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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

Michael Pepper

Michael Pepper, A&E Staffer

(he/him/they/them)

Michael Pepper is a senior transfer student majoring in journalism. He previously attended Cosumnes River College, where he was a staff writer and sports editor for The Connection. This is his third semester with The State Hornet.

All content by Michael Pepper
A large altar sits near the entrance to the California Museum Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. The altar was erected by local restaurateur Ernesto Delgado in honor of his mother.

Día de Los Muertos art exhibit brings color to the afterlife

Artists featured in the California Museum honor life, death and Latinx culture through multiple mediums
The California Museum’s Día de Los Muertos art exhibit celebrates Latinx culture and honors leaders of the past, featuring artists Adrián Arias, Krisztianna, Juan Ramos and John Hancock.
Artist reception for the exhibit of ‘Don’t mind if I do,’ in the Sac State library gallery on Sept. 12, 2024. The exhibit is centered around a self-serve restaurant style conveyor belt where the plates of food are replaced with small art pieces meant to be picked up and explored by the participants.

Take a seat for a tactile treat: Exhibit explores accessibility in modern art

‘Don’t mind if I do’ challenges gallery conventions
Michael Pepper, Staffer
September 27, 2024
Sacramento State library gallery hosts the exhibit ‘Don’t mind if I do’, organized by artist Finnegan Shannon and curated by Lauren Levy to challenge preconceptions of modern art while expanding accessibility.
Graphic created in Canva

Inside The Ring #3: WrestleMania 40 review

Join Zacariah Aguila, Asyah Zamani, Michael Pepper and special guest Emanuel Espinoza, as they review the matches and milestones of Wrestlemania 40.
 La Asociación de Estudiantes, Inc. organiza una fiesta de resultados para las elecciones del gobierno estudiantil en la Terrace Suite en The WELL el jueves 11 de abril de 2024. La familia y amigos de los candidatos pudieron asistir al evento y mostrar su apoyo.

Votantes apoyan el segundo término del presidente de ASI con 13% de participación electoral

Bajo interés sobre los candidatos y resultados de baja participación dejan varias posiciones vacantes
Angelica Brito and Michael Pepper
May 7, 2024
Estudiantes de Sac State votaron en las elecciones de la Asociación de Estudiantes Incorporados este año, la participación electoral de votantes fue 13%, aquí están los resultados.
El tiroteo ocurrió en la estación de tren ligero en la calle University y 65 el jueves 21 de marzo del 2024. Servicios del tren ligero fueron interrumpidos en ambas direcciones para que los detectives del Departamento de Policía de Sacramento y el CSI procesaron la escena del crimen.

Tiroteo y robo de auto deja estudiantes de Sac State deseando más comunicación

Estudiantes dicen que correos electrónicos no es suficiente cuando se trata de seguridad

This article is also available in English. Un tiroteo y robo de auto en la estación de tren ligero en la calle University y 65 dejó a un muerto y dos heridos el 21 de marzo, según un anuncio al campus...

Graphic made in Canva

Final Pixel Ep. #2: Xbox facing uncertain future as sales decline

In this episode news staffers Alexander Musa, Michael Pepper and Sharmarke Holif discuss the popularity of Xbox Game Pass, and how the competition has responded to the success of games like Hi-Fi Rush. Is Microsoft committed to keeping Xbox alive or will it go the way of the Sega Dreamcast?
Graphic created in Canva

Inside the Ring #2: Supreme Pro Wrestler shares how he broke into the business

Drake Smith joins the show to discuss his journey as Drake Frost
Zacariah Aguila and Michael Pepper
April 29, 2024
Join the hosts as they interview local professional wrestler Drake Frost of Supreme Pro Wrestling. They discuss when Frost decided to enter the wrestling business, what it was like training to be a wrestler, his accomplishments and how he would like to end his career.
El departamento de policía de Sacramento respondió a un tiroteo en las calles University/65th Street en la estación del tren ligero alrededor de las 3 p.m. el jueves 21 de marzo. Los sospechosos del tiroteo presuntamente robaron un auto de alguien a punta de pistola cerca de Folsom Blvd, el carro fue encontrado abandonado en campus en el estacionamiento 2.

