TheCrusaderSpring2021

Campus News, Pages 4 - 6

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VOLUME LXXI ISSUE iii

SERVING RIORDAN SINCE 1949

Health, Page 14

Features, Page 13

ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN HIGH SCHOOL

Sports, Pages 16 - 19

Spring 2021 THE NEWSPAPER OF CRUSADER COUNTRY

Boarding students continue to cope with Covid conditions

By Annie Le ’21

Travel restrictions. Expired Visas. Borders closing.

International students have been through countless trials since the Covid-19 outbreak.

Announcements of schools going full-distance learning last spring caused families back home to stress over their children’s living conditions abroad. Dorms were closing and students were forced to leave within short notice.

“The boarding students at Riordan have been able to stay on campus throughout this entire time of the pandemic. We’ve received a lot of support from Epicurean who has served food on campus as well as RAs working additionally to be here to support our students,” said David Lin ’99, Director of the Boarding Program.

As the majority of high school international students are underaged, it was impossible to book an Airbnb or hotel room. The fortunate ones who lived near family friends or relatives were able to seek shelter until they were approved by their home country’s government to fly home.

Like many countries, the Vietnam government closed its

borders and forbade any noncitizens to enter.

“I filled out a form on the Vietnam Embassy website in April 2020, but they never responded. I haven’t seen my family in over two years,” said Meidyn Nguyen ’21, a boarding student at Riordan.

With over 5.3 million international students around the world, not everyone received their approval letters. Although plane tickets are less expensive during the pandemic, slots at quarantine camps are limited.

Moreover, the international students need to renew their visas after each school year.

Based on www.ice.gov, foreign students can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as they maintain “student” status. If students returned home or traveled to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, they must have a valid F-1 visa to return to the United States.

“I’m having issues with my traveling documents and I contacted my agent in China for help. Because of the time zone, it is inconvenient to communicate,” said Christine Zhu ’22.

The many sudden changes of the pandemic come with chronic stress and mental health issues that these students might face.

While online learning from home is difficult, online learning in a different time zone is much more challenging.

Though many students at Riordan were able to come back to the dorm before September, many others have been watching files and files of Zoom recordings from around the world.

“Sometimes I can attend classes live.

When school starts at 8 a.m. over there, it is Photo by Annie Le ’21 already 11 p.m in Ho Boarding student Meidyn Nguyen ’21, Chi Minh City. When from Vietnam, studies for one of her classes all meetings end, it is while in her dorm room on campus. probably 3 a.m. my not even be an option for some time,” said Khanh Le ’21.

She added, “I also don’t think students. With the increase Covid-19 vaccinations, I can attend the graduation in in international students are hoping person.”

Booking a ticket to San to reunite with their families soon.

Francisco for graduation might

Crusader, Marianist Choirs showcase vivacious voices on new website

By Marisa Hamilton ’22 When COVID-19 was declared

a pandemic one year ago, school showcases became one of the many events that were deemed unsafe to attend.

However, Archbishop Riordan’s Crusader and Marianist choirs are maintaining the spirit of music by posting their annual performances on a chorus website.

This past holiday season, the 16 group members rehearsed Christmas songs during their virtual rehearsals. After weeks of preparation, everyone recorded their parts separately with instrumentals, and sent their clips to the video editor and choir director, Laura Flaviani.

The app JackTrip stops the sound delay on Zoom, and Final Cut Pro software is used to blend

Photo by Lance yearbook staff Angie Levano ’23, JT Torrea ’21, and Caton Santos ’22 sing at a prayer service, accompanied by choir director Laura Flaviani. the singers’ voices and arrange the video recordings on the screen.

“It’s not perfect because we’re not in person all together, but to line up everybody in the squares and seeing everybody really trying to give 100 percent...that’s what I like to see, that finished

product,” shared Flaviani.

One of the hardworking performers, soloist Andrea Abraham ’24 explained how online performances have affected her singing: “I feel like I’ve learned that I should be practicing on my own time because we’re at home

all the time. That’s the only way we can practice. Now I do [vocal warmups and exercises] more constantly,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Flaviani is planning in-person rehearsals at St. Theresa’s Church. These meetings during the pandemic are possible because of the copies of sheet music, and singer’s masks donated by Mario Balestrieri ’76. The masks were created by Broadway entertainers, and allow performers to sing comfortably and clearly, without spreading the virus.

The goal is to host a livestream at St. Theresa’s for the spring celebration of Disney music, but whether the next show will be in person or virtual, the school community will still be able to enjoy the choir’s music on the website https://sites.google.com/ view/crusadermixedchoir/home.

2 Opinion

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

Communities must unite to fight against anti-Asian violence

By Zailea Mae Flores ’22

From the outbreak of Covid-19, hate-fueled crimes against Asian Americans have skyrocketed.

Incidents targeted towards Asian Americans have consisted of verbal slurs, physical attacks, shunning, and discrimination.

The STOP AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Hate organization has received 3,795 reported incidents of Asian hate crimes within the duration of the pandemic.

This number only represents a fraction of incidents that have increased after our former U.S. President, Donald Trump, referred to COVID-19 as the “kung flu” and “Chinese virus.” These negative stereotypes unfairly blame Asians for the pandemic.

Thus, this false narrative has severely affected our community, correlating to the change in both attitude and behavior towards Asian Americans.

Since then, there has been a growing concern within the Asian community over the heightened

amount of attacks occurring across the United States. These violent waves initially directed towards our Asian elders have been documented through videos and received attention throughout mainstream media.

In the Bay Area, two elderly Asians were assaulted by the same perpetrator, one who fought back. The second victim, Xiao Zhen Xie, a 75-year-old Asian woman, gained the attention of several international social media platforms through a video. The video captures the moments after Xie fought off her attacker that resulted in the assailant being carried out on a stretcher.

Similar attacks haven’t explicitly been stated to be racially motivated even after the suspect’s intentions were as clear as day.

According to research conducted by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased 145 percent in America’s major cities.

The most recent event took place on March 16, when a man

went on a rampage across three different spas in Georgia. Upon arrival, he shot eight people, none survived—six were of Asian descent.

The names of the victims are Delaina Ashley Yuan, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Yan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park, Park Hyeon Jeong, Suncha Kim, and Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz.

Following the arrest, Capt. Jay Baker of the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s office described the suspect’s state, saying, “He was pretty much fed up, and kind of at the end of his rope, and yesterday was a really bad day for him and this is what he did.”

The killing of minorities is not something that one can subliminally justify under the statement that the suspect “was having a bad day.” The stated reasoning behind his actions was intended to release his “sexual temptations.” The issue lies among the suspect’s fetishization and hypersexualization of Asian women.

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Arts & Entertainment Editor Sean DiNicola ’22 Environment Editor Delaney Mulqueen ’22 Religion Editor Marisa Hamilton ’22 175 Frida Kahlo Way San Francisco, CA 94112 RCrusaderNews.com RCrusaderNews@riordanhs.org

Health Editor Elijah Calip ’22 Science Editor Jonathan Godoy ’21

Editors-in-Chief Jordan Tyler Maralit ’21 Grayson Salomon ’22

Technology Editor Andrei Lynch ’22

Opinion Editor John McQuaid ’22

Exchange Editor Cole Anderson ’22

News Editors Christian Ramirez Cortes ’22 William Lenoyr Ortiz ’22

Copy Editor Joseph Zuloaga ’23

Boys Sports Editor Cameron Bevan-Abel ’22

Girls Sports Editor Sophia Carrasquilla ’22

Photo Editor Noah David ’22 Graphic Artist Rizlin Jew ’22

Staff Reporters and Photographers Andrea Abraham ’24 Jesus Aguilar ’22 Juan Carlos Campos ’22 Charles Chu ’24 Sebastian Elsner ’23 Logan Estrada ’22 Zailea Mae Flores ’22 Alex Hsing ’21 Addison Hwang ’24 Joseph Grysiewicz ’22 Arianna Jaboneta ’23 Tony Kent ’21 Annie Le ’21 Angie Levano ’23

It’s sad to see that those first targeted in the Asian community are the most vulnerable. That is not to say they are weak. In reality, these elders obtained their strength through their accumulation of wisdom, knowledge, and experience.

They are the strongest. They have endured their fair share of hardships—many having to deal with immigration and xenophobia. We, too, must stand strong against the hands of social injustice and racism.

Violence and hate against any group of people is unacceptable.

Unfortunately, Asian racism has been normalized, but sharing our experiences and offering support can help bring communities together.

Having conversations on these topics creates awareness, which enables change, and change empowers progress. I stand in solidarity with those seeking to halt Asian hate and call on others to join the journey to end antiAsian racism.

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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.

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Opinion

3

Vaccination rollout improving, but disparities still evident

By Grayson Salomon ’22 The long awaited COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived in the Bay Area, and the rollout has been quite a rollercoaster. It began around early February to late January and from what I’ve seen, heard, and experienced it’s been going pretty well.

The vaccine is being distributed in several phases to the general public of the eight counties in the Bay Area, along with the other 50 in California.

Phase 1A and Phase 1B being health care workers, long care term residents, those who work in education, people with high chance of exposure and those 65 and older. The next phase was for essential workers and those at high risk 16 and up.

Recently, California has updated the eligibility for those 50 and over, which started on April 1, and every Californian 16 and older starting April 15.

In addition, the California government released a new website called “My Turn,” which allows users to schedule an appointment and view their eligibility for the vaccine. The website is very easy to use, and only requires a couple of clicks and questions to be answered to see when you can get the vaccine.

Also in San Francisco, mass vaccination sites have been opening left and right such as the Moscone Center downtown and even the CCSF Parking Lot and SF State near Riordan.

Even retail stores like Walgreens and CVS Pharmaceutical are handing out COVID shots, both of which are located right on Ocean Avenue (CVS is inside of Target on Ocean).

These factors really made the process for vaccination very simple and easy. However, I feel there have been some things that could’ve been done differently in the whole rollout.

First, I feel like the first

Riordan Roundtable

phase should’ve included communities that have been hardest hit by the pandemic such as the Mission, The Tenderloin and Hunters Point/ Bayview neighborhoods.

Data from San Francisco’s COVID-19 data tracking website suggests that these neighborhoods have the highest new case rate per 10,000 residents. The Mission’s rate being 18.78 percent, Hunters Point/Bayview being 20.86 percent and The Tenderloin being 25.69 percent. Even though this decision couldn’t have been made by the state, maybe the city could’ve added this to the rollout process.

Also, many people have had to go the distance to get their shot. For example, some teachers at Riordan had to travel all the way to Oakland to get their doses, when there’s literally a vaccine center across the street from campus. I know the appointments are first come, first served, but the city could’ve better prioritized people by their location instead of having them cross the bay four times and pay a toll twice to get their vaccine.

Overall, I think the vaccine rollout is pretty successful so far and is moving in the right direction. It takes all of us to end this pandemic and if you’re reading this after April 15, go get your shots!

By Daniella Arevalo ’21 President Joe Biden stated that by April 19 up to 90 percent of adults in America will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, and up to 90 percent of people will live within a five mile radius of a vaccination center within three weeks. This brings hope to many.

However, the U.S. must prioritize marginalized communities and heed caution for it to be effective.

In the Bay Area, there is a more positive outlook than nationally or even statewide. Average cases went from about 500 during the week of March 15 to 451 during the week of March 22. This is a change from the steep decline from January to March, and there are many factors to consider: vaccination rates, changing restrictions, and new variants.

