The Forge, Volume 100, Issue 3

THE

SBHS

FORGE

Volume 100, Issue 3

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December 20, 2013

School Good works make good neighbors Surveilance SBHS theft caught on tape

Ed Kaplan News Editor

On November 22 at 12:50 pm, an iPhone was stolen from the stage of the Santa Barbara High School theater. Within a half hour of notification of the theft, the student was recognized and escorted from their class to the principal’s office, where the phone was recovered and subsequently returned.

The crime was solved due to the implementation, since May 2013, of video cameras throughout the auditorium. These cameras are continuously recording, and were able to clearly capture the theft of the phone from multiple angles making the identification process easily achievable.

This is not the first time the cameras were able assist in the apprehension of stolen goods and the accused perpetrators. So far in the cameras’ career, two backpacks and an iPhone have been recovered. In addition, an overnight break-in at the theater in May resulted in the identification of the two perpetrators, their arrest and conviction, and the recovery of the stolen items.

Theft is a major problem throughout schools and, under normal circumstances, the stolen property would not have been returned. With the video cameras, however, school officials were successfully able to accomplish this feat.

Principal Mr. Becchio has since proposed and submitted a map detailing the locations in which cameras could be placed around school grounds on the Santa Barbara Unified District. He hopes that SBHS will become the “guinea pig” for the district in testing cameras as a means of security. Administration has not yet replied.

Student responses to the heightened security varied, however none were very adamant. “School is a public place, cameras used to prevent theft should be no different from cameras elsewhere, such as banks,” reasoned Junior Jordan Anguiano.

“Putting up surveillance cameras would be a huge invasion of students’ privacy,” stated junior Joe Luttrell.

Despite some student concerns over surveillance measures, the plan seems to be proceeding.

Mark Gross Staff Reporter

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season, a time for charity and togetherness, is upon us once more. However, not all families are as fortunate as others, causing this usually festive time to become a time of stress and unhappiness. Property taxes, an increase in bills for heating, lean economic times—all these things usually mean that money is tight this time of year. Some families have difficulty just making ends meet, while simultaneously trying to buy a tree or buy gifts for their children and relatives. Fortunately for these families, help is not far away this season.

The local nonprofit charity organization, Child Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM) played Santa this year and gave away hundreds of presents to local families who are having financial trouble this winter. CALM however, did not act alone in this great display of charity, as many students in a variety of classrooms and staff at Santa Barbara High School joined the cause.

The volunteers, who were galvanized by the heroic efforts of the ASB staff, were enthusiastic when it came to helping the community. ASB organized the efforts of SBHS classrooms and office staff to “adopt” individual families, who then gathered requested items and wrapped them in class, or sent them to ASB where they were wrapped and organized for easy shipping to the needy families. Though the SBHS effort was modest in scope (and perhaps next year spurred by the efforts of their colleagues other classrooms will join in this worthy cause), and SBHS ended up

donating presents to sixteen local families, the entire project by CALM helped around two hundred at-risk families.

Though many toys were on the wish lists of the sixteen families, basic necessities such as pans, blankets, and pots were included as well. Needless to say, the project went off without a hitch. For only about a few hundred dollars per family, CALM and the students were able to meet the needs of these struggling families.

The great news is that the program’s goal of reaching over two hundred families in Santa Barbara County was met, meaning that this holiday season will prove to be a happier experience for those who live at the edges of economic prosperity.

This, however, is not the end of the CALM charitable drive. Many in Associated Student Body and CALM hope to make this a tradition; it is even expected to grow exponentially by 2014. “We are so excited to expand our CALM Adopt-aFamily tradition from our one ASB class to a school-wide effort this year. Students were humbled by this experience and look forward to collecting gifts for local families in the future. We are hopeful that this will be a school-wide tradition within the Dons community for years to come,” commented ASB Advisor Ms. Wooster.

So in this season of brotherhood and charity, don’t forget that we all have to do our part to help those who are less fortunate than us. It is also important to remember that our concern should not stop at the holidays; we should resolve as a school to make a greater impact on and connection to our neighborhood.

What’s Inside?

News: Ability awareness week Editorials: Starbucks and commercialsim Entertainment: Chior’s Winter Show Sports: Girls Basketball

(from top left to bottom right) ASB, Jody Ballard, Angie Damaso, and Grace Perry wrap presents for charity.

Photo courtesy of Beau Lettieri.

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December 20, 2013

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Staff Devon Raney visits SBHS for Editors Mian Laurain Sandy Campbell Editors-in-Chief Sky Ulep Managing Editor Edoardo Kaplan News Editor Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor Blake DeVine Sports Editor Jessany Rodenas Photo Editor Beau Lettieri Website Editor Nicola Freeland Business Manager

Staff Reporters Tyler Greenwald Mark Gross Alyssa Mendibles Michele Perez Gabriel Reali Alina Ruiz Ibarra Andrew Tighe

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ability awareness week Mina Laurain Editor-in-Chief

On December 9, Devon Raney visited Santa Barbara High School and delivered a motivational speech with the intent of inspiring students to overcome hardships and pursue their passions.

The 38 year old Southern Californian is almost blind. He has lost more than 85% of his vision over the past five years. He suffers from a genetic disorder that has corroded his eyesight, and he no longer has central vision. He described his vision as “a huge smudge in the middle, but clearer on the sides.”

Since he lost his vision, he has been limited in his physical activities, which is a struggle for a life-long athlete. An almost blind Raney wanted to regain his independence and freedom, so he decided to set out on a bike trip.

His journey took him from Seattle, Washington to Tijuana, Mexico, totaling

2,500 miles. He was accompanied by seven of his closest friends and supporters, who took turns riding with him on a two-person bicycle.

Although his journey involved a lot of biking, the major focus of this adventure was surfing. Raney had packed surfboards, tents, food, and clothing all in a bike trailer.

Every day on ride Raney stopped to surf. In Oregon the waves got up to 20 feet, although Raney enjoyed the waves in Southern California the most. He has been surfing since he was 10 years old, and losing his vision has not slowed him down. There is no doubt that surfing is more difficult for him, but he is up for a challenge.

Since the end of his journey, Raney has visited ten high schools giving Raney bikes down the California coast presentations meant to inspire high school accompanied Tom Burt. students, and this assembly at SBHS was Photo courtesy of both moving and uplifting. www.bikesboardsblind.com.

Typhoon Haiyan hits the Philippines Ed Kaplan News Editor

On November 8, the devastating typhoon Haiyan swept across the Philippines, passing through six islands.

The category five super typhoon, one of the strongest storms to make landfall, killed almost 6,000 men, women, and children, with the number continuing to rise as more bodies are found amongst the chaos.

The damage to the country was approximately 2.4 billion dollars in total.

The typhoon was so violent and destructive that in its immediate aftermath 10,000 were presumed dead in the city of Tacloban alone on Leyte Island. The reports on the events were hard to confirm due to the apocalyptic scene. In fact the next day, some meteorologists in the Philippines even claimed that there were probably not too many casualties because of the storm’s fast pace.

The reality, however, was much grimmer. While in previous typhoons, mudslides and overflown rivers were the cause of death and destruction, with Haiyan the storm surge thatreached 13 feet inflicted the devastating damage.

The ravaging typhoon swept families and neighbors away, leaving their bodies scattered about to be found later by the unsuspecting survivors. The living were left in dire conditions, with no food water or shelter – the most basic of necessities.

“It’s a tragic event and I can’t even begin to imagine the hardships they now face,” stated Junior Patrick Thomas.

The late-arriving rescue crews found many obstacles preventing them from reaching out successfully to survivors.

The roads and airports, already malfunctioning due to corruption and lack of funds, were almost completely gone or destroyed, making any mission of aid difficult to complete.

At this time, experts cannot know

A young Filipino boy among homes decimated by Typhoon Haiyan.

Photo courtesy of TheAtlantic.com. for sure what caused the violent storm.

However, many are claiming a link to climate change. Coincidentally, at the time Haiyan hit the Philippines the yearly Global Climate Conference was taking place in Warsaw, Poland. The Philippine chief representative at the conference, Yeb Sano, pleaded with the wealthy nations to help his community. He gave a speech asking the whole world to consider the consequences of climate change. “We can take drastic action now to ensure that we prevent a future where super typhoons are a way of life... What my country is going through as a result of this extreme climate event is madness. The climate crisis is madness. We can stop this madness. Right here in Warsaw,” Sano stated.

Junior Mark Gross similarly stated, “We need to learn from these disasters and do

everything in our power to prevent future calamity, the future depends on us.”

Meanwhile, on the islands affected, the lack of food and medication led to extensive looting and fears of infectious diseases that could potentially ravage the population. Acts of heroism, however, were also reported.

Those brave acts show the strong will of the surviving members of the communities to overcome the present sufferings.

“All the richer countries should be giving as much money as possible, we can’t let more people die,” pleaded Junior Gerardo Zavala.

You can donate $10 online or by texting the word AID to 27722. This money will be going to the U.N. World Food Program in support of its emergency food relief after Typhoon Haiyan.

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December 20, 2013

News Public executions in North Korea This past November, over 80 people were openly executed by the oppressive North Korean state. In seven different cities, civilians were rounded up and killed. This was, of course, sanctioned by the North Korean Dictator, Kim Jong Un. Their crimes ranged from watching South Korean TV to making pornography and from possessing a copy of the Bible to engaging in acts of prostitution. The punishment extended to the victims’ families, who were exiled and forced into labor camps.

In the city of Wonsan, a soon-to-be tourist destination, eight people had their heads covered with bags and then were shot in front of a large crowd. The 10,000 viewers, including children, were forced into the Shinpoong Stadium to witness the execution in an effort by the government to intimidate the populace.

Senior Gustavo Bello chimed in stating, “I think Kim Jong Un should be the one to be executed, we should do this by throwing him off a cliff!”

Ed Kaplan News Editor

The prisoners were tied to poles and then repeatedly shot and disfigured with machine guns. Among those executed was the leader Kim Jong Un’s exgirlfriend and pop singer Hyon Song Wol, who allegedly filmed herself in a sex tape in order to make money.

These facts however cannot be confirmed because North Korea is the most impenetrable nation in the world; very few are allowed to enter and exit its borders. Its current situation is kept tightly away from the public eye by Dictator Kim Jong Un and other top leaders. Kim Jong Un, who is only 30 years old, gained power suddenly after the death of his father Kim Jong Il, who reigned the country from 1994 to 2011.

