The Forge, Volume 99, Issue 8

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SBHS

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2013

Volume 99, Issue 8

Email: forge.sbhs@gmail.com

May 31, 2013

Santa Barbara High School Prom 2013: Finding Neverland

Santa Barbara High School’s 2013 Prom Court poses for a photo on May 25th at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort.

Photo Credit: Roberts Photography Emma Deardorff After two weeks of Editor-in-Chief ticket sales, months of planning, and eighteen years of psychological preparation, prom has come and gone for Santa Barbara High School’s 2013 graduating class. Was it just like the movies? No. The queen did not break her crown to give to her fellow nominees. No brave, dateless boy took the stage to confess his feelings for the girl of his dreams. And, as far as I know, no cereal killers decided to play hide and seek with the unsuspecting guests.

Despite lacking a Hollywood edge, it was a night to remember (if you can).

The dance didn’t start until 9:30, but, for most (girls), it was an all day event.

Hair, makeup, and nail appointments were scheduled weeks in advance and attended with anxious anticipation.

Dinner plans were and carried out with the help of friends and family. Pictures were staged and taken. Limos or party buses were rented and boarded, and the

drive to prom began.

For the second year in a row, it was held at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort, though, this time it was in one of their beautiful ballrooms rather than the courtyard. I arrived late (as most people try to), and was soon confronted with an unbelievably long line of...all girls.

Everyone attending the dance had to be patted down at the entrance and girls could only be frisked by a female security guard. There was only one. Boys, on the other hand, were able to enter the dance fairly quickly as there were multiple male security guards to check them.

After moving slowly through the line in uncomfortably high heels and no jacket, we were given a bracelet, stamped on the hand, and allowed to enter the building, check our belongings (including those uncomfortable shoes), and head into the dance.

Inside was the London skyline, hanging lights, a dance floor scarcely occupied, and the DJ dressed in pirate’s clothes and

blasting not-so-great music. There were two stations for photos: one by the door and one in the game room. The second was a photo booth style and was actually quite fun. Everyone was able to get a printout of four photos of themselves as their friends to take home and put in the key chains that were given out as gifts upon exiting the dance.

In another game room, there was an awkward game of Just Dance, which successfully put smiles on the faces of a few students, and a candy table, which had much more success in that area. Back in the main room, along the opposite wall, was another table of food, which held cookies and brownies as well as fruit, and a mocktale bar.

All in all, the dance was okay, but probably not worth the $70 ticket, expensive dress or tux, limo, corsage, shoes, and anxiety that it caused. After Prom, however, is a whole mother story.

The late-night/early-morning party hosted by the PTSA at Zodo’s Bowling

and Beyond cost only $15, had a casual dress code, and was a lot of fun.

At the Wheel of Fortune, everyone was a winner, receiving gift cards, coupons, or cash worth as much or more than the cost of their ticket. Airbrush tattoo artists stenciled on colorful designs to willing guests, and cartoonists drew caricatures of anyone who could sit still long enough to get one done. There was also a photo booth with fun props, blackjack, arcade games, and, of course, bowling. Raffles also took place every 30 minutes or so as expensive prizes were given out.

Around 3:00, the crowd started to thin as students either went home to sleep or to another after party, but, for those willing to tough it out, the best raffles were yet to come and all of the free games were now line-free as well.

For $15, After Prom was well worth the money and the sleep deprivation. In fact, it was even more fun than the dance itself.

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May 31, 2013

Staff From the Editors Editors Emma Deardorff Matthew Wallock Editors-in-Chief Sandy Campbell Layout Editor Yvonne Murillo La Forja Editor Griffin Saxon Entertainment Editor Anthony Spann Sports Editor Adam Betters Website Editor Alida Siegel Copy Editor

Staff Reporters Violet Cheverez Emma Cisek Shannon Comstock Muriel DeAragon Emma Dene Nicola Freeland Edoardo Kaplan Mian Laurain Ameliana Marshall Shannon Rogers Theodore Smith James Sperlin Sky Ulep Courtney Werthman

Advisor Stephanie Rivera

Business Manager Ashlen Weddington ads.forge.sbhs@gmail.com

Advertise with The Forge!

Contact: Ashlen Weddington Business Manager ads.forge.sbhs@gmail.com ads.forge.sbhs@gmail.com ads.forge.sbhs@gmail.com

Emma Deardorff Dear Forge readers, Editor-in-Chief My coeditor left me very little room to write my letter to you, but that’s okay because all I really have to say is this: Good-bye.

I am a senior this year, so I will be leaving The Forge at the end of the year to pursue a college career as a journalism major at the University of Miami in Florida.

I will never forget my time working for this paper as it has helped me to discover my passion and decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. Last year was my first year at The Forge, and I never would have guessed that I would ever be Editorin-Chief when I signed up. But, with

the majority of the members at the time being seniors, and the advisor leaving for a different job, someone needed to step up to the plate, so why not me?

This year started off rocky: we had a new advisor, a new staff, and I was nowhere to be found. For the first four weeks of school, I was in a rehab facility in Arizona with no way to work on The Forge and no hope to help the class.

However, The Forge went on thanks to Matthew Wallock. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know what would have happened.

He stepped up in my absence and put out the first issue of the 99th volume of The Forge with the help of our great advisor, Ms. Rivera, and out layout editor, Sandy Campbell. During those first weeks,

Matthew earned his position as Editorin-Chief, and he never stopped proving his worth for the rest of the school year, catching most of my hundreds of spelling errors and doing all of the behind the scenes work to make sure that The Forge continued to run smoothly.

To him, I have just one thing to say: Thank you.

I may be moving on to another state, another school, and another school newspaper next year, but I will always be here to lend The Forge a helping hand when needed, and I can’t wait to see the 100th volume of the paper next year.

Thank you and good-bye!

Matthew Wallock Editor-in-Chief

Students, staff, faculty, peers, alumni, community members, friends, and enemies: My name is Matthew Wallock and I am a junior at Santa Barbara High School.

Approximately eighteen months ago, at the beginning of my sophomore year, I volunteered to do freelance photography for The Forge. At that time, The Forge was a club that met once a week. I would begrudgingly poke my head into Room 72, touch base with the Editors and Advisor (shout-out to Kelley, Sophia, Aaron, and Blake), and then send in a few photos.

As I came to more meetings, I realized that The Forge was desperate. And I really do mean desperate: no class, no money, and no real infrastructure. Each and every issue was piecemealed together at the last minute. Perhaps out of sheer pity, I started writing articles. Soon I was writing everything from concert reviews to captain interviews. I wrote about Pep Rallies, pranks, and our new principal. I wrote about traveling to San Marcos and traveling to Vietnam. By the end of the year, I was leading the effort to reinstitute a journalism class at SBHS. I was eager to reinvent The Forge.

Finally, journalism was offered as a fifth period elective. Over the course of this school year, my Advisor, Editors, and I trained a class of students in the fundamental skills of journalistic writing.

We published eight issues, including a special Holiday Edition and the Senior/ Grad Edition that you are reading now.

We founded a new Forge website and Facebook page. We shared inspiring stories from on campus and off. We captured Santa Barbara High School in such categories as News, Editorials, Features, Entertainment, La Forja, Sports, Resources, and so on. We vivaciously explored all that this school has to offer, and then published what we found.

I am deeply grateful that so many people from our school, community, and country continue to support The Forge.

Today, we are primarily funded through the generous donations of individuals and organizations, most of whom have worked on The Forge in some capacity over the last century. It isn’t uncommon for us to receive letters, donations, and visits from past editors, photographers, and reporters.

The SBHS Journalism class poses for a photo outside of the English building.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Rivera Thank you to John Campilio (1953), John Pasquotto (1936), Ann Fingarette Hasse (1965), the PTSA, the SBHS Alumni Association, the Lopker family, the Foundation for Santa Barbara High School, John Becchio, Dan Williams, Bob Young (1953), Sharron Keinath Henning (1974), Laura Davis Wilson (1967), Gloria Cavallero (1972), Micah Killiman, and Maggie Light. I would also like to thank our advertisers (especially Giovanni’s), who have always been understanding and cooperative.

Thank you to my co-editor, Emma Deardorff, who remains more passionate about The Forge than anybody on this planet. I know that she will do great things at the University of Miami, whether writing about fashion or designing magazine spreads. Thank you to my Business Manager, Ashlen Weddington.

Under her leadership, we have climbed out from under a mountain of debt. Thank you to my wonderful Layout Editor, Sandy Campbell, who spends hours a day on InDesign and Gmail. She is the artistic genius behind our print design. Thank you to my main section Editors, Adam Betters, Griffin Saxon, and Anthony Spann, who have all played vital roles in The Forge’s success this year. Thank you to my staff (I wish I could name you all right here but I don’t have enough space).

When we brainstorm for an upcoming issue, I am always inspired by your creativity. You are the heart and soul of the paper, and I hope that you continue to share your passions with your peers.

Of course, I couldn’t forget to thank YOU. This publication would have no

purpose without an audience. So thank you to our readers and subscribers for staying connected.

Lastly, I want to thank Stephanie Rivera. Most of you know her as a James-Bond-loving chemistry teacher, but I have learned over the course of this year that she is much more than that.

For those of you who don’t know, Ms. Rivera volunteered to be the Advisor of The Forge when all hope was lost. The Forge would not exist today if it weren’t for her bravery, courage, enthusiasm, and dedication. She had no obligation to take on this challenge, but she chose to embrace it. Her ambitions have helped push this newspaper to new heights.

Thank you, Ms. Rivera!

So there you have it. That’s how The Forge defied all odds. That’s how The Forge prevailed. That’s how The Forge turned 99-years-old but is more alive than ever before.

However, I am resigning from my current position. I have been given several incredible opportunities for this summer and next school year that I cannot pass up. My resignation will be effective upon the end of this school year, but I hope to stay involved in the future.

I have extended an offer to Anthony Spann to become Editor-in-Chief, and I believe he will work hard to maintain The Forge’s reputation as a wonderful part of Santa Barbara High School and this entire community.

Thank you once again, and GO DONS!

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May 31, 2013

News

SBHS students shocked by Boston bombings Ed Kaplan Staff Reporter

At around 2:49 pm, April 15th, 2013, two pressure cookers violently exploded near the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon. In their path of destruction lay hundreds of people, three of whom were killed, and 264 of whom were injured.

The city of Boston subsequently went on lockdown until 8:42 pm of April 19th, when the manhunt was finally over and the only surviving suspect was taken into custody. This has been the most violent and tragic terrorist attack on the U.S. since 9/11.

After the two blasts shook the marathon, the area around the finish line became a frenzy. Until the EMTs arrived on the scene, bystanders ran to and fro helping the injured, most of them functioning on pure adrenaline, which allowed them to successfully help without being deterred by the horrendous sight.

“It amazes me that people can cause this massacre. I’m glad that we caught them before any more destruction happened,” commented Santa Barbara High School sophomore, Seamus Herrel. Sophomore Francisco Zarate also remarked that it is sad “because too many people lost their loved ones.”

As the chaos died down, the FBI released photographs of two suspects, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, only 19, and his brother Tamerlan, 26. The fifteen-block area surrounding the marathon was then shutdown, along with the MBTA transport system, and later MIT and various sporting events.

The brothers next appeared on the

A crowd reacts as two bombs explode near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15th, 2013.

Photo Credit: Japantimes.co.jp public’s radar late at night on April 18th, when the two murdered a police patrol officer, Sean A. Collier, at MIT. They then successfully escaped the scene by carjacking a Mercedes SUV and forcing the driver to withdraw money from a nearby ATM. The hostage, however, was lucky enough to escape the duo and call 911 as they stopped for gas.

Police later spotted the SUV during the early morning of the 19th, and a violent firefight ensued. During the fight, multiple policemen were injured as homemade grenades were tossed in their direction, and Tamerlan was shot and later run over by his brother in a hasty attempt to escape.

Later that day, Dzhokhar was discovered hiding out in a boat in the backyard of a nearby home and was taken into custody.

No longer a threat to the public, Dzhokhar was interrogated at the hospital facility where he was taken. Officials learned from him that the brothers were not connected to Al Qaeda or any other major terrorist group, and had planned the attack on their own.

After both brothers moved to the U.S. from Chechnya, Tamerlan found it difficult to assimilate into American culture, and subsequently grew more and more extremist. His 2012 trip to Dagestan, Russia, is also believed to

have contributed to his violent actions.

Dzhokhar apparently followed in his older brother’s footsteps, becoming increasingly angry at America and turning into a more fundamentalist Muslim. In Dzhokhar’s final hideout, authorities also found a note stating that the attacks were retaliation for all the innocent civilians the U.S. army had killed in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I was taking the CST when I heard about the bombing, and at the time I thought it was all just a hoax,” stated sophomore, Daniel Garcia. In fact, Garcia was not the only one who did not initially believe the tragedy. The brothers’ mother claimed not being able to imagine that they had taken part in the bombing, and Dzhokhar’s friends allegedly texted him saying he looked similar to the suspect.