Some experts are optimistic that cases will continue to fall, but others worry the plateau could indicate a future increase.

Eighteen states have lifted their mask mandates, and many have softened their social distancing guidelines, but as experts suggest, this could lead to a rise in cases. California, and San Francisco specifically, cannot afford for this to happen.

Some data shows that young, unvaccinated people account for a growing portion of COVID-19 cases in hospitals, and suggests that the vaccines have been protecting the vaccinated elderly.

While the vaccine increases people’s confidence in an end to the pandemic, the vaccination rollout has to be paired with adequate restrictions and guidelines.

Data shows that Black and Latino communities in San Francisco have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. While the City has praised itself for its handling of the Coronavirus, some ignore the troubling disparities and inequity communities of color face. In December, the Mission Local reported that Latinos in San Francisco were five times

Spartan Spear

more likely to contract the virus compared to other residents.

According to the CDC, California is amongst the five worst states regarding vaccination equity. While Governor Newsom celebrated a “record-breaking week” for vaccinations on March 21, Black residents account for a mere 3 percent of inoculations in California. According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the city’s wealthiest areas tend to be the most vaccinated.

This highlights an overarching problem that California and San Francisco face.

Fortunately, people are fighting for vaccination equity.

California is now operating on a plan to allocate 40 percent of its doses to ZIP codes with the lowest average income, and the Biden administration launched a campaign to centralize vaccinations through a localized community-based approach.

Many factors go into the disparities of the COVID-19 pandemic: job insecurity, job type, lack of insurance, higher rates of comorbidities, different needs for transportation, crowded living situations, lack of patient-doctor trust, and more.

While actively targeting those most affected by these situations can help fight the spread of COVID-19, the inequity that San Francisco and California are facing during the vaccine rollout cannot be treated as an exception to an otherwise untarnished record.

Pope Francis to journalists at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic: “During the current crisis, we need good, free journalism that serves all people, especially those who do not have a voice: journalism that is dedicated to the search for truth and which opens paths toward communion and peace.”

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.

Hello, Crusader staff, I want to thank you for the fine work you all did in your Winter 2020-2021 issue, which is the first issue I’ve ever read. I moved to Mission Terrace in the fall and found a stack the other day in Railroad Espresso. I love neighborhood papers but was impressed with all of the topics your journalists covered, from Fisherman’s Wharf chowder to water on the moon! And everything in between.

Your positive and resilient attitudes in spite of the pandemic and national differences, and despite all the usual stresses on teenagers, shone through every article and really made this reader glad to be here. Keep it up!

-John Hendricks (Feb. 12, 2021)

4 Campus News

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

High school BSUs collaborate to clean up Ocean Beach

By Jordan Maralit ’21 On March 6, the Black Student Union collaborated with Summit Shasta to help clean up Ocean Beach.

BSU invited different high schools in San Francisco, which included students from Galileo, St. Ignatius, and Sacred Heart Cathedral to help with the clean up, and more than a dozen students participated, picking up bags of trash.

This event’s significance is not only to keep the environment safe, but also to build and form communities.

Riordan’s BSU formed a coalition with other high schools with the common purpose of showing appreciation for the environment and community.

BSU officer Jordan Noeuku ’21 said, “Taking care of our environment is the least we can do to show our love for our planet.”

Photo by The Crusader Staff Members of Riordan’s Black Student Union joined with other BSUs from San Francisco and the peninsula to clean up trash from Ocean Beach last month, collecting dozens of bags of garbage.

Yearbook staff lances award, prepares for first coed annual

By Tony Kent ’21

Creating the yearbook is a tall challenge under normal circumstances, but add in a pandemic and it could become overwhelming.

According to Steven Rissotto ’20, the editor of the 2019-2020 yearbook, two issues arose that added to the challenge. First, the lack of content due to spring activities being canceled. Rissotto explained the yearbook staff “had about 40 pages that needed to be made up somehow.” He added they were “scrambling for ideas to fill the empty space.”

The second challenge, according to Rissotto, was students were no longer on campus and some just “checked out.” Only a few worked to complete the yearbook.

In the end, Rissotto and team put together a yearbook that was filled with lots of memories from this historic year.

Gio Ferrari ’22 said, “The cover was cool and I liked that the format was by class and not House.”

Matt Balmy ’21 agreed and said, “The yearbook was cool.”

The Riordan 2019-2020 yearbook did not just impress the Riordan community, but others as well. The yearbook received top honors from the American Scholastic Press Association.

It was given first place in the Scholastic Yearbook and Magazine Awards category.

So the question is, what is the 2020-2021 yearbook going to look like? Although COVID is presenting the same issues as

Photo by Noah David ’22 The 2020 Lance yearbook won top honors in a contest sponsored by the American Scholastic Press Association.

last year, with fewer students on campus and fewer activities, the staff already has a design in mind, but the Riordan community will have to wait until it is unveiled in

the fall.

Joseph Zuloaga ’23, a member of this year’s staff, said, “I feel like I am part of exhibiting the historic year it has been even

though we have spent most of it at home. We are truly making history with this first coed yearbook and it shows our resilience and how we are able to make a yearbook amidst the pandemic.”

Meidyn Nguyen ’21 said, “I’m a senior in high school, but this is my very first time working on a yearbook, especially the first coed yearbook and that means a lot to me. I really appreciate having this chance and be able to have a lot of fun working with an amazing team to create this unique yearbook particularly during the global pandemic. I’ve learned many interesting ideas and how to put all of those ideas together, which is a really cool experience for me.”

Another staff member, Rizlin Jew ’22, said, “Riordan’s first coed yearbook is definitely a milestone for not only the school, but for me personally. I learn a lot with contributing ideas, especially seeing what it becomes and how it grows. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity I have in helping create this year’s yearbook given all the circumstances accompanied with a global pandemic.”

She added, “Working together with a collaborative team makes it all the more fun and a real pleasure in creating something that will not only be shared with this year’s grades, but for many generations to come.”

If anyone else whould like to join, please contact adviser Viggen Rassam ’87 at vrassam@ riordanhs.org.

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Campus News

5

Donovan accepts Chaminade Award in first virtual ceremony honoring founder

By Grayson Salomon ’22

Chaminade Day and The Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award has been a fabled tradition at Archbishop Riordan since 1975, about 26 years after Riordan opened the doors to its first students.

The first recipient of the award was H.W. Eagleson, and this year’s recipient was Daniel Donovan ’70.

But what goes into being selected to be a Chaminade Award recipient?

Well, while many alumni have been honored, one doesn’t necessarily have to have graduated from Riordan to be named a Chaminade awardee.

There have been many winners in the past that range from principals to parents. However, the most important conditions for consideration are loyalty and service.

According to Dr. Andrew Currier, President of Riordan, “The award is given to a member of our community who exemplifies service and loyalty, both traits inherent in the founder of the Society of Mary, Marianists — Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. This award gives our school a chance to recognize the important traits

of service and loyalty among community members who make an extraordinary contribution in supporting the school. We look for people who have gone above and beyond and go out of their way to promote the interests of Riordan students and do their best to improve the student experience.”

Donovan was informed of his award in January 2021, sometime before the ceremony.

He was very surprised to be honored with this award and has always admired the people who have received it previously.

Donovan was selected for many important reasons. Most notably, his long-standing, humble loyalty and financial support to the school have endured since 1994. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Brian Spiers ’75, nominated Donovan and the committee entirely agreed that Donovan should be recognized for his service and support of Riordan through various challenges and rough patches.

Currier added, “Mr. Donovan ’70 is a proud alum and sent his son to school here as well. He’s been with us for a long time and we needed to pay

Photo by The Crusader Staff homage to his great, but quiet support of the school. Dan’s acceptance speech exemplified this trait insofar as he took the opportunity to speak by paying tribute to others. The group of Chaminade Award winners includes some really phenomenal people. Dan is one of the greatest!”

After all that Donovon has given to his alma mater, he said Riordan has given back to him.

He reminisced, “I have very

much enjoyed my high school years at Riordan and still have many friends from that experience. I also have friends that I made from the time my son Sean spent at Riordan.

In my 18 years as a Riordan Board of Trustee I have formed valued relationships with board members and Riordan staff members that come from working for a common goal. That goal being the advancement of Riordan High School.”

Purple & Gold Gala raises nearly $250k for tuition, construction

By Elsie Schusteritsch ’23

This year, the Purple & Gold Gala looked a little different than it has in previous years. The event was held virtually for the first time.

In “normal” years, there is a dinner, live auction, and dancing, but this year there were prerecorded segments, some live auction items, and catering companies delivering dinner, depending on the price attendees paid. The entire program usually lasted five hours long, but this year it was only one hour long.

The money raised from this fundraiser will be split into two separate categories: tuition assistance and school construction projects. Tuition assistance is a way to keep Riordan an affordable and accessible environment.

Remodeling classrooms is a big project, since it costs about $40,000 to remodel each classroom, and there are at least 20 more classrooms in need of a fresh look.

Although the school gathered in a new way this year, the main purpose of the event remained the same: helping and improving the school, with the idea that supporters can still gather and build community, even without being physically present together.

Photo by The Crusader Staff Gigi DiGiulio ’21, Michelle Anzueto ’24, Jonathan Torrea ’21, Jeremy Sherron ’21, Hayden Peregrino ’21, Jackie DeLeon ’21 and Student Activities Director Benny Willers ’08 appeared in a video for the Purple & Gold Gala, which raised almost a quarter of a million dollars for the school.

The money raised was “about $248,000 from the Gala this year,” said Director of Development Simon Chiu.

Chiu reflected on the success of the event, saying, “In a year during which the Gala had to go

virtual, the Riordan community really stepped up to help our school. The monies raised in this year’s Gala was split between tuition assistance and the Riordan Renaissance Campaign, which is raising money for

improvements to the locker room, restrooms and classrooms.”

He added, “We’re so grateful for the many alumni, parents, faculty and staff and friends of Riordan who contributed to this year’s event.”

6 Campus News

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

PAC Club continues to thrive in online environment

By Jordan Maralit ’21

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and most students attending online learning, numerous social clubs at Riordan are struggling to find ways to be productive. However, the PAC Club (known as the Philipino American Coalition), has a multitude of plans for its club members to socialize and interact with one another while at home.

In December, students participated in a Parol Workshop.

A Parol is a traditional Filipino Star, a Christmas Lantern, which represents the three wise men who followed the star in Bethlehem, signifying the birth of Christ. This holiday decoration is ubiquitous to all Filipinos who celebrate Christmas.

Instead of it being just a workshop, PAC Club moderators Melanie Aguas, Mary Ann Datoc, Melissa Nagar, Raquel Oliva Gomez and student leaders JP Cayabyab ’21, Jameson Datoc ’23, Christian Jared Cabanero ’21, Matthew Hernadez ’21, Aysaiah Radoc Manrique ’21, and JT Torrea ’21 wanted to spice it up.

They decided that the top three contestants who created the best Parol would receive a free revamped hoodie.

Around late January and early February, PAC club moderators and officers introduced an idea to have the club members create group presentations on a topic that celebrates Filipino culture.

The topics ranged from: Filipino desserts, athletes, famous celebrity couples, TV shows, language, and food.

