The Salesian Magazine : 2015 Winter Issue

The Salesian W I N T E R 2015 Salesian Main School Building February, 1950

The Rock of the Richmond Renaissance Salesian College Preparatory is changing along with the neighborhood

PLUS Covering the Pope’s Visit | The Ware Family | The Season of Giving

The Salesian

A Message from Timothy J. Chambers

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2015 A twice-yearly publication of Salesian College Preparatory for its alumni, faculty, staff, students, donors and friends.

PRESIDENT/PRINCIPAL Timothy J. Chambers DIRECTOR/ COORDINATOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Marylou Flannery

EDITOR Daniel Hutson ‘02 Director of Development and Communications dhutson@salesian.com PRODUCTION John Tarabini Lorrie Mandoriao Andy Tang LAYOUT AND DESIGN Métier Marketing Communications, Inc.

The historic visit by Pope Francis to the United States in September gave us all a more personal and intimate look at the pontiff. His trip was both inspirational and instructional, especially when he asked believers and non-believers alike to “build bridges, break down walls, and sow seeds of reconciliation.“ While we all can do better, I am very hopeful from what I see from our students, faculty, staff and alumni. On a daily basis I see students helping each other, reaching out to classmates who need assistance or just offering a friendly word. Our faculty and staff work hard to foster both intellectual curiosity and spiritual growth amongst our students. Our alumni routinely volunteer and donate their time, talents and treasures to the many programs we have underway at Salesian.

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Tang Michael Mejia Photography Sergio Villareal Photography

As we enter the holiday season, I want to thank all of the Salesian community for donating your gifts to each other and to our school. It makes the world a much better place.

CONTRIBUTORS Timothy J. Chambers Daniel Hutson ‘02 Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB

In Don Bosco,

Salesian College Preparatory 2851 Salesian Avenue Richmond, California 94804 (510) 234-4433 Send inquiries or change of address requests to Lorrie Mandoriao at lmandoriao@salesian.com or (510) 234-4433, ext. 7218.

Timothy J. Chambers PRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL

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THE SALESIAN | WINTER 2015

ABC NEWS ANCHOR and Senior National Correspondent Cecilia Vega ’95 discusses the challenges of covering Pope Francis on his historic visit to the United States

COVER STORY: Richmond is changing — so is Salesian College Preparatory

THE WARE FAMILY Opens their hearts and home

OPEN HOUSE 2015: Brains, buildings and bratwursts

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C L O S E

U P

MEDIA MANIA! Salesian Magazine interviewed ABC News Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Cecilia Vega ’95 about the challenges of covering the Pope’s U.S. visit Salesian Magazine: Describe your role in covering the Pope.

Cecilia Vega: I covered the Pope’s six day trip to the U.S., following him to each of the three cities he visited. We filed stories for all ABC News broadcasts. I also was part of a Pope Francis town hall that ABC News recently hosted. I spoke with Pope Francis via satellite, introduced him to some of Los Angeles’ homeless population, helped them tell their stories to him.

SM: How difficult was it to get the information you needed?

CV: Tough. Here’s an example of just how tough: Some of the biggest headlines from the Pope’s trip came after he left the U.S. It wasn’t until he was gone that we learned he met with Kim Davis, the controversial Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, and his openly gay friend from Argentina. We had no idea those important, very newsworthy meetings were happening as they were actually happening. The Vatican releases information selectively.

SM: What were your general impressions of the Pope — as a person,

a religious leader, as a communicator of ideas?

CV: “A communicator of ideas” is the key phrase. Pope Francis isn’t necessarily making sweeping changes to church policy, but he has had a profound impact on the church in the two and a half years since he took on this role.

From taking the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, to the modest apartment he chooses to sleep in, to saying, “who am I to judge” about gay people. Sometimes it’s the simplest gestures that have the greatest impact.

I was in St. Peter’s Square covering the conclave and was there when then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio appeared on the balcony as pope for the first time. The energy surrounding the first pope from the Americas was infectious then and it still is today. He has people talking about the church in ways they never before have.

SM: What were the differences in covering the Pope as opposed to someone else?

CV: He is arguably one of the most influential leaders in the world. As a journalist, it was a huge opportunity to be a part of the ABC team covering his visit to the U.S. As a Catholic, there was something deeply moving about being in his presence. Typically, we try not to mix personal and professional in my line of work. But in this case, it was impossible to not feel a spiritual connection when he was nearby. And being in the crowd with the hundreds of thousands of people there to see him as they cheered, cried and prayed was one of the most moving, fun and exciting experiences I have had in my entire career.