Lo que sabemos sobre el tiroteo y robo de auto cerca del campus

La universidad y policía de campus se compromete a mejorar el proceso de comunicación
Mientras la búsqueda de los sospechosos del tiroteo del jueves continúa, aquí está lo que sabemos sobre la investigación hasta ahora y como la policía de Sacramento, policía de Sac State y la administración de la universidad responde a los eventos.
Sac State has partnered with the Elk Grove Unified School District to share offers of conditional enrollment with over 2,000 low income and first-generation college seniors in the district. The sign outside the district office on Friday, April 19, 2024, located at 9510 Elk Grove Florin Rd.

Sac State offers guaranteed admission to eligible Elk Grove Unified students

More than 2,000 local students offered enrollment
Michael Pepper and Sharmarke Holif
April 25, 2024
Sac State is opening the door to college for over 2,000 high school graduates in the Elk Grove Unified School District.
El Departamento de Policía de Sacramento y vehículos de CSI estacionados afuera de la estación de tren ligero en las calles 65th y University el jueves, 21 de marzo de 2024. La policía de Sacramento dijo que el tiroteo tuvo lugar aquí, aparte del incidente del robo de auto.(Foto por Michael Pepper)

[Photo] Un muerto y dos heridos en tiroteo, robo de auto cerca del campus

Arely Duran and Jenn Galinato
April 12, 2024

El Departamento de Policía de Sacramento y vehículos de CSI estacionados afuera de la estación de tren ligero en las calles 65th y University el jueves, 21 de marzo de 2024. La policía de Sacramento...

The Associated Students, Inc. holds a results party for the student government elections in the Terrace Suite of The WELL Thursday, April 11, 2024. Family and friends of the candidates were able to come out to the event and show support.

Voters support second term for current ASI president with 13% turnout

Low candidate interest and turnout result in multiple vacancies
Michael Pepper, staffer
April 12, 2024
Sacramento State students voted in this year's Associated Students Incorporated elections, voter turnout was 13%, here are the results of the election.
The back entrance to the University Union July 31, 2023. The University Union provides a central space on campus for events, services and food, and has an array of jobs available for Sac State Students.

Job opportunities to help manage the Sac State hive

Available jobs range from entry level to management
Michael Pepper, Staffer
April 5, 2024
Sac State has many jobs available to students on campus, including student assistant positions with the University Union, The WELL, UTAPS and positions at Panda Express and The Habit Burger Grill.
The Sacramento Police Department responded to a shooting at the University and 65th Street light rail station around 3 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024. The suspects in the shooting allegedly carjacked someone at gunpoint nearby on Folsom Blvd, the car was found abandoned on campus in parking lot 2.

The near-campus shooting and carjacking: What we know

The university and campus police pledge to improve communication process
Michael Pepper, Staffer
March 27, 2024
As the hunt for the suspects in Thursday's deadly shooting continues, here’s what we know about the investigation so far and how Sacramento Police, Sac State Police and university administration responded to the events.
The shooting incident occurred at the University and 65th Street light rail station Thursday March 21, 2024. Light rail service was interrupted in both directions as Sac City PD detectives and CSI processed the crime scene.

Shooting and carjacking incidents leave Sac State students wishing for more communication

Students say emails don’t feel like enough when it comes to safety
Michael Pepper and Santana LaTour
March 27, 2024
Sac State students question their safety on campus after the Sac City Police Department announces a shooting and carjacking that occurred near campus during the week of spring break.
 Sacramento City Police Department and CSI vehicles parked outside the University and 65th Street light rail station Thursday, March 21, 2024. The shooting was said by Sac City PD to have taken place here, separately from the carjacking incident.

[Photo] BREAKING: One dead and two injured in near-campus shooting and carjacking

Jenn Galinato, Staffer
March 21, 2024

Sacramento City Police Department and CSI vehicles parked outside the University and 65th Street light rail station Thursday, March 21, 2024. The shooting was said by Sac City PD to have taken place here,...

