Hats off to the Class of 2025!
By Daniella Lainez ’26
On May 17, seniors will walk across the stage at Mayer Family Field to commemorate their last four years at Archbishop Riordan High School. If there is one word that should come to mind when describing this particular class, it is adaptable.
The class of 2025 began their high school careers in a time unlike any other, as they returned to school as freshmen amid COVID with masks, social distancing, and a lack of traditional high school experiences.
The graduating class of 2025 has been through many new changes in their four years at this school, and has broken many unspoken traditions as well. Notably, over the last several years, Riordan has alternated male and female valedictorians.
However, with Breanna Dizon ’24 and now Ava Bowles ’25, two young women have earned the title back-to-back, marking a new era for Riordan’s students.
This year, Riordan has seen a large number of college acceptances from schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Barnard, and many more.
Leading the class are Valedictorian Ava Bowles ’25, and Salutatorian Riley Alfonso ’25,
Valedictorian Ava Bowles ’25 and Salutatorian Riley Alfonso ’25.
who not only excelled academically, but have also done their part to support their fellow classmates.
Becoming valedictorian is much more than a title or accomplishment. For Bowles, this achievement is an active reflection of the years of determination that have gone into everything she sets her mind to.
“To me, being valedictorian is a recognition of my hard work these past four years,” she said. “It means a lot to me because the Class of 2025 is so talented. I am honored to be chosen to represent this class at graduation.”
In addition to her academic achievements, Bowles has also dedicated four years to the Riordan soccer team and has cofounded the Book Club. She is also a co-president of the Wellness Club and a member of the CORE team.
Bowles credits much of her success to the support of her older sister, India Bowles ’23, the 2023 Riordan Salutatorian. She described, “The fact that my sister earned this honor too is a testament to the guidance and encouragement I’ve had every step of the way.”
The seniors were able to navigate both a variety of changing schedules and the ups and downs of building friendships during a global pandemic. Despite this, this group of students has built long-lasting connections, adapted quickly, and made the most of every opportunity that followed.
Alfonso is equally as excited for this upcoming accomplishment. Alfonso owes much of his success to his teachers and fellow classmates who have shaped his experience at Riordan.
“I think that my time at Riordan has been amazing and was especially driven by the amazing teachers. There hasn’t been a single class that I would change if given the opportunity to relive my experience.”
Alongside his hard work, Alfonso also serves on Riordan’s senior committee and up-and-coming Climbing Club.
Together, Bowles, Alfonso, and the rest of the class of 2025 will soar to new heights after they graduate from Archbishop Riordan High School. While the new experiences that their future colleges or careers will offer them will transport them to the next steps of their lives, they will never forget the experience that Riordan has forged for them.
Turning the tassel: Shasky receives diploma
By Aiden Pavon ’25
Just a few years ago, Joe Shasky III ’01 would have told you that his biggest regret was never graduating from Riordan. Now, in the 2024–2025 school year, he can finally say that he did.
After a regretful high school career, and battles with drugs and alcohol, Riordan alumnus Joe Shasky turned his life around. He made a change for the better and earned his diploma at the beginning of this school year.
In high school, Shasky admits he wasn’t a responsible student, and his attitude could have been better.
“When I was at Riordan, I wasn’t applying myself. Even though I got good grades, I was a
huge troublemaker,” Shasky said.
At home, Shasky had lost the solid foundation he was used to. There were issues going on that contributed to Shasky’s frustrations that bled into his discipline. This caused him to be angry, frustrated, and directionless.
He would find himself being rude, and acting in ways he would later regret. He was first kicked off of his sports teams for poor attitude, but before it got better, it got worse. He was eventually asked to leave Riordan. He wore this shame for a long time. But, rather than sitting around, Shasky decided it was time to change.
“I looked at myself in the mirror
and said I didn’t want to be that person. And it was that point in time where my life started to turn around.”
To make this change, Shasky started with something familiar to him: coaching youth sports. He did this so he could help any young kids who were like him, kids who were struggling and needed a positive male figure in their life.
“A lot of why I started coaching was to give back to the young people who resembled me. Who, for whatever reason, whether it was their home life or individually, who just needed some positive male influence,” Shasky said.
Check out our website (rcrusadernews.com) for the full version of this story.
Photo by Cara Garcia
President Tim Reardon presented Joe Shasky III ’01 with his diploma at the beginning of the school year.
Photo by Loghan Hwang ’27
US military bases should reflect American values
By The Crusader Staff
Two years ago, nine U.S. military bases that were previously named after Confederate leaders were fortunately renamed to cut ties to the Confederacy.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration is currently working to circumvent these changes and already has by reverting Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg.
Despite the opposition of our country’s leaders, we at The Crusader argue that maintaining the original name changes is not only important, it’s imperative.
Firstly, though some may claim that renaming removes historical context, we argue that it only adds on to it by showing national progress.
For example, Fort Bragg was previously named after a Confederate leader, someone who embodies everything we fought against.
Instead, the fort was renamed after the essential American value
of liberty. A value so prominent, it’s engraved into our pledge of allegiance and woven into the fabric of our flag.
This name change not only allows us as a country to reflect on our past, it gives us the opportunity to represent what we fought for, and what we value most.
Furthermore, with renaming comes the opportunity to honor more deserving military figures.
A huge positive of the 2023 renaming initiative was that many U.S. military members were getting the recognition they deserved.
Heroes like Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams were honored for their positive impact on African Americans and Women in the military.
Renaming the bases to honor those who fought for our country and those in it, helps us as a country to recognize our own military leaders who really deserve it.
Mission Statement for the Archbishop Riordan High School Newspaper
The mission of The Crusader is to inform, educate and entertain the readers—students, teachers, parents, members of the community—about issues that affect the students as well as citizens of San Francisco and the nation. We hope to instill a sense of understanding, responsibility, and curiosity in our readers that results in an eagerness to learn more about their peers and the world around them.
175 Frida Kahlo Way San Francisco, CA 94112
RCrusaderNews.com
RCrusaderNews@riordanhs.org
Editor-in-Chief
Angela Jia ’25
Managing Editor
Aiden Pavon ’25
Opinion Editor
Hoorain Farooq ’25
Campus News Editors
Katelyn Leong ’25
Ashley Villing ’25
Local & State News Editor
Isabelle Abad ’26
National & World News Editor
Daniella Lainez ’26
Boys Sports Editor
Ishaan Gupta ’26
Girls Sports Editor
Eva Bennett ’25
Sports Features Editor
Liam O’Connor ’25
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Hailey Ferrer ’26
Environment Editor
Helena Kai Murguz ’25
Religion Editor
Vincent Douglas ’25
Health Editor
Catherine Hansen ’25
Science Editor
Griffin Doeff ’25
Business & Technology Editor
Caitlin Dowd ’25
Features Editor
Hazel Nagata-Rampata ’26
Food Review Editor
Loghan Hwang ’27
Senior Photo Editor
Sean Reyes ’25
Photo Editors
Ethan Ly ’26
Julia Yamsuan ’25
Copy Editor
Rose Baik ’26
Graphic Artists
Vee Chen ’25 and Kai Murguz ’25
“...name change[s] not only allow us as a country to reflect on our past, it gives us the opportunity to represent what we fought for, and what we value most.
For these reasons, we believe that renaming these military bases is a necessity. So despite the fact that our country’s leaders are trying to curtail America’s progress, we at The Crusader urge you to advocate for change. Because even though there’s a battle ahead, the time to push against regression and fight for change is now.
Reporters and Photographers
Aarav Agrawal ’28
Julian Amann ’26
Josephine Andre ’27
Robert Bennett ’27
Keira Cabuntala ’27
Alejandro Coriano ’26
Nicole Diaz ’26
Gregory Florseca ’27
Isabel Fonseca ’27
Mark Gabancho ’26
Rachel Gerke ’27
Vanessa Gonzaga ’27
Ashling Greene ’26
Riley Guajardo ’26
Grace Hoelsken ’25
Luca Hrvatin ’25
Malcolm Jones-Smith ’25
Lorelai Keating-Curran ’27
Genevieve Kohlmeyer ’25
Ethan Krasner ’26
Exchange Editors
Marley Naniola ’25
Taylor Tran ’25
Reporters and Photographers
Daniela Krasnoshchok ’26
Alessandra Leon ’26
Ciarra Mangibuyat ’27
James McDonell ’27
Julia O’Neill ’26
Ariana Ortiz ’26
Kianna Panaligan ’27
Erin Quan ’26
Andres Roca ’25
Emma Rocha ’25
Isaiah Sanchez ’26
Giana Tocchini ’26
Keira Wallace ’26
Zoe Walker ’28
Elizabeth Walsh ’26
Crystal Wei ’26
Miles Witte ’27
Marvin Wong ’25
Charlottie Yip ’26
Adviser
Susan Sutton, MJE
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editors will be accepted with the same deadlines as ads. These letters may come from students, staff, parents, board members, or other members of the community. The Crusader reserves the right to edit the letter for grammatical and spelling errors, as well as length, but not content unless it includes foul language, plagiarized material, or libelous content. If the claims or assertions are incorrect, The Crusader reserves the right to refuse publication of the letter.
