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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

Sami Soto, Author

All content by Sami Soto
From left to right: Antwan Williams, Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods.

Sac State professor-turned-podcaster lectures to large crowd

Co-creator of the award-winning podcast Ear Hustle gives inside look into the show's evolution
Sami Soto
February 22, 2019

A packed room at the University Library Gallery greeted Sacramento State professor-turned-podcaster Nigel Poor Thursday afternoon as part of the Charles Martell Author Lecture Series. Poor is the co-creator...

A few cars sit in a parking lot at Sacramento City College during the night. A new bill would allow homeless students at California Community Colleges to park their cars in campus parking lots overnight.

New legislation offers homeless college students parking on campus overnight

Bills in California legislature aim to address student housing insecurity throughout state
Sami Soto
February 19, 2019

A new bill introduced late last month looks to give homeless students a place to sleep at night — in school parking lots.   California Community Colleges (CCC) with parking facilities would be required...

An employee at the Dennis Rae Fine Art gallery in San Francisco follows members of a religious young adult group outside. The group alleges they were kicked out due to their anti-abortion beliefs.

Sac State students among anti-abortion group booted from gallery

The incident was recorded on video. Now the group is requesting an apology from the employee
Sami Soto
January 30, 2019

An anti-abortion group which included Sacramento State students alleges they were kicked out of a San Francisco art gallery over the weekend due to their religious and political views. The group was...

Student Health and Counseling Services at The WELL offers many services to students. If SB 24 is passed, all health centers at CSU and UC campuses would be required to offer medical abortions.

In inauguration speech, Newsom calls for ‘woman’s right to choose’

Gov. Newsom voices support for affordable healthcare, women’s rights
Sami Soto
January 7, 2019

Gavin Newsom was sworn in as California's 40th governor on Monday morning. In his inaugural speech, he addressed topics like wildfires, poverty, housing prices and women’s rights. While talking about...

Student Health and Counseling Services at The WELL offers many services to students. If SB 24 is passed, all health centers at CSU and UC campuses would be required to offer medical abortions.

New campus medication abortion bill introduced

Similar to a bill recently vetoed by Governor Brown, SB 24 looks to require CSU and UC schools to provide medication abortions
Sami Soto
December 7, 2018

A bill looking to require abortion medication on California public university campuses is making its way to the state legislature for the second time. Senate Bill 24 is nearly identical to Senate Bill...

Jerry Brown has served as California's Governor for the past eight years. Earlier this week, Brown signed and vetoed state legislation for the last time as governor.

Jerry Brown signs and vetoes last bills as California governor

The legislation can, or would have, affect Sac State students
Sami Soto
October 3, 2018

Jerry Brown signed and vetoed pieces of legislation for the last time as California’s governor on Sunday as he finishes eight consecutive and 16 total years in office. Sunday was the last day for...

Student Health and Counseling Services at The WELL offers many services to students. If SB 24 is passed, all health centers at CSU and UC campuses would be required to offer medical abortions.

Medical abortions closer to being required at CSU campuses

Bill ready for approval from Gov. Brown after passing state legislature in late August
Sami Soto
September 15, 2018

A bill that would require public university health centers to offer medical abortions has moved forward to California Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk for final approval. Senate Bill 320 was presented to...

The travel to eight states — Kansas, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Dakota, Kentucky and Tennessee — is prohibited among CSU and UC athletic and academic programs due to those states having laws that California lawmakers say are discriminatory against LGBTQ people. An assembly bill is now challenging this statewide ban to allow universities to use state funds to travel to these areas.

Assembly bill looks to amend California travel ban

Sami Soto
April 18, 2018

An assembly bill is challenging the statewide travel ban against eight states that discriminate against LGBTQ people — if successful, the state university systems would be able to send athletic and academic...

Class untaps beer knowledge for students

Class untaps beer knowledge for students

Sami Soto
March 13, 2018

Once a week for about three hours inside a science lab in Humboldt Hall, something incredible is brewing. A new biology class offered this semester focuses on the craft of beer brewing and distilling....

7 Vegetarian friendly restaurants at Sac State

7 Vegetarian friendly restaurants at Sac State

Vegetarian students get creative dining on campus
Sami Soto
March 7, 2018

Living as a vegetarian can pose as a challenge, especially for students who spend hours on campus. Eateries at Sacramento State do offer choices for those living a vegetarian diet, although some menu...