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SM: How do you come up with a unique story angle?

CV: It’s not easy when you are part of the herd of press covering him. But some of the best stories about Pope Francis came from the people he met and that’s who we made an effort to track down.

I was most moved by the story of Michael Keating, the 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy.

Michael and his family were on the Philadelphia airport runway when the Pope landed. Pope Francis spotted Michael in the crowd and went directly to him and offered him a blessing. It was one of the most touching images of the Pope’s visit. And the story gets even better. Michael’s family has since received more than $100,000 in donations to help with his care from people who were so moved by what they saw.

SM: On a separate topic…why did you decide to go into broadcast journalism?

CV: I call broadcast journalism my Plan B career. I was a newspaper reporter for nearly a decade before I made the jump to broadcast. KGO in San Francisco offered me the opportunity to learn how to be a television reporter. It wasn’t something I ever wanted to do. But the newspaper industry had changed so much from when I started that I decided it was time to try something else. So far, it’s been a pretty good choice... which is good because I have no idea what Plan C would be.

SM: What words of advice do you have for Salesian students considering broadcast journalism as a career?

CV: I would offer career advice for budding journalists in general, not just broadcast. If you are curious, love to read and write, want to see the world, meet the most amazing people, tell stories and help people make informed decisions ... this is the job for you. It doesn’t get any better. You have to work hard — harder than the next person, because there are very few slots and there is always someone ready to jump in right behind you. Hard work, insatiable curiosity and read every news story you can get your hands on — that’s my advice. And be nice to everyone. Always.

SM: To what or whom do you attribute your success?

CV: So much of my success comes from my foundation — my family, my education and the community in which I was raised. I take that with me every day, no matter where I am in the world.

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

THE ROCK OF RICHMOND At 55 years old, Salesian College Preparatory is the venerable high school educational institution of the East Bay. But it is also changing to stay relevant and serve an increasingly diverse population.

For decades, the roar of the Silicon Valley economic engine that provided jobs and boosted wages across the San Francisco Bay Area generated but a whisper in Richmond. News from the East Bay city was almost predictable, consisting of depressing crime reports and poverty statistics. Economic vitality was rarely – if ever – mentioned.

That is all changing.

Buoyed by moderate housing costs, safer streets and a friendlier business climate, the once-hardscrabble town of Richmond is entering a renaissance period.

According to the city’s website, “Richmond has a ready workforce, acres of space to locate and expand, great transportation connections, a growing economy – and a proactive Office of Economic Development that’s ready and able to provide businesses low-cost loans for working capital, tax incentives, relocation assistance and favorable contracting opportunities.”

While this language is standard fare for virtually any city, it actually means something in Richmond. For example:

• The Richmond shoreline is the site of the proposed UC-Berkeley Global Campus at Richmond Bay. The university plans to build an international complex for higher education, research and technology not far from its main campus. The Berkeley Global Campus— a 5.5 million-square-foot project on 134 acres that the university owns in Richmond—would host academic programs from around the world and provide a living laboratory exploring innovative solutions to myriad human and environmental problems.

• Chevron won approval last year from the Richmond City Council to upgrade its Richmond refinery, a $1 billion project that will modernize a plant that opened more than a century ago. While controversial, the company claims the effort will “replace some of the refinery’s oldest processing equipment with modern technology that is inherently safe and meets the nation’s toughest air quality standards.”

• Richmond boasts one of the fasting selling condo projects in the Bay Area – as fast as seven units per week. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, sales at the Shores on Marina Bay represent a pace that is

The historic Ford Assembly Building in Richmond, designed in 1930 by renowned architect Albert Kahn, is now fully reborn as a mixed-use property called Ford Point, housing businesses, a restaurant, and other retail outlets.

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twice that of typical Bay Area projects not in San Francisco. Not surprisingly, at a starting price of $240,000, the homes are attracting interest from buyers across the region looking for value and views.

• Well-known politicians are stopping in Richmond – U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch recently met with local officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss effective community policing, and California Governor Jerry Brown used Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to sign the California Fair Pay Act into law.

“It is an exciting time in the City of Richmond as we are seeing growth in the business community, both with expansion of existing businesses and new businesses coming to town, adding positively to the economic development of our community,” says Vernon Whitmore, Chair of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

During this makeover, there has been one constant on the local landscape. With apologies to singer Barbara Mandrell, “Salesian was Richmond before Richmond was cool.” Now entering its 55th year as a high school, Salesian College Preparatory boasts a curriculum that’s current, relevant and yet still based in the tradition and values that its founders envisioned.

