The Forge, Volume 100, Issue 5

THE

SBHS

FORGE

Volume 100, Issue 5

forge.sbhs@gmail.com

sbhsforge.com

April 4, 2014

Dons girls complete the most successful season in SBHS history

Amber Melgoza drives the ball for a layup en route to her 38-point game.

Photo courtesy of Sean Babcock.

Tyler Greenwald Winning the So. Cal Staff Reporter CIF Championships wasn’t enough for the Santa Barbara High girls basketball team, as they went on to dominate in the CIF State Tournament with four consecutive wins before faltering to Modesto Christian, 64-55, last Friday in the State Finals.

The Dons were seeded No. 1 in the tournament, therefore possessing the luxury of home court advantage while facing No. 16 seeded Shafter in the first round. Santa Barbara jumped out to a 14-0 lead right out of the gates and never looked back, finishing up the game with a score of 67-32.

Shortly after, the Dons came up victorious once again in the second round of the Regional tournament, but were given much more of a challenge as they faced the No.8 seed La Canada at home.

Santa Barbara was forced to fight back from an 8-point deficit at the half, but with Amber Melgoza scoring 20 points in the second half alone, and Jocelin Petatan adding 13, the Dons were able to secure the game with a final score of 55-43.

Continued on page 19...

Meet your 2014-15 ASB Executive Officers!

ASB President Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Pep and Rally

William Belfiore

Talia Vestal

Leslie Perez

Devon Fitzgibbons

David Zevallos & Zachary Parent

“Let’s ream SM.”

“I am excited to bring back the spirit of being a Don. TALIA can do it!”

“I’m glad I won, though it would have been interesting to run against someone.”

“I’m the only candidate!!!!!!!”

“This is the first time I’ve won something!!!” - David “I can’t believe Laine said no.” - Zach

What’s Inside?

News: Painting The Cow Centerspread: The SAT Sports: Gay athlete Acceptance at SBHS

2

April 4, 2014

The Forge

Room 27, 700 E. Anapamu St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103

News

805.966.9101 ex. 243

Staff Proposal to split California into six Editors

Mian Laurain Sandy Campbell Editors-in-Chief Sky Ulep Managing Editor Edoardo Kaplan News Editor Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor Blake DeVine Sports Editor Beau Lettieri Website Editor Sean Perez Business Manager

Staff Reporters Nicola Freeland Emmanuel “Spyke” Gonzalez Tyler Greenwald Mark Gross Mckenzie Malek Alonso Martinez Alyssa Mendibles Autusa Pardisi Gabriel Reali Ciara Tolliver

Freelancers Kate Burrows Ahtziri Hernandez Will Howard Sydney Iverson Isabel James Sierra McNeil Natalie Ochsner Olivia Ranson Jessany Rodenas Andrew Tighe Alida Siegel Matthew Wallock Ashlen Weddington Maisie Zimmerman

Advisor Otto Layman

Advertise with The Forge!

Contact Niki Freeland Business Manager ads.forge.sbhs@gmail.com

states approved

A proposal to split California into six separate states received approval from the California Secretary of State during the fourth week of February. If this plan receives 807,000 signatures

by July 18, it will be forwarded to Congress and placed on the upcoming November ballot.

The main proposer of this measure is the Silicon Valley businessman, Tim Draper. Draper’s argument for this strategy is that California is currently “ungovernable” because of its size and diversity, and by separating the state into six portions it would make it possible to better address and fix the Edoardo Kaplan News Editor

issues facing California.

If this approach were to pass, Los Angeles to Santa Barbara would be located in West CA, San Diego and Orange County would be in South CA, Bakersfield to Stockton would be in Central CA, San Francisco and San Jose would be in Silicon Valley, Sacramento area would be in North CA, and Redding to Eureka would be in Jefferson.

A poll held by 89.3 KPCC, a Southern Californian radio station, has found that only 19.51% of those who took the poll agree with Draper, demonstrating that so far overall public reception has been negative.

Warren Buffet’s $1 Billion March Madness Offer is Over Everyone has heard about audacious bets and wagers placed by celebrities.

We saw Floyd Mayweather put $10.4 million on the Denver Broncos winning the Super Bowl (Sorry, Floyd). Michael Jordan dropped a quick million on a round of a golf, and Snoop Dog put his confidence in the Lakers with a $20,000 bet for the 2011 NBA championship.

But recently, investor extraordinaire Warren Buffett has exceeded any wager ever, offering one billion dollars (that’s $1,000,000,000) to anyone who has a sporting IQ high enough to defy the odds of 1 in 9 quintillion, and guess every win during March Madness… precisely.

“This will be the most fun. Just imagine if there’s one person left at the last game,” Buffett said Tuesday.

“I will go to that final game with him or her and I’ll have the check in my pocket.... I think we’ll be rooting for different teams.”

Buffett teamed up with Quicken Loans as well as Berkshire Hathaway to create the most inconceivable reward in sports history. And due to the immense improbability of this challenge, Quicken Loans decided to – additionally -- congratulate the twenty closest predictions with $100,000 each.

The $1 billion prize will be paid in $25 million increments over a 40-year Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

period. The winner can also choose a second option: an immediate $500 million lump payment.

In the last 16 years, out of 30 million entries submitted for various competitions, not one bracket was perfect. John Diver, the director of ESPN Fantasy, admitted, “I don’t want to say it’s impossible, but it’s basically impossible.”

However, with this basketball challenge comes an intriguing question. What do Warren Buffett and Quicken Loans get out of maybe giving away a fortune, all based on a series of college basketball games?

I suspect Buffett just wants to convey his love of the game of basketball on an international level, and Quicken Loans certainly is looking to publicize its business.

“It is our mission to create amazing experiences for our clients,” said Quicken Loans Marketing Officer Jay Farner. “This contest, with the possibility of creating a billionaire, definitely fits that bill. We’ve seen a lot of contests offering a million dollars for putting together a good bracket, which got us thinking, what is the perfect bracket worth?

We decided a billion dollars seems right for such an impressive feat.”

This contest opened on March 3 to the first 10 million households that signed up online and now sadly, not one bracket remains.

The proposal would split California into six states. Photo Courtesy of The Washington Post.

Dons win local math contest Gabe Reali Staff Reporter

We s t m o n t College’s twentyseventh annual High School Mathematics Contest took place on Saturday, February 8. Several participants from Santa Barbara High School competed, including senior Johnny Weger, junior Claire Casey, and sophomore Lourda Weger. Most schools in the SB area participated, including Dos Pueblos, Bishop Diego, and San Marcos, as well as private schools like Oaks Christian and Dunn School.

With over 100 students, Johnny Weger won the Chalk Talk Derby by having the best explanation of cubics.

The rest of the competition included written exams and fast-paced team competitions. It is an exciting tradition that exemplifies some of the brightest high school students interacting in a rigorous, exciting academic event.

The event was a success, and SBHS looks forward to seeing who will represent the Dons next year.

Congratulations to all Dons who attended!

From left to right: Lourda Weger, Johnny Weger, Claire Casey.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Waldrop.

3

April 4, 2014

News Pipe down!

In piping hot environmental news, the Keystone XL Pipeline is proving to be a rallying point for both conservatives and environmentalists. A 1,179 mile pipe running from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska, the structure would ultimately be moving tar sands from Canada to refineries in the Gulf of Mexico. In theory, it would increase energy independence for the US and create hundreds of new jobs. And yet, environmentalists worry this will prolong the effort to make a switch to alternative and sustainable energy sources, as well as damage sensitive environment along its path (such as the Nebraska sand hills which sit on top of the largest aquifer in the country). Even Sydney Iverson Freelance Reporter

if the pipeline proposal does not go through, and the price of oil remains high enough, the tar sands will find their way to the refineries through other means.

The fact that we are considering a massive project that would span across a country just to transport sand, however, is an indicator that these sources of fuel are finite.

Decisions regarding America’s energy future must soon be made to plan for a time when these resources do in fact run out. And actually, it’s not entirely American energy we are looking at, as a good amount of the oil processed from this pipeline will most likely be exported to foreign markets. The Keystone Pipeline will stand as a choice, and whatever our country may choose, the world will be watching.

Painting the cow: An SBHS tradition

Sky Ulep Managing Editor

Last month, several Santa Barbara High School students were caught by police officials for painting the Milpas Street Cow. This long time SBHS tradition has been going on for decades as students attempt to boost school spirit with each coat of paint.

The Milpas Street Cow dates back to 1940 when the Live Oak Dairy built the building on the corner of Milpas and Canon Perdido. At this time in Santa Barbara, there were less than ten dairies operating in and around the city.

In 1942, the Live Oak Dairy merged with the Riviera Dairy to form Live Oak

Riviera Farms. By the late 1940s, the building was renamed for the names of the owners, Pete and Ann Jackson, and became the Petan Dairy.

It wasn’t until 1975 that the building became the famous McConnell’s location.

It was here that McConnell’s second owners Jim and Jeney McCoy created the company’s new headquarters and production facilities.

Since then, the building has undergone several changes, including construction of an outdoor deck, and changes in ownership of the building. Though the site is currently vacant, the Cow continues to be painted despite recent incidents with the police.

The Cow sits on Milpas and Canon Perdido.

Photo courtesy of Emma Cisek.

The keystone pipeline will cut through the continental US. Photo courtesy of ReporterGary.com

4

April 4, 2014

News The House passes anti-gay bills

In early 2014, the House of Representatives for Mississippi, Arizona, and Kansas passed religious practice bills that would essentially legalize gay segregation. These bills would permit private businesses to refuse service to homosexuals and ban them from entering the establishments. Arizona’s version of the bill however was vetoed by their governor, and Kansas’ version was rejected by the state senate.

Mississippi’s continues unhindered.

In Kansas, government employees are allowed to refuse to serve gays and lesbians. For example, police officers, DMV clerks, and state hospitals can Edoardo Kaplan News Editor

Pennies for Patients: Leukemia awareness From February 18 to March 7, Santa Barbara High School students participated in the Pennies for Patients drive, which helps victims of Leukemia and Lymphoma. Pennies for Patients started in 1994, and since then has raised over ten million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma patients.

