March 30, 2007

the broadview march 30, 2007

convent of the sacred heart high school | san francisco, california

vol. 11, is. 6

Racial prejudices exist despite city’s diversity PART 2 OF 3 organ kendall news editor Underground prejudices are all too common in our city that is prized for tolerance and acceptance. In light of recent events, including the recent article “Why I Hate Blacks” in AsianWeek newspaper, the broadview is exploring this oft-ignored face of San Francisco’s culture, attempting to identify and analyze the roots of our conflicts in a three-part series.

m

From hate crimes to suspicious glares in stores to inequalities in living standards, racism occurs in both overt and subtle forms in San Francisco, in spite of the city’s reputation for tolerance.

The now infamous “Why I Hate Blacks” column in AsianWeek describing African-Americans as “easy to coerce” and “weak-willed” sparked outrage and criticism at what was considered obvious racist sentiment. “[Author] Kenneth Eng’s vile

racism is a setback to the efforts of people of color working together against discrimination, oppression and injustice,” said Keith Kamisugi, Associate Director for Communications at the Equal Justice Society.

“His words alone are disgusting; that it was printed in a prominent English-language Asian Pacific American newspaper is shameful.”

Eng has since been fired and the newspaper has issued an apology.

Yet the problems of racism and prejudice still remain unresolved.

“My experiences with racism are as a person in an interracial relationship,” said junior Kaitlin Van Zandt, a blond-haired Caucasian whose boyfriend is black. “I have had people approach me while I was out with my boyfriend and make racist remarks.

“I was extremely surprised that these occurrences happened in San Francisco,” said Van Zandt. “I have always thought of San Francisco as a haven for those who choose to break the mold, and the intolerance

I experienced was shocking.”

But racism has been a constant feature of the city, according to DeGuzman.

“There are many examples in the history of California and San Francisco where people have been unjustly treated,” said DeGuzman.

“Their rights are violated and they’re treated as second-class citizens.”

Racism in San Francisco can also take on more subtle forms, see inequality p. 4

Walk to benefit school in Uganda Students and faculty will walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday to benefit the Sacred Heart sister school in Uganda.

The goal for the second annual Walk for Uganda is to raise at least $2100 to continue the Schools of the Sacred Heart sponsorship of three girls currently enrolled in the primary school, and to sponsor four more girls as they move to secondary school. Any additional money raised will go to the Capital Building Campaign for new dorms.

“Classes are often used as sleeping quarters, so new dorms would allow them to increase enrollment,” said Community Service Coordinator Clare Parker.

The walk starts near the Warming Hut in Crissy Field and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

Volunteers are still needed for set up, checking in at the walk and handing out T-shirts and pins. Walkers can sign up on site for $25.

— Rena Hunt

AP Art History visits LA museums Advanced Placement Art History students traveled to Los Angeles mid-March to visit art museums including the Norton Simon, the Weisman Foundation and the Huntington Library.

“One of my goals for this trip is to instill a love of art within my students,” said AP Art History teacher Sonia Evers. “The experience of works of art in the flesh is so different from reproductions. I want to demystify museums and hopefully make them fun in the process.”

Along with viewing art galleries, students attended the performance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and a concert at Royce Hall in celebration of Mozart’s 250 birthday.

“The Getty Museum was my favorite because of the large array of different styles that it offered,” said junior Julia Gauger. “We were able to see everything from International Gothic to Impressionism.”

— Rebecca Kelliher

photo illustration LIBBY BRITTAIN | the broadview

Multiple distractions increase risk of accidents on road Tap, tap, tap, tap, SEND. He didn’t think anything of it. He’s e-mailed before. He’s shuffled through auren jung his iPod asst. feature editor before.

He’s talked on the phone before.

But this time, he did all of it while driving.

It was just another late drive home from work on the 105 west-

l

bound, cruising down the freeway at 60 mph to the beat of Pearl Jam, but the next thing he knew, his car was drifting over the lane markers — and heading straight for the concrete center median.

“I had only looked down at the phone for a couple of seconds, typing the words ‘yes’ and hitting send,’” said Rory Leos, who has been driving for 14 years.

Driving with distraction has become an increasing concern over the past couple of years with the rise of over 230 million people in the United States using cell phones, according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA).

“Most drivers — inexperienced and experienced alike — have an exaggerated perception

School community gathers for Celebrate Spring Annual celebration marked by games, food and family fun

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Sophomore Charlotte Parsons plays a fishing game with children at Family Fest, part of the 15th annual Celebrate Spring. Family Fest featured rock climbing, face painting, sand art and hair wraps for children. The two-day fundraiser Celebrate Spring, which lasted from March 23-24, also included a boutique, a luncheon and an Evening Gala featuring a silent auction.

of their own driving abilities,” said Derrick Scott, General Manager at Apex Driving School. “This leads them to the unfortunate assumption, that the catastrophic traffic crash is something that could only happen to someone else.”

Although cell phones are often singled out for diverting the see new law p. 4

inside going green

A look at SF practices, new forms of energy features 6-7

picasso exhibit Picasso exhibit opens at SFMOMA a&e 8

spring sports

Teams prepare to finish off season sports 10

2

op-ed

march 30, 2007

All distractions impair driving

D

riving distractions are everywhere. On average, more than 41,000 people are killed annually in car accidents in the United States. However, there are steps drivers can take to help decrease this number greatly — all involving elimination of interruptions while driving.

When drivers decide to talk on a phone while driving, they are splitting their attention. If they ignore the responsibility of driving, they could potentially be a threat to other drivers, pedestrians, and ultimately themselves.

An accident is 2.4 times more likely to occur when driving and simultaneously pushing buttons

on a cell phone than when driving without any disruption, according to the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Instead of condemning drivers for just talking on the phone while driving, focus should also be turned to those who dial while driving — or even the 19 percent of motorists who said they text while they drive in a January survey by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Teenagers consider text messaging to be the biggest problem. Many said text messaging was extremely or very distracting in a Liberty Mutual study.

The most common form of multi-tasking while driving is the

use of cell phones. Eighty percent of crashes in 2006 involved some sort of distraction to the driver within three seconds of the accident according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and NHTSA. If drivers can learn to use speed dial or voice commands, or if they dial while stopped at light, then the increased risk of an accident from pressing buttons can be eliminated.

Inattention to driving was responsible for 25 to 30 percent of crashes, according to a study released by the NHTSA in April 2006. Driving while using a cell phone increases the risk of an accident by about 1.3 times.

California is making an effort to stop talking and driving. Effective July 1, 2008, state legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device.

A survey of 1200 drivers found 73 percent talk on cell phones while driving. This was highest among inexperienced teenage drivers according to Nationwide.

On the other hand, there are other things that cause accidents besides cell phones. Spilling drinks and dropping something on the floor while driving are two other causes of car accidents, according to the Network of Employers for

Traffic Safety (NETS).

The most common cause of death for teenagers in the United States is car accidents according the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Young drivers don’t have the skills if they are put in an emergency situation.

When approaching an intersection on a cell phone, 100 percent of experienced adults stopped for the red light, but 33 percent of teenagers ran the light in a National Institutes for Health study. That doesn’t bode well for the maturity of teens on the road.

No call is more important than the call of safe driving.

1. UN Security Council approves new sanctions for Iran.

2. “Hiccup girl” Jennifer Mee spontaneously stopped hiccuping ...

3. Candidates more likely to campaign in California thanks to primaries being moved up to February.

The road to hell is paved with good conversations.

LIBBY BRITTAIN | the broadview

with that said … libby brittain

I

t’s March again, and the madness of picking teams has swept the nation. But this year, rivalries have stretched far beyond the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils, and far into politics.

As the presidential ticket race progresses, voters and politicians alike are scrambling to place their bets, carefully penciling in their political darling and rallying behind him (or her) as the next Savior of America.

But as voters rush to decide who they’ll back come November 2008, they’re losing sight of what they’re backing — a truly united America ready to face “enemies both domestic and foreign.”