Also indicted in the aftermath of the tragedy were Azamat Tazhayakov, Dias Kadyrbayev, and Robel Phillipos. All three were charged with hindering the investigative process, as Tazhayakov and Kadyrbayev were caught destroying evidence when they learned that their friend Dzhokhar had taken part in the bombing, and Phillipos had given false statements to the police.

The Boston attack was a terrible case of religious fundamentalism taken a step too far. Besides killing people, it created massive disruptions in Boston’s daily life as officials were forced to close down a large portion of the city and stop most from performing their daily duties.

The events that took place in Boston are tragic not only to Bostonians, but to all Americans.

New MAD building finally completed

The new MAD buiiding sits on the corner of Nopal and Canon Perdido.

Photo Credit: Sky Ulep Sky Ulep Staff Reporter

If you’ve been near the English building this school year, you may have noticed a construction zone in the building on the corner of Canon Perdido and Nopal. After several years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the Multimedia Arts and Design Academy has a shiny, high-tech, new facility and home.

“The new Santa Barbara MAD Academy is a state-of-the-art institution that fosters a well-rounded education in academic and multimedia fields for each and every student in the MAD community,” marveled senior Stephen Gallivan.

Dan Williams founded the MAD Academy in 1996. By 2006, the program had grown so significantly that it had

reached its capacity of 150 students and began searching for additional space so as to admit more students. “At first we looked at expanding into the back of the old girl’s locker room, adjacent to the old building, where the school currently has storage,” says MAD Academy Director Dan Williams. MAD then obtained a state grant to pay for the construction and create preliminary drawings for the old site. Although these renovations would have solved some logistical problems, it would not have enabled more students to enroll.

In 2008, the SBHS principal asked the MAD Academy to consider renovating the Nopal Street building since La Cuesta had moved to the District Offices downtown. “The Nopal building was a much more appealing option because it accommodated a doubling of the MAD student body to 270 and it also allowed MAD to partner more with the business community,” said Williams. “The biggest challenge was the increased cost.”

Although the building on Nopal is three times the size of the old MAD building, its renovations were five times more expensive than the original plans.

With the help of local businesses Lynda. com and QAD, as well as generous families and the Santa Barbara Unified School District, MAD was able to raise $2.7 million of the $3.6 million move-in costs. The MAD Academy is currently fundraising to cover the difference.

Although the process has taken nearly seven years, the results are incredible.

The new MAD building has abundant natural light and fresh air; it has computer labs large enough to accommodate two full classes, and two production studios to accommodate photography and film production. “The most rewarding aspect of the new MAD Academy building is knowing that students will have the professional space needed to learn and practice relevant career skills,” Dan Williams commented.

Junior Ryan Mori was thrilled to be moving into the new building. “The old building was very cramped and not conducive for students’ creativity.”

Future MAD student and current SBHS freshman Mae Pendergast had similar views. “I think it’s excellent that our school can offer so many opportunities to our student body.”

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May 31, 2013

News EF International partners up with SBHS Forge Matthew Wallock Editor-in-Chief

EF International, or Education First, is an organization that “helps millions of people become citizens of the world by breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography.”

On Monday, May 20th, a few such barriers were broken. Three students from EF Santa Barbara visited a group of Forge staff members for lunch, where they shared their experiences studying abroad.

Maria Agustina, an Academic Year student, Maria Alejandra, an Intensive Course student, and Paula, another Academic Year student, each described thier journey from Columbia and Argentina to Santa Barbara, California.

Through EF International, they are not only learning English, but also expanding

their awareness. Cultural Exchange programs with organizations like MAD and The Forge help these passionate, young students engage in our community.

EF International Language School is celebrating 30 years in Santa Barbara!

Located at 1421 Chapala St, EF will be welcoming 1,200 international students this summer to study English. These students who come from over 50 different countries will study English anywhere from 2-8 weeks at the downtown location. They will also get a unique cultural experience from living with local host families and interacting with Santa Barbara residents and visitors. EF is offering exciting Cultural Exchange opportunities for local families to host an international student this summer. For more information www.ef.com/sb.

Three EF students meet Forge staff members for lunch on Monday, May 20th.

Photo Credit: Matthew Wallock

SBHS Robotics Club finds success at Los Angeles programming competition Courtesy of the SBHS Robotics Club

Left to right: Blake Parsons, advisor, Patrick Napel, Evan Heffernan, John Winsor, Colette Speer, Peter Loomis, Michael Van WIckle, Griselda Mariscal, Max Mercurio and Francisco Becerra. Not pictured: Henry Richardson Photo Credit: SBHS Robotics Club Press Contacts: Henry Richardson, co-president: henrycr512@yahoo.com, 805 729-5845 Colette Speer, co-president: colette@nmh.com, 805-969-9661 Advisor: Blake Parsons: bparsons@sbhsdons.org, 805-215-2784

The Santa Barbara High School Robotics Club won three awards at the Greater Los Angeles Regional Botball competition on Saturday. The SBHS group competed against 40 other teams to write complex programs for two robots. Unlike many robotics contests with robots that are operated by remote control devices, this contest requires that the robots be operated by complex software code written by the students.

The 10-member team were finalists in the competition and also won the Judge’s Choice Award, as well as an award for having one of the top scores in the seeding round.

The robots were programmed to perform sophisticated tasks on a board while competing against another team.

Their robots were programming to identify objects by color using with sensors, and move several of the objects through an obstacle course, all while avoiding interference by the other team.

The students learned to program on

their own, and through special summer courses organized at SBHS. Encouraged by the interest shown by these students, John Becchio introduced an introductory course in computer science principles this year, and hopes to offer additional computer science courses in the future.

The club was founded three years ago by four seniors, all of whom plan to continue studying computer science and engineering in college. Club co-presidents Peter Loomis and Colette Speer major in computer science at Dartmouth and US, while Co-presidents Henry Richardson and Michael Van Wickle will study engineering at Brown and Northeastern.

In addition, senior Griselda Mariscal is planning on taking courses for mechanical engineering at SBCC, and John Winsor will study bioengineering at UC Santa Cruz.

SBHS Physics teachers Blake Parsons and Melissa Woods served as advisors for the robotics club. Other members of the team included Max Mercurio, Patrick Napel, Evan Heffernan, Francisco Becerra and Gabe Speer.

Bomb scare causes lockdown at San Marcos Ed Kaplan Staff Reporter

On Friday, May 10th, San Marcos High School was put under lockdown because of a bomb scare in the nearby Turnpike Shopping Center. The lockdown began around 10:45 AM and ended at 1:17 PM. After catching up with a teen on the run, the police received information from the sixteen-year-old that he had a bomb in his car. The teen is was detained at Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall where he was processed through a mental stability test and awaited a court date.

This has been San Marcos’s third lockdown in the past couple of years, the first one being in late 2011, when a man with a rifle was spotted walking in a nearby neighborhood, and the second one being when a homeless man stabbed a person near CVS. Police were first alerted to suspicious activity when they received a call from the Washington State Police that a missing teen delinquent, who had stolen his family’s van, was thought to be visiting friends in Goleta. After spotting the vehicle in the shopping center’s parking lot, the police

apprehended the teen. The suspect claimed that there were explosives in the stolen van.

A local bomb unit was then called in and the surrounding area was sealed off.

Once the van was successfully searched without incident, the police discovered several simulated devices and an airsoft gun, which had the red tip detached.

Inside the school however, there was no sense of real danger or urgency. Classes ran almost like a regular day, except for being stuck in one room. “After we did all our work for class, we watched TV, played some games, and ate some snacks

we found around the room,” stated San Marcos junior, Jack Haley.

In some areas, however, students were handicapped. “The bathroom situation was difficult. After about two hours, administrators escorted us to the bathrooms. But before that some people went in buckets and other containers,” remarked Jack Haley.

When sophomore Aaron Linker at Santa Barbara High School was informed about the events, he remarked, “It was pretty crazy to hear about. I’m glad it wasn’t a real bomb.”

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May 31, 2013

Editorials Slang at SBHS: savage, milky, and more

Violet Cheverez Staff Reporter

Passing through the halls I’ll hear things like, “Dude did you go to that party last weekend?

It was such a roust!” and the other will reply with, “Yeah man, did you see that girl who threw up? She was so savage.”

I often wonder what these people are saying and how they are able to understand each other. I mean, do they just learn how to use slang like they learn Spanish or English? At Santa Barbara High the lingo that students use is very different than it was in the past. Many hip new words are being thrown around

these days like “Heavy claim,” “rack,” “so fat,” “in my dome” etc. Trying to decode these statements can be quite the task.

As I wandered around lookng for a few suspects who use this modern “language,” I kept asking myself, “Who comes up with this?” I asked one SBHS junior, Ryan Stoll, how people come up with these commonly used terms and his response was “I’ll say words like peter pipe, mick, hackalack, boot, etc. with my friends and they use them with other people. That is when it spreads like a milky wildfire and it gets pretty heavy.”

What is the origin of these lexical wonders? Over time, the young teens of our school incorporate these words and phrases into their everyday linguistics.

New words are brought up out of context in situations to simply be unique and expand vocabulary use.

Sophomore Benji Bird, (who is a native to this strange language) contributes, “I was going to cruise and rack but somebody else was milking and it got in my dome. It was such a claim.”

After giving this quote much thought, I gave up with the decoding and went back to the original suspect. Ryan Stoll

translated accordingly: “I was going to hookup with this chick but somebody else already beat me to it and that made me feel rejected.” All I could think of was how someone could turn “cruise” and “rack” into going to hook up with someone?

After much research on the topic I began to catch on quickly. Although I don’t find myself using words like “Pure,” “Milky,” “Cruise,” or “Durst,” I now understand the meanings of the newly used expressions the young “savages” of Santa Barbara High School.

In praise of fingerpainting Matthew Wallock Editor-in-Chief

Many people believe that individuals are defined by their actions. I propose that our actions are constantly shaped by rules, thus meaning that our personal identities are also shaped by these rules.

And, in case you haven’t noticed, Santa Barbara High School is overflowing with rules. Yes, there are the obvious disciplinary codes, but also the unspoken, unwritten, and unofficial rules. These rules dictate everything from what we think to what we wear to what we say and so on.

For those of you that need me to spell it out for you, rules = restrictions = limits = confinement. At SBHS, assimilation

has become synonymous with mindless conformity. We are frequently adapting to and embracing popular opinions and sacrificing individuality without even thinking about it.

I want to share with you one method to counteract the identity-killing effects of a large public high school like ours. All you need is some paint and paper. It’s time for a fingerpainting revolution.

To me, fingerpainting represents the complete opposite of high school.

When fingerpainting, there are no rules.

Absolutely none. If rules equate to restrictions, limits, and confinement, then no rules equates to the opposite.

No rules = no restrictions = no limits =

liberation. You can draw anything: lines, shapes, faces, trees, colors, smudges, curves, scribbles, waves, cities, friends, and everything else you can (or can’t) imagine.

What black is to white is what fingerpainting is to high school. Like black and white, fingerpainting and high school compliment each other quite nicely. High school provides necessary structure, while fingerpainting provides a form of unadulterated expression, which is equally important. You can’t have too much of either one, because that would throw off the delicate balance. However, I have observed that a huge number of students are at one end of the spectrum:

far too much time is spent stressing out about high school and far too little time is spent fingerpainting. Again I call for a fingerpainting revolution!

Let’s recap: if we, as individuals, are defined by our actions, and our actions are defined by rules, and school is full of rules that we conform to, then we need some force to balance this excess of rules. Alas, fingerpainting serves a crucial function, as it embodies freedom and individualism in the face of conformity. Not to mention, fingerpainting requires absolutely no artistic skill (good for me!).

Save your soul. Have some fun.

Fingerpaint more.

LGs in IV: too young to party?

Shannon Comstock Staff Reporter

For the few who don’t know, Isla Vista is the residential college neighborhood associated with UCSB. It is known for huge burritos, excessive consumption of cheap beer, and all too common dangerous party fouls. Reports of severe alcohol poisoning, injuries resulting from drunken clumsiness, and the rampant use of Benzodiazepine (rufies) surface weekly.

There are even times when this partying turns fatal, as was the case with the young woman who died during the weekend of Deltopia this year. According to reports, she was found on the beach and was identified as a UCSB student. During the autopsy, it was discovered that she had a very high blood alcohol level at the time of her death. Police concluded that she had gotten drunk at a party, wandered off, and fell off a cliff. This is just one of many terrible stories about what can happen in seemingly fun and carefree Isla Vista.

So why are our LGs, otherwise known as the freshman and sophomores at Santa Barbara High School who frequently party with the upperclassmen, making the

decision to party in a place where things like this happen? SBHS senior Hunter Hogan says, “They are just asking for it.”