Photo by picryl.com, public domain
The sign at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, which was renamed Fort Liberty.
Riordan mourns loss of beloved McGarry
By Aiden Pavon ’25
On April 30, beloved former mathematics teacher Michael McGarry died from complications caused by ALS.
In 2023, McGarry had to retire due to the worsening conditions of his ailment. McGarry taught at Riordan from 2021 to 2023, and in the short time he was here, he made a lasting impression on both his students and his co-workers.
“Mike was a genuinely positive person. No matter what he was going through, he had a smile on his face. He had this really infectious laugh that I’m sure all the teachers remember,” English teacher Kevin Estrada ’00 said.
McGarry was the definition of a learner. Between his two degrees at Harvard, and teaching at four different high schools in his career, he was constantly looking to learn. He was a kind, understanding teacher who always found his way into the hearts of students.
“I really appreciated Mr. McGarry, because of the situation he was in, just how outgoing and how happy he was with his life. Even after he left he would come to visit us,” Marco Romero ’25 said.
In addition to him being a teacher in an academic setting, McGarry also ran the East Bay
Hearing Collective—a meditation center in Berkeley. He also ran his own dharma talk podcast called The Heart of Light Podcast, which he continued to run during his battle with ALS. With over 11,000 downloads, McGarry’s words had an impact on many.
McGarry was a hard fighting
soul who cared very deeply for each and every person around him.
The Riordan community will miss McGarry’s infectiously kind heart, his thirst for knowledge, and the companionship that he offered. Even though he was only here for a short time, the impact
that he made will last forever. Riordan mathematics teacher Mary Ann Datoc said, “After supporting Mike McGarry during the time he was at Riordan, my message for those who experienced the same illness is to live life to the fullest and have a beautiful mind and heart like Mike.”
Teachers’ union votes to approve
By Angela Jia ’25
On May 1–fittingly on May Day, which celebrates workers and their labor struggle–members of the teachers’ union voted overwhelmingly to approve the new contract.
Negotiated by the Archdiocese, school administration, and union leadership, teachers nearly got everything they wanted–discounting smaller class sizes–which was reflected in their electoral landslide.
Grace Ingersoll, AP Economics teacher and a union representative who helped negotiate, said, “This negotiation focused on...the rising cost of living and the increased complexity of teaching. We live in a time of change, and I believe we walked away with a new contract that better reflects the time we live in.”
Now, for the following three years until the next negotiation session, they will have: Teacher salary raises over the next three years, increased retirement bonuses for teachers for 24 years or more, lower health care prices for teachers with kids, an extra personal day, and standardized supervision credit.
Longtime union member Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88, who voted in favor of the new contract, said, “I
thought they did a remarkable job getting a good financial package that sees us through the next three years, especially amidst the recent economic uncertainty…it’ll take the rough edges off for us, for sure.”
However, the administration continues to have concerns about the financial sustainability of the package the union just approved.
President Tim Reardon, who sat on the literal and metaphorical opposite of the negotiating table, said, “While Riordan is on very solid financial footing and can happily support solid raises for our teachers, that’s not the reality for all the schools in the [Collective Bargaining Agreement].”
Reardon noted that a “major flaw” of the CBA is the uniform pay scale for four schools in very different financial situations, explaining how a raise can only be as high as the least financially secure school can afford. “I think it works against the teachers’ best interests in many ways,” he said.
contract
Wishing there was a way for individual schools to handle their own situations autonomously, Reardon continued, “I understand why some teachers might want to be part of a union…but to me there’s something inherently (and unnecessarily) divisive about our situation.”
For the union, this represented a hard-won win over a negotiation that dragged out longer than what was typical or what many expected. Usually, negotiations are done before Easter break, but not this time.
Ingersoll explained, “Honestly, this negotiation lasted so long because there were some proposals we were willing to
continue fighting for. After every negotiation, our members received updates with the proposals that had been accepted, denied, and deferred. And continuously, we heard from our members that they were willing to fight for more, and that they needed us to fight for more.” She added, “So we continued to go back to the negotiating table and do just that.”
Photo by Aarav Agrawal ’28
Teachers’ union representatives from left to right: Jackie Grealish, Grace Ingersoll, and Cory Nelson gave a presentation encouraging a “yes” vote.
Photo by Jameson Datoc ’23
Former teacher Michael McGarry poses with students before his retirement in 2023 due to his battle with ALS.
Summer reading embarks on journey of faith, culture
‘People feel like they can do something, so they pray to these saints’
By Aarav Agrawal ’28
The summer reading book for 2025 is Randy Ribay’s “Patron Saints of Nothing,” which follows the story of Filipino American Jay Reguero’s eye-opening trip to the Philippines to discover the truth of his cousin’s mysterious murder.
The coming-of-age novel additionally features nonfictional aspects of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s ongoing war on drugs, and presents characteristics of Filipino culture. The novel was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
Ribay was born in the Philippines and grew up in Michigan and Colorado. He currently lives in the Bay Area and, according to randyribay.com, he writes “for young people and the young at heart.”
Jasmine Hong ’25 said he “does a good job presenting the information in a real and factual way” in the novel.
The Summer Reading Committee, led by Diana Assereto and Christopher Fern, the Deans of Academics, chose the book. Themes included are immigrant identity, grief, and guilt.
They picked the book “because we were looking for something that would not only be engaging for students to read… but also
we found the sort of underlying situation with the political and socio-economic situation in the Philippines to be something that we don’t often see in the news,” Assereto said.
Furthermore, since Riordan has a large Filipino American population, Assereto feels that Filipino culture is “one culture that’s underrepresented in literature” and hopes the novel will “expose students to the culture of many of their classmates.”
They both really enjoyed the novel. Fern “loved the book,” and its mystery element, and Assereto said the book made the cut between “good writing and good literature.”
Before the book was officially revealed to the student body on May 6, Assereto shared the novel with the Book Club in April to give them time to make a promotional video to put on telecast the following month.
Book Club member Hong said the book “covers some important topics and perspectives, from the struggles of staying in touch with your culture to global issues we might overlook.”
The summer reading assessment, published in the May 2 Riordan newsletter, is split into an art portion and a written portion for R-Time and Religious Studies class, respectively.
For R-Time, students will be required to create a physical, personalized version of a “Balikbayan Box,” a care or gift package sent by Filipinos living overseas to their families in the Philippines.
For the written assessment, students have two options.
Each option focuses on a certain CME, which are also called the Characteristics of Marianist Education.
The first option focuses on the “cry of the poor” (Service, Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation) and the second focuses on sainthood (Formation in Faith).
Serviam calls students to serve
By Keira Wallace ’26
Starting this upcoming summer, Archbishop Riordan High School plans to institute a new program called Serviam that introduces regular acts of service to the student body. Serviam, the Latin word for “I will serve,” and the teachings of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade inspire this program.
Although this program may seem new to students, it is far from new to dedicated members of Campus Ministry, who have continued to organize this program dating back to 2021.
According to one of the lead organizers, Campus Ministry Director Alex Datoc ’87, “The school decided to change from [community service] hours to opportunities back in 20212022, but because of Covid-19, we weren’t able to roll out a new system because we were getting acclimated to our new co-ed environment. This process has taken four years, and we are finally ready to roll out a new service opportunity program.”
For new and returning students going into the 2025-26 school year, Serviam will consist of two service opportunities: “Service to the School and Service to the Community.” These two requirements will replace hours and focus on a curriculum that inspires different types of involvement.
Serviam is also a curriculumintegrated program, as it will be introduced by Theology teachers this following school year and have a corresponding assignment related to it.
According to Dr. Oliver G. Meneses, another key organizer of this program and member of Campus Ministry, “Reflections, projects, and even tests will be given to students based on the service opportunity they have involved themselves with.”
Students will be able to find suggested service activities through various resources, including an app called MobileServe and Riordan’s website. Using these resources, students can easily discover
service activities without having to struggle for ideas.
CORE team member Briana Alvarado ’26 is extremely excited about the new opportunities this program will bring to students. She expressed passionately, “As a member of CORE team, I am constantly doing acts of service
for our school and community. The chance to give back is an extremely rewarding experience that I hope the rest of the student body will love.”
Students who also wish to go above and beyond their required service opportunities will be rewarded with House points.
The front cover of the summer reading book, “Patron Saints of Nothing.”
