The Forge, Volume 102, Issue 4

Final Soda Machine Removed p. 2 | The Forge Seeks Writers! p. 2 | Editorial: Bring back the SM Cheerleaders? p. 6

THE FORGE Vol. 102 No. 4

SANTA BARBARA HIGH SCHOOL - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Est. 1914

A Look back at Homecoming

SB Trumps Royals in 56th “Big Game”

WASC and You Shall Receive

Tears and joy as Queen crowned | p. 5

San Marcos no match for Don’s firepower | p. 12

School preps for upcoming accredidation | p. 3

Santa Barbara High School Theatre Dazzles with “Pippin” in Debut Week | p. 4

Pep Rally

The Facilities Master Plan

Final Fall Pep Rally highlights fall sports teams p. 6

What will the SBHS of the 21st century look like? The financial reality of school improvement meets the dreams for the perfect school. | p. 2

Photo courtesy of Isaac Hernandez

2 | NEWS

THE FORGE

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Big Dreams and Slim Chances: The Facilities Master Plan

STAFF

2015 - 2016 700 East Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 966-9101 ex. 5031 Room 31

EDITORS EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Beau Lettieri and Sarina Wasserman

LAYOUT EDITOR Beau Lettieri

BUSINESS MANAGER Sable Layman

NEWS EDITOR Hugh Cook

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Lizzie Saunders

SPORTS EDITOR Tyler Greenwald

OPINION EDITOR Sarina Wasserman

STAFF REPORTERS Chloe Ballesteros-Perez William Blondell Alyssa Cardenas Nancy Carrera Angel Corona Annina Gonzalez Nele Kross Chloe Shaar

BY HUGH COOK At a campus that just celebrated its ninetieth birthday, many students and staff have watched our historic campus crumble over time. However, to the relief of these concerned students and staff improvements may be on the way. A Facilities Master Plan Committee comprised of district leadership and community representatives met monthly with LPA to develop the Master Plan. This new plan is a proposed renovation of the Santa Barbara High campus, with everything from updated computer

labs, to more “twenty-first century” classrooms. These “twenty-first century” classrooms focus more on group learning — concepts that echo the new common core curriculum.

The Facilities Master Plan prioritizes certain renovations, calling window restoration, new classroom furniture, athletics area renovations the highest level of priority.

The facilities master plan lays out the scope of the work, hoping one day to reconstruct the existing kindergarten and reconfigure the classrooms and learning areas. The other areas of work include Science &

Elective Programs, Performing Arts Improvement, Multi-use & Food Service Improvements, Physical Education Improvements, Site Access & Lighting, Outdoor Learning & Quad, Exterior Play Spaces, 21st Century Learning Classroom Flexibility, and Technology Infrastructure. The plan includes a complete reconfiguration of the school’s use of space, along with construction of new buildings to house SBHS’s various programs.

For example, the plan calls for a reconfiguration of the VADA facilities, providing more work spaces, as well as a gallery dedicated to featuring

ADVISOR Otto Layman

Forge Writers Wanted: Do you Have the Write Stuff?

BY LIZZIE SAUNDERS Do you like the Forge? Do you have something to say about Santa Barbara High School? Just like to write and want to have your work featured in a local publication? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should join us and become a freelance writer for the second oldest continuously published student run newspaper in California: the Forge! We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate writers to be published in future issues.

Everyone is welcome to submit a piece.

Whether you have an idea for an interesting article or simply want to write for the Forge but can’t fit it into your class schedule, becoming a freelance writer is for you.

Our newspaper is structured around current school and local news, entertainment, sports and student opinion. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to email us at forge.sbhs@gmail. com or stop by room 31 during fourth period for a visit. Happy writing!

The master plan: a complete reconfiguration of SBHS -- all at the cost of a very pretty penny.

Last Soda Machine Removed From Campus

BY LILY CISEK Since the beginning of the school year many students have noticed the absence of all the vending machines around campus. Originally SBHS had a plethora of vending machines which sold snacks, soda, and water.

However, in recent years SBHS has cracked down on these unhealthy machines, replacing them with only water and PowerAde machines in order to keep students healthier around school. Earlier this year, the water and PowerAde machines were removed in en effort to be eco friendly. Despite the elimination of unhealthy snack and beverage op-

tions on campus, one soda machine was left on campus: hidden away from students in the staff workroom. But of course, all good things must come to an end. That last remaining soda machine was emptied a few weeks ago due to the same reasons of the others: expenses and health reasons.