Considered inexperienced at first, Kim Jong Un is proving to be as authoritarian and power hungry as his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

The latter started the dynastic line in 1946, when he founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, commonly referred to as North Korea. Junior Saul Nadis recognizes the dictatorial nature

South African President Nelson Mandela dies at age 95 On December 5, 2013, Nelson M a n d e l a died due to lung complications in Johannesburg, South Africa. During his long and eventful life, he helped break the practice of racial segregation Alyssa Mendibles Staff Reporter

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary.

Photo courtesy of nelsonmandelaonline.com.

in South Africa and became the nation’s first black president.

Before his presidency, Mandela had been imprisoned for twentyseven years, for fighting against state-sanctioned racial segregation, finally being released in 1990.

He began to work on uniting the nation through forgiveness and reconciliation. He was known as a symbol of “global peacemaking”.

Nelson Mandela can be remembered for many things but his message to the world of reconciliation through dialogue and respect will always be his most memorable contribution to the history of the 20th century.

A state funeral was held on December 15, 2013 in his hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape Province. Attended by dignitaries from all over the world, including President Obama. Many people were heartbroken over his death but his legacy will continue on.

“I hate racial discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations.

I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days” –Nelson Mandela

North Korean citizens forced to watch public executions.

Photo courtesy of misguidedchildren.com. of Kim Jong Un’s action, “This is the product of extreme authoritarianism and despotism, not socialism.”

According to Junior David Zevallos, “These violations of human rights are just asking for western countries’ intervention.

The executions are a spit in the face of the UN, South Korea, Japan, and the US.” Despite the major violations in human rights used by North Korean government complex, no group or outside nation has been able to intervene.

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December 20, 2013

Opinion Gabe Reali Staff Reporter

During the month of November, it has become a fad to not shave facial hair. This is often referred too as “No Shave November.” Some people however, don’t even know what the occasion is really for. After taking anonymous polls of Santa Barbara High School Students, nearly eight in ten students were taking part in the event because it is “fun” or “what everyone was doing.” What most people don’t know is that No Shave November was created as a serious campaign directed to raising cancer awareness. It makes me ponder why people will just go with something that everyone else is doing without even acknowledging the reason that people do it. People become focused on who can grow the most facial hair in a month, or who will have to shave first due to the excessive amount of man hair. I was surprised because in all actuality, I did not even hear the school say anything regarding No Shave November’s correlation to the cancer awareness campaign. All I was getting out of the intercom announcements in the morning was that teachers were having a competition, and what day we would be out in the quad to shave the beards. I’m not trying to call anyone out because even I admit that I challenged myself to not shave for a little while just for the heck of it. I’m not personally super close to anybody with cancer so it isn’t really a pressing issue in my world, but I’m just trying to address society as a whole. I just think it’s kind of sad how the tragic epidemic is forgotten and shadowed by our obsession with fads...

On a lighter note check out these awesome facial hair pictures!

No Shave November

Early morning, on-campus agriculture Sydney Iverson Freelance Reporter

Gardening, a term we mostly associate with old people cultivating wilted lettuce and deformed tomatoes, is coming into a new season.

Here on campus, a group of dedicated students wake up four days a week at an ungodly hour to stick their hands in the dirt and wage war on the infamous crabgrass. Why they do it, no one knows.

It could be the chickens, twenty-one mischievous creatures that most students don’t even know exist. They are the result of an APES project from about two years ago, and their contribution to the garden, in terms of work ethic is greater than or equal to that of all the students in the class combined. They basically eat everything in the garden that we humans don’t want, in addition to laying eggs for whoever takes care of them. Most importantly though, they made a guest star appearance on the bulletin last year, wreaking havoc in Mr Becchio’s office.

Or it could be the fact that are the bees, who also make delightful (though slightly more adventurous) company. Earlier this year our class had the privilege to harvest fresh honeycomb, which tastes more like incentive than anything else. After trying their honey, students have been less willing to carelessly kill the creatures now that they know their capabilities. The care of these bees is attributed solely to senior Isabelle Radis, a master beekeeper

and the most fearless person I know. If you have never been stung three times and kept on with a smile on your face, please give Isabelle a high five in the hall.

Maybe students come for the skills, because where else can you learn to properly hold a chicken, master the fine art of drip irrigation, graft apple trees (not you Malcolm), and harness the power of a rototiller in one place? As strange as it may seem, these tasks have been more relevant in my life than all the math equations I have been told were essential to memorize—perhaps because the skills are hands on and the results concrete.

Not to say that we don’t use math in the garden. It’s very important when planting seedlings; a miscount could disastrously result in massive amounts of something like catnip (if you have a cat and would like some catnip please contact Jose Caballero).

My peers and I have different motivations for coming to zero period freeze-your-fingers-off class, but I know for at least a few of us it’s simply the prospect of starting the school day off a bit differently. It’s refreshing to invest work in a prospect that will give you something tangible rather than a grade, and seeing progress is really rewarding.

At the end of the day I can say, “I don’t know if I did too well on that history test, but I planted a whole row of beets this morning!” and that’s pretty cool.

Jose Caballero’s Small-scale agriculture class meets at the greenhouse during zero period.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell.

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December 20, 2013

Opinion

Dear Mark: they were, they were The following are responses to Mark Gross’ Issue 2 editorial “Be offensive! Be, be offensive?”

ASB response Laine Fisher Guest Contributor

Santa Barbara has a rich tradition of pulling pranks and maintaining a healthy rivalry with San Marcos. We can’t help it; we’re naturally better than them. These traditions date back to the 1960s, when San Marcos first became a school, almost 100 years after our establishment. One of these traditions has been the annual “San Marcos Cheerleaders Dance,” consisting of senior Boys, usually football players, imitating the San Marcos cheerleaders in mini skirts and wigs, looking ditsy and making our school laugh. Many groups of people, however, felt personally offended by the dance, so ASB and administrations decided to not continue this tradition.

In the last month’s issue of The Forge, Mark Gross wrote an article questioning why the San Marcos Cheerleaders Dance was vetoed by the ASB class.

Unfortunately, Mark Gross also failed to ask anyone from ASB or the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community as to why it is no

longer performed. I, along with the ASB class, was astonished that someone could stereotype administration’s “response [as] simply a knee jerk reaction by the school administration that fears some sort of repercussion from a transgender group.”

As someone who was directly involved with the dance, I was immediately against abolishing it, and almost felt attacked.

However, my mind quickly changed when events unfolded.

In 2011 for the Fall Pep Rally, I actually had the honor of choreographing the dance, something I was very excited for.

As a very school spirited sophomore, being able to help directly with the dance and the pep rally was really exciting.

The dance went without a hitch, and like every other year, the entire crowd roared with laughter and applause. Little did I know though, that I was actually aiding in offending many groups of people I had never thought of; some of them even Dons.

The following year, as football season rolled out, the question of whether or not to continue this tradition finally made

it to the floor of the ASB room. Kate Yee, an active advocate for the LGBTQ community, a member of the GSA club, and a member of the ASB class, was the main speaker on behalf of the LGBTQ community and those who felt directly offended by the dance. Now here is where Gross got his facts wrong. He directly states that there are “zero detrimental effects” to having the dance and that the “people who raised the complaint were not transgender.” Really? Because numerous anonymous letters were submitted through the GSA club and were read aloud in class, bringing most of us to tears. I felt awful. These letters came from students in the LGBTQ community as well as their supporters who were offended on behalf of their peers.

Something that seemed so innocent and merely to poke fun at our foe had fostered sadness and people were deeply offended.

Imagine going to school, where one is supposed to feel safe and at home, only to feel attacked and made fun of. The class immediately decided to not continue the

Dons For Change response Isabel James and Olivia Ranson Guest Contributors

In last month’s article, Mark Gross questioned the authenticity of banning the San Marcos Cheerleader skit at the pep rally. We would like to clarify and respond to the points made in his editorial. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, statements made in the article were misleading due to a lack of information and alienating to those who do want to speak out about this issue.

213In the article, it is stated that “no actual transgender students complained about it being offensive at all.” However, this is a false claim. Multiple non-binary, transgender, or otherwise LGBTQ students came forth with letters, petitions, and voiced concern to teachers. The issue was discussed in Unity Through Diversity Club, classrooms, and ASB. ASB had a legislative meeting in which the issue was discussed; which was open to any student that wanted to attend. Just because no transgender person wanted to publicly out themself (reveal that they are transgender) in order to voice their concern does not mean that they weren’t affected by the issue. The letters written to ASB explaining why the skit was offensive were anonymous, and were from a broad variety of people, including LGBTQ people. LGBTQ organizations outside of SBHS such as Pacific Pride were informed about the controversy and agreed that it was offensive. They were on board with banning it and agreed to come

forward to the school if the ban didn’t go through. A petition was written to end the prank, which gathered hundreds of signatures. Obviously people were concerned, and aware of the issue, or else why would they sign the petition?

The tradition wasn’t ended due to a” fear of backlash over something so stupid,” it was ended because people in our community were being hurt by it. This was proved through discussions in club meetings, the original petitions, and the letters written to ASB by individuals who felt insulted by the prank. Trans* issues are not “stupid,” and saying that creates the mentality of “it doesn’t affect me, so who cares?” If we want our school to be safe for all students, we shouldn’t ignore the people’s concerns, even if these concerns are few. SBHS is supposed to be LGBTQ safe, and this ban is a movement to ensure that.

Some students don’t understand why the skit was banned, so we would like to clear that up. It was put to an end because although it had a good intention, and was only created to make people laugh, the outcome was hurtful to LGBTQ students, people who don’t follow gender norms, and women. In the skit, men dressed up as hypersexualized cheerleaders from San Marcos. While from the outside this may seem like a harmless joke, it is insulting to many. Why is it funny that men are dressed as women? If a bunch of women came out dressed as football players, would it still be funny? Why is it funny

when a man expresses femininity? What if someone actually wanted to crossdress, but felt that they would be made fun of since everyone laughed at the pep rally? What about drag queens/kings, and transgender people? Does that make it okay to laugh at them? By laughing at a way some people actually do identify or choose to express themselves, you are further marginalizing them. And although it’s not likely that many students thought about this while watching the pep rally, it is a very real issue for those who actually have to struggle with issues such as identity and self-expression every day.