Photo by Aarav Agrawal ’28
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Holy smoke! Cardinals elect US pope
By Vincent Douglas ’25 and Mark Gabancho ’26
Remembering Pope Francis
In the early morning on April 21, Pope Francis fell into a strokeinduced coma and died. In the following weeks, the 266th head of the Catholic Church was mourned by literally billions of people from all faiths.
He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936 with the given name Jorge Mario Borgoglio. Throughout his early life, he worked many short-term jobs, most notably a club bouncer.
He joined the Jesuits in 1960 and worked his way up the Church ranks before becoming Pope on March 13, 2013.
He drew much more attention due to his more liberal beliefs when compared to his predecessors.
Just months after being inaugurated, he said in an interview, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?”
In the 2020 documentary film “Francesco,” he stated, “Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family.”
Francis publicly criticized disregard for the environment, calling for ecocide to be a sin.
The Pope also denounced material wealth and promoted charity. He chose the name of Francis from St. Francis of Assisi because of his concern for the poor.
Religion instructor Ray Dominguez said, “He saw that there was a need to model the caritas, or the charity that was proclaimed in the gospel, that seemed to not be modeled when you’re doing legislation and policy.”
Welcoming Pope Leo XIV
On May 8, the second day of the papal conclave, cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the Pope Leo XIV. At 7:23 a.m. he stepped onto the balcony and addressed the crowd formed in St. Peter’s Square, saying, “Peace be with you.”
Pope Leo XIV is 69 years old and was born in Chicago, making him the first U.S.-born pope, and the second pope from the Americas after his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Religion Department Chair Danielle Jow expressed, “I am super excited that we have an American pope because this is a huge historic moment for our country to be able to have a pope whose native language is English.”
His career is also somewhat similar to his predecessor’s since they both worked towards a career in the sciences before becoming priests.
One other similarity is that Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the order of St. Augustine while Francis was the first Jesuit pope.
of Saint Augustine, together with his entire General Council, “rejoices and celebrates the election of our dear brother, Fr. Robert F. Prevost, as Roman Pontiff.”
He delivered his opening address in both Italian and Spanish, and in it, he expressed a feeling of goodwill to all, stating, “Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”
“ He has this heart of humility and also a heart for social justice, but also an awareness of how to evangelize in the modern times, where he knows that technology, … the crisis of the family are all things that affect the faith in the world.
Following his death, people from all walks of life joined in remembering the man. His humility and sympathy made him a role model for those within and outside of the Catholic faith.
National and religious leaders voiced their respect for Francis.
The Dalai Lama released a statement: “The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warmhearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”
President Donald Trump signed an executive order for all American flags to be flown at half-staff. He later gained scrutiny from Catholic officials after he said, “I’d like to be pope,” and later posted an AI-generated image of himself as pope on Truth Social.
“ If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?
-Pope
Francis
Benji McClure ’26 described Pope Francis as “a very influential pope who really cared about the people.”
In coordination with tradition, his body was displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica for the public to pay their respects. He was buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Even after his death, his charity carries on. As per his request, one of his popemobiles, a specially enforced car meant for security measures, is being sent to the Gaza strip to act as a mobile health clinic for children.
In 2020, he was appointed apostolic administer of Callo, Peru. While there, he supported environmentalist causes and immigrants fleeing Nicolás Maduro’s presidency in Venezuela.
Jow added, “He has this heart of humility and also a heart for social justice, but also an awareness of how to evangelize in the modern times, where he knows that technology, … the crisis of the family are all things that affect the faith in the world.”
In a public release, the Prior General, through the Secretariat of the General Curia of the Order
-Danielle Jow, Religion Department Chair
Pope Leo XIV has been described as a moderate, and has criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies online.
In his own words, “We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.”
Photo by Creative Commons
Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88. He is remembered for his calls for peace and unity, which spoke to people of all beliefs and walks of life.
Photo provided by heute.at
Pope Leo XIV was elected to be the 267th head of the Catholic Church on May 8. He was born in Chicago, making him the first pope from the USA.
Serramonte says ‘annyeong’ to Jagalchi
By Erin Quan ’26
If you’re looking to experience a culinary journey of Korean flavors, Jagalchi is the place for you! Located in Daly City inside of Serramonte Mall, lies this massive complex where culinary dishes, sweet and savory snacks, and buttery bakery items await.
Upon first entering the market, I saw the bustling crowds of people, scurrying around buying groceries, browsing the snacks, and dining at a small restaurant in the center of Jagalchi called Pogu.
Korea’s first Michelin-star chef, Tony Yoo, owns Pogu, and was actually there, monitoring his chefs. I excitedly scanned the menu; my mouth watering with each description I read. The entrees arrived in an adequate amount of time, a pungent aroma blooming once my bowl was set in front of me.
I ordered the Bulgogi Rice Bowl: a tall pile of Korean BBQ beef with an abundance of green onions outlining the rim of the bowl, all over steaming hot white rice. When the first bite reached my taste buds, I was met with the soft, mochi-like texture of the rice, accompanied by the sweetness of
officially opened on March 28
the beef.
The green onions added just the right amount of crunch, which perfectly tied the bowl’s variety of flavors together. I really enjoyed this dish and would definitely recommend trying it.
Behind Pogu, you’ll find a line of street food that you can purchase fresh, including mandu (Korean dumplings), kimbap (seaweed rolls), and tteokbokki (chewy rice cake).
Across the way, you’ll find
Basquia, Jagalchi’s gluten-free bakery, which specializes in bread and pastries made with rice flour. They also offer cakes and a varied drink menu that lines the bakery counter.
In the grocery section, you’ll see fruits and vegetables, as well as different meat cuts. Cookies and chips of unique flavors, sweet and savory frozen foods, and coffee, tea, and juice pouches, can all be found in the snack area. A personal favorite that I picked
up from the drink aisle was the Cantabile Vanilla Americano that is sure to give you a great boost of energy.
It really takes quite a while to browse through the entire place, and I definitely did not capture the plenitude of items Jagalchi has. I highly recommend giving Jagalchi a try. The prices aren’t too high considering the quality of foods you can get. Who knows what fun snacks and drinks you’ll go home with!
As Waymo expands, concerns persist
By Liam O’Connor ’25
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle transportation company, has increased its presence in San Francisco recently, offering people a glimpse into what the future of transportation can look like. However, this transition has not been without challenges, as the company faces technical issues, regulatory hurdles, and public concerns.
In recent weeks, many residents of the SoMa district of San Francisco have reported multiple instances of Waymo vehicles honking incessantly in a parking lot. The honking, which occurred mainly in the early hours of the day, was caused by the navigation systems of the self-driving vehicles becoming confused and leading them to repeatedly honk at each other. Waymo has acknowledged these issues and have reportedly implemented a software update to fix the issue.
Safety incidents have also raised concerns. In September, a Waymo vehicle failed to execute a U-turn, which caused a disruption to former Vice President Kamala Harris’s motorcade in San Francisco. Police officers on the scene intervened to resolve the situation.
Another incident that made the news was that of a man who
was stuck in a car for over two hours and missed his flight. The car’s navigation got confused and caused it to travel in a circular loop until technicians stepped in and disabled the vehicle.
In April, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that “autonomous vehicles will soon begin operating on Market Street, the city’s main thoroughfare. Waymo will begin mapping the corridor in the coming days, with passenger service expected to launch as soon as this summer,” according to a news release from the Mayor’s Office.
In the release, the mayor said, “Market Street runs through the heart of our city, and we’re making sure it continues to evolve with the times.” He added, “By welcoming Waymo, we’re adding another safe and sustainable way to access shopping, theaters, hotels, and restaurants. This is about revitalizing downtown and making it easier for everyone, locals and visitors alike, to enjoy everything our city has to offer.”
John Wu, Director of Technology at Archbishop Riordan, highlighted the complexities of
deploying autonomous vehicles in urban settings.
“The biggest technological challenges that companies like Waymo face in deploying vehicles in urban areas are different environments and unpredictable drivers and pedestrians that need response in real time,” Wu said.
Despite these challenges, many San Francisco residents have shown appreciation. “I use Waymo to get around the city, and it’s been really convenient,” said Alden Thai ’25.
Waymo now operates over 100,000 rides every week across major cities, with San Francisco being its largest market. The company’s cars are a common sight to see throughout the city. The cheap pricing is one of the main reasons it is so popular, compared to other transportation companies like Uber and Lyft.
As Waymo continues to refine its technology and address these challenges, the company remains committed to providing safe and efficient transportation methods to people across the city.
The path forward will require collaboration with city officials and residents to ensure that the integration of autonomous vehicles is safe and beneficial for all.
