Volume LIX, No. 4

CA Media Literacy CurRiculum

THE MSJ Science Bowl Competes at Berkeley

Having historically placed second in the nation, MSJ Academic Challenge’s Science Bowl team competed against 35 other schools at the Berkeley Invitational.

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Bay Area Homelessness

In preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, San Francisco swept much of its homeless population to temporary shelters. Read more about the Smoke Signal’s opinion on the city’s management of the homelessness crisis.

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Mental Health Visibility

Club Spotlight: Music Makers

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By Shuhan Jin & Daphne Senecal Staff Writers On December 2, the Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Mission San Jose Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Old Mission Plaza, featuring live entertainment and a variety of Christmasthemed activities. Holiday desserts, lively performances, and festive cheer filled the courtyard, inviting family and friends to come and enjoy the yearly lighting ceremony with the entire community.

This year, the ceremony was sponsored by Robson Homes and the Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce, allowing organizers to offer free amenities and activities for all attendees. Admission was free, and attendees received complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and pastries. A children’s activities table was also set up with simple holiday crafts that young kids could complete with their parents and take home. “[This event] means community to me. I’ve lived here for many years and it is very fun to see my neighbors and [new] people join us for the

A&E 2023 Year in Review

first time,” Volunteer Diane Home said.

As attendees enjoyed their hot cocoa and Christmas-themed snacks, several carollers from StarStruck Theatre performed in the background.

From “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” the singers captivated the audience with their harmonic melodies and entrancing carols. To close off their act, Starstruck presented a piece from their upcoming 2024 show, The Little Mermaid. Ariel, played by StarStruck Lead Actor Lilia Bosch, performed a rendition of the popular “Part of Your World,” charming the audience with her mesmerizing

From the Eras Tour to Barbenheimer, 2023 has been a jam-packed year for music and movies. Check out the Smoke Signal’s picks for the most influential media of the year.

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December 15, 2023

20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Lights Up the Mission San Jose Community

Passed in early November, Music Makers is a club centered around bringing musicians across campus together and creating a space for everything music. Read more about the club’s officer team, vision, and goals for the future.

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GUIde to Korean cuisine

41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539

A PEEK Inside THE PAPER

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DHTH: UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS

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MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL

VOL. 59, NO. 4

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3 FEATURE

OPINION

Holiday Art Fair

Featuring local artists and performers like The Silvanus and Maxwell Ary, the Bay Area’s Holiday Art Fair displayed a beautiful array of crafted jewelry, ceramics, and more. Enjoy the Smoke Signal’s photo coverage of the event.

voice, which sounded just like the original Ariel from The Little Mermaid. “[Performing for the event] was really exciting because I loved singing Christmas carols with my castmates, and we even got to show off some of the songs from The Little Mermaid,” Lead Singer Junior Russell Lym said.

The crowd began a 10-second countdown, that ended in the tree being lit in a spiral of rainbow lights. The trunk and internal parts of the branches were lined with strings of lights, giving the inside of the tree a glowing appearance.

Shortly afterward, Santa Claus paraded around the courtyard on the Fremont Station Four Fire Truck, before sitting in his designated red seat to hear children’s wishes.

The annual tree lighting brings the Fremont community together during the busy holiday season. “[Our goal] is always to bring the community together and I believe we have been very successful. People of all ages come and get to spend time together,” Home said. ▪ PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS SHUHAN JIN & DAPHNE SENECAL

ONLINE

THIS MONTH

www.thesmokesignal.org

SMOKIE PODCAST: CHRISTMAS SONGS

WONKA MOVIE REVIEW

Join four staff writers as they rank classic Chrismas songs based on nostalgia, melodies, and more. Check out the Smoke Signal’s podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

Released on December 15, this movie is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory focusing on a young Willy Wonka and how he met the Oompa Loompas. Read the Smoke Signal’s full review online.

FOR MORE COVERAGE, VISIT www.THESMOKESIGNAL.ORG

2 News

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The Smoke Signal

Friday, December 15, 2023

Run 4 Education raises money for FUSD sports programs After a four year hiatus, Run 4 Education successfully raised about $10,000 for the Guy Emanuele Sports Fund.

By Ivy Lu & Catherine Qin Staff Writers On December 3 from about 9-11 a.m., the Fremont Education Foundation (FEF) held its first Run 4 Education event at the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area since 2019 after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic and insufficient interest leading to the cancellation of the 2022 event. Participants competed in the 5K, 10K, Kids 1/4 Mile Run, Kids 1/2 Mile Run, and Mama Eileen’s Short Walk.

The event raised $21,200 from sponsorships, registration, and exhibit booths, exceeding FEF's $15,000 goal and earning about $10,000 in profits.

Since 2003, FEF has hosted Run 4 Education to raise money for the Guy Emanuele Sports Fund (GESF), a fund under FEF dedicated to providing FUSD students with more opportunities to participate in school-sponsored sports programs. Run 4 Education earns money through donations from sponsors, registration fees from racers, and booth fees from nonprofits and businesses. The donations from the event help replenish school sports equipment, sportswear, fees, and other necessities. Glenmoor Elementary School Principal Brian Benevides’ wife, Kristen Steward, said, “It’s a

huge opportunity [for the students] because so many outside programs cost money that isn't available to every family.”

On a clear Sunday morning, Quarry Lakes welcomed more than 300 local and out-ofstate Run 4 Education participants as well as 50 high school volunteers. At 7 a.m., sponsors and nonprofits like Damsel in Defense and Ohlone for Kids and Teens set up exhibit booths at the begining of the race courses, offering fun activities, flyers, coupons, and small giveaways. At 8:30 a.m., FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack arrived to welcome the incoming attendees. While waiting for the 9 a.m. 5K and 10K races, some participants warmed up while others browsed the booths.

As the first races approached, the competitors, ranging from children to parents, eagerly lined up behind the starting line. At 9 a.m., race mediator Brandon Thomas Sass announced the start of the 5K and 10K through a microphone, and the racers took off. Spectators cheered as the competitors ran along the course around Rainbow Lake, Lago Los Osos, and Horseshoe Lake. In about 20 minutes, 5K racer Andrew Schlegel crossed the finish line, securing first place. His daughter, arriving just a few seconds later, placed second overall in the 5K. Schlegel, a 4-time 5k runner for Run 4 Education, achieved his personal record and plans to compete again next year. “It’s just a fun event to do with family, my daughter, [Hanna]. [The best part] was watching Hanna come in first and place first overall in the women’s [division],” Schlegel said. After the 5K and 10K finished, Mama Eileen’s Short Walk began. This new event, inspired by Alameda County Board of Education Trustee Eileen McDonald, gave those who wanted to participate in a less taxing race a chance to support the event. At 10 a.m., Sass hosted the award ceremony for the top

Kids begin their race as spectators cheer them on.

three 5K and 10K finishers, with the competitors divided into categories based on age and gender. The top runners in each category for each race earned a medal.

At 10:30 a.m., children 9 and under participated in the Kids 1/4 Mile Run. The race was divided by age and gender into six divisions.

The groups took turns competing, following a short course downhill along Rainbow Lake.

The Kids 1/2 Mile Run for ages 9-12 took place shortly after at 11 a.m. and used the same course as the Kids 1/4 Mile Run. The runners’ parents lined up around the course and cheered on their children as they ran across the finish line.

After a morning of events, Run 4 Education successfully raised about $10,000 in profits for GESF. This year, Alameda County Supervisors Elisa Márquez and David Haubert, two of the event’s largest sponsors, donated $5,000 and $6,000, respectively, to each FUSD school’s sports program. The Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire Department, and longtime sponsor Washington Hospital Healthcare System were notable donors as well.

Overall, the event fostered a strong sense of community, with families participating in races together and local residents volunteering at booths and showing support for the FUSD schools. “Being able to support the students, teachers, and the schools helps the community; it helps the people. Better people means a better community,” Sass said.

The high participation rate for this year’s Run 4 Education exceeded expectations, and FEF President Kathy Kimberlin is hopeful for future events. “[In the future], I hope to see every school have people participating [in this event]. [Run 4 Education] does directly benefit the schools, [and] it’s just nice to see [the kids] not just studying, but using their brains and bodies in another way,” Kimberlin said. ▪

“[Run 4 Education] does directly benefit the schools, [and] it’s just nice to see [the kids] not just studying, but using their brains and bodies in another way.”

— Fremont Education Foundation President Kathy Kimberlin

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS IVY LU & CATHERINE QIN

News in brief

Compiled by Padma Balaji, Shuhan Jin, Howard Lu & Ethan Yan Staff Writers

corrections

for the NOV. 16, 2023 issue News Pg 1: Vol. 59, not Vol. 58 News Pg 1: Heaven Knows was released on November 10 News Pg 2: Harvest Festival’s second pull quote is from Attendee Shannon Houck News Pg 2: Pineapple King’s address is 46827 Warm Springs Blvd.

News Pg 3: John Philip Sousa should be spelled as such News Pg 3: The Foothill Band Review was not the last review of the season Opinion Pg 5: Columbia Daily Spectator should be written as such Feature Pg 12: The article was written by Navya Chitlur, not Naisha Koppurapu Feature Pg 12: Photo courtesy Lia Le-Nguyen Centerspread Pg 11: MealPacks should be spelled as such Centerspread Pg 11: Alice Lu is the Executive Director for Kids Against Hunger Fremont A&E Pg 13: Sofia Coppola should be spelled as such A&E Pg 15: Tanvi Deshmukh should be spelled as such Sports Pg 16: Vidyuth Sridhar should be spelled as such Sports pg 17: Agnes White should be spelled as such Sports Pg 19: Girls Wrestling Coach Freddy Saldana should be spelled as such

QUIRKY

LOCAL

Local police chase a deer through New Jersey's Cedar Grove Elementary School.

NBC

Kristy Hutchings / Los Angeles Daily News

Hundreds of faculty under the California Faculty Assocation go on strike.

Deer breaks into New Jersey Elementary School On November 25 at Cedar Grove Elementary School in New Jersey, local police were taken on a wild chase by a deer that burst into the elementary school through a glass window. While walking his dog around 10 p.m., a man saw the deer and notified the police. Officers first found it in a stairwell, but the deer escaped and ran down a hallway and into a classroom.

Released footage showed the frantic animal jumping on top of a bookshelf and kicking items around. However, eventually, police were able to subdue it by using a dog snare, leaving the deer to run away to the north.

No items were damaged, and no people were injured in the incident. The officers named the deer Rudolph in celebration of the coming holidays.

California State University faculty protest for better working terms On December 4, faculty at California State University (CSU), the largest public university system in the US, began their rolling strike for higher wages and more parental leave. Hundreds of professors, librarians, coaches, and other workers from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona gathered on Monday to initiate the latest part of the California Faculty Association's campaign to fight for better pay and teaching and living conditions for faculty across CA public schools. Some of the protest’s goals are a 12% salary raise, an increase in parental leave from six weeks to a full semester, better manageable workloads, and better access to gender-inclusive restrooms and breastfeeding stations.

National

International

Open AI CEO Sam Altman is fired and rehired within a week.

John G. Mabanglo / EPA

Open AI’s board fires then reinstates Sam Altman as company CEO On November 17, Open AI’s board fired Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of the company. In addition, Co-founder Greg Brockman stepped down as chair of the board but remained in the company. The announcement was a shock to many OpenAI employees as Altman had been the face of the company since the it’s founding. Hundreds of employees responded to the board’s decision by signing a petition stating they would resign if Altman did not return. Less than a week after his ousting, Altman was reinstated to his position as CEO. Although the reason for firing Altman was largely unclear, the board said Altman was not “consistently candid in his communications with them” and that they had “lost confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.”

Kehinde Gbenga / Associated Press

88 civilians are killed during an accidental Nigerian military drone strike.

Nigerian military drone attack kills 88 civilians According to local officials, on December 5, the Nigerian Army accidentally killed more than 88 people in a military drone strike during a religious festival in Kaduna State. The incident occurred in the village of Tudun Biri, where civilians from different communities had gathered for a Muslim celebration. An eyewitness reported that the aircraft dropped a bomb at the venue, injuring and killing many women and children. Shortly after, the Nigerian Army came out with a statement expressing their regret for the tragedy, attributing the mistake to an incorrect analysis of the village activities. Nigeria President Bola Tinubu and the Kaduna State government announced a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic incident for further details.

Friday, December 15, 2023

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News & Opinion 3

MSJ Science Bowl Team crowned champions of Berkeley Science Bowl Invitational

By Jeffrey Li & Ethan Yan Staff Writers On December 3, MSJ Academic Challenge’s two Science Bowl teams achieved impressive results in the Berkeley Science Bowl Invitational. MSJ's Team A won their first competition of the year, and Team B made it to the top 8. Team A, consisting of Co-Captain Senior Annie Xu, Co-Captain Senior Gokulanath Mahesh Kumar, Sophomore Advaith Mopuri, Sophomore Jeffrey Li, and Freshman Roshan Annamalai, went undefeated until the final round. In addition, Xu, Annamalai, and Team B Freshman Theenash Sengupta earned top scores in chemistry, earth and space science, and biology respectively.