Should we “bend over backwards for a few select students at the school?” Yes, we should. SBHS values integrity, honesty and respect. We would hope that the school would gladly “bend over backwards” for any student. It’s part of the structure of democracy that minority groups have rights and get their voices heard. Yes, maybe there were only a few trans/non gender binary students that were directly affected, but does that mean their voices don’t matter? Don’t you think they would know more about what is and isn’t respectful towards the trans community than cisgender (people whose sex assigned at birth correlates with their gender identity) people? Cisgender people don’t get to decide what is and isn’t offensive to trans people because they aren’t the ones who experience transphobia every single day.

Overall, we are glad that the school was receptive to change and banned this

dance. In response, the entire school was disappointed to see that the dance was not a part of the 2012 Pep Rally. A majority of the student body knew why we could not let it continue and we felt content with our decision. Dos Pueblos continued the SM cheerleaders dance for another two years. This last year, things got out of hand, and the people who participated actually had to send letters to the actual SM cheerleaders apologizing. No one really thinks about the cheerleaders, but they are also being directly made fun of.

Santa Barbara sets the trend. Why do we need to feel the need to make fun of our rivals while simultaneously making fun of our peers? Times are changing and now we are a more aware community.

Ignorance is not an excuse anymore and I am proud to say that I helped decide to stop the degrading SM Cheerleaders dance.

So Mark Gross, you say “people should not have to suffer stereotypes within a school atmosphere; that is immoral and insensitive.” And you’re completely right.

offensive tradition. Transgender people were offended by it, as well as other members of the LGBTQ community, women, and allies of these marginalized groups of people. The whole school did have the option to be involved in this decision if they wished, by attending club meetings and ASB legislative meetings.

Submit letters to the editor at forge.sbhs@ gmail.com!

Respond to an editorial, write your own op-ed, or write about a topic of your choice!

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December 20, 2013

Opinion Natalie’s News

The system

College essays: swimming in a shallow pool

Starbucks and Commercialism Natalie Ochsner Freelance Reporter

“The meaning of the holidays is created in the moments we spend together, with friends, with family and with each other. The holidays give us a special opportunity to make the season magical and to celebrate the things that mean the most to us all.

From sipping a favourite beverage, enjoying a holiday treat to finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

We’re here to help make the most of your precious holiday moments.”

I got that quote off the Starbucks website, and frankly, it sounds pretty cheesy; a lame attempt to relate the company’s caffeinated products to meaningful stuff like friends and family. But really guys, is there anything better than Starbucks in the wintertime? I don’t think so, (although the Michael Bublé Christmas album is a close second- I play it continuously throughout December, despite my little brother’s complaints). They have everything from gingerbread lattes to peppermint mochas.

Who needs real food when you can have sugary, overpriced, holiday-flavored coffee? Not me. Whenever I see someone walking down the street with a red coffee cup, I feel a slight pang of jealousy that I don’t have one at that moment. Although this reaction probably isn’t normal, I’m sure the Starbucks marketing committee would delight in the fact I’m so dependent on their products, and the earlier they start serving these fancy drinks on their holiday menu and displaying those little coffee cup tree ornaments, the more dependent I become. And I’m not the only one!

According to an online source, Starbucks revenue goes up over ten percent during the last three months of the year, and every year they sell forty percent more pumpkin spice lattes than they did the year before!

Clearly, this company has some amazing marketing strategies (but really, how can they not be successful when they’re selling something that fifty-four percent of Americans drink every day?)! I think whoever invented the whole red cup thing is a frickin’ genius! I see someone with a red cup and I go buy one, someone sees mine and they go buy one; it’s like an endless chain of consumerism! I’ve done extensive research (ok, well, not extensive, but I Googled some stuff on my phone) and it all seems to point to one thing...

Starbucks is making a ton of money off of us, especially during the holidays. So what should we do about this? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to keep buying it.

Seniors struggle to write unique essays for college admissions.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell.

Jackson Duneier Guest Contributor

People are like movies. When met once, he or she is only appreciated in terms of face value: how they act, and how they make others feel. But once a friendship is formed, or the movie is watched a few more times, the story is delved into deeper, and inner flaws are discovered. I am no exception to this cliché. When people meet me, I come off as happy, funny, and enthusiastic; I have never been a shy person. Once people get to know me, however, they are subjected to another side of my personality; the side where my twisted humor, and strange love for mind bending movies shines through. My life, like everyone else’s, is merely a compilation of events strung together to create me.

When writing essays for college applications, it is initially difficult to come up with a topic. Remove the

monotonous events that nobody cares about, the details I don’t remember, and the topics I have already covered: what’s left? Immediately, I drift towards the obvious prompts, such as challenges I have faced, but I know it is these unoriginal submissions that the readers understandably hate. Reading the same sob stories about overly dramatized events by some anonymous applicant’s upbringing would prove to be a horribly repetitive process. But who are they to judge us? I have taken the most challenging courses offered to me in school, led and taken part in multiple clubs, and completed countless hours of community service, all the while maintaining both my passion for film, and a healthy social life. Who is the reader; who is the person deciding everything that happens for the rest of my life; who is the person making one of the most influential decisions of my life for me: probably a “nobody.” This is my

justified proposition: anybody who reads applications for colleges, and has ever denied a student, should have to hand over their job application to every student whose application they read. These thousands of students will then read the job application, and the majority vote will decide whether or not the reader is to keep his or her job.

What happened to a checks and balances system? The only form present in our current process is having multiple readers review applicants’ essays, leaving us students with two self-absorbed hermits judging every decision we have ever made.

That is not how it should work. The power should be put in the hands of the students, perhaps by allowing us to decide who reads our essays. The person reading our essays may have grown up in a completely different situation from us, distancing him or her on an emotional level, and potentially causing hatred or jealousy towards the applicant. By allowing us applicants to first connect with the readers, and then choose who will read our essays, much of this disconnect and bias can be avoided. America: land of the free and home of the brave. How ironic, because I do not feel as if I have the freedom of deciding my future, and the cowards hiding behind “decline” stamps are definitely not exhibiting bravery. Perhaps the readers should be responsible for calling each applicant individually, personally delivering the news of their deferral, and explaining why all of their life’s meaning and work simply was not good enough.

It should be harder for readers to deny students, and it should be more blatantly recognized that he or she is responsible for ruining not only that applicant’s day, but also quite possibly his or her entire life.

Do you believe?

Maggie Light Guest Contributor

It’s true. Like the plot of The Polar Express, children who believe hear Santa’s ‘bell,’ while most of the adults no longer do. But many children, too many in my opinion, stop hearing this magical sound, and stop hearing it earlier and earlier. What is this sound and why is it no longer heard by so many kids? The sound some still hear is their unquestioning confidence in themselves, the ‘yes’ inside them that removes all hesitation when exploring the world around them and responding to it. These are kids who don’t say ‘NO’ to themselves first, letting others say no before they will. But too many no longer hear this sound because they have lost faith in the magic of self-exploration and have sold their self-image to the lowest bidder for the sake of shallow conformity.

Retaining one’s sense of magic, one’s sense that life is ultimately a mystery

we can never fully understand, and that we are part of that magic and mystery should be the salve and impetus to live every waking moment fully knowing that the ride guarantees a genuine connection with life. But it is this connection that ultimately presents us with the decision to either continue to listen to the magic or not because life covers the gamut of human feeling and experience. To choose to live life fully means opening oneself up to joy as well as despair. I, for one, wouldn’t have it any other way.

Life lived fully is a life lived authentically regardless of the emotional whirlwind it may challenge us to endure.

But our willingness to commit ourselves to self-exploration and development means we have taken control of our lives and our destiny. We are truly free.

But out of fear, many of us remain incapable of being silly without concern about the opinions of others? Many of

us are unwilling to cry or show deep emotions when moved because of fear of ridicule? And how many of us are willing to be ourselves when being ourselves means being alone?

The knowledge that we have expanded ourselves to our limits, that we have tested the unknown waters of life and learned to float or swim in them, and we have experienced the depth and breadth of what we are capable of experiencing as human beings is to believe in oneself and to hear the magic of life’s gift. It is living up to the words of Jack London who claimed he’d “rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy, permanent planet.” Because London understood that “the proper function of man is to live, not merely to exist.”

Believe in yourself. Believe in your life.

7

December 20, 2013

Opinion Is America too politically correct?

Mark Gross Staff Reporter

Political correctness has become a major issue within American society recently. All too often do we see traditions such as Christmas and Easter banned or mitigated by local special interest groups. People are criticized for saying “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” for example. Is this how far we have fallen? Have we come to a point where a simple holiday greeting is considered a social faux pas?

Here’s an example of political correctness gone too far: The town of Bar Harbor, Maine has banned and removed a memorial to soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge in World War 2. The reason? They had a Christmas tree with lights on it next to a rock with a plaque commemorating the fallen. Apparently, it offended ten people, who banded together and formed a case to get rid of it. The city council, bowing to the mandate of “political correctness” banned it,. They even went as far to call it “tacky.” That’s right, a memorial to fallen soldiers is “tacky” to the imbeciles in charge of the town. And the bill passed! The memorial has been ripped up and relocated.

Now this is just one case in a sad, sordid tale of political correctness that is rotting the core values of American

Things Overheard in the Hallway “Yeah, but I’m fifteen and I don’t have a baby.”

“Oh my God. My mustang died and now my parents have to buy me a new car. I’m so upset.”

“Be careful - my phone is worth more than your whole life.”

“The hallway is not your best friend.”

“I would really like to get inside your head and see myself through your eyes.”

“Things Fall Apart is the worst book I’ve ever skimmed.”

“I can’t be a butt because I have arms and legs.”

“Where has food that is now.”

(Editor’s note: we believe this to mean ‘where can we get food now,” but your guess is as good as ours)

society. There are many such stories, such as a six-year-old girl having the word “God” edited out of her poem, even though it was dedicated to her dead grandpa, or a Florida University student who was banned from campus for mentioning Jesus’s name in class, or when the government created a list of conversations that soldiers in the military could not talk about.

This is perhaps one of the most radical demonstrations of political correctness I have heard of. It’s a classic model.

The smallest amount of people possible complain loudly, and the government officials get scared that it will make them look insensitive and they hastily pass a law that satisfies that small group while simultaneously pissing off everyone else. Then they enforce it to the max.