There’s no doubt about it; Isla Vista is a great place to party, but only for those who are old enough to be there. I think that most people would agree that it’s acceptable for high school seniors and students over eighteen to go participate in the fun, and it’s even alright for juniors if they know how to be smart about it, but definitely not for sophomores and freshman.

A lot of upper classmen were shocked to hear that the younger students go to events like Deltopia. There were even rumors that a few eighth-graders attended the festivities. This is not acceptable because it puts not only the under-aged girls, but also those who live in Isla Vista at risk. Freshman and sophomores have only recently been thrown into the high school party scene, so they are not really prepared to handle themselves at college parties yet. Let’s face it: when you’re fifteen, you’re not yet capable of keeping an eye on whatever you’re drinking (hopefully apple juice), watching your friends to make sure they don’t leave without you or get into trouble, and

IV is known for its rowdy parties.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia pretending to be older than you are at the same time.

Technically, the person whose house you are partying in is partially responsible and liable for your actions. So, if you drink too much of something you’re not supposed to and fall down, break something, pass out, or get sick, that person can get in a lot of trouble. Also, if you’re a little too good about lying about your age, there are a good amount of college guys who could be arrested

and tried as sex offenders because of your lying. If you haven’t gotten your learner’s permit yet, you’re too young for him, bro.

As senior Miranda Campisi said, the underclassmen that go to IV are “too young. That’s like my little sister going to IV. It’s dangerous to go when you’re young.” She is right; freshman and sophomores are too young to be able to go to IV and have a good night while watching their backs at the same time.

When asked what she thought of the LGs that go to IV to party, senior Danielle Baeza said, “When you’re in those grades you want to be cool and act like the big kids, but I don’t agree with it. They shouldn’t be there.”

So LGs, you know who you are, you have been warned; we want to keep you safe and classy, as Santa Barbara High School students ought to be. Everyone is free to make their own choices in terms of where they decide to party, but in general, college parties should be saved for those who are in college, or those who are getting ready to graduate from high school. A good rule of thumb: if you had to lie to your mom about where you’re going to party, you’re probably too young to party in IV.

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May 31, 2013

Editorials Why I oppose gun control James Sperlin Staff Reporter

Gun control has become a widely controversial topic for many citizens of the United States, politicians, news reporters, and the international public alike. Many senators and representatives want to change the Second Amendment, whether they confiscate rifles, reduce bullet caliber, or begin identifying people with mental illnesses, and furthermore, they want to change the Constitution as a whole. Thus I fear they will control more than just guns. As a citizen of the United States, I feel that this is wrong and if this is to be prevented, I will be a part of it.

The world has recently become victim to terrorism in the form of massacre on a much larger scale, and it has caused our country’s citizens and politicians to propose new means of gun control. This all seemed to pick up after the Denver, Colorado movie shooting, when an allegedly mentally ill man killed twelve people and injured around 40. The event caused many to stand up and call out to the government and ask for some national control. Later in the year, the Sandy Hook school shooting pushed the public even further to the proposal of controlling the distribution of rifles, specifically semiautomatic and automatic rifles.

I can understand that rifles could be controlled to end a lot of the shootings and suicide in the world, but, the truth is,

allowing people to still carry handguns is almost hypocritical. The Sandy Hook shooting was done with a handgun and rifle; take a rifle away and there’s still a handgun. Then your instinct may be to take handguns away too. If you were to look into the Constitution you would see that the second amendment is an auxiliary right, which means it supports the natural rights of self-defense, resistance to oppression, and civic duty to act in concert in defense of the state. Resistance to oppression is one of my main points in this argument, because if the government were to turn into a tyrant country, we would have to obey every command and ruling of the government. There would be no democracy and the government would not rely on its citizens input. This would be oppression, and resistance to oppression is one of the main points of both my argument and the second amendment. Taking these guns away would not help our case of terrorism in the country and it would take away our peace of mind.

If the government were to actually pass gun control laws in our country, it would pose a huge threat to our well-being as democratic citizens. First they would take away guns, as I said before, but there will still be a black market for guns and other weapons alike. The black market would not be able to be fully controlled, and I know this because, as of right now, the

Why I support gun control

Adam Betters Website Editor

In 1791, our founding fathers created the greatest instrument of law ever to exist: the US Constitution.

Among other things, it created America as a land of freedom and justice.

The second amendment of that great document states that, “A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Through these words, our forefathers clearly expressed that citizens should be allowed to own guns. And I agree. The framers of our constitution had many reasons to include this amendment: we had just fought for freedom with guns, most Americans hunted for food with guns, and the world was a dangerous place. The men who wrote those words, however, could never have imagined the weapons of today. A modern weapon can fire up to fifteen bullets in one second. A musket, the weapon used in the 1700’s, could fire four bullets every minute. How things have changed.

Before one can debate the value of the second amendment, one has to understand exactly what the amendment means. It says right in the constitution itself that guns need to be well regulated.

In fact, that is the only time in the entire constitution that the word regulation is used.

Every year over 25,000 Americans are killed by guns. When compared with the rest of the world, the United States

is responsible for over 80 percent of all the gun deaths in the 23 richest countries combined.

In just the last five years, we’ve seen a huge number of mass shootings. We’ve witnessed the Aurora Theatre Shooting, which killed 12, including a 6 year old, and injured 54 more people. The recent Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the second deadliest mass shooting in our history, killed twenty elementary school children, six teachers and staff, as well as the perpetrator’s own mother. In 2009 there was the Binghamton Immigration Center shooting, which resulted in the death of thirteen people. The Fort Hood shooting left thirteen dead. Anyone who thinks that these deaths are acceptable is senseless.

A little over a month ago, on April 17th, the United States Senate rejected every gun control bill proposed, including ones that would simply make background checks mandatory. Background checks would prevent criminals and the mentally ill from getting their hands on weapons that can kill dozens of people in just a few seconds. Under the current laws, over forty percent of guns are sold without any type of background check. It’s harder to purchase a car then to buy a gun. There are more permits and checks to renovate your kitchen then to buy a gun. Ninety percent of Americans, both Republican and Democratic, support universal background checks, yet the senate somehow didn’t pass the bill which would

government cannot control the already existing black market for guns. If gun control laws were to be passed in the U.S., the black market would just become more frequent.

Let’s say gun control was passed to reduce the caliber of bullets (size of bullet) instead. First, all guns would be reduced to a maximum of a .375 caliber bullet, and then the public will ask again for lesser caliber bullets. The government will once again follow orders from society and reduce the maximum caliber to .22, then a .05 caliber, then rubber bullets.

Next thing you know, you or your child could use a super soaker to better protect yourselves than with the ammunition the government will allow.

Then the government could say, well we looked at the Second Amendment, how about we take a look at the First Amendment. The government may even take away our most important aspect of the constitution, our freedom of speech.

What will you do then if, after this whole incident, the government does take away our freedom of speech? Lately, congressmen labeled a news reporter, James Rosen, as a co-conspirator so they could receive a search warrant from the justice department. He was traced by phone, because of journalistic information he had acquired about Korean warheads and the First Amendment was violated in the process. Freedom of the press is part

of the first amendment and that is being presently violated. We will not even be considered a free country anymore because our whole idea behind the ‘land of the free’ is our freedom of speech.

Many people believe that these individuals who committed the shootings had mental illnesses that caused them to do so. Identifying them would be a safe way to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

This is one way the second amendment would not be changed, but more defined.

This idea will maintain our peace of mind that we can be safe from tyrants, invading countries, and mentally ill gun users.

I am not saying what will happen, but you’re better safe than sorry. We need to protect ourselves from violence, and taking guns away will not help fight that at all. Taking guns away will not help the fight against the already troublesome black market for arms either. The people of our country will never stop asking for control, therefore, the government will not stop controlling. Their non-stop control will soon get out of hand and this can all be prevented. We need our peace of mind because it will keep us together as a country. Peace of mind is an important part of who we are as a society and as a nation. If keeping our guns is the answer, then I’m all for it.

require them because the National Rifle Association lobbied them, spending over five hundred thousand dollars in one day to prevent these bills form ever becoming law. Less than two percent of Americans are in the NRA, and a majority of those that are in the NRA support background checks, yet congress is held at gunpoint by this extremist lobby, preventing them from doing what the nation wants.

If these gun control laws were put on a ballot in a national election they would pass with an overwhelming majority. I thought that the Senate, the people that we elect to represent the American people, was supposed to do what the people that they represent want. We send them to Washington to represent us, not to do the bidding of a small lobby of crazy people An interesting side note to the specific law that failed in the senate regarding background checks is that a majority of senators did vote in favor of the law. I’ve always thought that a majority vote in the senate, anything over fifty, is a win.

At least, that’s what the constitution says.

But this bill failed, even with a majority vote, because a few Republican senators have magically changed the rules so you now need sixty votes, a “super-majority”, to get anything passed through the senate.

Our founding fathers didn’t intend for the senate to work in this fashion, and it’s a primary reason that nothing gets done in the capitol.

Another bill that was voted down on April 17th was a renewal of the assault

rifle ban, which expired in 2004. Assault rifles were designed for military use; to kill as many people in as short a time as is possible. You cannot use them for sport; they aren’t accurate, and shooting fifteen bullets per second at a target takes no skill. You can’t hunt with these guns; the bullets are too small to kill big game, and, what is the fun in shooting a deer with hundreds of rounds? It defeats the joy of hunting. Assault rifles can’t really be used for self-defense; when you spray dozens of rounds towards somebody you’ll probably end up shooting yourself, a loved one, or a totally random person instead of your attacker. Assault rifles, weapons designed for use in the theatre of war, don’t have a place on our streets or in our homes. They were designed purely to kill as many people as quickly and as easily as possible.

Don’t mistake what I’m saying. I don’t want to ban guns. Not only would that be unconstitutional, it would be wrong.

Plenty of lawful citizens use guns to hunt, for sport, and for self-defense.

Nevertheless, we need to be smart about our guns. Requiring universal background checks on all purchases is smart. Banning large ammunition magazines is smart.

Banning assault rifles is smart. Nobody who thinks straight would oppose these measures, and that’s the problem with our senate. They can’t think straight, even when a vast majority of Americans see perfectly clearly on the matter of gun control.

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May 31, 2013

Editorials Controversy over Adventure Passes Ted Smith Staff Reporter

Depending on which Santa Barbarans you talk to, the Adventure Pass is either a source of community funding at work, or an unending animosity in the form of less individual freedom. The Adventure Pass is especially personal to the backpackers, mountainbikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts who frequently enjoy the Los Padres National Forest, and has sparked a heated controversy over the last decade.

Its conception began as an attempt to fund management facilities and waste disposal throughout much of the Santa Ynez Recreation Area.

However, controversy remains over the effectiveness of this supposed solution, and opponents question the legality of private companies leasing and controlling land that belongs to the public.

Since 1996, the fees accompanying the pass (five dollars per day or thirtyfive dollars annually) have been heavily criticized despite their relative inexpensiveness. These same opponents generally argue against any fees at all in places such as National Parks, Wilderness Areas, or Historical Monuments. They believe such areas should be free of charge not only for monetary reasons, but for sacred ones too – trying to preserve some of the last remaining areas on Earth which man has not altered or collected a tax on.

Although I agree that these areas should be protected from major disturbances such as unreasonable development, I believe many of those who enter these areas don‘t realize what it takes to keep a forest functioning smoothly. Even if you

There is much controversy surrounding the fee required to obtain an Adventure Pass. Photo Credit: SB Independent hike in without a car, pack out all your trash, and implement good fire safety, there are still a variety of public services that you might need. For example, trail maintenance requires crews, and, unless volunteers pitch in, crews cost money. Or say you were to get lost. Then would you reconsider your opinions on the necessity of a Search and Rescue team? What if some other irresponsible individual were to start a wildfire? Would crews be staffed well enough to protect your life and property?

There is often disillusionment when it comes to forests because people think

that that land is protected forever. It is not. There are almost certainly multiple uses designated to a piece of land, and the Forest Service is the chief decisionmaker on what to do with it, sometimes without public input.

As you probably know now, there are more to the fees than the government just wanting to take your money. The Forest Service is under-budgeted and understaffed, and should receive more money to carry out the great programs they have implemented over the years. Since there is essentially no additional money that the government can afford to give the USFS,

they have had to become creative in their attempts to collect financial resources. I just believe that some of these attempts have not been in the public’s best interests.

There is also another and more disturbing aspect of the Adventure Pass that is unbeknownst to much of the public. Some may recall the sign which read, “Stop the corporate takeover of our forests, don’t buy the Adventure Pass,” painted in blood red along a ranch going eastbound on Paradise Road. When they say corporate, they mean the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. This company has bought the rights to collect fees at campgrounds in return for their maintenance, when in reality they take no responsibility for upkeep of the area at all.

Most people agree that our taxes should cover these fees already. Santa Barbara High School junior Adam Dorion says, “The Adventure Pass is a joke. These lands belong to everyone, and all the money goes towards is keeping the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company around.”