What is Leukemia? Leukemia is a disease that causes blood cells in the bone marrow to grow uncontrollably, which leads to bleeding and infections. A healthy person’s bone cells are able to make white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells help fight off infection, the main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body, and the platelets help with blood clots.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 43,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with leukemia each year. Scientists are currently working on a cure for the disease since, as there is no known cure today.

Treatment to help fight Leukemia is available, though its effectiveness depends on the patient’s age and the Leukemia’s stage. Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to fight the cancer, is used to treat acute Leukemia. Another treatment is intrathecal chemotherapy, which puts the drugs directly into the spinal cord to fight the disease in cases where the disease reaches the spinal. Then there is radiation therapy to destroy large amounts of leukemia in one part of the body.

In addition to participating in drives such as Pennies for Patients, you can join a march for Leukemia.

Students could also wear orange to show that you support the cure effort. We could make a change in someone’s life, so why don’t we?

Alonso Martinez Staff Reporter

turn away gays in need if they feel it violates their religious conscience.

Arizona’s governor Jan Brewer rejected her state’s bill, citing the loss of business as her reasoning. Major League baseball, the National Football League, Apple, American Airlines all spoke out against the passing of the Arizona anti-gay bill, knowing that they would lose many respected customers and employees if the bill was signed into law.

“What [this] bill does is allow private individuals and businesses to use religion to discriminate, sending a message that Arizona is intolerant and unwelcoming,” stated the group American Civil Liberties Union of

Crimea river: Russia annexes Ukranian peninsula Despite Ukraine’s v e h e m e n t opposition, the Kremlin has annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region as a part of Russia.

On Tuesday March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of Crimea, and Sevastopol’s mayor, made the annexation official in a signing ceremony, the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin stated that Crimea, as well as Sevastopol, where the Russian Black Sea fleet is based, are now a part of the Russian Federation.

The Russian support for secession of Crimea has been criticized by the United States and the European Union.

Ukraine’s interim President Oleksandr Turchynov, along with the interim government in Kiev have condemned the annexation as a “a robbery on an international scale.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed a treaty and encouraged lawmakers to admit the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, a part of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.

Lavrov told the State Duma, the

Nicola Freeland Staff Reporter

lower house of the Assembly of the Russian Federation, that the annexation of Crimea into Russia was a necessary measure to protect ethnic Russians there; who make up 58% of Crimea’s population.

With the State Duma’s approval of the treaty now official, Russia has been disregarding Western leaders condemning Moscow’s actions as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a breach of international law.

American and European officials imposed sanctions on more than twenty-four Russian and Crimean officials. They also urged Russia to deescalate the crisis, a call Russia has ignored.

But U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday announced more sanctions on individuals and one bank in response to Russia’s annexation moves.

NATO has expressed concerns about the estimated 40,000 Russian troops stationed on the Ukrainian border. The Russian forces pose a potential threat to eastern and southern Ukraine.

Isla Vista surveillance cameras up for Deltopia

Surveillance cameras have been installed in Isla Vista in preparation for the nationally known, weekend-long party Deltopia, which is set to take place this weekend. The cameras are paid for by UCSB and are placed at each end of Del Playa Drive.

Last year’s Deltopia saw the tragic death of a young woman as well as the

Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

collapse of a balcony. Recent unsolved crimes in the area are also reasons for more street security. UCSB students and Isla Vista residents say the cameras are a good thing as long as they don’t violate their privacy by viewing inside their homes. It is unknown how long the cameras will remain, but Sheriff’s deputies will begin monitoring the live stream on Saturday.

Arizona.

The Center for Arizona Policy Communication Director, Aaron Baer, argued that like in the case of a wedding photographer who refused to be commissioned for a gay couple’s ceremony, “it [is] because [people] shouldn’t be forced to celebrate something they hold a sincere belief about, which is the definition and meaning and purpose of marriage.”

Recently states have been overturning their anti-gay laws and the American people have become largely more accepting of nonheterosexuality; the Arizona, Kansas, and Mississippi bills however, show a turn in the opposite direction.

The Plight of Children Alyssa Medibles Staff Reporter

A u s t r a l i a ’s government has been using the status of asylum seekers to “dump” unaccompanied children on an island called Nauru. Nauru Island is the world’s smallest republic; it is located twenty-five miles south of the equator. The Uniting Church, made up of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Union of Australia has offered housing for these children who have been moved from Christmas Island to Nauru Island.

About a thousand children are detained on Nauru Island; these children will never be able to settle in Australia. These children are currently living under conditions that deny them education, health care, and civil liberties. By definition these children are trafficked.

The asylum seekers who are sent to Nauru will never be able to settle in Australia again; they will be kept on the island, which means they will never see their families again.

President of the Uniting Church of Australia, Professor Andrew Dutney says “We simply want to offer the Australian government an alternative to knowingly harming these children and this kind of cold blooded willingness to put children in harm’s way.” Churches have openly spoken against the asylum seekers policies before this as well.

Asylum seekers who are not deemed refugees can claim protection if they face serious human rights violation including torture.

5

April 4, 2014

Opinion

The views and opinions published in The Forge newspaper are not necessarily those of The Forge or any of its affiliated organizations, including Santa Barbara High School, advertisers, and so forth. Each editorial represents only the views of the specific reporter(s).

The best years Sierra McNeel Freelance Reporter

What is the best time of one’s life? I was wondering what people thought was their “best time”, so I googled it, and discovered some interesting answers. One 55 year old raved that being 50 meant “all my responsibilities are done with… [people] don’t know if I am crazy, just having fun, or have dementia.” Another commenter mused “year 1 [was my best year]…didn’t even have to wipe my own a**, life was freaking good.” However, after my research and some introspection, I’ve come to the conclusion that high school is truly the best time of one’s life.

Academics have been a big part of my time here in high school, and I will always look back fondly on my hours spent reading and taking notes on obscure presidents (Millard Fillmore — this one goes out to you), writing essays which were neither read nor returned to me, and admiring the many phallic doodles throughout the pages of my Spanish textbook.

Sports are an important aspect of the expansive, all-encompassing journey that we call high school. I still remember the time someone from SBHS stole the San Marcos mascot uniform, put it on, and prostrated before the Don at the San Marcos gym. I will probably still be showing my friends the YouTube clip

ten years from now when I’m living at home with my degree in liberal arts!

Dances are an amazing opportunity to be with friends and observe the synergistic effects of adolescent hormones, loud music, and concealed alcohol. I will personally never forget the thirty minutes that I spent at Homecoming freshman year! I felt as if I had walked into an alternate universe populated entirely by girls wearing black bandage dresses and being aggressively danced on while remixes of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” blasted over the sound system. It was a truly magical night.

No experience that I will ever have post-graduation will compare with the excitement, joy, and social and intellectual stimulation that high school offers. I’ll never forget the enthusiasm I feel at pep rallies as I watch students run through ersatz obstacle courses and shove pies in each other’s faces.

I treasure the little things like reading graffiti on bathroom stalls and counting how many Patagonia jackets I see whenever the temperature dips below 65. As I prepare to graduate in three short months and recall my time here in high school, there is no doubt in my mind: these were the best years.

Natalie’s News:

Natalie Ochsner Freelance Reporter

Everyone loves to criticize Taylor Swift for her ability to write multiple songs about eight-week-long relationships, but why? What do I think? Props to her for being able to express them so openly.

She totally over-analyzes everything and doesn’t care who knows it. However, while some people may think this makes her a loser, I think this is the thing that makes her so relatable.

I think that most girls my age, if not all girls, are the same way to some extent.

Honest Observations To students who yell to someone across the quad, Is that totally necessary? You are disrupting everyone. Do you want everyone to notice you? There are more effective and less annoying ways to do that. Unless this is a desperate situation and someone is in need of medical attention, you are just being obnoxious.

Call them, talk to them later, or run after that person. To make it worse, most of you who practice this unfortunate habit have piercing harpy shrieks. I cringe when you open your mouth.

Mian Laurain Editor-in-Chief

To PDA couples whom this may concern, It makes me uncomfortable when you hold each other like you two are the sole survivors of the apocalypse. I only see this bizarre form of affection on this high school campus. You make me wonder and worry what you do off campus, but I predict it’s probably also hugging-just for longer periods of time. I doubt Romeo and Juliet ever did this, and they are the creme de la creme of desperately and tragically in love teenagers. Also, you guys don’t smile. This form of romantic expression is the reaction I would expect to see after a loved one has died; straight faced and concerned. Perhaps you are

contemplating how unconditionally you love this person you have known for three months. You must take this extreme bond of love that you two share very seriously.

These “hugs” I am describing are not stereotypical, as I said-the apocalypse.

That is what you look like. Not kidding.

Please stop or at least do that in private.

To students who have conversations in the library (not during lunch), Some students come to the library to study. If you must talk, please talk in a hushed voice. Isn’t that the most widely known fact about libraries, besides the fact that they are filled with books? Libraries are quite, serene places for people to read and study. You are desecrating the library. You are pissing on the sanctity of what a library is. Go talk outside, where you belong.

To students who are rude to substitutes, Were you born rude or have you acquired it over the years? Substitute teaching is not an easy job. Yes, sometimes they just pop in a movie and flip through a magazine for the entire period, but often they are expected to teach the class. If you put in as much effort to be respectful and kind as you do being a brat, class would be nicer for everyone.

Dating, Taylor Swift style

We spend way too much time pining over people who don’t care about us. We trust people too easily. We build up our expectations, only to have them shattered.

The song “Enchanted” from the Speak Now album was written about a guy Swift literally met once. Once. She got three and a half minutes of content from a single encounter. She wrote five songs (not all released) about a relationship that lasted 66 days, shorter than Kim Kardashian’s marriage. Sure, she’s dated a lot of guys, but while her critics are at home watching E! with a giant tub of ice

cream, Taylor Swift is putting herself out there, actually living life. Nobody likes getting hurt, and she’s found a way to use it to her own advantage in a totally relatable way.

There’s a song from her Red album that I really like called “All Too Well.” The best line in the song is probably, “You call me up again just to break me like a promise. So casually cruel in the name of being honest.” It doesn’t exaggerate what happened, his intentions, or her feelings. People may see her songs as being “overly dramatic” but I don’t

think it’s possible for anyone to be so good at embellishing their feelings. She feels exactly how she writes. Maybe this isn’t how everyone feels about their relationship and experiences, but why should we criticize people who see things differently than we do? If you don’t like Taylor Swift’s perspective, change the radio station when her song comes on.

