The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: Life & Arts

  • Show Spirit, Support Awareness

    Show Spirit, Support Awareness

    By | Andre Hascall

    Football highlights one month of the year to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. Every year the athletes on the cheer and football teams gear up with pink in October.

    Western Oregon comes to town to battle Humboldt, on the 21st. And as a special treat at halftime, the Lumberjack cheer squad is planning a Breast Cancer awareness performance.

    One cheer coach, Teron Schaeffer, emphasized that everyone is welcome to participate.

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    Photo credit: Andre Hascall

    “We want to fill the field,” Schaeffer said. “We want a lot of people to flood the field and make it as big as possible.”

    Anyone interested in participating is welcome to come practice a few easy dance moves on three days preceding the 21st. Those days are on the 16th, 19th and the 20th.

    Schaeffer went on to say that bows will be sold the week preceding the game. You will even be able to find them at the tailgate before the game.

    This is a great way to bring the campus together more with the power of spirit. Breast Cancer awareness month is more sentimental for some. That’s true for the Cheer Teams Stephanie Rodriguez.

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    Photo credit: Andre Hascall

    “My mom was diagnosed before I came up to Humboldt,” Rodriguez said. “Being 12 hours away from home, having the support of the school and team is heartwarming.”

    Head coach, Isabel Quintero is the mind behind the performance.

    “I did this for my High School, and a lot of NFL teams do it too,” Quintero said. “We get the chance to bring the entire school together and promote awareness.”

  • Pastels on the Plaza

    Pastels on the Plaza

    Last Saturday was the 30th annual Pastels on the Plaza. Hundreds of people showed up to the event which happened at the same time as the weekly farmers market at the Arcata Plaza. Local businesses purchased squares around the plaza to pastel. Proceeds from the event went to the Northcoast Children’s Services, a non-profit based off of early childhood education in Humboldt.

  • Moon full of cake

    Moon full of cake

    By | Juan Herrera

    A room full of smiles, laughter, and mooncake took over the Kate Buchanan Room as HSU students celebrated the beautiful full moon.

    Matilda Bunchongchitr, co-coordinator of Asian Desi Pacific Islander Collective (ADPIC), says that for her the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration is a slight taste of what home would be like if she was there.

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    A group of students enjoying mooncake and games at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Oct. 4, 2017.

    “Usually today I’m with family around a table eating and celebrating together,” Bunchongchitr said. “Instead I’m here and can’t go home because the school doesn’t acknowledge it.”

    Bunchongchitr mentioned that ADPIC puts on this festival so students and community members like her have a place to go and celebrate this holiday to give a little sense of home.

    Branden Mark, HSU student and co-coordinator of ADPIC, states that the main dish for this Asian holiday is called a mooncake. According to Mark, the mooncake for Asians is like turkey served on Thanksgiving for Americans.

    “It’s basically the Asian’s version of Thanksgiving.” Mark said. “In America’s culture you celebrate with turkey and in Asia’s you celebrate with mooncake.”

    Mark said that back home people use this holiday as reunion for families to get back together over a big meal and catch up on life. According to Mark, mooncake is more of a sweet tasting dish served best as a dessert.

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    Nikki Xiong, ADPIC president, standingat their clubs table at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Oct. 4.

    According to Nikki Xiong, president of ADPIC, the history of the full moon not only shows it’s beauty but also would appear the same time Asians would harvest rice fields. He mentions that is the reasoning for a huge celebration with lots of food.

    “Traditionally the moon festival was a celebration of the rice harvest not just the moon,” Xiong said. “People would have so much food they would invite all their family and friends over for a celebration meal.”

    Xiong mentions that ADPIC has put on this festival for five years now and each year keeps getting better and better.

    “We like to provide a home away from home environment for our community,” Xiong said. “This festival gives a chance for anyone to share their background or story in a safe environment with good traditional food.”

    Xiong mentions that ADPIC host two festivals a year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is only the pregame for the next one. According to Xiong his club will also be hosting a much larger Lunar Festival with live music, more games, and more food.

    The Lunar Festival will be taking place Friday, February 16, 2018.