Many students were disappointed when the vending machines were taken away earlier this year, and now many teachers and staff members have experienced the same feeling as the soda machine disappears from campus forever. But we must remember that it is all for the greater good. SBHS will always miss

that reasonably priced soda during passing period.

the work of VADA students. VADA would not be the only arts program to receive a new space — over ten million dollars is slated for the performing arts department. This would cover renovations of the theatre (last remodeled in 1970), as well as a new performing arts center at the Anapamu entrance to the campus, where the library currently stands. Within the performing arts center would be the band and choir departments as well as a small, multipurpose “Black Box” theatre for smaller theatre productions. The Dance department would also relocate to a new space from their long time location in the Little Gym behind the theatre. The Library will find a new home much closer to the heart of the campus — near the quad adjacent to the current band room. Computer science will also have a dedicated space, and the long awaited culinary academy would become reality.

The budget to carry out the renovation is extensive, coming in at just over 111.2 million dollars for SBHS alone. While this new plan looks very exciting SBHS is not the only school with renovations in sight.

Every school in the Santa Barbara Unified School District has a master plan. Given the enormous cost of the project and lengthy process of these upgrades, few students or staff will live to enjoy the benefits of the renovations during their time at SBHS. The massive scope of the entire plan means it may not be a reality any time soon, and it is hard to see how this fantasy will benefit the student body more than much needed ungraded textbooks and technology. For example, many classrooms lack a class set of textbooks, forcing students to carry a often heavy personal copy to class. Purchasing class sets of books or investing in portable, versatile iPads would benefit students education immediately. While the Facilities Master Plan Committee dreams big, current students would prefer small renovations, such as better bathroom facilities and more comfortable desks.

While these incredible improvements sound promising, “The master facilities plan is currently more of a dream than a reality,” states assistant principal Mr. David Meister. This means that if this plan is put into motion, the process would take a very long time. Although the plan was approved by the board of education in November 2012, there is no real timeline and no concrete evidence of a clear executive plan. Currently, the school has started small renovations such as painting the lockers. For the time being, the best thing that students can do would be to keep the bathrooms clean, and tidy up after your nutrition break.

NEWS | 3

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

You Can Save a Life: SBHS Called to Step Up

WASC and You Shall Receive School Accreditation Due in 2016

BY HUGH COOK

BY NELE KROSS Blood donations are decreasing at a rate of 1% per year, a statistic that concerns the government to a large extent. The United Blood Services Central Coast (UBS) organized a blood drive at Santa Barbara High school earlier this week to help the blood shortage. Senior Julia McCarter from ASB was in charge of running the event and worked (along with other ASB members) to recruit brave students and staff to donate to the cause. It was her first year as head of organizing this event and she was quite pleased to serve in that capacity.

Sign ups for the blood drive took place from October 26th to November 6th in the main hall. 76 generous students and staff signed up to help keep the national blood supply healthy.

To donate, students had to be over sixteen years old and all minors had to have a signed a permission slip.

The drive at took place on No-

vember 10th from 8:00-12:00pm in the gym. Julia thinks that it is really important to donate blood because it is an easy way to save lives and make a difference. After all, it doesn’t take much time. In fact, she donated blood herself.

At the drive staff members had priority, which means that they were able to show up any time throughout

the day and go directly to the front of the line.

After the students and staff took part in the drive, complimentary snacks and water were provided by UBS to keep the donors energy up to compensate for the loss of blood.

This blood drive won’t be last one this year— there is another one coming up in 2016.

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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of six academic bodies responsible for accrediting schools, is coming to Santa Barbara High School in March for its six-year review of our accreditation. This group describes their job this way in their mission statement: “Through ACS WASC evaluation of institutions, ACS WASC accreditation assures the educational community, the general public, and other organizations and agencies that an institution has clearly defined objectives appropriate to education; has established conditions under which their achievement can reasonably be expected; appears in fact to be accomplishing them substantially; is so organized, staffed, and supported that it can be expected to continue to do so; and demonstrates that it meets ACS WASC criteria and accreditation standards.”

There was a recent meeting on SBHS grounds to prepare for the upcoming evaluation.

Ms. Carson, head of the SBHS WASC evaluations, said, “Yes, for our past reviews we have a different chairperson, a person that would be overseeing our visit from the entire committee in March. He is new to us and his name is Alex Fuentes. He is a principal down in Torrance in LA, and he visited SBHS recently to meet with Mr. Becchio, myself, and the WASC leadership teachers and team, to get a feel for what’s going on around campus.”