“Since 1960, Salesian has been giving local youths a superb education that can help them excel in college and beyond,” said Tim Chambers, the school’s Principal and President. “But as always, we adapt to the needs of a changing student body and the increasing pressures of preparing for college.”

California Governor Jerry Brown speaks in Richmond in October.

Today, 70 percent of Salesian students receive financial aid, double the percentage of just five years ago. The current student body is 29 percent Hispanic, 24 percent African-American, 19 percent Pacific Islander, 15 percent multi-racial, 9 percent Caucasian and 4 percent Asian.

Many will be the first in their families to graduate high school and enter college.

“Salesian is the path to higher education for a new generation of local students,” said Marylou Flannery, Assistant Principal. “A majority of our students still reside in Richmond, San Pablo and the surrounding communities.

And as the neighborhood changes, so do we.”

Getting into any specific college or university is less likely than it was a few years ago, and certainly more difficult than it was 15 years ago. Says Mrs. Flannery, “It’s imperative that we provide a rigorous curriculum for students to be successful at the next level.” This year Salesian expanded its language offerings and added courses in Sports Medicine, French, Dance and ESL. In addition, the new Biology Lab represents the first phase of a multi-year renovation project that will bolster STEM learning.

The school’s commitment to the Richmond extends beyond providing a top-flight education.

“In the last school year alone, our kids donated more than 5,000 hours to charities and non-profits in the area,” said instructor Jon Barber, head of the school’s Faith Family service program.

“Salesian College Preparatory will continue to be a force for good in our community.”

Salesian students volunteer at Project Santa, a toy drive and community Christmas event for local students at the West Contra Costa Salesian Boys’ & Girls’ Club.

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The new Biology Lab was completed in September.

STEM Learning Takes Big Step Forward PHASE I Phase 1 of the Salesian Science Labs Renovation Project was completed in September. It included the modernization of the Biology Lab, the construction of a new prep room, as well as some ADA improvements.

The renovations provide collaborative learning spaces designed to easily accommodate different classroom layouts, i.e., lecture, small groups, and lab.

The total cost for Phase 1 was approximately $412,000, including all construction, permit, design and furniture expenses. A generous donation from an anonymous funder covered the majority of the expense.

PHASE II Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2017 and will include the modernization of our chemistry and physics labs, and the inclusion of an elevator to accommodate ADA requirements.

Our aim is to build a STEM program that benefits all students and faculty. Therefore, a significant component of the project is related to increasing accessibility to our third-floor STEM program and ensuring that we are inclusive and accommodating of disabled persons.

Renovations to the chemistry and physics labs will focus on improving the functionality and safety of the classrooms. Specifically, renovations include improving the design of the classrooms to create additional floor

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space (which currently affects instruction), increasing storage and prep space, and installing new equipment (vertical sliding white board, teacher’s demonstration counter, student lab tables, fume hood, emergency shower, and eye wash). As with the biology lab, these changes will allow for collaborative learning spaces that accommodate different classroom layouts (lecture, small groups, lab).

The total cost for Phase 2 is estimated at approximately $1.08 million – this includes all construction, permit, design and furniture expenses. A capital campaign to raise the funds is currently underway; donations can be made at salesian.com/donate.

N E W

F A C E S

Sara Vincent Soars with New Dance Program “The Happiest Place on Earth” seems to have put a permanent smile on the face of Salesian’s new Dance instructor, Sara Vincent. The 2006 alum and former Disneyland parade dancer is thrilled to take the helm of the school’s first dance class. “Salesian is like family to me, and ever since I co-choreographed A Chorus Line in high school I wanted to come back to campus and work with young people.”

After Salesian, Vincent majored in Dance at Cal State Fullerton and earned a minor in Kinesiology. In addition to performing at Disneyland, she danced professionally in Southern California and was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. She is versed in all forms of dance, including ballet, tap, hip hop, modern, ballroom and even line dancing. Her Introduction to Dance class at Salesian is popular with experienced and new dancers alike. “My goal is to help students surprise themselves. We learn dance theory and express ourselves in movement – it’s a fun, challenging class.”

Classes are held in the new dance studio at the West Contra Costa Salesian Boys & Girls Club, adjacent to campus.

Back in Class? Oui! New teacher Dr. William “Billy” Heidenfeldt ’94 is excited to be back at Salesian, returning to his alma mater this fall to teach French and ESL. With 17 years of experience as a classroom instructor including a decade at Corpus Christi School in Piedmont, Dr. Heidenfeldt is now back at the place where he first discovered his passion for foreign languages. “Madame Eichman was an amazing Salesian teacher and instilled in me a life-long love for French,” he said in a recent interview.

