The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: News

  • Trump watch (Feb. 15 to Feb. 21)

    Trump watch (Feb. 15 to Feb. 21)

    By | Iridian Casarez

    According to the Washington Post, President Trump made comments about Sweden in a rally in Melbourne, Florida on Saturday, Feb. 18.

    “You look at what’s happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this?” Trump then mentioned the French cities of Nice and Paris, and the Belgian capital, Brussels. The three European cities were attacked by terrorists over the past two years. The comments were widely perceived in the U.S. as to suggest there was an attack in Sweden Friday night, but there was no attack.

    President Trump named Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster as his new national security advisor on Monday, Feb. 20, replacing Michael Flynn. McMaster is a career Army officer and strategist according to the Los Angeles Times.

    The Trump administration is planning to establish a revised executive order on immigration. The President says will “protect our people” while at the same time pass muster with courts that halted an earlier version, according to CNN. The new executive order will not impact green card holders.

    President Donald Trump announced Thursday, Feb. 16, his plan to nominate Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor. Acosta would be the first Hispanic member of Trump’s Cabinet.

  • Tuition increase could be stopped by new bill

    Tuition increase could be stopped by new bill

    By Morgan Brizee

    On Feb. 21 California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva held a press conference at Sacramento State University’s campus library to talk about a new bill that she has written. Silva is the assemblywoman for the 65 th District of California covering the communities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Palma, and Stanton. The new bill is called AB 393: The Student Protection Act. This new bill could halt any tuition increases in California for all public community colleges as well as state universities. The bill is also backed by the California Faculty Association(CFA).

    A press release by Quirk-Silva said that,“Quirk-Silva authored AB 393: The Student Protection Act in light of the hard realities facing today’s college students, including the deepening of debt and long hours of work that are necessary to live while paying education costs, but that interfere with their studies.”

  • Housing sees more open beds

    Housing sees more open beds

    By Charlotte Rutigliano

    Because enrollment decreased this past term, less students struggled to find openings in campus housing. Senior psychology major Victor Perez was able to change dorms from the campus apartments to the College Creek complex because there was the space available for the upgrade.

    Stephen St. Onge, director of Housing and Residence Life, said housing normally starts off the fall semester with around 104 percent occupancy and drop a little in the spring.

    Currently housing is at 96.5 percent occupancy, having more open spaces for female students than male students. This has been a trend over the past few years.

    Twenty-four-year old transfer student Kimberly Encio said when she lived in the College Creek housing complex it was a little overcrowded. The only reason she decided to move off campus was the high cost of living on campus.

    “If it wasn’t so expensive I would have stayed on campus,” Encio said. “I loved the convenience of it all, being able to come home between breaks, close to the library and class, all of it.”

    According to St. Onge, one goal the housing department has is to provide a reasonable cost for on campus housing.

    “One of the strongest factors in student retention is living on campus for at least one year,” St. Onge said.

    Housing is not just focusing on the cost, they are also very focused on opening up more spacing for both new and returning students. St. Onge said they have increased the number of lottery seats for returning students by 100.

    With the university getting larger there is more demand for housing both on and off campus for students. Both Perez and Encio agreed that the university should have another dorm complex on campus to help with overcrowding and so they could provide more spaces to new and returning students.

    St. Onge said that the housing department is always open to suggestions and feedback from students and said they have an open forum on March 2 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Jolly Giant Commons to discuss the potential for adding new housing on and off campus.

  • KHSU must find a new temporary home

    KHSU must find a new temporary home

    By Geneva Peppars

    Local radio station KHSU is set to temporarily relocate from its broadcasting station in the Theatre Arts Building. The building is undergoing construction to make sure it is fit to stand an earthquake. A staggering $7.6 million will be allocated from bond and CSU funding to start the project this summer. The Theater Arts building will operate normally through the end of this semester and work will begin this summer, according to Jarad Petroske HSU public affair specialist. HSU is still in the process of sorting out where classes will move, but for the rest of the semester it’s business as usual.

    However, the third floor of the Theatre Arts Building has been home to KHSU since 1960. KHSU is a noncommercial public radio station licensed to Humboldt State. Unlike classes, there is no summer vacation for KHSU.  All day, seven days a week, KHSU is broadcasting to about 135,000 listeners. David Reed, KHSU Development Director & Interim Station Manager, explained that he has been told the project may take up to a year, but that won’t stop the airwaves from broadcasting from the radio station, it just may be from a few different locations.

    “It will be hard, it will be fun, it will be an adventure,” Reed said.

    Reed said the station will transition from three studios in the Theater Arts building to two temporary studios in Gist Hall and Wagner House.

    Vinyls, satellite equipment and what Reed called the “brains of the studio”will stay on the third floor. The “brains” are the racks of equipment the station needs to be able to receive audio signals by satellite from NPR, automate local programming and stream over the internet. One of the biggest challenges of the transition is finding a home for the 25,000 cds in their music library that is accessible at all times to the over 90 staff, students interns and community volunteers.

    Kevin Sanders, chief engineer for KHSU, explains that consolidating three studios to just two smaller ones could potentially affect scheduling issues. Although he is still waiting on the final word from facilities management, he does know that one studio will always be on air and the other will be strictly for production purposes. The way the studios are set up now, broadcasters are able to switch all studios from production to on air, which creates lots of space to pre-record and automate late night shows.

    The new studios may not block outside noise as well as the old one, but Reed doesn’t believe listeners will notice a change in sound. “You know they might hear an occasional leaf blower,” Reed said. “But I am keeping happy thoughts.”

    The current projected move date for the radio station is June 1. , two weeks before the KHSU June Pledge drive. Although the details have yet to be finalized, one thing is for certain KHSU will remain across the airwaves throughout Northwest California and Southern Oregon.

     

  • Trump Watch (Feb. 8 to Feb. 13)

    Trump Watch (Feb. 8 to Feb. 13)

    By | Iridian Casarez

    Virginia Federal District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction against President Trump’s executive order on immigration on Monday, Feb. 13. The injunctions were issued based on the fact that it discriminates against Muslims, according to the Washington Post.

