The Santa Rosan Volume 11, Issue 5

Mr. Panther

Danny Duclos wins the annual boys pageant with a beautiful rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" See pg. 4 and back page for more

Mental illness in SRHS students

pg. 10-11

Vocational Ed. at risk? pg. 7

The Rosie's movie awards pg. 15

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NEWS

Staff of The Santa Rosan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS EDITORIAL BOARD

BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF WRITERS

ADVISOR

isabellaFROMAN milenaDUARTE opalWHITE lindsayBRIBIESCAS tracyFERNANDEZ mirandaMCCANN thomasPASTIS brynaHAUGEN hannahAPPEL peterAQUI rolandCALLOWAY aprilCORREA justinDANTE geenaESPINOZA jakeESPINOZA kiraFINDLING suncèFRANICEVIC andrewHERNANDEZ sienaLAKE dakotaMCGRANAHAN pamelaMENENDEZ cassyMORETTO gabeMULCAIRE maiaPAGÁN kathyPHAM abbyVOLZ caseyELSA

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Note: The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the Santa Rosan staff as approved by the Santa Rosan newspaper staff and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the school, students, faculty or the Santa Rosa City School District. An effort will be made to print all letters to the editor, as long as they are signed. The Santa Rosan reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, and factual correctness, but will not guarantee their accuracy. Letters should be delivered to Ms. Elsa, room D101, or put in her mailbox.

Cover photo by Lindsay Bribiescas Teaser picture by Tracy Fernandez Page layout by Isabella Froman unless otherwise stated

World News Snapshots gabeMULCAIRE STAFF WRITER

Charlie Hebdo On January 7, two radical Islamist terrorists entered the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and, armed with assault rifles, killed eleven people and injured eleven more.

This prompted a massive outpouring of support and solidarity from the rest of the world, along with an increase in anti-Islamic sentiment across Europe.

Boko Haram The Islamic terror group Boko Haram has continued to wreak havoc in Nigeria, most notably killing over 2,000 people in one attack around

the town of Baga. Although troops from Chad have been deployed against these terrorists, the response from the Nigerian government has been near-nonexistent.

ISIS/ISIL The Islamic State has conducted several executions over the past months, including 2 Japanese men, American aid worker Kayla Mueller, and a Jordanian pilot. Many Middle Eastern Nations have rallied around the death of the Jordanian Pilot, and are joining a new effort against the Islamic State spearheaded by Jordan.

SRHS seniors' rape ArtQuest Artist Exchange culture awareness program to take effect presentation next year isabellaFROMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

This coming February 24, 26, and March 4, four senior students will present on a very important subject for all grade levels. This topic is rape culture – something dangerous and pervasive in our world but very under-recognized.

Seniors Lindsay Bribiescas, Sawyer Croft, Kira Findling, and Carter Lindstrom-Dake worked together on this presentation. Its goal is to spread awareness of a cultural phenomenon of blaming victims of sexual assault and abuse.

The presenters will also address what constitutes consent, as well as real-life examples of what happens when lines are crossed and victims are blamed by the media.

These presentations will be for groups of English classes, and will be hosted in the Library and MPR. Teachers have been issued lists of questions to address the day before the presentation. Students without an English class this semester are welcome to see the event during a free period.

Students should be warned that there will be semi-graphic images and sensitive material in the presentations. Those who are worried about triggering content should consult a teacher before the presentation.

pamelaMENENDEZ STAFF WRITER

On January 22, ArtQuest held an informational meeting in Ms. Braunstein’s room (Photography Rm. 23) about next year’s Artist Exchange internship class. The class exists for those who are interested in gaining valuable arts-related work experience for school credit.

Nonetheless, even if one did not attend the meeting, it is not too late to join. In order to apply, one must be enrolled in ArtQuest or in an intermediate or advanced Visual or Performing Arts class. One must also be a junior or senior in the upcoming year (some sophomores will be allowed with instructor permission). The internship will involve class meetings held once per week after school during 7th and 8th period, with the rest of the time (3-4 hours weekly) being spent at an internship location, with days and times to be determined.

Some past placements for the internship have included the Sonoma County Museum, Santa Rosa Symphony, North Bay Bohemian newspaper, Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts and other schools, Chops Teen Center, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, architectural firms, arts retail locations, design and artists’ studios, and many other sites. For questions, see Ms. Sofie (AQ Office, Rm. 21) or Ms. Braunstein (Photography, Rm. 23).

NEWS

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SR Lacrosse Back Field

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm

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Last Day of Third Quarter

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm Track and Field Big Cat SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm Swimming Rancho 2:30 pm

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Talent Show Auditorium SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm

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SAT 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Track and Field Dublin Distance SR Lacrosse Back Field 4 pm

23-27 Spring Break SR Lacrosse Back Field 4 pm

Track and Field Windsor 10:00 am

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Track and Field San Rafael 4:00 pm

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4 pm

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4:00 pm

17-18 CAHSEE vs. Newman 18 Swimming 2:00 pm Track and Field Special 3:45 pm

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College Info Night Library 6:30 pm

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STP Green-Up Day 8:00 am

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County 28-29 Sonoma Philharmonic

Auditorium 7:00 pm (Sun. @ 2:00pm)

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 9:30 am

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4 pm

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SR Lacrosse Back Field 4 pm Calendar design by Isabella Froman Date Collection by Hannah Appel and Cassy Moretto

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FEATURES

Danny Duclos wins Mr. Panther jakeESPINOZA STAFF WRITER

For years, Mr. Panthers have embodied the aspects that make Santa Rosa High School such an amazing place. This year’s Mr. Panther, Danny Duclos, continues this tradition: he is talented, humble, and friendly.

Starting this school year, Danny had no plan of becoming Mr. Panther. It is his first year at Santa Rosa High School, and the driving force behind his participation in Mr. Panther was simply his friend signing him up.

Danny’s year at Santa Rosa High School has involved another first. When asked what his favorite moment of the show was, he replied, “The standing ovation. I’ve never got a standing ovation before.” Despite receiving a standing ovation for his brilliant performance of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” Danny remains humble-- just like his idol, Celine Dion.

This humility extends to his fellow contestants as well. When asked about rehearsals, Danny replied that his favorite part was just getting to know everyone. He says, “We’re like one big family. I know that’s cliche to say, but it’s true.”

Upon winning, Danny was ecstatic, but also sad that his fellow candidates were unable to take the crown. If he hadn’t won, Danny believes that Trevor Weitzenberg should have won. “I was worried about him the whole time, because it’s Trevor,” he said.

1. Senior Danny Duclos sings My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. She has been Duclos' idol since he was in 6th grade — he has 8 posters and 3 movies featuring her.

2. Senior Amber Overbay escorts Duclos during the swimsuit portion of the show. The idea to wear the mermaid costume came to them last minute, but it was wonderfully executed.

3. Duclos' older sister Megan cheered on her brother and congratulated him when he won. She graduated from SRHS in 2013.

Photos by Lindsay Bribiescas and Tracy Fernandez

Beloved campus supervisor Al to retire next year aprilCORREA STAFF WRITER

A familiar and friendly face of Santa Rosa High School, campus supervisor Al Wheeler, has announced his retirement for the end of next year. His supervising career has spanned for a total of 22 years; he has worked in the Santa Rosa City Schools district for 14 and a half years and at the Rancho Cotate district for 7 years.

What many adults would find tiresome about working with thousands of teenagers, Wheeler finds the most rewarding. He enjoys having a conversation with students who serve detention or simply the students he finds in the hallways.

“It's actually been the most enjoyable experience in my life. Santa Rosa students are... they’re artists,” says Wheeler.

Wheeler finds the massive, eclectic student body at SRHS alluring and distinctive. “I chose this job simply because it allowed me easy access to the students, to be able to work

with them and deal with them closely.”

However, working with adolescents isn’t anything unfamiliar to Al Wheeler. He started his career by working as a drug and alcohol counselor. “I worked for the judicial system and with kids who were in jail because of their drug abuse. We had to work with them and their families to deal with their drug habit[s] and then their emotional family matter[s] second.”

Helping out others has always been Wheeler’s favorite pastime.

“I’m a people person. I was born in a family of 7 brothers and sisters.” So, it’s no surprise that his plans after retiring is to become a pioneer for Jehovah’s Witness. “I’m going to be knocking on your door! Watch out!” Al Wheeler will begin his journey to “fulfill his responsibilities,” by giving 100 hours a month to the community. However, he also wishes to Photo by Dakota McGranahan focus more on his small computer business. He Al Wheeler will be greatly missed when he leaves SRHS. His helphas no plans to let life pass him by, and SRHS ful advice and friendly personality has been an important part of the school for many years. wishes him the best for his future.

Improving for 2nd Semester

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Things:

rolandCALLOWAY STAFF WRITER

The second semester is upon us, and now that we have passed the halfway point of the year, many are considering how to improve from last semester. Whether you want to raise your grades, have more free time, or do something new, there are always ways to make this semester better than the last.