“It’s an amazing facility, as good as a professional studio,” she said.

Instruction is open to any student who has an interest in any style of dance.

For Vincent, teaching comes naturally. She is also a certified Pilates instructor and continues to dance professionally, currently serving as a dance performer for budding choreographers at St. Mary’s College. Her enthusiasm for dance is evident in her teaching.

“When I started the Dance Club in high school I never imagined I would someday be hired as a teacher at Salesian,” she said. “I am as excited as my students.”

Upon graduating from Salesian, Heidenfeldt earned a degree in French from the University of California, Berkeley, where he later returned for graduate studies in Romance Languages and Literatures. “My ultimate goal was to teach, and now that I’m teaching at Salesian I’m thrilled. It’s such a wonderful learning environment for students.”

In addition to being a French instructor, Dr. Heidenfeldt also teaches two levels of English Language Learning.

He is committed to helping students succeed not only in language but in all of their studies. In a short time he has become an advocate for giving students the proper tools to succeed. “The technology resources at Salesian are better than what’s available on many college campuses,” he noted. “And the investment that Salesian has made in technology training of staff and faculty is exemplary.”

Dr. Heidenfeldt’s enthusiasm is infectious and his students appear to be empowered by his teaching style and encouraged by how much he cares for their personal welfare. The feeling seems to be mutual: “Salesian is more alive than ever,” he said, “and I am happy to be home.”

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From left: Owen, Russell Ware, Rafael, Amy Ware, Maile Ware

LESSONS LEARNED, LESSONS GIVEN The Wares Open Their Hearts and Home to Others

After spending a year at the University of Hawaii, Russell transferred to the University of San Francisco to study economics. After USF he joined Merrill Lynch, becoming one of the first African-American stockbrokers at the firm.

From Back on Track to Basketball

From his upbringing, Russell gained an appreciation for how to approach life’s challenges and stay positive “Push through your comfort zone - constantly.” That during trying times. His experiences led to a desire to was one of many refrains from Coach Rick Pitino to help others, and he soon joined and became chair of his University of Hawaii freshmen basketball players in the board of Back on Track, a San Francisco non-profit 1975, including local hoops star Russell Ware. The advice that provides 1:1 tutorial help and mentorship for young stuck with Russell, who, forty years later, along with his people. Unbeknownst to him, this passion for helping wife Amy, are now proud Salesian parents and secondyouth would steer his own life in a new direction. year hosts of two international Salesian students.

Russell’s initial counselee was Kevin White, a Born in Columbus, Ohio into a military family, budding 8th-grade basketball player who at the time Russell moved regularly throughout his childhood, with was weighing different area high schools. During the stops in Guam, California, New Hampshire, Colorado discovery process, Russell and Kevin attended basketball and Hawaii. During the turbulent 1960s, Russell was games at Salesian, and, suitably impressed, Kevin often the lone African-American enrolled at the school. in his classrooms. Far from being It was after watching one of “I had so many good an adverse experience; he found it Kevin’s basketball contests at enlightening. “I didn’t encounter Salesian that Russell approached role models around much negativity from my peers; JV coach Jeff Davis to ask if he the world when I I wrapped myself around the needed an assistant. The answer was growing up; excitement of meeting different was affirmative, and with that this is our effort cultural groups.”

Russell began a long tenure as to ‘pay it forwarD.” Russell absorbed as much as part of the Salesian basketball he could from everysetting. In family. Upon completing his first R U S S E L L WA R E Portsmouth, New Hampshire he year with the JV squad, Russell learned how to set lobster traps; was brought up to work with the in Aurora, Colorado his friends included farmers and varsity team alongside new head coach Bill Mellis. He ranchers. While in high school in Honolulu he tried worked with Mellis for 13 years, including the celebrated his luck at surfing, danced men’s hula and sang with 2009 California state championship season. the local Hawaiian glee club.

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But the winning tradition at Salesian isn’t what makes Russell smile most. “What I’m most proud of is the holistic approach the Salesian coaches took to making the kids successful in all aspects of school life: athletics, academics and building character.” Notably, Kevin White went on to play college hoops at The University of Akron, and later returned to the Bay Area to coach varsity basketball at Kennedy High School in Richmond.