For all the rhetoric thrown around by candidates on both sides of the political spectrum about a need for unity and bipartisanship, there is precious little of the stuff to be found. And the irony is that the very individuals who accuse the current administration of causing disunity and antagonism are sometimes the biggest catalysts for

Partisan politics disunify nation

damaging “Team-ism” themselves.

They employ an ideology implicating that opposing viewpoints are not only different, but inherently wrong — a philosophy that can’t ever lead to true bipartisanship, regardless of what they say in speeches.

‘‘

Partisanship is an understandable consequence of our political system, but so is respect and appreciation for opposing views.

Our country was founded on the principle that all opinions have not just the ability but also the constitutional right to be heard within our borders. Partisanship is an understandable consequence of

our political system, but so is respect and appreciation for opposing views.

And right now that’s what we’re lacking.

The last election certainly showed that voters want change, but a changed America will require a united America, one that values the opposing party’s opinions as valid, not worthless, and one that is willing to overcome “Team Republican” versus “Team Democrat” to move our country forward.

So where are the Republic-crats? Where are the Demo-publicans? Where are the people who simply want to see a better America? Right now, they’re caught up in a cult of personality blindly promoting their Golden Boy (or Girl) of the hour.

America does not need warring factions intent on advancing only their kind. So let’s live up to our name; let’s actually be the United States of America.

’’

4. Vivienne Westwood exhibit available

exclusively at the de Young for only a $5 surcharge.

5. Walk for Uganda is Saturday.

1. If sanctions didn’t work last time, will they work now?

2. ... but her hiccups returned six days later.

3. Will other states follow?

4. Admission to SF fashion week costs hundreds of dollars.

5. Participation is not at 100 percent.

the broadview convent of the sacred heart high school 2222 broadway san francisco, ca 94115 broadview@sacredsf.org libby brittain editor in chief michelle gantos executive editor elizabeth moore executive editor kelly cheung feature editor larkin grant a & e editor elizabeth gruber feature editor lauren jung asst. feature editor morgan kendall news editor mary slattery sacred heart editor leslie wu sports editor madalyn rokisky-ring columnist

member

senior reporters rachel forbes | rena hunt | amanda james tanaya macheel reporters gracie hays | ina herlihy | rebecca kelliher sophie skinner tracy anne sena, cje adviser Unsigned pieces are the opinion of the editorial board. Reviews and personal columns are the opinions of the author. In striving for accuracy and objective reporting, the broadview welcomes letters and comments on issues of interest to the student community as well as corrections to published stories. Submissions must be signed and may be edited for clarity and space.

3

op-ed

the broadview

Backdoor entry cheats Muni of funds

F

requently late and overcrowded Muni buses cause many riders to wonder, “Why should I even pay for this service?” Apparently, many San Franciscans have gone beyond just wondering and aren’t bothering to pay the fare at all.

A study just released by the Municipal Transportation Industry found 54 to 73 percent of riders at three subway stations neither ophie skinner paid a fare nor reporter showed their bus pass. This could account for a loss of up to $33.4 million a year. On buses, the losses are equally alarming — estimated at around $24.1 million a year.

At a current reliability rate of 70 percent, Muni isn’t even close to reaching the 85 percent rate mandated by

s

AMANDA JAMES | photo illustration

Political commentator ignites controversy

A

room full of conservatives is enough to scare the average San Franciscan, but add political commentator Ann Coulter and homophobic remarks into the mix, and the whole country starts talking.

Coulter, in a schoolyard display of name-calling on March 2, labeled Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards elly cheung with what has feature editor been deemed the “new” f-word: faggot. Yet the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), FOX News and other publications took little action against it.

Eight newspapers dropped Coulter’s column, despite criticisms of “caving into liberals,” and being labeled “commie rag[s].”

Coulter isn’t the first to make homophobic remarks. Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington used the same term when addressing co-star T.R. Knight, and even “The Donald” c o u l d n’t resist firing off jabs about Rosie O’Donnell’s sexual orientation in their recent brawl over Miss America Tara Conner’s problems with alcohol.

Yet Coulter has reached near stardom status, her remarks covered by publications from the New York Times to gossip blog Hollywood Tuna by making profane and offensive remarks about everything in the rightwing strata.

Coulter’s remarks are not just aimed at liberals, but other groups fall

k

‘‘

victim to her biases.

“God gave us the earth. We have dominion over the plants, the animals, the trees,” said Coulter during an interview on Hannity & Colmes regarding environmental efforts. “God said, ‘Earth is yours. Take it. Rape it.

It’s yours.’”

“I’ve never seen people enjoying their husbands’ deaths so much,” Coulter writes in her book, Godless: The Church of Liberalism about 9/11 widows.

“I think [women] should be armed but should not [be allowed to] vote,” Coulter said about her own sex on Politically Incorrect, regarding women’s suffrage.

Coulter’s constant crave for media hype is giving her what she really wants: attention.

After serving as a legal advisor to Paula Jones during the sexual harassment case against then-President Bill Clinton, she dropped out of the public spotlight.

Coulter’s constant crave for media hype is giving her what she really wants: attention.

’’

In response, Coulter’s columns have slipped into satire rather than quality news analysis.

The actions taken against Coulter by the CPAC and national newspapers should be just as drastic as the comments she makes.

Q:

voters in 1999. This certainly explains riders’ concerns, but doesn’t excuse the rise in back door boarding and phony Fast Passes. The principal reason for late and overcrowded buses is that Muni can’t afford enough drivers and buses to run on schedule. Fare cheating squeezes an already tight budget, causing Muni to do without the drivers, mechanics, and dispatchers necessary for it to run on time.

Moreover, without adequate funds to cover its budget, Muni has to raise fare prices. In 2003 fares were raised by 25%, causing the adult rate to go from a dollar to a dollar and 25 cents and the discount rate to go from 35 cents to 50 cents. If Muni’s financial problems continue, passengers can expect fares to rise even higher in the next few years.

Fare cheating is only one among many problems Muni faces while trying to improve its reliability, but it’s one passengers can do something about.

So, next time you think about boarding through the back door, think again.

Should cell phone use while driving be legal?

“I don’t think it should be legal because I’ve read a lot of articles saying that a major cause of accidents is talking on the phone while driving. People shouldn’t be paying more attention to the person on the other line than the other cars on the road.”

— Katharine Mibelli, freshman

“No, unless you have a hands-free device — most drivers are likely to crash otherwise. When you see them on the road, you automatically keep a sharp eye on them because they can be unpredictable.”

— Jocelyn Friday, sophomore

“I don’t think it should be legal because, even with a headset, simply talking on the phone distracts you, making driving more dangerous.”

— Stephanie Rotter, junior

“No, only if you have a headset or some kind of speaker phone. Sometimes for a family emergency or work you’ll need to have a cell phone in the car.”

— Alex Sierra, sophomore

“Yes, it should be allowed because I don’t think multitasking should be illegal. Besides, talking while driving saves time.”

— Molly Lynch, senior

“No, because people get into accidents a lot because they’re talking on their cell phones.”

— Jessica Peterson, freshman — compiled by Sophie Skinner

4

news

march 30, 2007

Class retreats strengthen bonds

Students participated in class retreats last week, as part of an effort to heighten class unity.

Seniors spent the night in the Marin Headlands where they reflected on the class as a whole and individumanda james senior reporter als within the class.

“I think over the years, we’ve grown closer as a class,” said senior Taylor Reno. “Freshman year there wasn’t much bonding, but in senior year, we came together as a class and were able to reflect through tears and laughter.”

Freshmen rode to Atherton’s Oakwood Community to spend time with the retired Religious of the Sacred Heart, then continued their service the next day at the Celebrate Spring Garden Party luncheon selling raffle tickets, waitressing and working the boutique.