Science Bowl is a buzzer-based competition. When an individual competitor buzzes the correct answer before the other team, they score four points and a chance for the team to answer a 10-point bonus question. In addition, teams can interrupt by cutting off the question reader. However, this can be risky because answering incorrectly with an interrupt gives the opposing team four points while no

penalty occurs otherwise. Competition topics range from physics to biology, and the Berkeley Invitational also included questions related to recent UC Berkeley research. The team with the greatest number of points after all 23 questions are answered or after the 16-minute limit is reached wins. The Berkeley tournament included five round-robins that determined the following double elimination matches, which then led to a final championship round consisting of two matches.

The round-robin portion of the competition split the 36 competing teams into six divisions, with the top two teams in each division as well as the next top four overall advancing to the double elimination round. Despite facing formidable opponents like Saratoga High School and Dougherty Valley High School, both MSJ teams went undefeated in their divisions. Team A was also the highest scoring team overall in the round-robins. “Each person was able to effectively answer questions in their own subject but also provide insightful thoughts on bonus questions. More importantly, we were able to stay motivated even after answering incorrectly,” Mopuri said.

MSJ's Team A competes against North Hollywood High School in the finals.

In the double elimination rounds, teams competed until they lost two times. Though Team A stayed strong with six consecutive wins, advancing to the finals, Team B was eliminated in their fourth round. In the championship round, Team A lost the first match against North Hollywood High School. However, North Hollywood High School’s team had to catch a flight back to Southern CA before the second match of the finals, so MSJ’s Team A was crowned the champions of the Berkeley Science Bowl Invitational.

“Each person was able to effectively answer questions in their own subject but also provide insightful thoughts on bonus questions. More importantly, we were able to stay motivated even after answering incorrectly.”

— Team A Sophomore Advaith Mopuri

Team B stands together at the Berkeley Science Bowl Invitational.

For the freshman competitors, the invitational served as not only their first chance to exhibit their skills in a formal competition, but also as an introduction to High School Science Bowl. Nevertheless, “a standout team member was definitely Theenash because of how many times he was able to interrupt a question correctly,” Kumar said. The competition was also

a great opportunity for students to form valuable memories. MSJ competitors met Berkeley students who were volunteering at the competition, explored the university campus, and reunited with friends from other participating schools. “I got to have a lot of fun with like-minded people and peek into the lives of UC Berkeley students,” Annamalai said.

Their performance at the Berkeley Invitational signals a bright future for MSJ Science Bowl as they prepare for the Sandia National Laboratories High School Regional Science Bowl for a chance to qualify for nationals.

“We hope to further improve buzzing speed and increase team collaboration in bonuses to succeed further at future competitions,” Kumar said. ▪

Team A and MSJ Science Bowl Coach Dorota Sawicka receive their championship trophy.

PHOTOS COURTESY RUIJING DONG

Media literacy education is a good start, but not the end of the story

By Padma Balaji, Catherine Qin & Lucy Yao Staff Writers The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 launched the internet into a frenzy as dozens of videos flooded social media platforms, including ones about the kidnapping of a top Israeli commander and US Marines arriving at an airport in Israel. The posts garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, inciting outrage on both sides. Soon after, it was revealed by the Associated Press that the videos were fabricated clips, taken out of context from separate issues or simply deep fakes.

However, the damage was done — thousands fell for them and spread this “news” all across social media.

These fake videos are only a few examples of the rampant misinformation that has gained greater traction in the last few years. To combat this, many organizations and governments, most recently CA’s, have turned to boosting media literacy, which according to the Center for Media Literacy, is defined as the ability to “access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms — from print to video to the Internet.” On October 13, CA signed AB 873 into law, mandating media literacy in the school curriculum for grades K-12 beginning Jan. 1, 2024, building off of 2018 bill SB 830, which provided media literacy resources to K-12 teachers. Although training in media literacy is a great start, especially for students, as it promotes many skills and benefits beyond fighting misinformation, there needs to be additional action and legislation enacted to combat this problem.

AB 873 expands previous legislation to mandate media literacy in the curriculum by requiring the Instructional Quality

Commission to reevaluate and incorporate the Department of Education, include learning about partially responsible for regulating the spread of media literacy content into the preexisting En- the research process, research methods, peer-re- false news. Although most platforms, such as glish language arts, science, mathematics, and viewed resources, critical thinking and using in- YouTube, X, and Instagram have implemented history curriculum frameworks. These lessons formation resources, issues surrounding the use of methods of fact-checking, the proliferation of especially focus on digital citizenship and information, and the difference between facts and misinformation that continues to exist and the identifying falsified news, something students opinions. inaccuracy of fact-checking point to the necessiconsistently struggle with. According to a However, although bills such as AB 873 are cer- ty of stronger regulation.

2016 Stanford University study, 82% of mid- tainly an important step forward in helping stuAlthough critical thinking and digital skills dle school students struggled to distinguish dents recognize disinformation, they should not have always been relevant, the growth of social between advertisement and news content. be seen as a silver bullet, or an all-encompassing media adds an extra layer to the ever-growing With misinformation previously risking in- solution, to countering the growing amount of need for media literacy. CA’s bill is just the start ternational peace and domestic security, such misinformation online. Media and Communica- of building a society more resistant to misinas the Capital insurrection in 2021, which tions Professor at the London School of Econom- formation. To better understand situations and was instigated by misinformation circulating ics and Political Science Sonia Livingstone argues the biases at play, consumers should engage in online about a stolen election, AB 873 that media literacy, in terms of the fight against multiple perspectives and news sources. Exeris critical to ensuring that people re- disinformation, tends to be seen as a simple solu- cising skepticism, paying attention to emotionceive their media literacy education. tion to an incredibly complicated issue. “There is ally charged language instead of the facts, and When taught in schools, media so much about the online world that is illegible getting into the habit of fact-checking, even literacy is effective in helping and constantly changing, and it is crucial to avoid through a quick Google search, are all great ways students detect false news. burdening the citizen with the responsibility of to be more aware of misinformation on the inAccording to a 2022 Stanford understanding the incomprehensible,” said Liv- ternet. MSJ students especially, can take part in University study, high school ingstone. Although helpful, media literacy is not courses like Checkology, a media literacy workstudents who received only six 50-minute a foolproof tool that guarantees people will resist shop organized by the News Literacy Project, or lessons in digital literacy written by the Stan- misinformation. A study conducted by Scientific join clubs dedicated to dissecting social issues ford History Education Group in 2019 were American found that participants who were media such as MSJ Speech & Debate, MSJ Youth4Clitwice as likely to spot questionable websites as literate were just as likely to share misinformation mate, and Municipal Journal. Even teachers and they were before they had the lessons. Another on social media as participants who weren’t media librarians can play their part by inviting local study published in the Education and Informa- literate, despite being able to recognize that it was journalists to speak to students about how they tion Technologies journal found that students false. This study suggests that even those who are fact-check and source stories to give more detail who were able to participate interactively media literate are still susceptible to believing and about the entire process. There is no set panacea and critically with the media were predicted perpetuating misinformation. This is likely due to to fake news, but if the US wants to decrease to have a higher learning outcome in online the nature of social media, which is distracting and the violence sprouting from cases of common classes. Because media literacy promotes skills driven by social-validation metrics such as likes, misinformation, a media literacy educational such as critical thinking, its benefits extend leaving little room for people to stop and consid- mandate is the start of ensuring a safer future in outside of distinguishing misinformation and er whether the information is true or false. So al- the face of social media. ▪ into students’ education overall, further af- though media literacy is a crucial tool, it is not an firming the need for legislation encouraging infallible solution and neither is it the only one. media literacy within curricula to be more Instead, bills such as AB 873 should be enacted in widespread. Other states, including New Jer- conjunction with broader solutions to combat disinsey, Delaware (SB 195), and Illinois, have al- formation that focus on preventing disinformation ready included media literacy in their school from spreading in the first place instead of relying curriculum, with New Jersey being the first to on the individual to mediate it. As misinformation do so. The learning standards cited by the NJ is often spread on social media, these platforms are GRAPHICS BY OPINION EDITOR ANNIE XU

4 Opinion

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THE SMOKE SIGNAL Mission San Jose High School Est. 1964 Vol. 59, No. 4 | December 15, 2023 www.thesmokesignal.org 41717 Palm Ave. Fremont, CA 94539 510-657-3600, ext. 37088 MISSION STATEMENT The Smoke Signal ’s mission is to represent the voices of the MSJ community and serve the public by providing accurate, meaningful, and engaging information presented through print and digital mediums.

SCHOOL POPULATION 1800 students EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Karina Han, Julia Peng NEWS Vedesh Kodnani, Kaylee Liu OPINION Annika Singh, Annie Xu FEATURE Anushka Vasudev, Callie Yuan CENTERSPREAD Chloe Gao, Ashley Pang A&E Goonja Basu, Sanah Bhardwaj SPORTS Aaryan Suri, Aaron Zhou GRAPHICS Jiyun Guo, Hannah Shen WEB Waylon Li, Elton Yu TECH Keerti Koya BUSINESS Sarah Hu CIRCULATION Maryam Naseer, Vidyuth Sridhar ADVERTISING Tushara Devapatla, Lucy Yao EVENTS Anandita Devata, Shuhan Jin WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Padma Balaji, Hannah Bi, Rajorshi Chatterjee, Angelina Chen, Novak Chen, Navya Chitlur, Tanvi Deshmukh, Sahas Goli, Sally Han, Abha Kulkarni, Naisha Koppurapu, Jeffrey Li, Brittany Lu, Howard Lu, Ivy Lu, Trisha Parikh, Catherine Qin, Michael Qu, Daphne Senecal, Priyanka Shah, Arushi Singh, Stella Wang, Ethan Yan, Fiona Yang, Lucas Zhang, Alice Zhao ADVISER Sandra Cohen Send letters to the editor to opinion@thesmokesignal.org.

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AnnikA's Angle

Friday, December 15, 2023

Annie's Anecdotes

The gift of tradition

On being ready

By Annika Singh Opinion Editor

By Annie Xu Opinion Editor

December is known for Mari- we deem more important. But the ah Carey, colorful Christmas truth is, traditions, new and old, lights, and the race to find the give individuals a sense of belongmost heartfelt presents for friends ing and are essential to the way and family. It’s supposed to be the we express ourselves. Not only do most magical time of the year, they provide an avenue for people but for me, it’s always been my to share values that are important least favorite month — it’s stress- to them, but they also invite indiful, cold, and I miss the feeling of viduals to be vulnerable and open being on break. Plus, with finals to the people they love. and college decisions looming, They also encourage positive the feelings of exhaustion and memories that reinforce feelings anxiety are constant. of comfort and security — right Most individuals (including now, with finals and college deme) tend to succumb to “grind cisions approaching, there’s a lot culture” when finals season rolls of uncertainty and anxiety about around, where they feel the need our futures. According to Santa to be constantly working and Clara University Professor of Psypushing themselves in order to chology Thomas Plante, “Holiday feel productive. But, I’ve slowly traditions may offer an important realized that this isn’t the best organizing and centering expeform of productivity — focus- rience and a foil to a life full of ing on balancing my academic constant change.” Essentially, the schedule and stress during the sense of structure traditions offer winter months has resulted in help us anchor ourselves and let me distancing myself from my go of our stress. family’s holiday traditions. This, It’s also okay to not have tradiin turn, has led to me spending tions — this gives you the freetime regretting missing out on dom and space to create your own important family moments, such and pass it on to future generaas decorating our Christmas tree. tions. For example, this ChristBut with this holiday season mas, I plan to add another tradibeing my last one at home be- tion to my family’s list: baking fore I go to college, I've made it gluten-free white chocolate pepa goal to engage in my family permint cookies on Christmas and friend’s holiday traditions. Eve. I want to make memories with But, keep in mind that tradithe people important to me and tions don’t have to be extensive. make the best out of the time I They can be as simple as watchhave left. ing Elf on Christmas morning — It’s easy to push aside simple what truly matters are the experipractices such as playing a board ences you share with the people game or cooking dinner for things around you. ▪

I’m never ready for my weekly I didn’t foolishly try to lift the mile. We all mill around on the heaviest weight in the gym on field, my friend and I talk each the first day — I’ve also set skyother through the pace we want high standards of where I need to run at, and I inspect the grass to be before I can give myself the for mud. Oh, that part looks nasty, go-ahead to proceed. My idea of let’s stay away from — and we’re readiness often ends up rendering off, a group of 40 kids trying to me immobile in the face of chalavoid stepping on each other and lenges rather than empowering getting stepped on. But running myself to reach a state where I can is almost always worse in my face them. head; the time I spend readying In retrospect, a lot of what myself far outweighs what’s nec- gives me the most meaning right essary. Even though I don’t like now came from taking risks earbeing out of breath or blinking lier on, leaping into situations sand out of my eyes, I get a nice when I wasn’t sure I’d succeed. rush of accomplishment at the I wedged myself into academic end that makes it mostly worth it. environments that I was probably Nothing makes me feel safer too inexperienced for. I abanthan preparation. I am comforted doned certain extracurriculars, by filled notebooks and excessive- often ones I had invested years of ly long study guides. I spend a lot time in, for new activities that I of time chasing the feeling of be- can only describe as feeling more ing ready, as if a seal of approval “right” at the time. I reached out will confirm my readiness to take to people who I had no business up this hobby, volunteer for this knowing, just on the basis of activity, walk up to someone new. wanting to meet them. Although This fear of being unqualified or these choices were all intimidatunworthy of different situations ing and often involved a lot of has held me back many times be- embarrassing interactions, they fore. I’ve deleted applications be- sent me down winding paths I fore I was even halfway through only realized were perfect for me them, because I didn’t think I was much later. at a point where I could realistiI still think feeling ready for cally be chosen. I’ve left passion certain milestones is incredibly projects unfinished, because I important. Blindly shoving down didn’t think I was skilled enough fears can lead to dangerous or hosor creative enough to enjoy and tile situations that aren’t worth it, produce good results from them. despite any sort of potential gain.

