Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-in-Chief: Hollis Belger Taylor Elliott Kent Goodman Ryo Weng Art Consultants: Keely Ganong Brooke Leslie Calla McBride Business Managers: Samantha Michaels Keegan Williams Multimedia Editor: Caroline Scharf Survey Manager: Survey Manager: AnnaLise Sandrich Social Media Manager: Sydney Liebhauser Podcast Editor: Podcast Editor: Nathan Ash Sophie Smallhorn Video Editor Video Editors: Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan
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Copy Editors: Samantha Elegant (Head Copy) Ava Koblik (Head Copy) Natalie Tress (Head Copy) Rori Anderson Will Baker Chloe Bishop Kelly Chuang Sarah Goody Ella Kharrazi Kate McHugh Anna Royal Gemma Strauss Julia Fr Rori Anderson Reporters: Arjun Aujla Matt Benbow Peter Biss Sophia Buckholtz Gemma Favaloro Alex Fisch Justine Fisch Nina Geoghegan Sylvan Gordon-Wagen Chloe Craft Sabrina Kizer Kana Kojima Alyssa McCadden Lily Reese Gillian Reynolds Sofia Ruliffson John Seifer Claire Silva Madeline Sofnas Ani Svendsen Allie Vasquez Natalie Welch Dylan Zorn Caitlin Beard Alexandrea Coe
Opinion Editors: Stella Bennett Caroline Goodhart Ingrid Houtkooper Feature Editors: Casey Braff Bella Piacente Hannah Sellers Lifestyles Editors: Julia Frankus Annie Goldstein Sophie Smallhorn Sports Editors: Sam Kimball Declan McDaniels Dani Steinberg News Editors: Libby Hughes Shyla Lensing Abigail Shewmaker Review Editor Review Editor: Avery Aguero Ava Razavi Chris Vargelis Spanish Editor: Spanish Editor: Charlotte DeForrest
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Volume LXIV, No. 3 • December 10, 2021 • Larkspur, CA
Reproductive Rights
2
Best hikes in Marin Sports Spotlight
18
Wellness Specialist Singing ‘Til Dawn
23
redwood high school ● 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 ● volume LXIV, no. 3 ● december 10, 2021 ● www.redwoodbark.org
First US Omicron variant case detected in San Francisco By AnnaLise Sandrich
On Nov. 22, a traveler with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 arrived at the San Francisco International Airport from South Africa. By Nov. 30, the case had been sequenced and identified at the University of California, San Francisco — making it the first case of the Omicron variant identified in the U.S. As of Dec. 6, at least 32 cases have been identified in 12 states, with seven total in California — a number that continues to rise. With these cases come many concerns and questions about the new variant. Currently, information surrounding vaccination efficacy, contagiousness and other details are limited. According to an email from Tamalpais Unified School District (TUHSD) superintendent Tara Taupier, the district currently feels that there is not enough information to make a statement, though they hope that high vaccination rates will minimize impact. According to Taupier, the district works closely with Marin Public Health. On Nov. 29, Marin Health and Human Services released a status update including a public statement from County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis reiterating the current lack of information. “What we know about this variant is based on information being assembled internationally over the past few days. It will take at least two weeks to really understand the properties of this variant and to predict the impact it might have,” Willis said in his statement. According to Willis, data from South Africa suggests that this strain of the virus will be more infectious than previous variants. However, Willis also emphasizes the importance of Marin’s high vaccination rates in comparison to other areas. “Vaccination rates in Southern Africa are about 25 percent, and ours in Marin
are about three times higher, which will be protective. Vaccines remain our single most effective tool,” Willis said. While county public health officials wait for more data, some members of the Redwood community have expressed concerns. In addition to being disappointed about the restrictions of another wave, senior Kaitlyn Hartka is worried about some of the health impacts the new variant could have on family members. “I live with my grandma, and if I’m going to school every day, I’m constantly exposed to other people. At school, there’s not [a lot] of mask-wearing, especially outside. It just makes me a little worried — especially for my grandma, but for my parents as well,” Hartka said. Hartka is also concerned about students not taking the virus seriously enough. “I feel like a lot of people right now have that mentality that [COVID-19] is
basically over, and everyone’s still hanging out. They are not [careful] about how safe they are being. I definitely think that [Omicron] needs to be brought to people’s attention before [COVID-19] really starts to spread everywhere again,” Hartka said. “It just seems like people are forgetting that [COVID-19] exists.” On the other hand, some students feel that reactions to Omicron may be overblown. Sophomore Jack Zimmerman says that the school district, county and community as a whole should wait for more information. “A lot of the reaction to the new variant seems a little unprovoked. What we learned from Delta is that no matter what you do, it’s going to make its way … I think that at this point there’s nothing you can really do about it. We [should] just treat it as if it was another [COVID-19] surge. I think the reaction is a little too early. We’re
outpacing science,” Zimmerman said. According to a statement given by Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States Dr. Anthony Fauci, early indicators about the severity of Omicron are “encouraging,” and that there may not be a high degree of danger, but ultimately more data is needed to accurately make any official conclusions. In the meantime, Willis suggests continuing to take health precautions such as social distancing and wearing masks. “There’s some preliminary data that it may cause less severe illness, but we need more data. We also don’t know the level of protection the vaccines offer against this new variant. It boils down to this: With all we don’t have control over, we have very direct control over our own risk; it’s the same fundamentals we’ve been practicing over the past year. Vaccinations and boosters, covering our faces when we’re in indoor public settings, staying home when we’re sick and testing when we have symptoms,” Willis said. COVID-19 vaccination sites are listed at getvaccinatedmarin.org and the QR code below.
Photo by AnnaLise Sandrich
REMINDING STUDENTS TO wear a mask, guidelines posted around campus and the Wellness Center also encourage practicing social distancing.
asandrich@redwoodbark.org
Bridge the Gap fundraiser bridges students together By Lily Reese The beginning of November marked the start of the Bridge the Gap (BTG) school-wide fundraiser for Redwood. BTG is a non-profit organization in Sausalito that provides under-resourced students with peer tutors and classes to prepare them for high school and college. In previous years, Redwood leadership service committees picked organizations and communities in faraway places. For example, in 2013, students hosted a fundraiser for residents in New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy. This year they decided it was time to support an organization within the local community by providing
Photo by Lily Reese
VOLUNTEER KAYLEIGH DOCHERTY and student Adem Ozbeck hug after a night of tutoring.
donation boxes to every SMART teacher and collecting money throughout the month for BTG. Sophomore leadership student Ella Kaminski, who is part of leadership’s Service Outreach committee, explained that BTG was the chosen organization because it was most appealing to the student body. “In the past, [leadership] picked organizations that excite students and where we really can help the organization because people want to contribute,” Kaminski said. “Bridge the Gap seemed like a good opportunity [to do that] because a lot of students in the Redwood community volunteer there.” Kayleigh Docherty, a senior and three-year volunteer at BTG, is among the many Redwood students involved in the organization. When first hearing about the fundraiser Docherty was thrilled; she saw the impact the fundraiser had on students firsthand, especially for her one-to-one tutee, Adem Ozbeck. “The relationship I have built with [Ozbeck] is ... a big part of my life. I know for [students] going to BTG they get excited, but I get excited too,” Docherty said. “Anything to help to give [BTG] more resources [is appreciated]; it’s a great program and it definitely helps a lot of the kids.” Not only could the fundraiser provide new resources for the program, but the amount of money generated from the fundraiser could be game changing for the organization. BTG Executive Director Lisa Raffel is excited to see where that money will go. “We don’t even have enough Chromebooks when we want to do work with students that require something to be online, whether it’s an older student writing something or our coding program for middle school students. For younger students, especially those struggling to learn to read, we have an online reading program and we would like to do it more, but we don’t have enough computers,” Raffel said. “Chromebooks only cost $258 and if we want to use this money that would provide at least 10 students with a computer.”
Photo by Lily Reese
URGING STUDENTS TO donate, Ann Jaime, an APUSH and American history teacher, holds out the BTG donation box for her students. Raffel also expressed that the money could be used to purchase after-school snacks for students and provide the necessary training for teacher and tutor programs to help create more inclusive as well as engaging lesson plans. With students’ extra lunch money, bus money and change found in their pockets, Redwood could provide services that not only will improve BTG as a program, but also create real change in students’ lives. As a past principal and long-time educator, Raffel urges the recognition of BTG. “I think we should all focus on [increasing] equity [through BTG] and looking at the inequitable outcomes that education often contributes to ... [especially] when looking at Southern Marin, where there is this immense amount of wealth, [in contrast] to a community that is marginalized to an extensive degree, like Marin City,” Raffel said. lreese@redwoodbark.org
bark
Page 2 • News
December 10, 2021
Photo Survey What is one of your family’s holiday traditions?
“During Christmastime, my family always comes together and does ornament exchanges.”
“Going skiing on Christmas because I’m Jewish.”
Julia Delsol
Ian Rothbart
freshman
sophomore
“Going to my grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving because it brings all of my family from different places together.”
“Opening up a present on Christmas Eve with my whole family.”
junior
senior
Kendall Johnson
Jacob Smith
To nullify or not to nullify: Abortion restrictions in the US By Stella Bennett On Sept. 1 2021, a new abortion law in Texas was enacted, severely limiting access to abortions in the state. This law, Senate Bill 8, prohibits abortions after six weeks into pregnancies, including circumstances of rape or incest, with the only exception being abortions for a medical emergency. The law received national attention and was brought to the Supreme Court weeks later. The overall majority of Supreme Court Justices — five to four — refused to block this controversial abortion law just before midnight on Sept. 1, 2021. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the U.S. began to speak up through protest and other methods of advocacy. Even beyond the borders of Texas, many declared that Senate Bill 8 was unconstitutional and a violation of womens’ rights. Senior Lola Zirpoli has maintained a strong opinion about the law and has advocated her beliefs through protesting in San Francisco. “I feel like I should be able to do whatever I like with my own body,” Zirpoli said. “It is very violating to think that not only can I not choose, but that a man would be choosing for me.” Zirpoli’s viewpoint is widespread; a December 2020 Bark Survey revealed that 79 percent of students are concerned or somewhat concerned about their abortion access being threatened. As a result, multiple lawsuits against Senate Bill 8 have arisen throughout the country. In response, the Supreme Court decided to reconvene on Oct. 22, 2021 to re-examine the legislation. The Supreme Court is having trouble
navigating the constitutionality of the law due to Texas’ attempts to avoid the nullification by not making a direct ban on abortion itself. Senate Bill 8 allows for anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of an abortion to sue the patient. Due to this, if the Supreme Court decides to nullify the law, they will have to ensure they do not hinder free speech. David Minhondo, a social studies teacher at Redwood, believes that the Supreme Court is in a difficult situation due to the constitutionality of the law. “I am not 100 percent sure what the court will be able to do,” Minhondo said. “[The Supreme Court] isn’t going to say, ‘individuals cannot file lawsuits against each other’ [because] if they do that, they are uprooting an entire part of our justice system.” The Court is currently hearing oral arguments on two cases, one against Senate Bill 8, and the other challenging a Mississippi abortion law. Mississippi, along with 19 other states, has followed in Texas’ footsteps, enacting abortion restrictions in 2021. However, Mississippi’s new law, banning abortions after 15 weeks, directly challenges the constitutional abortion rights established by the landmark case, Roe v. Wade, in 1973. On Dec. 1, 2021, the Supreme Court started the oral defense for Mississippi abortion restrictions, which could be used to weaken or overturn the Roe v. Wade decision. “To me, Mississippi has a more national effect than the Texas law,” Minhondo said. Additionally, on Sept. 17, 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation that would restrict medication abortion, limiting access to one of the most common
Photo by Lily Reese
MARCHING THE STREETS of San Francisco, activists fight for abortion rights and to defend Roe v. Wade. abortion methods. Medication abortion, in Texas]. They didn’t want to live in a state the form of a pill, accounted for 39 percent that would restrict their daughters’ access of U.S. abortions in 2017. This law took [to abortion].” effect on Dec. 2, 2021. As the country waits for the Supreme Senior Molly Pitts has concerns Court’s verdicts, women across the world about the effects of the state’s new bills, are praying for a positive outcome that especially as she knows several families does not further suppress their rights. living in Texas who would be directly “As a woman, [this law] does not make impacted. me feel confident in our country’s morality “[The families I know] felt strongly because [if] they think it is ok to take these about [the law] in the sense that they rights away, what is next? It took us a long obviously felt this was a step backward,” time to get voting rights, is that going to go Pitts said. “The parents were also worried away next?” Pitts said. “At this point, I am that it was getting to a point where they not putting anything past our government.” would have to move away if they did not [already] have prior plans [to move out of sbennett@redwoodbark.org
Single-track bike trails to potentially open in Marin By Matthew Marotto Cub Reporter Following a record-setting year of watershed visitation, the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) has entered the development phase of its Recreational Management Plan (RMP), reviewing trail usage rules for its 22,000 acres of watershed land and opening the path to bicycle access on single-track trails. Watersheds are typically areas of land open for public recreational access that drain water to reservoirs. Currently, bicycle access is limited to the Marin watershed’s 90 miles of fire roads, while singletrack trails account for an additional 60 miles of off-road, cyclist-preferred terrain. This marks the first opportunity for expanded bicycle access since the original RMP denied doing so to the pedestrian and equestrian exclusive singletrack trails of the watershed in 2005. Cycling proponents, including the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC), whose off-road division is directed by Tom Boss, are advocating for bicycle-friendly policies. “Today, I think the watershed has evolved. It is a smart move to embrace the fact [the watershed] is a destination for recreation … and make sure everyone has a little bit of what [bicycle accessibility] they need — and, today, that’s not the case,” Boss said. Daegan Cutter, a member of the Redwood’s Mountain Bike and Cross Country teams, primarily experiences the watershed on foot but supports bicycle access to singletrack trails. This falls in line with the hopes of William Hartung, also a member of both sports teams. “I would like to see trails [for bicycles] not only
Photo by Matthew Marotto
MARKING THE START of the Yolanda Trail at Phoenix Lake, this sign prohibits bicycles on the single-track. because it would be more fun for mountain bikers, but because you wouldn’t always be going on the same trails causing less erosion,” Hartung said. While Cutter and Hartung both support increasing bicycle access, Cutter voiced his concerns, too. “Legalizing trails is fine as long as people know they will be seeing mountain bikes on those trails,” Cutter stated. Hartung also explained his worries, focusing on potential environmental impacts. “You don’t want too many trails because that destroys the nature [of the watershed],” Hartung said.
Though environmental concerns, including habitat loss and sedimentation, are amongst the greatest obstacles to bicycle access on single-track trails, Boss is optimistic about a bicycle-friendly solution. “We are part of nature and therefore let’s work together to have a better distribution of recreation … and, at the same time, reduce the impact. We’ve got 22,000 acres, so there must be a way we can do it,” Boss said. In response to the safety concerns of conflicts between cyclists and other recreationists that prohibit bicycle access to single-track trails in MMWD policy, Boss proposed trail access modifications to accommodate cyclists. Such policies require MMWD Board approval, as Emma Detwiler, the acting MMWD communications and public affairs manager, explained. “[The MMWD is looking] to best manage the watershed, while still balancing the need for [recreation] and all the competing user groups’ interests sustainably, ensuring people have access to the watershed. The RMP is what the board and staff will use to inform policy decisions; the board will have the final say,” Detwiler said. Going forward, community members, the MMWD and cycling advocacy groups alike are striving to meet the demands of the watershed and its recreation. “There are lots of different challenges, but as far as getting this plan released, and with policies that will be bike-friendly and give us a toolbox to work with, I am confident we can get there,” Boss said. mmarotto@redwoodbark.org
December 10, 2021 bark Page 3 • News PTSA creates ‘Grassroots’ club to keep campus clean By Dylan Zorn and Sylvan Gordon-Wagen In October of 2021, Grassroots, a club designed by Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) chair member Christine Svallin had its second official campus clean-up. The program began over a year ago to keep Redwood wellmaintained for students and faculty but did not commence on campus until recently due to COVID-19 restrictions and online school. In August of 2021, the club came together, successfully completing two clean-up days since then and producing substantial results. Svallin was not pleased with the landscaping conditions on campus, as there was overgrown plant life and fallen leaves all over. In 2020, Svallin decided that the campus’ lack of landscaping needed a change. “When my first child started at Redwood, I immediately noticed that the campus needed to be cleaned up and refreshed. As a member of the PTSA, I was able to ask for grants to clean up specific parts of campus, and that’s how Grassroots began,” Svallin said. Grassroots cleaned the perimeter of the school along the main parking lot as well as trimmed and replanted the plant life around the lunch tables. They removed excess plants, bushes were trimmed and the dirt around both areas was swept with the intent of making the campus a more welcoming place. Senior Jose Perez often spends lunch and break periods by the quad and appreciates the progress made by the club. “Sometimes I don’t want to just sit in a car, so coming to the lunch tables or quad on campus is the next best thing. Now there are attractive places to be instead of the paint-chipped seating and dead plants,” Perez said. Svallin is planning on taking Grassroots’ cleanup skills to the quad next to refine the vegetation and improve the appearance of the main building. “We just received a grant from the foundation, so we will be revamping the center area of the quad, repainting the benches, trimming bushes and trees and making it a much more welcoming place,” Svallin said. “Although we do not have a set date for this cleanup, we are planning on completing it before next February.” Grassroots is rapidly gaining popularity, with over 50 students signed up for the next cleanup, more than twice the amount of people that attended the first clean-up. In addition to the cleanup of the quad, the organization
Photo courtesy of Christine Svallin
CLEARING OUT THE brush, students and parents of Grassroots work to cut away excess vegetation around campus.
intends to work on other areas of campus that have not impact on students. After just two days of work, students have taken notice of the better cared for the campus. received maintenance or landscaping. Senior Eli Whitney believes “The blacktop is in need of some cleaning that Grassroots’ work has up, we have noticed lots of overgrown bushes been impactful and is making and plants. The paint on the lunch tables near campus life more vibrant. the portables are also pretty old,” Svallin said. “I have definitely noticed Grassroots is planning on having a third the entire campus looking a cleanup around ski week in February of 2022. lot neater and green. It makes “We are working on getting a grant for a our school a more enjoyable cleanup by next February,” Svallin said. “The place to be at, and shows that large grass area between the main building and people actually care about our the small gym could use our help, and we are community,” Whitney said. hopeful to get another amazing crew together Eli Whitney “Trimming the bushes and for that clean-up in the future.” senior repainting the benches has Sophomore Ryan Ip, a member of the Boy brought a more vibrant feel to Scouts, volunteered at the second Grassroots the quad.” cleanup through the Boy Scouts and was Formerly, bird excrement, discarded plant matter and impressed with the organization of the cleanup. “Each group of volunteers was assigned to one part of unattended structures made the quad and surrounding the quad to clean up. Christine [Svallin] would help each areas uninspiring for students at lunch looking for a group with cleaning up, and walk around the quad giving pleasant seating. “I remember my freshman year, most of the planters tools to the people involved,” Ip said. The Boy Scouts involved in the cleanup ranged in age here or benches were covered in bird poop and it was hard from 14-17, many of them students at Redwood. Senior to even find a place to sit after going through the [Covered Eagle Scout, Arya Shadan, took advantage of the community Eating Area],” Perez said. “Hopefully they can get the rest of the school presentable because the quad isn’t the only service opportunity to make the campus more lively. “No one in the Boys Scouts was required to participate place in need of their attention.” Grassroots has created an enjoyable environment for in Grassroots. All of the members, including myself, used this opportunity to make an impact on a place that we spend students who have little time to spend outdoors, especially during the winter months. Thankfully, for students a lot of our time in,” Shadan said. Grassroots’ campus benefits also give students more that admire the progress, the cleaning and painting will chances to help their community directly and make a continue into next semester. Grassroots is open to anyone interested in making an difference in the campus they attend daily. “I have always thought that Redwood could benefit from impact on our campus. For more information on how to a campus cleanup, and when I found out that I could help, sign up look out for a Sign-Up Genius link coming to the I was really excited to be a part of it. At the Boy Scouts, Redwood Twig in the spring semester. we are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities like Photo courtesy of Christine Svallin these in which we can make places we care about better,” CUTTING AWAY BRANCHES, father and son volunteers Shadan said. work to clean up the plants along the main building. Grassroots has been able to make an immediate visual bark@redwoodbark.org
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December 10, 2021 bark Page 4 • News Desalination poses salty implications for Marin despite rise in support By Anna Royal
Throughout California, there has been a recent rise in support for the increased use of desalination plants, sparking a conversation in Marin about the possibilities of desalination plants for the county. Central Valley farmers and Southern California desalination supporters have been petitioning and collecting signatures for the passage of the Water Infrastructure Funding Act of 2022, which would require California lawmakers to set aside $4 billion every year to fight the water shortage through infrastructure, such as desalination plants. To qualify for the November 2022 ballot, the act needs 997,132 signatures by April 29. However, the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) has chosen to continue to explore other methods to increase water availability for residents, such as the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge pipeline project, due to the
Photo by Anna Royal
GLISTENING UNDER THE sun, the Corte Madera marsh displays Marin’s easy access to water, raising the question of desalination plants.
