The Talon | Issue 2 | November 8, 2019

Los Altos High School, Los Altos, CA ■ November 8, 2019 ■ Volume XXXV, Issue II

ASB and SCL grading policy violates Calif.

Ed. Code

READ MORE ONLINE

lahstalon.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CEDRIC CHAN VAISHU SIRKAY Staff Writers

RV BAN Find out about Mountain View’s recent ordinance that restricts RV parking. News, 5

Grading Check out staff writers Cedric Chan and Vaishu Sirkay’s solutions for ASB and SCL’s illegal grading policy.

Opinions, 7

Nutcracker Read about Los Altos dancers performing in the Nutcracker. Features, 11

KYLIE AKIYAMA

Los Altos to pass tobacco ordinance The new ordinance aims to restrict teen vaping and tobacco use NINA CROFTS VAISHU SIRKAY Staff Writers

Jesus Is King Read senior writer Lucas Bricca’s take on Kanye West’s new album “Jesus Is King.” Arts & Culture, 12

Twin Athletes Hear about the twin athletes at Los Altos and how their bonds are stengthened through sports. Sports, 14

Los Altos City Council has plans to pass an ordinance restricting the sale and advertisement of tobacco products in the city of Los Altos. This will affect grocery and convenience stores, in addition to gas stations and Los Altos’s one tobacco store, Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco. Businesses selling tobacco products will be re-

quired to follow certain guidelines.

Assembly bill AB-1639, which will prohibit the sale of flavored e-cigarette products excluding menthol, mint and tobacco flavors in most retail stores, passed in the California Assembly in August and is expected to pass in the Senate. However, adult-only stores and age-restricted online retailers will still be able to sell flavored products. Los Altos’ ordinance builds on this by further restricting tobacco and tobacco-fla-

vored products.

According to Management Analyst Fellow for the City of Los Altos Trevor Marsden, this ordinance came amidst concerns of vape tobacco products being used more frequently among teenagers. Marsden cited a 2017-2018 summary of the California Healthy Kids Survey on tobacco use, which has been a reference point on tobacco statistics for the city.

“Vaping”

continues on page 3

Staff Writer

WARNER BROS. PICTURES YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) smiles as he officially takes on the role of Joker. The film fails to fulfill its lofty goals but presents an interesting study of an iconic character.

CATHY WANG

Copy/Content Editor

November 9

National Art Honor Society Art Auction November 11

Veteran’s Day November 15

LAHS Grad Night Silent Auction November 21/22

Broken Box Production: It’s A Wonderful Life November 28

Thanksgiving Day November 29

Black Friday

News Editorial Opinions

2 6 7

In-Depth Features Arts & Culture Sports

8 10 12 14

“Grading”

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Joker is no laughing matter Krista Greksouk: Bringing life to a ‘dead’ language TOMOKI CHIEN

UPCOMING EVENTS

ASB’s and SCL’s (Associated Student Body and Student Community Leadership) grading policies, which require students to sell merchandise and tickets in exchange for their grade, violate the California state Educational Code, Santa Clara County education policies and Mountain View-Los Altos (MVLA) District policies.

With slight variation, ASB and SCL policies require that students sell a certain number of merchandise and tickets. If they are unable to meet this quota, their grades are negatively affected. To avoid this, some students end up paying for unsold goods themselves.

“For Eagle cards, we were given 10, and they’re each worth $20, so if we didn’t sell them, we had to pay for them, or else [the unsold tickets] showed up as a zero in the grade book,” former SCL student senior Carolyn Yih said.

“I had to pay $100 because I only sold five Eagle cards, and that’s not pocket money.”

I saw “Joker” with my mom on a Friday night. I spent the first half hour flinching at every sound in the theater, at every person that stood up, terrified that some angry man invigorated by this film had come in to terrorize us. I spent the second half hour checking my phone to see how much time had passed.

“Joker,” with all its dramatic shots and cello-heavy music, doesn’t pack the punch it thinks it does.

“Joker” follows Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a failed stand up comedian turned party clown, and his slow descent into madness as the world around him seems determined to beat him down.

From the premise alone it’s clear to see this Joker is unlike any of his

previous iterations portrayed by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill and Heath Ledger. But this difference does not put the film at a disadvantage largely due to how intelligently Phoenix has remade this character. Although his version differs so drastically that comparisons can’t even be made, his portrayal still manages to feel true to the core of the character. Few, if any, actors can say they’ve done that, let alone with as much grace as Phoenix did. His Joker, with a skin and bones frame, is vulnerable, easily hurt (which he is, physically and emotionally, numerous times) and painfully unsure of who he is. But beneath it all, beneath the seeming weakness, there is a danger and intensity that Phoenix brings which is simply remarkable.

“Joker”

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Latin is a dead language, some might say. They’re not technically wrong—it’s conversationally dead.

You’d be hard pressed to find a place where you could order a pizza or hail a cab in Latin. So fine, maybe they’re right. If the essence of a language is solely dependent on its conversational speak, Latin has long been dead as a doorknob.

Krista Greksouk’s Latin class, however, is very much alive. Decorated with student artwork and filled with the productive chatter of students even during lunch, room 912 stands as a space for col-

laboration and positive engagement. By placing an emphasis on community, Greksouk hopes to engage her students with the difficult task of learning a foreign language, spoken or not.

“When learning a foreign language, you have to take risks and be wrong a lot,” she said. “It’s important for people to feel safe with their classmates to make those mistakes because if you're not willing to make mistakes, you’re never actually going to learn anything.”

The emphasis on community isn’t just a vehicle to teach content; Greksouk cares about her students.

“Greksouk”

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ELLI LAHDESMAKI

Latin teacher Krista Greksouk helps sophomore Ceasar Palting as the students decipher texts together. Greksouk values collaboration and hopes to create an interactive, welcoming community in her classroom.

The Talon November 8, 2019

Get daily LAHS updates and read the news archives at lahstalon.org/category/news

Grading CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE According to Joshua Brysk, Esq., a lawyer with experience in education law, “It is forbidden to require any type of payment for public school education. [The situation] could be interpreted as requiring payment in exchange for education, or even for a grade.”

Specifically, Brysk was referring to California Education Code § 49011(b)(4): “A school district or school shall not remove course credit or privileges related to educational activities, or otherwise discriminate against a pupil, because the pupil

or the pupil's parents or guardians did not or will not provide money or donations of goods or services to the school district or school.”

However, Los Altos Principal Wynne Satterwhite believes the grading policy about merchandise sales is legal. According to ASB adviser Suzanne Woolfolk, students are not supposed to buy back merchandise with their own money.

“The purpose is to get these [Eagle] cards out into the community, not to let the parents cut a check—their [checks] are not accepted [in ASB],” Woolfolk said.

But students can just as easily use smaller bills to pay rather than checks, as some do.

SCL adviser Sarah Alvarado allows students in SCL to pay for the unsold merchandise themselves, thinking they will sell

KYLIE AKIYAMA

ASB and SCL students sell merchandise, such as Eagle cards, to fundraise for various programs. However, the policy in which students’s grades are tied to their ability to sell this merchandise violates California educational code.

them later. This, however, allows for even more potential violations of the law than in ASB. “At no point would I ever advocate for, nor have I advocated that [students] pay for the cards themselves,” Alvarado said. “Some do, because with the end of the school year coming up, they have a lot more going on, but once school’s done, they will be able to sell [the Eagle cards]. I’ve had parents and students give me a check, but in no way is it the expectation.”

According to another SCL student, however, there is a tacit expectation that students pay back unsold goods, even if it isn’t Alvarado’s intention to create such an environment.

ASB and SCL advisors have never questioned how merchandise sales are graded. When asked about the history of these policies, both Woolfolk and Alvarado said that they had been in place before they took over their respective positions, and the classes have just followed them. When asked about any Education Code violations such an issue might bring up, the response was the same.

While some ASB and SCL students can pay for what they don’t sell fairly easily, some low-income students don’t have that luxury.

This could prove to be a deterrent for such students to consider joining ASB or SCL in the first place, something that would counter the work put into diversifying student leadership.

Some teachers, in order to alleviate the financial stress on their students, have bought multiple Eagle cards from students so their grades won’t be impacted.

Both Alvarado and Woolfolk say that circumstances in which

students actually pay back tickets are rare. ASB and SCL provide guidance to help their students sell, including in-class demonstrations, group selling activities, new students being paired with experienced students and deadline extensions. Advisers also mention how they grade on a case-by-case basis, taking effort into account to make the policy fairer. Some students further believe that if they put in enough effort, selling everything shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Yet some students still find that it’s not that simple. One issue students brought up is that there is simply not enough interest in some of the events, such as Trivia Night.

“Nobody wants to go to Trivia Night, so you’re trying to sell something that takes time out of their weekday,” an anonymous former SCL student said.

Similarly, when selling items like Eagle cards to members of the community, home location can impact sales. Most of the discounts provided by Eagle cards are located in Los Altos, so students who live outside of Los Altos struggle to sell around their neighborhood, a common strategy students use to sell their Eagle cards.

“Since most of the stores are only around Los Altos, there are only so many Los Altos students and Los Altos parents that want to buy them,” Carolyn said.

Moreover, competition to sell to such a small demographic of interested students is fierce, and even then, not all students start on a level playing field. According to an anonymous ASB student, selling to other students often becomes a popularity contest.

As such, the fact remains that student reports are inconsistent with what Alvarado and Woolfolk say—students are buying back what they can’t sell, and it isn’t all that uncommon.

Students and advisers do agree, though, that the money that ASB and SCL raise is necessary. According to Woolfolk, most of the money goes to funding programs such as sports, bailing out underfunded clubs, and providing scholarships for students for activities like prom. Without ASB’s funding, many athletic teams and clubs would be unable to function. ASB classes in most other schools don’t have to fund such programs, which makes Los Altos’s ASB an anomaly. SCL’s smaller budget is used for student wellness during wellness weeks, ice cream socials and other social events, all of which are also funded by Eagle cards.

Accordingly, many are concerned that if the policy is retracted, many programs will cease to exist.

If ASB and SCL were to change their policies, then alternate methods of funding would need to be implemented to continue running many of these programs.

That process has already begun.

“What we are looking into is if there are other ways to fundraise to achieve the goals that ASB and SCL and other groups on campus are trying to achieve,” Satterwhite said. “The administration is working with the district to better define fundraising policies.”

To read an opinion on addressing the grading policy violations, go to page 7.

Robotics team wins regional CalGames tournament LUCAS BRICCA RACHEL RUDYAK

tion equipped with its own largescale robot. In random alliances Senior Writer of three teams, the robots’s obStaff Writer jective was to pick up and place The Los Altos robotics team, as many playground balls as posTeam 114 Eaglestrike, won the an- sible in their designated bins in nual CalGames regional competi- two and a half minutes. In order tion on Sunday, October 13, and to do so, the robots first needed the team said they are prepared to secure disks on the sides of the to play at a higher level than ever bins to cover holes where the balls before in the upcoming 2020 sea- could fall out.

At the end of the initial qualison. The team’s alliance, which included rival Mountain View fication rounds, Eaglestrike, ranked sixth, chose High School, beat Mountain View’s seven other alliSpartan Robotics, ances and a total of ranked eighth, to 35 other teams to It was insane to be accompany them win in the finals. playing at a level into the eliminaFollowing a rotion rounds as part bot malfunction similar to Mounof a final alliance. that led to the tain View’s caliber Mountain View team’s elimination because typically High School robotduring the 2018 we’ve always been ics team co-presregional competiident Mira Shah tion, the team’s the ‘ugly step-sister said the teams success in the in terms of robotics. worked together to CalGames tour— senior Kat Nasif play to each other’s nament proved strengths. that they can be “This specific alliance was specompetitive against traditionally higher-caliber teams. Senior Kat cial because Mountain View and Nasif feels they could be making Los Altos are typically rivaling teams,” Mira said. a name for Los Altos robotics.

Mira and Kat agreed that team“This season has been a redemption season in many ways,” work is an important part of the Kat said. “It's motivating to see us competitions because the robots dominate the field in a way that must divide and conquer the specified tasks to be efficient. we haven't for so long.”