As much as seeking prepared- But if you need an extra push for ness has helped me — made sure something new, don’t worry so I fine-tuned my understanding much and just start. Trying is of concepts before exams or that what makes us ready. ▪

The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board

Agree to disagree: Finding empathy in arguments During holiday dinners, the politics that are naturally more con- “believing in cross-partisan empaquestion of how to deal with ag- troversial, productive debates can thy’s usefulness helps people attain gressive, overly political relatives easily sour. Even though you may shared goals of decreasing partisan arises — how do we stand up for our strongly disagree with an oppos- animosity and building consensus own beliefs without getting caught ing viewpoint, be respectful of the around critical issues.” By empain the argumentative crossfire? Our person you are arguing with. Avoid thizing with the other side, individliving rooms are no strangers to using underhanded insults or ad uals can find common ground on annual squabbles and discussions hominem attacks even if the other issues that both parties care about. about the president that escalate party stoops to doing so. Also, don’t Whether or not you agree with to clenched jaws and insults. With be quick to judge a person based on controversial viewpoints, ignoring Winter Break approaching, here their arguments. Our opinions are them will not make them magically are a few ways we can strive to have typically rooted in personal experi- disappear. By arguing to learn, you healthy debates both at the dinner ence. While you may firmly believe can better understand the oppostable and in our daily life. that your side is correct, the person ing side’s argument, deepen your First, reflect on whether you’re you’re arguing against likely has own understanding of your beliefs, primarily approaching arguments their own justification for their and make others at the dinner table to prove that your own point is su- respective beliefs. It’s easy to write consider a new perspective. This perior to other ones, or to genuinely off someone’s opinion as ignorant can be applied beyond family arunderstand dissenting viewpoints. or uneducated, but remember that guments too — as students leave According to a 2016 study con- they see your perspective in a simi- MSJ for summer programs, colducted by psychologist and South- lar way — what’s “right” to you may lege, and life beyond high school, ern Methodist University Assistant not always be “right” to others. they will encounter a wide range of Professor of Marketing Matthew Finally, take a moment to genu- people from different walks of life Fisher, when people adopt com- inely listen to what the other side is and with diverse views. Outside the petitive mentalities to “win” argu- saying, and try to understand and safety of our local communities, ments, they’re more likely to view empathize with their ideologies. we must learn to seek out difficult, issues in a black-and-white manner Put yourself in their shoes and ask, sometimes uncomfortable converand classify situations into immedi- why do they have such a strong be- sations, and engage effectively with ate rights and wrongs while those lief about this topic? Why do you potential disagreements. Joining arguing to “learn” and understand disagree with their belief? A study organizations where we can enthe problem recognize more sub- published in the journal Psychologi- gage in civil discourse about topics jectivity within topics of discussion cal Science analyzed people’s em- that we care about, such as SURFand tend to modify their opinions pathy across political lines. After BoardE, or simply listening a bit after listening to others. Heatedly participants read texts arguing for more to that belligerent uncle, will charging into conversations simply cross-partisan empathy, they were bring us closer to being able to turn to demonstrate the superiority of more likely to relate to the opposing our arguments into something proour own ideas dilutes the nuance side and acknowledge their views ductive. ▪ and complexity of the subjects at regarding contested issues such hand, and no one benefits from as gun control, while the oppossuch exhausting and unproductive ing side was more likely to soften interactions. their own beliefs towards comproWhen we veer into issues like mise. Researchers concluded that

By Hannah Bi & Maryam Naseer Staff Writers

STAFF WRITER HANNAH BI

STAFF WRITER MARYAM NASEER

Friday, December 15, 2023

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Opinion 5

!"#$%&'()%*+,-.*/%0#%1#2*1%3-303*034,/5%6*7%&",*% /8,,9/%*/3.,%:#$,1,//-,// 1930-80s: Redlining and reduced aid programs

By Tushara Devapatla, Maryam Naseer, Priyanka Shah & Vidyuth Sridhar Staff Writers As part of a larger government crackdown on drug and violent crime, CA’s incarceration rate rose by more than 50% from 1991-98. In addition, countless CA mental health facilities closed under a failed policy shift towards community-based treatments, pushing more people towards prison facilities in order to stabilize their living situations. Many who were formerly incarcerated in CA experience homelessness today. As of 2022, 17% of CA parolees were homeless, according to NBC News.

Defined as “a discriminatory practice by which banks, insurance companies, etc., refuse or limit loans, mortgages, insurance, etc., within specific geographic areas,” the federal practice of redlining neighborhoods, which began during the 1930s, exacerbated housing inequality amongst racial lines. Though outlawed in 1968, ABC News found that as of 2021, about 62.4% of white households owned a home in Fremont’s 94538 zip code, compared to just 45% of Black households and 43.2% of Latino households.

In addition, beginning in the 1970s, San Francisco demolished or converted 15,000 single-room-occupancy units to condos, drastically decreasing a major supply of Bay Area affordable housing. Widespread federal budget cuts to welfare programs during the 1980s also worsened the situations of many low-income Bay Area residents.

“I know folks say, ‘Oh, they’re just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town.’ It’s true, because it’s true,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said on November 13 at a press conference about CA’s recently completed Clean California beautification project, in which homeless people and vagrants were displaced off the streets of San Francisco, in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in San Francisco.

APEC, held from November 11-17, focused on addressing sustainability through energy transitioning, promoting resilience, and improving trade and investment between leaders from both the US and China. City officials should not only take action towards the homelessness crisis when spotlighted by an international event; they should work to address the root of the problem through implementing effective political reform policies.

The city’s efforts to enhance the appearance for the international event reveals its superficial approach to addressing a critical issue. The city said after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' denial of the city's request to clear homeless tent camps without providing shelter, that it was emboldened to ramp up encampment-clearing efforts, which Chief of Police Bill Scott executed by detailing a process for officers to enforce anti-camping laws against people deemed “voluntarily” homeless, meaning they “declined a specific offer of available shelter” or otherwise have access to a shelter bed. During this time the city allotted no space, only promising to open some new emergency shelter beds and instead forced most individuals into alleys and under freeways. Homelessness has been a longstanding issue for several decades due to the combination of rising housing costs, income inequality, and insufficient mental health services.

San francisco’s past efforts According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the homeless population in San Francisco as of 2022 was 7,754 people.

Between the years of 2005 and 2022 the homeless population in San Francisco has increased by 30%.

To help combat this, the city of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing had a budget of $672 million in the 2023 fiscal year with over 60% of that money set to go into directly finding housing for the homeless. Despite the immense amount of money being spent to resolve homelessness, no actual solution has been reached.

According to ABC7 News, the sweep that occurred before the APEC conference pushed people from the Tenderloin District in San Francisco to Willow Street, rendering the area increasingly destitute and volatile. This trend of the city pushing homeless individuals out of high-profile areas has also been documented before previous events such as Super Bowl 50. By failing to take tangible action to help the homeless population in the Bay Area, San Francisco has failed to give any aid to more than 7,000 individuals. .

1980-90s:

Rising incarceration

2010s:

economic crisis

Today, skyrocketing housing and rent prices prevent many from escaping homelessness. From 2009-2019, the median sale price of a home rose by 113% in Oakland, 71% in San Francisco, and 70% in San Jose, according to data from PropertyShark. As of October, the average price of a home in Fremont is 1.6 million dollars. The City of Fremont also reported that an estimated 1,026 residents experienced homelessness during the 2022-23 fiscal year, compared to 608 residents in 2019 and 479 in 2017. This comprises around 10.5% of Alameda County’s overall homeless population, as of 2022.

Areas for reform The homelessness issue in the Bay Area is caused in major part by the city’s increasing rent. According to a study done by the University of California San Francisco, 89% of homeless respondents said that affordability was a major barrier restricting them from reentering housing.Furthermore, another one of the major reasons that homelessness remains an issue in the Bay Area is because of the ongoing housing crisis. Along with high rent prices, places offering shelter to the homeless are often either for single members, not families, or they are already at maximum capacity.

Giving more access to housing, specifically to people who need them and pushing the rent in the city lower than it is currently would greatly help to reduce the homelessness problem in the city.

However, many people argue that the government has conducted many efforts to address this crisis. For example, on October 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a variety of initiatives including the expansion on construction of interim and permanent homeless housing to address homelessness and shared the state’s efforts in delivering more than 1,200 small homes to various regions across CA. This implementation of homes is not the only work that CA has done to tackle the homelessness crisis. Over the past four years, CA has spent roughly $17.5 billion towards this crisis, and a total of $20.6 billion has been allotted through 2024.

According to CNN, nearly $4 billion was distributed to local governments for anti-homelessness efforts, with $3.7 billion allocated to Project Homekey, which is the conversion of properties like motels into 13,500 permanent affordable housing units. While CA has taken initiative to tackle homelessness, spending money is not the solution — government officials should aim to change the ignorance shown towards homeless people and work to create meaningful policies that actively help the homeless community. Policy reform must be consistently implemented to effectively tackle homelessness, rather than the government solely responding during major events, such as the APEC conference.

What students can do As the homelessness issue becomes more and more widespread in, not only the Bay Area, but also the country as a whole, cities need to make it a goal to eliminate the most popular reasons homelessness exists in that specific area. In San Francisco, the two major reasons people become homeless is because of substance abuse and rent prices. The city needs to start looking at their homeless population as people instead of an issue, and start working with them to help give them shelter, better healthcare access, and support resources. MSJ students can also help the cause by volunteering at local homeless shelters, spreading awareness on the continuous issue, and advocating on the behalf of homeless people at Fremont City Council meetings by holding city officials accountable. MSJ students can also join student advocacy groups, such as MSJ Bay Area Student Activists (BAStA), MSJ Civics Club, and offcampus groups such as GENup, to further express their voice. ▪

;*-%!"*-23/2#</%9#1323,/%3-%9,"/9,2034, Compared to other nations such as Japan and Finland who are the leading nations in effectively addressing homelessness, CA is leagues behind. Japan, the country with a homeless rate of only 0.003%, created the Minor Offenses Act 1948, penalizing begging and those imposing others to be beggars. Furthermore, urban architecture is designed to prevent homeless sleeping on the streets with curved benches and and non-profit organizations such as Sanyukai Nonprofit Organization Inc. aim to serve meals and help them.

Finland, with a 75% decrease in homelessness over the course of 30 years, has multiple governments with different political coalitions, who collaborate to maintain the work towards ending homelessness. Their Housing First policy is an ideology proposing that the most effective way to eradicate homelessness is to give people homes. This idea faced criticism at first, with many arguing that more complex factors such as mental health or substance abuse need to be solved first.

However, Finland sees housing as a fundamental human right, ensuring that at least 25% of housing in a major city must be affordable. Over the past 30 years, affordable housing has become a realistic possibility, preventing Finland from facing a housing crisis. On the other hand, San Francisco’s housing crisis continues to worsen, with the median rent doubling over the past 20 years, making rent prices outpace inflation by 60%.

!"#$%&'($")'%#)$%&'#*%+,-."&%,)!!!!"#$%&'()%&*+,-."(/+ GRAPHICS BY OPINION EDITOR ANNIE XU, PHOTOS COURTESY OF KMPH.COM, REASON.COM & THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

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George Santos’ Expulsion

”I saw through all the evidence that it is very evident that Santos is guilty of identity fraud and using campaign funds to fund his own lavish 1 lifestyle. But I want to focus on why he % was removed only after a whole year of serving as a congressman, and why the GOP leadership decided against voting him away. It’s because the GOP majority has shrunk so much and now refuse to extend the hand of bipartisanship towards other parties. It shows how the United States is so divided now, that even Santos can’t be removed because the leadership doesn’t want to shrink the majority. And, it’s very horrible. And this also brings up the topic of people who haven’t been found guilty, like Senator Menendez. I think Menendez should also be kicked out, and maybe this will spark more expulsions in the house.”

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS CHLOE GAO, ASHLEY PANG, JASON TANG, ANUSHKA VASUDEV & LUCY YAO

-$67'%8) *

%%%2#.$%3 $4

“I think the fact that George Santos was a representative in the first place was proof that our political system is faulty. I think that they made the right choice in firing Santos because his entire figure was fake, and if he was able to deceive the House of Representatives and the public in general that easily for such a long time, there’s nothing stopping others from doing the same. Representatives should go through better background checks to prevent similar situations to this one from occurring again.”

