Volume 86, Issue 9

highlights

Beverly Hills, Calif.

Beverly Hills High School

Volume 86, Issue Nine · February 22, 2013

WIRED IN Recent studies examine Facebook’s emotional, psychological effects Oliver Gallop and Mabel Kabani Graphics Editor, News Editor Senior Riley O’Neill gets home from lacrosse practice at 4 o’clock. He then goes straight to his computer and logs onto Facebook, just to check for any exciting notifications. More often than not, he finds something worth chuckling over on the internet and posts it. Then, he waits for the likes to rack up. And then he repeats the process. And repeats. And repeats.

O’Neill is one of over 1 billion people across the globe who use Facebook and, according to The New York Times, one of the 48 percent of users who are between the ages of 18 and 24. In addition, 30 percent of students are using social media during the time they have allotted for homework, according to a recently conducted study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. However, this is no secret.

Studies show that the hours teens spend on Facebook have a strong correlation with poor test grades and low attentions spans. Additionally, research conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has found a connection between Facebook usage and low self-esteem.

However, Intervention Counselor Alison Norman-Franks believes that Facebook aids students’ self esteem, rather than cause insecurities.

“I think that somebody that already has insecurities from Facebook could then start comparing [himself] and not feeling as adequate as others, therefore [heightening] someone’s insecurities,” Norman-Franks said. “But [I don’t believe] that Facebook causes [low self-esteem].”

Additional research suggests that after people post details of their lives on Facebook, some use the amounts of likes and comments they receive as an index of their own self-worth. According tcu360. com, Texas Christian University’s online newspaper, levels of dopamine, a hormone that controls pleasure, dip in women’s brains if they do not receive the acceptable amount of “happy birthdays” on Facebook.

However, the emotional and psychological effects of Facebook exceed changes in hormone levels. According to School Psychologist Gene

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Facebook may cause users to experience depression, anxiety and changes in hormone levels, studies find. OLIVER GALLOP

Preparations for accreditation committee visit underway Pasha Farmanara Co-Web Editor-in-Chief The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of School and Colleges (ACS WASC) will be evaluating Beverly and will be determining whether or not to accredit the school from March 3 to 6.

To be accredited, a school must show that it provides high-quality learning opportunities and a continuous effort to improve. It is through the evaluation process that students’ diplomas are validated.

An accredited school, as described on ACS WASC’s website, “is focused on a mission and goals for students; it is student oriented and examines its students’ performance continuously; it accepts objective evaluations from a team of outside peer professionals trained by ACS WASC; it maintains a qualified faculty within an effectively organized school; it collaboratively assesses the quality of its educational programs on a regular basis; and it plans for the future.”

In the school’s last evaluation, Beverly received a 6-year-term with a midterm

INSIDE

review (a one day visit and written progress report were required after three years). The other possible evaluations are a 3-year-term or a limited-term (one or two years). This time around, Beverly is hoping to gain a 6-year-term, which would not require the 3-year-follow-up.

“I think the ultimate evaluation is the 6-year-clear. Ideally we would love to have the 6-year-clear (no midterm evaluation), but I think that’s rather unusual so it is more realistic to get a visit in between,” ACS WASC Chair Member Sue Yovetich said.

“ACS WASC is extremely important

pages 8-9 City Council candidates’ views dissected pages 4-5

BSU holds Black History Month assembly

because it determines whether or not our students’ transcripts [and] graduation are valid,” ACS WASC Coordinator Michelle Halimi said. “Every school needs to be accredited if students want to go on to higher education with a transcript and diploma.”

To prepare for the evaluation, both the administration and the students from ACS WASC groups will hold classroom presentations detailing information about ACS WASC. The school appointed the Student ACS WASC Group based on

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Boys basketball competes in round two of CIF

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February 22, 2013 Highlights

Clockwise starting from top left: Sue Yovetitch hangs current event print outs by her students; ASB has put up signs on the second floor patio as well as other locations around the school warning students to clean up after themselves and throw away their trash in preparation for WASC’s arrival; Yovetitch has posted flyers in her room regarding various science related events/topics taking place; junior Michelle Banayan is putting together a poster of all the awards recieved by Highlights in the last JEA/NSPA competition in November. CELINE HAKIMIANPOUR AND PASHA FARMANARA

[Continued from page 1: Preparation for accredidation committee underway] involvement in various extracurricular activities.

Principal Carter Paysinger has started a campaign called, “We make it count” in order to make the involvement of the students in clubs and extracurricular activities more visible to the ACS WASC

committee members.

“Each club was supposed to give an emblem, and each student in a club will have an emblem representing their involvement on their locker to show their involvement,” ACS WASC Student Chair Natasha Natarajan said.

Getting accredited is imperative for the school, and students can take specific steps to help the school earn a high

SBAC accomodates round table discussion Jessica Saadian Staff Writer For the first time in 12 years, the Student Body Action Committee (SBAC), a student-run program that helps solve dilemmas concerning the student body, will hold a round table discussion to strategize how to improve Beverly’s environment. The meeting, which will involve members of the administration, as well as student leaders of extracurricular programs and groups, will take place sometime in March.

Hooman Zarrabi, president of DECA and one of the representatives of the round table discussion, believes that one of the key issues to be discussed is the lack of encouragement students receive to pursue careers in engineering or technology.

“We have plenty of programs and events for students who would like to be doctors or lawyers, but aside from our wonderful robotics program, our school does not emphasize technical careers very much,” Zarrabi said. “Hopefully I have an opportunity to make my argument and discuss it with other school leaders.”

As a student leader, Zarrabi thinks that this will be a successful event.

“I think it is a terrific idea to bring

together the most involved students around the school to contribute their own unique perspectives,” Zarrabi said.

“All these leaders can represent all parts of our school, thus solving problems at our school more efficiently and effectively.”

Natasha Natarajan, SBAC vice chair, believes that this event will bring the leaders of all the extracurricular programs to achieve a higher purpose.

“We hope, first and foremost, that every group on campus through the round table discussion will get a fair opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns about the school, about their organization, about anything really,” SBAC vice chair, Natasha Natarajan said.

According to SBAC advisor Michelle Halimi, Beverly had a different way of solving schoolwide issues in the past.

“When I went to school here, the superintendent selected students randomly and asked them questions about schoolwide issues,” she said. “However, this year is different because it’s a student-run program.”

According to Halimi, the turn out of either success or failure of March’s round table discussion, decided by progress, students and teachers, will determine whether or not future forums will be held.

accreditation.

“Students can help by being kind to the guests, cleaning up the campus and being their awesome selves. We also want our students to be familiar with our school’s theme: ‘We make it count’,” Halimi said.

The students will sense the presence of the evaluators throughout the entire school during each of the three days of evaluation.

“Students should expect to see the visiting committee in their classrooms and in the hallways. They will also pull students aside to talk about what’s important at BHHS and other random questions about the school,” Halimi said.

As the ACS WASC committee’s visit draws near, both students and staff continue to take measures to try to maintain the school’s accreditation.

Federal suit filed against subway extension Alex Menache Staff Writer The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) filed a lawsuit in November against the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) to have the agency analyze the Environmental Impact Statement on the Subway Extension.

“This is a very complex process that will involve time and energy,” Superintendent Dr. Gary Woods, who remarked that the city is currently in a period of waiting, said. “The courts are purposely slow and laborious with these matters.”

Because Beverly Hills High School is protected property, the FTA must determine whether the tunnel will have a negative impact on the school’s campus. The projected route for the Metro underground subway tunnel under the high school would run between 50 and 70 feet deep, although in some areas it would be greater than 100 feet deep, potentially causing disturbances to the campus.

An environmental impact study taken on the high school’s campus in April 2012 failed to uncover any active fault lines under the campus.

According to Beverly Hills Councilmember Barry Brucker, the city planned on “asking Metro to hold off on its decision and let scientists on all sides come together,” as of April 2012. However, the city has begun to approach the matter on a social standpoint, rather than a scientific one.

As the process progresses, Beverly students shared their opinions on the matter. While some students oppose it, others are for it.

“I think we have to consider the issue on a greater spectrum,” senior Tatianna Amatruda said. “If this project will benefit the city of Los Angeles as a whole, we should not shut it down.”

Although the fate of the matter is not yet determined, Beverly Hills residents continue to debate on both the positive and negative effects of either outcome.

To read more the about

Metro subway extension, scan the QR code to the right.

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February 22, 2013 Highlights

AcaDeca moves to state competition Security measures updated Jessica Lu Staff Writer

The Academic Decathlon (AcaDeca) team placed first in the county and received 75 individual awards at the Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon competition, which started Jan. 26 and ended Feb. 2. AcaDeca also won Most Improved Team and the Super Quiz portion of the competition.

“We broke the record for the highest team score,” coach Dina Yoseph said. “I was so thrilled and proud to see our team members receive the acknowledgment they deserve for all the hard work they put into their studies.”

The team bested 51 others, with West High School in Torrance taking second.

Senior Victor Lee scored perfect on the math portion his second year, and senior Jenny Chieu broke the school record for highest individual score. Overall, the top three scoring students in the entire county came from Beverly’s AcaDeca team, including Chieu, Lee and senior David Mnitsa.

“I felt confident but I knew not to expect anything because there’s always a chance factor,” Mnitsa said.

Yoseph said that the team members’ successes could be attributed not only to hard work, but also to a healthy team dynamic.

“They motivate and inspire each other to do the best work they can each and every single day,” Yoseph said. “It is very gratifying as their coach to observe this [behavior] on a regular basis.”

Senior Joye Yang said that while she enjoyed the recognition at the awards ceremony, she strives to improve her score at future competitions.

“After receiving the awards, we were happy but not satisfied. [We’re] looking toward the state competition; we will do our best to prepare so we can perform even better,” Yang said.

The next competition takes place in Sacramento from March 15-17.

“We’re really hyped up for State. We want to

Seniors Victor Lee, David Mnitsa and Jenny Chieu pose at the AcaDeca county awards ceremony after all three seniors ranked best scoring competitors in the entire county. Photo courtesy of DINA YOSEPH

continue striving to do our best and [continue] doing really well at the next level of competition,” junior Laurie Wang said.

Mnitsa said that he likes AcaDeca for the academic challenge and competition.