“There was an immediate bond Each of the 36 teams came to the deep space themed competi- and we both knew exactly what

COURTESY JUSTIN CHOU

Seniors Kat Nasif and Joshua Hejna prepare their robot for the next round of competition. The Los Altos robotics team won the regional CalGames tournament with Mountain View. each other’s robots could do be- championship-qualifying spots. level similar to [Mountain View’s] fore we picked [Mountain View],” For this reason, Los Altos often caliber because typically we've Kat said. “I even knew the drivers travels to other areas of California always been the 'ugly step-sister' beforehand.” to compete in regional tourna- in terms of robotics,” Kat said.

In the past, other local teams ments. Robotics teacher Stephen “We're a much smaller team, so such as Bellarmine and Mountain Hine commented that the Los Al- we don't have the resources necView have dominated local tour- tos robotics team isn’t “bad,” but essarily to do the same things as naments, sweeping wins at the the relative competition in the them. But to be able to play at Silicon Valley and San Francisco area is almost impossibly high. their caliber—that was just inRegional and the corresponding “It was insane to be playing at a sane.”

Vaping CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE

The data shows that nine percent of ninth graders and 22 percent of eleventh graders have used electronic cigarettes at least once, and three percent of ninth and 11 percent of eleventh graders use them on a frequent basis.

These numbers are expected to be higher this year. Although the ordinance does not directly target youth, the city is hoping it will have that effect.

“This ordinance has been a building movement,” Marsden said. “The county has really been pushing for this for a long time, and then once a couple of the deaths [related to vaping occurred,] the city council [thought] this was something that they should deal with.

At first, it was just a review of whether there were any current ordinances, and we found that there were none, so we reached out to the county and they gave us this template.”

Senior Daniel Lim believes it is important to tackle the issue of vaping because of the “vape

The Talon November 8, 2019

culture” that has formed at many high schools.

“It’s really a social thing, like cigarettes used to be,” Daniel said. “It’s something teenagers do all together, and now people are like, ‘Yeah, I vape,’ like it’s a status thing.”

Los Altos will be modeling its initiative off of Palo Alto’s tobacco initiative passed in June 2018.

Palo Alto’s initiative prevents the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored cigars, cigarettes, vapes and vape juice, unless the tobacco retailer qualifies as an adult-only tobacco store. To qualify, the store must primarily sell tobacco and prevent those under 21 from entering the store without a guardian.

It also requires that tobacco retailers must be at least 1000 feet away from a school and 500 feet from another tobacco retailer.

Currently, tobacco retailers only have to gain state approval to operate, in addition to paying a state fee, but none of the state fee goes towards enforcement of the tobacco restrictions. Under the ordinance, retailers will have to gain city approval and more funds will be put towards enforcing the new restrictions.

Some students cite concerns about teenagers bypassing the ordinance by getting vape prod-

CEDRIC CHAN

ucts online or through older siblings, limiting the ordinance’s efficacy.

Los Altos Youth Commission Council Member, Nueva School junior Connie Hong felt like the

ordinance is a step in the right direction, even though it has limitations.

“The ordinance is necessary, even though it might not be effective in the long run,” Connie said.

“Right now, the ordinance focuses [solely] on local sellers, and that’s not going to do much. But it’s still showing that adults in the community care, and I appreciate that.

I think it’s a good starting point.”

School district to build genderneutral bathrooms in 600 wing KAAVYA BUTANEY TOMOKI CHIEN Staff Writers

Los Altos introduces text-to-911 feature

CEDRIC CHAN

NINA CROFTS Staff Writer

The Los Altos City Council and Los Altos Police Department, along with various cities in Santa Clara county, have launched a new feature that enables citizens to text 911 instead of call, which can be used whenever calling 911 is not physically possible or further threatens one’s safety. As of now, people in any location in Santa Clara County—excluding Campbell and Los Gatos—will have access to this feature.

Campbell and Los Gatos are expected to start offering a text 911 service by the end of 2019. “[Texting 911] is extremely helpful for individuals who may have access or functional needs, if they are hard of hearing or if they’re choking and can’t speak,” former Los Altos Public Information Coordinator Erica Ray said. “[It’s also helpful] if they’re in a situation where it would be unsafe to speak, like if they’re hiding in a room trying to not be found.”

When texting 911, users should first state what emergency service they are in need of in addition to their location.

Emergency services will respond and ask for more information, then make their way to the location.

As with calling 911, there is concern from the county that the feature could

be misused, either by prank texters or people who aren’t sure of the correct use of the feature.

“One of the things we really want the community to understand is that texting 911 is as serious as calling 911,” Ray said. “It’s not appropriate to text 911 for general inquiries or to report crimes.

People need to make sure they [know] how this should be used.”

All non-emergencies, which are situations that don’t require immediate intervention, should still be reported to the city’s 24-hour non-emergency phone line, which is (650) 947-2770.

Santa Clara County has stated that there are still some challenges with this service, as it is still in its early stages.

For example, it may not be possible to know immediately if one’s texts have been received or if they were received in the correct order, and poor cellular service can result in longer wait times.

In addition, pictures and videos cannot be sent to 911 through text. For these reasons, dialing 911 is still the preferred way of contacting 911.

Furthermore, users should not create group chats with 911, as those messages may not be received. English is currently the only language that can be used to text 911.

“We’re really excited to roll out this feature and we believe it will benefit a lot of people,” Ray said.

The MVLA school district plans to build gender-neutral bathroom facilities in the new 600-wing building, with possible plans to convert the 300-wing bathrooms to genderneutral facilities as well. The 600wing building is set for completion in 2021.

By installing gender-neutral bathrooms, the district hopes to provide safety and inclusivity for all students, especially those struggling with gender dysphoria. In an acknowledgment that not all will be comfortable using gender-neutral bathrooms, ‘gendered’ facilities will still be available.

“The core point of [gender-neutral bathrooms] is that anyone can use it, regardless of their gender identity,” Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) co-president senior Aris Merchant said. “You don’t have to worry

about your gender—you just go to the bathroom.”

According to assistant principal Galen Rosenberg, however, gender-neutral bathrooms don’t come without problems. In the past, gender-neutral bathrooms were available for use in the 300-wing. However, the administration removed them due to inappropriate use and the safety issues of a lockable space with both genders.

“It’s difficult for us safety-wise to have a lockable restroom with student access,” Rosenberg said. “99 percent of students are going to use the space appropriately, but there’s one percent who might make bad choices.

If they're able to lock themselves into a space, that's concerning for us.”

Because the bathrooms will be constructed specifically to be genderneutral, the administration hopes that many of the problems that may have arisen in the past can be solved by the layout of the bathroom itself.

The bathrooms are to have floor-to-

ceiling stall doors and two entrances into the common portion of the bathroom. The two doors are meant to give students an alternative exit in the event that they might not feel safe or comfortable using a certain exit.

“We’ve been talking about this for a number of years, [but we’ve] never been able to work out the perfect thing,” Los Altos principal Wynne Satterwhite said. “The best idea is designing something that’s actually built [to be gender-neutral], instead of trying to retrofit what we currently have.”

Regardless of the specifics of the new design, the administration is committed to providing safe facilities for use by all students on campus.

“There's a recognition that accommodating gender diversity is something that should happen,” Rosenberg said. “Addressing all different kinds of individual needs is something that we should do, and [building genderneutral bathrooms] is a part of that.”

CEDRIC CHAN

4

The Talon November 8, 2019

Los Altos to delay start time following new legislation lier than 8 a.m. but exempts zero periods in both middle and high schools from start time regulations, Students in the Mountain View such as marching band at Los AlLos Altos (MVLA) School Dis- tos. trict can expect later start times as While the bill mandates that soon as the next school changes come about year. This move comes in the 2023-2024 partly because of a new school year, the piece of legislation (CA The process to MVLA school district SB328) passed on Sun- consider the has tentative plans day, October 13, which to do so by the next change is a declares that high school year. schools can start no ear- district-wide “We were already conversation. lier than 8:30 a.m. going to look at makThe bill, signed by It’s going to ing adjustments to California Governor get input from the bell schedule Gavin Newsom, aims partly [because of] to improve student aca- students, parstudent interest and demic performance and ents, teachers partly related to our general well-being by and adminisWestern Association delaying school start trators. of Schools and Coltimes across the state. leges (WASC) accred— assistant principal According to the bill, itation action plan,” Galen Rosenberg schools must enact this assistant principal change either by July Galen Rosenberg 1, 2022 or by the expiration of the said. “We’ll probably [make changcontract between the district and es] by next year.” teachers union operative at the By changing the bell schedule in start of 2020; whichever date comes the interest of student wellness, the later will serve as the deadline. district hopes to be in line with the In addition, the bill rules that philosophy of WASC, the organizamiddle schools can start no ear- tion which accredits schools and

TOMOKI CHIEN Staff Writer

other educational programs with a holistic view of student performance.

Despite eventually being signed into law, the bill faced opposition in the California state legislature.

Some worry that Sacramento is overstepping its power by imposing a “one size fits all” approach on school districts.

“In some communities, parents who are working just to make ends meet don’t have the luxury of delaying the start of their workday,” Orange County superintendent Al Mijares wrote for CalMatters. “The indisputable reality in many of our communities is that students have to begin their day at the same time as their parents.”

The specifics of the changes in the MVLA district, however, are still in the works.

“The process to consider the change is a district-wide conversation,” Rosenberg said. “It's going to be the same at both [Los Altos and Mountain View], and I'm sure that Alta Vista might make adjustments as well. It’s a big conversation that's going to get input from students, parents, teachers and administrators.”

EMILY ZHU

Freshman survey pilot class adds two new teachers TOMOKI CHIEN Staff Writer

As the freshman Survey of Composition and Literature pilot program advances through its third year at Los Altos, two new English teachers—Susana Herrera and Bruce McCormick—have been added to its ranks. With these additions to the existing team of English teachers Margaret Bennett and Carrie Abel, the pilot is now taught in a total of eight Survey sections and one Survey Skills section.

The pilot program, implemented in a third of all Survey classes, takes a different approach to freshman English than regular Survey. By making free reading a large part of its curriculum, the program hopes to increase both reading volume and comprehension levels amongst its students.

“One major goal specific to the pilot is to support increased read-

ing stamina,” Bennett said. “It’s dif- “Romeo and Juliet” sets the two ficult to succeed in college without curriculums apart. stamina. We know that these kids “[In the regular Survey classes], are 14 years old but you have to start students are only reading four somewhere.” books for an entire While the push school year,” Herfor increased levels rera said. “That just of reading separates I enjoyed choosisn’t enough volume. the regular from pi- ing my own [Students in the pilot lot Survey programs, books in the classes] are reading 25 much of the major books a year, which is pilot because structure between what we need for stuthe two remains the class books dents to be successful aren’t usually to same. in college.”

“In terms of re- my interest and I Students are exquirements and ma- read a lot more. pected to read 125 jor assignments, [the pages a week from — sophomore two] are actually very their chosen books to Miguel Procopio similar if not exactly be eligible to receive the same,” Abel said. an A for their free About a third of the major units reading grade. The page expectataught in the regular classes such as tions can be changed, especially “To Kill A Mockingbird” and poetry if a student is reading a challengare a part of the pilot. However, free ing book. Student-teacher book reading in the place of other class conferences also play a role in stubooks like “Of Mice and Men” and dents’s grades.

KYLIE AKIYAMA

English teacher Margaret Bennett has a book conference with freshman Genesis Santos. Two new English teachers have been added to the Survey of Composition and Literature pilot that emphasizes free reading in its curriculum.

According to sophomore Keshav Since teachers haven’t necessarily read all the books that their stu- Shah, a former student in the regudents choose, book conferences are lar Survey class, the lower readheld after a student completes each ing volume wasn’t necessarily bad book. These conferences allow as it allowed him to delve deeper teachers to determine if their stu- into the meanings of the assigned dents are properly comprehending literature with the guidance of his teacher, something that he entheir chosen texts.

“It’s pretty easy to tell who’s read- joyed.

“If I had read more books, I ing and who’s not during the conferences,” Bennett said. “A lot of wouldn’t have had the time to fultimes if a student hasn’t been read- ly get into the meanings of each ing, they’ll admit it once I start ask- book,” Keshav said.

Additionally, teachers like Abel ing them questions.”

By giving advice to students are still unsure about the trade-offs selecting their own books, the that free reading brings.