‘It’s Sacramento, not you’: Students caught in the crosshairs of statewide housing crisis

‘It’s Sacramento, not you’: Students caught in the crosshairs of statewide housing crisis

A study unveiled earlier this month at the California State University Basic Needs Initiative Conference showed that 10.9 percent of CSU students have experienced homelessness within the past year. As California in general — and the Sacramento area in particular — face skyrocketing rents, The State Hornet is looking at the causes of the state housing crisis, potential solutions and what the University is doing to help students who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
John Ferrannini and Sami Soto
February 28, 2018

Five days a week, Sacramento State junior Bailey Bernardi goes to work at 4 a.m. and then makes her way to school. But even though she makes over $14 an hour, she is barely making ends meet paying living...

(Left to right) Earlonne Woods, Nigel Poor and Antwan Williams record their podcast from inside San Quentin State Prison. The second season launches in March.

Podcast ‘Hustles’ toward second season

Sami Soto
February 6, 2018

“Ear Hustle,” a popular podcast co-produced by a Sacramento State professor and two prisoners, is preparing to launch its second season. After season one, the podcast gained popularity with its...

The pharmacy at The WELL offers contraceptives to current students, often at cheaper prices than retail pharmacy stores. Senate Bill 320 would require all UC and CSU campuses to offer abortion by medication starting January 1, 2022.

Campus Health Center could be required to provide medication abortions

Sami Soto
January 29, 2018

The California State Senate voted 25-13 on Monday to approve a bill that would require California public universities, including Sacramento State, to provide medication abortions. If it becomes law,...

Former Sacramento State men's rugby club team captain Nick Weeder motivates his teammates before a match. The club team is currently pushing for priority registration.

Men’s rugby club team shoots for priority registration

Sami Soto
December 5, 2017

The Sacramento State men’s rugby team is looking to implement change in the club sports by getting priority registration. Unlike intercollegiate athletic teams, intramural sports do not receive benefits...

Due to changes in how the NCAA distributes cash, the Sacramento State Athletics department has recovered from a $606,694 deficit from the previous year, according to an NCAA report from the 2016-17 year.

Sac State Athletics department recovers from over $600,000 deficit

Sami Soto and Rin Carbin
November 28, 2017

The Sacramento State Athletics department has recovered from a deficit of over $600,000 from the previous year, according to an NCAA report from the 2016-17 year. Due to changes in how the NCAA distributes...

The pharmacy at The WELL offers contraceptives to current students, often at cheaper prices than retail pharmacy stores. Senate Bill 320 would require all UC and CSU campuses to offer abortion by medication starting January 1, 2022.

Birth control vending machine coming to campus

Sami Soto and Raul Hernandez
November 1, 2017

Sacramento State will become one of a number of colleges to have a vending machine dispensing over-the-counter medication and healthcare products on campus. The date of completion is unknown, as it...

Digital Editor Vu Chau shoots a rifle at the Cordova Shooting Center on Oct. 20.

VIDEO: The appeal of guns

Kameron Schmid, Sami Soto, and Barbara Harvey
October 25, 2017

(Go to StateHornet.com/Guns for more related stories) Amid heated debate over gun control, four State Hornet editors with varying experience with guns set out to understand the appeal. RELATED: ...

Mariana*, a Sac State student, found the stickers and removed them.

White nationalist group posts propaganda on campus

Sami Soto
October 10, 2017

Flyers and stickers displaying a turquoise and white triangle were found across campus recently in promotion of the white nationalist group, Identity Evropa. Mariana*, a psychology major at Sac State,...

5 podcasts you should listen to right now

5 podcasts you should listen to right now

Sami Soto
September 13, 2017

It’s time to turn down whatever pop song you’ve been listening to on repeat and try something new: podcasts. Podcasts offer a different listening experience because listeners can choose from a...

VIDEO: Students respond to Ramona Lot parking lot

VIDEO: Students respond to Ramona Lot parking lot

Sami Soto and Rin Carbin
September 8, 2017

RELATED:  Loss of student parking spots creates first week traffic jam MAP: What you need to know to survive fall’s parking

Sacramento State senior setter Kennedy Kurtz sets the ball for a teammate against Portland State Nov. 5 at Colberg Court.