Paul Atreides and Chani played by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya the film shows Paul’s ascension as a messianic figure for the people of the desert planet Arrakis. This is the second installment of a planned Dune trilogy by director Denis Villeneuve.  (Photo courtesy of Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures)

‘Dune: Part 2’ a Sci-Fi supernova for audiences

Epic atmosphere supports star studded ensemble
Michael Pepper, Staffer
March 7, 2024
Dune: Part 2 is a faithful adaptation of the 1965 novel starring actors Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgård, Austin Butler, Dave Bautista and more.
Graphic made in Canva

The Final Pixel Ep. 1: We’re not just dunking on Xbox

In this episode, we discuss Microsoft's merger with Activision Blizzard and the ensuing layoffs. We also tackle the rumors that major Xbox exclusives are all headed to other platforms and the growing speculation that Microsoft seeks to exit console hardware altogether.
Señalización electoral colocada afuera de Modoc Hall sábado 2 de marzo de 2024. Los votantes pueden devolver sus boletas de votar por correo, presentar un registro de votante condicional y votar en persona hasta el día de elección.

Preguntas frecuentes: Votando en las elecciones primarias presidenciales

Este artículo también está disponible en Inglés. Con las elecciones primarias de California acercándose el martes, esta puede ser la primera vez que votan muchos estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal...

Election signage setup outside Modoc Hall Saturday, March 2, 2024. Voters can return their mail-in ballots, file a conditional voter registration and vote in person inside through Election Day.

FAQ: Voting in the California primary election

Michael Pepper, Staffer
March 4, 2024
With the California presidential primary approaching quickly, here are Sac State students' frequently asked questions about voting and other information about the election.
Chair of the World Languages and Literatures department Curtis Smith, junior kinesiology major Ozzie Garcia, and senior sociology major DJ Johnson pictured outside of Eureka hall Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, with art professor Joy Bertinuson pictured outside Mendocino hall. (Photo by Michael Pepper, Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

Sac State staff and students discuss opinions on CFA tentative agreement

Michael Pepper, Staffer
February 2, 2024
Sacramento State students and faculty express their feelings about the CFA’s tentative agreement with the CSU, the strike, missed classes and inflation.

[Video] STINGER SOUND SESSIONS: Angry Aztecs delivers Bay Area streetpunk to Sacramento

Clear some space for a pit in this hardcore punk installment
Cristian Gonzalez
January 29, 2024
The Latino punk group, Angry Aztecs, consumes the newsroom with thrash rhythms and guttural guitars.
The weeklong statewide California Faculty Association strike ending after just one day leaves the California State University and Sac State communities with questions. (Photo by Alyssa Branum, graphic created in Canva by Analah Wallace)

FAQ: What’s next for Sac State after the CFA cancels its strike

Classes have resumed, but many questions remain
Michael Pepper, Staffer
January 26, 2024
The weeklong statewide California Faculty Association strike ending after just one day leaves the California State University and Sac State communities with questions.
President Luke Wood takes the University Ballroom stage at his first fall address at Sac State Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Wood returned to the ballroom stage for his first spring address Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, to go over concerns and continued goals to achieve in his first year as president. (File photo and graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

President Luke Wood’s spring address outlines campus goals

Wood’s office is pursuing 23 action items this semester
Michael Pepper, Staffer
January 20, 2024
President Luke Wood’s spring 2024 address celebrates the success of Sacramento State while acknowledging areas for improvement.
Faculty picketing in front of Sac State at the intersection of J Street and State University Drive during a strike Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. If no deal is reached between the CSU and CFA during the next round of negotiations the planned strike would impact all 23 campuses.

BREAKING: CFA announces potential statewide strike for late January

First week of spring instruction may be impacted
Michael Pepper, Staffer
December 20, 2023
The CFA union Board of Directors called for potential strikes with the teamsters at all California State University campuses to begin at the start of the spring semester, the union is asking for increased pay and better working conditions.
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)

BREAKING: Reports of vandalism and possible arson on campus

Sac State PD asks for assistance in investigation
Michael Pepper, Staffer
December 11, 2023
Vandalism and possible arson occurred at Sacramento State Sunday evening. A rock was thrown through one of the doors of the University Union, as well as a fire near the Hornet Stadium.
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.
Mixed canned fruit and veggies on the shelves of the Associated Students, Inc. Food Pantry, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The food pantry provides both fresh produce and groceries, according to its website.