The process of a WASC evaluation is complicated as Ms. Carson detailed: “When schools are accredited through the WASC process, there are two parts to that, we have to complete a report that is very scripted, on very specific things; we have to do a self evaluation. What are our goals as a school, what data do we have to prove we are making progress on those goals, are we actually doing well. Then we have a committee that actually comes out

and reviews our school. It is their job to validate what we’ve said in the report. To make sure that we doing what we say we are doing, and that we are student centered and that we are making progress in all of our goals.” WASC evaluators look for “good curriculum and instruction, they make sure the needs of all students being met, that teacher and administrators and other staff members are all on the same page, and ensures the community knows what’s going on at the school” The review of the school six years ago was not entirely positive. Ms. Carson explained, “The evaluation six years ago was our big review, and that was the one that did not go very well and I think that was because as a staff we weren’t all on the same page. When the committee came and did the review three years ago, that visit was actually very positive, there had been a lot of changes. I’m really confident in the way our staff is developing, we’ve had a lot to do with Common Core, that’s going really well, we’ve had this bell schedule change, so I am anticipating they will have lots of good things to say.”

Ms. Carson is confident about the outcome of the review: “I feel very positive and optimistic about the review. There are different options, there’s what’s called a six-year clear review. and that means that we have done so exceedingly well with our report and review that nobody from WASC would have to come out and visit the school for another six years.

A six-clear is very rare, we would have to do an exceptional job. So what will most likely happen is we will get what is called a 6-R where we will have another substantial visit in six years, but in either 1 year, a 2 year, or a 3 year interval there would be a small team that would come and do a follow up visit. My expectation is that we will have a 6R. We will be accredited for 6 years but there will be some visits along the way.”

SBHS on the Road: Education Through Travel

BY SABLE LAYMAN Many of the stories that our parents, or at least my parents, tell me from their high school career focus on trips they went on with their school. We, as students, are extremely lucky that we have a high school that gives us the opportunity to adventure across the nation, and even across the world! This year, in particular, we have numerous trips available to us, and the ones that are not available to the entire student body are equally fascinating. The first school trip that is available to seniors is the trip to Ashland, Oregon to watch the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in early March. This trip is extremely important in helping students learn more about high-quality drama and adds to the AP English Literature curriculum. This trip has been one of the longest standing trips throughout Santa Barbara High School history; this will be the thirty-fourth year that AP English Literature students have attended the festival. During the first weekend of March, students take an all-night chartered bus to Ashland and begin watching shows the next day. Students will see a play on Friday night, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Along with seeing four

well-known plays (one being “Great Expectations” and the other being “Twelfth Night”), students will also be able to go on a backstage tour, participate in a discussion with actors, and create a talent show that is showcased to the other seniors on the trip. If any seniors want to attend, they will have to write an essay explaining why they want to go on the trip; only fifty-two students are able to attend, so seniors should write extremely persuasive essays! This year, two trips out of the United States are offered to the entire student body through the Science Department.

One of them ventures to the Dominican Republic from June 14-21 and will focus on sustainable agriculture practices in local communities and promoting environmentally responsible tourism. Not only do you get community service hours, but you are also able to snorkel beside coral reefs and explore the rainforest. The second trip that is offered is the Iceland trip from June 25-30; it focuses on exploring the various surroundings of Iceland (volcanoes, geothermal vents, hot springs, etc.) If either of these sound interesting, the signup deadline is coming up next month so make sure to contact Ms. Kahn in room 103 or email her. Although we

wish that all trips were available to us, some select groups are able to adventure around the world and come back with amazing diversity and unique experiences. The elite choir, the Madrigals, often travels to Europe to sing in churches and around european streets. Many times, this is what lures students into the group. Fundraising for the trip is a tremendous task but is often met. Along with the Europe trip, the Madrigals and other choirs also go on a trip to San Francisco ever so often to compete in Heritage

Festival. I was able to travel with the Madrigals to San Francisco two years ago and it was an amazing event; not only do you get to compete against high schools across the nation and better yourself as a singer, but you get to walk through Ghirardelli Square and walk up and down the hillsides of San Francisco with your best friends. M.A.D. also plans a few trips throughout the year. Every year, MAD students go to Mexico to assist in building houses. Along with the Mexico trip, MAD also plans a soph-

omore and junior trip which aims to bond the class as a whole. All in all, Santa Barbara High School gives great opportunities for the entire student body to become more culturally diverse and helps students develop a broader curriculum through different trips. If any of you have the chance to go on one of these trips, I highly recommend you act fast and contact your teacher about these adventures.

4 | NEWS

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

“Glory, Glory:” Pippin Dazzles in Debut Week SBHS Theatre produces reinvented version of Broadway classic

Bradley DeVine plays the title role of Pippin, an extraordinary young man looking for fulfillment in his life – Will he find what he is looking for? | Photo Courtesy of Isaac Hernandez

BY LILY CISEK ‘Did I purchase tickets to a magical circus act? Or return from a long, well spent time at a library full of bewitched books? Or did I simply see the talented young actors of our high school community put on a breathtaking show?’

