The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
Estefany Nuñez

Estefany Nuñez, staff writer

Estefany Nuñez is the diversity and identity writer for The State Hornet. She’s been published by the Woodland Daily Democrat, and has participated in journalism since her freshman year of high school. She hopes to continue reporting for local communities in the San Joaquin Valley and write film reviews as well.
All content by Estefany Nuñez
Sacramento State’s Division of Inclusive Excellence announced that Sac State students, employees, faculty and administration are allowed to choose their gender pronouns that are displayed on their Student Center and profile pages. The State Hornet compiled this FAQ about pronouns and LGBTQ+ inclusivity at Sac State. (Photo by Kayleen Carter.)

FAQ: How to add your pronouns to your Student Center

Estefany Nuñez
May 19, 2021
Sacramento State’s Division of Inclusive Excellence announced that Sac State students, employees, faculty and administration are allowed to choose the pronouns that are displayed on their Student Center and profile pages. The State Hornet compiled this FAQ about pronouns and LGBTQ+ inclusivity at Sac State.
(Left to right) My-Thy Nguyen, Marietess Masulit and Yee Thao discuss their experiences dealing with anti-Asian racism due to xenophobic rhetoric tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Hornet spoke with members of the Asian American community at Sac State about what they have experienced since the start of the pandemic. Photos courtsey of Nguyen, Masulit and Thao.

Asian Sac State students, faculty share experiences navigating racism during the pandemic

Estefany Nuñez
May 7, 2021
With the increase of anti-Asian targeted attacks tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, The State Hornet spoke with members of the Asian American community at Sac State about their experiences with anti-Asian racism during the pandemic.
(Clockwise from top left) Sarah Miller, Robert Wiemer, Erin Wardle and Gao Thao share their thoughts on returning to in-person classes at Sacramento State in fall 2021. Sac State students should expect to take in-person classes in the fall, according to Provost Steve Perez. Photos taken via Zoom by Michael Eskridge.

‘Excited to go back’: Sac State students weigh in on fall 2021 teaching modalities

Campus survey draws polarized opinions on in-person classes
As Sacramento State plans to return to campus next fall, the first time a majority of Sac State students will have in-person classes since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, students express their opinions on returning to campus for the fall 2021 semester.
Author Chanel Miller reads an excerpt from her memoir “Know My Name” during the virtual “Healing Through Storytelling” event on Monday, April 19, 2021. Sacramento State hosted the event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Screenshot taken via Zoom by Estefany Nuñez.

NYT Bestselling author Chanel Miller speaks on healing from sexual assault

Estefany Nuñez
April 19, 2021
For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, New York Times bestselling author of the memoir “Know My Name” Chanel Miller spoke about how she was able to heal through storytelling in an event hosted by the women’s and gender studies department.
From left to right, peer mentors Alexis Jimenez, Ashley Jeffers, and women and gender studies department chair Dr. Sujatha Moni discuss inclusivity in the women’s studies department at Sacramento State. The department celebrated its 50th year anniversary this year. Photos taken via Zoom.

Women’s and gender studies students and faculty reflect on department’s 50th anniversary

Estefany Nuñez and Skyler Lacey
March 29, 2021
Sac State’s women’s gender studies department was one of the first programs of its kind in the United States when it was first established October 1971. Faculty and students spoke with The State Hornet to share their thoughts on the department’s 50th anniversary.
A photo of a golden Grammy Statuette, given to recipients of awards from the Recording Academy. (Photo by Thomas Hawk/CC BY-NC 2.0.)