“Santos being removed is a good change to have made but I do not think that his original ! " # $ % &$ rise is a poor reflection of the ' election security. While security should use this situation to make improvements, it is also near impossible to be able to catch all the little lies people tell. Santos happened to lie about his entire background which is much more severe but at the same time it is likely that a large number of government officials are also lying about their background, whether or not it is to the severity of Santos is uncertain.”

,%% ' )* % +

“I think Santos’ removal was well deserved. Previously, mainly highly educated lawyers would enter into government but now it seems to be a freefor-all. I think the election of Santos and other such 5 representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene + % 4* who fail to act with the class expected of a ($ governmental representative is a trend would prefer to see reversed. I want to see more thorough background checks done on candidates before they ascend to office.

I am not familiar with campaign finance laws but I would like to see stricter restrictions and checks on how candidates spend funds.”

3#$49)%: .4

”Since [George Santos] broke a lot of laws and lied a lot, it’s probably a good thing that he got removed %1 because he’s not trustworthy enough. It’s * ' not necessarily related to election security or the law enforcement mistakes, but it’s probably a reflection of how society almost rewards dishonesty, and a lot of people buy into politicians’ lies, like his.

I think laws should be more strictly enforced without bias so that people take them more seriously.”

($

”On December 1, the House of Representatives voted to expel Rep. George Santos for ignoring and breaking campaign finance laws. Santos was accused of wire fraud, conspiracy of committing crimes to the US, and identity theft among other charges. The House Ethics committee released a report on November 16, where it revealed that Santos’ supposed backstory about being a grandson of Holocaust survivors who graduated with a masters from New York University, and was the beneficiary of a family trust, was found to be entirely false. How do you feel about Santos’ removal? Is his original rise to such a prominent government role a reflection of poor broader election security, or just one law enforcement mistake?

Should campaign finance laws be modified, and if so, in what aspects?”

5 $*%+ ;

Opinion & Feature 7

-."")/$%0 $

Friday, December 15, 2023

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS STAFF WRITERS NAVYA CHITLUR, ABHA KULKARNI, DAPHNE SENECAL, ETHAN YAN, & ALICE ZHAO

Club Spotlight: MSJ Music Makers

By Stella Wang & Lucy Yao Staff Writers Through joining classes like band and orchestra or participating in clubs such as MSJ Acoustics & MSJ Visual Arts & Music for Society (VAMS), students at MSJ have dozens of options to pursue music. This diverse selection has now been expanded with MSJ Music Makers, a new club passed on November 15 when the officers noticed there was an angle to music creation that hadn’t been explored at MSJ before: combining technology and music. The club is led by President Senior Saahil Sumbly, Vice President Senior Aditya Anand, Activities Coordinator Senior Prathul Ganesh, Treasurer Senior Malhar Sarvasiddhi, and Secretary Senior Justin Hau-Riege. With their club, they hope to focus on music production in the industry and spread their passion for music to other students at MSJ. Each of the officers uses this freedom in their own way: Hau-Riege plays breakcore, a genre of electronic dance music, and intelligent dance music (IDM), Anand creates chiptune and video game music, and Sumbly enjoys rhythm and blues (R&B). Meanwhile, Ganesh’s experience comes from playing

participate in competitions held by the officers, culminating in an end-of-the-year event in which students will compete to create the best song using a given sample beat or melody. Even for those who are just beginning their musical journey, the first few workshops will be dedicated to teaching the programs that will be used for production so that inexperienced members can receive the help they require.

Senior Justin Hau-Riege, Vice President Senior Aditya Anand, Activities Coordinator Senior Prathul Ganesh, President Senior Saahil Sumbly, and Treasurer Senior Malhar Sarvasiddhi pose for a photo.

bass clarinet and freestyle rapping.

Sarvasiddhi has professional experience in releasing his own music on Spotify, under the handle “Malhar.” No matter what music students want to create, the club hopes to cater to everyone’s diverse tastes. “We’ll have to see if there’s any underclassmen that are interested ... [so] if anyone reading this is a bad SoundCloud rapper, please hit us up. We need you immediately,” Ganesh said.

“We’ll have to see if there’s any underclassmen that are interested ... [so] if anyone reading this is a bad SoundCloud rapper, please hit us up. We need you immediately.”

Sarvasiddhi’s single “3 AM” cover.

— ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR SENIOR PRATHUL GANESH

“Music is a very important way for people to express themselves, and I think learning how to produce music is also a really cool talent that you can always show off to people.”

— ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR SENIOR PRATHUL GANESH

Process to produce a beat using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

The majority of club meetings will consist of workshops, where they plan to teach sound design and mixing, along with more traditional concepts such as music theory and piano. Members can brainstorm and collaborate with each other, allowing those with musical experience to connect with other artists and work together on projects. Students will also have opportunities to interview and get in contact with professional producers and

For students interested in joining, the club will be holding its first meeting in B34, likely during the week of December 18. The officers hope that through this club, students can persist in their passions for music and continue the club after they all graduate.

“Music is a very important way for people to express themselves, and I think learning how to produce music is also a really cool talent that you can always show off to people,” Ganesh said. ▪

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITER LUCY YAO, COURTESY PRATHUL GANESH & SPOTIFY.COM. GRAPHICS BY FEATURE EDITOR ANUSHKA VASUDEV & FREEPIK.COM

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Feature 9

DieHard TryHards:

ugly sweaters

By Rajorshi Chatterjee, Tanvi Deshmukh, Abha Kulkarni & Michael Qu Staff Writers

Amidst the chilly winter’s embrace, December emerges as the epitome of holiday spirit, made all the more exciting with the tradition of ugly sweater fashion. In this festive edition of DieHard TryHards, four Smokies will channel their creative winter magic into crafting the most beautifully hideous sweaters to leave the judges amazed, among other things.

While I usually keep my style simple and cute, the holiday season brings out my quirky Christmas-themed headbands, cozy pajama sets, and of course, outrageously ugly sweaters.

Drawing inspiration from the best not-so-Christmassy Christmas film, “Mean Girls,” my sweater and catwalk will be a heartfelt ode to the Plastics’ talent show performance to Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock.” Although some (my dad) say I’m not so much of an artist, this competition is the perfect chance to silence my haters (he’s right). With two DieHard TryHards wins under my belt, a spotless winning streak might I add, I’m determined to not disappoint, even if things get ugly.

Michael

What can I say, I’ve done it again!

Truth be told, my first attempt with the stitching needle ended in a wardrobe malfunction, leaving my sweater entwined with my pajama pants. Without the help of my grandmas, my fashion experiment would have ended up in stitches, literally. Once I mastered the technique and ensured my sweater remained a single garment, my baby was a beauty.

Shiny tinsel delicately wrapped around, lights flickering on and off, and a glittery bow shining in the middle — my ugly Christmas sweater was the grand champion of all things ugly, Christmassy, and sweater-ific. I think Regina George would definitely let me join the Plastics for the holidays.

1

The countless Christmas gatherings I’ve attended make me a (self-proclaimed) connoisseur of ugly Christmas sweaters. As such, securing first place will be X(mas) tremely easy. From finger painting to attempting DIY home decor, I’ve always had a talent to uglify everything and anything I create, so designing an unsightly article of clothing will come naturally, no sweat-er. With my extensive experience and unparalleled knack for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinarily ugly, I’m confident I’ll cook up a sweater so festively grotesque that it’ll scare away all of the competition.

Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing. Sure, I wear sweaters every day to school.

Yes, I have an extensive sweater collection.

But ugly sweaters — let’s just say I’m going in blind. The trick with these monstrosities is to be hideous enough to be considered ugly, but cute enough to be worn. That’s a hard balance to find, but I have faith in my Instagram scrolling abilities and my superb sense of style. All I have to do is slap on some ornaments, draw some designs, and call it a day – how hard can it be?

Tanvi

2

Well, that was a surprise. I thought that my snowman-reindeer (snowdeer for short), amalgamation would steal the competition for sure, with its avant-garde take on Christmas ugliness. Alas, it seems my snowdeer sweater, the very essence of festive creativity, was lost on the judges in a tragic oversight of artistic injustice. However, this setback only fuels my determination. The snowdeer may not have had its day, but mark my words, I will surely seize first place and rein on everyone’s parade in the next DieHard TryHards.

3

Famous last words.

Third was not exactly what I wanted.

After spending over 10 hours and entirely forgoing studying for AP Biology, I would’ve expected at least second place. Sadly, the judges didn’t see the hidden charm and holiday spirit of my simple yet elegant sweater. Yes, I did play it a little safe considering that I was in a time crunch and couldn’t sew to save my life. Nevertheless, after sewing such finery, my decorating skills will reach their full potential in no time.

Next challenge, I’m confident I’ll win.

Abha

Rajorshi

Ever since I deftly stitched a tear in my dark gray jacket using white thread – no, ever since I held a needle – I knew fashion design was my passion. Although more articles of clothing have been desecrated than embellished while attempting to “improve” them, this sweater will still be my magnum opus, complete with clashing color combinations, excessively strange imagery, and holes. The one thing I want this sweater to do, for better or for worse, is put the first 10 search results for “ugly sweater” to shame. With my masterpiece, I will cut out the path to victory and leave this competition with a hideously adorned article of clothing.

4

Okay, I lied. The material of the sweater was too tough to make holes in, and maybe blue yarn on a blue sweater wasn’t exactly the best color choice. Even so, I regret nothing. I wanted my sweater to be eye-catching, and that’s exactly what it was —- both figuratively and, with the giant eye at the center, literally. Even i f I did spend a good hour on the stitching alone, I can say that it was infinitely more enjoyable than studying calculus. And at the end of the day, it is an ugly sweater competition, right?

So even if I did get last, I definitely think I sleighed.

PHOTOS BY FEATURE EDITOR CALLIE YUAN. GRAPHICS BY FEATURE EDITOR ANUSHKA VASUDEV & FREEPIK.COM

10 Centerspread

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Centerspread 11

lubs, C Events, Organizations

By Rajorshi Chatterjee, Tanvi Deshmukh, Priyanka Shah, Arushi Singh & Lucas Zhang

De-stressing Workshop

At MSJ, the competitive nature of academics on campus often leads students to neglect their mental well-being. In order to maintain their mental health, students can engage in mindful activities and reach out to clubs or student organizations on campus. The Smoke Signal reached out to alumni, students, teachers, and organizations that students can refer to for mental health support.

Activities

CVommunity oices

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise has been widely documented to improve mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, regular exercise, even in moderate amounts, relieves stress, improves mood, allows for better sleep, and yields general improvements in well-being. In addition, a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry found that rates of mental illnesses are lower for those who do exercise, and that exercise is an effective method of treating symptoms of mental illness. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends around one hour of exercise, five to six times a week. This includes swimming, walking, biking, running, or activities involving vigorous movement.

“I wish the public especially knew how much of a role culture plays in mental health. There’s so many unique things that can shape someone’s mental health, and culture is arguably one of the biggest factors.” — Arav Tyagi, 11

The breathing and meditation techniques from yoga release endorphins that can improve energy levels, lower stress, and boost mood and mental well-being. According to Harvard Medical School, research shows regular yoga practice reduces reactiveness to negative feelings by helping to regulate the limbic system, or the part of the brain involved with emotional responses. When compared to other therapies like massage and music, the benefits of yoga are longer lasting. There are plenty of gyms and clubs in Fremont that offer yoga classes, such as Mind Body Zone LLC and Art of Living, but this ancient practice can also be explored through books and online tutorials.

Aromatherapy Originating more than 5,500 years ago, aromatics were first used for medicine, religious purposes, and perfume. Coined by the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1935, the term “aromatherapy” describes the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Inhaling the scent molecules of essential oils directs them to the brain, particularly the amygdala, the emotional center. The benefits are widespread, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve headaches, and improve the health of recipients. Each with its own special benefit, notable scents such as lavender, citrus, and peppermint can be experienced through diffusers, scented pillows, and car air fresheners.

“Seeking help is a sign of strength.

If you're struggling with your mental health it's okay to seek support. It should be seen as a strength, not a weakness. Mental health professionals, family, and friends can all provide valuable support.” — Mahi Palan, 11

Artistic Expression The results of a 2016 study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy show that art activates reward pathways within the brain. Certain feelings may be difficult to express through words, so students may find it helpful to draw those thoughts out. To relieve stress, MSJ students can engage in club events like the MSJ National Art Honors Society and MSJ VAMS to improve their mental health through artistic expression.

Volunteering Besides benefiting the community, volunteering can also contribute to feeling more connected, grateful and positive. Community service can provide a sense of purpose, make you feel good about yourself, and provide opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. The National Institutes of Health published studies that found lower rates of depression among volunteers. From tutoring on campus to working at a food bank, helping others can also benefit your own social life and mental health.