A HOST FAMILY

Russell met his wife Amy, a Delta flight attendant, when she worked at a Montclair flower shop and he needed a bouquet for Salesian basketball’s annual Senior Night game. Both share a love of travel and welcoming those from abroad. “We’ve always had international students stay at our home,” said Amy. Therefore, it’s no surprise that last year the Wares served as a Salesian host family for two international students, and are doing the same this year. “Our daughters (Maile, 14, and Kiana, 11) are so enriched by having different cultures represented at home,” said Amy. Maile, a freshman at Salesian, is already an accomplished musician. She started playing piano at age three, and today is proficient on the viola and violin. When assessing high schools for Maile, the Wares evaluated a range of factors including academics, student body diversity and the “feel” of the schools. “Ultimately, Maile was the driving force in selecting Salesian,” says Russell, “the school met all of her criteria.”

Russell would often bring his daughters Kiana (l) and Maile to Salesian basketball practice.

Maile, Rafael and Owen at Homecoming 2015

This year the Wares are again hosting Owen, a sophomore and ethnic Korean from Beijing, as well as Raphael, a freshman from Ghana. The Wares love the interaction that spontaneously erupts when the three cultures come together. “The kids are all so comfortable with each other; they learn together and don’t see differences,” Amy remarked.

Owen said he is having fun in his second year at Salesian. “I’ve found friends through basketball, and I love learning English at home.” But thanks to technology, he is never far from his native land. He recently video chatted with his mother in China who gave him cooking instructions while he was preparing a meal.

For Maile, the arrangement brings a new element to the family dynamic. “I’ve always wanted older siblings, so having the boys here is different – different but good!”

Rafael is like a sponge, soaking up all things American.

Already he has deep affection for his new family.

“Mr. Ware has showed me so much of the Bay Area; it’s opened my eyes. Amy is like a second Mom, she understands what it’s like to be a visitor. And Maile is like my sister – we laugh so much!

This international Brady Bunch clearly gets a lot from each other. “We have people from three continents living under one roof,” said Amy. “But what we all have in common is the need to speak and express ourselves.” For Russell, hosting students is in his blood: “I had so many good role models around the world when I was growing up; this is our effort to ‘pay it forward’. You really don’t know the impact that you have on the lives of others, but based on my own experience, you know it’s there.”

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A Letter From the Director Dear Friends of Salesian!

I write this letter in the midst of a historical visit of Pope Francis, who has graced the people of the United States with his gentle presence and challenging message. In his address to a joint meeting of Congress, he urged lawmakers to protect “every human life” and called for a united response “of hope and healing, of peace and justice” for a world racked with violence and unrest.

Salesian alum Paulette Ocampo ‘99, featured in the last issue of this magazine, stands at attention as Pope Francis’ motorcade departs Washington, D.C. in September.

His message to all of us is simple and universal: to make decisions for the common good and to follow the Golden Rule of “Do unto others what you would want others to do unto you.” This has been the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. And it is the model that Don Bosco himself emulated in his life and ministry to and with young people.

It is also the model that we as Salesian educators embody at Salesian College Preparatory.

In our own life let us reflect and heed the message of Pope Francis, not because he is the Pope, but because it is the universal call for us as human beings and as people of God. Thank you so much for your continued support of Salesian education. Our prayers are with you and God bless you always!

Sincerely,

Salesian Helps Middletown Fire Victims The Valley Fire – the third most-destructive blaze in California’s history – destroyed 1,325 homes and businesses in Lake County in September. The inferno forced thousands of people from their homes and burned 76,067 acres of bone-dry wildland.

In a show of support and solidarity, Salesian College Preparatory students, faculty and staff raised $2,374 for Middletown High School and the fire-ravaged community. The two schools have a friendly sports rivalry and the Salesians of St. John Bosco (SDBs) once owned a camp in the Middletown area (on Cobb Mountain where the fire began) for decades.

The 95-square-mile Valley Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in September.

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Salesian athletic director Chad Nightingale delivered the badly-needed funds and later remarked, “I cannot remember a time when I was more proud of being a member of the Salesian community than when we were able to give the Middletown people our financial support.”

D E V E L O P M E N T

The Season of Giving “Where does my money go?” asked an attendee at a school function last month.

He was referring to the Annual Fund campaign, which is kicking off this month.

It’s a good question!

Unbeknownst to many, the price of tuition at Salesian College Preparatory does not reflect the full cost of educating each student for the year; there is a gap of $2,378 that must be covered. In addition, more than 70 percent of Salesian students receive financial aid to help pay tuition, an all-time high and double the percentage of just five years ago.

Therefore, there is a need for an Annual Fund to support grants and scholarships for deserving students. Unrestricted donations to the Salesian Annual Fund help in other ways as well, including providing more academic courses, improvements to facilities, new summer camps and professional development for faculty members. Each year we rely upon the Annual Fund to support these vital operations and initiatives.

