March 2017 Issue

The Est. 1983

C

alabasas Courier

Thursday, March 2, 2017 • Volume 33 • Issue 5 • chscourier.com

Berkeley riots, “safe spaces” and other attacks on freedom of speech threaten core American values

By Ethan Shanfeld News Editor

“The Founding Fathers’ instructions were clear: the right to free speech includes bad speech,” said journalist David Ignatius.

“It means tolerance of ideas that many find obnoxious.”

Although the First Amendment was added to the United States Constitution in 1791, some people still seem to struggle with defining “free speech.” The balance of freedom of speech and freedom of protest is difficult to achieve, as exemplified at University of California, Berkeley last month.

When conservative provocateur and former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak at the campus, students organized a protest that quickly turned violent, leading to $100,000 of damage. Regardless of whether the destruction was mainly a result of student activism or anarchist outsiders, the university canceled Yiannopoulos’ speech because of threats to his safety.

“A divided campus—which once incubated the ideals of the 1960s—was sent into lockdown as it struggled to balance inclusive values with its legacy of fighting for the right to voice [one’s] opinion, however ugly it may be,” said Rolling Stone contributor Matt Saincome.

According to CNN, at least six people were reportedly injured during the riots, including a woman donning President Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hat who was pepper sprayed while being interviewed. So, while the Berkeley protesters claimed to be speaking out against “hate,” they actually promoted the very thing they claimed to oppose in the process.

“What actually hurts people is…murder, violence, that kind of stuff,” said Yiannopoulos during an interview with Bill Maher, another strong advocate of free speech. “Mean words [do not] hurt people.”

Yiannopoulos has said some pretty radical things, earning him a fair share of media controversies. From his harsh stance on Islam to his brutal ad hominem attack on the female Ghostbusters movie, the self-proclaimed “troll” has sparked rage out of members of both the left and the right. He was even kicked off of Twitter for violating their rule prohibiting “participating in or inciting targeted abuse of individuals.”

“This is the end for Twitter,” responded Yiannopoulos. “Anyone who cares about free speech has been sent a clear message: you’re not welcome on Twitter.”

Despite Yiannopoulos’ extreme opinions, he should still be entitled to free speech as long as he is not inciting violence. By

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law, the Ku Klux Klan is allowed to rally peacefully. Even though sane people denounce the Klan’s racist beliefs and reject their legitimacy, they should still defend their right to free speech because when the government starts policing language, it leaps toward totalitarianism. Some argue that by providing people like Yiannopoulos a platform to speak, the media is dangerously normalizing hate speech. While these people have reason, restricting Yiannopoulos’ speech is perhaps even more dangerous. Calling him a “racist” and a “bigot”—even if he is one—will also not help solve the problem. Rather than fighting hate with hate, protesters should utilize free speech’s most valuable tool: logic.

“Free speech gives [people] the ability to react vigorously with effective arguments and expose the weakness and misdirection of the other side’s claims,” said Rush Limbaugh.

UC Berkeley is not the only place Yiannopoulos was protested against. Upon hearing that the Breitbart editor would be appearing on the panel on an episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, Jeremy Scahill of “The Intercept” canceled his own scheduled appearance on the show. His reason: the show would provide an audience for Yiannopoulos’ “racist, anti-immigrant campaign.”

“If Mr. Yiannopoulos is

indeed the monster Scahill claims—and he might be—nothing could serve the liberal cause better than having him exposed on Friday night,” said Maher.

On the show, Maher and Yiannopoulos jeered about Scahill’s cowardly decision to cancel his booking. Maher criticized him for having “fantasy” views that divert from true liberal principles.

As argued by Yiannopoulous, the way to combat hateful speech is not to avoid it, but rather to confront it. Ultimately, if Scahill felt that Yiannopoulos’ speech was dangerous, he should have fought against it. Instead, he sat on the sidelines and, as a result, gave Yiannopoulos more publicity and therefore a bigger platform.

College campuses have been notorious for suppressing free speech. The University of New Hampshire recently published a list of “problematic” words of which they discourage the use. The university suggests that students refrain from describing overweight people as “obese” and instead refer to them as “people of size.” The word “healthy” is apparently offensive to disabled people, and the word “poor” should be replaced with “lacking advantages that others have.” The list also deems the word “America” unacceptable.

Many campuses have also ad-

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opted “safe spaces,” locations on campus where students can feel unthreatened and escape susceptibility to criticism or harassment.

These establishments instill the belief in students that they should not have to confront any other opinion besides their own. The creation of “safe spaces” and the increasing political correctness at universities have caused many comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Larry the Cable Guy, to refuse performing on campuses. Students should have to confront disagreement of thought—even if it makes them uncomfortable—because it is representative of America and of free speech. In the real world, society does not cater to the individual and truth takes precedence over hurt feelings.

Free speech does not mean “free speech when it is agreed upon.” Part of the beauty of free speech is the discomfort associated with dissenting opinions. If only one viewpoint was promoted in America, the country would be no different than a dictatorship.

Thus, instead of rendering it impossible for Yiannopoulos to express his beliefs at UC Berkeley, the protesters should have let him speak.

“Ignorant free speech often works against the speaker, said author Anna Quindlen, “[which is] why it must be given rein instead of suppressed.” •

Photo courtesy of Reni De La Nuez

Inside this issue

News

CHS Academic Decathlon wins Ventura County • pg. 2

Opinion

Modern music conforms to changes in society • pg. 4

Entertainment

Oscar Awards ceremony turns heads • pg. 9

News

2

California’s recent storms help relieve severe drought

By Chris Gillhaus Staff Writer

www.vcstar.com

New Calabasas Academic Decathlon team triumphs in Ventura County competition

By Ariana Kalantari Staff Writer On Feb. 7, Calabasas High School won the Ventura County Academic Decathlon. Despite being new to the program, the Calabasas team defeated two powerhouse schools: Westlake High School, which had won the competition every year for the past five years, and Oak Park High School, two-time winner of the competition’s Super Quiz this year.

“We were so surprised to win our first year and we really appreciate all the support we have received,” said senior team member Nika Esmailizadeh.

Calabasas High School placed first out of 29 teams, meaning they will go on to the state championship, which will take place March 23-26 in Sacramento. If all goes well, the team will move on to the national championship from April 20-22 in Madison, Wis. The members of the Calabasas team are Alex Poran, Erin Pool, Laura Myerly, Isaac Merritt, Rustin Mahboubi-Ardakani, Nika Esmailizadeh, Tyler Jensen, Justin Golub and Jeffrey Litinsky.

As newcomers to the Academic Decathlon scene, Calabasas High School had lots of work to do to match the abilities of their fellow competitors. The team admitted that it took a few months to get adjusted to the program and its rigorous training. However, studying eventually became easier and the athletes found their rhythm.

“Our secret to success would have to be the hard work and dedication of the students,” said coach and AP U.S. History teacher Tyler Lee. The team worked incredibly hard for their big win. They practiced diligently about four days a week for hours after school, even through finals. Such a time-consuming activity would be challenging for any student, let alone AP students with college applications and standardized testing to worry about. Despite their obstacles, the bond between the whole team allowed for an enjoyable experience.

“We studied countless guides, flashcards and powerpoints, but ulti-

mately, our greatest source was each other,” said senior Alex Poran.

Students competed in art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science and social science. Senior Erin Pool won gold medals in music, economics and art; silver medals for science, language and literature; and earned third-place across all scholastic categories.

“It was a pleasant surprise for everyone on the team to enjoy subjects we were not initially interested in,” said Pool. “As we studied, all of us began appreciating the subjects more and more.”

Calabasas High School is thrilled that the new Academic Decathlon team had such a successful performance at their competition debut.

Members are grateful for the opportunity to explore different subjects and make new friendships within the team. They thank all their friends and families for the steady support and look forward to competing in the state championships. •

Science says dogs truly are man’s best friend

December, January and February have blessed California with the most rain it has seen in decades. In fact, the abnormally large amount of rain may have brought California out of its longstanding drought.

For Californians, the drought has become an accepted reality. The past few dry years have led to restrictions on usage of water, from watering lawns to serving glasses of water at restaurants. According to United States Drought Monitor, all of Central and Southern Calif. was classified as being in either an “extreme” or “exceptional” drought in Feb. 2016. In Feb. 2017, those same areas are now either free of drought or classified as in a “moderate” drought.

“I’m starting to feel like I’m back home in New York,” said junior Aliey Melnick. “All this rain and cold weather makes it feel like a real winter.”

In Jan. 2017, Los Angeles surpassed its median level of rainfall by over 200 percent. According to Los Angeles Almanac, Los Angeles received 8.38 inches of rain in January. The median amount of rain in January in Los Angeles is 3.12 inches. The spike of precipitation is also evident in the December statistics. December in Los Angeles saw 4.55 inches of rain as opposed to the median amount of 2.33 inches.