“I hope to lessen the negative stigma surrounding mental health, counseling, and therapy. I wish the public knew that not one person or culture is exempt from needing to take care of their mental health. I was inspired to become a counselor when I worked with students as an AVID tutor. I realized that students needed more than academic help; they also needed social emotional skills, as these skills are heavily tied to academics. I would suggest simply talking to a trusted adult or friend. Whenever we feel like not talking and/or distancing ourselves, that is usually when we need someone the most.

Journaling is a great way to maintain my mental health!” — Counselor Haley Bautista

Mental Health Committee

“I think we still have a long way to go to reduce shame and stigma associated with some conditions and disorders. I also think we are less skilled in holding people with mental illnesses capable. We really need to think consistently about a middle way, where we aren't avoiding the difficult conversations of capability and accountability despite mental illness, but it first requires really understanding the mental illness or even comorbid mental conditions that have a real impact on aspects of a student's life functioning.” — Psychologist Michelle Goddard

“I wish people knew that mental health was on a spectrum. So it's not always gonna be black and white. And also, mental health healing is totally nonlinear. So, some days you might feel worse than others and that's totally okay.” — Sanah Bhardwaj, 12

Yoga

On December 7, the Wellness Center hosted a de-stressing workshop during advisory to spread awareness of de-stressing strategies to students before their final exams. The event began with a “What’s On Your Plate?” activity in which students listed upcoming activities and stressors by drawing and writing them out on a plate. The workshop then progressed to teach students about time management and box breathing, as well as study strategies to tackle final exams without too much stress. This advisory workshop aimed to promote mental health visibility across MSJ as students drew and wrote on plates, learned strategies to improve their mental well-being, and released their stress by doing jumping jacks.

Recent mental health initiatives by the MSJ Mental Health Committee (MHC) have made a positive impact on the environment and students at MSJ. The MHC aimed to cultivate mental health awareness by hosting team meetings, ensuring that students felt supported in their emotions. Two years ago, the MHC created a Wellness Center in C-2, dedicated to being a safe space where students could focus on themselves. Alongside this project, the committee was known for its annual mental health panels, where students, alumni, and therapists shared their mental health journeys. Additionally, the MHC built a sensory garden outside C-2 that contains a variety of therapeutic herbs including peppermint, lavender, and rosemary. This garden is designed to engage the five senses through the texture, color, and scents of the plants. Currently, the Wellness Center Coordinator, Brinda Parekh, is planning to build another zen garden outside of C-2. “Making sure that MSJ students did not feel alone in their emotions was our main goal through any activity or project we conducted,” MHC Member Senior Priyanka Shah said.

Peer Resource Peer Resource is an organization dedicated to improving the mental health of students at MSJ. As the only mental health class on campus, Peer Resource provides students with a variety of resources, including mentoring programs and events to help improve their mental health, such as Kindness Campaign 2023, Mental Illness Awareness Week, and De-Stress Movie Advisory. Peer Resource also conducts programs like Peer Mentor and Peer Circles dedicated to creating a safe space where students can discuss their feelings and receive support. “Rather than the quantity of students we impact, we want to understand the students we work with on a deeper level,” Peer Resource President Senior Anushree Marimuthu said.

“I wish the public was more aware of stress, because especially for high schoolers, a lot can be overwhelming. I wish colleges and other institutes tried to make high school careers easier for students because we’re still kids.”

— Agrima Jain, 11

“[The] Mission mindset is just to work as hard as possible do as many extracurriculars as possible and just get the straight A's and do anything and everything for college, but I feel like eventually you realize it's a very disruptive practice to just continuously live like that. And it's really important to take time for yourself. So I feel like at least second semester senior year when it was way too late, I started prioritizing sleep a lot.

And I think that helped a lot.” — Class of 2023 Alumna Ananya Srinivasan

Youth Wellness Ambassadors The City of Fremont Youth Wellness Ambassadors are high school students who participate in an annual community service project to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. Led by Senior Sanah Bhardwaj, the team of nine high school students focused on the intersections between culture and mental health for this year’s project. After spending more than two months conducting research, the ambassadors presented their project findings and recommendations at a virtual community forum on May 24. “I saw a gap with mental health in my community, especially for the Asian American community. So, I felt inspired to bridge the gap,” Bhardwaj said.

Wellness Center With a goal of helping students de-stress, socialize, and boost their moods, the Wellness Center in room C-2 is open for students if they are feeling stressed or anxious. There, they can engage in a variety of activities, from reading books to crocheting sweaters to playing board games. Cellphones are prohibited in the Wellness Center to encourage students to interact with their peers and engage with their surroundings. The Wellness Center is open during lunch and students can also go during class time if they feel the need to. In addition, teachers can bring their students to the Wellness Center, allowing them to spend time socializing and providing a step away from schoolwork. According to Wellness Center Coordinator Brinda Parekh, “The reason we are here is to have the kids engage in something different, more creative ... you just relive and revive those days.”

“I think focusing on growth over absolute factors is something that leads a healthier mindset because as a person, you’re going to be constantly growing. Even if you have a bad day, bad grade, or bad anything, it doesn’t define you as an individual.” — Science Teacher Oana Seremeta

MORE INTERVIEWS COVERED ONLINE AT:

& CHLOE GAO & .WEEBLY.COM. GRAPHICS BY CENTERSPREAD EDITORS ASHLEY PANG & PHOTOS BY THE SMOKE SIGNAL ARCHIVES, COURTESY FREMONT.GOV, MSJ MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE, MSJPEERRESOURCE

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GUIDE TO COMFORT FOODS

By Novak Chen, Anandita Devata, & Brittany Lu Staff Writers As the temperature drops and the air becomes crisp, people tend to crave sweet or savory delights that give a sense of comfort and warmth. In an exploration of comfort foods around the world, the Smoke Signal compiled a few of the MSJ community’s staple comfort foods to eat and enjoy this winter.

cha

Chakli is a savory snack originating from Karnataka, a state in South India, while other regions of India have adapted the recipe to different ingredients and shapes. The most common recipe consists of a r i c e flour dough combined with sesame seeds and spices stuffed into a press, which is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The crunchy chakli, complemented with a hot cup of chai, is frequently served as an afternoon snack. It is also a treat during festivals, given to friends and family on holidays such as Diwali and Pongal. Simple yet delightful, chakli is one of the few foods adored by all of India.

kl i

Macaroni and CHeese

ma

rice flour, sesame seeds, ghee, tumeric, salt, cumin seeds, green chili, coriander powder

c

‘n

c he es e

plov

macaroni pasta, butter, milk, cheddar, parmesan, mozarella, flour, garlic, salt, panko bread crumbs

Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac ‘n cheese, is a staple meal for many. The recipe traditionally consists of macaroni along with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. The choice of cheese can range from simple cheddar and mozzarella to gruyère, muenster, havarti, and even blue cheese for a gourmet taste. Mac ‘n cheese dates back to Anglo-European pasta and casserole recipes, and has evolved with dozens of variations.

A popular take on the recipe is baked mac ‘n cheese, which includes a crunchy mixture of herbs and panko bread crumbs layered on top of the pasta. This recipe’s versatility makes it a simple yet hearty dish for both special occasions and everyday meals.

pl o v lamb, onions, carrots, long grain rice, bay leaves, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

t

tacos Tacos, originating from Mexico, are a handheld food consisting of a folded tortilla packed with an assortment of fillings, from seasoned meats to vibrant salsas and fresh toppings. In Mexican culture, the significance of tacos extends beyond everyday meals; they are an integral part of celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo, Día del Taco, and family gatherings. The act of crafting, sharing, and savoring tacos is a celebration among families where comfort and culture seamlessly intertwine.

Tacos, with their versatility, cater to individual preferences, making them a delicious and globally cherished comfort food.

a

tortillas, avocados, ground beef, pico de gallo, lettuce, garlic, chili powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt

cinnam on

“My comfort food would be my mom’s version of jajangmyeon, which is a Chinese-style Korean noodle. It became my comfort food when she’d make it when I wasn’t feeling 100% or down in general.” — Aleena Gao, 10

ma l

va

pudding

sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, butter, vinegar, milk, fresh cream, hot water, vanilla essence

con ge jasmine white rice, water, ginger, salt, chicken bouillon, cornstarch, vegetable oil, green onion, century egg

A popular dish in Northern Europe and North America, cinnamon rolls are a delightful dessert made of moist, fluffy rolls coated in a cinnamon spread and a gooey cream cheese glaze. They are also commonly known as cinnamon buns and cinnamon snails. In Sweden, cinnamon rolls are annually celebrated on Kanelbullens dag, or Cinnamon Bun Day, which falls on October 4 to encourage baking at home. During the holiday season, this sweet treat often appears on dinner tables due to its warm, cozy aesthetic. Paired with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls are the perfect food to curl up in bed with on a cold day.

congee Congee, a staple in Chinese households, stands as a warm and comforting bowl of rice porridge that has evolved into a cherished comfort food during winter.

Congee is rice simmered in water or broth until it reaches a porridge-like consistency, with variations in ingredients that include coriander, preserved mustard greens, pork meat floss, and even century eggs. Congee’s adaptability is another reason for its broad appeal. From savory versions with meats, vegetables, and condiments to sweeter options with dried fruits or nuts, congee caters to a diverse palate. Whether enjoyed as a daily meal or a centerpiece during celebrations, congee never fails to provide a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

e

“I had a cup of cup noodles that really warmed me up [and it] reminded me of a very traditional Filipino dish called manok bisaya, which actually directly translates to a regional chicken in the Visayan region. It's made with the bisaya chicken, but the recipe varies by family.” — Social Studies Teacher Cyril Macasero

all-purpose flour, granulated white or brown sugar, yeast, salt, water, butter, eggs, cinnamon, milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract

lls ro

A beloved South African dessert, Malva pudding is a sweet and sticky pudding commonly served warm. It’s not only a delightful dessert; it’s also a traditional dish deeply connected to celebratory occasions, serving as a staple at weddings, birthdays, and Christmas. Typically made with ingredients like apricot jam, brown sugar, and fresh cream, it is also served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a custard drizzle that complements the soft and spongy texture of the pudding. As the holiday season approaches, the act of sharing Malva pudding fosters a sense of togetherness and unity among families and communities.

Plov, with hundreds of varied recipes across Central Asia, is a flavorful combination of rice, meat, carrots, and an array of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Different recipes are passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique touch to the recipe, like chestnuts or quail eggs. Despite its evolution over the years, plov is still most commonly made with either lamb or beef. A traditional dish to serve guests, plov is often linked to gatherings where families and communities gather to cook and enjoy this dish. Especially during festivals and weddings, the comforting aroma of plov represents more than a delicious meal; it symbolizes a shared experience that brings people together to form lasting memories.

cinnamon rolls

s co

Malva pudding

chakli

“My favorite comfort food is probably chai. It’s such a comforting drink, and I love the way it cheers me up on a difficult day.” — Arushi Dinker, 12 “My comfort food is xiaolongbao ... It’s really the shared memories with my family while eating xiaolongbao that make this comfort food really special and beloved to me.” — Angie Che, 11

GRAPHICS BY FEATURE EDITOR CALLIE YUAN

Friday, December 15, 2023

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Feature & Arts & Entertainment 13

DEAR DIARY: MENORAH

By Hannah Bi Staff Writer The evening of December 7 marks the start of Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple in 164 BCE. During this restoration process, priest and guerrilla leader Judas Maccabeus relied on a small jar of oil that miraculously burned for eight days.

To honor this occurrence, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a menorah, a ninebranched candelabrum. Throughout the eight nights, an additional candle is added to the display, each lit with the shamash, or center candle. During this year’s Hanukkah, an underappreciated menorah discovers its own worth throughout the festival season.

December 7 Today I was awoken from my 11-month hibernation with a feather duster tickling my nose. Holding in a sneeze, I spot Leah, the woman who rescued me from a lonely Costco shelf two years ago, wiping the small table I currently rest on. Oh joy, it must be Hanukkah again! Ah, just basking in last year’s glorious memories makes me feel all giddy again. Stretching my cramped arms, I hear a jarring creak of metal — uh oh, this is not a good sign. Noah, Leah’s husband, carries in little David, their son, and places the shamash in my middle branch. He adds another candle and uses the lit shamash to light this second one. Ouch, only two candles in, and I already strained my muscles; how is this possible? I must be getting old; I have never been this weak before … No, no, it can’t be. I haven’t even had my sweet sixteen yet! There’s no way I’m old, right?

December 8 Oops, I almost fell asleep again — maybe my years are catching up to me after all. I’ve been patiently listening to Noah ramble on

and on about the importance of saying the three Hanukkah blessings, miracles, and Shehecheyanu, the blessing of firsts, for at least ten hours. Does this man ever stop yapping? If I have to endure another five minutes of him praising miracles, I will scream. Wait a minute, what’s Noah saying now? He’s telling David about the story of Judas in the temple and the original oil — my ancestor! This small oil jar managed to burn for eight days, which led to Hanukkah being celebrated over eight days. Normally, I’d scoff at this overrated story — last year, I easily lasted a week — but now in my current condition, I worry that I might not even last a few days.

Oh, what has the world come to?

for my hard work? Are they purposefully trying to starve me? All these years of neglect have taken a toll on my mental and physical health. This underappreciation must end.