The sophomore and juniors classes underwent physical as well as mental challenges. Sophomores rock climbed at Berkeley Iron Works indoor rock climbing facility, while juniors climbed and jumped trees at a Pro-Action ropes course in La Honda.

“It was a lot of fun bonding with our class,” said junior Allie Kruse. “You really have to trust your classmates when they’re the ones pulling you over a wall.”

a

Freshmen Laura Venner and Nicollette Tarrant talk with a retired Religious of the Sacred Heart at Oakwood Community in Atherton as part of their class retreat. The Freshmen Class also volunteered at Celebrate Spring the next day.

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

New law targets reckless drivers Inequality, from multiple distractions p.1 driver’s attention away from the road, they aren’t the only objects that can distract drivers.

“It’s not just limited to wireless phones,” said Joe Farren, Director of Public Affairs at CTIA. “There are many types of distractions.”

Distractions include applying makeup, eating, reading, changing radio stations, and reaching to pick something off the floor.

Almost 80 percent of car crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction within three seconds before the event according to a 2006 research report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI).

“Most car accidents happen when changing lanes or when people are turning,” said car insurance agent Jeff Wilkinson at American Automobile Association (AAA). “It’s a high risk situation because you have to look behind you and be aware of the car behind and in front of you. A cell phone makes it even more dangerous and increases the odds of causing a car accident.”

Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with more than 5,000 deaths each year attributed to driver distractions, risk taking and inexperience on the road.

The California State Legislature has recently taken measures to curb cell phone driver distraction. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 1613 into law on Sept.

15, prohibiting the use of a cell phone in a moving vehicle unless the driver is using a hands free device. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2008.

“Distracted driving is already illegal,” said Scott. “I think that the governor signing this into law is about making people more cognizant of the fact that driving with distraction is dangerous.

Although I believe this is a positive step, I’m not sure if it will see much of a difference.”

Many people can drive well enough using just one hand on the steering wheel according to Scott. A hands-free device is only marginally safer than a hand-held cell phone, but the real issue is carrying on outside conversation, which diverts the driver’s attention from the traffic scene.

Talking on a cell phone while driving

impairs a driver just as much as driving under the influence of alcohol, even if the phone is hands-free, according to a University of Utah study published in 2006.

“More education on the dangers of driving distracted is one solution that could help alleviate this problem,” said Scott. “Also, only drivers under the age of 18 are required to receive professional driving instruction, or undergo a more stringent DMV testing process upon license renewal, the opportunity and incentive for better driving habits would be greater.”

Leos jerked his steering wheel hard to the right to avoid the median, but still lost control of his car. His car skidded across all five lanes and crashed head on into the opposite concrete wall.

Leos luckily wore his seatbelt and was able to walk away from the accident without any broken bones, but his car was destroyed.

“By just taking your eyes off the road for a second could mean the difference between life and death,” said Leos.

“Whether you are on the freeway or on the streets, when you look back up and try to regain control, you just don’t have enough time to react appropriately.”

Increased risk of car crash due to various distractions Driver inattention contributes to higher crash likelihood. The graph compares the number of times a driver is more likely to have an accident while engaging in different types of driver distractions.

Reaching for a moving object 9 3.7

1.3

0

Looking at an external object

3

Reading

3

Applying makeup

3

Dialing a hand-held device Talking or listening on a hand-held device

2

4

6

8

10

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration MICHELLE GANTOS | the broadview

discrimination linger in city

from racial prejudices p. 1 such as redevelopments in the Western Addition that moved out minorities and the negative living conditions in the predominantly black Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood.

In fact, a recent study issued by the Center for Justice, Tolerance and Community (CJTC) at the University of California, Santa Cruz focuses on environmental racism in the Bay Area.

“Environmental racism means there is evidence that people of color and low income families are exposed to more air toxics and therefore more health hazards,” said Beth Nelson, Community Outreach Coordinator for the CJTC. “Not much is done about it because the people affected often don’t have the political power needed to change their communities.”

The study finds approximately two-thirds of people living within a mile of an Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Release Inventory are minorities, and that the most impacted areas within San Francisco include the Richmond and Bayview/ Hunters Point.

“Stationary toxic emissions tend to be concentrated along the 880 corridor from Richmond to San Leandro, and in San Jose north of the 280 freeway,” said professor James Sadd, co-author of the study.

“Cancer risk is highest in west Oakland and the eastern margin of the San Francisco peninsula. These ‘hot spots’ correlate spatially with high percentages of non-Anglo residents.”

Nelson said these unequal levels of environmental safety are indicative of a deeper problem within the city. “[San Franciscans] say they’re for equality, yet it’s very different to get people to recognize that there’s a disparity based on the color of your skin,” said Nelson.

“We believe that everyone has a right to breathe clean air, and that right is not being protected.”

Such inequalities, both understated and obvious, occur regularly in the city, according to junior Eleni Berhaneselase.

“When my neighbors walked into a store, they were watched constantly,” said Berhaneselase, who is black. “If any other person walked in, nothing happened. But my neighbors were followed; all because of the way they looked. It showed that racism, even beyond major violence, still exists in San Francisco.”

5

feature

the broadview

assembly required michelle gantos Rudy

Abad Hector

Flores Martín

Sanchez Arthur

Sarabia Harold

Wong

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Groundskeeper Harold Wong, wearing his signature smile, sweeps discarded menus at Celebrate Spring’s Family Fest on March 24.

5-member staff balances families, work

W

hile most students are still getting out of bed, the Flood Mansion is alive with the energy of five racie hays men checking reporter work orders to see what needs to be fixed and what needs to be moved for rentals and classroom purposes. As the maintenance staff, they work for all four schools in the Sacred Heart community.

Facilities manager Rudy Abad, a soft-spoken man with a thin moustache, has been working at the schools for 11 years.

“When I first started I was surprised at the volume of work,” said Abad. Now it doesn’t matter how much work comes in. When it rains it pours, so now I can relax and prioritize time.”

When Abad is not exerting his effort towards work, he plays sports.

“I like playing basketball, but I guess I’m getting older now,” said Abad. “Even though I’m not as good as I used to be, I still like playing when I get a chance.”

Technician Hector Flores, a broad-shouldered man with bleached tips in the front of his hair, joined the maintenance staff in 2004.

“I used to work for a catering company, but then I heard there was a position, so I interviewed and I got the maintenance job,” said Flores.

Flores is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and now resides in Richmond with his wife, who is pregnant, and his 4-year-old-son, D’Angelo.

In his free time, Flores is also enjoys soccer.

“I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old,” said Flores. “My dad used to coach teams, and that’s how I got into soccer.” Flores played amateur soccer in the premier league of San Francisco for eight years.

“I stopped playing [soccer] because I bought my house and I got married,” said Flores. “It was too time-consuming and I didn’t want to get hurt.”

Technician Martín Sanchez, a quiet

g

man with friendly brown eyes, has been at working for the schools for five years.

He is originally from Mexico City where his father and sister still live.

“I have family here, so in 1989 I came for a visit,” said Sanchez. “I liked it so much I decided to stay. I’ve lived here now for almost 17 years.”

Working for the schools is both demanding and rewarding for Sanchez.

“One challenge is to remember all the names of the teachers because every year some leave and the new ones come in,” said Sanchez. “My favorite part of the job is working with the community.

Here, the students and the teachers thank us when we do something that is helpful, and I really appreciate it when everyone is always so nice to us.”

Supervisor Arthur Sarabia, who has

‘‘

I’ve gotten to understand how things grow. I’ve gotten to understand and watch kids grow up from kindergarten to high school.

– groundskeeper

[Permanente Medical Center] right now and studying to be a physician’s assistant.”

Sarabia’s home in Suisun City near Fairfield makes for an almost 50-mile commute and a 12-hour day.

“I have to wake up at 3 o’clock in the morning to beat the traffic. By the time I get here, it’s like 9 or 8 o’clock,” said Sarabia.

Among the maintenance staff, groundskeeper and gardener Harold Wong has the most experience working for the schools. Students often see him in front of the Flood Mansion or in the Cortile caring for the landscape.