Daniel Hutson ‘02 Director of Development and Communications

It’s also important to point out that our school administration is fiscally prudent and watches every dollar. Salesian’s 2015-2016 tuition of $14,900 is less than most San Francisco Bay Area Catholic high schools, including Bishop O’Dowd High School ($16,080), Saint Mary’s College High School ($16,940), and Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School ($16,990).

This year we hope to raise $500,000 from the Annual Fund drive, a 10 percent increase from 2014-2015. Every donation helps, and each donor is cherished. Our goal for participation is to raise our numbers to those of the national averages for U.S. Catholic high school giving to annual fund campaigns.

Please join us! I am asking that all alumni, parents, Salesian friends and benefactors help us reach these goals. Please use the envelope in this magazine or visit www.salesian.com/donate to make your donation today.

Thank you for your generosity – and keep those questions coming!

Gratefully,

Alumni Giving

14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

12%

1%

Salesian Alumni

National Average

Parent Giving 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

27%

12%

Salesian Parents

National Average

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A L U M N I

Back in the Bay: An interview with Pete (Griffin) Suratos ’01 Salesian Magazine: What do you do in your current role?

Pete Suratos: Freelance television reporter for NBC Bay Area.

Suratos was a lineman on the Salesian football team.

SM: How did you get into broadcasting?

PS: I actually created my first television opportunity. While studying business at San Francisco State, I created a hiphop-based entertainment show with a few college buddies that aired on public access television in San Francisco. I bought a camera, computer, stick mic, and just went for it. After graduating from SFSU, I produced, wrote and directed a couple of documentaries. One of them, “Live from Tent City,” focused on a rash of shootings in Richmond and how the community rallied together to put an end to it by sleeping in tents outside in the “Iron Triangle.” It was their way of saying enough was enough. The documentary screened at film festivals across the Bay Area and ultimately inspired me to go back to graduate school, where I got my Masters in broadcast journalism at USC. After graduate school, I worked for the Fox News Channel as their Las Vegas reporter. I seriously lucked out there, covering President Obama, interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, and sitting ringside for boxing and UFC fights. Following my two-year stint with FNC, I landed a job as a reporter with KNXV-TV in Phoenix, Arizona (ABC affiliate). This is where I really developed my “news chops” covering day-of-air stories, such as breaking news, crime scenes, extreme weather, federal court cases, you name it. After two short years in Phoenix, I am back home working for NBC Bay Area as a freelance reporter and could not be happier!

SM: What are some of your more memorable assignments?

PS: Wow, so many to choose from. The sports aficionado in me would say Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona last year. To be around the spectacle that is the Super Bowl and cover stories with rabid fans at “Super Bowl Central” was unreal.

In Vegas, covering the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight in 2011, numerous Floyd Mayweather press conferences, and interviewing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Mike Tyson, were definitely bucket list moments.

But it’s the stories I cover with every day people, the ones fighting for a cause or overcoming an obstacle in life, that really stick with me. I know when people think of the news, they think it’s just gloom and doom. But there are a lot of good stories out there. Believe me, I see them all the time.

SM: What makes a good story?

PS: People, people, people. Did I mention people? Every story has to have a good character, so it’s important to find people to make this possible. From there, always ask yourself what is the point of this story? Why should the viewer care about it? That gives you the meat and potatoes of why you’re doing the story in the first place.

Shake, stir, and there you have it.

SM: What are the joys and challenges of being a journalist?

PS: The joys are you never know what you’re walking into every day. You get your story assignment and you’re out the door. It’s deadline driven, so you have to make things happen fast. Call sources, book interviews, and go. And there’s always the chance at 2 pm, you get a call from a producer to switch the story you’ve been working all morning long. Then it’s lights, camera, action and it’s your time to go on-air and sell the story to the viewer. Challenges? I guess it’s all the things I just listed as the joys.

SM: Why did you want to get back to the Bay Area?

PS: There’s nothing like doing what you do best in front of your hometown audience. To think that a guy like me, a former Salesian football player who was known for being a class clown (just ask anyone from the class of 2001), is now a reporter for one of the top news stations in the country is actually…pretty funny!

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The Class of 1985 recently held its 30-year-reunion. Attendees enjoyed a tri-tip dinner, plenty of catching up and a school tour.

“We planned and executed the whole thing in four months,” said co-organizer Nat Uyeyama (center).

Attention Class of 1966! A 50-year reunion is being organized ­— please contact Ken Wilson at kenwilson2@aol.com for more information.