Sac State seasoned volleyball program set for new year

Sami Soto
September 5, 2017

After traveling across the country to China, the Sacramento State volleyball team is looking to integrate its experiences this past summer to the 2017 season. The Hornets played their home opener Aug....

Viridiana Diaz began her term as national president of CAMP and HEP programs in July. She was elected into office two years prior to prepare to start the position.

Sac State alumna Viridiana Diaz elected president of national programs

Sami Soto
September 4, 2017

Viridiana Diaz began her term as President of the National High School Equivalency Program and College Assistance Migrant Program after working with migrant students for 15 years at Sac State. The...

Sacramento State junior outside hitter Mikaela Nocetti goes for a spike against two blockers from the University of the Pacific Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Colberg Court. Sac Sate lost 3-1 for its second loss of the season.

Hornets fall in volleyball home opener against Pacific

Sami Soto
August 31, 2017

The Sacramento State volleyball team lost its home opener to the University of the Pacific Wednesday night three sets to one at Colberg Court. The Hornets (3-2) had only one day to prepare for the...

A bowl of miso sits next to a poke bowl. Customers will be able to build their own poke bowls as they move down the line. (Photo courtesy of Poke Noke)

Sac State alum integrates family and community into new poke restaurant

Sami Soto
July 11, 2017

The koi fish has a deep meaning to Sacramento State alumnus Jimmy Khov, who is preparing to open a new poke restaurant called PokeNoke in June. The restaurant’s symbol is a koi fish, which Khov said...

Arjan Singh, who models a design of Phua Lee, prepares backstage of the Ecolution Fashion Show at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday. (Photo by Nicole Fowler)

Student designers showcase eco-friendly designs at Golden 1 Center

Sami Soto
June 30, 2017

The Golden 1 Center rolled out a red carpet Wednesday evening for seven student designers from Sacramento State and their models for the annual Student Fashion Association fashion show. The event, previously...

Models wear designs from Gabrielle Pyle's 'SPORT LUXXXE' collection strut to the upbeat music of 'Fade' by Kanye West during rehearsal in the University Union Foothill Suite on Wednesday. (Photo by Nicole Fowler)

Student Fashion Association prepares for upcoming show at Golden 1 Center

Sami Soto
June 23, 2017

The Student Fashion Association is preparing to make its mark at the Golden 1 Center by holding its annual fashion show as part of the annual Green Sports Alliance Summit. Seven student fashion designers...

A 2017 Women’s Media Center report found that out of 20 top outlets investigated, 89 percent of sports
reporters were men and only 11 percent were women. (Graphic by Sami Soto)

OPINION: For women, working as a sports journalist is rare

Sami Soto
May 12, 2017

We hear about women working in the sports industry falling victim to sexist treatment, but it’s a surreal experience when it actually happens to you. In the two years I’ve worked as a journalist,...

(Graphic by Vu Chau)

Transfer Student Association voted ‘Best Campus Club’ at Sac State

Sami Soto
May 11, 2017

Click here for full results. The Transfer Student Association (TSA), a club geared toward helping transfer students adjust to the university, was voted best club on campus in The State Hornet’s “Best...

The Sacramento State Hornet Racing team will showcase its vehicle this Saturday for the 2017 Formula Society of Automotive Engineers international competition from June 21-24. (Photo by Sami Soto)

Hornet Racing speeds toward Formula SAE competition

Sami Soto
April 30, 2017

Video by Matthew Nobert and Sami Soto  RELATED: check out our article on Hornet Racing here.

Sacramento State sophomore Mikus Losbergs backhands the ball during a singles match against Grand Canyon at the Golden State Invite at the Sac State Tennis Courts on Saturday, March 11.

Sac State men’s tennis sophomore Mikus Losbergs

Matthew Nobert, Sami Soto, and Claire Morgan
April 28, 2017

Learning English wasn't easy for Sacramento State tennis sophomore Mikus Losbergs. Now, the Latvia-native can tell the story of a unique holiday celebrated in his home country in English with ease. Go...

Sacramento State men's tennis player junior Christopher Clayton squares up to return the ball during singles play against Drexel University at Rio Del Oro Racquet Club on March 30 in Sacramento, California. Sac State won the match 5-2 and moved to 8-10 on the season. (Photo By: Matthew Nobert)

Sac State men’s tennis junior Christopher Clayton

Matthew Nobert and Sami Soto
April 28, 2017

Sacramento State men's tennis junior Christopher Clayton quickly learned Sacramento's weather is alot different from Bristol, England. Watch the video to learn his story and what he misses from back home. Go...