“There are things that I still don’t pilot teachers hope to match their students with texts that are feel 100 percent great about,” Abel appropriate for their reading ex- said. “[In the first unit] we’re choosperience. Students take a lexile ing to favor allowing students to level test at the beginning of the figure out what types of books school year which gives teachers they like to read and then we’re not a rough estimate of the level at teaching them how to write as well as I would like.” which they should Bennett also be reading. agrees that there are “It makes so much Students in the some drawbacks to more sense for me the program. to match a student pilot classes are “[Teaching the piwith a book at their reading 25 books lot] is probably a bit level so that they a year, which is more work for me,” can make sense of what we need for Bennett said. “There it,” Herrera said. “If students to be suc- are definitely a lot a student’s commore balls that I’m ing in at a fifth cessful in college. juggling in the air, grade reading level, —English teacher Susana Herrera but the trade-offs they’re not actually are worth it.” going to catch up by According to Bennett, the pilot reading at a college level.”

Teachers push students to find engages her students in a way she’s the right balance between compre- never seen before.

“Sometimes I’ll see [former stuhension and challenge, with the goal of increasing reading stamina dents] in the hall and we’ll still talk about books,” she said. “I’ve never and establishing a love of reading.

“I enjoyed [choosing my own books] had that before, and it’s really cool. because class books aren’t usually to Freshman year gives us the chance my interest,” sophomore Miguel Pro- to establish a love of reading.”

The department hopes to make copio said. “I got more into the books a decision as to the future impleI chose and read a lot more.”

According to Bennett, student mentations of the pilot this school choice isn’t coming at the cost of year. In the event that the pilot isn’t lowered academic preparedness or incorporated into the regular Survey curriculum, teachers still feel performance.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth like they’ve gained experience from from kids, especially on the lower the program.

“I don’t think we’ve necessarily end [of the lexile scale],” said Bennett. “We looked at the grades and created a perfect curriculum, but I kids are just as—if not more—pre- think that I’ve learned a lot about myself as a teacher,” Abel said. pared for their sophomore year.”

While teachers like Bennett are “Even if we end up sticking with supportive of the program, some the more traditional Survey I think students and teachers aren’t sure we’ve definitely made gains in unif it’s ready to be implemented as a derstanding the value of independent reading.” standard class just yet.

The Talon November 8, 2019

5

Mountain View institutes RV parking restrictions NINA CROFTS KATY STADLER

speak on the subject didn’t agree that a parking restriction was the Staff Writers answer to the concerns presented.

After months of deliberation, the A public commentator and resident city of Mountain View is moving of Shoreline Boulevard—a common forward with a large-vehicle restric- parking spot for RVs—believed that tion, which bans RVs from parking City Council could have found soluon “narrow” streets less than 40 feet tions to let the RVs stay and provide in width between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. other means of affordable housing while solving the The Mountain View safety and traffic isCity Council passed sues. The man dethe ordinance with scribed himself as a a 4-3 majority on The waste has to frequent biker, and Tuesday, October go somewhere, and said that the RVs 22. This legislation had never obstructis paired with a safe some people living ed his sight. He parking program in RVs were actustressed the imporproposed by the ally dumping human tance of coming up city, which would waste into storm with a housing soluprovide temporary drains or out into tion for those living lots where RVs can in RVs, which the park after the re- the street. city is attempting to striction goes into —Mountain View communications coordinator address temporarily effect January 1, Shonda Ranson through the expan2020. sion of safe parking The Mountain View City Council cited health and programs.

The safe parking program paired safety concerns as reasons for supporting the new ordinance. RVs with the ordinance would provide have reportedly obstructed cyclists’s public spaces for RVs to park at and drivers’s sight while turning night. Mountain View is looking to onto streets and pulling into inter- expand current safe parking prosections. They also claimed that grams, which have been running sewage generated from those living for more than a year, but take only in large vehicles has caused further four-door passenger vehicles. At issues, since RVs often have septic full capacity, this new safe parking tanks but no place to dump the sew- lot should be able to hold up to 80 residential vehicles, but the city has age.

“The waste has to go somewhere, expressed concerns about expandand some [people living in RVs] were ing further.

“We’re getting up to the point actually dumping human waste into storm drains or out into the street,” where funding is a restriction,” RanMountain View communications co- son said. “So at this point what we’re ordinator Shonda Ranson said. “Our really hoping for is for [organizaparks and street team, who normally tions] to come up and offer space for clean up leaves, had to get hold of parking.”

The safe parking program will rea specialist because they were not main in effect until Mountain View’s equipped to handle human waste.”

Many members of the public who housing state of emergency is over, attended city council meetings to which was declared in June by the

KYLIE AKIYAMA

The city of Mountain View is implementing an ordinance that restricts RV parking. However, they are expanding safe parking programs to provide temporary accomodations for those displaced by the ordinance.

Mountain View City Council due to of Mountain View to repurpose frethe high number of residents cur- quently vacant and unused lots for rently living in safe parking protheir vehicles. The grams. safe parking lots “One of the will not be perma- The city has invested 2 most exciting nent, as their goal million dollars in safe ideas [for safe is to get people on a parking programs. The parking propath to permanent grams] is a winnext step is to put peo- ter program in housing.

Executive Direc- ple back in housing.

Shoreline Park,” tor of the ComMyers said. “Lots — Mountain View communications coordinator Shonda Ranson munity Services where concerts Agency (CSA) Tom take place are Myers also believes that safe parking kind of just sitting there vacant durprograms would be the best option ing winter time, and there’s thoughts for those living in RVs. CSA is a non- of using those [to house RVs] beginprofit that works to help those who ning next month.” are homeless or at risk of homelessWhile some organizations with ness. CSA is working with the city large lots have offered up land for safe

parking, including two churches, Myers wants to expand the program to other faith communities. There is also a plan in the works in the Mountain View Whisman School District that would allow families of the district to park on school lots.

Though safe parking lots would serve as temporary spaces for RVs and their owners, both Myers and Ranson stressed that getting RV owners off the streets and into permanent homes is the ultimate goal.

“The city has invested 2 million dollars in [safe parking programs],” Ranson said. “The county has too; we’ve put a lot in already. The next step is to put people back in housing.”

Los Altos choirs join Mountain View for concert JULIE VARGAS Senior Writer

The Los Altos and Mountain View High School choirs performed together in the "One World, One Voice" choral series in the MVHS theater on Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The high school choirs sang alongside Blach Ju-

nior High School, Oak Elementary School, Graham Middle School and Crittenden Middle School.

MVHS has been conducting this event for over 16 years, but this is the first time the Los Altos choirs participated in this concert.

“We want to collaborate with the choirs at Los Altos,” Moun-

tain View Choir Director Jill Denny said. “There is room for all of us to be excellent—we do not need to compete; we need to embrace and encourage. [Los Altos Choir Director] Lauren Diez and I are committed to forming long-lasting bonds of friendship and support between the singers in our schools.”

MARIE GODDERIS

Mountain View Choir Director Jill Denny conducts choir students from both Los Altos and Mountain View.

Los Altos will participate in the “One Voice, One World” concert alongside Mountain View for the first time on Tuesday, October 22.

All the choirs performed phie said. “We worked togethsongs in different languages er on the same stage to bridge from around the world such as that gap between middle and Maori and Xitsonga. high school. And when I got to “[The concert is] about com- high school, I knew some of the ing together and singing,” Diez people already that I had met said. “[Choir] has a special way through this concert.” of bringing people together.

Former Los Altos Choir DirecAnd with the tor Mark Shaull theme being and Denny orga‘One World, One nized a concert Choir has a special Voice,’ that really called “United ties into the ex- way of bringing in Harmony” at perience I want people together. Los the Mountain the students to Altos Choir DirecView Center of have. I want them Performing Arts tor Lauren Diez and to learn music for several years from all over the I are committed to until stopping in world and sing forming long-lasting 2009. that new music bonds of friendship “We both got with our friends and support bebusy with our at Mountain View own programs so and continue to tween the singers in we did not conbuild that part- our schools. tinue collaboratnership between ing on the “Unit—Mountain View Choir Director Jill Denny the schools.” ed in Harmony” Denny estabconcert,” Denny lished this consaid. “[But now] seems like the cert to meet singers from other perfect time to start bringing communities—incoming high the choirs together again and to school students in particular. support Lauren Diez as she beDenny intentionally collabo- gins to build her program.” rates with them to provide a Los Altos senior Elena Atluri glimpse of the choir program in has participated in the choir high school. program throughout her high Mountain View sophomore school career. This is the first Sophie Lyons participated in time she will be participating the “One World, One Voice” in the “One World, One Voice” concert every year as a student concert. at Graham Middle School as “It's a great opportunity for us well as Mountain View. to show the middle school stu“[As a middle school stu- dents that there is a choir prodent,] I thought it was really gram at Los Altos High School,” cool to come in and sing with Elena said. “Even though we're [the high school students],” So- so small, we’re growing.”

6 The Talon November 8, 2019

Please send letters to the editor to talon.lahs@gmail.com Los Altos High School

Tackling mental health at Los Altos

I

n wake of the student sui- cares about mental health, and cide at Mountain View High the thoroughness of our current School (MVHS) last month, Los wellness resources shows this as Altos administrators promoted well. Students can refer themour mental health and wellness selves or others to the school’s resources to help the communi- on-site therapy program run ty cope with the incident. Their by a total of nine district-conresponse was admirable: not tracted therapists, at least four only was it rapid and compre- of which are always present on hensive, but it proved that the campus. On top of that, the school stands by its students school also hosts outside aceven beyond the classroom. tivities and programs that proThe day the news broke, Los mote mental health such as the Altos’s four part-time intern annual Challenge Day event Community Health Awareness for freshmen and the Student Council (CHAC) counselors Community Leadership (SCL) were sent to MVHS to provide elective class, which is dedicatextra support for affected stu- ed solely to improving overall dents, families and faculty. school wellness.

Los Altos adminThe seriousness istrators doubled with which we apdown on student proach mental well-being as well, But while it's true health isn’t necasking all teach- that our school essarily shared ers to have candid holds its wellness across all schools discussions with resources in high in the Bay Area— their third period around the regard, there's defi- or classes rather than country, for that let rumors circu- nitely still a stigma matter—so it’s imlate. For the next surrounding menportant not to take few weeks, the dai- tal health among this for granted. ly announcements students.

But while it’s true included messages that our school of encouragement holds its wellness from Principal Wynne Satter- resources in high regard, there’s white and emphatic reminders definitely still an unaddressed for students to seek help via the stigma surrounding mental school’s referral system and on- health among students. Simply site therapy. presenting helpful resources This exceptional effort on isn’t enough to combat persistpart of the administration no ing mental health stereotypes, doubt proves that the school and the administration should

make an even greater effort to seling to their peers, while Palo promote school-wide participa- Alto High School encourages tion in wellness activities. students to regularly chat with Despite our solid, personal- their counselors over cups of ized mental health programs, hot cocoa. many students still don’t reIn addition to existing optionceive the help they al counseling then, need because they Los Altos could either don’t recintegrate mandaognize when it’s Simply presenttory therapy-welltime to get it or ing students with ness sessions for don’t believe that resources, howall grades into the their issue is “big ever, isn't enough school schedule. enough” to merit This could also countermeasures. to combat the be supplemented Those who do at- persisting mental with student suptempt to enroll in health stigma. port groups that full-time therapy regularly meet duralso aren’t guaraning or after school, teed to be seen immediately, as which would encourage mental it’s impossible to accommodate health dialogue not just with everyone without relegating professionals but between peers some to waitlists. Wait times as well. More therapists would are hard to predict but can be need to be hired to match the anywhere from a few days to sheer volume of students, but several weeks since full-time this shouldn’t be a large probtherapy averages 12 weeks for lem given that the series of most students. campus renovations is set to Inspiration for change could include a new Wellness Center. possibly come from nearby This building certainly won’t be high schools that have imple- finished for a while, but in no mented a variety of unique way should this be an excuse to mental health programs to put off improvements to our apsupplement school-provided proach to mental health. therapy. At Gunn High School, Regardless of the kinks in student groups like “Rock” and the current system, however, “Sources of Strength” regularly there’s no doubt that the adgather to provide encouraging ministration cares about camadvice to struggling members. pus well-being, and The Talon Castilleja School also trains appreciates every effort they interested students in basic make to promote good mental therapy skills to provide coun- health.