    According to the New York Times, the Senate confirmed Steven T. Mnuchin,to be Treseary Secretary on Monday February 13, putting in place a key lieutenant to President Trump will help drive the administration’s plans to overhaul the tax code, renegotiate trade deals around the world and remake financial regulations. Mnuchin is a former Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood film financier.

    President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meet for the first time at the White House to talk about trade, a task force for women, and energy on Monday, Feb. 13.

    Immigration authorities last week arrested 680 people who were in the United States illegally, according to the Washington Post. Fulfilling one of Donald Trump’s long campaign promise to crackdown on immigration.

  • This week in News (Feb. 9 to Feb. 14)

    This week in News (Feb. 9 to Feb. 14)

    By | Iridian Casarez

    Local

    El Pueblo Market caught fire

    -El Pueblo Market located on Broadway Street in Eureka burned down in flames Feb. 8 according to the Eureka Times Standard.

    U.S. District court judge rules in favor of salmon

    -U.S. District Court judge William H. Orrick ruled that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the National Marine Fisheries Service must release more water from the Klamath dams, on Feb. 8. Judge Orrick ruled that the Bureau had mismanaged the river, causing “irreparable” harm to the salmon according to the North Coast Journal.

    Nursing program at HSU

    – Six years ago Humboldt State University discontinued its nursing program. HSU and College of the Redwoods announced Wednesday, Feb. 8 they are working to bring a local nursing program back to Humboldt County in the fall 2018 according to the Redwood Times.

    U.S.

    Oroville dam overflows

    -The Oroville Dam’s emergency spillway collapsed after the dam overflowed. Officials ordered residents living below the dam to evacuate Sunday in Oroville, Calif. according to the LA Times.

    African Muslims march

    -Around 200 African Muslims march in New York in protest of President Trump’s Muslim ban on Sunday Feb. 12. According to the Observer, protesters marched to defend the U.S. Constitution against President Trump’s executive orders targeting travelers from countries with high Muslim poplations and undocumented immigrants.

    National Secretary Advisor resigns

    -Michael T. Flynn, the U.S. National Security Adviser, resigned on Monday night after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other top White House officials about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States, according to the New York Times.

    World

    North Korea missile tested

    -North Korea has tested a ballistic missile this past weekend calling it a success.  The missile was tested on Feb. 12 under the supervision of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un according to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency, KCNA.

    Mexico protests Trump

    -Thousands march in protest of United States President Donald Trump in Mexico City on Sunday Feb. 12. Many people were also holding signs in protest of their own President Enrique Peña Nieto for presiding over rampant corruption and violence at home according to The Guardian.

    Candidate for chief minister found guilty

    New Delhi, India’s Supreme Court convicted  V.K. Sasikala,  an advisor of the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday Feb. 14  in a corruption case that will put her behind bars and effectively end her bid to become chief minister of the southern state.

    The court found Sasikala guilty in the disproportionate assets case, upholding a four-year jail term handed down by a lower court and banning her from seeking elected office for 10 years.

  • International Education Week at HSU

    International Education Week at HSU

    • Free food, films, and lectures from professors working internationally.

    By Morgan Brizee

    International Education Week is back at HSU. During International Education Week students, staff, and the community can listen to speakers address what is going on around the world from those doing research and work across the globe.

    The International Education Week events are being held Feb. 13 through 17 from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. in room 209 in the library fishbowl (unless otherwise noted on the schedule).

    Ariana Hendren, a 22-year-old HSU International Studies major, is the president of the Global Connections Club at HSU and is responsible for managing the volunteers that work at each event.

    “The lectures of International Education Week are both motivational and helpful for those who are interested in gaining more information about traveling and working abroad or studying international issues,” Hendren said.

    Most of the speakers of the event are professors who work at HSU and do international research. Other speakers who are not HSU professors are the key note speaker which is Dr. Marga Gual Soler who is the project director at the Center for Science Diplomacy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dorothy Ngutter who is a diplomat in residence, Erik Jens who is an instructor at the Department of Defense, and Sarah Sedlack who is an HSU alum and founder of a sex education program in Kenya called “What’s Not Said”.

    Dr. Alison Holmes, HSU assistant professor of politics and program leader of the international studies department, said that school usually gets the guest speakers by anyone who is interested usually because it is hard to get people who are available to come up to HSU.

    “Who we can get is often the first criteria,” Holmes said. “I’ve been working hard in the last two or three years to ensure CPS [College of Professional Studies] and CNRS[College of Natural Resources ] also have speakers and are engaged and having the keynote seemed like a good way to make sure that our colleagues in CNRS were also really involved in International Education Week.”

    Holmes is also speaking during International Education Week on Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. in room 209 in the library fishbowl. Her lecture is called Global Diplomacy: Upside Down and Backwards.

    International Education Week this year will have a different impact than past years because of President Donald Trump’s “Muslim” ban.

    Mathew Derrick, HSU assistant professor of geography and co-organizer of the International Education week, said that international education is of most importance now because of what is going on politically.

    ““International education is always important, but it is especially important at this point in time,” Derrick said. “In short, it is critical that HSU students–and the broader citizenry–develop higher levels of geographic-global literacy.”

    The definition of geographic-global literacy from National Geographic is the ability to use geographic and global understanding and reasoning to understand far-reaching decisions.

    During International Education Week students can enjoy food, music, and films from around the world to fully submerse themselves into learning about the different cultures.

    Celicia McLean, a 22-year-old HSU International Studies major, said that she is going to go abroad for work after she graduates in May so she is excited to listen to related speeches.

    “International Education Week has a wide variety of discussions on issues and other aspects about our world presented by incredibly knowledgeable and experienced scholars,” McLean said. “The evening events are especially great locations for cultural exchanges through food, film, and music and are a must for a culture enthusiast, like myself.”

    Even after graduating HSU, some students still feel connected and feel a want and need to give back to the school in some way. Sarah Sedlack graduated from HSU in 2013 with a BA in Psychology and was excited to be able to share her progress of the campaign, What’s Not Said, with the school during International Education Week. She will be giving her lecture on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. in room 209 in the library fishbowl. Her lecture is called Let’s Talk Sex (In Kenya). Her lecture is talking about her campaign with teaching people to normalize talking about relationships and sexual health.