“I’m from Hawaii,” said Wong. “In 1969, I needed a change so I came to San Francisco and got a job here. Since I started working, the schools have gotten larger. There are more buildings to cover. It has become more computerized and everything is faster. The kids are the same. They still go through the process of growing up.”

Wong picks the plants for the schools’ gardens, which he says is a surprisingly challenging task because they must look good enough for rentals, but also be tough enough to resist kids playing.

“The plants are decided by what survives,” said Wong. “Lots of it is just by luck. I’m just lucky.”

During the years he has spent at the Schools, Wong has noticed many similarities between the growth of plants and people.

“I’ve gotten to understand how things grow,” said Wong. “I’ve gotten to understand and watch kids grow up from kindergarten to high school. I’ve gotten a bit more mellow, and I just enjoy seeing things grow.”

“The maintenance staff always cleans up our messes with smiles on their faces,” said sophomore Devin Ruiz. “We’re really lucky to have them. It’s important that people understand this and are appreciative of the hard work they put into their jobs instead of just taking them for granted.”

’’

Harold Wong

been on the staff since 1999, is often hard to find on campus because he spends a majority of his time at Stuart Hall High School. He had an unsettling encounter with two strangers there last year while working early in the morning.

“I asked them what they were doing and they said they were doing some work in the library,” said Sarabia. “I played cool because if I panicked or something and they had a gun, they might have shot me. I called the police and then the men just left.”

Sarabia is married and has a 20year-old son.

“He’s working part time at Kaiser

­

New television show stimulates false feminism

N

ow that thanks to YouTube and a modified Apple Computer commercial we know that Hilary Clinton will be responsible for the coming of a 1984-esque invasion in 2008, I think it timely that we young ladies brave the world for our next source of Girl Power in the spotlight. But it turns out we don’t need to brave too far.

No, we can get our fill of feminine mystique for 60 minutes every Tuesday at 9 p.m. on The CW. There’s a new show in town, infused with everything from female empowerment to self-discovery and personal transformation, where women clad in lingerie, short shorts and stilettos re-live the images Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton first conjured at Seneca Falls in 1848 when they set out to protect women’s rights.

Because according to McG, one the of the show’s producers, Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll is “frankly, third-wave feminism.”

Now I know a group of “diverse young women” dressing like Victoria’s Secret angels while singing the lyrics, “Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?” may appear more suited for the Mitchell Brothers’ O’Farrell striptease than the feminist convention to the untrained eye. But a clarification from our master McG that “It’s just like saying, ‘Don’t you wish your girlfriend could be free and comfortable in her own skin and do her own thing, like me?’ ” suddenly makes us all wonder why skepticism was ever needed. Doesn’t it?

That seemed to be a sensible enough argument for television writers and critics when the show was first proposed in January. After all, says the Pussycat Doll’s founder Robin Antin, “It’s fun and it’s something that every girl in the world — she may think one thing, but I think inside every girl in the world wants to do it.”

And that’s a lot of girls.

Fans of the Pussycats highlight their parallel to the British girl band the Spice Girls who popularized Girl Power in the 1990s. The term, as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary, is defined as “a self-reliant attitude among girls and young women manifested in ambition, assertiveness and individualism.”

But although members of the Pussycat Dolls do admittedly uphold an air of self-confidence worth noting, to sell them as feminist role-models is a tag I will not buy. Perhaps the show’s promoters had the 1968 Miss America protest in mind — where women symbolically tossed their clothing into the trash — when they decided to fabricate relationships between the Pussycats and their second-wave feminist counterparts.

The lack of clothing may certainly be the same, but what those anti-Miss America protesters were fighting in their criticism of modern beauty culture is exactly everything apparent in the push-up bras and oiled midriffs of the Pussycat Dolls who appear more like Barbie’s sexed-up sisters than human beings worthy of respect. Still, McG adds, “The Dolls are sort of a finishing school for young ladies in a fun, celebratory way” leaving me only to wonder what Miss Emily Post would have to say about that.

Then again, this is only reality TV, meaning it reflects nothing of reality nor projects any form of enticing television but to act as a thoroughfare for mindless flipping until the new Spanish channel, V-me, with its higher quality programming is found. That’s right. No longer will we be forced to watch as Carla the prostitute attempts to revenge her ex-husband’s mother for murdering her amiga Emanuela during a drug bust in El Salvador, not knowing Emanuela was actually her long-lost transvestite son.

But even episodes of Amor Real or La Madrastra are easier to follow than the non-sequitur of Pussycat Doll feminism and contain less of a language barrier than some of the group’s lyrics like “Saying what you going do to me (Uh huh) / But I ain’t seen nothing (Uh).”

Oh, if only it was 1984.

6

news

march 30, 2007

San Francisco pushes ahead with earth-friendly policy Local government creates ‘green’ city 3.23 R 17 t ecent initiatives, including Tuesday’s Mayor Gavin Newsom’s Clean and passage of the ban on plastic grocery Green Streets Initiative, introduced in 2004, bags by the city’s Board of Supervi- is an effort to make San Francisco one of the sors, as well as ex“cleanest and greenest” cities in the United panding compostStates, according to the Mayor’s Office. anaya macheel senior reporter ing and replacing “This clean and green initiative is an cement with plants, makes San Francisco innovative project that will make San Franone of the most environmentally innovative cisco streets and public places vibrant again,” cities in the United States. said Newsom.

Many cities and countries in Europe The proposal includes installing conand Asia have already reduced or banned crete and cobblestones next to middle curbs plastic bag use, but San Francisco is the first and replacing larger existing areas of concrete city in the United States, according to Mark with plant materials like wood chips.

Westlund of the San Francisco Department Newsom and representatives from the of the Environment.

Department of Public Works (DPW) plan The Organics Annex opened on March to plant 25,000 new trees throughout San 22 as a facility, which transfers food, scraps Francisco by 2010. Roughly 16,000 trees and yard trimmings to Bay Area compost have been planted since 2004. facilities.

“The city’s efforts in planting 25,000 “The Organics Annex is another step trees and advancing our community beauforward in San Francisco’s recycling pro- tification projects reinforce the city’s aggresgram,” said Robert sive commitment Reed, Communito position San San Francisco has cations Director Francisco as a of Norcal Waste model for other a goal of reaching Systems. “It’ll help eco-conscious 75 percent us expand the procities around gram which allows the world,” said recycling by 2010. people in the city Newsom.

The city currently to return nutrients The Antirecycles 69 percent to farms. This is Litter Program one of the most for schools, a of its trash. forward recycling partnership beprograms in the tween the Decountry and is beginning to be replicated partment of the Environment (DOE), in other cities.” the San Francisco Unified School District The Annex is owned and operated by (SFUSD) and DPW, educates youth about San Francisco Recycling & Disposal. Com- the environment. The program concentrates munity trucks run by Sunset Scavenger on how to avoid such problems through and Golden Gate Disposal & Recycling methods like appropriately disposing trash, gather compostable waste in green carts recyclables and compostables. at approximately 75,000 city residences, Other projects to improve the envirestaurants and markets and dump it inside ronment include the Business Council on the Annex.

Climate Change (BC3), which is mandated “Studies show this helps reluctant resi- to fight global climate change, and the Clean dents participate in the composting program Energy Clean Air policy, which increases and get over any ‘ick factor’ associated with energy efficiency. collecting food scraps,” said Westlund.

Much of the compost made from the “I don’t think increasing the number food scraps is used at local vineyards or small of trees in neighborhoods will necessarily farms and landscape supply yards. improve San Francisco as much as city ofSan Francisco has a goal of reaching 75 ficials say they hope it will because there are percent recycling by 2010. The city currently so many streets that are still very polluted,” recycles at 69 percent of its trash. said junior Inca Dieterich. “It seems that “If we recovered all the food still go- composting has been most effective in helping to landfill, we’d be at 78 percent,” said ing the environment of San Francisco and it’s Westlund. “This is an important factor in great that it’s even being enforced at schools making San Francisco a zero-waste city.” as a common practice.”