December 14

What is happening to me? My smooth waltzing skills have vanished, and my movements are constantly followed by a squeak of metal. Could this possibly be arthritis?

Ugh, I don’t even want to imagine that possibility. Suddenly, the calming melodies I was swaying to are replaced with what sounds like an off-key rendition of some hardcore rap song.

Oh, the agony!

David’s ear-splitting shrieks will be the cause of my deafness. Forget about becoming the next Taylor Swift, even I would make for a better singer than this December 12 monster of a child. What are Noah and Ah, I just love the aroma of Leah thinking? Are they purposefully fried delicacies. I see Leah offertrying to give me a permanent miing David a tray full of latkes, his graine? “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” favorite potato cakes. Wait, what is definitely not meant to be is this injustice? Why is she putbelched out as a gruff roar. Somebody please ting them away? I didn’t even get a chance civilize this kid — my ears are about to bleed. to try any yet! And what is this? A plate full of her famous mouthwatering sufganiy- December 15 David’s laughter woke me up yet again. ot, freshly fried and filled with jelly … that again, she only gives to David, skipping me. I Today, Noah is teaching him how to play wish Leah would offer me some of these Ha- dreidel. I hear Noah’s droning voice for the nukkah treats, but the most hospitality I’ve third time, repeating the meaning of the symever received was when David accidentally bols on the dreidel and the ensuing action dropped a piece of gelt, a chocolate coin, regarding the gelt. However, despite these in front of me last year. Why am I not paid simple instructions, David still doesn’t pick

up any of the rules even after the extremely thorough 10-minute explanation. I can see why, though. With all those pieces of chocolate in the center, even I, with my many years of experience practicing self-discipline, am having a hard time focusing on anything else. Hold up, what’s that on the floor next to Noah … a Costco catalog — I see they’re selling menorahs again. Wait, are they going to replace me? I’ve had enough of this abuse.

First, they neglect and starve me, then attempt to give me physical impairments, and now they want to throw me out. Do they not remember our happy memories of the past two Hanukkahs? Why would they want to just throw everything down the drain?

December 15 Today is the last night of Hanukkah, and I can sense David’s excitement all the way from across the carpet. Ah, I remember; Noah promised him an expensive gift, as per tradition, if he remained good the entire eight days. In my opinion, that gift was gone right when his horrendous singing started, but I guess his parents are very patient.

Oh just look at his gift! A full Disney Castle LEGO set? My, what a generous upgrade compared with the little pieces of candy and books from the previous nights. Noah lights my final candle, and I try to stand tall with all nine burning bright. As I prepare to take a self-pity nap, I overhear Noah promising David to teach him how to light the candles next year, and he claps his hands giddily, admiring my full beauty. Do my ears deceive me? I guess I’ve been fearing a baseless rumor that I told myself — I’ll be returning to my post next year after all. Alas, my job is almost done, and I must begin my night shift of napping for another 11 months. ▪ GRAPHICS BY FEATURE EDITOR CALLIE YUAN

Lengthening the conversation: A reevaluation of short-form content

By Keerti Koya & Vidyuth Sridhar Staff Writers Over the past few years, short-form video content has become an increasingly prevalent media format. With social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Google, and Pinterest tapping into the market of short-form offerings, major companies and consumers are shifting toward a new, shorter form of content.

In a fast-paced post-pandemic era characterized by frequent distractions, short-form video content provides a swift and convenient means of accessing information, entertainment, and inspiration. In light of the growing overconsumption of short-form media, the public must relearn how to consume long-form content to allow for a deeper understanding of complex topics, encourage critical thinking, and foster focus.

Many Americans resort to multitasking in order to keep up with the pace of today’s world.

A 2016 Pew Research Center survey found that 52% of Americans are usually trying to do two things at once. With the continuous flow of information, notifications, and the constant temptation to be on devices, it has become near second nature to switch between tasks in an attempt to stay connected and informed. In addition, a 2023 report conducted by the Center For Advancing Health found that 94% of surveyed workers exhibited symptoms of chronic stress at the workplace. Content in easily comprehensible formats due to its bite-sized nature may promote a culture of instant responses and continuous engagement, leaving little room for mental breaks that are crucial for well-being.

The nature of short-form content makes it

easily digestible and promotes a continuous cycle of consumption. However, the quick rewards and constant stimuli of such content create an addictive pattern, where individuals often find themselves repeatedly served, seeking, and engaging with the content. A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Middle Tennessee State University found that an estimated 210 million people worldwide suffer from addiction to social media and the Internet — both of which are common sources of short-form content.

Short-form content also limits the depth and nuance of information, making it challenging to grasp the thoroughness of complex topics.

In 2023, the average length of a TikTok video was around 42 seconds, whilst the default video length on other platforms such as Instagram was just 15 seconds long. By prioritizing brevity, little time can be allotted for thoughtful exploration and critical thinking. Furthermore, video clips, “TLDRs”, and quick updates, encourage the oversimplification of issues, sacrificing depth for sensationalism in order to generate views.

Like trying to view a painting by looking only at a small corner, while short-form might provide a very brief overview, you lose the true complexity, scale, and context of the full picture.

The abundance of and frequent exaggeration present in short-form content also has several mental health implications, such as decreasing attention span, diminishing information processing, and hyperstimulating memory and emotional centers in the brain. The excessive

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consumption of short-form content can also harm natural circadian and sleep patterns. A 2023 Gallup survey found that the average US teen spent 4.8 hours per day on social media apps; a 2019 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control concluded that 77.9% of US teenagers receive less than the recommended eight hours of sleep – an increase more than 8.8% from 2009.

By valuing substance over brevity, we encourage a culture that prioritizes thoughtful exploration and critical thinking. To do so, we must actively seek out and support long-form pieces, such as movies, investigative journalism, and podcasts, that provide the space and means needed to delve into the intricacies of

important issues. In addition, it is essential to set aside time for deep discussions, both in digital and real-world spaces, to promote mental well-being and a society that values nuanced observations over the rapid gratification of short snippets.

As individuals, we have the ability to shape the content world. We should choose to lengthen the conversation, embracing the benefits of engaging with ideas in a more profound and meaningful way. Consuming more long-form content is a way of investing in intellectual growth, fostering critical thinking skills, and ensuring that modern efficiency does not come at the cost of meaningful discourse and understanding. ▪

GRAPHICS BY A&E EDITOR GOONJA BASU

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Arts & Entertainment 15

C R I T I C S’ C O R N E R

ATEEZ’s return to finish THE WORLD series

By Fiona Yang Staff Writer

Having garnered popularity for its intense stage presence, impeccable teamwork, and diverse discography, the eight member K-pop group ATEEZ released its second studio album THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL on December 1. This new release is the third part of THE WORLD series, following its predecessors THE WORLD EP.2 : OUTLAW and THE WORLD EP.1 : MOVEMENT, conveying themes of breaking out of societal standards and embodying a perfect combination of power and harmony.

Most notable in this new release is ATEEZ’s laudatory production efforts. By experimenting with a span of electronic elements like autotune, heavy thudding beats, and static, the group transports listeners into a scene reminiscent of outer space and cyber cities. The lead single “Crazy Form” opens mysteriously with knocking drums and a sound similar to ghost crying, contributing to foreboding anticipation. ATEEZ’s unmatched energy manifests through tongue trills and repetitive chanting, and autotune in songs like “Emergency” and “ARRIBA” add an attractive techno kick to the group’s vocal range. The dark atmosphere is accentuated with the matching of lazy raps and background drumming, as well as sounds of pulsating electricity. ATEEZ not only excels in the edgy concept, but it also showcases its impressive duality with light beats, uplifting instrumentals, and calming piano sounds. The group pairs soft voices and low pitched raps to highlight the upbeat atmosphere of “Dreamy Day,” while twinkling sounds and pizzicatos evoke uplift-

By Padma Balaji Staff Writer

SPOTIFY.COM

ing feelings. In “Youth (YOUNHO, MINGI),” saxophones accompany members YUNHO and MINGI’s relaxing deep voices, adding to the encouraging and optimistic emotions that they seek to convey.

Moreso, the group’s optimistic and self-assuring lyricism stabilizes its confident image. The chorus of “Crazy Form” repeats “My ego’s in this show / To the moon we go / Hey this is some crazy form,” emphasizing ATEEZ’s ambitions of topping the music industry and redefining society’s standards with its explosive passion. Its aspirations appear in “Silver Light” as well: “Light up brighter / We go, heading towards the light,” the light symbolizing the dreams which the group desire to achieve through teamwork and perseverance. While ATEEZ emphasizes its confidence in some songs, other tracks precisely relay emotions that easily reassure listeners feeling uncertainty in their current life. In JONGHO’s solo “Everything,” he exudes intense regret when singing “I tried to pretend it was okay … / And why

do I keep trying to run away;” His vocals immaculately express the pain of not saying words he wished to say to the person, his sorrow a tangible feeling which audiences can relate to and empathize with. ATEEZ’s prodigious ability to express a mixture of contrasting emotions truly amounts to the supportive comments of fans.

Indeed, with ATEEZ’s experimentation with new sounds and genres, THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL surpasses the expectations set from their previous works, rightfully earning well-deserved acclamation.

Furthermore, the group attracts attention for its duality in expressing boldness and empathy, from its unparalleled energy to outstanding lyricism. Undeniably, THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL marks another extraordinary landmark in ATEEZ’s discography, leaving fans excited for future releases. ▪ Grade: A

December 2023 Student Faves

BOOKBYTES

By Angelina Chen Staff Writer Student Recommendation Title: The Things They Carried Author: Tim O’Brien Recommended Reading Level: Grade 9 Genre: War, Psychological Fiction As a collection of interconnected short stories centering around the lives of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, Tim O’Brien’s semi-autobiographical narrative blurs the lines between fiction and reality, presenting a distinct perspective on the reality of the war. “[The book is] not a technically hard read, but the content [the author] discusses is really nuanced, and it’s really good. ” — Anushree Marimuthu, 12 Staff Recommendation Title: Becoming Author: Michelle Obama Recommended Reading Level: Adult Genre: Memoir, Autobiography Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s memoir tells the story of her life and struggles, discussing her time at the White House and beyond. From her burgeoning career to her romantic relationships, she details her most formative experiences.

“It’s her life…it shows how women in power work [and] how [Michelle Obama’s] mother helped her become an independent women, [as well as Obama’s] life hardships.” — Library Media Technician Sandeep Kaur Smokie Recommendation Title: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Author: Holly Jackson Recommended Reading Level: Grade 9 Genre: Mystery, Young Adult Fiction When Pippa Fitz-Amobi questions the verdict of a murder in the small town of Fairview, she starts to uncover a forbidden secret. Everyone accepts that boyfriend Sal Singh murdered the popular senior Andie Bell like it is a fact, but Pippa believes otherwise.

“I think [the book] is extremely well-written and the plot is really thrilling. It kept me on the edge of my chair the entire time.” — Keerti Koya, 11

The Boy and the Heron is exquisitely underwhelming

MOVIE: White Chicks — Emily Clubs, 12 TV SHOW: Cobra Kai— Dawson Senecal, 9 ALBUM: Bewitched by Laufey — Carrie Yang, 10 BOOK: The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui — Lia H. Le-Nguyen, Sr., 11 GAME: Fortnite — Nikhil Cidambi, 10

On October 8, Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli released its newest movie The Boy and the Heron, marking its first film in over a decade. The film is slow-paced and poignant, featuring stunning visuals and a compelling soundtrack, but its minimalist approach results in drawn out pacing and uneven storytelling that leaves viewers underwhelmed and wishing for more.

The movie follows a young boy, Mahito (Soma Santoki), amidst World War II as he is launched into an alternate world filled with fantastical creatures as he attempts to uncover the secrets of his family. The movie draws loose inspiration from the life of Hayao Miyazaki, the movie’s director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, who recalled fleeing the war as a child. Miyazaki uses his background to subtly explore complex themes of power, greed, and malice that reflect deeply on both the wartorn setting of the movie and today’s world.

The movie boasts a stunning array of artwork, featuring the romanticized depiction of rural life that Ghibli is known for. The soft, relaxed art style creates a nostalgic effect, which pairs well with the historical time period. In addition, the well-crafted soundtrack, created by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time composer of Ghibli films, adds depth by fleshing out the emotional aspects of the scene. The Boy and the Heron’s soundtrack is subtle, lacking any overarching motifs and acting as nothing more than an accompaniment. It benefits the context of this film, directing the attention towards the animation and the plot while still allowing the music to play a relevant role.

The film takes a minimalist approach, featuring little dialogue, a simple soundtrack, and show-not-tell storytelling technique that lets the

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viewers experience the story through subtext or actions rather than explicit dialogue. When executed correctly, this approach can make for an exceptional movie. However, The Boy and the Heron fails to do so, instead drawing out the simplicity to the point where it becomes tedious and even loses the audience’s attention at times. Although the focus of the plot lies in the alternate world Mahito slips into, the film crescendos up to that point incredibly slowly, drawing out scenes that are unnecessary and repetitive. The alternate world itself is well-built and fantastical, filled with secrets that Mahito must embark on a journey to uncover. However, Miyazaki’s minimalist approach to storytelling means that little is explained about the world or how it works, leaving readers to piece together the details on their own. This technique quickly falls short, as instead of relishing in the fantastical creatures and delicate story that Miyazaki has clearly taken time in crafting, the viewer is left trying to understand what’s going on.

