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
Dressed in a mismatched Lacoste sweatsuit complimented by tri-color Adidas, spoken word artist Bocafloja’s words flow into the crowd of SRJC students at the Santa Rosa Junior College Bertolini Student Services Center Feb. 9, 2024.

Dazzled crowd embraces spoken-word poet Bocafloja

Amy Moore, Reporter
February 13, 2024
SRJC student and Resident Advisor for SRJC's Polly O'Meara Doyle dormitory Jayce Kaldunski maximizes space in his room with a couch and study area surrounded by his carnivorous plant collection under a bunk bed.

SRJC’s 30-second commute

Michael Combs, Editor
December 5, 2023
“Kirby and the Forgotten Land" is one of the many great games you can find on console sales for the 2023 Thanksgiving week specials.

6 great digital game deals this Thanksgiving weekend

Lucas Cadigan-Carranza and Sam Guzman
November 23, 2023
The SRJC women’s soccer team wins their first round of the 2023 playoffs in their game against Las Positas College, which lets them advance to the next round.

SRJC Women’s soccer team advances to round two of playoffs after beating Las Positas College

Jaime Jauregui, Reporter
November 22, 2023
SRJC District Police arrested Communication Studies associate instructor Michael Kenneth Beyries for possession of a concealed firearm on campus and booked him at the Sonoma County Jail before he attended class at Garcia Hall Nov. 20.

SRJC Instructor arrested for possession of firearm on campus

Hana Seals and Max Millan
November 20, 2023
"Party Animals" is a physics brawler where players can work together or alone in a series of changing arenas and sport inspired game modes.

“Party Animals”: A blast to play, but prepare to lose some friends

Javi Rosas, Editor
October 22, 2023
"Mortal Kombat 1" reboots the entire franchise, changing everything from characters to designs to storylines.

“Mortal Kombat 1”: A Rough Start to the Reboot

Sam Guzman, Photo Editor
October 21, 2023
The Green Living and Fix-It Fair will run from 4-6 p.m. Oct 12 at the Bertolini Quad and provide student and staff attendees with information on sustainability and minimizing their environmental footprint.

SRJC to host Green Living and Fix-It Fair

Max Millan, Reporter
October 10, 2023
SRJC’s Shone Farm is a 365-acre outdoor learning laboratory where students can learn crop production, ecological preservation, viticulture, animal and equine science, forestry and wildfire prevention.

SRJC’s Shone Farm: a place where students can grow

Michael Combs, Co-Editor in Chief
May 24, 2023
Mitote Food Park, located in Roseland, is open all week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and represents the local community.

Mitote food park: tacos, tunes & tequila

Roland Petty and Jaden Burris
May 18, 2023
Delashay Carmona Benson (on the left, next to Board of Trustee Members Terry Lindley, middle, and Ezrah Chaaban, right) announces her resignation as SRJC Student Trustee at the April 11 after a year of conflict with college officials.

SRJC Student Trustee announces resignation at Board of Trustees meeting

Michael Combs, Co-Editor in Chief
April 21, 2023
The new president for the SRJC Students in Recovery Club, Dan Lionett, wants meetings to cover the connection between addiction and mental health, individual coping mechanisms for addiction as well as the recovery lifestyle.

SRJC Students for Recovery Club invites all students wanting support in the recovery lifestyle

Michael Combs, Editor In Chief
March 7, 2023
SRJC Multicultural Museum will host the Elsie Allen Pomo Basket Collection and have workshops to teach guests about the culture and tradition of the Pomo people and their relationship with basketweaving on March 3.

New museum exhibit: Learn about Pomo basketweaving

Stephen Howe, Editor
February 20, 2023
Dean Vanessa Luna Shannon presents a honorary degree to the Gutierrez family during the Feb. 14 Board of Trustees meeting in Petaluma.

Board of Trustees awards Omar Gutierrez with honorary degree

Roland Petty, Reporter
February 17, 2023
Members of The Oak Leaf pose with some of the 29 awards they won at the Fall 2022 Journalism Association of Community Colleges NorCal conference Oct 22 at Las Positas College.

The Oak Leaf awarded best two-year college media outlet in the nation by professional press

Michael Combs, Co-Editor in Chief
February 9, 2023
Top 3 TV Adaptations of Video Games

Top 3 TV Adaptations of Video Games

Stephen Howe, Editor
December 31, 2022
SRJC football coach Lenny Wagner (center) under the Bailey Field lights with Swiss-born strong safety Nils Lehmann (left) and France-born Malian tight end Dodji Dahoue (right).