    “It also feels amazing to be sharing a passion project and receive so much positive feedback from the community here, both on and off campus,” Sedlack said. “Because when communities benefit from international prevention efforts in the face of major sexualized violence and public health issues, all communities everywhere, benefit because we are all connected.”

    Whether students are wanting to travel abroad for fun, work, school or just want to learn about what is going on around the globe, International Education Week will go over all of these and more.

    Christiana Frye, HSU coordinator at the International Center, said that students should choose a couple of interesting lectures that are being given whether it be educational or just for fun.

    “There’s all different kinds of things from all over the world, information about Africa, information about food justice, teaching abroad,” Frye said. “I also encourage people to attend one of the fun things in the evening because there is free food, on Monday night, there is good international food.”

  • HSU looks at the big picture for enrollment

    HSU looks at the big picture for enrollment

    By Charlotte Rutigliano

    The days of generalizations may be in the university’s rear view as various department’s throughout Humboldt State aim to start writing personalized letters to prospective students due to a drop in enrollment this past term.

    This is part of a plan the university has created to start focusing more on prospective students who applied and turning them into current students. Director of Admissions Steven Ladwig said every student needs to have a relationship with someone on campus before attending to make them feel more comfortable once they’re here.

    This plan has been put into place with the hope that it will boost enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year. According to Nicholas Conlin, coordinator for Orientation and New Student Programs, enrollment only dropped this last year. There were about 200 to 250 fewer students than the university was hoping for.

    Graphic by | Charlotte Rutigliano

    The drop in enrollment was not a drastic one, and HSU was not the only California State University to see this drop.

    “There were six CSU’s who didn’t meet enrollment numbers this term,” said Ladwig. “Chico, Fresno, Monterey Bay, San Bernadino, San Francisco, and Sonoma.”

    The slight drop in enrollment last term didn’t affect the number of impacted majors [majors that have more students than the program accepts.] Additionally, the number of visitors to campus was not impacted.

    HSU is known for its science programs with the most sought after majors being biology, botany, environmental resources engineering, wildlife and zoology. This past year however, both the social work and environmental management & protection departments became impacted as well.

    John Panting, lead admissions counselor, said that there hasn’t been a decline in the number of tours given but the number of visitors does depend on the time of year, saying that November through January typically have less visits.

    “In the beginning of February is when the number of visitors really starts to ramp up,” Panting said.

    HSU, in an attempt to identify the contributing factors hired John Capaccio as Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. Carpaccio’s role is simple —  to increase enrollment without lowering admissions standards.

    Graphic by | Charlotte Rutigliano
  • Planned Parenthood supporters gather outside Humboldt County Courthouse

    Planned Parenthood supporters gather outside Humboldt County Courthouse

    By | Ali Osgood

    Hundreds of people rally on the steps of the Humboldt County Superior Courthouse on Saturday afternoon to support Planned Parenthood. Women, men, children and dogs clutch signs with Planned Parenthood logos and personal statements as they encourage honks from the cars passing by Fifth Street.

    Rallies erupted across the United States on Saturday in opposition to defund Planned Parenthood. Member of the former Six Rivers Planned Parenthood Board, Carolyn Hino-Bourassa, helped organize the local event in just under a week.

    “Hearing that they were targeting our own clinic in Eureka, we wanted to draw attention away from that,” Hino-Bourassa said.

    #PPprotest, an organization that opposes abortion rights, helped organize 225 demonstrations in 45 states according to its website. They are urging for government defunding of Planned Parenthood. The Eureka clinic was not on the list of the 42 demonstrations scheduled in California.

    Johnathan Desoto stands with his friend as they encourage drivers to honk in support of Planned Parenthood on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Ali Osgood.

    The nationwide rallies prompted counter protests across the United States. Many in the local humboldt community felt it was important to stand in solidarity with the non-profit organization.

    Johnathan Desoto was one of the supporters in the crowd in Eureka. Desoto has volunteered with Planned Parenthood as a registered nurse.

    “I believe [Planned] Parenthood is an integral part to not just women’s health but community health in general,” Desoto said. “Health education is something that really works. Planned Parenthood is really something I believe in.”

    The event organizers estimated up to 300 supporters on Saturday. Carolyn Hino-Bourassa was one of the event organizers.

    “[I feel] overwhelmed, to say the least, for putting it together in under a week. It’s amazing,” Hino-Bourassa said. “One of the goals today was to make more connections and be very good at mobilizing several people very quickly, and I think we’ve proven we can do it.”

    Abortion services account for less than 3 percent of Planned Parenthood’s services nationwide according to their annual report from Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014. 45 percent of its services go toward testing and treating sexually transmitted diseases with 31 percent going toward contraceptive services.

    Their largest single source of money comes from the federal government which makes up for nearly half of the organization’s funds.  The other half comes from private contributions and other nongovernment sources.

    Republican lawmakers across the United States are working to propose bills that cut public funding to all organizations that offer abortions. According to ABC News, House Speaker Paul Ryan has pledged “that Republicans will complete legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act this year and that he expected legislation to defund Planned Parenthood would be included.”

    Dave Turner attended the Saturday rally in Eureka in support for Planned Parenthood. Turner is on the Board of Advocates as well as the Northern California Planned Parenthood Board of Directors. He is prepared to work hard to protect the local clinic and the organization.

    “Many of our efforts are going to be focussed on working with our local government officials both at the state and federal level, because the funding of Planned Parenthood is a critical issue for us.” Turner said. “We are trying to appeal for some common sense in keeping Planned Parenthood funded and operating.”

    Over 25o Planned Parenthood supporters hold up signs as cars beckon honks of support. The organizers were please with the attendance on Saturday. Photo by Ali Osgood.
  • Plunging into the Humboldt Bay

    Plunging into the Humboldt Bay

    By Iridian Casarez

    Participants line up to plunge into the icy cold waters of the Humboldt Bay for the children’s Discovery Museum.

    The Discovery Museum in Eureka held its 16th annual Perilous Plunge fundraiser Saturday February 11.