‘‘

’’

4223 150 7.7

dollars per gallon for regular grade gasoline in San Francisco barrels of petroleum consumed in United States per capita for transportation in 2001 kilowatts of electricity consumed per capita in U.S. homes in 2001 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted by heating and cooling units in the United States per year quadrillion British Thermal Units of energy consumed in the United States in April 2006

Source: San Francisco Department of Environment and U.S. Department of Energy

City leads in addressing

T

he Green Revolution is here, and as it would seem, San Francisco is emerging as its leader.

The city is making advancements to utilize more local, renewable energy sources. ary slattery sacred heart editor “ The current energy sources that we use cause climate change, so it is important to de-carbonize our fuels,” said David F. Shearer, Chief Scientist at California Environmental Associates.

“We need to cut back on our frequent use of imported oil, focus on using renewable resources so that we can essentially grow at home.”

Solar power is a common renewable source in San Francisco and throughout the West in providing energy for the public.

“We are working with our solar program, in which we promote solar heating in commercial, residential and city-owned buildings,” said Johanna Partin, Renewable Energy Manager for the Department of Energy.

San Francisco is proving to be a leader in its development of solar energy.

“We currently have three megawatts of solar installations in the city — one of the largest in terms of mega-

m

watts for a city in the United States,” sa The San Francisco Giant’s home, plans to incorporate solar energy int by installing 590 solar panels around t will be connected to the San Francisco power grid to supply 123 kilowatts of power.

The panels are scheduled to be ready in time for the July All-Star Game.

Hybrids are soon to become the norm amongst cityowned vehicles. Hybrid cars, partly battery powered and partly powered by gasoline, allow drivers to use renewable energy with lower fuel emissions.

“We have a biofuels program in w owned vehicles are required to run on electric or a hybrid,” said Partin. “We a 20 percent fulfill this requirement by t year, and then 100 percent by the end o

‘‘

7

news

the broadview

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer.

By air drying clothes six months out of the year, carbon dioxide emissions can be decreased by 700 pounds.

Unplug electronics from oulets when not in use.

Even when turned off, electronics use energy.

Items such as alarm clocks and hairdryers contribute 18 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere per year.

Buy food grown locally.

The average meal in the United States travels 1,200 miles from the farm to home. Buying locally saves fuel.

LIBBY BRITTAIN | the broadview

g global environmental issues

Like many other parts of the United States, primarily the Midwest, San Francisco also utilizes wind power. The city is working with a pilot residential wind program, in which certain areas in the city are tested for their capability in producing wind power.

People are “We are now using largrecognizing their er, slower windmills which dependency on are less dangerous, than the smaller, faster ones,” said fossil fuels and how Brian Olsen, Industrial Proit’s deteriorating the grams Manager of the Midwest for the United States environment.

Department of Energy. “We – David F. Shearer, Chief are also creating biofuel from Scientist at California sources like corn. We call this Environmental Associates conversion efficiency.”

The Department of Enwhich our city- vironment plans to test hydroelectric power as an energy biodiesel fuel, source for residential homes. are hoping that “We are pursuing a Title Energy project in which the end of this we will generate power from the tide underneath the of 2008.”

Golden Gate Bridge,” said Parten. “Right now we are

aid Partin. , AT&T Park, o the stadium the park which

‘

’’

using a small scale model to test for 18 months to two years, to make sure it works. If it goes well, then we will install a full-scale project which will be able to provide San Francisco residents with clean, renewable electricity.”

Despite these innovations for the environment, Americans’, as Olsen said, “foolish use of fuel,” has already taken its tolls on the environment.

“Greater fuel emissions create hazy, foggy areas abundant with smog, leading to a lack of visibility,” said Olsen.

And if better habits do not develop, greater changes in the environment are to be expected, according to Shearer.

“There are predicted droughts in Africa and maybe warm weather in San Francisco,” said Shearer.

But city projects seem to have influenced people’s changing view of the environment.

“People are recognizing their dependency on fossil fuels and how it is deteriorating the environment,” said Shearer. “But they are also realizing that they can save more money by going green, or as we call it — turning green into gold.”

Eat less meat.

Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas.

Cows are one of the greatest methane emitters.

Take public transit, carpool, bike or walk to cut down on emissions.

Avoiding 10 miles of driving every week can eliminate 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

Source: http://www.climatecrisis.net illustrations by TRACY KUWATANI | the broadview

8

a&e

march 30, 2007

Picasso exhibition opens at SFMOMA

“The Studio” by Pablo Picasso is one of the paintings on display in the “Picasso and American Art” exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit contrasts Picasso’s works adjacent to pieces from American artists. The geometric shapes and graphic color blocks in “The Studio” are characteristic of Picasso’s abstracted style.

m

A

SFMOMA | with permision

adalyn rokisky-ring

columnist

well-organized and moving exhibit focusing on Picasso’s influence on artists from the early 20th century to contemporary times is currently running at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. “One of the goals of this exhibition was to examine how Picasso’s reputation was established in the United States,” said Apsara DiQuinzio, curatorial associate in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Painting and Sculpture Department.

The exhibition is organized chronologically and focuses on Pablo Picasso and the eight significant American artists most influenced by him.

Central artists include Max Weber, Stuart Davis, John Graham, Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns.

Photographer Alfred Stieglitz introduced the Spanish artist to the American art scene in 1911 by exhibiting Picasso’s work at his 291

Gallery in New York City.

“The way Michael Fitzgerald, the curator of the exhibition, decided to narrow this exhibition’s focus was to choose artists who were dealing with the legacy of Picasso while Picasso was living,” said Julie Charles, associate curator of the museum’s education department.

The exhibition, occupying half of the fifth floor of the museum, allows the viewer to compare and contrast the works of American artists to those of Picasso in an environment that is not overwhelming to the senses.

“There is one gallery that is a beautiful set up of Picasso’s ‘The Studio’ as the center piece,” said Charles. “But what you are really seeing are a number of works by Arshile Gorky and his response to Picasso but then you are also seeing works by David Smith or Willem de Kooning who are responding not only to Picasso’s work but also to Gorky’s response as well.”

By comparing the artists, visitors see how American painters and sculptors have been, and still are, challenged and inspired by Picasso.

‘Fly with Me’

reviewer

“Being able to see how the American artists deal with this legend in order to recreate a Picasso, but also to find their own way to make a contribution to the field of art is really wonderful,” said Charles.

In addition to the main exhibition, “The Hidden Picasso” is featured in the Koret Learning Center at SFMOMA. The National Gallery of Art Xrayed Picasso’s 1900’s “Street Scene” and discovered the painting had another full composition beneath it, depicting a livelier scene that was resembled Picasso’s masterpiece “Le Moulin de la Galette.”

“The process of finding color was a long process,” said Tim Svenonious, producer of interactive educational technologies. “That’s where we were resorting to clues on the surface.”

The museum first took a digital photograph “Street Scene” at a very high resolution.

“We could zoom into 1000 percent, and not only look at it, but sample a color and get the exact value,” said Svenonious.

The colors were then mapped from the digital photograph onto a copy of the X-ray image until there were thousands of tiny little specs of color.

“Lucky for us there were thousands of tiny little cracks in the painting,” said Svenonious. “There are bright vivid colors that clearly had nothing to do with the “Street Scene” which was predominantly brown and grey,” said Svenonious.

The brush stokes also gave the conservators clues to the painting below.

“The Hidden Picasso” is a nice addition to the rest of the exhibition because it demonstrates the extraordinary versatility of Picasso as an artist.

The exhibition runs at SFMOMA through May 28. The museum is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Friday through Tuesday, and 11:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Thursday.

Admission is $7 for students with a valid ID and $11 for adults.