Photo by Erin Quan ’26
Jagalchi’s doors
in Serramonte, replacing JCPenney, which closed in 2019.
By Aiden Pavon ’25
A Waymo vehicle arrives in front of the school to pick up a passenger.
New regulations could derail travel plans
By Emma Rocha ’25
As the travel season begins to approach, Americans planning trips to Europe specifically will need to take note of updated passport rules on both visa and new gender marker policies that could affect entry in some countries.
According to the United States Department of State, the Schengen Borders Agreement allows U.S. citizens to travel within most of Europe for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, border checks may begin to be reinstated so travelers are still recommended to be prepared before departing from their destinations.
As a recent traveler Bobby Gutierrez ’25 shared, “I think this change affects international travelers because it offers a level of security and ways to get from one place to another.”
Additionally, under Schengen regulations, U.S. passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the traveler’s date of entry. This ensures that individuals will not be denied entry to Europe if they fail to meet said requirements.
As a group of European countries that have abolished internal borders, the Schengen area does allow American travelers to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Those who do plan to stay longer are required to apply for a visa specifically to the country they plan to spend the most time in.
English teacher Michael Vezzali Pascual ’88, having visited Europe in December, said, “I don’t know what it’s like now that there has been an administration change and there are new passport rules about gender, but as far as border control goes, I didn’t notice any difference at all.”
One of the latest changes affecting U.S. travelers is that there is no longer an option to select “X” as a gender marker on passports in addition to “M” and “F” for male and female. While this was a step towards inclusivity, countries are no longer required to recognize it as a result of the change in administration. While the Schengen agreement typically allows for unrestricted movement across borders, individual countries can begin to
reinstate border checks. For this reason, travelers should continue to carry their passports moving through Europe.
In addition to Schengen regulations, on May 7, the U.S. government started requiring all U.S. citizens traveling–whether within the United States or to other countries–to present a Real ID before boarding an aircraft.
According to the California DMV, “Californians who do not have a REAL ID but already hold a passport can comfortably wait
to convert to a REAL ID when their driver’s license is due for renewal.”
“I think that whatever’s the safest option should be done, and whatever is convenient so that people can get from one place to another without having to worry about so many rules,” said Gutierrez.
Overall, as travel season picks up, Americans planning vacations are encouraged to review the latest regulations to ensure smooth traveling.
DOGE sparks Tesla protests
By Giana Tocchini
In various parts of the U.S., people have been participating in the organized protests called “Tesla Takedown” outside of Tesla dealerships. The movement stems from the public’s disagreement with Elon Musk and his involvement
in politics, more specifically his part in Trump’s administration and connection with DOGE (The Department of Government Efficiency), which is a task force meant to cut federal expenses.
The first protest took place Feb. 7 in Tucson, Arizona, with
52 people. Their most recent plans included protesting at all 277 Tesla dealerships across the nation on March 29. The group organizing these protests clearly states their goal: “We’re tanking Tesla’s stock price to stop Musk.”
Tesla Takedown has been
“
It’s a little embarrassing to have a Tesla these days.
-Aria Peralta ’28 Saint Ignatius student
acknowledged by Musk on X, where he posted false, provocative claims about the movement and one of the organizers, Valerie Costa. Costa considers this to be a sign the movement is succeeding.
On her site, Costa wrote, “I always believed people were powerful. Now the world’s richest man does too.”
Following this movement there have been incidents of vandalism, arson, and gunfire at dealerships, with individual Tesla cars, and at charging stations.
However, these violent acts are not supported by or a part of the Tesla Takedown movement. Additionally, Tesla owners have reported getting dirty looks or harsher treatment on the roads.
Aria Peralta ’28, a student at Saint Ignatius, said, “It’s a little embarrassing to have a Tesla these days, especially because we bought it before we knew Elon was bad, and now people associate the car with Trump supporters.”
Photo by Angela Jia ’25
’26
Travelers to and out of the U.S. will face new regulations this summer.
Photo by Riley Guajardo ’26 People gathered outside of San Francisco City Hall last month to protest DOGE cuts and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Art club enhances West Portal campus with mural
By Vincent Douglas ’25
Over Riordan’s spring break, the Art Club painted a marinethemed mural outside of a kindergarten classroom at West Portal Elementary School.
Sara Fu has been teaching kindergarten at West Portal for 10 years, and every day of those 10 years, she has been faced with a beige wall just outside her classroom door.
When she was class president in her high school in Sacramento, she left a mural behind that she visits from time to time.
Wanting to do something similar for her students, she reached out to Irman Arcibal, the father of one of her students and the art instructor at Riordan.
Co-presidents of the art club, Benjamin Reyes ’26 and Sofia Pena ’26, wanted something that each child could participate in.
They contemplated a tree design, but settled on the ocean as it has a wide variety of animals.
Pena said, “This is the biggest [project] we’ve done…the first time we’re really outside doing a big project.”
Members of the art club laid a turquoise background and outlined turtles, fish, jellyfish, seaweed, coral, and an octopus.
Over spring break, members of the Art Club painted a marine-themed mural outside a kindergarten classroom at West Portal Elementary School. Here, Irman Arcibal assists a kindergartner with the mural as she paints in seaweed.
Five Riordan students worked on the mural.
One kindergartner who walked by while the outlines were being drawn exclaimed, “What is this? Ooh la la!”
The kindergartners were then brought out to fill in the rest of the mural.
The final detail consisted of
each of the 22 students placing their hand print on one of the marine animals.
Arcibal explained, “The plan was to collaborate with the students in the class so that when they end this year, and then go into the next grade, that they’ll have something here that they know they contributed to.”
The school is undergoing larger renovations, and plans for more art to be added are in the works, according to Fu.
She said, “I love art...I believe students should have a lot of involvement in making their community and their space beautiful and a place they want to be.”
EGOT winners inspire performing artists
By Alessandra Leon ’26
The EGOTs are a clear definition in celebrating the prestigious accomplishments of actors and artists throughout their career. EGOT stands for winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award.
The EGOT legacy started in 1962 with the first EGOT winner, Richard Rodgers.
For Rodgers’ Oscar, he won for best original song “It might as well be spring” from State Fair the musical in 1946. He was popular in winning Tony awards for musicals, and won a Grammy for
best show album in “The Sound of Music.”
Lastly, he won an Emmy for outstanding achievement in Original Music Composed for TV of docuseries Winston Churchill.
These award winners inspire many people today, including those of the Riordan community.
Drama director of the musical “Hello, Dolly!,” Greg Callaghan is impressed by another EGOT winner, Rita Moreno.
She is the first Latina of Puerto Rican descent to win an EGOT in 1977 and is an inspiration for the Latino community.
“She won the Oscar in 1962 for ‘West Side Story’ and everyone expected her to play a variation of that character, a Puerto Rican immigrant, for the rest of her career,” Callaghan said.
“Instead, she refused to take those roles and the offers dried up until she made the switch to TV,” Callaghan explained.
An actor in “Hello, Dolly!” Julia O’Neill ’26 was motivated by outstanding EGOT winner Barbra Streisand. Streisand has expanded her career to songwriting, singing, film making, and acting.
O’Neill shared, “I really liked the song Barbra Streisand sang,
“Don’t Rain on My Parade,” from her Oscar winning movie, ‘Funny Girl’. She was the first performer to win the EGOTs and was the first woman to produce, write and star in a movie.”
Art club president Benjamin Reyes ’26 believes there are candidates for upcoming EGOT winners in the future.
He expressed, “I believe that Cynthia Erivo is the next potential winner because she is close to receiving an Oscar for her performance in the next Wicked movie”
Callaghan was also interested in Erivo’s performances and impressed by her talents.
“I was lucky enough to see her on Broadway in ‘The Color Purple’ which won her the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy. I love when Broadway performers crossover into ‘mainstream’ media and I think she’s a powerhouse,” Callaghan said.
The EGOTs encourage artists to diversify their career to different forms of media such as singing, acting, songwriting, television, Broadway theatre, etc. These artists motivate audiences, and encourage them to pursue their dreams through the inspiration of the EGOT winners.
Photo by Vincent Douglas ’25
Graphic by Alessandra Leon ’26
The EGOTs are those who have been recognized for their work throughout the industry, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards in their career.
Gatekeeper greets guests with golden grin
By Erin Quan ’26
Chrissy McGoldrick, Riordan’s main office receptionist, has been dedicated and passionate about her service to the community for three years. She is the bright, cheery spirit whose friendly face everyone sees when entering the school building.
McGoldrick has been Riordan’s receptionist for three years, but has been a receptionist even before she came to Riordan. She said that once she was given the opportunity to come work at Riordan, it just felt like the right move.
McGoldrick said, “I’m never bored here, there’s always something to do and the phone rings all day.”
