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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
Julianna Rodriguez

Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor

(she/her)

Julianna Rodriguez joined The State Hornet in fall 2023 as a DEI staffer and is now the editor for DEI. She is a senior public relations major, and hopes to become a publicist or work for a PR firm after graduating this spring.

All content by Julianna Rodriguez
The pro-Palestine protesters set up more tents for a second day of encampment in the Sacramento State Library Quad Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The encampment at Sac State is one of many across the country as college students respond to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Sac State updates encampment campus approval extension to May 8

Administration revises previous announcement
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
May 1, 2024
University administration has changed President Wood's indefinite approval for the encampment at Sacramento State to one week after questions were raised over the extension.
The pro-Palestine encampment setup of tents and supplies for day two in the free speech zone of the Library Quad Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The encampment is in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

President Luke Wood extends encampment approval on second day of pro-Palestine protests

'The encampment can last as long as it continues to be what it is’
President Luke Wood acknowledges the ongoing encampment at Sacramento State and CSU’s statement that they have no plans to fulfill calls for divestment.
The State Hornet’s spring 2024 second quarter audit reports on the diversity of coverage published by The State Hornet. While some areas have made improvements in coverage, there are still ways to build upon our Latinx/Hispanic community. (Graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Spring 2024 midway audit results

We experienced an increase in intersectional stories for more diverse coverage
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
April 29, 2024
The State Hornet releases its spring midway audit of the spring semester, continuing the publication’s commitment to providing diverse coverage that accurately and consistently reflects our audience.
Noelle Lynch is a 23-year-old Sacramento State student who went missing earlier this month in Southern California after leaving on foot from from an apartment building in Inglewood. Los Angeles Police Department is asking for help in locating Lynch, who was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt and green sweats. (Photos courtesy of the Lynch family, graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

Sac State student reported missing in Southern California area

Noelle Lynch was last seen in the Inglewood area
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
April 10, 2024
Sacramento State student Noelle Lynch was reported missing in Southern California earlier this month by family. She was last seen leaving an apartment building in Inglewood with no identification on her.
Sac State PRIDE Center’s main wall mural, welcoming students and faculty upon entry July 20, 2023.​ The center provides students with school support, mental health resources and off campus connections to programs in the greater Sacramento community.

PRIDE Center coordinator and director positions remain vacant after both stepped down

Sac State is actively searching and hopes for coordinator spot to be filled by May
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
April 2, 2024
The former PRIDE Center coordinator stepped down the first week of spring semester, leaving a spot vacant at Sac State.
Women's History Month is the annual observance where we highlight the historical and societal contributions many women throughout history have made. This year's theme is those who have advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Women’s History Month 2024

Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
March 31, 2024
The State Hornet has put together a page dedicated to the content produced this Women's History Month, including spotlighting female rising stars in media and those in the Sacramento community.
Attendees to the Antiracism and Inclusive Campus Plan showcase discuss at a roundtable in the Union Ballroom Monday, March 25, 2024. The group was instructed to talk amongst the group to formulate ideas and address concerns from the action plan.

Sac State hosts showcase for progress of Antiracism & Inclusive Campus Action Plan

Students and faculty learned from a range of informative sessions
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
March 27, 2024
Members of Sac State’s Division of Inclusive Excellence and President Luke Wood showed students and faculty how they could make a more inclusive campus amid rise of anti-DEI laws.
The State Hornet’s spring 2024 first quarter audit reports on the diversity of coverage published by The State Hornet. While some areas have improved in coverage, there are still improvements to be made in covering the Native/Indigenous and the Latinx/Hispanic community. (Graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Spring 2024 first quarter audit results

Restructuring our audit dates greatly affected our results
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
March 13, 2024
The State Hornet releases its first quarterly audit of the spring semester, continuing the publication’s commitment to diverse coverage that accurately and consistently reflects our audience.
Black History Month is an annual month-long observance in February where we come together to celebrate the achievements and remember the sacrifices made on behalf of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. (Created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

Black History Month 2024

Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
February 28, 2024
The State Hornet has put together a page dedicated to platforming the content produced this Black History Month, including Sac State events and Sacramento community profiles.
Students were led on a timeline of history told through the lens of historical artifacts in the University Union’s Ballroom, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. “The True Black History Museum” is a traveling history exhibit documenting the momentous achievements made by Black Americans.