If you are looking to do better with grades, the new semester gives you an excellent opportunity to improve.

Because most teachers will reset scores, you will essentially start the semester with a blank slate.You can take advantage of this by keeping your grades up at the beginning of the semester. This means turning in all your assignments on time and studying extra hard for the first few tests. This will benefit you immensely as the semester continues, as it is much easier to stop a high grade from going down than trying to bring up a low grade. This is even more important for seniors, as this early high grade strategy can act as insurance against the inevitable senioritis.

While the second semester is a great time to improve your grades, it could also be used to get more free time. This increase in free time is possible because the second semester is going to be twenty days longer than the previous one. Now you might be thinking that more days would equal more work, but this really is not the case. Many teachers will feel less pressured to cram material into this semester as they have more time to teach it, so they may ultimately give out less homework.

If you manage your time effectively, this decrease in homework could amount to a lot of extra time.

If you want to challenge yourself to do something new, joining a spring sport is a great option. Most spring sports do not end up cutting the team down and are largely based on personal improvement.

This allows you to have fun and do something meaningful regardless of how skilled you are. Spring sports provide a way to meet new people, make your college applications more

FEATURE

cheap activities for spring break kiraFINDLING COPY EDITOR

1. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s iconic, it’s good exercise, and, best of all, it’s free.

2. Visit one of the beautiful beaches of the Sonoma Coast. Build sand castles, run in the waves, fly a kite — the possibilities are endless.

3. Make a Spotify playlist for a friend.

What’s better than making someone’s day with awesome music?

4. Check out some cute areas of Sonoma County — Healdsburg and Sebastopol are full of little shops and art museums. All you’ll need is a few bucks for an ice cream cone.

Photo by Lindsay Bribiescas

The best way to reach for an A is to begin the semester responsibly. By starting strong, you can take the pressure off later on, and protect yourself against unforeseeable disasters.

well-rounded, and help get into better shape.

The second semester holds a lot of promise, and if utilized correctly, can provide many new opportunities.

5. Have a picnic. All you have to do is make a few sandwiches and buy a bag of chips.

Protip: bring a friend who has a guitar.

6. Spend a day redecorating your room. Put up some photos that make you smile, and move the furniture around a little. It’ll feel like a whole new place.

7. Explore a thrift store — they have more to offer than clothes. From cheap paperbacks to antique trinkets, you never know what you’ll find.

8. Go to a coffee shop and order the fanciest-sounding drink you can. Reread your favorite book or write in your journal. Take some time for you.

9. Remember those board games you loved as a kid? Dig them out of the closet You’ll never be too old for an intense game of Monopoly.

10. Support local musicians. Go to a show at the Arlene Francis Center or the Phoenix.

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FEATURES

Club spotlight: Black Student Union kiraFINDLING STAFF WRITER

The Black Student Union wants you to know: their club is open to everyone, regardless of race. Since the middle of last school year, the BSU has met weekly to discuss issues facing black people and other individuals of color. Its intention is to create a safe space for members to share their personal stories, including experiences with discrimination. Other activities include community service and raising awareness of black-related issues, both within the club and beyond. For example, to celebrate Black History Month, the BSU is writing daily “fun facts” about African-American history to be read over the announcements. Santa Rosa High School’s club shares a connection with the SRJC BSU, with JC students attending meetings to help facilitate the club’s development.

Additionally, the Black Student Union emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of black history. “People should learn about the African culture. When you walk around, most people don’t know how much history there is about it,” said sophomore member Ezekiel Burns. “There’s more to it than people are paying attention to.” In fact, the proceeds from the BSU’s recent friendship bracelet sale are going towards a field trip to a black history museum. The club plans to sell more bracelets in upcoming weeks, so keep an eye out!

Photos by Miranda McCann

Above: Club advisor Ms. Ando and BSU members worked at a table at lunch that sold homemade bracelets. Members are (from left to right) Junior Perla Magaña, Senior Rochelle Brown, Junior Fabiola Lawson, Junior Shenique Manuel, Ms. Ando, and (sitting) Sophomore Keviette Minor.

Left: Minor and Manuel man the bracelet table during a lunch sale. The proceeds from the sale will go to a club trip to a black history museum.

Long-term substitute Mr. Mistry fills in math classes mirandaMCCANN EDITORIAL BOARD

problems so it’s not just ‘what is x.’”

Outside of teaching, Mistry busies himself with his favorite hobbies. He enjoys riding his bike, attending (and winning) trivia nights, and participating in Tae Kwon Do. He also likes playing music. “I used to be in a heavy metal band.

[It was called] Hazard. I think the music is still on YouTube.”

Mistry also lets his humorous side shine through while teaching. “My favorite joke?

Why wasn’t the gorilla let into the nightclub? They just didn’t think it would be a very Photo by Miranda McCann good idea.”

Mr. Mistry is replacing Mrs. Gallegos while she cares for her After he finishes up this year, Mistry is hoping husband. Beside teaching, Mr. Mistry enjoys bike-riding, trivia contests, and Tae Kwon Do. to find a full-time job.

Watch out Mr. Bohn, there’s a new beard in the math department. With his sharp skills and witty tongue, Raj Mistry is quickly becoming a student favorite. At the beginning of the second semester, he took over Ms. Gallegos’ class as a long-term sub and is learning to love the perks and quirks of SRHS. “I’ve had a lot of fun so far. I try to be relaxed and not too strict. Things don’t need to be so structured, that’s where a lot of learning happens.”

Mistry’s interest in teaching math didn’t come to him until later in life. “I didn’t have a strong idea of what I wanted to be going out of high school or even partway through college, so this was a post*NSYNC or Backstreet Boys? graduate pursuit.”

“Backstreet Boys.”

However, his passion and skill for teaching is growing at an exponential Destiny’s Child or TLC? rate.

“Oh, don’t make me choose, I mean, “Math is about problem solving. that’s like saying No Scrubs or SurI take interest in what [my students] do. vivor. That’s a hard decision. I can’t do that. TLC.” I know people are interested in sports and stuff like that. A couple people play Opinions on Beyoncé? music and I play a lot of music. I have “She was better when she was in a lot of interests, so I try to connect as Destiny’s Child.” much as I can to what their interests are. I try to create some context for math

Lightning round: the ACTUALLY important questions Favorite muffin?

“Blueberry.”

Obtuse or acute?

“Obtuse, definitely obtuse.”

'Carmel' or caramel?

“Caramel.”

Algebra or geometry?

“Algebra.”

GIF or 'JIF'?

“What are those? Oh, for like an image? GIF.”

If you were trapped on a desert island and could only have three things, what would they be?

“Probably a musical instrument of Distance formula or quadratic for- some kind, not a didgeridoo, a permula? son to spend some time with, and “Distance formula.” a boat.”

7 Is the Vocational Education program at risk of closure?

OPINION

gabeMULCAIRE STAFF WRITER

You may not have heard of the vocational education program at SRHS, but you’ve certainly seen their impact on the school. They take out the recycling all over campus and run Pandy’s Market, providing a valuable service for all students and staff. The program’s goal is to prepare students with learning disabilities for the workforce, and it is very successful in that goal; the majority of the program’s seniors are already employed. But now it is in danger of losing its main funding source.

Two months ago, two women from the cafeteria went to the school board and complained about the vocational ed program.

They made no contact with the teachers, and neither did the school board after receiving the complaint. “What we’re more angry about is that no one wants to talk to us,” said teacher Ron Reichmuth.

This is not the first challenge that the program has faced. Several years ago, a grievance was filed by someone in the maintenance department after the students performed a landscaping service

for Steele Lane Elementary School. After that incident, the program was restricted in the services that it was allowed to perform. According to Reichmuth, this grievance was a very meditated attack by one particular member of the maintenance staff who has an issue with the vocational ed program.

Pandy’s Market has changed its menu to offer healthier options in an attempt to respond to complaints. But, despite this effort, as well as overwhelming support from students, the future is unclear. The loss of Pandy’s would mean the loss of vital funding for the program.

Reichmuth desperately hopes to avoid this loss. The money received from Pandy’s Market goes to, among other things field trips to reward the students for their hard work. “If you look at the positives, all the positive things that the kids are learning, that they can take away from what we do here and take into the workplace, it gives them a leg up on anyone. That store is our funding source…to take away that piece of our business, and not be able to compensate the kids with our field-trips, is heartbreaking.”

Photos by Dakota McGranahan

Above: (Left to right)Freshmen Javier Parra and Edwin Mendosa, and Sophomores Julio Gomez and Noe Cazares work with supervisor Oriana Reis (not pictured) in Pandy's Café. The vocational ed. students work in the café every day.

Left: Cazares, Parra, and Gomez sit and discuss plans for the Panther Café.