Open your eyes. Your right to freedom of expression is being chipped away slowly by people who want it their way and no way else. For Christ’s sake, we’re not even calling it Christmas anymore, it’s called X-mas now because apparently the word “Christ” offends people. Why would anyone be offended by the word Christ? No matter, better not say it, or you could lose your job.

This actually ties in very well with the editorial I wrote about the school administration banning the Football team’s dressing up as SM cheerleaders.

Many people view political corectness as a form of censorship.

Photo courtesy of absolutely-pathetic.com.

It shows us how pandering to a small group of complainers has become rampant throughout all of America, and how the most trivial of minorities get their way, and groups who actually need help (the poor, veterans) are ignored. We pass pointless bill after pointless bill ripping apart American culture, while at the same time creating a new culture of fear, silence, and

atheism. We tear apart religion, ban holidays, get rid of memorials.

In the end, we will have to make a choice. will we continue to allow our lives to be dominated by the fear of offending people?(Spoiler Alert:You will almost always offend someone with the way you act). Thank you for lending me your attention, God Bless you all and have a good day.

The Forge Vault Sky Ulep

This editorial from Issue 89 contemplates the lack of Christmas spirit in society.

8

December 20, 2013

DIY gifts and decorations Cinnamon ornaments

Directions:

(Not for eating!)

Ingredients:

* 1 cup applesauce * 1- 1 ¼ cup ground cinnamon * 1 tablespoon ground cloves (optional)

“To be awesome.”

- Nico Rivera, 12th grade

“To learn more ‘Heathers’ quotes and Velvet Gold Mine songs.”

- Olivia Harris, 12th grade

“To improve my swag.” - Miguel Hernandez, 10th grade

Step 1: Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper Step 2: With a mixer, combine applesauce, cinnamon, and cloves. You want the dough to be able to form a ball without being too sticky.

Step 3: Sprinkle a clean counter with cinnamon (like you would with flour for rolling out pie crust). Place dough on the counter and sprinkle with more cinnamon. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to ¼ inch thick, sprinkling with cinnamon to keep from sticking.

Step 4: Cut dough out into desired shapes and place on lined cookie sheet so they are not touching. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the ornament to attach the string. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ - 2 hours or until ornaments are rock hard.

Step 5: Loop string or ribbon through the ornament and hang on your tree.

Cookie Jar All you need is a glass jar with the lid, some fun winter or fall stickers, a couple pieces of ribbon, bow, or string, a small piece of paper, and homemade cookies.

Directions:

Step 1: Get the jar and place some fun stickers on it.

Make it look festive for the holidays.

Step 2: Put some delicious homemade cookies inside of the jar. (At least 4-6) Step 3: Get the piece of paper and write “to” and “from” on it, make a little hole, and tie it to the ribbon.

Step 4: Tie the ribbon and card around the lid of the jar with a bow.

Step 5: Give to a special person as a delicious homemade gift!

Geode Rings

Popcorn Garlands Materials: popped popcorn, sewing thread, a needle, (optional) jingle bells, pom pons, or ribbon.

Directions: Thread the needle with about 12 feet of thread, stick the needle through the popcorn. Every 15 popcorns or so, thread a jingle bell or other colorful “doo-dad.”

Once you finish the garland, you can string it on a Christmas tree, decorate a bannister, doorway, or a wreath.

Directions:

Materials:

* Use a geode or pyrite (can be found on eBay, Amazon, etsy; and at gem and craft stores). Make sure it has a flat bottom! * Ring blank (can be found on eBay, Amazon, etsy, and at gem and craft stores). * e6000 glue.

Step 1: Add a small amount of e6000 glue to the flat area of the ring blank.

Step 2: Place the geode or pyrite onto glue, press into place, and let fully dry.

What’s your New Y

“To get good grades.”

- Bailey Wolf, 10th grade

“To be a better student and person.”

- Jacob Mendoza, 10th grade

“To not get in trouble.”

- Christina Hernandez, 11th grade

“To get money.”

- Zach Oriz, 12th grade

9

December 20, 2013

Holiday Recipes Potato Latkes

Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 cup (2 sticks) of soft butter 3 ¼ cup of granulated sugar 3 ¼ cup of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 cups of chocolate chips 1 cup of chopped nuts

Directions: Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 375F. Step 2: Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then combine and stir.

Step 3: Place the cookie dough from step 2 on a cookie sheet with one inch between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake in the oven for about 9-10 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown.

Step 4: Take out and let it sit for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Put on a plate and serve them with a tall glass of milk. Enjoy!

Directions:

Step 1: Mix the yeast, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the milk together. Let sit to make sure it bubbles.

Step 2: Sift the flour and mix it with the remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, egg yolks and yeast mixture.

Step 3: Knead the dough into a ball. Add the butter. Knead some more, until the butter is well absorbed.

Step 4: Cover with a towel and let dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.

Step 6: Cut the dough into 24

Directions:

Step 1: Put the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, removing as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.

Step 3: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat the oil until hot.

Step 4: Scoop large spoonfuls of potato mixture into the hot oil.

Step 5: Press down on each spoonful to form ¼ to ½ inch thick patties until they are brown on the bottom. Flip over and make the other side brown as well.

Step 6: Place patties on paper towels and let them drain.

Step 7: Serve hot with applesauce and/or sour cream Step 8: Enjoy!

rounds with a juice glass or any object about 2 inches in diameter.

Step 7: Take ½ teaspoon of preserves and place in center of 12 rounds.

Step 8: Top with the other 12 rounds.

Step 9: Press down at edges, sealing with egg whites.

Step 10: Let rise for about 30 minutes.

Step 11: Heat 2 inches of oil to about 375 degrees.

Step 12: Drop doughnuts into the hot oil, about 5 at a time.

Step 13: Turn to brown both sides.

Step 14: Drain on paper towels.

Step 15: Roll the doughnuts in sugar.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Sufganiyot (jelly donuts)

“To get my AP notes done early.”

- Julie Pitney, 10th grade

Ingredients:

1 scant tablespoon (1 package) dry yeast 4 tablespoons sugar ¾ cup lukewarm milk or water 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour pinch of salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 eggs, separated 2 tablespoons butter apricot or strawberry preserves vegetable oil, for frying sugar

Year’s Resolution?

“To graduate.”

- Ana Delia Salgado, 12th grade

“To be succesful.”

- Jesus Hernandez, 10th grade

Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes 1 tablespoon grated onion 3 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons salt ½ cup vegetable oil

“To make sure no one’s “To be a good New Year’s resolutions citizen.” come true.” -Madison - Joseph Chavez, 10th Dochterman 12th grade grade

“To have an A in every class.”

- Saul Ibarra, 10th grade

“To get abs!”

- Stephanie Mera, 12th grade

10

December 20, 2013

Entertainment Local Bands at Santa Barbara High School

Local rockers own the stage.

Photo courtesy of Sky Ulep.

Sky Ulep Managing Editor

Santa Barbara High School rocks.

Though many of your classmates may blend in, when they leave campus they are jamming out, shredding guitars, laying down rhythms, composing songs, and performing all around Santa Barbara and beyond. Read on, and learn about some of your fellow rockin’ Dons.

The most famous SBHS band in

the last several years is False Puppet.

Current senior Brennan Benko has been drumming alongside former Dons Tyler Benko and Channing Peake since junior high. The punk rock trio has played VANS Warped Tour as well as shows all over California. They are currently on their Winter Break Tour playing at various venues up and down the coast.

Another veteran band, Technical Difficulties, stars senior lead guitarist

Dolan Ingraham and junior bassist Nik Harger. Tech Diff, as their fans call them, have been playing since 2007 and released their EP “Please Stand By” this summer. You can see them live this January at Velvet Jones.

The band Goldy consists of seniors Jesse Brinkenhoff, Josh Kass, and Parker Oswald. Their music is described as “ethereal psych grunge pop.” They have a big gig coming up January 4th at Velvet Jones. If you can’t make it to this show, be sure to catch them at SoHo on February 5th.

Seniors Jack Keough and Marco Rodriguez are a part of the accomplished band The Voice of Reason. This funk rock/pop band has played many events including Fiesta and Concerts in the Park.

There’s a newly formed Punk trio called Monkey House that features senior bassist Madison Dochterman and sophomore guitarist Chimaway Lopez. Legend has it that at their last gig, Chimaway shredded so hard, he accidentally shredded his own hand as well and bled all over the stage.

One of the most entertaining bands you’ll ever see is Vegan Brunch Massacre. This all-SBHS quartet is made up of juniors Tajo Mcburnie, Saul Nadis, Christian Pedersen and Matt Murray. You can call their music “Skunge Punk,” but your best bet is to see them for yourself.

Junior Liam Cetti is the drummer for

rising Alternative Rock band Highway 35. In 2012, the band won “Best Overall” in the highest division of the Santa Barbara Youth Battle of the Bands. They are currently in the process of recording their first EP. Pernicious Nonsense, starring Junior Morgan Koontz and sophomore Ethan Harb, are fresh off an appearance at Rockstock. You can hear their Alternative Grunge at venues such as Reds around Santa Barbara.

Bad Jack has been playing Punk Rock around the area for several years. Their music has never been better now that Junior David Coryat is working the sticks.

The Last Metro is a newly formed Rock band featuring seniors Patrick Kim and Carl Hutchinson. Though the band has played a couple of gigs before, like any new band, they’re searching for new venues to play. In the wise words of the drummer Patrick Kim: “Give us gigs. We want gigs.”

Freshman Cameron Nichoson is already known as one of the most incendiary lead guitarists in town. He recently joined the band Official Breakdown and has been seen sharing the stage at SoHo with legendary SBHS alum Alastair Greene.

With all this rock talent at Santa Barbara High, keep your ears and eyes open for your classmates to make a mark on the music world.

Review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Andrew Tighe Staff Reporter

Catching Fire is the second installment in The Hunger Games series.

Photo courtesy of latino-review.com.

Hope is a powerful emotion.

It inspires people to do great things and overcome seemingly impossible odds to achieve honor and fight for what they believe is right. Hope inspires them to fight for love, desire for freedom, and a thirst for justice, all of which are equally powerful motivations that are illustrated in the newest installment of The Hunger Games film saga from Lionsgate Entertainment, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Following her miraculous victory in the previous film, young Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her teammate Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutchinson) have achieved celebritylevel fame and returned home to their family and friends in the impoverished District 12, though not without the severe emotional scars Katniss gained from having to kill people she bore no ill will to. The two then find themselves pulled away from their homes and loved ones once more to participate in a “victory tour” of Panem with the eccentric fashion designer Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and their alcoholic mentor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson).