Her everyday life consists of assisting students, handling dismissals, helping with athletic calendering, and communicating with her coworkers in-person and communicating with her best friend: her walkie-talkie.
McGoldrick takes pride in her work here, and in ensuring student safety. A perk of this job is getting to see her daughters who have attended, currently attend,
“
My mom has taught me to take things day by day. Stressful problems will happen, but as long as I take them day by day, I know I will be okay.
-Catie McGoldrick ’26
and plan to attend Riordan, grow. Catie McGoldrick ’26 expressed she has learned so much from her mom and enjoys having her at school, as she has someone she can go to when she’s overwhelmed or just needs someone to talk to.
Chrissy explained that throughout her time at Riordan, she has learned how hard teachers truly work and how much work actually goes on behind the scenes. She enjoys the progression
the
that she sees in herself as she continues to work here and loves that students feel that they can come to her for help.
Her coworker, Cara Garcia, said, “Mrs. McGoldrick has the loudest voice of all of the staff and she knows how to use it! She herself is a very hard worker, and together we are a really great team. She reminds me that I don’t have to do things alone.”
McGoldrick loves her position
because she loves the community, the behind the scenes of teachers, and the daily student interactions. Her hope for students is to remember that, “there is always someone on campus that is here for you. You just have to open up and someone will be there.”
So keep on the lookout for “The Gatekeeper,” on campus because, “you can’t go in the building unless I say so!”
Riordan drama sparks lifelong love story
By Keira Cabuntala ’27
The curtain rises as Jennifer Gordenev, an ICA student, and the cast of Riordan’s 1988 production of Man of La Mancha take the stage.
In this production, Riordan has members of the band as part of the orchestra. As the band walks into the room, a particular trumpet player catches the eye of Jennifer.
This trumpet player’s name is David Dorantes ’88, who is a senior at Archbishop Riordan.
As the show progressed, the cast began collaborating closely with the orchestra, uniting the musical and theatrical elements. Jennifer, however, was only thinking of David during their duration of time working together.
“I thought he was cute and impressed that he could play an
instrument because I could never play anything,” Jennifer said.
Susan Sutton, who currently teaches at Riordan, went to ICA with Jennifer. “I remember after she met him, she couldn’t stop talking about him, even though the rest of us begged her to stop,” Sutton said. “We knew they were meant for each other instantly.”
After the preparations for Riordan’s production of Man of La Mancha were over, David and Jennifer officially started dating on May 5, 1988.
David graduated from Riordan in 1988, and a year later, Jennifer graduated from ICA in 1989. The couple was married in 1998 on Valentine’s Day.
Before that, in 1995, a large wave of law enforcement hiring occurred as a result of the Clinton Crime Bill, which led to an increasing number of police presence in response to rising crime rates.
Jennifer and David joined SFPD together—David in the 177th class, and Jennifer followed a few months later in 179th class.
The two have only worked with one another in the SFPD a few times, due to David being assigned to the Northern Station and Jennifer assigned to the Park Station.
“We are on the same radio channel so we hear what each one is doing,” Jennifer added. “I love working with him or being in the same profession with him.”
After many years of marriage and a shared profession in public service, the Dorantes family’s relationship and bond remains as strong as ever. Together, they raised a son who graduated from Riordan, David Dorantes Jr. ’21, and two daughters who graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Their journey together, both in life and in their careers, shows true love, commitment, and
“I admire him [David] so much. He’s been on patrol for 30 years and still maintains such a positive attitude. He never takes things too seriously, probably because he’s seen more than I have. His strength and calmness inspire me every day.”
-Jennifer Dorantes
dedication toward each other, their family, and their community.
“They’re both really wonderful people,” said Michael VezzaliPascual ’88, a current English teacher at Riordan, who went to high school and college with David.
“It’s been a while since we’ve chatted, but it’s always great to see them. And when I see them, it’s like we’re still in high school, college. It’s like nothing’s ever changed.”
Photo by Hazel Nagata-Rampata ’26
Chrissy McGoldrick stands at
podium of her front office desk. at Riordan
Photo provided by Jennifer Dorantes
Photo provided by Jennifer Dorantes
Photo provided by Jennifer Dorantes
Jennifer (Gordenev) Dorantes and Dave Dorantes ’88 at the 1989 ICA prom.
Dave and Jennifer are both members of the San Francisco Police Department.
Dave ’88 stands with son David ’21 on his first and last days at Riordan.
Canales strikes a chord with music career
By Kianna Panaligan ’27
Dave Canales, a San Francisco native from the Sunset District, is making waves as a lyricist, song writer, and professional mental health counselor. Through his music and his counseling work, Canales offers guidance and support to many, blending his artistic talents with a deep commitment to mental well-being.
His love for music has always been intertwined with his identity.
Canales spoke fondly of his upbringing, saying, “I grew up in San Francisco, and I love this place. My father is an immigrant, and my mother is a native San Franciscan. There is something special about this city—it’s in my bones.”
Growing up, Canales was surrounded by diverse musical influences from his family. Wide ranging from salsa, 70s funk, 80s soft rock.
“But when I got into rap, it was lots of Tupac, Snoop, Nas, and DMX that really shaped me. I became fascinated with the technical aspects of rap— metaphors, punchlines, and wordplay,” expressed Canales.
His father’s cousin, who was a musician, played a key role in shaping his early interest in music: “He started teaching me the basics of writing, and I just kept building from there.”
However, despite being young, he recalls that he was also selftaught, and driven by a desire to express himself through lyrics.
Canales’ journey into songwriting began at a young age. At nine, he began to discover his talents, by first reimagining his favorite song, “Nothin’ but a G Thang.”
“Nothin’ but a G Thang” by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. . . I was around 7 years old, and I couldn’t stop memorizing the lyrics. That’s when I knew I wanted to start writing my own stuff.”
During his teenage years, Canales found inspiration from his peers. In his high school cafeteria, he saw older students gathered in a circle, rapping and hand-drumming on the table. Terrified at first, Canales slowly built up the courage to join in the circle—this was a high turning point for him. Over time, Canales’ approach to songwriting evolved, but he always stuck to his true love for storytelling and the technicalities in lyrics.
Canales’ lyrics often touch on themes of identity, culture, and his personal experiences. His approach to songwriting has always been introspective, reflecting his deep connections to his roots and his city.
“The themes I explore in my music come from real life. I talk about what I know, and that’s what resonates with people,” he noted.
One of his most notable songs, a tribute to his beloved 49ers, began as a joke, but went on to garner over a million views. “I wrote a song about being a die-hard 49ers fan. I traveled to 15 different stadiums performing it. It was surreal,” expressed Canales.
For Canales, his most rewarding moment throughout his whole career is when his son connected with a song he wrote about fatherhood.
“I wrote a track about becoming a father, and when my son heard it, he looked at me and said, ‘This is for me, Dad.’ That moment, seeing his gratitude and understanding, made everything feel truly meaningful. It was a reminder that my music isn’t just about me—it’s about the people I care about and the impact I can have on their lives.”
Like many artists, Canales faced challenges throughout his career, especially navigating the cultural barriers and the realities of the music industry.
“Rap music has deep roots in African-American culture, and I’m always aware of my place in the room. Sometimes, it’s about proving yourself and working hard for what you want.”
Financially, Canales has often funded his projects out of his own pocket.
“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. No one pays me to do this, but it’s my passion. That’s what’s what keeps me going.”
As Canales continues to work on new music and a forthcoming album, he is more focused than ever to help others find their voice. From his roots in San Francisco, to his journey as a lyricist, Dave Canales’ story is one of passion, persistence, and the power of music to connect and inspire.
“My goal now is to help others discover their creativity and overcome writer’s block. There’s so much untapped talent out there, and I want to be a part of that process.”
Garcia orchestrates symphony of school activities
By Isaiah Sanchez ’26
Cara Garcia dedicates her life to serving the school. Many have seen her in the main office supporting students, helping staff members, or organizing school events. Garcia is a kindhearted member of the Riordan community, who never fails to make those around her smile.
At Riordan, Garcia serves as Operations Manager, liaison to the Board of Trustees, and an assistant to the president. Her responsibilities include leading main office operations, organizing meetings and agendas for the Board of Trustees, and assisting President Tim Reardon by managing his schedule and communications.
“My role is to ensure that all departments communicate the needs and expectations they have for their activities and events, so that we can inform our students and families of upcoming events or things that they can be involved in,” Garcia stated.
Her other tasks include managing the school calendar, creating the daily bell schedule,
sending out the family newsletter, and running the school’s social media channels.
“I always see her working in her office, sending emails, and helping at events–doing a lot behind the scenes that most people don’t notice,” Blake Sturgeon ’28 said.
