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The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Chris Woodard

Chris Woodard, Managing Editor

(he/him)

Chris Woodard joined The State Hornet in 2022 as a third-year transfer student. He previously worked as the editor-in-chief of Cosumnes River College’s publication, The Connection. He is a Sacramento native and hopes to cover arts & entertainment after graduating in the spring of 2024.

 

All content by Chris Woodard
Protesters adorned the encampment in the Library Quad with signs supporting the Palestinian people Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Sac State became the first California State University to announce divestment.

BREAKING: Sac State to alter investment policies in light of pro-Palestine encampment

Sac State becomes first CSU to divest
Alexander Musa and Chris Woodard
May 8, 2024
Sacramento State becomes the first California State University to announce divestment from “corporations that profit from genocide,” according to revised policies from President Luke Wood.
Los estudiantes construyeron casas de campaña, estaciones de refrescos y establecieron bases de primeros auxilios en el campamento pro palestino en el patio de la biblioteca el lunes 29 de abril del 2024. Sac State ahora es uno de los más de 70 campuses con un campamento de protesta

Protestas pro-Palestina empieza en Sac State

Activistas de Sac State se convierte en uno de más 70 grupos en campuses universitarios demandando desinversiones
El capítulo de la Universidad Estatal de Sacramento de Estudiantes por la Justicia en Palestina organizaron un campamento en el patio de la biblioteca y comparten sus demandas para la Junta Directiva del sistema de Universidades Estatales de California.
Students built tents, refreshment stations and set up first-aid bases at the pro-Palestine encampment in the Library Quad Monday, April 29, 2024. Sac State is now one of over 70 campuses with an encampment protest.

BREAKING: Pro-Palestine encampment begins at Sac State

Sac State activists becomes one of over 70 campus groups worldwide to demand divestment
Chris Woodard, Managing Editor
April 29, 2024
The Sacramento State chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine organized an encampment in the Library Quad and listed demands for the CSU Board of Trustees.
Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard

Retrogrades #2: A not so ‘Hot Fuss’

James Fife, Chris Woodard, and Evan Patocka
March 14, 2024
Podcast editor James Fife and managing editor Chris Woodard discuss the “Hot Fuss,” as they review The Killers' debut album and all of the glory of “Mr. Brightside.”
Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard

Retrogrades #1: ‘I, Robot’ you, get dizzy

James Fife and Chris Woodard
February 21, 2024
Podcast editor James Fife and managing editor Chris Woodard re-review the 2004 summer blockbuster “I, Robot,” and discuss how the film has aged after 20 years.
The Sacramento State Police Department has identified a person of interest in relation to a series of vandalisms around campus Sunday Dec. 10, 2023. Anyone with information should reach out to them at (916) 278-6000, or email police@csus.edu. (Photos courtesy of Sac State Police, graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard)

[Photo] BREAKING: Reports of vandalism and possible arson on campus

Michael Pepper, Staffer
December 11, 2023

The Sacramento State Police Department has identified a person of interest in relation to a series of vandalisms around campus Sunday Dec. 10, 2023. Anyone with information should reach out to them at...

Maren Morris performing on the Visit Sacramento stage at GoldenSky Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. GoldenSky was a two-day country music festival hosted at Discovery Park. (Photo by Nathan Zucker)

Country acts reflect on their GoldenSky experience

Musicians heat up the stage with rootin' tootin' music
Hailey Valdivia and Chris Woodard
October 17, 2023
Country music took over Discovery Park in Sacramento for the second annual GoldenSky festival with acts like Eric Church, Marren Morris, Jon Pardi and more.
The Farm House at the GoldenSky music festival in 2022. GoldenSky returns to Discovery Park for the second consecutive year this weekend.