    The Perilous Plunge is a fundraiser for the Discovery Museum where people dress up in costumes to jump into the Humboldt bay to raise money. The Discovery Museum is a science museum for kids. It is the only children’s museum in the area according to Kala Minkley the executive director of the Discovery Museum.

    The Perilous Plunge is the only big fundraiser the museum throws and covers 20 percent of their yearly budget said Minkley. Plungers needed to raise at least $150 to jump into the bay.

    Plunger Brenda Urueta was dressed as Prince. This was Urueta’s first time plunging.  She was with the Humboldt Area Foundation group that was plunging into the bay dressed as “the fallen stars of 2016”. The Humboldt Area Foundation is a non-profit community foundation that gives grants, scholarships and resource library to non-profit organizations.

    “I am doing the plunge because I decided I wanted to do something adventurous and at the same time help advance the mission of the Discovery Museum,” Ureta said. 

    The Marching Lumberjacks performing at the Perilous Plunge on Saturday Feb. 11 2017 in Eureka, California. Photo by Iridian Casarez

    Michele Stephens works for the Department of Health and Human Services and plunged into the bay with a group of her co-workers. The Department of Health and Human Services’ costume theme was beach inspired. This was Stephen’s second time plunging into the bay for the Discovery Museum fundraiser.

    “It’s a great fundraiser for the Discovery Museum and the museum is a great part of the community,” Stephens said. “The water was super super cold.”

    Jamie Corsetti from Corsetti Accounting Corporation raised over $2,000. This was Corsetti’s 10th year jumping into the Humboldt Bay for the Perilous Plunge fundraiser. “I do it to have fun,” Corsetti said. “I plunge to support the community and the Discovery Museum.

  • Uproar over shiny new floor

    Uproar over shiny new floor

    Music department’s Fulkerson Recital Hall gets new floor

    By Sarahi Apaez

    The glare from the new floor in Fulkerson Recital Hall makes it hard for music students to read their music. The glossy plywood covering the stage alters the light and acoustics in the Hall this spring.

    Music student Telisha Moore has many complaints about the floor.

    “It’s super shiny and distracting when standing on the stage and it is very hard to read music,” Moore said. “It doesn’t really feel like a performance stage anymore.”

    This semester, students and faculty of the music department return from break to find big changes had been made to Fulkerson Recital Hall’s flooring.

    As of Jan. 16, Fulkerson Recital Hall’s old growth pine flooring has been changed to plywood as a temporary fix.

    With students walking in and out and equipment being moved back and forth, the Hall gets yearly damages. These damages include safety issues such as splintering.

    Professor Brian Post, who is currently filling in as interim chair of the music department alongside Professor Paul Cummings, expresses concerns over the many issues that have come with the temporary changes to the floor.

    At the end of every year, the floor is refinished, sanded down and gets a new coat of varnish on top, according to Post.

    Professor Brian Post looking down at the changes done to the floor. Photo by Sarahi Apaez

    At the end of 2016, Facilities Management realized that the floor was too old to refinish and could not be sanded down any further.

    In December, facilities management made final decisions to begin work on temporarily fixing the floor over winter break and would hold off complete replacement of the floor until a time when the stage is most open, according to Cummings.  

    Cummings biggest concern is when the temporary floor will be replaced with the permanent floor because the floor is almost always in use.

    Fulkerson Recital Hall is used around 12 hours a day. Classes use the recital hall  for rehearsals, it is used by center arts and even in the summer when HSU hosts music workshops. HSU hosts nationally recognized performers, speakers, and is a regional center for the arts. The community uses it as well as other departments on campus. The hall is meant to function as a community stage, as well as a department stage, according to Post.  

    Finding a time when the Hall is not in use is challenging. Times for the permanent replacement of the floor have not been set, due to how often the Hall is in use.

    “If we’re lucky, this repair process will be done by Fall 2017,” Post said.

    The music department had little knowledge to the extent of the changes that would be occurring in Fulkerson Recital Hall. According to Post and Cummings there was no communication about the floor being replaced between the Facilities Management and the Music Department.

    “You can imagine our shock when we came back from winter break and we opened that door and saw a floor that doesn’t meet any kind of basic standard for a university music department primary performance facility,” Cummings said. “All changes were done without consultation to the music department.”

    Professor Eugene Novotney is very familiar with Fulkerson hall as he spends 12 to 15 hours or more a week in the space. “I don’t think any consideration was given to how that gloss coated plywood floor altered the light and soundscape of the stage,” Novotney said.

    Novotney and his students struggle with the acoustics and the reflection of the bright floor daily. “The floor is very reflective both of light and sound,” Novotney said.

    The current acoustics in Fulkerson Recital Hall have been found to be hard for singers to work with. The Hall is in drastic need of attention from facilities management when it comes to the functionality and acoustic environment in order to be on a professional level said Novotney. The plywood floor that is currently in the room is an intermediate step towards a complete transformation that will occur in Fulkerson.

    Music student Amber Rausch says her class was full of sarcastic reactions when they were first exposed to what had happened to the floor.

    “Everyone was in shock on the first week of classes,” Rausch said. “The topic of the floor comes up in every class session.”

  • Jessie Groeschen: Wielding a chainsaw with a surgeon’s touch

    Jessie Groeschen: Wielding a chainsaw with a surgeon’s touch

    By | Carlos Olloqui

    For some people, a fallen redwood in the middle of the forest is nothing more than another tree at the end of its time. For Jessie Groeschen, it is an empty canvas awaiting her chainsaw.

    Groeschen is a local chainsaw artist who has traveled all around the world. She is also the author of Art of Chainsaw Carving.

    “It all starts with my chainsaw, a piece of wood and an idea,” Groeschen said. “I just love what I do.”

    Jessie Groeschen’s kestrel wood sculpture. Photo by Carlos Olloqui

    Born in the Philippines, Groeschen moved to the U.S. at the age of two and has lived in Arcata for the past 10 years. She has been woodworking for over 20 years now.

    “It was furniture first, but I was always interested in art,” Groeschen said. “Then I met Pat McVay, he was wood sculpting at the time and I studied with him for seven years before I struck out on my own.”