“You’ve seen jumps in snowpack and precipitation amounts,” said state climatologist Michael Anderson. “You look at the charts, you see the line just pretty much go straight up. For most of the state, the end [of the drought] ‘is in the realm of possibility’ now, which is kind of a nice thing to think about.”

The series of massive storms that is responsible for the level of rainfall is known as “El Niño.” According to Live Science, El Niño is a climate cycle that shifts warm water in the Pacific Ocean eastward. In recent years, Southern Calif. has been predicted to receive an El Niño storm, but 2016 saw the first one to actually arrive. Although California is not completely out of the drought, the rainfall levels have cleared California from severe drought status. •

By Kaitlin Rasborn Staff Writer An experiment for Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology analyzed the lives of middle school students and recently proved that family pets–specifically dogs–truly are children’s best friends. Naturally, kids receive more satisfaction from their relationships with pets than from those with siblings, especially since family connections can be difficult. Dogs help kids step out of their comfort zones, allowing them to find their voices and become less self-conscious. For this reason, pets play a crucial role in child development, social skills and overall well-being.

“The fact that pets cannot understand or talk back [to the child] may even be a benefit as it means they are completely non-judgmental,” said Matt Cassels of Cambridge University.

This study was based off of a survey of 77 12-year-olds, each having at least one sibling and one pet at home. These children were reported as having strong relationships and low levels of conflict with their family pets as well as their families and friends. Doctors expect to see more long-term psychological benefits resulting from owning a family pet.

While dogs are proven to have Landon Ferris/Photographer strong relations with children of all ages, pet ownership has also been linked to better mental and physical health in adults. Generally, studies regarding the benefits from owning a pet are dismissed, as there is no scientific proof backing up these claims. However, a panel of experts from the American Heart Association, who still lack visible proof, have weighed all available evidence and concluded that owning a pet, particularly a dog, lowers the risk of heart disease.

“People who have dogs live longer than people who have cats, and the assumption has been that dogs naturally cause their owners to be more active,” said Co-Editor in Chief of the Harvard Heart Letter Dr. Thomas Lee. “The emotional benefits of having an affectionate creature are also one of the theories for why dog-lovers live longer.”

Dogs are physically beneficial because they force their owners to exert more energy than they would without a dog. Evidence shows that dog owners are more likely to exercise and have better cholesterol levels, blood pressure and higher chances of surviving a heart attack. They are also less prone to stress caused by physical activity.

On the other hand, Dr. Lee suggested that healthier people with naturally active lifestyles and little to no heart risk are more inclined to own and care for a dog, providing a different explanation for the connection between healthy individuals and pets. The AHA panel failed to reject the validity of Lee’s argument.

Since proving a dog’s benefits to humans is very difficult, experimental flaws can easily derail any possible associations between health and pet ownership. Nevertheless, pets bring endless joy and fun experiences while also providing potential health benefits. •

www.lafund.org

Girls Build LA revitalizes the city

By Teal Hall Staff Writer While high school can be a turbulent time for many, it can also be time for students to discover their passions. Girls Build LA is an organization that takes female students who show interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and gives them tools to help their community.

Despite the fact that American science and engineering sectors are trying to diversify their workforce, according to the National Science Board’s annual indicative report, women make up half of America’s college-educated citizens, but only make up around 28 percent of science and engineering faculties. This percentage is even lower for women of color. Girls Build LA aims to raise up and support young women and girls in STEM subjects by helping them interact and problem-solve within their community.

“In LA County, 30 percent of all girls live in poverty, and in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the country, 80 percent of all students do,” said the Girls Build LA official website. “In addition to economic barriers, young women are dealing with violence in their neighborhoods, crime, gangs, even sexual exploitation. No one is better equipped to identify the underlying causes of these problems than the young women who face them every day.”

The organization, which was started only two years ago, also holds several events throughout the year to help promote equality and opportunity to young women all around Southern Calif. Just recently, the group worked with Aldis Hodge, an African-American actor who plays a role in the recent movie Hidden Figures, which is about women of color making scientific discoveries at NASA. Hodge helped set up a viewing party of this film for thousands of girls in Los Angeles. Currently, Girls Build LA is hosting a competition that offers $50,000 in scholarship money to the team that makes the best documentary about solving the problems in their community.

“I don’t want to be someone who will grow up and forget what they left from,” said Iris Portillo. “I want to be able to come back to that and give them what they gave me.”

Girls Build LA opens many doors for young women of all backgrounds while simultaneously helping shape communities in a positive manner. Despite the fact that the organization is relatively new, they are making waves in the world of STEM for students and hope to positively affect the future of STEM careers as a whole. •

News

3

www.outsideonline.com

President Trump vs. the environment

By Jake Dodd Staff Writer

Green-lighting Dakota Access and Keystone pipelines: On Jan. 24, 2017, President Trump began enacting his environmental plans by signing three executive orders to remove former President Barack Obama’s environmental protections. Trump reinstated the Dakota Access Pipeline, claiming it is 90 percent complete. Trump also reinstated the Keystone Pipeline which fast-tracked approval within 60 days.

Reversing Methane Restrictions: The House voted to repeal an Interior Department methane rule, which forced companies to curb the release of the harmful greenhouse gas on federal lands due to oil and gas drilling. Affiliates expect the Senate to approve the repeal as well.

Repealing the “Stream Protection Rule”: Trump repealed a bill aimed at preventing mining companies from dumping debris through a process called mountaintop removal mining (in which mountaintops are blown up in order to extract underground coal) into valleys and streams nearby. According to The New York Times, 6,000 miles of streams and an estimated 52,000 acres of forests were previously protected under the rule and will now be at risk.

Repealing a Transparency Rule for oil companies: President Trump’s repeal of the Transparency Rule for oil companies will, according The Hill, remove the mandate for oil, gas and mining companies to disclose financial information regarding payments to foreign governments. This legislation was designed to protect against corruption from resource-rich countries, but simultaneously made it difficult for American companies to compete with foreign countries who did not have to follow regulations. This repeal of the Transparency Rule set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a huge win for big business.

Dismantling former President Barack Obama’s environmental policy: Trump plans to roll back Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which was set to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and clean up widespread pollution.

EPA Budget Reductions: President Trump has planned to cut $513 million in states and tribal assistance grants, $193 million in savings from terminating climate programs and $109 million in savings from environment programs and management. •

Take a break from politics and enjoy some of 2017’s quirkiest news

By Kaitlin Rasborn Staff Writer

Saudi prince joins the flock

www.reddit.com

A picture has gone viral all over the media showing 80 falcons flying on a plane, each sitting in their own individual seat. Such bird travel is actually quite common in the Middle East, so when a Saudi prince brought 80 falcons into the economy class, surrounding passengers did not even seem disturbed. In fact, the other travelers hardly seemed to take note of the friendly creatures.

“We accept the carriage of falcons in the main aircraft cabin provided that all the necessary documents have been obtained,” said the second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates Ethiad Airways. “We also accept falcons as checked baggage.”

In the UAE, falcons are eligible for their own passports, allowing them to travel between Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Some airlines have a maximum number of birds allowed in each aircraft, so this Saudi prince must have booked an airline that was more welcoming of his feathered friends. This plane ride redefined the meaning of the saying, “take flight.”

Ryan’s milky misdemeanor

In May 2016, Ryan Turk was accused of stealing a 65-cent milk carton from his school cafeteria, despite being a recipient of free school lunches. Turk was handcuffed and suspended from Graham Park Middle School in Triangle, Va.; but recently, charges were dropped.

The incident occurred after Turk had patiently waited to receive his free lunch and a drink. Upon returning to his seat, Turk realized he had forgotten to grab his milk carton; so, naturally, he headed back to the cafeteria lunch line. Instead of waiting in line for a second time, Turk skipped ahead and snatched up his beverage, only to be stopped by a school resource officer who believed him to be cutting in line and stealing from the school.

Finding the accusation ludicrous, Turk did not cooperate with the officer’s request for a trip to the principal’s office. The officer immediately arrested Turk and charged him with disorderly conduct and petit larceny.

After backlash sparked by the arrest was publicized, the Virginia police department asserted that Turk was not arrested for taking the milk, but for attempting to “conceal” it from the officer, to which Turk argues is a false accusation. The police also claimed that Turk “pushed against” the officer when he grabbed him, leading to the disorderly conduct charge. However, the family’s attorney brought up a new and interesting factor: race. The attorney claimed that Turk, who is black, was being unfairly targeted because of the color of his skin. However, these allegations were dismissed, as both the principal and the involved officer are of the same race as Turk.

The trial was expected to begin in Jan. 2017, but prosecutors decided to drop the charges. While the situation seems to be over, Turk’s family plans on petitioning to have the charges wiped from his record after a year, so this occurrence will not affect his future.