This is what I was left thinking as I left the opening night of Santa Barbara High School Theatre’s Production of Pippin, last Friday night. Many enchanting characters and fabulous actors took me, and the rest of the crowd, through a whirlwind of storytelling with singing, dancing, and circus acts.

The title character, Pippin, played

by Bradley DeVine, is faced with an issue when he returns from university: what will he do with the rest of his life? Fight wars, or end them? Be with women, or steer clear of their hands?

No matter Pippin’s fate, the audience is promised, “A climax you will remember for the rest of your lives,” as quoted by The Leading Player, portrayed amazingly by Camille Umoff.

Pippin is a Tony Award-winning musical (originally directed by Bob Fosse) that has been produced all over the world — starting out on Broadway in 1972, and since has toured around the country. Just three years ago Pippin made a return to

Broadway with a revival with an approach as innovative as Pippin’s debut: a circus theme.

What I saw was director Otto Layman’s adaptation of the magical production. I promise, this production of Pippin is like no other. Featuring enormous books that opened into sets, wacky props in almost every song and aerial silks hanging from the ceiling for acrobats to perform on, the show was unique from anything I’ve seen before. Most high school plays don’t include talking heads or circus acts right on stage, so seeing the incredible variety in the performance makes the show beautifully entertaining for people of all ages. While the leads sang, the rest of The Players danced around them and used mesmerizing props like never-ending purple ropes in On the Right Track and larger than life tower-like fans in Morning Glow. Each number brought its own disctinctly differnt element. Christina McCarthy, Pippin’s choreographer is to credit for the show’s unique spin on the show’s iconic musical numbers.

That brings us to the music and the costumes. Every song brought a new energy to the show and seemed to open up a new chapter, even when the audience didn’t expect it. From quirky numbers like, No Time at

Pippin’s Father, King Charles (played by the hilarious Quique Hernandez) leads his soldiers into battle against the Visigoths

All (featuring Sarina Wasserman as Berthe) and Extraordinary to more emotional ones such as, I Guess I’ll Miss the Man, sung by Sable Layman as Catherine, I watched as every note was hit and every dance move was executed wonderfully. The orchestra which was comprised of professional musicians was directed my Dr. Jon Nathan of UCSB and was top notch.

Since the play was set in a heightened Medieval times setting, the costumes were grand: King Charles (played by Quique Hernandez) wearing a jeweled crown and The Leading Player dressed in the style of Harlequin with a patch work suit. Other characters, such as Pippin, wore more simple costumes, but definite- Love Song: Catherine (Sable Layman) and Pippin share a tender moment ly not The Players. All Players were dressed head to toe in stripes, tutus and bright colors, their faces featured white and blue clown-like makeup, continuing the circus theme — all designed by resident Costume Designer Bonnie Thor. The mixing of themes and colors was very interesting to see, and surely not expected if you’ve never seen the play before.

Of course, the whole show ended with an unexpected climax, surely one all of us will remember for the rest of our lives. It left the audience questioning many things: what does it mean to be fulfilled? Do we have to know where we are going? And do you ever wish what you chose was WAR -- Battle Scene choreographed by Christina McCarthy reversible?

If you’d like more than just this taste of Pippin and to see the show’s unforgettable ending, it’s not too late.

It is still being shown on Tonight, November 13th at 7pm, Saturday, November 14th at 1pm and 7pm, as well as on Sunday, November 15 at 2pm in the Theatre. Tickets are only $10 for students, and $15 for adults.

If you have a gold card, admission is free! Open up the book and fall into the land of Pippin.

Morning Glow

Aerialist KiSea Katikka ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISAAC HERNANDEZ

NEWS | 5

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Homecoming: a Look Back at “A Night on the Town”

Alana Ochoa | Photo Couretsy of Mitch Klopp

Three of the six homecoming princesses, (from left to right) Talia Sanchez, Kylie Transki, and Amber Melgoza and their fathers wait in anticipation for the 2015 Homecoming Queen to be announced. | Photo Couretsy of Mitch Klopp

BY CHLOE SHAAR Just a few weeks ago the students and staff of Santa Barbara High School once again celebrated SBHS’s annual welcome back celebration, Homecoming. On Friday October 23, the day of the big game, at the end of fourth period music filled the halls of Santa Barbara High School, as cheerleaders danced through the halls kicking off Homecoming weekend. The members of the SBHS music department played their instruments while the princesses were paraded though the halls for all to see.

Before the start of the fesitivities, on Thursday the annual Homecoming assembly was held for the senior class. At the assembly the princesses

were introduced, performed their talents and took part in a variety of games. At the end of the assembly the senior class voted for the Homecoming Queen.