many drawbacks associated with desalination plants. Desalination technology uses chemicals to remove the salt from seawater, creating fresh drinking water. With 12 desalination plants already in California, as well as prime access to the Pacific Ocean, support for increased use of desalination plants has been on the rise in the past years. Counties across the U.S., like New Mexico City, as well as many other drought-stricken countries like Egypt, are currently forging ahead with their desalination plans. According to Larry Russell, the vice president of the MMWD Board, desalination’s surface-level appeal comes with many barriers and limitations. “The biggest limitation is … there is an election requirement in order to implement desalination,” Russell said. Russell also emphasized the high costs and energy usage needed to run a desalination plant in Marin and the issue of the salt waste it produces. However, he mentioned that desalination is not completely off the table; if the MMWD was to go through with it in the future, they would need to raise a considerable amount of funds for the expensive project, as well as expect a large increase in water costs. “We are talking about double or triple the cost of water from a desalination plant … so it’s a pretty big hit,” Russell said. Daniella Brandao, a senior project manager in the infrastructure division of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, claims that desalination plants cannot be considered as a stand-alone solution to California’s droughts. “We need to really develop integrated plans that have diversified water sources. … If you look at desalination alone, it will likely not solve the problem,” Brandao said. “Desalination produces a very concentrated waste, and handling and disposing of that waste creates other problems.” This produced waste is concentrated brine. According to Brandao, the brine consists of both the salt itself as well as the chemicals used to remove it, therefore posing yet another problem. Adding the waste back into the ocean
could be harmful to the environment and the sea life because of the brine’s high salinity concentration. According to Brandao, desalination is also less efficient than other methods to attain drinkable water. However, these alternatives face their own issues. “With desalination, only 40 percent of what you put in comes out as freshwater, because of all the salts. If you compare that with wastewater … [where] you get at least 60 percent [that] comes out as [drinkable] water. The problem there is the public acceptance around wastewater,” Brandao said. Mitch Cohen, an Advanced Placement (AP) environmental science teacher at Redwood, also does not envision a desalination plant as an effective drought solution for Marin due to its negative impacts on the environment. “The main drawbacks are our costs and then energy. It’s a pretty energy-intensive process. So, burning fossil fuels in order to take salt out of water — that doesn’t seem like a good recipe in an age of climate change,” Cohen said. After considering the temporary implementation of desalination plants, the MMWD has decided against desalination for now and is instead pursuing the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge pipeline project, among other infrastructure efforts. This pipeline project allows for Marin to gain access to water in a more affordable and faster process as opposed to desalination plants. While there are many water-conserving infrastructure options being explored, there are many things individuals can do to conserve water in their homes as well as advocate for more sustainable options. “We need long-term, sustainable, reliable and resilient solutions,” Brandao said. “It’s [about] looking at a holistic approach to water resources management and not simply promoting something that sounds like it’ll give us more water so we can water our grass. [We need to] understand the water sector and value it.” aroyal@redwoodbark.org
Snapshots of notable moments from the fall semester By Redwood Bark Staff
Photo by Justine Fisch
USING THE NEW Apple Pay feature, junior Kendall Johnson buys snacks from the vending machines.
Photo by Keegan Williams
BOYS’ VARISTY WATER polo dominates Arroyo Grande Eagles on their journey to the state title.
Photo by Arjun Aujla
CELEBRATING THE FIRST half, the Redwood student section erupts into excitement over varsity basketball’s home game against Marin Catholic.
Photo by Claire Silva
BLOWING BUBBLES, DEL Mar students bond with Peer Resource at their wellness event. bark@redwoodbark.org
opinion
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The conservative CRT: Canceling Race in Teaching By Shyla Lensing A couple of months ago, my Advanced Placement (AP) United States (U.S.) History class was introduced to Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the U.S. In my textbook, he was known as the epitome of the Common Man, one of the first presidents to be elected by the average white American. Left out of the book was an emphasis on Jackson’s lesser known and more controversial policies, such as his push for slavery and the Trail of Tears. But these were not overlooked in our class discussion: my teacher spent time looking into all of Jackson’s legacies and gave the class a chance to consider how they play into America today. This is history. Yet, in some states, this lesson could be illegal under new laws prohibiting critical race theory (CRT). The phrase critical race theory was first coined by American law professors in the 1970s and is a lens used to examine whether institutions and laws have racial bias. However, new coverage and defamations of the phrase advocate CRT is being taught in schools as a way to indoctrinate students with leftist and anti-white ideas, resulting in new legislation that is general enough to forbid teaching all aspects of race in some states. Critical race theory is being misrepresented in politics and the media, empowering legislation that is stopping educators from teaching holistic and crucial lessons on race. The recent spike of debate around CRT spurs from conservative activist Christopher Rufo, who, in a three minute segment on Fox News last September, brought CRT into the limelight by calling it a “destructive, divisive, pseudoscientific ideology.” Rufo reinvigorated the phrase to become a new liberal doctrine for conservatives to strike, taking down the education system along with it. “Critical race theory is the perfect villain,” Rufo said later to the New Yorker, describing how the term became a political weapon for the conservative agenda. “Strung together, the phrase ‘critical race theory’ connotes hostile, academic, divisive, race-obsessed, poisonous, elitist and anti-American [beliefs].” Rufo has published more than two dozen articles on the topic, and he is cited in over ten pieces of legislation against CRT. Prompted by Rufo’s repainting of the term, public outcry has emerged advocating that white students
are learning CRT and self-demoralizing values because not reflect what politicians and the media are depicting. of their race. Now, almost half of the states in the U.S. Education about race in schools is often taught using have anti-CRT bills rising through their legislatures, events in history, usually by authors of color or through with eight states passing laws already. For instance, most how race impacts one’s identity. None of these lenses aim recently, North Dakota’s Bill No. 1508 bans to make kids feel guilty about their skin the actual term critical race theory, color, but instead expose students to barring any teachings “that racism multiple viewpoints on race rather is systemically embedded in than the homogeneous white outlook American society.” The often promoted in older curriculums. law is remarkably general Lessons on different racial enough to potentially limit perspectives beyond a white angle conversations about bias, and open environments to discuss privilege, discrimination race have boosted engagement and and oppression. On the other attendance among students. The San hand, rising Texas Senate Bill Francisco Unified School District 3 seeks to remove Native developed an ethnic studies course American history, writings from focusing on various social justice Martin Luther King Jr. and a movements and examples of racial requirement to teach the history of discrimination in the U.S., while white supremacy, thus preventing also highlighting students’ own discussions on actual identities and the impact of race on history. their lives. According to Chalkbeat, Randi Weingarten, a platform that reports on American the head of the education, the class “increased American Federation participating ninth grade students’ of Teachers (AFT), one attendance, course completion rates of the largest teacher’s and grades”. These topics would unions in the country, likely be banned in other states illustrated the harm this under anti-CRT legislation, though legislation has done to the it is impossible to be certain due to the Illustration by Keely Ganong ambiguity of these laws. classroom. “[Many] are labeling any Governments across the U.S. should discussion of race, racism or look into California’s approach, where discrimination as CRT to try to make it toxic. They are the state has applied elements from the Oakland and San bullying teachers and trying to stop us from teaching Francisco courses to the entire state, passing a new law students accurate history,” Weingarten said. requiring schools to adopt a mandatory ethnic studies As Weingarten implies, CRT is not required or even course by the graduating class of 2030. mentioned in the majority of schools across the country. Race in education has become falsified by the media According to an Association of American Educators study, and politicians, forcing many schools to erase and halt 96 percent of approximately 1,000 teachers surveyed crucial curriculum, like a full examination of Andrew from 900 public schools were not required to teach CRT Jackson. Instead, by fostering environments like ethnic in classrooms. Now, this stream of anti-CRT legislation is studies, where students can construct their own beliefs narrowing the lessons teachers can employ to explore race, around race, we are crafting places where race can become while also protecting some educators who do not want to a point of unity instead of division. teach about race at all. Actual examinations of race within the classroom do slensing@redwoodbark.org
A dangerous health class assignment: The PE nutrition unit Story and Illustration by Julia Frankus “Food, my body and my eating disorder were such a big part of my life. When I had to do the nutrition unit it made me stop and think; [food] is all I can think about, and now I’m thinking about it even more,” said sophomore “Ella,” whose name has been changed for anonymity. Sophomore year, Redwood students are asked to participate in the Physical Education (PE) nutrition unit. For the majority of classes, this entails using MyFitnessPal, a diet and weight loss app that tracks daily caloric intake. In addition, there is an extensive focus on the nutritional value and labels of foods along with an unnecessary analysis of food intake. Though the unit is a state-required course and the app is wellintended, they have introduced and exacerbated harmful eating habits for many students. The dangers associated with MyFitnessPal, the unnecessary stress the unit inflicts and the effects it has on students with pre-existing disordered eating habits make the nutrition unit detrimental to students’ health and wellbeing. The teenage years are a time when people are most susceptible to forming harmful habits that can affect them for the rest of their lives. According to Smithsonian Magazine, teenagers have a pattern of engaging in potentially harmful behaviors, such as experimenting with
calorie-tracking apps and restrictive eating patterns. Scientists reasoned this was due to “teenagers reward systems being extra sensitive, while their selfcontrol circuits are not fully developed, creating a disastrous pairing of unchecked recklessness.” Because teenagers’ minds are so impressionable, they can easily be impacted by the negative consequences of the calorie counting assignment in the nutrition unit. In fact, according to a November Bark survey, of the 76 percent of students that were required to complete the MyFitnessPal assignment, 38 percent found it triggering. These statistics alone
should be enough to prove the nutrition unit is not beneficial for students. What starts off as harmless calorie counting for a PE assignment can quickly devolve into an eating disorder. According to “The Trouble with Tracking” by Duke Health, “… the effects of calorie-counting applications on college students … found that those who [engaged in] regular calorie tracking on a smartphone application also endorsed disordered eating.” The article emphasized how monitoring caloric intake using an app, such as MyFitnessPal, has been correlated with intensifying disordered eating habits. Even suggesting that students use an app of this nature is irresponsible. Eating disorders are very serious, as they can lead to organ failure and other life-threatening problems. Even once a person has recovered from an eating disorder, they will likely continue to be impacted by it for the rest of their life, considering the addictive nature of eating disorders. According to another article on Medium by Maddy Frederick, who describes her experience with MyFitnessPal as being addictive, “I had to enter everything I ate in order to feel satisfied. I would beat myself up if I didn’t meet my calorie goals.” Whether or not a person has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, they should not be given a tool
that has caused people to develop them. This is not to say that we should cut the nutrition unit completely. Learning about nutrition has many benefits; it teaches students what food groups are important to eat, what nutrients are beneficial and how to cook healthy meals. However, despite all of these positives, the unit’s many flaws need to be addressed. Implementing advice from a nutritionist into the curriculum would be very helpful for students. A nutritionist could help students with their individual diet questions and be a resource for those who are struggling with disordered eating habits, rather than making it worse by using calorie counting apps and over-analyzing foods. There should be a stronger focus on teaching students how to properly fuel their bodies and brains in the nutrition unit instead of counting calorie intake. Teaching students how to have a balanced diet and to eat based on their own needs should be the focal point. “All I’ve heard from my doctors, and anybody who I have talked to is that food is just food. You shouldn’t categorize it as healthy or unhealthy,” Ella said. For a teen who is not impacted by an eating disorder, tracking daily food intake may not be damaging. There is nothing innately wrong with the idea of being aware of what goes into one’s body. However, for the teenage students who harbor insecurities, a school-assigned project of recording their daily food intake could be stressful at best, and at worst, could cause disordered eating habits and backward health priorities. jfrankus@redwoodbark.org
December 10, 2021 bark Page 6 • Opinion Helping others or your resume? The ‘ACT’ in activism
to help others. Therefore, many people who have the wrong intentions for doing Redwood students are notorious community service do not actually exhibit for being “college-obsessed.” In fact, a the leadership qualities that they claim November 2021 Bark survey reported to have. This is problematic because our that 75 percent of Redwood students community is not prioritizing helping compare their grades on a regular basis. others and is fostering a toxic culture This percentage does not only show the surrounding activism. My involvement in activism first began Redwood community cares deeply about grades, but, since grades have a direct when my sixth grade science class spent a impact on college admissions, college is month analyzing the climate crisis and the impacts that rising carbon emissions have constantly on students’ minds. From the moment freshmen arrive on on our society. In this class, I discovered the Redwood campus, discussion about my passion for climate activism and made Illustration by Calla McBride a vow that I would not college admissions begins. stop fighting until I saw Students overload an end to climate change. themselves with Since then, I have started rigorous classes, my own non-profit standardized test organization, Climate preparation NOW, which works to and extracurricular educate young adults activities in an about climate change effort to impress and empower them to colleges. One of the take local action. most prominent ways At Redwood, I have students try to excite heard students talk admissions about utilizing activism officers is to “cheat the system” by shallowly and have been asked participating in by students to verify community service. community service hours According to the same for my organization that were in no November 2021 Bark survey, 33 way completed. Additionally, I found percent of students volunteer for the suspicion in the amount of students sole purpose of getting into college who were starting non-profits but and building their resume. could not answer questions about Community service has a strong how a non-profit organization reputation of helping students get functions. I would ask these students into prestigious colleges and make questions about government funding a name for themselves as leaders. or how they measure their impact, In fact, the majority of climate and the majority could not provide justice activists I know have been me with an answer. Likewise, I accepted to esteemed institutions found disappointment in the number including Harvard, Yale and of community service clubs whose Stanford. However, our generation meetings I would attend where we has reached a point where acceptance would just sit around and do nothing. to a selective university overshadows the Recently it has occurred to me that principle reason for community service: By Sarah Goody
I am not the only one who questions the community service for the wrong reasons, intentions of Redwood students’ activism. many might believe that their motivations Many of my peers have questioned my do not matter as long as they are own intentions when it comes to my helping the community. But from my social advocacy. Just this year, a personal experience, if someone classmate came up to me and is involved in activism for said, “What you are doing is self-centered motivations, so smart. You will be able then the work they to get into any are doing college you will be want.” driven by these I cannot count ideals and, the amount oftentimes, of times I be less have been told impactful on a variation of this the community statement. The minute they are serving. someone uncovers my For example, achievements if someone they immediately respond is trying to appeal with something about my to college admissions officers, likelihood of attending a then they might decide to start prestigious university. What does their own community organization this say about our community if we or club instead of getting involved immediately associate activism with in a reputable volunteer program. self-advancement? Within their own organization, the Since many Redwood students student can choose to focus their partake in community service, even time on planning activities, such as if it is for egotistical purposes, it is fundraisers and beach cleanups, that arguably good that more people are might appear to be beneficial, but in motivated to participate in activism. the end, the organization is truly just a Overall, it is still beneficial to have facade — and how can a facade truly more teenagers involved in community make an impact on the community? service projects. Emily Dyson is the It is important to shift the dialogue evidence and strategy manager for the surrounding activism and reevaluate #iwill campaign, a UK organization the motivations one might have for which aims to drive youth participation participating in a community service in volunteering. According to Dyson, project. After all, we do not have time when students volunteer from a young to waste concerning ourselves with age, regardless of their motivations our chances of getting into college for volunteering, they are more likely when the very world we know is to get involved in community service changing due to climate change, work during adulthood. However, it is COVID-19 and other issues. undeniable that students Illustration by Keely Ganong who are passionate for the right reasons will have a larger probability of taking action as an adult. Of the students who are engaging in sgoody@redwoodbark.org
bleslie@redwoodbark.org
Page 7 • Opinion
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Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-In-Chief Hollis Belger Taylor Elliott Kent Goodman Head Copy Editors Samantha Elegant Natalie Tress Ava Koblik
Drive for change
editorial Be the influence instead of driving under it
To read more about the intoxicated driving epidemic, check out Samantha and Arjun’s feature on its impact on Marin teen culture.
“I don’t drive. I physically can’t [drive]. I’ve tried practicing around my neighborhood, [but each time I think about] the guy who was driving and left her there to die. He crashed the car and just left her there. I just think about her parents getting to the hospital and [how] she wasn’t alive. She was gone,” an anonymous senior said after losing her friend in a tragic drunk driving accident. This devastating, long-lasting grieving process is not uncommon. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that drunk driving is the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., accounting for one-third of all teen deaths. Yet, despite the known risks, driving under the influence continues to be a prevalent issue amongst students. According to a November 2021 Bark survey, 55 percent of students are aware of a student driving under the influence, and 17 percent of students have been a passenger in a car with an intoxicated student driver. The pervasiveness of drunk driving in Marin is consistent with statistics demonstrating that drug and alcohol use rates are higher in our county than in other parts of California. Let these statistics serve as a voluntary wake-up call, rather than waiting for a tragedy in our community to force cultural change. Walking around a party scene, or even the hallways, it is all too typical to hear “justifications” for driving under the influence. These excuses often include comments like “they were way drunker than me, so I had to drive them home,” or “I drank early and sobered up,” or even the ridiculous “I drive better high.” These statements are scientifically false — it takes 12 or more hours for an average body to metabolize and rid itself of alcohol’s physical and cognitive effects. Disturbing as it seems, driving under the influence remains a pervasive part of Marin’s adolescent culture, and the lack of accountability for one’s actions seems to have become an accepted practice. Teens in our community need more peer support and guidance from adults, and we need to forge change within the culture itself by taking accountability for our actions. While the Bark does not condone underage drinking or other substance use, we recognize its prevalence. We would like to encourage students to curb the dangers accompanied by driving under the influence by planning safe rides in advance and committing to prioritize the safety of themselves and others. Designated drivers are theoretically a good solution, but they need to be held accountable in order to abstain from drinking or using drugs throughout the night. Most importantly, students must call out intoxicated individuals who are planning to drive to prevent them from getting in their car. This may entail creative approaches like having all guests put their keys in a basket upon arrival and retrieving them upon departure only after peers confirm their sobriety. Driving services, including Uber and Lyft, should also be utilized. These applications are official partners with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a longstanding, leading organization in the fight against drunk driving.