Overall, The Boy and the Heron has much to offer, from enchanting scenery to profound themes that will delight long-time Ghibli fans and first-time watchers alike. However, its appealing aspects are quickly overshadowed by slow, confusing storytelling that fails to live up to the film’s potential. ▪ Grade: B-

Wish Leaves the Audience Wishing for More

IMDB.COM

By Daphne Senecal Staff Writer

Poignant yet haunting, directorIn celebration of Disney’s 100 year anniversary, fantasy film Wish tries to encapsulate the magic that the company was born from, only to leave the audience longing for more.

Released on November 22, Wish depicts how dreams and wishes are what give life meaning but ultimately fails to make the audience care.

This tale follows 17 year old Asha (Ariana DeBose), a citizen of the kingdom of Rosas, ruled by the great sorcerer Magnifico (Chris Pine) who takes the citizen’s wishes from them when they come of age. As Asha comes to learn what Magnifico intends to do with the people’s wishes, she makes a wish of her own so powerful that it summons a star. Asha, along with the help of her friends, must make a plan to save the wishes

of Rosas.

Though the overall concept of this movie portrays an inspiring message, its impact is lost due to how fast-paced the story takes place.

Too many significant events occur in a short run time of 95 minutes, making it impossible to form an emotional connection to what is happening. With the fact that the whole story only takes place in the span of a few days, not only does the plot suffer, but so does the film’s large cast of characters. Asha’s seven friends, a reference to Disney’s first feature length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, receive very little screen time despite their vital roles in the movie’s climax.

Hints of character traits are made in the short moments they are seen, but so little is revealed that the audience is left speculating their personalities.

As a result, some of the actions that certain friends take cannot be fully

understood, as well as making it difficult to sympathize with these characters. The relationships between the friend group and Asha also suffers because their connection to Asha is left ambiguous, creating doubts in the believability of their friendships.

The film pays homage to Disney’s first animated movie in more ways than one, especially with the use of the iconic 2D watercolor animation of the past that was mixed with the modern 3D style of the present.

Unfortunately for the lovers of the company’s original style, the handdrawn design was used sparingly in the background for certain scenes, making it easy to miss. The choice to isolate the 2D artwork to the background also created some awkward moments that looked as if the scene was taking place in front of a backdrop for a school play, ruining the immersion and the worldbuilding. The animation fails to truly pay

any sort of respect to Disney’s origins and only serves as a bittersweet reminder of what many believe to have been the golden years of the company.

Wish is ultimately a beautiful story that fails because of the medium chosen to present it and the unrealistic timeline of its plot. With a large cast of diverse characters, a tale as ambitious as this one would have been better suited as an animated Disney series. Without the restriction of the limited run times of animated features, a show would have allowed for more time to flesh out the entirety of the supporting cast and made their actions and choices more believable. Though as it stands, Wish is nothing but an hour and a half of wasted potential. ▪ Grade: C+

SMOKIE PLAYLIST: AARON: “Limbo” by Freddie Dredd | AARYAN: “Kant rëlax” by Yeat | ANNIE: “Something Soon” by Car Seat Headrest | ANNIKA: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA | Deafening December ANUSHKA: “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish | ASHLEY: “SHOOTING STAR” by XG | CALLIE: “The End” by Sisyfuss | CHLOE: “Drama” by aespa | ELTON:

“Umbrella” by Rihanna, JAY-Z | GOONJA: “She’s So Gone” by Naomi Scott | HANNAH: “Custer” by Slipknot | JULIA: “ANTIFRAGILE” by LE SSERAFIM | KARINA: “Startafight” by Joey Valence & Brae | KAYLEE: “C’est la vie” by Weathers | JIYUN: “Notion” by The Rare Occasions | SANAH: “Jungle” by Fred again.. | VEDESH: “Take It Or Leave It” by The Strokes | WAYLON: “You Broke My Heart” by Drake | MRS. COHEN: “Believer” by Imagine Dragons

16 Arts & Entertainment

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msj’s 2023

Spotify Wrapped

By Shuhan Jin, Naisha Koppurapu, & Brittany Lu Staff Writers

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“My top song is “Slowly” by Weston Estate, and I listened to it about 850 times in the span of two months, because I listened to it for five days straight without stopping, even when I was asleep so that probably racked up the numbers. I couldn’t get it out of my head.”

— Anmol Prabhakar, 11

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“My top artist was Daniel Caesar. I found him on my Spotify Radio; I listened to one of his songs, “Get You (feat. Kali Uchis),” listened to the rest of his albums, and liked every single song. My top song was “Always” by Rex Orange County and I think I like his song because literally played it on repeat for an hour. — Nicholas Zhang, 12

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“My top artist was Travis Scott and my top song was “MY EYES.” That song is on repeat everyday in my playlist; I listen to basically all of Travis Scott’s albums, like all day, all week long, so I’m not surprised that it’s [at the] top. I just love his music, I’ve been to a couple of his concerts, and he’s just my favorite artist.”

— Adhuna Devineni, 9

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“I honestly wasn’t expecting Taylor Swift to be my number one most listened-to artist this year, but I feel like the main reason for it was that I didn’t listen to a specific song on loop; it was more of listening to multiple of her eras and her albums, and collectively, they just built up.”

— Alexandre Beaudin, 12

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Who/What was your top artist or song of the year, and what are your thoughts?

GRAPHICS BY A&E EDITOR SANAH BHARDWAJ

Friday, December 15, 2023

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The Smoke Signal

Arts & Entertainment 17

2023 YEAR IN

The 2023 year brought about many new revelations in the arts and entertainment industry, with recordbreaking tours, films, and shows, as well as tragic losses. The biggest musical tours occurred after years of anticipation and rewrote history, theaters became a place for more than watching movies and opened its doors to new traditions and memories, and many other milestones in the arts and entertainment history quickly became media trends. Overall, the year had its highs and lows and ultimately brought people from all over the world together as they lived through the experiences offered by the media.

February 12: Rihanna performs at the Super Bowl Rihanna gave her first live performance in five years on February 12 at the Super Bowl halftime show. Though the singer has not released music since 2022, the setlist for the performance was composed of her biggest hits from the past, including “Umbrella” and “Work,” much to her crowd’s enjoyment. However, despite the show becoming the most live-streamed halftime perforTaymance, it did not live up to the fans’ expectations, criticizing the lor seemingly low-effort choreography and costumes. Still, some of Swift’s The her fans praised her iconic floating stages, original remixes, Eras Tour has and heightened energy at the Super Bowl. Additionally, captivated the meRihanna silently announced her pregnancy during dia for months and is the show, which instantly started trending on track to becoming the on the media, with people highest-grossing musical tour in making jokes about her anhistory. The tour, celebrating Swift’s nouncement, but also career over the past 17 years, presents causing many a show more than three hours long with fans to be surprise songs covering her ten albums, or eras, excited that to tell a story of Swift’s growth in the music industry. she has a Swifties came up with a heartwarming “friendship bracelet” baby on the tradition where they trade bracelets, making the shows even way. more memorable. In July, Santa Clara, renamed Swiftie Clara, held two unique show surrounded by fireworks from California’s Great America near the stadium. The Eras Tour sparked a frenzy of economic activity in cities with flights, hotels, and eateries, but despite the tour’s successes, recent news about fans passing out mid-concert have raised concerns about international show guidelines. Swift’s iconic tour extends beyond the stage with a cinematic concert film and album announcements, rewriting concert history.

REVIEW

By Navya Chitlur, Sarah Hu & Trisha Parikh Staff Writers

March 17: Taylor Swift begins her record#breaking Eras Tour April 16: Frank Ocean performs at Coachella Coachella 2023 left many fans disheartened when singer-songwriter Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated closing performance on Week 1 failed to meet expectations. Despite the enthusiasm that surrounded his first live performance in six years, the show had a delayed start, followed by impromptu, senseless DJ soundtracks, a canceled livestream of the show, and no clear view of the performance on the stage’s massive screens. Many concert-goers took to TikTok to record the experience, but the lack of WiFi in Coachella Valley proved to be an obstacle for fans. Ocean’s explanation was a last-minute switch from an intricate ice-skating show due to an ankle injury from rehearsals. Fans who camped out for hours before the show expressed their frustration through shouts and leaving the area. The disappointment Between the months of May and October of trailed into week two, when his 2023, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour took second performance was over the internet, competing with Swift’s Tour for the canceled due to reporthighest-grossing tour by a female artist. The singer lived up ed ongoing leg to her reputation as she skillfully played a three hour long show injuries. filled with incredible stage design and songs. Beyoncé eventually included her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, in her dance routines during “MY POWER,” and “BLACK PARADE,’’ leading to Carters rising popularity as people attempted to recreate her dance by themselves, or post their support for Ivy on Barbenheimer was a unique cultural phenomenon that was social media. Additionally, Beyoncé’s concert film premiered on December 1, followexecuted purely by accident. The two-punch release of the ing the singer’s performances and behind-the-scenes footage, portraying Beyoncé’s movies Barbie and Oppenheimer caused the Internet to connect incredible performance ability and astounding audiences the two films due to their contrasting themes and colors, with once again.

Barbie’s embodiment of the color pink contrasting with Oppen-

May 10: Beyoncé begins the Renaissance Tour

July 21: Blockbuster films Barbie and Oppenheimer are released

June 2: Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse The sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse follows Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy as they traverse through the multiverses and try to save the world. After its initial release in theaters, the movie became the sixth highest-grossing film of the year, collecting more than $690 million globally. Fans of the movie immediately took to social media, creating the trend of a “canon event,” applying the Spider-Verse term to the lives of viewers. The movie was also applauded for the diverse character cast, with new Spidermen such as Pavitr Prabhakar, the Mumbai Spiderman, and Hobart “Hobie” Brown, also known as Spiderpunk, immediately becoming viral sensations.

heimer’s dark storyline and film color. The release of these movies in theaters led to traditions such as wearing the color pink for Barbie, then switching to black to watch Oppenheimer. This connection eventually led to the astounding success of both the films, each one propelling the success of the other. Ultimately, it caused the biggest box-office profit in a single day, and the individual accomplishments of both these movies led to Barbie becoming the highest-grossing movie of the year, and Oppenheimer following closely behind.

Overall, 2023 saw an illustrious return to the movies, musical artists experiencing some of their best years yet, and performances that will go down in pop culture history. Following the coronavirus pandemic, media-lovers once feared that they may never be able to experience their favorite entertainment again. This year has shown us that the sky is the limit.

GRAPHICS BY A&E EDITOR SANAH BHARDWAJ

18 Sports

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Protecting female athletes from abuse

By Sally Han & Arushi Singh Staff Writers

gan State authorities, just to be ignored. Recent Bay Area cases also made headlines when the head coach of the San Jose Jr. Sharks, a recreational team, was arrested on charges of sexual assault of a minor and child pornography. Similarly, San Jose State University athletic trainer Scott Shaw pleaded guilty to inappropriately touching fifteen female student-athletes. Since abuse can happen at any level, sport, and age group, prevention strategies have to be tailored to organizations as varied as Olympic teams, college sports, gyms, and countless recreational leagues.

Pressure from several high profile cases and the #MeToo movement, a global campaign to expose sexual abuse and hold perpetrators accountable, has led to some reforms to protect female athletes. After the Nassar case, SafeSport was created to fight misconduct in Olympic sports with training materials and a database of suspended athletic personnel.

Numerous reports of gen

According to the United Nations, 21% of girls experience sexual abuse as a child in sports, almost double the rate of boys. In recent years, record numbers of women and girls are participating at all levels of sports, and should be guaranteed safe spaces to train and compete. To this end, all national and local athletic organizations must implement reforms to combat abuse and harassment in sports. Along with increasing public awareness and accountability, preventive measures such as background checks, training, and onsite counseling should be mandatory.

Sports have been a breeding ground for sexual harassment and assaults. According to the Journal of Clinical Sports Psychology, the glorification of masculine ideals and the close, dependent relationship athletes have with coaches and doctors are factors that make women athletes vulnerable to abuse. Even less violent incidents such as verbal abuse, demeaning actions, or excessive pressure to perform well can inflict lifelong trauma on athletes.

Victims often feel they must conform and stay quiet so as not to jeopardize their shot at competing. Research by the nonprofit US Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) found that 93% of athletes who experienced sexual harassment did not report it.

One of the obstacles to implementing effective policies against abuse is that it occurs at many unrelated entities across all levels of competition. In 2016, for example, Larry Nassar, longtime physician for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, was convicted of abusing hundreds of Olympic and college level gymnasts. At Nassar’s trial, several gymnasts said they reported Nassar’s abuse to Michi-

der-based violence by male athletes on college campuses led the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to adopt a Campus Sexual Violence Policy mandating that colleges investigate student athletes’ criminal and disciplinary records. While these measures are important first steps in stopping and preventing abuse, they are not enough. Many universities still do not vet male athletes before signing them, and even if their record is tainted, they are not automatically barred from competition. SafeSport has also faced criticism for rushing to close cases after just an internal review, resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability which might discourage other victims from coming forward.