Some key presentations focused on native Filipino delicacies such as Halo Halo and Turon, athletes like Manny Pacquiao and Jordan Clarkson, the primary language and slang, and yummy food like

Photo by Jordan Maralit ’21 Members of the PAC Club have been meeting regularly on Zoom and have welcomed guest speakers such as journalist Rommel Conclara ’03.

Lechon (pig).

The PAC Club hosted two guest speakers: Amanda Del Castillo ’08 Mercy SF and Rommel Conclara ’03. Del Castillo is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist.

After Del Castillo graduated from SJSU (San Jose State University) in 2012, her impressive journalist skills took her to Wyoming, Texas, and Colorado, prior to returning home in 2018.

Currently, she is a general assignment reporter with ABC7 News, while focusing on the region of South San Francisco.

She is a storyteller who believes in the power of a story to build communities and facilitate important conversations.

When the news broke that Mercy SF was closing down, she was saddened and dispirited. She felt relieved knowing the fact that Riordan now accepts female students, as Riordan gives up the tradition of it being an all boys institution.

While Del Castillo went to Mercy SF, her brothers, Andrew and Adam, went to and graduated from Riordan in 2007 and 2011.

Rommel Conclara ’03 is a

Balitang America Correspondent and Riordan grad. He was once president of PAC Club, a member of The Crusader Newspaper, and LIFE team member. During the meeting, Conclara talked about his life at Riordan, how he developed an interest in journalism, and the experiences and lessons he learned while being a member of the PAC Club.

Conclara offered advice to those who consider journalism as their dream job. He said, “The values that stand out to me the most are the ability to adapt and overcome. There are many things to be confident about including being able to push, work, and the ability to step up. In social media, we only see our highlights.

However, we don’t see the come up, the struggle, and the grind.”

He added, “It’s a thankless job, if you’re in this for clout and likes, don’t do it. You have to write. You will write and rewrite.

You will love it and hate it. You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Be prepared to write; you need to have tough skin. People will criticize you and

give you hate mail, which means that you made it.”

Conclara talked about how the PAC club now is significantly different from the club he experienced back at Riordan many years ago. He recalled, “PAC meetings were once a month. Before everything went digital, we would make flyers and draw it. We talked about our history, performed traditional dances like tinikling, and learned how to be empathetic to our lolos (grandpas) and lolas (grandmas) by showing some manners.”

JP Cayabyab ’21 compared, “PAC meetings are now once a week. Moderators and Student Officers on Zoom meet after debriefing the weekly meetings.

We recently asked current club members to present topics about Filipino Culture.”

Cayabyab added, “I feel like we prioritized building a community, including students who aren’t Filipino, and having a sense of inclusivity. It is a tradition that has occurred at Riordan for many years and will continue for many years to come.”

Scott’s Seafood makes waves on campus with food truck deliveries

By Angie Levano ’23 Scott’s Seafood sailed onto the Riordan campus on Jan. 29, Feb. 19, and March 26 to serve up soups, salads and other seafood dishes with some of the earnings going to the school.

Andrew Palmyra, the director of food truck operation and catering events, said, “Steve Mayer (’72) connected us up with Andrew Currier, (the president) and we connected and tried to figure out a collaboration where we can offer our products (such as the seafood items and everything from our restaurant) and we would be able to deliver all the way to Riordan High School on a certain date.”

He added, “And whatever the sales were, we would donate 10 percent of the proceeds back to Riordan High School.”

Since the school received 10 percent of the profits, the school got $700 of the $6,805 earned for January’s event and $260 for February’s event, which brought in $2,537.

According to Palmyra, their biggest sellers were Seafood Salad, Scott’s Boston Clam Chowder (white cream) and Cioppino in a Bowl, and there were more people on Jan. 29 than Feb. 19 and March 26.

Dozens of food orders wait to be picked up in front of the school on Jan. 29, the first of three days the catering truck accepted pre-orders in a fundraiser for Archbishop Riordan that collected nearly $1,000.

Photo by The Crusader staff

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

National News 7

Biden takes oath of office as USA’s 46th President

By Joseph Zuloaga ’23 and Santino Woo ’22

Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala D. Harris were inaugurated as the 46th President and the 49th Vice President, respectively, on Jan. 20.

The inauguration, massively scaled back due to COVID-19, featured headline performances from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks, as well as young poet Amanda Gorman.

English Department Chair Mary Dalton shared her thoughts on Amanda Gorman’s poem, saying, “Amanda Gorman is such a natural speaker. I always like it when poets get a large public venue in order to share their thoughts. They offer a deeper level of insight into experiences that are shared by many.”

Dalton, who also moderates the literary magazine, The Grail, added, “It sounds contradictory, but she addresses that we are a country that is simultaneously torn apart by a crisis, but also forced to be brought together by it.

Gorman’s poem was inspirational and hopeful, which is what the country needs right now.”

The Jan. 6 insurrection led to a larger security perimeter around the National Mall guarded by approximately 20,000 National Guard troops.

Social Science teacher Cory Nelson stated, “This inauguration

was much different than the ones I have seen in the past. We have had a lot of political and social strife the past few years, and it was really great to see so much diversity on the stage. I see that as progress for years to come, but we aren’t any way close to the equality and equity we need in America.”

Early on Inauguration Day, outgoing President Trump left the White House for his Florida estate, Mar-A-Lago, and became the first outgoing president to not attend his successor’s inauguration in 152 years.

Soon after Trump departed, Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, headed for the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle to attend Mass with congressional leaders and Kamala Harris and her husband. When Mass ended, Biden and Harris headed to the Capitol as guests were arriving, including outgoing Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife.

At 11:40 a.m. EST, Harris was sworn in and made history by becoming the first female, the first African American, and the first Asian American vice president. Biden was sworn as president at 11:47 a.m. EST. In his address, he called for unity and healing and the end to the “uncivil war” of political ideologies.

Official White House Photostream on Flickr Joe Biden takes the oath of office to become the 46th President of the United States of America.

Collin Murtagh ’22 said, “One thing I hope to see that he said was to build unity. It’s pretty obvious we are a divided nation politically, and there should be no one firing someone from their job or shouting down someone because of his or her political views, and no political violence.”

When President Biden arrived at the White House, he immediately went to work and signed various executive orders, most of them reversing Trumpera policies. The executive orders

were tailored to address four crises: COVID-19, the economy, the climate crisis, and racial inequality.

Nelson is looking forward to the Biden administration’s work on “disenfranchised groups of people.” He said, “I want them to focus on immigration and pathways to citizenship, social justice, racism, and reform. But it’s not just on them, our nation’s youth need to vote, get involved, and make a change. Change starts from the bottom to the top.”

Bipartisan impeachment results in second acquittal

By Joseph Zuloaga ’23 Former President Donald Trump was impeached and acquitted for a second time.

On Jan. 13, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6 to disrupt the counting of the electoral votes and overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Trump became the only president to be impeached twice, with the vote being the most bipartisan impeachment vote in history with 10 Republican senators voting alongside Democrats.

Mason McKee ’23 stated, “Trump was a major cause for the riots that killed five on January 6th [by preaching] to his followers that this election was ‘stolen’ and encouraging them to ‘fight.’”

The Article of Impeachment was delivered to the Senate on Jan. 25 with the senators being sworn in as jurors the next day.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, the President pro tempore of the Senate, presided over the trial, which began on Feb. 9, with opening arguments.

Between Feb 10. and Feb. 11, the Democratic House impeachment managers exhibited their case as to why Trump incited the insurrection at the Capitol.

Wikimedia Commons Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi signs the articles of impeachment against former President Donald Trump for the second time.

New, never-before-seen, visceral videos from inside the Capitol showed how then-Vice President Pence and congressmen and women escaped from the mob, and audios captured the horrendous moments lawmakers and Capitol police lived through.

Social Science teacher Christopher Fern said, “I found the evidence compelling. It further affirmed that the former President was primarily driven by his ego and not the well being of the nation.”

Next, the former president’s

attorneys, over the span of one day, even though they had the same allotted time as the House managers, illustrated their reasons why Trump did not incite the insurrection. Their main focus was to show the double standard in regards to fighting for a political cause and how the impeachment managers manipulated evidence and selectively edited video from the insurrection.

Lucas Tassio ’21 stated, “I think Trump’s lawyers brought up some good points but also did not have enough to help them.

President Trump did a lot of things people didn’t like, like starting the riot/siege on the Capitol. I don’t think Trump meant for a riot, but I think he doesn’t choose his words wisely.”

On Feb. 13, both sides delivered closing arguments and the final vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump was held. Seven GOP senators decided to break party ranks and vote to convict, leading to the final vote of 57 to convict and 43 to acquit, falling short of the 67 votes (two-thirds majority) needed to convict.

Aaron Abraham ’22 stated, “I think those seven GOP senators were brave for standing up against Trump and standing up for what they believe in.”

8 Local News

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

Asian communities under attack as hate crimes increase

By Charles Chu ’24

The recent attacks on elderly Asian citizens in the San Francisco Bay Area are demonstrating and contributing to the divide in the community, creating fear and anger.

In the beginning months of 2021, there have been many attacks on Asian citizens, primarily senior citizens. One of these incidents was a recent assault at the corner of Ocean and Plymouth avenues, very close to Riordan High School.

Some of these attacks resulted in death, other attacks robbery or assault. These attacks, although recently publicized, are really nothing new, as in early 2020 an Asian man collecting cans was attacked in San Francisco, his assailants yelling “I hate Asians.”

Melanie Aguas, Freshman Counselor and co-moderator of the Philipino American Coalition said, “The increase in anti-Asian violence and racism deeply affects our Riordan community. Students have voiced concern for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, especially their elders.”

Despite the recent spike in attacks, or perhaps the reporting of them, Mary Ann Datoc, another moderator of the PAC Club, said she believes there has been some progress in combating hate crimes.

“In PAC, the officers and moderators presented a slide presentation about the Asian hate crimes, and we had a discussion with our members about how they feel about this issue,” she said. She added, “The fact we had a Race Forum is

Photo by The Crusader staff The SFPD and Asian Pacific Islander Public Affairs created posters such as this one in a business window on Ocean Avenue to advise people how to report hate crimes. great for our community.”

Aguas added, that they “discussed these

issues and utilized our time together as a space to process our thoughts and feelings. Our conversations highlighted the importance of empathy, education, spreading awareness, and building community.”

In an effort to bring together the diverse communities in urban areas, from coast to coast, Oakland rapper “Mistah FAB” and New York City rapper “China Mac’’ recently joined together in search of a resolution.

China Mac said, “We cannot allow anybody to come into our communities and do this to our elderly. These are our grandmothers and grandfathers.”

Mistah Fab added, “There are many people who stand in solidarity with us, against our adversity and our obstacles that we fight as Black people. Here it is, our turn to show that we’re in solidarity with our Asian brothers and sisters.”

The duo is calling for new conversations to be opened, and unity amongst all.

In regards to what students and other members of the Riordan community can do, Datoc said, “The AAPI community can fight by creating a safe space for discussions about this, educating all students and adults about racism and violence.”

Aguas concluded, “We aim to have the AAPI community and non-AAPI communities stand in solidarity with each other in denouncing racism and hatred in all forms. There is no easy fix to racism, but educating each other and extending kindness towards our fellow humans are critical steps to make progress.”