Juniors Atzhiri Hernandez and Evelyn Cervantes agree, stating, “These areas should not be sold at the environment’s expense,” and, “It should belong to the people,” respectively.

It’s disappointing to think that the county of Santa Barbara does not have either the money or interest to do something about this growing problem. It is happening in virtually every state with no end in sight. Consequently, when told of the situation, public support of the fees and management practices are generally unpopular.

Conservatives at SBHS are an unspoken minority Niki Freeland Staff Reporter

Santa Barbara county statistics show that 41.37% of the city’s registered voters are Democrats, which is significantly larger than the 30.75% registered Republicans. This difference in political parties tends to create political segregation at SBHS. Conservatives, being a minority on campus, have no doubt encountered much negative attention from their left-leaning peers.

Nowhere is this disparity more evident than in second period AP World History with Ms. Meister during a debate about whether economic globalization is positive or negative. “Well, Conservatives are obviously the minority at SBHS, so it can be very frustrating trying to express your point of view when nobody agrees with you or will let you have a fair say,” comments Brooke McGill, a sophomore at SBHS. The debate is heated, and with the classroom physically separated into two sides, it promotes a sense of rivalry. Ms. Meister provides her insight, “I don’t see students being abused for their political views. There is an excitement for debate

during certain periods.”

Christina Buchanon, another sophomore at SBHS, feels that “conservatives have to hide under a rock.” And hide they do.

I approached one sophomore who said he would rather “sit this one out,” and another who “didn’t want to be chastised” for his views. Even more students stated that they were “pretty middle of the line,” in terms of political standing.

This is understandable, according to another SBHS student, Mark Gross. “[Being Conservative] is tough. You’re mocked and chided, and your opinions are challenged and spat upon, even by teachers. Actually, especially by teachers.

Liberals think that you and your ideals are garbage and that you are pure evil. It’s really tough.”

Segregation among peers is deeply ingrained, and has no doubt been aided by the fervent surrounding political debate. Will this abuse based on political standing continue, or will students be able to see past their political differences in the future? Share your thoughts by emailing editorials.forge.sbhs@gmail.com!

The elephant in the room.

Conservatives are a minority at SBHS, reflecting our community’s political leanings. Comic by Alida Siegel

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May 31, 2013

Editorials Reading: America’s most underrated passtime Shannon Rogers Staff Reporter

I love reading.

I read almost anything I can get my hands on: books, magazines, instruction manuals, nutrition facts, textbooks, dictionaries, lists of the chemical contents of products, anything.

Reading is like my get-away. I try to read between three to seven books a week if I can. I read whenever I can. In the mornings before school, during class, while I’m at work, at home, in car rides, over the weekends, while I’m listening to music, in the middle of doing homework, in the library, while I’m walking, on planes, before bed, and even while reading other books. I read every book I can. Just last week on Monday, I got a stack of thirteen books from the library, and by Saturday I had finished them all.

I almost always perform well on my essays, because I’m always reading, which makes my vocabulary and reading comprehension higher than normal. Most people blow off books, saying movies are better because of the sounds and the visuals, but I happen to like books much more. When I open a good book, it’s like having a movie rolling through my head that I can take with me anywhere and start playing any time I want to. Besides, isn’t it much better to be able to create the scenes in your head the way you want?

You can take characters and make them look anyway you want. You get more involved with the story and characters.

They start to feel like old friends.

People look at my old Harry Potter books, with the creased spines and dirty covers, and ask me how long I’ve had them. Only for a couple of years, but I’ve read them so many times I could tell you the whole chapter of each book just from memory. I know every character’s name, every magic spell, every secret-passageway, every drink, every food, and every name of every store. I open those books up and I feel like I’m being reacquainted with old friends, and no matter how many times I read those books, it’s always a

Shannon has read the Harry Potter series many times.

Photo Credit: cotewrites.com new adventure.

Books of any kind find their way into my hands. Sci-Fi, romance, history, adventure, action, horror, crime, fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, it doesn’t matter. If there’s a story, I’m willing to read it. In some cases, there is no story. A couple of years ago, while on a plane ride to my dad’s house, I opened my backpack to get out my book and realized I had actually grabbed a dictionary instead. But, being stuck on a plane, squished between two snoring, drooling people, I had nothing better to do, so I opened up the dictionary and read it. I read the whole thing, and it was actually pretty interesting.

Books expand my vocabulary. Most words I know come just from reading books, and being able to understand a word only by the context the word is used in. It’s no wonder that when I talk to people who are older than me, they

assume I’m in college. Hundred of times I’ve talked to college students, and they have assumed I’m one of them, too.

Once, when I was in eighth grade, my mom took me to LA to talk to college kids about Democracy For America, which was an organization that engages children in politics that she worked once worked for. I ended up talking to most of them during our time there and they asked me what year I was. When I told them I was only in eighth grade, they refused to believe it. All I did was throw around a couple of big words I had learned from books. When I was really young, about four or five, I used to read the biggest words I could in magazines while waiting in line with my dad in the store. I’d look at the words, incredible, anti-democratic legislature and sophisticated on the front page and read through the articles, only saying out loud the biggest words. In third

grade, my teacher told me I read at a sixth grade level. In sixth grade, I could read at a twelfth grade level. Now, I don’t even know what level I read at, I don’t think there is a level, but my teachers always tell me I have great reading comprehension skills. On STAR testing, my scores in reading comprehension always came back as the highest.

I read as fast as I can. When I was in elementary school, I went form one book a month to one book a week. In junior high, I went from a book a week to a book every couple of days. Now, I could read a four hundred-page book in just two hours.

My fastest time was reading all seven Harry Potter books in two days. I read the Twilight series in only one. But there are always books that I pick up that take me a bit longer than the rest, and it makes me so angry. I get so fed up with the slow pace, and the way I have to read every sentence slowly to really understand the meaning.

But I keep going, because at the end of the book, on the very last page, I always feel like I’ve conquered a mountain, like I’m David and I’ve just beat Goliath.

Of course, I never really want to read those kinds of slow books to end, because I’ve become emotionally attached to the characters. I feel like I really have gotten to know them because I was with them when they were going on adventures, sharing secrets, getting tied up and building relationships. At the end of it all, I just want to cry, because it feels like I’ve just lost a couple of my best friends, and I know that, even if I read the book again, it just won’t be the same.

Some books really are just terrible books, and some books are too long, but for every bad book there is a good book, for every long book this a short book, and there is always time. It doesn’t matter if it takes you a year or a month or a day to read a book. I’d say the slower you read a book the more of the book you absorb.

The smaller details become more drawn out and make the book just that much better. I really do love reading.

Edible Campus

As the year draws to a close, a new chapter begins in our AP Environmental Science class. As part of the traditional “Your World Project,” each period takes on a community outreach project. This year, period three has selected the concept of creating an “Edible Campus” on the Santa Barbara High School grounds. By incorporating healthy, on-campus plants such as citrus trees and the use of lavender as cover crops, we can utilize available land, water, and energy for students, encouraging both a healthy lifestyle and an active mind.

Already, we’ve met with Javier Acosta, the head groundskeeper, and selected potential planting sites.

We’ve also met with Jennifer Brummett, a local gardening expert, and discussed the different techniques regarding the care and maintenance of such agriculture.

With limited time left in the school year, we are currently trying to raise money in order to plant, provide care for, and spread awareness of our cause.

If you would like to donate or have any questions regarding our project, please email us at sbhsediblecampus@ gmail.com or visit our website at www. thegreenacademy.org/EdibleCampus.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely, The Edible Campus Team Period 3

AP Environmental Science, Period 3 Photo Credit: Mini Banks

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May 31, 2013

Editorials Avoid unhealthy fad diets

Shannon Comstock At Santa Barbara Staff Reporter High School, we make an effort to educate our students about making good choices and leading a healthy lifestyle through the Week of Wellness.

We address the issues of obesity and lack of exercise. But there are a few unhealthy practices that slip under the radar, such as the popular use of fad diets. The type of fad dieting usually practiced in high school consists of rigorously adhering to a “diet” that is suggested by a friend of a friend and is supposed to make a person lose weight quickly. These diets frequently have no scientific standing and are actually very bad for the people practicing them.

So why don’t administrators tell our students that replacing meals with diet coke is just as bad as eating a high-fat, high-carb diet and getting no exercise?

Fad dieting is most common among girls, but of course there are boys who partake as well. High school students need to be informed that all those strange fad diets that can be found on the Internet do not actually work and can have negative side effects. Unfortunately for our students, senior Gaby Hart confirms that “fad dieting is very popular among girls at high school.” These fad diets can range from drinking only cranberry juice for three days to cutting out carbs completely. The truth is, humans need a well-balanced diet, and that includes eating carbs and fat. It is the types and amount of carbs and fats we are eating that can make us fat, not the fact that we are eating them.

Many fad diets are both illogical and unhealthy.

Photo credit: blog.natashafit.com

“Miracle foods” are also very common these days. Supposedly foods like grapefruits and certain spices are supposed to make metabolism rise. But most of the time, the diets surrounding these foods do not work. For example, let’s look at the “Negative Calorie Diet,” where you can eat whatever you want, as long as you eat of lot of vegetables like celery, broccoli, and zucchini. These types of vegetables are

supposed to burn calories because they require a lot of effort to digest. But this diet doesn’t make much sense when you take a minute and actually think about it. You can eat hamburgers for this diet, but you’re going to need to eat a full truckload of celery to actually negate the calories. This is obviously not logical.

The same thing goes for the “Grapefruit Diet,” in which you can

YOLO: overused and abused Mian Laurain The phrase “YOLO,” or Staff Reporter “You Only Live Once,” has become a cultural phenomenon in our generation. It has gone through phases from a “hipster, tumblr” phrase, to a popular outburst, and now it serves as an hackneyed joke.

But, it still has some actual meaning behind it.

I do not think anyone would argue that YOLO has lost its original charm and “inspiration”. What does YOLO mean to the general public? Or is it more up to individual interpretation? A common definition of YOLO is to live life to the fullest, and never to pass down an opportunity that could be adventurous or exciting. YOLO has received criticism because some people interpret it as an excuse to make dangerous decisions.

However, YOLO belongs in the category of motivational sayings or philosophies of life along with “Carpe Diem” and “Hakuna Matata.” As cliché as this might seem, YOLO’s definition is completely dependent on the

interpretation of the user of the phrase; it can mean anything from asking your crush out, to skydiving, to taking your fifth shot of vodka at a party.

Although YOLO has evolved into an obnoxious phrase that has lost most of its meaning, I believe it still holds a lot of standards that many people should uphold in their lives. Life is short, and taking chances and risks is an important part of the human experience. I’ve heard countless people say that they wish they had less regrets in their life; but their regrets were not choices that they had acted on, but chances they hadn’t taken.

No matter what your religious beliefs are, or what your thoughts on life are, life is fragile and unexpected. I apologize if this is sounding like a Nicholas Sparks book, but the reality is we never know what will happen next in our lives. Life is not a promise; it will turn and twist and turn and twist in directions you never expect, and you will experience things you could never predict. This is why YOLO has become so popular,

eat whatever you want, as long as you eat half a grapefruit with each meal.

Grapefruit is good for you, but it won’t make you magically lose weight. Those who do their research know to avoid these fad diets. As senior Lauren Feuer says, “They’re stupid and they don’t work.”

Raw juice cleanses, courtesy of Pressed Juicery and BluePrint, have also become very popular, especially among girls at SBHS. These cleanses are nutritionally beneficial, but only if you do them properly. A lot of people just dive right into a three-day juice cleanse without taking the time to make sure they are doing it properly and safely.

The “Gluten-Free Diet” is also becoming more and more widespread.

People think that by simply eliminating gluten from their diet, they will be able to lead a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. But this diet is misleading.

Gluten is not actually bad for most humans to consume. It occurs naturally in most grains and some fruits. The “Gluten-Free Diet” was initially made for those diagnosed with Celiac disease, or with an intolerance to gluten. This disease occurs rarely. So, unless you have Celiac disease, you’ve been cutting out a lot of foods without reaping much of a benefit.

If you are trying to lose weight, first of all, make sure you actually need to lose weight and are evaluating your body in a healthy way. Secondly, stick to what has been proven. Stay away from fad diets and stick to the tried and trusted basics.

because people have the freedom to make these decisions, and it is not only socially accepted, but encouraged to take more chances. Of course the choices we make will not always turn out in our favor, but we learn from our mistakes, and after all...a bad decision can make a great story.

YOLO is based on the reasoning that life is short, and living a boring, risk-free life is a waste of your limited time on Earth. The misconception of YOLO is that things will always act in your favor, and if not, well, you only live once, so it doesn’t matter--but trust me when I tell you that everyday of your life will seems like forever when you are in serious The term “YOLO” has become trouble. increasingly popular.