Although these rides come with a price tag, the loss of a few dollars in your bank account is incomparable to the loss of a loved one. Ultimately, the long-term success of intoxicated-driving deterrents will depend on culture and peer accountability — Redwood’s social norms should in no way tolerate intoxicated driving. It’s time we all step up. Parents also play a significant role in shaping teen behaviors, both through their parenting practices and their behavior modeling. First and foremost, parents must set up clear, firm and non-negotiable rules around driving while under the influence. Parents should not assume that teens have fully embraced a no-tolerance policy through education at school or the media. Modeling good behaviors related to substance use is ultimately the best way for parents to influence teen behaviors. We urge adults in our community to practice safe drinking behaviors, such as calling third parties for a ride after drinking and actively preventing houseguests from driving home while inebriated. Setting this example in front of teens offers great strategies for how to manage themselves and call out their peers when they should not be driving. Another way parents can ensure their teen’s safety is by creating a “no-questions-asked” pick-up policy, where parents agree not to punish teens if or when they need a ride home. With parents putting all judgments and punishments aside, this agreement invites students to involve their family when they need help, limiting their fear of parental punishment. Agreeing to this policy does not equate to parents’ endorsement of drinking, but rather prioritizes safety above all. The consequences of drinking or using drugs without parent approval will always be far less severe than the consequences of getting behind a wheel in the process. There are plenty of opportunities for both teens and adults in our community to step up to combat the current climate of acceptance of driving under the influence, but a level of personal responsibility must also come into play. No matter what policies parents enforce regarding drug or alcohol use, intoxicated driving is inexcusable and inherently selfish. Getting in a car while intoxicated poses a threat to everyone else on the road and in the car, not to mention the severe legal consequences, and lifelong remorse that would result from an accident. We can do better than this. In the end, your parents and freshman year Social Issues teacher are not at your parties. We implore students to stand up for themselves and others before it’s too late. There is always an alternative to driving under the influence. “There are kids dying. [Yet], no one’s listening and it’s infuriating,” the same anonymous senior said. “Is it really worth it? Because you’re gone, but everyone else deals with it. We’re too young to take risks like that.” Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in The Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters to The Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must be submitted to room 177 or in The Bark mailbox in the facility. They may also be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org.
A BARK to the tree in the boys A BARK to the Redwood fall bathroom. Merry Pissmas! sports season! Two sports won state ... fooball can’t relate. A BITE to all the new Redwood Instagrams. We’re officially A BITE to the Kentucky students afraid to slouch, use the who gave teachers lap-dances bathroom, sleep and park at during an assembly. We guess school. Santa is not the only lap they sat on this holiday season. A BARK to anyone who has an 89 in a class right now. Living on A BARK to Pete Davidson for the edge of glor-B. pulling Kim Kardashian. Her standards have plummeted A BITE to the Christmas tree below sea level along with that shortage. Santa Baby, stick a diamond earring. present under our succulent, we guess. A BITE to recent thieves in the
Bay Area. Maybe someone will finally steal our hearts. A BARK to Greg the graffiti. We dino how it’s spreading so quickly. A BITE to Camila and Shawn for breaking up. We guess he’ll be looking for a new “senorita.” BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.
Copy Editors Rori Anderson Will Baker Chloe Bishop Kelly Chuang Sarah Goody Ella Kharrazi Kate McHugh Anna Royal Gemma Strauss News Editors Libby Hughes Shyla Lensing Abigail Shewmaker Opinion Editors Stella Bennett Caroline Goodhart Ingrid Houtkooper Feature Editors Casey Braff Bella Piacente Hannah Sellers Sports Editors Sam Kimball Declan McDaniels Dani Steinberg Review Editors Avery Aguero Ava Razavi Chris Vargelis Lifestyles Editors Annie Goldstein Julia Frankus Sophie Smallhorn Spanish Editor Charlotte DeForrest Podcast Editor Nathan Ash Video Editors Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan Business Managers Samantha Michaels Keegan Williams Social Media Manager Sydney Liebhauser Survey Manager AnnaLise Sandrich Multimedia Editor Caroline Scharf Art Consultants Keely Ganong Brooke Leslie Calla McBride Reporters Arjun Aujla Caitlin Beard Matt Benbow Peter Biss Sophia Buckholtz Alexandrea Coe Chloe Craft Emilie Erickson Gemma Favaloro Alex Fisch Justine Fisch Nina Geoghegan Sylvan Gordon-Wagen Zach King Sabrina Kizer Kana Kojima Lily Reese Gillian Reynolds Sofia Ruliffson Cole Seifer Claire Silva Madeline Sofnas Ani Svendsen Allie Vasquez Natalie Welch Dylan Zorn Adviser Erin Schneider
POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of the Bark staff.
bark Page 8 • Opinion Hanukkah: It is not the Jewish Christmas By Natalie Tress As we roll into the holiday season, homes are adorned with colorful red and green lights, extravagant Christmas trees are displayed in windows and holiday sweaters fill racks in stores. Now, it has become common to see blue and gold lights accompanied by menorahs in these windows as well as a result of the attempt to foster religious inclusivity. With this, Hanukkah has become the secondary well-known holiday of the winter season. Even though the original intention by the general population in doing so was to increase public recognition of Hanukkah, the hallmarking of this Jewish holiday is not proportional to its significance within the religion. With the level of national recognition that the public grants Hanukkah, we should have that same energy for the other, more significant Jewish holidays, whether or not they coincide with the holidays of more prominent religions. Hanukkah is actually considered a minor holiday in the Jewish religion but is recognized and widely celebrated across the U.S. solely for its close proximity to Christmas. Being adjacent to Christmas should not be the only reason that Jewish holidays are acknowledged, and there should be a higher focus and awareness — for example, through days off school and work — for other major holidays in the religion, like Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Hanukkah “commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE and the victory of a small band of Jews, the Maccabees, against the Seleucid Empire, which had outlawed Judaism,” according to an article in JSTOR Daily. The celebration of “The Festival of Lights” for eight days represents the extraordinary length that the oil kept the fire lit. Hanukkah was originally intended for families to intimately gather together, enjoying fried food and quality time, but it has since been escalated to a point of extreme national recognition. Instead of simply lighting the candles and saying a prayer for each night of Hanukkah, which is the standard in many other countries, American Jews began responding to the pressure of Christmas by providing eight extravagant nights of presents for children, according to Diane Ashton, an American religious historian. Additionally, presidents have held annual Hanukkah celebrations in the White House and large menorahs have been displayed in cities across the country to
commemorate the holiday. While these are examples of inclusivity that are positive, there are no equivalents to this nationwide celebration for the more major holidays. Furthermore, this is done because of the desired need for Jews to fit in and be included in such a festive time of year. Ashton stated that American Rabbis began incentivizing children to participate in synagogue through gift-giving and intriguing storytelling during Hanukkah in the 1800s, which has, in turn, given kids growing up in Jewish households the opportunity to be included in the festivities that their classmates are participating in. This is shown in a U.S. National Jewish Population Survey, which surveyed 5,000 Jewish households between 2000 and 2001 to find that “Jews with children were half as likely to skip Hanukkah as those without [children].” This reveals that a hallmarked Hanukkah that appeases children has been a strong contributor to higher Jewish participation, and that is definitely not a bad thing. However, it draws away from the real meaning of the Jewish holidays. While it is great that there is a conscious push towards Jewish inclusivity during the holiday season, this high level of representation ends up misinforming the public, as well as future Jewish generations, about the importance of other Jewish holidays. According to a survey referenced in an article in “The Economic Journal,” 68 percent of American undergraduates think Hanukkah is one of the top three most important Jewish holidays in the religion, while only 38 percent of Israeli undergraduates ranked it as such. This indicates that education on Judaism may be one of the most prevalent issues regarding the misrepresentation of Jewish holidays, as the Illustration by pressure surrounding
December 10, 2021
the timing of this holiday creates an environment that is misleading. Growing up as a Jewish kid who also celebrated Christmas, I was even under the impression that Christmas and Hanukkah were one and the same: one was eight nights long with one present a night, and the other was celebrated one morning with several gifts. While I also celebrated and went to synagogue for the high holy days, like Yom Kippur, I was not fully aware of how important these holidays were until I was much older. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, followed ten days after by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are examples of more important days of recognition in the Jewish religion. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), this period of time, “with its emphasis on atonement and forgiveness, is particularly important and meaningful. Many Jews find the prayers associated with the High Holidays to be spiritually uplifting and liberating.” The meanings of these holidays are much deeper and more impactful than Hanukkah, yet receive little recognition on a national stage. Redwood only began to grant a day off of school for Yom Kippur a few years ago, and still, many do not understand why. However, Redwood fails to grant days off school for other Jewish holidays, like Rosh Hashanah. If there are Hanukkah holiday sweaters displayed next to the Christmas sweaters in December, then, as a nation, we should have the same spirit, traditions and recognition for the other Jewish holidays. Brooke Leslie
ntress@redwoodbark.org
Do not wait to join the family debate By Sophie Smallhorn Compliments about the pumpkin pie and childhood stories circulate the familyfilled table, until suddenly, the air pressure drops. Inevitably, a controversial political comment has wriggled its way into the once lighthearted conversation. As a teenager, I take this as a cue to sit back and enjoy the free entertainment of intoxicated adults arguing. Part of me wants to chime in, but I stay silent, assuming my age would discredit my contribution. However, silence is not synonymous with civility; in reality, it leaves me feeling disappointed in myself. Respectful debates with family members benefit all involved because they open an insightful dialogue between generations. It is acceptable for teenagers to choose not to participate in these types of conversations, but abstaining should be out of disinterest, not lack of confidence. Trust me, I know how polarizing it feels to offer the counter argument to your grandfather. “He is wiser than me. He’ll think I’m being an overly-idealistic, politically correct
Californian.” When you feel an urge to join the conversation, it is usually for good reason, so speak up. Everyone benefits from hearing new perspectives, political or not, and youth and older generations must help each other understand different values and beliefs. Reading from several newspapers does not inform someone to the same extent as hearing perspectives directly from relatives, because family is easier to sympathize with than a source from the news. The National Academy of Sciences suggests that rationality will not help change a political opponent’s mind; the most effective method of persuasion combines logic with subjective, personal experiences. Because stories enhance arguments, younger generations could enlighten the discussion for older people by sharing their unique experiences. Seth Freeman, a conflict management teacher at Columbia University, warns against using facts and instead recommends the Three Ps: Paraphrase, Praise and Pivot. Essentially, clarify what the debate is about, emphasize where both sides concur, and then offer personal anecdotes. To keep the conversation running smoothly, acknowledge the opponent’s
Illustration by Brooke Leslie
strengths and ask questions to shed light on gray areas. However, this does not mean abandoning facts altogether. Studies from the Scientific American show that people cling tighter to beliefs when the discussion involves fewer testable facts, such as how someone views a politician or believes in God’s support. It’s obviously hard to converse about opposing beliefs. According to Pew Research, of people who share political views with almost no one in their family, 28 percent of them say their family is open to discussing politics. Some believe the risk of politics dividing families is too high, but politics do not have to be the dealbreaker in every relationship – people with differing political beliefs can still build connections on a personal level. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Gindsburg and Antonin Scalia fell on polar opposites of the political spectrum, but it did not ruin their close friendship of 22 years. Interviews with the two, including one during a 2015 George Washington University event, prove how even the simple pleasures strengthen bonds. “Call us the odd couple,” Scalia said. “She likes opera, and she’s a very nice person. What’s not to like? Except her views on the law.” Despite disagreeing over issues of same-sex marriage
or gun rights, they learned from each other by revising their opinions. In 1996, Scalia wrote the dissent to Ginsburg; their friendship held out, even after engaging in powerful debate over interpretations of law. “I disagreed with most of what he said, but I loved the way he said it,” Ginsburg said in 2015. There are instances where these family conversations do create turmoil, and there are two reasons for this. One: the conversation is not carried out in a respectful, productive way. Failing to clarify definitions, debating facts and demoralizing people’s values will only lead to hurtful tirades. The second comes from values, not politics. A civil debate only breaks up a family when it exposes fundamental differences in morals; the epicenter of earthquakes covered up by the political landscape. Politics sometimes reveal a truth that no one wants to confront, and acknowledging differences is healthier than keeping up the facade of the “perfect” family. Clearing the plates after dinner, you might feel angry, maybe even disappointed in family members but remember: those emotions will fade. Permanently shutting out the people you love, but sometimes disagree with, wastes energy and demonstrates intolerance. Some families thrive “at an arm’s-length” or “taken in smaller doses,” and this does not make them less of a family. It’s easy to scoff at the argument that family comes before politics, but in actuality, love must come before pride. To raise a generation of peacemakers, children must learn to create atmospheres where everyone feels heard and valued. Young and old must both build this two way street of respect, one that hopefully extends beyond the realm of politics. ssmallhorn@redwoodbark.org
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‘Bienvenides’ todos los pronombres nuevos para incluir a las personas no binarias y de género fluido “Trato de incorporarlo en mi propio uso del lenguaje naturalmente cuando puedo. No es automático para mí todavía porque “En el primer día de la escuela es un cambio,” dijo Zeiher. escribí ‘bienvenides,’” dijo Melissa Este año les maestres de español, Zeiher, maestra de español de Redwood. incluyendo Profe Zeiher, deciden enseñar En vez de escribir “bienvenidos,” como los pronombres neutros como una parte de los años pasados, Zeiher está cambiando sus clases. Después de aprender sobre los su vocabulario para usar las palabras de pronombres neutros en su clase de Curso género neutro. Avanzado de Lengua y Cultura Española El español es un lenguaje muy (Español AP) con Profe Civano, Diana popular en Redwood, con muchas clases Cauich se motivó para aprender más del para aprender el idioma y también tema. hay muchos estudiantes que hablan la “[En la clase] aprendí que hay un lengua. Pero el idioma español enfrenta problema en español porque no hay un problema: hasta ahora no ha habido palabras para las personas que no se lenguaje inclusivo común para las identifican como hombres o mujeres,” dijo personas que usan otros pronombres Cauich. “Es un problema porque la gente más allá del “ella” o no puede identificarse “él,” o que prefieren en español.” lenguaje neutro de Si bien esta género. solución no es Una solución perfecta, es un paso propuesta es que en la dirección cambian las palabras correcta y permite que tienen un género a los maestros y refieren a seres comprender mejor a humanos. Un ejemplo sus estudiantes. es “elles” en vez de “Creo que es “ellos” o “ellas.” importante reconocer También, a Zeiher y respetar la identidad le gusta usar “les de los estudiantes. compañeres” en vez También, es de “los compañeros” Melissa Zeiher, importante demostrar o “las compañeras.” maestra de español que somos inclusives Cuando habla con para quienes no se la clase, ella usa identifiquen como no “nosotres” en vez de binarios,” dijo Zeiher. “nosotros” o “nosotras.” Es un cambio “Les da [a les estudiantes] la oportunidad que no vendrá naturalmente al principio, de aprenderlos [pronombres] y mostrar pero que con la práctica será más fácil y apoyo a sus compañeres.” es muy importante para les estudiantes Aunque las palabras de género neutro que se identifican como no binarios o de se están usando en Redwood, la idea de género fluido. estas palabras todavía es nueva y no se Por Kate McHugh y Zared Vera Fuentes
Trato de incorporarlo en mi propio uso del lenguaje naturalmente cuando puedo.
Imagen por Kate McHugh
PRESENTANDO SOBRE LOS roles de género, Makena Mock, una estudiante del Español AP, muestra su proyecto. usan ampliamente en toda la comunidad pronombres neutros y el cambio a hispanohablante. Según un estudio de Pew “latinx” en vez de “latino” o “latina” Research Center de agosto de 2020, sólo el para ser más inclusives. Ella piensa 23 por ciento de los adultos en los Estados que el primer día de la escuela es muy Unidos que se identifican como hispanos o importante aprender los pronombres latinos saben la palabra “latinx.” También, de otres estudiantes, incluyendo en las solo el tres por ciento de este grupo usa clases de español. esta palabra para describirse a sí mismes. “Yo pienso que en el primer día del Otra razón por la que este cambio es año podemos preguntar ‘cuáles son tus importante es tener palabras para describir pronombres,’” dijo Gonzales. “Es una grupos de personas con diferentes géneros, oportunidad para que cada persona diga en vez de usar sólo las versiones masculinas. cómo se identifica [para difundir] el Por ejemplo, tradicionalmente se referiría a mensaje de que todes les estudiantes son un grupo de niños y niñas como “todos,” no bienvenides en la lengua española.” “todas.” Con palabras neutras de género, Aunque es un cambio, es necesario se puede decir “todes.” Además, cuando respetar a les estudiantes y maestres la gente dice palabras como “latíno,” la en Redwood en todas las clases. La versión masculina es priorizada, incluso enseñanza de los pronombres en clase cuando hay otras personas como mujeres o ayuda a les estudiantes a sentirse más personas no binarias incluidas en el grupo. cómodes en todas sus clases. Es muy Referirse a todos aquelles sólo con la importante para aprender sobre las versión masculina deja fuera a las mujeres, nuevas palabras para incluir a todas las a las personas no binarias y a las personas personas y hace la lengua de español de género fluido. más inclusiva. A una estudiante de la clase de 7-8 Honores de Profe Zeiher, Izzy Gonzales, le gusta hablar con su familia sobre kmchugh@redwoodbark.org
Su guía a algunas de las mejores telenovelas Por Charlotte DeForrest y Adriana Trigueros Reyes Con acción, drama, emoción y romance, las telenovelas tienen todo. Por eso, las telenovelas son los programas perfectos para conectarse con los demás o simplemente para ver un maratón los fines de semana. Utiliza esta guía para decidir cuál telenovela actualmente disponible es la mejor opción para ti. “Teresa” “Teresa,” que originalmente se estrenó en 1989, fue rehecho en 2010. La serie sigue a Teresa Chávez, una estudiante de escuela secundaria cuya familia no tiene mucho dinero. Sus padres trabajan muy duro por todo lo que tienen y ella recibe una beca de una escuela prestigiosa. Pero, Teresa siempre quiere más. Ella está decidida a conseguir a un hombre que le pueda dar riquezas y poder. No hay límite para ella. Haría todo para realizar sus sueños. Aunque no es muy cómica, “Teresa” es más realista que muchas telenovelas. De todas formas, hay un equilibrio entre drama y una trama interesante y sofisticada. Los episodios son intensos y hablan
Imagen de courtesía de YouTube
DESESPERADA POR EL poder y las riquezas, Teresa hará cualquier cosa para salir adelante en la vida.
sobre temas reales e importantes, como la pobreza, la educación y las oportunidades. Para añadir a la trama emocionante, los actores son dedicados y talentosos. Este programa seguramente enganchará a la audiencia y todos van a querer ver el próximo episodio. “Yo Soy Betty, La Fea” “Yo Soy Betty, La Fea,” o solamente “Betty, La Fea” para abreviar, es una telenovela clásica. Lanzada originalmente en 1999, “Betty, La Fea” es una telenovela colombiana con más de 200 episodios sobre Betty Pinzón Solano (Ana María Orozco), una chica que muchos consideran muy fea. Pero, contra todo pronosticado, ella consigue un trabajo como secretaria en una empresa de moda que se llama Eco Moda. El programa es sobre Betty y la manera en la que ella supera los desafíos de su nuevo trabajo y se hace exitosa y respetada. El programa es fácil de entender (especialmente para aquellos que están todavía aprendiendo español), relajante y es bueno para cuándo necesitas tomar un descanso. Es similar a otras telenovelas populares en cuanto a los temas de romance y relaciones, pero, por lo contrario, no tiene ni drama, ni suspenso, ni acción. En vez de drama, este programa es mucho más gracioso y optimista que los
Imagen de courtesía de NBC
BETTY, LA PROTAGONISTA, enfrenta muchos obstáculos en su trabajo a causa de su apariencia.
otros. Betty es un personaje agradable y relacionable que les enseña a los espectadores a creer en sí mismos con episodios alegres, divertidos y chistosos. “Tierra de Reyes” Cuando piensas en una telenovela, piensas en relaciones, drama y sorpresas. Esta descripción es perfecta para “Tierra de Reyes.” Es la historia de los tres hermanos Gallardo que buscan venganza después del asesinato de su hermana, Alma. Los hermanos piensan que las hermanas Del Junco son las culpables de la muerte de su hermana porque descubren que su padre, Ignacio Del Junco, estaba teniendo relaciones íntimas con Alma. Pero durante la misión, los hermanos se enfrentan a varios obstáculos y al final se enamoran. Al contrario de “Betty, la Fea,” el programa tiene acción intensa. Cada episodio es dramático y tiene muchos giros inesperados en la trama. También hay mucho romance y drama sobre las relaciones. Mientras la trama no es muy realista, es entretenida, intenso e interesante y seguramente mantendrá a los espectadores emocionados de ver lo que sucede después. cdeforrest@redwoodbark.org
Imagen de courtesía de Hulu
LOS HERMANOS GALLARDO están buscando venganza por el asesinato de su hermana.