“My favorite part was the chance for me to learn lots of things. I didn’t just focus on a certain type of academic discipline; I had to exit my comfort zone and learn arts and humanities,” Mnitsa said. “I’m looking forward to doing well at the state competition and having our success encourage other students at our high school to want to participate.”

Yoseph mentioned that seven seniors will graduate this year, leaving several empty spots available.

“We will need to find students who are naturally curious and eager to learn new things to take their place,” Yoseph said. “If a student likes to learn a lot of new things and be part of a team, then he or she should look into trying out for AcaDeca.”

Science teacher Emily Smith will become AcaDeca’s coach during upcoming competitions while Yoseph is on maternity leave.

Yoseph is confident that Smith will fulfill the position well.

“She will continue the strong tradition of hard work and preparation that these students have established,” Yoseph said. “I know she is excited about the team’s prospects for success in the future.”

Because Smith has been active in AcaDeca, the members are not worried about the change.

“Ms. Smith is very enthusiastic and supportive, and we are sure she will do her best to help us succeed,” Yang said.

The winners at state will go on to the U.S. Academic Decathlon, which will be held in April in Minnesota.

Service Learning encourages spirit Brenda Mehdian Staff Writer Members of Service Learning and the Associated Student Body (ASB) have partnered up to run a second-semester campaign in effort to increase student involvement in extracurriculars.

On Feb. 3, club presidents were asked to create a logo to represent their clubs.

After production of the emblems, Service Learning and ASB will distribute the magnets to club members to place on their lockers.

“The ultimate goal for this campaign is to promote spirit and to have kids who are involved take pride in what they are involved in. In addition, we want kids who are not involved to recognize that there are opportunities for them in school programs,” Service Learning Advisor Michelle Halimi said.

With the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visit coming up in March, Service Learning feels that this school spirit encouraging activity will showcase the amount of clubs and experiences Beverly offers.

“Although we want to have everything done and ready by the WASC visit, the main purpose is to proudly present extracurricular involvement while encouraging those who have yet to join a nonacademic student organization,” senior Service Learning student Ariel Azhdam said.

Although this event is aimed at attaining more student involvement withing extra curriculars and clubs, just over 70 percent of the student body is involved in extracurricular activities.

“This campaign rewards students who

Juniors Simon Hedvat and Claudia Dayani as well as sophomore Davina Shoumer are working on their Service Learning projects in which students are encouraged to participate in school activities. This will be displayed upon WASC’s arrival. PHOTO COURTESY: MAX STAHL

have taken the steps to get involved in school,” junior ASB Representative Maya Steinberg said. “It also shows those who are not involved that they should do so.

We are only in high school for a short amount of time and don’t want students to look back at these four years and think it went to waste. We want every student to make it count.”

Over 40 different types of logos will be produced during this campaign; about 30 of which will be for clubs and 10 of which will be for other extracurricular activities.

“Each and every club should be participating in this campaign. I hope this becomes an annual activity showcasing the involvement of our students in clubs on our campus. We want to recognize the involvement and interests of out students, and this is a great way to provide

a visual on campus of the students’ interests and participation,” House C Assistant Principal Toni Staser said.

According to Azhdam, the campaign’s success will be measure by statistical data from student surveys, as well as how well teachers, advisers and club presidents can increase their organizations’ membership.

“I think this campaign will catch the attention of students, especially of those with nothing on their lockers, and will encourage them to get involved,” Commissioner of Senior Events Kayla Countryman said.

ASB and Service Learning are currently printing, laminating and attaching the logos to magnets. The groups hope to have students put the logos, which were submitted to Azhdam by Feb. 8, on their lockers by Friday, March 1.

Zoe Kenealy Staff Writer The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) has decided to revise Beverly’s current security system in response to incidents such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

“We are going to upgrade certain areas where fencing is in place, limit access onto campus and ensure our students know where to report if we were to hold a lockdown during lunch,” assistant principal Toni Staser said.

At the Jan. 8 board meeting, Board President Jake Manaster proposed the installation of alarm systems, one-way entry doors, motorized gates and manned and roving posts in order to aid the security in monitoring the campus more efficiently.

On Jan. 11, 2011, the school agreed to install a six foot tall fence around the campus, but it was decided by the board two months later to simply keep Beverly an open campus school with an increased number of security guards.

“I was really happy that the school never built a fence around the campus because it would have made the school so ugly,” sophomore Amanda Christovich said. “We have a beautiful campus and installing a fence isn’t worth ruining it when we already have security guards.”

Later in June 2011, however, the board unanimously voted on the installation of what would be a $250,000 motorized chain-link fence. Measure E, the $334 million bond that was passed in order to fund five city schools, would fund this project as well, according to Superintendent Dr. Gary Woods.

“The fence should be built, and I agree that it should be built with Measure E money,” sophomore Chloe Barroukh said. Although I do think the front lawn is beautiful, I think that safety comes first. So if that means putting up a fence around the campus, so be it.

Safety comes before beauty.”

Beverly is considering other security methods in addition to just placing a fence around the perimeter of the school.

“I don’t see why a fence seems like the only option to people trying to boost the school’s security. There are so many other ways we could make the school a safer place without degrading the appearance of the school,” junior Deven Martin said. “For example, locking all the school’s door on weekends and after school hours could be a first step.”

According to Staser, the additions to the school’s security system will result in students having to change their traffic routes taken to school. More information on the new security at Beverly will be released this spring.

KEY DATES

February 26: Submissions for “Secrets” NAHS Gallery is due to Mrs. Joseph or Mr. Fedderman March 1: Entries for Fox Writing Contect are due to Ms. Fine

February 23: SAT Workshop, “Reading in the Trenches-How to ACe the Most Feared Section in the SATs” starting 9 am in the John Cherney Lecture Hall

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February 22, 2013 Highlights

The candidates unveiled From the schools to the budget, Highlights investigates these citizens’ viewpoints Nancy H. Krasne

to be re-elected?

I know how the city works and what needs to be done to make to make the city a sustainable environment for our generation and generations to come. Most of all, I want accountability on what we spend and how we spend the money.

What are some key issues you hope to focus on if elected?

Pension reform, lowering the escalating utility rates, two hours of free parking to make our small business community vital and healthy, flow through traffic mitigation and the decline in numbers of sworn officers from our police and fire departments. Lastly, the schools need to be protected by the council.

Nancy Krasne, whose tenure as a council member from 2007-2011 included a stint as mayor in 2009-2010, hopes to return to the dais. Her experience in civil service also includes eight years on the Architectural Commission, four and a half years as a Planning Commissioner, Founding Treasruer of Friends of Greystone, and Treasurer and Officer of Beverly Hills CPR for 12 years. A former teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 18 years, Krasne is being endorsed by three School Board members: Dr. Brian Goldberg, Lewis Hall and Lisa Korbatov.

What experiences make you qualified

Dr. Willie Brien

A candidate for the Beverly Hills City Council, Mayor Willie Brien has served as Beverly Hills’s mayor for the past four years and has focused on emergency service response time and support for the schools. Before assuming the rotating role of mayor, Brien was an active member on the Recreation and Parks Commission and Beverly Hills Board of

Michael Talei Tech entrepreneur Michael Talei is a first time candidate for the city council. A long-term resident of Beverly Hills, Talei spends his time being involved in the city. Due to his demanding job schedule, Talei has been absent at many forums thus far; however, with the March 5 election approaching, Talei will be seen more frequently. Talei did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

Alex Menache

What do you hope to achieve for the schools with Beverly Hills?

Continue and increase the JPA, so that it is foolproof and can never be touched by the state. I am a school teacher with a serious concern for the schools.

What is your grand vision for the city?

The community has made that decision with the General Plan for the city. It was thoughtful work that was done over a period of 10 years with input from all members of the city (developers, renters, small business owners, homeowners and staff). They don’t want spot zoning. Beverly Hills is a “small town.” We are a unique, family-oriented community with a special character and a world-enowned quality of life that so many people aspire to have. My

vision is to keep that quality of life for generations to come!

What are some strategies you will employ to work effectively with the other city council members?

There is no strategy to build consensus. The most effective tool is listening to the public in an open forum. We should all hear the same information in an open forum (not behind closed doors) so that everyone hears the same information. It will make city government honest and transparent to the entire community. No one’s personal agenda should interfere with this process.

On your campaign website, you mention that you oppose the MTA tunnel below the high school. The City Council hasn’t come out with an official position on the issue. How will you get the City Council to come together and take a firm stance against the MTA tunnel?

Nowhere in the state of California does a tunnel go underneath an instructional area. According to the Department of Defense, Metros are always a terrorist target. Now that the Metro had decided (for money) and at a cost of $100 million more to the taxpayers to run it under Beverly Hills High School into Century City (which has a density problem and is also a high profile terrorist target), there is no margin for error. We do not know the ramifications of noise when the trains run...what they will encounter building Metro through an abandoned oil field, how it will impact the

building above ground, how long it will impact our students [during construction] and where we put the children if something goes wrong.

In every catastrophic disaster, schools are the point where people come together. They have disaster-relief supplies. The Metro’s alignment down Santa Monica Boulevard is the only acceptable route.

According to your website, you support free two-hour parking. How do you think maintaining two hour parking will benefit the City?

It will keep the small business community thriving. People come in, shop, dine and feel free to walk around. The benefits and revenue derived from this expense are minimal compared to the revenue it brings into the city. Look at Westwood, when they lost parking, businesses went away and now it looks like one big T-shirt store. We need the small, unique boutiques to keep us vital, or we are just another mall.

What specific plans do you have to increase accountability at City Hall?

We need to go back to a line item budget with one set of books so that all residents and businesses can see the revenue coming in and the expenses going out, with bills that have not been paid. Without this the council is in the dark. All enterprise funds should be available without a public records request at every turn.

The council should be aware of all liabilities that have accrued over the year so they can be addressed.

Benjamin Hannani

Education. Brien is a doctor by training and currently serves as Executive Vice Chairman of the Dept. of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

What experiences make you qualified to be a member of the city council?

As the current mayor and councilmember, I led the budget process to achieve a balanced budget, which generated a $10 million surplus. City revenues exceed city expenditures.