Taylor Swift: why dating isn't a crime hannahAPPEL

artists to replace her song at the top of the billboard with another one of her own songs, going STAFF WRITER down in history with the likes of Elvis Presley After releasing multiple hit songs and albums, and The Beatles.

Sadly, unlike Elvis or The Beatles, Taylor Swift one would think that Taylor Swift would be one of today’s most beloved celebrities. But even with garners an unreasonable amount of hate, espeher quirky personality and impressive ear for music, the pop star still receives a staggering amount of hate. Whether it’s about the way she looks, the Whether it's about the way way she acts, or even the number of boyfriends Swift has had, people will jump at the smallest she looks or the number of boyopportunity to try and bring her down. friends Swift has had, people It’s hard to have a positive view on your appearance today. If you don’t fit a certain mold, will jump at the smallest opporsociety deems you unattractive. It’s a hard feat tunity to bring her down. to block out the body hate, especially if you’re always in the public eye.

Yet Taylor Swift has managed to do exactly that. She gets made fun of for things that regular cially for the way she acts. But she has manpeople deal with on a daily basis; you’re too skin- aged to block all the negativity out. In fact, she’s ny, you’re not even pretty, you don’t have any even made videos directed to anyone who’s ever talent. The list goes on and on for her. Swift is no thought she wouldn’t make it. In the music video for “Blank Space,” Swift beautifully played more different than the rest of us.

But how did Taylor Swift deal with this unde- up her public persona as the insane, over-observing hate? She wrote a hit song called, “Shake sessed, boy crazy ex-girlfriend. “Shake it Off” It Off,” that immediately went to the top of the was about the way the public sees her and how charts for four weeks straight. Almost right after little she truly cares about it.

The last and most obvious thing people hate that, one of her other hit songs, “Blank Space,” hit number one too. Taylor Swift is one of the only about Taylor Swift is her supposedly never-

ending list of ex-boyfriends. With whispers and rumors, it’s hard to know exactly how many boys Swift has dated, but it’s not nearly as much as the media purports it to be. Her list of famous boyfriends includes: Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, Connor Kennedy, and Harry Styles. In reality, Taylor Swift has dated no more guys than what is considered normal.

Like all celebrities, Swift is just a normal person. She has family, friends, and, yes, boyfriends too. So before you simply put Taylor Swift on hold, stop and wonder, “Why don’t I like her?”

If the answer is valid, such as if you really aren’t into that style of music, then move on. But if you start realizing you dislike her because of her fame or personal life, then try listening to some of her music. You might like it more than you think.

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OPINION

Freedom of speech vs. terrorist attacks: which wins out? milenaDUARTE

MANAGING EDITOR

Illustration by Milena Duarte

This drawing is based off an illustration created by London graphic designer Lucille Clerc in response to the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris.

The dictionary definition of freedom of speech is “the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.” Imagine a world where you have no opinion on how to act, dress, and think.

You are stripped of your ideas, beliefs, opinions, and independence. Your thoughts are never your own. They are stolen from you. Then they are changed and warped until eventually you no longer know yourself anymore.

That is how some people live, unaware that they are constantly surrounded by lies and deception. They are oblivious to the ever-evolving world around them. Many countries live this way, their people brainwashed by propaganda and lies.

They are shielded by a screen dividing them from freedom and possibility. Dictator Kim Jong-un has kept the North Korean people in the dark from their government and their rights for over 60 years. The Chinese Communist Party oversees China’s government and even controls the lives of its citizens, down to what they learn at school, what they see on T.V, and how many children they can have.

The recent attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices in France, for its comedic political satire, was another act of outrage towards free expression.

These repressions and attacks against freedom of

speech are not only in hate, but in fear.

This is because freedom of speech is a powerful tool. In the United States, it is a constitutional right. It is the ability to speak freely, voice your opinions, and, most importantly, be your own person. It has the capability of bringing people together to believe and fight for a cause. Actions are built off the foundation of new, inventive, and creative thoughts and ideas. It is the ability to bring education, awareness, and change.

However, freedom of speech yields a dangerous weapon. It gives people a voice in their government and a chance to fight for their rights. The governments of China and North Korea are sustained by controlling and dictating their people.

Without that power, their governments would collapse. To prevent chaos, there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the world in the dark and shroud it from free ideas and change.

So, stand up for your beliefs, because they are your own and nobody can take that away from you. Open your mind to the world and its endless possibilities. Don’t be afraid to be your own person and speak your mind. As famous French writer Voltaire once said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” So I may not agree with your love for Hawaiian pizza or passion for bird watching, but I will always stand by your right to love it.

Transgender girl's suicide shows the injustice of conversion therapy sienaLAKE

STAFF WRITER

On December 28, 2014, Leelah Alcorn, a seventeen year-old transgender girl, died when she stepped out in front of traffic on Ohio’s Interstate 71. Born under the name Joshua Ryan Alcorn, by the age of four, Leelah realized that she wasn’t quite the perfect Christian boy that her parents thought she should be. For ten years, Leelah had no idea that there even was a word to describe this “ungodly disease” that she thought she had. She writes in her final letter, “When I was fourteen, I learned what transgender meant and cried of happiness.”

This all changed, however, when Leelah told her parents that she was gay, and then came out as trans. “She [Mom] reacted extremely negatively, telling me it was a phase... that I was wrong.” Leelah was then forced into conversion therapy with Christian therapists who were biased against what she was feeling and who continuously repeated what her mother had told her. This sunk Leelah into a deeper depression than she was already in and, by the time she was 17, she felt alone and lost.

Page layout by Opal White

Although Leelah Alcorn wasn’t the first transgender person to commit suicide, her death drew international attention. Memorials and vigils were held all across the U.S. and the U.K, while LGBTQ+ supporters, such as Nike and the White House, rushed to petition and pass what they are calling “Leelah’s Law,” a bill that would put a ban on conversion therapy in the United States.

Conversion therapy is a type of treatment that aims to turn homosexual and transgender people into cisgender heterosexuals. The psychiatric community opposes this and has cited that it can be both physically and emotionally traumatizing. So why would Leelah’s parents put their child through a program that has been cited as such? Their answer was their Christian religion.

Some denominations interpret the Bible as saying that all LGBTQ+ people are sinners and that God can cure them; however, God never stated any cures for this so-called “illness.” If this conversion therapy was banned and the words of the psychological community taken into consideration, Leelah’s suicide could have most likely been avoided. It is our job to make our voices be heard, so that atrocities such as this never happen again.

Photo by Leelah Alcorn

This photo was posted by Alcorn on her tumblr blog, the same site on which she posted her suicide note. The photo is quickly becoming iconic; some believe it is a symbol of the movement to end transgender suicide.

OPINION

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Community college tuition bill encourages reform justinDANTE STAFF WRITER

This January, President Barack Obama delivered his sixth State of the Union Address.

And, true to form, he was charismatic—and even snarky—in his polished rhetoric. Among talking points such as global warming, immigration, and Obamacare, there was one proposal that stuck out as especially shiny ——two years of free community college for those willing to work for it.

But as always, the devil is in the details. The plan was to tax the popular 529 college savings accounts, used by many middle-class families, and use that money to finance programs that would help students at the lower-end of the income spectrum. The justification being that 529 accounts disproportionately benefit affluent upper-middle class households, as only the financially well-off can afford to shovel thousands of dollars away each year.

However, about 10% of all 529 account holders are families making less than $50,000 a year.

And nearly 70% of account holders have yearly

incomes under $150,000. So, in practice, while the brunt of taxes would be borne by affluent families, the tax would still hurt many lowincome families, the very group this policy was targeted at helping. It’s Robin Hood gone awry.

Furthermore, even those households making $200,000 a year aren’t “rich.” We’re not talking

The tax would still hurt many low-income families, the very group this policy was targeted at helping.

1%-ers here. With average prices of $30,00060,000 per year, and these families being ineligible for most types of need-based financial aid, college is still a difficult expense for even the upper-middle class.

Obama seemed to have miscalculated his constituency, as he ran into opposition from promi-

nent Republicans and Democrats alike. Even House Minority leader, Nancy Pelosi (D), urged the president to drop the tax.

And as the dust settles in the wake of Obama’s misstep, the real problem has yet to be addressed. Perhaps, instead of applying another Band-Aid, we should break out the thread and needle. Why and how have college tuition prices been allowed to rise to such ridiculous costs?

For decades now, college tuition prices have outpaced overall inflation. Since 1985, the consumer price index has risen 115%, while college tuition inflation has risen by 500%. In 1986, a year of college, on average, cost $10,000. Today that number is $59,800. While there are multiple, complicated reasons for these inflation rates, labor costs are prominent among them. The administrative bureaucracy has grown exponentially, with salaries not far behind, and, in most cases, dwarfing those of the professors.

And there’s no mystery surrounding the source of all this money—students have been picking up the tab for years.