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Therapy: Meeting Marin’s high demand for mental health services and depression, due to online school and the resulting lack of social connection. “I don’t think [the increase in therapy is] a Marin thing. There is a good chance that either you or someone you know sees a therapist on a regular basis; maybe you I think it’s from the pandemic,” Gottsegen said. “I know have heard about their experiences or maybe you have that mental health issues and the need for therapy have had some of your own. According to the November Bark become a national crisis.” However, this increase in mental survey, 43 percent of students know someone who is going or has gone to therapy, and 44 percent of students health issues has brought some have gone to or currently go to therapy themselves. These positive consequences in regards to numbers demonstrate how widespread therapy is at both people’s acceptance of it. Today, it Redwood, and in Marin County as a whole. But what is it seems that people are less hesitant to reach out for help than in the about Marin that has caused this trend to occur? David Hagan, a counselor at Redwood’s Wellness past. “It depends on the Center, has been working on campus for the past two years. The Wellness Center provides free mental health student, but in general, I services for students, including social and emotional think the stigma around counseling, either through one-on-one therapy or group seeking mental health help is kind of going sessions. “I think for teens, [therapy] gives them a safe and away. A lot more non-judgemental space to share what’s going on in their people were struggling lives,” Hagan said. “It’s a place where, I would hope, with their mental health teens can feel comfortable sharing the most authentic during COVID-19 and it became normalized to parts of themselves.” Wellness intern Tina Namakian, who began working seek services that assist with at Redwood this year, also emphasizes the benefits of that,” Hagan said. Reidy has also noticed therapy as a means of managing mental illnesses. “Therapy can be helpful for some students to build this shift in others’ attitudes up their toolkit [of skills to cope with mental health towards acknowledging mental issues,] whether that’s mindfulness, social skills, health, specifically at Redwood. “In my four years at Redwood, the relationship skills [or] self-care,” Namakian said. “I think the voluntary nature of [therapy] helps a lot stigma around mental health has gone bit. It is still most definitely there, because it doesn’t feel like we’re forcing anyone to come away a little but I see a lot of teachers really to therapy. We’re working for the kids. We’re working to respecting students [who are] bring whatever works best for them.” prioritizing their mental health. Senior Caroline Reidy began going to therapy in third COVID has made mental health grade as an emotional outlet recommended by her mom. awareness so prevalent. That is In the past, she has worked with one thing I’m grateful for coming out of several different therapists, but for this pandemic,” Reidy said. the last three and a half years, Reidy In fact, so many people have been has been meeting consistently with searching for help with their mental the same therapist to help manage health that according to Gottsegen, her anxiety, depression and there are month-long waiting lists for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity treatment centers in Marin, and Disorder. Reidy promotes therapy therapists’ offices are overflowing. for other students, considering the Out of all of California’s advantageous effects it has had for counties, Marin has the highest her. ratio per 100,000 of psychiatrists, “Even if you’re someone who psychologists, licensed clinical has everything under control social workers (LSCWs), marriage [and] it feels like you don’t and family therapists (MFTs) and need a therapist, I think it can physicians (MDs). The same University [still] be really beneficial to speak of California Berkeley study found that per to someone even for a short period 100,000 people, Marin has 63 psychiatrists, of time,” Reidy said. 146 psychologists, 119 LSCWs, 342 MFTs Reidy claims that likely over half of and 460 MDs as of 2005. By comparison, in her friends go to therapy. Additionally, an average statewide ratio, those numbers are according to a 2005 study by the University 14, 33, 40, 69 and 206 respectively. Given the of California Berkeley, 14.8 percent of adults number of mental health workers in Marin, the in Marin reported seeing a mental health lack of openings in therapists’ offices suggests specialist in the past year, which is close to that the number of people seeking out therapy double the 7.6 percent statewide. The results is extremely high. of the recent November Bark survey show Considering the disproportionate that the patterns presented likely still availability of services in Marin exist and span across multiple age County, the conversation now shifts groups. to beg the question: are mental Therapy is not only health issues actually worse common, it is also in Marin, or is there a growing trend. simply more access to COVID-19 has help, and therefore, increased the more diagnosis? demand for According to therapy on a Gottsegen, it may national scale. be the latter. A Center “People are for Disease getting help Control and more [in Marin]. Prevention Maybe in places (CDC) report where people don’t found that from reach out for help, August 2020 to they don’t get that February 2021, diagnosis. I don’t think the number of adults there’s more mental illness experiencing symptoms [in Marin] per se. I think [there Illustrations by Calla McBride of anxiety or depression increased are] just more people getting help and from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent. This shift was even more dramatic for ages 18 to 29 with an probably more diagnosis is happening,” Gottsegen said. This idea that more people have access to mental health increase from 49 percent to 57 percent. According to local Marriage and Family Therapist Hannah Gottsegen, services relates to another variable of the therapy equation children and teens nationwide experienced more issues in Marin: affluence. It is no surprise that Marin County is a wealthy area. with mental health during the pandemic, such as anxiety By Samantha Elegant
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2015 to 2019 median household income in Marin County was $115,246. By comparison, in California as a whole, it was $75,235, and $62,843 in the U.S. There are clearly many mental health professionals in Marin, and they have work because people can afford to see them. Private therapy is expensive. While insurance does often cover some of the cost, out-of-pocket fees are also often required. In Marin, more people have expendable incomes than in other parts of California or in the nation. This allows people to afford therapy even if their insurance does not fully cover it. As a result of readily accessible therapy in Marin, Hagan finds that stigmatization of mental health is lowered. “I think we are in a county where seeking therapy has maybe become a little bit more normalized. I don’t know if it’s like that when you go to less wealthy areas,” Hagan said. However, this affluence is a doubleedged sword as it may be part of the reason that Marin residents suffer from poor mental health. “I think there’s a family pressure that a lot of kids feel. You have a lot of parents in this area that are working professionals, and I think a lot of kids feel pressured to live up to [those] expectations of achievement,” Hagan said. “That can absolutely contribute to anxiety.” Reidy also sees how the atmosphere of Marin County leads to pressure to perform well and be successful in all aspects of life. “It’s definitely possible that stress is higher [in Marin] to get into that good college that your parents had [gone to] and live how you’re living now, even though we live in [a very wealthy area] and to maintain that is ridiculous. Having that as an expectation can cause a lot of stress,” Reidy said. In order to manage the stress of Marin County, whether it is socially, academically or monetarily driven, there are some ways around the expenses of private therapy, making it more equitable for those who could not otherwise afford a therapist. There are hotlines, lower fee counseling centers and the Wellness Center at Redwood, but Namakian hopes to see more options in the future. “I would love to see free mental health services [become] even more prominent outside of schools or in all the schools. I know that [the Tamalpais Union High School] district is really good at keeping up with that and meeting the needs of students, but I just hope to see this in other parts of Marin County or in other schools too,” Namakian said. Reidy pushes people to take advantage of the Wellness Center’s free therapy and to seek out help if they want it but also emphasizes that individuals are the ones that control their progress. “In therapy, it’s all self-motivated. You have your therapist guiding you through what you need to do, and it’s an incredible, helpful resource, but in the end, it’s about your willingness to put what you can into therapy, and that’s what you get out,” Reidy said. “It’s never going to be a linear battle. But overall, the general trend is finding a lot more joy in little things.” Students can visit the Redwood Wellness Center for free mental health services in room 103. For more resources, there is the California Youth Crisis Line (1800-843-5200), Marin Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline (415-499-1100) and the Marin Psychiatric Emergency Services hotline (415-473-6666). Remember, you are not alone and there is always help available. selegant@redwoodbark.org
www.redwoodbark.org
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Serving up misconduct in the restaurant industry
bark
Making money comes with a price for young women working in foodservice By Sydney Liebhauser For confidentiality purposes, the three young women who shared their experiences working in the restaurant industry for this story wish to remain anonymous. Instead of using their real names, they are written with the aliases of Amy, Maddie and Olivia. When Amy was 17, she spent about a year working at a restaurant in the Village Corte Madera as a waitress and hostess before graduating high school. On an evening shift, as Amy was washing dishes at the bar, she turned around to see an older male bartender crouched on the ground looking at her body. He shouted, “Damn Amy!” to which she responded, “Excuse me?” He then replied, “Oh no, I didn’t see anything.” Incidents like Amy’s are far too common in the food service industry, where, according to a 2018 report from the Harvard Business Review, 90 percent of women have experienced a form of sexual harassment. For high school students, the prospect of working at a restaurant is often appealing. It is lucrative, social and entertaining, attracting many teenagers to the position of a waiter, host or hostess or expeditor. Maddie, a junior who has been working at a familyfriendly restaurant in Mill Valley for a little over a year, finds that her work as a hostess has its benefits. “I like to talk and I’m very social. Hosting for me [means] I get paid to do those things. I [also] get discounts for food and I get to work with my friends. I think [having a job at a restaurant] teaches you life skills and it’s nice to have the freedom to spend my own gas money without having to ask my parents,” Maddie said. But, Maddie has also experienced the downfalls of working in the service industry. At Maddie’s work, it took nine years for one of her coworkers, a food runner in his 50s, to finally get fired after he persistently sexually harassed and assaulted hostesses. “He would give us the food and when we said thank you, he would go in for a hug and stroke our bare shoulders, put his head in our breast area or grab our butt. We didn’t want to yell at him because he gave us food — he was abusing his power in that way. When it happened to me, I switched my shifts so I wasn’t working with him, but then when new girls came in, he did the same thing to them. Eventually, it got to the point where he would force girls to make out with him in the backroom. That’s when [the group of hostesses] ended up filing a report,” Maddie said. It took years of silence before two of Maddie’s coworkers, also young hostesses, finally shared their experiences. This eventually led more workers to report the harassment. For many hostesses, including Maddie, immense pressure came with speaking up against colleagues. “Individually it felt like, ‘This is happening but is it wrong? He’s so nice to me, he brings me food and I don’t want to ruin things because he’s been working here for so long.’ He was the manager’s favorite and I didn’t want to ruin his life. I was also really afraid to use my voice to speak up because everybody really liked him. But once [the hostesses] came together, our experiences were validated,” Maddie said. A young man working as a busser at the same restaurant also came forward to the manager after the same runner told him, “Once you’re 18 and old enough, you can do anything you want to women and get away with it.” Olivia, a Redwood 2021 graduate, experienced the negative ramifications of her coworkers acting on that belief. When she was a senior, Olivia was hired at a restaurant in Town Center Corte Madera. There, she worked as an expeditor for about a year. Early in her career as an expeditor, Olivia received a request on Instagram from one of her coworkers, a middle-aged man. After she declined, he added her on Snapchat. In that same timeframe, Olivia was beginning to face sexual harassment from other male coworkers. “I was crying to my mom because I was so scared. I was embarrassed which, in my opinion, is ridiculous because I didn’t do anything wrong,” Olivia said. As a result, Olivia told her manager about the unprofessional behavior her coworkers were exhibiting. “He said he was going to talk to [my coworkers] and talk to [human resources] about it. Apparently, he did, but none of it stopped. I just felt kind of helpless at that point,” Olivia said. When Olivia was 17, the adult men on staff would often touch her waist to get her attention, give her unwanted gifts, make sexual remarks to her and ask her out on dates. Then when Olivia turned 18, she noticed
an unsettling shift. Among other instances, a 30-year-old male coworker displayed his excitement that she was no longer a minor. “He gave me his number and I looked up at him and [said,] ‘Do you really expect me to call you?’ He [said,] ‘Yeah, we have so much fun here.’[I said,] ‘We’re literally coworkers.’ I threw it away in front of him,” working in Olivia said. an industry Eventually, Olivia corrupted became accustomed to the with sexual maltreatment she received daily harassment is that learning to ignore sexual not surprising. harassment became a part of Illustration by Cate Sullivan According the job. to Platt, “It definitely could have sexual been worse, but you also grow to adapt to it and learn that harassment there are certain ways to avoid it. [Sexual harassment is] and abuse have just such a normalized thing now which sucks,” Olivia become so common that said. society is desensitized to it. Before working in the restaurant at The Village, “We live in a rape culture, [which] means on a cultural Amy worked at a restaurant in Novato. There, one of her male coworkers would make persistent comments about level, assault of marginalized genders and rape are her body and her weight. Due to the harassment, Amy normalized,” Platt said. “ Rape culture is not just the fact eventually quit. She did not reveal her motives for leaving, that people think it’s okay to sexually assault someone instead telling management she was moving on to begin while they’re unconscious for example, it’s also the little jokes that we make. It’s the ways that we tolerate other working full time at another restaurant. “Most of the time, women don’t say anything because people in our peer groups’ behavior that minimizes people we don’t feel like we have any power. A lot of the girls of marginalized genders or that objectifies and sexualizes need the money and don’t want to get fired because they women.” To end rape culture in the restaurant industry, Thomas get called liars,” Amy said. While speaking up is not always a comfortable option highlights the importance of a legal system ensuring for young women experiencing sexual harassment or consequences to perpetrators in the workplace. While assault, the California legal system often works in favor Thomas’ efforts have proven to be essential, Maddie believes there’s more that can be done. Reflecting upon of those who do. her experience at her Mill Valley restaurant, Liana Thomas spends her career amplifying the voices Maddie knows that the sexual harassment of young women experiencing sexual harassment and and assault in her workplace, which has been assault in the workplace while protecting them. occurring for over six years, could have been Thomas was previously an employee stopped long before her coworkers were at a legal services nonprofit in sexually assaulted. Washington D.C., advising young “Managers and people in the women in the restaurant industry food industry should try harder to be to exercise their legal rights. preventative. I mean it was awesome when they “It’s not your fault,” Thomas found out about the problem they took action, but said. “Nobody asks to be they really weren’t doing anything to prevent it,” sexually harassed. It doesn’t Maddie said. matter what you said, what For Platt, creating an environment of accountability outfit you were wearing, if they think you led them on. It’s not your fault that you were in the workplace is crucial and in order to do so, it starts with strong prevention education. sexually harassed and the law is on your side.” “Rather than watching some video about harassment Speaking up starts with putting the restaurant on notice. By speaking to anyone in a supervisory role in the and everyone making jokes about it, [and] then going back workplace, the company is then required by the law to to their work, [sexual harassment and assault prevention take action in support of the victim. It is illegal if the education] should teach a sense of responsibility toward restaurant takes retaliatory action against each other and mutual respect. When a manager sees the victim, such as switching someone being treated a certain way or learns that them to a less desirable shift or [something] inappropriate is happening, [they should] to a new job in the restaurant take it seriously rather than writing it off as, ‘Oh, he’s that pays less. In those cases, just a jokester. Oh, he’s always doing that.’ There [are] so Thomas recommends that the victim many ways that people write off and excuse unacceptable goes to an outside regulatory agency to behavior,” Platt said. Platt made a point to say that ending sexual take legal action against the company. harassment in the restaurant industry should not be After working in legal services two years the responsibility of young women experiencing ago, Thomas is currently employed at the abuse. It can be hard to change a system that Shalom Bayit, a domestic violence has normalized sexual harassment organization that uses a feminist and assault to such a great extent, but empowerment model to end the first step is spreading awareness abuse and return power to about the issue. those who are survivors. One “In all of the teaching that I do, I ask of Thomas’ coworkers, Yael people to think about power and where Platt, specializes in sexual power is used and abused in relationships harassment prevention, where she where there’s a slight power imbalance. It’s leads workshops on consent, relationships, always important to analyze where the power lies in boundaries and more. While Platt encourages a certain dynamic so that we can, first of all, challenge young women facing harassment to speak to management, she wants to ensure that, above all else, the abuses of power, and second of all, create empathy for people who are in an uneven power dynamic and have victim feels safe. “In any situation where there’s power, there’s the to make choices because they are under the power of potential for someone to abuse it, which is of course really someone else,” Platt said. disturbing,” Platt said. “We definitely see that a lot in If you are a victim of sexual harassment or assault or workplaces, especially workplaces like the food industry, where sometimes the policies might not be good or maybe know someone who is, call the National Sexual Assault the work gets done under the table. If someone really Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at online. needs a job, then another person has the power to hold that rainn.org. over them and use that person’s fear of losing their job to Hollaback is a nonprofit working to end sexual keep them quiet. So, whether they choose to speak up or harassment. To work with Hollaback via specialized not, either response is valid.” As of now, Maddie is currently employed at her company-wide training, visit ihollaback.org restaurant, and Olivia and Amy plan to work at the restaurants they were previously employed at when they are home from college. Maddie, Olivia and Amy’s decision to continue sliebhauser@redwoodbark.org
urice Moss,
v ’One pill can kill’: Addict
The epidemic unknowingly threatenin
By Taylor Elliott and Keely Ganong
starting in 1999. The next wave, in 2010, was defined by heroin, and the third wave, beginning in 2013, witnessed synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) as the leading cause of death. Today, we are still experiencing that third wave, just at an accelerated pace. “Fentanyl instances are definitely increasing in Marin County. When I started my position in 2012, the trend was hallucinogens, like LSD and synthetic weed. Now, drugs have gotten harder and harsher,” the Detective said. Fentanyl is cheap, and it’s strong, making it highly lucrative for drug dealers. However, because there is no official oversight from government drug administrations of the dosage in contraband fentanyl, the consumer risks falling victim to the high potency. In 2020, the Marin County Sheriff ’s Office Coroner Division recorded 56 deaths due to overdose. Of those deaths, 22 involved fentanyl.