Sunnyside Association steps up efforts to beautify Detroit Steps

By Jonathan Godoy ’21

In late 2018, the community surrounding the Detroit Steps in the Sunnyside neighborhood decided to make a change and improve their neighborhood.

The Detroit Steps are a set of two stairs, an upper and lower section, that have been the center for redevelopment for the Sunnyside neighborhood and recently hosted a contest to design the stairs as a monument for art.

The stairs consist of 186 steps and a two-block stairway that runs from Detroit and Hearst to Detroit and Joost, where it is also bisected by Monterey Boulevard.

According to the Sunnyside Association website, the Detroit Steps Project first began development in 2019 where they redeveloped the local lighting and landscaping.

Beginning last year, the quarantine affected everyone and social distance became the new norm, which brought problems up for everyone. Although problems arose with public safety, the Sunnyside Association was able to find a way to help beautify the Detroit Steps while not having to gather in masses to help.

The contest lasted from Nov.

22 through Dec. 6, and more than 50 contestants entered. There were nine winners and after speaking to Taylor Hughes, a software engineer and the brains behind the Detroit Steps Project website, he said, “We are going to try to find a way to get an artist to incorporate all of the winners into the final product for the stairs.”

The beautification project has been a multi-year process and will probably not be finished for a few years. San Francisco has been a hotspot for beautification as of late, with sites such as Diego Rivera art mural in City College of San Francisco receiving a makeover.

Rosaura Valle, the lead director of the Detroit Steps Project, said, “The Project began as a Sunnyside Neighborhood Association project because the community had wanted to improve and beautify the steps because they were a neglected site in the neighborhood.”

Sunnyside residents see the renovation of places such as this as an important step to building better communities that everyone can be proud of, and show the ingenuity of the community.

Photo by Angie Levano ’23 The Detroit Steps in Sunnyside will undergo a beautification project that includes artwork on the stairs and landscaping.

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Local News

9

Overdose deaths outpace Covid fatalities by hundreds in SF

By Charles Chu ’24

According to the medical examiner’s office, San Francisco drug overdoses are up 69 percent in the first two months of 2021, with 135 dead. 2021 is on pace to break the previous record of 699 overdose deaths in 2020.

For perspective, as of March 30, San Francisco has experienced 474 total deaths from COVID-19. The drug overdose trend is growing increasingly rampant, with 2020’s statistics being a 58.5 percent increase from 2019.

The main culprit for these many deaths is the synthetic painkiller called Fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is extremely potent, (50-100 times the potency of morphine), and often disguised or incorporated into other drugs.

Fentanyl is often used to produce replicates of prescription pills or laced into cocaine, heroin, and other drugs.

Fentanyl is incredibly dangerous due to the potency, coupled with the fact that users are often unaware that they are taking it. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include (but are not limited to): difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and unresponsiveness.

Emergency responders have begun to carry an antidote to these overdoses, Narcan.

Narcan is a nasal spray that can prevent someone from dying of a drug overdose by blocking the opioid receptors and restoring breathing.

In 2019, 2,610 people were revived from overdose using Narcan. First responders stress that it is imperative for those who witness or are in the presence of a drug overdose to immediately alert authorities. The reporting citizen is protected by good Samaritan laws, and will not face legal ramifications.

Graphic by Joseph Zuloaga ’23 The number of overdose deaths in San Francisco in 2020 far outpaced the number of COVID-19 related deaths.

Mayor Breed announces new homeless shelter for youths

By Jordan Maralit ’21

On Feb. 3, San Francisco officials opened up their first youth only homeless shelter.

The Lower Polk TAY Navigation Center, which is located at 700 Hyde Street, eventually will offer 75 beds to young adults ages 18-24, known as “Transitional Age Youth.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will only fill about 43 beds, and then have the first set of guests arrive the week after.

There isn’t any curfew or set meal times, and the site is monitored by staff 24 hours a day.

SF Mayor London Breed said that the new homeless shelter is a part of the city and county’s strategy to end youth homelessness.

Mayor Breed launched a campaign in 2018, called Rising Up, to raise about $35 million, providing rental assistance and other support to youth after they have left the shelter. Its goal is to reduce youth homelessness in San Francisco by 50 percent over the next three years.

Wellness Club Moderator and Support Counselor, Elizabeth Heuser, said, “Homelessness among youth has been on the rise in recent years, and worsened by the pandemic. Official numbers likely underestimate those without stable and adequate housing. New housing made available to these students and their families will significantly improve the lives and futures of these students.”

sfmayor.org Mayor London Breed spoke at the opening of the City’s new homeless shelter for youth, the Lower Polk TAY Navigation Center, on Feb. 3.

Heuser talked about how homeless students are disproportionately affected.

She said, “Homelessness disproportionately impacts students of color and LGBT students. Homeless youth or those without stable housing are more likely to have attendance issues, experience internet access issues, struggle to find the quiet space to focus on work, face safety issues and food insecurity, and experience multifaceted trauma.

They have lower graduation rates as a result. Until they receive the stability they need, these students will not have the same chance for academic success as those with consistent shelter.”

She added, “The hope is that this program will give a new chance for that much needed home that many students need.

Once a person has a real home they feel safe in and know will be there tomorrow, they can begin to focus academically and imagine their future to include great possibilities.”

CORE Team member, Aaron Abraham ’22 said, “The mayor’s campaign will have a tremendous effect on the city of SF because for the past several years, we have been trying to battle the issue of homelessness, and by providing homes for the youth would help not only the youth, but also the SF community

through a drastic reduction of homelessness and an immense increase in opportunities given to youth, opportunities that are lost when they are much older such as education and athletics.”

He added, “I would say the biggest challenge for the homeless youth is not having an education, a home, and the basic necessities to survive. Without an education, almost everyone can not go anywhere (except through special programs). Without a home, there will never be a stable place to sleep, eat, breathe, and live.”

Abraham also addressed the problem of homeless students struggling to find a proper home.

He explained, “I think this will help the students who have a hard time finding a home through the subsequent chain of reactions.

Having a home will increase the child’s mental state and physical state, creating a reformed child in a good way. When the child’s mental and physical state is healthy, their education will also produce.”

He added, “Good education will lead to many opportunities in life, such as a stable job that can provide income to survive. Those jobs in turn help the community, so overall, through Mayor Breed’s Rising Up Campaign, the students who have a hard time finding a home will be significantly impacted.”

10 Arts & Entertainment

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Winter Talent Show stars shine on all artistic levels

By Noah David ’22

Although everyone cannot be together during these times, Student Parliament never fails to find a unique way to keep students involved and engaged.

From Dec. 11, 2020 to Jan. 8, 2021, Student Parliament, Coach Benny Willers, and Coach Jene Morris received video submissions of students performing their greatest skills, playing their favorite songs, and showing off their strengths to create Riordan’s very virtual first talent show.

Although it was virtual, the talents were exemplified through a 10-minute video shown to the whole school during a Mentor Group meeting.

“We had almost 20 submissions. Nothing over the top, but definitely the perfect amount for a 10 minute video. I thought all of them were really, really good,” stated Willers.

“It was a positive that we could show the video during Mentor Groups so the whole school would see it.”

Student Parliament Member Daniel Chan ’21 said, “We got more submissions than

Talent show first place winner Andrea Abraham ’24. we bargained for and it comes to show that when given the chance, the Riordan family really knows how to give a good show.”

Adding to the historical event in student activities history, a cash prize of $100 was at stake, too. This prompted all students to put their best foot forward, as everyone had a chance to win this rare cash opportunity. The judges of this event were Willers and Morris and picking the winner was far from easy, as many haddiffering opinions on whose submission topped them all.

Photo by The Crusader staff “Obviously, we had to pick a topthree. That was so hard to do!

I’m proud of the students who participated and I encourage more to do the same moving forward,” added Willers.

Student Parliament CoPresident JT Torrea ’21 also responded, “One of the talents that stood out to me was the animation. It was really cool to see and if this talent show was physical, you would never expect this kind of talent to be showcased. But because it was online, more people could show off

more unconventional talents much easier. ”

Despite all the glorious star student submissions, three proved that they were the superior talents of the school.

In third place came Orion Kenny ’24, with his extremely relatable animation, followed by J.P. Cayabyab’s piano performance of “Howls Moving Castle” in second place.

Topping the charts though, and running away with the cash prize, was Andrea Abraham’s ’24 ukulele and singing performance of “Riptide.” Despite being nervous, Abraham persevered and presented a great performance.

Abraham said, “I was a little nervous at first because there are so many talented people at Riordan and I’m only a freshman. I was also nervous because it was going to be shown in front of the whole school.”

She added, “With the prize money, I plan to save it for college, but a neon sign does sound pretty nice, too. For the future, though, I would love to participate again and I also encourage others to show their talents, too!”

GameStop stock skyrockets in effort to beat Wall Street

By John McQuaid ’22 On Jan. 28, a large number of users on the subreddit r/ wallstreetbets came together in an attempt to beat Wall Street hedge funds at their own game, by massively inflating the price of a few stocks.

By using Reddit as a forum to communicate and coordinate, millions of individual investors boosted BlackBerry’s stock by 280 percent, AMC’s stock by 840 percent, and GameStop’s stock by 1,700 percent, all on that one day.

Part of the reason for this incredible boost was that certain stocks were being devalued by hedge funds in a process called shorting. The way it was described

by Brian Davis, math teacher and former bonds trader, is, shorting involves borrowing a stock for a fee, then selling it and buying it back when it is cheaper to give it back to the lender.

This way, a hedge fund can make money on a stock without actually owning it, as long as it is losing value.

Davis also mentioned that shorting is very dangerous for

hedge funds, because if they guess wrong and the stock starts going up, they have to spend money one way or another.

If they wait to buy the stock back to return it to the lender, they lose money on fees. If they buy immediately to minimize fees paid, they still lose money off the rising stock price.

This exact incident happened to the hedge fund shorting GameStop stock, apparently according to the plan some inappropriately named Redditors had developed.

However, neither Davis nor David Elu, an economics teacher, were surprised that a group could use social media to organize this way.

Elu remembered, “I think it was [Egyptian President Hosni] Mubarak that they nearly threw out of office, just by use of social media. And so, the use of social media is a very powerful tool.”

On the other hand, Jeremy Villeneuve ’21, a student who took Elu’s course, claimed that r/wallstreetbets has been

Photo by Grayson Salomon ’22 GameStop in Stonestown appears quiet, but not long ago, the company was making noise on Wall Street as thousands of Redditors united to create a surge that boosted the company’s stock 1,000 percent. attempting something similar for some time now, but he never would have expected them to successfully boost a stock’s price over 1,000 percent.

The price of GameStop stock

has since crashed, returning to more normal levels. Davis expects that the markets will stay stable and normal for a while at least, but keep an eye on the markets for any other big changes.

Spring 2021

Arts & Entertainment 11

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Locals mourn fall of Empire Theater in West Portal

By Nicolas Muzzatti ’24

During this pandemic, San Francisco has seen many businesses shutter their doors. The most recent is the permanent closure of West Portal neighborhood’s historic Empire Theater located at 85 West Portal Avenue.

The 95-year-old theater first opened on Dec. 26, 1925 as the Portal Theatre. In 1936, the theater was renamed to The Empire. In 2003, Cinemark took over the theater and renamed it to CineArts at The Empire.

It originally opened as a single screen theater, but in the 1970s it was split into three screens. Hearing of the closure and somber appearance thereafter has residents expressing their thoughts.