That night was the Homecoming game against Buena. At half time each of the Homecoming princesses was driven in on their own vintage car. Eventually the night reached peak excitement when the Homecoming queen, Priscilla Nolasco, was crowned. Even though the game was tough loss for us, school spirit was not lost, especially as the students and staff witnessed the final Football game ever to be played in Peabody Stadium as we know it.

Finally, The Homecoming Dance arrived the next day on Saturday Oc-

Day of the Dead ends Bowl Season

BY CHLOE BALLESTEROS-PEREZ

As October came to an end, the Santa Barbara County Bowl held its third annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration on the evening of Friday, October 30th. This event included Mexican cultural revelries that payed homage to the dead.

Local artists created beautiful altars to honor deceased friends, family, and musicians. The Bowl included performances from Latin bands such as Kinky, Bomba Estèreo, La Santa Cecilia and Chicano Batman.

Shrines were covered with vibrant Marigold flowers and were set up throughout the venue. A distinctive art piece that was represented by Santa Barbara High School included two black Lowrider bicycles, a decorated

coffin, and an artwork stand. One bicycle was on the ground, surrounded by Rosemary and Marigolds, fake bones, as well as small square mirrors with painted skeletons on them. The other Lowrider bicycle was supported by its kickstand with roses placed on various areas and even had a skeleton sitting on the seat, positioned to look like it was riding the bicycle.

Aztec dancers, Mariachis, and large crowds with skull painted faces roamed around the venue and created an energetic and pleasant atmosphere. For one night, the Santa Barbara County Bowl was transformed into a fun and enjoyable tribute the whole community was able to participate in.

tober 24. Students arrived in their finest attire, while staff volunteers chaperoned the event. New York A Night on the Town was the theme of the dance. The dance was filled with excited students taking pictures, dancing, eating candy, and conversing under the stars.

As students walked into the main hall they had the opportunity to have their photos taken by a group of professional photographers. After this was where the real excitement began.

As students entered the meadow, there was a series of beautiful decorations and colored lights. There were twinkling lights hung up on the walls and ceiling reminiscent of the light of New York City; there were bold, bright letters that read NYC, and a

huge backdrop that displayed the the skyline of the city with the Brooklyn Bridge in the foreground. At the heart of the dance was an amorphous clump of dancing students on a dance floor. The DJ played upbeat popular songs that everyone could dance and sing along to. The music was so loud

many students lost their voices from yelling and singing. The dance also included a photo booth where people could take photos with wigs, masks, and funny hats. Overall the whole night was a blast and everyone had a great time.

The crowing of the Queen, Priscilla Nolasco | Photo Couretsy of Mitch Klopp

Veterans Honored with Hallway Display

BY WILLIAM BLONDELL Every year, around this time, The SBHS halls are plastered with portraits of our brave alumni killed in battle. These men and women served in World War 1, World War 2, Vietnam, Korea, and Afghanistan. To protect our freedom, these courageous veterans gave up their lives so that we could live ours the way that we do. We appreciate your service, and are grateful for the lives that you layed down to protect us.

Mr. Bill Dodson, history and government teacher, years ago began the annual tradition when he payed out of his own pocket to get these pictures (found in SBHS yearbooks) laminated. Since then he has upheld

the tradition to ensure that these local heros are remembered forever.

If you haven’t already, make sure to

take a look when the exhibit returns next November.

Comic by Kieran Meaney

6 | NEWS

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Goodbye, Peabody: Final Rally Before Renovation

Boom! Peabody Stadium was covered in olive and gold powder during Friday’s Pep Rally -- the final fall Pep Rally in the Original Peabody Stadium | Photo Courtesy of Lauren Duggan

BY ALYSSA CARDENAS

as it progressed, definitely showing more enthusiasm and pep than September’s pep rally. Starting off, the fall sport captains introducing themselves the rally was quickly led to two amazing performances from our cheerleaders and dance team. After,

Peabody Stadium has been the heart and soul of social and athletic events since 1924. Hundreds of football games, soccer games, as well as countless graduations and pep rallies have taken place in the historic stadium. But all things must an end. Last Friday Peabody Stadium held its final pep rally in Peabody Stadium. Due to the occasion, ASB had no intention of this final pep rally being anything less than outstanding.

With the help of pep and rally, the student body became more hyped

Innocent Joke brings Controversy

BY ANNINA GONZALEZ For many years, during the school pep rally leading up to the Big Game between SBHS and longtime rival San Marcos, Santa Barbara football game varsity football players would dress in cheerleader drag for a skit mocking San Marcos cheerleaders. Over the years a growing constituency of students representing varied interests including but not limited to feminists, the LGBQT community and supporters fought to eliminate this tradition due to its perceived inappropriate, degrading, and demeaning innuendo and characterizations. With the advent of Homecoming and all the traditional events surrounding Homecoming, we decided to re-visit the debate.