201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA November 8, 2019 Volume XXXV, Issue II Editor-In-Chief Daphne Ih Managing Editors Kristen Fan (Print) Isabella Borkovic (Web) Kylie Akiyama (Media) News Editor Janie Dent Opinions Editor Nikhita Boddu Features Editor Stella Huang Arts & Culture Editor Daniela Gloster Sports Editor Navya Singhai Copy/Content Editors Mayu Alten, Cathy Wang, Elli Lahdesmaki Senior Staff Katrina Arsky, Lucas Bricca, Greg Corn, Marie Godderis, Suzanne Guo, Parisa Larson, Ethan Ruyack, Mia Scher, Julie Vargas, Barett Wong, Emily Zhu Staff Allie Bricca, Kaavya Butaney, Cedric Chan, Tomoki Chien, Cameron Cox, Elana Eisenberg, Meleseini Loto’aniu, Emily McNally, Amid Najmi, Nina Crofts, Rachel Rudyak, Vaishnavi Sirkay, Kate Stadler, Isaac Tesfaye Adviser Michael Moul

POLICIES Los Altos High School’s Compositional Journalism class is solely responsible for The Talon, which is published eight times a year. The Talon also updates its website, www.lahstalon.org, with full-time coverage.

The Editorial Board sets the policies of The Talon and crafts its editorials and thumbs.

ADVERTISE & SUBSCRIBE Send advertisement and subscription inquiries to talon.lahs@gmail.com.

THUMBS UP to ASB and GSA for removing the gender-based homecoming dress code ASB modified the Homecoming Guest Pass form to no longer have a gender-based dress code after Gender Sexuality Awareness Club (GSA) president senior Aris Merchant pointed out its discriminatory nature. The prior dress code that outlined different dress standards for boys and girls excluded non-binary people who do not identify as either male or female. The updated guest form no longer includes nor specifies a required dress code.

THUMBS UP to all the fall varsity sports teams that made it to CCS Congratulations to varsity boys and girls waterpolo, girls golf, girls volleyball and girls field hockey for qualifying to CCS. The boys waterpolo team finished first in their league, while senior Caris Kim won CCS and the NorCal regional tournament to qualify for the state finals for golf.

Most of the varsity cross country team is headed to CCS as well, along with SCVAL tennis champions senior Kylie Akiyama and junior Yuu Ishikawa.

Talon Supporters Honorary Pulitzers Natalie Arsky, Allie & Lucas Bricca, Chi-Kai Chien, Kristen Fan, Srimedha Rajagopalan, Leon Rudyak, Shali & Vinai Sirkay, Ernest Wong

Silver Supporters Alice and Eric Cox, Edward del Val, Janie Dent, Evette Fan, Amanda Gamble, Braxton Gill, The Godderis Family, Dah Fine, Jeffrey Kraskouskas, Rowena Libang, Manoj Malholtra, Laura Teksler, Isaac Tesfaye, Catherine Vonnegut, Michael Wong, Lisa Yu

The Talon November 8, 2019

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Read more opinions articles at lahstalon.org/category/opinions

Solving Los Altos’s unethical fundraising CEDRIC CHAN VAISHU SIRKAY Staff Writers

ASB and SCL students don’t sell tickets for the fun of it; it’s directly correlated with their grade. Although ASB’s and SCL’s policies vary slightly, the gist is the same: students are given a certain number of tickets or cards to sell, and their grades are tied to their ability to sell them. For many, this means paying for anything they can’t sell in order to maintain an A in the class.

It’s immoral to force students to pay for their grade and use their own money to fund ASB and SCL. These policies are also illegal, clearly in violation of the California Education Code § 49011(b)(4), Santa Clara County Policy 3260 BP and Mountain View Los Altos School District Policy, which state that grades may not be tied to fundraising.

Although there are issues with the current grading policies, the money made from fundraisers is essential to our school. For example, SCL uses their money to put on wellness events, like the ice cream social and Wellness Week.

ASB spends the majority of the money they raise to fund essential programs such as sports, clubs that are unable to fund themselves and scholarships for students for expensive school events. But the ends don’t justify the means. If extorting money from ASB and SCL

students is the only way for them to fundraise enough money, they need a massive change in fundraising strategy.

While the programs that ASB fund are important, the burden seems to be unfairly placed on ASB students. Los Altos’s ASB has a much larger funding requirement than most, since other ASB’s don’t have to fund these activities.

ASB, for example, pays for sports teams’s first tournaments of the year. The clubs and sports that benefit from ASB’s fundraising should also be doing more to fundraise for themselves, rather than relying on ASB. Why are clubs so dependent on ASB for money?

Where are the soccer fundraisers?

The tennis fundraisers? The football fundraisers? These programs already have sports boosters, and if there isn’t enough money being generated, there has to be some accountability on the teams’s part. If sports and clubs do end up needing money from ASB despite their best efforts, then it is, of course, understandable that they receive the help they need. But why should ASB students be using their own money if the teams aren’t putting in the effort?

Right now, the fundraisers put on by ASB and SCL don’t generate enough interest to make significant profit. According to an ex-SCL student, fundraisers and activities were often ineffective simply because people didn’t want to spend their free time going to events that didn’t appeal to them. To solve this, new fundraisers that are more attractive to

students should be made. There are certainly school activities that the student population would be more than willing to spend their money on and that would make for more effective fundraisers— interactive activities similar to Clash of the Classes, for example.

Alternatively, other methods of fundraising could make up for a lack of interest, like grants. The Los Altos Community Foundation is one example of a local organization that ASB and SCL could receive grants from. Further, fundraising can be done outside of the school through partnerships with local businesses, like the Class of 2022’s Chipotle night, where Chipotle donated 33 percent of what Los Altos students spent from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m to the Class of 2022.

If ASB is more transparent about where these funds go, this type of fundraising could be effective; it is not immediately apparent to people that the money goes towards sports and clubs, a fact that would certainly attract more donations.

However, any fundraiser or activity would be ineffective if students aren’t motivated to put in effort. Using grades as leverage is an easy way to ensure students actively take part in fundraising and events, but it’s immoral and illegal. The way we look at it, motivating students to participate in fundraising shouldn’t be an issue at all.

ASB and SCL are leadership classes on campus, meaning their members are leaders. The whole point of the screening and application process is to make sure

EMILY ZHU

that the students in the classes are there for the right reasons and willing to put in the work.

So, accepted students should be motivated to participate in such fundraising not because they are forced to, but because they truly want to make the school a better place. For those students who aren’t willing to put forth the effort, the question shouldn’t be how much they have to pay out of their own pocket, but rather whether or not they should be in the class.

Los Altos prides itself on its morality, integrity and inclusivity— the community on campus stands as a testament to its values. ASB’s and SCL’s policies stray from what it means to be an Eagle. While our solution won’t please everybody,

we need to pick the lesser evil: prioritizing students’s rights and well-being.

So the next time you line up for free ice cream, ask yourself, “Where is this from? Was the money taken out of the hands of someone who needed it more?

Is it worth it?” Even when an issue seems immutable, even when it seems ‘good enough,’ we have a duty to try and change it. The shield of ignorance has been lowered—feigning it is no longer an option. Standing for these illegal and immoral policies is no longer an option. Now, it’s time to act.

To learn more about the ASB and SCL education code violation, turn to front page.

The 90-second grace period is downright disgraceful CEDRIC CHAN NINA CROFTS Staff Writers

Walking across the entire campus to get to history every day feels like a marathon. Having to run to get there on time is agony.

And doing that all just to miss out on several valuable minutes of a lecture—that’s just absurd. The administration needs a better solution to prevent portable tardies than the 90 second grace period.

In June 2018, the cities of Los Altos and Mountain View voted yes

on Measure E, which puts money toward construction at Los Altos and Mountain View High School.

Specifically, construction of new classroom buildings and an auxiliary gym at Los Altos began this year.

To account for the loss of classroom space from the construction, two portable classroom areas were built over the summer: one next to the student parking lot and the other by the baseball field.

Since the beginning of the school year, teachers and parents have been complaining to the administration about students’s constant tardiness to their classes in the portables. To ease the

EMILY ZHU

burden of such a long classroom commute, the administration launched a 90-second tardy ‘grace period.’ Students must individually reach out to their teachers to be granted this grace period, and there must be some evidence that getting to the portables on time is not possible for that student.

This, of course, creates a number of issues that have not been addressed in a meaningful way.

First off, the entire concept of the 90-second policy is vague: Who counts as being ‘far enough’ is not clearly defined, leading to only a small group of students actually getting these extensions. Teachers have been choosing students coming from certain buildings—the 300 wing, for example—to give the extension to at their own discretion. This policy does not protect the rest of the students, many of whom still consistently struggle to make it to class on time.

From the teachers’s perspective, however, it does make sense to reduce the number of extensions given. Let’s do the math—yes, ew.

90 seconds. 180 days per year. 50 minute periods (usually). That’s 270 minutes lost. That’s more than an extra week of instruction lost. Some might say that losing a few minutes in the beginning of class isn’t noticeable, but in classes

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where lectures last until the bell rings or even past that time on most days, the impact is discernible.

The reason why this is so problematic is ecause it is compounded by another issue regarding time. If you have to use the restroom, for example, it gets worse. Trips to the 900 wing or theater bathroom, the designated bathrooms for the portables, can take up to 10 minutes.

All of this leaves students with no choice but to take extreme measures to get to class on time.

One path students take is walking across the field—an offense that leads to harsh chastising from the administration. But even when the administration closed the track gates, this didn’t stop; instead, it led to students jumping over the fence. Although it looks cool, not everybody’s skilled in parkour, which makes this a safety hazard.

Clearly, the passing period policy wasn’t effective. But it also doesn’t look like the policy is changing.

No solution will please everyone. Both sides will need to compromise; however, there is a better solution than the one in place right now.

Instead of an amorphous guarantee of an extra 90 seconds in passing period, passing periods for the impacted class periods

(i.e., two, four, six, and seven) should be extended an extra minute. That’s only four minutes extra, so without taking time out of brunch or lunch, dismissal could be shifted to 3:34 p.m without a heavy impact on extracurricular activities. Especially considering the fact that the district is already going through new bell schedule proposals—a result of the new legal requirements for school start times—this shouldn’t be too difficult to implement. Adding a couple of minutes to the end of school shouldn’t have any noticeable effects.

The current policy unduly burdens both teachers and students.

The whole point of construction is to create buildings that will enrich learning, yet they seem to be having the opposite effect. Especially when many students suffering today will never see the products of the construction come to fruition, the burdens of balancing commute times, class times and managing inexorable tardies are not ones that they deserve to carry.

School is for the students, and the administration needs to ensure we can receive uninterrupted learning, in all classes. Minor obstacles should not be ignored at the expense of learning. Nothing should.

If you would like to write about your stance on an issue that’s affecting students at our school, email Opinions Editor Nikhita Boddu at talon.lahs@gmail.com with a summary of your idea.

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The Talon November 8, 2019

THE HISTORY O EMILY ZHU

Graphic Artist

MIA SCHER Senior Writer

In every high school movie, Homecoming is a staple of the full high school experience. The parade, football game and country has its own way of celebrating Homecoming, with each school’s traditions creating many different definitions since its inception. The Talon takes a look at the evolution of Homecoming over the last

1950’S 1950’S

Los Altos was established in 1954 and major traditions like the Football game, Homecoming parade, and Homecoming Dance were prominent on campus. Homecoming Court, however, was not what

we now know it as: It used to only consist of six girls. As part of the Homecoming court, each girl was required to have a male escort, but there was only the crowning of a queen and no king.

1970’S 1970’S

The 70’s overall was a decade of continuation for Homecoming traditions.

In the 1970s, float building took place only on campus. In 1976 in particular, students had two nights to complete the float for the parade that Friday, and the juniors were granted two floats for unclear reasons. However, the seniors still won.

During this decade, Los Altos’s

mascot was the Knights. After beating Peterson High School 20-0 in the 1976 Homecoming game, coach Tom Burt was honored for his 20 years as the football coach and the field was named after him. To this day, our football field is called Tom Burt Field.

1977 was also the first year we crowned both a Homecoming Queen and a Homecoming King.

80’S 1980’S 1980’S

1960’S 1960’S

In the 60’s, floats weren’t super extravagant, but the beginnings of that tradition are present. Additionally, excerpts from yearbooks indicate that being crowned queen was a title of incredible importance. For example, the Homecoming Queen of 1969, varsity cheerleader Margie Foster, cried when she was crowned.