Turnabout's sexist implications maiaPAGÁN STAFF WRITER

As many people know, Turnabout is a dance where girls ask out guys. But girls and guys, including those in same-gender and nonbinary couples, should be able to ask anyone to the dance, without sexism getting in the way. Why is there only one dance dedicated to girls asking guys? Why does Santa Rosa High choose to have Turnabout rather than a winter formal?

There seems to be an idea in many people’s heads that asking someone to a dance is a man’s job, which is not true. Every dance should be the same, with people asking whoever they want, no matter what gender. With the current circumstances, same-gender couples and nonbinary gender individuals are excluded. These sexist standards really hit close to home.

Originally, Turnabout was called “Sadie Hawkins.” It originated with a popular cartoon character in the 1930s with that name. In the cartoon, she could not get any suitors, so her dad makes a “Sadie Hawkins” day to get her a date. As the comic was made right after the Great Depression, it seemed to lift spirits. The “Sadie Hawkins” dance was created after the comic came out, and was a time for all the single girls to find suitors. It used to be great for Santa Rosa High school to host a “Sadie Hawkins” dance, but now it is a bit outdated. Continuing this tradition is not beneficial to a school as progressive as SRHS. There seems to be no particular reason why girls have to ask guys to this certain dance. This act seems a bit old. Girls, guys, or anyone else should be able to ask whoever they want to any dance, any time.

Photo by Lindsay Bribiescas A dance that specificly encourages girls to ask guys on dates may seem progressive, but it actually enforces strict gender roles. It separates boys from girls even more and wholely excludes same-sex couples and non-binary gender people.

The Mental Ill

Mental illness is worldwide and ser like smallpox or ebola. It disrupts daily lif li So which illnesses are the mo And how does school play a factor in

Can school pressure contribute to mental illness? abbyVOLZ

board. It can cause difficulty concentrating, headaches, troubles sleeping, and many other school-affecting symptoms.

STAFF WRITER Depression can come from stress and anxiety. The feelIt’s no secret that school can bring on feelings of dread ing that a student isn’t smart enough or good enough and stress, but lately it has been reaching dangerous lev- to get a good grade in a class is crippling. Bullyels. School, as well as the internet, has been linked to ing on Facebook and Twitter has brought deincreasing levels in panic attacks as well as rising pression levels to a new high. Social media depression. Out of the general population, 49% of also makes people feel disconnected sopeople have had a history of dealing with anxiety cially despite the fact they’re connected or depression. This problem is not new; it has more than ever. “It’s not the internet just grown worse through the years. uniquely, it’s the culture,” said an “The average high school kid today anonymous student. has the same level of anxiety as the School counselors have seen average psychiatric patient in the many different cases like this. “I early 1950’s,” Dr. Robert L. Leahy would say, generically speaking, wrote in his essay, “How Big of that I don’t feel that school is the hannahAPPEL a Problem is Anxiety?” And cause for anxiety and depression. it’s not just kids that at- I think that it is manifested someSTAFF WRITER tend strongly academic place else, so usually at home or No one is ever 100% happy with schools or take most- in things that are going on in stutheir body. Four out of ten people will ly college prep dents’ lives,” Mrs. Bertsch, a couneither struggle or know someone who classes who are selor on campus, said when asked if struggles with an eating disorder, such as affected; it’s school causes anxiety or depression.

Anorexia Nervosa NervosaororBulimia Bulimia Nervosa.

Nervosa.

AnorexAnev e r y o n e “And being able to focus for six hours ia orexia Nervosa, Nervosa, or anorexia, or Anorexia, is an eating is an eating disorderdisorder where a c r o s s a day and go home and do homework awhere person a person refusesrefuses to eat ortoeats eat irregularly. or eats irregularly.

People who Peot h e when you’re already feeling out of sorts, struggle ple who struggle with anorexia with Anorexia often obsess oftenover obsess their over weight their you’re feeling down... all of those things and weight are and constantly are constantly countingcounting calories calories and measuring and measurfood that go with mental health, it is impossible portions. ing food portions. to focus.” School is a place where you get a Similar to anorexia, Anorexia, bulimia Bulimia isis aa debilitating debilitating eating eating disorder visual of how you’re struggling, which causes that includes includes self-induced self-induced vomiting, vomiting, purging, purging,or or fasting. In an averstress. She goes on to add that she believes age binge, a person diagnosed with bulimia Bulimia will will consume consume 3,000 3,000 to 5,000 social networking is more of a cause than school, calories in the space of an hour. After binging, people who are Bulimic bulimic may though school is a big factor in adding to stress. use laxatives, throw up to get rid of the calories, or go for a 10-mile run.

This has been going on for years and no one Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 out of 50 students will strughas made big moves to fight it. The stigma gle with one. An anonymous SRHS freshman has struggled with both Anorexia anorexia and needs to end. It’s okay if you suffer from bulimia.

Bulimia. “It’s “It’s like, like, no no matter matter how how skinny skinny you you are, are, there’s there’s always always aa voice voice in the back of these mental illnesses. Many others do your head telling you that you’re a fat cow and you’ll never be good enough,” she states. too. If you ever need help, talk to Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys turn to these methods a counselor or someone you trust. to lose weight. School also helps contribute to body-image issues. Many report feeling pressured They can help. to look good, which creates a competition to be the prettiest or the skinniest. The images of “beauty” on social media also cause body-image issues. As children, many girls play with stick-thin barbies and many boys play with muscular action figures, which creates a preconceived notion on what beauty should be; this creates an impossible goal to reach.

Though having an eating disorder may make you feel alienated, there are so many other teens who share the same problem. If you have suspicions that you or a friend may have an eating disorder, please tell someone and seek help. It is possible to come back from this, but first you must build up your confidence. The models on front of magazines are not realistic; Barbies and action figures are not what regular people look like. The people you see around you are what real, healthy people look like, and, chances are, they are struggling with internal issues as well. Having an eating disorder does not mean you're alone in your fight.

What

are

anorexia

and bulimia?

Photo by Lindsay Bribiescas

Illustrations by Isabella Froman

llness Problem

rious — as serious as any other epidemic fe and is one of the leading causes of suicide. ife ost common, particularly in teens? the lives of students with these illnesses?

What are anxiety and depression? sienaLAKE

STAFF WRITER

Persistent depressive disorder is slightly different, because while major depression happens in episodes, a person with persistent depressive disorder will constantly be irritable, moody, and pessimistic over a long period of time. This can affect performance in school and in day-to-day life.

Bipolar disorder is also widely known. While in the SCHOOL SURVEY other types of depression, one feels suicidal and down constantly, a person with bipolar disorder can easily go from suicidal to ecstatic. These so called “mood-swings” can happen anywhere from two or three times a year to several times a day, making for a very volitile mental state.

Depression and anxiety are both very serious disorders, and if any of the symptoms listed seem to apply to you, call a help line or go to a doctor 1 2 and seek help. maiaPAGÁN

The words “anxiety” and “depression” can be considered umbrella-terms for more specific types of these mental illnesses. Anxiety is divided into sub-categories, some of which can be addressed as generalized anxiety, OCD, panic disorder (anxiety attacks), and social anxiety. Depression can also be split into nine sub-categories, such as major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Knowing the names of these disorders begs the question, “So what exactly is anxiety and what is depression?”

Anxiety is a nervous disorder characterized by excessive uneasiness and worry. In the United States alone, there are over 40 million people with anxiety and 1 in 8 children or adolescents will have anxiety, making it the most STAFF WRITER common mental illness in America. But different people have different types of There are five different anxiety. General anxiety is when people types of schizophrenia, including feel anxious about most everything and schizoaffective disorder, catatonic social anxiety is where a person is afraid of schizophrenia, childhood schizophrenia, social interaction. Obsessive-compulsive disdisorganized schizophrenia (hebephrenic), order is when a person has intense repeating and paranoid schizophrenia. There are many thoughts that drive them to do what they are the misconceptions regarding schizophrenia. thinking about, and panic disorder is where a Schizoaffective disorder is a type of schizoperson has intense attacks of anxiety that can phrenia that is characterized by a combination of cause them to faint or simply lose the steady flow schizophrenia and mood (affective) disorder symptoms. of blood to their brain.

Many doctors say that this is more of a mood disorder than Depression, which is often associated with schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenia is somewhat similar to anxiety, is the feeling of severe despondency schizoaffective disorder. With catatonic schizophrenia, individuand dejection. About 5% of children and adals can get overexcited or hyperactive; people who have this will olescents in the general population suffer mimic sounds or movements around them. depression throughout their lifetime.

Childhood schizophrenia, or early-onset schizophrenia, is less comMajor depression is the most mon than others. All the signs or symptoms of the mental illness show earlier well-known type of depression. in life than in other schizophrenias. There is a disorganized schizophrenia (hebeIt not only interferes with phrenic); this is supposed to be an extreme version of “disorganization syndrome,” work, sleep, study habits, where individuals have incoherent and illogical thoughts and behaviors. People who and eating, but also usuhave this typically cannot do day-to-day tasks. Paranoid schizophrenia involves a person ally appears in intense having false beliefs, like delusions that a group of people or a person is planning to harm episodes that can them or members of their family. As with most types of schizophrenia, the person often hears occur throughthings that aren’t real (auditory hallucinations). They also could have a belief that they are stronout a person's ger and more powerful than anyone else. lifetime.