“We were walking out the door when Trevor’s best friend knocked and said, ‘Gosh Michelle, I’m so sorry.’ I said, ‘What?’ and he showed me his phone. It was a picture from Snapchat,” Michelle Leopold, whose son overdosed from fentanyl, said. “Trevor’s dead.” On Nov. 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data depicting a disturbing reality. Between April 2020 and April 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. This marks the highest rate in a span of 12 months on record and a 28.5 percent increase from the year prior. Causing the rate to surge, and accounting for about two-thirds of the total overdose deaths in the same period, was the stealthy, synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl poisoning claimed the life of 18-year-old Redwood alum Trevor Leopold on Nov. 17, 2019. Found The Addiction Block in his freshman dorm room at Sonoma State University, “Alex called me on Christmas Day of 2019, which the teenager died after was five months before taking a lethal dose of he passed. He said to me, fentanyl disguised as a Blue ‘Mom? Do you know what 30 Oxycodone. that’s like? To wake up in the Fentanyl is similar to morning and the first thing heroin or morphine; only you think about is [your] pill. it is 50 and 100 times more I need my pill, or I may die powerful. A dose as small or have a seizure,’” Marion as a grain of salt can kill. Kregeloh said, recounting a Pharmaceutical fentanyl conversation with her son — where one dose is Alex Movahedi. measured by the millionth Movahedi, a 2012 of a gram — is prescribed Redwood graduate, died to treat severe or chronic from fentanyl poisoning on pain. Illicit fentanyl, made April 3, 2020. For Movahedi in labs primarily in China and countless others, the real and Mexico, is illegally killer is not the final pill they Photo courtesy of Michelle Leopold take, but rather their long purchased by U.S. suppliers in powder and liquid form. AFTER TRANSFERRING FROM Redwood, Trevor term addiction. Increasingly, the opioid is Leopold graduated from Tamalpais High School When he was 19, being pressed into deceiving in 2019, supported by his parents Michelle and Movahedi began taking counterfeit pills, mixed with Jeff Leopold. Xanax, hoping to seek relief other potent drugs such as from severe anxieties that heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, and found in the he struggled with at the time. It did not take long before hands of minors. his seemingly innocent doses developed into a full-blown According to a detective with the Marin County addiction. Specialized Investigation Unit, who requested to Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a highly addictive class of remain anonymous and primarily works with narcotics drugs that has the ability to hook users within a matter investigation, cases involving fentanyl are on the rise. of weeks. Once tolerance is built, addiction often sets in “Fentanyl is the new hotness on the street. It is not and withdrawal becomes increasingly difficult, demanding a designer drug; anyone can go to a street corner in the medical detox. Tenderloin of San Francisco and wave $10 and get a bag Addiction had hijacked Movahedi’s brain, but he knew handed to them,” she said. he wanted a way out. At 25, he came to his mother to The drug overdose epidemic as a whole is not a new begin a structured withdrawal process through medical phenomenon, though but rather one that has rippled in management. three waves. Prescription opioids increasingly appeared “Going through withdrawal is the most vulnerable in the 1990s, leading to a spike in opioid-related deaths time in a person with an addiction’s life. They need to be
Photo courtesy of Marion Kregeloh
SURROUNDED BY HIS favorite things, Alex Movahedi smiles sitting in his childhood bedroom. He loved playing basketball and kept a close-knit group of friends at Redwood and outside of school.
BLOWING OUT THE candles on his fourth birthday cake, Alex due to fentanyl poisoning. very strongly supported therapeutically, professionally and personally with understanding and love,” Kregeloh said. Battling his extensive addiction, Movahedi came to a point where he needed relief. He lacked consistent medical supervision due to COVID-19 precautions and struggled with additional stressors at home, leading him to relapse. He purchased an unknown drug, thought to be cannabis, cocaine or a combination of the two through the illegal markets. But, what he took contained fentanyl, and he died. Movahedi was scheduled to meet with his addiction physician that afternoon. “Alex struggled, but he tried really hard to get off it. He wanted a normal life, but not having healed from the core trauma [of] an addiction made that very difficult,” Kregeloh said. Addiction is a disease, and it is real. There is a perception among young users that they can avoid it and disregard the control addiction can have on their brain, but in today’s potent drug Michael Triolo, market, the risks are overwhelming and Marin County Recov potentially fatal. “One pill can kill. That’s the most important thing. I know teenagers think that they’re invincible. Trevor thought he was invincible. He had gone to three different rehab-type programs that told him, ‘You are not invincible. You have a disease. We need to treat the disease. And if you don’t take care of your disease, you’ll always have it,’” Michelle said. “They say with addiction, you end up either being incarcerated, institutionalized or in the ground. And sadly, Trevor ended up in the ground because of his addiction.” Michael Triolo, a Marin County Recovery Coach and Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Summit Sober Living, a nonprofit promoting long-term sobriety through residential recovery, has survived the unthinkable. A 2006 graduate of San Rafael High School, Triolo was 18 when he first overdosed on fentanyl. He overdosed four more times after that, each getting progressively worse. Triolo was gripped by the hold of addiction for seven years, enduring a multitude of treatment programs until concluding his last rehabilitation in 2013. “You don’t expect that it’s going to be you. I never anticipated that I was going to overdose once [or] twice, let alone five times. That’s the power of addiction. When you’re dependent on opioids, your entire purpose is the ways and means of obtaining more so that you can stay well because without them, you’re essentially dead to the world,” Triolo said.
You’re sign dotted line th could end a than anticip
The Redwood Facade Despite increasing tragedies, awareness in our community remains minute. According to Michelle, following Trevor’s death, the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) sent out a vague message regarding fentanyl-laced pills. Afterward, nothing. The Wellness Center did explain that Redwood has taken several measures to combat drug overdoses, such as supplying and training all staff on how to use Narcan and structuring a
tion, loss and fentanyl
ng Marin’s most vulnerable teens
TUHSD. Of the participating schools, 87 percent reported providing educational workshops on substance use, yet there was a wide variation in their substance use curriculum content. While 100 percent of the schools reported vaping as a substance use content area, approximately 50 percent of schools reported teaching opiate, Rx (prescription) and illicit drug use in their substance use units. This variation across Marin County schools’ substance education may lead to future poor decision-making for students. At Redwood, Social Issues, a social studies course teaching about health issues and life skills, is a graduation requirement. During the course, students encounter a broad curriculum that includes drug and substance use education. Depending on their teacher, students focus on the effects of crystal meth, tobacco and nicotine, alcohol, heroin and cocaine, but education on opioids like fentanyl is often not included in the lesson plan, placing Redwood into the 50 percent that under-educate their students.
Photo courtesy of Marion Kregeloh
Movahedi was once a bright young boy before passing away
response to drug incidents that fosters support rather than punishment. “Should I be politically correct, or should I tell the truth?” Michelle said. “I don’t think Redwood wants the word to get out about how many kids from Redwood have died. I know many kids from Redwood who have died, and I don’t think very many current students know that anybody has died.” According to Kregeloh, this lack of awareness further stigmatizes drug addiction and the mental health issues that follow it. “If there wasn’t a stigma, meaning the shame that is associated with [addiction] and the taboo surrounding these uncomfortable topics, then those vulnerable kids like my son would feel more accepted and more courageous to reach out and ask for help. I know Alex wanted to have a life. He told me, ‘Mom, I can do it.’ He wanted to,” Kregeloh said. “Alex was desperately trying to reach out, but he very Coach was so afraid to share what was really going on.” Michelle echoed this message because what begins as marijuana, Xanax and other drugs used to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, becomes a spirling habit of addiction. “It’s really important to be able to ask for help and to know that help is good, and it’s not anything to be embarrassed about. That was one of Trevor’s big issues. He didn’t want to see a therapist. He didn’t want to take [prescribed] pills for any mental health issues. There are so many better options than self-medicating,” Michelle said. Parker Leopold, Trevor’s younger brother, attended Redwood for two years. During that time, he noticed that drug use affected students in plain sight. “Starting my freshman year at Redwood, I noticed the upperclassman Juuling in the bathrooms. Then, as I got older, it turned to people smoking in the bathrooms or taking edibles in the bathrooms and then coming to class,” Parker said. Parker observed drug use to be a regular practice at Redwood High School, and while students are dying little has been done to raise awarness. Educating them can be the difference between life and death. “If you’re going to choose to put these drugs into your body, you should know what you’re really taking, or at least do the research to know if these drugs are even real. For my brother’s sake, it could have taken as much as a $2 Amazon test kit to save his life,” Parker said.
ning on the hat your life a lot sooner pated.
which makes it hard to investigate and hold someone accountable,” the detective said.
The Dotted Line Out of the 100,000 deaths in the U.S. in the past year from a drug overdose, each individual was once a living, breathing person. Movahedi and Trevor once walked the halls we walk today and never intended to fall victim to fentanyl. As a way to prevent this, Parker emphasizes the importance of checking in on friends and family. Signs of addiction can be seen through obsessive thoughts and actions, disregard of harm caused to themselves, loss of control and denial of addiction or drug use. “One of the last times I ever got to see [Trevor], I could kind of tell he wasn’t himself in certain ways. It’s kind of hard to describe, but I could tell,” Parker said. Do not ignore these feelings, Parker says. If someone reaches out, take it seriously. Seek treatment for mental health and know that the recovery process can start today. The Drug Dealer in Our Back Pocket “One day, [Trevor] texted our family: just me, my There were recordmom and my dad, [and breaking overdose said] ‘Hey, I want to numbers in 2021, which see you guys,’ because were partially a result of he was away attending the pandemic. Especially Sonoma State University. for teenagers, drug use ‘Do you guys all want to underwent a huge increase come up? I’ll treat you during COVID-19 to dinner.’ It was a nice lockdowns. Michelle gesture, but looking back attributes this to boredom, on it, I should have seen increased anxiety and it more as a call for help. other mental health He’s never treated us to a issues associated with dinner like that,” Parker isolation. Drugs were, and said. still, are easy to get from Fentanyl can affect dealers that advertise via anyone. For users, it Snapchat and other social Photo courtesy of Michelle Leopold does not matter if you media platforms. Michelle PICTURED AT ARCHES National Park in Utah, Michelle are battling a long-term believes drug dealers and Trevor Leopold spent spring break together in addiction or taking a pill took advantage of these 2018. for the first time; there is conditions. She explained a risk of deadly poison. that dealers can post targeted ads on the app, and although The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s lab testing Snapchat has pushed updates to combat the issue, buying in 2021 found that two out of every five pills with fentanyl and selling drugs on the app remains a prominent practice. contain a lethal dose of the drug. That is 40 percent. There “Within 15 minutes, you could have a pill in your is no certainty over what you are going to get. mailbox or at your front door delivered by your friendly “You’re essentially playing Russian roulette if you’re neighborhood drug dealer,” Michelle said. using fentanyl,” Triolo said. “You’re signing on the dotted This practice is not just something Michelle and other line that your life could end a lot sooner than anticipated.” drug-aware parents have noticed. The Detective with the Marin County Specialized Investigation Unit confirmed that in her experience, teenage drug use spawns from the large drug market on social media. “Social media is where kids in high school are getting drugs. Kids are willing to meet with anyone from anywhere to meet their plug and get that high. Snapchat and WhatsApp have anonymity. They wipe the conversation, bark@redwoodbark.org
Absence of a Comprehensive Drug Curriculum Recent data shows that drug abuse and overdose education are lacking within Marin schools. RxSafe Marin was created as an initiative to mitigate prescription drug misuse and abuse in the county. In June 2021, the Youth Action Team, a subset of RxSafe Marin, compiled survey Photo courtesy of Michelle Leopold and interview data across 24 Marin County public high BROTHERS TREVOR AND Parker Leopold embrace on a skiing trip in Palisades Tahoe at Alpine Meadows in schools and middle schools, including those within the 2018.
December 10, 2021 bark Page 14 • Feature Clearing up the misconceptions of Accutane six years with painful hormonal acne, she felt relieved to have finally found a Though every teenager occasionally solution. “I had acne for so long, since middle sports a couple of zits, 30 percent of teens suffer from moderate to severe acne, a skin school. I wanted to be happy with my skin. condition that is not only painful but also [Acne is] not only mentally draining, [but] demeaning to self-esteem. Isotretinoin, it’s physically draining. It really hurts,” more commonly known by the brand Hershfield-Cohen said. Because of the potential dangers and name Accutane, helps to clear the most stubborn of acne, providing a solution to discomforts of Isotretinoin, it is commonly used as a last resort option after other millions of people hoping for clear skin. As a Vitamin A derivative, Isotretinoin treatments, like topical creams and less has been on the market since 1982 and is invasive oral medications, have failed. often used as a last resort to treat moderate After being prescribed many ineffective to severe acne. However, it has been at topical creams by her dermatologist, the center of significant controversies Hershfield-Cohen was willing to endure due to its potentially harmful side effects. any side effects that came with taking The most worrisome risks of Isotretinoin Isotretinoin. “[My skin] was flaking, my nose arise from taking the medication while pregnant, including miscarriage, death of hurt so bad [and I had to use] Aquaphor the fetus, premature birth and severe birth 24/7,” Hershfield-Cohen said. “It was Photo by Caitlin Beard defects. According to a study conducted honestly painful … my lips would crack SENIOR SADIE HERSHFIELD-Cohen finished Isotretinoin over a year ago and has by the Institute for Family Studies in … [Isotretinoin is] harsh and a lot to take enjoyed the confidence clear skin has given her. 2019, 38.4 percent of high-schoolers care of.” In addition to Hershfield-Cohen, and it progressively got worse as I got with an antibiotic. reported ever having sexual intercourse. The study’s findings demonstrate the freshman Skylar Bramlette was willing to older. People would say to me, ‘You’d “We had patients with really bad, tangibility and danger of a teen becoming risk any uncomfortable side-effects that be really pretty if you didn’t have acne,’ deep-scar acne. [Many] patients … were pregnant while on Accutane and suffering come with Isotretinoin in order and that really hurt my feelings,” really suffering and for them, it was a lifeto clear her life-threatening consequences. saver because they felt confident again. Bramlette said. Other serious potential consequences skin. She is It took a year for They were able to see that there’s a way include liver failure, depression, self- currently Bramlette to get her out,” Shams said. harm or even suicide. Extremely scheduled Only 10 to 29 percent of patients taking father’s permission to common symptoms that are harmless to finish the begin Isotretinoin, as Isotretinoin experience more severe sideyet uncomfortable include excessive medication he was concerned effects like depression, anxiety, muscle dryness of the skin, mouth, eyes, nose in December that she would and joint pain, hair loss and irregular and lips. Yet despite these potential risks, and has been struggle with blood tests, and Bramlette and HershfieldIsotretinoin remains on the market today on it for seven the same side- Cohen are both examples of patients who Unlike with five different brands available: months. effects as he only experienced skin dryness. Despite Zenatane, Absorica, Myorisan, Claravis Hershfield-Cohen, did, which the potential risks, many are driven to a and Amnesteem. The specific brand who had only tried i n c l u d e d point of frustration with their acne and Accutane was discontinued in 2009 after topical treatments prior hair loss, ultimately feel grateful for a medication studies displayed a correlation between to Isotretinoin, Bramlette heightened like Isotretinoin. Accutane consumption and Irritable had also tried several “It changed my life,” Hershfieldsun sensitivity and Bowel Syndrome, although it still remains oral medications, including painfully dry lips. Cohen said. “I’m a lot happier.” Illustration by Calla McBride the most commonly used name to refer to Seysara, Spironolactone and Luckily, so far, she has only the medication. Specifically at Redwood, birth control, only finding short-term experienced one extremely common and many students struggle with severe acne improvement in her skin. Bramlette’s acne benign side-effect; chapped lips. is genetic. Her father had suffered from and among them, a few take Isotretinoin. Along with uncomfortable symptoms, Senior Sadie Hershfield-Cohen took severe acne as a teenager, leading him to patients on Isotretinoin must receive cbeard@redwoodbark.org Isotretinoin from August 2019 to March take Isotretinoin as well. Bramlette had regular blood tests in order to measure 2020. The typical timeline for treatment originally wanted to begin the medication the effect of the medication on their is four to six months, as that is usually in eighth grade while struggling with low liver, which can potentially be harmful the point that the patient has reached self-esteem stemming from her acne. as it has shown to increase the serum “I didn’t like the way I looked … I levels of liver enzymes. Because of this, their target dosage. However, HershfieldCohen was on it for eight months. After started getting acne around fourth grade Isotreitinion patients are advised not to consume alcohol as it also raises serum levels. Furthermore, regardless of whether they are sexually active, patients with child-bearing capacity must take monthly pregnancy tests and register with iPledge, a restricted distribution program that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that aims to eliminate pregnancy while on Isotretinoin. iPledge requires that the patient take monthly surveys affirming that methods of birth control are being implemented in order to receive medication. Bramlette and Hershfield-Cohen both took a pledge of abstinence, yet still had to take monthly pregnancy tests to verify that they were not pregnant and fill out the monthly iPledge surveys. “It feels like [iPledge] doesn’t trust you,” Bramlette said. “At the same time, going through an abortion can be really painful or if you don’t get one, your kid will have deformities,” Lida Shams, Redwood parent and a former dermatology assistant at the Acne Institute in Vienna, Austria, has helped treat many patients with acne and believes the thoroughness of the iPledge system is proportional to the gravity of being pregnant while on Isotretinoin. “There’s a whole process and I completely agree with that because the consequences to getting pregnant and being on [Isotretinoin], even with a single dose, are catastrophic,” Shams said. “It’s sad, the birth defects and all the trauma that you go through.” Shams worked at the Acne Institute in 1995, a time when Isotretinoin had Photo by Caitlin Beard only been on the market for 12 years and FRESHMAN SKYLAR BRAMLETTE’S acne began forming during fourth grade, was only being prescribed as secondary and after trying several different medications, Isotretinoin cleared up her skin. medication in low doses in conjunction By Caitlin Beard
review
Page 15
By Ava Razavi
Friday Night Bites: the Bark hosts a review column that highlights the best goods to eat and drink on a Friday night. From drinks to desserts, the Bark knows how to tantalize your tastebuds! For this edition of Friday Night Bites, the focus is drinks and desserts to get you into the holiday spirit. Driving all across Marin and reviewing goods from coffee shops, creameries, bakeries and more, we have uncovered the best ones for you to try! The true indicator of the winter season has come: Starbucks switched from its traditional cups to its festive, red and green colored “merry coffee” ones. Although this may seem like a minor change, it signifies the shift in the season’s vibes from pumpkin spice to peppermint as the weather cools down and fireplaces turn on. Now that almost every coffee shop is selling winter-themed items, it can be difficult to figure out where to find the best goods to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. No need to fret though; Friday Night Bites has you covered with recommendations for the best holidaythemed food and drink in Marin. Although none of these desserts and beverages will ever amount to the nostalgia and comfort that homemade hot chocolate and your mom’s sugar cookie recipe provide, some do manage to get pretty close. Here is a list of the best winter-themed bites and sips to get you ready for this chilly season.
Photo by Sam Kimball
Photo by Ava Razavi
Photo by Sam Kimball
DELIVERING A COMFORTING taste, Starbucks’ peppermint mocha is the perfect drink to warm you up.
SHOCKINGLY FLAVORFUL, NOBLE Cow Creamery’s ice cream reminds you of the festive smell of gingerbread.
FESTIVELY FLAVORED, VICTORIA Bakery’s strudel is going to transport you to autumn.
Starbucks: Peppermint Mocha Starbucks’ peppermint mocha may be the most classic winter drink of all time. The beverage consists of regular mocha and espresso mixed with mocha syrup and steamed milk, blended with peppermint syrup making this drink truly exceptional. While inhaling the sweet aroma and watching the steam escape from the cup, I was transported to a place with snow on the ground and holiday decorations all around. From the first sip, one is hit with the refreshingly sharp peppermint taste which manages to cut through the ordinarily overly sweet mocha flavors. The taste of coffee remains strong despite the drink’s added sweet syrups and whipped cream topping. Ultimately, the peppermint mocha managed to warm me up and got me fully ready to sit under a blanket and watch “The Grinch” for the millionth time.
Noble Cow Creamery: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ice Cream In a secluded corner of Strawberry Village lies Noble Cow Creamery and its exceptional Brown Sugar Cinnamon ice cream. Paired with a sugar cone, this ice cream is a delightful evening dessert. The delicious flavor instantly flooded my mouth with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, anise and clove. The smell of the ice cream is so strong that it could be mistaken for a winter-spice Yankee candle. Its cinnamon and brown sugar blend perfectly with the thick creaminess of the ice cream. The smooth texture and decadent flavor combination make for a fabulous holiday dessert. Its rich qualities are contrasted with the sweet, crunchy cone. This combination balanced out the richness that would have otherwise been overwhelming.