Planning a Salesian reunion? The Development and Alumni department has crafted a Reunion Planning Guide to facilitate organizing your own reunion. The Reunion Planning Guide provides you a step-by-step process of planning, with tips on reserving a venue, allocating a budget, and developing a Class committee.

Visit www.salesian.com/reunion to get started today!

Olivia Lopez ‘09 and Zeke Wheeler ’09 were married on August 30th. The happy couple honeymooned in St. Lucia.

Olivia is a visual designer and Zeke works in public service.

(from left) Ken Wilson ‘66, John Sepolen ‘66, Tom Wright ‘66, Lynn Valerro ‘66, Jerry Mascaro ‘64, Dave Mascaro ‘68, Stan Brown ‘67. Kneeling is Wynston Erickson ‘66.

ALUMNI TAILGATE A BIG SUCCESS! It was a fun-filled tailgate as Salesian alums mixed it up at the Alumni Zone prior to the homecoming football game in October. Attendees enjoyed great music, cold drinks and tasty BBQ, courtesy of the Salesian Alumni Department Department. The good times continued throughout the afternoon as the Salesian Faithful watched the Pride take on the Pinole Valley Spartans.

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Don’t miss the 51st Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed!

Crazy for crustaceans? Salesian College Preparatory will be celebrating the 51st anniversary of its famous all-you-can eat crab feed on January 15-16 at the school. Crab lovers should buy their tickets (just $50) early as this annual event sells out quickly.

The Crab Feed features a no host bar, all-you-can-eat crab, macaroni salad, bread and more! There will be a silent auction and amazing raffle prizes!

Dine with friends on a hearty helping of this delicious delicacy and support a great cause – the Salesian Annual Fund. For tickets and event information please call 510-234-4433, ext. 1126.

Announcing the 25th Annual Salesian Golf Tournament The 25th annual Salesian Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at the historic Richmond Golf Club, a scenic venue overlooking San Pablo Bay. Come join fellow alumni, friends and community leaders for a great time on the links in support of the Salesian Annual Fund.

“We are extremely proud to be hosting this wonderful event at the Richmond Golf Club,” said Henry Moe, tournament director. “The generosity of players and sponsors make this a terrific day of fun, competition and camaraderie while we raise money for deserving Salesian students. We anticipate another sold-out field and I encourage everyone to register early.”

Player price is just $195. Sponsorship packages have been enhanced this year to increase visibility for Salesian supporters.

Contact event coordinator Patrick Conway at pconway@salesian.com to register for the event or become a sponsor.

2016 Salesian Golf Tournament Sponsor Benefits Title Sponsorship – $5,000 • Two complimentary foursomes • Golf priority at tee #1 • Dinner for eight at the Salesian College Preparatory’s President’s reserved table, with two bottles of champagne • Two custom banners, displayed on the course and at the clubhouse • Full-page advertisement on the back cover of the tournament program Master Sponsorship – $2,500 • One complimentary foursome • Golf priority at hole of choice (#2 through #18) • Custom banner displayed at the clubhouse • Full-page advertisement in the tournament program • Preferred seating for four at the event dinner, with complimentary bottle of wine Champion Sponsorship – $1,000 • Tournament entry for two players • Preferred seating for two at the event dinner, with complimentary bottle of wine • Golf priority tee off • Custom tee sign at putting green • Half-page advertisement in tournament program Red-and-Black Sponsorship – $500 • Tournament entry for one player • Custom tee sign at hole of choice (#3 through #18) • Quarter-page advertisement in the tournament program Tee Sponsorship – $250 • Custom tee sign • One-eighth page advertisement in the tournament program

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Billboards around the East Bay announced the Salesian Open House

Open House 2015 The skies may have been gray but it was all smiles at the annual Salesian Open House on November 1st. Club cars were zooming, music was playing and frankfurters were grilling as hundreds of people toured the 21-acre campus, met with teachers and got a glimpse of student life. “Our goal at Open House is to give parents and prospective students a view of the richness of the Salesian experience,” said Christina Karabinis, admissions director.

Open House visitors received information on the many challenging courses and enrichment activities the school offers. The curriculum includes a broad number or AP, Honors and elective classes. “At Salesian we have it all — academics, sports and activities,” said Karabinis. “And while we are proud of our rigorous coursework and college acceptance rate, we are equally pleased that our students are free to pursue their personal, co-curricular and spiritual interests.”

(above, left) Salesian ambassadors guided visitors through classrooms and around campus.