The Los Altos 1969 yearbook writes, “Overcome with tears, all Margie could manage was a ‘Thank you,’ to the crowd.” The Homecoming Queen the next year was Cheri Ellison and the yearbook writes, “all the hours of sleeplessness on the eve of Homecoming and the anxiety Cheri experienced in anticipation of achieving that coveted goal seemed

to be worth it as she approached the throne.”

In 1966, the six girls on court were selected by the football team. From those six candidates, the queen was selected by the student body.

The Homecoming Dance of 1968 included a live performance by the one-hit wonder rock band “People!”

Their song "I Love You" rose to number one in Japan (twice), Israel, Australia, Italy, South Africa, and the Philippines, and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1968. This performance was accompanied by a light show and over 1000 balloons.

The 80’s Homecomings were dominated by social etiquette and a heavy dating culture, along with an exciting new tradition. Homecoming’s main event in the 1980s was “The Kiss,” during which members of the Homecoming court would be blindfolded and kissed on the cheek. The 1988 Kiss for the girls on court was 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark, whose touchdown connection with Joe Montana took the 49ers to the Super Bowl.

At dances, it was customary to wait outside until someone approached you and asked you to dance. The Los Altos 1986 yearbook wrote, “Proving ourselves socially conscious and anxious for acceptance, we rushed to find dates for the evening of ‘Winter Ball’ and ‘Homecoming.’ After all, nobody wanted to be left answering the fated: ‘Are you going?’ with a disgraceful ‘No…’” Alumni of Los Altos can also attest to the rigidity of the dance.

“My first three years [at Los Altos],

it was pretty much a traditional guyask-girl event,” history teacher and Los Altos alum from the class of 1990 Mike Messner said. “It would have been totally unacceptable for two guys or two girls to attend the dance together as a couple. But my senior year, ASB announced it was equally okay for girls to ask guys, [so] a female friend of mine asked me to go with her, and I did!”

Being crowned Homecoming king and queen back then was still seen as an indicator of popularity and was hugely significant. Consequently, many winners were what was expected—popular guys and girls. There was a place in the yearbook just for court members, and the two winners were even on the front page of the Los Altos Town Crier.

“Being voted Homecoming Queen was like a beauty pageant,” history teacher and Los Altos alum from the class of 1980 Todd Wangsness said.

“The Queen was supposed to be the most popular girl on campus.”

The Talon November 8, 2019

9

OF HOMECOMING CATHY WANG

Copy/Content Editor

KATRINA ARSKY Photographer

dance—complete with the crowning of a king and queen—appear to be the standard. But every high school across the of Homecoming across America. At our very own school, Homecoming has gone through many changes and iterations 65 years of Los Altos’s history.

1990’S 1990’S

The 90’s were marked by many changes to all aspects of Homecoming.

For example, court couples began doing skits rather than just introducing themselves to the student body, and the dance, parade and football game were moved to the same day. However, the biggest change for the students was the implementation of the breathalyzer test upon entrance into the dance. In a 1997 issue of The Talon, a survey was conducted that revealed out of 103 people, 26 percent said they had shown up to a school dance intoxicated and 64 percent said they would not voluntarily submit to a breathalyzer test.

The Homecoming Court selection process also broadened in 1990 from just the senior class voting to also allowing clubs, varsity sports teams, Main Street Singers and more groups on campus to pick one girl and one boy from the senior class. This change came about in hopes of bringing about a larger, more diverse pool of nominees.

A 1990 Los Altos yearbook quoted a student who said, “We have never included so many social groups. It was nice to have a minority Homecoming King because it’s indicative of the character of the school.”

The 1992 Homecoming Dance was held on Halloween night and rumors spread that the police and administration wanted to keep students off the street. In 1996, Homecoming was held on a Sunday as the Saturday date they picked conflicted with a Marching Band competition and the SAT. In response, several Mormon Los Altos students who felt alienated by the new date created a petition because, according to Mormon beliefs, Sunday should be spent with the family.

A Talon editorial from the 90s titled “Homecoming is too tied to tradition” wrote, “The only real tradition at Los Altos—other than losing football games and graduation—is the fact that the Homecoming dance always causes problems.”

2010’S 2010’S

In recent years, the Homecoming week traditions have been solidified, featuring dress up days, a football game on the Friday before the dance, and a Saturday dance.

However, who is crowned in court continues to change. In just four years, nominees have been changed to presenting in groups rather than

couples, and just this year, two winners were crowned with no differentiation of gender.

“We hope this will enable all ranges of gender expression and we appreciate any feedback that can help us keep Los Altos progressive and inclusive to all,” current ASB President senior Divya Jakatdar said.

2019

2000’S 2000’S This year, our Homecoming Top 20 consisted of 12 boys and eight girls and the two winners received trophies instead of crowns.

Our Question to You: In the 2000’s, much of Homecoming week was similar to previous years as couples still performed skits. However, it was acknowledged that getting on court didn’t truly matter in the long run, a contrast to previous views of Homecoming as an all important event.

“Girls from a young age dream of being Homecoming Queen without ever really realizing its implications. The truth is that it has none,” a 2002 Los Altos yearbook read. “The attraction to being homecoming King or Queen is a quick moment of glory. In this day and

age, it’s about the fun of getting dressed up and having the school see your true personality through your skit and the descriptions of yourself.”

An opinions article in a 2001 issue of The Talon wrote, “Realizing the impact and influence that skits have on the school, it is the administration and student body’s collective responsibility to present diverse and representative group of seniors to participate on the Homecoming court.” One member of the court said, “It’d be depressing to have 10 water polo or football players on the homecoming court.”

00’S

Major public high schools such as Gunn and Paly have removed Homecoming and Homecoming Court from its spirit week tradition and only focus on the rally and activities.

After seeing the history of Homecoming at Los Altos, do you think this is a tradition Los Altos should continue? Let us know on lahstalon.org or send a letter to our editor.

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The Talon November 8, 2019

Read more features articles at lahstalon.org/category/features/

Greksouk

of which is the small size. Unlike Los Altos’s larger language programs, the Latin program has only one teacher: Greksouk.

CONTINUED FROM With only four course levels THE FRONT PAGE spread over five periods, many Latin students will be in class together for all four years.

“It’s nice to be able to come “Ms. Greksouk is more friendlike than other teachers if that back and not worry about getmakes sense,” sophomore Brian ting to know a new teacher,” Derryberry said. “She gives off a senior Aris Merchant said. “It’s also nice to be with the same very positive attitude.”

Greksouk hopes that her posi- classmates all four years.”

Additionally, because she’s a tive classroom environment helps students feel more com- one person department, Greksouk can implement new ideas fortable at school.

“It’s really important to me into her lessons with ease.

Sometimes, these that my students ideas come from stuhave a place on camdents. pus where they feel During the phalike they belong,” [Latin class] has been almost lanx versus maniple Greksouk said. project, for examAs a cheerleader in like a home ple, students create high school, Grekat school for cardboard weapons souk found just that: and stage a mock a sense of belonging. me. It’s nice to battle on the back Now, as a teacher come back and field, imitating anherself, she hopes know that I’m cient Roman battleto replicate that ex- working with field tactics taught perience for her own the same team. in the course’s hisstudents.

— senior Aris Merchant tory section.

“My cheer advisor “I had a kid tell me really built a strong he joined Latin becommunity for us,” she said. “We would hang out, cause he saw us out on the back eat lunch and keep our books field during the phalanx versus in her classroom all the time. I maniple project,” Greksouk said. really remember what it was like “The projects are definitely a big to be in high school. I want to do part of building community. my best to make [school] better They give students a chance to be creative and have fun.” for my students.”

But Latin class certainly isn’t Greksouk cites a number of things that help build commu- all fun and games. Many realnity in her Latin classes, one world skills are taught that

aren’t necessarily specific to Latin. According to Greksouk, one of the biggest takeaways when studying Latin is being able to problem solve. When translating sentences with complex grammatical syntax, logical thinking is a valued skill.

“Latin as a subject helps teach problem solving,” former Latin student Kylie Huch said. “It’s not enough to simply memorize the rules of the syntax, you need to understand how and when to apply them.”

According to Huch—now a junior at the University of Santa Barbara, California— those same problem solving skills taught in Latin

apply to her post-high school studies of computer science and biochemistry.

“Understanding how to approach problems is a universal skill,” she said. “[The skills] I acquired in Latin definitely translated over.”

Through all of her communitybuilding efforts, Greksouk teaches with a self-aware understanding.

“I know that not all my students are going to be Latin scholars,” she said. “I know that they may remember as much Latin as I do Spanish from high school. But I hope that they feel like they belong somewhere.”

She isn’t just hoping—her students truly feel comfort-

able in her classroom. “[Latin class] has been almost like a home at school for me,” Aris said. “It’s nice to come back and know that I’m working with the same team.”

As for Greksouk herself, students can expect to see her in the classroom far into the foreseeable future. “[When I was young], I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find a stable career or that I’d be unhappy with my job,” she said. “When I got tenure I was so stoked. It feels really good knowing that I have this job, and I still love it.”

So next time you’re out on the back field, stop and take a look—you may just see a raging cardboard battle.

CEDRIC CHAN

Choir Director Lauren Diez makes her debut at Los Altos JULIE VARGAS Senior Writer

Christmas caroling is an annual tradition for Choir Director Lauren Diez and her family. As their voices meld together in rich, beautiful harmonies, they share not only the physical connection of singing but a mental and emotional one.

This sense of togetherness is what drives Diez’s passion for choral music.

Music has always been a strong presence in Diez’s life as both of her grandparents performed in choirs. When her grandparents introduced music to her, she immersed herself in music-related activities.

“I was very fortunate to learn [to play the piano] from my grandmother and then participate in a church choir, community choirs and school choirs,” Diez said. “Any chance I got to sing, I would take it.”

The harmony and verve of choral music led Diez to start her musical career in the Church Mouse choir in Orange, California when she was a child. When Diez reached middle school, there was no established choir class; instead, she joined an extracurricular choir that met a few times a month. Diez found other ways to pursue her interest in music, taking voice lessons and participating in school musicals.

In high school, she joined the choir program which served as a learning experience to further develop her singing skills.

During high school, Diez joined Honor Choirs where students join

select ensembles that are led by well-known conductors. She got the opportunity to work alongside conductors she admired and, ultimately, realized that she wanted to work in the profession.

“All of my life experiences in choir made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself,” Diez said. “I've always known that [choir is] something that I love.

When you're rehearsing or singing in a choir, you kind of forget about everything else, and it’s a chance to focus and work with other people.”

Diez majored in music education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She performed in many concert venues alongside freshmen and senior college students. This environment was more professional and advanced than in high school, so she learned a lot from her peers.

A couple of years ago, she taught general music in East Palo Alto and Los Gatos. Instead of performing choral music, she taught music history, singing techniques and instruments to elementary and middle school students.

“People have had the impression that we only do classical music [in choir], or [that] you have to be an experienced singer to be part of it,” Diez said. “I'm hoping to dispel that myth and tell students that choir is the perfect place to learn. If you are experienced, it's also a perfect place for you because you can continue to build on those skills.”

Diez is rebuilding the choir program at Los Altos in light of Mark Shaull’s retirement by changing class festivals and concerts. Diez

also hopes to revive the international concerts that the Mainstreet singers participated in in previous years.

“I'm really interested in what students want to see in a choir program, what they're excited for and what kind of music they want to make,” Diez said. “I'm going to be leaning on the students that are joining the program this year to help me shape the program. Students [will] have a great opportunity this year to be a part of new traditions and the future of the program.”

Senior Elena Atluri has been a part of the choir program since

freshman year. She, along with other students, have helped Diez make changes to the Los Altos choirs.

“Ms. Diez is awesome about taking student feedback into consideration,” Elena said. “For example, she suggested several new names for the advanced choir and we picked Volare together. I've been unafraid to voice my opinions and Ms. Diez has accommodated them. As it is my last year in the choir program, I want to leave next year's class strong by working to make this year's group as good as it can be.”

In an attempt to promote the

program, Diez visited freshman English classes to give students more information on the choir program. She gave the classes a quick overview of the class and the benefits students get.

“I'm really dedicated to making this choir program something that more people want to be involved with, something that really represents our school and the students at Los Altos,” Diez said. “I'm excited to be here.”