  • Walking dead around Eureka

    Walking dead around Eureka

    By | Juan Herrera

    On Oct. 7, 2017 the Humboldt County Courthouse was filled with the hungry and thirsty afterlife. Zombies were ready to devour the streets of Eureka in the fourth annual Zombie Walk put on by Mark Boyd. According to Boyd, the Zombies normal attacking ground is in main stores along Broadway and in Oldtown Eureka. Boyd says that this years turn out was more creative then ever and hungrier then ever too.

  • Plaza Pastels: A 30 year tradition

    Plaza Pastels: A 30 year tradition

    By | Andre Hascall

    At first a one-time event, Pastels on the Arcata Plaza has become a tradition in our slice of Humboldt. Starting in 1987 with 29 pastels, the event has grown to surround the entire plaza with artwork.

    Many of the local businesses sponsor a square, they purchase one for $125 or $225, and the profits are donated to Northcoast Children’s Services. Artists pitch in their free time to keep this event going year in and year out.

    Sidelines and TJ’s bars are two of the businesses sponsoring squares this year, but are no stranger to Pastels on the Plaza. Sidelines Manager Nicole Costanzo was one of the many artists contributing.

    “It’s a learning process being out her, I wasn’t prepared my first time,” Costanzo said. “You need a lot more water than you think.”

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    Legacy Club surrounds their Pastel at the Plaza. | Photo by Andre Hascall

    The water helps with the water art of course, but with October as one of Arcata’s warmest months its a good idea to keep it close by during the long event.

    “Its pretty hard work,” Costanzo said. “The artists get here at Eight in the morning and aren’t done until two in the afternoon.”

    One group in particular made their mark on the community for a second year in a row. HSU club, Legacy created a pastel to imprint their group in the event and community. Along with having their own pastel, they helped the children at the plaza get their own little paintings done as well.

    Fourth year Child Development major, Dee Breaux is a member of Legacy.

    “For our pastel design this year, half the group came up with a tree,” Breaux said. “And the leaves will have our initials on them.”

    Legacy’s colors are purple and gold, and that showed on their pastel. Fourth Year Pyschology Major, Danni Pittman had a few words on her groups artwork.

    “It’s like the tree of life, and the ‘L’ in the middle makes a statement,” Pittman said. “The crown empowers us, like we are queens dripping in gold.”

  • Damian Marley

    Damian Marley

    Damian Marley, the youngest of the reggae legend Bob Marley’s children, performed at the Mateel Community Center in Redway, California on Oct. 4. Guest performers were Kingston, Jamaica natives, Kabaka Pyramid.

    Marley and Kabaka Pyramid filled the small, rural venue with sounds of classic reggae, dancehall and reggae fusion.

    In the past, Marley has experimented with various genres of music, such as his album with rapper Nas, “Distant Relatives.” In 2011, Marley was in a supergroup with British soul artists, Joss Stone, rock legend Mick Jagger and Indian composer and producer, A.R. Rahman.

    During the show, Marley performed and talked about songs advocating the medical use of marijuana. In Marley’s native country of Jamaica, marijuana is still illegal and he currently has an ongoing project, #CannabisHeals that features medical cannabis patients and sheds light on their experience with traditional and holistic methods of healing, such as marijuana.

    Damian Marley’s album “Stony Hill” is available in stores and online.

  • Humboldt Pride

    Humboldt Pride

    Humboldt Pride took place in the Arcata Plaza this year. Leading with the Pride Parade and culminating in the town square for a free open-mic, a drag lip-sync performance, live music, and other presentations. While a smaller event then previous years, it was still lively and filled the square with color.

  • The courage to ride

    The courage to ride

    By | Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Raina May was two when she rode Dusty the horse on a trail in Crater Lake. When she was one, May remembers being drawn to the images of horses in picture books her mother would read her. Ever since those experiences, May has been in love with horses.

    “I like how they’re really big but really gentle, like gentle giants,” said May.

    Another passion of May’s is archery.

    “When I was five my dad made me a willow bow and quiver,” said May.

    May combines these two loves through horseback archery, also known as mounted archery.

    May wanted to do horseback archery since she saw the Rogue Mounted Archers from Oregon. Through the help of a friend, who was willing to share their horse, May was able to start doing mounted archery. She now competes in international tournaments.

    Last year she won first place in the juniors division at the Rogue Mounted Archers International Competition at the age of eight.