Going forward, perpetrators should face harsh punishments and be barred from ever working as a coach or doctor again. All official sports organizations must implement stricter anti-harassment policies, which define what harassment is, state that it will not be tolerated, and explain how or where

to report perpetrators. Just as employers are legally bound to prevent harassment, sports organizations should be held accountable in the same way. In the Shaw case, San Jose State paid $1.6 million for failing to stop the abuse. Such settlements provide a financial motivation for organizations to implement reforms. These must include thorough background checks and hiring counselors who are regularly present and proactively check in with players. Signs displaying helplines and methods of reporting abuse make coming forward easier. To counter any pressure to protect the team or coach, female athletes should be well-informed and supported by counselors to put their physical and mental well-being above everything else.

Thanks to the #MeToo movement and coverage of high-profile cases, more survivors have chosen to share their stories. Still, the burden of preventing harassment should never fall on survivors alone, and organizations who have let repeat offenders slip through cracks must be held responsible. Given the severity of the problem, we must all advocate for the safety of female athletes. MSJ student athletes can talk to their club or team about their anti-harassment policies. There are many ways to become involved with or donate to organizations focused specifically on athlete abuse, like The Army of Survivors and We Ride Together.

They offer tools for students to educate themselves as well as resources to spread awareness. Local cases of sexual assault, like with the San Jose Jr. Sharks, serve as a wake-up call for sustained action to end the abuse of girls in sports.▪

GRAPHICS BY SPORTS EDITOR AARON ZHOU

Coach Spotlight: Alyssa Hashimoto

By Novak Chen & Ethan Yan Staff Writers

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Despite being new to the MSJ team, Class of 2011 Alumna and MSJ Girls Basketball Coach Alyssa Hashimoto is far from inexperienced.

Hashimoto has nine years of basketball coaching experience, having previously coached programs at three schools within FUSD: William Hopkins Junior High School, American High School. In addition, Hashimoto also had a tenure of three seasons as an assistant coach for the Women’s Basketball program at Ohlone College.

Her love for basketball started when she first learned basketball in kindergarten and first grade. As a sophomore in high school, she first started coaching when a club coach asked her to assist him with a club team. In college, she played both intramural and college basketball, and also started coaching at Hopkins. “Growing up in Fremont and playing in Fremont seemed [to lead to a] seamless transition to coaching in Fremont with community-based programs,” Hashimoto said. After coaching at Hopkins, Hashimoto would become head coach of American’s JV Girls Basketball program for three years. “I went to MSJ, so coaching Amer-

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Girls Basketball Coach Alyssa Hashimoto poses for a picture.

tion, wearing different colors. … It always seemed like a community thing rather than a school thing,” Hashimoto said.

This involvement and love for the Fremont community inspired Hashimoto to take on another job as the Recreation Supervisor of Fremont. Her experience as a recreational supervisor also positively impacted her coaching career by helping her develop a teaching style that focuses on the fundamentals of basketball and improving on core skills to improve the team in all ways.

Hashimoto hopes to use her past coaching experiences to lead MSJ Girls Basketball to a more successful season. Hashimoto believes in focusing on the fundamentals of the game of basketball, and without a good foundation of basic skills and habits to build on, players cannot learn more advanced sets and strategies. “[The] fighting spirit [that is] in their competitive nature, is a huge positive to have,” Hashimoto said. Not only does Hashimoto want to coach basketball, she wants to encourage a love for the sport itself, hoping that the basketball team can carry their passion over to all of their future endeavors.

In order to achieve her goals for the team, Hashimoto introduced new training regimens this year for both MSJ Girls Varsity Basketball and MSJ Girls JV Basketball to further establish their fundamentals. For example, one drill involves throwing medicine balls back and forth, which simulates a more difficult version of passing a basketball to prepare the team for difficult scenarios in game.

Ultimately, coaching MSJ is another opportunity for Hashimoto to give back to the community, and she will undoubtedly bring about significant improvement with her effective training methods. With a challenging season up ahead, MSJ Girls Varsity Basketball and JV Girls Basketball look forward to exemplary results at MVALs and another qualification to NCS under Hashimoto’s guidance throughout competition.

PHOTO BY STAFF WRITERS NOVAK CHEN AND ETHAN YAN

Friday, December 15, 2023

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Sports & Photo 19

Athlete Spotlight: Rayyan Ketekar

By Maryam Naseer & Howard Lu Staff Writers Junior Rayyan Ketekar embarked on his cricket journey more than five years ago at the California Cricket Academy. In essence, cricket is a unique sport that demands physical fitness, good hand-eye coordination and ball handling, with tactics highlighting precision, teamwork, and strategic gameplay.

Ketekar displays his dedication, training 15+ hours every week and attending numerous regional and national competitions, all while balancing academic responsibilities.

“My family watched cricket often before I started playing the sport,” Ketekar said. He was introduced to cricket at a young age, and became more intrigued when his father enrolled him in a local cricket academy. After a few weeks of trying it out, he found the sport enjoyable and decided to continue playing. With his enrollment in the California Cricket Academy, he officially began his competitive cricketing journey.

Throughout his time practicing cricket, Ketekar built and improved his strength, rhythm, and speed as a bowler. Bowlers employ various techniques such as pace, swing, and spin to outsmart the batsman and prevent them from scoring. Because intuition, concentration, and self-assurance are important factors in cricket, Ketekar learned how to work through these challenges and master his pitching routine. He found that the required rhythm for fast bowlers can be matched to taking steps and taught himself to memorize a pattern, making him execute his moves smoothly. “It’s about being comfortable when you play the game and … how comfortable you are when you are ready to roll,” Ketekar said.

“It’s about being comfortable when you play the game and you know how comfortable you are when you are ready to roll,” -RAYYAN KETEKAR, 11

Ketekar celebrates with his teammates during a competitive match.

Ketekar prepares to strike an incoming ball.

As his skills improved, Ketekar competed in numerous regional and national competitions.

Some of his notable accomplishments include winning the LA Woodley championship with his U15 squad last year and placing runner up this year with his U17 squad in the LA Thanksgiving Tournament. Ketekar’s performances at these matches earned him a spot as a reserved fast bowler on the West Zone National team. Over Thanksgiving break this year, he also competed with the American Trailblazers Cricket Team in a U19 and U17 tournament.

Ketekar’s commitment to cricket comes with challenges, including the difficulty of balancing sports with academics. He usually practices around two to four days a week, with games on the weekends. Despite these hurdles, he understands the need for strong time management skills to maintain a balance. “I only play cricket when I don’t have any tests coming before that,” Ketekar said. “If I practice before the day of a test, I skip cricket. Otherwise I go for it.”

With a clear passion for the sport, Ketekar has his sights set on competing in more cricket

tournaments and continuing to play in college. “There are minor league tournaments so to be able to play in those tournaments and reach higher levels of cricket would be something really big for me,” Ketekar said. ▪

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS MARYAM NASEER & HOWARD LU, COURTESY RAYYAN KETEKAR

Triton Museum of Art Hosts Holiday Art Fair

By Sahas Goli & Alice Zhao Staff Writers From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on December 2, the Triton Museum of Art held the Holiday Art Fair in Santa Clara. The fair featured dozens of booths from local vendors selling a variety of art products, a food truck, live music in styles ranging from jazz piano to Christmas songs, and arts and craft making activities.

Walking into the museum, visitors enter a hall with a performance room on their right and a vendor hall to their left. Sounds of soft jazz singing filled the air as event attendees gazed around at the various vendors selling artistic products between performance acts. Children occupied themselves with festive holiday activities, including bookmark-making and origami folding. Many attendees were regulars to the museum as well. “[It is my] first time in this fair, but not first time in this museum… We really liked the little concerts here. We also liked the vendors and the very original art they shared,” Attendee Yifan Gong said. When taking a break from shopping and watching performances, attendees could refresh themselves with a drink from the entry booths. The Triton Museum often hosts events featuring local artists and holiday shows such as this one. “We just strive to reach out to as many members of our community as possible … it’s really great when we can get people together … from different areas of the community to come together and join us and have fun,” Museum Curator and Fair Organizer Vanessa Callanta said. Looking around at the dozens of people walking around, talking to the vendors, making ornaments, or listening to the live music together, it is clear that the fair has achieved its goal. ▪

PHOTOS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR HANNAH SHEN STAFFWRITERS WRITERSSAHAS JIYUN GOLI GUO & LUO. GRAPHICS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR HANNAH SHEN PHOTOS BY&STAFF & ANDRIA ALICE ZHAO

20 Photo

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Fremont’s Korean Cuisine Scene

By Hannah Bi & Tushara Devapatla Staff Writers

From crunchy seafood pancakes to creamy tteokbokki, Korean food offers a range of delectable culinary styles. To showcase Fremont’s Korean cuisine scene, the Smoke Signal visited a few local restaurants: Soo Ja Fusion Bistro, Pocha K, Spoon Korean Bistro, and Melting Wok Korean Fusion.

By Bee & Puppycat “I feel like Korean food has Staff Writers Pocha K, a lively Korean restaua very unique palette, one that I haven’t really tasted in other cuisines and I think that differentiation is what makes the food good. ” – Ashita Garg, 11

rant located at 94560 Cedar Blvd., houses a fresh and modern take on Korean cuisine. With one location in Newark and another in Santa Clara, the restaurant is a popular dine-in spot for people looking for a classy night out. Its bright interior is filled with sparkling lights and elegant vine decorations, creating multiple photo areas and a spirited ambiance. On the menu, the restaurant offers a large catalog of stir fried dishes, including their Signature Korean Fried Chicken.

Served under a house-made chicken sauce with a side of fresh lettuce, the dish is incredibly savory with the con exactnos amount Ecum dolorestet of spice and sweetness. vendit, inis exAlong esti cus, ut with their fried chicken, they also lat. of soups such serve a variety Epudit, volupta as a spicy seafoodsinvelis tofu soup.

Situated at 6038 Stevenson Blvd. is Soo Ja Fusion Bistro, a cozy Korean restaurant known for its American twist on traditional Korean food. The bistro serves kimchi burgers, composed of spicy pork, kimchi, and American cheese, along with bulgogi tacos, which come with sides of chips and salsa. The bistro’s signature dish, the Soo Ja Burger, provides an indulgent combination of melty cheese, bulgogi, and egg. “My culture is half Korean and half American … [I want] my food to be like that, because I love Korean food and I love American food,” Restaurant Owner Jin Park said. As restaurant goers savor their food, they’re able to enjoy the inviting decor as well. The walls of the restaurant are filled with fairy lights cascading from one wall and a board covered with K-pop idols on the other.

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“My favorite Korean cuisine places right now are Gen BBQ and Seoul Kitchen. Both places are very skilled in how they incorporate spices, and they provide you with side dishes and great service. ” — Fiona Lee, 10

I think it’s really special how we have a different food to go along with different occasions or even different seasons. Korean people are incredibly particular and sincere when it comes to their meals and I think our cuisine really reflects that.” — Semi Jung, 10

Melting Wok Korean Fusion, located at 39370 Civic Center Drive, is a snug restaurant that offers traditional dishes from both Chinese and Korean cuisine. Customer favorites include the jajangmyeon, noodles served with black bean sauce, and tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes layered with a sweet, spicy dressing. The restaurant also serves an assortment of fried foods such as Korean Fried Chicken, Tangsuyuk, Creamy Shrimp, and the Seaweed Spring Roll. With a cozy interior and festive decorations for the holidays, Melting Wok welcomes customers with the pungent smell of spices and carefully curated dishes. Currently, Chef Sean Choi aims to introduce current Korean food trends to customers, and even expects to adopt a new menu next year. “I tried to develop a new menu with foods which are trendy in Korea. I tried [the dishes] on myself, my family and friends, and I gave customers samples [to see] how they liked [them],” Choi said.

Located at 46695 Mission Blvd., Spoon Korean Bistro is a bustling Korean restaurant with locations in Fremont and Berkeley. The restaurant features a wide range of traditional Korean items, from kimchi rice bowls, Korean barbeque, and traditional fried chicken to soups, noodles, and stews. Spoon Korean Bistro’s menu also includes many house-specific dishes, such as their Army Stew, a giant hotpot filled with sausages, rice cakes, and ramen noodles, among other ingredients. Another fan favorite is the Bibimbap, a bowl of assorted vegetables, customizable protein, and crispy fried egg all layered on a base of white or purple rice. The dish is served in a hot stone bowl, allowing the rice to crisp at the bottom while customers enjoy the sweet and savory toppings. Since their opening several years ago, the restaurant has seen their customer base expand from exclusively East Asian folks to all of Fremont’s ethnicities, a result of their flavorful and eclectic menu.

PHOTOS BY STAFF WRITERS HANNAH BI & TUSHARA DEVAPATLA. GRAPHICS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR JIYUN GUO