REVIEW: Some of the best songs nominated at the 2021 Grammys

The State Hornet’s A&E and Opinion sections teamed up to bring you a playlist of our favorite songs from the 2021 Grammys Awards Show.
Graphic made in Canva

STATE HORNET BUZZED: ‘WandaVision’ and the next MCU Phase

Podcast staffer Gavin Rock, opinion editor Magaly Muñoz, diversity & identity beat writer Estefany Nuñez and arts & entertainment editor Nijzel Dotson get together to talk about “WandaVision” and all things MCU.
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany play Wanda Maximoff and Vision respectively in the new Disney+ series, “WandaVision.” The show replaced “Black Widow in being the first installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four after the pandemic delayed its May 2020 release. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

DUO REVIEW: ‘WandaVision’ is wickedly entertaining, but ultimately underwhelming

No more, 'Please Stand By'
Bradley Hinkson and Estefany Nuñez
March 6, 2021
Have you watched the season finale of “WandaVision”? Read two reviews from different perspectives: an MCU fan and a film critic break down the superhero sitcom, the first Disney+ series to debut on the streaming service.
(De izquierda a derecha) Caitlin Fox, Fabrizio Sasso, Matt Mason y Michael Castanon hablan en una conferencia de prensa organizada por un consejo sindical conjunto el martes 2 de marzo de 2021. En la conferencia de prensa, los empleados de Sac State compartieron historias de explotación laboral y discutieron negociaciones para extender los programas de ayuda COVID-19. Gráfico creado en Canva.

[Photo] Empleados de Sac State alegan explotación laboral, buscan alivio de COVID-19

Kimberly Gomez Santos
March 4, 2021

(De izquierda a derecha) Caitlin Fox, Fabrizio Sasso, Matt Mason y Michael Castanon hablan en una conferencia de prensa organizada por un consejo sindical conjunto el martes 2 de marzo de 2021. En la conferencia...

(Left to right) Caitlin Fox, Fabrizio Sasso, Matt Mason, and Michael Castanon speak at a press conference hosted by a joint labor union council on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. At the press conference, Sac State employees shared stories of labor exploitation and  discussed negotiations to extend COVID-19 relief programs. Graphic created in Canva.

Sac State employees allege labor exploitation, seek COVID-19 relief

‘It's wrong to have to choose between a paycheck or your family’
Estefany Nuñez
March 2, 2021
Sacramento State employees shared stories of labor exploitation and discussed negotiations between unions and Sac State to extend COVID-19 relief programs at a joint labor union council press conference on Tuesday.
Environmental science professor James W. Reede stands outside the University Union’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic Feb. 8, 2021. Reede was raised by his community activist mother who worked alongside many prominent civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry Belafonte and A. Phillip Randolph.

Environmental studies professor reflects on experience with civil rights movement

Estefany Nuñez
February 26, 2021

Environmental science professor James W. Reede stands outside the University Union’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic Feb. 8, 2021. Reede was raised by his community activist mother who worked alongside many...

John David Washington and Zendaya play an arguing couple in “Malcolm & Marie.” The relationship’s 12-year age gap garnered a lot of criticism recently, a trope typically found in Hollywood. Photo courtesy of Netflix, Inc.

REVIEW: ‘Malcolm & Marie’ dresses emotional terrorism in black and white

It’s not a romance
Estefany Nuñez
February 12, 2021
“It is vividly entertaining to watch John David Washington display some new acting range, but the monologues interrupt what works best in the film: the back-and-forth dialogue he shares with Zendaya. Unfortunately, it’s the script’s lack of structure that makes all the film’s points feel moot by the end.”
South Sacramento pastor wants to change status quo with state Senate run

South Sacramento pastor wants to change status quo with state Senate run

‘I’m not a career politician’
Estefany Nuñez
February 11, 2021
Dr. Tecoy Porter Sr., an activist and pastor at Genesis Baptist Church, is making his first run for public office to represent the 6th District in the California State Senate.
Estefany Nuñez’s diverse selection of book recommendations include a graphic novel, young adult, nonfiction and contemporary. Book covers by Riverhead Books, Doubleday Books, Amistad, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Quill Tree Books and St. Martins Press. Estefany Nuñez

REVIEW: 10 unforgettable books by Black female authors

Celebrating Black excellence
Estefany Nuñez
February 10, 2021
From young adult to psychological horror to comics, Estefany Nuñez offers a variety of book recommendations written only Black women in honor of Black History Month. Read the list on The State Hornet here:
Dr. Anthony Fauci joined a virtual forum with California State University Chancellor Timothy White Friday to discuss COVID-19 and public health. Fauci said students could be able to return to school in 2021 and the general population could receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as April 2021. Screenshot taken via CSU livestream.