    Saturday was the first day May rode and shot off of Annie the mule. May previously rode a horse named Remedy until the horse died two months ago. Remedy was a temperamental retired Rodeo horse who was partially blind.

    “No one else could ride her, but the horse liked Raina,” said Katie May. “It may have been how light she was on the horse.”

    Annie is owned by Darcey Lima who also owned Remedy. May was introduced to Lima through her principal Bettina Eipper of Coastal Grove Charter School in Arcata after Eipper heard May wanted to do horseback archery. Through the support of May’s family, Eipper and Lima, May was able to ride Remedy and now Annie.

    May practiced horseback archery along with other classmates from Coastal Grove in Blue Lake on Saturday in preparation for the Medieval Festival of Courage.

    Every Waldorf school, including Coastal Grove, has a Festival of Courage event every fall said Eipper. The autumn festival is symbolic of preparing for the dark days of winter and awakening to our inner lives.

    “You have to slay your dragons before winter comes,” said Eipper.

    May’s performance with her classmates and members of the Blue Lake Mounted Archers can be seen at the Medieval Festival of Courage in Blue Lake on October 7 and 8.The festival is a fundraiser for Coastal Grove Charter School. The performances and choreography are being planned by May’s friends and Coastal Grove students Ariana Burchill and Haven Smyth. The horseback archers will incorporate costumes, music, battles, stories and narrative into their equestrian performances.

    Proceeds of the event will support Coastal Grove which will in turn support May’s goal of living and working with horses.

    “I want to have a big farm with a bunch of horses and be a horse trainer,” said May. She also wants a mounted archery course on her farm to teach others how to shoot on horseback.

    To learn more about the festival, visit medievalfestivalofcourage.org.

     

  • They see me rollin’

    They see me rollin’

    By | Andre Hascall

    This past week, seemingly overnight, HSU is offering a bikeshare system via Zagster. Zagster was founded in 2007 in Massachusetts, and it operates bike-sharing programs at universities and other locations.

    Transportation is always a hot-button issue on any college campus. Thanks to a generous donation from a former Humboldt State, Zoology professor we may have a solution.

    Of course everything costs money so one might wonder how this was affordable. Steve Bagley, an associate director with the office of philanthropy, had some insight on how the bike share program was funded.

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    Zagster Bike Share at the bottom of the Jolly Giant Commons. Photo credit: Andre Hascall

    “He gave around $30,000 when he died to fund a few stations,” Bagley said. “That guy Manuel C. Kaster only rode a bike, real simple life.”

    Manuel Chernoff Kaster, more commonly known around Humboldt as Manny, donated $31,684 just weeks before passing away in May 2017. Manny was known for his simple life, his house in the woods and his fondness for bikes.

    In a time where ride sharing operations are all the rage, this is just another way for students and community members to get around. Of all the ride sharing programs available in Arcata, Zagster is the most environmentally friendly.

    Third year psychology student, JT Gibson noted that Zagster’s competitors offer quicker transportation.

    “They are going to have to compete with Lyft and Uber,” Gibson said. “There was already Zipcar, it might be better if people got their own bikes.”

    Zagster offers their services for two dollars an hour. If you get the $20 annual membership, the first hour of every trip is free. After the first hour, any extra hours will cost you two dollars.

    Uber or Lyft could cost you around eight dollars for a mile long ride. Zipcar gets more expensive, with a $25 initiation fee, a $70 annual fee and $7.50 per hour.

    Currently, similar to Zip Cars ride sharing service, Zagster is only located at HSU. One student, a third year international studies major, Jordan Schmidt, would like to see that change in the future.

    “I think it’s cool but it’d be cooler if they were off-campus too, like at bus stops,” Schmidt said. “That way we could get to and from campus easier.”

  • Eureka Old Town farmers’ market

    Eureka Old Town farmers’ market

    By | Lauren Shea

    Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., you can walk the Old Town Farmers’ Market from bok choy to squash with depending on the season. The market supports the eat local and shop local.

    The farmers are all a part of the North Coast Growers’ association local to Humboldt County. The North Coast Growers’ association also hold farmer markets in Arcata, McKinleyville, Henderson Center in Eureka and Willow Creek.

    The North Coast Growers’ association supports Cal Fresh, a nutrition assistance program that helps people purchase local food along with EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card and farmers’ market tokens.

