Skip to Main Content
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
Gerardo Zavala

Gerardo Zavala, video editor

Gerardo Zavala is the video editor for The State Hornet. He moved to Sacramento from Santa Barbara, where he was the sports editor and photography editor for The Channels student newspaper at Santa Barbara City College. He is majoring in journalism and political science and is minoring in mathematics and is looking to cover science and politics for a publication after graduating.
All content by Gerardo Zavala
The State Hornet talked to internship coordinators, professors and other faculty from several departments who are very aware of the difficulty of finding jobs, especially during the times we are living through. Graphic made in Canva.

Graduating during a pandemic…what now?

A guide to networking and finding a job from Sac State faculty
We talked to internship coordinators, professors and other faculty from several departments about the next steps graduates should take to find jobs and build their network.

[Video] Job advice for graduates from the Sac State political science department

Gerardo Zavala, Broadcast Editor
May 18, 2021
Jaime Jackson, an assistant professor and the internship coordinator for Sacramento State’s political science department, shared important information for graduates searching for jobs.

California loses congressional seat and vaccines are required for all CSU members: STATE HORNET NEWS

In this edition of the State Hornet news, California will be losing representation in congress, all CSU’s are requiring all faculty, students and staff to be vaccinated in order to return to campus and...

[Video] California pierde un asiento congresional y más: EL AVISPÓN DEL ESTADO

Gerardo Zavala and Sara Nevis
May 4, 2021

En esta edición de El Avispón Del Estado, la reportera Allisyn Mayhew platica con el vicepresidente de asuntos estudiantiles en Sac State, Ed Mills, para aprender sobre el requerimiento de la vacuna...

[Video] Meditation, doodling, working out: how some students are coping with the pandemic

Gerardo Zavala and Chrissy Martinez
April 30, 2021

Mental health is one of the last things in a lot of students' minds during this pandemic, but it’s also one of the most important. News reporter Chrissy Martinez talked to several students earlier this...

STATE HORNET NEWS: Sac State administers COVID-19 vaccine, new ASI president and more

On this edition of State Hornet news, Sac State begins COVID-19 vaccination to students on campus, and Samantha Elizalde wins election for ASI president with 55% of votes. As a result of the pandemic,...

[Video] EL AVISPÓN DEL ESTADO: Vacunas disponibles para estudiantes, nueva presidenta-electa de ASI y más.

En esta edición de  El Avispón Del Estado, Sac State hace las vacunas de Pfizer disponibles para estudiantes, Erick Salgado platica con presidenta-electa de ASI Samantha Elizalde, el senado de facultad...

Sac State begins administering COVID-19 vaccines to students on campus

COVID-19 vaccine mandate under consideration by the CSU system
Gerardo Zavala
April 15, 2021
Sac State has begun to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to students at the vaccination site on campus.

[Video] STATE HORNET BROADCAST: Sac State police chief retires, Women’s Studies Department has 50th anniversary

James Fife
April 5, 2021

On this edition of State Hornet news, Sac State Police Chief Mark Iwasa announces retirement effective this summer and Dr. Sujatha Moni sits down with us to talk about the 50th anniversary of the Women’s...

[Video] El Avispón Del Estado: Las principales historias: Marzo 23-Abril 5

Gerardo Zavala
April 5, 2021

En esta edición de las noticias de El Avispón Del Estado, El Departamento De Estudios De La Mujer Y Género cumple 50, el jefe de la policía de Sac State anuncia su jubilación y miembros de la comunidad...

Sacramento/Black Art of Dance’s dance production, “Thrive,” features several Sac State students and is available online and on-demand from Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 20 with a special director's commentary version Sunday at 2 p.m. Image courtesy of Kevin Wilhite

REVIEW: Sac State dancers ‘Thrive’ in online performance

Gerardo Zavala, Video Editor
March 19, 2021

From the moment it starts, it’s evident that this isn’t a regular dance show. The movements of the camera and the cuts to different locations give the audience a front-row seat to the adaptations...

[Video] Virtual math lab available for struggling students

Gerardo Zavala, Video Editor
March 18, 2021

The virtual math lab was forced to adapt when the pandemic hit last year to a new online environment in order to continue being a resource that offers assistance to math students. A year later, it still...

Joseph stands on the opposite side of a gate to the pool area that has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. Although he is experiencing the most freedom he has had in years, Joseph is still confined to Sacramento County through the ankle monitor on his right foot that only allows him to travel 50 miles from his home. Joseph said that ever since he was released, the population at Mesa Verde has decreased, thanks in part to an order signed by Northern California District Judge Chhabria that caps the detention center’s population at 26 people per dorm.

[Photo] Joseph’s activism for human rights of detainees

March 17, 2021

Joseph’s ankle monitor wraps around his sulu, a skirt-like garment worn by Fijian men, and serves as a reminder that he is still not completely free on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He has garnered support...

Charles Joseph walks to the edge of his apartment complex’s parking lot to his favorite spot to watch life unfold on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. His scenery from here includes an old wilted oak tree, an empty field that used to be apartments and a Dutch Bros coffee shop with a constantly filled drive-thru line.