If you feel that you have any of the symptoms listed above, please tell a parent or guardian to get help. You can call Sonoma County Mental Health Services at (707) 565-4810.

Panther Voice: What is ? a i n e r h p o z i Sch

Do you think that school can cause anxiety and depression?

Photo by Tracy Fernandez

Yes: 96% No: 4% 1

2

Do you know anyone diagnosed with these disorders?

Yes: 75% No: 25% This survey was completed by 200 SRHS students in their classrooms.

Spread design by Isabella Froman

12

COLUMNS

/

Sincere Sarcastic An advice column

Valentine's Day didn't work out for me, and I want to have someone special by this time next year.

So how do I pick up girls? isabellaFROMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rather than thinking about “picking up” girls, such as with pick-up lines or careful strategies, change your mindset to meeting girls (or really anyone). The hardest part about finding someone to love is having people around – if you've been trying in your current available dating pool and nothing is working, it's time to branch out.

But meeting people is hard, especially if you're not outgoing. It will take some effort – the perfect girl isn't going to show up at your house out of nowhere. Spend time downtown or go to the mall. Most of all, keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. If you're invited to a party next weekend in Sebastopol, and you don't know anyone from there, check it out. Make use of the connections you have, and be open to meeting more people through friends and friends of friends. If you aren't looking, you'll never find what you're looking for.

More than simply having someone around, you want someone who is compatible with you, and is someone to have a relationship with.

(Assuming you're looking for more than hook-ups, that is.) It'll be much easier to find someone who works well with you if your pool is wider.

As you try to meet new people, make sure to also keep an open mind about the people you already know. People change as they grow, and someone who may have once been unavailable may, for some reason, be more available. They may break up with their current date, or become more emotionally in touch with you.

But of course, Valentine's Day is just a day, whether you're dating someone or not. Having a girlfriend for one day should be the same as having a girlfriend any other day – one commercial holiday shouldn't have as much bearing on your desire for a relationship. You should want to date someone because you like them, and because you want a connection that includes a specific kind of emotional support. Place less importance on the day, and more importance on a person.

thomasPASTIS

EDITORIAL BOARD

First of all, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone makes mistakes, and I’m sure that you can put together a better strategy next year. Ha...

Sorry, I’m a terrible liar...

So, how do you not suck on Valentines’ day? Well, the first thing you need to do is to get him/her to notice you.

This can be easily accomplished by going over-the-top. Have you ever seen someone get a teddy bear for Valentines’ day and be charmed by the gesture? We’re gonna one-up that. So, when he/she opens up their locker, make sure you’ve put in a real bear.

Obviously, like, a small one, but a bear nonetheless. You can catch a bear by learning how to do that. They’ll notice you for sure.

So, now that you have their attention, you may be asking; What’s the next step? Good question. Absolute silence. After you put the bear in her locker, they will almost certainly be thinking, “What mysterious gentleman/gentlewoman put that ursine gift in my locker?” Or, you know, “Wow, these lacerations on my arms hurt so much”, but such is the price of love. Let that question percolate for a while. If they text you, don’t text back. If they try to talk to you, stiff-arm them. Continue this pattern for a week or so, and they will be bursting with curiosity.

After a week or so, you need to come up with a way of asking them to the big shindig, or whatever you youngsters are calling dances nowadays. The most important thing to consider is uniqueness. Nobody wants a heartfelt confession of love. They want spectacle. Cater to this. Airdrop millions of candy hearts on their house. Coat the entire floor in butter, and when they fall over time and time again, say the line: “I know how you feel. I can’t stop falling for you either.” Get a tombstone made up with his/her name with your last name. The possibilities are endless.

If you follow these steps, you can’t help but have him/her fall in love with you. Or whatever. To be honest, I haven’t field-tested much. But the Ghostbusters didn’t field-test, and look how well they did- Only blew up two national monuments. Also, why is Ghostbusters 2 a thing? I understand that the first one was hugely successful, but did they really think that lightning would strike twice? All we got was a watered-down version of the first movie. I feel like I’ve gotten off track.

Need advice? Send your letters to D101 or message them to the Santa Rosan Facebook page. They will be printed anonymously.

13

COLUMNS

Insight from a quiet observer: slut-shaming of K-pop stars

tracyFERNANDEZ EDITORIAL BOARD

Sex sells ——that is no exception within the Korean music industry. From Girl’s Day’s hit tune, “Something,” to AOA’s catchy song, “Like A Cat,” to Ga In’s “Bloom,” sexy comebacks are a growing trend among Korean girl groups. Yet the reaction from fans is sour as these female idols transform from sweet to sultry.

Not offering cups of tea anymore, Hello Venus shimmied their way into a comeback this early January with their new video and 5th digital

single, "Wiggle Wiggle." Popularly known for their aegyo (a notion often associated with a cute concept) concepts such as “Do You Want Some Tea” and “What Are You Doing Today,” this sudden change has incited negative criticism from fans.

For the majority of fans, skin exposure and pandering to male audiences seems to be the main issue with accepting these new “sexy transitions” that a lot of girl groups, such as Hello Venus, are adopting in 2015. However, this is not an issue of too much skin exposure demonstrated within “sexy comebacks.” This is an issue involving slut-shaming.

In regards to Hello Venus’s music video for “Wiggle Wiggle,” fans have attacked the girls’ appearance and provocative choreography instead of the song itself. Ranging from bodyto- slut-shaming, a variety of the YouTube comments have said: “They are such whores!

Girls’ Generation is more clean!,” “For twerking you need a body with curves like a woman!,” “Instead of ‘Do You Want Some Tea?’ it’s ‘do you want a body shot’?”. Far from constructive criticism, this is not the first time a girl group has received harsh backlash—and it is not the last.

A frequent occurrence in K-Pop, slut-shaming

has become a regular repercussion female idols face for being too overtly sexual. It’s no secret that the Korean music industry uses sex to sell albums with their girl groups and female idols that are, in particular, often constructed entirely to attract male audiences. Nonetheless, do they deserve any less respect? The short answer: no.

“Girl groups are criticized for their sexy concepts because it's overused or it's objectifying them. In all honesty, I believe it has to do more with jealousy and judgemental thought that the girls are exploiting themselves just for success, when it's the company who decides the concepts most of the time and the girls roll with it,” said senior Jasmin Sanchez. “Hello Venus did not deserve any of that backlash because it was the producer, Brave Brothers, who created the song and the girls agreed to it. If that's what they want to do, then leave the girls be.”

With the pressure on and fans’ expectations running high, someone is certain to fall. Usually, female idols are the ones to suffer the blow when they fail to measure up. The truth is, not every girl group or female idol will be the next liberating icon(s)—and that should be okay.

Remember, your role as a fan is to support, not degrade.

victim. Emotional abuse is perhaps the most insidious form of abuse, and can be coupled with other types of abuse, like physical and sexual abuse.

Emotional, or psychological, abuse often leaves the victim bewildered and isolated, largely due to its subtlety. Psychological abuse leaves no visible bruises or scratches, no physical damage to prove that, yes, it did happen. Instead, the victim is left with self-doubt, low self-esteem, and is systematically manipulated and controlled by the other party in the relationship. Many victims feel that they deserve the abuse, that the abuse is their fault.

Abusers often humiliate, constantly degrade, ignore or exclude, guilt-trip, isolate, and control the finances and social lives of their victims.

Many abusers “gas-light” their victims, twisting or omitting information in order to make victims doubt their memory, perception, or sanity.

Victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and some may commit suicide.

Victims of emotional abuse — be they the sons, daughters, significant others, or even friends of the abuser — are left scared and alone.

It’s hard to escape a mentally abusive relationship because abusers destroy victims’ selfesteems, as well as their belief that people will want to help them, or even that they’re worthy of help. Beyond that, victims often lose healthy

relationships with friends or family members because of the abuser’s manipulation, which cuts off ways to escape. Abusers sometimes even control the economic situation of the victim, and may even physically cut off methods of escape by controlling or even sabotaging vehicles.

But a lot of unhealthy relationships aren’t that obvious. Sometimes it comes down to how it feels to be in that relationship. If you’re consistently scared to say the wrong thing, or even to talk to someone else for too long or too intimately because you might upset your girlfriend or boyfriend, that is unhealthy. If he or she makes you feel bad about yourself, or constantly criticizes how you look, act, dress, or otherwise behave, that is unhealthy.

If a guardian, parental or otherwise, displays any of these signs either, then that is not a healthy relationship. Societal expectations demand that children love their families unconditionally — that is not true. If family abuses you, you are not obligated to love them or to stay with them.