ASI Food Pantry provides resources for students with low food security

The pantry offers weekly access to fresh produce and groceries
Michael Pepper and Analah Wallace
November 30, 2023
ASI Food Pantry welcomes Sacramento State students facing financial struggles and low food security.
The ‘Red Zone’ is the time on college campuses between dorm move-in and Thanksgiving break when sexual assaults are more likely to occur. Sacramento State has multiple resources to support survivors. (Graphic created in Canva by Analah Wallace)

Continued vigilance: campus safety challenges beyond the ‘Red Zone’

Students ask for more education on available resources
Michael Pepper, Staffer
November 21, 2023
“Are you safe on this campus?” is a question Sac State needs to answer during the ‘Red Zone’ timeframe
The contents of the grocery bags being handed out for the inaugural Hornet Harvest event near the Library Quad, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. The event was sponsored by the Aramark Regional and looked to distribute up to 500 bags to Sacramento State students.

Sac State hosts inaugural Hornet Harvest Gathering

The event provided healthy food and dialogue with campus services
Michael Pepper, Staffer
November 9, 2023
Aramark partnered with Sac State to offer build-a-meal kits to students to help combat food insecurity on campus.
The large display of a judge put up by demonstrators in the library quad near Santa Clara Hall Oct. 11, 2023. Members of the Carpenters Local Union 46 handed out flyers alleging wage theft by contractors being considered for Student Housing Project III.

Carpenters’ union expresses concerns with upcoming student housing project’s contractor

Union alleges selected contractor has a past of wage theft
Michael Pepper and Analah Wallace
November 8, 2023
The Carpenters’ Local Union 46 alleges wage theft against Brown Construction amidst Sacramento State’s selection of a contractor for the housing department’s Student Housing Project III.
Associated Students Inc. Director of Arts & Letters Christian Hernandez-Hunter poses for his election candidate photo for the board position earlier in the spring semester. Hernandez-Hunter has since resigned from his position after continuous hardships with others led to the decision. (Photo courtesy of ASI, Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

ASI director resigns from the board

The resignation leaves the position of Director of Arts & Letters vacant
Michael Pepper, Staffer
October 21, 2023
The Sac State ASI Director of Arts & Letters Christian Hernandez-Hunter has resigned from his position at the student led organization.
Protestors gathered in the Library Quad as part of a march in support of Palestinians, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Those speaking at the march expressed a need for support for those being affected by the violence taking place in Gaza.

Students rally at Sac State in support of Palestine

Supporters of Palestine come together to speak against violence
Michael Pepper and Analah Wallace
October 12, 2023
Students at Sac State come together to rally in support of Palestine’s freedom.
Adult learners networking at the Mature Students Meet & Greet Lunch, Tuesday, Sept. 19. The event was the fourth in a series with the intent of helping mature students build connections on campus.  (Photo courtesy of Catheryn Koss)

Mature Learner Meet & Greet series caters to older students

'They don't really feel connected socially to other students’
Michael Pepper, Staffer
October 6, 2023
The University Union hosts Older Students event series to create a space for adult learners to connect on Sacramento State’s campus.
In collaboration with ASI, Sac State President Luke Wood conducts a listening forum on Zoom to hear out student concerns with the campus Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The next sessions will be similar to town halls previously conducted, but will take place at the University Union Ballroom.

President Luke Wood gleans students’ concerns at ‘100 days of listening’

Grievances include mental health, unresponsive staff, financial aid and campus safety
Michael Pepper and Jacob Peterson
September 26, 2023
President Luke Wood speaks on his action plan at ‘100 days of listening’ student forum; an opportunity for students to share perspectives with university leadership.
A blue emergency light on the pathway to the Library Quad on campus Thursday, Sept. 12, 2023. The blue lights are used to alert the Sacramento Police Department of incidents occurring on campus.

In the ‘Red Zone’: what resources does the campus offer survivors?

Help available for all Sac State students, ‘there’s so many at your disposal’
Michael Pepper, Staffer
September 25, 2023
With Sac State in the “Red Zone” what services does the school offer sexual assault survivors?
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