A private civilian space foundation has joined forces with Sonoma State University to create a science program in which high school teachers and students will build and launch supersonic sub-orbital sounding rockets in the Nevada desert.
The fury of the launch, as plumes of dust rise high above the stark desert floor in a pyrotechnic display propelling their creations faster than the speed of sound far into the stratosphere, will be an experience the students and their teachers will never forget.
Designed to help boost interest among among young people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation is partnering with SSU in the pilot phase of a program called "Mavericks in the Classroom."
The Foundation operates a launch facility at its Space Education Research Center (SERC) near Reno, Nevada.
Thomas M. Atchison, Chairman of the Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation, was moved to approach SSU because "our country desperately needs new generations of scientists and engineers to increase our technological competitiveness in this rapidly changing world, and insure our national security."
Sonoma State University's Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) group will develop the standards-aligned curriculum and the training materials for the teachers and will support the classroom design work and launches by high school students.
Applications are now being accepted through December 15 from teams of teachers from selected high schools in California and Nevada to participate in fully-funded, week long training programs during the summers of 2009 and 2010.
Through hands-on learning both in the classroom and on desert launch pads, this yearlong academic program teaches advanced skills in science, mathematics and engineering in a manner that inspires students and engages them to pursue careers in science and technology.
Teachers will learn how to design, construct and launch their own high-powered supersonic rockets and to develop a curriculum to teach their students how to build similar rockets during the school year that will break the sound barrier and soar to the edge of space.
"Science and technology are supposed to be fun, hands-on experiences," says Atchison. "But without the opportunity to do experiments that really excite our students, they get bored and turn off to future science careers."
"This program literally will be a real blast," said Dr. Lynn Cominsky, E/PO group Director and Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department, and an award-winning professor at Sonoma State who has developed innovative and engaging educational materials for NASA missions for the past eight years.
"We are thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to work with the Mavericks’ Foundation to create the next generation of rocket scientists."
Each participating teacher will be offered a $1,000 stipend and travel expenses for week-long summer training workshops at SERC; materials, instruction and mentoring in the construction of a six-foot supersonic rocket; computer simulation and design software to use with students; rocket kits for each student participant; and will attain Level 1 and 2 certification with the Tripoli Rocketry Association upon completion of the program.
Students will replicate their teachers’ experience and build their own rockets during the academic year and will launch these rockets with the assistance of their local Tripoli prefectures.
The Tripoli Rocketry Association is an international organization that supports advanced non-professional rocketry, through local groups ("prefectures") that organize meetings, events and launches across the United States and in many international locations.
More information can be found on the Mavericks Civilian Space Foundations Web site, at http://www.rocketmavericks.com/ to apply on-line, please refer to http://epo.sonoma.edu/mavericks.
Photos of the Rocket Mavericks at work can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rocketmavericks.
(Photos by Rocket Mavericks)
A free panel discussion with Sonoma State University economics professors called "The State of the Economy Panel: Roots, Issues, and Solutions to the World's Financial Problems" is set for Monday, Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union multipurpose room.
This special panel discussion features professors of the Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics including Florence Bouvet, Robert Eyler, Douglas Jordan, and Michael Visser who are experts on both domestic and overseas economic issues.
Their views and opinions on the current state of the United States' and worldwide economies will be featured to bring about a better understanding of the events in the country's economy.
The hope of this interactive event is that the audience leaves with some of their most pressing questions answered and some new tools to cope with today's changing market.
The event is sponsored by Associated Student Productions. For more information, call (707) 664-2382 or visit www.sonoma.edu/as/asp. The public is invited to attend.
Gifted and talented jazz musicians will take the Warren Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Sonoma State University to pay tribute to one of their own, Mel Graves (left).
A composer, a jazz musician and educator, Graves will play a new role, honoree. Graves is being celebrated for his many years of service to the University heading up the Jazz Studies department, and to offer him loving support as he battles pancreatic cancer.
This event is being co-sponsored by the Center For Performing Arts and the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. It is expected to sell out so those who wish to honor Graves should plan to purchase their tickets early by calling (707) 664-2353.
A donation of $15 for this event is suggested. All proceeds will go to establishing a jazz scholarship in his name.
Featured artists include Mel Martin, Randy Vincent, George Marsh, Peter Barshay and an All-Star Alumni group. Special guests include Art Lande and Denny Zeitlin.
