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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

Rahul Lal

Rahul Lal, visuals editor

Rahul Lal is the visuals editor and a staff photojournalist for The State Hornet. He has been a freelance photojournalist since December of 2019 for a number of Sacramento news media organizations while studying towards a B.A. in journalism.
All content by Rahul Lal
Sacramento State University President Robert Nelsen addresses students in the University Union about COVID-19 policies on campus on Sept. 3, 2020. In his address on Jan. 21, 2022, Nelsen discussed continuing COVID-related issues and plans to change the culture of the campus to fight systemic racism.

[Photo] Nelsen’s 2022 Spring Address: Anti-Racism, COVID and a “Healing Campus”

Odin Rasco
January 22, 2022

Sacramento State University President Robert Nelsen addresses students in the University Union about COVID-19 policies on campus on Sept. 3, 2020. In his address on Jan. 21, 2022, Nelsen discussed continuing...

(File photo) 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 approved the establishment of a general education ethnic studies requirement during its meeting Thursday, April 1, 2020.

[Photo] Faculty Senate approves establishment of ethnic studies requirement at Sac State

Eric Jaramishian
April 1, 2021

(File photo) Criminal Justice major Neelam Bandhu advocates for the passing of AB 1460, a bill which will require CSU students to complete an ethnic studies course as part of their GE requirements Feb....

An Antifa Sacramento supporter gets their eyes cleaned out by Sacramento Street EMS, a volunteer medical organization, after getting bear maced during a confrontation against Trump supporters and demonstrators dressed as members of far-right organization Proud Boys at the California State Capitol Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Trump supporters rallied towards protesting recounts in California.

[Photo] 2020: Year in Photos

Patrick Posuniak, visuals editor
December 31, 2020

An Antifa Sacramento supporter gets their eyes cleaned out by Sacramento Street EMS, a volunteer medical organization, after getting bear maced during a confrontation against Trump supporters and demonstrators...

Farouq Gidado, founder and owner of ABAS Clothing, poses on K Street, as a Sacramento Regional Transit bus passes by in Downtown Sacramento Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. The acronym ABAS stands for “always be about something."

[Photo] Sac State alumnus aims to inspire with his ‘ABAS’ clothing brand

Milan Cabebe
December 7, 2020

Farouq Gidado, founder and owner of ABAS Clothing, poses on K Street in Downtown Sacramento Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. The acronym ABAS stands for “always be about something," which Gidado's childhood friend...

The vigil for the late Dewayne James Jr., 19, located at the scene of where he was shot at the exit of Forever 21 in the Arden Fair shopping center in Sacramento, CA Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Jaysa Harrison, a friend of the brothers said they were always trying to make others laugh.

[Photo] Candlelight vigil held for two teens killed at Arden Fair Mall

Isabelle Juarez
December 2, 2020

The vigil for the late Dewayne James Jr., 19, located at the scene of where he was shot at the exit of Forever 21 in the Arden Fair shopping center in Sacramento, CA Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Jaysa Harrison,...

A counter-protester comforts and assists Loretta Reddog after she was pepper sprayed by Trump supporters during and altercation with protesters dressed as members of the far-right organization Proud Boys at the California State Capitol Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Proud Boys have gained popularity as they exemplified strong support for President Donald Trump.

[Photo] Pro-Trump protesters and counter-protesters clash outside Capitol

Mercy Sosa and TJ Martinez
November 14, 2020

A counter-protester comforts and assists Loretta Reddog after she was pepper sprayed by Trump supporters during and altercation with protesters dressed as members of the far-right organization Proud Boys...

Chantay Ross (left) and other protestors sing to the closing lyrics of the United States national anthem at the California State Capitol on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, for a Trump rally calling for recounting votes in California and in battleground states. Ross states her cause for a recount due to not trusting the voting process. (Rahul Lal)

MULTIMEDIA: Trump supporters protest vote counts in California

Sara Nevis, Dominic Vitiello, and Rahul Lal
November 8, 2020
Trump supporters rallied in downtown Sacramento Saturday, calling for recounts of votes in California and battleground states following the announcement that Joe Biden is the new president-elect.

MULTIMEDIA: Scenes from early voting and Election Day in Sacramento

EARLY VOTING Scenes from the Golden 1 Center, Campus Commons, The East Jay Building, Sacramento County Administration Building and The WELL The touch screen booths at the voting center at the Golden...

"Joe Biden" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, "Donald Trump" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo Illustration by Rahul Lal.

[Photo] The State Hornet Voter Guide 2020

November 5, 2020

"Joe Biden" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, "Donald Trump" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo Illustration by Rahul Lal.

Measure C if passed, would establish an elected rent control board that would regulate rent for affected units and limit the ability of landlords to terminate leases, according to the impartial analysis of Measure C prepared by Sacramento’s city attorney.