    There are many vegetables and fruits sold at the market. You can also find Humboldt Honey and Wine, kettle corn and live music.

    For more information on the North Coast Growers’ Association visit http://www.humfarm.org/

  • Bumpin Beats

    Bumpin Beats

    By | Curran C. Daly

    The UC Quad was alive with music and dancing at noon on Tuesday as Zion I performed for students. An Associated Students Presents event, the free show featured Zion I’s Baba Zumbi, also known as MC Zion, R&B and Reggae artist Winstrong, and DJ Twelvz.

  • The challenge is ON

    The challenge is ON

    By | Robert Brown

    “Outdoor Nation is a fun way to get outside and be active,” Bridgette Hanson of Center Activities said. “That’s different for everyone, it’s why Humboldt won last year.”

    Open to students and anyone in the community, all you have to do is download the app, get out and take pictures of yourself, then post them to win prizes. The challenge is sponsored by REI, The North Face, eno, and Hydro Flask, and local businesses Adventures Edge, Minor Theatre, and Muddy Waters.

    “It’s so inspiring to live in this community,” Scott McCrary, student representative for ON said. “We have some of the most amazing nature spots here in Humboldt.”

    Some examples of ON Challenge events are guided walks, tidepool exploration, restoration projects, crafting, and volunteer events, also workshops on hiking, bike maintenance and birding.

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    “Our biggest event is Paddlefest,” Hanson said. “Around 200 people come to that event, some people get to try kayaking for the first time.”

    Each event accomplished earns a certain amount of points, for instance, backpacking, camping, and biking earn 10 points. Skateboarding, slacklining, and yoga earn 5 points. Birdwatching, gardening and stargazing earn 2 points. Add up points by completing as many events as you can and use them to redeem prizes.

    “A really fun event is the scavenger hunt,” McCrary said. “People follow clues through the week hidden in different places. Then take a picture with the clue once they’ve found them and post them in the app. to win a North Face backpack.”

    Along with an individual winner, schools are also competing to have the most number of people participating in their communities challenge. Last year HSU won the title of number one outdoorsiest school.

    “Winning was exhilarating,” one of last years winners, Ruby Garcia said. “Especially because we did it as a community and we won a $3,000 gear library that is available to students free of cost.”

    To find out more go to hsuoutdoors.humboldt.edu or www.oncampuschallenge.org

    “A big thank you to the Humboldt community,” McCrary said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the local radio and local sponsors.”

  • Demolishing the dance floor

    Demolishing the dance floor

    By | Juan Herrera

    Bodies in full motion with music blaring, a usual day for HSU’s hip-hop dance team, Demolishion. Along with the rest of her team, co-captain Cassandra Cree put in work on the dance floor.

    “We had a good turn out and it was turnt up,” Cree said when talking about the first day of HSU’s Demolishion hip-hop dance team tryouts.

    Demolishion is a co-ed hip-hop dance team at Humboldt State that performs at pep rallies, football games, basketball games and the Van Duzer Theatre. They practice twice a week for two hours each day during peak performance season.

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    A group of people trying out for Demolishion on Sept. 18 2017. Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    Cree mentioned how on the first day of this year’s tryouts, they had a great group of dancers and one of their best turnouts yet.

    Alexis Turner, four-year member of Demolishion, gave her thoughts about this year’s group.

    “This group just gives off such a cool vibe,” Turner said, “it’s almost as if some of them have danced together for years.”

    Turner also talked about how the first day of tryouts this year made her more excited and ready for the upcoming Demolishion season than ever before.

    Laney Mayo, co-captain of the team, mentions that the team’s favorite and most important performance is the pep rally before the football homecoming game on October 13th.

    “The pep rally is so hyped up with students, players and even teachers that the atmosphere is awesome,” Mayo said, “and when you add the factor of it being night, it makes it that much more fun.”

    Mayo said the team has gotten better and better for all three years she’s been involved.

    “This team is an awesome way to do what you love and have fun with people that want to do the same.”

    Jacky Torres, another four-year member, said that her favorite performance is when they take the stage in the Van Duzer theatre.

    “Performing in the Van Duzer allows us to show the community what we got,” Torres said, “and also give the community more opportunities to be involved with us.”