Get your cowboy hats and boots ready for the return of GoldenSky

Dance the weekend away with these hidden gems
Hailey Valdivia and Chris Woodard
October 12, 2023
GoldenSky returns to Discovery Park this weekend with big names such as Jon Pardi and Lainey Wilson, and some hidden gems that you must see.
“Into the Groove” will explore current, past and developing trends in music each week. For the column’s second edition, we will examine the history of house music and its return to its roots. (Graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard)

Into the Groove: The reclamation of house music

Chris Woodard, Managing Editor
October 11, 2023
Join Managing Editor Chris Woodard and dive into the history of house music with the likes of Frankie Knuckles all the way to last year’s amazing “RENAISSANCE” by Beyoncé.
“Into the Groove” will explore current, past and developing trends in music each week. For the column’s first edition, we will revisit 2015 and its significance on music today. (Graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard)

Into the Groove: Revisiting 2015, the best year of music in the last decade

Chris Woodard, Managing Editor
October 3, 2023
Drake hits, Taylor Swift’s war with Apple, a new era of Atlanta rap and so much more. 2015 shaped the formation of music for years to come.

Capturing the vibe of Sol Blume 2023

The State Hornet brings exclusive interviews and experiences from a weekend at Discovery Park
Chris Woodard and Cristian Gonzalez
August 24, 2023
R&B festival Sol Blume 2023 poured into Sacramento’s Discovery Park this August with headliners Brent Faiyaz and Kehlani.
Jhene Aiko performing at the mainstage during Sol Blume 2022. Sol Blume, founded in 2017, brings R&B, soul and hip-hop to Sacramento. (Photo courtesy of Sol Blume)

Unique undercard artists that will bring the soul to Sol Blume

Arin Ray, Amber Mark and others may not be headliners, but are head turners
Chris Woodard
August 17, 2023
Sol Blume attendees may wish to show up early to catch sets from Amber Mark, Mereba, DESTIN CONRAD and Arin Ray.
The Office of Equal Opportunity in Del Norte Hall, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. According to the Title IX assessment report for Sacramento State, many students were not aware where the office is located on campus.

CSU Title IX report reveals system-wide problems

Report spotlights issues within Sac State’s Office of Equal Opportunity
Jacob Peterson and Chris Woodard
July 17, 2023
The assessment found issues with California State University’s understaffing and lack of consistent guidelines.
The Associated Students Inc.’s Appellate Council decided they will not hear the appeal from SSIS Director-Elect Nikita Akhumov (left) Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Isabella Jimenez (right), the runner up candidate, will take over the position the fall 2023 semester. (Photos provided by Sacramento State; graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard)

[Photo] ASI Appellate Council will not hear candidate’s appeal over disqualification recommendation

Jacob Peterson
June 20, 2023

The Associated Students Inc.’s Appellate Council decided they will not hear the appeal from SSIS Director-Elect Nikita Akhumov (left) Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Isabella Jimenez (right), the runner up candidate,...

In memoriam: Brandon Armani Bailey

In memoriam: Brandon Armani Bailey

Jordan Latimore and Chris Woodard
May 31, 2023
In memoriam: The State Hornet's Brandon Bailey, from Berkeley to Sacramento State.
Parking Structure 3 located across from the Sacramento State Police Department at Sac State Tuesday, May 8, 2018. An occurrence of sexual battery at the structure was reported to campus police May 12, 2023. (Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard)

[Photo] BREAKING: Sexual battery reported to campus police

Johnathan Rutz
May 25, 2023

Parking Structure 3 located across from the Sacramento State Police Department at Sac State Tuesday, May 8, 2018. An occurrence of sexual battery at the structure was reported to campus police May 12,...

TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast: ChatGPT, graduation photos, spring fashion show and Ed Mills retirement

Faculty update academic policy in face of AI, Hornet March Madness marches on
Since the rise in popularity of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, Sacramento State has been reckoning with how to manage use of the tool. Tom Carroll, Sac State’s Student Conduct Administrator, said students should follow the university’s cheating and plagiarism sections when using ChatGPT for assignments.  (Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard).