Admissions is free on the first Tuesday of the month. Special exhibits are $2.50 plus regular admission.

Roy Lichtenstein

n Pioneered ‘pop art’ with bright colors and stylized forms n Used motifs from modern advertising

Max Weber

n Cubist painter n Attended Henri Matisse’s School of Paris

David Smith

n American Abstract Expressionist sculptor n Created large-scale pieces predominately crafted out of steel — compiled by Libby Brittain

likely to be heard

overall opinion

“It’s alternative — a mixture of John Mayer and the Fray.”

“Definitely on the radio stations Alice 97.3 or KFOG 104.5.

The whole mood is very ‘driving on a sunny day’.”

“I love it. The whole chill feel of the song is really calming.”

“It’s like ‘80s pop mixed with Seal [who sang ‘Kissed by a Rose’].”

“On one of those soundtracks for a show like One Tree Hill.”

“I like it. His voice has a good range, and that ‘pop’ sound would really make his voice appeal to a wide variety of people.”

music style

by Andrew Dudum

Andrew Dudum is a senior at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory.

Dudum’s first fulllength album, Fly with Me, can be purchased on iTunes and at http://www.cdbaby. com/andrewdudum.

Laura O’Reilly Senior

David Moreno Spanish

— compiled by Libby Brittain

9

sacred heart

the broadview

Second-hand store benefits Schools e I lizabeth gruber

feature editor

nspired by annual thrift sales in the Little Theater, SecondsTo-Go has transformed into a second-hand store carrying everything from kitchen supplies to designer clothing to paintings.

Ursula Marsten, with help from Irene Lieberman and Isabelle Applegarth, started Seconds-ToGo in 1973. Both Marsten and Applegarth’s children attended Convent and Stuart Hall.

The store was first located on Sacramento Street and moved to 2252 Fillmore St. between Clay and Sacramento Streets in 1974.

“In those days there were no such thing as garage or yard sales,” said Ursula Marsten. “A lot of parents had things to donate and we thought that they should donate to our school. I went and cleaned up houses and basements to get the merchandise.”

When Marsten started the store, it was run completely by volunteers. Now, Seconds-To-Go hires paid employees.

“Our goal is to raise scholarship money for all four schools,” said store manager Marion Radavicius. “After we have paid all the employees and paid for our utilities all the money goes to the scholarship fund.”

Seconds-To-Go raises $100 thousand annually, according to Director of Advancement Mary Rhoades.

Thrift store is not a consignment shop. Donors receive tax write-off forms in order to claim donations as a charity.

“All our donations come from neighbors, alums and parents at the school,” said Radavicius. “We carry mostly clothing, anything from Gap to Chanel. We had two huge Persian carpets donated once. They flew out of here because they were so beautiful.”

The objective of SecondsTo-Go attracts donors as well as buyers.

“I feel bad throwing my clothes away, so I like to donate them instead,” said junior Rachael Hurd. “I give them to Seconds-

To-Go because the schools benefit from it.”

The store’s close proximity to school makes it easily accessible.

“The location on Fillmore and Sacramento is great,” said teacher Alison Faison. “I walk by the store on weekends or during my free time.”

Parents of children at the Schools are encouraged to volunteer when they can.

“Three hours per child is what we gear towards,” said Radavicius.

“It used to be mandatory, but we don’t bill anyone anymore. We encourage all parents to work.”

Although Radavicius said Saturday tends to be the busiest day, new merchandise is priced and put out on Monday and Tuesday. Seconds-To-Go is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Marsten now occupies her time with her own store, White Rose Boutique on West Portal Avenue, but she is still recognized annually at Commencement.

“An award is given at

graduation recognizing her dedication for so many years,”

before [the schools formed] the Parent Association.”

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Seconds-To-Go employee Rhonda Johnson Comte rings up a customer’s purchases (above). Store manager Marion Radavicius arranges objects in the window display (below).

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Irish dancers perform at assembly

Alumna returns to help Schools r

RENA HUNT | the broadview

said Dean of Students Celine Curran. “She was a leading parent

Freshmen Caitie Sullivan and Ina Herlihy perform a traditional Irish dance at a belated St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Club.

Other dancers included juniors Kaitlin Van Zandt and Diana Wendel, sophomores Alex Casserly and Marisa Conroy and freshman Kelsey Vickery.

Van Zandt and Conroy coreographed the dances as well as selected music.

F

achel forbes

senior reporter

or Autumn Woish (CSH ’96), joining the Alumnae Board, brought her back to her CSH community, where she eventually became the director of alumni relations.

“When the alumni relations director position opened up, I saw it as the best way to truly give back to the school community that gave me a strong educational and moral foundation,” said Woish.

As Alumni Relations coordinator for Schools of the Sacred Heart, Woish oversees the alumni of all four schools, making sure they stay in touch with the school community and with one another. Part of her job includes

writing a monthly newsletter online and creating events for alumni such as the reunion and alumni noel.

“The big one people look forward to is the r e u n i o n ,” s a i d Woish.

After graduating from Brown University with a major in Art History in 2000, Woish said Woish she wanted to spend the rest of her life in New York. But when one of the harshest winters in history struck the East Coast in 2000, Woish decided to move home.

“New York looked much less enticing blanketed in dingy winter slush,” said Woish. “The hectic pace and high cost of living took its toll on my stress level and bank account, and I realized it was

time for this Bay Area girl to come home,” said Woish.

Once back in the City by the Bay, Woish joined the staff of the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC).

“For four years I worked for TNDC in individual giving, meeting donors, talking with them about the impact of their gifts in the neighborhood, and encouraging their participation,” said Woish.

While working at TNDC, Woish joined the Alumna Board at CSH. “Today, I spend my days keeping in touch with the alumnae and encouraging them to stay involved,” said Woish. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout the years, it’s to stay involved with organizations you care about any way you can.”

10

sports

march 30, 2007

long — like a three-foot extension, so it’s hard to hit the birdie because it’s so light and flies really fast. You have to have a really quick reaction time.”

Stafford’s enthusiasm influences the team’s approach to competition.

“He doesn’t push us to win,” said Boschwitz. “He just pushes us to have fun, which makes us want to win more. We don’t dread coming to games and practices because he’s a good coach.”

Badminton’s next match is on April 3 against Lick-Wilmerding High School.

— Amanda James

Soccer tradition results in unity

AMANDA JAMES | the broadview

Sophomore Emily Boschwitz smashes the birdie back at her opponent at a match against San Domenico on March 15.

Badminton has its next game against Lick Wilmerding High School on April 3 at 4 p.m.

Badminton wins first BCL match After years of only being a winless club sport, badminton finally won its first game in a BCL-West League match against International High School.

“We played a team that was new,” said sophomore Alana Jesse.

“It was more of a stepping stone than an incentive to play really seriously.”

Badminton coach Michael Stafford says he stays positive during matches to motivate the team, letting the girls work together.

“I let them support each other,” said Stafford. “Players tend to listen to each other more than the coach, so I encourage them to encourage each other.”

Stafford has slightly changed his approach to coaching with his growing knowledge of the sport.

“I’m giving more pointers on how to be successful in matches,

using more strategy than last year,” said Stafford.

Badminton’s recent success is due to the dedication of freshman and sophomores to the sport.

“Our number one and two singles are sophomores,” said Stafford. “Our number three single is a freshman, and number one doubles are sophomores. They have energy, and they use that to play well.”

Despite their victory, the badminton team is continuing to improve their skills while enjoying the game rather than playing to win.

“We have practice the day before matches,” said Jesse. “I think only one practice is good because we’re not an intense team. We play because we like it and don’t necessarily focus on winning.”

Practicing badminton, however, is much more difficult than just tossing around the birdie according to sophomore Emily Boschwitz.

“There’s more running than you would think there is,” said Boschwitz. “The birdie racquet is very

Several new traditions have made unity and friendship the focus of the varsity and JV soccer teams’ seasons.