Victoria’s Bakery: Apple Strudel This apple strudel may be the best hidden winter baked good of Marin, tucked away in a tiny storefront in Bon Air Center. With a flaky exterior and a sweet, gooey apple interior, this dessert is guaranteed to get you in the holiday mood. While the golden crust made from puff pastry is delicious, the main star of this dessert is its apple filling. Without overpowering the apple, the cinnamon and nutmeg create a delicious blend of aromas that makes the pastry even more alluring. The apples are also cooked to perfection: not too soft yet not too crunchy. This dessert reminded me of the smell of hot apple cider on a cold winter night, making the experience even more comforting. With this delicious treat, you are guaranteed a fun, festive Friday. arazavi@redwoodbark.org
‘Cry Your Heart Out’ to Adele’s new album ‘30’ By Peter Biss Just three days after its release on Nov. 19, English singer-songwriter Adele’s fourth studio album, “30,” became the U.S.’s best-selling album of 2021, surpassing Taylor Swift’s re-recorded album “Red” and rapper Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” in copies sold during the first week of release. In the Rolling Stone, an American magazine, the album was praised as Adele’s “most powerful album yet,” an acclaim shared by many media critics, including British music journalist Neil McCormick, Chief Rock Critic of the Telegraph. He called “30” “the most potent every woman album since Carole King’s 1971 ‘Classic Tapestry’ ... or at least since Adele’s own 2011 world-beating classic, ‘21.’” Written after her 2019 divorce with British entrepreneur Simon Konecki, “30” recounts the deep sadness, guilt and
Image courtesy of CBS
ADELE PERFORMS HER album, “30,” live at the Griffith Observatory, in Los Angeles.
fear of letting a relationship go, as well as the struggle of forming new relationships and what divorce might mean for her child. In hopes of creating an immersive experience for the listener, Adele ordered the tracklist in almost chronological order of events that retold the story of her divorce. In “Strangers by Nature,” the first song of the album, listeners are introduced to a dream-like symphony of strings that follow Adele as she “tak[es] flowers to the cemetery of [her] heart,” representing the love that Adele lost for her husband. Co-written by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, the song’s musical surreality is nothing like what fans have heard before from Adele. “My Little Love,” Adele’s third song on the album, explores what divorce would mean for her son Angelo, and continues to tell her story of guilt and recovery. The song includes several meaningful conversations that Adele had recorded during and after her divorce, including a tearjerking bedtime talk that she had with her son during a time of tremendous stress. In an interview with reporter Quinci LeGardye, Adele spoke to the deeper, more personal complexities of “My Little Love.” “That night I put Angelo to bed, when I recorded that, and we actually had a really good bedtime and stuff like that, and then I fell apart afterward,” Adele said. “I’m not ashamed of that. I think a lot of parents hide things from their kids, as we should in most cases, but I couldn’t hide from him.” In her final jazz-inspired title, “Love Is a Game,” Adele leaves listeners the more optimistic impression that despite her pain and struggle to move forward, she will learn to love again. This is my favorite song on the track and the multi-layered vocals make for a profuse listening experience. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corperation, Adele said that “30” was the most difficult album that she has ever written, and while she has a difficult
Image courtesy of Columbia Records
HIGHLIGHTING TOPICS of divorce and motherhood, Adele’s new album is packed with emotion.
time listening to the album, it needed to be released. “It was bloody hard work to make. I was singing things I didn’t even realize I was feeling or thinking,” Adele said. “I feel like I can’t unlock a door for my own mental health and take the key with me. I’ve got to leave it in the door for everyone else.” As someone who grew up listening to Adele’s 2011 release of “21,” listening to “30” was an experience like no other that was as enjoyable as it was depressing. While Adele’s voice remained a highlight, the highly personalized subject of divorce and motherhood was something that we do not often hear vocalized in the music industry, making it one of my favorite albums of the year.
pbiss@redwoodbark.org
December 10, 2021 bark Page 16 • Review Exploring Clement Street: San Francisco’s hidden gem By Sam Kimball Nestled in San Francisco’s Richmond District sits the beloved and culturally diverse Clement Street. Known for its Sunday Farmers Market, grab-and-go dim sum restaurants and variety of small shops, the street attracts a mix of both tourists and locals. Clement Street’s lively couple of blocks can be somewhat intimidating due to the large selection of establishments, so here is the perfect Sunday itinerary for a first-timer! Arsicault Bakery From flaky croissants to sweet and savory scones, Arsicault Bakery, located on the corner of Clement Street and Arguello Boulevard, is an alluring stop with a vibrant energy. While the lines may seem long to some, the bakery serves its pastries at a fast pace, ensuring that every customer leaves quickly with a decadent treat in hand. The chocolate croissant is buttery and full of mouthwatering milk chocolate that oozes from the middle. In addition, their weekly scone is always exemplary, providing either savory or sweet flavors that tantalize your taste buds with every bite. My favorite spotlighted flavor is the bacon, egg and cheese scone with its hard shell and soft, creamy inside. Farmers Market The second stop on your journey through Clement Street should be at the Farmers Market. The Sunday farmers market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning on the corner of Arguello Boulevard and spanning three blocks west. The diverse stands emit a strong, mixed aroma of fruits, vegetables, empanadas, burritos, seafood and more. Many of the visitors even bring their dogs to take a short stroll down the street. Additionally, the closed streets allow for a safe space to bring the whole family without the worry of busy traffic. Bikers are also often spotted along the street, as the neighborhood is a popular biking destination. This market should be a stop on any trip to Clement Street! Grab-and-Go Dim Sum My favorite part about Clement Street is the graband-go dim sum restaurants. They not only offer delectable Chinese cuisine but also sell their food at reasonable prices. On my latest visit to Clement Street, I ordered three egg rolls and three potstickers from Good Luck Dim Sum which amounted to a total of only $6.60. The spring rolls were fried perfectly goldenbrown with a vegetable-filled inside and served with a sauce that was a balance of sweet and savory. The potstickers are seasoned just right and their filling of chicken and vegetables worked together immaculately well. In addition to the spring rolls and potstickers, the barbeque beef bao is a must try and only added $2.00 to my total. Clement Street has always been known for its large selection of bao ranging from chicken to pork and beyond, with every restaurant featuring steaming baskets upon entry. The bao I bought was soft and doughy, and the tangy barbeque sauce balanced well with the bao bun. Each grab-and-go restaurant features similar foods with different flavors, so take a stroll down the street to
Photo by Sam Kimball
LOOKING THROUGH THE assortment of new and used books, customers can find the perfect read at Green Apple Books & Music on Clement Street. try a couple and find your favorite one. One-of-a-kind Aquarium Entering the 6th Avenue Aquarium and Flowers on Clement Street, one is greeted with tanks upon tanks of fish. The blue luminescent lights that shine throughout the store radiate a colorful glow which is a unique aspect of the store. Off to the sides of the aquarium sits every type of fish, from goldfish to guppies to angelfish and everything in between. In the back, bags of fish are sold separately, and their glistening water makes the store feel even more vibrant. On Sundays, the aquarium hosts a bag lot where fish are placed in bags ready to be taken home with a new owner. The store also sells their fish up to half off, attracting large numbers of soon to be fish-parents. Furthermore, the store’s center shelves are filled from top to bottom with supplies for all types of marine pets. This aquarium is guaranteed to capture your attention and who knows, you might even come out with a new aquatic friend like I did. Clement Street is a wonderful place to try some of San Francisco’s best baked goods, shop for fresh produce, grab a tasty bite to eat or adopt a new aquatic pet. Use the activities checklist to the right to remember which attractions to visit! sakimball@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Calla McBride
Photo by Sam Kimball
WALKING UP AND down Clement Street, customers weave through various booths selling goods ranging from fresh produce to Chinese food and antiques.
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Local thrift stores inspire sustainable shopping By Ava Koblik Thrift stores, both online and in-person, have become increasingly popular in recent years, as many shoppers have the goal of finding the perfect vintage clothing item. With a growth in the promotion of sustainable shopping, consumers are becoming more aware of their environmental impact, and have found that purchasing secondhand clothing items is an effective way to reduce their carbon footprint. San Francisco is known for its iconic thrifting locations, with neighborhoods such as Haight Ashbury and the Mission, however, there are many spots worth a visit in Marin as well! Here are a few of my favorite local vintage clothing stores. Mystic Rose As customers enter Mystic Rose in downtown Fairfax, they are immediately greeted by the relaxing scent of lavender and the upbeat sound of Bob Marley playing through the speakers. This beautifully decorated shop offers a wide variety of bohemian vintage clothing, handmade jewelry and other goods such as herbal candles and unique home decorations including Frida Kahlo figurines and colorful woven blankets. Despite being on the pricier side, both new and experienced thrifters will not
Photo by Ava Koblik
HANGING FROM THE window frame at Beach House Local, a vintage Carhartt outfit is shrouded by the afternoon sunlight.
Photo by Ava Koblik
FAIRFAX’S SHIMMER IS a great option for those looking to consign or buy vintage clothing.
be disappointed by Mystic Rose’s friendly staff, peaceful atmosphere and eclectic inventory. Beach House Local Located within walking distance of downtown San Anselmo, Beach House Local is the ultimate spot to shop if your style is bohemian and beachy. This bright, sunlit boutique offers a plethora of thrifted items including vintage Levi’s, flannels, floral blouses and shoes. As shoppers wander to the back of the store, they can find a selection of handmade home decorations, including local artwork, vintage or repurposed furniture and patterned fabrics from around the world. Other locally-made gifts such as colorful jewelry and scented candles can be found around the front desk. While lacking in men’s clothing, Beach House Local carries the perfect women’s attire for the laid-back California lifestyle. Emma’s Shop Emma’s Shop in downtown Fairfax was created by Emma Rose, a local vintage collector and jewelry designer. This boutique is known for Rose’s handcrafted, delicate silver and gold chain necklaces and rings. However, there is also a small selection of unique vintage finds for shoppers to explore including Levi’s jeans, pastel silk blouses, leather pants and velvet jackets. If you are willing
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to spend a little more on some higher-quality vintage clothing items or are looking for some original jewelry, Emma’s Shop is the place to go! Shimmer Shimmer is also located in downtown Fairfax and features a large collection of bohemian, designer, athletic and casual styles. The majority of the boutique is made up of vintage clothing items, which are offered at up to 70 percent off of their original price. The staff is extremely friendly and eager to help customers find the garments they are looking for. If you have clothes that you would like to consign, Shimmer accepts fun and fashionable items that are either gently used or in new condition. Knimble Located on 4th Street in San Rafael, Knimble is the largest of the local thrift stores I visited. This shop has an extensive and well-priced inventory, organized by color with a variety of styles including casual, classic, bohemian, athletic, designer and more. Knimble also sells adorable stationery and home goods that make for perfect gifts this holiday season. Customers are welcome to drop off clothing items for resale on Friday-Sunday. akoblik@redwoodbark.org
Photo by Ava Koblik
SITTING OUTSIDE THE store, Knimble’s sale rack attracts passersby from the sidewalk.
An exploration of San Francisco’s noteworthy museums By Sophia Buckholtz San Francisco is famous for its restaurants, views and notorious fog, all of which have attracted international travelers for decades. Its vibrant culture is partly characterized by the array of popular museums that have been icons of the city since its early days. With over 40 museums, ranging from The Academy of Sciences to The Walt Disney Museum, the city is full of enriching experiences. However, the museum scene is not only for tourists. Marin residents can embrace a fulfilling day in all the art, history and science museums that San Francisco has to offer. SF Museum of Modern Art A curated collection of exclusively 20th-century artwork, the SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on Third Street has been a popular destination ever since it opened its doors in 1995. Admission is free for those under 18 and annual members of the museum, while adults pay $25. Unique exhibits are frequent at this location, currently featuring work by Joan Mitchell until January 2022, followed by Alexander Calder’s exhibition which will be on display in June of 2023. Conventional painted canvases offer a more traditional museum experience, specifically in Mitchell’s abstractexpressionism style. Although SFMOMA is known for its collection of abstract sculptures and interactive installations, more traditional styles are also presented in the works of Frida Khalo, Joan Mitchell and Henri Matisse. SFMOMA’s galleries are thoughtprovoking and often dynamic. In a dark room with beeping devices and smokefilled tubs, a set of small screens flash questions to the viewer. It randomizes words to generate an introspective piece of artwork. It displays words in several
Photo by Sophia Buckholtz
month, and otherwise, those under 18 are free while non-member adults pay $15. Greeted by Rodin’s “The Thinker,” visitors will find marble halls filled with European fine arts and ancient arts of the East and Mediterranean. About a dozen rooms showcasing historical depictions, as well as biblical and romantic styles, present the viewer with insight into the social and political trends of the respective era. Detailed descriptions of the artists’ and the art’s story add to the viewer’s interaction with the art. I would recommend this museum to those looking for a museum experience similar to fine art exhibits in Europe. de Young While the SFMOMA focuses on art from the last century, and the Legion of Honor places emphasis on European Fine Art, the de Young has it all. It is priced the same as the Legion of Honor, with free admission for minors and a $15 fee for adults. Different mediums like sculpture, fashion, textiles, sketches and paintings from the 17th to 21st century are displayed from around the world. The popular fashion
displays like Oscar de la Renta, are popular attractions. Lasting until April 2022, fashion designer Patrick Kelly is taking the stage on his devoted exhibit, “Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love.” His message against racism is conveyed through his graphic designs, and his influence is demonstrated through runway videos, modeled clothing and written descriptions. Other permanent displays include glass-like fruit, intricate furniture and a man just under nine feet tall. This museum would be ideal for a family outing or a group trip because of the variety of art offered that cultivates a very personalized experience. Visiting museums can broaden one’s intellectual and artistic perspective by offering a glimpse into the time period the art represents, as well as through its creative expression. Seeing San Francisco’s collection of art is an entertaining way to experience the city and spend time with loved ones!
SCOWLING DOWN AT the viewer, Viola Frey’s “Man Observing Series II” stands almost nine feet tall. different languages, forming questions that are rather coherent. This piece was created by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer in 2000 with sbuckholtz@redwoodbark.org the intention of symbolizing the frustration of technology. The questions don’t allow time for the viewer to reflect and answer the “33 Questions Per Minute” that it poses, which is also the title. The museum doesn’t only house inquisitive robot galleries, but traditional painted canvases can be found as well, most notably in Mitchell’s exhibit. I recommend this museum for those interested in unorthodox exhibits and modern art enthusiasts. Legion of Honor The Golden Gate Bridge and an expansive view of the city itself is visible from the Legion of Honor’s address at Land’s End. The Legion of Honor is not only a San Francisco museum, but a high Photo by Sophia Buckholtz French military award of nobility and prestige. The Legion of Honor offers free ONE OF THE monitors generates the momentary message, “Where do I apprise admission on the first Tuesday of each cursively?”
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Juliette Lermusiaux makes strokes by committing to Stanford By Hannah Sellers
“Something that I really like about rowing is that you can be the top rower one week and someone can swoop in and steal your spot at any time. The competition always keeps me on my toes,” senior and Stanford University lightweight rowing commit Juliette Lermusiaux said. Nearly four years ago, as a recent middle school graduate trying out crew through a summer camp, Lermusiaux never envisioned the defining role the sport would play in her life. Now, practicing six days a week for nine months out of the year, Lermusiaux is training for her fourth and final season with the Marin Rowing Association (MRA) before heading off to Stanford University next fall. In late October, Lermusiaux led her team to success in the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR), the world’s largest two-day regatta on the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts. Placing second out of 76 teams in the women’s youth eights, this is not the first time Lermusiaux has finished on the podium at the HOCR. As a sophomore, Lermusiaux’s boat finished in third place which she continues to look back on as one of her proudest moments in her rowing career. “In 2018, the varsity team got tenth and all of the girls
Photo courtesy of Juliette Lermusiaux
RACING AT YOUTH Nationals, Lermusiaux (middle) rows with intensity.
had been rowing for much longer than me,” Lermusiaux said. “[In 2019], I came in as a sophomore who didn’t know much about the sport and got third. We went from not placing to placing which was super exciting.” Joining her at the HOCR this year, junior and coxswain Annie Tatum reflects on her first impression of Lermusiaux, recalling her unique competitive mentality. “I remember thinking, ‘this is a super skilled, talented athlete.’ She really enjoys rowing and is very passionate about it, and that’s why she’s so good,” Tatum said. “She is also super into fitness, so I think that, for her, rowing is a fun thing she gets to do every day, instead of something to dread.” After three months of rowing together, Tatum has come to admire Lermusiaux as a model rower and teammate. Her intensity and competitiveness strengthen the team dynamic as a whole. “Juliette brings pretty much no hesitation to practice. She has a mentality to go for it [and] get it done. She never loses sight of her goals and doesn’t stray from her main focus,” Tatum said. “She’s someone I look up to on the team. I strive to exemplify how she approaches competition and rowing with her teammates.” Similar to Tatum, MRA Executive Director and varsity girls’ coach Sandy Armstrong appreciates the energy and commitment Lermusiaux brings to practice both on and off the water. “There is no off-time for Juliette,” Armstrong said. “She comes to practice where she’s a great teammate and has fun. She’s laughing and goofing around. She does the workout, and then, on the water, her strength comes out in concentration and focus. That focus and concentration for Juliette come from this competitive desire to be the best that she can be.” However, becoming the rower she is today was no simple task. Like many athletes, Lermusiaux struggled at times to cope with the stress of the college recruitment process amidst a junior year of online learning due to COVID-19. “I would get so in my head and I couldn’t pull my numbers. I would break down crying and I felt like it was never gonna end,” Lermusiaux said. “I thought, ‘I
just can’t do this.’ I didn’t really know how to get out of it either. It wasn’t like an injury where you can rest or stretch to get better, so I was kind of lost and confused.” Through many conversations with her coaches and parents, Lermusiaux began to let go of her perfectionism and ease the pressures she put on herself. “Learning to accept that it is okay to have a bad day or not go above and beyond my goal every time helped me grow as an athlete,” Lermusiaux said. “I had to get over the idea that if a college didn’t want me, it was not a judgment of my work.” With a promising academic and athletic career ahead of her at Stanford, Lermusiaux looks forward to the elevated competition that comes with collegiate rowing. “I feel like all my hard work paid off, not in the sense that it got me into a great school, but that I’ve been given the opportunity to continue competing in the sport I love at a higher level,” Lermusiaux said. “Obviously high school rowing is competitive, but college rowing is on another level and I’m super excited to be a part of that and row against the best girls in the country.” Armstrong feels similarly optimistic about Lermusiaux’s future at Stanford and is extremely excited to see her efforts come to fruition. “She has four years of enjoyment and greatness ahead of her. She has created that environment for herself, and now she gets to just enjoy everything she has worked for,” Armstrong said. As Lermusiaux competes in her final season, Armstrong reflects on the legacy of hard work and determination she will leave at MRA. “[Lermusiaux] had high expectations and she raised the bar here. We’ve won multiple national championships, and the bar was already pretty high, but she just stood right up to that bar and challenged it,” Armstrong said. “Lermusiaux is an amazing, hardworking, wonderful, funny and great human being, and this boathouse is better for having her here.” hsellers@redwoodbark.org
Fall sports ride high with sectional and state victories By Will Baker In the return of a fall season, Redwood teams saw sweeping successes in playoff competition. Accounting for three trips to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division II state championships, as well as standout performances in North Coast Section (NCS) play, Redwood brought home several pennants from sectional and state competition. This plethora of achievements was earmarked by three teams: cross country, boys’ water polo and girls’ volleyball. Cross Country Both girls’ and boys’ cross country teams struck impressive performances this season. Junior Daegan Cutter impressed in the NCS final where he ran a 15:22 to cruise to a first place finish. For Cutter, the grind to reach championship level heights was lessened by the team’s attitude throughout their workouts. “It’s so easy to have a good training day when you’re having fun the whole time. That camaraderie makes [the team] really special,” Cutter said. The girls’ team added to its pedigree with a third-place finish at the NCS Division II final led by junior Audrey MacLean who ran a 17:56 three-mile to take second place. With three runners placing in the top 10 of the NCS championship, the girl’s cross country team was given a CIF Division II State Championship berth. Cutter attributed much of the team’s success to its culture of consistent work ethic and community. “We have so many people on [the cross country team] pouring their hearts and souls into the workouts, and you really see improvement from that. I think
that’s been the key to success — hard work and a love for the sport and the team,” Cutter said. Boys’ Water Polo The Redwood boys’ water polo team stayed hot through playoff competition, finishing with only six losses as they hoisted the CIF NorCal State Championship plaque with their 26th win of the season. A loss to Archie Williams moved them out of the NCS Open Division and into Division I, where the team handily beat Acalanes for their second NCS win under Coach Rudy Kardos. For Kardos, the team’s profile as a top Northern California team was an obstacle for the team mentally. “The bar was almost too high. It’s hard sometimes when you play an opponent and you know you are going to beat them by 10 or 15 goals … to keep the motivation. The downside of that is that the joy of play is not where it should be,” Kardos said. Still, a standout season from a strong central core of players allowed the Giants to find continuity in their triumphs, going
Photo by Samantha Michaels
SENIOR WATER POLO captain Marco Asiano hoists the California Interscholastic Federation plaque.