If you still don’t like her, why are you even reading this article? Go home, sit in front of your TV, and watch Joan Rivers criticize people’s fashion risks just like you criticize Taylor Swift’s relationships.

6

April 4, 2014

Opinion I love detention!

Many seniors who receive call slips don’t go to detention.

Photo courtesy of Emma Cisek.

Ciara Tolliver Staff Reporter

Over the last 4 months I have accumulated approximately eighty-two detention call slips. People tell me I should probably go to detention, but why waste away my senior year in a stuffy room, tapping my maroon-painted fingernails on the desks until they turn numb? I’m sure an entire tree has been wasted on me by now. An enormous tree in fact… perhaps oak? P.S. changing the color of the slips every week doesn’t make it any more inviting.

Additionally, most of my teachers have given up on trying to teach the seniors. We’re graduating in three months; what’s the point of sending copious amounts of paper to seniors who most likely won’t show up to this lunch prison? I have next to zero motivation to go to class anymore.

What makes them think I’d be willing to sacrifice the small amount of time I have to search for food jus to go to detention? I have nothing against the man who watches the lunch detention, and I’m not trying to be defiant against the school system; I just honestly don’t have the physical and mental strength to force myself to go.

Instead of attacking seniors and threatening their graduation status, why doesn’t administration try to get freshmen and sophomores to stop ditching? Save the lower grades before it’s too late! And what about the office aids who have to walk around delivering the slips every day?! Are they receiving P.E. credit? I hope so!

Bottom line is, please don’t send me detention, Saturday school, or threatening call slips, because they give me anxiety and make me cry.

Subversive thought is detrimental Mark Gross Staff Reporter

Good Day my fellow Americans. Did you know? There are those among us who would shatter our hope for order,security,peace,and freedom. These radical malcontents don’t care about you or me. They don’t care about America!

All they care about is their own wants and desires, as well as following their demented ideologies no matter what it costs our great nation. Lets take a tally of these destructive elements, shall we?

There are of course, the Communists, Democracy’s eternal foe. These backwards ideologues believe in a philosophy that sounds good on paper, but in practice is heavily flawed. Communists believe that there should be no classes, no one is poor, no one is rich, and the state controls everything. However, Communism is practice leads to nothing but economic stagnation and tyranny. Whenever someone preaches Communism, remember how well it worked out for all the other nations

that have tried it. Socialism is just watered down Communism. Its less radical, but still expensive for a nation of our size.

Then there are the anarchists.

Anarchists believe in Stateless societies with either individualism or collectivism.

No government, no central state, nothing.

Now I am not here to debate philosophy, but this is absurd. Without laws, we are little more than savage beasts who destroy each other. And that is no all, dear America.

These malcontents spread treason with them like the plague. With their backpacks covered in anti government stickers and with their grunge looks (that makes them look like they haven’t bathed in days) these traitors would dare to speak about tearing down the very pillars we have based our society on.

Then there are the rest of the various activist groups. Not all activist groups are traitors, only the militant ones who dare bad mouth the history of our nation and feed of our countries benefits like the

hypocritical parasites they are. But the worse, dear America, are definitely the Anti Military crowd. These presumptuous, arrogant scoundrels dare to insult the finest men and women that our country has ever produced, American soldiers. They would dare to insult the actions of our troops overseas, even when they refused to even think of volunteering. This sort of talk, is of the highest betrayal, the type that earns them the highest pedestal in the Pantheon of hell.

Fortunately, even with infiltrations of these groups spreading their corrupted ideals like the plague, good American citizens can see through the lies that these groups spread. Even though they surround us and poison us with their dangerous ideals, we stand firm and are rooted in the cause of Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy for all within the confines of our own borders. Together, we make America the shining pillar it is. Whole.

Beatiful. Powerful. One America, One Nation! Now, and forever.

ASB Corner: Did you go to Winter Formal?

Ahtziri Hernandez Freelance Reporter

Winter Formal has come and gone. This year, as usual, there was low attendance. As a member of ASB, I would like to know what we can do to host a dance that you would want to attend. Why does Winter Formal seem to be a far less appealing dance than homecoming or prom?

This year ASB decided to crown the King at the dance. This was a fantastic idea, although it didn’t seen to motivate you students to come. When homecoming arrives, we have more than half the school attend! The dance usually reaches the capability limit. So what is it about Winter Formal that makes you not want to attend? This year the theme was black white; simple, but great. This year’s winter dance was held in the girl’s gym due to the recent reconstruction. If the dance had been held in the J. R. Richard’s Gym, ASB would have had to take far more precautions with the dance to prevent any damage to the sparkly new gym.

The girl’s gym, however, was decorated beautifully, and totally up to par with our Winter Formal standards.

As I explained in my previous article, I attended the dance with my friends this year and wouldn’t have had it any other way! I knew we would have plenty of fun with or without dates: it’s the people you spend the dance with that make it great or not.

The question I want to ask is: what steps can ASB take to make the dance better? So please, if you have any comments or ideas, we are always open to hearing them!

7

April 4, 2014

Opinion The problem with charity Sandy Campbell Editor-in-Chief

Sympathy is a trait that is inherent to most humans.

When we see someone less fortunate than us in need, our first instinct is to act on these feelings of sympathy and offer that individual help. In third world countries, this help is often received from the West through aid or charity-based organizations.

Though the intent of these organizations is good and their effects beneficial to individual recipients, this giving of aid is extremely problematic: it perpetuates the developing country’s dependency on the first world, which consequently prevents structural changes in the country’s economy, government, and educational system from occurring.

The goal of most aid organizations is social reform; the reality however, is that aid reinforces rather than changes social relationships and power imbalances. In addition, it addresses the symptoms of issues such as poverty, gender violence, and education rather than the systematic causes. These countries have grown too dependent on aid, women don’t have enough economic power and are underrepresented in government, and children aren’t given sufficient opportunities in education.

In this way, aid is extremely counterproductive. It reduces investment in education, health care, and other types economic development in favor of sustaining the first world’s way of life through investing in things like the extraction of precious resources and cash cropping. This traps the economies of developing countries in a cycle which is dependent on aid from the west as well

Contrary to what the general public believes, people in developing countries suffer from the West’s aid.

Photo couortesy of rina.com. as the profits gained from exports to the west. As long as there is an influx of aid, the third world cannot make the changes necessary to shift from an economy of low to high productivity.

What can be done to lead to these structural changes? First, the governments of developing countries must gradually reduce their dependency on aid, as aid negatively impacts the local economy and prevents it economy from

developing. Then the government must strengthen local economies to ensure that growth continues to accelerate.

The most pragmatic way to do this is through women’s empowerment. When women are educated and included in the workforce, more jobs are created, which leads to a more stable and sustainable economy.

Though traditional aid from the West is damaging to the development of these

Alternative subcultures Across America, many teens and young adults are taking part in alternative lifestyles and subcultures.

When doing so, they claim they are expressing individuality and fighting against conformity. However, is this all part of a scheme set up by the liberal media to get the public to believe it’s okay to be different or strange? And are alternative subcultures threatening the very fiber of today’s youth?

Today many teens are claiming labels such as hipster, hippie, indie, and/or alternative. Many of them go against both their parents’ and America’s values because they believe it makes them appear edgy. Many common practices among the people who partake in these alternative subcultures include dressing like a homeless person, teen activism/ social justice, political correctness, self harming, consumption of drugs/ alcohol, being promiscuous, and hating

Spyke Gonzalez Staff Reporter

America. These people believe this sends a message to the rest of us, and that this message will stop societal ills. However, this is not the case.

I will say this right now: being different is not a good thing. People WILL judge you. This is something you can NEVER change, no matter how much you protest, update your Tumblr wall, or write terrible songs. I’ve seen so many normal people who are in no form losers, scumbags, or poor trying extremely hard to appear different as if they’ve endured hardships.

In reality they are uber privileged, uppermiddle class kids who have been held on a pedestal and handed everything they could possibly want in addition to being sheltered by their parents their entire lives. They want to “feel” what’s it liked to be “oppressed” so they try to go against the grain.

I believe the liberal media is behind all this and is trying to make privileged white people feel guilty simply because they are privileged white people. Considering 95%

of liberals are privileged white people, they are simply trying to shame each other for being racist and oppressive. In order to not appear racist or oppressive like their ancestors, many liberals try to “embrace” other cultures and lifestyles.

When they try to “embrace” other cultures they meet other people who are doing the exact same thing. Those people

countries, there are many alternatives you can partake in which are beneficial to local economies. One alternative is Microcrediting, which invests in entrepreneurs by giving them small loans to build their home-based businesses, giving women an opportunity to generate money for both their families and the local economy.

get together and usually start a club of some sort. That club starts spreading and more and more people start associating with that type of lifestyle and, viola! You have a new alternative subculture! (P.S. I am in no way a conservative, liberals are just annoying).

8

April 4, 2014

In memory of Nick Johnson

“Nick Johnson was my teammate, friend, role model, and the older brother I never had.

Nick led by example. He never complained when a swim set was too tough.

When others were slacking off, he would be working his ass off. He motivated his teammates and pushed us too our limits, while he was surpassing his own. He never missed a single day of practice, and were always looking for, or creating more opportunities to get into the pool.

Whenever things got out of hand, you know you could count on Nick to remain calm and composed. He was not only a leader in the pool, but also on the beach as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor. When it comes down to it, Nick, at his essence, was someone who exemplified tremendous character.

It is gut wrenching to even begin to comprehend how something like this can happen to someone so young and loved.

But I know Nick is in a better place and died a happy man, doing what he loved until his final moments. Instead of focusing on this loss, we should focus on what he left us. Nick has taught us to live our lives to the fullest, to find something we are passionate about, always give a minimum of 110% of our effort and to live with no regrets. I hope someday I will be able to say that I am half the man Nick was. My prayers go out to the Johnson family. Nick, we miss you so much, but your legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in Paradise my friend.”