[Photo] FAQ: All about Measure C on Sacramento’s ballot

Colby Case
October 22, 2020

Measure C if passed, would establish an elected rent control board that would regulate rent for affected units and limit the ability of landlords to terminate leases, according to the impartial analysis...

Mayor Darrell Steinberg speaks to protesters outside of La Cosecha at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Sacramento, California, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. Steinberg supports Measure A which would change the cities governing structure to give the mayor more executive power to make decisions, hire the city manager and propose the budget. Photo in background taken by Sara Nevis.

[Photo] FAQ: All about Measure A on Sacramento’s ballot

Samaha Samy
October 22, 2020

Mayor Darrell Steinberg speaks to protesters outside of La Cosecha at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Sacramento, California, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. Steinberg supports Measure A which would change the cities governing...

Former ASI president Christian Landaverde said the COVID-19 campus closure at the end of his presidency shifted his focus towards his other career goals. Landaverde said he stepped down to study for his law school admissions test and spend time working on the Sacramento County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board. Photo by Tanner Landon. Photo Illustration by Rahul Lal.

[Photo] OPINION: ASI President’s resignation was disgraceful

Jordan Parker
October 19, 2020

Former ASI president Christian Landaverde said the COVID-19 campus closure at the end of his presidency shifted his focus towards his other career goals. Landaverde said he stepped down to study for his...

Staff of the Legislative Analyst’s Office explained the 2020 California ballot initiatives in a virtual event Tuesday evening hosted by the Sacramento Public Library and the Project for an Informed Electorate at Sacramento State. Voters tasked the LAO with providing impartial analysis explaining each initiative after voters approved California Proposition 9 in 1974, according to Jason Constantouros, principal fiscal and policy analyst at the LAO. Background screenshots via Zoom and collage by Jenna Cooper.

[Photo] Experts explain: California propositions, what they’ll cost

Jenna Cooper
October 15, 2020

Staff of the Legislative Analyst’s Office explained the 2020 California ballot initiatives in a virtual event Tuesday evening hosted by the Sacramento Public Library and the Project for an Informed Electorate...

"File:LeBron James Lakers.jpg" by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, "File:Phil Jackson Lipofsky.JPG" by Steve Lipofsky www.Basketballphoto.com is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo Illustration by Rahul Lal.

[Photo] OPINION: Congratulations LeBron, but you’re still not the GOAT

Jordan Parker
October 13, 2020

"File:LeBron James Lakers.jpg" by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, "File:Phil Jackson Lipofsky.JPG" by Steve Lipofsky www.Basketballphoto.com is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo Illustration...

Former ASI president Christian Landaverde and executive vice president Jennifer Gross resigned from their positions on March 13, 2020. Landaverde said he decided to step down due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down campus and his desire to focus on other opportunities.

[Photo] Former ASI president Christian Landaverde says resignation was due to COVID-19 campus closure

Camryn Dadey and Michael Pacheco
October 12, 2020

Former ASI president Christian Landaverde and executive vice president Jennifer Gross resigned from their positions on March 13, 2020. Landaverde said he decided to step down due to the COVID-19 pandemic...

The Career Center held a preparation workshop to provide tips to succeed at its upcoming virtual career fair Oct. 6-7. Graphic made in Canva.

[Photo] Sac State Career Center gives tips to prepare for virtual career fair

Brandon Bailey
October 1, 2020

The Career Center held a preparation workshop to provide tips to succeed at its upcoming virtual career fair Oct. 6-7. Graphic made in Canva.

Former Sac State football player Dariyn Choates said he started his clothing line, ONBS, in part because seeing his father become an entrepreneur inspired him to create his own business. Photo by Shaun Holkko, illustration by Rahul Lal.

[Photo] Former Sac State football player finds a new calling

Jason Gallardo
September 25, 2020

Former Sac State football player Dariyn Choates said he started his clothing line, ONBS, in part because seeing his father become an entrepreneur inspired him to create his own business. Photo by Shaun...

Flash back to the week of !0/4 in Hornets sports history.

[Photo] This week in Hornet sports history: Week of 9/21

Emmely Ramirez
September 21, 2020

Flash back to the week of !0/4 in Hornets sports history.

Graphic made in Canva by Rahul Lal.

[Photo] REVIEW: Halloween Horror Recommendations: ‘Lake Mungo’

Bradley Hinkson
September 17, 2020

Graphic made in Canva by Rahul Lal.

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.

[Photo] New ethnic studies requirement signed into law by Gov. Newsom

Gerardo Zavala and Isabelle Juarez
September 16, 2020

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...

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.

[Photo] Sac State launches support center for first-generation students

Samaha Samy and Gavin Rock
September 8, 2020

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...