[Photo] ChatGPT’s presence at Sac State: friend or foe

Tierra Tilby
April 18, 2023

Since the rise in popularity of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, Sacramento State has been reckoning with how to manage use of the tool. Tom Carroll, Sac State’s Student Conduct Administrator, said students should...

Spring into full bloom with the season's best from The State Hornet's arts and entertainment section. The guide includes music, books, activities, movies and TV shows. (Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard)

[Photo]
Ultimate Spring Guide 2023

Jenelle Lum
April 10, 2023

Spring into full bloom with the season's best from The State Hornet's arts and entertainment section. The guide includes music, books, activities, movies and TV shows. (Graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard)

Robert Gonzalez, a third-year political science major and student union organizer, said organizers had surpassed the 4,000 required student worker signatures to begin the union election processes, pending verification from the California State University Labor Board. (Photo by Jacob Peterson, Graphic in Canva by Chris Woodard)

[Photo] Unionization effort is underway for student administrative assistants, workers

Anthony Dehzad
March 29, 2023

Robert Gonzalez, a third-year political science major and student union organizer, said organizers had surpassed the 4,000 required student worker signatures to begin the union election processes, pending...

Campus Victory Project, a third-party Republican organization, has attempted to contact potential candidates for the upcoming ASI elections, according to Michael Lee-Chang. Candidate announcements and campaigning begins after spring break on March 27, 2023, followed by a two-day election in April. (Photo and Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

Student representatives say conservative organization attempting to influence Sac State ASI elections

Activism project searching for student candidates to endorse, sources say
Gavin Hudson and Chris Woodard
March 28, 2023
With ASI elections around the corner, reports of Campus Victory Project reaching out to student government associates surfaces.
The State Hornet wins 9 awards from Associated Collegiate Press convention

The State Hornet wins 9 awards from Associated Collegiate Press convention

Student publication named as second-best website in nation
Serena Smith and Chris Woodard
March 17, 2023
The State Hornet took home ACP awards including best blog, second place for web site and second place for best podcast.
Inside Sac State women’s basketball’s journey to NCAA tournament

Inside Sac State women’s basketball’s journey to NCAA tournament

Dive into the Hornets’ historic 2022-2023 season heading into March Madness
Nida Muhammad Nyazi, 31, was arrested in Germany, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday. Nyazi is an alleged suspect in two sexual assault cases on campus from the fall. (Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, graphic made in Canva by Chris Woodard)

BREAKING: Police arrest suspect in relation to Sac State sexual assaults

Suspect is awaiting extradition in Germany
Dominique Williams and Chris Woodard
February 23, 2023
Suspect in two sexual assaults at Sac State was arrested in Germany
An individual rallied with students about his beliefs and religious ideologies at the library quad on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. This incident started after Project Truth, an anti-abortion group, was on campus.

BREAKING: Pro-choice and religious protests break out in library quad

Enraged students confront individuals who preach religious ideologies
A free-speech altercation ensued on campus Monday as pro-choice and religious-based protesters arrived in the library quad.
The Sacramento State University Library Feb. 10, 2023, where the donations are accepted for the ‘Love in Action,’ event. This event is in collaboration with 
Josh’s Heart Homeless Connect, a Sacramento-based non profit that aims to support individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. (Photo by Jacob Peterson, graphic by Chris Woodard made in Canva).

[Photo] Love in Action: Sac State aids unhoused community through giving back event

Peyton Sorosinski
February 12, 2023

The Sacramento State University Library Feb. 10, 2023, where the donations are accepted for the ‘Love in Action,’ event. This event is in collaboration with Josh’s Heart Homeless Connect, a Sacramento-based...

(L-R) Juniors Mate Voros and Mark Keki during their home match versus Saint Mary’s at Sacramento State Tennis courts on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The duo went 20-1 in doubles play during the 2022 season. 