-Skyler Matthews “We started water polo the same day, and from the first practice I was immediately drawn to Nick’s kind, approachable, and easy-going demeanor. Little did we know at the time of our first practice that water polo would become a big part of our lives and we would spend many long, hard hours in the pool together. Nick set an example for everyone with his work ethic and impeccable character. He was the hardest worker I have ever known and he was the type of guy you could count on to always do the right thing. For all who knew him, their lives were touched.

He was a role model for all. I am honored to not only call Nick my role model, but a friend and a teammate. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Nick.”

- Tyler Heffernan

“Nick will not be remembered for a goal he scored, a pass he made, or a center he shut down. Nick’s lasting memories are far more reaching. His display of relentless hard work made lasting work ethic changes in the athletes in his class and the classes behind him. So, years later, when you see a kid jump in the pool first or a kid push himself to his limit, you can see a piece of Nick.

I thought so highly of Nick as a person and a role model, I had him coaching our frosh-soph players before he had graduated high school. If I was ever in need of help to coach or run a tournament, I thought of Nick first.

As great a player and role model Nick was at the high school, he was an even better son, brother, and friend. So, as devastated as I am, I am truly saddened by what his family and friends are going through. Nick, you will always be missed and never forgotten.”

- Mark Walsh

On March 24th, Samta Barbara High School alumunus, Nicholas Johnson,, drowned during swim practice. Nick was 19 years old and a sophomore at UCSB. He graduated from SBHS in 2012 and continued to play water polo at UCSB. Nick was a beloved son and brother, and a friend to all who knew him.

“Nick was such a great human being.

Even though he left us way too soon, his memory never will.”

-John Becchio

“There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe how amazing, wonderful, talented, hardworking, dedicated, caring, friendly, funny, nice, motivated, and inspiring Nick is. I am so lucky that I got to know Nick and that I have so many good memories of spending time with him, on and off the pool deck and at the beach. Nick will always inspire me and others to strive to be better in every aspect of our lives because of the amazing life he lived.”

- Jess Gaffney

“Nick was a bright lght in this world.

He touched so many lives in his short 19 years. He will be dearly missed by those lucky enough to know him. We will never forget you Nick, and the SBHS swim team will strive to live up to your legacy as a gentleman as well as a hardworking athlete.”

- Christine Piasecki

For those who would like to honor and remember Nick, there are two public events this weekend where all are welcome to pay their respects to Nick and the Johnson family: Saturday April 5th at 8:00 a.m. there is a paddle out in front of the Cabrillo Bathhouse to celebrate, remember, and honor Nicholas Johnson.

Sunday, April 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara Street, a memorial service will be held in memory of Nicholas Johnson.

Memorial funds have been established in Nick’s honor to benefit SBHS’s and UCSB’s aquatics programs. Information on sending donations is listed below: To donate to the SBHS Aquatics Booster Club-Nick Johnson Memorial fund, you can make donations in the Business Office, send donations to Kelsie Hendrix at 2733 Williams Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, or visit www.sbhsaquatics. com and click on the Nicholas Johnson Memorial Fund.

To donate to the UCSB FoundationNick Johnson Memorial Fund you can send donations to Gifts Administrations, University of California, Santa Barbara 93108-1130, call 805-893-2112, or visit the UCSB Athletics donations website.

9

Features

April 4, 2014

Artist of the Month: Gabi Safranavicius Natalie Ochnser Freelance Reporter

Gabija (Gabi) Safranavicius, a VADA senior, is known for her distinctive artistic style, in which she incorporates collage and mixed mediums. Gabi has been in VADA for three years and takes an active role in the program. She is president of the VADA Student Leadership Council and works hard organizing and planning fundraisers and activities.

Although she plans to major in communications or public relations, Gabi has enjoyed her experiences through VADA. She says, “VADA has given me the tools to improve my skills. By going through the motions of the VADA curriculum, I have met basic artistic standards and achieved my own personal style.” Her style can be described as eclectic, while using the elements of her surroundings. Often using organic materials in her works, and gives them new meaning in the context of her pieces. Selected to show her work in the WallSpace Gallery’s Home Exhibition along with a few other VADA seniors, Gabi chose to submit a collage depicting a tree made out of the torn pages of a book.

Discussing her choice of materials, Gabi remarks that her favorite form of art is “collage, because it’s fun to mix mediums and experiment in an ephemeral way.”

She gets her inspiration from chess and map-making, and admires symbolist artist Gustav Klimt’s work for its effective use of mixed media.

Even though she will not be studying art in college, Gabi plans to continue her creative pursuits after high school. She reflects, “I think it’s important for me to keep art in my life no matter what career I choose to follow.”

Mckenzie Malek Santa Barbara High Staff Reporter School has many unique and exciting clubs that participate in fun events that are beneficial to both our school and community. SBHS offers a selection of clubs to fit everyone’s wide ranges of interests. For example, the Baking Club is a fun and social club where you can gather with other baking lovers and share your talents in the kitchen. Ale Tacconelli, the current Baking Club President, says “it’s a great way to get involved in our community.” It gives students a chance to use thier beloved baking hobby as a way to give back. They fund raise through bake sales and just recently raised about $300 for the Santa Barbara Food Bank. Also

around the holidays they bring in delicious baked goods to the elderly as a form of giving back to our community.

Another amazing club is Youth for Direct Relief, which seeks to help raise money to contribute to Direct Relief International.

From there, all the money raised is used to aid those who are less fortunate all around the world, as well as in the United States.

The club’s President, Andrew Fay, says “it is a truly rewarding club not only for the ones in need but also for us to know we are making a difference in the world!”.He encourages all to join and participate in such an incredible opportunity.

The choice is yours to select from many amazing clubs, all offered to you by SBHS.

Gabi Safranavicius, VADA senior. (top) Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell.

Dancers by Gabi. (right) Photo courtesy of Gabi Safranavicius.

Clubs at SBHS

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

Ale Tacconelli, President of the Baking Club (left) and Andrew Fay, President of Youth for Direct Relief (right) Photo courtesy of Autusa Pardisi and Mckenzie Malek.

10

April 4, 2014

SAT redesign effective spring 2016

“When students open their SAT test books in spring 2016, they’ll encounter an SAT that is more focused and useful than ever before,” the College Board says.

The new SAT form will be available in its regular print form, and in some locations, online.

Another major change from the 2400-point scale currently in use is that the new SAT redesign will be scored on a 400- to 1600-point scale. The Evidence-Based Reading

Niki Freeland Staff Reporter

and Writing section and the Math section will each be scored on a 200to 800-point scale. Scores on the Essay will be reported separately.

To level the playing field for students who can’t afford expensive SAT prep courses, College Board is partnering with the online learning platform Khan Academy. Khan Academy offers free test prep materials for the new SAT redesign exam, as opposed to the pricey Princeton Review SAT test prep courses, costing $999.

SBHS responds “While my test scores reflect my effort and academic strengths, they also reflect my upbringing, which is not something of which I ashamed in any way but is definitely something of which I am mindful. I’m in support of standardized testing only to the point at which scores are interpreted with relation to factors such as family background, education, socioeconomic status, race, and so on. In other words, biased tests are okay with me as long as we acknowledge the ways in which they are biased and then analyze individuals’ scores accordingly. I don’t have a better idea for large-scale academic ‘assessment,’ and most people would probably agree that the SAT best measures SAT skills, not intelligence.”

- Matthew Wallock (Grade 12) “I think the revision will help to increase the emphasis on actual knowledge and not the ability to take a long, arduous test without panicking.”

- Luke Stark (Grade 12) “The ACT in recent years has outpaced the SAT in sales, so the College Board is trying to revamp to appeal to the general public.”

- Hazel Anderson (Staff)

“I think the revision will take away From the diFFerences between the ACT and SAT, such as students’ diFFerent testing styles. It will be interesting seeing how well the students will do on the new test compared to the old SAT.” - Arielle Moorman (Grade 12) “I don’t like the change. We shouldn’t lower the standareds just to make it easier for certain people. We should do what we can to help the people who are struggling with the current version.”

- Ms. Harris (Staff) “Most oF us took the ACT and I think that the College Board is trying to win students back by structuring it more like the ACT.” - Will Graves (Grade 12)

m m m m m m m mm mm m m

Why the SAT is BS The SAT test makers have chosen to abolish the essay section of the test because they have realized that one essay cannot predict college success-- but neither can one test, right? What about the same test, taken three times? Although the SAT is undergoing some radical changes for 2016, many people still do not believe it will be a reliable indicator of future college achievement. Even if changes are made to the SAT, there is still the fact that

Natalie Ochnser Freelance Reporter

year after year, African-American and Latino students score significantly lower than white students.

The SAT has become a game played on an unequal playing field where high test scores can be bought by those who can afford them. With all the SAT prep courses and materials offered by the College Board, Kaplan, and the Princeton Review, standardized testing has become just another money-making industry.

Clearly something needs to be done; and luckily, colleges have

Did you take the SAT or A

“I think that it is the beginning oF a sweeping socialism reForm by Obama in an attempt to become a dictator.”

- Ben Borden, (Grade 10) “I think it’s a way to undermine our social system and brainwash the American public into thinking we’re idiots so we’ll sign up for Obamacare.”

- Blake DeVine (Grade 11)

“I’m all for making the SAT test prep materials more accessible and rel“I think it is great that the SAT is evant to today’s students.” trying to make the exam more about - Mr. Bolitho (Staff) what about what the students know rather than how well they can handle “I should probably start getting ready the SAT’s tricky way of asking questFor that.” sions.”

- Vadim Imperioli (Grade 10) - Mr. Johnston (Staff) “It’s just annoying knowing that the way to learn all the stuff or the SAT was to read at a high level. Now, this will undermine the need or teenagers to read high level Fiction.”

- Nick Blondell (Grade 11)

The

mm m m m m m m m m m m mm

“Its’s better because it won’t be hard for students taking it.”

- Jaselle Vasquez ( Grade 10) “I like it. When I took the SAT, there was no essay and it was scored out of 1600.”

- Mr. Murphy (Staff)

Tips for taking the SAT You must prepare for the SAT for several days preceding the test. Because this test will determine the rest of your life, you will need to do some crazy things before you take it. Do everything you have ever wanted to do, but have never been able to, like eat all the junk food you have always want to eat.