    Demolishion is open to everyone in the community, not just HSU students, and they encourage anyone and everyone to join.

    “There’s still a couple more days of tryouts, so anyone come on out and dance your heart away,” Torres said.

  • Fill up that fridge

    Fill up that fridge

    By | Andre Hascall

    With the rise in cost of food, eating on campus isn’t cheap without an already expensive meal plan. This leaves off-campus students with the decision of where they will get their food.

    Alkaid Ramirez, who lives off campus, opted out of getting one of the HSU meal plans.

    “I’ll go to Winco if I can make the effort, but thats deep in Eureka,” Ramirez said.”But I’ll go to Safeway like twice a week.”

    Ramirez highlighted a big factor in choosing where to shop, fortunately for him he owns a vehicle. If you are restricted to the bus, zip car or any other forms of transportation in Humboldt County, getting to and from Eureka with a full fridge worth of groceries gets more difficult.

    With inexpensive grocery stores out of our immediate reach, on-campus dining provides a convenient chance to grab some food. Options like The J, The depot and Windows Cafe offer students prepared food. Whereas The Marketplace, and The Cupboard also have the option of picking up a few groceries.

    Malek Southall, first year oceanography student, has a meal plan so he enjoys most of his meals on campus.

    “I’ll usually eat at The J,” Southall said. “But The Depot is clutch.”

    Choosing The J to eat most of his meals, as it is the most inexpensive place on campus to eat, for those with or without J-points. Yet, the variety at The Depot is hard to beat.

    We know that the J is the cheapest place to eat, and if you’re looking for cheap groceries for home, WinCo seems to be the most cost-efficient.

    Fourth year student at HSU, Jocelyn Barber, recently went grocery shopping. Her choice for this trip was Safeway, since its closest to home.

    “That is the last time I am shopping at Safeway for the year,” Barber said. “I would have gotten double the food at WinCo.”

    Students agree that WinCo is a good place to shop if you want more food for the same price as some of the other grocery stores.

    “If we are talking percentages,” Ramirez said. “I’d say I get about 30 to 40 percent more food at WinCo.”

  • Franti and Spearhead love out loud at HSU

    Franti and Spearhead love out loud at HSU

    By | Robert Brown

    Known for their mystical vibes amongst the audience and spreading a positive message of health, happiness and equality, Spearhead and Michael Franti played their latest album, Soul Rocker to a packed house.

    “A soul rocker is a person who has compassion, who lives from their heart, and has a tenacious enthusiasm for music, life, and the planet,” Franti said.

    “The kind of music we play appeals to that kind of person.”

    Blending hip-hop, folk, reggae, and other genres, Spearhead creates a unique flavor of music that inspires crowds to get up on their feet, dancing and waving their hands in the air.

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    Michael Franti and Spearhead performing in the Vanduzer Theatre at Humbodt State University Sunday September 17, 2017

    “My music is made to connect people,” Franti said. “Connecting is the best thing in the world, it’s the most important thing right now, especially at this time. We need music that has meaning, to create change that is needed in this world.”

    While touring, Franti says he practices yoga every day to connect his mind, body, and heart. Meditation is another part of his routine, bringing him into the present moment where he is not concerned about the past or future.

    “My spiritual practice is yoga,” Franti said. “I have been doing yoga since 2000. Yoga in Sanskrit means yoke, used to bring two oxen together. Similarly, yoga is used to connect yourself, your heart, and your mind together, then connect with the world.”

    When asked about the name of his tour, Love Out Loud, Franti explained that words are powerful and can be used to create or destroy. His mission is to inspire change makers, affecting the problems that we see in the world.

    “Words nourish courage,” Franti said. “Sometimes you have to go through the sadness to let it go. Songs about an experience of sadness or love, or speaking truth to power, all of this is how we love out loud.”

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    Michael Franti and Spearhead performing in the Vanduzer Theatre at Humbodt State University Sunday September 17, 2017

    Franti also talked about how thoughts create a positive or negative reality.

    “Optimism is something you have to practice,” Franti said. “If your default mode is to go to negativity in a downward spiral, then that’s how it will always be, but if you can change your default mode to making the best out of every situation or seeing lessons and having a positive mindset, then that will start to come more natural.”

    Franti offered advice to his fans about manifesting their dreams into reality.