Originally, when I began this article, I intended to argue that the SBHS tradition of varsity football boys should be brought back. After all, it was all in good fun, it was tradition, no one was harmed, it was funny: all reasons given for the retention of the practice. But three lines into trying to argue why it wasn’t offensive it became very apparent to me that this tradition was put to rest for good reason.

In trying to keep an open mind, we held an in-class debate. Objections to the tradition were aired, and there was equal passion on

both sides of the debate. First, a refresher in the nature of the skit: at the schoolwide pep rally, a varsity football boy is sent out in a stylized costume reflecting what had become the stereotypical view of what constituted a “SM cheerleader”: a big blonde wig, overly large breasts and a dramatically over-sized rear end, all stuffed in a cropped cheerleader uniform. As they reach the audience they begin tripping and giggling, playing like a senseless child, touching their bodies inappropriately as the crowd cheers and laughs mocking the caricature of the “typical” cheerleader.

Re-inforcing the stereotype was egregious enough to stop the practice, many felt, but it went beyond mocking San Marcos: it sexualized cheerleaders, denigrated them as persons, and completely disregarded the athletic nature of cheerleading as a legitimate sport.

Another group of students on school joined in the chorus of angry protest: transgender community and their supporters too felt threatened . I can only guess what great amount of confidence and courage it must take to transition and be open to the world at such a young age, with the concomitant fear of people watching and judging you, so imagine what it must feel like to see the mocking of women made acceptable and pub-

lic. Many students expressed their feelings a lack of a safe place at a school which not only allows such public mockery and stereotypes, but actively encourages it.

On the other side were the people who felt that we had created a culture where overly sensitive people with no sense of humor had become the new norm, and that people just needed to calm down and learn to “take a joke.” They argued that we have become so PC that nothing is allowed to be treated humorously, and that we had become a kind of grim police state dictating what we could and could not say.

People can argue that a tradition is a tradition and there is no actual level of disrespect or degradation; the skit was not designed nor intended to offensive to women but was a way of mocking our rival school through a humorous portrayal of a part of the Big Game.

Since the topic was re-visited we have found that passionate debate still exists on both sides of the question, and we decided to explore the sentiments school-wide: we are taking a poll to see where people today align themselves on the issue. If you would like to participate in this debate, there is a space in the back of this issue for your response. Tradition is tradition, but when is it taken too far?

Our Campus Needs Some TLC

BY SARINA WASSERMAN It is a well known fact among most students Santa Barbara High School that our campus has been ranked as one of the top ten most beautiful schools in the nation. As proud as I am to hold that title with me as a student here, I can’t help but wonder if it is actually true.

Walking through the halls I am

greeted daily by food on the floor, cobwebs and dust, water stains on the ceiling, and peeling paint jobs.

Not to mention the un-usable state of many of the bathroom stalls throughout the school. While it seems easiest to simply blame government funding and the custodial staff for the terrible condition of our school, in reality it is us, the students, who cause most of this

damage. The custodial staff works endlessly and tirelessly to keep this school pristine but when students don’t respect our campus it is impossible for our school to ever look good on a consistent basis. It is up to the student body, to treat our campus with care. If we can accomplish this, our school will not just be top ten most beautiful schools, we will be number one!

a game was held with four students from each class, to compete against each other in a relay completing tasks that were not only challenging but lubricated. To the surprise of the student body, while the student body was getting pumped, bombs of colorful powder and confetti were blown from every section filling Peabody Stadium with a variety of colors and a sparkles. To conclude this bittersweet end, our Don came onto the field riding a horse to fight the Royal lion only to have him dragged across the field with his lasso.

EDITORIALS Editorial Policy: While we will do everything possible to grant the greatest range of free expression to our contributors, The Editorial Staff and Faculty reserve the right to edit for objectionable language and space constraints. The opinions expressed here are not those of the Forge or its staff as a whole.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

BY ANNINA GONZALEZ It may be the senioritis or I may just be straight up lazy but recently I have made less of an effort to put makeup on before school and it was no surprise that people had things to say about it, things like, “Are you okay? you look kinda sick” or “Wow you’re not wearing any makeup are you?” Why is it that makeup has such an impact on our daily lives and why do people feel it’s necessary to tell me what they think? I’m tired of being in a place where I’m in constant fear of judgement about how I look. It’s time to take a stand and say something. I realize that it probably seems like I’m attacking people who wear makeup but believe me, I understand your struggles. I bet it feels the same when someone says, “You should take it down a little” or “you would be really pretty if you wore less makeup.” What I’m trying to tell all of you is this: You do you. If you feel comfortable, then good, but don’t let other people make you feel bad about yourself or influence the way you look.