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Explosive dining experience

An unidentified man threw a homemade explosive into a crowded Cheesecake Factory in Pasadena, Calif. on Thurs. Feb. 10, 2017 at 6:08 p.m., but escaped before authorities could catch him. Thankfully, the explosive rolled underneath an empty table before detonating, reducing danger to the customers. The device filled the restaurant with heavy smoke, causing panic and confusion among the diners.

“Officers immediately entered the restaurant, evacuated customers and employees and located a detonated homemade pyrotechnic device,” said the Pasadena Police Detectives (PPD) in a statement. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb squad responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. No customers or employees were injured during the incident at the restaurant.”

The PPD are investigating the situation and searching for the culprit’s motive. Police say the suspect is a 6’0 tall thin male, wearing a very thick beard and all black clothing. After better examination of the device, it was presumed a “glorified firecracker” with no intention of injuring anyone. As of now, the police believe the incident to be nothing more than a poorly executed and unamusing prank. Despite the recent chaos, Pasadena’s Cheesecake Factory plans on continuing normal operation but will be on the lookout for the delinquent in weeks to come. •

www.triadconstructioninc.com

Opinion

4

The music industry struggles to keep up with a changing society

By Ethan Shanfeld News Editor “There’s only music so that there’s new ringtones, and it don’t take no Sherlock Holmes to see it’s a little different around here.” In the Arctic Monkeys’ 2006 hit “A Certain Romance,” lead singer Alex Turner cynically confronts the cultural shifts occurring in the music world. He summarizes the diminishing importance of albums in a new singles-driven industry. Turner, although making an exaggerated remark, is not too far from the truth. As technology increases and people’s attention spans decrease, music adapts—for better or for worse. In a society dependent on immediacy, mainstream music has become short-lived by design, resulting in an industry of “ringtone music.”

In 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven debuted his 9th Symphony, a monumental achievement for music. Clocking in at around an hour long, the piece signified Beethoven’s return to the stage after 12 years of dormancy. Classical composers during this time period spent several years on single projects, leaving wide gaps between the release of separate symphonies. Music was, until recently, released sporadically so that it could take its time in situating with the listener. It comfortably soaked in the audience’s hearts until it wrung dry, leaving an empty space for more. Now, music drenches the listener, holding him or her underwater until he or she drowns.

A prime example of a current artist who “drowns” his listeners is rapper Gucci Mane.

According to www.pigeonsandplanes.com, Mane released 24 full-length projects (mixtapes and albums) while he served a 39-month prison sentence. In 2015 alone, Gucci was credited on over 75 projects, almost all of which contained over ten songs. Despite his incarceration, Mane felt the need to continue releasing pre-recorded songs to his fans with the help of middlemen maintaining his public image from the outside.

“At the moment, [Gucci’s] got three hard drives full of music that I ain’t even touched yet,” said Mane’s executive assistant Sean Paine. “At this point, flood ’em with music.”

Fans of artists who release music every couple months are generally pleased with the rapid flow of new material. But the large quantities of songs do not compensate for the lack of quality associated with this consistency. Although they may view the new model of releasing music as rewarding, music fans should realize that placing value on lazy and quickly-produced tunes is detrimental to the industry. By encouraging musicians to constantly produce new music, listeners are helping shape an industry dominated by singles, while being deprived of quality full-length albums.

Drake, another giant in the hip-hop world, essentially based an entire 20 song album off of one single. He released “Hotline Bling” on July 31, 2015, almost a year before the full-length album Views. According to Pitchfork, much of the album was recorded in late 2015, almost as if Drake had hopped in the studio in response to the success of the single.

In fairness, Views did produce various other popular songs, but none with the magnitude of “Hotline Bling.”

America’s short attention span has also notably affected the longevity of songs. Some artists do not even bother recording full-length albums because they would lose money on

Ben Elkayam/ Photographer

them. Artists can now achieve fame by releasing one track accompanied by a trendy dance, which discourages musicians from following typical patterns of producing discography.

An example is the 17-year old Silentó, who netted $100,000 off of “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae),” a song structured around the same hook repeated 59 times throughout the song. This repetition appealed to the masses for a couple months, earning Silentó a top ten spot in the Billboard 100. Yet, the fact that the “whip” and the “nae nae” were quickly dissolvable trends does not make Silentó’s profit any less massive.

“There’s something missing in the music industry today... and it’s music,” said musician Jimmy Buffett. “Songs you hear don’t last, [they are] just product fed to you by the industry.”

While it may be bitter to resist the inevitable shifts of pop culture, feeling nostalgic toward songs like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Kanye West’s “Runaway” and John Lennon’s “Imagine” is justified. These songs were well-crafted and maintained relevancy throughout decades following their releases. Of course, modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead continue to produce quality, long-lasting music that floats in the mainstream, but, unfortunately, their genres are often consumed by shortlived hits. Ultimately, the listeners, not the artists, are responsible for restoring the importance of full-length albums. Rather than being infatuated with momentary trends, music lovers should start buying albums again. The music industry, as always, will adapt accordingly. •

High school couples should break up prior to attending college

By Ariana Kalantari Staff Writer High school relationships simultaneously cause hearts to flutter erratically and shatter tragically. Teenagers are driven wild by the prospect of being wanted and sharing such an intimate connection with another person. Movies and television shows have given teenagers false hope of living happily ever after with the person one chooses to date in high school. These films often end right before college, the main culprit of ruining high school relationships.

Though high school relationships provide a wonderful opportunity for emotional development and growth, individuals of the relationship should ultimately move on after high school in order to prevent prolonged emotional suffering and open oneself to new experiences in college.

Although high school dating is not essential, it is important in order to discover both personal needs and preferences and another person’s needs and preferences.

The probability of two teenagers falling in love, or even knowing what real love feels like, is unlikely, but possible. That being said, most high school couples do not enter a relationship with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. Nonetheless, everything happens for a reason and each relationship is a learning opportunity regardless of the outcome. Every relationship further prepares an individual for whoever he or she ultimately wants to settle down. The work involved in maintaining a healthy relationship takes many by surprise, and allows teenagers to grow accus-

tomed to caring for another person.

However, by breaking prior to attending college, individuals in a high school relationship can meet new people and experience new situations that may otherwise be hindered due to a lingering relationship. College is a new place filled with brand new people, so college students often wish for a new start-new friends, new city and new relationships. Deviating from something familiar and comfortable can be terrifying, but is necessary for personal growth.

In addition, because breaking up with someone while still harboring feelings for them is incredibly painful, especially if there was mutual growth in the relationship, the couple should allow enough time before college to recover and

move on. Starting college should be exciting and exploratory, not miserable.

Couples who decide to stay together and try a long-distance relationship often do not anticipate the pain of caring for someone while not being able to touch or see them in person. This route is only maintainable through incredible trust within a couple; otherwise tension and frustration may arise. Because maintaining a healthy long-distance relationship requires great work and effort, many couples who try to stay together through their first year of college find that their relationship is unable to withstand the pressure.

High school relationships may not lead to finding a soulmate, but they can be fundamental to

individual growth and perceptions of relationships. Learning how to care for another person is an invaluable lesson which causes individuals to learn more about themselves in the process.

If maintaining a high school relationship through college seems maintainable and appealing, couples can choose to make that effort. However, that relationship is unlikely to last, and because the relationship is at risk of ending poorly, individuals in a high school relationship can greatly benefit from ending their relationship in order to open oneself up to new people and experiences.

Because college is a place to explore, high school students should free themselves from a lingering relationship for the chance to experience opportunities. •

Rocky Greenberg/Creative Director

Opinion

5

Sell-by labels lead to food waste

By Ashley Rubens Staff Writer

Ben Elkayam/ Photographer

Keep the refrigerator a bread-free zone

By Gianna Dallman Staff Writer

Since the dawn of time, there have been passionate arguments pertaining to the storage of bread. While some believe that bread should be shoved into a cold, sad refrigerator, informed people know that bread should be stored at room temperature. The meticulous craft of making a perfect loaf of bread should not be tainted by its eventual storage. Bread deserves a warm and cozy environment, not a frigid tundra. Scientific evidence, important food publications, chefs and the overall bias toward room temperature treatment of bread from fellow members of the Calabasas Community support the idea that bread should not be refrigerated. The answer to how one should store bread is shockingly simple; leave it out and let it be.

Scientific evidence backs up the argument of room temperature bread storage. Due to the low temperatures in refrigerators, recrystallization, or the process of freezing, begins within bread immediately. The bread’s atoms begin to slow and cluster, reducing the volume and capacity of air vents that are responsible for making bread soft and fluffy. The fridge also increases the worrisome possibility of dry bread. Serious Eats Magazine explains that, when refrigerated, bread loses moisture and elasticity three times faster than if it were to be left at room temperature. This further proves that room temperature bread is best.