[Photo] Joseph’s fight for rights from the outside

March 17, 2021

Charles Joseph walks to the edge of his apartment complex’s parking lot to his favorite spot to watch life unfold on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. His scenery from here includes...

Joseph stands on the opposite side of a gate to the pool area that has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. Although he is experiencing the most freedom he has had in years, Joseph is still confined to Sacramento County through the ankle monitor on his right foot that only allows him to travel 50 miles from his home.

[Photo] Joseph’s experience with incarceration and ICE detention

March 17, 2021

Joseph stands on the opposite side of a gate to the pool area that has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. Although he is experiencing...

Charles Joseph stands outside of his second story apartment next to trees growing in between two apartment buildings Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. Joseph said that he enjoys how calm and peaceful his apartment is after years of living in prisons and detainment centers.

[Photo] Former ICE detainee continues activism, credits music for transformative healing

Katerina Graziosi
March 17, 2021

Charles Joseph stands outside of his second story apartment next to trees growing in between two apartment buildings Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Sacramento, California. Joseph said that he enjoys how...

[Video] STATE HORNET BROADCAST: Student employees are eligible for the vaccine, CARmencement

Dominic Vitiello
March 16, 2021

On this edition of The State Hornet News, with student employees now receiving invitations for vaccination appointments we spoke to several student safety ambassadors on campus about their feelings on...

[Video] El Avispon Del Estado: Noticias de Sac State en Español

En esta edición de las noticias de El Avispón Del Estado, empleados de Sac State alegan explotación laboral, el presidente de Sac State anuncia planes para un “carmencement” para graduación y el...

[Video] STATE HORNET NEWS: COVID-19 vaccines not mandatory for students, fall instruction anticipated to be 50% in-person

February 22, 2021

 On this edition of The State Hornet News, students will not need COVID-19 vaccines to return to campus, classes next year are expected to be 50% in-person and Congresswoman Doris Matsui tours the Sac...

[Video] Some Sac State faculty to receive COVID-19 vaccination invitations this week

Faculty and staff currently working on campus with students will be prioritized
Erick Salgado
February 17, 2021
Sacramento State will send invitations this week for face-to-face faculty and on-campus staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19 according to Sac State President Robert Nelsen.

[Video] ‘It’s been a huge adjustment’: Sac State softball team embraces changes entering 2021 season

2021 season began Friday against Cal Baptist
Deanna Sanchez and Mengting Tian
February 16, 2021

After COVID-19 swiftly ended the Sacramento State softball team’s spring 2020 season, the Hornets are back on the field with 18 players returning from the 2020 roster among the 25 athletes for the 2021...

[Video] Congresswoman Doris Matsui tours Sac State COVID-19 vaccination clinic

Sac State faculty and staff will begin to receive vaccinations Thursday
Robert J. Hansen
February 16, 2021
Doris Matsui said Congress plans on getting the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by March 14 during her visit to Sacramento State’s vaccination site.

[Video] STATE HORNET NEWS: First vaccine doses, interview with recently deceased soccer player’s coach, and more

February 9, 2021

On this edition of The State Hornet News, the first vaccine doses distributed in the Student Union, an interview with head coach of recently deceased soccer player Arath Chavez, and a look into our most...

The CSU Board of Trustees voted in favor of sponsoring a proposed bill that would establish the College Mental Health Services Program using money from the administrative fund of Proposition 63. Sac State's counseling and mental health services can be found on the second floor of The WELL.

CSU Board sponsors expanding student mental health services

Tuition will not be raised for students in fall 2021, Castro says
Gerardo Zavala
January 26, 2021
The CSU Board of Trustees voted in favor of sponsoring a legislative proposal that would expand student mental health services across all California college campuses and discussed the CSU’s budget for the 2021-2022 year.
Sacramento State students face issues with their academic advising, including issues with a class listed as a writing intensive on the social sciences’ website that no longer meets the requirement. Graphic made in Canva.

Academic advising issues and miscommunication worry Sac State students

Class listed as writing intensive no longer meets requirement
Gerardo Zavala
December 9, 2020
Sacramento State students face issues with their academic advising, including issues with a class listed as a writing intensive on the social sciences’ website that no longer meets the requirement.
Graphic by Mercy Sosa

Students clash with professors violating Sac State policy restricting webcam requirements

Course syllabus policy limits webcam use to approved classes
Gerardo Zavala and Gavin Rock
December 9, 2020
Many students have expressed concerns about webcam requirements in their courses and issues that have arisen with professors who do have exemptions.
PODCAST: Professors unknowingly violate webcam policy, Faculty Senate votes to keep spring break

PODCAST: Professors unknowingly violate webcam policy, Faculty Senate votes to keep spring break

Robbie Pierce and Gerardo Zavala
December 8, 2020
This week on The State Hornet Podcast: professors unknowingly violated school webcam policy by mandating students have their webcams on at all times while in class, a requirement disallowed by said policy.
Sacramento State University's faculty senate voted in favor of keeping spring break next semester during its meeting Thursday. Provost Steve Perez (left) will take the senators feedback, such as Rebecca Cameron's (right) concern with student and faculty mental health, into account when deciding what to do with spring break next semester.