What is the social standpoint on beauty? I find myself asking this question more and more often with a new answer every time.

I have come to the final conclusion, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” meaning beauty cannot be judged by one single person and there is no exact definition as to what beauty is. Humans are art.

We take a clean canvas everyday and paint what we feel reflects our

personalities best. Throughout our school you can find a person of every kind. You can find opposites or you can find mirror images reflecting off of each other, but that’s how it is and no matter what, we reserve no right to tell someone how they should or shouldn’t look. You are your own canvas the students and people around you are their own. Who are we to say what the social norm is? We haven’t even began our lives, much less earned the right to have a say in another person’s existence. It may sound hypocritical but we are all beautiful. We must always remember to embrace our inner beauty above all, the one that makes us who we are. We should all strive to remain individuals, staying true to our hearts, however we choose to look be on the outside, big hair and thick liner or minimal makeup with bare feet, hemp clothing or designer jeans all black coverups or pink sundresses. Who’s to say we can’t be all these things at once?

We need to all strive to spread positivity and love. Take your rude comments somewhere else far away from the people slaying their contours and steer clear of the natural goddesses because we don’t need your nasty words were already fighting against ourselves and how we feel we don’t need another voice in our heads.

SPORTS | 7

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Water Polo Triumverate Pace Dons in Playoffs ‘But How Do They Get the Horse in the Water?’

From Left to Right: Jack Rottman, Adam Gross, and Sawyer Rhodes | Photo Courtesy of Sarina Wasserman

BY ANGEL CORONA The Santa Barbara Water Polo team is not your average high school team.

As we go to press, the Dons currently hold a 14-game winning streak and a record of 17-4. While the whole team deserves credit for such extensive success, Adam Gross, Jack Rottman, and Sawyer Rhodes in particular merit great attention. Adam Gross, one of our star water polo players, explained in a recent interview that water polo demands a lot of practice and determination, like finding a pool outside and swimming a couple 1,000 yards on his own time. Water Polo practice includes weight lifting Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays early in the morning. Good nutrition and a lot of rest is important for maximum recovery and staying in shape.

Typical practice starts with a warm up and swimming conditioning for 30 minutes followed by ball-handling and reaction drills for the goalie. After that, they do a 6 on 5 scrimmage which excludes a person from either

team during practice to make things more challenging. Water polo is like Soccer in the water, but requires only Seven players on each side including the goalie. The point of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent’s net while keeping that same ball out of your own net. It requires both offensive and defensive strategy. In water polo you can do anything under water, as long as the referee doesn’t see, which makes water polo a high contact sport. One must stay close to the player they’re guarding and put a lot of pressure on them to prevent them from scoring. Like every great athlete there is a point in time in which something or someone attracted our star water polo players to this sport. “I was inspired by a lifeguard who noticed how well I swam at the age of nine,” Adam said=, the lifeguard then spoke to his Dad. They knew nothing of the sport until the lifeguard had invited them to an open house for water polo. From that moment Adam loved it, and has been competing ever since. Saw-

yer Rhodes, another star water polo player, says his story is different. “I was pressured into playing the sport because I carpooled with other water polo players.” Jack Rottman, another impressive player, pushed Sawyer and Adam to play as well. Together they have all encouraged each other to train with consistency and intensity. They reveal that they like the competitive aspect of the sport and that the most challenging aspect is the swimming and the high demand for cardiovascular fitness. These three players hope to get into a good college with the sport and intend to stay with it as long as they can. Adam is even going to try out for the Maccabi Games in Israel. All three players hope to maintain the winning streak they are currently keeping up. Their team goal is to at reach the CIF semi finals and have a good season overall.

Dons fall short of Marlborough in CIF Opener Cut out and return to box outside The Forge, Room 31

Santa Barbara 4, Marlborough 14

Cade Sorensen swept all three of her singles sets, but the Santa Barbara High tennis team suffered a 14-4 road loss to Marlborough in opening round of CIF Division 1 playoffs. | Photo Courtesy of Presidio Sports.

BY TYLER GREENWALD Despite a perfect performance from the dependable Cade Sorensen at the No. 1 singles berth, the Santa Barbara High tennis team was un-

able to overcome Marlborough in the opening round of CIF Division 1.

The Mustangs --who finished second behind Harvard Westlake in Mission League -- ousted the Dons by the score of 14-4 in a challenging

road matchup last Wednesday.