Some people try to get a good night’s sleep to get ready. But do you really Ciara Tolliver and Gabe Reali Staff Reporters

want to wake up groggy on such an important day? No! You want to be energized and full of life. Sneak out the night before to hang out with a CC student who has no drive or motivation so you can make yourself seem smart.

Stay up all night and think of all the things you are going to do that your new CC friend hasn’t done. Make him or her buy you a healthy breakfast and you are set.

Speed to school as fast as possible to get that adrenaline going. Oh, and

11

April 4, 2014

mmmm m m m m m m m m m m m m

started realizing this. Many universities have become test-optional or will view applications holistically; weighing test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities equally.

While the SAT will continue to be the death of students across the nation and most likely an inaccurate indication of college aptitude, it is comforting to know that actions are being taken to improve a test that is such a sizable factor in determining college admittance.

ACT?

don’t bother to bring any testing materials. That way, you’ll have the upper hand in borrowing your fellow test-takers’ spare materials (it’s a secret that only the best SAT takers know).

If your testing supervisor places you next to smart people who brought their calculators, you can borrow the calculator and cheat off of them. And this is coming from someone who got a perfect score of 36 on the SAT, so you can trust me. Happy test taking!

Why the SAT should be abolished It is unclear to me why colleges would use test scores as the basis on which to accept students into their system. Bubbling in multiple choice questions has very little to do with the three factors that make up the foundations of intelligence: curiosity, motivation, and openmindedness.

There are many people with these three traits who would make wonderful additions to the college and higher-learning environment.

However, because they do poorly on the SAT, they are seen as less valuable. These people have much more potential than that which they are credited, and because they chose not to study for a Ed Kaplan News Editor

monotonous and useless test they are never given the opportunity to show this potential.

The SAT tests basic algebra skills, basic grammar, essay formulas, and reading comprehension, which, yes, are important to gauge a person’s readiness for college, but simply passing the California High School Exit Exam should have already taken care of measuring this proficiency.

The SAT, like most modern systems, aims to separate people into hierarchical groups, placing unfair advantages to the top scorers. High scores on the SAT can even be achieved by people who aren’t deserving of entry into top colleges. By simply hiring a tutor and studying the strategies of

the test, which are the same every year, one can know every type of question that will be asked by the exam, thus ensuring a high score.

Anybody who has time and money can benefit from this procedure, even those who have no great wish to learn.

The test can even be called anti-educational.

Pulling an excited young child away from the mysterious and extraordinary world where so much knowledge can be grasped and forcing their noses into a test book is no way to promote learning. Cramming for the exam additionally takes time away from students who could be studying a field they wish to pursue.

SAT scores linked to income Mark Gross Staff Reporter

Much has been written about the relationship between SAT scores and test-takers’ family income.

Generally speaking, the wealthier a student’s family is, the higher the SAT score. It’s a simple fact that families with higher incomes can afford to spend extra money on test practice materials, such as guidebooks and practice tests.

The SAT study books alone range upwards of thirty dollars. Now, this might not sound like a lot, but combine this with the practice tests, the online courses, and the test itself. These all total to several hundred dollars, which can be quite a lot of money to spend in a short period of time, especially for lower income families.

There is also a link to the education of the students family members. A student with a parent with a graduate degree, for example, on average scores 300 points higher on their SATs compared to a student with a parent with only a high school degree. No doubt this is the same dynamic reflected in their families income, given that there are high returns to college education.

Students with higher family incomes tend to score better on the SAT. Photo courtesy of nytimes.com.

A third factor that shakes up the playing field is tied in with family income and education level of family members. If you had the money to take the PSAT, you do better. Students who don’t take the PSAT, for instance, have an average score of 1409, while students who take it twice - once in their junior year and then once before that -- have an average score of 1612.

Once again, a source of cash is a great asset when it comes to doing well in standardized testing.

However, the College Board has recently partnered up with the online learning platform known

as Khan academy to make SAT practice material available to families of any income. Better yet, the College Board is promising that it will be good quality help for those who desperately need educational support but are on a tight budget. Even if a lot of the hype around online education is empty, its recipients are given the right amount of attention and quality control. We could be looking at an easily accessible, quality test prep that is one hundred percent free. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a glorious prospect.

12

April 4, 2014

Features Staff Spotlight: Ms. Jordan Sean Perez Ms. Jordan was Business Manager born in the San

Francisco Bay Area and attended Cypress Lake High school. Ms. Jordan enjoyed high school: “I was elected class president, part of the homecoming court, and the lead in all the school plays,” says Jordan. After high school Ms. Jordan attended UCSB where she got her major in English. Ms. Jordan decided to become a teacher because of her love of children and ability to explain complicated subjects.

Outside of school Ms. Jordan has a vivacious lifestyle: she does yoga, tends to her garden, is an avid traveller, takes care of her twin daughters, and

even constructed the majority of her own house, all while battling breast cancer. Ms. Jordan says that her favorite part of teaching is being able to “Help kids feels safe enough to try anything.” She says that her least favorite part of teaching is “When kids don’t realize how important they are, and that everything they do matters.” Ms. Jordan has taught at Santa Barbara High school for 20 years and has become incredibly popular among students, even being elected an honorary football coach by students. Ms. Jordan states that her favorite thing about SBHS is that “It’s not a newly built suburb, it’s a historical site, with a rich tradition.”

Horoscopes Aries Please control your impulsive behavior; it could cause the sun and Mars to collide. That might be dangerous for all creatures of Earth. Dangerous in the way that all of the dinosaurs were wiped out in mass extinction. You have that power.

Virgo You are doomed to a hideous death from the Eldritch horrors from Azalothe the Wretched’s court.

You will be hunted across the dark corners of the Earth and Middle Earth and Narnia and Terabithia and Panem and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Taurus You have been feeling stressed lately due to your overly uptight personality. Try loosening up to calm your mind. Throw out that weekly planner. Go braless for a day. Don’t shower (showering is a resource waste, anyways).

Libra Live free and you will be happy.

Don’t bother with trying to look presentable this month, if you don’t feel like it. We all want to wear sweatpants anyways, sieze this opportunity. Carpe Diem.

Gemini Love your twin and you will find the true meaning of happiness. If you don’t have a twin, you can use your dog or imaginary friend in place of them.

Scorpio You will be faced with an important decision soon. Try not to think too much when choosing, just go with it.

This is absolutely the best advice you will ever receive.

Sagittarius Wear your hair in pigtails on a Thursday and you will meet your lover in the Counseling Office after 3rd period. If your hair is not long enough for pigtails, run to the nearest hair salon and get extensions.

Cancer You’ve come to a lot of walls the past few weeks, but your time is coming. Learn from the things that don’t work your way and start thinking about your next project.

This will only work out if you pour every effort into this project so it is Capricorn up to you.

A storm is brewing in your favor and you will accomplish an Leo incredible thing in the second half Your confidence is appealing, but of this semester. Keep nurturing you can come off as arrogant. Try your friendships because they will not to cross the line. Also, remember be a very important aspect of your to turn in that overdue library book. success. Also, be extra careful driving If you’re a senior, that could keep this month. you from graduating.

Ms. Jordan and her twin daughters at a football game.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Jordan

The Forge Vault By. Sky Ulep

Before Santa Barbara High School moved to its present location in 1924, the school was located on the corner of Anapamu and De La Vina. The school had a total enrollment of 403, though SBHS classes had been hosted at Lincoln Elementary from 1875 to 1895 and at the Santa Barbara Inn from 1896 to 1902. On September 2, 1924, classes officially began at their present location.

13

April 4, 2014

Features What did you do over spring break?

Spring is finally here.

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the temperatures rising, and Spring Break came and went. It was a much needed week of freedom and relaxation from our studies and what did we spend it doing? Studying? Finishing those community service hours you’ve been putting off for so long? Or Sean Perez Business Manager

maybe just you binge-watching Game of Thrones? In a recent Forge survey we asked students what they spent their Spring Break doing. The results revealed the majority of student used the break to either test the sheer scope of their agoraphobia or use it as an excuse to party likes it’s 1999. Regardless, the break is over and in the end nothing productive was achieved.

Data collected by Sean Perez.

Why you wish you had freckles Maisie Zimmerman Freelance Reporter

Dear Readers,

Freckles area girl’s best friend. They are like the real, cute version of that fake mole you might put above your lip during your Marilyn Monroe phase. There are many things that attract people to freckles. For start-

ers, many people consider “freckle” to be one of their favorite words! Even if that last one was made up; there is also the true fact that if you grow all of your freckles together, you’re suddenly incredibly tan. So there’s some hope to all you freckled albinos out there!

On a serious note, freckled people are

always stylish. Comment below if you have anything to say about that, because I’ll take you on. They are born looking unique so all they have to do is keep it up throughout the years, simple enough. They are also the closest thing people have to looking like dalmatians.

Lastly, freckles are adorable. The

Paper Becchio dolls!

Drawings by Alida Seigel For tips on how to make your Becchio doll last, visit sbhsforge.com

Grunge

bend here

Greek Don

myths behind these tiny marks range from kissed by an angel! to skin cancer. Really it could be anything, but all I know is it’s not the stupid paintbrush theory, whoever made that up was really full of bull pucky.

14

April 4, 2014

Features Prince of Hearts interviews Noah Burke was chosen as our King of Hearts. Noah is on our Dons varsity basketball team. In response to being nominated, Noah said, “It was a great feeling. I wasn’t accepting it at all.” When asked why he thought he was nominated, Noah said that it may have been from his excellent dance performance at the talent show. Noah brought his girlfriend for his date; or rather, she took him. “I told my girlfriend to pick me up at 7,” Noah joked. His dream date in three words would be, “myself, my girlfriend and Roscoe’s.” Noah was very jealous that the homecoming princesses got to ride in fancy cars. “Everyone wants to have a fancy car,” Noah says. As a senior, Noah’s advice to freshmen students is that they shouldn’t fall behind in their English classes. As a future career, Noah would like to be a pediatrician.. He also plans to continue playing basketball at a four-year university.

Skylar Payovich, Harry Parker, Estevan Arroyo, Noah Burke and Raymond Garica were nominated as our Princes of Hearts, and all participated in the annual Prince of Hearts assembly and talent show.

Harry opened the assembly with a rap he wrote about being nominated.

It was a perfect way to start a hilarious and surprising series of talents. Skylar followed Harry’s act, starting with some graceful ballet, tutu and all. Then he proceeded to have a small mosh pit on stage accompanied by some of his close friends. Estevan followed Skylar’s act with his own rendition of Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball music video. There was

Autusa Pardisi Staff Reporter

a reoccurring theme of replicating, stereotypically “female dances,” because after tutu-ballet and Miley Cyrus, Noah Burke, along with two friends proceeded to beautifully replicate Beyoncè’s Single Ladies dance. Raymond Garcia finished the talent portion of the assembly with yet another dance. He danced around and then had a group of ladies come on stage to “make it rain” on him. Wow, what performances! Good job boys, it takes courage to get up on stage in front of hundreds of your peers!

“It was a special opportunity,” Skylar says, “Only a few people were chosen.”

Skylar was on our Dons varsity football team. He hopes to be a productive member of society. Skylar isn’t sure which college he plans to go to yet. His advice to freshmen is to “take advantage of your high school years. Time flies by fast.”

Estevan was very surprised and very excited to be nominated as a prince. He has been an active member of ASB for two years. “I had a date and I asked,” Estevan tells me “I sent a rose with a cute note on it that said ‘Winter Formal?’ and delivered it to his doorstep.” Estevan suggests that freshmen get involved and make lots of friends. He hopes to major in business and administration in college at San Diego State University.

“I have no idea why I was nominated,” Harry says, “but I was honored.” Harry is part of our Dons varsity baseball team.

He is also a student in the VADA program.

He wasn’t jealous of the homecoming princesses getting to ride in fancy cars.

When asked what three characteristics got him nominated, Harry explained, “I

Spring Cleaning Alonso Martinez Staff Reporter

It is that t i m e of year when the flowers begin to bloom. Spring is not only the season of love and rebirth, but the time when most everybody is spring cleaning their home to give it that apple-pie order feeling. So, for those of you looking forward to cleaning your homes, here are some tips to help you with your spring cleaning.

First step in cleaning up your house is to organize the closet.

By organizing the closet, you have begun the process of organizing your house. You must first think, “Which clothes do I continue to wear, and which do I throw out?” To put it simply, throw out all the clothing that you no longer wear or don’t fit you anymore, and donate them to charity, or a GoodWill store.

Clothes that are badly ripped or unwearable should be thrown out. Now that you have cleaned out what you don’t need, put the

clothes that you do want in an order that makes sense to you.

Another tip is to clean your carpet. You walk on it every day, and your brothers and sisters play on it. If you have no siblings, I feel sorry for you.

But we must carry on. A way to keep your carpet clean is to take off your shoes when you enter. But don’t walk around barefoot--our feet leave natural oils that can attract dirt. What you should do is vacuum your carpet at least once a week, though vacuuming everyday is ideal.

A third and final tip is to organize your bookshelf, if you have one. A way to organize your bookshelf is to alphabetize the books by authors’ name. You can also have line books up in a vertical, and horizontal way that fits in a rhythmic pattern.

Though these are only three steps, there are more online that can help make your house look amazing, and clean.

The Prince of Hearts performing a dance routine during the Senior Assembly.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell

The Prince of Hearts being interviewed by Zachary Parent.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell am social, friendly, and I play baseball,” Harry isn’t sure what he wants to do in the future, but he will be attending a four-year university next year.

“I was caught off guard,” Raymond says. “It was exciting.” Raymond is part of our Dons Net Cafe. His dream date in 3 words would be: Mila Kunis, Kim Kardashian (3 years ago), and tall.

Raymond also brought a date. She asked him up on Mountain Drive, with a sign taped on her car that said “Fool, King of Hearts?” while holding a bundle of flowers. Raymond plans to go to SBCC for 2 years, and then transfer to a university. He is planning to study business and hopes to own his own business in the future.

Wall of Fame The SBHS “Wall of Fame,” which ornaments the walls of the main hall, lists an array of outstanding alumni who have left a mark on both our community and world. Honorees are chosen by the Santa Barbara Dons Alumni Association, and range from songwriters to NFL Athletes to local news anchors. The gender and racial disparities are depicted in the pie graphs below.

15

April 4, 2014

Entertainment Upcoming Movies Andrew Tighe Freelance Reporter

May

The Amazing Spiderman 2: Peter Parker/Spiderman (Andrew Garfield) struggles to protect his loved ones from two new villains: the voltaic Electro (Jamie Foxx) and the Russian powerhouse Rhino (Paul Giamatti).

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return: Upon returning to Kansas and finding it in ruins from the tornado that took her to Oz, Dorothy Gale (Lea Michele) and her dog Toto are summoned back to Oz to save the land from a malevolent Jester (Martin Short).

Neighbors: A couple (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) goes to war against the obnoxious residents of a neighboring Frat house.

Godzilla: A reboot of the famous Japanese monster movie series that pitches humanity against the infamous reptilian monstrosity known and feared by mankind.

X-Men: Days of Future Past: In order to prevent a dismal future for the sake of mutant-kind, the X-Men of past and present must join together and fight as one.

June

Edge of Tomorrow: An inexperienced soldier repeatedly finds himself being brought back to life after falling in battle, becoming more skilled after each kill.

The Fault in our Stars: A teenage girl stricken with cancer falls for an equally ailing boy in her support group.

The two form a bond as they deal with their illnesses.

22 Jump Street: Wildcard officers Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) go undercover once again at a local college to uncover a crime ring occurring on campus.

How to train Your Dragon 2: The fearless young Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his loyal dragon Toothless return to find new friends and dragon species in order to stop a deadly adversary and preserve peace among men and dragons.

Transformers 4: Age of Extinction: Following the events of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Autobots and Decepticons have long since gone into hiding, only to be drawn out once more when a powerful Cybertronian menace sets his sights on Earth.

July

Tammy: After being laid off work and finding her husband cheating on her, a former fast food employee (Melissa McCarthy) goes on a road trip of selfdiscovery with her foul-mouthed, diabetic grandmother.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: A growing nation of hyper-intelligent simians goes to battle against a small band of human rebels.

Planes: Fire and Rescue: A ragtag group of sentient aircrafts works together to protect their home from deadly forest fires.

Records: The tables have turned Sky Ulep Managing Editor

Vinyl is back. Not that it really left.

In the past few years, records have experienced a resurgence as listeners move their attention away from the sounds of CDs and back to the groove of the vinyl record.

According to Nielsen SoundScan, “Vinyl sales increased by 32 percent in 2013, with music fans purchasing 1.5 million more albums than in the previous year.” This increase brought record sales up to 6.1 million albums, a 20-year high for vinyl sales.

The vinyl revival isn’t the only change the music industry is starting to see. It seems that as listeners turn to records for their music experience, they turn away from the compact disc. Last year, CD sales were down approximately 14 percent compared to the previous year.

This sudden rebirth of vinyl records is apparent in the students at Santa Barbara High School.

Senior Madison Dochterman appreciates the sound of vinyl and greatly prefers it compared to CDs. “The sound of vinyl fills a room better than music in any other format,” she said. Junior David DuPont holds a similar view. “It’s very lovely and authentic,” commented David.

Vinyl is making a comeback.

Photo courtesy of www.suntimes.com

The U.S. isn’t the only country to have seen a change in record sales the past few years. Britain also saw its best vinyl LP sales in more than a decade, with 550,000 sales as of November, and Australia saw a 75 percent spike in vinyl sales.

Though it may seem this revival was caused by a surge of hipsters who hope to utilize records as a way to be retro, the

statistics say otherwise. While the list of top-selling albums of 2010 was comprised of ‘70s hit records such as The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, last year’s top selling record was the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys’ AM. It is the newfound love for the vinyl record from young people that is allowing record sales to continue to rise.

86th annual Academy Awards To kick off the month of March, the 86th annual Academy Awards were held on Sunday, March 2nd at the Kodak Theatre hosted by the incredible Ellen DeGeneres. Despite the wild storms that struck Southern California in the days leading up to the event, the red carpet was rolled out and the stars came out in their Sunday best.

As always, it was an exciting night that will go down in history in more ways than one. There was of course, a celebrity pizza party, the worlds most retweeted selfie that crashed Twitter, and fantastic talent and entertainment from everyone there.

This year’s Oscar season was marked by some truly notable films including Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, American Hustle, Wolf of Wall Street, Her and many more. Before the show, the big winners were projected to be 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle, but as the night progressed it became evident that Gravity would be scooping up a majority of the titles. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, Gravity took home all but one; they were: Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. Sandra Bullock was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Gravity but lost to Cate Blanchett for her role in Blue Jasmine. Although I never saw the film myself, apparently it is one that will mark the year 2013.

Other prominent films were 12 Years a Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

The world’s most famous selfie: (from left to right, starting in the back corner) Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Jennier Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, and Peter Nyong’o Photo courtesy of www.cbc.ca and Bradley Cooper Slave and Dallas Buyers Club, each taking home three awards. 12 Years a Slave took home Best Adapted Screenplay, Lupita Nyong’o won Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and not so surprisingly, the film also won Best Picture. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto won Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actor in a Supporting role, respectively, for Dallas Buyers Club, which also won Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Both Frozen and The Great Gatsby ended the night with

two awards, and Her with one.

Of the many award shows, the Academy Awards is no doubt the most renowned and this year, Ellen DeGeneres and the actors attending brought out the comical side more than ever before. It is one that has left its digital footprint on the film industry and social media forever.

It will be interesting to see what films will take the place of those that were so groundbreaking and fantastic and were honored as such at this year’s Oscars.

16

April 4, 2014

Entertainment

Oldies but goodies: Bowl season 2014 In my eyes, bowl season is always the best time of the year in Santa Barbara. It might be because it coincides with warm weather and summer, but all that wouldn’t be the same without the excitement of concerts nearly every week. But it’s not just the concerts either, it’s the setting; the Santa Barbara Bowl is a beautiful place, it’s always warm, and the stars are always out.

So, as bowl season approached this year, I was eager to see who was booked to come, especially after The Forge coordinated with the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation and surveyed SBHS students with the hopes of booking more acts that would appeal to a younger demographic. I was very shocked to find out that the youngest act booked so far is Jack Johnson, who is scheduled to perform August 31st and September 1st. The rest of the performers booked are Bryan Ferry, The National, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, and Foreigner & Styx. I

Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

have to say I’m quite disappointed.