Any students that are interested in joining the choir are welcome to attend class periods three, four, five and six to get a sense of the class environment and workload.

AMID NAJMI

Choir Director Lauren Diez conducts her third period choir class. She is the successor of former Choir Director Mark Shaull, who left due to medical reaons, and is hoping to make several changes to the choir program based on students’s feedback.

The Talon November 8, 2019

11

Los Altos dancers leap into the Nutcracker season CEDRIC CHAN VAISHU SIRKAY KATRINA ARSKY Staff Writers Photographer

This fall, the Pacific Ballet Academy is holding its 29th annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” starring freshmen Stella James (Clara) and Susan Clay (Bon-Bon), as well as seniors Catherine McGrath (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Megan Liu (Sugar Plum Fairy). There will be showings at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, November 22, Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, featuring several different casts.

Stella James (clara)

susan clay (bon-bon)

Because of the Nutcracker’s timelessness, it is often the first play children see and perform in. When freshman Stella James saw the Nutcracker for the first time, she fell in love with the Sugar Plum Fairy and set her sights on one day dancing that very role.

With 12 years of dance experience under her belt, Stella is well on her way. This year, Stella is playing Clara, the main character.

“As Clara, you get to perform some of the most fun dances with some of the best choreography,” Stella said.

This role also lets Stella flex her theatrical muscles. Stella started acting in musicals and plays in second grade. Since then, she has performed a variety of roles, including Brooke Whyndam in “Legally Blonde,” Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan” and the Evil Stepmother in “Cinderella.”

“In acting, you’re able to portray different characters,” Stella said. “After doing theater, I feel like I‘ve become better at showing emotion and using my face while dancing. ” Hours of practice and years of refining her skills culminate in performances, which have always been a highlight for her.

“I really love doing it,” Stella said. “It’s hard sometimes, but I really like the artistry of [ballet] and how you can express yourself through the stories and steps you are performing.”

Although she wouldn’t describe herself as shy, freshman Susan Clay is more reserved and introspective than most.

“I’m kind of quiet,” Susan said. “I tend to overanalyze things, and social situations tend to make me either confused or nervous.”

For Susan, ballet has been important in helping her make friends and build confidence. Some of her closest friendships have formed in the ballet studio.

“A lot of people who get to a certain level in ballet have a certain mindset concerning work ethic, and when you are around the same people so much, you [find that you] have a lot in common,” Susan said.

Surrounding herself with like-minded peers, Susan is able to come out of her shell when she dances.

“When you’re in a ballet, you’re not yourself—you’re the character you’re portraying,” Susan said. “By showing emotion through your character, you can connect with the audience without feeling as though you’re making yourself vulnerable.”

Although ballet was originally just a way to let out her energy when she was younger, as Susan changed over the years, so has her relationship with ballet. Now, she appreciates ballet as an art and can channel her emotions through her dance.

“When you’re performing, you to get caught up in the moment,” Susan said. “You forget about what you’re stressed about and just enjoy the art.”

Senior Catherine McGrath’s decade-long dance career started in second grade, dancing in the living room with her mom and her friends.

“My mom is definitely the reason I started dancing,” Catherine said. “She did ballet when she was younger, and she had these little classes for my friends and me at our house.”

The passion and joy that Catherine’s mother put into teaching dance imbibed Catherine with the inspiration to continue a lifelong journey.

This year, Catherine is playing the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. As this is one of the most technically challenging roles, Catherine feels like she has big shoes to fill.

“When I was little I always looked up to the people who played the [Sugar Plum Fairy],” Catherine said. “It’s a lot to live up to, because several of my teachers and older mentors whom I was friends with have danced the role, but I’m really excited.”

Although she is going off to college next year, she doesn’t plan on letting go of dance any time soon. One route for this is teaching.

“I used to help out with classes a lot when I was younger,” Catherine said. “It’s definitely fun to be around the kids. They look up to us as teachers—we’re what they’re striving for.”

Catherine mcgrath (sugar plum fairy)

Ballet is the gift that keeps on giving for senior Megan Liu, allowing her to travel the world and find respite in the midst of life’s stressors.

“I was initially put into dance by my mom since I always seemed to be jumping around,” Megan said. “Since then, I’ve stayed in ballet because of the friends I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had.”

With numerous extracurriculars including debate, TEDxLAHS and Blue Ocean Entrepreneurship, ballet has become an invaluable way for Megan to de-stress.

“Ballet has always felt like an escape since it’s a place where I can only focus on one thing,” Megan said.

Throughout her years of training, Megan has also been able to build some of her strongest and closest relationships.

“My closest friends are definitely in ballet because we share the same passion and spend so much time together, whether it be during class or rehearsals,” Megan said.

In addition to friendships, ballet has also given Megan international opportunities to perfect her craft.

“I participated in a summer program with the Estonian National Ballet and dancers from across the world,” Megan said. “It was a great opportunity to rehearse and perform in a professional setting.”

It’s no surprise Megan is playing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy again. But even after having accomplished so much in the dance world, the “Nutcracker” is still special.

“It’s sort of a staple in my life now,” Megan said.

megan liu (sugar plum fairy)

12

The Talon Novermber 8, 2019

Catch reviews of new movies, music and more, plus read the Arts & Culture archives at lahstalon.org/category/artsculture

Joker CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE He commands attention and, as the centerpiece, keeps the film going.

But Phoenix’s performance isn’t enough to stop the film’s clunky pacing from dragging it down. “Joker” is, at times, unbearably slow—the entire first half feels more like a collection of random scenes and moments than a film. After Fleck’s first murder of three wealthy young men on a subway, the audience gets a first taste of what he is becoming, but then a half hour of nothing follows. The film takes unnecessary detours, exploring his childhood and a budding relationship with his neighbor that is later revealed to all be in his head. Had all these scenes been placed before the murder, they could have functioned as build up to what should’ve been the snap, the moment that sparked his spiral into becoming the Joker. In choosing not to, the storyline became muddled, more of a self-important exploration of Fleck rather than a focused study of his transformation.

That is not to say there aren’t

absolutely awe-inspiring moments. “Joker” is at its most impactful when they allow Phoenix to fully embody the title and have fun with the character. The first murder Fleck commits, for example, is impeccably made.

The subway is one of the most important aspects of the scene and is used to its fullest, only adding to the tension. The rocking of the car and f lickering lights as it goes in and out of tunnels help create an off-kilter and dangerous atmosphere. The use of lighting, framing and music are just as smart throughout the film, creating a world and feeling that belongs entirely to “Joker.”

One of the film’s final scenes is its strongest: Fleck stands atop a destroyed police car as Gotham—his city that stands as a symbol of inequality, corruption and ruin—is burning around him and citizens in clown masks surround him cheering. He reaches into his bloody mouth with both hands, spreading it up and out, painting a gruesome smile on his face. He extends his arms out, the music swelling, now a showman, a hero to the masses, and it cuts to black.

It is in these moments that the possible impact of this film is impossible to ignore. I was terrified when I went to see this movie, terrified that something

WARNER BROS.

Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) paints his face as he transforms into the Joker. The film, despite the uproar surrounding its release, doesn’t pack the punch it thinks it does. was going to happen to me and my mom. Even so, I don’t want movies like this to stop being made, and that’s not to say we should charge full speed ahead, making more films like these without a care in the world. It is the job of art and media to say something about the human condition, to make you think. Stories like this, stories that can touch on class division and mental illness, deserve to

be told. It is the way in which they’re told that makes the difference and, in this crucial sense, “Joker” missed the mark.

The story too often victimized Fleck, basked in his violent tendencies and had his actions result in positivity. Additionally, the release of a film like this at a time like this, with mass shootings becoming all too common, is unquestionably, an odd and dangerous decision.

At its Venice premiere, “Joker” received an eight minute long standing ovation. When I walked out of the theater, I felt nothing stronger than general contentedness with what I had just seen. “Joker” isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary, it’s just a film like any other with its fair share of faults and strengths.

And considering everything that has surrounded its release, I’m happy with just that.

Kanye West’s “gospel” album foiled by his own ego LUCAS BRICCA Senior Writer

""On Friday, October 25, Kanye West released his newest album, “JESUS IS KING” (JIK). The album dropped over a year after the initiallyannounced release date of September 2018—West even used billboards in Los Angeles to advertise and publicly announced it on Twitter. However, after 13 months of anticipation and a lifetime of building his reputation as arguably the most talented artist of his generation, the shallow ideas and divisive direction of “JIK” are underwhelming, and ultimately fall short of West’s potential.

“JIK” is West’s first gospel album, in which he takes a dive into his relationship with religion. This topic could be interesting, had West not made it glaringly reductive and selfcentered. What many West listeners may have expected is an attempt at finding nuance in religion, however, “JIK” offers no acknowledgment of opposing perspectives nor any attempt to match the complexity of his previous albums.

“JIK” doesn’t deserve criticism because it is a gospel album, it deserves criticism because it’s not.

What West made out to be a gospel album is completely derailed by his own ego just three minutes in on “Selah”. This is entirely in character for West—but if his ego is going to be front and center on the album, listeners deserve a nuanced take.

Instead, West masks the album with religion, and topics of his character and mental health are secondary. A shining example of this is the track “Closed On Sunday.” Starting with intense acoustic guitar and holy background vocals, the first lyrics— “Closed on Sunday/You my Chickfil-A” are so far out of line with the

music that it’s hard to take the song seriously. And on “Everything We Need,” West essentially contradicts the themes of the human condition and oppression on his previous albums by claiming that “We have everything we need.” It’s hard not to feel like religion is limiting West’s perspective that birthed his success. An album in a genuinely new direction is not worthy of criticism in itself, but gospel is not new to West, and he has proven he can do better. “Ultralight Beam,” one of his most highly acclaimed songs, is about West’s faith in God. And even as early as his first album, “The College Dropout,” West explains his relationship with religion. “JIK” is an in-between, caught between the gospel album it was meant to be and the underwhelming repeat of “ye” that it is. “JIK” is fantastically oversimplified, and especially when contrasted with his other albums, feels lacking in depth.

What remains the same across the albums is that Kanye loves Kanye. In 2016, he tweeted: “I’m not even gon lie to you. I love me so much right now.”

In this sense, West is still the same narcissist he was four years ago. But rather than a nuanced exploration of character he put out on “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” about how his own ego spiraled out of control, all we get is a watered-down, 27-minute sermon of West comparing his life to the life of Jesus Christ—which, even for West, is a stretch.

“JIK” was arguably West’s most anticipated album, especially as his reputation has grown in past years, tracking over 37 million monthly listeners on Spotify. While it could be argued that expectations for the album were too high, West has earned his reputation for a reason, and that comes with the expecta-

tion that he can follow up his albums with equal dedication. The lack of dimension in “JIK” makes it feel like West ignored the potential nuances in religion in favor of simplicity, which translates into the album feeling incomplete.

Admittedly, “JIK” has some replay value. “Verses” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and powerful gospel singing make up the high points of the album. West’s production is still incredible, and to some listeners, “JIK” may be refreshing. Still, these upsides alone cannot carry the album’s shallow lyrics that weigh it down.

“He may be trying to understand Jesus in his own limited way,” a Christian real estate agent told The Washington Post. Looking at the Christian community’s critical response to the album makes it clear that “JIK” is not the gospel album that it is made out to be, but an album about West’s personal interpretation of Christianity.

West responded to this criticism by drawing parallels between his life and the persecution of Jesus Christ. But let’s take a step back— for someone who made $150 million this year alone, is this com-

parison really justified?

“JIK” may very well mark a crossroads for West, as he may swing back to a manic and heavy style seen on “Yeezus,” or this could be a more permanent transition for West to gospel music. Overall, “JIK” doesn’t reduce what West has done during his career, but it does raise questions about where he will take future albums. He has promised another gospel album

by Christmas, but knowing Kanye it might be a good idea to give him at least a 6 month grace period on that deadline.

DAYS DIGITAL

A R T S & C U LT U R E

The Talon November 8, 2019

13

Sulli’s impact: importance of mental health and dangers of social media On Monday, October 14 Choi Jin-ri, better known as Sulli, was found dead in her home. Sulli was a former member of K-pop girl group f(x) and well-known actress. Her death has sparked a discussion worldwide about mental health and cyberbullying. Although the specific cause of death has not officially been disclosed, the police state it was likely a suicide.