“When I first heard the news that the Empire was being shut down, I was not expecting it, but I was not very surprised, either. One of the most eerie features of West Portal Avenue during COVID was the Empire marquee, frozen in time in March 2020 displaying the same movie titles month after month,” said Riordan English teacher Brain Kosewic ’16.

In addition, Sabrina Chin ’24 said, “I feel kinda sad that a neighborhood theater is closing due to the pandemic.

The coronavirus is constantly spreading and causing many businesses like this one to close. It would be great if the community came together to try and save it.”

The theater has been one of the most beloved cinemas for

Photo by Nicolas Muzzatti ’24 According to cinematreasures.org, “Built in the Moorish style, [by architects William I. Garren, Irving F. Morrow, and Bernard G. Nobler] the Portal Theatre was opened Dec. 26, 1925. Renamed Empire Cinema, it reopened Oct. 1, 1936. On June 26, 1974 it was divided into three screens.

On Sept. 12, 2003 it was renamed CineArts at the Empire.

It was closed permanently in January 2021.”

local residents of all ages. It was easily accessible for many—a short walk from home or an easy train ride by MUNI lines K, L, and M. Neighborhood resident Dan Donovan ’70 said, “It is sad to see a theater that has been a fun and easy place to go for so many families close because of COVID. It will change the dynamic of West Portal. We live in the neighborhood and walked down to see movies a lot, especially when our kids were young.”

Many would agree that the theater was indeed a spot for people to gather together and

made for an enjoyable afternoon or evening at the movies.

Kosewic shared, “Whenever a big, highly anticipated movie was coming out, you went to the Empire first thing to see it, and everybody else who you knew did too.”

He added, “My fondest memory of the Empire was waiting in line to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. At the time, I was a senior at Riordan. We lined up on the street at least three hours before the start of the film, and pretty soon the line stretched all the way up the block to Ulloa and around the corner. Everybody

who liked Star Wars was there, and it turned out that was a lot of people!”

With safer and alternative ways available for people to access movies and theater experiences such as virtual screenings, Netflix and Fort Mason’s Flix first ever Drive In, it seems very difficult for a theater like CineArts at The Empire to try and stay open.

“With new, bigger, fancier theaters that offer more choices and with Netflix, it probably doesn’t have a chance to survive.

The pandemic just pushed it over the edge,” stated Donovan.

Some have suggested that perhaps San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development can come together with the neighborhood to create a new space that brings people together similar to the way the theater once did.

Kosewic suggested, “If the Empire cannot be a theater again, I would love to see it transformed into a creative arts center for San Francisco youth, with facilities for city kids to make music, films, video, animation, and art. The theater meant a lot to me when I was a kid, and rather than see it developed into a trendy chain business, I would like to see it continue to be a space for the kids.”

While it is uncertain what the future holds for this historic building space, it is certain that CineArts at The Empire is definitely missed and will always be remembered as a beloved local spot that has provided fond memories to so many people.

Disney+ adds several new series + additional movies

By Logan Estrada ’22

Disney+, founded in November 2019, has been on the rise. With the lockdown orders and regulations due to the COVID pandemic, more people have been at home for the past year or so.

However, this meant more screen time and therefore more time for people to access Disney+.

Let’s hear what some teachers think about Disney +, the new movies and shows out now.

Social Science teacher and co-moderator of the Movie Madness Club Cory Nelson gave his thoughts on the new movies coming to Disney+. He said, “I love Mandolorian, WandaVision was great, but I really just love all the nostalgia from the old movies.

I am looking forward to anything

Star Wars related, and also the new Mighty Ducks series.”

Nelson added, “There are not any disappointments, I love Disney+. It will be awhile before I go back to movie theatres. I have always been the type of person to have a really good sound and tv setup at home and enjoy them when they come out on dvd or streaming.”

Chris Fern, Social Science Department Chair and comoderator of the Movie Madness Club said, “The Mandalorian has been far and away my favorite series on Disney+ so far, though I did really enjoy WandaVision and am very excited about Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki!

Movie wise, ‘Soul’ was my favorite release during the COVID times.”

Photo by Angie Levano ’23 Disney fans have more shows and movies to watch now that Disney+ has added to their streaming service.

12 Religion

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Lyceum class introduces students to theology, philosophy

By Ethan Vargas ’23

A unique new academic course is being offered to St. Francis Scholar students (and other nonSFS students who are interested in taking the course) at Riordan this semester.

The Lyceum Course, an honors program, explores the great philosophers and thinkers, and gets students engaged in classical and sacred art.

Riordan President Dr. Andrew Currier described the need to incorporate foundational, classic philosophy as part of Catholic school programming to Dr. Richard Mani, MD, a devoted Catholic mosaic artist who does incredible work across the Archdiocese.

According to Dr. Currier, “Dr. Mani really liked that idea and gave Riordan funding to ensure that the program was launched.”

The class focuses and revolves around three themes: Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Dr. Currier said, “Our hope is that the students delve deeper into philosophical questions and build

Photo by Joseph Zuloaga ’23

Members of the Lyceum class have been meeting since January via Zoom to discuss philosophy, theology, and classical art. a conceptual understanding of goodness, truth, and beauty in nature and mathematics.”

Students in the course will examine readings from Aristotle, Plato, and Pope John Paul II, for example, as well as works of art from Salvador Dali, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, among others. The primary instructors for this course are Michael O’Brien and Dr. Currier, along

with guest speakers who address specific topics throughout the semester.

The course is required for freshmen scholars and optional, but highly recommended, for the other grades.

Classes began on Jan. 25, and meet in the evenings on Mondays.

This semester, 30 students are enrolled in the course.

Dr. Currier stated, “Many of our students are demonstrating

an exceptional affinity and appreciation for the philosophical texts in their homework assignments and participation in discussions.”

The class prepares students for a strong foundation in Western Civilization and Roman Catholicism. Dr. Currier said, “In summary, we hope to encourage the students towards a sense of wonder for life’s big, philosophical questions.”

Our Lady of Lourdes statue restoration recreates holy site of miracles

By Ethan Vargas ’23 Dr. Currier continued, “You see Improvements were recently these kinds of grotto replications

made to the Our Lady of Lourdes statue just outside Campus Ministry. Dr. Richard Mani, MD, a devoted Catholic mosaic artist, was instrumental in this effort.

According to Dr. Andrew Currier, “Dr. Mani wanted to honor the prominence and centrality of the Virgin Mary in Marianist education by having the Our Lady of Lourdes statue cleaned and repainted. Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in the Pyrenees mountain village of Lourdes, performing many miracles of healing. Our Lady appeared in a grotto, or stone outcropping, above a ravine and Dr. Mani wanted to show a visual representation of the grotto around Mary.”

all around the world in honor of the healings at Lourdes, the power of Mary’s intercession, and the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.”

Dr. Currier has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, having made a pilgrimage there when he was a young teacher working in Southern France.

While not many from Riordan have had the chance to pass by the grotto yet and see the restoration, students and staff may take a double look when they see it again—for the first time in months.

Dr. Currier said, “It is wonderful to have Our Lady’s statue restored and improved.

We are grateful to Dr. Mani for his generosity and his faith.”

Photo by The Crusader staff The Our Lady of Lourdes statue was cleaned, repainted, and encircled in a stone grotto to emulate the site where the Virgin Mary appeared.

Pope acknowledges importance of women in Church

By Marisa Hamilton ’22

As women around the world were being celebrated for their accomplishments during Women’s History Month, the Pope formally recognized the contributions of Catholic laywomen in the Church.

On Jan. 11, Pope Francis published an update to the Canon Law in the document “Spiritus Domini,” using the phrase “lay people” rather than “laymen,” inviting all Catholics to assist ordained leaders during Mass, regardless of gender. This idea of equal opportunity is described with the phrase “Priesthood of baptism.”

“I thought that was a beautiful context of the priesthood of baptism,” remarked Ottilie Valverde, who has been involved in Riordan’s Campus Ministry program for many years.

She continued, “I think the reality of today’s Catholic Church in the United States is that women are the backbones of the parish. There’s a partnership between women in ministries and the ordained ministers just the way there’s a partnership in families...created in love and carried out for the well-being of the flock.”

Although it is important to clarify that only men can still be ordained as priests, bishops, etc., Maya Torres ’22, member of the ARHS Core Team, believes that this is a “step in the right direction, but there is still a lot of work that needs to go into moving forward.”

Photo by Lance yearbook staff Maya Torres ’22, member of the ARHS CORE Team, reads the responsorial psalm at one of this year’s prayer services.

Spring 2021

Features 13

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Ingleside’s Sundial under consideration for historic designation

By John McQuaid ’22 Near the center of Ingleside Terraces, the Ingleside Sundial has stood the test of time since 1913, and was recently nominated to become an official city landmark.

The iconic Sundial, sometimes called the Urbano Sundial, is well known by the residents of Ingleside Terraces, a small area within the Ingleside neighborhood.

It is 28-feet tall, made of marble and concrete, has previously been the location of neighborhood gatherings and is occasionally a place where neighborhood children play.

Jalen Woods ’22, who has lived near the sundial for 13 years, said, “I think it’s still a really nice place and pretty well kept up, considering how long it’s been around for.” He also mentioned that

Photo by John McQuaid ’22

The Ingleside Terraces Sundial, at Entrada Court and constructed in 1913, is under consideration for being designated as a historic landmark. It was built at the time the neighborhood was developed, and at the time, was the largest sundial in the world.

it is well known and fairly beloved by the community, so he is definitely glad that the city is paying attention to it, though he made it clear that restricting access to the sundial would not be a good course of action.

Armando Castillo, a Riordan teacher who taught a San Francisco History class at one point, was also glad to see the Sundial being given proper respect.

He said, “I’m glad, because that will prevent anybody from coming in and destroying it.”

Luckily for both Jalen and Castillo, the Sundial already had its first hearing to review the application, which was scheduled for this month.

Fans of the Sundial are hoping the application will be approved, but will have to wait to see as it goes through a series of meetings that could take months.

Rubik’s Cube documentary provides twists and turns

By Julien Untalan ’24

“The Speed Cubers” is a documentary on Netflix that follows the lives of speedcubers, Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park.

The documentary was filmed in July 2020 and directed by Sue Kim. Who are Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park? They are two of, if not the best cubers in the entire world.

Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian, raised in Melbourne.

He first started cubing when he was a kid, and his parents thought it was just another one of his hobbies that he would eventually drop.

However, he became “addicted” to cubing. He brought his cube everywhere around the house, started to compete in championships, started to gain records left and right, and he was getting asked for interviews many times. That’s when his parents knew that this was something different.

Max Park is an American, born and raised in Cerrito, California. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old and struggled with social and fine motor skills.

Then, he started to speed cube, which would change his life and help him develop his social and fine motor skills. He became hyper on improving each day and

getting a better time.

Max began going to competitions when he was 10 years old, and he started to excel at the hobby and gain attention worldwide. These two speed cubers would eventually become friends, as Feliks was always Max’s speed cubing idol.

In fact, Feliks was the first person that Max got an autograph from and took a picture with. They push each other to do their best while speed cubing, as they both hold many former and current world records in many speedcubing events.

This new documentary beautifully captures the life of the two and how they got there.