YOLO is not an excuse to be stupid, Comic by Alida Siegel and it does not serve as an explanation for your actions, but its fundamental message can be an inspiration to make bold decisions that you might not has impacted our generation in many ways, and I think they have been mostly normally take.

No matter how annoying it is to see or positive.

But I mean, whateverlolz, YOLO. hear #YOLO thirty times a day, YOLO

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May 31, 2013

School’s out

Eight things to do during summer 1. Go to as many concerts, community events, and festivals as you can. KJEE’s summer round up is a great way to get you in the summer mind-set, the Solstice Parade is a fun and festive way to let your summer spirit go, and Fiesta always has delicious food and great music. If you get the opportunity, you should even try to go to Outside Lands. Mini-trips to concert and festival venues are a great way to be adventurous and enjoy your summer freedom.

2. Go camping! It’s inexpensive and relaxing to go camping for the weekend. El Capitan and other nearby campgrounds are close and fairly convenient. If you have a wagon or a truck you can bring a futon or mattress and lay it down in the back for a comfy, easy camping experience. You can also go for sleeping bags under the night sky, or in a tent (there might be bugs). If you don’t want to get down and dirty you can rename your adventure “a road-trip” and stay in a hotel.

3. Santa Barbara City College offers many summer classes that are fascinating, and give you credit for high school and/or college. They offer some classes that are light and easy to handle like culinary arts, film classes, photography, music, and ocean kayaking! You can get class credits easily, and potentially have fun doing it.

They also offer classes like psychology, sociology, nursing, a 17+ health class, and astronomy that might catch your interest.

4. Improve your house. If you are like me, then you like to change your room around and come up with cute ideas. Stringing Christmas lights around your room, through trees in your yard, or between two buildings adds a lot of character and some whimsy to your house. Buy plants for your room for a summer feel, decorate with flowers, hang a mosquito net above your bed, repaint your room, make a giant collage that covers a wall, or rearrange your furniture.

5. Go healthy! During the summer you have more time to focus on your self and your body. Try eating only healthy fresh foods; you could try only eating local foods. The Farmer’s Market offers a lot of choices and inspiration to eating locally and healthy; also TriCounty Produce, Lazy Acres, Whole Foods, Juice Ranch, and Montecito Village Market offer a lot of local foods. Sign yourself up for yoga classes, or ask a friend to go on a weekly walk with you. Or you can hit two birds with one stone (get exercise and enjoy Santa Barbara), and go on a hike in the mountains, go paddle boarding, or even go running on the SBCC track.

6. A summer job definitely does not sound fun, but if you want to be out and about this summer (and your parents don’t want to pay for everything) then getting a job is the solution. It can be difficult to find a summer job because you have lots of competition from other students who are in the same mindset.

Start your resume now, because it might be more difficult to write one than you think. Apply to lots of places, and have back-up plans. Preparation is a key way to succeed.

Mian Laurain Staff Reporter

7. Take advantage of your location.

Learning how to surf or boogie board! But don’t forget that swimming in the ocean is a great way to enjoy our beautiful coastal town. Go hiking, explore parks, and read reviews of restaurants you have never been to. Santa Barbara isn’t huge, but there are plenty of places I bet you’ve never been, or places you have never seen.

8. Become a night owl. Summer is the best time to stay up late and become a night dweller. Especially on hot days the nights are active and there is a lot happening. Try going stargazing, host a bonfire, have a small party at your house, go out to dinner with a group of friends, go to the movies (or set up a projector and a white sheet in your backyard and have your own movie theatre), or, if you are feeling like a wild child, go for a late night skinny dip.

Have a roust-free summer

Be prepared to get weird, because summer 2013 is only a few days away. We are all ready to rid our lives of anything school-related, and party our troubles away. Unfortunately, us partygoers cannot have a completely carefree summer because we must remember to keep the law enforcement in mind. Getting rousted by the police will completely destroy your summer, and will possibly ruin university acceptances and scholarships for those who are attending college in the fall. If you want to keep your summer roust-free, stay alert, be responsible and, most importantly, know your rights.

Probable cause is by far the most important thing to know. An officer has probable cause to search you or your car if he senses something suspicious or illegal. If an officer pulls you over for no reason -- you are not speeding, it’s not past curfew, and there aren’t skunky smells wafting out of your car -- then there isn’t any reason for you vehicle to be searched. Let the officer know you do not want to be searched because you are simply protecting your rights as a citizen of the United States. If you are driving Ashlen Weddington Business Manager

To avoid any unnecessary trouble with the law this summer, know your rights! Photo Credit: harlowharrier.co.uk with one hand on the wheel and the other on your bong at 2am, well, there’s not too much you can do at this point.

Most parties are rolled due to neighbors calling police and complaining about the noise. Keep in mind that amplified music and large groups of people must

be quieted by 10pm on weeknights, but on Fridays and Saturdays the noise ordinance is 12am. If an officer shows up at the door, he cannot actually come in without a warrant, but he can tell you to quiet down. Because of the Social Host Ordinance, an officer has the right to shut

down a party if he sees minors drinking, and the adult “host” will either be fined or required to take classes on alcohol abuse.

Nicole Bordas, a Santa Barbara High School junior, believes that knowing your Miranda rights is most important. “Don’t rely on police to inform you of your right to remain silent and see a lawyer.” You have the right to ask for a lawyer before saying anything about the situation you are involved in, and are only required to give your name and address. Watch your words carefully because anything you do say can be used against you.

Even though you must know your rights, you still must treat an officer with respect. Do not cuss, run your mouth, or retaliate because this will only make matters worse. Gerardo Banuelos, a senior, recommends that you “keep your cool, make them laugh. Indirectly remind them that they too were once a high school teenager curious for an adventurous experience. Most of them will let you go.”

Police are here to protect us, but if you find yourself in a situation where the officer is disrespecting you, write down his name and officer number to file a complaint.

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May 31, 2013

for summer Summer Fashion

Summer is getting closer and girls are swapping their fur coats and boots for flowing skirts and lacy crop tops.

As Coachella kicked off the festival season, fashion gurus everywhere broke out their high waisted shorts, flower crowns, and neon body paint. Whether you plan on making the trek to Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, or are looking to stay close to home at Outside Lands, the best festival looks for you are not too far out of reach. By pulling certain pieces from your wardrobe and making a quick trip downtown you can be ready for the biggest summer events.

Emma Cisek Staff Reporter

When it comes to summer fashion, anything goes.

Anyone can mix and match different patterns, pieces, and styles to create a completely unique look. Ensembles that are displayed frequently in summer lookbooks can easily be imitated and tailored to show your personal styles. Add flair to classic white flowing dresses, skirts, and rompers by pairing them with layered necklaces and leather-studded accessories, or soften up your grungy look with lace shorts and a floppy sunhat.

To create an outfit that is sure to turn heads, throw together your craziest pieces-something with mixed but complimentary prints and bold colors. It isn’t hard to take your everyday wardrobe and put together a bunch of fabulous summer looks to show off before you’re back at school again.

The warmer the days get, the less clothing you wear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have tons of amazing outfits lined up for summer. Both ready-to-wear and couture runway shows displayed tons of lace, neon, and drapey fabrics for this season. Trends of floral and mixed-print ensembles also graced the runways during Spring/Summer fashion week. For more accessible festival-ready looks, websites such as NastyGal.com and Lookbook.nu put together lookboooks with heaps of outfits to help inspire you.

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May 31, 2013

College D UCs: Berkeley- Madeline Trabucco, Evan Robertson, William Mason Pereira, Jared Lux, Alex Torin, Benjamin Giller, Laurel Hicks, Alissa Crane, Kelsey Abkin, Lydia Nelson, Evan Brown, Danielle Carter, Michaela Ford, Eliana Schiffer, Mackenzie Zisser, Tyler Newman, Sydney Westbury Davis- Bowen Fredericks, Joe Rafferty Irvine- John Brontsema, Sophia Hampp, Anne Martin, Brisaly Balderas Los Angeles- McCall Koenig, Evan Krause, Kelsey O’Brien Riverside- Peter Carachure, Reyna Sanchez San Diego- Samantha Adams, Kate Van Donge, Kelly Johansson, Sydney Riegert, Gio Goggia Santa Barbara- Sophie Trabucco, Shannon Comstock, Caroline Stoll, Wesley Powell, Sarah Scarminach, Gavin Koehn, Dustin Deardorff, Edward Harding Santa Cruz- Tyler Feld, John Winsor, Isabella Demachkie, Bridget Young, Dalia Granados, Miranda Sroda, Analise DulianHandy, TJ Hamouzas

International Schools: University of British Columbia (Canada)- Alexis Aquilino National University of Ireland (Ireland)- Brigid Quinn

CSUs: Channel Islands- Abrahan Rico, Bradley Garcia, Edwin Jimenez, Jareli Soto, Alexandra Real Chico- Maddeleine Hurst Humboldt- Nate Sheridan Long Beach- Daniel Guerrero, Breanna Corbin, Taryn Diaz Monterey Bay- Eva Koester San Francisco State- Chandler Davis, Alec Larson San Jose- Eva Koester San Luis Obispo- James Scheuermann, Eric Woods, Vittorio DiNovi, Shane Meares, Duffy Kerwin-McElroy, Annie deBruynKops, Miles Waters, Peter Ghersen, James Kerman, Tanner Mjelde, Spencer Arganbright, Toby Minehan, Lindsey Pfeiffer, Hannah Egan, Serin Lazaro, Dylan Schuyler Sonoma- Megan Flynn Other U. S. Schools: Arizona State University (AZ)- Ana Lena Ramirez Ashland University (OH)- Karen Armenta Azusa Pacific University- Kate Schaefer Berklee College of Music- Lily Eakin Boise State University (ID)- Karly Lawrence Brigham Young University (UT)James Stevens Brooks Institute- Kaitlin Neer Brown University (RI)- Henry Richardson, Brigid Quinn Bucknell University (PA)- Nate Hunter California College of the ArtsMalaya Tuyay

California Institute of the ArtsCarly Cummings, California Lutheran UniversityZachary Torres Carnegie Mellon University (PA)Clayton Barry Chapman University- Hanna Gately , Sasha Alexander, Nicky Von Wiesenberger, Griffin Janney, Mitchell Kuhn College of Charleston (SC)- Emma Dene Colorado Mesa University (CO)Terry Burkhardt Dartmouth College (NH)- Colin Fristoe, Peter Loomis Duke University (NC)- Logan Carmody Eastern University (PA)- Emma Robins Elon University (NC)- Taylor Mitchell Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ)- Jacob Diaz Endicott College (MA)- Estrella Hoeckley Florida State University (FL)Kristoffer Mirkin George Fox University (OR)Taylor Fraker George Washington University (DC)- Andrew Sanborn Hofstra University (NY)- Danielle Gutierrez-Leyva Lewis and Clark College (OR)Adam Betters, Griffin Saxon, Loyola Marymount UniversityHope Saxon, Tyler Benko, Diana Weisz Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)- Tanner Guerra New York University (NY)- Penn Stussy, Emilio Madrid-Kuser,

Miranda Men DiFilippo Northern Ari Kate Yee, Northeastern Michael Van Grafton Occidental C Pace Univers Lemmond Parsons Scho School Unive Rollins Pepperdine U Bridley, Pres Pitzer Colleg Pomona Coll Portland Bibl Tanya Crispi Rhode Island (RI)- Vani W Santa Clara U Weininger, C Sarah Lawren Emalani Arti School of the Chicago- Cam Seattle Pacifi Sydney Beck Seattle Unive Southern Me (TX)- Leina K Bradley Stanford Uni Tufts Univers Oremland United States (CO)- Will Z Worley University of Emma Masca University of Monica Loda Costigan, Sop University of Gately

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May 31, 2013

Decisions

AS OF MAY 10, 2013

ndoza, Allison

izona University (AZ)-

n University (MA)Wickle, Francis

College- Avery Chernin sity (NY)- Jordan

ool of Design/ New ersity (NY)- Teddy

University- Cristian ston Schlagel ge- Jessica Barry lege- Natalie Casey le College (OR)in d School of Design Winick University- Bella Claire Lowe nce College (NY)iss e Art Institute of mille Dupuis fic University (WA)k ersity (WA)- Ali Tro, ethodist University King, Gabrielle

iversity- Katie Joseff sity (MA)- Anna

s Air Force Academy Zimmerman, Ryan

f Alabama (AL)ari f Arizona (AZ)ato, Julia Hou, Bailey phia Macaluso f Colorado (CO)- Lilly

University of Georgia- Katherine Banks University of Illinois (IL)- Aryanna Aronson University of Miami (FL)- Emma Deardorff University of Michigan (MI)Francesca Lewis, University of Mississippi (MS)Beau Parker University of Notre Dame (IN)Brendan Fay University of Oklahoma (OK)Jade Barrad University of Oregon (OR)- Rachel Bergseteren, Kaitlyn Rodnick, Mark Waldron, Tristan Bloomer, Quinlan Dougherty University of Portland (OR)Stephen Gallivan University of Puget Sound (WA)Savanah Tartler, University of San Diego- Ivette Gil , Dana Sloan University of San FranciscoAndrea Schmidt,

University of Southern California, Matt Wagonhurst, Jeff Paschke, Mark Koenig, James Morton University of Texas (TX)- Matt Brown University of Utah (UT) – Karina Biancone University of Vermont (VT)Madeline Simon University of Washington (WA)Madison Severy, Caroline Beightol, Lauren Feuer, University of Wisconsin (WI)Hannah Raphael University of Wyoming (WY)Charlie Haslem Vanderbilt University (TN)- Hailey Hall Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)- Anissa Sanders, Westmont- Arianna Spiller, Allan Reyes Wheaton College (MA)- Lucia Nuechter Wheaton College (IL)- Claire Bergthold

Answers (from top left to botttom right): Alicia Sorkin; Sarinna Rodenas; Steven Todd; Andrea Wagner; John Bolitho; Roberta Nye; John Becchio; Donny Warrecker; Stephanie Rivera; Mark Walsh

ANSWERS LISTED BELOW

Can you identify which staff member is pictured in each of these photos from high school?