I’ve managed the negotiations with our fire and police depts. that achieved the beginning of pension and medical retirement reform and made Beverly Hills a national model in this area. These initial reforms will save the city $90 million over the next four decades.

The basis for all of the improvements in quality of life stem from a healthy financial position, which the city now has. Flowing from this is the additional $4 million that has been negotiated for our schools. This is in addition to the $9.75 million JPA that I negotiated with the schools. Beyond those experiences, I was president and member of the school board and have a deep concern and understanding of the needs and priorities of our schools.

What are some key issues you hope to Eliot M. Finkel, the current treasurer of Beverly Hills, has served two terms in his current position and is currently running unopposed for a third term.

Finkel is a registered investment adviser and founded the Eliot Finkel Investment Counsel, where he began managing securities portfolios, in 1981. He served as a member and chair of the Public Works Commission.

Finkel’s accolades include earning Beverly Hills a “AAA” credit rating, which lessens the cost for the city to borrow money, and found-

focus on if elected?

I worked with resident Steve Gordon to create a public-private partnership to restore Beverly Gardens to its historic character. We will be rebuilding Roxbury Park for our seniors and children without losing any green space or playing fields. I want to expand the pilot traffic management plan I introduced to pass through traffic of our residential streets.

There is no question that we will be able to further reform pension and medical retirement plans, which will be important to our financial sustainability. In my first four years we invested in upgrading sewer lines, which will save the city millions in insurance claims.

We are investing in public safety tools and resources for our first responders. I’d like to see the the southeast of the city start to attract private capital to revitalize this area. The southeast would be perfect for developing apartments, restaurants and shops to keep young people here in the city. The city needs to invest in properties there so we can partner and build more parking to make this all work.

What do you hope to achieve for the schools of Beverly Hills?

My goal is to continue the city’s critical partnership with our schools. I fought councilmembers who tried to break the JPA contract

Eliot M. Finkel ing the Citizens’ Budget Review Committee and Pension Task Force, the Beverly Hills Patch reports. The former exists to review and offer amendments for the city budget, while the latter evaluates the city’s pension plan.

One of Finkel’s major goals for his third term is to resolve the issue of Beverly Hills’ retirement obligations for safety employees.

According to the Beverly Hills Courier, CalPERS (California Public Employee Retirement

because our schools are as important as our police and fire services. These are the three crown jewels of Beverly Hills. I believe the city can provide the schools with more than just funding. We offer internships for students and Youth in Government programs.

Working together with the district, we can continue to develop programs that benefit our children and schools.

What is your grand vision for the city?

Beverly Hills is pretty grand as it is. The business of running a city sounds boring and small, but it is the heart of how we get to do the big things: restore parks, maintain the magnificent trees that line our streets, keep our citizens safe and ensure that Beverly Hills remains a wonderful place to raise a family.

What are some strategies you will employ to work effectively with the other city council members?

I listen. Having served on many boards, I know that is where you have to start. Boards can’t work in black and white. If you listen, you might learn something. I don’t have all the answers when I walk in the room and I am always willing to listen and learn.

Ryan Feinberg System), which provides retirement benefits to California employees, retirees and families, reported an underwhelming return of one percent on its investments in 2012, severely missing the 7.5 percent required to meet its financial goals.

Additionally, Finkel aspires to maintain the financial stability of the city’s parking enterprise.

Finkel did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

Robert Katz

February 22, 2013 Highlights Brian Rosenstein

A fourth generation citizen of Beverly Hills, a former traffic and parking commissioner, the current vice chair of the planning commission and a member of the City Council Small Business Task Force, candidate Brian Rosenstein is running for a seat on the Beverly Hills City Council to achieve his goals of preserving the city while enhancing the community.

How do you intend to address traffic congestion?

Over the past few years, I have spent Vice Mayor John Mirisch is running for reelection and has previously served four years on the council. He has said his main focus is to create long-term fiscal stability and to give strong support to the schools.

What experiences make you qualified to be a member of the city council?

How has your experience as the vice mayor affected you?

My experience on the council is a qualification for continuing to serve. Being Vice Mayor has allowed me to gain additional perspective on local government. While there are many great things in our city, I think the system sometimes seems set up to protect the status quo. We really need to get back to basics and remember that the function of local government is to serve the residents, not the other way around.

What are some key issues you hope to focus on if elected? How will you address these issues?

Working to create long-term fiscal stability, instead of chasing revenue each year to try to

Katherine Cohan

A Beverly Hills resident, attorney, entrepreneur and mother of two children, Katherine Cohan hopes to bring a more advanced and modern education system,

news 5 time looking at what other cities around us [such as Santa Monica] do to mitigate traffic congestion in residential neighborhoods. Also, there is a significant percentage of traffic in the commercial districts from cars circling looking for a place to park. Century City, Westside Pavilion and Santa Monica all have parking counters on their garages to inform people of how many spaces are available in their garages; we don’t have the garages in Beverly Hills. This is an easy thing to implement that will improve traffic and parking in the commercial district and eliminate shoppers and visitors’ desire[s] to park in the residential neighborhood.

the business community. We must also do outreach and marketing to change the perception that Beverly Hills is a difficult place in which to do business.

How do you intend to work with the community to make a more business-friendly environment? What is unfriendly about the environment right now?

As a member of the City Council Small Business Task Force, I helped develop a strategic plan to help attract and retain small businesses in Beverly Hills. We have already started seeing the results of this plan, as many of our empty storefronts are starting to get filled. We must implement more streamlining measures to help businesses open faster. The city council needs to reach out to the business community and work with the Chamber of Commerce and Conference and Visitors Bureau to better meet the needs of

Who are you working with on all of these projects?

So far, many of these projects and initiatives are my own ideas, but I am a consensus builder and look forward to working with my colleagues on the city council to get these projects completed.

balance the budget. Specifically, we need to address salaries and benefits, which in some cases are excessive, as well as potential areas of overstaffing. Salaries and benefits need to be fair and sustainable, but in some cases they are neither. Dealing with this in an evenhanded way will be key to creating long-term fiscal stability. I’d also like to continue our strong support for our schools. If we get our fiscal house in order, there will be even more resources we can devote to the schools, especially as the state continues to deplete the funding made available to the district.

What is your grand vision for the city?

We should be the best version of Beverly Hills we can possibly be. Living up to our potential means placing the residents in the center of all decision-making. I believe in a strong sense of community. Beverly Hills is our home, and that is a powerful concept, which connects us all. There’s no question in my mind that our residents are the heart and soul of this very unique city.

What do you hope to achieve for the schools within Beverly Hills?

The council can and should support the schools by working closely with the school board, without impinging upon the [board’s] duties. We can and should continue to support the schools financially, especially as the state unfairly takes money away from our district. The Beverly Hills School District should once again become a “Lighthouse District” [that] sets an example of how public education can still work.

zoning control and environment-friendly programs to Beverly Hills as a city council member. After the council meeting at Beverly Hills High School on Feb. 6, Highlights asked Cohan more about her vision and future plans.

What resources are our emergency service providers missing?

Our Police Dept. is currently down over 10 percent of its force. We must make sure the Police Dept. has all the resources it needs to get our police force back up to full staffing so we can get our specialized officers like our school resources officers back into their roles on our school campuses to help make our school district safer.

What are some key issues you hope to focus on if elected?

My top priorities are to get our emergency and city services back up to their highest levels that our residents want, need and deserve, to reinvigorate our business community to generate the revenue necessary to continue to provide great city services to our residents and to alleviate traffic congestions using innovative poli-

What have you done with the Cultural Heritage Commission so far and what are your plans for the future?

When I initially proposed that the city initiate [the commission], the city council did not embrace the idea. But, as the expression goes, “persistence overcomes resistance.” I had included the goals of historic preservation into our city’s General Plan, which served as the basis for the ultimate creation of the commission. I’m thrilled we adopted my suggestion last year and that we have a strong preservation ordinance in place and a very active Cultural Heritage Commission. Now more than ever, I remain committed to supporting the

work from all our residents.

What experiences make you qualified to be a member of the city council?

I am an experienced attorney who is skilled at spotting key issues and finding the best solutions. As a mediator, I have the skills to negotiate and resolve critical issues professionally.

What do you hope to achieve for the schools within Beverly Hills?

I want to achieve the best in all aspects of our education system. I am eager and excited to do what needs to be done to keep our children well-educated and healthy.

Beverly Hills schools are the best worldwide. Some people move to the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) just for its school system. I want to maintain and enhance its greatness by modernizing all aspects of our system, from its buildings to technologies.

What are some key issues you hope to focus on if elected?

My focus areas are developing our parks and schools, creating a cleaner and safer environment and dealing with the MTA under the Beverly Hills High School alignment. I would also like to focus on the school system in Beverly Hills and our senior citizens. Lastly, I want to see more transparency in the city council and team-

What is your grand vision for the city?

My grand vision is to secure the future of our children, to enhance the quality of our lives and to use our funds wisely. I want Beverly Hills to gain its prestige again. I want Beverly Hills to be the number one destination of tourists and travelers, and to do that we need cleaner air, safer streets and better schools.

cies, technology and common sense.

What do you hope to achieve for the schools with Beverly Hills?

I pledge to continue to support a strong and robust JPA (Joint Powers Agreement) for our schools so that our school district has the resources it needs to continue to provide a high level of education and programs for the children and families of Beverly Hills.

What is your grand vision for the city?

I am running to preserve and enhance our quality of life here in Beverly Hills. My grand vision is to leave Beverly Hills better than I found it for the residents and businesses when I’m finished on the city council.

What are some strategies you will employ to work effectively with the other city council members?

I’m a consensus builder. I have a record of being a consensus builder and team player and working well with my colleagues on the Traffic & Parking Commission and the Planning Commission and I’m hoping to bring that experience to our city council to help bridge the divide that exists not only on the council but also between the council and the school board.

Marguerite Alberts

John Mirisch

commission in its goals and honoring our city’s rich history.

Jessica Lu What are some strategies you will employ to work effectively with the other city council members?

I believe in respect and negotiation. Fairness and reasonableness should be inherent. I cannot stress enough how important teamwork is. To have a productive council, we must employ and consider each resident’s needs and concerns and address the most viable resolutions.