If you are in an unhealthy, harmful relationship, try to leave or get help. At the very least, talk to someone. If you know someone in an abusive relationship, support them. Let them know that they do not deserve to be abused; they did nothing wrong.

If you are in need of help or support, call 1-800-799-7233 or go online to thehotline.org.

Get some glasses: Abusive Relationships

lindsayBRIBIESCAS EDITORIAL BOARD

The media has a tendency to romanticize things that aren’t fun, or cute, or anything to aspire to. Ever. This includes eating disorders, suicide, addiction, and abusive relationships.

Some are easier to identify than others, and some are nearly impossible to see, perhaps because they’ve been so idealized for so long.

Abusive relationships can take many different forms, which makes it harder to recognize them.

But the negative effects of abuse don’t lessen with the degree of noticeability, and sometimes the apparentness of abuse isn’t evident to the

14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE

Year in Review: Top 5 Games of 2014

GAMING CORNER

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Ah, Borderlands. Dear old Borderlands.

The game series that has never had a subpar game. If I had the space, I could compose a multi page essay on the aspects that make Borderlands an amazing game. The reason it would be so long is because every aspect of the game makes it amazing.

One of the key aspects of the game that makes it so perfect is the loot. The first game in the series, Borderlands, holds the world record for most guns in a video game ever: 17.75 million. This is because all the Borderlands games

Super Smash Bros.

thomasPASTIS

EDITORIAL BOARD

jakeESPINOZA STAFF WRITER

use a procedural weapon generation system in which different parts of the guns are combined at random. This vast variety of loot means that you are unlikely to ever be bored with what you find.

In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, you learn the story of the lovable villain, Handsome Jack, from Borderlands 2.

His rise to power after the opening of the mystical alien Vault and his subsequent maniacal dictatorship over the residents of Pandora are all lived out by the player in this latest epic in the Borderlands series.

Alien: Isolation

kathyPHAM COPY EDITOR

Let’s face it: There really weren’t any new and good IP’s that came out this year (that I know of-- don’t feel high-and-mighty if a new JRPG came out in Taiwan). This year was the year of the sequel. Nintendo, who is no stranger to sequels, spent the months after E3 hyping the newest installment in the Super Smash Bros series.

I, along with many other fans, assumed that it wouldn’t live up to the hype. Despite my expectations, though, the game is reeeeally good. They took what was a great game in Brawl and made it better with a new cast of characters, flawless mechanics, and great new updates to the series. The main difference between the two games that I can see is that the new Super Smash Bros is fun, no matter your skill level.

The items are ridiculous (An extra life? Really?), the stages are ridiculous, and some of the super moves are ridiculous. (Little Mac). It’s an extremely fun game that players of all skill levels can enjoy, and what more can you ask for from a party game?

Despite the fact that Alien: Isolation didn’t receive as much recognition as it should have, it is still one very brilliant game. For those of you who didn’t read our “best horror games” column in the October edition, I’ll summarize the highlights of the game.

Essentially, this first-person survival horror stealth game incorporates beautiful graphics with a hair-raising atmosphere to create a unique experience for gamers. You play as Amanda Ridley, who’s investigating her mother’s disappearance on an alien infested space station.

The game features a very intelligent alien AI (artificial intelligence) who actively tries to hunt you down based on sight, sound, and smell. It learns from experience, meaning it will find a way to counter your own techniques of survival. This makes every gameplay experience different. Think hiding in a locker will save you? Maybe for the first time around, but the Alien can smell fear.

Alien: Isolation requires more than just bravery; it requires sheer intellect and maybe an extra pair of underpants.

kathyPHAM

jakeESPINOZA

Goat Simulator

COPY EDITOR

Ever wanted to be a goat? Well here’s your chance.

Goat Simulator is a third-person perspective simulation game that is supposed to simulate life as an average goat...or should I say, an average goat with an abnormally long, strong tongue, a pretty rad neck, and the ability to wreak havoc on everything it touches? Not only that, but you can also turn on the ragdoll effect. What even is physics?

As a destructive goat in an open-world map, you gain points by causing chaos. You can also bounce on trampolines, ride a skateboard, and fly a jetpack. What really makes this game so popular, though, are the bugs in the game. Once again, what is physics?

The world of Goat Simulator is yours to explore. So go ahead - lick things.

Crash a party. Headbutt some people. Blow up a gas station. Did I mention you can play as a demon goat?

(If you really dislike goats, then it’s okay, because there are other options as well, such as a giraffe or an ostrich).

Far Cry 4

STAFF WRITER

This newest installment in the Far Cry game series is truly an awesome game. Much like its predecessor, Far Cry 3, it is an open world, survival/ exploration/beat-the-bad-guys first person shooter.

In the game, you play as Ajay Ghale, a Kirati-American. He returns to Kyrat, his native country, in order to spread his mother’s ashes. Upon arriving, he discovers that the country is engulfed in a civil war between the king, Pagan Min, and the rebels known as the Golden Path.

A unique feature to this game is the use of animals and airborne vehicles.

Before, in Far Cry 3, there were only vehicles for the land and water. In Far Cry 4, there are gyrocopter type things that you can cruise the sky in. As well as the standard cars and quads, in Far Cry 4, you can get around on the back of an elephant. The elephant is able to attack things on the ground and charge at enemies.

Far Cry 4 makes this list because of its expansion of travel methods, as well as its fun and dynamic gameplay.

The Rosies 1

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Santa Rosan's movie awards:

What is the best movie of 2014?

2 3

9

1. Boyhood 8.5% 2. Gone Girl 7% 3. Guardians of the Galaxy 23.5% 4. Into the Woods 9.5%

8 7 6

5

4

1

5

5. Lucy 5% 6. Selma 11.5% 7. Interstellar 11% 8. Imitation Game 5% 9. Other 19%

Who is the best actress of 2014?

4

1. Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) 54% 2. Meryl Streep (Into the Woods) 15% 3. Quvenzhané Wallis (Annie) 8% 4. Reese Witherspoon (Wild) 14% 5. Other 9%

3 2 1 2

Who is the best actor of 2014?

5

3 4

15

1. Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) 11.5% 2. Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) 21.5% 3. Ralph Feinnes (Grand Budapest Hotel) 19.5% 4. Matthew McConaughey (Interstellar) 26.5% 5. Other 21%

This survey was completed by 200 SRHS students in their classrooms. Charts by Isabella Froman

Best Picture: Boyhood gabeMULCAIRE STAFF WRITER

The central conceit of Boyhood is relatively simple: filmed over the course of twelve years, it follows a young boy through his childhood and teenage years. It’s a beautiful idea, and one that has never been done on this scale. But Boyhood succeeds as far more than an experimental film.

It would be easy for a movie about an ordinary boy and an ordinary life to be boring. This movie is anything but, thanks almost entirely to its stellar performances. Newcomer Ellar Coltrane, as central character Mason, is consistently charismatic and believable for all twelve years of the movie.

Such a project must have been a daunting task for a young, inexperienced actor, but Coltrane carries the film with apparent ease. He is supported by his on-screen family, played by stars Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, and director Richard Linklater’s own daughter, Lorelai.

For all of these actors, the filming of Boyhood was an intensely personal project, and a great deal of intimacy and emotion shines through to the final product. It is one of the most accurate depictions of reality ever put on screen, and most viewers will find something of their own lives reflected in Mason’s story. Teenage boys, in particular, may be struck by how closely the film tracks with their own lives, adding emotional weight to a simple story.

Boyhood will be upheld as a classic for decades to come, remembered for its achievements in terms of both quality and form.

Best Visual FX: Interstellar Best Actor and Actress rolandCALLOWAY

abbyVOLZ

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

Interstellar is an incredibly divisive film: some find it to be one of the finest pieces of cinema ever, while others consider it to be overly bloated and weak at best. Regardless of which camp you may fall into, there is one aspect of this film that could be considered universally stellar: its visual effects. The amount of effort and detail that went into the visuals of this film is quite clear, and the results are outstanding. Part of the marvel of this movie is that many of the effects were done without CGI, causing the film to appear more realistic.

But even when nothing but CGI could be used, this movie goes beyond what many thought was imaginable. The effects team for the movie worked with physicist Kip Thorne to make all the visuals as accurate as possible. The vistas from each of the alien worlds, the imagery of the light-bending wormhole, and the visual presentation of a place beyond time are all stunning. The coup de grace of this movie, though, is its supermassive black hole, “Gargantua.” When the effects team used physical laws in their animation program to create the black hole, the resulting image was completely different than anyone expected: the disks of light did not just make a single ring around the black hole, but they twisted around the black hole in an impressive visual spectacle. This surprise led to a new scientific discovery, and is foremost among the reasons why this movie has the best visual effects of this year.