A new kind of ‘beautiful game’: A tight end from West Africa and a strong safety from Europe take a chance on American football

Christian Vieyra and Jonathan Cangson
December 22, 2022
Ukrainian Hennadyi Balabonav walks among the burnt remains of his home, burned down by Russian forces in revenge for his son's military service, in Malaya Rohan on Aug. 10. 2022.

24 Hours in Kharkiv

Aryk Copley, Former Oak Leaf Reporter
December 12, 2022
A photo sent to Yana Kalmykova shows a high-rise building burning moments after a Russian artillery strike that Yana was hiding from one block away in her mother's basement

Waking up to War

Sam Guzman, Reporter
December 11, 2022
From top left: SRJC's new security infrastructure includes emergency buttons in some buildings that initiate a classroom or building lockdown when pushed; SRJC District Police Chief Robert Brownlee; campus security added.fixed and updated all call boxes on the Santa Rosa campus.

Mass shootings on campus: Is SRJC prepared?

Hana Seals, Reporter
December 11, 2022
With careful planning, you can decrease the dent in your wallet and increase the fun you have on your next trip to Disneyland.

Disneyland on a dime: Making memories while saving money

Javi Rosas, Reporter
December 8, 2022
Bear Cubs Setter/Defensive Specialist Yasmin Sierra sets themselves up for a serve in the first set.

SRJC volleyball rises above Cosumnes River

Alex Cambron Padilla, Reporter
November 4, 2022
Santa Rosa Junior College Student Housing Leasing office is now accepting applications for on-campus dorms, which will be approved after winter break.

Student housing now open for applications, open house set for Thursday

Sam Guzman, Reporter
November 2, 2022
Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are joined by allies old and new as well as an old adversary on an interplanetary adventure. All nine heroes play completely differently, allowing for each character to bring their own unique strengths to battles.

“Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope”: Lightning sparks twice for Mario and the Rabbids

Lucas Cadigan-Carranza, Reporter
November 2, 2022
In Gotham Knights as Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl and Red Hood each with their own distinct play style.

Gotham Knights: Great ideas but poor execution

Javi Rosas, Reporter
October 31, 2022
Low student enrollment and staffing has caused the main cafeteria to close at 2 p.m. Students taking classes have been struggling to find food on campus

Why the main cafeteria is closed

Fatima Zarco Gomez, Reporter
October 31, 2022
Idris Elba (top) and Tilda Swinton share a touching relationship in the film “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” which is a story about stories.

Three Thousand Years of Longing Review: A gentle love story spanning millennia

Erina Corl, Reporter
October 29, 2022
A group of SRJC students and members of the community showcase their traditional attire, some even dress as catrinas, an elegantly dressed skeleton.

SRJC Intercultural Center celebrates el Día de los Muertos

Michael Combs and Bryan Fructuoso
October 26, 2022
The God of War Series is known for its epic boss battles, from Kratos battling Greek Gods such as Ares and Zeus, to now Norse Gods such as Thor and possible others in his way.

Opinion: God of War: Ragnarök Boss Predictions

Cristian Garcia, Reporter
October 26, 2022
Long distance relationships requires effort from both partners, but how do these relationships thrive when couples are pulled miles apart?

Are Long Distance Relationships for You?

Fatima Zarco Gomez and Javi Rosas
October 26, 2022
Should Proposition 28 pass, it would guarantee K-12 public schools a minimum amount of annual funding toward arts and music education.

California Proposition 28

Lucas Cadigan-Carranza, Reporter
October 24, 2022
Should Proposition 30 pass, it would allot money for wildfire mitigation and help reduce the state's carbon footprint. Lyft wrote and bankrolled the proposition.

California Proposition 30

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

California Proposition 31

Peter Morales, Reporter
October 24, 2022
the front sign of Graton Casino off of golf course drive west

California Proposition 26

Christian Vieyra, Editor
October 24, 2022
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
SGA appointed Student Body President Abrea Tillman to the Student outreach, Onboarding, and International Program's hiring committee at its Oct. 17 meeting.

SGA delegates new hiring committee member, approves business cards and looks for SSCCC alternate

Dharma Niles, Reporter
October 20, 2022
SRJC is no longer requiring unvaccinated students, faculty and staff to test for COVID-19 before entering campus if they are asymptomatic, to coincide with Sonoma County Department of Health Services guidelines.

Covid protocol change: Asymptomatic unvaccinated students can return to campus without testing

Fatima Zarco Gomez, Reporter
October 19, 2022
Chris Sinclair, Founder and Executive Director of FLIP National will host a conversation on the experiences of first-generation and low-income students at Santa Rosa Junior College at 3-4 p.m. Oct. 17 in Emeritus Hall.