Beverly Hills High School could not continue its recycling program since 2010 due to its budget crisis. Now, the school’s recycling program is solely and voluntarily managed by the student government, ASB. Do you have plans to resolve this issue?

I think we should contract with certain companies to come and help with the recycling issues. I am sure we can create a team force on this concern to minimize its costs.

Kevin Park Photos courtesy of RESPECTIVE CANDIDATES

6 feature

February 22, 2013 Highlights

Alumnus becomes Willy Wonka of Brentwood Dami Kim Culture Editor “Success is a journey, not a destination,” author Ben Sweetland once said. Similarly, alumnus and chocolatier Jonathan Grahm has endured trials and errors on his journey to successfully becoming the “new face of chocolate.”

Born and raised in Beverly Hills, Grahm, now 28 years old, attended El Rodeo School and graduated from Beverly in 2002. Grahm still remembers his “great” mentors who inspired him to be a hard-working student, such as El Rodeo’s office managers Vivian Minor and Susie Wallach, and his sixth grade math teacher Kerry Mazor. Grahm attained his first part-time job when he was 14-years-old and has been working ever since. He says he has learned how to be independent from the real world experience he had at a very young age.

“I think [the job] helped me develop a very strong work ethic,” Grahm said. “It was very important to me to carve out my name and career for myself and really think about my future.”

Grahm officially took over his family’s long-standing chocolate store called Compartés when he was 21. He stopped pursuing his major in political science at UCLA and his interest in becoming an entertainment lawyer in order to devote his life to his chocolates. He knew he had a “true calling,” he says, when his signature line of chocolate ganache truffles was reviewed as the only line of chocolates to receive a perfect score from Bon Appetit Magazine.

Since then, celebrity clients such as George Clooney and Angelina Jolie and corporate companies like Facebook, Disney, Bravo and Lamborghini have been ordering customized chocolates from Grahm, who feels honored to have a great number of Compartés fans. He was also named as one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30” and the official chocolate expert and contributor for

Oprah Winfrey’s website.

He noted that his inspiration for versatility in his chocolates came from his mother, who spoke eight different languages, was a passionate world traveler and the “coolest mom” in high school. As a young boy, Grahm frequently visited Venezuela for summer camp and slept in the rainforest on a cocoa tree, which he claims has influenced his style of making chocolates. He continues to travel as an adult and recently spent a month in Europe and Central America to find new flavors to incorporate into his chocolates.

“I have amazing flavors like mango saffron, pineapple habanero, spicy Mexican hot chocolate, ginger lemongrass, rose pistachio, cardamom coconut and Japanese seven spice,” Grahm described. “I also use a lot of tropical fruits such as passionfruit, lychee and guava, which are inspired by the rainforests I’ve visited over the years.”

The Compartés chocolates are made daily from scratch using all natural ingredients in Brentwood. Grahm stated that the atmosphere of Los Angeles has a great influence on his chocolates. His chocolates are a fusion of art, culture, fashion and food with ethnic flavors and are “truly a representation of Los Angeles.”

“They are a melting pot so to speak, just like the city of Los Angeles,” Grahm explained. “No other chocolates on planet earth are as cool, funky, vibrant and just so unique as Compartés chocolates.”

Each of the chocolates are printed with patterns and designs, such as argyle, palm trees, dolphins and sunsets. Grahm announced his new line of chocolate bars, which are categorized into two parts: “The World Series,” which is based on his world travels and features bars with ingredients and art from 13 different countries; and “The Infinite Dream Series,” which is based on Compartés’ 63-year-old history in Los Angeles and is a whimsical take old school flavors revived as “new school” chocolates.

“I have always been into art and I get to

Alumnus Jonathan Grahm has risen to worldwide popularity through his Compartes chocolates. Courtesy of JONATHAN GRAHM

express my art through chocolate,” Grahm said. “It’s like the chocolate is my canvas.”

As the youngest chocolatier in the country, Grahm confesses that he never went to school for chocolate making or took a cooking class or a business class. Grahm describes himself as a self-taught individual who will always be learning and honing his skills to improve his craft. However, this source of independence can be a “doubleedged sword,” he says.

“I didn’t have a team or a business coach behind me to establish my business,” Grahm accounted. “It’s a one-man show, and sometimes it’s the hardest part about my job, but it’s also the most rewarding part of it.”

Grahm recently visited six cities in Japan to establish 100 temporary pop-up chocolate shops for Valentine’s Day. He has previously won a chocolate competition in Japan against other European competitors, and he now has eight permanent shops in Tokyo, Japan, and will soon open another in Shanghai, China.

Although Grahm has focused on creating

the finest chocolates for the past eight years, he has also started developing a clothing line of bow ties this year. The attention he has received from the media has also encouraged him to shoot an upcoming TV series about his business.

“My goal is to make Compartés synonymous with Gucci or Prada; a fun, unique L.A. centric brand with no limitations,” Grahm stated. “Of course, chocolate will be the base of everything I do.”

Grahm advises students who are interested in joining the food business to focus on one passion.

“I think [the business] has been successful because I’ve been hyper-focused on just my chocolates,” Grahm realized. “Pick something that you love and become obsessed with it. I dedicated all my passion and life to chocolates and chose something that made me happier as a person, which is very important in terms of your job.”

Follow Compartés on Twitter, Instagram @Compartes and at facebook. com/compartes.

Culinary Arts students attend cooking competition

Junior Maxwell Iskiev, senior Julian Gomez, juniors Bianca Fonseca and Shivani Patel, and seniors Roy Petito and Amanda Massaband attened the SkillsUSA competition and the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Foundation. DARRELL SMITH

Michelle Banayan Social Media Editor It was like a scene from a typical Food Network show: utensils sprawled out across the table, aspiring chefs in a hurry, judges keenly observing.

The major difference, however, was that it was for high school students at the 2013 SkillsUSA regional competition.

“The atmosphere was completely new and initially scary and intimidating, but when I started cooking, all the feelings passed and I was just excited,” senior

Amanda Massaband said.

Massaband was among the six Advanced Culinary Arts students who attended the SkillsUSA competition at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Foundation on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. The competition consisted of three parts: Culinary Arts, Job Interviews and Job Skills Demo.

Junior Bianca Fonseca, junior Maxwell Iskiev, junior Shivani Patel, senior Julian Gomez, Massaband and senior Roy Petito will be advancing to the state competition in San Diego this spring due to their exemplary performance at regionals.

“Placing so well came as a bit of a surprise,” Fonseca said about winning silver in the Culinary Arts portion of the competition. “At the time, I felt as if I wasn’t able to achieve my full potential because I felt rushed and nearly ran out of time. So finding out I [won silver] was exhilarating.”

Each student was required to prepare a pre-assigned dish for the judges on site. The students, who had three weeks to prepare, were told to “incorporate their own touch” into the meals, Fonseca said.

“I prepared a pico de gallo for one of the

competitions and a composed salad with an emulsified vinaigrette for the other,” Gomez said. “I acquired a lot of skill from the Culinary Arts class [at Beverly], but I also got a lot of skill from my grandma who taught me how to make a variety of Mexican foods.”

The other students also received inspiration from family members in regards to cooking. Patel, who placed gold in the Culinary Arts competition, learned how to cook from her grandmother.

“I always had a passion to cook when I was younger, and my grandmother taught me so much that the spark to keep going was just there,” she said. “I love cooking and I feel closer to her when I’m doing it.”

To follow their passions for cooking, the majority of students said they plan on pursuing Culinary Arts as a future career.

“Cooking is something that is fun and enjoyable for me, so why not make it into a career,” Gomez said.

However, currently the six students are focused on competing well in the state competition, practicing during class and listening to their Chef Darrell Smith’s advice. “[One] needs to have a mindset going into a competition,” Smith said. “Some of our kids will soon be competing against their friends because they are all the best of the best, and they have to be prepared for it. If they are prepared, there is nothing to worry about.”

feature 7

February 22, 2013 Highlights

[Continued from page 1: “Recent studies examine Facebook’s emotional, psychological effects”]

Fun Facts about Facebook website Spam reports on Facebook negatively affect your posts much more than they originally did.

In April 2012, Facebook had 9% of all Internet visits in the U.S. As of May 2012, Facebook had more than 1.6 billion visits a week and 229 million visits each day from the U.S. One in every five page views in the U.S is on Facebook.

The average person spends 20 minutes on Facebook.

The Facebook.com audience consists of more females (56 percent) than males.

In March 2010, Facebook was the #1 ranked website in the nation.

Facebook has been the most searched term in the U.S. since July 2009.

In April 2012, 96% of Facebook users returned to the social network within 30 days.

More than 250 million pictures are uploaded onto Facebook each day.

Information derived from www. abclocal.com and www.cio. com.

Michelman, people who use Facebook tend to be less happy and content with their lives because they are constantly comparing their own lives to those of others.

“I see students constantly comparing their lives to that of their friends, who post pictures of themselves on Facebook enjoying their luxurious vacations in places like Cabo,” Michelman said. “Teens can’t help but sometimes degrade themselves and their lives when comparing it all to their popular and rich friend.”

For example, senior Sadie Katz occasionally finds herself looking through post-vacation pictures of her Facebook friends.

“Seeing other peoples’ pictures on vacations and doing fun things make you feel sad about your life where you’re not doing that,” Katz said.

Michelman goes on to say that pictures and statuses of college acceptances posted on Facebook also tend to lead to feelings of melancholy and self-degradation among students.

Additionally, Facebook has the potential to lead to “substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices or aggressive or self destructive behaviors,” according to an American Academy of Pediatrics study.

The paper also suggests that the more time a person spends on the Internet, the more likely he or she is to become lonely

or depressed.

“Feelings of depression and self-hate are common among teens, since it is such a sensitive and fragile age, but Facebook seems to exacerbate it,” school psychologist Raquel Carungcong said.

“Cyber bullying is only made worse by sites such as Facebook and we’ve [had kids come in who have] received lots of suicidal threats because of this.”

Additionally, according to everydayhealth.com, spending time on Facebook can prompt adolescent girls to develop eating disorders such as anorexia, extreme dieting and bulimia due to the way they look and are perceived on the social networking site.