    In 2015, Groeschen graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in art.

    “I was so close to campus I thought, ‘why not go back and finish school,’ and so I did,” Groeschen said.

    Groeschen works from her shop located in the garage of her Arcata home. She is currently working on a number of projects including a pair of wood carvings for two siblings, one of a dragon and the other of a kestrel.

    “I only use wood that’s already down,” Groeschen said. “I believe different types of wood all have their own personality and characteristics.”

    During the month of February, Groeschen also makes “flaming hearts,” since it is the “month of love,” as she said.

    “I don’t have a physical gallery where I sell my work,” Groeschen said. “I have a website, people contact me, and sometimes I just sell them at places around town.”

    Jeni Sue Wilmore works at Almquist Lumber, a local lumber and woodworking supply company.

    “We have sold some of Jessie’s carvings here, I enjoy watching her in action when she does demonstrations here,” Wilmore said. “She spent several days carving a bear and salmon sculpture in our parking lot, so original and creative.”

    Some of Groeschen’s wood pieces can take her less than an hour to complete, others can take her over a year.

    “It’s really just therapy for me,” Groeschen said. “I do this for myself.”

    Not only is Groeschen an artist and an author, some say she is an inspiration.

    Bill Weber is team captain at Arborwear, a tree climbing gear and apparel supply store in Ohio.

    “Although I have not spoken to Jessie I know her work has inspired so many artists. She is a total badass,” Weber said. “What she does with a chainsaw will make you stare in awe.”

    Arcata is just a temporary location for Groeschen. When the time is right she hopes to open her own cabin retreat for art and healing.

    “I have some land in Minnesota and the cabin is already there,” Groeschen said. “I just want some place where people can go and woodwork, do ceramics, write, a place for all types of art.”

    Jessie Groeschen’s woodcarving tools. Photo by Carlos Olloqui
  • Mellow out with meditation

    Mellow out with meditation

    By  Morgan Brizee

    Learn to de-stress with the One Breath meditation group class

    HSU staff psychologist with a residential life focus, facilitating the One Breath meditation with students. Photo by Morgan Brizee

    A long light grey table split the Recreation and Wellness Center room in half. Students and a staff member were on one side and the facilitator on the other during the One Breath meditation group class on Feb. 1.

    Every Wednesday at 5 p.m., Craig Beeson teaches those who want to learn to destress and wind down. The group is run by Counseling And Psychological Services and is open to the HSU community including students, staff and faculty.

    Beeson is a staff psychologist with a residential life focus and does workshops like One Breath in the resident halls on HSU campus.

    “I noticed when this [One Breath Meditation workshop] was on my mind, preparing for it, I was getting stressed about it,” Beeson said. “This is counterproductive, I’m getting really stressed about a mindfulness presentation.”

    With a new semester starting up again, and most students being far from home, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

    Karen Zurdta, a 23-year-old English grad student, talked about how coming to this class has taught her to love herself more.

    “I was going through a tough time with school last semester and I got really sad and emotional,” Zurdta said. “I was having problems showing myself love and that I am worthy of good things.”

    Beeson is using the book, “The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion” by Christopher Gerner, to teach the class about not fighting the feelings you have but instead accepting them. The class goes over how to cope with issues from anxiety to insomnia that many students can relate to.

    Matt Cunningham, a 25-year-old senior English major, has been meditating for five years and even went to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah, Calif. last spring to help with his practice of mindfulness.

    “It’s kind of taught me to think of my thoughts and feelings as senses and to react to them like I would to any other sort of negative stimuli,” Cunningham said. “Mindfulness has helped me address those things more directly in a lot of ways.”

    The class begins with a group discussion of feelings and how to address them in a positive way. After about 30 minutes, Besson directs the group to close their eyes and focus on their individual breathing. He then moves on to telling the group to focus on one body part at a time, relaxing each body part individually, until the group feels their body and mind is calm. Beeson ends class by checking in with each member of the group on how they feel afterwards.

    “We talk about things like how to connect to yourself and live a more present, relaxed life,” Beeson said.

  • This week in news (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    This week in news (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    By | Iridian Casarez

    Local

    Arcata playhouse turns ten!

    -The Arcata playhouse celebrated its tenth birthday with a two day celebration this past weekend.

    Arcata police department has a crime website

    -The Arcata police department now has a website that reports crimes in Arcata.  Arcata.crimegraphics.com is the website that keeps watch on the crimes. The website includes tabs that follow the Arcata police daily bulletin, missing person, vehicle thefts, arrests with booking mugshots and crime charts.

    U.S.

    Tornados cycle through New Orleans

    -Multiple tornados cycled through New Orleans causing major damage on February 7.

    No success in suit

    -U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland says Dakota access pipeline protesters involved in a violent police encounter in North Dakota this past November are unlikely to succeed in a lawsuit alleging excessive force and civil rights violations.

    World

    Iran thanks Trump

    -Iran’s supreme leader thanked the new American leader President Trump for showing the United States’ “true face” and justified Iran’s accusation of corruption in a speech on February 7.

    Bomb blast in Kabul

    -A bomb explodes outside the supreme court in the centre of the Afghan capital killing at least 20 on February 7. The attack is the latest in a series of attacks on the judiciary.

  • Small time work turns into full time closure

    Small time work turns into full time closure

    By | Charlotte Rutigliano

    The closure on the state route 299

    Mother Nature works against the California Department of Transportation making roads a little less traveled.

    Since January 2016 the California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans, has been doing construction on state Route 299. The ongoing project initially began with the placement of a drapery, netting that prevents rock fall, near Big French Creek Road. Due to weather conditions over the past year, Caltrans continuously raises their budget spending close to $6 million for this emergency work.

    Because of all the construction on state Route 299, residents in both Humboldt and Trinity counties have had to take detours. Some of these detours are only open during certain hours of the day.

    Trisha Coder is the District 2 Public Information Officer for Caltrans. Coder stated that residents have had to to take detours on state Routes 20 and 36 along with Interstate 5 over Oregon Mountain for several weeks.

    “Two weeks ago we opened the temporary detour that we are building to local traffic, meaning anyone who works or lives in the Trinity/Humboldt area,” Coder said.