Sac State President Robert S. Nelsen addresses the audience on the efforts on the university's behalf on handling COVID-19 at the University Union on Wednesday, March 4. On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, Nelsen gave a livestreamed fall address where he spoke about an anti-racism plan for campus and budget concerns.

[Photo] President Nelsen talks Sac State anti-racism plan, budget cuts at virtual fall address

Mercy Sosa, news editor
September 3, 2020

Sac State President Robert S. Nelsen addresses the audience on the efforts on the university's behalf on handling COVID-19 at the University Union on Wednesday, March 4. On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, Nelsen...

Every week The State Hornet compiles crimes recorded in the campus crime log into a map detailing their location and current status.

[Photo] CRIME MAP: 33 crimes committed at Sac State over summer

Chris Wong, news editor
September 2, 2020

Every week The State Hornet compiles crimes recorded in the campus crime log into a map detailing their location and current status.

Joseph DeAngelo stands as he apologizes to the survivors of his crimes and the families of his victims. Sacramento State's University Union acted as a makeshift courtroom for the sentencing trial of DeAngelo, dubbed the Golden State Killer, on Friday, August 21, 2020.

[Photo] Golden State Killer sentenced to life without parole in historic hearing at Sac State

Madeleine Beck, managing editor
August 21, 2020

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer discusses the jail cell footage of Joseph DeAngelo at Sacramento State on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Spitzer discussed the notion of DeAngelo faking frailty to...

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer shares the emotional setbacks regarding Joseph DeAngelo's case at a press conference after DeAngelo's hearing in the University Union at Sacramento State on June 29.

[Photo] Golden State Killer suspect pleads guilty in hearing at Sac State

Madeleine Beck, Managing Editor
June 29, 2020

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer shares the emotional setbacks regarding Joseph DeAngelo's case at a press conference after DeAngelo's hearing in the University Union at Sacramento State on...

Graphic based on illustration by Mohamed Assan. Overlay by texture library Poliigon.

[Photo] OPINION: Give Black people reparations

Jordan Parker
June 24, 2020

Graphic based on illustration by Mohamed Assan. Overlay by texture library Poliigon.

Supporters of AB1460 who were told to leave the University Union's Green & Gold Room and stand outside as Sacramento State's Faculty Senate converse about the bill on March 5, 2020 prior to stay-at-home orders and school moving online. Sac State students, faculty and admin share their thoughts on if the COVID-19 vaccine should be required to return to campus in fall 2021.

[Photo] FAQ: What you need to know about the ethnic studies bill, AB 1460

Magaly Muñoz
April 18, 2020

A sign created by supporters of AB 1460 lies by demonstrators as Sacramento State's Faculty Senate discusses the bill's process further on March 5 in the University Union's Green & Gold Room.

Sac State junior sprinter Mikayla Revera poses on the track at Hornet Stadium on March 10. Revera finished the indoor season with career bests in the 200 and 400 races.

[Photo] Sac State junior sprinter ends indoor season with all-Big Sky honors

Allisyn Mayhew
April 2, 2020

Sac State junior sprinter Mikayla Revera poses on the track at Hornet Stadium on March 10. Revera finished the indoor season with career bests in the 200 and 400 races.

Provost Steve Perez in the University Union at Sac State on Thursday, March 12, 2020. He fielded questions from the Faculty Senate on the handling of future virtual instruction, as the university shifts to online courses due to COVID-19 concerns.

[Photo] Sac State Faculty Senate meets to discuss online class transition amid coronavirus concerns

Magaly Muñoz
March 12, 2020

Provost Steve Perez in the University Union at Sac State on Thursday, March 12, 2020. He fielded questions from the Faculty Senate on the handling of future virtual instruction, as the university shifts...

[Video] #SacStateSays: ‘When did you last wash your hands?’

Are you worried about the coronavirus?
Kelly Kiernan, multimedia editor
March 10, 2020

In light of the COVID-19 disease, the coronavirus has been a recurrent topic at Sacramento State and in the community. The University plans to remain open as of now according to president Robert T....

A member of the National Brown Berets stands on the North Steps of the State Capitol on Saturday, March 7, as she listens to speaker Josie Morales talk about the struggles of the women from the East Los Angeles societal chain.

[Photo] Sacramento community celebrates International Women’s Day 2020

Mercy Sosa
March 7, 2020

President and founder of MMIWP Marge Grow-Eppard or Sister Walks With Bears, leads a group in chants about women empowerment against rape, sexism and misogyny at the North Steps of the California State...

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.

[Photo] A Sac State model’s journey from struggles to seniority

Gavin Rock
March 6, 2020

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.