For further information, visit melgraves.blogspot.com or phone Alan Kleinschmidt, (707) 664-2791.
Sonoma State University economics professors are available for background and timely perspective on issues surrounding the financial markets.
DOUGLAS JORDAN
Professor Douglas Jordan can talk about current conditions in the stock market and provide an historical perspective on recent movements within it. He is an Assistant Professor of Business whose area of expertise is corporate finance and investments.
Phone: (707) 664-2012
E-mail: douglas.jordan@sonoma.edu.
MICHAEL VISSER
Economics professor Michael Visser can discuss how markets - including financial markets - function and fail and what exactly it means for markets to be free. Many people think that a system of free markets means that markets are unregulated and free from government involvement, and that this will lead to desirable outcomes. This is not the case. Professor Visser can explain the conditions necessary for markets to provide desirable outcomes. He can also discuss behavioral and informational causes of speculative bubbles, economics of altruism and charitable contributions, bargaining and negotiation, and economic incentives.
Phone: (707) 664-3297
E-mail: visser@sonoma.edu.
An elementary particle physicist is coming to Sonoma State University to talk about a mysterious aspect of the Universe.
Helen Quinn will speak on "The Mystery of the Missing Antimatter" on Monday, November 10, at 4:00 p.m. in room 103, Darwin Hall. Coffee, cookies, and conversation will be available in the Darwin lobby at 3:30.
Quinn is a past president of the American Physical Society, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and the coauthor of a new book with the same title as her lecture. The book will be available at the lecture.
A theoretical physicist at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Quinn has received several awards for her research, including the Dirac Medal of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, awarded in 2000 for "pioneering contributions to the quest for a unified theory of quarks and leptons and of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions."
The free public lecture is part of a series, "What Physicists Do," presented by the SSU Department of Physics and Astronomy with financial support from private individuals, mostly members of the community who attend the lectures.
For further information go to http://phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/ or call (707) 664-2119.
When it comes to beetles, ants or wasps, Sonoma State lecturer Frederique Lavoipierre is a myth buster for insects.
Lavoipierre writes about the misconception surrounding insects and other garden inhabitants in the quarterly magazine, Pacific Horticulture, to focus public awareness on their significant role in the environment.
This month, she and horticulturist Kate Frey lead “Garden Allies:Beneficial Insects and Other Helpful Garden Denizens” on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Darwin 103 at SSU.
The cost of the workshop is $35 and is a benefit for the Entomology Education and Outreach Program on campus to secure equipment and supplies necessary for establishing a versatile community outreach program.
The October workshop includes presentations, tours of the campus gardens and biological sciences museum, and a hands-on lab exploring the world of garden allies.
A highlight will be the insect lab where more than 30 stations will be available at which participants can enjoy a look at garden insects through university-quality microscopes, see the posters and exhibits used for outreach in schools, and view the collections of insects housed at the University.
In addition to the main collection and the collections from the University preserves, several special collections donated to the University will also be available for viewing.
The Entomology Education and Outreach program provides presentations for K-8 classes and school gardens, as well as for public and professional groups such as California Native Plant Society, Master Gardeners and school garden teacher training programs.
The program is also able to provide advanced training for SSU biology students interested in entomology and environmental education as well as integrate with the University preserves - Fairfield Osborn Preserve and Galbreath Wildlands Preserve.
It also serves local agencies such as the Laguna Foundation and Pepperwood Preserve by providing docent training, lectures and collection facilitation.
Lavoipierre is the director of the SSU Sustainable Landscape Program, and coordinator of the Entomology Education and Outreach Program.
She is currently studying for her Masters of Science degree in Biology (Sustainable Landscape Ecology) as well as researching plants that support beneficial insects at local wineries.
She ran one of the first certified organic nurseries in the state in the late 1980s, Shoestring Nursery, which offered heirloom vegetable starts, culinary herbs from around the world and edible flowers.
Frey is an instructor in the SSU Sustainable Landscape Program, winner of two gold medals at the Chelsea Garden Show in London, and works as a landscape designer and consultant. She has a special expertise in native plants and honeybees.
Seating is limited. For reservations and more information, contact Frederique Lavoipierre at (707) 829-0751 or lavoipie@sonoma.edu.
Sonoma State University's 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet will honor five people who have made significant contributions to the community and the campus.
The event is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Double Tree Hotel in Rohnert Park.
For their dedication to community service and the founding grant for the Green Music Center, Don and Maureen Green will receive the Alumni Community Achievement Award.
The Greens are music lovers, advocates for children and animals, philanthropists and community volunteers. They are responsible for the creation of the Carriage Trade Group, a community organization that promotes the adoption of children in association with the California Department of Social Services. 
They also dedicate themselves to improving the quality of music instruction in the area.
Duane Hill of Ukiah, retired Chief Executive Officer and creator of the Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work with the organization. In his 33 years with the RCHDC, Hill led them to become the largest nonprofit affordable housing developer in rural Northern California. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from SSU in 1978.
Myrna Goodman of Glen Ellen, Director of the SSU Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide, will be given the Distinguished Faculty Award.
Goodman is responsible for coordination of the Holocaust Lecture Series, an annual series aimed at raising awareness about genocide, which attracts one hundred students every year as well as renowned speakers from around the world. She also teaches the upper-division course, Sociology of Genocide, and is the faculty advisor for the Human Rights Club.
Julie Dinkins of Cotati, Access Services Manager for the University Library, will receive the Outstanding Staff Award. Dinkins has shown exceptional dedication in all of her positions at the Library. Dinkins graduated from Sonoma State with a B.A. in Anthropology in 1985.
To RSVP for the banquet, call (707) 664-2426 or e-mail alumni.office@sonoma.edu.
More than 600 Sonoma State students have taken the PowerVote pledge to focus attention on environmental issues such as energy and climate change in the historic 2008 general election. Organizers hope to sign up from 2,000-4,000 students on the Rohnert Park campus.
SSU joins more than 300 other US campuses and communities using PowerVote to promote political action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in a clean energy economy.
PowerVote, a national non-partisan effort spearheaded by the Energy Action Coalition, seeks to elevate the issue of climate change in the 2008 election by mobilizing one million young "climate voters."
To do this, the Energy Action Coalition and its more than forty partner organizations are organizing young people across the United States to pledge their vote "for clean and just energy."
"Young voters are the demographic that polling has shown to care most about the environment than are their parents and grandparents," says Timothy Dondero, Green Campus President of the SSU Sustainability Coalition.
"A recent survey by Opportunity 08 found that "an overwhelming majority of young people feel Americans should do whatever it takes to protect the environment."
On the SSU campus, PowerVoters want to demand more bike racks and paths on campus, better food and dining choices, a campus farmers market on campus, and the continuance of campus sustainability issues.
Dondero says "the sad truth is, today's youth may be the first generation to face a lower standard of living than their parents. Major bailouts, rising bankruptcy, foreclosure and unemployment rates are all signs that our generation may not be able to feast at the smorgasbord of material wealth enjoyed by our parents' generation."
He says young people today have the highest unemployment rate in the country. "Investing in a clean energy future will create millions of jobs and build new industries, revitalizing our sagging economy, and protecting the environment." Dondero says.
"This election, the "Youth Vote" is more important than ever before. They comprise 25 percent of the electorate with 50 million representatives," Dondero notes.
Students can get involved by signing the pledge on campus or by adding the PowerVote badge application to their Facebook page.
Find the pledge online at powervote.org where information can also be found about national highlights and updates. Students can also go to ssupowervote.org for campus updates and ways to participate.
Various activities fill the final days of the Election 2008 campaign season.
Voter Registration on Campus
Students can register to vote for the upcoming national election at the Associate Student offices on the second floor of the Student Union through Oct. 20.
Informed Voter Guide at Library Web Site
The University Library hosts an Informed Voter Guide at http://libguides.sonoma.edu/elections. Included in this site is a delightful display of voting posters for downloading that anyone can post around their community to encourage voting. Links to the Smart Voter guide are also featured.
Election Central at the Student Union
An event like the Election 2008 only comes around once every four years, and an election like the current campaign season only comes along once in a lifetime.
Associated Students Productions and the Student Union is excited to present Election Central, an election night gathering to watch the real-time results of the 2008 Presidential and local elections. The event will be held on Election Day, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. in the Student Union. Admission is free to all.
The campus community is invited to witness the live results of the election everyone is talking about, complete with live big screen television coverage on multiple screens of the elections, says Bruce Berkowitz.
Each room in the student union will be filled with facts and speakers on election related issues as well as information on the all important propositions on the California ballot.
Included in the festivities will be a student panel on ballot measures, speakers on American civics, the effects of the presidential elections, local and state politics and more.
Attendees can have their pictures taken with life-size images of McCain and Obama.
For more information about this and other events, call 664-2382 or visit www.sonoma.edu/as/asp.
It Matters! Lecture Series Carries On
The University Library and the Political Science Department continues to host a series of "It Matters" election lectures from professors of Political Science, Women's and Gender Studies, and Chicano and Latino Studies.
The remaining schedule includes:
-- Race and Gender by Professors Catherine Nelson and Don Romesburg, Wednesday, Oct. 22, noon, Schulz 3001
-- Immigration by Assistant Professors Daniel Malpica and Patricia Kim-Rajal of Chicano and Latino Studies, Wednesday, Nov. 5, noon, Schulz 3001
Post-election Debate on Nov. 5
A post-election debate between Sonoma State President Ruben Arminana and Press Democrat columnist /blogger Pete Goliis, Wednesday, Nov. 5, noon, Schulz 3001. Political Science Assistant Professor David McCuan moderates.
One of the world's leading physicists is coming to Sonoma State University.
Marvin L. Cohen will speak on "Einstein, Nanoscience, and Superconductivity" on Monday, October 27, at 4:00 p.m. in room 103, Darwin Hall. Coffee, cookies, and conversation will be available in the Darwin lobby at 3:30.
A past president of the American Physical Society, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and one of only 35 people to ever be awarded the prestigious title "University Professor" by the University of California system, Cohen is professor of physics at Berkeley and a senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
A theoretical physicist, Cohen is renowned for predicting the properties of materials that have never been made, starting with the equations of quantum mechanics. Several of his predictions, such as a material that would be harder than diamond, have come true after experimentalists synthesized the new materials.
The free public lecture is part of a series, "What Physicists Do," presented by the SSU Department of Physics and Astronomy with financial support from private individuals, mostly members of the community who attend the lectures.
For further information go to http://phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/ or call (707) 664-2119.
The priority application period for students applying to Sonoma State University for Fall 2009 is now open through Nov. 30.
SSU is an impacted campus due to its popularity and high volume of applications during the priority application period and prospective students are urged to apply early.
Students planning to apply to SSU should visit the CSU Mentor Web site - www.csumentor.edu - to file an online application.
For the first time, the University will allow students to track the progress of their application through its student management system once it is filed with CSU Mentor.
The University begins processing applications on Dec. 1 and notices of acceptance will be transmitted through March, 2009.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!
(November 20, 2008) – State high school students visiting the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office YouTube channel will see new videos with a simple message: hurry up and apply if you want to attend a CSU.
The CSU system is asking students, high schools, education groups, news outlets, churches and communities to link and post these YouTube videos on their own websites.
Less than two weeks remain for the fall 2009 priority deadline of Nov. 30, 2008. At least nine CSU campuses will close their application periods for first-time freshmen on that day. Many campuses will follow soon after.
The School of Education welcomes faculty, staff and students to attend the annual "Celebrating Teachers and Circle of Excellence Awards," on Wed., Oct. 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the University Commons.
This event, which has been generously sponsored by the Alumni Association, recognizes the outstanding achievements of School of Education alumni for work in area schools.
Also honored are local public school teachers and administrators who have served as mentors to SSU student teachers and administrators.
The second annual F. George Elliott Scholarship recipients will also be recognized at this event.
For more information, contact Pamela Van Halsema at 664-2132.
The future of the built environment in Sonoma County will be the topic of discussion at the Six Elements of Sustainability Lecture Series latest installment on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in Schulz 3001.
This open and interactive forum will allow students, staff and other members of the community to discuss and question sustainability with members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
Rue Furch (5th District), Will Pier (1st District), Sharon Wright (3rd District), Shirlee Zane (3rd District), and Valerie Brown (1st District) - all in the running for the upcoming election - will participate in the forum.
For more information, contact director Zeno Switjink at switjink@sonoma.edu, or visit the Lecture Series' website, http://sixelementsofsustainability.blogspot.com/
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering students free, anonymous screenings for mood and anxiety disorders at drop in hours on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 9. The free screenings will take place between the hours of 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on in the Stevenson Quad, near Stevenson 1088.
As part of the program, students will be able to fill out a short questionnaire that assesses their likelihood for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They can learn more information for themselves or their friends.
For more information, including online mental health screenings, virtual pamphlets, and resources visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website, http://www.sonoma.edu/counselingctr/. For more information, call CAPS at: 707 664-2153.
Families of Sonoma State students get a chance to explore their children's college lives at the annual Parents and Family Weekend from Oct. 10-12.
The mid-semester event is intended to welcome the families of students and share in some of the activities and programs the campus has to offer. Approximately 400 people are expected to attend.
The weekend includes athletic events, concerts, lectures, theatre events and campus tours.
As a special feature, Psychology Professor Glenn Brassington conducts a lecture on how elite athletes, performers and students can use mental training to excel in sports and in life from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday in Salazar 2021.
For more information, contact Jacqueline Holley, (707) 664-4464
The compete schedule includes:
PARENT AND FAMILY WEEKEND 2008
Friday, October 10
12:30 p.m. - Men's soccer game
3 p.m. - Women's soccer game
6 p.m. - Early check-in
7 p.m. - Sonoma Film Institute: The Unforeseen
7:30 p.m. - "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!," Evert B. Person Theatre
In this hysterical farce about people, prices, and Popes spinning out of control, the reaction of ordinary people to rising prices results in a side-splitting comedy of errors.
Saturday, October 11
8 a.m - Check-in, Cooperage
9 a.m. - Breakfast Reception, Cooperage
The Vice-President, Deans, faculty and staff host a full breakfast and chance to learn about life at Sonoma State.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Break-out Session #1 - Business and Economics, Ives 101
The Dean and Department Chairs of Business and Economics discuss information about the School, current events, and give families the chance to experience class like the students do.
Campus Safety: A Conversation with the Police Chief, Salazar 2016
SSU Police Chief, Nate Johnson offers an informative session regarding the safety of students at SSU explaining the newest campus safety measures.
"Excellence is No Accident," Salazar 2021
Psychology Professor Glenn Brassington conducts a lecture on how elite athletes and performers use mental training to excel in sports and in life.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Library Tours, Schultz Library
Tours leave every 15 minutes. Meet at the Cesar Chavez mural located on the first floor by the entrance.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Campus Recreation Extravaganza, Recreation Center
- Open Climbing Wall and Climbing Wall Competition
- Almost Golf (South Lawn, located across from the Cooperage in Sauvignon Village)
- Rotating Yoga and Wellness Classes
11 a.m. - Seawolf Sip Wine Tour (pre-registration required)
Seawolf Sip Wine Tour, hosted by the Athletics Department, departs at 11 a.m. Contact Megan Catton at (707) 664-2750 for information.
12 p.m. - Break-out Session #2
Campus Safety: A Conversation with the Police Chief, Salazar 2016
SSU Police Chief, Nate Johnson offers an informative session regarding the safety of students at SSU explaining the newest campus safety measures.
Family Association Meeting, Salazar 2013
Information about SSU's Family Association is presented and families asked to provide their thoughts and ideas about how to keep a thriving network of parents and families of students at Sonoma State.
Housing Presentation, Salazar 2021
Representatives from the Housing Office answer questions, provide on and off-campus housing information and share the latest news on the construction of the newest Residential Community, Tuscany Village.
12 p.m., Campus Tours, Salazar 1010
Meet outside the Outreach Office (Salazar 1010) for a tour led by a current and knowledgeable SSU student. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
12 -4 p.m. - Art Faculty Exhibition, Art Building, Art Gallery
4 p.m. - Music Department Collage Concert, Ives 119
Collage is a study in juxtaposition - large ensembles give way to soloists, 17th- century music is followed by jazz, chamber music precedes the choir. The concert consists of fast-moving segments, performed by without breaks for applause.
7:30 p.m. - Comedy Hypnotist Chuck Milligan, Cooperage
Back by popular demand, an exciting and hypnotic experience is veteran comedy hypnotist Chuck Milligan whose philosophy is "don't give them time to stop laughing."
7:30 p.m. - "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!," Evert B. Person Theatre
In this hysterical farce about people, prices, and Popes spinning out of control, the reaction of ordinary people to rising prices results in a side-splitting comedy of errors.
Sunday, October 12
11:30 a.m. - Men's Soccer Game vs. Cal Poly Pomona, Soccer Field
Noon-4 p.m. - Art Faculty Exhibition, Art Building, Art Gallery
2 p.m. - Women's Soccer Game vs. Cal Poly Pomona, Soccer Field
4 p.m. - Trio Navarro Concert, Ives 119
SSU's celebrated resident trio launches its 11th season with Max Bruchs Trio, Op. 5 and the "Archduke" Trio of Beethoven. Roy Malan, violin; Jill Rachuy Brindel, cello; Marilyn Thompson, piano.
5 p.m. - "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!," Evert B. Person Theatre
In this hysterical farce about people, prices, and Popes spinning out of control, the reaction of ordinary people to rising prices results in a side-splitting comedy of errors.
The Center for Regional Economic Analysis at Sonoma State University has published a report on the economic impacts of same-sex marriages on the Sonoma County economy over the next three years.
Economics Professor Rob Eyler, Director of CREA, says the major policy recommendation from the study is to market Sonoma County as a destination wedding location to same-sex households throughout the United States, especially outside of California.
California has the largest number of same-sex couples of any state in America.
Various tourism studies agree that most of Sonoma County's tourism is generated from within California itself, Eyler says.
Couples coming to Sonoma County, their spending on a ceremony and reception, and the tourism expenses of the couples and their guests will create direct economic effects, the report notes.
Highlights of Sonoma County's impacts for 2009 to 2011 include:
* Between 431 and 864 jobs are created;
* Business revenues are increased by $40.2 million to $80.7 million countywide;
* State and local tax revenues generated range between $2.4 and $4.8 million; and
* Local workers, both new and existing, receive between $13.7 and $27.6 million in new wages.
"Natural tourism flows, the County's welcoming reputation, and its desirability as a backdrop for "destination weddings" could draw a certain proportion of same-sex couples to plan a wedding and reception in Sonoma County, as well as stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and visit local wineries and other tourism attractions," Eyler says.
"Like a rock dropped into a pond, these direct expenditures cause follow-on economic benefits; this study estimates the total effects."
These effects include new jobs, business income and local taxes.
Initial expenditures in services industries, specifically food and beverage services, hotels and motels, and entertainment facilities lead to retail and professional services expenditures and jobs.
Many of the jobs that will be created are in categories that could attract Sonoma County residents who may currently be unemployed or underemployed.
This is especially true for working mothers, as many of these jobs are likely to be flexible in scheduling.
Tax revenues could be directed to augment social services for lower-income working families; approximately $900,000 to $1.8 million in revenue will go for human, health, police and fire services.
The CREA report was funded by a grant from the Horizons Foundation, a philanthropic social justice organization, serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
"The continued ability of same-sex couples to marry provides ongoing, beneficial annual impacts to the Sonoma County economy,"Eyler says.
The report indicates these impacts would be eliminated in the event that voters pass State Proposition 8 on the November 2008 ballot.
The Center of Regional Economic Analysis (CREA) at SSU provides research, data, and analysis for local industry and governments. For more details on its mission, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/org/crea/.
For further information, contact Economics Professor Rob Eyler, (707) 664-4256
THE FULL REPORT CAN BE FOUND AT:
SAME SEX MARRIAGE STUDY
*All events are free unless otherwise noted.
LECTURES
MAKING AND USING 'NUCLEAR' PHOTONS WITH LASERS - Dr. Chris Barty of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (right) describes how LLNL is creating the world's brightest beams of gamma-rays and then using them to identify, image and study isotopes for security, medical, and energy applications. "What Physicists Do" Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2119. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://phys-astro.sonoma.edu/wpd/
CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS: WHAT SSU STUDENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS TELL EACH OTHER - For nine years, a unique service-learning course has created a lively dialogue between SSU students and local senior citizens. Students enrolled in Group Work with Older Adults (Soc/Psych/Gero 432), lead and participate in weekly discussion groups with seniors. The groups, known as Connections Across Generations, have established a niche in the local community. Madeleine Rose, Sociology, describes how the program works, including what do college students and older adults talk about? and what do students, older adults, and community groups gain from participating? Brown Bag Lecture Series. Noon, Tuesday, Oct. 14. Stevenson 2011. (707) 664-2112.
THE UNITED NATIONS: CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY - Robert McNamara, Professor of Political Science, lectures. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2543. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/a_h/WP_Calendar.htm
PRE-ELECTION BALLOT DISCUSSION - It Matters! Lecture Series. Noon, Wednesday, Oct. 15. Schulz 3001. (707) 664- 2397. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://library.sonoma.edu/about/lecture.html
PYTHAGOREAN TRIPLES - Any three integers that are equal to the lengths of the sides of a right triangle constitute a Pythagorean triple; the most well-known are (3, 4, 5) and (5, 12, 13). Math Professor Bill Barnier (right), demonstrates some easily accessible but surprising facts regarding these triples. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15. Darwin 103. (707) 664-2368. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/math/colloq/colloqf08.pdf
WEBCT CLINIC - Students and staff have the opportunity to learn how to use the "Discussion Tool." Noon - 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15. Schulz 2019. (707) 664-2009.
TIPS FROM A LAZY DSL DESIGNER - Andru Luvisi discusses various approaches to implementing Domain Specific Languages (DSLs), with an emphasis on ease of implementation. Some language specific techniques will be discussed, along with some more general approaches that can be applied in many programming languages. A couple of DSLs used within SSU/IT may be described if time permits. Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, Oct. 16. Salazar 2016. (707) 664-2667. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.cs.sonoma.edu/cs_dept/events/
THE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP - The way intimate relationships, domestic violence, and victim services are discussed impacts lives on a personal and political level. This "talk", or discourse, influences how humans form and navigate intimate relationships and shapes the ways in which they respond, as an individual and/or as a society, to abuse within relationships. The second half of this presentation (held on 10/23) examines sex, sexual assault and the importance of sexual health within intimate relationships. Noon, Thursday, Oct. 16. Carson 68. (707) 664-2840. For a complete list of events in this lecture series, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/womenstudies/WHLSFLIER08.pdf
THEATRE
"WE WON'T PAY! WE WON'T PAY!" - Written by Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo in 1974, the play, directed by Doyle Ott, tackles corporate greed and political corruption, while remaining "wickedly funny".
7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11; 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12; 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14; 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15; 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16; 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18; Tickets are $15 General Admission, $12 for SSU faculty, alumni and staff, $8 for SSU students and seniors. Evert B. Person Theatre. (707) 664-2353.
MUSIC
EXCURSIONS TO THE EDGE - The University Jazz Ensemble performs under the influence of Mel Graves and guidance of Bob Afifi. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. (707) 664-2791.
EVERT B. PERSON ENDOWMENT- Student recipients of the Evert B. Person Endowment and and other talent scholarships are honored and featured in this annual awards presentation and concert. 1:15 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. Ives Concert Hall. (707) 664-2791.
GALLERIES
I EXPRESS. . . - "I Express . . . " explores themes SSU students identified as important in the current election cycle - themes such as war and the environment. Participating artists were selected by the spring 2008 Gallery and Museum Methods class and include: Katy Anderson, Allegra Burke, Nuala Creed, Rob Keller, Thomas Pratt, Mario Uribe, and Nancy Worthington. Aug. 22-Nov. 5. Library Art Gallery. (707) 664-4240.
ART FACULTY EXHIBITION 2008 - The Biennial SSU Art Faculty Exhibition is on view through Sunday, Oct. 19. The exhibition features the work of John Ferdico (sculpture), Stephen Galloway (photography); Nathan Haenlein (printmaking), Rob Keller (sculpture); Kurt Kemp (drawing and printmaking); Jann Nunn (sculpture); Mark Perlman (painting); Gregory Roberts (ceramic sculpture), and Carole Splendore (painting). University Art Gallery. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission is free.
FILMS
JINDABYNE - (2006) (left)Ray Lawrence's adaptation of Raymond Carver's story "So Much Water Close to Home" with Laura Linney and Gabriel Byrne. Admission is $5, $4.50 for non-SSU students and senior citizens, and $3.50 for SFI members and children under 12. SSU students admitted free. Sonoma Film Institute. 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. Warren Auditorium. (707) 664-2606. For more information, visit http://www.sonoma.edu/sfi/schedule.html
THE DARK KNIGHT - (right) Batman, Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent are forced to deal with the chaos unleashed by an anarchist mastermind known only as the Joker, as it drives each of them to their limits. Scene It! Big Screen Movie Night. 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18. The Cooperage. (707) 664-2804.