MELESEINI LOTOANIU Staff Writer

I didn’t follow Sulli very much, but I knew that she was the kind of person who was outspoken about her beliefs—something the Kpop industry doesn’t encourage. She was of the few Korean female celebrities to support abortion after it was legalized in South Korea.

She openly expressed her relationships and posted selfies of her wearing clothes without a bra on social media. These are things many other people have done, but Sulli was heavily criticized by people online for doing them.

But Sulli shouldn’t have been condemned for her actions—she should have been commended for them. Many Korean celebrities are not as brave as she was and that’s what she should be remembered for. She was even an advocate for a safer online culture. She reportedly asked her label, S.M. Entertainment, to take action against haters. She was a host of a variety show program called The Night of Hate Comments, where she and other Korean celebrities discussed malicious comments and cyberbullies they encountered online. In an Instagram Live, she even addressed cyberbullies: “Why do you hate me? I’m not a bad person. I’m sorry” (roughly translated from Korean).

Even in the aftermath of her death, the negative comments didn’t stop. Her ex-bandmate, Krystal, and close friend IU didn’t immediately post a condolence message when news of her death was released. People trolled their accounts, angry and confused about why they failed to do so. Her ex-boyfriend, Choiza, who she broke up with two years ago, was meticulously attacked. Two days before her death, he visited a pork restaurant and people were crazy enough to say that he should’ve been by her side instead. Sulli was known to be suffering from severe depression at the time of her death and fans blatantly accused him of causing her mental health to deteriorate in the first place.

In the K-pop industry, cyberbullying is a big problem. Even if you are perfectly innocent, you aren’t safe. Fans, with the power of their phones, can easily log into their Twitter account, click on a post, leave a negative comment and then without a second thought, log out.

And this happens far too often within the K-

pop fandom. As K-pop grows, so does the hate, fanwars and toxicity of most fandoms. Many K-pop stars, called “idols,” have had to pursue legal action against malicious commenters because the hate gets so out of hand that they can’t ignore it.

Many K-pop stans on Twitter feel like they are entitled to voice their opinion on social media, even if they don’t know the full story. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten frustrated just looking at tweets of people spreading rumors or misinformation. The restrictive nature of K-pop companies means that many celebrities are highly censored, and this one dimensional view fans are given can sometimes mean that they don’t see K-pop idols as real people. Fans seem to feel obligated to start or put out the fires for their favorite idols—even though it’s not their place.

What happened to Sulli is something I sincerely hope will not continue in the future. The fact that I’ve already seen this with other K-pop idols in the past is something I wish I did not happen. Several lawmakers are considering approaching the South Korean National Assembly to pass “Sulli’s Law” in regards to safer online protocols for the future. This law aims to reduce the amount of malicious comments online as many, including myself, consider Sulli’s death a “social murder.”

CATHY WANG

Copy/Content Editor

When I opened Twitter the morning of Monday, October 14, the first thing I saw was an old translated tweet from Kim Namjoon of BTS reading “l feel that sometimes peopIe shouId be respected just for being aIive and existing.” At the time, I was glad someone brought it onto my timeline. As I continued scrolling, I came to find its appearance was much more than a happy reminder.

Despite never closely following Sulli before her death, my heart dropped when I heard the news. Losing a friend to suicide made this hard enough but the reactions I saw kept me from going on Twitter for the rest of the day and much of the next. Littering the site were accusations and fingers pointed at people that didn’t stand with Sulli or support her when she needed it, speculations of how she died and mentions of another idol that had passed away two years ago.

A tweet that has wracked up 11.1K retweets and 21.2K likes in just over two weeks reads, “Sulli’s death shouldn’t be reported as a suicide but murder she was attacked constantly by ppl’s words she survived everyday without crumbling down but there’s only so much a person can take.”

After the news of Sulli’s death broke, she

should’ve been mourned and honored, remembered for the life she lived. Instead, it was used as an opportunity to spread negativity, assume reasons for her death and blame the media and her own friends for not being there for her. Additionally, the media began peddling the narrative of K-Pop as an industry that kills.

But what her death brought to light for me is not so much the issues with K-pop but instead the treatment of mental illness as a whole.

I grew up in an Asian, specifically Chinese, household and came to learn that the WangJing family prefers keeping feelings in the shadows. Asian cultures, in my eyes, are primarily defined by the importance of the collective and a belief in hard work. The family, the collective whole, is taught to be the most important thing in a person’s life and because of this, personal struggle is seen simply as a disruption to the harmony of the whole. In addition, it has always been my parents’s straightforward belief that hard work will always lead to success and fulfillment. As a result, if I fall behind, if I fail, the only thing that should—can—be done, is working harder.

I see these threads appear prominently in K-pop, in the ways idols constantly promise to work harder and “show better sides of themselves” to make their fans happy. They’re marketed as blemish free showmen, and the intensive training the industry demands accepts only the best. While it pushes people to be the best artists they can be, it also promotes a system that perpetuates the belief that less than perfect isn’t good enough and that the hardships caused by such an idea shouldn’t be shared.

Too often I see the idols I follow beat themselves up for the smallest mistake, and I worry for them and wonder what I can do. I hope Sulli, who, in her lifetime, was outspoken about her experience with bullying and mental illness, can cause a conversation within the community that brings about permanent change.

And I hope this article can help do that too.

Mental health should not be something we only talk about in the face of tragedy. It’s a hard and slippery thing to deal with but it deserves to be seen. Your life and your feelings are valid and we owe ourselves and each other simple kindness. Most importantly, know that it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes and that it should never be a cause for shame. The world wants you here and you deserve to experience it.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Mobile Crisis provides 24/7 suicide crisis response and referrals: 408-379-9085 Crisis Stabilization Unit provides suicide assessment and stabilization: 408-364-4083

Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System Suicide & Crisis Service San Jose: 408-279-3312 North County: 650-494-8420 South County: 408-683-2482

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The Talon November 8, 2019

ELLI LAHDESMAKI, COPY/CONTENT EDITOR|ETHAN RUYACK, BARRETT WONG, SENIOR WRITERS| ALLIE BRICCA, ELANA EISENBERG, TOMOKI CHIEN, STAFF WRITERS|AMID NAJMI, PHOTOGRAPHER | EMILY ZHU, GRAPHIC ARTIST

Seniors Lindsay and Nicole Halden are twins, best friends and field hockey teammates. Due to their competitive personalities, they sometimes want to kill each other, but they have learned to leave the tension on the field.

The twins found their passion for field hockey the summer before their freshman year, inspired by their cousin who rode a field hockey scholarship to Lindenwood University.

Moving into their second year as varsity players, Lindsay and Nicole have become active leaders for the girls varsity field hockey team. Lindsay is one of the team captains, responsible for mentoring the newer athletes

and keeping the team connected. better that we play on opposite As teammates, the twins have sides of the field,” Lindsay said. worked together “We sometimes get and pushed each in trouble for yellother to do their ing at each other, best both on and I think it’s for the and the coaches off the field. But better that we play have to keep us a passion goes both on opposite sides safe distance away ways—when games from each other.” of the field. We and practices get Despite their competitive, the sometimes get in sisterly bickering, trouble for yelling girls tend to fight. they have learned to “I think it’s for the at each other, and leave the drama on the field, and to not the coaches have let it get in the way to keep us a safe of their relationdistance away ship. One of their close teammates, from each other. sophomore Diya — senior Lindsay Halden Gupta, explained that they look out

for each other, make sure they tence and we burst out laughing,” are confident and comfortable. Nicole said. “It drives our mom Even when the other nuts; it’s so funny.” makes a mistake, they Although Nicole and keep up the energy and Lindsay doubt that brush it off. they will move on to It’s obvious “It’s obvious that that their college field hockey, their bond is really value the life skills bond is really they strong,” Diya said. they have learned “They work well to- strong; they about leadership and gether and challenge work well how to relate to each each other to become together and other. better players.” challenge At home, Lindsay’s and Nicole’s bond only each other to grows stronger. With become betall the time they spend ter players. together, the twins — sophomore know each other inside Diya Gupta and out.

“We’ll be eating dinner at the table together and Lindsay will start to say something, but I just cut her off and finish her sen-

At first glance, it might be difficult to tell that juniors Kyleigh and Ragan Krames are related.

Kyleigh has a distinctive birthmark and wavy hair, while Ragan’s tall stature stands out the most. However, while their physical appearances may be different, their passion for soccer is almost identical.

Kyleigh, a center forward, and Ragan, a center back, were raised in a family of soccer players. Both of their parents played soccer; their mom played for her high school team and their step-father played for the Stanford men’s team. So when the twins tried out a variety of sports in elementary school, their mom naturally encouraged them to pursue soccer.

To this day, she has continued to be a significant role in their soccer careers.

“Our mom was the most strict

about soccer,” Kyleigh said. “Even sometimes think one twin is innow, she’ll point out what we did tentionally trying to bring the well and what we need to improve other down. on after each game.”

“One time, our freshman year The twins beJV coach talked to gan playing on the us about it because same club soccer he thought one team when they In the game, we’re of us was being were six. Since used to each other’s especially mean,” then, they have runs; it’s a lot easier Kyleigh said. “He been on club teams if Kyleigh is on my said that it would such as MVLA, be detrimental to side because if I Red Star and Palo our self-esteem Alto Soccer Club. pass her the ball, I if we continued The twins have know she’s going to to call each other developed good be there. names.” chemistry with one Conflicts be— junior Ragan Krames another in the four tween the two years they played aren’t as prevalent together on Red nowadays since Star. they currently aren’t on the same “In the game, we’re used to each club team. They both play for Palo other's runs,” Ragan said. “It's a lot Alto, however they are in difeasier if Kyleigh is on my side be- ferent leagues due to their cause if I pass her the ball, I know skills levels. Unfortushe’s going to be there.” nately, this also causes While the twins do have good them to have less teamwork during games, their time to practice with competitive nature often one another outfeeds each their indi- side of their regular vidual egos. Oftentimes training hours. during practice, they’ll taunt one another and call each other names. Although they themselves know it’s all in good spirit, their coaches

“Ragan practices during a different time then I do,” Kyleigh said.

“In general, it’s really difficult to find time to practice with one another.”

Both twins may have the same desire to improve, however their goals for the future of their soccer careers are quite different. Ragan currently isn’t interested in playing soccer beyond highschool, while Kyleigh is looking into playing soccer in college.

“My team has a college recruiter that helps me get in touch with other college coaches,” Kyleigh said. “I wouldn’t go out of my way to play high-level soccer for a specific school, it’s more for if it helps me get into school I want to go to.”

For their academic futures, the two also have individual hopes for the majors they want to pursue. Kyleigh is interested in writing and potentially psycholog y while Ragan hopes to study premed.

Regardless of their differences, each twin feels like their personalities complement one another.

Kyleigh and Ragan are both dead-set on their own objectives and are not afraid to express their opinions. For those who surround them often, such as friends and family, being around only one twin can be overwhelming at times.

Since they are so opinionated, they together create a balance that allows the people around them to gain different viewpoints.

“If someone can’t deal with too much of [my brutal honesty], then they can go spend time with Kyleigh,” Ragan said. “She's orange and I’m blue, our personalities are like complementary colors.”

The Talon November 8, 2019

Get daily updates on Eagle athletics and read the sports archives at lahstalon.org/category/sports

Seniors Jake and Alex Walsh can often be found zipping down mountains (in both snow and dirt), performing tricks at skateparks and doing (equally as dangerous) tricks on their trampoline. The twins dabble in a number of sports including, but not limited to, bicycle motocross (BMX), mountain biking, snowboarding, spikeball and trampolining.

While the Walshes quit competitive club sports after their sophomore year—something which they attribute to their academic commitments in school— the twins still remain as active as possible, as demonstrated by the wide variety of sports that they participate

in.

“We'll do something every day, whether it’s biking a little, going on the trampoline or even playing spikeball,” Alex said.

According to the two, having a twin has always been beneficial; they not only have somebody to play sports with, but somebody that they know they can play well with.

“Every sport I’ve done, I think I’ve done with Jake,” Alex said.

“It’s cool to have a twin on your team; you understand how to play with them better than some of your teammates.”

Obviously, having a ‘twin connection’ might not be as useful in a sport l i k e snowboarding compared to team-oriented games like soccer, baseball

and basketball, all of which they have played in the past. But having a twin in an individually-oriented, non-competitive sport still has its advantages.