    “Don’t fear your dreams, dream big,” Franti said. “Sit and talk about your dreams with people, write them down, collaborate with others. If you believe, others will too.”

  • Check It volunteering

    Check It volunteering

    By | Lauren Shea

    It’s about creating a safe community where students can look out for each other.

    The Check it program was created at HSU to prevention acts of sexual assault in the community. It’s a student led movement to encourage us with acting against sexual assault and to create a presence of power that sexual violence is unacceptable and not welcomed here. Check it helps teach students of the community to recognize sexual violence and how you can prevent and stop it.

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    Student volunteers making Check it supplies in the Rec and Wellness Center. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    Marco Gonzalez, senior at HSU, the Volunteer Coordinator for Check it.

    “My experience with Check it has been throughout my whole time spent at HSU,” Gonzalez said. “Being able to see the change from when I was a freshman to now is just incredible.”

    Skye Peredo, a student at HSU, the Media Development Coordinator for Check it.

    “It’s been great volunteering with Check it,” Peredo said. “This movement was created by the students and for the students. Check it has helped spread confidence to people and to notice harm making the campus feel safer.

    Anyone can volunteer with Check it. The volunteer drop in hours are 4pm-6pm on Fridays in the Rec and Wellness Center drop in lounge. Through this program and volunteer opportunities, students can learn more about ways to check it.

    Jayda Kosar, senior at HSU, the Event and Presentation Coordinator for Check it.

    “It’s been great working on the program and expanding it for more people to learn about it,” Kosar said. “Incoming freshman already know about Check it before they’re even on campus.”

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    Student volunteers also attend the Check It Volunteer team retreat on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Forum. There will be opportunities to participate in campus campaigns and build a better community as well as become part of the movement that Check it has created.

    Check it is also looking for volunteers for the Consent Project. The Consent Project works to create a culture and community where students can talk about how we express consent and how that plays a role in our choices and actions. The project works to create a safe environment on our campus where we can listen to and support other survivors of sexualized violence. The Consent Project meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. until Oct. 5, in the Rec. and Wellness Center room No. 124.

    To register for the volunteer retreat, contact Mary Sue Savage, Prevention Coordinator at: mss62@humboldt.edu

    For more information on Check it, visit: http://www.checkithsu.com/

  • Fresh food for free

    Fresh food for free

    By | Iridian Casarez

    A long line crowded the Recreation and Wellness Center Wednesday morning as Oh Snap started prepping for their free farmstand.

    Katrina Smith, a graduate student in Wildlife waited in line for her fresh produce.

    “It’s nice to have fresh produce,” Smith said. “It’s free for students and it’s healthy, It’s an excellent resource.”

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    A line of students waiting for fresh produce outside of the Recreation and Wellness Center. Photo credit: Iridian Casarez

    Bridget Ocampo, a fourth year Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies major, started working at Oh Snap this semester, and she helped pass out produce during the farm stand. Ocampo said she was excited for the farm stand. To each student walking by she told them about the free produce.

    “The farmstand is awesome,” Ocampo said. “I love it. It’s free food for students.”

    Ocampo said that she loved getting fed by all other students and wanted to experience the feeling of giving that back to others.

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    Ashlie Crews helping check students in to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Photo credit: Iridian Casarez

    “I see their faces when I am giving them their produce and they’re excited,” Ocampo said. “I mean, c’mon watermelon is expensive and we’re giving it out free.”

    Students sign in using their ID cards and are able to take three produce items from the farm stand. This is Oh Snap’s third year holding the farm stand. Oh Snap raises money in the spring semester to pay a local farmer to grow organic food before the start of the fall semester, according to HSU’s Health Educator, Ravin Craig.

    Craig runs the Peer Health Educators, Oh Snap and is in charge of holding presentations about health education topics.

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    Fresh produce at Oh Snap’s farmstand. Photo credit: Iridian Casarez

    “We raised a lot of money last spring so we’re going to see more produce this semester,” Craig said. “I love it, and I like talking to people about vegetables and where food comes from.”

    Craig said that the farm stand was a way of teaching students where their food comes from. She said she hopes to one day get students to the farm where the food grows.

    “Budgets are small and rent is high, so why not get in line for free produce,” Smith said. “I’m really thankful it’s here.”