Although Facebook has the ability to help spur depression and other negative by-products of psychological stress and insecurities, Facebook can also fuel one’s self esteem. According to a study at Cornell University, some students experience lifts in their moods after they update their profiles and control how others perceive them.

Spending time on Facebook can also strengthen friendships and bonds because, according to everdayhealth.com, “private messages and wall posts [allow] Facebook users to confide in their friends, surf down memory lane and laugh out loud, promoting happy feelings.”

“I’ve been able to communicate with a bunch of kids who I don’t go to school with,” junior James Fast said. “I’ll meet kids at concerts and then I’ll [find them] on Facebook so that we may keep in touch.”

In addition, sophomore English teacher and avid Facebook user Julie Goler does not believe that “Facebook takes the place of real human interaction, but it does have a place for helping people remain connected.”

Facebook can also be beneficial to those who experience shyness in social situations. In a recent study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, surfing down news feeds and receiving messages from friends can increase one’s feelings of “connectedness” and unity.

One local middle-schooler, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes that Facebook has postivitely influenced her life by making her less shy and more social over the years.

“Before I got a Facebook, I felt like I didn’t know anybody,” she said. “I’d go to parties and be the awkward loner in the corner scrolling through Instagram. Now I feel like I know everybody else because I can recognize them from their profile picture and talk to them about things we have in common based on the biographies on their wall.”

Michelman agrees that one of the psychological benefits caused by Facebook is its ability to give socially hesitant students the ability to connect to their peers, without having the pressure of having to physically speak to them.

Though Facebook has many pros and cons, the site still remains the most popular website on the Internet, with its active members populous enough to create the third largest country in the world.

Junior protests against Facebook Max Stahl Staff Writer Over the past several years, more teenagers have begun to store their lives on the Internet. Websites such as Twitter, Google+ and, most of all, Facebook, have offered consumers fast and convenient social networking service in exchange for personal information and ad views.

As growing membership numbers indicate, consumers have obliged to these abridgements of privacy in order to access instant, long-range and essentially free communication.

Social networking has become ingrained in the American youth culture. For some, to part with Facebook is to part with life, with existence itself.

Three weeks ago, junior Merhzad Farnoosh did the unthinkable.

After a fanfare of status updates sharply criticizing the website he now strongly disapproves of, he permanently deactivated his Facebook account.

Inspired by programmer Richard Stallman’s article “Facebook Is Not Your Friend” (posted on his website, Stallman.org), Farnoosh developed a multipronged criticism of the social networking giant.

“We have moved past the era where open and user-controlled communication [in which

information is directly passed from user to user] was more difficult than centralized and corporate forms [in which a central entity collects all information sent from one user to another], and now they are just as easy, if not simpler,” Farnoosh said. “Most people don’t realize that there are social networks out there that are not meant to steal your data and serve you ads all over the place.”

Farnoosh is concerned that Facebook’s centralized nature renders users’ information unsafe. For example, he explained, when the Southeast Asian gaming company MOL Global bought the centralized social networking website Friendster, users’ data was transferred to the gaming company without the users’ consent.

“Facebook is eventually going to break down, and when it does, what happens to all that data? It’s gone forever,” Farnoosh said. “You, as the user, were just renting an apartment in Facebook’s virtual city.”

Facebook, which sold about $4 billion in ads in 2012, according to Forbes Magazine, is notorious for sharing users’ information with third party companies, a practice Farnoosh deems a violation of users’ privacy.

“Facebook is getting paid by advertisers, and the advertisers are buying the ability to learn how old you are, and what you’re interested in and what you do,” he said.

Farnoosh has found still further faults in Facebook. Bothered by the low percentage of interesting posts that he had had in his newsfeed and by self-esteem issues related to the “Like” button, his biggest problem with the website is its addictive nature.

“The first time I tried to delete my account was in December, and I reactivated it soon after,” Farnoosh, who had used the website for several hours a day since sixth grade, recounted. “I got bored because truly it was hard to communicate without it. Then I deleted it again [in mid-January], making a big fuss, and then I reactivated it again after a few days, for the same reason.”

When Farnoosh deleted his account for the third and final time three weeks ago, he was more prepared for the consequences.

In order to stay in touch with his friends, he made sure they all knew his email address and invited them to his Internet Relay Chat (IRC) chat room, a decentralized, not-forprofit forum that Farnoosh created after he left Facebook.

Ultimately, Farnoosh is satisfied with his decision to part ways with Facebook, and he hopes others will follow his example.

“Without Facebook,” he said, “I feel liberated.”

8

Highlights

centerfold

BSU assembly celebrates Black History Month Pasha Farmanara, Ryan Feinberg and Zoe Kenealy Web Co-Editor-in-Chief, Staff Writer, Staff Writer In honor of Black History Month, the Black Student Union (BSU) put on its annual show for students in the K.L. Peters Auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 19. As opposed to the “I am...” speeches performed by BSU members last year, outside performances were the primary act of the show this year.

The educational group West Coast African Drummers ran the assembly, teaching students about Africa. The presentation began with an African dance paired with authentic African drums.

“The importance of Black History Month is to teach everyone about the different culture of black history and American history,” BSU adviser Andre Law said.

Law believes that because BHHS history classes do not cover much curriculum on black history, Black History Month serves as an outlet for knowledge on the subject.

“The absurd lyrics and dances were strange at first, but I eventually settled in and it became an enjoyable experience,” senior Kendrick Ka said of the performance.

The group leader then led a PowerPoint presentation to help students understand Africa’s size. Next, the speaker listed black people who have made significant advancements in society and their impacts.

“The presentation was an enriching experience. To be affected by such culture and heritage was mind blowing,” Ka said.

Although the show featured many acts, such as dancing and drumming, the assembly was not intended to merely entertain. According to BSU members, the show’s primary purpose was to pay respect to Black History Month, as opposed to simply entertaining.

“I think Black History Month is so important and I’m so glad we have a group on campus who embraces it. Without them we wouldn’t have those great assemblies that teach us a lot about black history,” Student Body President Celeste Durve said. “I was in BSU as a sophomore, so I know how hard they work to enrich student knowledge about the subject. They did a great job on the as-

February 22, 2013

sembly. The group was really entertaining and I actually learned a lot.”

Junior Maya Steinberg also believes the spirit of the month transcends the month itself.

“BSU putting on a show in honor of Black History Month is a great idea,” junior Maya Steinberg said. “I think that it is important for people to recognize what exactly the month symbolizes.

This show gets people thinking about Black History Month, something that I feel is not paid enough attention to for all that it means.”

Aside from Black History Month, BSU has been putting effort into “further improving how we [BSU members] are seen on and off of campus,” according to BSU President Kayla Countryman.

BSU has spoken to a homeless shelter about volunteering one weekend in an attempt to partake in community service. BSU members consider community service work an integral way to spread the messages of kind nature and love the club determines to advocate.

Senior Ammon Mendes willingly participates in community service as a member of BSU. “We talk about community service because in a lot of ways it represents who we are as a group,” Mendes said. “BSU, to me, is about love, kindness and equality. We are representing the black community and want to do our best in that. So if that means community work, that is the least I feel I could do as a proud member.”

Although membership in BSU has decreased this year, the club is “trying [its] best to work with what [it has],” Countryman said.

BSU recommends that anyone who has a respect and love for African American culture joins, regardless of race or gender.

“Honestly, we love new members,” Mendes said. “I love it when I see new people joining and I strongly urge someone to join if they have been considering it for a while, but don’t know whether to or not. The more members BSU has, the more we could do as a group.”

Even with fewer members this year, BSU plans to spread knowledge about black history and society through community participation and student body interaction.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Student reaction “Having a black half sister and a black stepmom, Black History Month is a great time for everyone around me to learn more about some of the African traditions my family has adopted.”

– India Halm (senior)

The speaker presents a PowerPoint during the assembly. PASHA FARMANARA

“Black History month reminds us to never forget the importance of African American people and events throughout history.”

– Hyuk Namgoong (senior)

“I feel like Black History Month is a time to learn more about a culture that, although is very present where we live, is pretty unknown.”

– Matt Hakimi (senior)

“Black History Month to me is a time when we can reflect how far African Americans have come in America and all over the world.”

– Sajun Bibbs (senior) The Bosse Library displayed books related to black history or society. RYAN FEINBERG

Key dates in black history 1852: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, is published, quickly rousing anti-slavery feelings.

1909: W.E.B. Du Bois founds the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

1868: The Fourteenth Amendment is ratified, permitting blacks American citizenship.

SASHA PARK

9

1963: Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

1954: Brown v. Board of Education overturns ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, in turn asserting racial segregation in education facilities unconstitutional.

2008: Chicago Senator Barack Obama is elected the first African American president.

1964: President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial, religous, ethnic or any other form of discrimination.

10 culture

10’s

1980’s-20

February 22, 2013 Highlights

Sp tted: Film Locations in Los Angeles by decade

Pretty Woman

Did you know?

-Although filmed in 1990, the film gives a strong essence of the ‘80s.

-The penthouse suite is now known as “The Pretty Woman Suite.”

-The hotel was the filming location for other films such as “Bruce Almighty” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

-Famous entertainers such as Elvis Presley and John Lennon lived in the hotel.

1990 MEG ALBERTS

Rush Hour

Did you know?

1998

-The first “Rush Hour” grossed over $244 million, which led to two sequels.

-The restraunt, located in Chinatown, flaunts its Hollywood connection, with a description on its walls.

-Actor Chris Tucker was hiding behind a menu in the scene where they discover a room.

-A fourth film is in negotiations and may be set in Moscow, Russia.

-Film was released in 1998, and was directed by Brett Ratner, starring Jackie Chan.

ROBERT KATZ

(500)Days of Summer

Did you know?

2009 Inception

2010

-The Bradbury building is listed as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #6, and a state landmark. It was also where character Tom, had his important meeting. The building now serves as a law office and a civic center.

-The Grand Central Market first opened in 1917, and it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In this scene, Tom and main female role, Summer, shopped for fruits.

-The Bunker Hill on South Olive Street in Downtown, is Tom’s favorite spot in the movie. Once shot in the film, it became many couples’ favorite spots.

DAMI KIM

Did you know?

-The scene where Leonardo Di

Caprio (Cobb in the film) and his friends are entering the lobby was shot in a talent agency building in Cenutry City on 2000 Avenue of the Stars.

