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The student news site of Sacramento State University

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

Gavin Rock

Gavin Rock, podcast staff

Gavin Rock joined The State Hornet as a politics beat writer in spring 2020 and is now on the podcast staff. Before writing for The State Hornet, Gavin was the sports editor at Diablo Valley College’s student newspaper, The Inquirer. He is also a member of Sacramento State’s Society of Professional Journalists.
All content by Gavin Rock
Amador Hall’s sign contains labels for departments found in the hall on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Sacramento State Professor Rashad Baadqir is being accused of unethical academic practices after offering monetary extra credit fall 2022.

[Photo] Ethnic studies professor faces allegations of unethical practice, offered monetary extra credit

Jasmine Ascencio and Justine Chahal
May 10, 2023

Amador Hall’s sign contains labels for departments found in the hall on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Sacramento State Professor Rashad Baadqir is being accused of unethical academic practices after offering...

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Inaugural podcast section unpacks a semester of content: STATE HORNET BUZZED

Mack Ervin III, Rose Vega, and Gavin Rock
May 14, 2021
The first-ever dedicated podcast staff looks back on a semester of online content, audio production lessons and behind-the-scenes stories, as well as their favorite episodes and random acts of kindness.
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Unforgettable – The Year 2020: A State Hornet Podcast Special

Rose Vega, Gavin Rock, and Robbie Pierce
May 14, 2021
The State Hornet podcast section spoke to students about what the year 2020 was like for them in order to chronicle the student experience for this special semesters’ end project.
HEERF II breakdown, multimedia art exhibit and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

HEERF II breakdown, multimedia art exhibit and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
May 10, 2021
Favorite stories of the semester and this week in news from incoming co-podcast editor Rose Vega and podcast staffer Gavin Rock.
Students call for university police defunding at May Day caravan: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Students call for university police defunding at May Day caravan: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
May 3, 2021
Sac State community members called for California State University to defund university police departments at a caravan demonstration at Sac State’s campus on May Day over the weekend, among other stories.
Finals coming up soon, big weekend in sports: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Finals coming up soon, big weekend in sports: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
April 26, 2021
We’re entering week 14 and finals are fast approaching following a huge weekend in sports. Check out today’s State Hornet Podcast with podcast staffers Gavin Rock and Rose Vega.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: Proposed fall 2021 class schedule visible

STATE HORNET PODCAST: Proposed fall 2021 class schedule visible

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
April 19, 2021
On today’s State Hornet Podcast: the proposed fall 2021 class schedule is now visible on your Student Center, performers in Sacramento are preparing for a post-pandemic comeback, the Sac State women’s basketball team has hired a new coach and more.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: Crime map released, podcast news updates

STATE HORNET PODCAST: Crime map released, podcast news updates

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
April 12, 2021
Podcast staffers Rose Vega and Gavin Rock start off your week with the State Hornet Podcast, this time going over esports results, podcast section news updates and the latest crime map.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: Community art studio opens, weekend sports recapped

STATE HORNET PODCAST: Community art studio opens, weekend sports recapped

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
April 5, 2021
Today on the State Hornet Podcast, staffers Gavin Rock and Rose Vega discuss the opening of a new community art studio and recaps for a weekend in Hornet Sports and eSports.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: Everything you may have missed over break

STATE HORNET PODCAST: Everything you may have missed over break

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
March 29, 2021
Welcome back, Hornets - podcast staffers Rose Vega and Gavin Rock are here on today’s State Hornet Podcast to recap everything you may have missed during spring break.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: Weekend recaps for crime and sports, Grammy noms

STATE HORNET PODCAST: Weekend recaps for crime and sports, Grammy noms

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
March 15, 2021
Podcast staffers Rose Vega and Gavin Rock are here to start your week with The State Hornet Podcast, recapping this weekend in sports and crime as well as The State Hornet’s Grammy nominations playlist.
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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.
STATE HORNET PODCAST: New Health and Human Services dean, ‘WandaVision’ review

STATE HORNET PODCAST: New Health and Human Services dean, ‘WandaVision’ review

Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
March 8, 2021
Podcast staffers Gavin Rock and Rose Vega discuss the new interim dean of Sacramento State Health and Human Services, a duo review of “WandaVision” by Bradley Hinkson and Estefany Nuñez, and more.
STATE HORNET PODCAST, MON 3/1: Black History Month recap, this weekend in sports