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

[Photo] Sac State hosts community forum discussing Asian American discrimination, coronavirus

Gavin Rock
March 4, 2020

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg leaves the podium early after addressing the audience on the importance of COVID-19 at Sac State's University Union on Wednesday, March 4

Sac State computer science majors Billy Hernandez and Lauren Mateo pose at the Library Quad on Wednesday Feb. 26. Hernandez, also known as music artist CubeOfCheese features Mateo, a singer, in his latest single 'Was Icarus.'

[Photo] Sac State artist CubeOfCheese releases new song featuring fellow student

Tara Gnewikow
March 4, 2020

Sac State computer science majors Billy Hernandez and Lauren Mateo pose at the Library Quad on Wednesday Feb. 26. Hernandez, also known as music artist CubeOfCheese features Mateo, a singer, in his latest...

A check-in counselor at Modoc Hall assists voters for Super Tuesday at Sac State on Tuesday, March 3.

[Photo] Sac State students participate in Super Tuesday by voting on campus

Kelly Kiernan and Mercy Sosa
March 3, 2020

A student walks out of Modoc Hall after casting a vote on Super Tuesday at SAC State on Tuesday, March 3.

Sac State senior forward Osi Nwachukwu poses with the ball at center court at the Nest on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Nwachukwu has been averaging 6.2 points per game this season.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball player is the ‘connector of the team’

Ian Edwards
March 3, 2020

Sac State senior forward Osi Nwachukwu performs a layup in the Nest on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Coach Brian Katz described Nwachukwu as selfless when it comes to the team, praising his attitude.

[Video] #SacStateSays: ‘What are you looking for in California’s primary election?’

Mack Ervin III
March 3, 2020

California has its earliest presidential primary date since 2008, and potential voters are not spoiled for choice. The biggest state in the country has 494 delegates at stake in the democratic nomination...

Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer Diana Tate Vermiere speaks in support of AB 1460 at the Green & Gold Room in Sacramento State's University Union Thursday, Feb. 27 as part of a Faculty Senate meeting.

[Photo] New bill may require CSU students to take ethnic studies class

Magaly Muñoz
February 27, 2020

Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer Diana Tate Vermiere speaks in support of AB 1460 at the Green & Gold Room in Sacramento State's University Union Thursday, Feb. 27...

Malachi Powell, Ayra Nuñez and Nahom Semere host the “Mic’d Up Students” podcast. The group is recording its second season this semester while the first season is being posted every Monday.

[Photo] Sac State students look to spark change with new podcast

Nijzel Dotson
February 26, 2020

Malachi Powell, Ayra Nuñez and Nahom Semere host the “Mic’d Up Students” podcast. The group is recording its second season this semester while the first season is being posted every Monday.

Sac State student athletes Brandon Davis, Lewa Day and Isaiah Parker.

[Photo] ‘Every team I’ve played on, I’ve been the only African-American player’

Jordan Latimore
February 25, 2020

Sac State student athletes Brandon Davis, Lewa Day and Isaiah Parker.

The first comedian of the night, Steph Sanders at the University Union at Sac State on Thursday, Feb. 20. Sanders joined four other comedians in the UNIQUE organization's Black Greek Comedy Showcase.

[Photo] Black Greek Comedy Night celebrates Black History Month

Alexis Perales
February 21, 2020

The first comedian of the night, Steph Sanders at the University Union at Sac State on Thursday, Feb. 20. Sanders joined four other comedians in the UNIQUE organization's Black Greek Comedy Showcase.

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.

[Photo] Tower Brewing Company offers more than just beer

Gavin Rock
February 18, 2020

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...

The branch that fell and struck a Sac State student on the head lays by the impact scene on Monday, Feb. 17. The unidentified student was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, said Sacramento Fire Captain Keith Wade.

[Photo] Sac State student injured on campus by falling tree branch

Madeleine Beck and Chris Wong
February 17, 2020

The branch that fell and struck a Sac State student on the head lays by the impact scene on Monday, Feb. 17. The unidentified student was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, said...

Sac State electrical engineering major Waverly Hampton III stands on the Guy West Bridge at Sac State on Friday, Feb. 7. Hampton is running on a platform of homelessness reform and solar initiatives.

[Photo] Sac State student running for Sacramento City Council targets homeless crisis

Cory Jaynes
February 17, 2020

Waverly Hampton III stands in front of the Sacramento mural at Sac State on Friday, Feb. 7. Hampton is running for the Sacramento City Council District 6.

Mayor of West Sacramento Christopher L. Cabaldon delivers a Q&A session, as presidential candidate Mayor Pete Buttigieg awaits the first question at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown Sacramento on Friday, Feb. 14.

[Photo] Pete Buttigieg holds Sacramento Town Hall, addresses foreign and racial injustice

Kendra Rivera-Molina, news editor
February 15, 2020

Mayor of West Sacramento Christopher L. Cabaldon delivers a Q&A session, as presidential candidate Mayor Pete Buttigieg awaits the first question at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown Sacramento on Friday,...

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