Photos by Hugo Quintanilla. 
Graphic created in canva by Chris Woodard

[Photo] Two is better than one: Hungarian national champions serve aces for Sac State

Hugo Quintanilla
February 11, 2023

(L-R) Juniors Mate Voros and Mark Keki during their home match versus Saint Mary’s at Sacramento State Tennis courts on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The duo went 20-1 in doubles play during the 2022 season....

Georgia-born rapper Lil Yachty released his fifth studio album “Let’s Start Here.” on Jan. 27. The album plunges Yachty into a new style and sound. (Photo courtesy of Quality Control)

REVIEW: Lil Yachty’s ‘Let’s Start Here.’

Love, psychedelia and risks: Lil Yachty’s ‘Let’s Start Here.’
Chris Woodard
February 4, 2023
Failure took Lil Yachty on a ride through artistic evolution as his newest venture waxes psychedelic.
jKaiLord cantando "Sin justicia, no hay paz" mientras marchaba por Sacramento el viernes 27 de enero de 2023. jKaiLord estuvo entre varios manifestantes que pidieron justicia después de la muerte de Tyre Nichols, quien murió días después de ser golpeado por agentes de policía de Memphis.

‘Estoy harto y cansado de estar harto y cansado’: La comunidad de Sacramento lamentan la muerte de Tyre Nichols

Manifestantes se acercan al Capitolio para protestar contra la brutalidad policial
Un conjunto de residentes de Sacramento llenaron los escalones occidentales del edificio del Capitolio del Estado de California mientras observaban en silencio las imágenes de la cámara corporal recién publicadas de la golpiza y el arresto de Tyre Nichols, nativo de Sacramento de 29 años.
Alexis Jiménez, una estudiante de antropología, se dirige al panel de administradores en relación a las recientes agresiones sexuales en el campus y áreas cercanas en el cuarto Redwood del edificio ‘The Unión’ el jueves 17 de noviembre del 2022. Jiménez expresó sus críticas sobre cómo se han manejado las agresiones sexuales durante un foro comunitario organizado por líderes estudiantiles.

‘Realmente se está empezando a sentir que nadie está seguro aquí’: Los estudiantes de Sac State demandan acción en ayuntamiento

Un foro dirigido por estudiantes fue la respuesta a múltiples casos de agresión sexual en el campus y sus alrededores.
Una discusión organizada por estudiantes fue ocasionada en el edificio ‘The Unión’ en Sacramento State el 17 de Noviembre con respecto a los incidentes de agresión sexual en el campus y areas sercanas estre semestre.

[Video] Social justice activists in Sacramento persist in calls for institutional change to policing

Cristian Gonzalez
January 29, 2023
Videos released by the Memphis Police Department in connection with the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols inspired Sacramento activists to take to the streets in protest of police brutality.
jKaiLord chanting “No justice, no peace” while marching throughout Sacramento on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. jKaiLord was among several protesters to call for justice after the death of Tyre Nichols, who died days after being beaten by Memphis police officers.

‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired’: Sacramento community mourns death of Tyre Nichols

Demonstrators approach Capitol to protest police brutality
Sacramento residents took to the Capitol to call for legislative change.
After a failed medical physical ends Carlos Correa’s stint as a San Francisco Giant ended before it ever began. Graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

[Photo] OPINION: Where Carlos Correa’s short stop in San Francisco leaves the Giants

Dylan McNeill
December 22, 2022

After a failed medical physical ends Carlos Correa’s stint as a San Francisco Giant ended before it ever began. Graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The month of December is synonymous with gift-giving. Discover these inexpensive gift ideas for your next white elephant gift exchange. Graphic created in Canva by Chris Woodard.

Let’s address the white elephant in the room: Nobody likes picking out a gift

We’ve done the work for you and compiled this list of inexpensive ideas
Chris Woodard
December 14, 2022
This holiday season, bring the white elephant gift that gets people fighting.
Content creator John Rusanov and his cameraman, second-year business major Eric Shambra, interact with fourth-year biological science student Audrey Dakis while filming a TikTok video outside the Bookstore on Nov. 18. Rusanov has been filming his videos at Sacramento State for about six months.

Sac State students and campus spotlighted in successful TikTok account

‘I think I started TikTok at a really good time’: Creator builds a social media presence on campus
Chris Woodard and Gavin Hudson
December 10, 2022
Rising TikTok star John Rusanov amassed over one million followers inviting Sac State students for skits.

[Video] State Hornet Broadcast: November update

November 21, 2022
Professors make art, Hmong fashion show honors Hmong new year and students demand action at a student-led town hall addressing sexual assault.
(De izq. a der.) El Dr. Kengo Akiyama, la Dra. Rita Cameron-Wedding, la rabina Nancy Wechsler, Morgan Beatty y el profesor Harvey Stark forman parte del primer panel en la reunión de la asamblea en la Unión Universitaria el miércoles 9 de noviembre de 2022. Los panelistas discutieron temas para proporcionar un espacio para la curación colectiva y la conciencia comunitaria.

Sac State tuvo una asamblea en respuesta al antisemitismo en el campus

Los estudiantes que asistieron no se sintieron decepcionados por el evento
Gavin Hudson, Chris Woodard, and Alexis Pedroza
November 19, 2022

Este artículo también está disponible en Inglés. El miércoles por la noche, Sacramento State organizó una asamblea pública, compuesta de profesores y líderes de la comunidad, para dar a luz...

Alexis Jimenez, an anthropology student, addressing the panel of administrators regarding the recent sexual assaults on and near campus in the Redwood Room of the University Union on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Jimenez voiced her criticisms about how the sexual assaults have been handled during a community forum organized by student leaders.

‘It is really starting to feel like no one is safe here’: Sac State students demand action at town hall

The student-led forum was in response to several sexual assaults on and near campus
Student leadership hosts forum in the University Union to discuss recent sexual assaults on and around campus.
Hundreds of protestors of the United Farm Workers union gathered at the steps of the California State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. The protestors urged Gov. Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2183 which supports farm workers’ unionization rights, according to the California legislation.

[Photo] ‘It’s my roots’: former migrant field worker becomes college student

Justine Chahal, news staffer
November 16, 2022

Hundreds of protestors of the United Farm Workers union gathered at the steps of the California State Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. The protestors urged Gov. Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2183 which...

Sacramento State College of Arts and Letters Dean Sheree Meyer giving opening remarks for the U-Nite event at the Crocker Art Museum on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. The event is an art and performance showcase featuring Sac State students, alums and faculty.

GALLERY: Sac State celebrates 10 year anniversary of U-Nite at Crocker Art Museum

The annual event recognizes the College of Arts and Letters
Chris Woodard
November 13, 2022
Sac State and Crocker Art Museum bring U-Nite back to the museum after two years of being an online event.
(L-R) Dr. Kengo Akiyama, Dr. Rita Cameron-Wedding, Rabbi Nancy Wechsler, Morgan Beatty and professor Harvey Stark serving as the first panel in the town hall meeting in the University Union on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022. Panelists discussed topics to provide space for collective healing and communal awareness.

Sacramento State holds town hall in response to antisemitism on campus

Students in attendance underwhelmed by the event
Gavin Hudson and Chris Woodard
November 9, 2022
Sacramento State holds community forum to bring awareness to antisemitic activity around campus and beyond.

[Video] A comprehensive timeline of antisemitism on Sacramento State’s Campus

November 9, 2022
Anchors Chris Woodard and Gavin Hudson give a comprehensive breakdown of the antisemitism found on Sacramento State’s campus over the last five years.
El presidente de Sac State, Robert Nelsen, anunció su jubilación el miércoles por la mañana. Su jubilación comenzará el 1 de julio de 2023. (Foto cortesía de Sac State. Gráfico realizado en Canva por Chris Woodard)

NOTICIA DE ÚLTIMA HORA: El Presidente de Sac State, Robert Nelsen, ha anunciado su jubilación en Julio

El Presidente deja el cargo tras siete años en la universidad
Chris Woodard and Alexis Pedroza
November 7, 2022
El presidente de Sacramento State, Robert Nelsen, anuncia su jubilación tras siete años en la universidad.
Hornets can take advantage of unique discounts offered to students. The university’s OneCard and email are the keys to unlocking these deals. (Created in Canva by Chris Woodard)

If you ain’t got no money take your OneCard out

Wave that ‘glamorous’ student ID around and get ready to save.
Chris Woodard
November 7, 2022
Student discounts offered to Sac State students, including local attractions and nationwide joys.
Sac State President Robert Nelsen announced his retirement Wednesday morning. His retirement will begin July 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Sac State. Graphic made on Canva by Chris Woodard)

BREAKING: Sac State President Robert Nelsen announced July retirement

The president is stepping down after seven years as head of the university
Chris Woodard
November 2, 2022
Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen announces his retirement after seven years as the head of the university.
The cover of The 1975’s fifth studio album “Being Funny in a Foreign Language.” The album features the singles “Part of the Band,” “Happiness,” “I’m in Love with You” and “All I Need to Hear.” (Photo courtesy of Dirty Hit)

REVIEW: The 1975’s ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’

The English band released their fifth studio album Oct. 14
Chris Woodard
November 1, 2022
Two years after their last album, The 1975 released “Being Funny in a Foreign Language.”

[Video] State Hornet Broadcast: Spooky edition

October 24, 2022
Kris Hall and Chris Woodard present the Halloween Broadcast; get spooky with the State Hornet.
This fall, treat yourself to the smells, tastes and joys of fall’s many treats. From soup to pumpkin spices, warm your bellies as the temperature falls. (Graphic created in Canva)

The ultimate fall foodie guide

Dive into the warm and savory tastes of fall
Chris Woodard
October 20, 2022
The State Hornet’s guide to fantastic fall meals.
Antisemitic incidents occurred on and in the vicinity of campus since 2017, as shown in this timeline created by The State Hornet on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2022. The State Hornet reporters uncovered another piece of anti-Semitic antisemitic vandalism on a tunnel ceiling at Sac State’s Arboretum Sept. 29, 2022. (Photo of graffiti taken by Dominique Williams. Graphic created in Canva)

TIMELINE: The history of recent antisemitism at Sac State

Chris Woodard
October 19, 2022
After four antisemitic examples of vandalism in September, The State Hornet compiled a timeline of antisemitic events from 2017 to 2022.
Aftershock returned to Sacramento at Discovery Park from Oct. 6-9, 2022. Slipknot, KISS, My Chemical Romance and Muse headlined the rock festival.

GALLERY: Aftershock stomps into Sacramento

Slipknot, KISS, My Chemical Romance and Muse headline the rock festival
Jenelle Lum and Chris Woodard
October 11, 2022
Aftershock returns to Sacramento with performances from Slipknot, KISS, My Chemical Romance, Muse and many more!
Protestors stand in solidarity on the steps of the California State Capitol on Wednesday Sept. 21, 2022. The protesters urge Gov. Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2183, which was endorsed by President Biden, according to a statement on Sept. 4.

[Photo] GALLERY: Swipe to see the United Farm Workers efforts at the California State Capitol Building

Guitarist and activist Tom Morello performs on the steps of the California State Capitol on Wednesday Sept. 21, 2022. Morello performed songs by the late folk singer and activist, Woody Guthrie.

Fourth-year students Andrew Diaz and Veronika Akopyan admire the behind-the-scenes photos in the exhibit on Sept. 19, 2022. The artwork was made by kids as young as six months.

From little hands come big ideas: More Than Just Scribbles showcases children’s art

The Union gallery displays children’s art with a unique exhibit
Chris Woodard
September 20, 2022
More Than Just Scribbles exhibit at Sacramento State’s Union Gallery displays art created by the ASI Children’s Center.
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