Sac State Faculty Senate votes in favor of keeping spring break

Gerardo Zavala
December 3, 2020

Sacramento State University's faculty senate voted in favor of keeping spring break next semester during its meeting Thursday. Provost Steve Perez (left) will take the senators feedback, such as Rebecca...

Sacramento State alumni Laura Swartzen (left) and Leander Loh discussed sexual assault during their "Let's Talk About it - Sexual Assault" presentation Tuesday on Zoom. Screenshots taken via Zoom.

Sac State alumni provide resources and information about sexual assault

Domestic abuse, consent and bystander intervention discussed
Gerardo Zavala
November 24, 2020
Sacramento State alumni Laura Swartzen and Leander Loh discussed topics such as domestic abuse, consent and bystander intervention during their “Let’s Talk About it - Sexual Assault” presentation Tuesday.

[Video] CSU Board of Trustees clashes over ethnic studies requirement, potential increase in units

Board removes social justice aspect of requirement
Gerardo Zavala
November 20, 2020
The CSU Board of Trustees continued to disagree over the implementation of Assembly Bill 1460, which creates an ethnic studies requirement for future CSU students. Some concerns included potential increases in unit requirements for students and a lack of faculty autonomy.
Sacramento State’s Student Social Justice and Equity Council held a student forum to start a conversation about police brutality and to share student perspectives, experiences and thoughts concerning police violence Monday, Nov. 9 via Zoom. Screenshots taken by Gerardo Zavala via Zoom.

Sac State students discuss the impact of police brutality on their communities

Gerardo Zavala
November 9, 2020
Sacramento State Student Social Justice and Equity Council hosted a forum to speak about student experiences with police, reactions to protests, views of news coverage of police killings and suggestions for allies to help support the BIPOC community at a “Together We Rise” forum Monday via Zoom.

CSU chancellor and faculty at odds over ethnic studies requirement implementation

Faculty senate endorsed the Ethnic Studies Department’s resolution in opposition
Gerardo Zavala
November 5, 2020
Sacramento State University’s Faculty Senate endorsed the Ethnic Studies Department’s resolution in response to the Chancellor’s Office implementation of Assembly Bill 1460 and offered revisions during its meeting Thursday.
Sacramento State's Martin Luther King Jr. Center outreach coordinator Kaifa Yates said, “I voted for everything else but the president.” The Martin Luther King Jr. center held a voter dialogue that focused on the election and its impact on the Black community Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom. Screenshots taken by Gerardo Zavala via Zoom.

Presidential dissatisfaction and election anxiety key topics of MLK Center’s voter dialogue

'I voted for everything else but the president’
Gerardo Zavala
November 5, 2020
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center at Sacramento State University held a voter dialogue that focused on the election and its impact on the Black community Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom.
A demonstrator holds a sign advocating for AB 1460 in the University Union at a Faculty Senate meeting Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Sacramento State's Faculty Senate discussed the ethnic studies department’s resolution in opposition to the CSU Chancellor’s Office’s proposed implementation of the bill.

Sac State Faculty Senate prepares opposition to CSU implementation of AB 1460

Chancellor’s resolution is not living up to anti-racism commitment, says senate member
Gerardo Zavala
October 28, 2020
The Faculty Senate discussed the ethnic studies department’s resolution in opposition to the Chancellor’s Office’s proposed implementation of Assembly Bill 1460, which creates an ethnic studies requirement for future CSU students.

[Video] ASI communicates student priorities to faculty in meet-and-greet

Student participation, readily available resources two key issues
Gerardo Zavala
October 26, 2020
The Associated Students, Inc. Board of Directors shared its strategic priorities of increasing student participation, making resources readily available, increasing awareness of racial injustices and supporting students’ basic needs and safety.

[Video] VIDEO: CSU Board of Trustees explains $1.4 billion surplus, ethnic studies implementation

Gerardo Zavala
October 6, 2020
The board explained where its $1.4 billion reserve found in an audit last year was allocated, clarified its stance on Proposition 16 and addressed concerns regarding the implementation process of a new ethnic studies requirement for all CSU students.
A demonstrator holds a sign advocating for AB 1460 in the University Union at a Faculty Senate meeting Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Sacramento State's Faculty Senate discussed the ethnic studies department’s resolution in opposition to the CSU Chancellor’s Office’s proposed implementation of the bill.

New ethnic studies requirement signed into law by Gov. Newsom

Sac State students graduating in 2025 will need to meet ethnic studies and race and ethnicity requirements
Gerardo Zavala and Isabelle Juarez
September 16, 2020
AB 1460 was signed into law, requiring all CSU undergraduates to complete a course in ethnic studies, beginning with the class of 2024-2025.
Load More Stories
Donate to The State Hornet
$800
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal