A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf
Sean Young

Sean Young, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sean Young (he/him) is in his ninth semester at SRJC and third semester at The Oak Leaf. He plans on finishing an associate degree in communications and journalism this spring. Sean lives in Sebastopol and spends his free time listening to his vinyl record collection, practicing bass guitar and writing for The Oak Leaf. He hopes to continue to a 4-year college after graduating from SRJC to work towards a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism.

All content by Sean Young
Megan Thee Stallion performs on the Verizon Stage at BottleRock Napa Valley on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion electrify BottleRock Day 1

Nick Vides, Cameron Romanik, Sean Young, Yna Bollock, and Michael Combs
May 25, 2024
Dr. Frank Chong says farewell to Santa Rosa Junior College after 12 years at the helm.

SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong says goodbye to SRJC in his final presidential address

Michael Combs, Hana Seals, and Sean Young
June 1, 2023
Lil Nas X performs his hit song "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" on the Verizon Stage at BottleRock Napa Valley on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Sheryl Crow, Lil Nas X, Red Hot Chili Peppers shut down final day of BottleRock

Michael Combs, Nick Vides, Sean Young, and Teddy Cleek
May 29, 2023
Jeff Gargiulo of The Silverado Pickups jams out with his guitar on the Allianz Stage at BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Lizzo promotes body positivity while The Silverado Pickups, Tove Lo rock out BottleRock day 2

Michael Combs, Sean Young, and Nick Vides
May 28, 2023
BottleRock runs from Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28 in Napa.

What to know before heading out to BottleRock Napa Valley

Nick Vides, Tony Moeckel, Michael Combs, Sean Young, and Peter Morales
May 25, 2023
Bear Cubs pitcher Evan Johnson pitches in a 9-4 loss to Sierra College May 19, allowing eight hits and six runs, the second most runs he’s allowed this season.

Santa Rosa heads to winner-takes-all game versus Sierra College after splitting games 1 and 2

Sean Young and Cameron Romanik
May 20, 2023
As SRJC’s first president of color, Dr. Chong feels he came to the right place at the right time, when the community was starting to change. He arrived with plans to make Latino, first-generation, homeless, LGBTQIA+ and veteran students feel indispensable to the college community.

So Long, Dr. Chong

Michael Combs and Sean Young
May 19, 2023
As a college president, Dr. Garcia looks forward to connecting with students. She kept sneakers in her office at Berkeley City College so she could walk the campus to socialize throughout the day.

Gabbing with Garcia: An interview with SRJC’s incoming president

Michael Combs and Sean Young
May 19, 2023
SRJC Alumna Jennifer Higgins, winemaker at Lambert Bridge Winery, attributes her success to the mentoring she received from the industries' most iconic female winemakers.

[Photo] Breaking the glass bottled ceiling

Nick Vides, Photo Editor
May 9, 2023
Dr. Maria Angélica Garcia accepts her nomination as the next president of Santa Rosa Junior College via Zoom on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Santa Rosa.

Dr. Angélica Garcia selected as next president of SRJC

Dharma Niles, Sean Young, and Michael Combs
April 11, 2023
SRJC Student Trustee Delashay Carmona Benson left the monthly Board of Trustees meeting Feb. 14 following an impassioned speech calling out SRJC administration.

Tempers flare between student leaders and administration at monthly Board of Trustees meeting

Sean Young, Editor in Chief
February 17, 2023
Guard Lucca Lowenburg and Forward Meredith Gilbertson celebrate as time expires in SRJC Women's Basketball team 71-46 victory over Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa. That game sent the Bear Cubs to the state championship tournament, where they won their first game and are playing a semi-final game March 11.

[Photo] Women’s Basketball to play State semi-final match Saturday

Christian Vieyra, Editor
March 11, 2023
The SRJC swim and dive team continues their success this season with a set of wins at the Los Rios Invite Feb. 24 at Sacramento City College.

[Photo] SRJC swim & dive team exceed expectations at Los Rios Invite

Roland Petty, Reporter
March 7, 2023
The SRJC Women's Basketball team celebrates as they move on to play in the state championship series following their 71-46 victory over Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

[Photo] Bear Cubs prevent Eagles from taking flight: SRJC Women's Basketball moves on to state tournament

March 7, 2023
Guard Lucca Lowenburg and Forward Meredith Gilbertson celebrate as time expires in SRJC Women's Basketball team 71-46 victory over Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa

Guard Ciarah Michalik dibbles the ball through the Eagles' defense during the first quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Alex Ditizio passes the ball inbounds during the fourth quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Ciarah Michalik makes a foul shot from the free-throw line during the fourth quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Ciarah Michalik attempts a foul shot from the free-throw line during the fourth quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Coaches Lacey Campbell, Leslie Hirshfield and Emily Codding speak to the SRJC Women's Basketball team during a fourth quarter timeout in the game against Laney College Saturday March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Taylor Iacopi substitutes out of the game during the second quarter against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong eagerly spectates the SRJC Women's Basketball team in their game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Coach Lacey Campbell speaks to several players on the bench during the second quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Alex Ditizio looks to pass the ball to an open teammate during the second quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Alex Ditizio dribbles the ball up the basketball court during the first quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Alex Ditizio dribbles the ball through the Eagles' defense during the first quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Forward Rose Levin takes a foul shot from the free-throw line during the first quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday March 4 in Santa Rosa.

Guard Laney Lincoln defends against Eagles guard Kya Pearson during the first quarter of the game against Laney College Saturday March 4 in Santa Rosa.

The SRJC Bearcubs win the jumpball against the Laney College Eagles Saturday, March 4 at Haehl Pavilion.

Guards Lucca Lowenburg and Alex Ditizio perform a handshake ritual prior to the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4.

The SRJC Women's Basketball team hold hands during the national anthem before the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4.

Guard Lucca Lowenburg takes a 3-pointer in warmups before the game against Laney College Saturday, March 4.

SGA Executive Vice President of Legislation Jimmy Brock announces his resignation during the Board of Trustees meeting Feb. 14.

[Photo] Jimmy Brock resigns as EVP of Legislation

February 17, 2023
Dean Vanessa Luna Shannon presents a honorary degree to the Gutierrez family during the Feb. 14 Board of Trustees meeting in Petaluma.

[Photo] Board of Trustees awards Omar Gutierrez with honorary degree

February 17, 2023
An SRJC Police officer speaks with an individual having a mental health crisis on the south side rooftop of the Zumwalt Parking Garage on Friday, Feb. 14, 2023 in Santa Rosa.

District police respond to mental health crisis on campus

Sean Young and Michael Combs
February 15, 2023
SRJC Polar Bears forward Toby Petrus completes another hat trick against the UC Davis Aggies Jan. 27 at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa.

Caillot and Petrus lead Polar Bears to win against UC Davis — Photo Gallery

Sean Young, Co-Editor in Chief
January 29, 2023
Bennett Friedman continues to perform for audiences of loyal students and SRJC community members with an annual performance of his current jazz ensemble, The Bennett Friedman Quartet. The SRJC legend has backed up megastars like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson

The Performer and The Professor: Bennett Friedman plays among giants

Sean Young, Co-Editor in Chief
December 30, 2022
Kunde to Retire, Chaaban to assume trustee seat

Kunde to Retire, Chaaban to assume trustee seat

Sean Young and Nick Vides
November 8, 2022
Should Proposition 31 pass, it will uphold Senate Bill 793 that banned the sale of flavored tobacco products in California.

[Photo] California Proposition 31

October 24, 2022
Should Proposition 31 pass, it will uphold Senate Bill 793 that banned the sale of flavored tobacco products in California.

Polar Bears rookie forward Patrick Voors has five points so far this season, the second most points on the team.

Petrus hat trick helps Polar Bears earn first win of season, crushing UC Davis Aggies 8-4

Sean Young, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2022
Polar Bears forward Bjorn Hansen skates past UC Davis forward Wyatt Moore to set up one of many scoring chances for SRJC Oct. 14.

Toby Petrus earns the Polar Bears first hat trick of the season against UC Davis Oct. 14.

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Rookie forward Logan Koop scores his first goal for the SRJC Polar Bears versus UC Davis Oct. 14.

Defensemen Gordy Brodeur and Jonah Petrus work to shut down UC Davis' offence Oct. 14 in a 8-4 Polar Bears victory.

SRJC Polar Bears rookie forward Patrick Voors (23) is one of several rookies already making an impact for the Polar Bears this season.

Despite valiant effort, Polar Bears lose to Santa Clara Broncos 4-2 in gritty rivalry game — Photo Gallery

Sean Young, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2022
"I'm going to be working till the job is done and it's time to turn the lights out," says Dr. Frank Chong during his report to the Board of Trustees Oct. 11.

SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong to retire summer 2023

Tony Moeckel, Sean Young, and Nick Vides
October 11, 2022
A skater from Santa Rosa Junior College and Gonzaga University face off against each other,wait for a referee to drop a puck to resume play.

Polar Bears lose home opener to Gonzaga 6-2 after five straight goals

Sean Young, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2022
Bear Cubs midfielder Alan Sanchez strikes the ball towards the opposite side of the pitch in a 2-1 win over Cañada College Sept. 13.

SRJC men’s soccer beats Cañada College Colts 2-1 in comeback win — Photo Gallery

Sean Young, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2022
SRJC Bear Cubs linebacker Dimitri Johnson (7) works to tackle a City College of San Francisco running back in SRJC’s 31-20 loss to City College of San Francisco on Sept. 3.

SRJC Bear Cubs punter Jeremy Baker punts the ball 41 yards in the 4th quarter at George M. Rush Stadium in SRJC’s 31-20 loss to City College of San Francisco on Sept. 3

SRJC Bear Cubs quarterback Santino Chavez (12) slings a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaac Torres (15) to score SRJC's second touchdown of the game in SRJC’s 31-20 loss to City College of San Francisco on Sept. 3.

SRJC Bear Cubs quarterback Carson Budke hands a football off to running back Adrian Torres (24) in the 3rd quarter at George M. Rush Stadium in SRJC’s 31-20 loss to City College of San Francisco on Sept. 3.

[Photo] SRJC Football falls short to defending CCCAA Champions

September 7, 2022
SRJC Bear Cubs quarterback Santino Chavez (12) throws a pass to wide receiver Isaac Torres (15) against the Rams' defense at George M. Rush Stadium in SRJC’s 31-20 loss to City College of San Francisco on Sept. 3.

"If life circumstances stop your progress, never, ever give up on the dream," is Saldaña-Talley's advice to students trying to fine their way.

Rebuilder and retiree: Jane Saldaña-Talley leaves SRJC

Sean Young, Reporter
May 17, 2022
SRJC Swim and Dive teams compete in Saturday's NorCal Relays inside the Quinn Swim Center.

[Photo] SRJC hosts the first NorCal Relay since Pre-pandemic

Richard Tucker, Reporter
February 12, 2022
Ukraine Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk delivers a vigorous speech to a supportive crowd in front of City Hall in Sonoma, Calif. March 17, 2022.

Hundreds gather in Sonoma to hear Ukraine Consul General speak

Aryk Copley, Nick Vides, and Sean Young
March 17, 2022
Three wine glasses filled with tasting portions of red wine. The middle glass is being poured into.

SRJC Student Wine Club hosts in-person tasting event

Sean Young, Reporter
March 17, 2022
A silhouetted photo of Batman from "The Batman."

“The Batman”: Vengeance delivered

Sean Young, Reporter
March 17, 2022
The Oak Leaf's 2022 March Madness bracket

The Oak Leaf’s 2022 March Madness bracket

Tony Moeckel, Christian Vieyra, and Sean Young
March 16, 2022
Students interested in shaping the future of SRJC should consider running for office for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Applications open for Student Government Assembly

Sean Young, Reporter
March 16, 2022
Santa Rosa Junior College's Polar Bears ice hockey team convene at the bench during a 3-1 loss to the UC Davis Aggies Feb. 4 at Snoopy's Home Ice.

SRJC Polar Bears lose brutal 3-1 game to UC Davis

Sean Young, Reporter
February 8, 2022
Santa Rosa Junior College Polar Bears captain Angus Brodeur takes to the ice during a 7-1 win against the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen Jan. 21 at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa.

Polar Bears beat Cal Lutheran 7-1 in restricted attendance game

Sean Young, Reporter
January 28, 2022
Polar Bears assistant captain and forward Jonah Petrus (82) celebrates his younger brother Toby Petrus' first period goal in SRJC's 5-4 overtime win against San Jose State University on Oct. 22 at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa.

SRJC Polar Bears beat San Jose State 5-4, Toby Petrus scores two including OT winner

Sean Young, Special to The Oak Leaf
October 27, 2021