Note: Admissions applications are due December 7, 2015; applications must be completed online via the school website at www.salesian.com.

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On September 20, 2015 Fr. Chris Woerz, SDB, passed away into eternal life. Fr. Chris spent several years at Salesian, Richmond, as school Director/President (19972003) and as a teacher. He is fondly remembered as a kind and gentle priest and a dedicated educator. Many alumni, past families and colleagues will also remember his puppet, Linus, which brought them joy and laughter.

Surrounded by the love of her family and friends, Emilia Chalk-Bang ’08, sister of Robert Chalk Jr., ‘02, passed away on July 20 after an incredible two-year battle against an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her smile, zest for life, tenacity and resilience remain an inspiration to so many.

Michael Lawrence Brown ‘65 Mrs. Chun Macchietto – mother of Sam Sa ‘93, Stepmother of Bryan Macchietto and Victor Macchietto ‘83 Mrs. Betty McAllister – mother of David McAllister ’73

On September 27, 2015, beloved Salesian student Jesús Rojas passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia. Jesús was diagnosed two years ago while attending Salesian.

According to his parents, he wanted to attend Salesian because of his devotion to Saint John Bosco. In fact, Jesús was featured in a recent Catholic Voice article after he selected John Bosco for his confirmation name. After confirmation, his condition worsened and he was hospitalized at Oakland’s Children Hospital. In a moving ceremony two days prior to his passing, Jesús, a junior, was graduated from Salesian and celebrated his eighteenth birthday (two months early). Surrounded by his family, friends, doctors and social workers, he lay in his hospital bed out-of-doors at the center of a spirited festival of music, dance, food, soulful remembrances and subdued but joyful laughter.

Create Your Family Legacy Through a Planned Gift to Salesian College Preparatory Charitable gift planning, sometimes called “planned giving,” means making a charitable gift of estate assets to one or more non-profit organizations like Salesian College Preparatory.

This presents all members of the Salesian family — alumni, parents of alumni, parents of current students and friends — an opportunity to make a substantial gift.

By naming Salesian College Preparatory in your will, you will provide a lasting gift that will greatly help our students.

With an increasing number of supporters taking this approach, Salesian College Preparatory students will benefit in the years ahead. Please feel free to call Director of Development and Communications, Daniel Hutson at 510-234-4433, ext. 1413 with any comments, questions or commitments you would like to share. Consider remembering Salesian College Preparatory in your will.

Gift planning benefits you today and Salesian College Preparatory forever. A bequest is simple and convenient.

You have a number of options. You can make a bequest for a specific dollar amount or for a percentage of your estate.

Many individuals establish endowments that honor the memory of a family member or another loved one. These endowments live forever, since only the interest income is used annually. Since a will is an important legal document, you should seek an attorney’s help. To assist you with this important process, we offer some suggested wording.

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Including Salesian College Preparatory in your will The following examples include suggested bequest wording to benefit Salesian College Preparatory. We encourage you to share your final will provision with us to ensure that your wishes will be properly followed and recognized.

Percentage of estate for unrestricted purposes I give, devise, and bequeath to Salesian College Preparatory, a not-for-profit organization located in Richmond, California, _____ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate as an unrestricted gift to be used for the general purposes of Salesian College Preparatory, located in Richmond, California.

Specific amount for unrestricted purposes I give, devise, and bequeath to Salesian College Preparatory a not-for-profit organization located in Richmond, California, the sum of $_________ in cash or in-kind (or ________ shares of ________ stock) to be used at the discretion of Salesian College Preparatory for the general operations of Salesian College Preparatory.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.

Invest in Salesian and give the gift of education

Please support tomorrow’s leaders today at www.salesian.com/donate

Thank You

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W W W. S A L E S I A N . C O M

December 7, 2015 – Admissions applications due Applications must be completed online via the school website, www.salesian.com.

For more information, contact Christina Karabinis, Director of Admissions at (510) 234-4433, ext. 1416 or ckarabinis@salesian.com January 15 and 16, 2016 – 51st Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed (Salesian campus) Crab lovers should buy their tickets early as this event will sell out.

For tickets and event information, please call 510-234-4433, ext. 1126.

May 2, 2015 – 25th Annual Salesian Golf Tournament (Richmond Country Club) The silver anniversary of this spring classic is not to be missed!

Contact event coordinator Patrick Conway at pconway@salesian.com to register for the event or become a sponsor.

Stay Connected to Salesian It’s easy to stay in touch with Salesian College Preparatory: (510) 234-4433

communications@salesian.com

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www.salesian.com @Salesian_prep

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