“The day before a big game, we get into a circle, close our eyes, and put one hand in, then we grab someone else’s hand,” said senior Taylor Reno. “Whoever’s hand you grab is the person you’re supposed to bring a gift to the day of the game.”

Captain Sara Bannerman also reads a quote to the team before they leave the bus on game day. Each member then slips a copy of that quote into her left shin guard.

“The gifts are a nice way to get pumped for the game,” said Reno, “and the quote helps keep us motivated.”

This team-centered atmosphere has paid off, according to senior Hilary Donlon.* “Everyone’s dedicated; everyone’s working hard, and everyone’s showing up,” said Donlon. “We’re all good friends now — it’s fun.”

Junior Brittney Fong agrees.

“A lot of the team dynamic is based on our friendship and unity,” said Fong. “But our practices are also really important because they help to bring the team closer.”

This season’s practices have flourished due to this winter’s dry weather, as last year many practices and several games were cancelled due to rain.

“It left us having to practice in the gym the majority of the time,” said senior Taylor Reno. “This year, even when we do end up in the gym we make sure to make the most of it.”

The team has a record of 0-1-5, tying one game against Drew College Preparatory.

— Libby Brittain

Expanded swim team sets goals Already a month into the season, the swim team is pushing ahead full force.

“Our goal is to become a stronger force in our league,” said captain Tara Garnett. “Because we had a small team in the past, it has been difficult for us to do well in relation to larger teams. With our increase in team size and a new coach, we will be able to prove our strengths to the rest of the league.”

Coach Steve Shames said the key to a successful season is combining love for swimming and a relentless desire to win events.

“I like to fire up my athletes’ healthy competitive drive,” said Shames. “It is a treat in itself to be in the midst of an event where your heart is pumping and nothing exists but the race.”

Freshman Jovel Queirolo said practices give swimmers opportunities to train for meets, as physical strength training is crucial to a good performance.

“Steve does a good job by throwing in a lot of drills, kicking and pulling, [where] you stick this piece of foam between your legs so that you’re only using your arms, to let all areas of the stroke grow and strengthen,” said Queirolo. “He has even started making us wear clothing while swimming to increase the amount of drag, forcing us to work harder for the same speed, giving us a stronger stroke.”

Practice has led to better meet performances.

“In one of the meets, the 200 freestyle relay team dropped nearly six seconds from a previous time,” said Garnett, who is a senior. “This great improvement was celebrated and quickly improved upon.”

Shames said he anticipates continued team success.

“The season will benefit each one of them in a different way — stroke efficiency, endurance, agility, speed,” said Shames. “I see a lot of potential and hope these young women recognize it and strive for the best results they can get.”

— Elizabeth Moore

Track running with challenges The five members of the track team not only race against the clock, but against mental and physical challenges as they strive to be successful.

“I don’t like the actual process of running,” said junior Nora McGovern. “But the feeling afterwards is very calm. You are rejuvenated and well focused.”

Challenges include keeping runners motivated through workouts, and keeping runners uninjured by teaching them how vital it is to stretch, strengthen muscles and speak up when they are hurt, according to coach Susan Lupica.

“You keep them upbeat and reminding them that the more they train, the more exciting it is when they race because they are prepared,” said Lupica. “If you have something small that is nagging and you don’t pay attention to it right away, it doesn’t really go away. It gets worse, bigger and harder to fix.”

Progress comes as a result of not only running, but also building the core muscles.

“If you have a strong core and do things beyond running to get your whole body strong, your time will decrease,” said coach Anna Challet.

Both sophomore Claire Cannon, who takes long runs on the weekend with her father, and junior Elizabeth Gruber, who takes pilates in the morning, exemplify this according to Challet.

Goals also motivate runners to persevere and stay determined during races.

“I will set a time for myself that I know I want to beat and will work towards beating that time,” said Cannon.

The track team’s next meet is April 18 at Chabot College in Hayward.

— Ina Herlihy

Track • Apr. 18 at Chabot College Badminton • Apr. 3 at Lick-Wilmerding Soccer • Apr. 4 at the Polo Fields Swimming • Apr. 4 at Lick-Wilmerding — compiled by Leslie Wu

Player Profile: Sara Bannerman, soccer more than a sport

F

or varsity soccer captain Sara Bannerman, soccer isn’t just a sport; it’s a vehicle that helps her clear eslie wu her mind, sports editor spend time with friends and get exercise.

“Soccer is kind of like a subreality,” said Bannerman. “You don’t have to deal with the pressures of school or drama with friends.”

Bannerman, who plays forward, has been playing for 14 years and says she likes all aspects of the game — and it is a good way to

l

be a team player while developing leadership skills.

“She is a true team leader,” said Elena De Santis, who has coached Bannerman for the last four years.

“As a senior, she has brought the team together on and off the field.

She has lead the team by coordinating team warm ups, team dinners and team sweats.”

Junior Brittney Fong says Bannerman is really good at giving direction and guides players by setting a good example.

“Her dedication, commitment

and spirit are an inspiration to the team,” said Fong. “She gives us a great pep talk before each game.”

Bannerman also gives the players a motivational quote, which they each place in their left shinguard.

“Before a game, I try not to think about winning,” said Bannerman. “I just think about how I’m going to play. During the game, I’m not really thinking about anything, just concentrating on the game and staying focused and involved. After the game, it depends on how we did; I don’t mean by winning or losing,

but if we accomplished the goals we set for ourselves.”

Bannerman is undecided about playing soccer in college.

“I’m going to a division three school, but I didn’t focus on getting recruited,” said Bannerman.

Senior Sara Bannerman has played every position on the team, but says she is most comfortable playing forward. Varsity soccer’s next game is against Drew on April 4.

LESLIE WU | the broadview

11

sports

the broadview

Public staircase adds color, culture

athle-TECH leslie wu

Knit beanies harden for helmet-like protection

F

REBECCA KELLIHER | the broadview

The tiled staircase at 16th Avenue portrays a mosaic river that culminates in a deptiction of the moon at the top of the stairs. The San Francisco Parks Trust sponsored this project, and over 220 Golden Gate Heights residents donated. A handmade animal, bird or fish tile imbedded into the mosaic represents each donation.

S

an Francisco’s steep staircases offer a heart-pumping cardio workout and a postcard-like view of the City by the Bay. Yet, staircases can also be canvases ebecca kelliher reporter for innovative mosaics.

Local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher designed the 163-step 16th Avenue Tiled Staircase on Moraga Street.

“The main inspiration for the mosaic was the breathtaking view of the bay from the top of the steps as it takes in the ocean, land and sky,” said Barr of the 163-step staircase.

“The shape of the steps, long and narrow, provided the scope to include elements from all three.”

Crutcher and Barr created a sea-to-sky theme with brightly colored fish near the foot of the steps, and exotic birds, leaves and shimmering stars near the top. The 2,000-tile mosaic took almost three years to build and involved over 300 neighbors from January 2003 to August 2005.

“It was pretty amazing to see a community come together like that,” said Crutcher, who still seems astonished at the wide amount of support the project received.

r

The Tiled Step Project was initiated by engraved individual tiles to commemorate a Jessie Audette, a resident of Golden Gate loved one or a special event.

Heights who had lived in Rio de Janeiro, Bra“There are a lot of Chinese Americans in zil for five years where she had often admired the neighborhood, and many of them would the gigantic colorfully-tiled Santa Teresa have a tile for the first person in their family Steps. Along with neighbor Alice Xavier, she born in this country,” said Crutcher. “My dog decided to hold a contest for designs to deco- died during the process, so I put a tile in for rate the lifeless 16th Avenue staircase. Barr and him.”