How does speed cubing work? There are many methods to speedcubing, but most of them rely on a technique of recognizing a pattern and doing moves that correspond to that pattern, called an algorithm, to solve that pattern.

There are only going to be a set number of patterns that one can encounter in a stage of solving a cube, and depending on one’s experience with cubing, the method could use very few algorithms and stages, or many algorithms and stages.

As a beginner, one would usually start off by using a slow

Netflix.com “Speed Cubers” is a Netflix original film that features Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park. method that uses very few algorithms and some stages, but as one becomes more advanced, he might switch to another method that requires more algorithms to be memorized.

It’s really not as hard as

it looks. In fact, one could search it up on YouTube and learn from there.

Nico Navarro ’24, said, “My friend taught me the basics, but I learned mostly from videos on YouTube.”

14 Health

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

Vaccine centers across Bay Area give hope pandemic’s end is near

By Delaney Mulqueen ’22

In California, the Coronavirus has claimed an estimated 60,300 lives; but, following the one-year quarantine anniversary, vaccine centers have begun opening to the general public, many located in our own community.

According to The California Department of Public Health, eight million citizens over the age of 16, have been fully vaccinated as of April 9, 2021.

Olivia Gomez, Dean of Students at Archbishop Riordan High School, contributed to that data after receiving the Pfizer vaccination at Oakland Coliseum back in February.

“I decided to vaccinate because the virus rapidly spreads, mutates, and affects the whole community. I vaccinated for myself, my family, my friends, and my community to help slow the spread and lessen the risks if contracted. I would recommend anyone who wishes to do the

same seek advice from their doctor,” she said.

Pfizer-BioNTech is working to authorize a clinical trial moving the minimum age bracket from 16 to 12 years old. By doing so, children could be granted the possibility of a 100 percent efficiency rate.

Brendan Rigney ’21, who also received the Pfizer vaccine, said, “I do feel safer after getting my vaccine since I was considered high risk. I feel more protected since the symptoms and effects won’t be as hard to manage.”

An estimated 50 clinics can be located surrounding the Archbishop Riordan area such as: City College of San Francisco Main Campus, Safeway Pharmacy, Walgreens, and CVS. Further research is available at VaccineFinder.com.

Typically, an appointment will take 35 minutes, including the check in, enduring a mandatory observation period, and the shot.

The vaccine center at City College of San Francisco, next door to Riordan, has been open for a few months with drive up and walk in service by appointment.

Photo by Joseph Zuloaga ’23 Up until recently, the CDC and FDA approved three vaccinations: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, all working to aid anxieties without abandoning the practices of continuously sanitizing, washing hands, maintaining social distancing, and wearing face masks.

Johnson & Johnson is experiencing a recommended production pause due to concerns about abnormal side effects.

Nonetheless, those fully vaccinated aren’t exempt from infection; however, studies show they would hypothetically endure lesser symptoms.

In addition, the CDC has said those who are fully vaccinated can be together without masks, but encourage the continuance of the practice and social distancing when in contact with others to work towards herd immunity, and thus, normalcy once again.

COVID takes untold toll on teens’ mental health

By Andrei Lynch ’22

During 2020, COVID-19 sent everyone into lockdown. During the lockdown, everyone tried to protect themselves from boredom.

A year later, with vaccines coming out as the light at the end of the tunnel, it looks like normalcy might be possible again, soon.

Some people have been stuck in a tunnel for a long time with depression due to isolation from friends and family. A group that is most affected is teenagers, the FAIR Health researchers found, as some of the worst spikes occurred in March and April of 2020, during the first phase of the pandemic in the U.S. In those months, claims for any mental health disorder increased by about 100 percent for the 13 to 18 -year-old group.

Teenagers have lost the socialization they need for their growth into adolescence and the loss of peer help. The pandemic took a toll on the interactions people cherished before the arrival of the pandemic.

According to Healthychildren. org, “Social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 can be especially hard for teens, who may feel cut off from their friends.

Many also face big let downs as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed.”

Depression can affect everyone, even the people who act perfectly normal. Teachers are also affected as, “Teaching from home is also a fundamentally different exercise, one that is simultaneously more invasive but also lonelier.

Students on Zoom lessons often

have their cameras off and microphones muted, making it harder to engage or connect with them,” according to USA Today.

Teenagers also get depressed by feeling isolated from their friends, they are angry about the situation with lockdown, and the restriction of connection, and mostly, the lack of motivation in anything they do, including school work.

Hayden Peregrino ’21 said, “At the beginning of quarantine for the first couple of months, I was a bit depressed. I hadn’t texted anyone and missed a bunch of running practices, and just felt alone. I got better by texting and calling my friends and going back to practice.

He added, “I was able to reconnect with my fellow friends and be able to make lasting memories.”

Art by Rizlin Jew ’22 The Coronavirus is not only affecting the physical health of many, but their mental health as well.

It’s very important people reach out and try to connect with any resources available.

To those who need help, here is some advice: Have a trusted adult or friend to talk to about how you feel. There are so many things one can do, depending on what fits. Don’t forget there is always the light at the end of the tunnel and that it’s perfectly okay to not to be okay. That’s why there are people out there who will always be there to help, especially close friends and family.

Elizabeth Heuser, the Wellness Counselor, said, “The best solutions are tailored to what works for each person. The most helpful things for many are: creating things to look forward to and reward yourself with, nature walks, YouTube dance tutorials, games online with friends or in person with family, art projects, playing music, cooking, etc.”

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Environment 15

Renewed effort to save monarch butterflies takes flight

By Zion Wells ’23

Monarch butterflies are milkweed butterflies in the family of Nymphalidae. These butterflies could also be called Common Tiger, Wanderer, Black Veined Brown, and North American Butterfly.

The names change, depending on the region.

Monarch Butterflies are a symbol of life, regeneration, and hope. However, the population of these butterflies is moving closer to extinction.

According to Phys.org, “The number of western monarch butterflies wintering along the California coast has plummeted precipitously to a record low, putting the orange-and-black insects closer to extinction.”

With this decrease, the monarch butterflies are taking a massive hit.

Colleen O’Rourke, Science Department Chair, said, “Many native wild insects have seen severely declining population numbers in recent years, largely because of increased pesticide use—both at homes and for agriculture—and loss of habitat.

For monarchs, they have been hit with an extra blow because their primary food source—milkweed

plants—has also been declining in numbers.”

O’Rourke explained, “Milkweeds have been reduced because of loss of native habitat and also because people often consider them weeds and pull them out of places where they do manage to grow.”

Focusing on their habitat may be the path to their salvation.

“Limiting pesticide use, or being more careful about when and how pesticides are used, is key,” O’Rourke said.

“In addition, many native plant groups encourage people to intentionally plant more milkweed plants in their yards and gardens, and to leave wild milkweeds alone whenever possible. It’s important to note that only certain types of milkweeds are native to California and used by monarchs on the West Coast, so please check with a native plant nursery or the website of the California Native Plant Society to make sure you’re choosing the correct type.”

So, they can be saved, but some question if the effort to do so should commence. According to Science Magazine, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced [on Dec. 15] it will not yet protect one of North America’s best

butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. The agency concluded that the iconic black and orange monarch has suffered population declines steep enough to possibly qualify for federal protection, but FWS will take no action at this time because 161 species already being considered for the list are a higher priority for support from the agency’s limited budget.”

O’Rourke countered this with, “Protecting biodiversity is the primary goal of most modern ecological movements. Although

Art by Rizlin Jew ’22 on the surface it might seem like we’re focusing on just one species, in reality the effort to help the monarchs will help a lot of other species in return.”

She added, “Finally, one cannot discount the human cultural cost of losing the monarch butterfly.

Monarchs have been a profound spiritual symbol for human populations for thousands of years. . . . Losing these beautiful insects would mean losing a significant part of ourselves, one which may never truly recover.”

Rising sea levels threaten bay’s coastal communities

By Jolie Verzosa ’22

Over the past many years, people everywhere have made an effort to help contribute to slowing climate change and specifically, the issue of rising sea levels.

In the past 25 years, sea levels have risen about 3 inches and will continue to rise 2 to 3 feet until the year 2100. The rapid rise in sea levels is due to human behaviour, rising faster than predicted.

Sea levels rising is a direct effect of climate change. This is mainly due to the burning of greenhouse gases (for example driving a car, burning fossil fuels for electricity, forestry, etc.). These greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc., trap heat in the Earth.

This ends up causing the Earth to heat up, changing the temperature of the planet. This in turn, melts large ice caps, which results in sea levels rising. This phenomenon causes problems for many different people.

Jeremy Villeneuve ’21 said, “Rising sea levels will always be a threat to us due to the amount of coastal land humans use that could be eaten up by the ocean.

In 100 years, if trends continue, then parts of New York and New Orleans will be put underwater.”

Coastal cities and communities are in the most danger. This includes Los Angeles, New York, Miami, even San Francisco.

Islands such as Hawaii and the Philippines are also on the target.

reduce carbon and pollution.

O’Brien said,“...I think that if you know that there is something that people can do on a widespread basis, like for instance, stop buying water bottled in plastic… eventually that’s going to catch on... the more people see people doing that, the more it will catch on.”

There are many Photo by Noah David ’22 ways citizens of the Scientists warn climate change is causing a rapid rise in sea levels world have been because of human behavior that negatively affects the environment. asked to consider These cities and communities a conscious effort.” order to fight climate change and have the potential to be damaged It takes everyone to do slow the rising of sea levels. by dangerous floods. this, including politicians. The As O’Brien emphasized, start On top of that, these cities are government is a huge player in using reusable water bottles threatened with being lost as the being able to take bigger steps into or water fountains instead of rising sea levels can eventually becoming more environmentally plastic bottles. Another way is submerge them under water. conscious. by using electric cars, or using Ecosystems in the ocean are also With Joe Biden being newly transportation that doesn’t affected as the intertidal zones elected as President of the United involve emitting greenhouse change, causing the organisms States, many people hope that gases (biking, skating, walking, who depend on the receding and environmental problems will running). rising of the tides to be completely be addressed. There have been Other options include making submerged under water. proposals on how to improve and a diet change, requiring less meat AP Environmental Science take action, such as recommitting (mainly beef). Others recommend teacher Michael O’Brien said, “We to climate and ocean leadership a change in a source of electricity, definitely need to be concerned in and to rejoin the Paris Agreement such as solar energy. With any the next 15 to 20 years about the to reduce carbon emissions. Some or more of these methods and effects of rising sea levels if we other options would be to limit changes, people can make an don’t do something to slow things offshore oil and gas drilling, effective change in the current down. We can do things to slow integrate renewable energy, climate troubles so that coastal things down, and that just takes reduce emissions from shipping, cities are not lost to the waves.

16 Girls Sports

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Riordan’s first volleyball teams serve up historic season

By Anthony-Domingo Wierzba ’23 The first ever Riordan Girls Volleyball program officially started on March 1, 2021.

The inaugural season coaches included Varsity Coach Elizabeth Watters, JV Coach Stephanie Lee, and Freshman Coaches Angela Rubang and Sabrina Andretta.

On March 8, the Archbishop Riordan, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and St. Ignatius volleyball teams all teamed up to participate in the Serve it Up Founders Classic and help the San Francisco community.

There were different activities they participated in to help the community, which included making care packages, teaching younger kids how to play volleyball, writing letters, and decorating picture frames.

Some of the service projects included helping the VA Hospital, CPMC Breast Health, and Fostering Hope.