“
When she takes something on, she doesn’t just look to do what is expected, she looks to go above and beyond. She’s a W employee, no doubt.
-Ryan Garcia
As a San Francisco native, Garcia is a graduate of St. Cecilia School and St. Ignatius College Preparatory. Before working at Riordan, she attended San Jose State University and worked in communication for Americorp, American Medical Response, and Stanford Life Flight.
Later, her children inspired her to work at Riordan because it allowed her to spend more time with family. As of the 2024-2025 school year, Riordan is home to both of Garcia’s sons, Brock Garcia ’26 and Sylas Garcia ’28.
Brock emphasized that having his mom work at Riordan gives him a space to relax and the ability to know the staff members on a deeper level.
Sylas reflected on his mom’s character, stating, “My mom
inspires me with strength, kindness, and dedication showing me what it means to be resilient and compassionate.”
Her husband, Ryan Garcia, is an athletic photographer for Riordan. His photography has inspired her to get more involved at Riordan by attending more sporting events.
When describing his wife’s commitment to Riordan, Ryan Garcia noted, “When she takes something on, she doesn’t just look to do what is expected, she looks to go above and beyond. She’s a W employee, no doubt.”
She believes that Riordan has the chance to become a really great school because everyone supports each other and wants to succeed, and she’s excited for the upcoming events that will make Riordan even more competitive with other schools.
One thing that Garcia wants the Riordan community to know about her is that she is so proud of our students, faculty, staff, and administration for the Marianist charism and how much growth has come since becoming co-ed.
Photo by Hazel Nagata-Rampata ’26
Dave Canales is a counselor who also has a successful music career.
Photo by Hazel Nagata-Rampata ’26
Cara Garcia, ARHS Operations Manager.
Put a ring on it! Scientists propose ring around Earth
By Griffin Doeff ’25
Rings are conventionally believed to be endemic to the outer planets of our solar system, but new research published in journal ScienceDirect last November suggests that the Earth too harbored a solitary ring hundreds of millions of years ago.
Within the solar system, rings are currently present around Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and most conspicuously, Saturn.
Indeed these rings are perhaps these planets’ most charismatic trait, with Jonah Royzen ’25 characterizing Saturn’s rings as both “very cool” and “interesting.”
The paper, authored by Andrew G. Tomkins, Erin L. Marti, and Peter A. Cawood suggests that a conspicuous spike in meteor impacts during the Ordovician period is best explained by a ring of debris once circling the planet.
The Ordovocian, which lasted from roughly 485 to 445 million years ago, predates the appearance of dinosaurs by over 200 million years ago and saw the first colonization of land by plants.
The Ordovocian also enjoys the title of being the period in Earth’s history where it was pummeled by the most meteors. For several dozen million years, there was a heavy influx of meteorite activity–estimated at a frequency of 100 times what is seen today–in what is known as the Ordivican meteor event.
These forms of meteors are specifically known as L chondrites, and are the second most common form of meteorite.
Traditionally, the Ordovician
New research suggests the Earth may have been surrounded by a ring hundreds of millions of years in the past.
meteor event has been attributed to the catastrophic breakup of the L chondrite parent body within the asteroid belt, with the resulting debris then dispersing across the inner solar system, with some of these impacting the Earth.
Curiously, the meteor impacts associated with the Ordovocian meteor event–all 21 of them–occur within 30 degrees of the equator. This is despite the fact roughly 70 percent of exposed rock feasibly capable of preserving these impacts occurs outside of this interval.
If the meteor event had truly originated from the asteroid belt, one would expect there to be a random distribution of asteroids
throughout the Earth.
Indeed, the authors of the 2024 paper calculate that the probability of the distribution of the 21 recorded impacts being the legitimate result of a random distribution to be one in 25 million.
Thus, the far more likely explanation is that these meteors were not impacting the planet at random, and that rather there was some other mechanism influencing where they impacted.
The authors propose that this mechanism may have been a ring system surrounding the planet, as any debris ejected from the ring would fall only a relatively short distance to Earth, thus resulting in the narrow “band” of impacts
observed.
Riordan Science Instructor and Director of Professional Development Michael O’Brien affirmed the theory to be “feasible” and that in the event of an asteroid breakup, “the Earth’s gravitational pull may pull some [debris] into a ring while others pass by.
This is of course, still somewhat speculative, but the authors conclude this is the most likely and parsimonious explanation of these curious circumstances.
And while this ring may not have been as dramatic as those of Saturn, the idea of a ringed primordial Earth offers a fascinating glimpse into the planet’s cryptic ancient history.
Asthma amnesia afflicts adolescents
By Kianna Panaligan ’27
In recent years, studies have shown that the respiratory condition, asthma, is potentially associated with greater risk of developing memory loss.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition characterized by affecting millions of individuals
worldwide. Understanding the relationship of asthma and memory loss can empower individuals as well as healthcare providers to take on proactive measures.
Asthma is a condition that can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and
Photo by Ishaan Gupta ’26
coughing. These symptoms primarily focus on respiratory health, but researchers are beginning to investigate its influence on the brain. Asthma affects about 260 million people worldwide.
“I was diagnosed with asthma at a young age, but I never thought that it might affect my memory,” said Ciarra Mangibuyat ’27.
A study by the National Institutes of Health collected an analysis of episodic memory within children, results finding that children with asthma had lower scores on the memory task than children without the lung condition.
In an article from UC Davis, corresponding author Nicholas Christopher-Hayes stated that “Childhood is a period of rapid improvement in memory and, more generally, cognition. In children with asthma that improvement may be slower.”
One possible connection is the role of oxygen in the brain: reduced airflow causes the brain to have insufficient oxygen, known as the condition, hypoxia. According to the National Institutes of Health, hypoxia is known to
impair cognitive functions, and if experienced repeatedly, may accumulate and worsen cognitive deficits.
“To avoid my asthma, I try to avoid intense physical activities,” Mangibuyat added.
Another possible factor is psychological stress, known to affect memory and performance. Stress hormones in the brain, like cortisol, can interfere with the brain’s ability to retain and retrieve information.
Not managing mental illnesses may amplify the inflammation and disrupt hormonal balances, leading to further cognitive deficits.
“Hardly ever have I felt that I didn’t have a good memory. To be honest, I think I have a better memory than average,” said Mangibuyat.
The relationship between asthma and memory loss is still under investigation, but several studies back up a possible link. Recognizing the potential impacts towards their cognitive function could pave the way for better management strategies as well as better quality of life.
Sean Reyes ’25 takes a puff from his inhaler to help his asthma symptoms.
Image by Wikimedia Commons
16 Business & Technology
Riordan
From boom to bust: America’s fading malls
By Daniella Lainez ’26
Once-booming hubs of suburban life, American malls are now silently fading away, either disappearing entirely or transforming into conglomerates or new uses, far removed from what they once were.
Many storefronts remain empty, escalators sit still and unrepaired, and the once familiar echo of shoppers’ footsteps grows incredibly rare. Another underlying issue many malls face is the lack of upkeep, leaving spaces unused and appliances broken.
Previous Tanforan shopper Isaiah Sanchez ’26 commented, “I used to enjoy all the fun features Tanforan used to offer, but, over the years, it has become a tranquil ghost town. I used to love strolling around with my family, watching movies, and shopping, but all good things must come to an end.”
In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic played a huge role in this massive retail decay as it forced consumer habits to online, forcing temporary shutdowns, and exacerbating financial struggles for retailers.
Dabid Tran, manager at Da Vi Nails located inside Tanforan mall, said, “I felt very sad when they reported that the mall is closing. I have worked here for almost 19 years. The mall is very slow now.”
These vast spaces, which were once societal symbols of “shopping sprees,” are now evolving into something entirely new and unfamiliar.
At once-popular malls like Tanforan in San Bruno and Westfield in San Francisco, formerly lively destinations, the signs of decay are hard to miss.
as a
monument of a
Vacant corridors tell a story of the larger retail crisis, as consumer habits shift toward online shopping.
Leah, a current Barnes and Noble employee at Tanforan mall, commented, “I have been working in this mall on and off for the past four years. When the mall was originally bought by the tech company a lot of us thought this has been a long time coming. Even before Covid this mall was slowing down. You see malls like Serramonte, they are newly refurbished and brand new. This mall hasn’t changed since I was a kid and I am 25 now.”
As a result, the number of “dead malls” continues to rise across the country, where the ghosts of past
shoppers far outnumber the real ones.
Today, malls are closing altogether or being redeveloped into mixed-use spaces that combine housing, retail, dining, entertainment, arcades, and gyms. This transformation is evident at the iconic Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco.
Large department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s have been replaced by a Whole Foods, and Round 1 Arcade. The classic “American mall” as it was once known, is fading away, replaced by a new kind of space that reflects changing times in American society.