Staff as Students May 31, 2013

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May 31, 2013

“Tierra de mi gente hermosa.”

Vic Alverez, Staff

“It’s for my grandpa.

He had the same one for my grandma during WW2.”

Carolina Gonzalez, Staff

Dezzy Sullivan, Grade 11 “My date.”

“I got it with my cousin, and we’re adding to it soon.”

Miranda Campisi, Grade 12

“It’s a heart lock on the door on the house I used to live in growing up. The number of the house was ‘609.’ A lot of people tell me it looks like a lion, which is ironic because I got it for my grandpartents and they were known for having the heart of a lion.

Some people think it looks like ‘69,’ which makes me mad.”

Lisa Higgins, Staff

Tattoos on campus Marshall Stevens, Grade 11

Kathleen Vasta, Staff

“I just got it yesterday.”

Shai Rodriquez, Grade 12

“The meaning behind my tattoo is faith. No matter what I’m going through in life, all the problems and the obstacles I have to face, all I have to do is take a glance at the cross. It reminds me that I’m not alone, God is there for me, and only he can judge me.”

Inocencio Luna, Grade 12

“It’s my little brother’s name.”

Iliana Salinas, Grade 11

“It’s my mom’s name.”

Valeria Duarte, Grade 10 “I’m Irish, so the three leaf shamrock is a symbol of Ireland.

The three leaves represent the holy trinity. I mixed in the Irish Claddaugh, which is a wedding symbol of Ireland.

The hands are friendship, the crow is loyalty, and the heart is love. I mixed them to make it my own design.”

Jonathan Collins, Grade 12

“My tattoo says, ‘The rising dove, an angel from above, gave a gift to a young gaurdian to bring peace and happiness to the world.’ It means that I’m a person who wants to bring happiness to the earth.”

Brent Walker, Grade 12

Maria Arambula, Grade 11

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May 31, 2013

creative writing This is how Amy dies

and cutting off her air supply. She Shannon Rogers Everyone dies. preparing. “Bloody Mary-” Staff Reporter Amy knew she She stopped as a noise sounded screamed anyways, ripping at the was no exception. But still, people take risks. At least, this is what her friends had told her. So now, Amy is staring at the dim outline of herself in the mirror, standing in her bathroom alone.

“Okay so you know the plan, right?” her friends asked, standing on the other side of the door. “You have to do it. I’m locking the door now.”

She heard her friends giggling on the other side of the door. Amy hated to admit it, but she was scared.

But she’d certainly rather do this dare than tell her long-time crush, Jonathan, that she had a rash. She loved, but certainly despised her friends.

“Okay,” she said quietly. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes,

behind her. Probably just her friends trying to scare her, but her heart leapt anyways. Taking another deep breath, her eyes still closed, Amy continued on.

“Bl-bloody Mary, bloody . . .

Mary,” She kept her eyes closed, shut tightly, not a sound escaped her. She’d even stopped breathing.

Amy’s heart pounded in her chest, her eyes shut so tightly that little bursts of white light began to appear behind her eyelids. After a moment, she took a chance and peeked.

A horrible scream left her throat.

A dark figure of a woman shrouded in a black dress stood right behind her, claw-like fingers stretched towards her neck. Her scream choked off as she backed up into the door, the claws gripping her throat

hands wrapped around her neck.

Her scream came to a gurgling halt as the hands crushed her windpipe, blood flowing down her throat into her lungs and she began drowning in her own blood. Her eyes rolled back in her head, her knees buckled“Amy?” Her friend Bella called through the door. There was no reply. The group of girls exchanged uneasy glances. “Amy, that’s not funny!”

With trembling fingers, Bella opened the door. She screamed as Amy fell from out of the bathroom.

Blood began pooling around her head, dripping steadily from her mouth. The girls began to scream.

Amy had strangled herself with the fuzzy pink bathrobe hanging on the door.

Immortal Blood The moons and stars were hidden from sight, making the quiet night especially dark. The town guards had to carry torches to make their rounds; but the man who came to call at my chapel carried no light with him. I came to learn that Movarth Diquine could see in the dark almost as well as the light – an excellent talent, considering his interests were exclusively nocturnal.

One of my acolytes brought him to me, and he was pale to the point of opalescence; with a face that looked like it had once been very handsome before some unspeakable suffering. The dark circles under his eyes bespoke exhaustion, but the eyes themselves were alert, intense, almost insane.

He quickly dismissed my notion that he was ill, though he did want to discuss a specific disease.

“Vampirism,” he said, and then paused at my quizzical look. “I was told that you were someone I should seek out for help understanding it.”

“Who told you that?” I asked with a smile.

“Tissina Grov.”

I immediately remembered her.

A brave, beautiful knight who had needed my assistance separating fact from fiction on the subject of the vampire. It had been two years, and I had never heard whether my advice had proved effective.

“You’ve spoken to her? How is

James Sperlin Staff Reporter

her ladyship?” I asked.

“Dead,” Movarth replied coldly, and then, responding to my shock, he added, perhaps to soften the blow, “She said your advice was invaluable, at least for the one vampire. When last I talked to her, she was tracking another. It killed her.”

“Then the advice I gave her was not enough,” I sighed. “Why do you think it would be enough for you?”

“I was a teacher once myself, years ago,” he said. “Not in a university; a trainer in the Fighters Guild. But I know that if a student doesn’t ask the right questions, the teacher cannot be responsible for his or her failure. I intend to ask you the right questions.”

That was indeed what he did. For hours, he asked questions and I answered, but he never volunteered any information about himself.

He never smiled. He only studied me with those intense eyes of his, committing every word I said to memory.

Finally, I could detect some weariness in those feverish eyes of his. “I would like to continue this tomorrow night, if I could. I need to get some sleep and absorb this,” he said.

“You sleep during the day,” I smiled.

To my surprise, he returned the smile, though it was more of a grimace. “When tracking your prey,

you adapt their habits.”

The next day, he did return with more questions, these ones very specific. He wanted to know about the vampires of the east. I told him about the most powerful tribe, the Volkuihar, paranoid and cruel, whose very breath could freeze their very victims’ blood in the veins. I explained to him how they lived beneath the ice of remote and haunted lakes, never venturing into the world of men except to feed.

Movarth Diquine listened carefully, and asked more questions into the night, until at last he was ready to leave.

He left that night and came back a week later. He bore a fresh scar on his right cheek, and told me of the monsters he had fought. He soon asked about another type of vampire, a more powerful one. I told him of the vampires who had no name; they were not much to handle, besides the fact that they looked no different than a human.

He left and sent out on a journey to find this vampire. He returned with a gloomy look that barely held his face together.

“I did not find what I was looking for; you were right, you cannot distinguish them between vampires and humans,” Movarth told me.

“Yes, if they are well fed, they keep a mortal look…my time is almost up…today is my feeding time.”

Poetry Courtney Werthman Staff Reporter

I see you, I see me, together and happy in this black and white memory.

Its all I have left of us, when all in the world went wrong and turned to dust, it was so dark with no hopeful light we were lost in the black abyss of the universe floating with the dust and crumbling planets, forever trapped in the ongoing night. No stars, no humans, not anything.

We had killed ourselves with the ways we wasted resources, took everything for granted… What had become of us? Exactly. The question left unanswered due to the fact that no words can describe of what became of us. I remember, like it just happened yesterday, the sky falling from the outside in, shrieks of terror in wondering why this is happening to us.

To Earth? Prayers being unanswered, a question of where is God? Hoping that when it all came to and end you’d be safe when you died, declared a spot to be at peace? When everything went silent? It continued.

Police sirens, gunshots, cries, explosions…chaos at its finest. It was never ending. I see you, I see me together and happy, making ourselves unaware the world was ending, not thinking about what we could’ve been, not to look on the sorrows of yesterday, focusing on today because at the moment we’re gone.

But now that’s all we are is gone, just a memory. A memory of what humanity was and failed to be.

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May 31, 2013

Perspectives A weekend in the desert: Coachella 2013 As I walked in through security, my head started spinning with excitement. People dressed head to toe in neon stumbled in to the large field. Crowds of ravers flooded into each stage area. One in particular seemed to always have an up-beat crowd: The Sahara Tent. As soon as you stepped in to the tent, the temperature increased profusely.

When looking around, all you could see was people dancing with huge grins splashed upon their faces. But then again, who really knew what was going on? Not too many people.

When the musicians were on the stage, I couldn’t imagine what an interesting sight they saw: a crowd so big you could barely distinguish any faces. The artist Baauer (a DJ who creates trap music, like the “Harlem Shake”) was able to drag almost all Violet Cheverez Staff Reporter

of Coachella into the audience. He played a few well-known songs and a few new remixes, which the audience enjoyed, but the crowd went A-wall once the Harlem Shake came on. Once the bass dropped, I was practically thrown to the floor and attacked by the giant mosh pit I was trapped in (maybe that’s why it’s called trap music?). It was a blast.

After I escaped, I realized I had a new skin color from all the dirt piled on me. It was really cute. After that exhausting experience I had worked up an appetite. I skipped on over to a food truck called “Italia Pizza” and ordered a slice of the margarita pizza. I sat down and inhaled it. It was probably the fastest I had ever eaten a meal. By that time I was pretty worn out, so I decided to take a little nap. Who could blame me? I was exhausted and practically in a food

coma! When I woke up it was perfect timing for the next show. Yeah, you could say I was a little scared to go back in to the crowd full of sweat and drugs, but that didn’t stop me. Once it was dark, it didn’t take much for the crowd to get even crazier than it was before. Which, to be honest, I didn’t think was possible. The flashing of the strobe lights and the bass booming from the speakers could have given someone a heart attack, but it was still fun. It seemed the crowd was just as addicted to the music as they were to the drugs they were on. And what do they say is the reason for it? “Because it’s fun.”

“Coachella and drugs are practically synonyms,” says SBHS sophomore Olivia Hayden.

I wasn’t very surprised with the outgoing group of people in the audience; it didn’t take much to get

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them riled up.

When Bassnector came on…well that was when all madness broke loose. The tent was a cesspool of illicit drug deals, excrement, and existential anguish. You had to be experienced to go in the tent, you needed to be ready for anything and just go with the flow. As I was dancing, listening to the music, and enjoying my time, the girl in front of me turned around and vomited all over my shirt. She reeked of vodka, beer, and desperation, and I reeked of irritation and disgust.

I decided I probably shouldn’t just hang out in a shirt with vomit all over it so I went back to the hotel to rest up for another day in chaos.

Although I left looking like I had been hit by a truck, it was still quite the entertaining day and an experience to remember…to my best ability.

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May 31, 2013

Easy Sudoku

Fun & The Forge Vault

By Sky Ulep and Ted Smith

Medium Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Games Kakuro

Objective: Fill all empty squares using numbers 1 to 9 so the sum of each horizontal block equals the clue on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

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May 31, 2013

Dear Dawn

Dear Dawn, I have a problem and I really don’t know what to do. I have two choices; one choice is to follow my parents’ wishes and fulfill what they think is right and what will get me by in life, and the other choice is to pursue what I want to do; my passion. See, my parents’ idea of a “right choice” is becoming a lawyer, but I’m not that type of person.

I love art and being able to get myself out on a canvas, being able to reach out to others when they don’t have the strength to. So, I’m asking: Should I follow the footsteps of my parents and be unhappy or should I not care what they think and do what I love?

DT Dear DT, I can see how that would be a difficult decision, yet my advice would be to follow your heart! DO what makes you happy, not something you’ll dread. It’s your life, and your future. They are your parents and chances are they will love you no matter what you decide. However, compromise is good as well; major in art and minor in law for a year to try it out, you never know you may change your mind. Just weigh out your options and stay open minded, but, above all, stay true to your heart. If you do that, everything else should fall in place. Hope this helped. Good luck.