Meanwhile, the corrupt ruler of the districts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has become angry at the fact that Katniss and Peeta’s attempted

suicide, as seen in the first film, has been viewed as an act of defiance against the Capitol rather than an act of love, and has caused a rebellion to begin forming throughout the districts of Panem. Hoping to snuff out the possibility of a revolution, Snow demonstrates his power by holding the 75th Annual Hunger Games, or the “Quarter Quell.” This special competition is an event in which the victors of previous Hunger Games are pulled back into the arena to fight to the death once more. Among these victors are the dashing Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin), the intelligent and resourceful Beetee (Jeffrey Wright) and the irritable and snarky Johanna Mason (Jenna Malone). As Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the arena, they find that in spite of their age or district of origin, their opponents possess the skills and ruthlessness that could give even the most experienced killers a run for their money. In order to survive and keep the newly ignited spark of hope alive throughout the districts, the two must pull out every skill they have gained from their previous experience, as well as forge life-saving alliances.

Catching Fire is a remarkable tale that includes adventure, courage, passion, trust, power, brutality, friendship, love, and above all, hope. It also shows how anyone, regardless of origin, can make a difference in the world if they try.

11

December 20, 2013

Entertainment The Addams Family comes to The Granada Last week, Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor Santa Barbara hosted The Addams Family for two nights at the Granada Theatre, on Tuesday the 10th and Wednesday the 11th. The out-of-sorts family we all know and love took to the stage to entertain audience members with a story that highlights the importance of family, no matter how strange. While this version is inspired by the original 1930s Addams Family cartoons by Charles Addams, elements of the 1960s television show and 1990s movies are still present.

In the musical theatre interpretation of The Addams Family, Gomez and Morticia Addams (Jesse Sharp, Kaleen Snowgren) are forced to come to terms with their daughter, Wednesday (Jennifer Fogarty), growing up and falling in love…with a boy who is far too normal for the Addams’ standards. Wednesday first seeks confidence in her Uncle Fester (Shaun Rice) who solicits help from the chorus of Addams Ancestors to ensure that love conquers.

The family of Wednesday’s lover, Lucas Beineke (Bryan Welnicki), is scheduled to join the Addams’s for dinner, but as far as Morticia and Gomez know, Lucas is just a friend. The friend charade doesn’t last long though, and Wednesday spills the beans to her father that she and Lucas are in love, and reveals that they are planning to get married.

Enters in the Bieneke family, Mal

SBHS Choir’s winter show

The Addams Family came to The Granada Theatre.

Photo courtesy of www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com. and Alice (Mark Poppleton, Blair Anderson). Mal is a conservative man, who immediately smells something rotten (possibly Lurch, played by Dan Olson) before they even arrive at the Addams residence in the middle of Central Park.

Alice on the other hand is optimistic and all smiles, speaking in rhymes whenever conflict arises.

Although very awkward, the evening plays out quite smoothly until a storm hits, and the Bieneke’s are forced to spend the night at the Addams’ residence. Chaos ensues and secrets from all parties are revealed. The love of all three couples is

tested, but at the end of the tunnel love comes out on top.

This amusing and uplifting show is not only a blast from the past; it teaches the audience that family is more important than anything else and that when you love someone, you must love everything about them (even their weirdest quirks).

Highlighting this underlying message is comedy, funky costumes, a beautiful set, and wonderful music that varies in genre. The Addams Family is fun entertainment for the whole family that will make you laugh while you learn lessons about life, family, and love.

Upcoming Concerts Sky Ulep

Tommy and the High Pilots, The Blues and Greys, DJ Ian Soleimani @ SoHo - 12/21 at 9 pm Christina Apostolopoulos, Mahea (with featured guests) @ SoHo 12/23 at 7:30 pm Donavon Frankenreiter, The Mattson 2 @ SoHo - 12/27 at 9 pm Shades of Soul @ SoHo - 12/28 at 9 pm Vaud and the Villains @ SoHo - 1/5 at 8 pm Pinback, Deathfix @ Velvet Jones 1/20 at 8 pm Antweezy_1902 Presents: Turnt Up Thursday Hip Hop Event @ Velvet Jones - 1/23 at 7 pm Zion-I @ Velvet Jones - 1/25 at 8 pm

Two weekends ago the Santa B a r b a r a High School Choir had its first performance of the year at St. Anthony’s Seminary. The winter concert showcased the exquisite voices of the Madrigals, a cappella choir, mixed chorus, men’s ensemble, and women’s ensemble.

The show also introduced the choir’s new director, Mrs. Nadia Stehmeier, who is beginning her first year at SBHS, taking the place of Mr. McClendon.

To ring in the holiday season, the choir performed a wide variety of seasonal songs from “Joy to the World” to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and several Jewish songs. While the show opened with everyone singing together, each group was featured separately with a handful of amazing soloists.

Yes, the voices of Santa Barbara High School’s most talented students were beautiful, but having the winter concert without the setting is like buying a monster truck without the tires. A starry December night can only get better if you fill a church with the voices of near angels. On top of the amazing talent our school has to offer, the venue chosen year after year for this winter concert is phenomenal.

While St. Anthony’s Seminary is old and traditional, the bright new faces and divine voices are showcased perfectly. Mrs. Stehmeier introduced the mixed chorus; new to the bill this year, the mixed chorus consists of five students interested in learning and expanding their vocal abilities.

The mixed chorus sung two songs on their own, then assisted the a cappella choir and madrigals in another.

This concert marks the beginning of another promising year for the choir. Next time the opportunity arises, make sure you attend a show because you and your ears are surely in for a treat.

Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

  

Club Mercy Presents Gentlemen Hall @ Velvet Jones - 1/31 at 8 pm Area 51 @ SoHo - 1/31 at 9:30 pm The Kyle Gass Band feat. KG of Tenacious D, Whiskey Glass Eye @ Velvet Jones - 2/1 at 8 pm Mad Caddies @ Velvet Jones - 2/7 at 8 pm

Nadia Stehmier directs the Madrigals Photo courtesy of Emma Cisek

12

December 20, 2013

Features Artist of the Month:

Stumping the barista Gabe Reali Staff Reporter

Who doesn’t love a special treat to sip on when it’s freezing in Santa Barbara?! I’ve spent every winter hunting down my favorite Starbucks holiday drinks, and I’ve recently discovered some on the secret menu! I always whip these out when I’m bored of the usual, or if I feel like stumping the barista. Sometimes they aren’t familiar with the secret name so you just have to tell them what’s in it. Here are my favorite secret holiday drinks thus far!

Terry’s Chocolate Orange

-Mocha Frappuccino -Java Chips -Orange Slices (3 tall, 5 grande, 7 venti) -Topped with chocolate chip cream and cookie crumbles Overall: An acquired taste.

Score: 4/10

Roasted Chestnut

-Hazelnut Macchiato -Toffee nut syrup -Extra Hazelnut syrup -White chocolate syrup -Topped with whipped cream and hazelnut drizzle Overall: Rich and creamy.

Score: 8/10

Chai Cookie Latte

-Chai tea latte -Extra Chai syrup -Hazelnut Syrup -Java chips -Topped with hazelnut syrup and Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles Overall: Way too sweet.

Score: 7/10

Hipster Chai

-White Mocha syrup -Chai syrup -Hot water to the half way mark -2 shots of espresso -Topped with steamed soy milk Overall: Delicious, no complaints.

Score: 10/10

Butterscotch latte

-Latte -Caramel pumps -Toffee pumps -Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and caramel brule bites Overall: Flavor and sugar overload.

Score: 6/10

The Nutella

-cafe misto -mocha syrup -hazelnut syrup caramel drizzle Overall: Nectar of the gods.

Score: 9/10

The Three C’s

-Coffee -Cinnamon dolce latte -Caramel syrup -Mocha syrup Overall: Classic “fancy” caffeine beverage.

Score: 8/10

Maisie Zimmerman Freelance Reporter

Grant Bower, a sophomore at SBHS, exemplifies the famous quote “do what you love doing.” Bower has traveled all the way from McKinney Boyd High School in Texas to bless our theater company with his experienced, outstanding, and energetic acting talents. Through discovering his notso-hidden talent, it seemed necessary to find out more about this up and coming artist.

Bower has been lighting up stages since the age of six. Grant first became involved in theatre when a teacher approached him and insisted that he participate in the school’s musical production. With his booming voice and natural acting skills, he began his career. Since then he has performed at the Carnegie Hall, been a member in the prestigious professional group The Experience, and has participated in dozens of productions.

With ten years of experience under his belt, Bower has grown to love and appreciate the theater. When asked about his preference toward singing versus acting, he replied, “I like them both.

Singing I might love more because I’m really into music. But acting I love almost the same because you get to be someone that you’re not. Once you are given a role,

Grant Bower

you get to become that person”. Bower transformed into the fervent role of Billy Flynn during this year’s high school performance of Chicago.

As many theater junkies would probably agree, the stage is a place where actors let it all fly and work their magic. As Bower said, “I’m crazy, not refined. When I’m on stage I’m very put together and I know exactly what I’m doing. In real life, however, I’m bumping into walls.”

Bower then goes on to describe the “neat” drama programs we have here at SBHS. As explained, the group is just as close as family, but even families need space. “It’s important to have your downtime where you can just tell everyone to go away.

Sometimes I need to hibernate for a few days,” Bower explained.

Although the entire school gets to see Grant Bower set fire to the stage, behind the curtain his life may not be so scripted. He recently endured the passing of his beloved grandmother, which has “definitely changed the way that I act.”

However, Bower uses the strength he has needed to endure this tragedy, and channels it into his acting. “It hurt a lot, but also helped because now I can direct that into any emotional scenes that I do,” said Bower. And just like any performer

Grant Bower is a sophomore at SBHS. Photo courtesy of Jessany Rodenas. or athlete, Bower expressed that he has an alter-ego for when he’s on stage. He laughed, “I’m totally not the characters that I play on stage. Behind the curtain, I’m always freaked out and stressed.”

Spoken like a true Carpe Diem-er, Grant Bower smiles and says, “I love every second of when I’m on stage. It’s what I love to do.” Here is a welcome to our new student and up-and-coming artist Grant Bower! We expect great things from you.