These bands are legendary and there’s no doubt in my mind there will be a full house of adults and old souls for each show, but really, what teenage girl was in love with Ringo Starr anyway? Another funny thing is that Foreigner and Styx aren’t really Foreigner and Styx anymore. Foreigner has just one of six original members left, and Styx has one of three original members. So are you really going to see Foreigner and Styx?

I am not saying these performers aren’t worthy of the bowl, I am just a little heart broken that out of seven performers booked so far, I’d really only be interested in seeing one. Of course it is possible more acts will be added to the list, but as of right now, this year’s bowl season is going to be a major let down for the typical teenager. So Dons, let us band together and pray for more promising additions to the current bowl season as well as the seasons to come.

Movie Review: The Lego Movie Everyone is special in their own way. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or how others perceive you.

It is important that you know what is unique about yourself. The concept of one’s own special traits making a difference can best be described in the new film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Roadshow Entertainment, The Lego Movie Set in an imaginative universe of colored bricks and mini-figures, The Lego Movie tells the story of Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Parks and Recreation’s Chris Pratt), an averageJoe construction worker who spends his days contently following every rule shoved at him and building things when an instruction manual is at hand.

Unknown to Emmet, and most of the Lego world populace, their leader President Business (portrayed by the all-talented Will Ferrell, (Anchorman and Talladega Knights) is secretly Lord Business, an over-controlling despot who wishes to use a powerful weapon called the “Kragle” to freeze the world of Legos in whatever way he sees fit.

The only ones who know of and oppose Business’s plans are the Master Builders, an allegiance of extremely talented mini-figures capable of building whatever they want without instructions, led by the wizard Vitruvius (played by Oscar award winner MorAndrew Tighe Freelance Reporter

gan Freeman of The Dark Knight trilogy). After stumbling upon an artifact that can neutralize the Kragle, and encountering Vitruvius’ right-hand girl Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks of The Hunger Games), the ever-clueless Emmet is identified by Vitruvius as “the special” who can save their world. He is then thrust into an epic quest of selfdiscovery to find what is truly special about him, all while avoiding Lord Business, and his sometimes ruthless and sometimes cordial henchman Bad Cop/Good Cop (voice of Liam Neeson, Taken and Batman Begins).

Joining Emmet on his quest are a ragtag company of Master builders, which include the hardcore Batman (voice of Will Arnett, Arrested Development and 30 Rock), the sweet, perky Princess Unikitty (Allison Brie of NBC’s Community) the screwball astronaut Benny (Charlie Day, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Pacific Rim) and the swaggering cyborg buccaneer, Metal Beard (Played by Pratt’s Parks and Rec co-star Nick Offerman).

The Lego Movie is an awesome adventure suitable for audiences both old and young. Its clever humor, famous cast, and lively portrayal of characters definitely makes it a film worth seeing. And it is this film that shows that anyone, no matter who they are or what their story is, that they can be special in their own unique way.

Artists such as The National, James Taylor, and Ringo Starr and His All Star Band will be performing at The Bowl this season.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell.

Upcoming Concerts April 4; Velvet Jones, K Theory April 12; Santa Barbara Bowl, Bryan Ferry w/ Dawn Landes April 15; The Majestic Ventura Theater, CHVRCHES April 16; The Majestic Ventura Theater, Ellie Goulding April 17; The Majestic Ventura Theater, Bonobo April 18; The Majestic Ventura Theater, Cage the Elephant April 25; Santa Barbara Bowl, The National w/ Portugal.

The Man May 15; Santa Barbara Bowl, KJEE

Summer Round-Up featuring: 311, Young the Giant, Big Data, Birds of Tokyo June 4; Santa Barbara Bowl, James Taylor June 15; Santa Barbara Bowl, Hunter Hayes w/ Dan & Shay June 25; Santa Barbara Bowl, Sarah McLachlan July 12; Santa Barbara Bowl, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band featuring: Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Greg Rolie, Todd Rundgren, Greg Bissonette July; Santa Barbara Bowl, Foriegner and Styx w/ Don Felder August 31 and September 1; Santa Barbara

17

April 4, 2014

Coming to Santa Barbara High School Theatre This Spring!

18

April 4, 2014

Sports Gay athlete acceptance at SBHS Blake DeVine Sports Editor

Recently, Jason Collins was signed to a 10-day contract by the Brooklyn Nets.

Collins was the first openly gay player to compete in any major American professional sport. Along with this, Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from Missouri announced that he is openly gay. This was quite a surprising move for a player who is being scouted for the upcoming NFL Draft on May 8th.

This sequence of events begs a certain question that has yet to be answered at our school. Can openly-gay athletes be accepted in a high school sports setting?

In order to find an answer to this question, I talked to a diverse cross-section of administrators, coaches, and players in our sports program at Santa Barbara High School.

My first inclination was to ask administration.

When asked his view in light of the Collins and Sam announcements, Athletic Director Joe Chenoweth responded earnestly, “I think that it definitely opens the door and we already have gay students and athletes [at SBHS] so it is a good step moving forward towards acceptance.”

“I would hope coaches and players would be positive. This is similar to the change that occurred when schools desegregated and African Americans first went to white schools. We are in a new era, where younger people are a lot more accepting and open, which is a great thing. If someone has an issue with it then that’s their own issue that they will have to get over,” said Chenoweth.

I then asked Principal John Becchio if the issue had been brought up from an administrative standpoint. He admitted that this was something that had yet to be addressed.

“Thankfully, Santa Barbara High is a really accepting place where we have

athletes that are openly-gay. So far, I have not had to deal with an any cases of bullying or locker room mistreatment,” added Becchio.

After talking to administration, I interviewed head football coach Doug Caines. I wanted to hear his opinion on the movement at hand.

“The truth is that at the end of the day sports has been the equalizer. Whether it be sexuality or even racial issues. We love sports because it does not matter what color you are or what your sexual preference is.

The question is, can you play the game.

It is cool to see that we are now breaking down new barriers,” said Caines.

I then decided to ask various athletes at Santa Barbara their opinions on openlygay athletes fitting in at the high school sports level. This led to many different reactions.

“At first, you would probably be more self-conscious knowing that there is a gay player in the locker room. It would just take time for other players to adjust to having a gay player on the football team,” said wide receiver Daniel Vallin.

“This is definitely an awakening for a lot of very talented athletes that may just be hiding because they don’t want to feel discriminated or left out,” added Dons basketball star Noah Burke.

“I am sure coaches and players would be shocked at first, but I really don not think that player would be treated differently. However, the player would have to get used to hearing the word ‘gay’ because it normally gets tossed around on the team,” chipped in Dons quarterback Brent Peus.

After being informed that Barron Mainz, an outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team was openly-gay, I sought out head volleyball coach Chad Arneson for his view.

“Our boys were really accepting and that is the important thing. Barron has to

Both Michael Sam (left) and Jason Collins (right) recently announced themselves as gay. Photo courtesy of espn.go.com. realize that we have got his back no matter what happens. We are there to support him and the team is open to this happening.

The team has accepted his orientation, and I think it is pretty exciting,” said Arneson.

Lastly, I interviewed Barron Mainz himself. Mainz is one of the few openly gay athletes at Santa Barbara High.

“My team is cool about it, but I don’t bring it up because it’s still a little uncomfortable for everyone to talk about,” said Mainz.

He has been subjected to teasing since coming out, but not from where he would have suspected. A parent of another volleyball player taunted him about doing theater. The man mockingly danced around like a ballerina and told him he should choose between doing volleyball and theater.

“It was really strange that the teasing came from a parent I knew and he would say and do what he did. He used my interest in dancing and singing as something against me, however, I refused to let it bring me down in any way,” responded Mainz.

When asked if he could give any advice to a student-athlete that may be considering announcing themselves as gay, Mainz passionately responded, “Don’t be scared to come out. Honestly, it is the biggest relief ever. When I came out it was a breath of fresh air. It was really hard at first, but you get through it, and everyone becomes super accepting over time.”

After spending time gathering many answers to the question posed, the resounding answer within this school is yes.

Gay athletes are and should be accepted in a high school sports setting. However, this is a relatively new phenomenon that is still uncomfortable for some athletes to discuss, but will undoubtedly become easier over time. We live in a time of change where barriers are breaking down.

Talented athletes, regardless of sexual orientation, will always have a place in high school, college, and pro sports.

Perhaps the time has truly come for people to overcome their fear of the unknown and willingly accept people for who they are.

Rising Athlete: Tristan Fauntleroy Mckenzie Malek Staff Reporter

Tristan Fauntleroy has played on the boys varsity volleyball team for three years at Santa Barbara High. The senior plays the position of outside hitter which consists of passing, blocking, and hitting. Fauntleroy has been named to the Second Team of the AllChannel boys team two years in a row. He has played volleyball since he was thirteen years old and plans on continuing to play in college. Finishing up his final year as a Don, Tristan has much enthusiasm to make this season his best yet.

How has playing on varsity affected you as a player?

It has allowed me to play on a higher level, which makes me play better. Also, I definitely enjoy the competitiveness of the sport.

My older brother Taylor is the reason that I started playing volleyball. He had excelled on the volleyball team at Santa Barbara High before playing in college.

What are your plans after graduating from Santa Barbara High School?

I plan to attend NYU and be a part of their business school. I will probably play volleyball at NYU, which is a Division 3 school.

Tristan, a senior at SBHS, has played on the varsity volleyball team for three years.

Photo courtesy of Blake DeVine..

How many friendships have you made as a result of bringing a part of this team?

I have made pretty much all of my friends from volleyball. A lot of them Thats a hard one, but I’d have to say Probably playing both with my friends graduated last year, but once again I’ve winning the Channel League title every and in front of my friends. made a lot of new friends this year.

What is your favorite memory from year. Hopefully we will be able to win it Who or what influenced you on your What will you miss most about all your years of playing on the SBHS again this year. volleyball team? decision to start playing volleyball? playing on the volleyball team?

19

April 4, 2014

Sports

Dons girls complete the most successful season in SBHS history Continued from front page Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

But the Girls’ streak didn’t end there.