Sacramento State sophomore Dom Miller backhands the ball during a doubles match against Grand Canyon at the Golden State Invite at the Sac State Tennis Courts on Saturday, March 11. (Photo by Matthew Dyer)

Sac State men’s tennis sophomore Dom Miller

Sami Soto and Matthew Nobert
April 25, 2017

Growing up in New Zealand left Sacramento State tennis sophomore Dom Miller with some unforgettable memories. Watch the video to learn about his traumatic experience on a ferry and his thoughts on America. Go...

Sacramento State junior Kasparas Zemaitelis backhands the ball during a doubles match against Grand Canyon at the Golden State Invite at the Sac State Tennis Courts on Saturday, March 11.

Sac State men’s tennis junior Kasparas Zemaitelis

Matthew Nobert and Sami Soto
April 22, 2017

Sacramento State junior Kasparas Zemaitelis traveled to the U.S. from his home in Kaunas, Lithuania to play tennis. Follow The State Hornet as we profile each player to learn more about their stories. Go...

Sacramento State men's tennis player freshman Louis Chabot reaches to return the ball during singles play against the University of Hawaii on April 5 at Rio Del Oro Racquet Club in Sacramento Califronia. Sac State defeated Hawaii 7-0 moving them to (10-10 and 6-2 in the Big Sky). (Photo By: Matthew Nobert)

Sac State men’s tennis freshman Louis Chabut

Matthew Nobert and Sami Soto
April 18, 2017

Sacramento State men's tennis freshman Louis Chabut hails from Solignac, France. Watch the video below to learn more about his 5,617 mile journey to Sac State. Go to StateHornet.com/MensTennis...

Sacramento State freshman Louis Chabut, left, returns the ball as sophomore Donald Hall, right, looks on during doubles play against Weber State Saturday at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. (Photo by Sami Soto)

Men’s tennis team clinches regular-season finale with 4-3 win

Sami Soto
April 16, 2017

The Sacramento State men's tennis team came from behind to defeat Weber State 4-3 in its last regular-season conference match Saturday afternoon at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. During the semifinals...

Sacramento State freshman Louis Chabut is one of five international players on the men's tennis team. (Photo by Sami Soto)

Sac State men’s tennis team built on diversity

Sami Soto and Matthew Nobert
April 14, 2017

Five members on the Sacramento State men's tennis team are international players. Follow The State Hornet as we profile each player to learn more about their stories. Go to StateHornet.com/MensTennis...

(Photo by Itzel Ponce)

Faces of PRIDE at Sac State

Sami Soto
April 13, 2017

RELATED: Profiles of seven LGBT students at Sac State

The California State University Board of Trustees filed a lawsuit against Mondo USA on March 14 due to the appearance and performance of the Sacramento State tracks at Hornet Stadium. (Photo by Sami Soto)

CSU Board of Trustees sue manufacturers of $800K tracks

Matthew Nobert and Sami Soto
April 7, 2017

The California State University Board of Trustees filed a lawsuit against manufacturer Mondo USA on March 14 due to the appearance and performance of Sacramento State's $853,270 tracks at Hornet Stadium. The...

Donte Morris, left, and Dominic Morris, right pose for a photo as members of the HoopsMap app play behind them at Sacramento States reisdence hall baskeball courts on April 3. The Morris twins created the HoopsMap app and have been featured on ESPN and TechCrucnh for their app. (Photo By: Matthew Nobert)

Sac State alumni create basketball app

Sami Soto
April 6, 2017

https://youtu.be/2o34IhFiC6Q RELATED: Check out our article on HoopMaps here.

Sacramento State sophomore Dom Miller hits the ball back to his opponent during singles play against Hawaii Wednesday at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. (Photo by Matthew Nobert)

Hornets sweep Hawaii 7-0, establish 3-match winning streak

Sami Soto
April 5, 2017

The Sacramento State men’s tennis team won its third-straight match after sweeping Hawaii 7-0 Wednesday afternoon at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. The Hornets (10-10, 6-2 Big Sky Conference) fell...

Sacramento State sophomore Dom Miller, right, and freshman Hermont Legaspi, left, get ready to return the ball during doubles play against Drexel Thursday at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. (Photo by Matthew Nobert)

Sac State battles wind in 5-2 win over Dragons

Sami Soto
March 30, 2017

Despite heavy winds, the Sacramento State men’s tennis team topped the Drexel Dragons 5-2 Thursday afternoon to snap the Hornets’ four-game losing streak at the Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. The day...

Girl Scout Cookie Tagalong Cake Bars

Girl Scout Cookie Tagalong Cake Bars

Sami Soto
March 25, 2017

Girl Scout Cookie season is still underway! If you still have some leftover cookies, think about using them in this creative way! (Filmed by Cameron Leng, Matt Norbert, and Sami Soto)

The Condom Cart sits inside the lobby of The Well on March. 9 with at Sacramento State. (Photo By: Matthew Nobert)

Condom cart at Sac State promotes safe sex

Sami Soto
March 14, 2017

RELATED: Check out our article on the condom cart here.

No Bake Girl Scout cookie truffles

No Bake Girl Scout cookie truffles

Sami Soto
March 13, 2017

  (Filmed by Will Moon and Sami Soto)

Sacramento State sophomore Mikus Losbergs backhands the ball during a singles match against Grand Canyon in the Golden State Invite Saturday at the Sac State tennis courts. (Photo by Matthew Dyer)

Sac State swept against Grand Canyon tennis team, 4-0

Sami Soto
March 12, 2017

The Sacramento State men’s tennis team fell to Grand Canyon on the second day of the Golden State Invite Saturday at the Sac State tennis courts. Sac State (7-7, 5-2 Big Sky Conference) had close...

Sac State’s new theater production, ‘Stories to be Told,’ targets social issues

Sami Soto
March 9, 2017

(Video by Rin Carbin, Sharlene Phou and Sami Soto) RELATED: Check out our preview article on this new production.

The San Quentin Prison Report team has aired almost 50 stories since 2013. (Photo courtesy of Eric Owens, CDCR)

Professor co-creates podcast ‘Ear Hustle’ with San Quentin inmates to fight stigma

Sami Soto
February 21, 2017

Sacramento State photography professor Nigel Poor and San Quentin State Prison inmates Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams will be spotlighting life-in-prison stories on a biweekly podcast called “Ear...

VIDEO: Gymnastic Causeway Classic vs UC Davis

Sami Soto
February 16, 2017

(Video by Sami Soto)  

(Photos by Sami Soto, Illustration by Vu Chau)

#SacStateSays: What is your semester resolution for spring 2017?

Sami Soto
January 26, 2017

Every new semester brings with it new personal and academic challenges. So we decided to ask students about some of their resolutions to overcome those challenges. Join the conversation online by posting...

Portfolios and design boards display use of sustainable materials such as natural dyes and environmentally friendly fabrics for the anual Student Fashion Associations fashion show at the Golden 1 Center next June.

Student fashion designers catwalk to Golden 1 Center

Sami Soto
December 8, 2016

Seven student fashion designers were chosen to show their original eco-friendly designs in Student Fashion Association’ annual runway competition that will take place at the Golden 1 Center for the first...

One of the two commissioned student artists Madelyne Templeton works on painting a mural for the ROTC lounge in Yosemite Hall, Friday, Dec. 2. The mural is expected to be completed by the end of finals week.
(Photo by Sami Soto)

New mural to add colors to ROTC program

Sami Soto
December 8, 2016

Tucked away at the end of a long hallway in Yosemite Hall is the ROTC lounge, where large Gatorade bins, training gear and two long couches clutter the small room as the walls remained blank. That is...

The two people in this photo are being sought by the Sacramento Police Department for questioning related to the bike theft spree on campus. (Photo from the Sacramento State Police Department)

Police tackle campus bike theft spree

Sami Soto
November 4, 2016

The Sacramento State Police Department released images of two individuals being sought for questioning in connection with the recent bike theft spree, just days after the school began to close bike compound...

Bike compound one, which has seen a rise in reported bike thefts this year, is adjacent to the Guy West Bridge. Compound one will be closed from midnight to 6 a.m. on weekdays and on all weekends for the rest of the semester. (Photo by Sami Soto)

Bike thefts prompt school to lock compound one at night, on weekends

Sami Soto
November 2, 2016

UPDATE: Fri., Nov. 4 at 1:46 p.m. — The original version of this story falsely reported that all three campus bike compounds for general use will be closed at night and on weekends. In fact, only bike...

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