The True Black History Museum: Instilling knowledge, awareness and pride

Original artifacts take students on a journey to understanding the Black American experience
Julianna Rodriguez, DEI Editor
February 17, 2024
From Kamala Harris to Aretha Franklin, “The True Black History Museum” captured the true essence of achievement for Black Americans throughout history.
The California Faculty Association planned a weeklong statewide strike from Jan. 22 -26, but was cut to just a day after a tentative agreement with California State University was reached. A vote about the ratification of the agreement between CFA and CSU took place between Feb. 12-18. (Graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

[Photo] CFA tentative agreement: A step in the right direction

Mia Huss and Usamah Hammour
February 16, 2024

The California Faculty Association planned a weeklong statewide strike from Jan. 22 -26, but was cut to just a day after a tentative agreement with California State University was reached. A vote about...

The State Hornet’s end of fall 2023 audit reports on the diversity of coverage published by The State Hornet. While some areas have improved in coverage, there are still improvements to be made in covering the Native/Indigenous people and the LGBTQ+ community. (Graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: End of fall 2023 audit results

A decrease in content greatly affected our results
Jasmine Ascencio and Julianna Rodriguez
January 26, 2024
The State Hornet releases its end-of-fall 2023 audit which allows our publication to show transparency and and hold ourselves accountable to accurately reflect the diversity of our audience.
California Faculty Association protesters outside of Sacramento State marching on J Street Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. The CFA strike at Sac State was the final day of the four day strike across California State University campuses.

Sac State faculty strikes on campus to demand better pay and working conditions

Demonstrators at Sac State participate in the final day of statewide organized CFA strikes at CSU campuses on Thursday.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Carlos Nevarez leads the Hispanic Economic Report panel discussion in the Carlsen Center of the Sac State Library Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. The panel was held to highlight disparities within the report about the Latino community and ways to bridge gaps for incoming students.

Sac State hosts panel discussion on recent Hispanic Economic Report findings

Panelists shared how economic disparities in the community have impacted enrollment
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
December 4, 2023
Sacramento State hosted a panel discussion with the Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to share how the Latino community has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Sacramento State is exempting nursing and health science majors from foreign language courses. Spanish-speaking patients will continue to feel unheard by healthcare workers. (Graphic created in Canva by Julianna Rodriguez)

OPINION: Language exemptions are harming healthcare’s future

Latinos deserve for their care to be accessible
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
December 4, 2023
Sac State’s foreign language exemption is part of a growing problem of healthcare workers pawning ESL patients off to the mercy of family members or interpreters.
A Low Rider Block Party hosted by the California Museum lined all of 11th Street in downtown Sacramento with lowriders from local car clubs Sunday Oct. 29, 2023. The party was hosted in celebration of the new Boulevard Dreams California exhibit and featured cars from clubs across California such as the one from “Family First Car & Bike Club” located in Sacramento.

The life of a lowrider: destigmatizing Latin car culture

Exploring a controversial time in California history for Chicanos
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
November 27, 2023
Lowrider community members from across California open up about their hope for a future without cultural stigmatization as California takes its first steps to celebrate the history of cruising
Teamsters gather at Sacramento State’s north entrance, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Members were broken into groups to occupy a corner of the intersection of J Street and State University Drive.

BREAKING: Teamsters go on a one-day strike at Sac State

Members striking for better pay to keep up with rising inflation rates
Julianna Rodriguez and Jenn Galinato
November 14, 2023
Demonstrators from Teamsters Local 2010 held a one-day strike across CSU campuses, including Sac State, after the two parties failed to reach mediation on Oct. 31.

[Video] The State Hornet Broadcast: Pride Week, pro-Palestine protests and more CapRadio resignations

Get up-to-date on what’s happening at Sac State with Zoya and Tobi
Students for Justice in Palestine organized a march, four more members resigned from CapRadio’s Board of Directors and the PRIDE Center held a Pride Fair in the Library Quad.
The ofrenda is a key part of Día de los Muertos. They are used to remember and honor those that have passed away and guide them back home to celebrate the holiday. (Graphic created in Canva by Jasmine Ascencio)

Building an Ofrenda: marigolds, memorabilia and guiding lights

A step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Día de los Muertos ofrenda to honor your loved ones this year
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
October 19, 2023
As celebrations of Día de los Muertos grow across cultures, building the right ofrenda is important to honoring the loved ones who have passed away this holiday.
CapRadio’s downtown Sacramento location, Thursday Oct. 5, 2023. CapRadio faced significant turnovers in leadership and management following the September 2023 audit.