    The detour is open from 5:30-7:30 a.m., 4:30-6:30 p.m. and overnight from 6:30 p.m. -5:00 a.m. There are one hour delays overnight due to the contractor working simultaneously overnight.

    These delays not only affect residents along state Route 299 but programs at Humboldt State like TriO Upward Bound; a program that travels every three to four weeks between Humboldt and Trinity counties to provide academic services to high school students from limited income families.

    Jen Dyke, TriO Upward Bound director, stated that with all the closures and construction on state Route 299 it takes longer to travel because they have to make a larger loop with the detours.

    “Though it’s time consuming for the program, they’re doing great work, brave work,” Dyke said.

    For now residents have to adjust to time restricted closure since Caltrans doesn’t expect to have state Route 299 fully open until mid-summer.

    Additional information from Caltrans website about the work that has been done over the past year:

    SR 299/BUCKHORN GRADE: 24/7 traffic control operations in effect between Redding and Weaverville. Expect delays up to 45 mins. The Capstone project is expected to be completed Winter 2016.

    JUNCTION OF SR 3 AND 299-DOWNTOWN WEAVERVILLE: Paving is expected to begin following the Labor Day weekend, September 6, 2016. Paving will take place in the overnight hours and is expected to last about one-and-a-half weeks.

    SR 299E/Near Ingot: One-way traffic control will be in effect Monday, August 1, 2016 to Friday, August 5,2016, 24 hours a day, near McCandless Gulch Curve. Crews will be performing curve straightening, widening the shoulders and installing metal beam guard rail. Motorists should expect delays between 10-15 minutes.

    299 E/PIT ONE SHOULDER WIDENING: Crews are working to widen the shoulders at the narrow pass on Pit One Summit. 24 hour traffic control is in place. Expect 10-15 minute delays.

  • The Moodle to Canvas switch

    The Moodle to Canvas switch

    By | Sarahi Apaez

    Humboldt State University’s 11 year long relationship with Moodle is coming to a close with the introduction of a new learning management system. During the past few years issues have arisen with Moodle and Canvas is stepping in to bring some stable change.

    In an evaluation done in Spring 2016, HSU found many immediate benefits to switching to Canvas. No system is perfect but Canvas’ benefits include mobile support, not being down for several days at a time, saving grades as they’re entered, and cost.

    Susan Glassett Farrelly, the new director of academic technologies, would call the costs a trade-off. Canvas is cheaper by about $35,000 to operate and run every year according to HSU’s Canvas evaluation report.

    Canvas is a system run in the cloud, a key difference from Moodle which is run on hardware. With Moodle, more maintenance is required to install and support the hardware.

    “The real difference, is the technical manpower that is necessary to run Moodle,” said Farrelly.

    Since the start of this semester, Farrelly has been working to make sure everyone knows that our campus will no longer be supporting Moodle this coming Fall.

    It’s very hard to get the word out because HSU has a reputation of saying they will switch to Canvas but not following through.

    During this transition period from Moodle to Canvas, Information Technology, commonly known as IT,  is stretched very thin. The IT team are supporting both systems. According to Farrelly, they’re still looking for the exact percentage of Moodle and Canvas users on campus, but says it’s about half and half.

    Raul Romero, a humanities and international studies major, works in the Moodle/Canvas IT office on the third floor of the library. Romero is a student assistant doing double the work by supporting two systems at the same time. In Romero’s experience, learning these programs involves a lot of self-teaching and watching video tutorials. Romero says he loves his work but sometimes finds it to be chaotic.

    “It’s very difficult to convey what you see on the screen and turn that into words,” Romero said.

    Recently, Romero dealt with a call from an upset math professor who is having difficulties with a plug-in on Canvas that does not have the same features as it did on Moodle.
    “I thought, well, why doesn’t it work better and the bottom line is, it just doesn’t,” Romero said.   

    Before the decision to switch to Canvas was made, some members of the Math Department reported issues that are exclusive to their needs. This is an area that is still under development.

    When it comes to third party tools and plug-ins, the version for Canvas is not as diverse as the version for Moodle.

    “There’s really no way to break that to somebody without striking their nerve,” Romero said. “Especially as a student telling that to a professor who wants to give their students the best.”

  • Trump watch (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    Trump watch (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    By Iridian Casarez

    Tuesday 2/7:

    Betsy DeVos needed an historic tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Mike Pence to become the Secretary of Education. The 51-50 vote saw two senate republicans vote against DeVos, possibly foreshadowing a fracture within party lines in light of Trump’s recent unprecedented actions.

    The Army Corps of Engineers completed its review of the 1,172 mile NDAP, a step that Trump ordered in a January 24 executive order. The Trump administration approved an easement for the project, essentially repurposing the land the NDAP will pass through.

    The Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee approved David Shulkin to be the Veteran’s Affairs Secretary. Shulkin will now enter the senate confirmation phase where he is expected to be appointed VA secretary.

    The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is to hear the challenge to President Trump’s Muslim ban. Three federal judges are to hear oral arguments to challenge the executive order on immigration on Tuesday. The decision will determine the fate of the nationwide temporary restraining order against Trump’s travel ban.

    Watch for:

    Trump’s executive order regarding stricter cyber security measures is expected to be signed this week. The order has seen repeated delays since Trump entered office. Should it be signed into action, the order would call for various heads of state to increase measures within their departments. The goal of the order is to have tighter cybersecurity.

    This week in Trumptown:

    Trump went golfing just two weeks into his tenure as President. Former President Obama made it four months, and his predecessor Bush made it five and a half months.

  • A master plan for free tuition

    A master plan for free tuition

    By Charlotte Rutigliano

    Can California follow in the footsteps of many European countries and offer free tuition for students?

    While CSU students across the state are currently protesting a 5 percent tuition hike, in Sacramento  Governor Brown reaffirms his commitment to protect access to higher education, and of a plan for free tuition across the state of California. As of now, it’s just talk.

    Most current students and prospective students have not heard about this plan, and some have mixed feelings about it.

    Jake Morrison a 21-year-old senior communications major said he thought it would be both a good and bad thing.