Crutcher submitTucked away ted similar proposThe main inspiration behind narrow als, so the judges white houses and for the mosaic was asked if they would giant oak trees at work together. the breathtaking view 16th Avenue, most “They couldn’t of the bay from the decide between people are comboth our designs, pletely unaware top of the steps as it so we ended up of the presence takes in the ocean, combining eleof the glimmerland and sky. ments of both and ing mosaic. Yet, working together – Aileen Barr, local artist to local residents, on the project,” the stairs are the said Barr. pride and joy of The project, which cost over $100,000, the neighborhood. was funded almost entirely by public dona“I think it’s wonderful,” said neighbor tions as neighbors worked together to bring Dave Mariottini. “We are all very lucky to live a sense of life and excitement back into often foggy and dreary Golden Gate Heights. in such a beautiful part of the city, and these Throughout the process, many volunteers tiled steps will only contribute to that beauty.”

‘‘

’’

5 simple rules of flip turns Use these steps to ensure that you complete a flip turn safely and correctly.

Swim fast. About four feet away from the wall, take a deep breath and begin turning.

When reaching the surface, begin flutter kicking and start your first stroke.

To prevent inhaling water, blow air out through your nose.

Tuck your chin and head in as if doing a front flip. Roll into a ball and start the flip.

Feel the wall with your feet about halfway through the flip and push off of it. Extend your arms as you glide onto your stomach.

or the helmet haters out there, there is a solution for those heady problems. A Swiss company has developed a soft hat that hardens instantly upon impact.

Ribcap beanies are lined with an elastic polymer containing molecules that bond together the moment they are pushed together. The bonded molecules resemble a chain-link fence and quickly break away again after the impact.

The material stiffens to help redistribute the force of the hit. In a regular hard helmet, the foam lining absorbs the impact, transferring the impact energy into heat energy.

The hats have been tested against other protective helmets, and studies have shown they are four times as effective in protection, but the company still advises athletes to use traditional headgear in high-risk sports such as competitive skiing or other sports that require CSA certified helmets, until the hats have been certified by the Canadian Standards Association.

The hats come in different colors and eight styles, allowing for the wearer to customize her look and are a drastic change from the same look of the familiar bulky, heat-retaining helmets.

So far the hat can only be purchased online from the Ribcap Web site (http://www.ribcap.ca) for about $100, plus tax and shipping — costing not much more than the conventional helmet. Shipping could take a week or more, since it will have to be shipped from Canada.

But for those who really cannot stand the burden of helmets but still want protection, the Ribcap provides a shielding alternative.

12

city life

march 30, 2007

onl y i n

Running man gets comfortable in park

R

ecently my friend and I were walking our dogs in Huntington Park.

We always walk around the outskirts of the park with our dogs, and every now and then we meet an overenthusiastic dog lover or see one of our neighbors.

Nothing out of the ordinary ever happens, but this time we saw a man running down the steps leading out of the park. At first, his frantic running caught our attention, but then we quickly realized that the man was in fact donning a skirt and smiling at nothing in particular.

Unfortunately, he also wasn’t wearing any shorts under the skirt.

We were so shocked that we just stared at him as he passed us but immediately started laughing in disbelief as he ran down the block.

He was not in a Scottish traditional kilt or anything — he was simply decked out in a women’s skirt and running shoes. Not to mention that he was probably in his early 50s.

Only in San Francisco would the local park and playground be the hub for the odd and mysteriously intriguing.

A local vegetarian orders soy-based ice cream from the Bernal Heights shop Maggie Mudd. About half of the store’s ice cream flavors are vegan, meaning they are entirely free of any animal products.

— sophomore Gabby Tringali, as told to Rena Hunt

‘Man in black’ gives musical enjoyment

I

t was a really rainy day and Rosie Keehan and I were waiting at a bus stop under the overhang.

Our spirits were kind of down because we wanted to hang out, but it was too rainy to walk anywhere. Then, out of nowhere, a man in a huge, black furry coat came up and started chatting with us.

He was talking about musicals and singing, and we were caught off guard when he actually started singing to us. He was conducting for us to chime in, but I was too shy.

Rosie, however, started singing with him, and he was even coaching her. He told her, “No, you’re doing it wrong, you’ve gotta sing from the core!”

Then, he started singing a song from “Les Miserables” and wanted Rosie to join in, but she didn’t know the song. So he started

pulse

F

rom Hollywood to New York, bangs are showing up everywhere. From Hilary Duff ’s side-swept achel forbes senior reporter bangs to Nicole Richie’s blunt, straight across style, one thing is clear: fashionable fringe is all the rage.

Senior Kasia Szarek recently had her hair cut and now has long, straight-across bangs. But she says she is afraid they will get too popu-

r

MADALYN ROKISKY-RING | the broadview

singing “Raindrops keep falling on my head” in ode to the day, and Rosie sang with him until our bus came. He didn’t get on the bus with us, and we recognized he just wanted someone to sing with.

I realized once we got on the bus that my umbrella and bag were still at the stop. So I rang the bell frantically to get off at the next stop, and when we got off, he was there with both of my belongings, panting because he had ran with the bus for a block to give them to me.

As I hopped back on the bus, he was waving and singing us farewell as we waved to him through the windows.

Only in San Francisco can a dreary day turn into a scene from a musical with the help of a stranger.

— freshman Gina Cargas, as told to Rena Hunt

side track madalyn rokisky-ring

W

ith a slogan like “I hate Wussy Ice Cream,” Maggie Mudd is a force to be reckoned with.

“The slogan specifically refers to the dairy-free ice cream,” said owner Michael Juarez, “It came because people weren’t satisfied with what they had out there.”

Maggie Mudd, which also produces traditional diary ice creams, distinguishes itself because it offers more dairy-free flavors than its competitors, scooping up flavors as varied as Chocolate Mint, Fresh Blueberry, PB&J or Death Squad, a combination of chocolate peanut butter, marshmallow, fudge peanuts and brownie bits.

“We get some people who like to buy gallons of unique flavors, like licorice,” said Juarez.

The soy and coconut-based flavors cater to vegetarians and vegans.

Vegetarians do not consume any meat products, while vegans eschew animal products or by-products in-

Ice cream parlor offers alternative

cluding as milk, eggs and honey.

The 3-year-old company began selling vegan ice cream a year after opening.

“We started our by selling 5 percent of our ice cream vegan,” said Juarez “and now we sell about 50 percent.”

‘‘

We don’t come too often because we would get really fat. We like to come here once a month or so.

– customer Martha

cisco, especially vegan or vegetarian travelers.

“When we have vegan visitors we take them here, and blow their mind,” said local customer Bob Grossman.

But diary-lovers flock there as well.

“We don’t come too often because we would get really fat,” said Martha Larson who lives in Daly City, but stops in when she visits her parents who live in the neighborhood. “We like to come here once a month or so.”

Maggie Mudd ice cream is also available at Bay Area specialty markets including Rainbow Grocery, Bi-Rite and some Whole Foods locations.

Maggie Mudd shop is located at 903 Cortland Ave. and is open 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

’’

Larson

Maggie Mudd originally bought its vegan ice cream, but began making its own when the supplier discontinued the line.

The Maggie Mudd store at Cortland Avenue and Gates Street in Bernal Heights is also a destination for people visiting San Fran-

Bangs sweep into spring style lar too fast.

“Now they’re in style, and everybody has them,” said Szarek.

But unlike most people, she has a different motivation for getting fringe. “Basically I want to look like a living doll.”

Freshman Sonia Morris also cut her bangs over the summer in order to cover up a bad professional haircut.

“The only way to right it was getting full-on bangs,” said Morris.

“My sister did it in her room.”

Although Morris’ bangs were a necessity, she agrees they’re back in fashion.

“I think they’re popular because they are different and can accentuate the right face type nicely.”

According to www.hairboutique.com, the shape of one’s face determines the type of bangs one should get. Round face shapes should get layered or feathered

bangs, while square should get side swept. Heart-shape faces can pull off straight across bangs. Long faces should cut blunt brow grazing bangs, while an oval face can pull off almost any type.

Unlike other fads, this one fits any shape or size, and can spice up any bland hairstyle.

Freshman Sonia Morris dons sporty, side-swept bangs with a ribbon.