Former CapRadio employees recount the company’s deep-rooted problems

Former employees were unsurprised by recent audit
Julianna Rodriguez and Analah Wallace
October 19, 2023
Former CapRadio employees reveal the station’s poor management goes back over a decade.
In the California Museum courtyard on Oct. 13 an ofrenda set up by the Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers was posted on the stage. AT the end of their performance they passed out herbs and marigolds to guests. They asked guests to partake in their celebration by adding their offerings to their ofrendas at home.

California Museum honors artists for Día de Los Muertos

“Arte Activista Dia De Los Muertos” exhibit showcases 3B collective artists
Katelyn Marano and Julianna Rodriguez
October 17, 2023
California Museum’s annual “Día de los Muertos Fiesta” features a new “Arte Activista Día De Los Muertos” exhibit including art from 3B Collective artists that honor Mexican-American celebrities like Jesse Valdez and Jenni Rivera.
Sac State’s Pride Center is hosting its annual Pride Week from Oct. 16 to Oct. 20, 2023. In partnership with other Sac State equity and affinity centers, the PRIDE center aims to create connections and share resources for the queer and trans community. (Graphic created in Canva by Jasmine Ascencio)

Drag shows, queer media and more this Pride Week

Join the PRIDE Center for a series of events connecting students with new friends and resources this Pride Week starting Oct. 16
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
October 12, 2023
Sacramento State’s PRIDE Center is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month this October by kicking off a ‘Pride Week’ full of events for connecting students with resources, community building and a drag show with RuPaul Drag Race stars Kornbread Jeté and Jasmine Kennedie.
Sacramento State President Luke Wood and Associated Students Inc. President Nataly Andrade-Dominguez pose together in the president’s office at Sacramento Hall, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Andrade-Dominguez serves as a member of the taskforce committee and urged the need for student representation on it.

Safety taskforce begins work to reach out to the campus community

Surveys, recommendations and community involvement are critical to the taskforce
Julianna Rodriguez and Eric Davis
October 11, 2023
Announced by President Luke Wood in August, the Presidential Taskforce on Campus Safety has begun it’s mission of reaching out to the campus community
The CapRadio downtown facility, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Sacramento State President Luke Wood said the university has committed $12 million to aid the organization and expected to spend $5 million more.

Sac State leaders weigh in on recent CapRadio woes

President Wood and ASI president see recent resignations as an opportunity to look forward
Both the president of Sacramento State and the President of Associated Students Inc. weighed in on the recent resignations from the CapRadio Board of Directors.
The ‘Esak’tima Center continues to be closed off to anyone since January 2023 according to the sign posted on the door in Lassen Hall, Wed., Sept. 13, 2023. With the center still experiencing delays, it is hard to tell when construction will be done

Native student center delay creates frustration in the community

Native students voice lack of communication and inclusivity following a third delay of community center
Maishia Sumpter and Julianna Rodriguez
October 5, 2023
Native students are disappointed in the lack of communication throughout the creation and opening of the ‘Esak’tima Center on Sacramento State’s campus.
A sign held by one of the various union representatives gathering together in the Library Quad, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Organizations involved in the demonstration included the California Faculty Association, CSU Employees Union, the Teamsters Local 2010, among others.

BREAKING: CSU union representatives demonstrate ahead of potential strikes

CSUS workers gather in library quad in show of solidarity
Julianna Rodriguez and Analah Wallace
October 4, 2023
Sac State workers gathered in the Library Quad in a show of solidarity ahead of a potential CSU-wide strike.
Dr. Manuel Barajas addresses his Chicano Community class in the Academic Information Resource Center Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. Barajas started with an introduction on some of his life experiences and how it relates to the class discussion.

‘We are very diverse’: Sac State professor reflects on migrant upbringing and overcoming adversity

CRISJ co-founder uses social justice to advocate for classroom representation
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
October 3, 2023
Sacramento State sociology professor Manuel Barajas’ mission to implement better Latinx faculty representation on the university level has led many of his former students on a path to higher education.
The Center on Race, Immigration and Social Justice set up a booth welcoming students to La Bienvenida Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. La Bienvenida is an event hosted by the Serna Center on campus and showcases clubs and resources dedicated to connecting with students to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Culture, connection and Cumbia: Serna Center event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

La Bienvenida event brings Latin cultures together in celebration
Julianna Rodriguez, Staffer
September 22, 2023
Sacramento State’s Serna Center held its annual event, La Bienvenida which welcomed Latin students back to campus with celebration and connection for Hispanic Heritage Month.
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