on to win the NorCal State Championship over Jesuit High School 14-7. Kardos spoke on what allowed for this success to perpetuate through the season’s conclusion. “As the season was winding down towards the end, the team was just getting more and more focused, and … we emphasized as a coaching staff that it doesn’t matter how good a team is,” Kardos said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make it that far and you do not want that to get away from you.” While the team will lose top seniors in captain Marco Asiano and lefty Travis Hughes, integral pieces of the team’s postseason push will be back next year. This includes leading scorer Billy Zech (109 goals) and goalie Charlie Mills (221 saves), putting the team in a good position for another deep postseason stretch. Girls’ Volleyball After a heartbreaking loss to Marin Catholic (MC) in the NCS finals, Redwood girls’ volleyball tore through the Division II State Championship bracket, securing an eventual 3-1 win over Carlsbad High School in the final. Senior libero Sophia Shaw believes that, although the MC loss was disappointing, it contributed to their eventual success. “Losing [to Marin Catholic] really sucked. Coming back, it was hard for us, but we did it. We came back and we didn’t let that loss phase us,” Shaw said. The team faced more adversity early on in the season with injuries to junior setter Kaley Matthews and senior defensive specialist Annabella Ure. Having two key players return for the final stretch of the season, the team was prepared to disrupt any notions that they were unable to perform at its highest level. “Once they came back, we had this
Photo by Sam Kimball
THE GIRLS’ VARSITY volleyball team celebrates its State Championship.
newfound motivation that we wanted to win and knew that we were capable of it. I think we peaked at the right time. Our mentality was, ‘we don’t have anything to lose,’ so we started putting everything we had on the court which allowed us to win, and we were way more motivated,” Shaw said. The feats of each team in the 2021 fall season provided a refreshing look into the state of Redwood sports after an abbreviated season in the previous school year. Much of the success that each team was able to achieve was predicated on the efforts of students who still have time left in Redwood’s athletics department. Parting seniors took advantage of the lost time of the past year and finished off their last high school seasons with team victories. wbaker@redwoodbark.org
bark Football shows unprecedented numbers in MCAL All League Page 19 • Sports
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By Chris Vargelis Despite the unprecedented and injury-ridden 2021 spring season, Redwood football returned this fall strong and ready for their second season within eight months. Although the team was not successful while pushing for the playoffs, their hard work has been recognized by the annual Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) All League list, which placed eight Redwood football players in Marin’s all-star lineup. The list honors players across the county for standout performances and statistics in their respective positions. Senior captain Jimmy Phelan received the Lineman of the Year award after starting on both the offensive and defensive line this year. In addition to his hard work, he attributes much of this success to bonding with his teammates “Because of COVID, we weren’t as close with the senior class last year and we never got to bond with them the same way. This year we’ve been with the juniors and sophomores the entire time. We trained during the summer and actually had school with them. We meshed better as a team because of it,” Phelan said, “Our quarterback was the same year-to-year, which is very important for chemistry.” Junior Brady Weingart stepped in as quarterback last year after senior Clayton Grace was out with an injury. Weingart has improved immensely in his leading role on the offense over the past two seasons. He was awarded a spot on the Second Team Offense for his position, throwing for 2,231 yards and 28 touchdowns with a quarterback rating of 144.1 in ten games. “[Weingart] is always going to be one of my good friends. When he gets hit I’m going to help pick him up. It’s the same thing in school every day,” Phelan said. “He’s never had an ego, like some quarterbacks unfortunately do.” Phelan’s award is the top honor for linemen in the county, and it is especially significant considering the nature of his position. “The line doesn’t get much glory, [but] we are a very, very important part of the game. Without the offensive line, you can’t move the ball on the field. Without the defensive line, you’re going to get run all over. It’s a big part of the game,” Phelan said. Behind the offensive line every game was senior Valentino Starbird, who was awarded Second Team Offense as running back after accumulating a total of 897 yards and 14 touchdowns on 126 touches.
“I was really honored to know that I was one of the top players in the MCAL division,” Starbird said. Starbird also felt that team chemistry this year was especially strong. He attributes the welcoming and hardworking atmosphere to the odd circumstances last season. “Our team really got closer as the year went on, because last year was such a weird year when it came to sports. We practiced the whole year only to find out we couldn’t play. Everyone’s aspirations for that season dwindled, and then when it was announced that we could play games everyone got really excited. So, this year was building off of that,” Starbird said. Starbird saw the strong team connection play out on the field, as teammates supported every player no matter rank or position. “[In] our tougher games, like against Marin Catholic or San Marin, where some of the starters [had] to come out for some reason, [you see] people who normally don’t play as much go in the game. Whenever they perform it rallies the whole team, and all of that comes from us having a close team,” Starbird said. On the other side of the ball, senior Hudson Lavinsky won First Team Defense as a middle linebacker with 53 total tackles this season. “It’s definitely a good way to finish the year. It made everything feel worth it to me, because we didn’t make playoffs,” Lavinsky said. Lavinsky felt that the defense played well this year, asserting that the team’s ability to work as a unit was a significant factor in their performance. “We clicked really well early on and we didn’t allow a lot of points, even in some of the games we lost,” Lavinsky said. “Knowing that the guys are still confident in you and not allowing the momentum to completely shift for the other team [is important].” Next to Lavinsky on the defensive side of the ball this season was senior Zack Johnson, who received recognition on the Second Team Defense and the Second Team Offense. Johnson finished the season with 56 tackles and two interceptions as middle linebacker, and caught 54 passes for 644 yards and nine touchdowns as tight end. Another star on both sides of the ball was Nico Tribuzio, who was voted to the Second Team Offense as a receiver and the Honorable Mention Defense as a cornerback. Tribuzio led Redwood’s receiving threat alongside Johnson, bringing in 34 catches for 487 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, in addition to his 19 tackles and a pick-six on defense.
Juniors Rowe Stodolnic and Conor Weasler, both players who were pulled up to varsity last season, were also awarded spots on the All League lineup. Stodolnic was voted onto the Second Team Defense for defensive end, with 39 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles throughout the season. Weasler was awarded a spot on both the First Team Offense and Second Team Offense, as punter and kicker respectively. After fighting through a tough season, many of Redwood’s players earned meaningful accolades. With multiple juniors on this year’s list, and many more motivated to put MCAL on notice next season, Redwood will continue to receive All League recognition in the coming years. cvargelis@redwoodbark.org
Lisa Byington becomes NBA’s first full-time female broadcaster By Ingrid Houtkooper “Speaking of spotting up — Jrue Holiday beating the buzzer!” Lisa Byington said as Jrue Holiday shot a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first 2021 home preseason game. Lisa Byington, the Milwaukee Bucks’ new play-by-play broadcaster, made her Bucks broadcasting debut on Oct. 10, 2021. Though Byington’s broadcasting may not seem like a big deal to some, she is the first woman to ever have this job full time in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and is breaking the glass ceiling for future women in playby-play sports broadcasting. Although she is taking tremendous steps in a male-dominated industry, Byington wants to be known for more than just her gender. “I don’t think of myself as a female
broadcaster. I think of myself as a broadcaster, and the goal is to do the job well enough that people start thinking that way as well,” Byington said in a The New York Times interview. The NBA is far from having equal gender representation, but Byington is contributing to the increase in women employees. According to a 2020 report by The Institute For Diversity and Ethics in Sports, in the NBA, 26.6 percent of team vice presidents are women, 33 percent of team managers are women and 10.9 percent of Chief Executive Officers/presidents are women. The percentage of women in NBA professional staff positions increased by 1.7 percent, going from 37.3 percent in 2018-2019, to 39 percent in 2019-2020. These percentages show that although the majority of NBA employees are male, women have still made huge strides. Locally, senior Dessa Needham is demonstrating what values women can
Photo courtesy of CNN
BROADCASTING FOR A WNBA game, Byington analyzes the court in order to display her play-by-play announcing skills.
bring to male-dominated sports industries. Needham has been spending much of the school year interning with Redwood’s athletic trainer, Americ Alvarado. So far, she has been working with male athletes, and has an understanding of what it means to work in a male-dominated setting — whether that be helping on the football field during games, or taping players up before practice. “I would say [the male athletes] are accepting of me working with them … I haven’t felt pushed away because I’m a female,” Needham said. She believes that building a strong connection with athletes is something that comes naturally to many women and allows them to bring value to the sports industry in a variety of ways. “This might be stereotypical, but I think females have an easier time connecting emotionally with other athletes, whether male or female,” Needham said. “I have noticed that through working with Americ … I’ve [gotten] to know a lot of [the players].” Sydney Brodie is a point guard for the girls’ freshman basketball team, and is excited about what Byington’s hire means for young female athletes. “One of the [benefits of Byington’s hire] is showing young girls that women can do the same thing men can do,” Brodie said. Brodie has been playing basketball since the fourth grade for both Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) teams and her middle school team. In her free time, she enjoys watching the sport as well. “I never see any women, it’s mostly men [working in the NBA]. It’s great that they’re creating an opportunity for women to start working,” Brodie said. “I read something in an article [that said,] ‘People are used to a man’s voice broadcasting,’
but it’s good to have both.” Lauren Dunnigan, a Branson alum, grew up playing basketball and continues to engage in the sport by coaching her daughters’ CYO team, as well as previously being a volunteer assistant with the women’s basketball team at St. Mary’s College of California. Dunnigan was a four-year varsity basketball player, and continued her basketball career at Lewis and Clark College. She spent a majority of her basketball career being coached by men, and still notices unbalanced female representation in the NBA. Since Byington played both basketball and soccer at Northwestern University, Dunnigan is confident in Byington’s ability to perform in the workplace. “I know that [college athletes in the workforce] know how to work hard, be determined, persevere and be a team player. They can roll with the punches; this flexibility and agility that gets brought [to the table] is an amazing asset … it is undervalued and it is so well received,” Dunnigan said. As more women are hired for sportsoriented jobs both in and out of the NBA, Dunnigan hopes that people see the value in women’s opinions and work ethic. “These women who are walking the walk and setting the tone for everybody else are going to give [women] more opportunities to broaden the scope for everybody,” Dunnigan said. Although women working in sports industries may not be extremely common in 2021, as Byington continues to influence women, Dunnigan, Needham and Brodie all hope that women working in male-dominated sports industries become less of a novelty. ihoutkooper@redwoodbark.org
December 10, 2021 bark Page 20 • Sports Honoring 28: Buster Posey’s all-star career By Calla McBride and Sam Kimball Packing into Rangers Ballpark in Texas on Nov. 1, 2010, 52,045 people were eager to watch the San Francisco Giants battle the Texas Rangers in game five of the World Series. The sky was clear, the stadium was roaring and the smell of popcorn filled the air. A traditional “wave” traveled throughout the vibrant blue and orange crowd. The Giants were leading the series against the Rangers 3-1 and vying for their first World Series title in 56 years. With rookie catcher Buster Posey behind the plate, the dream was only one pitch away. That night, all they needed was a win, and they would be World Series champions. Leading 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Giants had three balls and two strikes count with two outs down. Despite being only 23 years old, Posey appeared collected, focused and determined to secure the victory. Having only made his Major League debut one year earlier, Posey’s 2010 season impressed many. He made an immediate impact putting up superb numbers, including sustaining a batting average of .305, hitting 18 home runs and accumulating 67 runs batted-in (RBI’s) — but it all came down to this one pitch. Closer Brian Wilson stood on the mound and dealt a high fastball; Posey in position ready to catch. Strike three! With the throw of his catcher’s helmet and a big smile, the rookie ran to embrace his pitcher in the first of what would soon be known as “Buster” hugs. Flash forward over a decade, and this three-time World Series Champion, six-time all star, 2012 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and much more has finally retired. Posey announced his retirement from Major League baseball on Nov. 4, 2021, accomplishing a feat only five other Giants players have reached: playing his entire career solely with the Giants. The catcher was drafted by the San Francisco Giants as the fifth overall pick in 2008 and made his major league debut on Sept. 11, 2009. He was deemed the Giants’ number two prospect in triple-A — the highest level of play in Minor League Baseball — and, following his debut, quickly lived up to that title. Posey won National League Rookie of the Year in 2010 after accumulating the aforementioned statistics, holding the record for highest batting average among all MLB rookies. Following his award-winning season, Posey broke his leg on May 25, 2011, after enduring a brutal collision on home plate. This injury was detrimental and sidelined him for the remainder of the 2011 season, but Posey came back with a vengeance in 2012. He had a career year, hitting 24 home runs and maintaining a batting average of .336, prompting him to win the 2012 National League MVP and boosting his team to win another World Series. As his career continued, he only became even more impressive to watch on the field. In 2014, Posey and the Giants brought home the third and final title after a fiveyear run, and Posey led the team with 22 home runs and stellar defense. Oftentimes, it is easy to get caught up in statistics and averages when reflecting on a player’s career, especially one like Posey’s. While statistics provide insight into one aspect of a player’s career, being a quality teammate and leader on the field is equally important. Directly after Posey’s retirement announcement,
former teammate Matt Cain described Posey as a pivotal part of the team on local sports radio station KNBR. “He was the heart of [the team],” Cain said. “He did a great job at being able to control all of us, to keep us in line and manage us in ways the coaches couldn’t do. He just let us be us; figured out our strengths and weaknesses and was going to exploit our strengths to the best of our abilities.” Posey’s role on the field as a leader and mentor comes in part to his longevity with the team. Teaching his peers through tough situations with the calm confidence he exhibits has been very special to watch for Redwood students. Many have been watching Posey dominate the diamond since they were little kids like junior and baseball player Quinn Miller. “I grew up with [the Giants]. My family has always been Giants fans, and we had season tickets, so I was always at the games … I was kind of raised into it,” Miller said. Miller reflected on the catcher’s role in the Giants organization through the years, after hearing the announcement of Posey’s retirement. “A lot of [success] can be attributed to him, although baseball is a team sport … He was there for the 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series, and when you look at his role on the team for all three of the victories, I think he was a big part of [the Giants] success,” Miller said. Much like Miller, senior baseball player Bodhi Bartle believes Posey’s career has made an immense impact on the organization as a whole, spanning from his teammates to the fans. “[Posey] has been such a crucial part of the organization,” Bartle said. “Being on the team for 12 years and staying through the thick and thin, through the triumphs and successes, is amazing. He has done it for his team, his family and the fans.” Posey’s illustrious career has left fans with many special memories, including recollections of the iconic “Buster” hug. Senior Jordyn Solter has been a life-long Giants fan and recalls these moments to be some of her favorite memories of the catcher. “My favorite thing about Posey is the hugs he gave during the World Series run. People see athletes as big, strong and tough guys, so seeing Posey give his teammate a hug is great to see,” Solter said. Many Posey memories go deeper than his field embraces, however. Senior Harper Fong, a longtime Giants fan, reflected on Posey’s career and the power it had on her own career as a softball catcher. “I remember his first hit [as a Giant,] and from that moment on I knew he had the skills to be an impactful player,” Fong said. “As a [softball] catcher myself, I understand the great glory and pain it takes to play at such a high level. For him to do it every day [has been] something special.” When Posey announced his retirement, fans had various reactions to the news, some being more surprised than others. For Fong, this announcement came as a shock. “I was in pure disbelief when I found out Buster Posey was retiring after such a spectacular comeback season,” Fong said. “I have and will always be a Posey fan. His incredible years in a Giants’ uniform are untouchable and his impact was truly remarkable. His legacy will shine
Illustrations by Calla McBride
Image courtesy of SFGATE
GIVING BACK TO the community, Posey spends time with a cancer patient at a local hospital through his organization, BP28. on.” Redwood history teacher Derek DeNardo has been a fan of the Giants since the 70s and shared a similar sentiment to Fong when Posey announced his career’s end. “I was crushed,” DeNardo said. “[Watching Posey’s retirement] blew me away. I thought coming off the season he just had, he would have one or two more years in him. But when I watched his press conference and learned about how much his body had been hurting, it made sense.” As we look to the future of the Giants organization, Bartle recognizes the difficulty of replacing such a high caliber player like Posey and feels as though Posey’s career should be recognized differently by the new set of Giants to take the field. “Players who have not been in such a big leadership role before have to understand what they are losing and [that] they need to step up,” Bartle said. “The new catcher should not try to replace Posey, but they should use his past and what he stood for as a model.” Beyond his leadership and calm presence behind the plate, Posey’s life off the field is just as memorable as his time on the dirt. Most notably, Posey created BP28, coined from his initials and jersey number, in the spring of 2016 to raise awareness and fundraise for pediatric cancer. His philanthropic efforts put into perspective who he wanted to be underneath the jersey. Posey dedicated his time to bringing out the best in his teammates, helping his community and encapsulating what it means to be Giant. Above all, his devotion to his family demonstrates what kind of person he truly was. Posey explained in his retirement press conference that setting aside time for family was a big factor in stepping away. Throughout the press conference, Posey’s dedication to both his team and family was evident. “It’s a lot more than winning or losing games — it’s about the time spent with family. The countless nights and days pulling for your team, riding the emotions of the highs, riding the emotions of the lows,” Posey said. “And ultimately enjoying the people that you’re with and making great memories together. I’m so very humbled to have played a part in those memories.” While the world will no longer see this incredible player behind the plate, Bartle and many others believe that this is not goodbye. “I don’t think this is the last the Giants organization will see of [Posey],” Bartle said. “After taking a few years off with his family in Georgia, I think he will come back to baseball in a coaching role for the Giants. But no matter what, he has left his mark here and will be a Giants legend forever.” bark@redwoodbark.org
bark A look into the history of sports rivalries at Redwood Page 21 • Sports
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By Justine Fisch
After a full year of shortened sports seasons and strict spectator regulations, the competitive nature of Redwood sports is finally back in full swing along with buzzing spirit and, of course, the cherished school rivalries. The hallways are decorated with eye-catching posters advertising events and reminding students of game times for the week. Gyms are bursting with spirited stands full of students and parents cheering for their Giants as they advance in their respective seasons. School rallies, themes and game nights are prominent in Redwood’s current sport culture; but is this how it has always been? Redwood first opened its doors in 1954, and due to a staggering population surge that caused an overflow of students in neighboring district high schools, they funneled students in from Tamalpais (Tam) High School and Archie Williams High School, causing a major increase in the student body. Marlee Rogers, the current co-President of the Redwood Alumni Association, was a student in the first graduating class of Redwood, and later became part of the faculty as a social studies and art teacher prior to her position on the Alumni Board. Rogers vividly remembers the cultural upbringing of the newly established Redwood High School. “[The students] were busy trying to forge an identity,” Rogers said. “We were involved in picking the name of the school, the mascot and the yearbook … just trying to get it all going.” Rogers reflected on the school spirit during her days at school, recalling that the rivalries were mainly between Tam and Archie Williams. Due to the district overflow, students felt a strong allegiance to all three schools at the time, heightening the intensity of school rivalries in the area. According to Rogers, the prevalence of sports games within the social atmosphere of Redwood also played a significant role in the amount of spirit shown by its students. “When I was in school you were