STATE HORNET PODCAST, MON 3/1: Black History Month recap, this weekend in sports

Gavin Rock and Rose Vega
March 1, 2021
On this Monday edition of our State Hornet Podcast, podcast staffers Gavin Rock and Rose Vega recap this weekend’s major stories, including a profile on Sac State environmental science professor James Reede.
SPOTLIGHT PODCAST: History professor examines history and rise of conspiracies

SPOTLIGHT PODCAST: History professor examines history and rise of conspiracies

How QAnon came to be, and why it’s still here
Rose Vega and Gavin Rock
February 25, 2021
On this edition of State Hornet: Spotlight, podcast staffers Rose Vega and Gavin Rock talk with history professor Joseph Palermo, who discusses the history and recent rise of conspiracy theories like QAnon.
Amador Hall’s sign contains labels for departments found in the hall on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. A roof leak in Amador Hall caused a geography lab in room AMD313 to become unavailable to students Monday.

[Photo] Amador Hall roof expected to undergo maintenance next year following leak

Eric Jaramishian
February 1, 2021

Amador Hall’s sign contains labels for departments found in the hall on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. A roof leak in Amador Hall caused a geography lab in room AMD313 to become unavailable to students Monday.

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Sac State professor discusses suffragette and civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Sac State professor discusses suffragette and civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell

Gavin Rock and Robbie Pierce
December 9, 2020
Gavin Rock of the news team speaks one-on-one with Sac State professor Mona Siegel about the lecture she gave on suffragette Mary Church Terrell at the Crocker Art Museum’s most recent U-Nite event.
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.
Senior outside hitter Macey Hayden spikes the ball over the net during the Sac State volleyball team practice at Yosemite Hall at Sacramento State Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. All participants are required to wear a mask while at practice.

Sac State volleyball practicing indoors ahead of scheduled spring season

The team adapts to indoor safety protocols
Gavin Rock
November 6, 2020
Players are required to wear masks during practice, as mandated by a combination of school, county and NCAA safety guidelines.
Fernando Rodriguez, 38, with his daughter Cecilia Rodriguez, 2, drops in his vote via a ballot box at Modoc Hall at Sacramento State Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. The hall previously held voting for Super Tuesday in March of this year.

Sac State students vote at Modoc Hall despite virtual semester

Vote center opened to Sacramento County voters with coronavirus precautions
Isabelle Juarez, Samaha Samy, and Gavin Rock
November 3, 2020
Sacramento State opened its vote center in Modoc Hall for Sacramento County and Sac State students amid COVID-19 for the 2020 presidential election from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m Tuesday.
Every week The State Hornet compiles crimes recorded in the campus crime log into a map detailing their location and current status.

CRIME MAP: Arrest and release of individual with methamphetamine

Four Sac State crimes reported for the week ending Sept. 26
Gavin Rock
September 30, 2020
Two cases were reports of vandalism. One case involved an individual in possession of a controlled substance.
Every week The State Hornet compiles crimes recorded in the campus crime log into a map detailing their location and current status.

CRIME MAP: Two non-violent crimes at Sac State. That’s it.

Campus crime map for the week ending Sept. 19
Gavin Rock
September 24, 2020
Two crimes were reported in the Sacramento State Police Department’s crime log for the week ending Sept. 19.
Jane Elliott displayed her "Get Over It!!!" mask as she discussed the anatomy of prejudice in a guest lecture hosted by Sacramento State's UNIQUE via Zoom Wednesday.

Sac State hosts diversity trainer Jane Elliott, known for ‘Blue eyes/Brown eyes’ exercise

‘We are all shades of brown’: Elliott lectures on combating racism
Gavin Rock and Jenna Cooper
September 16, 2020
Jane Elliott, known for her “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” exercise, discussed her knowledge and experience on challenging racist beliefs to Sacramento State students via Zoom Wednesday.
The new Center for First-Generation Student Initiatives hosted a virtual launch on Tuesday Sept. 8, 2020 to welcome students who identify as first-generation. The center will provide support and services to these students including workshops on money management, time management, mental health and doing taxes.

