 2022-23 academic year.

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You can now rate your experiences with campus police

You can now rate your experiences with campus police

The Sonoma State University Police Department has implemented a pilot program that will last from Aug. 8 until Nov. 8 designed to help police administrations use real-time data analysis and insights to understand the community perspective toward their police interactions. Depending on how successful it is within the community, and if it's worth the cost, they will decide whether or not to continue the program.

This is available to anyone they serve in the community, not only SSU students, anytime they have more than a question and answer interaction with an officer.

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Multiple mountain lion sightings near campus

Multiple mountain lion sightings near campus

A noticeable increase in mountain lion sightings near Sonoma State University over the past few years is beginning to concern students.

Grace Alloway, a senior Business major is worried about what could happen if the mountain lion got too close to people. Alloway said, “Hearing that the mountain lion was so close to campus definitely made me nervous, not just for the well-being of people on campus or families that like to take walks with their small children, but also for the well-being of the mountain lion.”

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SSU Beaujolais Village fountain vandalized with soap

SSU Beaujolais Village fountain vandalized with soap

On Aug. 24, the Sonoma State University Beaujolais Village fountain was vandalized by soap causing bubbles to grow and escape the fountain’s cement. This was an isolated incident however if the vandalism occurred elsewhere, these pollutants such as soap could be detrimental to the health of local ecosystems.

Under normal circumstances the fountain is a closed off water source, however the introduction of soap created bubbles which overflowed the base of the fountain, leading to potential runoff. With the presence of a vast irrigation system on campus, as well as life forms that utilize the various on campus ponds or the nearby creeks, potential runoff could have devastating effects.

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Petaluma teen reportedly admits to father's killing

Petaluma teen reportedly admits to father's killing

Christopher Hopkins, a 19-year-old Petaluma resident, was arrested from his home in the 400 block of Arcadia Drive on Aug. 21 for the stabbing-death of his father James Hopkins Jr., 49. At the time of his arrest, Hopkins confessed to the murder.

A friend reported to police that Hopkins had made some concerning statements about self-harm and requested a welfare check. When police arrived they found his father’s body. Investigators believe Hopkins Jr. died a few days before he was even found, but can’t confirm this until the autopsy is complete.

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