-On the balcony of 215 West 5th street, Cobb’s wife jumps out of the window.

-On the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Hope Street in Downtown, Cobb steals a taxi.

-L.A weather was sunny on the day of filming in Downtown, so the filmmakers had to produce effects that gave the impression of a cloudy weather.

JESSICA SAADIAN

February 22, 2013 Highlights

culture 11

When Art Meets Friendship

Students discover more than art during enrichment Dami Kim Culture Editor Junior Sasha Park overheard the conversation her art teacher had when a teacher walked into her art class.

The talk seemed like a usual conversation so Park ignored for the most part. Then she faintly heard them discuss something about “Special Education kids” and “art projects.”

Park immediately walked up to the two teachers and few seconds after, she was leading their conversation.

Park has always been “in love” w i t h art ever since she was a child. Park founded the Art Club in her sophomore year to spread awareness of “what art can do.” “ A r t has the ability to bring people together!” she

said. “I was so glad that I had found a way to share art with other [students].”

So when special education teacher Rihanna Smith walked into her class to ask for recommendations on which art projects her students can do, Park suggested that the Art Club could help students make their own art projects during enrichment instead. New special education teacher Elizabeth Schwab was delighted to help Park head this enrichment program.

“The [special education] students need this great opportunity not only to get involved with art but also to socialize with the rest of the school,” Schwab explained. “We love having art club always there for us to support the students.”

Since the November enrichment, the Art Club has been helping special

Sophomore Shai Madan and junior Adar Thau proudly present their turtle drawings at enrichment. DAMI KIM

education students create art projects that can be completed in a short amount of time.

Some of these art projects include painting, drawing and making tie-dye shirts. During their most recent enrichment on Feb. 13, the students designed their own turtles to be printed on a fabric. These designs made by the students will be sent to The Painted Turtle, a charity that helps children with medical conditions, for submission.

“I want art to be more useful in helping others,” Park said. “So when I [found out] about this charity that helps kids through art, I was more than happy to introduce it to the class.”

The Art Club enrichment meant more than just “making art”, according to Park.

Students discovered new friendships by sharing common interests together. In their most recent session, students sang their favorite One Direction songs and talked about their hobbies. Junior Maya Steinberg felt proud to be involved in the club’s new program that allows students to bond with one another in a different way.

“It’s a unique advantage,” Steinberg added. “You get to hang out with people who you usually don’t get to hang out with at school.”

Sophomore Sohel Yashar expressed that he enjoys being able to meet new people.

“I love talking to new people, especially girls,” he confessed.

Sophomore Shai Madan was even inspired to become an artist.

“I love art!” Madan exclaimed. “I’m an artist.”

Madan’s partner, junior Adar Thau stated that she has learned more than just teaching art from this experience.

“I’m glad that I can contribute my skills,” she said. “It’s more than just learning how to draw; it means building friendship in the ways that you wouldn’t have known [how to build] before.”

Schwab observed that the special education students get progressively “more and more excited” when the time approaches for another odd block day schedule. “[The students] are always looking forward to it,” Schwab said. “Whenever there is an odd block, they always ask [me] when the next time will be to meet with the Art Club.”

The Art Club plans to meet with the special education students next enrichment with a new art project.

Gore provokes strange pleasures at book event Danny Licht Sous-Chief Al Gore spoke to a crowd at the Saban Theatre on Monday, Feb. 11, to discuss topics from his latest book, “The Future.”

The former vice president incited rapturous applause and giddy whispers for an hour while he spoke with KCET journalist Madeleine Brand. Gore touched on subjects such as special interests in Congress, climate-change deniers and news station Al Jazeera. As if he were still a politician, Gore limited his opinions to ones the audience already shared — which was exactly what it wanted to hear.

Dotted with Yahoo News-like anecdotes (a goat that makes spider webs!), Gore’s speeches droned on as he went off on tangent after tangent; the audience didn’t seem to mind. The loyal crowd applauded vigorously from beginning to end, praising his responses and wisdom and unwavering moral compass. The people directly in front

of me, two elderly women, many times clapped so roughly that their frail hands looked like they might break.

Gore did make good points; he certainly has a nice, bright view for America’s future.

But overall the talk wasn’t sufficiently informative. He spoke slowly, verbosely, assertively, but for this audience his words had little effect — that is, beyond consolation. The audience, being informed American citizens (who else would spend their night waiting in the cold to hear an ex-politician?), already knew, for example, that congresspeople are ruled by lobbyists.

And yet when he said “Our democracy has been hacked,” the audience was rapt, as if they were hearing this for the first time.

The points he made seemed almost babying, as if he were comforting us from this cruel world, as if the spectators showed up to have their liberal beliefs affirmed again and again and again.

And the strange thing, I realized, is that that reaffirmation was in fact the reason we

were there.

When Gore finished talking, I felt invigorated. If Al Gore, a laureled intellectual, feels the same way I do about all these topics, then I must be so perceptive. Those climate-change deniers are crazy! Yeah!

Those Texans disparage critical thinking!

Boo! But wait! Al Gore has faith in America’s future, in the world’s future, in the environment’s future! I do too!

Aside from his rambling anecdotes, I knew all the information before I arrived.

So why did hearing it again make me feel so good? Why did I find myself clapping along with the two ladies in front me, and almost as giddily? Why did it take an inperson intellectual’s speech for me to put stock in my own ideas? I felt cheated, like Gore was masterfully commanding my soft spots, pushing exactly the right buttons. I felt dirty. How could I let Al Gore’s regurgitation of my own thoughts suddenly overwhelm me with promise of the future, with hope for the world?

I really don’t know, and I felt guilty about it. I felt terribly impressionable.

How could I have enjoyed something so manipulative?

I later remembered an interview with pop-music critic Sasha Frere-Jones in Mother Jones. When asked if he had any guilty pleasures, he replied, “Don’t believe in guilty pleasures. Categorical impossibility. Pleasure is pleasure.” And I agree. We can’t afford to be embarrassed by things that make us feel good; life is too hard to write off any pleasure. So what if we don’t understand the reason behind it? Mystery is magic.

Al Gore certainly didn’t convince me to buy his book and I like him exactly as much as I did before I saw him, but he did teach me a couple of important lessons. For one, verbosity is really annoying (and also disrespectful to the queues of people who want to ask questions during a limited period of time). And two, being right feels good.

Doesn’t it?

Deaf musician fails musically, still inspires Celine Hakimianpour Staff Writer “Perfect Imperfection” is the debut album of 31-year-old artist Sean Forbes. When first approaching this album it was thrilling to listen to the story of a deaf man overcoming his obstacle to achieve his dreams after constantly being put down. Forbes lost his sense of hearing at the age of one due to spinal meningitis, but he never let his love for music disappear, unfortunately.

Growing up Forbes was always told that his career in music was a dead-end. He now uses those voices as motivation to inspire the deaf and hard of hearing community.

One would think having such disabilities would produce a motley of dissimilar tunes

that were original and pleasant. However, not even the slightest of high expectations were met while listening to his songs.

After listening to all 14 songs on the debut album, the mind can’t help but ask, “Why don’t I enjoy this at all?” To listen to these songs again would be considered cruel punishment.

The album’s opener, “We interrupt this Program,” is for the most part catchy. Nevertheless, that is the only thing that somewhat captures the listener’s attention. The lyrics were superficial and definitely not gasp-worthy.

“I’m Deaf” appears to be Forbes’s most popular track, but by no surprise, it was arid and basic. It resembles a mixture of sounds of various non-harmonic instru-

ments put together, perhaps when a teenager was experimenting with GarageBand on his or her MacBook. It was nothing special, and if compared to a dish served in a restaurant, it needed a lot more spice.

Another track on the album, “Chill Out Man (Interlude),” is way too dull to even be considered as music. Being spoiled by Justin Timberlake’s fantastic interludes and preludes on “LoveSounds/FutureSex” makes everything else inferior. Sorry Forbes.

“Let’s Mambo” is an absolute joke. From trying to catch the traditional mambo beat to trying to put the emotions of the mambo in words, it’s just utterly terrible.

To wrap it up, the album sounds like something put together by a 12-year-old

Even though Forbes failed musically, his ambition and bravery are still inspiring.

Image courtesy of MOXIE

12 opinion

February 22, 2013 Highlights

Value of nutrition unappreciated in schools Candice Hannani Feature Editor In the film “Wall-E”, humans don’t walk.

They drive with their own electric seats, body fat bulging from their elastic, red suits, one hand holding a half-eaten hamburger, the other cushioned by an armrest. Thankfully, there is a difference between reality and film. Still, despite its exaggerations, “Wall-E” poses a serious warning about the future of the growing obesity epidemic, which is particularly troubling among teens and children.

Although we often hold parents responsible for encouraging or discouraging healthy habits, much of the reason for the rise in obesity lies in the place where kids spent two-thirds of their day: school.

According to the Healthy School Lunch Campaign, which encourages schools to provide foods that contain low fat and low cholesterol, lunch menus in most schools do not have enough fruits, vegetables and

whole grains. Beverly’s lunch menu contributes to the statistic: the cafeteria serves food only from outside vendors, including Fresh Brothers and Subway.

Liquids are also a primary part of one’s diet. The stock of Gatorade in many schools (including ours) may be beneficial for students with very active lifestyles, but for others, its processed sugar contributes to a higher risk for excess body fat, obesity and hyperactivity.

Other than affecting students’ physique, school lunches have been shown to greatly impact mental health. Within the 13 years that Appleton Central Alternative High School in Appleton, Calif., established an improved nutrition program, the school reported significantly higher grades and test scores, fewer suspensions and expulsions, and such a plunge in behavioral issues that the school soon found it unnecessary to have a police officer on campus to discipline unruly students.

The high school’s movement toward nu-

tritious food should serve as a clear model for other schools, including ours. The impact that cafeteria food can have on students should not be understated, as it can have results that ultimately affect the whole school’s performance.

Those who are against establishing stricter school policies toward healthier food claim that students should have the freedom to make their own decisions. However, according to the news website The Safety Report, advertising unhealthful foods in school directly affects students’ ability to make healthful food choices. Such an impact can mold a permanent mindset that distorts the true consequences of consuming fattening foods.