When someone thinks about the newest musical-to-movie, Into the Woods, they probably think two things. One, why was Johnny Depp’s part so small? And two, Meryl Streep was AMAZING as the witch. Her performance added so much to the movie and the story itself. The character of the witch herself is a complex and thorough character within the musical itself, but Meryl Streep brought her to life on the big screen better than anyone else couldI can think of.

Each scene she was in, she just seemed to steal it.

Although the movie The Theory of Everything was not amazing or “Best Picture”- worthy, Eddie Redmayne’s performance was outstanding. The Theory of Everything is the story of Stephen Hawking, one of the smartest men alive, and his battle with ALS, a disease which can weaken many types of muscles, mainly in the arms, legs, and throat. Hawking has a very extreme version of it, so bad that he can only move enough muscles to communicate through a computer.

First of all, it isn’t easy playing someone who is probably 100 times smarter than you, yet you have to make the audience believe that you are that smart. But then to also have to play someone with a severe disease (that he probably doesn’t have any prior experience with) that ends up leaving you completely paralyzed is really difficult. Eddie Redmayne did it beautifully.

Illustration by Isabella Froman

16

FOOD & HEALTH

Sexually transmitted diseases

brynaHAUGEN

BUSINESS MANAGER

The purpose of this article is not only to inform and educate about the human body, but also to spark discussion about topics that have long been viewed as ‘wrong’ or ‘inappropriate’. Teenagers deserve to understand their own bodies, their own sexuality, without shame.

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are often at the forefront of every conversation about youth sexuality — but let’s begin by examining the difference between the two. By medical definition,

a disease must have symptoms. However, many venereal (another way to say sexually transmitted) infections are symptomless, meaning the infected individual often cannot tell if they are positive for the disease unless they are tested. If this is the case, it is instead called an infection. However, STIs and STDs are both often referred to colloquially as STDs, and in this article, STD will mean both STDs and STIs. There are many types of venereal diseases, ranging from HSV-1, also known as oral herpes, or cold sores, to syphilis. Some venereal diseases are incurable, like both the oral and genital forms of herpes simplex, HIV, and HPV (human papillomavirus). However, others can be treated and a full recovery can be made, such as with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but viral infections can only be managed with medications, not cured.

The impact of being positive for an STD on an individual’s life varies dramatically based on the disease. HIV, despite great leaps in the medical community, still shortens life expectancy — whereas many people live their entire lives with HSV-1 without visible symptoms or pain. However, in both of these cases, the infections are still transmissible.

Wearing a condom, using dental dams, or other safe sex accoutrements isn’t enough when it comes to be sexually responsible. If you are sexually active, you need to be tested regularly for STDs. If you’re a minor, you don’t need parental permission to be tested — there are clinics throughout Sonoma County that provide birth control, condoms, and STD testing for anyone who walks in, guaranteed. To name a few: Sonoma County Indian Health Project Incorporated, Santa Rosa Community Health Centers Lombardi Court Health Center, Santa Rosa Community Health Centers Elsie Allen Health Center, and Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific Santa Rosa Health Center all are located within Santa Rosa — and that’s only a few.

Being sexually active is not a death sentence, or something to be terrified of. However, there can be serious and life changing consequences to being irresponsible about it. More than half of sexually active people will get an STD in their lifetime. Many can be cured or managed, but 140,000 people die every year of STDs other than HIV/AIDs. If you decide to be sexually active, get tested.

If you think you have an infection, see a doctor.

Having an STD is not something to be ashamed of, but being safe and responsible is something to be proud of.

Measles vaccines: why non-vaccination is dangerous pamelaMENENDEZ STAFF WRITER

Measles is an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood. However, the disease can get worse than that in some cases. According to Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, one or two of every 1,000 children who contract measles will die from the disease. The United States has already had more cases of measles in the first month of 2015 than the number that is typically diagnosed in a full year.

Many of the cases reported with measles are tied to an outbreak at Disneyland, which began in December. An estimated 40 people who were in contact with the amusement park caught the measles, and the disease has now spread to at least six other states.

Measles is airborne, and can be contracted by sharing space with an infected person. It is a very easy disease to catch, and if one is not vaccinated against the disease, it is 90% possible to contract it. However, vaccines can prevent one from catching the disease.

When celebrity Jenny McCarthy said that her 11-year-old son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism

in 2005, she suggested that vaccinations may have triggered his disorder. McCarthy does have a point, but her claim has been countered by many medical practitioners. In 1998, a study published by Andrew Wakefield in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet suggested that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine could cause autism. The research was then later discredited and the study was retracted by the journal in 2010. But the rumor had set off among people, causing them to believe that the vaccine is the cause for autism.

The measles vaccine is usually administered as an MMR, a combination vaccine that provides protection against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is strongly endorsed by medical and public health experts as safe and effective. There is nothing to lose by getting the vaccine, but only safety against it and safety for those around you.

Nonetheless, personal stories of people who claim that vaccines are responsible for autism or other conditions have caused parents not to vaccinate their children. Now many children and people with delicate immune systems who were not vaccinated have contracted measles.

Photo by Pamela Menendez

Parents who do not vaccinate their children put them at risk of contracting a dangerous disease. There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism, while there is evidence that they can save lives. The controversy is ongoing, but the scientific evidence backing the benefits of vaccines still stands.

17 Brew and Quickly: new drink shops in Santa Rosa FOOD & HEALTH

opalWHITE

kathyPHAM

A new coffee shop has joined the many cute and unique coffee spots in Santa Rosa. Brew is located at 555 Healdsburg Ave., and has the potential to be the next go-to single-location #coffee shop in town.

Brew serves Ritual brand coffee, as well as sandwiches, burritos, and quiches from Criminal Baking Co. It also features Grateful Bagel and Village Bakery pastries and bagels. For now, Brew only serves coffee in the form of various coffee drinks (including hot chocolate and chai latte), but eventually they plan to serve beer and wine as well. The name of the coffee shop, Brew, is a play on how you brew both coffee and beer.

Brew’s interior is painted a comforting bluegreen and is decorated with artwork and plants scattered around the room. In one corner, there are a few armchairs and a couch, as well as tables and chairs inside and outside the building. The quiet music floating through the room, as well as the ample space, makes it the ideal place to go and study or work on homework while sipping a mocha.

The drinks were served in cute mugs and had beautiful foam art designs on top. Their mocha (pictured) is a wonderful blend of coffee and chocolate that has a smokey and rustic note to it.

The pastries, although a little on the expensive side, looked delicious in their clean glass case.

Brew is definitely a place to watch. So head on down, order a drink and a pastry, and relax.

It’s about time that a boba place opened up in Santa Rosa! At Quickly, located at 1880 Mendocino Ave., people can now get their boba fix without traveling to San Francisco.

For those who don’t yet know of this great thing called boba, it is essentially tapioca pearls, which are added into drinks. Why drink drinks when you can drink and eat drinks? You get the best of both worlds.

It’s not just the boba that’s unique, however; one look at the menu and your jaw will drop. The list is quite overwhelming, but go ahead, try the passion fruit slush. Or maybe even the coconut snow. Or be basic like me and just go for the milk teas. The best thing, though, is you can get anything flavored. That’s right. That means you can get anything in Nutella flavor. Is this heaven?

But Quickly doesn’t just sell beverages. They also serve egg puffs, which are kind of like waffles, but better. Did I mention you can flavor these too? That’s right. Nutella egg puffs. Additionally, they sell a ton of fried foods like popcorn chicken and fried chicken (both of which are bomb). In the mood for fries? They have that. Do you like fried seafood? They have that too. Go take your date out for some fried mini octopus. Seriously.

Quickly is where all of the cool kids go, so go check it out!

MANAGING EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Above: Brew's mocha, as well as all other drinks, come with delicate foam art. The baristas will decorate them for no extra charge.

Above: Quickly offers takoyaki, which are octopus balls in flour, a popular snack in countries like Japan.

Left: Quickly's flavored slushes with boba balls inside. These drinks can come in many different flavors.

Brew photo by Opal White Quickly photos courtesy of senior Thu Dang

New Ice Cream Shop has a Magical Spin rolandCALLOWAY STAFF WRITER

We often find great combinations of things that just seem meant for each other. Peanut butter and jelly, Diet Coke and Mentos, phones and internet, Nutella and anything; the list of these combinations is nearly endless. Now, Shuffle’s Magical Ice Cream Shoppe in downtown Santa Rosa is looking to add a new entry to this list: magic tricks and ice cream.

Upon entering the ice cream shop, anyone would notice the effort the owners have gone through to present the traditional ice cream parlor aesthetic, with black and white checkered floors and Frank Sinatra-esque crooner music playing in the background. Additionally, the shop as a whole has a lot of space in which to sit, which is unique, considering how crammed most yogurt and ice cream stores are now. There is a wide variety of flavors and toppings from which to choose, and they are served in ornate glass bowls in keeping with the

feel of an old parlor. The ice cream is very affordable, despite how fancy the shop seems to be.