First-gen, low-income college student identity: The power, pride and promise with Chris Sinclair

Bryan Fructuoso, Reporter
October 16, 2022
A few Bear Cubs kneel for a prayer minutes before the kickoff of their matchup against Modesto Sept. 10.

OPINION: SRJC football team finish conference play strong with a 4-1 record

Tony Moeckel, Editor
October 14, 2022
SRJC students grow all the produce sold at the Fall Festival.

Fall Festival showcases Shone Farm beauty and bounty

Serena Blue Tudela, Reporter
October 14, 2022
Santa Rosa defender Josh Nakhumwa holds off the Falcons attack in a 1-1 draw Oct. 11.

Men’s soccer gives up late equalizer at home against Folsom Lake

Jonathan Cangson, Reporter
October 13, 2022
Bear Cubs quarterback Santino Chavez dumps the ball to a running back after evading a sack and fleeing the pocket in a 15-7 loss against the Modesto Pirates Sept. 10 at Bailey Field.

OPINION: The Bear Cubs need to roll with Santino Chavez at QB

Christian Vieyra, Editor
October 13, 2022
SGA elected three members into the Auxiliary Enterprises Committee, which helps provide services for students on campus, and one member to Committee of Institutional Technology, which oversees the purchasing and distribution of technology on campus.

SGA appoints new members, discuss student health center at Oct 10 meeting

Sam Guzman, Reporter
October 12, 2022
After two years of planning, SRJC's Ethnic Studies Department is live with five new full-time faculty and courses that fulfill California public universities' graduation requirements. (Clockwise, from top left: ethnic studies instructors Jordan Bell, Moises Santos, Jason Seals, Lori Laiwa Thomas and Stephanie Chang)

Santa Rosa Junior College Ethnic Studies Departments opens with new courses and faculty

Michael Combs, Editor-In-Chief
October 11, 2022
The gundam RX-78, along with many other mechs, are beautifully rendered down to the smallest details.

“Gundam Evolution”: A fast paced hero shooter perfect for mech fans

Erina Corl, Reporter
October 11, 2022
Stadia, Google's game streaming service, has already closed its store, but gamers can still play their already-purchased games until streaming shuts down in January 2023.

The End of Google’s Stadia

Cristian Garcia, Reporter
October 11, 2022
SGA elected Indi Pelzl as vice president of student life for the Petaluma campus and Dori Elder as Dean of the Hiring Committee for the Petaluma campus at its Sept. 26 meeting.

SGA discusses systemic inequalities, plans to improve student life, welcomes new members

Sam Guzman, Reporter
September 30, 2022
Bear Cubs running back Gavin Lemos celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against Chabot on Sept. 24, 2022 in Santa Rosa.

Bear Cubs put together most complete game yet in 47-18 victory

Tony Moeckel, Editor
September 25, 2022
Stress from assignments and exams can lead to burnout. Try implementing new study tips into your routine, and make a difference in your school performance.

Nine tips for effective studying

Jessica Camberos, Writer
September 21, 2022
There are many ways to spice up the next playthrough of a Pokémon game, such as only using the Pokémon available before the first gym in "Pokémon Black Version."

8 different ways to play a Pokémon game

Lucas Cadigan-Carranza, Reporter
September 18, 2022
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.

SRJC Football falls short to defending CCCAA Champions

Tony Moeckel, Editor
September 7, 2022
The Petaluma Cinema Series showcases a film every Wednesday and offers unique viewing experiences, such as a silent comedy with live music accompaniment and a Q&A session with one of the film's directors.

Petaluma Cinema Series brings an exciting lineup this fall

Bryan Fructuoso and Erina Corl
September 7, 2022
Director of Student Health Services Rebecca-Maria Norwick DNP spoke to SGA about services the department provides, such as the monkeypox vaccine and new non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at their meeting August 29.

SGA appoints new Curriculum Review Committee member and provides updates on the Monkeypox and COVID-19 vaccines

Michael Combs, Editor-in-Chief
September 5, 2022
The Bear Cubs battle against the Community College of San Francisco in Santa Rosa on Aug. 30, 2022.

SRJC women’s soccer team displays little offense in 1-0 loss

Tony Moeckel, Editor
September 4, 2022
The ball carrier attempts to outrun the defender, while his jersey is being pulled on Aug. 26 at Bailey Field.

2022 SRJC football preview: set up for success

Tony Moeckel, Editor
August 28, 2022
Michael Hogle, 39, poses in his Santa Rosa Junior College culinary arts jacket and holds a small tote bag

Cooking alone: The challenge in learning culinary arts during a pandemic

Michael Combs, Editor
March 16, 2022