either [stereotypically popular] and you have experienced unbeatable success in were in, or you were out. There wasn’t the past, they have also had some defining much else to do, so going to football games lows. Chelini found that as the quality of was just what we did on the weekends,” the teams changed, so did the rivalries. During her time as an administrator, Rogers said. Since Redwood’s sports programs were Chelini noted that in the 60s, there was fairly limited when it first opened, the spirit no football rivalry against Marin Catholic and rivalries were heavily concentrated in High School (MC), which seems unheard the sports that were offered at the time: of considering Redwood’s current, passionate feud against MC. football, basketball and baseball. “When my brother went to MC in “The spirit changed as [more teams were integrated]. Then there was more to the 60s, [the football team was] terrible,” Chelini said. “My brother had no business be involved in sports-wise,” Rogers said. Over time, Redwood’s rivalries became being on a football team but he was a an integral part of its sports culture, drawing varsity starter.” Similarly in the 90s, the Redwood students to the stands on evenings, after school and on weekends. 1985 Redwood football team could not even form a varsity graduate and former varsity basketball team for the fall. Frustrated with their player Matthew Blair vividly remembers 85-3 loss against Novato High School the his teams’ rivalry against Archie Williams previous year, along with other notable and the vibrancy of the crowds during his losses, most of the upperclassmen left the team. games. “In the 90s, [at our] homecoming games “Back in my day, there was a group called the ‘Unknown Animals’ who would we’d be lucky to get 25 Redwood students to come [because] it was usually paint their faces and come and just family members of the cheer at basketball homecoming court. It games,” Blair wasn’t something said. “[The kids clambered to rivalries] are do because the what makes teams weren’t [playing] good,” Chelini fun.” said. S u e For Blair, the Chelini, biggest changes a former in the rivalries Redwood today compared teacher, to his time at Vi c e Redwood come Principal from the gradual and partintegration of club time sports teams. These District Athletic teams have connected Coordinator, is students from various reminiscent of schools, cultivating a more the student spirit, personal, but still heavily especially in the 60s. competitive atmosphere. “The students were very “I think [the club teams] [spirited] … kind of like create even more of a friendship Grease. We had song girls within a rivalry compared to and would elect cheerleaders, back in the day when I didn’t which were boys and girls that really know anyone that I was led chants at games or rallies,” playing against,” Blair said. Photo by Justine Fisch Chelini said. “There’s more respect because While Redwood sports
of the history there.” Although Redwood traditions have evolved over time, there is one that has remained constant: the Redwood spirit ball. The spirit ball was originally used as a method of weighing down nets under the Golden Gate Bridge to prevent submarines from entering the bay. After it was no longer needed in the 40s, it was repurposed to become an iconic and beloved symbol of Redwood school spirit, engaging all students. “[The students] would say the spirit ball used to be half the size it is now because there are so many layers of paint on it,” Chelini said. Blair recognizes the spirit ball as a long-standing representation of athletic rivalries. “When I was at Redwood, some [rivalry teams] would even write on the spirit ball next to the football field,” Blair said. In early March of 2020, Redwood experienced a more modern shift in its sports culture. With many sporting events canceled and occupation restrictions as well as overall health concerns increasing, Redwood students had little opportunity to support their school’s athletics. Blair, now with a son at Redwood, has witnessed a major turning point this year in the number of students and schoolwide support. “There’s some pent-up spirit post[COVID-19] that I can see at the games I’ve been going to [this year],” Blair said. “It feels like there’s more of a community and I think that people are excited to go out and socialize because that was something we may have taken for granted in my day.” Although sports have gone through their share of ups and downs, the traditions and rivalries generated in the 50s when Redwood’s doors first opened are still very much an essential part of the community today. Redwood and its students are making their mark and setting precedents for the future of their school. jfisch@redwoodbark.org
Opinion: The not so skimpy issue with sexism in sports By Ava Razavi
Euphemisms such as “you run like a girl” or “you hit like a girl” have existed for decades and always hold connotations of inferiority. Through this, women have become the pain points in statements regarding physical strength or in this case, lack thereof. According to The Guardian, 40 percent of women experience sexism in sports jobs, leading to the degradation and dismissal of female athletes in the sports community. Undeniably, there are differences between women and men in sport, yet these are most prominent in women’s uniforms and rules regarding aggression. It is vital to reduce the misogyny that exists in women’s uniforms and game rules to revitalize young girls’ participation in sports. While uniforms may seem like a minor aspect of the athletic realm, the regulations on women’s uniforms are deeply grounded in misogyny and further the sexualization of women in society. The Sports Commission at Loughborough University in England conducted an investigation on the history of women’s uniforms and discovered that the majority of these clothes are designed by men. Therefore, uniforms are typically made with the male gaze in mind. It is a hypersexual way to objectify women used to increase men’s gratification while watching them play. The feeling of being sexualized and objectified by uniforms may be a contributing factor to why teenage girls are twice as likely as boys of the same age group to drop out of their sport. The Austrian Sports Confederation determined that young women are abandoning their sports due to the discomfort they feel in their revealing uniforms. The Confederation noted, “The main reason for young girls (12 to 14 years old) abandoning sports activities has to do with their poor self-image at a delicate stage of their transition into adulthood. Restrictive clothing such as short revealing skirts or heavy, unwieldy school uniforms has been cited as reasons for girls’ unwillingness to take to the sports fields.” Considering the drastic impacts that uniforms have on women’s participation in sports, it is shocking
more has not been done to mitigate this issue. regarding physical contact differ. In men’s lacrosse, Regulations must be altered to allow all athletes the body hits and stick checking are allowed, but in women’s decision of what clothing they want to wear in order to lacrosse, no touching is permitted between players. divert their attention back to their focus –– sports. It seems Those who make extensive contact during women’s as though every time women attempt to decide which lacrosse are disciplined with minute-long penalties. clothes they deem appropriate for their sport, they are Considering that no justification for the variations of reprimanded in some form, whether it be a monetary cost these game rules has ever been provided, spectators or result in disqualification. Recently, disputes over assume that these regulations are meant to tightly-fitted bikini bottom and tank top protect the safety of “fragile” women. uniforms at a handball championship This stems from outdated stereotypes game cost the Norwegian regarding women’s physical women’s handball team strength which believes that approximately 150 euros per lacrosse with physical contact player for breaking uniform is too dangerous for them regulations. Players to play. Understanding expressed their desire to the differentiation in rules, wear longer shorts during viewers of sports are left with their games, as they found only one thought: women are their current uniforms to be weaker than men and can not hypersexual and ineffectual in their handle the aggression that efforts to protect their knees from men are capable the sand they fall into. Thus, a new of. Instead precedent was set by fining a team of deciding for choosing to wear something abilities based more conservative and functional on their gender, –– modest clothing choices are not we must value the welcome in sports. hard work that they have put into building It is important to note that many their strength. women do not necessarily mind wearing The issue of hyper-sexualizing women Illustration by Calla McBride tighter and shorter uniforms compared to their in their uniforms is decades old but still remains one gender counterparts; many actually prefer this choice. of the main reasons that young women’s participation in Women find it easier to play in clothes that are tighter sports is dwindling. For the good of the athletic realm because it does not restrict their limbs and also find as a whole, sports confederations should change their form-fitting clothes more comfortable. Yet, when male- regulations to allow women to choose which uniforms dominated sports federations restrict women’s choices they wear based on their comfort level and desires. to decide which clothes to wear, this issue becomes Furthermore, to guarantee an equal playing field for all inherently sexist. people, game rules should be regular across all genders The misogyny in sports does not end at uniforms but and federations. also disseminates through rules for contact sports like lacrosse. Men’s lacrosse is arguably one of the more aggressive sports, while in women’s lacrosse, the rules arazavi@redwoodbark.org
lifestyles
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Harry Wait and Tor Aune fly friendship to new heights By Avery Aguero Situated below Novato’s rolling hills lies Gnoss Field, a small, domestic airport with hangars for housing aircrafts, two-seater planes and a runway. Juniors Harry Wait and Tor Aune, longtime best friends who share a thrill for adventure, prepare for take off in the pilot’s compartment of a single-engine Citabria. They are accompanied by Harry’s father Andrew Wait, an experienced pilot of 35 years, who has supported them through the process of earning a Private Pilot License (PPL). PPLs allow individuals to legally operate small aircrafts. Practicing the rules and learning the fundamentals of aviation, the three of them set out into the skies. As the fourth Wait to pursue a PPL, Harry’s interest stems from his family’s history of service in the U.S. Army National Guard and Air Force as fighter pilots. “Flying is something that I’ve been doing with my dad ever since I was five years old, and what motivates me is that it’s a family tradition,” Harry said. Harry’s great-grandfather, Harry Wait Sr., served in World War II as a fighter pilot, and Harry’s grandfather served in the Air Force during the Korean War. According to Andrew, Wait Sr. has significantly influenced the upbringing of the Wait children and their flying endeavors. “There’s always been something evocative about the legend of Harry Wait Sr. and the adventures he had fighting in France. That story gripped our imaginations [so] we think about [Harry Wait Sr.] a lot when we do this,” Andrew said. Over the past year and a half, Harry has made progress towards completing ground school where prospective pilots learn about aerodynamics, weather and other aviation-related topics to pass a knowledge exam and graduate to flight school. Aune joined the journey two months ago, but unlike Harry, is already trained to handle a different type of machinery. “My whole life I’ve been working on boats and on the water, so flying for me is just a whole different environment and experience. It’s a really beautiful thing to be in the air and turbulence is [similar] to a boat on the waves; so it feels the same but also different,” Aune said. Since joining Harry, Aune has practiced interpreting the gauges of planes such as altitude, air speed and direction while in flight. These indicators help pilots safely operate aircrafts thousands of feet above the ground, which can be a nerve-wracking experience for some. But for Aune, the nervous nature of flying helps him embrace the risky sensation while in the air. “I’ve always liked trying new things and getting outside of my comfort zone. Something that I always think about is this quote: ‘Fear is healthy. Panic is deadly.’ It’s good to have fear when you’re flying, but once you start to panic, everything goes to hell so you have to make sure you’re cool, calm and collected,” Aune said. When the best friends are not in flight, they are most likely in some body of water. As competitive swimmers and avid surfers, Harry and Aune have connected through activities other than flying. Andrew believes the boys’ background in surfing has helped prepare them for the
Photo courtesy of Andrew Wait
HARRY AND AUNE venture out on another flying session in a blue and white Cessna as part of their Private Pilot License training. mentally challenging aspects of their aviation training. “[Flying] is a little scary, being up in the air and wobbling around. [Surfing in California] takes some reasonably deep wells of courage between the sharks, the freezing cold weather and the riptides. Both [Harry and Aune] take [to flying] like ducks to water,” Andrew said. From school to swimming practice to extracurricular activities, it has been difficult for Harry and Aune to carve out time for flying sessions. When Aune joined Harry in his training in September, this challenge became easier. Harry says that embarking on this journey with a friend helped hold him accountable for achieving his goal of getting a PPL. “[Aune] could talk about flying for hours and he’s there to keep me honest. I’ve got someone who’s super motivated out of pure curiosity and excitement,” Harry said. Taking their friendship to new heights, both have already begun to think about the future after they become licensed. The prospect of owning a small plane and flying together is a significant source of motivation for them to continue training for their PPL.
Even though the boys do not currently plan to pursue a career in aviation, they intend to complete ground school and log 40 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor per the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirements for certification. Ten of those total hours will be flying alone, a step in which Harry is eager to take. “I really want to know what it would feel like to be up there alone. It is a different level of solitude to be up in the sky in a machine,” Harry said. With more material to learn and sky to cover, an exciting future awaits for the two best friends. Recognizing the uniqueness of their opportunities, Aune has a deep level of gratitude for flying. “My dad is constantly telling me to never take [flying] for granted,” Aune said. “The fact that I’m able to go fly with my buddy is so special and it’s a great life lesson to learn how to take on something so big, especially at a young age.”
aaguero@redwoodbark.org
Welcome to the Redzone, a podcast that collects different athlete perspectives on a variety of Redwood sports. This month, hosts Keegan Williams and Nathan Ash interview three players on the girls’ varsity soccer team. The interviewees, junior Maddie Buck and seniors Riley Anderson and Mia Hamant, reveal their experiences playing this year, offer insight into their respective leadership positions and describe how they use their roles to positively impact their teammates. Go Giants! bark@redwoodbark.org
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‘Til Dawn’s a capella family hits just the right note By Ani Svendsen
“I’ve heard many of my students say that [our program is] a musical family. It’s an important place for people to connect outside of school,” ‘Til Dawn’s a capella director and singer/songwriter, Austin Willacy said. Established in 1988 and still thriving, ‘Til Dawn is a non-profit Youth in Arts program. Before their shows, the ‘Til Dawn a capella group awaits their time on stage as anticipation builds. The group may be nervous, but their shared passion for singing keeps them steady before audiences. Whether they are performing at halfway houses or the Marin Country Mart, ‘Til Dawn displays their talent countless times throughout the year, so they strive for perfection when rehearsing their pieces. “Before COVID-19, ‘Til Dawn would perform somewhere between 20-25 times a year. I am responsible for arranging and teaching the pieces we perform, as well as fine-tuning the performance presentation of the group,” Willacy said. Willacy not only works to improve the choir’s singing ability, but he also creates a family-like environment by planning retreats with the group about three times a year. Retreats always include games and group bonding, which Willacy believes strengthens relationships and singing cohesiveness. “If an ensemble is going to present on stage, I have to ensure that the bond between the singers on stage is tight. A big part of the work I do with the group is around interpersonal connection, team building and gratitude sessions,” Willacy said. Junior Emma Orrick, a singer with ‘Til Dawn, grew up watching her father produce music and it has always been something special in her life. Orrick believes that relying entirely on the voice to create music is what brings her closer to her singing mates. “In rehearsals, there’s a lot of sharing and connecting when we sing because a big part of a capella is participating
Photo courtesy of Leah Nemerovski
SINGING AT HOPMONK Tavern, ‘Til Dawn soloist Emma Orrick performs for an audience. with your peers since all you use is your voice. The relationships I have with some of the people in the group are stronger than I have ever had in my [personal] life,” Orrick said. Even if the show doesn’t go as planned, getting to present what the group has been practicing is one of Orrick’s favorite parts of performing. “For people who don’t know a lot about music, getting to see [the audiences] reactions to our performances is always fulfilling. The adrenaline and being vulnerable
bark
on stage [creates an atmosphere where] no matter what happens, you know you accomplished something great,” Orrick said. Not only do the performers enjoy watching the crowd react, but the audience members express their contentment with body language and dancing. ‘Til Dawn’s repertoire consists of a variety of old, new and classical music ensuring a pleasant experience for all audience members. Orrick has even witnessed her older audiences “light up and start to dance” as they sing songs from decades ago. However, ‘Til Dawn does not just move older audiences, they draw out emotion from students as well. Leah Nemerovski, a junior at Novato High School, auditioned for the group after hearing ‘Til Dawn sing for the first time at an outreach event at her school. Nemerovski has been a member for three years and claims that her performing skills have grown tremendously because of the group. “Willacy has been a great mentor to me and has taught me so much more about music. I’ve also grown my performing skills as we usually perform at least once a month,” Nemerovski said. “Getting to perform so often has allowed me to become a good leader, and ‘Til Dawn has inspired me to continue my musical endeavors in the future.” If you want to see ‘Til Dawn live, their next performance will take place on Dec. 27 at the Jewish Community Club (JCC) in San Rafael. Image courtesy of Jan Mehlich
asvendsen@redwoodbark.org
Bargain Market Quartet outstrums their competition By Dylan Zorn “We are a very distinctive band that plays a unique mixture of genres. Many people across the music department come to our practices to join us, and we have several songs ready to perform,” Pianist Jack White said. From folk to country to rock music, Redwood’s newest band, the Bargain Market Quartet, can play it all. Their unique name was created during their Advanced Performance Workshop (APW) class by comprising the names of bands they were previously in to generate the Bargain Market Quartet. The band consists of six seniors; Jack White, Griffin Dione, Evan Miller, Bodhi Bartle, Aiden Tribolet and Agneya Poduval. Each member is specialized in playing a particular instrument, adding to its diverse sound. Although the band is in its beginning stages, they have several songs in the works and are set to perform in the music department’s annual winter concert on Jan. 17, 2021, as well as several solo concert dates planned for the spring semester. Senior Evan Miller, a four-year member of the music program and one of the lead guitarists in the band, is looking forward to
witnessing the group’s skills progress. “The band is really new. It was created at the end of September. We all have very similar tastes in music, [which is] part of the reason why we created the band,” Miller said. Miller attributes the support of Bargain Market Quartet’s development thus far to Redwood’s music department. “With the opportunities and resources that are provided to us by Mr. Maddern, I believe that we can get a lot bigger and make an impact on Redwood’s music department,” Miller said. After spending countless SMART periods together playing music, the Bargain Market Quartet was formed. Despite being in its pre-productive stages, the group members have made significant improvements due to their dedication. “[The members of the band] and I always go to the music room during SMART. White is always bringing some new folk music for us to play, and we just mess around and try to play the whole song. It’s always just such a great time,” Miller stated. Maddern mostly assigns his students to play songs in the rock, country or folk genres, so the band intentionally
Photo by Dylan Zorn
GETTING THEIR INSTRUMENTS ready and tuned for a rehearsal, the band members begin to practice their untitled song that has just been finished.
concentrates its songs within these genres in order to highlight their strengths. The group noted that Maddern’s expertise played a significant role in the creation of the Bargain Market Quartet, as well as their artistic process. “[Maddern] was extremely supportive when our band was just an idea. He gave us a lot of great advice and insight on what goes on behind the scenes of a band, and he often comes and plays with us during SMART period,” Miller said. The band records the majority of their songs at lead bassist Griffin Dione’s house, and the band hopes to begin releasing these songs by February of 2020. The Bargain Market Quartet will be playing with the rest of APW in their annual January concert, and are hoping to perform a few of their own songs for the Redwood community during music performances. White, pianist and creator of the band, is extremely optimistic about their upcoming performances, especially the Night of Blues which will take place next March. “We are working on having two songs done by [the Night of Blues], and Mr. Maddern told us that there is a possibility Photo by Dylan Zorn of letting us use the Christmas concert as WARMING UP ON the piano, senior multi-instrumentalist Jack White practices a a platform to get our band a little bit of recognition,” White said. few songs before starting a band rehearsal.
Before they are ready to hit the stage, the band recognizes the importance of solidifying their sound. Dione sees their hard work in the band room beginning to pay off. “All of the hours that we spent together playing different kinds of music and brainstorming how the band will be created are finally producing results. All of the band members are extremely talented and enthusiastic about our progress, as well,” Dione said. He emphasizes the band’s camaraderie and appreciates its importance to their success. “It’s always a great time hanging out with the band, and a lot of that needs to be credited to Mr. Maddern. We have definitely become a lot closer through playing music,” Dione said. Although no dates have been set, members of the Bargain Market Quartet are planning on having several performances in the spring semester, which will be held in the small gym. The Night of Blues will be the Bargain Market Quartet’s first live concert together, which will be held in March of 2022.
dzorn@redwoodbark.org