  • Tunes of HSU

    Tunes of HSU

    By Andre Hascall

    Students often walk around, to-and-from campus with headphones on and music turned up. With all of us having our own musical tastes, the thought of what others were listening to was an intriguing thought. Regardless of their tastes in music all of us students have one thing in common, and it is that our music means something to us.

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    Sophomore Wildlife Major, Tonita Johnson’s musical tastes are more underground. Her favorite artist is Nao, “She’s kind of alternative, and soulful,” Johnson said. Photo credit: Andre Hascall
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    Sophomore Biology Major, Perin Swanson can be found listening to a variety of bay area music. However, he keeps old school songs close to home. Often listening to Mac Dre and Andre Nickatina, “Their rap style really shows what the bay is about,” Swanson said.
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    Ashley Eckman, Junior Criminology Major prefers to have Kendrick Lamar in her daily playlist. “It pumps me up, it wakes me up and it cheers me up too, I guess,” Eckman said. Photo credit: Andre Hascall
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    Kai Cooper (left), Freshman International Studies Major, often will listen to Doses and Mimosas by Cherub during her day. Amanda McDonald (Right), Freshman Environmental Education Major had to narrow her song choices down to one Artist, Esbe and their album “Bloomsdale”. Photo credit: Andre Hascall
  • Making Friends in Minutes

    Making Friends in Minutes

    By | Juan Herrera

    “You get three minutes,” Johnathan Salinas said. “Then it’s on to the next.”

    According to Salinas, head coordinator for Queer “Speed Friending”, this is the seventh time they have put on this event and each time the LGBTQA community gets stronger and stronger at HSU.

    “We tried to imitate the speed dating concept, but for friends,” said Salinas.

    Making a new friend in just three minutes is something that is hard to do. Not a lot of people have the time, resources, or ability to sit down and conversate with new people to get to know them.

    Queer “Speed-Friending” is an event that makes this possible. It gives queer people on campus an opportunity to make new friends in a comfortable sober environment. The idea of this event is to bring together everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual preference.

    Speed Friending set up
    The chair set up of Queer “Speed-Friending”. Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    Salinas also mentioned Queer “Speed-Friending” encourages people to be open minded and try not be nervous so everyone is comfortable during their time.

    During this event there were multiple clubs that had a booth to promote their organization’s messages and activities. One of the clubs that attended was Pure Health.

    According to Aly Weaver, a member of Pure Health, this organization focuses on non-fear based education regarding alcohol, sex, and mental health issues. During the event Weaver and her crew were promoting to be strong and not have fear about those issues.

    “Our message here was to bring more awareness of fearful topics on campus,” Weaver said. “Our end goal is to keep people safe.”

    Weaver also mentioned that this is Pure Health’s first time attending Queer “Speed-Friending”, and it won’t be their last.

    Another first-timer, HSU student Connor Ray Austin, expects his first experience at this event to be successful with new friends and full of surprises.

    “There’s tons of new people on campus and this seemed like a good way to meet them,” Austin said. “I just picked up the flyer one day and thought it was a cool idea so I came.”

    Salinas and his crew put on this event at least once a semester so people have the opportunity to meet and greet all the new faces at Humboldt State.

    “If you’re new here or just want to make new friends Queer ‘Speed-Friending’ is the place for you!” Salinas said.

     

  • Oh my butterflies

    Oh my butterflies

    By | Lauren Shea

    Butterflies galore! Experience walking around butterflies at the Butterfly House. The Humboldt Botanical Garden opened its very first Butterfly House on July 1st. The project was designed to help educate people with an interest in butterflies, gardeners and families with children. People from all ages have visited the Butterfly house to see the life cycle of the butterflies native to the area.

    The life span of a butterfly takes place in four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly. There are four kinds of butterflies in the Butterfly House including painted ladies, western swallowtails, red admirals and monarchs.

    LSBF2
    A display of different types of butterflies. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    Ibby Gerner, Volunteer Coordinator for The Humboldt Botanical Garden, talked about the response to their first Butterfly House.

    “There has been almost 2,500 people visiting the Butterfly House since it opened it July,” Gerner said. “We’ve had a great response to the garden. Both adults and children have come to see the Butterfly House.”