This event was led by Margi Beima, the head coach of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Varsity volleyball team and was

created to live out the mission of the schools.

Players and coaches learned a lot from the experience, as Riordan’s JV Volleyball Coach Stephanie Lee said, “I think it definitely reminded me that small actions can add up over time and that it doesn’t take much out of my day to help out someone less fortunate than me.”

The season ended very quickly as the Crusaders were only allowed to play other schools within San Francisco. The Crusaders had very close and hard fought games against the other schools.

Although the Crusaders didn’t have a normal season, there was still a lot to take away, as Hailey Westall ’23 explained, “I was excited about making new friends, and also getting involved with Riordan more. I’m happy that I was able to be a part of Riordan’s first volleyball program.”

Riordan’s first volleyball program started with aspiring athletes and marks a great achievement for Riordan.

Photo by Joseph Zuloaga ’23 Samantha Wong ’24 serves in one of Riordan’s first volleyball games.

Nike teams with NFL for girls flag football initiative

By Andrea Abraham ’24

Primarily from football, there are about 1 million more male high school athletes than female high school athletes, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

To fix this uneven ratio, Nike and the NFL are donating $5 million devoted to expanding girls flag football in high school athletics.

Head athletic trainer Erin Stovall said, “An important first step is huge organizations taking genuine action to offer the same opportunity they would for male athletes.”

She added, “As far as I’m aware, no WCAL school has a women’s flag football team.”

Since the beginning of football, it was established as a male sport. So many young girls grew up with football being ingrained in their minds as a male sport.

Stovall said of her experience, “For as long as I can remember, the world of sports has been dominated by male athletes.

Even extremely successful female athletes and women’s teams never had the same level of notoriety men were/are given.”

The first woman to tackle this barrier was Patricia Palinkas in 1970, according to tacklesmartsports.com. She was the only woman to play American football professionally in a league as a holder for her husband Stephen Palinkas for the minor league Orlando Panthers in the

Photo by Sophia Carrasquilla ’22 Elci Cortes ’22 and Delaney Mulqueen ’22 demonstrate what a girls flag football team might look like on Mayer Family Field in the near or distant future.

Atlantic Coast Football League.

These days, women playing football is more common, especially with women gaining interest in the sport.

Odalis Alvarez ’23 said, “If Riordan had girls flag football, I would definitely join because I don’t believe that football can only be for only boys.”

San Francisco high schools like Abraham Lincoln High School, ICA Cristo Rey, and Lowell High School have girls flag football

teams who compete at the Varsity level during the spring. Last year, Lowell won the championship in a field of about 10 different schools.

So, is there any chance that Riordan will some day have having a girls flag football team?

Athletic Director Bob Greene said, “I would think with enough interest, a girls flag football team could be a possibility.”

Having a girls flag football team at Riordan would “set Riordan apart from other schools”

as Alvarez said.

Stovall said, “Women have the ability to play with just as much tenacity and grit as their counterparts can, so their representation is just as, if not more, important than males.

The first hurdle for a Riordan flag football team is generating interest.”

She added, “We have had many firsts this year with female sports and if you ask me, that would be a pretty amazing next step.”

Spring 2021

Boys Sports 17

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

New home run fence introduces hard-hitting element to diamond

By Santino Woo ’22

This past school year, a new portable fence was designed, built, and placed onto the updated baseball field. Although measurements have not yet been made, the distance from home plate to left field is about 330 feet; 380 feet to center field, and 250 feet to right field.

Additionally, the right-field fence has a 30-foot net that helps with the shorter distance. It was built to give the dimensions for a baseball field and to make the job of putting up a fence much easier.

In the past, the home run fence would have to be put up manually, which was a time-consuming task.

Head Varsity Coach, Brandon Ramsey, said, “There used to be a fence we would put up manually

Photo by Sophia Carrasquilla ’22 Outfielders Andrew Parenti ’22, Ian De Vaynes ’21, and Antonio Roca ’21 prepare to defend the new home run fence on Mayer Family Field.

every year on the grass field. It usually took the entire team and a Saturday in order to install it correctly.”

Although the task may sound stressful and laborious, baseball players like Andrew Rustrian ’22 didn’t have any complaints about putting up the old fence.

“We had jobs to make sure that after every game our beautiful field looked ready to go for next practice. It’s our home; it’s where we face adversity and bring pride,” Rustrian explained.

That particular hard work and uplifting attitude are typical of the Riordan Baseball team. The portable fence will make baseball players’ and coaches’ jobs less strenuous and much more simple.

Football springs back from sidelines

By Noah Tango ’22

California sports officially started in March and Riordan Football was able to play a short season.

The Crusaders finished a disappointing 1-3 finish, beating Sacred Heart Cathedral (34-20), and losing to SHC (0-20), SI (0-42) and Serra (26).

Although it was a short season, players were glad to get in a final run with the seniors before they graduate.

Chris Murray ’22 said, “I’m glad we did play and give our seniors a last run. I do feel our season could have been longer.”

The pandemic basically took California sports out for some time, which meant that teams were not going to get a full season.

Quarterback Azaan “AZ” Ledbetter ’21 said, “My feelings towards this past season are very

Photo by Joseph Zuloaga ’23 Leo Maranghi ’21 rushes down field against SHC.

frustrating and disappointing because I knew the talent we had was some of the best in the league, but things happen and all we can do is move forward.”

Although they did not finish the season how they wanted to, the bond the team created will be cherished for life.

AZ said, “I’m going to genuinely miss playing for Riordan because the team is unlike any other I’ve played for before.”

The Crusaders will be ready next year to make a playoff push, because they will still be hungry.

Home dugout named in honor of Ron Isola ’61

By Sebastian Elsner ’23

With the new field, Riordan is honoring members of the community who contributed funds or inspiration.

For 45 years, Ron Isola ’61 contributed time and knowledge to Riordan athletics, and continues to inspire those involved today.

Ron Isola said, “I was a part of the Riordan Athletic program for 45 years. I served as the Athletic Director for 37 years. In those 45 years I was the varsity basketball coach for 17 years and later was the varsity baseball coach for 20 years.”

Described by Thomas Harlan ’08, Varsity baseball coach and science teacher, “He is Riordan.

Anyone who has been affiliated with Riordan knows Ron Isola. It was because of how involved he was. There never is a big Riordan High School event that Ron Isola isn’t at.”

The new home baseball dugout is named after Ron Isola.

Coach Brandon Ramsey said, “He is the reason a baseball field exists out there. From my understanding, he built the field from scratch in what was only a football field. It was his vision

that helped create it. He had taken care of that field for years and I think it’s the least we can do for a man that did a lot for all of athletics during his time here.”

Ramsey, who is the Director of Facilities and head coach for Varsity baseball said, “I think it’s a great way to pay tribute to a person who made a great impact on Riordan High School.”

Isola coached baseball when Coach Harlan was a student at Riordan. Coach Harlan said, “Ron Isola coached me for three years at Riordan. He also was the Athletic Director while I was here. He inspired me in many ways, but the one that stuck out was his work ethic. He was always at Riordan helping and giving back. He was the backbone of the Riordan sports program for a long time.”

When Riordan started to think about naming the dugout after Ron Isola, they didn’t tell him and so he was surprised. Isola said, “Let me say that I was very honored when I found out about the naming of the dugout. This was done without my knowledge.”

A couple of years ago, Riordan made a bobblehead of Ron Isola

Photo by Sophia Carrasquilla ’22 After the renovation of the baseball field, the Crusaders’ dugout was named in honor of teacher, coach, and mentor Ron Isola ’61. as a tribute, but Isola said, “I think the naming of the dugout is a much greater honor. The bobblehead was a memento to all who attended my retirement dinner in 2012. The dugout area is special in that I coached all those years in that very dugout area.

Its naming is really appreciated and very special to me.”

Isola helped students in many ways: sports, the field, and education. Isola said, “I don’t know about me inspiring people at Riordan, but I am inspired by the number of current teachers who played for me or other coaches and have returned to teach and coach at Riordan. Their presence is truly inspiring!”

18 Sports Features

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

Baseball loses trio of HOF legends within weeks

By Tony Kent ’21 When you think of baseball, it is hard not to think Tommy Lasorda, Don Sutton, or Hank Aaron. The baseball world lost all three in January 2021.

Tommy Lasorda, the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers for so many, died at the age of 93 after being hospitalized in November for heart issues. Although Lasorda is remembered for his 30 years managing the Dodgers, his career in professional baseball started when he was 18.

According to Jim Dekker, former longtime Varsity Baseball Coach at Saint Ignatius, “Tommy Lasorda was one of the most colorful characters in baseball.

He didn’t have much of a career as a player, but every fan in the stadium knew who the manager of the Dodgers was.”

He signed with the Phillies but then joined the military and served for two years. When he came back in 1949, the Brooklyn Dodgers drafted Lasorda.

He was a pitcher and played in the minor leagues until 1954. He was brought up by the Dodgers and played two seasons before being traded to the Kansas City Athletics. He played one season for them and retired.

After his retirement, the Dodgers hired him as a scout. In 1973 he was the 3rd base coach for the Dodgers under Walter Alston. When Alston retired in 1976, Lasorda took over.

Dekker said, “He was the guy everyone loved to hate.”

He was the manager until 1996.

In his career, he won two World Series and was the first National League manager to win back to back pennants. He was inducted

mlb.com Three baseball greats died within weeks of each other: Home Run King Hank Aaron, iconic Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, and Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton. into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tim Reardon, principal of Archbishop Riordan High School, said, “Tommy Lasorda’s unbridled love of the game was inspiring, yet he never took the game too seriously. He always seemed to be aware that it was only a game.”

Don Sutton lost his battle with kidney cancer on Jan. 18,

at the age of 75. He was one of the best pitchers in Dodger history.

He pitched for the Dodgers from 1960 to 1980.

In his rookie season, he pitched alongside Hall of Famers like Sandy Kofax and Don Drysdale. The Dodgers won the pennant that year.

Shawn Scott, Burlingame High School Varsity Baseball

Coach, remembers Sutton “was a guy you could count on to make his starts on a regular basis” and he was a “really good fielding pitcher.”

Dekker added that “he was a very durable pitcher and won a lot of games, but he lost plenty, too.”

Dekker also remembers that “Sutton had the bad haircut.

Looked like he just got a perm.”

Sutton was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Henry “Hank” Aaron, one of the greatest to ever cross the white lines of a baseball field, passed away on Jan. 22 from natural causes at the age of 86.

Aaron grew up in Mobile, Alabama and started playing baseball on the sandlots. From there, he would go on to play in the Negro Leagues and the minors.

In 1954, he made his debut in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Braves who later became the Atlanta Braves. He was Rookie of the Year. He ended his career in 1976 at the age of 42 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Aaron played right field and was known for his consistency at the plate and on the field. For 14 years, he batted at least .300.

He was an All-Star 25 times, and received three Gold Gloves.

Dekker said, “Mays played with more flair, but Hank was a quiet assassin, and I loved the fact that he never bragged or popped off.”

In 1973, when Aaron was approaching Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs, he received death threats. On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his 715th home run.

Scott said, “Hank Aaron’s biggest contribution to the game was his willingness to play the game he loved during racially divided times, which gave everyone hope.”

New protective gear could tip scales in injury prevention

By Sebastian Elsner ’23

Every day, we get closer to the future, but for athletes, this could include a new type of sports protection that might tip the scales in favor of minimizing injuries while maximizing performance.

Design graduate Natalie Kerres made a flexible body cast for athletes called Scaled.

Erin Stovall, Head Athletic Trainer at Riordan, said, “Scaled seems likely to be an innovative concept that can have numerous applications not only in sports, but in work life professions as well.”

Scaled is a customized, wearable cast for athletes who want protection in certain areas like a spine, wrist, or other joints.

Stovall said, “This seems to act as hard, flexible scales. When you look at how scales are used in nature, they protect like armor.

It would likely be applied in that same fashion for us. Our skin acts

as a great barrier to penetration of our outside environment, but this would add an extra layer of needed protection.”

The scales are supposed to act like a lizard, fish, or a pangolin.

Once threatened, they curl up in a ball for protection, and Scaled is supposed to do the same thing.

One of the main features of Scaled besides protection, is support for joint injuries. The scales protect and support the joints, and prevent hyperextensions.

Stovall said, “Sports that withstand a lot of external forces would likely benefit the most from Scaled. I can see this having huge benefits in sports like Moto cross, or road/mountain biking, where you are likely to see road rash type injuries. Also, any ball sports where abrasions are common like baseball, football, or soccer.”

She added, “Based on my research, it is quite difficult for this to protect from internal

Dezeen.com This revolutionary, innovative protective gear for athletes could potentially reduce the chances of future injuries. injuries, but I think there is a huge advantage for skin protection.”

The scales are supposed to be different than a cast because it is flexible, and more comfortable.

The normal cast is uncomfortable and stiff, with no mobility. With the scales, athletes can move their body more freely without further injury.

Spring 2021

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Sports News

19

Golf teams drive ahead of competition

By The Crusader Staff Riordan’s golf team hit the links this season with a renewed sense of pride and determination, having seen last season cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic that effectively shut down all school athletic teams.

According to head coach Jeff Isola ’98, there are eight golfers on varsity, two from each grade level. Seniors Robert DeGroot and Jaymar Agtang, who each have played Varsity for four years, are the leaders not only in seniority, but performance.

“Robert is our #1 golfer,” Isola said, “consistently shooting at or slightly above par each round.”

The team has improved not only as a whole, but individually.

As for the juniors, “The most improved overall is junior, Ray Ponce, who thanks to his incredible work ethic has risen to the #2 rank and has medaled in two matches (against Serra, and SI),” Isola added. “Our other

junior, Matthew Manzi is steadily improving as well.”

“Sophomore returner Will Wolcott has steadily improved to become our #6 golfer, and with the rapidity of his scores trending down, will probably finish the season much lower,” according to Isola. “Hector Banuelos, who just took up golf over the last two years, has been an incredible surprise, easily one of the longest drivers in the league.”

Finally, “The most critical contributors to the team have been freshman standouts Tyler Wong and Tyler Minioza. Wong is currently our #3 golfer, averaging a score of 44, and Minioza our #4, averaging 45,” Isola offered, adding, “[it is] impressive to have freshmen making such a big impact in their first year.”

The team has had one league victory against SHC, and finished in 2nd place in the 18hole University High School tournament, outscoring SHC by

Photo by Jeff Isola ’98

Hector Banuelos ’23 tees off at Lincoln Park Golf Course.

25 strokes and University by 45.

The average team score is a 215, with a low of 200. For comparison, the lowest single match team score over the past six years was a 218, and past teams averaged around 230-240 strokes per round, according to Isola.

“We’re really looking forward to the possibility of a WCAL

tournament to see where we will finish amongst all the league teams in the hopes of qualifying for the CCS tournament,” Isola said, noting that the tournament is still tentative at this point.

Still, the golfers have much to be proud of. Isola said, “As a team, this is by far the best group I’ve had in the last seven years.”

Cross country runners stride into shortened track season

By Sophia Carrasquilla ’22

In the process of San Francisco entering the orange tier and the WCAL releasing new COVID regulations, Riordan took the opportunity to promptly begin opening up the athletic program to more interactive competition.

March 5 was the set date for cross country to start their non championship league season, stated by the CDPH guidelines as “No CIF/CCS Championships.”

The overall season consisted of three meets including two WCAL north meets in the span of three weeks.

“Competitions, meets, races, or similar Photo by Lance yearbook staff events are authorized only if both teams are located in the same county,” stated in the CDPH guidelines. Teams included Sacred William Parker ’24 and Declan Lavin ’24 train for an event while also social distancing.

Heart Cathedral, Saint Ignatius, Junipero

Serra and Archbishop Riordan High School.

Varsity athlete Colin Murtagh ’22 expressed the team mindset, saying, “We knew it was going to be a short season, so every time we raced we took advantage of it because it’s been so long since we’ve raced competitively.

I think one of our team goals was just to have fun.”

Riordan’s Varsity Head Coach, Benny Willers ’08, shared how he was able to prepare the athletes for the new season during COVID. “With patience, I’ve been able to progress our athletes over the course of the short season.

This season has been like none other, so keeping that in the back of my mind at all times has been really important.”

Murtagh and Willers are looking forward to next year, and are excited to return to the program with stronger goals.

Tennis teams volley into new season

By Jonathan Godoy ’21

Photo by Alex Hsing ’21 Alejandro Ovando ’21 serves while practicing for a match at Balboa Park.

Sports has been in a constant back and forth with the complications of Covid. One of the sports that fell victim yet persevered was tennis.

Tennis was a little easier to bring back in comparison to something like football or basketball.

The distance and limited amount of people on the court allowed for safer social distancing practices.

Athletics are seen as important because many students rely on sports for a certain aspect of life, whether it be for social distraction or for a scholarship they hope to achieve.

Tennis, along with the other sports, are proceeding with caution, but that means a different experience for new players, and also a different one for veteran players.

Alejandro Ovando ’21 said, “Tennis is turning out to be how I expected with a small team of only four players because nobody even knew there was a tennis team, but more people have heard about it and there is almost a full team.”

With tennis, those who play do so for the Photo by Lance yearbook staff multifaceted aspects of it being a sport of precision and accuracy, which can be fascinating to watch. Angelina Ning ’23 returns a serve from a Ovando said, “I hope more people hear about team mate in preparation for competition. tennis because it really is a fun sport to play.”

20 Food Reviews

The Crusader Archbishop Riordan High School

Spring 2021

Where’s the beef? Plant-based burgers grow in popularity Review and Photo by Noah David ’22

The Impossible Burger at Mendocino Farms leaves customers satisfied, but not sluggish.

Mendocino Farms

From the rising popularity of Impossible Burgers, plantbased meat patties, and being in the Catholic season of Lent, I decided to expand my range of food towards this new alternative, which mimicked our beloved, hearty meat patties. Although I was a little skeptical about this vegan option, I was more than

eager to see if this meat imposter was the future of food and picked one up at Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, a farm-totable restaurant, in San Mateo, California.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a bright establishment with smiling workers who catered outdoor dining. I arrived at around 2:45

on a Sunday afternoon, which seemed like the primetime of the establishment.

However, because I ordered in advance through the phone, I was able to skip the line and receive the main event.

Upon opening their simplistic brown and black bag, I was greeted by a few napkins and a smaller bag containing “The Impossibly Good Impossible Burger,” which contained a vegan patty, teamed up with plant-based smoked provolone, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onion jam, red tomato, romaine lettuce, and garlic aioli, squeezed between two vegan brioche buns.

Upon first tastes and textures, I was blown away by how the vegan patty mimicked a tender texture and smokey taste so well. After all, it was only made up of plants! Furthermore, the plant-based cheese was almost on par with dairy cheese, and the complimentary vegetables tied the masterpiece all together like glue.

From the lively aioli delivering kicks to my tongue while being balanced out by the subtle sweetness of the carmelized onion jam to the lettuce’s crunch and the tomato’s freshness, I could not get enough of the once doubtful burger, and it was gone in no time.

The burger did not leave me bursting at the seams, but instead left me perfectly satisfied, which can be a plus or minus for different people. This was probably due to the contents being vegan and plant-based instead of being true meat and dairy cheese.

However, being priced at $13, I was hoping to have some golden fries to go along with it and was worried that his solo burger would not fill me up.

Nonetheless, I put my theories to the side and took a hefty bite of the meal.

In closing, after the final bite of the meatless burger, I was fully convinced that the controversial Impossible Burgers were the future of food, despite their high prices. Furthermore, Mendocino Farms’ presentation of the Impossible Burger introduced me to a whole new genre of food, which was plant-based meat, and to even try vegan meals once in a while, as it left me lively and energetic.

“The Impossibly Good Impossible Burger” gets a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I would confidently recommend anyone to step out of their comfort zone to try Impossible Burgers or any plant-based meat products, especially this specialty from Mendocino Farms.

Burger Board

Review and Photo by Nathan Loeffler Malatesta ’23

The beachside restaurant, Burger Board on 5430 CA-1, has been in business for only a few years and has classics like burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes, and onion rings, but unfortunately, I was there to review their meatless burger.

As a note, I have had their real burgers before, which are delicious, so take this food review with a grain of salt as meatless burgers are not their specialty.

The meatless burger that I got with fries was disgusting.

The burger was nasty as it tasted

like I imagined brain matter would taste like, not to mention the patty smelled like old gym socks.

What made it even worse is the toppings were all odd one way or another, as the pickles were sliced oddly, and there was way too much lettuce, which made the meatless burger even more uncomfortable to eat. Practically the only good thing about this meal was the fries, which were salted and cooked perfectly.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I could not go inside, but Burger

Board’s exterior was appealing to the eye.

Overall, the meatless burger made this trip to Burger Board a terrible experience, and it is definitely not worth the $20 you would spend on just the meatless burger itself.

Out of five stars, Burger Boards’ meatless burger receives a total of 1. A meatless burger and fries cost $27.

Burger Board’s meatless burger was overpriced and under seasoned.

The Melt Review and photo by Edward Macdonald ’23 The Impossible Burger is developed

by Impossible Foods, a Bay Area business that produces meat and dairy less products. The famous Impossible Burger is made with genetically modified yeast and if you are The Melt’s Impossible Burger is heavy concerned about nonon the cheese, light on the beef. organic food, this is

After years of plant-based something to avoid. burgers, the Impossible Burger I recently tried The Impossible is the closest we’ve ever come to Burger from The Melt at 1 meatless patties.

Embarcadero Center in the City, a small fast food chain based in in San Francisco.

At The Melt, a regular burger costs $7.99, but if you want the Impossible patty, you will be shelling out 5 more dollars, for a total cost of $13 plus tax. But is it worth it?

The patty tastes like meat, but isn’t quite there. The patty has a metallic aftertaste and needs seasoning; it is extremely dry and so I had to add ketchup and mayonnaise, which made it taste over seasoned and strong.

The buns were not too thick and were toasted with butter, which

gave them some extra flavor. I prefer my burgers with special sauce, which was liberally applied, and the cheese added a lot of flavor to the burger–it really did a good job of masking the irregularities of the patty.

Overall, the burger was filling and healthier than some lower end fast food restaurants. I rate this burger 7.5 out of 10.

The beef burgers at The Melt are generally good, but if you are abstaining from meat for Lent and are craving a plant-based burger, this one can be prepared to taste great and can even be enjoyed without buns or cheese.