10 Things to do over winter break Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

1. Ice Skating. break, everyone is revealed! Since rules for While here in this game aren’t set in stone, create your Santa Barbara own set to whatever specifications you and we still may be waiting for an ice rink of our your friends can agree on. Incorporate all own, like any suburban dweller, we borrow kinds of gifts as well; handmade presents a cup of sugar from our neighbors every are always sweet. once in a while. So until we get that ice rink, we can always make the 45-minute drive to Oxnard to treat ourselves to ice skating this winter vacation. Chances are, if you haven’t been to Channel Islands Ice Center before, you’ve definitely driven past it, probably on your way to something “bigger and better.”

It’s a hole in the wall, a hole filled with happy music, laughter, and joy; so it’s a must-visit this December. It may be drab on the outside…and the inside, but once you’re on the ice with your friends and/or family all you’re focused on is getting home with minimal bruising on your butt.

2. Road Trip. Who doesn’t love speeding

up and down the coast with friends, worryfree, mind far from school? We are already so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, so only adding to our luck is our location. Santa Barbara’s backyard is full of opportunities for fun in all directions. Santa Monica, Venice, Yosemite, The Wedge, Solvang; the list goes on, spin the compass and go! Gather up your friends, pick a destination, and drive. And don’t be afraid to take risks; go somewhere no one has been before, pull over for photoops, stop at interesting places on your route, eat something or somewhere you never have.

It’s impossible to mess up a road trip.

3. Secret Santa. Before school lets out, gather a small group of friends and draw names for secret Santa! (Or hidden Hanukkah elf, etc.) During the break, each person will deliver his or her gifts to their recipient’s doorstep and on the last day of

4. Make Your Gifts/Crafts. Overslept on

Black Friday? Had a test on Cyber Monday?

There’s still plenty of time, and yes, there is time to go shopping but that only means having to get out of bed, fight both car and foot traffic downtown, find a reasonable parking space, and spend a wad of cash on gifts that are likely to be returned. Avoid all that and make your own gifts! Thank goodness for the Internet, because there are billions of DIY gift ideas out there, and for quicker reference, check out a couple ideas we printed for you in The Forge!

that your favorite day of the school year in kindergarten was when you made gingerbread houses out of graham crackers with your whole grade, so why would you stop after you turned 6? Graham crackers aren’t the only way to go either; you can buy a kit from the grocery store or go all out with homemade gingerbread and frosting! No matter what its bound to be a good time and who doesn’t love making a mess your mom will clean up while simultaneously indulging yourself with loads of sugar?

8. Visit the animal shelter. How much

warmer and fuzzier of a feeling could you get than combining the holiday season with cute, furry animals? Luckily you can do this all in one location! Overpass Road houses: DAWG, ASAP Cats, and BUNS. Who knows, if you take your mother you may be able to convince her to agree to that pet you’ve been begging for for maybe your 5. Mountain Snow. It may be thin, icy, and entire life. Even if you are just in for a visit likely to melt after a day but every so often to pet some cute fuzzy things it’s sure to put we get snow here during the winter! So why a smile on your face. not take the opportunity and go play in it? It’s cheaper, quicker, and a heck of a lot warmer 9. Sunset/Star-Gazing. Our suburban than Mammoth. This winter, keep your eyes setting lets us have an awesome view of the towards the mountains and when it’s time stars at night, and being only a couple miles make the mad dash up there before it all turns from either the mountains or the beach there’s to dirty slush. always a new way to view the sunset. If you are really dedicated to viewing a radical 6. Christmas Tree Hunting. Hello, what’s sunset, drive up to Gibralter Road; you won’t winter without a Christmas tree? Without a regret it. Fill your car with blankets, pillows, doubt, if you find your house still bare by the and friends and prepare to Instagram. time school is out you definitely need to make a trip to Lane Farms to pick out your tree. Of 10. Drive In. After you watch sunset, grab course there are other places but really they’re dinner and make your way to the drive in to no fun. Here’s why Lane Farms is far superior: end the night peacefully. Even if the movie a) the animals b) the corn maze c) its not just a playing may not have been your first choice, stand in a church parking lot. the atmosphere makes it such a blast. You get entertainment from the comfort of your car 7. Gingerbread House. You can’t deny and the flavor of a favorite, vintage pastime.

13

December 20, 2013

Features SB Coffee Shop Reviews Matthew Wallock Freelance Reporter

Let’s be real: in today’s high schools, where students sacrifice sleep to finish (or start) their homework, few substances (legal or illegal) are cherished as much as caffeine. This is by far the most popular and socially acceptable study drug; it is abused by students and staff alike. An avid espresso junkee myself, I have reviewed six local caffeine hotspots. To the ever-growing number of coffee-holics on campus, this one’s for you!

Coffee Cat

seriousness, if you visit this Haley Street hangout you should expect to encounter interesting art, soft-core indie music, comfortable and casual seating, and great coffee. PS: Sometimes there is a chessboard on one of the tables in the back.

The Daily Grind

One location near McConnell’s Ice Cream and one location closer to the San Roque neighborhood. Both are on De La Vina Street and they offer an abundance of brewed coffees, fruit smoothies, muffins, scones, soups, and sandwiches. The hoards of regulars include, but are not limited to: soccer moms, yogis, bikers, students, dogs, and joggers. I especially recommend the breakfast burritos. Watch out for long lines before school and at lunch. By the way, these folks sold juice before it was cool.

I overheard one SBHS student say that all espresso drinks from this identity-crisis-ofa-cafe “taste like lukewarm milk.” The bad news: I couldn’t agree more. The good news: this is a great place to do homework because it is conveniently located on Anacapa Street and has optimal seating. Their playlists tend to feature the most popular songs of The French Press One location on lower Anacapa Street otherwise unpopular artists. You can decide and one location on lower State Street. if that’s a plus or a minus.

Pick your parking poison. These über hip Muddy Waters downtown cafés are more like espresso bars This dimly-lit (ambient?) coffee shop than coffee shops. You see, they take their doubles as a small concert venue, and espresso seriously, but they never sacrifice it may be the closest you will ever come the quality or variety of their coffees and to a real-life-Portlandia-skit. But in all teas. The downside? The pastries aren’t

Dear Don...

Dear Don, My mom is Jewish and my dad is Christian.

This year, I get to choose which holiday we celebrate. I’m unsure which I should choose because I don’t want the other one to get offended.

-Christmakanukah Dear Christmakanukah, You should have a serious conversation with your parents, but if they agree that you can choose then go for it! If you’re worried about the other one getting their feelings hurt, then that’s a whole other issue you need to resolve.

Anyways, as for choosing which holiday to celebrate I would make a pros and cons list.

First you could compare the actually holidays.

Do you like the smell of Christmas trees and the joy of opening packages on Christmas morning? Or do you like the tradition of the Jewish holiday season? After that compare which parent you will have a better experience

great, and these hipster-havens can get pretty noisy and crowded. I recommend the Gibraltar, a strong espresso-based drink that is perhaps a long-lost cousin of the cappuccino.

Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Ideally placed on Canon Perdido Street, this coffee shop is small but mighty. It has a simple and inviting atmosphere with pleasant outdoor seating. Excellent espresso and friendly people abound.

Unfortunately there is a very limited food selection, which includes several types of croissants from Renaud’s Bakery and a few vegan and gluten-free options.

For those of you who aren’t looking to get your caffeine fix, I hear good things about their hot chocolate.

Santa Barbara Roasting Company

Adjacent to the downtown Backyard Bowls and across State Street from the SB Rock Gym, this is truly where the locals go.

They have the best brewed coffee selection in town, not to mention the tantalizing aroma of fresh beans. If you like your coffee dark, I recommend the French Roast or Industrial Blend. Note that RoCo has prime public parking in front.

The Forge’s advice column!

with. Maybe your mom’s side is completely crazy, or maybe your dad makes amazing food.

Factor in every aspect you can to ensure you have the best holiday season!

a family member who doesn’t really care about that stuff I would definitely go for the homemade gift. Use you best judgement.

Happy gifting!

Dear Don, What’s better to give to a family member, a homemade gift or a store bought gift?

- Present-ly Puzzled Dear Present-ly Puzzled, It definitely depends on the person you are getting the gift for. If you’re shopping for your three-year-old niece who has just discovered the world of toys, she might not appreciate a handwritten card as much as a new Barbie play-set. If you’re shopping for a more mature family member it could go either way. If they are really superficial and look forward to getting presents 364 days of the year, they might love you a little more if you buy them some Dr. Dre Beats. If you have

Dear Don, What’s the best way to dress for the holidays around family you don’t really see?

- Dress to Impress Dear Dress to Impress, If you are a high school student who shows a little skin in your day-to-day outfits, you might want to cover up for the holidays. I would definitely suggest festive colorful clothing to remind your family that you are still cute and innocent. You might only see this family once a year so don’t give them a heart-attack. Suck it up for your parents.

It’s cold for god’s sake; just wear some cool holiday sweaters and you’re set!

Need advice from Don? Email us at forge.sbhs@gmail.com!

Staff Spotlight: Patty Diaz Sierra McNeel Freelance Reporter

Patty Diaz works in the Principal’s office at SBHS. Photo courtesy of Jessany Rodenas.

“In high school, the principal’s office gets a bad reputation, but I have an open door policy here,” says Ms. Diaz, gesturing behind her at a pile of athletic bags and equipment that she lets students leave there during the day. As the principal’s secretary, Ms. Diaz supports Mr. Becchio and the three other administrators here at Santa Barbara High, and performs other important jobs like calling substitutes when a teacher is out (“she does a wonderful job!” says Mr. Manson). Besides working to help administrate the school, Ms. Diaz also has plenty of interaction with students, which she says is her favorite part of the job.

Ms. Diaz has been working at SBHS for 23 years, and was previously employed as a 911 dispatcher. Though she didn’t

always envision going into the field of education, Ms. Diaz always planned on a secretarial career. She grew up in Santa Barbara and attended SBHS when it was a three year school; her first year, she was a member of the Donettes, and her last two years she was a Varsity cheerleader.

After graduating in the class of 1978, Ms. Diaz attended Santa Barbara City College and then Ventura City College, where she received her degree in communications.

After a positive high school experience, Ms. Diaz enjoys being able to work with faculty and students at SBHS -- “the best school ever!” And just in case you get a dreaded call slip to the principal’s office, just remember that Ms. Diaz sees her job as an opportunity to keep students accountable and to prepare them for life outside of school, not to scare them.