Dr. Anthony Fauci joins CSU Chancellor in forum discussing COVID-19

‘We will get back to normality’
Estefany Nuñez
December 18, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci said students could be able to return to school in 2021 and the general population could receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as April 2021 in a virtual forum with CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White Friday.
PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Legal advocate explains the situation for DACA and Dreamers

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Legal advocate explains the situation for DACA and Dreamers

Estefany Nuñez, Maria Ceja, Mercy Sosa, and Robbie Pierce
December 17, 2020
DACA was fully reinstated this month but faces legal challenges such as an upcoming court case Dec. 22. In this bilingual podcast, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights advocate Andrés Guerra explains how to apply and what to watch for when applying.
PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Defensor legal explica la situación de DACA y Dreamers

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Defensor legal explica la situación de DACA y Dreamers

Estefany Nuñez, Maria Ceja, Mercy Sosa, and Robbie Pierce
December 17, 2020
DACA estaba completamente reinstalada al principio de este mes, pero hay desafíos legales como un juicio en Dec. 22. En este podcast bilingüe, el defensor legal para la Coalición por los Derechos Humanos de Inmigrantes Andrés Guerra explica como aplicar y lo que deberían vigilar para cuando apliquen.
Andy Pestana and Sarah Hawkins photographed by Kristina Claudio, the leader behind the non-profit organization Highlights and Shadows. Claudio has been offering wildfire victims free portrait photo shoots to replace photographs lost from Northern California widfires. Photo courtesy of Kristina Claudio.

Local photographer offers free photoshoot services to wildfire victims

Emmely Ramirez and Estefany Nuñez
December 15, 2020
“It’s nice to have some nice pictures of us that show we’re not always exhausted and grumpy because of the fire,” said Sarah Hawkins, a California wildfire survivor who took photos with local photographer, Kristina Claudio and her team.
The Aramark and AmeriPride building in Hibbing, Minnesota on Oct. 4, 2020. The food service company is planned to take over University Enterprises, Inc.’s dining operations July 2021. (Photo by Tony Webster/ CC BY 2.0)

Aramark wins bid to take over Sac State’s dining operations

UEI is no longer going to self-operate food services on campus
Estefany Nuñez
December 14, 2020
In attempt to continue making food services financially feasible and affordable for students, University Enterprises Inc. decided to outsource their dining operations. Aramark won with the highest score to a bid and is set to take over in July 2021.
A judge ordered the Trump administration to fully reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that was ended in 2017. Program coordinator for the Dreamer Resource Center Erik Ramirez said DACA will protect undocumented young immigrants from deportation and let them work lawfully. Screenshot taken via Zoom.

DACA reinstated for first time since 2017

Judge orders Trump administration to accept new applications this week
Estefany Nuñez
December 9, 2020
A judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate the DACA program this week and accept new applicants.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills and then speaks to the assorted body of students and community about the Affordability Budget in the quad at City College on Monday, July 1, 2019. Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills SB 76 Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review - Education finance, SB 77 Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review - Higher education trailer bill, and SB 93 Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review Budget Act of 2018: augmentation. (Sara Nevis for Sacramento City College’s The Express)

FAQ: What does a stay at home order mean for Sacramento County?

Estefany Nuñez
December 4, 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a regional stay at home order for five regions in California to help reduce ICU capacity in hospitals. How will Sacamento be affected? Read The State Hornet’s FAQ here:
Cara Shuman decided to dedicate her senior project to mental health awareness along with five classmates. The group is hosting a virtual event on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to talk about tips for mental wellness and services available at Sac State. Screenshot taken by Estefany Nuñez via Zoom. Graphic in the background courtesy of Strength In Numbers CSUS.