    Terry Kramer, the Site Manager at the Humboldt Botanical Garden, talked about her experience with the Butterfly House and the visitors.

    “People are really excited and want to learn more about the Butterflies,” Kramer said. “One of the most unique qualities from this Butterfly House compared to others is that people can walk around with the Butterflies and see them up close.”

    The Butterfly House consists mostly of Mexican sunflowers to provide nectar for the butterflies and milkweed for breeding. Many people in the area have removed milkweed from their yards. In most recent years, the population of monarch butterflies have been decreasing due to lack of habitat, loss of milkweed and pesticides.

    LSBF4
    The Butterfly House is located in the greenhouse at the Humboldt Botanical Garden. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    “The amount of monarch butterflies is down by 80 percent,” Kramer said.

    Mary Gearheart, Garden Designer for The Humboldt Botanical Garden, created the design for the Butterfly House including picking the right plants for the butterflies and also volunteers at the Butterfly House.

    “It’s amazing how many people come from out of the area,” Gearheart said. “Just the other day, there were people visiting from upstate New York and visitors from Australia.”

    LSBF1
    Red admiral butterflies attracted to the white information pages inside the Butterfly House. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    There are plans to set up a garden outside where the Butterflies will be set free at the end of the month. The Humboldt Botanical Garden is hoping to start a butterfly garden outside year-round to help increase the population of butterflies and give them a safe habitat to live in.

    “We would like to create a garden of milkweed, Mexican sunflowers and other butterfly friendly plants right next to the sunflower garden,” Gearheart said.

    The Humboldt Botanical Garden is applying for a grant that would allow for an intern to work in the Butterfly House for next year. They’re also hoping to set up more school trips to the garden to educate children.

    There is a $3 suggested donation fee to help support the Butterfly House. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday 12p.m. to 4p.m. and will be open till the end of September. There are many volunteer opportunities at the Butterfly House and the Humboldt Botanical Garden. For more information, you can call the Humboldt Botanical Office at (707) 442- 5139 or email the office at hbgf@hbgf.org.

     

  • Clubbin’ at the quad

    Clubbin’ at the quad

     

    By | Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Sword fighting, physics demonstrations, acro yoga, Folklorico dancing and more were on display at the annual Clubs Fair at the UC Quad last Wednesday.

    Dozens of clubs ranging from an anime fan club to the Society of Women in Math and Science were reaching out to students and informing them about the ideas behind their communities during the lunch hours of 10-2pm.

    Jordi Koopman of the Humboldt Circus said it’s a great way to meet people and play games with others.

    “Being able to co-create with people in a whimsical way is great,” said Koopman.

    According to the Clubs and Activities page on the Humboldt State University website, the goal of the clubs fair is to “Support safe and inclusive opportunities for student involvement and engagement.”

    Many of the clubs are simply safe spaces for students to meet peers and have weekly gatherings to socialize.

    The HSU Browncoats is a fan club of the Joss Whedon single season cult classic tv show Firefly (and spin off movie Serenity) who meet up once a week for Firefly trivia, games, and events.

    “It’s a safe space for nerds to hang out at,” said Kelsey Vaughan, a member of the HSU Browncoats.

    The clubs fair can also be a place to receive much needed scholarly or emotional support for students who may feel isolated or not included in the communities found on the HSU campus.

    Carla Quintero is the president of the Society of Women in Math and Science (SWIM) whose goal is to help women on campus as well as other minority groups succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering mathematics) majors.

    “Our goal is to encourage other underrepresented groups to become science majors,” said Quintero.

    If you missed the clubs fair there are still plenty of ways to reach out and join clubs on campus. Check out the Clubs and Activities page on the HSU website for a full listing of available clubs. And if you don’t find a club you like, sign up and make your own.

  • It’s hot in Arcata

    It’s hot in Arcata

    By|Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Last Saturday was the hottest day in Arcata since 1983 according to intellicast.com. Dozens of residents flocked to the Mad River to escape the heat. The immense heat and smoke from the inland wildfires didn’t stop people from enjoying the outdoors.

  • Students feelings on their first week back

    Students feelings on their first week back

    Video by Andre Hascall.

    Mid August marked the start of the 2017 school year at HSU. A couple of students recapped on a few of their first feelings and experiences with the first week in or back in college.