Horoscopes Alina Ruiz Staff Reporter

ARIES Don’t believe

everything you hear!

There will be a lot of conflict coming your way, so try to work things out before it becomes a huge situation. Do not get involved in drama; that will put you in a bad place. This month your luckiest event will happen on a Friday.

TAURUS

Don’t let your daily routines get in your way of spending time with your loved ones or important events in your social life. Things will get confusing in your love life, so you must be on your best behavior. This month your luckiest event will occur on a Saturday.

GEMINI

You easily impress people with your kindness, but you will drive your loved ones crazy. Don’t let your stubbornness get the best of you; your kind nature will get you a long way. This month your lucky day will occur on a Sunday.

CANCER

Take care of any health problems, and be aware of your emotional actions. Make changes accordingly! Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Monday LEO You might be emotional concerning situations at school. Making changes that will enhance your appearance might bring greater social activity into your life. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Wednesday.

VIRGO

Be careful not to exaggerate when dealing with your love. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the bigger picture. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Friday.

LIBRA

Spend some time with family; you’ll be glad you did! Make plans to meet friends at your local hang out spot. This month your luckiest day will occur on Saturday.

SCORPIO

Do not make bad decisions.

Make personal changes that will transform your reputation and give you greater selfconfidence. Try to make the time to help those less fortunate. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS

Your improvements may lead to great changes. Traveling will be nice and bring a possible romance into your life, not only for this month, but for many more to come. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Tuesday.

CAPRICORN Enjoy the company of those who enjoy the same activities as you, but be careful not to reveal anything about your personal life that could be used behind your back later. You will receive a new technology that will make your life easier than you thought. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Sunday.

AQUARIUS

Don’t rely on others to handle your business. Your awesome personality will attract someone special into your life. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Tuesday.

PISCES

Be social. Don’t put your self in bad positions that will stress you out.

You can meet new and exciting friends who will provide great times. Your luckiest event this month will occur on a Monday.

14

December 20, 2013

Sports Rising Athlete: Amber Melgoza

SB vs Pacifica Blake DeVine Sports Editor

With a steady overall defensive effort throughout, Santa Barbara’s boys basketball team defeated Pacifica 58-34 at J.R. Richards Gym last Tuesday night. Led by a standout performance from senior Jack Baker, the Dons were able to stifle the visiting Tritons.

Baker achieved another double-double with 16 points and a career-high 24 rebounds. He also made 3 key blocks on defense for Santa Barbara.

Pacifica was able to stay within reach of the Dons throughout the beginning of the first quarter, as Santa Barbara led by just a point, 12-11. But the Dons proved their superiority with a 10-0 run late in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Tritons were able to close their deficit to 8 points as the Dons led 28-20 with only 4:40 left until the half. Santa Barbara was able to score an additional six points before the halftime buzzer sounded.

This defensive excellence led to an outstanding 12-1 run in the third quarter, putting the Dons far out of striking distance for the Tritons. Out of the last ten shots of the fourth quarter, eight were scored by Baker, giving the Dons the final lead, 58-32. Pacifica managed to score the last two shots. SB ended the game with a 24 point lead.

Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

Amber Melgoza has been phenomenal this season for the Dons. She led her team to three wins and a championship at the Lompoc Tournament where she averaged over 20 points and was named MVP. Most recently, the sophomore forward led the Dons to four victories and a championship in the Gold Coast Classic. Melgoza was also named the tournament MVP after scoring a teamhigh 18 points and 13 rebounds in the championship game. As for her success, Amber gives most of the credit to her coaches. After a torrid start to the year, some may say that Melgoza is on an incredible hot streak.

What are your goals as the Channel League season approaches?

Last year we were able to make it to the second round of state playoffs so I hope we can go even farther than that this year. Even though we lost some key players from last year, I still think we

Creative Writing A Health Food Store in California For Allen Ginsberg

By Anonymous

What thoughts I have of you tonight, Allen Ginsberg, for I strode down the alleyways under the trees howling at the full moon, just like you and N.C.

In my starving hysterical fatigue, and window shopping, I went into the quiet health food store, dreaming of your naked stanzas!

What elderberries and what eclipses! Hoards of hipsters shopping at night! Aisles full of Doc Martens! Anarcha-feminists in the avocados, young idealists in the tomatoes!—and you, Jack Kerouac, what were you doing down by the sprouts?

I saw you, Allen Ginsberg, ugly, lonely bearded grubber, prodding plums and cherry tomatoes and eying the dreadlocked grocery boys.

I heard you asking questions of each: Is it local? Organic? Glutenfree?

Are you my smelly Angel?

I wandered in and out of the brilliant stacks of Kombucha following you, and followed closely by the FBI.

We walked down the open corridors together in our independent manners tasting artichokes, possessing every hand-picked delicacy, and sneaking grapes into our canvas bags.

Where are we going, Allen Ginsberg? The doors close in an hour. Which way does your beard point tonight?

(I touch your book and dream of your verse in the health food store and feel silly.)

Will we stalk all night through dank alleyways?

The billboards add blackness to night, lights out in the Victorian homes, we’ll both be lonely.

Will we amble contemplating the feigned America of love past blue hybrids in parking garages, home to our quiet loft?

Ah, queer father, brownbeard, lonely old sage, What America did you have when our stolen seraphim were sent to a forgotten war? Did you speak your sadness in a square?

can surprise ourselves and go further than we did last year.

You are only a sophomore and already one of the biggest stars on the team, who or what do you credit most for this?

I give most of the credit to my coaches, because last year I wasn’t a huge part of the team I was more of just a rebounder who didn’t score much. This year they have helped me to change my position into more of an aggressive scorer and I feel like a whole different me.

What is your favorite part about playing on the girls basketball team at Santa Barbara High?

My favorite part is making memories Amber is a sophomore at SBHS. with my team on and off the court. A Photo courtesy of Tyler Greenwald. specific memory was the van ride that we took on the road to to CIF’s last year, it was wasn’t doing well but we put in the work so much fun. and it showed in those tournaments.

What allowed you and your team to be so successful in the Lompoc Tournament What are your goals after you graduate?

Do you want to play in college? as well as the Gold Coast Classic?

Yes, I definitely want to play Division 1 We worked really well as a team and were really good at working the ball college ball. I have a couple of schools in around and that allowed us to take the mind but you never know so I just have to right shots. In the summer league our team keep working hard and see where it goes.

15

December 20, 2013

Sports Dons thump Tritons with strong defense With a steady overall defensive effort throughout, Santa Barbara’s boys basketball team defeated Pacifica 58-34 at J.R. Richards Gym last Tuesday night. Led by a standout performance from senior Jack Baker, the Dons were able to stifle the visiting Tritons.

Baker achieved another double-double with 16 points and a career-high 24 rebounds. He also made 3 key blocks on defense for Santa Barbara.

“I think of Jack as a giant eraser,” said head coach David Bregante after the game.

“He corrects a lot of mistakes that are made on the defensive end of the floor.”

Pacifica was able to stay within reach of the Dons throughout the beginning of the first quarter, as Santa Barbara led by just a point, 12-11. But the Dons proved their superiority with a 10-0 run late in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Tritons were able to close their deficit to 8 points as the Dons led 28-20 with only 4:40 left until the half. That was the closest Pacifica would get for the rest of the game. Santa Barbara were able to score an additional six points before the halftime buzzer sounded.

Baker gave credit to the summer league for Santa Barbara High’s recent dominance.

“In the summer,” he said, “we played about 30 games, so it gave us time to gel together as a team and learn the chemistry of our defense. Our chemistry showed in that game, especially in the third quarter.”

This defensive excellence led to an outstanding 12-1 run in the third quarter, putting the Dons far out of striking distance for the Tritons. Out of the last ten shots of the fourth quarter, eight were scored by Baker, giving the Dons

Blake DeVine Sports Editor

Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

Senior Jack Baker swats a huge block on Pacific late in the second quarter last Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of Blake DeVine the final lead, 58-32.

Overall, Santa Barbara’s defense held Pacifica to only 23 percent shooting on the night. They also pressured the Tritons into missing 19 consecutive shots during a certain stretch of the game.

Chris Wagonhurst and Isaiah Tapia contributed offensively, combining to score 16 points. Along with these contributions, sophomore Bolden Brace was also able to help offensively and defensively, recording eight points and eight rebounds.

“Personally, I just want to contribute to the team in any way possible,” said Brace.

“Whatever the team needs me to do to succeed is what I will try my best to do.”

“We are really good at working the ball around on the floor and communicating with each other. We aren’t just a one-man

team. Everybody takes the shots,” added senior point guard Noah Burke.

This game marked the end of a grueling stretch for the Dons, with six games played in an eight day span.

“As far as Channel League goes, we want to go undefeated,” said Junior guard Andrew Fay. “We want to win the league, go into the playoffs and get a high seed Coach Bregante knows this won’t be easy. “Channel League is going to be tough,” he said. “There are some very challenging teams. We will need to work extremely hard.”

Fresh off of their dominant victory, Santa Barbara, now 6-1, heads into their first Channel League opener at Dos Pueblos on Wednesday night. They have the momentum, and they will need it to continue.

Rising Athlete: Bolden Brace

Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

Bolden Brace has been putting up impressive numbers for the Dons, coming off the bench to average around ten points and nine rebounds per game this season. However, Brace is not only a talent on the basketball court but also the starting quarterback for Santa Barbara High’s JV football team. Bolden moved up to Varsity basketball after being on the Frosh/Soph team last year, and so far he has shown the coaching staff that they made the right decision. After talking to Brace, its obvious that all he wants to do is make an impression on the floor and contribute to the team in any way possible. So far, he has done exactly that.

When did you first start playing basketball and what do you like most about the sport?

I first started playing basketball in kindergarten at the Page Youth Center. What I like most about the game is the element of coming together as a team to achieve a specific goal. You also build a great relationship with your teammates and scoring the basketball is just one of the best feelings in the world.

You were on the Frosh/Soph team last year and have now been bumped up to varsity.

How much bigger of a challenge is it this year as compared to last year?

I thought this year was going to be a big

Winter Sports

challenge and it definitely has been. But playing in the summer league and also playing on a club team during the summer has really gotten me more used to competing at a higher level. Also, last year playing on the freshmen team was a good year for me because it got my confidence level up. Now after working hard in the off-season, I feel that I’m ready to be a contributor to this Varsity team.