Dawn

Dear Dawn, I’m unhappy, but not a lot of people know that I am. I feel like I have no one to go to because I don’t want to bother them with my problems.

I also have trust issues partially due to the fact that, in the past, I told someone something private and they betrayed my trust and told everyone. Since then, I’ve kept to myself and pretended to be happy even when I’ve wanted to break down because I am in to much pain on the inside. I’ve come to you for advice on how to think positive thoughts and have positive vibes as well as get back out there and be the person I want to be.

AB Dear AB, This is a hard one; I’ve found myself in a similar position before.

When you bottle up your emotions and put on a fake smile, you usually get nowhere only making things harder for yourself in the long run.

I can see why you keep to yourself when you feel like you have no one to turn to that you can fully trust. My best advice is to try and find something to do that you are passionate about, something that brings you happiness. Meet new people and be open minded. There are thousands people out there that fell the same way you do, and who are looking someone that they can trust. Don’t let people stand in the way of your happiness.

Dawn

Dear Dawn, There’s this boy that I really like. He makes me feel like I can’t breathe, as if my heart is gonna burst out of my chest at any moment, my palms get sweaty and I’m just a wreck. It’s so embarrassing when he says “hi,” and when he tries to hold a conversation I’m at a loss for words and end up speaking gibberish. There’s a problem though, this boy happens to be my best friend and I’m debating whether or not to tell him that I like him because I don’t want to lose our friendship and it would really hurt me if that happened. When he talks about other girls it hurts, at times I just wanna scream and yell and tell him how I feel. But a part of me can’t do that. Should I risk the friendship, and risk rejection by telling him how I feel, or should I just keep it to myself and hope that things will workout for the best ?

JG Dear JG, Classic advice on this one. Go with your heart. Because he is your best friend, it could be risky to try and have a relationship, but there is a chance he has secret feelings for you too. You truly only live once, and as life moves on we only regret the chances we don’t take. So take a chance to tell him how you feel before you lose it. Do it before someone gets to him first. You never know until you try. Good luck!

Dawn

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May 31, 2013

Artist of the Month Emilio Madrid-Kuser, a renaissance man

Emilio does it all, from photography to acting to video editing.

Photo Credit: Emilio Griffin Saxon Entertainment Editor

I was eight years old when I met Emilio Madrid (or the artist formerly known as Emilio Madrid-Kuser). It was always exciting when a new kid came to school. For most, it was a game of survival that caused many people to parish. I met him at lunchtime, a small, wiry kid who wore puffy blue vests with a nice earthy tone long-sleeve shirt underneath; an obvious yoga child. He spelled his name out in carrot sticks for me that day, and that’s when I knew he wasn’t like the rest of us.

Emilio always got on everyone’s nerves in elementary school, he can attest to that, mainly due to his incredibly loud voice and overly eccentric attitude.

What nobody knew, not even Emilio himself, was that he was preparing for the stage. The signs were increasingly evident as time went on. I co-anchored with him and fellow actor Clayton Barry in the Montecito Union School News, and he even created his own podcast dedicated to one of the greatest games of all time; Club Penguin.

Now, what we can see from here is that Emilio was not only a performer, but a tech guru as well; he set up his own full working website, earned profits from advertising on the site, and set up his own podcast with a full working RSS Feed. To put it into perspective, that was 2006. I’m pretty sure in 2006 people didn’t even know how to use a calculator on their computer, better yet create a working website. Now let me also say, that podcast had plenty of followers, including myself. Sure, I didn’t play Club Penguin, but it was pretty cool to have your friends on iTunes. Soon after, we all started puberty and the highpitched voices made it so much better.

Emilio made his theater debut in The Adderly School’s production of The Music Man, as the anvil salesman Charlie Cowell. His role was one of the secondary characters in the show, but he

conjured up some of the biggest applause and laughter in the crowds. He created quite an impression, and, not even a year later, he was performing on the Lobero Theater’s stage as Rapunzel’s Prince in Steven Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods. Once again, he left the audience guffawing and begging for more. Last year he appeared in SBHS Theater’s production of the show, playing his previous counterpart, Cinderella’s Prince. He didn’t cease to bring the same amount of gusto and passion to the stage in this revival performance.

Acting has stuck with Emilio these six some-odd years, and he has graced the stages of Montecito Union School, Santa Barbara Junior High School, Santa Barbara High School, Victoria Hall, and The Lobero (there must be more, but I can’t keep track of all of them!). He most recently took on the role of Sir Dennis Galahad, the incredibly handsome knight from Monty Python’s Spamalot, and once again, left the audience rolling in their seats with laughter. (Is there a pattern emerging?)

Yet Emilio is more than just the man on the stage: he’s the man behind the stage, above the stage, below the stage, in the balcony, and directing. Before Emilio took center stage at SBHS, he was often seen setting up sound, lighting, and working on the sets extensively.

He’s known as the “media guy,” and, whenever you’re at an assembly and Mr. Meister has a microphone and is addressing an unknown source with it, it’s Emilio.

You may think that Emilio couldn’t possibly do any more, but he also runs his own photography/video company: Emilio M.K. Visual Media. He’s done jobs for real estate brokers and events, but you’ll most often find him snapping some photos for the theater. You’d see his work in the Music of the Night video shorts, and every recent SBHS Theater DVD has been edited and burned by Emilio himself. His extensive collection of SBHS Theater photos and videos is unbelievable.

So there you have it: Emilio MadridKuser, the man who most likely has fourteen clones, several stunt doubles, an assembly of minions, or was naturally born with caffeine flowing through his veins. Emilio can only be described as the “modern renaissance-man” with a phone in his one hand, a book in the other, and a camera he’s using with his new Google glasses, all while tap dancing on stage, belting “I Wanna Be a Producer.”

Emilio is headed off next year to New York University (or NYU for you hip kids out there) where he will be studying theater. I have no doubts that he will succeed, but if he doesn’t, he can take photos, shoot videos, work as stage crew, or maybe he’ll just go back to making a Club Penguin Podcast. I really hope he does that.

Emilio’s photography is featured above.

Photo Credit: Emilio

International Language Centers

EF International Language School Santa Barbara is

happy to support The Forge

For mo informatrioen please conta our liaison a ct t

(805) 403-1 4 susanne.he 40 or ierling@ ef.com

Host an international student!

Learn a language abroad!

Intercultural events between EF and SBHS: Be part of it!

EF International Language School 1421, Chapala St Santa Barbara, CA 93101

www.ef.com

21

May 31, 2013

Features ASB Update

Staff Spotlight: Marsha Barr Ashlen Weddington Business Manager

By Emma Deardorff Staff Relations Commissioner

Less that a week of school is left, and SBHS seniors and freshman alike are anxious for the year to be over. Here are some dates to keep in mind as you begin the transition from student to lazy beach bum: June 4th: Senior Sunset. This event takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Dodson’s meadow and is the last on-campus event for the senior class of 2013.

There will be a movie playing, plenty of snacks, and time for yearbook signing and goodbyes.

June 6th: SBHS Graduation. The ceremony starts at 6:00p.m. on the football field. Flower and candy lays will be on sale at the event for parents, friends, and family to buy for their grad if they did not pre order them.

June 7th: Grad Night. Seniors attending Grad Night must be at the school by noon in order to get on the bus.

They are scheduled to arrive at Disneyland at 2:00 p.m. at which time the park is also open to the public.

At midnight, all students will move to California Adventure where they will stay for the rest of the night until catching the bus home at 4:00 a.m. The buses are scheduled to arrive back at SBHS at 6:00 a.m.

I hope that you all had a great year and are looking forward to what will hopefully be an amazing summer.

Mrs. Barr is a librarian at SBHS. Photo Credit: Ashlen Weddington

Marsha Barr seems a perfect fit for the library: rectangular glasses, professional outfits, and a quiet inside voice. She is always found behind her desk, ruling her realm of books. Students describe Mrs. Barr as welcoming, ever helpful, informative, kind, and hospitable. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and there is actually a character in the book Mosaic named after her (author Gayle Lynds is her personal friend).

Mrs. Barr has not always been a librarian though. Born in Palo Alto, she received her a degree in interior design at San Jose State, where she would eventually earn her degree to become a librarian. She moved to Santa Barbara at the age of 26 and was an interior designer for several years, then was offered a job at Santa Barbara Magazine, where she was head of circulation. A few years later she began working at a furniture store in Goleta, then moved on to write for a

UCSB technology journal for twelve years.

Throughout this entire time, Mrs. Barr managed to stay actively involved in her son’s life (Spencer Barr; SBHS’s tech guy and track coach) by being PTA President at all of his schools.

She was offered the job of librarian in 1999. Spencer has always been her pride and joy, and she describes him as “quiet, but very mature as a kid.” She added that “he was good at talking to adults, and did well in school.” Spencer also shares Mrs. Barr’s love for art history.

When she is not at school, Marsha can be found jamming out to The Beatles and Elvis, and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Currently she is working intensely on a 1000 piece puzzle on. She admits, “I love Turner Classic Movies, that’s my downfall.” Her favorite restaurant is the Fish House, where she always gets crab cakes and calamari.

Pole fitness vs. pole dancing How would you feel if someone invited you to try pole dancing? You would probably be offended, and wonder why you were being offered an opportunity to become a stripper.

However, in modern society, there are two different meanings for the term ‘pole dancing.’ Simply put, one form involves strip clubs and tipping, and the other does not. The second type of pole dancing is an actual sport.

The Google definition of ‘sport’ is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.” Pole dancing or “pole fitness” is exactly this. It involves an immense amount of strength, coordination, and determination.

I discovered pole fitness through my yoga instructors who happened to be judges for pole fitness competitions.

They pushed me to try it because they knew I hadn’t found a sport that I loved.

Pole fitness is a mixture of ballet, hiphop, gymnastics, and contortion. “Pole dancing” isn’t necessarily an incorrect term since a pole routine has a series of creative dance moves as well as strength moves. Most of the best pole dancers in the world have a dance or ballet background. I instantly fell in love with the way pole fitness harmoniously combines elegance and strength. The best part is that you can dance to any type of music you like. I enjoy watching slow, passionate classical performances as well as up-beat and exciting ones.

I especially like working out to artists such as Debussy, Radiohead, Muse, Muriel DeAragon Staff Reporter

Jose Gonzales, Daft Punk, and Maceo Plex. It’s exciting how the music leads you into doing things you didn’t think you were capable of. Many times I won’t be able to do a trick if the right song isn’t on.

I encourage women (and men) to try pole fitness because it is a wonderful source of exercise and it builds confidence. You don’t realize the workout you are getting because it is so fun. More than once, I have been ridiculed because people cannot separate this sport from the taboo of stripping. People who don’t consider pole fitness a sport are ignorant. If I were to show them videos of professionals and ask them to try a move or two, they might change their minds. Pole fitness is so challenging that I can rarely talk my friends into trying it. A lot people become discouraged because there aren’t many pole fitness studios that are accessible in Santa Barbara. It’s hard to find a studio nearby that takes “the art of pole” to a new level. Any studio that hands you heels and outfits when you enter can’t be taken seriously. On the bright side, poles are easy to install right in your own home!

I strongly believe that pole fitness should be an Olympic sport because of it’s difficulty, complexity, and originality. There are many gymnastic apparatuses that are peculiarly similar to the pole. Pole fitness is an up-andcoming sport and its popularity will soon overrule the taboo and convince the non-believers of its respectability.

Pole fitness should be taken seriously and I challenge everyone who disagrees with me to try it for themselves!

Pole fitness is not only a form of dancing, but also a competitive sport.

Photo Credit: Facebook and Google Images

22

May 31, 2013

Entertainment

Emma Cisek and Shannon Rogers Staff Reporters

Summer 2013 movie previews

World War Z In theaters: June 21, 2013 Gerry Lane, a United Nations employee, is in a race against time to stop the Zombie epidemic that is desecrating armies and governments, and threatening to overtake humanity itself. The stars include Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, Mirellie Enos as Karen Lane, and Eric West as Jason.

This is the End In theaters: June 12, 2013 While going nuts at a party hosted at James Franco’s house, all the celebrities who happen to be there are faced with an apocalypse in L.A. The Cast include James Franco, Emma Watson, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel, Michael Cera, Jason Segal, Rihanna and many more in this comedic, apocalyptic film.

Lone Ranger In theaters: June 3, 2013 The Texas Rangers chase down a gang of outlaws led by Butch Cavendish, but the gang ambushes the Rangers, seemingly killing them all. However, one survivor is found by an American Indian named Tonto, who nurses him back to health. The Ranger, donning a mask and riding a white stallion named Silver, teams up with Tonto to bring the unscrupulous gang that killed the other Rangers and others of that ilk to justice.

Despicable Me 2 In theaters: July 3, 2013 Gru, the girls, and the minions return with a cast of new characters in Despicable Me 2 when Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal.