Another important account comes from world-renowned chef and restaurateur Anthony Bourdain.

Bourdain states that bread should be kept either on a kitchen counter or in a “bread drawer,” nowhere near the refrigerator,due to the potential to ruin the bread’s fantastic chewy texture. Undoubtedly, there are few who prefer to have dry, lifeless bread when one could just leave their loaves out and have chewy, wonderful bread.

In a poll of 40 CHS students, 32 agreed that bread deserves a home away from the refrigerator. In Calabasas, bread is a staple in most diets, whether it be when families head to The Commons for dinner, or when students need a quick snack. Members of the community agree that bread must be treated with respect.

While some may argue that refrigerating bread is beneficial to prevent molding, it makes much more sense to simply purchase a smaller amount of bread so that consumption happens in a faster amount of time, decreasing the concerning probability of molding in the first place while also saving money.

In the end, it is extremely apparent that there is absolutely no reason to refrigerate bread. The potential to destroy the natural beauty and taste of bread is far too great of a risk. The simple solution of classic room temperature storage is far more sensible and clearly the answer to this pressing debate. •

According to a Guardian report, in the United States, around 50 percent of all produce is thrown away, and $160 billion worth of produce is being wasted annually. One of the main causes of the mass amount of food waste is the confusing “sell-by” date labels. Most Americans falsely believe that these labels indicate when food has gone bad, when they are actually meant to inform retailers how long an item should be left on display. Possible solutions to the food waste problem caused by these labels are standardizing date labels, informing the public on the actual use of “sell-by” labels and changing the wording of the labels so that the public is less confused.

Americans are confused by the way the “sell-by” labels are worded. An abundance of people think that once an item has reached its labeled date, it has expired, which partially explains why so much food is wasted in the United States. Research by ReFED, a corporation dedicated to reducing food waste in the United States, has shown that these labels alone account for around $30 billion of the wasted produce. The “sell by” labels are used to give retailers an estimate on how long to display certain items for the best quality. Communicating this with consumers could save significant amounts of food from being wasted.

Another way to avoid food waste caused by labels is to simply change the wording. Many Americans are confused by the “sell-by” date label, and assume that it must correlate to an item’s freshness.

By changing the words and making it clear that the “sell-by” date is not when a food item goes bad could help save so much food in America. A recent effort to standardize date labels in the United States is the Food Date Labeling Act. This act would change the terms to “expires on” and “best if used by” instead of “sell-by”.

By creating a standard label, less food will be wasted because more people will understand the labels and not throw away good food, as explained by many professionals in the industry.

“In the U.S., date labels are not safety labels...they are used to indicate quality,” said director at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future Roni Neff.

If Americans did not throw food out automatically because of the “sell-by” labels, over eight million pounds of food could be saved.

This could easily be accomplished by standardizing date labels, explaining the actual meaning to the public or even changing the wording of the actual label. If action is taken, millions of pounds of produce could be saved annually. •

Twitter has become too politicized

By Cami Klein Features Editor

www.adigaskell.org

www.PBS.org

In light of recent events, particularly the 2016 presidential election, social media has become more prevalent than ever.

Press, both positive and negative, has been a vital platform for politicians and the general population to spread ideas. One media outlet in particular, Twitter, has recently undergone a regressive change.

Formerly known as the meme capital of the Internet, graced with Ellen Degeneres’s selfies and Chrissy Teigen jokes, Twitter has become a vehicle for hatred.

Feeds filled with anti-Trump rants have become the unfortunate norm in a society that supposedly advocates for unity. As tensions grow between right wing and left wing, the development of social media has fueled Twitter into becoming an over-politicized, negative influence on the wellness of Americans.

The plethora of negative political messages on the social media platform has reached a new extreme. “Not my President” tirades litter one’s home page, dominating the now atypical lighthearted jokes and news.

Though many weeks have passed since President Trump’s inauguration, the complaints have not simmered down. Average citizens, as well as celebrities, have joined the trend of openly opposing conservative politics on the Internet. While constitution-

al rights do provide freedom of speech, the line between what is beneficial or detrimental to society is often ignored, subsequently spreading unnecessary hate.

“All of this negative attention toward Donald Trump is only disbanding society,” said junior Jordan Strasser. “We are supposed to be coming together, not tearing each other apart based on political views. ” One may argue that Trump’s frequent controversial actions provide justification for the abundance of politically-themed tweets. Executive orders, including the highly contentious travel ban and its subsequent legislation, are indeed newsworthy.

However, news outlets exist for the sole purpose of communicating such news in a civil-minded way. Once news sources output information, the people must respond responsibly and appropriately. Instead of immediately logging into a Twitter account to either support or reprimand the President, a healthier alternative is to calmly discuss opinions in a way that promotes conservation and development of ideas. When relying only on 150 characters in a text box to communicate an entire thought, the true meaning is often lost in translation. Misinterpretation leads to backlash from other users. Whether one is a Trump supporter or opposer, po-

litical tweets often lead to tension and inadequate response to what should be civilized opinion.

“All I have seen recently on Twitter is liberals attacking Trump supporters for their views or vice versa,” said senior Matt Hand. “Nine posts out of ten are political statements or a response to one. I log on to Twitter for amusement, not to get involved in someone’s political agenda.”

Considering the prevalence of politics in modern society, the issues ravaging the nation are important to learn about and discuss. However, social media, particularly Twitter, is not the place to have in-depth political debates that more often than not end in slanderous language and offensive, ad hominem attacks. Society will most benefit from leaving political agendas apart from national publication and returning Twitter to its glory: irresistible desserts, ironically funny memes and hilarious one-liners made to entertain.

“The only interesting thing I have seen on Twitter in months is Young Thug’s Wyclef Jean music video,” said junior Jordan Iobbi.

“I miss the days where I would laugh out loud at a tweet. Let’s get that back.”

No matter how dark the political world may be, fans of Twitter will always log on in hope of finding some light. •

Features

6

Sophomore Grayson Selzer ‘cooks up’ his future career by securing his place in the culinary world

By Dakota Gates Staff Writer

Rockey Greenberg/Creative Director

CHS prepares to debut Legally Blonde

By Kendall Gurian Staff Writer Every year, the CHS theater program puts on a spring musical production for the community to enjoy. This year, the program is putting on the well-known play and movie Legally Blonde, a crowd favorite. The cast has been diligently rehearsing nonstop to ensure that this musical will be the best one that CHS has seen. As the curtains open for each performance, the actors plan to put each audience member in awe.

The show will be performed over several days; therefore, there are two different casts. Junior Sami Staitman and senior Sierra Morgan are both portraying Elle, and they are both extremely excited to be performing in the show. Elle is known for being a bubbly girl characterized by her love for the color pink and shopping. Elle is the female lead of the musical, and playing her role is an enormous task that Sami and Sierra are looking forward to tackling.

“I love Elle!” said Staitman. “I relate to her in so many ways. “She is so confident and comfortable being who she is and I really admire her for that.”

There are other prominent characters included in the show, including Paulette, Emmett and Warner. Paulette is played by junior Alli Belinkoff, Emmett is portrayed by junior Augie Isaac and Warner is depicted by both senior Noah Davis and freshman Mateo Gonzalez. All of the actors and actresses feel passionately about the characters they are playing and they all put a great deal of work into perfecting how they depict their roles.

Paulette acts as somewhat of a motherly figure towards Elle by giving her advice while also providing an immense amount of comedy at the same time. She is easily one of the most likable characters in the show.

“Paulette and I are both very loud, quirky people,” said sophomore Alli Belinkoff. “We also both have bulldogs!”

Gonzales’ character, Warner, is Elle’s boyfriend in the beginning of the musical, and is also a factor that pushes Elle to attend law school; he represents a level-headed, determined person who Mateo is thrilled to play in the show.

“Warner and I are both confident and determined people,” said Gonzales. “He has his goals set, but also knows how to have a good time. I auditioned for this show because musical theater is my passion. I have been admiring Calabasas High School’s theater program from a very young age, and have been waiting to perform on this stage for a very long time.”

Legally Blonde is a fun, lively show that people of all ages are guaranteed to enjoy. The Legally Blonde show dates are from March 28 through April 1; tickets are available on the CHS theater website. •

Since the age of four, sophomore Grayson Selzer has had a talent for cooking. When he was young, Selzer began cooking with his father who taught him a great deal of what he knows today. After showing his own independent interest, he signed up for a cooking class to learn how to prepare simple meals. This initiated his love for cooking and he still remains very passionate about culinary arts today.

While Selzer does not actively keep up with many cooking shows, he often enjoys watching Hell’s Kitchen. He idolizes the cooking abilities of chefs such as Grant Achatz, Thomas Keller and Terrance Brennan.