You are only a sophomore and already contributing to the success of your team, what are your personal goals not for only for this year, but also your junior and senior years as well?

I would like to win Channel League all three years and out of those three years my goal is to make it all the way to the state championship. Obviously, there are some extremely talented teams, but I think if we work hard enough we can make it there.

What inspired you to play basketball?

I got passionate about basketball when I was first started watching the sweet 16 and March Madness. I just fell in love with the game.

Coach David Bregante speaks very highly of you, what do you think of the job he’s done so far this season?

Coach has done a great job giving me confidence and he always encourages me to shoot the ball. He knows what I can do and he

Bolden is a sophomore at SBHS. Photo courtesy of Tyler Greenwald. is just helping me reach my full potential.

Despite the impressive start you’ve had this season, is there anything you wish to improve upon in your own game as you move forward?

I think I could score more even though I have been contributing. I could also get more rebounds because Jack has had to carry the load on the boards. When Jack comes out of the game or gets hurt, somebody is going to have to step up and do the rebounding and I think that person should be me.

It’s Winter Time!

But the frigid weather hasn’t stopped the Dons from heating up so far this season. We have five winter sports going on and currently each varsity team holds a winning record.

The boys basketball has been absolutely dominant this season with an overall record of 6-1. If you haven’t yet been able to go see Jack Baker and Co. in action, make sure to do so before its too late.

Santa Barbara was able to make it all the way to the championships in the Simi Valley tournament, where they suffered a tough loss against Sierra Canyon, 73-63.

Shortly after, the Dons came up victorious in two consecutive home games, with both winning margins greater than 25. Tonight, Santa Barbara has an away game versus Ventura, as they look to win their second league game of the season.

The boys soccer team is also heating up; they are off to a 5-1 start this winter.

Their first game of the season was a nonconference match against Simi Valley and they were able to put it away 4-1.

Following that game the Dons recorded three shutout match-ups in a row against Quartz Hill, Bishop Union, and Riverside Prep. Santa Barbara defeated the Quartz Hill Rebels 2-0 at home. Their next two games against Bishop and Riverside were both blowouts with a score of 4-0. The Dons defense has been almost unbeatable so far this season until their last game when they unfortunately to took a tough loss against the Eastside Lions, 1-0.

Jorge Torres, Abraham Sierra, and Peter Ruiz have all been putting up solid numbers for Santa Barbara so far this season. But nobody has come close to the astonishing play of senior Jose Barron. Barron has seven goals so far this season and has also been contributing in the assists department.

The boys soccer team is currently playing a tournament in Torrance. Lets hope they can take home that championship.

The boys aren’t the only ones who can get it done on the soccer field. The girls soccer team is also off to a good start with four wins, two draws, but no losses.

The first game of the season for the Dons was not an easy one but they were able to come out on top in a non-conference game versus Camarillo, 4-3.

Two days later played to a scoreless tie against Channel Islands they showed their skills offensively in a 5-1 victory over Moorpark on December 3rd. Dani Smith scored two out of the Dons five goals along with Hannah Brisby who recorded one goal and one assist.

Later, on December 5th Santa Barbara demolished Nordhoff, 9-0, in their fourth game of the season. Hannah Brisby had two goals along with Chanti Gonzales, and Freshman Alea Hyatt helped work the ball around as she recorded three assists for the Dons. The 4-0-2 girls soccer team kicks off the San Marcos Tournament tonight at Peabody Stadium. Be sure to go out and support the girls and help them bring home that trophy.

I’m sure everybody has heard the hype about the girls basketball team so far this season; they are literally unbeatable! Not only do the girls have a 7-1 record, but they have won two consecutive tournaments, most recently winning the championship of the Gold Coast Classic. I especially credit Amber Melgoza and Desirea Coleman for the Dons success because both have been putting up outstanding numbers.

Continued on page 16...

16

December 20, 2013

Sports Melgoza leads Dons to Gold Coast Championship

Amber Melgoza was named MVP of the Gold Coast Tournament.

Photo courtesy of Presidio Sports

Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

With another standout performance from Amber Melgoza, Santa Barbara’s girls basketball team defeated West Ranch 6544 in the championship game of the Gold Coast Classic last Saturday night. With an outstanding performance throughout the four-game tournament, Melgoza was named MVP. The Dons took home their second consecutive championship of the season.

The sophomore forward had a team-high of 18 points and 13 rebounds in the final game.

“Amber is an incredible talent” said Santa Barbara coach Andrew Butcher after the game. “She always plays with energy and heart and she does what it takes to win.”

The Dons trailed at the end of the first quarter, as the Wildcats’ Whitney Branham scored 12 points in the opening period.

West Ranch held a 17-14 lead after the first eight minutes.

Santa Barbara then went on to outscored the Wildcats 19-7 in the second quarter.

With this offensive spurt, the Dons built a 33-24 lead at halftime.

The second half featured a focused defensive effort for the Dons who went on to clinch the tournament championship.

Jada Howard and Desirea Coleman contributed offensively, combining to score 31 points on the day. Coleman was honored with an all-tournament selection for Santa Barbara.

“We have a great nucleus of players,” said coach Butcher, “We are extremely talented and we work very hard.”

In their opening game of the tournament, the Dons met Pioneer Valley in the first round.

They flourished offensively and had no trouble in that. Santa Barbara knocked down 8 three pointers in the first half alone, giving them a 43-16 lead at the half.

Melgoza sunk four 3-pointers and scored a game-high of 24 points.

Coleman and Howard also chipped in with 37 points combined.

In their next game, the Dons were matched

up against Oaks Christian in a tough second round draw. Santa Barbara was down by two going into the fourth quarter but fought back on their way to a 49-41 victory. In that one, the Dons scored the final 10 points of the game to clinch it.

Santa Barbara continued their winning streak in the third round versus St. Joseph thanks to the contributions of Jocelin Petatan. She racked up a doubledouble that consisted of 12 points and 10 steals. Most importantly, she held St. Joseph’s senior guard Kaitlyn Flowers to only 9 points.

The Dons started off with a quick lead of ten but struggled from that point and led only 26-21 at halftime. They started to find a rhythm in the third quarter and slowly began extending their lead.

Melgoza had 10 of her game-high 21 in the third, and Santa Barbara led 43-35 entering the final period. From that point on, the team maintained their momentum on their way to a 61-46 victory.

Coach Butcher has high expectations for his team after a dominant start to the year. “We are going to try to compete for the Channel League championship and do well in the playoffs, he said. “If we put in the effort, we will meet that goal.”

With the victory, the Dons improves to 7-1 on the year. Santa Barbara plays next at home against Sierra Canyon in the opening game of the Tournament of Champions.

Winter Sports Continued from page 15...

Santa Barbara also has a chance to take home their third consecutive championship because currently they are in a tournament that kicked off two days ago.

All the games take place at Santa Barbara, San Marcos, and Dos Pueblos, so I hope you’ll try to make it out to one of their games.

Last but not least, we have Girls Water Polo currently with a 2-2 record. The first game of the season was a tough matchup against Edison on December 7th. Led by Betsy Hendrix, the Dons were just able to pull it out, 9-7.

On the same day, Santa Barbara was taken down by Los Alamitos, 7-4.

Despite their loss, Sophomore Jessie Brummett was able to score a stunning game-high of three goals. However, the Dons didn’t let that loss get them down as they beat the Agoura Chargers in a game that was undecided until the fourth quarter. With a couple of goals scored

by Kristina Garcia and Betsy Hendrix, and some clutch saves by goalie Sienna Goggia, Santa Barbara was able to defeat the Chargers, 8-6.

The bottom line here is that the winter has brought nothing but positive energy for all of our varsity sports teams at Santa Barbara. So come out and support your Dons this winter sports season!

A little extra energy coming from the stands could carry many of our teams to the Channel League Championships.

Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

Girls waterpolo ready for Channel League

Blake DeVine Sports Editor

Due to losing some quality players from its team last season, Santa Barbara High’s girls water polo team has had an up and down start to the year.

The Dons (2-2) have had to fulfill many holes on a team which lost many talented seniors from last year.

“We have a pretty young team this season. Some of our seniors have been there and done that for all four years now. However, a large part of our team is sophomores. They have to step into these big roles and play huge new parts,” said senior Jessica Gaffney.

Santa Barbara started off the season with an 8-6 loss in its opener against Foothill. In that game, sophomore Jessie Brummett and senior Betsy Hendrix each scored two goals.

Also chipping in was sophomore Kristina Garcia, who had a goal and five steals.

The Dons then traveled to Ocean View High School to play Edison and Los Alamitos. Santa Barbara split its matches, beating Edison 9-7 before falling to Los Alamitos 7-4.

In the win over Edison, Hendrix scored five goals and added two assists. Seniors Anna Brummett and Erin McGeoy each combined with three assists. Garcia also added a goal and four steals.

In their second game of the day, it was all about the Brummett sisters in a hard fought defeat to Los Alamitos. Anna Brummett scored a goal to go along with an assist and four steals. Her younger sister, Jessie Brummett, led the Dons in scoring with three goals.

Most recently, Santa Barbara High defeated Agoura 8-6 last Tuesday.

Although they didn’t put together their best performance, it was good enough to earn a victory over the visiting Chargers.

“That was a rough game and I wish we would have converted more offensively.

The team struggled a few times with miscommunication. Although we did win, the team made quite a few mistakes, said coach Mark Walsh.

The Dons built a three-goal lead early on scores from Anna Brummett, Jessie Brummett, and Betsy Hendrix.

However, Agoura trimmed Santa Barbara’s lead to 5-4 at the end of three. The Dons promptly responded with two quick goals from Garcia and Hendrix. With multiple clutch saves in the fourth period, goalie Sienna Goggia clinched it for Santa Barbara.

When asked about his goals for the team this season, Walsh responded “A reasonable goal for our team is to get better every single day. Hopefully this means a chance at a Channel League Championship.

Another long term goal would be making it to the CIF Quarterfinals.”

Yesterday Santa Barbara played at home against San Marcos in the Channel League opener.

“The SM game will be completely different because we have known their players since we were all much younger.

They also know all of our player’s strengths and weaknesses. So it’s both good and bad to be so familiar with the other team.

It should be a really good game,” added Gaffney.

Santa Barbara High’s Sienna Goggia goes up for a save against Agoura on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Presidio Sports