Overall, mall closures significantly impacted businesses by reducing customer traffic, disrupting supply chains, and forcing adaptations to digital platforms.
Leah continued, “Online shopping definitely had a role, and I think if we had adapted more quickly to it we would have quite in such a decline as we are now.”
However, online shopping is not the sole factor behind this decline. Rising crime rates, particularly in cities like San Francisco, are also playing a significant role. Multiple retail businesses have announced full and partial closures due to ongoing issues including theft, fights, and vandalism.
According to the FBI crime reporting, San Francisco saw 304 shoplifting reports per 100,000 residents in 2021.
The cost of maintaining sites and safeguarding products has outweighed the benefits of staying open for many businesses.
Jayden Tambory ’26, a frequent shopper at Stonestown Galleria, said, “The Target retail store is a
prime example of theft on a daily basis at the mall. I see many people, especially teenagers, steal products from the stores and security lets them walk right out without any consequences.”
As malls continue to close or transform, they leave behind a prominent reminder of how swiftly societal norms and consumer habits can reshape the spaces society once considered timeless.
Graphic by Daniella Lainez ’26
Tanforan Mall in San Bruno now resembles a ghost town, where memories linger in the spaces where shoppers used to walk. It is scheduled to close.
Photo by Daniella Lainez ’26
Once a bustling beacon of retail and community, Tanforan Mall now stands
quiet
fading era.
Scan the QR code for a link to an interactive chart recording the number of recorded retail store closures in the U.S. from 2017-2024.
Photo by Daniella Lainez ’26
Escalators stand still at the City’s Westfield mall, a symbol of the mall’s culture frozen in time.
Twins form dynamic duo on mat
By Hazel Nagata-Rampata
Throughout all of Riordan’s wrestling history, six male wrestlers have qualified for state, and twins Freddie and Georgie Michalchuk ’26 have made history as the first women on that list.
Not only did they make history, but they did it together. So how did they do it?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the twins attended lifting practice from 7:00 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. with Coach Brian Tuel, focusing on lifting and movements to help further their performance, not just as wrestlers, but as athletes in general.
“Only the strongly dedicated show up to lift in the morning. It’s a rare breed that can wake up at 6:00 every day to lift,” noted Coach Tuel.
After school, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. during the wrestling season, the twins attend wrestling practice, working through intense drilling, technique, and conditioning in the hot, sweaty, and rambunctious mat room.
“We work every wrestling practice to climb to a crescendo and emulate what it’s like to be in a real wrestling match. So this is doing a lot of activities that are strength building, that are technique building, and are technique building in order to work all of those aspects on a daily basis,” said Coach James McConchie.
The twins often practice together, if not, then with a coach or with a fellow wrestler, but their hustle did not stop. Fighting through injuries and sickness, both twins worked diligently through the wrestling season.
Both twins pictured taking their beginning stance, focused and determined, and
“It’s cool because you see how much they improve day to day and week to week, and you see them making adjustments and figuring things out,” commented Coach Tony Margiotta.
Getting the opportunity to be able to practice with her twin, Georgie said, “I’m super lucky to have Freddie as a sort of builtin training partner, and the way we always push each other to be better has been crucial to our success, especially this last season.”
“I think they motivate me more than they realize. A lot of times we forget they’re students on top of athletes, so seeing them at tournaments and seeing them win is just joyful. I have a lot of pride seeing them win because I know how much it took them to get there,” said Coach Stacy
Michelle.
On the sidelines at duels and tournaments, the twin’s family is there to support them, along with their younger half-sister, Moira, cheering them on from the edge of the mat shouting words of encouragement. “I like to watch them wrestle because I love them,” Moira said.
Their wrestling season didn’t end after the Winter Sports season ended, as throughout the offseason the twins went to wrestling camps at schools such as Menlo Atherton and Stanford. They trained with the San Francisco Gators at El Camino High School and at El Niño Training Center.
Coach Alex Coriano, wrestling coach at El Niño Training Center, said, “I always see a focus from them no matter where we are for practice or who they’re
practicing with. It doesn’t matter about what we are learning and they’re very focused.”
The twin’s ambition and hard work amounts to the countless hours and days dedicated to focusing on becoming a better wrestler.
Freddie noted, “Despite all my work during the season, I was not expecting to qualify for state. Having the opportunity to compete in one of the highest level tournaments in the country showed me how effort really does pay off, and the competition itself was super cool to experience.”
Through grit, hard work, and dedication, their passion has allowed for history to be made at Archbishop Riordan, setting an example and paving the way for future women wrestlers to come and make a name for themselves just as the twins have done.
Baseball alumnus shines in college
By Isaiah Sanchez ’26
Former star athlete for Riordan’s baseball team and staff reporter for The Crusader, Steven Elsner ’20, completed a fantastic 2024 baseball season for the Bruins of Bellevue University, obtaining awards for his accomplishments on and off the field.
During his time at Riordan, Elsner played all four years for the baseball program. Most notably, his senior season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He reflected on an astonishing memory stating, “My last ever high school at bat, I hit a grand slam…right before Covid.”
Later, Elsner went on to play college baseball at the College of Marin.
Over the next two and a half seasons, 2021-2023, Elsner continued to improve his game and get in-game experience for the Mariners. Eventually, he was recruited to play in the NAIA for Bellevue University.
Here, he was challenged with minor adversity being the new
Elsner ’20 gets set in his batting stance, focused and ready for a
kid in town and having to earn his playing time. During the beginning of the season, Elsner was a second string player, but when the starter got injured, he was tasked with a role and never looked back.
He had a monster season, becoming one of the best players
in the NSAA and a role player for the Bruins. He achieved success with 19 home runs, a .357 batting average, 1.199 OPS, 62 RBIs, and 5 for 5 on stolen bases.
He was named the 2024 NSAA Newcomer of the Year and a part of the First team all-NSAA.
A member of Riordan’s baseball
team, Anthony Tentes ’26, said, “I feel pride that someone from Riordan is playing collegiate baseball at a high level because it shows that anything is possible. Anyone from any high school with hard work and dedication can play the highest level of any sport.”
One of his former coaches at Riordan, Jeff Ramirez praised Elsner explaining, “He had one of the most powerful and explosive bats in program history”
He has big goals for the 2025 season.
“I anticipate myself having an even better year than I did last year,” Elsner expressed regarding his senior season.
To start off the season, he was already named a NAIA Preseason All-American. One goal he has is surpassing the all time home run record at Bellevue University.
After this season, Elnser plans to go to Canada for a collegiate summer league and performing well in order to hopefully receive a professional contract elsewhere.
celebrating their hard-earned win.
Graphic by Hazel Nagata-Rampata ’26
Photo by Raquel Elsner
Steven
pitch.
’26
Four swimmers dive into CCS Finals
By Ethan Kranser ’26
Four swimmers have qualified for the CCS championships after a successful season. Their consistent work has earned them a chance to continue to compete.
The swimmers representing Archbishop Riordan High School at CCS are Jack West ’25, Marco Mancinetti ’25, Mason Rabbetz ’27, and Jonathan Pangilinan ’28.
Led by Coach Gwen Dornan, the four swimmers qualified for a range of individual and relay events. After qualifying for CCS, the swimmers will race in prelims to earn a spot in the finals.
West will compete in several events, which include the 200 medley relay, 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke, and 400 freestyle relay.
Mancinetti is set to race in the 100 free, 100 breaststroke and relays. Pangilinan will swim in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay.
Rabbetz is competing in four
events: the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay, and the 50 freestyle.
For West, one of his proudest achievements this season was,
“getting into CCS with two new and young relay members.”
Mancinetti said, “I am most proud of getting all relay cuts and giving new members of the
team CCS experience.”
Rabbetz is especially proud of “the countless effort that our team has shown-showing much improvement and dedication as the season has gone.”
As the swimmers reflect on their hard work, they also shared some advice for the newcomers.
Rabbetz said, “I would just say have fun. I don’t do swimming to be the fastest, or the best, I do it because I love it. I like challenges and dedication and that’s what makes it fun for me.”
Pangilinan offered, “I’d tell them not to worry about not being the fastest. Just because they’re not the fastest, they shouldn’t get discouraged. It should tell them to work hard and they’ll get there eventually.”
With dedication and leadership, Riordan’s swimmers are ready to make a splash at CCS. Their ride to the championship is a mirror of hard work and dedication.
Golf team heads to CCS tournament
By Riley Guajardo ’26
The Riordan boys golf team successfully qualified for the Central Coast Section Regionals this May. On May 6, golfers made their way out to Monterey to compete among 22 other teams at Laguna Seca.
Six players qualified for the playoffs, these players being: Michael Cha ’26, Micheal Colabianchi ’26, Harry Nguyen ’26 Alden Thai ’25, Jaden Chin ’25, and George Polyzos ’25.