Watching their work inspires Selzer to try cooking new and interesting dishes. Selzer’s family always looks forward to indulging in his lovely cuisine. Seeing his family members’ faces light up when they try his food is what he describes as an amazing feeling and what inspires him to continue his training to become a professional.

“My all time favorite thing to cook has not changed since I first began cooking [crepes],” said Selzer. “I love making the thin French pancakes and filling them however I please. Whether it be whipped cream and fruit or ham and cheese, crepes go with everything.”

Keeping his skills sharp, Selzer aims to make time in his busy schedule to cook at least twice a week. He found a great interest in making German Pancakes, intended to be very thick and fluffy. Selzer describes the dish as sweet with a complementary texture and suggests topping the pancakes with an apple berry compote and whipped cream. Nevertheless, German pancakes taste amazing with any topping.

While Selzer has not participated in any cooking competitions, he does take Culinary Arts at CHS. The class has been an opportunity for Selzer to learn many new techniques as well as polish many skills he already possesses. Students have learned a wide variety of skills in the class, from learning how to cook an egg to preparing dishes as elaborate as chicken marsala over mashed potatoes with green beans. Whether it be simple or complex, Selzer takes what he learns in class and applies it to his cooking at home. Even making simpler dishes like sautéing vegetables or making toast has helped to broaden Selzer’s cooking abilities immensely.

“I have learned so many great things from Culinary Arts,” said Selzer. “I even made the creamy potato soup for my family. They loved it! I cannot wait for future years in the program to expand my knowledge and experience for the art of cooking.”

As of now, Selzer has a job working at a elegant American restaurant in Calabasas called Salt. The job teaches Selzer the basics of how to act in a formal setting and how the front of the house works in a restaurant.

He enjoys every moment working there and enjoys learning about the industry with hands-on experience.

“My goals for cooking would be to open up a restaurant in a lush semi-populated area,” said Selzer. “I will have it be a rustic restaurant with a French/Italian cuisine.”

He dreams to have his own, semi-formal restaurant in a town like Calabasas with a scenic environment.

When customers look out the window, he hopes for them to see beautiful hills and greenery. Inspired by Thomas Keller’s restaurant called French Laundry, his building will be old-timey and rustic, with an open interior that features stone accents. Outside his future restaurant, he plans to have a huge garden where he will grow most of the vegetables used in his dishes. The atmosphere will be so serene and wonderful and all of the food will derive from the heart of the restaurant itself. This is how Selzer plans to share some of his own passion in each dish.

Already, Selzer has achieved many of his goals, steering him in the right direction towards a successful future. Because he plans to take on a job within the culinary field, Selzer aspires to attend a cooking college in Napa. If he puts in hard work, Selzer believes his dream to become a professional chef will come true.

Hopefully one day he will have a restaurant ranked amongst ones owned by the top chefs of America. Until then, Selzer plans on continuing to build upon his skills in the kitchen in every way possible. • Harris Federman/Photographer

Seniors Andrew Mishkin and Adam Meleo celebrate their final Y&G conference

By Teal Hall Staff Writer While there are many activities Calabasas High School students attend outside of school, one of the most common is the YMCA’s Youth and Government program. Known by the nickname “Y&G,” the program allows high school students to operate in model governments at the local, state, national and international levels, involving participants in several different programs and conferences over the years. While the organization first started in 1936 in New York, it has now grown to operate in 38 states as well as Washington D.C., serving over 47,000 students across the country.

Seniors Adam Meleo and Andrew Mishkin are among the 4,000 students who participate in California’s Y&G program. Both have been a part of Y&G for four years, starting as freshman who had major interests in politics and sought out the program as a chance to extrapolate that hobby.

While Mishkin is passionate about turning politics into a career, Me-

leo is happy to continue pursuing politics as a hobby.

“I see it as an outlet,” said Meleo. “We are understanding how government works while working with other people.”

Youth and Government has changed Meleo’s life in several ways and assisted him in building character politically and personally. Being a part of the group has helped him acquire numerous skills when it comes to understanding government broadly, but also in helping Meleo work on public speaking tactics and how to defend his viewpoints. Being in a pretty liberal program, Meleo, who is moderately conservative, feels that Y&G has inspired him to heavily research facts and build solid arguments in order to stand his ground.

“Youth and Government is an asset and everyone involved learns so much from it,” said Meleo. “It shapes your life and teaches so much, not only at the meetings but at the conferences and running for positions.”

Mishkin, who is currently the President of the West Valley Del-

egation, spoke on the numerous opportunities Y&G has given him.

While Y&G operates locally by holding meetings, there are also statewide and national conferences. While running for Youth Governor last year, Mishkin set up his own campaign to promote himself, and even though he did not win, Mishkin spoke about the experience with revere.

“I got to give a speech in front of 4,000 people,” said Mishkin. “It is definitely one of my best memories.”

Since Y&G is such a large program, many members find it hard to stand out. Nonetheless, Mishkin feels like he has found his place within the community to share his political passions. Y&G has given him great experience to use later on in his life and career, and like Meleo, he feels it has also helped him learn to stand his ground in debates.

“Youth and Government is a lot of fun and I think it is valuable to stay in it for all four years [of high school] to have the full experience,” said Mishkin.

Mishkin further recommends

Photo courtesy of Andrew Mishkin and Adam Meleo

students who are looking into the Youth and Government program to go to the free meetings in order to get a sense of what the organization is about. For kids who love politics and want to get involved more in their community, Youth and Government is a great option to explore. Not only does the program set students up to be leaders in all senses of the word, but it allows students to connect through a common interest while building each other’s confidence along the way.

Meleo and Mishkin have received exposure to these qualities firsthand. Both seniors recent-

ly attended their last Youth and Government conference: the 69th Model Legislature and Court conference that was held in the State Capitol. Throughout their four years of participation, Meleo and Mishkin have both acquired an endless amount of attributes and experience through the program that has positively affected their lives and futures. Without Youth and Government, Meleo and Mishkin both agree they would not have interacted with politics as intimately as they have throughout the years and met so many people who have helped shape who they have become. •

Features

7

The Calabasas Courier 2016-2017 Staff Adviser: Patti Harris Editors-in-Chief: Laura Myerly, Jackie Sedley News Editor: Ethan Shanfeld Opinion Editors: Katelyn Bautista, Reni De La Nuez Features Editors: Karina Aggarwal, Cami Klein Entertainment Editor: Danielle Klinenberg Sports Editors: Amanda Feenberg, Syra Taub Staff Writers: Gianna Dallman, Jake Dodd, Dakota Gates, Chris Gillhaus, Kendall Gurian, Teal Hall, Ariana Kalantari, Kaitlin Rasborn, Isabel Ravenna, Ashley Rubens Marketing Directors: Healy Cho, Isobel Grant, Lindsay Harris, Isabel Ravenna, Cami Sylvester

Landon Ferris/Photographer

Meet CHS’s most eligible bachelor, junior Syrus Amirian

By Gianna Dallman Staff Writer

Why do you want to be the CHS bachelor?

I am just a guy who has a love for everything and lives everyday like his last. I want to be the CHS bachelor because I want to live life to the fullest with a girl I can have great experiences with.

I need a girl who makes me very happy, wants to wake up everyday and move with me. I am looking for an adventurous, athletic girl to cherish and treat like a queen.

What’s something wacky and or quirky about you?

I love my car, like so much.

Another weird thing is that I was born with six fingers on each hand.

I don’t have them anymore, but like they existed at one point.

What is your dream date?

Photo Editor: Rachel Nebel

What sets you apart from other guys at CHS?

Creative Director: Rockey Greenberg

I am not afraid to show a girl off; I would be lucky to have any lady coyote. I am funny and really good at lifting, I am also great at volleyball and cooking too. I am just better.

Photographers: Ben Elkayam, Harris Federman, Landon Ferris, Ava Ghasiri Chaya Gruber, Sabrina Stevens

This is my perfect date night: I would pick her up in my Infiniti Q50 and there would be candles lit in my car. She would ask, “isn’t this dangerous?” I would reply, “yes, but I like danger.” We would go to her favorite place to eat and have a great time. We would come back and my car would be on fire. She would say “Syrus, your car is on fire, aren’t you upset?” I would pull out marshmallows and reply “No, I planned this.”

Then we would kiss in front of my burning car, roasting marshmallows. •

www.cllipartfest.com

Seniors Daniel Schwartz and Harrison Wang are recognized for their academic achievement and considered for the Presidential Scholar Award

By Kaitlin Rasborn Staff Writer

The Presidential Scholar Award is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. CHS is proud to recognize two students who have been nominated: seniors Daniel Schwartz and Harrison Wang. The United States Presidential Scholars Program is one of the many programs of the Department of Education that identifies outstanding high school seniors. First established in 1964 by executive orders of President Johnson, the program has since evolved to acknowledge all types of high schoolers who strive for excellence.