What really makes this place unique, though, is how it is also a magic trick shop. To the left of the counter is a large wall that is filled with magical knick-knacks for sale, as well as a space for performing magic tricks. Additionally, behind the counter is a sizable venue for the weekly magic shows the shop puts on. Each of these shows is tailored for a different audience: some shows are oriented towards families and children, while others are presented more as date nights. Many of these events have entrées catered by the Brazilian restaurant next door, with the shop’s ice cream for dessert. These events would never be expected from an ice cream shop, but seem like a natural fit.

Shuffle’s Magical Ice Cream Shoppe offers a wide variety of activities, all while maintaining the feel of a traditional ice cream parlor. It is a Photo by Roland Calloway great choice for those seeking a new experience This charming logo is for Shuffle's Magical Ice Cream Shoppe. Its friendly ice cream man invites all who walk by. or some tasty local ice cream.

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SPORTS

SRHS competes in Redwood Empire's Battle of the Fans competition — and wins! mirandaMCCANN EDITORIAL BOARD

Sophomore Ally Daly is one of many spirited students at Santa Rosa High, and she, along with many others, is doing her part to broadcast SRHS’ remarkable school spirit. However this time, it isn’t enough to chant cheers and wave bandanas. Ever since a competition was announced, Santa Rosa had to scream the loudest, play the hardest, and be the best.

Daly explains, “[Battle of the Fans] is a competition between all the schools about who has the most positive spirit. Each school submits a three minute video showing off their school and then two finalists are chosen.

Three judges go to the two finalists’ games and decide the winner.” “[The competition] lets us show the community how spirited we really are,” shares senior Kylie Oden, “We’ve always been known as the most spirited school. . . We’re loud and proud to say we are Panthers and we show that at every game, boys or girls.”

Battle of the Fans was designed to “promote school spirit and discourage negative activity at prep sporting events.” The Redwood Empire, the host of the competition, stresses that “participating in a fun and positive environment at athletic contests should be a staple of a student’s high school experience and should include a large, diverse group of students.”

SRHS was chosen as one of the two finalists from the North Bay League and eventually won. According to the Battle of the Fans organization, SRHS will receive a banner for their gym as well as $1000 for their student body.

Sophomore Dreena Edillor was overjoyed when she heard about SRHS’ victory. “I had never felt more proud and honored to be a Panther. Throughout the season we really showed why we were considered the most spirited school.”

“Santa Rosa should win Battle of the Fans because we had spirit before they made a competition about it,” Daly concludes, “We’ve always supported our teams, win or lose, more than any other school in Sonoma County.”

Fortunately, SRHS’ support has resulted in a resounding and well-deserved victory.

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1. The Battle of the Fans competition, hosted

by The Redwood Empire, has rallied the students of SRHS. The students participated in theme nights during some of the games, including Hawaiian Night and Blackout Night.

2. Senior Trevor Weitzenberg and Sophomore Gavin Weitzenberg, brothers, hug after an emotional speech from Gavin.This year is Trevor's last on the court, and being able to play with his friends and younger brother Gavin was all that he could ask for.

3. During lunch on the Friday of the final Battle of the Fans game, a rally was hosted by Student Government in the Main Quad. One competition, called Twerk It, consists of each competitor twerking until all the pingpong balls fall out of a box strapped to their lower back.

4. The SRHS Pep Band Drum Line performed at half-time. The Pep Band meets weekly outside of class and practices for each basketball game (and football games in the Fall).

5. The varsity and junior varsity boys basketball teams listen to the Chamber Singers sing "The Star Spangled Banner."

6. Senior Rudy Gutierrez goes for the basket during the varsity game. They may not have won the game, but they made many impressive shots.

SPORTS

Super Bowl violence: kiraFINDLING STAFF WRITER

You’ve probably already seen what many bloggers are calling the Super Bowl’s best commercial: the NFL’s anti-domestic violence PSA, which portrays a 911 call from a woman in an abusive situation. Created in conjunction with organization No More, the PSA has garnered attention from CNN, which reported that it would “leave you speechless,” to the New York Times, which wrote of the dichotomy between the ad’s dedication to ending domestic violence and the NFL’s reinstatement of player Ray Rice (who assaulted his wife last year).

Regardless of whether the commercial had pure intentions or was an attempt to repair the NFL’s image, it cannot be denied that it was effective. If online comments are any indication, it seems that millions of viewers were, yes, left speechless. However, few made the connection between the violence criticized in the commercial and the possible abuse being provoked by the Super Bowl itself.

A 2014 study in the Journal of Family Psychology found that rates of domestic violence peak on holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve, the

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the frightening connection between America's most-watched sporting event and domestic violence

Fourth of July, Memorial Day and, yes, Super Bowl Sunday. One common factor is immediately evident: extreme amounts of alcohol. With reduced self-control comes impulsive behavior, leading to aggression and heightened reactions.

But that’s a widely-understood conclusion — it’s the other domestic violence triggers of the Super Bowl that may be be surprising.

They found that domestic violence drastically increased any time the country’s team had a dramatic loss or, more surprisingly, a dramatic win.

In 2010, two researchers from Britain’s Home Office (a department specializing in law and order, security, and more) compared their nation’s domestic violence rates during the World Cup with those of an ordinary time period. They found that domestic violence drastically increased any time the country’s team had a dramatic loss or, more surprisingly, a dramatic win. Put simply, it is not just disappointment that leads to increased rates of abuse, but extreme emotions of any kind.

The hype surrounding the Super Bowl contains the very emotions those researchers were discussing. Anger, elation, frustration, giddiness: it’s all present, from the moment the players step on the field to the halftime show to the final seconds.

And, yes, that can be a good thing. An event of this size has the power to bring people together and to strengthen the national community.

However, the dangerous effects of the Super Bowl cannot be forgotten or ignored. It wouldn’t be productive to suggest that it be abolished— rather, steps should be taken to reduce possible harm. Football fans will never lose their passion for the game, so extreme emotion may be expected (although it may be helpful to remind oneself, “it’s just a game!”). Still, responsible drinking should be strongly advised, for the purpose of protecting those who are drinking and their families. It’s no coincidence that Budweiser considers football games one of its most valuable commercial opportunity; the connection between football and alcohol runs deep.

But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. If fans decide it is time to fight back against the patterns of abuse linked to football, change is possible. It starts with you.

Boys Basketball season wraps up, senior players reflect

Michael Ahnberg

Trevor Weitzenberg

Senior Michael Ahnberg is always passionate when talking about his love for basketball.

In the beginning of the season he had big hopes of making it to playoffs, but as he grew with his team he realized that, “we’re playing for each other and the memories, not the wins.”

Reflecting back on his development throughout basketball, Ahnberg explained that lessons he has learned on the court have helped him in his everyday life; “I used to be a hothead on the court, but as time went by I learned to settle down, let the game come to me and enjoy every second of it. And that has also helped me with my personal and social life.”

It’s very clear by the look in Senior Trevor Weitzenberg’s eyes that his love for basketball holds a huge place in his heart. He couldn't be more thankful for all the love and support from family and friends. “Battle of the Fans resulted in bigger crowds which inspired us and pushed us even more,” said Weitzenberg. In previous years, Weitzenberg only viewed basketball as a game and competition, and now, in his final year, he really learned to appreciate every moment he has on the court. “I’ve learned to slow the games down and really enjoy every second I get to play with my teammates…its been one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Zach Hedges

Zach Hedges, the senior class ASB President, is very appreciative of all the students who came out to the games and cheered the players on.

“At the game against Carrillo we had the biggest student section we’ve ever had, and it really meant a lot to me to see so many familiar faces.”

He has also learned important lessons through basketball that will help him in all aspects of life. “If you want something to happen for you in your life you have to go out and make it happen by always staying actively engaged and stepping up whenever you can.”

Photos and articles by Sunce Franicevic

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PANTHER LIFE

Annual Mr. Panther competition

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1. Sam Blechel and his escort Senior Sabrina Wright walked onstage looking suave and cool during the swimsuit portion of the show.

2. While Danny Duclos was excited to win, a part him felt bad that the other boys couldn't win too. The 10 senior boys bonded immensely during the preparation, rehearsals, and performance of the show. See pg. 4 for more about Danny Duclos.

3. The show featured a Q&A portion, in which each boy was asked two questions about their time at SRHS or future plans.

4. Brian O'Halloran with escorts Seniors Adriana Jackson (right) and Vivienne Luthin (left) were greek masterpieces during the swimsuit portion.

5. Andrew Sirimoungkhons showed his hip-hop dance skills during the talent portion.

6. For the first event of the show, all 10 of the participating boys ran through the auditorium and leapt onstage for a well-choreographed danced number.

7. Zach Hedges plays an impressive medley of well-known guitar rifts for his talent. He has been playing guitar since elementary school.

Photos by Lindsay Bribiescas and Tracy Fernandez