Sac State students coordinate mental health talk for senior project

Communication studies majors provided wellness resources at the event
Estefany Nuñez
November 17, 2020
For their senior seminar project, six communication studies students will host a virtual discussion about mental health and wellness resources.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas released on September 1, 2020, made history when it was the first book to reach the New York Times Best Seller list with an out transgender author. Book cover by Feiwel & Friends.

REVIEW: ‘Cemetery Boys’ is a rich, enthralling spin on tradition and culture

This coming-of-age tale offers adventure, fantasy and romance
Estefany Nuñez
November 4, 2020
“Cemetery Boys” was a joyous and spooky celebration of queer love, diversity, culture with a splendid take on the Día de Muertos holiday. It’s a perfect Autumn read.
PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Hornet Speaker Series - Wesley Lowery

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Hornet Speaker Series – Wesley Lowery

Ian Ratliff, Estefany Nuñez, and Robbie Pierce
October 26, 2020

The State Hornet hosted its first ever live Twitch event last week: the Hornet Speaker Series of virtual Q&A sessions. Wesley Lowery, a Pulitzer Prize winner, author of “They Can't Kill Us All:...

Sam Clark, environmental science major, poses on the bench after practice at Hornets Stadium at Sacramento State Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Clark started playing football March 2018 in Australia and came to Sacramento June 2019 to play for Sac State.

Sac State punter from Down Under

Sam Clark tells his punting journey from Australia to the US
Estefany Nuñez and Sara Nevis
October 15, 2020
The punter from Australia, Sam Clark, spoke to the State Hornet about his second season of football. “It was quite an achievement to have never played this sport before and come over here and give it a crack,” Clark said.
Estefany Nuñez offers an assortment of nonfiction, gothic horror and psychological book recommendations that shes read during quarantine. Book covers by Balzer + Bray, Viking, Bloomsbury Circus, Vintage, William Morrow and Del Rey.

REVIEW: Top 10 books I’ve read in quarantine

Apparently, I’m not a fan of light-hearted reads
Estefany Nuñez
October 9, 2020
Reading from the safety of your home is one activity that COVID-19 hasn’t ruined. From true crime to science fiction to gothic horror, Estefany Nuñez recommends the best books she’s read since March.
Athletes from the Sac State basketball, football and volleyball teams speak about the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice and police harassment.

‘Do I look more dangerous than a white man?’: Sac State athletes speak on social justice issues

Estefany Nuñez
September 29, 2020
Many Sac State athletes are choosing to speak out on issues of racial inequality, joining professionals such as Naomi Osaka and LeBron James in initiating the conversation about social justice.
Robert Pattinson and Lucy Faust as Preston and Cynthia Teagardin in Netflixs book-to-film adaptation of The Devil All The Time. Photo courtesy of Netflix, Inc.

REVIEW: ‘The Devil All the Time’ serves gore, wickedness, but lacks depth

Book-to-film adaptation has star-studded cast including Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgård
Estefany Nuñez
September 22, 2020

What would we have done with ourselves if Robert Pattinson wasn’t giving us new performances to watch during this pandemic? Talk about range. “The Devil All The Time,” directed by Antonio Campos,...

Senior Sac State mens tennis player Mikus Losbergs, swings against Nevada. Losbergs has a record of 4-4 this season.

Seventh in Big Sky not enough for Sac State men’s tennis team

Mikus Losbergs and Donald Hall aim to lead Hornets to top-six conference finish
Cristian Corona and Estefany Nuñez
March 12, 2019

Sacramento State’s men's tennis team is striving to finish in this season’s top six of the Big Sky Conference, which would qualify the team to advance into the Big Sky Tournament. Head coach Kevin...

Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, in Marvels latest film. Captain Marvel made its debut on International Womens Day.

REVIEW: ‘Captain Marvel’ is the strongest Avenger, not the strongest movie

Estefany Nuñez
March 9, 2019

This review contains spoilers. Eleven years into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and we get the introduction of an iconic Marvel character who can fly, fight aliens and has incredible superpowers. Carol...

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