Sorensen swept all three of her singles sets, allowing only four games past her in the process. She swept 6-0, 6-2, 6-2. Santa Barbara’s additional point that got the Dons to four came from the duo of Eva Kershner and Alexia Berton in the early round.

“We are looking forward to next season now that we have gained a lot of experiences and grit, determination and lasting friendships,” said coach Sally Becker in regard to the season as a whole. Although the Dons’ season came to a close with the loss, Sorensen advanced to the Channel League Individual tournament, forging her way all the way to the finals where she was beaten by San Marcos’ Yuka Perera.

Santa Barbara finished second in Channel League behind rival San Marcos and will look to reclaim the title next season.

Do you think it is socially acceptable for our male football players to dress up as female cheerleaders?

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8 | SPORTS

THE FORGE

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Dons go out with a bang in the annual “Big Game” versus San Marcos

Running back Sean Babcock breaks away from a defender in the second half | Photo Courtesy of Mitch Klopp

BY TYLER GREENWALD Last year, the Santa Barbara football team faltered in heartbreaking defeat to its rival San Marcos in the annual “Big Game.”

This year, the Dons were determined to get their revenge, and they went far beyond a simple victory to do so. Quarterback Brent Peus and his excellent receiving core posted five touchdowns while the defense was busy recording its first shutout of the year, all of which made for an easy 37-0 demolition over San Marcos in the 56th meeting between the two teams last Friday.

The victory also marked the final game of the season; it was announced Sunday that Santa Barbara did not qualify for the at-large berth in the CIF Western Division playoffs.

The Dons scored on their first five possessions, the first of which was an 81-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Sean Babcock. The opening score gave Santa Barbara a 7-0 lead with 8:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Angel Velasquez picked off the first of three interceptions to set up the second touchdown of the game, which came off a 13-yard strike from Peus to Bigelow with 3:30 left in the quarter.

The Dons’ subsequent drive began at the opposition’s 24-yard line after the Royals coughed up a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Santa Barbara had to resort to Alea Hyatt after they were unable to convert a first down, and she knocked one in from 34 yards out to increase the deficit to 16.

Jeremiah Nicholson then intercepted a San Marcos pass on third down to set up Peus’ third touchdown of the game, finding Bigelow again on a 20-yard route. The speedy wide out finished with nine catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

The Dons’ last touchdown of the half came after runningback Sean Babcock broke open for a huge 25yard gain to put Santa Barbara in striking distance once again. It was Donavon Zavaleta who reeled in this one off the hands of Peus on first down.

Peus finished with 294 yards passing, 53 rushing yards, and 5 touchdowns, his last of which was a 17-yarder to 6’5’’ wide receiver Blake Kelley. Peus additionally received the player of the game award.

Multiple Dons players hoist the “Big Game” trophy after the game in celebration Photo Courtesy of Mitch Klopp

Boys Water Polo & Girls Volleyball clinch CIF Playoff spot Elite Sports Teams Gear up for Championship Run

BY TYLER GREENWALD The Santa Barbara boys water polo team has had an exceptional season thus far, posting a going 24-5 overall, and a 7-1 in Channel League and has thus earned itself a top spot in the CIF Division 2 playoffs.

Specifically, the Dons are seeded fourth in the tournament and merit the advantage of being at their own facility in the playoff opener, where they are set to face Riverside’s ML King, (14-11), the No. 2 team from the Big VIII League.

The 2015-2016 year marks the first time the Santa Barbara boys water polo team has secured a playoff spot since 2012, when they lost in the championship.

The Dons finished the regular season co-winners of the Channel League title, splitting with crosstown rival San Marcos after the Royals prevailed in the second meeting between the two teams just last week.

In the first matchup, the Dons came out on top 12-8, and recently

Lourda Weger goes up for a kill against three Dos Pueblos blockers earlier in the season. The Dons will face Norco in the first round of CIF playoffs.

Photo Courtesy of Presidio Sports.

Santa Barbara recently fell to San Marcos in the second meeting between the two teams, resulting in a split of the Channel League title.

Photo Courtesy of Presidio Sports.

were unable to come back all the way back from a 4-0 deficit and falling just short with a score of 7-6.

However, Santa Barbara will look to establish itself as the better team on Thursday when the Dons kick off the CIF playoffs.

Because of with a slightly lower seeding, Santa Barbara will have to travel to Norco for the opening round. Norco has an especially high state ranking and currently holds an impressive 17-8 record.

With football and girls tennis sea-

As for the girls volleyball team, it too has been solid this season, as the Dons have battled their way to a 14-12 record and a third place position in Channel League. That record earned them a place in the CIF Division 1A playoffs.

son having both come to end, the Dons must now rally behind what’s left of our CIF bound fall sports: the boys water polo team and the girls volleyball team.