Amber Melgoza once again led the Dons through the regional semi-finals with a stellar 34-point performance against No. 3 seeded Mt. Miguel, with the final score of 60-50, advancing them to the finals.

The Dons matched up against Santa Margarita in Ontario where Melgoza and Coleman combined to tally 35 points as they carried the Dons to their first ever Regional Championship.

But in the state finals, Melgoza’s record tying 30 points and the astonishing lights of the Sacramento Kings Arena weren’t enough to push the Dons past Modesto Christian, as they were unable to overcome the superior rebounding of their northern opponent.

Santa Barbara’s success all started on a Saturday afternoon at Azusa Pacifica University, when the Dons bench charged onto the court in celebration of their first So. Cal 3AA CIF Girls Championship in a stunning 67-43 victory over Lakeside. But the Dons accomplished much more than a championship win.

The Santa Barbara High girls basketball team will, for the first time ever, have a place on the wall of winners in the J.R. Richards Gymnasium, commemorating

a season-long struggle against a daunting tide of history. The Dons were able to make it to the So. Cal CIF Championships in 1989, but had never won. “That’s what we were playing for, our place on the wall,” said senior guard Desirea Coleman after the game.

The game kicked off with perceptible nerves on both sides and a low scoring first quarter. It was rugged, constant back-andforth basketball throughout the quarter as Coleman carried the team with five out of the Dons ten points. A she put it: “We treated it like a regular game, fired up and ready to go.” The girls walked off the court after the first quarter with a 10-6 lead and a great deal of momentum.

The Dons continual determination allowed them to put together an impressive 12-0 run late in the second quarter. Highscorer Amber Melgoza led the way with 11 points, accompanied by two three-pointers sunk by Desirea Coleman. The hot hands of these two play makers led to a remarkable scoring frenzy as well as the only points in second quarter coming from the Dons lineup. “In the semi-finals there was a cap over the rim,” said starting forward Amber Melgoza. “So I knew before this game that I needed come out, score baskets, and get into my groove.”

The Dons walked into the locker room at halftime with a 27-16 lead, and most of all, a belief that they could create sports history.

Dons Girls gather in celebration of their first CIF championship win in sports history. Photo courtesy of Tyler Greenwald.

But Amber’s “groove” wasn’t even remotely close to over at the half. She kicked off the third quarter with an immediate steal and layup followed by an “And-One,” as to prove that this game was theirs for the taking. Amber went on to score 14 points in the third quarter with help from Santa Barbara’s Jada Howard and Jocelin Petatan.

“These girls worked so hard,” said coach Butcher after the game. “They are a great group and to watch them compete the way they do makes me very proud.”

Nothing changed for Dons in the fourth quarter other than the fact that the inevitable

became reality. Just when Lakeside looked as if they were going to inch there way back with free throws, Amber went for six points in a row putting the nail in the coffin, with a final score of 67-43. “This is an unreal experience,” said Coleman happily after the win. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around what just happened.”

The Santa Barbara Girls Basketball team (30-6 overall) now celebrates the most successful girls basketball season in all of Santa Barbara High history, an accomplishment that will never be forgotten.

Boys volleyball finds success in Best of the West Tournament Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

The Santa Barbara boys volleyball team kicked off their first tournament of the season in the Best of the West Tournament held in San Diego this weekend. The Dons experienced mixed results as they finished in 5th place in the silver pool and 21st place overall. As a whole, the team was given an accurate glimpse at what they have the capability to accomplish during the remainder of the season.

Santa Barbara started the tournament with a tough loss against Mt. Whitney.

This marked the first ever meeting between these two teams as the Dons were swept in two sets 25-23 and 26-24.

However, the Dons bounced back in the next match and were able to rally and come up victorious against Carlsbad.

“We started off slowly but towards the end of the tournament we began to figure things out,” said sophomore setter Cord Pereira. “By the second day, our coach saw what the most effective lineup was and that is when we started working much better as a team.”

However, the Santa Barbara was not granted very much time to celebrate their victory. The team had to prepare to play their last game of the day against former Division 1 CIF Champion, Huntington Beach.

After faltering to Huntington Beach in only two sets, the Dons were knocked

down from the gold pool.

“Obviously that game didn’t go well for us,” said junior outside hitter Jasper Rhodes. “But I was proud of the way our team played and I was just happy to come close enough in one of the games where we lost by only three.”

Santa Barbara woke up on Saturday in the silver pool, with the determination to improve upon the previous day. In their first game, the Dons looked shaky as they were swept in two sets. They lost to Victor, a team from New York.

After that, Santa Barbara came together as a team and started to play their best volleyball of the weekend. The team finished up the tournament by winning two in a row against Division 1 teams, Edison and Orange Lutheran.

“Will Pulice and Quinn Denkensohn got going in the middle,” said Coach Arneson after the tournament. “They were unstoppable in the middle attack and the team improved tremendously throughout the day.”

Rhodes and Tristan Fauntleroy combined to rack up 37 kills in those two matches alone. Sophomore libero Barron Mainz helped with 14 digs and sophomore Cord Pereira had an impressive 46 assists.

“We performed really well on the second day,” said sophomore Barron Mainz. “Most of the team stepped up as leaders and that is when our chemistry

Setters Cord Pereira left, and Harrison Schell, pose after a sucessful tournament in San Diego. Photo courtesy of Cord Pereira. really began to click.”

This successful tournament has led the team to firmly believe that the season holds a bright future. As Chad Arneson puts it: “We are learning how important it is to play as a whole and the team reached

that goal this weekend. Confidence, teamwork, and the desire to win are the three things that we learned this weekend.

I am proud of these boys and they must come to the realization that the team can be very successful this year.”

20

April 4, 2014

Sports Dons stunned by Chargers in Channel League opener Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

After holding a large lead early on, the Santa Barbara boys baseball team self-destructed during a brutal 9-7 defeat to Dos Pueblos last Tuesday at Eddie Matthew’s Field.

This defeat was especially devastating to the Dons, who have not beaten the Chargers in the past two years.

“After a good start we couldn’t get anything going offensively. We needed to keep the pressure on them but didn’t, and they just slowly chipped away to a victory,” said Santa Barbara head coach Donny Warrecker.”

The Dons started off strong and built a commanding lead with senior ace Gabriel Grandcolas behind the mound. In the first inning, Skyler Sabado hammered a single up the middle to drive in the first run of the game.

“We were hitting the ball really well right from the start,” said third baseman Harry Parker. “With a substantial lead like that, clearly the team was doing something right.”

Shortly after, senior Tim Stickles was beamed with the bases loaded, advancing Grandcolas for the second run of the game. On the next play, Parker was faced with the same situation and came up with a powerful hit to the outfield. This RBI allowed both Ian True and Dalton Schroeder to score and give Santa Barbara a 4-0 lead. The last score of the inning came on a Dos Pueblos’ error that allowed Stickles to steal home and extend the lead

to 5-0.

Later in the game, the Dons were able to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to extend the lead to 7-0. However, Santa Barbara fell-apart after the 5th, allowing nine runs in the final four innings.

“The team needed to play the way we did in the first couple of innings, “ said Grandcolas after the game. “We needed to maintain that energy throughout all seven innings. This is something I know this team can do.”

The Dons’ ace pitched terrifically until reaching the seventh inning. He was then pulled from the mound after the Chargers cut the lead to 7-5. Skyler Sabado was called for relief duties during this crucial moment of the game but nothing could stop Dos Pueblos’ incredible batting rampage.

“The team got ahead early and we started to sit back. This confidence that we had the game in the bag, led to us making careless mistakes. From that point on, the game just went downhill from there,” said senior outfielder Ian True.

The Chargers followed this with a gametying single by Jesse Speier. After being held scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, Santa Barbara played into an extra eighth inning.

In the top of the eighth, Sabado started off with two quick outs before walking his next better. This man on base proved to be catastrophic for the Dons. Next up came Daniel Buratto, who smacked an RBI single to break open the lead. After this, Dos Pueblos clinched the victory by shutting down Santa Barbara in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Gabriel Grandcolas dejectedly walks to the dugout after a tough defeat to Dos Pueblos. Photo courtesy of Blake DeVine “The team needs to work harder and strive to improve every time we go out on the field.

If we do this, the team is never going to stop getting better,” said Sabado.

Despite loosing their first Channel League game of the year, the Dons are confident about their chances this season.

“With this group of guys, I know we will win the next eleven games in Channel League,” added Parker after the game.

After a tough defeat, Santa Barbara (5-1) looks to bounce-back today in a home game against Ventura.

Dons rebound from defeat by dominating Ventura Blake DeVine Sports Editor

Logan Lender won two of three sets last Thursday against Ventura.

Photo courtesy of Lexi Gulden

Harry Deboer and Morgan Hale went unbeaten in singles, and the Santa Barbara boys tennis team won all nine doubles matches in a 16-2 victory over Ventura last Thursday.

“We had a lot of motivation because we needed to get back on track after a tough loss. Sometimes when you lose, it can roll over into the season for a long time so it was important to win here today,” said Hale. The Dons were coming off a 10-8 defeat at the hands of Dos Pueblos.

Before the defeat, Santa Barbara had recorded an incredible 114 straight wins in Channel League matches.

“The team is very motivated to get better as the season progresses and to play Dos Pueblos again. Right now, we are playing fine, but every match is more of a learning experience. As long as we keep improving, I am confident that we are going to be very strong by the end of the season,” said Santa Barbara coach Gregg Tebbe.

The doubles team of Matthew McClintock and Jake Sutton also led the

Dons in doubles with three set wins. “It was a tough loss against Dos Pueblos so we were a little bit down after it. Today, we came out strong because we wanted to prove ourselves,” added McClintock.

With a somewhat slow start to the season, some may wonder if this team has a shot a maintaining dominance in Channel League. The Dons have won an incredible 47 out of the last 48 league titles.

“A lot of the other teams in CIF that normally think of us as a powerhouse believe that we are having an off year because we have had a couple losses.

I like the fact that they are ignoring us because we actually have the potential to be a pretty good sleeper team in the playoffs,” added Tebbe.

When asked how the team would respond from its slow start, Sutton enthusiastically responded “we are going to take down all of these teams and it’s going to be amazing. So I strongly encourage everyone to come out and watch these matches because they are intense.”

With the victory, Santa Barbara improves to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in league.