“I did not know the award existed until I got an email from the White House,” said Schwartz. “I have been fortunate enough to have some really amazing teachers. A lot of what I have accomplished is because of them.

To anyone worried about succeeding in high school, I would say, do not worry. There are much more important things in life than grades and test scores.”

Each year, up to 161 Presidential Scholars are rewarded for their academic efforts along with accomplishments in other common areas such as leadership, service to school and community, performing arts and superb ability in career and technical fields. The specialized selection process begins with the top 30 males and top 30 females in each state who had high scores on the SAT or ACT. For each student, the SAT score is converted to the ACT sum of scores according to a concordance table, which serves to help place kids who took the ACT evenly with those who took the SAT. Even more, each Chief State School Officer may nominate ten male and ten female candidates, and other partnering programs may nominate up to 40 candidates. In March, about 800 semifinalists are chosen by an independent national committee of educators. Finally, in April, the Commission of Presidential scholars makes the final selection of up to 161 students: one young man and woman from each state, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, from families of U.S. citizens living abroad and 15 students who are chosen at large. With this long and extensive selection process, consideration for the award is almost as great of an honor as being chosen. The CHS student body should feel immensely proud that two students have been nominated.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as a candidate for this award and all that it stands for,” said Wang. “It is still unbelievable for me to consider myself amongst the top high school seniors in the United States. I would have to say that I have looked up to my sister for my entire life, and without her I do not think I would be the same person I am today.”

Once nominated for the award, there is a lengthy process that each candidate must undergo, similar to that of a college application. Each candidate must answer uniform questions and follow specific directions such as writing essays, sending in transcripts and listing extracurricular activities. All of the state winners are invited to Washington, D.C. around the month of June for the National Recognition Program. There, they will all attend a ceremony in which each winner is awarded a Presidential Scholars Medallion. If all goes as planned, one of CHS’s high school boys will be attending this ceremony and representing the Calabasas community.

“I am fortunate enough to say that I have tested well, but I do not want to be defined just by a number,” said Wang. “I think everyone, myself included, has so much more to offer than just a score or grade. I especially hope that my best is still to come in the future.”

While this illustrious accomplishment does not affect a student’s entry into college because the awards are given after most application deadlines, the honorable recognition is still very impressive for high school seniors. Students and faculty are incredibly proud of Schwartz and Wang for not only being nominated for this award, but also partaking in all the academic, theatrical and business opportunities offered at Calabasas High School.

“Both of the students nominated for the Presidential Scholar awards are exemplary students in and out of the classroom,” said CHS principal CJ Foss. “They have challenged themselves academically and participated in extracurricular activities, thus achieving the kind of healthy balance I want for all students. Thank you for recognizing their achievements.”

Nominations have already been posted, and the National Recognition Program is scheduled to take place on June 18-20, 2017. These dates are flexible, but will be solidified after the U.S. Presidential Scholars are announced. The Calabasas community will remain supportive of Schwartz and Wang, no matter the outcome of the award. • Sabrina Stevens/Photographer

Entertainment

8

Sweet! Candy Store fulfills childhood dreams

By Dakota Gates Staff Writer A common childhood dream is to step into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory where children can have a taste of any candy imaginable. This chocolate galore is closer than one may think. Located in Hollywood, Sweet! Candy Store is filled with immaculate displays of mouth-watering treats that has proven to entertain customers for hours.

At 30,000 square feet, Sweet! is divided into nearly 30 different “boutiques” with different themes throughout the store. Each section is unique in its own way, including completely different candy types and choices. The Yucky section, for example, contains everything from worms and crickets to candy displayed on toilets. Rupaul, another boutique in the store, is named after the American actor, model and drag queen, Rupaul Andre Charles, and includes exclusive chocolate bars and showcases drag queen merchandise.

The Tinseltown area is comprised of everything imaginable from old Hollywood to modern cinema. American vintage candies can be found in the Route 66 section.

“All of the sections were so awesome,” said freshman Liv Dufine. “I remember running from one section to another when I stepped on something that made a crunching noise. I looked down and they have a doormat resembling a chocolate bar that makes crunching sounds when you step on it.”

Sweet! also offers a Chocolate Lab where guests fill out a form to customize their own chocolate bar.

Customers choose their own add-ins and fillings which may include cream, jam, caramel or marshmallow.

The next step is to choose three “inclusions,” which are anything you could possibly think of adding to your chocolate and more. With over 50 choices, customers must contemplate over the array of candy, chips, cereal, bacon and more to choose from. Festive wrapping is always an option to add more creativity and fun to the package. After just 20 minutes, the desired chocolate bar is made.

The most popular chocolate bars are the Rupauls. One is milk chocolate with peanut butter and sea salt, while the other is dark chocolate with Nutella, almonds and cinnamon.

“Personally, I love to build my own chocolate bar, ” said Sweet! employee Jonathan Clough. “My favorite ingredients are milk chocolate with pistachios, coconut and caramel. The textures are perfect together and each add a bit of sweet, salt, silk and crunch to the bar.”

Another popular boutique is the Sticky Boutique, where all traditional hard candies and lollipops are made. Sticky also contains a section that customizes sweets to customers’ specifications. Whether it be a name, logo or message, Sweet! is able to put anything on customer’s candy.

Unlike other candy stores, customers are able to watch workers make the candy sold at Sweet! in front of their very own eyes. Not only does the store contain the candy found in an ordinary candy shop, but also tons of candy that is delicious and unique to Sweet! itself.

Customers come from all directions to experience the sweet treats found at Sweet! Candy Store. • 6801 Hollywood Boulevard Suite 201 Chaya Gruber/ Photographer

Aroma Coffee and Tea is home to comfort and quality

By Kendall Gurian Staff Writer

Nothing is better than walking into a welcoming space and feeling completely smothered in amazing smell and taste. Being able to experience these two sensations at the same time creates a perfect environment. Aroma Tea and Coffee includes an inviting atmosphere along with comforting food, creating the perfect combination for customers.

With many locations, the Studio City location stands out from the rest because of it’s unique decor. Aroma Coffee and Tea is a cafe that offers delicious food to its customers for every meal. Aroma has a very diverse menu which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its use of local ingredients in all of its meals ensures amazing taste for all customers. There is something for everyone at Aroma, whether it be tea and pastries, tacos, salads, sandwiches or more. Some of Aroma’s breakfast specials include eggs benedict, a completely vegan breakfast with vegetables and cheese and a power breakfast consisting of grilled chicken breast, egg whites and toast.

This location of Aroma Coffee and Tea is a local house that has been converted into a restaurant, with the different rooms containing tables and chairs arranged for people to pleasantly sit. This provides a homey feeling that welcomes every customer inside. There is also outdoor patio seating that is available, which is arranged to create a feeling similar to Ben Elkayam/ Photographer that of sitting on a front porch.

“I absolutely love going to Aroma,” said sophomore Abby Gordon. “The environment is so warm and comforting and the food is to die for.”

Aroma is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Not every restaurant is able to incorporate a homey feeling and great tasting food together, but Aroma Coffee and Tea manages to create astounding sensations for your eyes, nose and mouth. • 4360 Tujunga Ave., Studio City

Step into Italy at MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company

By Ashely Rubens Staff Writer Although Los Angeles is packed with a variety of pizza places, MidiCi serves a unique, flavorful pizza and experience that cannot compare to any other pizza chain. With freshness and quality you can taste, MidiCi will definitely not disappoint.

MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company is a piece of Italy in Los Angeles. MidiCi is one of the only restaurants in Los Angeles that serves classic Neapolitan Pizza the way pizza was originally invented 300 years ago in Italy. This trendy restaurant, located on Ventura Boulevard in the heart of Sherman Oaks, constantly has lines out the door due to its immense popularity and unique flavors.

MidiCi has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a unique and charming interior. Within seconds of walking into the restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the stunning 21-foot olive tree in the middle of the restaurant and the wood-fired pizza oven imported from Italy. Beyond offering a delicious meal, MidiCi offers a unique dining experience with a calm vibe, perfect for a meal with friends or family.

“At MidiCi, we made it our mission to bring friends together,” said MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company owner Amit Kleinberger. “And we chose to do it around pizza because it behaves like a friend, it connects people. It crosses barriers and unites people.”

MidiCi takes pride in their authentic dishes, which are made solely out of fresh ingredients. Beginning in 1998, the ingredients and method of preparation for Neapolitan Pizza became protected by Italian legislation, ensuring that each pizza is made with fresh, pure and wholesome ingredients. The freshness and quality of their pizza makes MidiCi’s a more health-conscious option than many other pizza places.

“Our dough is only 4 fine ingredients: Non-GMO Double zero Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt and yeast,” said Kleinberger. “The sauce is super natural. Only one pure ingredient: non-GMO crushed Italian peeled tomatoes. No oils, no sugars. Our cheeses are fine Italian cheeses made from high quality milks, and the mozzarella di buffala is also known as “white gold,” for its premium quality and taste.”