Sac State launches support center for first-generation students

Services include workshops on time management, budgeting, mental health
Samaha Samy and Gavin Rock
September 8, 2020
Sac State held a virtual opening for its new Center for First-Generation Student Initiatives. Sac State President Robert Nelsen said he too was a first-generation college student.
Despite a week of canceled classes, the residence hall parking lot outside Riverview Hall is still crowded on March 17. Riverview Hall residents will follow mandated restrictions to promote social distancing efforts starting Friday.

Sac State on-campus housing puts further social distancing restrictions on residents

Restrictions to be enacted Friday
Gavin Rock
April 9, 2020

Sacramento State dorm residents will face further restrictions beginning Friday at 3 p.m., according to an email sent to residents by Samuel Jones, director of housing operations and conference services.  All...

Sac State moves all summer classes online amid COVID-19 spread

Sac State moves all summer classes online amid COVID-19 spread

Priority registration begins April 6
Gavin Rock, Chris Wong, and Erick Salgado
March 29, 2020

Sacramento State will hold all summer 2020 courses online due to the spread of the COVID-19, according to a SacSend email sent Sunday. In the email, Sac State President Robert Nelsen said the decision...

All non-essential Sac State employees to begin online work over coronavirus concerns

All non-essential Sac State employees to begin online work over coronavirus concerns

Most employees will begin virtual operations starting Tuesday
Gavin Rock
March 15, 2020

Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen announced Sunday that most Sacramento State employees will begin moving operations online Monday amid concerns of the coronavirus, according to an email to faculty. Employees...

California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking during a forum hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity as he runs for governor of California. Newsom declared a state of emergency on March 4 in response to the coronavirus.

FAQ: Local, state and national responses to COVID-19

Gavin Rock
March 13, 2020

Question: What is the coronavirus? Answer: According to the CDC, coronavirus refers to the family of viruses that are commonly found in humans and animals. Forms of the virus that have spread from animals...

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NEWS PODCAST S2E5: A look at the past with Sac State professor and former Black Panther Stanley Oden (Part 2)

Makenna Roy, Gavin Rock, and Robbie Pierce
March 6, 2020

On this week’s episode of The State Hornet News Podcast, we continue last week’s conversation with Sac State political science professor Stanley Oden to discuss his time as a student organizer at University...

Kinesiology major and model Tajah Bona'e poses in Alumni Grove at Sac State on, Feb. 28. Bona'e also has a blog where she writes poetry and gives advice to young adults.

A Sac State model’s journey from struggles to seniority

Tajah Bona’e has a passion for helping others
Gavin Rock
March 6, 2020

Sacramento State kinesiology major Tajah Bona’e is not only a model with an expansive portfolio, but also a blogger with advice for young adults, recipes for healthy dishes and poetry.  Bona’e...

Democratic California Senator Richard Pan explains information about the novel coronavirus and medical advice to prevent contamination at Sac State's University Union on Wednesday, March 4

Sac State hosts community forum discussing Asian American discrimination, coronavirus

Politicians, university faculty discuss xenophobia and health safety
Gavin Rock
March 4, 2020

Students and faculty gathered Wednesday evening in Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom for a community forum regarding the discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities...

[Video] VIDEO: Hornets salvage series against Santa Clara with split

Sac State baseball team wins 6-3 Saturday and 6-1 Sunday
Shaun Holkko
March 2, 2020

The Sacramento State baseball team split a four-game series with Santa Clara over the weekend at The John. Hear from Sac State coach Reggie Christiansen, senior infielder Ryan Walstad and sophomore pitcher...

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NEWS PODCAST S2E5: A look at the past with Sac State professor, former Black Panther (Part 1)

Makenna Roy, Gavin Rock, and Robbie Pierce
February 27, 2020

For this week’s episode of The State Hornet News Podcast, opinion writer Makenna Roy and staffer Gavin Rock sat down with Sacramento State political science professor Stanley Oden to discuss his childhood...

Bartender Harrison Ashen makes drinks, as samples of ales and lagers lay in front of the bar at Tower Brewing in East Sacramento on Wednesday Feb. 12, 2020. Tower offers a family and dog friendly environment and a student discount on Tuesdays.

Tower Brewing Company offers more than just beer

Brewery offers live music, games and yoga
Gavin Rock
February 18, 2020

Live music, food trucks, and giant Jenga; what do these three have in common? All and more activities are featured at Tower Brewing Company. Tower is located at 1210 66th St., in the alley next to the...

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