Despite these facts, members of Congress are contemplating cutting the annual budget of the school-lunch program by several billion dollars. If a success, their recent law favoring healthier school meals would become void; the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act raised nutritional standards for public

schools by increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables, not selling foods with trans fats and setting calorie and sodium intake limits.

Additionally, as a result of special interest lobbying, Congress ruled in 2011 that an eighth of a cup of tomato paste has the same nutritional value as half a cup of vegetables, making it easier for schools to count pizza as a vegetable. This declaration will, no doubt, further hinder the new act and block many schools from taking more steps in the right direction toward serving healthier food.

In a 2010 study by the Michigan Health System, middle-school children who usually ate school lunches were more likely to be overweight or obese. If Beverly and other schools in the nation noticed the underrated significance of nutritious cafeteria food, we could potentially save lives by promoting food that decreases the risk for obesity and for fatal diseases such as cancer, and helping students aim for higher academic and behavioral standards.

Wikipedia proves helpful, beneficial resource Max Stahl Staff Writer In the world of academics, few websites are more controversial than Wikipedia.org.

Teachers often criticize the site for inaccuracies and poor writing and, as a result, forbid their students from using it in their research. Despite some inherent flaws, though, Wikipedia is more reliable than most might think.

Most studies, including one in the science journal “Nature,” have found Wikipedia to be about as accurate as competing encyclopedias. Even Encyclopedia Britannica, often heralded as the most reliable Englishlanguage encyclopedia, is considered only slightly more dependable than Wikipedia.

According to the study by “Nature” (which, granted, is now six years old), Wikipedia makes about 3.86 mistakes per article, versus roughly 2.92 by Britannica.

One might wonder, then, why someone shouldn’t use Britannica instead of Wikipedia. For one, Wikipedia is free (hence its nickname, “The Free Encyclopedia”), while Encyclopedia Britannica charges nearly $70

per year.

More important, though, is Wikipedia’s editing system. Although Britannica’s editors do constantly update the encyclopedia’s articles, Britannica has only 100 fulltime editors. Wikipedia, on the other hand, boasts over 100,000 frequent editors and nearly 1,500 administrators who root out mistaken information. Wikipedia also runs a software program that automatically detects most joke edits. The fact that Wikipedia publishes unregistered users’ IP addresses when they edit articles serves as a further incentive against vandalism. Thus, Wikipedia effectively safeguards articles’ accuracy and allows for frequent updates when new information about a topic arises.

Perhaps Wikipedia’s greatest advantage over Encyclopedia Britannica (and other encyclopedias) is its vast collection of articles. Various sources offer different totals, but most agree that Wikipedia has at least 30 times more articles than Encyclopedia Britannica. Wikipedia, therefore, is not only more cost effective and current than Britannica, but it is also more convenient. When there is nowhere else to turn, there’s a pretty good chance Wikipedia has the information

someone is looking for.

Of course, “The Free Encyclopedia” is flawed. The writing is sometimes choppy, unclear or just plain boring. From time to time, articles present false information (although usually Wikipedia notifies readers at the top of the page when an article’s facts are disputed or when one lacks proper citations or key information).

It is important, then, to use Wikipedia carefully and appropriately. Students should not quote or cite Wikipedia in a research paper or any other formal essay.

Rather, they should use the website as a jumping-off point; Wikipedia is great for preliminary research and fact gathering.

However, students should verify facts found on Wikipedia through other sources, especially if those facts are to be presented in an important assignment. With these caveats, Wikipedia should serve as an effective tool for both scholarly study and personal curiosity.

Current stigmas attached to Wikipedia are outdated. “The Free Encyclopedia” has proven itself as a valid source of information, and it deserves recognition from schools and other academic institutions.

EDITORIAL

Long-term changes from ACS WASC visit needed While preparing for a visit from the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) in March, Beverly has begun to literally clean up its act. From “trying to be more cognizant of surroundings and being neat and tidy,” to increasing school spirit and highlighting student work, the high school has made sufficient improvements that may help it to maintain its accreditation, according to an ACS WASC planning committee member.

We are glad that ACS WASC exists to encourage schools to follow specific guidelines, promote academic excellence and foster a productive environment, and we consider the measures the school has taken this year to improve as proof that we care about our

ing operations” that ACS WASC looks for, according to its website, then we applaud its initiatives.

However, we pray that these changes are not just for the week that the ACS WASC committee is here. Beverly and its students should constantly strive to thrive all 180 days of the school year, regardless of the presence or absence of accreditation committees. If trash pickup, classroom displays and clean hallways were expected, not just recommended, every day, then our school could restore its oncegolden standing and again be the epitome of secondary education. Students and staff may AUDREY PARK think that the best time to impickup campaigns help it to “meet [the] in- prove is when ACS WASC is coming, but as dicators that impact student learning and the axiom states, the best time to be good is well-being, a school’s program and support- when no one is looking. reputation. Since its founding, Beverly has committed itself to being a beacon of excellence, and if its spirit endeavors and trash

STAFF Julia Waldow Editor-in-Chief

Danny Licht Sous-Chief

Mabel Kabani News Editor

Candice Hannani Feature Editor

Dami Kim Culture Editor

Arman Zadeh Sports Editor

Oliver Gallop Graphics Editor

Marguerite Alberts Assistant Graphics Editor

Pasha Farmanara and Robert Katz Chief Web Editors

Michelle Banayan Social Media Director

Audrey Park, Sasha Park and AJ Parry Cartoonists

Ryan Feinberg, Celine Hakimianpour, Benjamin Hannani, Zoe Kenealy, Jessica Lu, Brenda Mehdian, Alex Menache, Kevin Park, Jessica Saadian and Max Stahl Staff Writers

Gaby Herbst and Katie Murray Advisers —

The mission of Highlights is to inform and entertain the community of Beverly Hills in an accurate, objective, timely and well-designed manner.

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This newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism class of Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

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Send letters to the editor to beverlyhighlights@gmail.com.

Feedback is appreciated.

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The journalism program is sponsored by PTSA and BHEF. Ads are not endorsed by BHUSD. -

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February 22, 2013 Highlights

JON CHERNEY

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The 18th annual Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award will be presented this year in loving memory of Jon Cherney, a 1985 Beverly graduate and Broadcast Production Coordinator of the

Media Center. This $2500 college scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who epitomizes

Cherney’s unique combination of academic achievement, creative talent and spirituality, and, who like Cherney, em braces a sincere devotion to humanity and a great passion for making a positive difference.

Beverly Hills Elite Tutors

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

SAT & ACT PREP, & All BHHS Subjects

Describe ways in which your actions demonstrate a sincere

devotion to humanity and a passion for making a posi tive difference through an essay, video, picture collage, audio recording or any other medium. Also, please submit two letters of recommendation from two adults who can best attest to your humane qualities (parents and relatives ex- cluded). One recommendation letter should be from a Beverly faculty member and both letters should directly address the Cherney Committee. Applicants may be requested to interview before the Committee. Please provide email and cell phone information with your submission.

All submissions can be made electronically or as hard copy and are due by THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 by 12:00 p.m.

Please email your submission to submit@jcaward.org or turn in your submission to Mrs. Hale in House C. Any questions can be directed to Mrs. Hale at dhale@bhusd.org or questions@ jcaward.org.

Tailored Tutoring

SMALL GROUP CLASSES AND 1-­‐1 TUTORING Serving the Beverly Hills School District since 2000 www.tailoredtutoring.net/beverlyhillstutoring

Call us now at (310) 740-­‐0352 Learn more about our Free, Complimentary 1st session

14

February 22, 2013 Highlights

February 22, 2013 Highlights

sports 15

Wrestling season ends with defeat at CIF playoffs Jessica Lu Staff Writer Boys wrestling competed in the CIF Southern Section qualifying meet from Feb. 14 to 16. Out of 10 wrestlers, an unprecedented nine advanced to the wrestling postseason.

Three wrestlers qualified for the second day of tournament, tying with previous school records.

“Bear in mind that these matches are against the best wrestlers of the Southern Section and the further you advance, your competition increases in an exponential manner,” coach Ryan Faintich said.

Sophomore Raven Castro, second in Pioneer League in weight class 120, became the youngest school wrestler to win three matches in CIF, the required amount of wins to advance to the second day. “[Winning] is satisfying because it has been my goal since the beginning of the year,” Castro said. “All that time spent preparing paid off.”

Senior Nick Sands, Pioneer League Champion in weight class 170, also qualified for the second day and finished in the top eight overall, going 4-2.

“I think I did pretty well in CIF,” Sands said.

Senior Dakota Anderson, Pioneer League Champion in weight class 145, despite having a hand injury, also managed to advance in the competition. When Anderson compet-

ed in his second match at CIF, he re-injured his hand.

“It looked pretty bleak,” Faintich said.

“In his third match, I was ready to stop the match, as it looked like Dakota was truly struggling.”

However, as Faintich approached the match, Anderson pulled off a victory, and consequently took three more matches, taking sixth place in his weight class.

“He overcame adversity by winning five matches with a broken hand,” Castro said.

Part of the reason behind success can be attributed to having twice as many competitions and tournaments this year. Faintich worked with the administration and athletic department to redirect funds to provide more experience for the boys team.

“I truly feel the efforts made by these individuals are going to be the main reason why our team will have tremendous success moving forward,” Faintich said.

Faintich added that wrestling is on the right track to staying strong for the next season.

“We have a total of six returning CIF qualifiers coming back next year, which is also unprecedented, and a sign of the building strength of our team for years to come,” Faintich said. “There’s going to be some great results and achievements set by the team next year and moving forward, and I’m just thrilled that I’ll be able to observe their accomplishments.”

A letter from coach Faintich Hello BHHS, First off, I’d like to thank Highlights for giving me the space to address the accomplishments of the 2012-2013 wrestling team, specifically, the team’s performance at the Pioneer League Wrestling Finals, and at the CIF Southern Section Wrestling Tournament at Moorpark High School.