At MidiCi, there is an interactive salad and pizza bar, where customers can personally design their meals to their own particular liking. MidiCi is also home to delicious desserts, such as their famous Nutella calzone.

“MidiCi’s Nutella calzone is absolutely amazing!” said junior Emma Burke. “It is one of my all-time favorite desserts.”

MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company is the perfect place to go for lunch and dinner and guarantees a unique experience that cannot be found at any other pizza place outside of Italy. • Harris Federman/ Photographer 14612 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks

Entertainment 9 On Topanga lies a “Hidden Treasure” of a vintage clothing store

By Gianna Dallman Staff Writer

Ava Ghasiri/ Photographer

About halfway through the twists and turns of Topanga Canyon lies Hidden Treasures Vintage, home to a collection of vintage clothing, accessories, art and knick-knacks. The first thing that will catch one’s eye about the store is its wacky exterior, harboring a giant pirate on the top porch looking as though he is “steering” the store. After noticing the pirate, one’s eyes are drawn to the giant dragon in the front of the store and the railway car decorated like an old circus.

Hidden Treasures Vintage was opened on Topanga in 1981 by Darrell Hazen, a man looking to create a store that would show off his own personal oddities and to showcase his love for obscure fashion.

“I want it packed with stuff,” said Haza in an article by the LA Times. “I want people to walk in and say, ‘Wow, this is amazing!’”

Hidden Treasures Vintage is the second vintage store Hazen has been affiliated with; he previously managed Aardvarks Vintage Clothing Franchise with his brother, Daniel. He discovered his love for vintage while working there, and after four years of managing Aardvarks, he decided to open his own roadside store that we now know as Hidden Treasures Vintage. The store is a staple to the “happy hippie community,” and its convenient location has consistently drawn many of the unconventional dwellers living in city of Topanga. Hidden Treasures Vintage attracts people from all walks of life too; people like Lenny Kravitz and Kate Moss are just some of the frequent customers.

“It’s crazy, the name totally fits the store,” said junior Jackson DeSpain. “Everything in the store fits in its own weird way.”

Hidden Treasures Vintage is a great place to find anything out of the ordinary, perfect for anyone looking to be a little different. The store’s charm continues to bring in crowds of all sorts, and hopefully always will. • 154 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga

Los Angeles celebrates the transition from winter to spring with the Festival of Colors on March 11

By Ariana Kalantari Staff Writer Each year, the annual celebration of color, Holi, is widely celebrated by Indians all around the world, honoring the transition from winter to spring. On Sat. March 11, Holi will be celebrated in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in California. This event is called the Los Angeles Festival of Color.

In India, the Festival of Color is celebrated among friends and family to promote love and unity. There are many different legends from which the tradition may have derived from. In the north of India, Holi solemnizes the love of Radha and Krishna. These Indian deities are honored for the love shared between them and their supporters. Another legend is that Holi marks the burning of

the evil demon, Holika. Regardless of which legend people believe in, people cover themselves in bright, ornate colors and dyes to welcome the spring. People in small groups are seen singing, dancing and throwing colors on each other.

The Los Angeles Festival of Color will be upholding the tradition of Holi, but adding its own modern adaptation.

Two stages at the festival will feature singers, DJs and yoga demonstrations as entertainment. There will be hourly color throws covering everyone in bright colors to uphold traditional Holi customs. The color, noise and entertainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi is meant to encourage an atmosphere of enlightenment and social merriment. The festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony.

Color powder will be available

for purchase at the festival for $3 a bag and online. Most festival attendees wear white as a blank canvas for all the colors being thrown.

“It is through events such as The Festival of Color which promote diversity,” said senior Kaitlyn Morris. “It is amazing to see Los Angeles put a modern spin on such a rich tradition.”

The festival is family friendly and designed to be fun for all ages, races and cultures. Tickets are available online. Food, clothing and other souvenirs will also be available to buy online, as well as at the event. With all the rain and cold weather that struck Los Angeles during the winter, such a colorful beginning to a new season is highly anticipated by residents and visitors alike. • 750 S. Santa Anita Avenue

The Academy Awards were made memorable with diversity, political messages and one major slip-up

By Isabel Ravenna Staff Writer On February 26, the Oscars ended with one of the biggest shocks in awards show history when the producers of La La Land accepted their award for Best Picture, only to have it taken away when it was discovered the 2016’s Moonlight was the actual winner. Presenters of the award, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, had accidentally been holding the “Actress in a Leading Role” envelope, rather than the “Best Picture” envelope.

Although the mistake left the audience’s jaws dropped, this year’s awards was not solely about an Oscar flub for the ages. The show was the climax of what has since become one of the best Oswww.hollywoodreporter.com cars ceremonies of the past years, and certainly one of the most politically charged telecasts in history. Winners and presenters giving speeches used their time at the podium to give their opinions on politics, revealing that much of Hollywood remains opposed to President Donald Trump.

However, the telecast was not solely focused on Trump. It was also a celebration of diversity and inclusion, both in the selection of Moonlight, an emotional coming-of-age story, and in the record-breaking number of black winners who took the stage.

“This goes out to all black and brown boys and girls and non-gender conforming people who don’t see themselves,” said Tarell Alvin McCraney, the writer of Moonlight. “We’re trying to show you and us.”

La La Land did not go home empty-handed. In fact, it was the night’s biggest winner with a leading six statues including one for 32 year old, Damien Chazell, the youngest-ever best director winner in history. Casey Affleck won a “Best Actor” award for his role as an emotionally damaged janitor in Manchester by the Sea, before Denzel Washington’s win for his work as an abusive patriarch in Fences.

With big wins such as “Actor of the Year,” political speeches, and major awkward moments, the 2017 Oscars Award Show will be one to remember. •

www.yellow.place.com

Fingers are the most popular utensil at Opaque, a pitch-black dining experience

By Kaitlin Rasborn Staff Writer Most people closely observe their food before eating it, using sight to magnify taste and intensify the experience. Using a completely new and interesting logic, Opaque–Dining in the Dark, located in Santa Monica, seats guests in a pitch-black room in hopes of arousing senses that are usually neglected during a meal. This unique environment offers a different take on the meaning of visual stimulation.

“Just imagine, that you can not see for an hour or two, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, multi-sensual dining experience,” said manager Dylan Underhill in a post on www.la.darkdining. com. “Opaque is enhancing our senses of taste, smell, touch and hearing by abandoning one that we often take for granted – this is ‘Dining in the Dark.’”

Upon entering the restaurant, a welcoming host or hostess explains the planned events for the evening. For the three course meal, guests choose between a set menu and a mystery dinner, which forces all senses other than sight to kick into overdrive. After deciding, guests are seated in a pitch-black room. While utensils can be found on the table, they are quite difficult to use when unable to decipher a carrot from a thumb.

Henceforth, finger-picking is not only allowed, but greatly encouraged.

“I have only been to Dining in the Dark once, but it was a truly special experience,” said junior Mia Medrano. “I went with two of my girlfriends, and from start to finish, we never stopped having fun. The food was absolutely incredible and our waiter was super nice. Eating in the dark was both scary and amusing because you really had to use your other senses to figure out what you were actually eating.”

Throughout all of Dining in the Dark’s locations, waiters and waitresses are either blind or visually impaired individuals who have been specially trained to serve meals in the dark. There are other restaurants similar to this one found all over the world that wish to convey an important moral understanding about blindness. The first dark restaurant called Blindekuh was opened by blind clergyman Jorge Spielmann in 1999 in Zurich, Switzerland. The owner strived to show sighted customers the sensation of darkness. Spielmann initially produced this idea after visitors dined blindfolded at his house and expressed their great interest and pleasure for the meal. Soon, Spielmann’s idea of eating in the dark evolved and spread to countries all over the world. By offering experiences similar to those of the visually impaired, people can become more aware and sympathetic to the everyday difficulties caused by blindness. Santa Monica’s Dining in the Dark is one of many locations that offers this unique adventure while serving delicious food and providing friendly servers.

Free parking is available behind the building for guests during business hours, which are Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Opaque’s entire three course meal has a set-price of $99. While this may seem expensive, the cost includes a wonderful meal, friendly servers and a unique adventure that everyone can appreciate. By the end of this dining experience, guests are left with a newfound respect for the visually impaired along with full bellies and satisfied taste buds. • 2020 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

Sports

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Rockey Greenberg/Creative Director

In anticipation for this month’s annual college basketball championships, known as “March Madness,” superfans across the country have begun to make their predictions for the top contenders and ultimate winner. Junior and CHS varsity basketball player Ryan Gesas meticulously crafted this mock-bracket based on statistics from the season thus far, knowledge about the teams and his own personal favorites.