“We just push each other back and forth, especially in snowboarding,” Alex said. “I’ll say, ‘you got that big jump there, and you can send it,’ and Jake will be unsure then I’ll say ‘dude if you do it, I’ll back you up, I’ll follow you down the slope and I’ll do the same thing.’”

That same sense of healthy competition carries over to the skatepark, mountains and trampoline. Fortunately, they say that despite the high risk nature of sports like BMX and snowboarding, neither of them has ever been injured from being pushed too far by the other.

“When we were in elementary school, we were competitive against each other in a bad way,” Jake said. “But as we got older we sort of started being competitive in a way that we push

each other and help each other.”

The two certainly get along well, but as you might guess, that hasn’t always been the case.

“When we used to fight a lot in the beginning of high school, our friends would point it out all the time,” Alex said. “They’d [say stuff like] ‘Hey, guys you two live together. You're twins. Come on.

Stop.’”

Luckily, both twins agree they’re now long past that phase, as demonstrated by the seamless way in which the two were able to (politely) finish each other’s thoughts throughout our interview.

Unlike a classic rivalry between twins (or siblings, in general) the Walshes agree their time spent together in sports serves to better their relationship; they aren’t harmed by the fact that

At first glance, one of the try team, and they’re identical only things that distinguishes twins. the two Sage boys from each “It’s been interesting trying to other is their hair. Adam’s is figure out how to do the whole chopped short, while Luke’s twins and running thing,” Adam is long enough to trail behind said. “We have very different him in the breeze. Otherwise, goals.” they look more While Adam is or less the same. considering runEven their voices ning for a Divisound the same— It’s not necessarsion 1 or Division so much so that, ily about the sport 3 college, Luke on the audio resaid that the sport cording of their in- or enjoying the has been less of a terview, they had act of physically force in his life, as to preface each re- running; it’s rehe started running sponse by saying, ally great to get to two years after his “This is Adam,” or, brother. know the people “This is Luke.”

However, alOf course, these on the team. though the boys similarities don’t see their futures in — senior Adam Sage come without an cross country folexplanation. Luke lowing two differand Adam Sage are seniors ent courses, they agree that runon the Los Altos cross coun- ning is much more than a sport to both of them.

“I think that even though we have such different goals…”

Adam started. “…the motivations are still very similar,” finished Luke.

Adam nodded in

agreement.

The twins also talked about how running on the cross country team has allowed them to form lasting and meaningful relationships both on and off the courses.

“Right now all of my closest friends are from the distance team, and that was one of the main attractions [of the team],” said Adam. “It’s not necessarily about the sport or enjoying the act of physically running; it’s really great to get to know the people on the team.”

The twins are used to being a part of a larger community.

They live with their parents and their younger sister Elly, as well as their aunt, uncle and cousins Peter and Megan. Elly is a freshman, Megan is a sophomore, and Peter is a senior alongside Luke and Adam. All five Sage teenagers currently go to Los Altos High School.

Although they all walk the same

campus each day, they agreed that each one of them has been able to find their own unique interests throughout high school.

“I found running, Peter is a drum major in the marching band and Luke has gotten really into 3D design,” Adam said.

“We’ve all found the things that we like, which I think is great.”

The twins did have one joking complaint about their living situation.

“We share a room and our sister gets the biggest bed and the biggest bedroom,” Adam said.

“It’s getting me prepared for college, that’s for sure.”

It’s unlikely that the Sage brothers will continue rooming together beyond high school, though.

Adam said that they don’t see themselves

15

they’re together so much. This, they say, is because the two know each other’s limits and when to give each other space.

“We have some different friends, so if you need a break, you can take one,” Jake said. “It’s nice that we don’t always have to be together.”

As for their looming separation due next year when they leave for college, the two hope to still be able to make time for each other, even if they go in opposite directions. But they both agree that it won’t be the same.

“You definitely need friends to do [the sports we do],” Jake said.

“It's nice to just have someone [like Alex] who's always available if you want to go do something.”

For now, the Walshes plan to make the best of the time that they have left together. They say they’re grateful for their relationship; without each other, they’d be thoroughly bored.

As Alex puts it, “It’s like living with your best friend, it’s awesome.”

going to the same college, mostly because Adam sees himself studying computer science, while Luke is looking to be an engineering major.

“I know that Adam and I are very likely to end up going to different places, which will probably be really strange,” said Luke. “But we’ve always been close, and I don’t think that will go away.”

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The Talon November 8, 2019

I ran with the cross country team ELANA EISENBERG

and lived to tell the tale

Staff Writer

I ran with the cross country team and lived to tell the tale I felt my legs start to seize up as we slowed our pace to something that barely qualified as a run. The hill looming ahead of me seemed a thousand times steeper than it had when I’d admired it on the drive up, and the blazing sun pounded down onto my aching muscles. Dust swirled around me in miniature tornadoes. It scratched my lungs and crept into my socks. Every muscle in my body felt heavy with the weight of my ambition, and my feet seemed to sink further into the dry trail with each reluctant step.

We weren’t even five minutes into the run.

I don’t know how many times I’ve said, “I would never join the cross country team.” It was never anything personal; in fact, I have a lot of close friends on the team, and I run track in the spring. As the cross country reporter for this season, I had hoped that throwing

myself into their shoes for a day would allow me to better understand their practice schedule and get a feel for the team atmosphere.

So there I was, tagging along with the Los Altos cross country team on their last long Saturday run of the season—by my own free will.

In that moment, I was sincerely regretting my decision. I felt like I was confirming everything I’d believed about cross country: it was hard. It was boring. And it made my legs felt like they were giving up on me.

Just as I was losing all faith in my decision-making skills, we reached the top of the hill. Finally, I was able to catch my breath. I looked up to see taller mountains rolling into the distance. I made my way past horses drinking from metal buckets, feeling the water spray my dusty ankles and the clear breeze wash over my face. As we headed down, I felt the tension in my legs fly away into the wind.

My stress and anxiety shifted to of peace and freedom over the next hour as we navigated our way through forest trails, across creek

bridges and over rocky hills. By the time we finished our loop and returned to the hill, I couldn’t wait to get to the top.

After a few long minutes of that final climb, I was able to take in the stunning scenery once more.

I couldn’t help but smile. Reaching the top of that hill meant that I had done it. It meant that I had run six whole miles with the cross country team without injuring myself or giving up, which were two very legitimate fears I had. It meant that I had taken my goals as a sports reporter to the next level.

It also meant that I got to eat a doughnut at the cross country team’s weekly Saturday potluck.

While the promise of snacks was not the ultimate factor in choosing to run with the team, it would be a lie to say it had no influence over my decision.

“This is the best chocolate milk I’ve ever had,” I blurted as I gulped it down from my plastic cup. (For anyone looking to up their chocolate milk game, it was Lucerne brand.)

“That’s what cross country will

SUZANNE GUO

do to you,” head Coach Steph Mackenzie said with a laugh from across the bench.

As more athletes returned from their runs, I got the chance to talk to some of them about their experiences on the team. My most pressing question for them, though, was the one that inspired me to go on the run in the first place: Why did you decide to join the cross country team?

Sophomore Riley Capuano said she joined the team after leaving the overly competitive and stressful club soccer environment. In just her first few months of running with the team, she’s consistently been one of the fastest varsity girls.

“So far this season has been really fun, especially since I do it with some of my best friends and the coaches are really supportive,” she said.

Junior Amanda Le also joined the team this year after making the switch from a long softball career, and she said that she’s found the team to be welcoming and inclusive of people no matter their skill level.

Junior Soham Bhonagiri and freshman Boden Sirey agreed with the girls about the team environment. Soham, who moved to the Bay Area from Chicago before his sophomore year, said that he made his first—and closest—friends while on runs with the team. Boden decided to give cross country a try instead of football.

“I decided to do cross country and give it a shot, and I started to really enjoy it,” he said. Boden ran the fastest time in the freshman boys heat at the first invitational meet of the season, and since then, he’s continued to place high in the freshman rankings and has even run some races in the varsity division.

After talking to Mackenzie about her thoughts on the team culture this year, I think it's safe to say she would agree with her athletes.

“The culture we are trying to

promote is inclusive of everyone no matter their ability, but also one where hard work and commitment is celebrated,” she said. “Getting involved in the team social events will help you build friendships across the team and feel like a part of the cross country family.”

I was only a part of that family for a few hours, but it was more than enough time to immerse myself in the team atmosphere. Anyone who was at the run could tell you that I was scared. I was scared that the hills would be too steep, scared that my shin splints would be killing me, scared that everyone would look at me and wonder, “Why is she even here? She’s never raced anything longer than a 400.”

Instead, runners showed me where to put my backpack and stretched alongside me as we warmed up in a dirt parking lot.

They pointed out where the water fountains were stationed along the trails and laughed with me when we realized we’d taken the wrong path. They welcomed me with excitement and compassion, and I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling experience.

At the heart of my experience was education. I learned about new local trails and running techniques, but even more importantly, I learned about taking risks. If you’re having doubts or fears about trying something new, sometimes the best way to overcome them is to tackle them face-to-face.

Just a little while ago, I was intimidated by the mere thought of running cross country, and I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to go on a six-mile run on a Saturday morning. Now, I’m so glad that I did.

After the run, I asked Mackenzie what she advice she would give to people who are interested in running cross country but hesitant to try it out.

“The best thing to do if you’re interested in cross country is to come out to our summer conditioning runs and try it out,” she said.

I couldn't agree more.

Freshmen assist varsity girls volleyball ETHAN RUYACK Senior Writer

For the first time in three years, the varsity girls volleyball team has accepted freshmen. Freshmen Kaitlyn Lee and Megan Wong received a warm welcome in August.

The last time a freshman joined girls varsity volleyball was when

KYLIE AKIYAMA

current team captain senior Katie Kishton made the team. Coach Peter Kim typically only allows players with at least one year of experience on the JV team onto the varsity team, but he made an exception when he recognized the raw talent Kaitlyn and Megan have.

“These freshmen are very young compared to the rest of the girls who have been playing for a lot longer, but the best part of them is that they are very willing and eager to learn and improve their skills,” team captain senior Claire Kwok said.

Kaitlyn started playing over four years ago, right before she moved to the Bay Area from Los Angeles in fifth grade.

“I was tall and one of my teachers from LA suggested that I play volley-

ball because I played basketball,” Kaitlyn said. “So I was just like, I'll try it out and see how it goes.

It definitely helped me make a lot of new friends and meet a lot of different people from different schools.”

Going into tryouts, Kaitlyn knew there would be many talented players to compete against.

Due to the team’s second place in states last year, there were high expectations for this year’s team.

Although starting high school can be very difficult, being among the varsity upperclassmen has made the transition easier for Kaitlyn.

“During school, when I see my upperclass teammates, I don’t feel like I am necessarily the youngest or the smallest,” Kaitlyn said. “I love how every away game we do a dance called ‘The Gigolo,’ and it reminds me of my first year playing volleyball because we would always do that. Everybody does something silly and it just

brings the whole group together and forms bonds.”

One of these bonds was made between Kaitlyn and Megan, who have become friends because of volleyball. Megan discovered her love for volleyball when she was in sixth grade and has stuck with it ever since.

“My sister originally played volleyball and that got me inspired to try it out,” Megan said. “Once I tried it out, I realized how much I enjoyed it and how passionate I was for it.”

Deciding to play on the varsity team has allowed Megan to find a place to fit in and create new friends in her first year of high school.

“When Kaitlyn and I were invited to play on the varsity court, we were so excited to get the opportunity to play with extremely talented and experienced girls,” Megan said. “Getting to meet and become closer with all these upperclassmen has already made

my freshman experience so much better. Katie always helps me out and coaches me; she's like kind of like my older sister.”

Although the team lost six seniors last year, having two new freshman has allowed the team to bring a new generation of talent.

“They bring so much energy and are always so positive,” Katie said. “They are both very good for only being freshmen and have had a huge impact on the team.”

Now that the official season is over, the team is currently competing in CCS and has already won their first match against Cupertino, moving them onto the quarter-finals. Their next CCS game will be an away match versus Carlmont.

“I want our team to go as far as we can, be happy with the way that we play and to play consistency and work on everything that we've strived for this entire season,” Kaitlyn said.