You’re Next In theaters: August 23, 2013 When a gang of masked, axewielding murderers descend upon the Davison family reunion, the hapless victims seem trapped...until an unlikely guest proves to be the most talented killer of all.

The Wolverine In theaters: July 26, 2013 The famous and well-liked Wolverine, from the X-Men series, is the star of this movie. The first movie, which came out in 2009, featured the Wolverine and his brother before and after they discovered their abnormalities and featured how the Wolverine acquired his steel claws. In this film, the Wolverine meets an enemy from the past who will certainly change his future. Stars Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine and Will Yun Lee as The Silver Samurai.

Violet and Daisy In theaters: Friday June 7, 2013 Violet and Daisy stars Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel as two young, popculture-obsessed assassins in New York City who accept what they think will be a quick and easy job until an unexpected target, played by James Gandolfini, throws their plan into chaos.

Monsters University In theaters: June 21, 2013 A second installment of the great movie Monsters Inc., this time, Mike and Sulley are young and unemployed. This movie centers on the lives of Mike and Sulley during their days back at Monster University, when they weren’t the best of friends. Stars Billy Crystal as Mike, John Goodman as Sulley, and Steve Buscemi as Randall.

23

May 31, 2013

Entertainment Spamalot draws big crowds at SBHS

Griffin Saxon Entertainment Editor

It’s opening night, and news of the show has spread around well. I arrive at the theater to find the front hallway of our school packed with people. As I walk down the aisle, passing through the packed house, I wave to some of my fellow established theater viewers: Ms. Nye and Ms. Ruth, Jeff Barry, and director Otto Layman. I excitedly take my seat; knowing from experience the nervousness and anticipation the cast must be feeling. The lights dim down as the overture to Monty Python’s Spamalot comes blazing from the UCSB Orchestra, a new sight to the Santa Barbara High School theater community. I look to my friends; all of us are pretty impressed with the band’s quality.

The show opens with senior Emma Robins playing a crotchety old historian with a strong British accent. That is only the start of it too, for every single character to appear onstage also has a British accent. The first act was a good setup, being the formation of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. It highlighted some SBHS Theater regulars.

Seniors Jordan Lemmond and Clayton Barry collaborated together to create the unlikely duo of King Arthur and his best friend/servant Patsy. Junior Mary Cusimano blew audiences away with her belting vocals as Lady of The Lake

The cast of Spamalot poses for a photo during their spring musical.

Photo Credit: EMK Media in the soulful ballad “Find Your Grail,” and comedic icon, senior Emilio Madrid Kuser took to the stage in flowing locks as Sir Dennis Galahad (The Dashingly Handsome). Act one was filled with witty political humor and plenty of nonsensical puns and jokes. Some of the well-known Monty Python and The Holy Grail characters were featured, such as the “I’m not dead yet” man, played by Diego Ochoa, and the French Taunters headed by sophomore Shug Cvitanic. The first

act ended with the knights running away from the French Kingdom to the song appropriately titled, “Run Away!”

During the second act, the crowd witnessed some fresh faces taking the stage. Sophomore Aaron Linker, as the meek Sir Robin, stole the spotlight with his over the top number “You Can’t Succeed on Broadway” number.

Audiences also got to meet first-timer Kendall-Anne Christensen, who played The Head Knight who says “Ni!”, and see

senior Christian Ramos take the stage in his first theater performance ever. It seems that sophomore Malcolm McCarthy, as Sir Lancelot, was man of the night, with his show stopping number, “His Name is Lancelot.” Malcolm showed his extremely physical skills as a dancer, as well as his newly developed singing and comedic side; his performance received a worthy two minute applause.

As the show came to a close, with its cheeky “Breaking the Fourth Wall” ending, I couldn’t help but smile. Looking at all those worn out faces, dripping with sweat while they took their bows to a standing ovation, I remembered the great times I had on the SBHS stage. This was a first performance for a large percentage of the freshman, and because I know that their careers are only beginning, I am incredibly eager to return to the SBHS theater in the next four years to see what is to become of them.

This show was one of the best performances I’ve seen from the SBHS Theater. The sound was not filled with the usual screeching feedback, the UCSB band brought a whole new professional dimension to the performance, and the actors looked like they were having fun.

As an audience member, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Congratulations to Mr. Otto Layman, the cast, and crew for putting together a simply splendid show.

Upcoming concerts A big part of summer is going to see concerts at places such as the Santa Barbara Bowl, SoHo, Velvet Jones, and other local venues.

This year’s summer lineup features many acts that are certain to please.

Adam Betters Website Editor

On August 20th, Steely Dan will be at the Bowl.

Dan is known for his hits from the 70’s such as Reelin’ in the Year and Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.

One June 22, Barenaked Ladies will perform at the Bowl along with Ben Folds Five and Guster. Barenaked Ladies are celebrating their 25th anniversary. They are best known as the group that created the theme song for the television show “The Big Bang Theory.”

Jason Mraz will be performing on Labor Day, September 2nd, at the Bowl. His performance will be in the afternoon, starting at 4:00pm. All proceeds from this concert will go to help the Life Rolls On and Jason Mraz Foundation.

Fun. will bring their tour to the Santa Barbara Bowl on September 7th. Fun. is the first band to be nominated in the top four Grammy categories: “Song of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” and “Best New Artist.”

Later this summer, on September 24th, Depeche Mode will perform along with special guest Crystal Castles. Depeche Mode is perhaps the most popular electronica band ever, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

24

May 31, 2013

Sports Boys Tennis competes in CIF Division 1 playoffs Anthony Spann Sports Editor

After defeating Thousand Oaks 144, winning 10-8 against Viewpoint, and beating Palos Verdes 13-5, the Dons lost 15-3 in the semi-finals to the University Trojans.

This is the 8th straight year the Trojans have been in the CIF playoffs, and they have won 85 straight games against any CIF teams they have previously played.

The Dons (17-4) faced Palos Verdes at home on Monday, May 13th. Santa Barbara ended the three match loosing streak against the Sea Kings, moving onto the next round. This is the first time since 2010 that the Dons have competed in the CIF semifinals. SBHS senior,

Channel League Champion, and number one singles player for the Dons, Graham Maassen, comments, “This quarterfinal match was monumental since we’ve become bitter rivals with them after barely losing to them twice last year.”

Having four seniors on the team creates a unique and strong team dynamic. “We graduated two of our best players from last year’s team,” explains head coach Greg Tebbe. “Coming into this season we had some important holes to fill in our lineup.” Two freshmen, Jackson Powell and Logan Lender, have proved vital assets to the team this year, and are promising prospects for the years to come.

The Dons have won Channel League 46 out of the past 47 years. They have taken home the championship 13 years in a row, and have a total of 114 Channel League consecutive wins, giving then good reason to expect to qualify for the CIF playoffs. “We are ranked 5th in CIF Division 1,” says Tebbe, “and there is an expectation of success starting every season.” When asked about their CIF strategy, Tebbe responded, “Its simple, we want to be mentally focused, give our best effort at all times, and support our teammates.”

Four seniors, Graham Maassen, Mitchell Kuhn, Avery Chernin, and Austin Trevillian, have the potential to

play in college next year. “Hopefully, our returning players will all work hard in the off season and improve their games,” says Tebbe. “We hope to have one or two freshmen next year who can make our starting lineup.”

The Dons have “been very solid this season and had strong camaraderie all the way through,” comments Maassen, who hopes to continue his tennis career at Pitzer College in Claremont, California.

Tennis is one of the only division 1 sports we offer at SBHS, and, even though this year resulted in a loss, “our players can hold their heads up high” says Tebbe.

SBHS Boys Volleyball goes to CIF Anthony Spann Sports Editor

The boys volleyball team at Santa Barbara High School came up short against Esperanza in the CIF Division 2 Finals. After winning the first set, the Dons lost the next three, giving Esperanza the Championship title.

The third-seeded Dons (19-9) defeated San Luis Obispo in three games in their first game of CIF. “Our goal was to get it done in an hour and we pretty much did that,” said Dons head coach Chad Arneson.

Then they defeated the defending champions, Oak Park, in five sets at Westmont College to advance to the semifinals. It was their first Final Four trip since 2008. “It’s big,” said Dons senior setter Hart Pitcher. “I don’t know if, at the beginning of the season, we would have ever expected to get this far.

In the semifinals, the Dons beat Foothill in four sets, and started to anticipate playing Esperanza at Santiago Canyon

College in the CIF Championships.

The Dons lost a few important seniors from last year’s team who could effectively close games. “We’re doing well when we face a challenge,” explained Dons senior and middle Channing Peake. “But [we are] getting a little lazy when a team isn’t at our level.”

Last year’s team had a CIF run that came to a disappointing end in the quarterfinals against Esperanza. Arneson explained, “Our guys put up a good fight, but, in the end, we didn’t come out on the right side.” This year the Dons hoped that would change.

“We all had moments of glory that game and pulled our own weight,” Peake explained. However, the Dons didn’t have what it took to take home the first-place trophy. Tristan Fauntleroy led the Dons with nineteen kills and a .351 average, however this was no match to Esperanza’s six-foot-seven Jake Arnitz. He had a total of 44 kills and an

outrageously high percentage of .514.

“We’ve got to be hard-nosed and play with emotion and that’s what we were doing,” commented Arneson. However, after the first game, the Dons “all of sudden went 180 and couldn’t get it done.”

Esperanza’s fourth set was a final blow to the Dons’ confidence. “It’s a tough one to swallow, our kids have worked so hard,” said Arneson. It was a tough end to the season for the Dons. “When you’re up 1-0 and have a chance to go up 2-0 in games. You can’t take these opportunities for granted.”

Similar to last year, the Don’s will lose several key seniors making next year a bit harder for the team. But Coach Arneson has a reputation for coaching a contending team and we are all anxious to see him take the Dons back for yet another CIF Championship run.

SBHS student Tristan Fauntleroy spikes the ball during a recent match.

Photo Credit: Presidio Sports

Independent PE: from sailing to wheelchair fencing Anthony Spann Sports Editor

Independent PE allows students to utilize their time efficiently, taking PE outside of school, while still receiving course credit for it.

Those who qualify for independent PE are able to avoid locker rooms and PE uniforms.

Those who want to play a sport that is not offered at SBHS have the opportunity to apply for independent PE as long as they meet the minimum requirement of fifteen hours of physical activity every two weeks. A wide variety of activities are accepted as viable sports, however strict guidelines must be met in order to receive and maintain applicable credit.

Dance is one of the most common sports that SBHS students choose to take for Independent PE credit. Although SBHS has a cheer squad, color guard team, and offers dance classes, many students attend dance schools off campus in order to develop their dance skills at a different level.

Emily Stokes, a sophomore at SBHS, has been competitively dancing since she was three. She became interested in dance when her “teacher, mentor, and inspiration, Jess Warfield, re-introduced [her] to dance in a way that made [her] take it more seriously.” For Emily, independent PE has helped “balance out [her] time so [she] could get most of [her] homework done,” instead of doing it “on the way home from the studio or late at night.” Taking PE outside of the school allowed her to “join a competition team at [her] studio and compete in solo and group dances,” making her long hours of dance worthwhile.

Alternate sports, like sailing, are less common throughout Santa Barbara High School. Sailing is “very tactical and intense sport,” comments sophomore Soren Wilde. “You are battling the elements while also trying to beat your competitors around a course.”

Avid sailors themselves, Soren’s parents introduced him to sailing when he was

eight years old. Starting out in Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada he sails “two to four days a week for anywhere between three to eight hours each day.” Participating in independent PE gives Soren “more time for schoolwork and other sports,” which include hockey, surfing, and windsurfing.

It also gives him more time to sail in the winter because of the short hours of sunlight in the evening. “Most of the best sailors in the world come from southern California,” Soren explains. Along with another member of the SBHS sailing team, he plans to compete in national and world-class sailing events throughout this year.

Wheelchair fencing is also a sport played by SBHS students. However, it is one of the most unique independent PE sports. Three main swords are used in fencing: the epee, the foil, and the sabre.

The epee is the heaviest, and focuses on thrusting the point into the opponent. The foil is the lightest, and is used to thrust at the torso and groin. Both the epee and

foil are swords based off point attacks.

The sabre is used for slashing, and with the exception of one’s hands, everything above the waste is the target area.

Sophomore Rory Pannkuk has been wheelchair fencing for eight years. Rory explains, “I have used the sabre for eight years, epee for three, and just picked up foil.” Introduced by his brother, Rory fences at Presidio Fencing Club, and was formally taught by “a coach for the US Paralympics team.” Utilizing independent PE lets him receive school credit for a sport he loves as well as avoiding a 6th period. “Anyone can fence if they desire!” comments Rory. “ It’s all about quick thinking skills and making good judgment calls.” If you’re interested in fencing visit presidiofencing.com for more information.

Have you met your PE requirement?

Are you interested in the independent PE program? Visit the Athletics office if you have any further questions!