This season, the team and schedule underwent several major changes—through the guidance and dedication of Athletic Directors Jason Newman and Vonzie Paysinger, Principal Carter Paysinger and Superintendent Gary Woods, the team was able to double their number of tournaments; as a result, our wrestlers gained invaluable experience; the difference will be visible moving forward. The Normans are on especially sturdy footing thanks to Coach Mark Mead, who helmed the team over the past six seasons. Mead rebuilt the foundation at Beverly, renewed a proud, though dormant, tradition and earned the team notoriety within the League and Southern Section. We’re blessed to have the continued involvement of Coach Mead, along with Assistant Coaches Roy Nyberg and Armand Farrokh.

At League Finals, 10 Varsity Wrestlers battled through tough competition and advanced 9 to C.I.F.! The team had 4 Finalists—Sophomore Raven Castro (120lbs) turned heads en route to a 2nd place finish, senior Captain Beau Shane (138lbs) was

runner-up, senior Captain Dakota Anderson (145lbs) was undefeated League Champion and senior Nick Sands was Champion at 170lbs, upsetting and pinning frontrunner Gunner Engen in the Finals—a wrestler who previously defeated Nick by wide margins. Also deserving notice are C.I.F. Qualifiers freshman Iman Dayani (4th), junior James Elder (3rd), junior David Prokopenko (3rd), junior Bram Geiderman (4th) and junior Aaron Kohanzadeh (3rd). Next year, the team returns 6 C.I.F. Qualifiers and with BHHS Wrestling sporting its strongest Freshman and Sophomore contingents of recent memory, the Normans are poised to continue the recent upswing.

At Southern Section C.I.F., BHHS wrestlers squared off against the best individuals from a multitude of leagues and tied a school mark by returning three for the second day of competition. (In order to advance to Saturday’s bracket, an individual must go 3-0 or 3-1 on Friday. Each additional match grows exponentially more difficult, making further victories formidable). Of those that advanced through to Saturday, Raven Castro became the youngest ever BHHS Wrestler to accomplish said feat. Also advancing were Nick Sands, who logged a top-eight placement, and Dakota Anderson, who notched 5 wins and placed 6th at C.I.F. Too often, we set statistical absolutes as benchmarks for success. While it’s convenient to draw comparisons between wres-

Top: Sophomore Raven Castro pins down his opponent from Torrance during a home match. Bottom: Senior Dakota Anderson, as well as the top six wrestlers, accepts his award from CIF. PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN FAINTICH

tlers or athletes of past and present, the individual accomplishment and triumph are often lost or ignored within short blurbs or answers confined to a single sentence. For example, I could say that Nick Sands was a League Champion who went 4-2 at C.I.F., or I could tell you that Dakota Anderson finished his career on the medal podium; but that wouldn’t sufficiently detail the level and range of their effort.

Simple box scores wouldn’t state that Nick Sands wrestled the season with a heavy heart, dedicating each match to the memory of his father, whom he recently lost. In a sport where mental focus and clarity are difficult to center when you’re standing alone against a sole competitor, Nick surmounted imposing intangibles to stand atop the Pioneer League.

Simple blurbs and bits wouldn’t sufficiently tell the story of Dakota Anderson, who became BHHS’ most decorated wrestler— medaling at eight separate tournaments.

One week before League, Dakota injured his right hand and I defaulted him from further competition—much to his chagrin—but Dakota was unrelenting in his intention to compete at C.I.F., and with the approval and support of his mom and doctors, Dakota attempted to rehabilitate his injury and ready himself in time for League and C.I.F. So dominant was his performance during the regular season that the Pioneer Coaches, in a rare move, voted Dakota League Champ—this maneuver gave Dakota additional recovery time. With only a few days of practice under his belt, Dakota marched onto the mat at C.I.F. and persevered. How-

ever, during his second match, he reaggravated the injury and faced a bleak outlook.

Nevertheless, Dakota rattled off comeback after comeback, winning the next four contests. For those that naturally assume storytellers exaggerate circumstances in order to raise stakes, I’ll make it simple; after a match, the winner must sign the specific Bout Card—Dakota was unable to write his own name and had to scribble illegibly with his left.

Coach Mead, Nyberg, Farrokh or myself can teach technique. We can underline the work ethic needed to excel and we can help guide a wrestler’s strategy throughout the season, but we can not instill the willpower compulsory for competing with heavy heart and we can not teach the impossible mentality needed to battle through adversity that challenges an individual to wrestle onehanded. In the end, coaches are observers, common spectators that can only marvel at the character that emerges during the season—and take pride in knowing that we are members of that team.

At the beginning of the season, I told our wrestlers the ultimate goal was to define what it meant to wear “Beverly” across their chests. If the end result is the accomplishments and ethics instilled by Nick Sands, Dakota Anderson and Beau Shane, then we surpassed our objective. I have never been so proud to be a coach—and am extremely grateful to be a member of this Team. To the BHHS Students and to the 2012-2013 Norman Wrestlers: Thank you for the honor of being your coach.

Charlie Stansbury to coach 2013 football team Zoe Kenealy Staff Writer Beverly has welcomed a new out-ofdistrict football coach to the varisty football team. The new coach, Charlie Stansbury, is taking the position of resigned Donald Paysinger, the high school’s football coach of the past four years.

The team is sad to see Paysinger leave, but has high hopes for Stansbury and the

different experiences a new coach may bring.

“It was really nice getting to play under coach Don,” lineman Dylan Bohbot said.

“He knew a lot and always pushed us to be the best. However he has resigned, and not just me, but the whole team is saddened by his departure. On the other hand, I am really excited for coach Stansbury. I really want to see what he brings to the table and hope he can take us far.”

Stansbury’s father coached Beverly football from 1981-89. Stansbury previously coached at Santa Barbara City College, San Diego State and the University of San Diego before joining the Beverly Hills football team. He also held the job of offense coordinator at Golden West Community College.

“I am glad that the new coach has a lot of experience. It leads me to think that he knows what he is doing with the team,”

wide receiver Eli Sachs said. “I know that we have lost a lot of games in the past but with a new coach perhaps there will be more chemistry between the coach and the players. When I heard that the new coach is pretty experienced I got excited for the team and the possibilities of the upcoming season.”

Football season picks up in August with games beginning in September.

16 sports

February 22, 2013 Highlights

Nationally ranked fencer to compete internationally Ben Hannani Staff Writer Freshman Jonathan Schwartzman began fencing when he was 7-years-old and has since become the top-rated high school fencer in southern California. He has already medaled in 28 tournaments and is ranked fifth in the country for his age group.

“Once I started fencing, I immediately loved it and it intrigued me so much because you are always playing offense and defense at the same time, almost like a game of physical chess,” Schwartzman said. “I have continued [fencing] for so long because I still love the challenge and fencing people from around the country is really interesting because you see and can sometimes pick up on different styles.”

Schwartzman initially attempted fencing at the suggestion of his mother, Karen, who thought her son would enjoy the sport. She figured that Schwartzman’s athleticism would serve him well in a unique sport like fencing.

“I thought any young boy who was athletic would enjoy playing with swords,” Schwartzman’s mother said. “I also thought it was an unusual sport that was not like any of the usual ones that also reminded me of knights and medieval

things, which I thought would be very interesting to a young boy.”

Ever since he first tried the sport, Schwartzman finds the challenge each duel posed and enjoys the opportunity to play offense and defense. Although he played other sports - basketball, baseball, soccer and football - Schwartzman eventually had to solely commit to fencing because he loved the sport more than any other. When his family moved from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles last summer, Schwartzman made sure to find a fencing club where he could continue to compete at a high level.

“Finding my fencing club was incredibly easy,” Schwartzman said. “Before I moved, I asked people what the best club was in Los Angeles and everybody said ‘Los Angeles International Fencing Center,’ or LAIFC. Before I moved, I talked with the coaches and so when I moved, I knew exactly where to go.”

This season, Schwartzman will be competing at national tournaments in Virginia, Ohio and his first international tournament in Paris, France. Schwartzman strives to boost his ranking. In addition to winning his upcoming duels, he aims to be a top-five fencer in the country for the U-17 division and an A-rated fencer by the time he is 16 years old.

Schwartzman moves in on his opponent during a fencing match. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHON SCHWARTZMAN

Basketball eliminated in second round of CIF Arman Zadeh Sports Editor The boys basketball team was eliminated from CIF playoffs on Friday, Feb. 16, after beginning the year with high aspirations and living up to most of its expectations throughout the season. The team was defeated by fourth-seeded Compton High School, 63-44, in the second round of CIF. Despite staging a comeback midway through the third, the Normans were unable to contain Compton’s explosive offense or penetrate their airtight defense.

The Normans were also inefficient from the free throw line, having converted on only 60 percent of their attempts, 12-20.

“We didn’t play our best. We missed a lot of shots we usually knock down and didn’t have a lot of ball movement,” guard Ben Cohen said. “They played pretty good defense and we just couldn’t make outside shots and free throws.”

The Normans offense was led by guard Siavash Yektafar with 11 points, including two three-point shots, and guard Ben Cohen, with nine points. Guard Brandon Neman also contributed significantly with six points, all from the free-throw line.

The Normans were outplayed in almost every quarter and outscored 20-11 in the fourth. An overwhelming performance from Compton’s Isiah Sweeney, with 20 points, sealed Beverly’s fate. “[The team] was very upset and disappointed that the season was over,” Cohen said. “We put in so much work throughout the past four months and we really believed we can go a lot farther than we did.”

Prior to the defeat to Compton, Beverly upset the number 13-seed, Santa Barbara, away from home. The Normans ousted Santa Barbara 62-48.

The matchup was close throughout the entire game with Beverly up by only one point heading into the fourth quarter.

However, Beverly’s quarter-long stretch in which they scored 23 points as opposed to Santa Barbara’s 10 led the team to victory.

This season, the Norman’s secured the

third-seed in the Ocean League with a record of 7-3, making them eligible for CIF playoffs. Now that the season has come to a close, the team will use the time off to

condition for next season and participate in competitive tournaments over the summer.

With four starters returning to the team next year along with seven bench players,

head coach Jarvis Turner remains optimistic about the team’s future.

“I think we’ll be strong next year,” Jarvis said. “We’re excited about our future.”

Clockwise from top right: Guard Brandon Neman reacts to a foul call. Guard Siavash Yektafar passes by Compton defense and drives through the lane. Forward Keimon Downey drives to the hoop against a Compton defender. ARMAN ZADEH