    “It would be good in the sense that it would make knowledge and education more accessible,” Morrison said. “But bad in the sense that it would probably cause a rise in Americans immigrating to California, and we already have a population and housing issue in the state.”

    Alyssa Buie a 21-year-old junior business marketing major said it greatly benefits many people in the state though she doesn’t think the state could afford something like free tuition.

    “It would be beyond beneficial for students of all ages in all walks of life,” Buie said. “But it’s a little economically unfeasible.”

    Even people that have thought about going back to school like 22-year-old McDonald’s general manager, Lindsey Blood, said it seems great and she would be more inclined to go back if tuition were free.

    “It would encourage people to invest in themselves,” Blood said. “And it would give a lot of people opportunities they would otherwise not have.”

    The idea of free tuition it brings up many questions such as, would students take it just as seriously and go to classes as when they had some type of financial investment? Would they be more likely to choose passion over job security? Would they be more likely to further their education and go on to graduate school or get a doctorate?

  • Students & faculty offer support after muslim ban

    Students & faculty offer support after muslim ban

    Video by | Chelsea Medlock

  • This week in science (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1)

    This week in science (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1)

    By | Claire Roth

    “When we became the climate changers” Illustration. | Claire Roth

    Climate – When we became the climate changers

    When it comes to conversations surrounding climate change, there seems to be more agreeing to disagree than flat-out agreement. It’s a strange phenomenon for a topic having to do with the existence of our planet as we know it. A group of scientists recently set out to create a starting point for this pivotal discussion, effectively creating a timeline for climate change and its origins. The group published an article in the American Meteorological Society outlining estimations of climatic variation since before the industrial age. The goal of this was to contain better conversations of what is considered to be a “normal” climate for our earth within a definition of where the age of industry began. The group was spurred into action after analysis of ice cores displayed a spike in carbon dioxide emissions much earlier than the previously agreed upon beginning of industry. This means humans were affecting the global climate far earlier than originally believed. Research on this topic could prove hopeful in political spheres as well, helping policy makers to better perceive humanity’s impact on the planet.

    Source: BBC, American Meteorological Society

    “>0.001 percent human, ~0.999 percent pig” Illustration. | Claire Roth

    Cellular – >0.001 percent human, ~0.999 percent pig

    A new type of fetus has crossed the known boundaries of what is human and what is pig. Researchers at the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in San Diego were recently successful in their efforts to grow human tissue within a pig fetus. Human cells were inserted into a pig embryo, which was then implanted in a sow to attempt growth for 28 days. The purpose of this endeavor is to eventually find a way to propagate human organs within another animal. Many obstacles lie in the way between this team of scientists and success. Some of these obstacles include questions of morality by outside entities, a five-month difference in gestation time between humans and pigs and also the fact that the majority of embryos in the study did not make it even close to existing for the 28-day goal of the study. The scientific importance and significance of the study persists in the fact that healthy, available organs could one day save the lives of those in need of transplants.

    “Cat, Ph.D” Illustration. | Claire Roth

    Source: BBC, Cell Journal

    Wildlife – Cat, Ph.D.

    There is one question that can oftentimes make or break any relationship: are you a dog person or a cat person? If you’re a dog person and your first argument is to claim canine intelligence superior to feline intelligence, think again. Researchers at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan subjected cats to a series of harmless tests of intelligence. They found that cats are conscious of past enjoyable experiences, such as where a tasty treat was located. This means that cats, like dogs, may be able to associate certain human sounds and gestures with specific meanings.

    Source: BBC, Behavioural Processes Journal

    “Saccorhytus “R” Us” Illustration. | Claire Roth

    Evolution – Saccorhytus “R” Us

    Scientists have pinpointed the earliest known human ancestor. One thing is for certain: you are guaranteed to look nothing alike, unless you happen to be around 540 million years old and resemble an alien football. Researchers have identified fossilized remains of a millimeter-sized creature known as Saccorhytus that is currently the earliest known placeholder on the evolutionary timeline of humanity and numerous other species of vertebrates. Saccorhytus likely spent its days on the ocean floor hanging out between grains of sand, consuming lifeforms smaller than itself. Perhaps it also contemplated the millions of years it would take for evolution to take it through the stages of being a fish and into the millions more years it would take for evolution to finally craft it into a human.

    Source: BBC, Nature Journal

    “Plant some pollination” Illustration | Claire Roth

    Ecology – Plant some pollination

    A sharp decline in bee populations has resulted in many farmers resorting to hand-pollination, such as apple farmers in China. However, a recent international study may hold part of the key to saving the world’s key pollinators, maintaining agricultural wellbeing and improving the ecological health of our natural landscapes. Researchers from global locations studied the effect of removing exotic plants from secluded mountaintop landscapes on the success rate of pollination in those areas. They found that areas where there were more native plants displayed a wealth of pollinators, flowers and fruit. This was linked to the possibility of an interconnected web of life in these areas and stands as a testament to the importance of ecological restoration efforts around the world.

    Source: BBC, China Dialogue, Nature Journal

  • People protesting banks in Arcata and Eureka

    People protesting banks in Arcata and Eureka

    By Iridian Casarez

    People protesting Wells Fargo and other corporate banks funding the North Dakota Access Pipeline took to the streets in Arcata and Eureka on Saturday Jan. 28.  

    People stood in front of several Wells Fargo locations to protest funding of the North Dakota Access Pipeline. They marched in Arcata Saturday morning and also marched in Eureka Saturday at noon. 

    Mahilija Florendo is from the Yurok, Hoopa, Siletz, and Wasco tribes. Florendo is a youth activist who helped organize the protest.

    Mahilija Florendo chanting in front of the Chase bank on Saturday Jan. 28 2017 in Eureka, California. | Iridian Casarez

    “We want to tell Wells Fargo to stop financing the North Dakota Access Pipeline,” Florendo said. “We are here to tell them that we are in solidarity with those at Standing Rock even all the way from the west coast. We are here to fight.” 

    Marlene Dusek is a senior at HSU majoring in environmental management and protection. Dusek is from the Payom Kawachum tribe. She was there to protest against Wells Fargo and other banks that fund pipelines.