North Carolina college sports banned from competing due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws

By Teal Hall Staff Writer Over recent years, society has established a significant number of laws that reinforce equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Leaps have been made in the form of same-sex marriage laws, bills that help against discrimination and rules that promote inclusive atmospheres. The sports world is no stranger to these progressions. Recently, the NCAA spoke about relocating their championship events from North Carolina for the next several years because of state laws that promote discrimination against the members of the LGBTQ+ community.

North Carolina has multiple state laws that discriminate against transgender and gay citizens. The most controversial piece of legislation is House Bill 2. This law, which is commonly known as “the bathroom bill,” is a statewide piece of legislation that prohibits people who are transgender from using the bathroom that correlates with their gender identity, and instead requires them to use the bathroom that correlates with the gender stated on their birth certificate.

“We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert.

North Carolina college sports fans might not see an event in their home state until 2020, as the NCAA is threatening to relocate all of their events from the state for several years until these laws are dismantled. House Bill 2 was signed into action last year by then-Governor Pat McCrory; however the current governor, democrat Roy Cooper, promises that he will try to dismantle this law.

“The NCAA news means there is no time to waste in repealing House Bill 2,” said Cooper. “The bipartisan votes of both Democrats and Republicans are there for repeal if the Republican legislative leadership will just put it to a vote.”

The 2016 to 2017 schedule has been released and North Carolina is seen nowhere on the roster. However, North Carolina still has time to repeal the bill in efforts to be included in future events. As long as the law stands, the NCAA will hold their ground and North Carolina will be removed from consideration for all future NCAA sporting events. •

The Patriots claim championship title in close game against the Falcons at the Super Bowl LI

By Jake Dodd Staff Writer

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On Feb. 5, 2017, the Patriots faced the Falcons in Super Bowl LI. The Patriots were the number one seed in the American Football Conference (AFC) and the Falcons were the number two seed in the National Football Conference (NFC). Both teams had many injuries during the season, but when the smoke cleared, both teams made it to the grandest stage in football history.

The Falcons started the 2016-2017 season with a tough loss to the Buccaneers, 24 to 31. However, the next month played out very well for the Falcons, and they won four straight games over tough teams: the 2015-2016 Super Bowl champion Panthers, Saints, Broncos and Raiders. Their quarterback Matt Ryan finished the regular season with 38 touchdowns and 4,944 passing yards with just seven interceptions. Those statistics earned them the award of MVP of the NFL. “I would like to thank all the guys on our team,” said Ryan. “They have had so many amazing seasons and I would not be here without them.”

The Patriots began their season by going 7 and 1. Although “Pro Bowler” Tom Brady was suspended for a quarter of the season, that did not seem to stop the club from Foxburo. The season was difficult, but that did not stop them from going all the way to Houston, finishing the regular season 12-4.

“I am happy for our team, our players and our organization,” said head coach Bill Belichick. “Everybody worked so hard for this.”

Although both teams had to deal with unfavorable circumstances, both powered through and ended up going headto-head in the Super Bowl LI. The first half was controlled by the Falcons, outscoring the Patriots 21 to 3, although they were defeated in the second half. MVP Matt Ryan had a huge fumble and opened up the floodgates, leading the Patriots to score 25 unanswered points, taking the Falcons into overtime and winning the game.

The Patriots are arguably the most notable team of the last decade, making the largest comeback in Super Bowl history while also making Super Bowl LI the closest game in Super Bowl history. However, this defeat takes nothing away from the Falcons, as their perseverance and determination have not gone unnoticed. •

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Should Tom Brady be seen as the best quarterback of all time?

Yes

By Jake Dodd Staff Writer

Ever since quarterback Tom Brady broke into the National Football League in 2001, he has been nearly unstoppable. Brady has won two MVP awards and has played in six Super Bowl games, winning four. Statistically, Brady is one of the best, and is arguably the most valuable quarterback of all time. For the last 17 years, Brady has proven skeptics wrong, getting drafted 199th overall in the 2000 draft.

“What is it, 11 championship games?” said three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Troy Aikman. “Six Super Bowl appearances? And now his seventh? An incredible number of playoff wins? I think you’d be hard-pressed not to name him as the greatest now regardless of what happens on Sunday.”

The title greatest of all time is not one to throw around lightly, but Brady has earned an exception.

Many consider whether or not the scandals that his team has been involved with will hurt his legacy. However, in any sport a player should only be judged for his skill based on his talent on the field, not his actions off the field.

“He’s the greatest of all time,” said former MVP Boomer Eslason. “I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t care about Deflategate, Spygate, I don’t care about any of that stuff. I just look at what a guy does on the field when he’s on the field.”

Tom Brady has been in the elite class of quarterbacks for the last 17 years. He is one of the highest-scoring quarterbacks of all time. At age 39, Brady’s career may be coming to end soon. Brady is without a doubt a first ballot hall of famer. Brady has been crowded with controversy from the very start of his career, but that should not affect his legacy in the sports world as www.si.com a hero.

After months of hard work, CHS Dance Team earns multiple wins through competition season

By Kendall Gurian Staff Writer

Calabasas High School offers plenty of diverse sports to its students, ranging from basketball to soccer to dance. The sports seasons often gets intense, especially for the extremely talented CHS Dance Team. While the Dance Team’s competitions are not publicized often, they are quite fun and the teams there can be very competitive and ambitious.

“This past competition we [won] two first places, two seconds and a third place,” said sophomore Maddy Lipshitz. “We did really well in the seven categories that we compete in.”

CHS Dance Team’s competition season lasts from January to March, during which they go around to different high schools opposing numerous other teams. They compete in many categories, including character and large hip hop. Although the team is up against a great number of competitors, their biggest competition over the years has been the Newbury Park team and the Saugus team. Last season, they were able to win the lyrical category, which is arguably the hardest.

During their second competition of this season, the CHS dance team won both large hip hop and character, beating Newbury and Saugus, ending Newbury’s winning streak.

Adding to that, they also placed in every other category that they competed in. This is the second year in a row that the team has won in the character category. This competition season is starting off with many wins, and the teams expects to do extremely well in the competitions to follow.

“The best part of the competitions is finally getting to Nationals,” said sophomore Amanda Cohen. “That is when we know that all of our hard work has really payed off.”

The team auditions for small dances in front of judges that are brought in who have no bias. The seniors choreograph the audition dance and the senior captains teach to the rest of the team. Once the girls have mastered the dance, they perform it in front of the judges who then determine which girls will be in the dance. The team has a total of seven coaches who help guide the dancers in order to make each of the dances perfect.

“The only dances with the whole team are character and large,” said senior Bella Kaufman. “The rest we have to audition for and we compete against schools like Westlake, Valencia, Saugus and Newbury Park.”

CHS’s dance team works intensely throughout the entire year, including the summer, to ready themselves for their competition season. This preparation truly pays off during the competition months, acquiring an impressive collection of wins. •

Photo courtesy of Annie Margolis

No

Tom Brady has been called the best quarterback of his time­—even the greatest quarterback of all time. But, with greatness comes controversy. Ever since Brady broke into the league in 2001, he has proved his immense skills, but the emergence of Brady welcomed the rise of head coach Bill Belichick. The Brady-Belichick era of football has been one of the most dominant duos is sports history. However, Belichick and Brady have been scrutinized throughout their careers for many reasons.

Brady was involved in one of the most well-known scandals in sports history, known to many as the Deflategate. In the 2015 AFC championship game, the Patriots were accused of deliberately deflating footballs. Prior to kickoff, the Colts told officials they suspected the Patriots of doing so but provided no evidence. The AFC championship game was extremely important as the winner would go on to the Super Bowl. The patriots would go on to beat the Colts, 45 to 7. During the offseason the NFL started an investigation. After many lab tests on the footballs, the NFL suspended Brady for four games starting the following season.

The Patriots have also been accused of spying on teams ever since the Belichick and Brady alliance emerged. In 2007, the Patriots were found to have illegally videotaped Jets coaches during practice. As a result of that, Belichick was fined $500,000 and the team $250,000. However, with all the suspension, investigations and fines, the Patriots have always found a way to win. A player is judged by their team but winning is not always everything and that will be the hiccup of accepting Brady as the greatest of all time.

“He is obviously having a tremendous career,” said Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana. “I think it’s really hard to put anyone in that bucket.”

Although a talented quarterback, Brady is not the greatest. NFL greats like Joe Montana and Steve Young are the elite of the elite. Brady has played in an era filled with great talent like Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, but the talent pool is not as remarkably-filled compared to the 90’s. What makes an athlete great is the way he or she takes on his or her opponents or adversaries. During the 90’s, the NFL was home to Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Steve Young, Joe Montana, John Elway, Brett Favre and many more greats. If athletic greatness is based upon competition, deeming Brady as the greatest of all time is nearly impossible to prove and is, therefore, innacurate. •

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