To prepare for this competition the team practiced extensively the week before.
Additionally, they drove down to Monterey before the competition and practiced a round of golf, getting a feel of the course, taking notes, and acknowledging the condition of certain holes.
The next time golfers set foot on the field to compete, Tuesday afternoon conditions proved to be discouraging. As the first set of 11 teams finished competing that morning, the quality of the
field became uncooperative.
Polyzos, a first time competitor in the CCS, said, “Personally I played alright. The course’s conditions were playing tough, and some shots were hard to gauge.”
All in all, Riordan’s boys golf placed 9 out of 11 teams and will unfortunately not be moving forward to the CCS championship this year. However, Alden Thai ’25 emerged with Riordan’s highest score being 78 strokes.
It has been four years since Riordan last competed in the Central Coast Sections Regionals. Last year the team missed the playoffs by a singular stroke.
Varsity golf coach, Jeff Isola ’98, is not discouraged by this loss. This year’s goal was to compete in the CCS regionals and eventually in the championship, however the team’s loss makes way for a new defined goal for boys golf in 2026.
This year’s players have brought a new hope for next
year’s championship dreams with four returning players, three of which returning from the CCS, poised to return to the fold.
Coach Isola stated, “We achieved that goal. We just didn’t get to [the championship], so it’s something to work on next year.”
Track & Field athletes qualify for WCAL finals
By Gregory Floresca ’27
On May 3, Track & Field athletes participated in trials at St. Francis to qualify for WCAL Finals, an event hosted on May 9. The WCAL Finals determine who qualifies for the CCS Finals, which take place on May 24.
Ranging from relays to hurdles, various athletes compete in different events, whether it is track or field. The WCAL Final is an increase in competition for them, and those who compete at the highest level will earn a spot in CCS Finals.
According to AthleticNet, the following varsity Crusaders made the finals: Jackson Burns
’26 (varsity, 1600m), Kona Dacoscas ’25 (varsity, shot put), Brendan Grogan ’26 (varsity, 3200m), Channing Howse ’26 (varsity, triple jump), Ellie Jantz ’26 (varsity, 1600m), Freddie Michalchuck ’26 (varsity, 3200m), Georgie Micalchuck ’26 (varsity, 1600m), Joseph Olson ’26 (varsity, 1600m, 3200m), Daniel Saelee ’26 (varsity, shot put), Dominic Thompson ’26 (varsity, 1600m), and Jack Zientara ’25 (varsity, 1600m).
Saelee said, “I believe the throwers had a very good season; every meet, we earn the most team points.”
Photo by Sean Reyes ’25
Swimmers Jack West ’25, Marco Mancinetti ’25, Mason Rabbetz ’27, and Jonathan Pangilinan ’28 qualified in various events for CCS finals.
Photo by Marvin Wong ’25
Alden Thai ’25 takes a swing at local golf course Harding Park.
Photo by Marvin Wong ’25
Georgia Michalchuk ’26 celebrates after running a track event.
Effertz represents US on national handball team
By Malcolm Jones-Smith ’25
Jacob Effertz ’25 was announced as one of the elite handball players in the country, being bestowed the honor of a selection to the U.S. national team. Effertz is continuing the line of incredible Riordan athletes; however, there is much more to Effertz than his incredible skill on the handball court.
Effertz is one of the boarding students here at Riordan, and he appears to have already made himself at home.
“Since I transferred to Riordan for my senior year, I really enjoy our strong community here in school, which is very different to what I experienced back in Germany. I’d like to give a special shoutout to my boarding community that has become an amazing extended family to me,” Effertz said.
Effertz is an incredible athlete, only complimenting his prowess as a student. Being an effective student is a key part to sports at any level, and Effertz knows that better than anyone.
“It is definitely very different from my German education. I’ve really enjoyed Riordan’s 4x4
Photo by Loghan Hwang ’27
’25
schedule where I can really dig deep into my favorite subjects instead of having 12 different classes with limited class time. In short, I’m certain I made the right decision transferring to Riordan, to experience a more indepth learning environment with the same classes every day.”
One of Jacob’s teachers, Jackie Grealish, said, “Jacob is great to have in class! I’m so happy he’s in my class not only for his academics but also because he wants to be there.”
Throughout his handball journey, Effertz has experienced bumps and curves, but that still
doesn’t stop him or his love for the sport.
“I started playing handball when I was 9 years old, right after I moved to Germany in 2017. Since most of my friends at elementary school played the sport as well, I joined them at my local club soon after,” said Effertz. With handball not being as big in the United States, Effertz sees this as an opportunity to make a true mark on Riordan and the entire country.
“Going forward, I think the sport has lots of potential to grow in the U.S. Since handball is still a predominantly European sport, I think it is important to make the game more global. Because of my experience playing in Europe, I’m sharing my love of the sport with local high school players at San Francisco CalHeat, one of the premier U.S. Handball clubs that focuses on promoting the game starting at the middle school level.”
He continued, I’m currently preparing for the first ever U17 World Cup, which will take place in Morocco in October this year where I will hopefully be able to represent my country once again.”
Senior athletes commit to D1 colleges
By Ashling Greene ’26
The class of 2025 will be remembered as one of the most remarkable classes in recent history, particularly for its standout athletes and exceptional talent level. While every student brings something valuable to the table, several athletes have exceeded expectations, achieving
the elite status of Division I athletes.
Each student-athlete has faced challenges and triumphs throughout their seasons. One athlete who exemplifies strong sportsmanship and work ethic is Georgia Haynes ’25. A highly experienced volleyball player, Haynes is known for always
staying focused.
“Playing volleyball at this level has changed me as a person. It’s made me realize that trying and failing is infinitely better than never knowing if you could’ve,” she said.
Every day, Haynes begins her morning with an early one-mile run. After a full day of school, she heads home to complete her homework, then returns to campus for team practices and open gyms. Her day finally ends around 10:00 p.m., when she heads to bed to rest and prepare for another demanding day.
Nes Emeneke ’25 is a wellknown basketball player on campus. Emeneke explained that his recruiting process was stressful before transferring to Riordan in his junior year.
“The exposure led to an exciting choice to make between Ivy League schools and California schools and after visiting those institutions and putting into consideration factors like the
weather, the states, the coaches and majors available, his choice of UC Irvine was quickly made. Emeneke encourages anyone interested in pursuing basketball to stay committed. He said, “Trust yourself and put the work in.”
Eleven Division I studentathletes are set to graduate from Archbishop Riordan in 2025, each with a unique story and distinct ambitions.
Emeneke, Maxine Sutisna ’25, Jasir Rencher ’25, and Tara Dacic ’25 have made their mark on the basketball court.
John Tofi Jr. ’25, Losipini Tupou ’25, and Jace Denning ’25 have showcased their talents on the football field.
Alyssa Jurado ’25 has excelled on the soccer pitch, while Ava Schneider ’25 has distinguished herself in rowing.
Athletic Director Bob Greene said, “I’m most proud of the consistent commitment and effort our athletes have shown across our many sports this year.”
Jurado sets sights on global goals
By Ishaan Gupta ’26
Alyssa Jurado ’25 is a Division 1 athlete, has played for El Salvador’s U17 and U20 team, won gold and bronze in the Central American Football Union, and achieved much more in the world of soccer.
Jurado’s love for soccer and journey started off at 6 years old, when her parents signed her up for the sport.
“My story started when my dad put me in a soccer clinic in Brisbane, ultimately leading to my love for the sport,” said Jurado.
Since then, she has played for a multitude of clubs and has
shown her dedication to the sport on Riordan’s varsity soccer team.
Jurado said, “I love club soccer, especially because I have been with mostly the same girls for years now and I consider them sisters to me. We are a top 15-ranked team in the nation and have a few national team players.”
Her recruitment journey started in high school, and she received offers from many schools and her top choices were USF, St. Mary’s Gonzanga, and UW.
“When I got my offer from USF, I remember I cried so hard that my dad had to speak for me. I had always felt that I had been
underappreciated because I am not a forward who scored all the time,” said Jurado.
Jurado talked about the experience playing in El Salvador, and the things she learned.
“Before being called up to the national team, I had never been to El Salvador, and my parents had not been in 30 years. My Spanish improved, and I met lots of my family I had never come across previously. Overall, the experience was eye-opening not only to the international soccer world but also to my roots.”
Read more on our website!
Jacob Effertz
competed in handball on the international stage.
Photo by Ethan Ly ’26
Photo provided by the Jurado Family
Nes Emeneke ’25, Alyssa Jurado ’25, Georgia Haynes ’25, and Jasir Rencher ’25 have all signed on to play at Division I colleges in the fall of 2025.