    Marlene Dusek and Camaray Davalos holding a sign in protest of the North Dakota Access Pipeline in front of Wells Fargo on Saturday Jan. 28 2017 in Eureka, California. | Iridian Casarez

    “I am here to stand up for all my brothers and sisters who have been fighting against the North Dakota Access Pipeline,” said Dusek. “We are here to stand up against capitalist societies and stand up for those who protect mother earth.”

    Camaray Davalos is a student at HSU majoring in Native American Studies. Davalos is from the Pechanga tribe in southern California. She thinks it is important for people to divest from banks that support pipelines she said. 

    Davalos use to bank with Wells Fargo but has since stopped. “Yesterday I went to go take out money from Wells Fargo and I felt like I actually could do something,” Davalos said. “Money talks and we need to hit these banks where it hurts.”

    People protesting Chase bank on Saturday Jan. 28 2017 in Eureka, California. | Iridian Casarez
  • Largest march in Eureka city history

    Largest march in Eureka city history

    Local people gather for women’s rights

    Photos and Story By: Carlos Olloqui

    What began as a simple Facebook event post has now turned into a worldwide grassroots movement.

    Teresa Shook, a Hawaiian resident angered by the 2016 election results, decided to make a Facebook event and invited 40 of her friends to a “March on Washington,” on the day after the inauguration.

    That very next morning she woke up to over 10,000 responses to her Facebook event. Shook, alongside others with the same emotions, came together to form the Women’s March.

    Their mission – to “invite individuals and organizations committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and those who understand women’s rights as human rights to join local coalitions of marchers in representing the rights and voices of progressive people around the world.”

    On Jan. 21, more than 670 Women’s March rallies occurred throughout the country. One of those marches shut down much of Old Town Eureka Saturday evening.

    Women and men, girls and boys all packed the streets of the C Street Market in Eureka. The event began with a few guest speakers followed by a march through the streets of Old Town Eureka.

    Guest speakers, such Ramona Bell, Cheryl Seidner, Wendy Ring and Terry Uyeki, spoke about how the marchers could promote change during Donald Trump’s presidency. 

    “We need to be together, as the mass of humanity, with all our diversity in order to join up and be powerful, and challenge the other powers that are trying to oppress us,”Arcata local Joanne McGarry said.

    McGarry is a member of Stand for Peace, a local group that gathers every Friday afternoon in the Arcata Plaza and stands for something they believe in.

    “We stand for peace,” said McGarry. “It’s been happening for 13 years, you can stand for whatever kind of people you want and for as long as you want.”

    An estimated 2,000 people attended the march according to Eureka Police Department Chief Andy Mills.

    Barbara Keating, a former HSU employee, was one of those people.

    Julie Rofman and Iris Koski showing support for the Women’s March Saturday, Jan. 21 2017 in Eureka, California.

    “I’m a 67-year-old white women, I do not have a target on me,” Keating said. “But this is the first election that I’ve been afraid, and not for me, but for my fellow citizens.”

    This was not only a march for “girl power vs Trump power.” The protestors hit the streets for a range of reasons including immigration, health care, income equality, and the environment.

    “I just don’t think we have time to waste on four years of climate change denial,” Eureka resident, Syd Munguia said. “I also think it’s a tragedy that so many millions of people are going to lose their health care, that’s what got me here today.”

    Protestors say it’s time for peace. No matter your race, your gender, your color, your social status, your sexual orientation, or even your political views, it’s simply time for peace.

    “Our earth needs protection,” protest marcher, Nini Nature said. “No more hate.”

  • Day of Solidarity event at HSU

    Day of Solidarity event at HSU

    The events include yoga, free massages and free food

    Photos & Story by: Morgan Brizee

    The gloomy, dark, wet and cold weather on Friday Jan. 20 was showing what most Humboldt State students were feeling on the inside after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

    Throughout the day, HSU held events for students and the entire community to join in on to help lift spirits on a day that, for most people, was a depressing one. It started at  1 p.m. in the Kate Buchanan Room with free massages, cookies and brownies, yoga, and crafts. 

    Celeste Robertson is the Educational Opportunity Program Adviser and the coordinator of the Day of Solidarity events.

    Nicole Raisola a senior and botany major having some fun by playing in the blow up ball pit.

    “I hope this will open up doors so people can talk and exchange ideas without getting angry, without trying to retaliate in anyway,” Robertson said. “This is going to hopefully relax people and get them in a joyful mood.”

    The EOP was not the only program that took part in the event, Check It, HSU Dining Services, and Peer Health Educators were also at the event helping out and tabling. The event had tables for fun with bath salts, face masks and making your own buttons. Additionally there were tables to get your feelings out with letters of support and coloring.

    Ani Glenn is a senior and critical race, gender and sexuality studies major who helped out at the event as a student assistant for Peer Health Educators at the letters of support table.

    “We need to be taking care of ourselves right now and self care is extremely important especially during a time where a lot of people do feel threatened in many ways,” Glenn said. “It’s always really cool to be apart of these events and see the different types of people that come through.”

    The common reason that people came to the first event was that they were trying to be uplifted and uplift others during a somber time while trying to keep their hopes high for the future. The blow-up ball pit at the event seemed to be something most students thought was fun. Students were throwing themselves in the pit and bringing out their inner child by throwing balls up in the air and rolling around.

    “It[the Solidarity Day event] definitely lifts my spirits because I definitely was not looking forward to today,”  Nicole Raisola, a senior sociology major said. “I am also trying to go to the Women’s March tomorrow as well.”

    The waiting list to get a free massage was quick to fill up as that was one of the popular attractions at the event. During the event students sat in massage chairs to have their backs and necks worked on by professional masseuses. 

    The Solidarity Day event in the KBR brought smiles to students faces and distracted the attention away from a day that was grey for most. The event had free giveaways and attractions for anyone and everybody to join in on.

    Alexis Arancbia, a senior and sociology major, was giving away free face masks from the Peer Health Educators.

    “I feels awesome, I feel like it’s a really great thing to offer to students comfort wise,” Arancbia said. “It’s a good place for students to come if they’re feeling uncomfortable or sad today.”