The Talon | Issue 3 | November 17, 2015

Los Altos High School, Los Altos, CA ■ November 17, 2015 ■ Volume XXXI, Issue 3

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DISTRICT NEWS

District passes math placement policy SAVITA GOVIND Staff Writer

HAITI SOLIDARITY CLUB EXPANDS TO MIDDLE COLLEGE Read about this newlyformed branch of the Haiti Solidarity club started by Middle College seniors.

Features, 12

On Monday, October 12, the Mountain View Los Altos School District passed a math placement policy to maintain compliance with a new state law and respond to a complaint filed this summer by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR). Following the policy’s pas-

sage, LCCR withdrew its complaint, which raised concerns over alleged biased placement of incoming freshmen into math classes.

In early October, the governor signed the California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, a new California statute requiring all school districts to have a math placement policy.

“For us, this was the first time

[we passed a math placement policy],” Associate Superintendent Brigitte Sarraf said. “Basically, what the [MVLA] policy says is that students that have completed a high school algebra course with passing grade… or have achieved a proficiency on a standardized test that has not been named yet should automatically be placed into the next level, which would

BACK ON THE COURT Boys basketball returns to defend CCS crown

Los Altos voters reject Measure A If passed, the measure would have dedicated up to $65 million to the renovation of the Hillview Community Center. News, 2

TALON FILE PHOTO

Writer Ben Zaeske proposes some suggestions for the school to consider when implementing the new homework policy. Opinions, 6

Junior Ahmad Washington high fives his team during pre-game introductions last year. This year, the team is optimistic for another successful season following last year’s win at CCS Championships.

Pushing past AsianAmerican stereotypes

Last year, varsity boys basketball made school history by winning the CCS championship for the first time and reaching regional playoffs. This year, with a significantly younger team that lost many strong players to graduation, the team still hopes to put in a strong performance.

“There isn’t that much pres-

Throwback films The Talon blasts back to the past to review some of the most memorable films of the late ‘90s. Entertainment, 16

Girls basketball ready for new season Girls basketball is optimistic for a successful season after preseason conditioning.

Sports, 18

UPCOMING EVENTS November 19-21

Broken Box Perfomance: Spy School November 25-27

Thanksgiving Break November 29 @ 6:30 p.m.

SPENCER DEMBNER News Editor

sure on us to repeat this year just because our team is a lot different,” shooting guard junior Tommy Andrews said. “Of course our main goal [is] to win CCS, and we will definitely have in mind this year that we are the defending champions and want to repeat.”

Although its lineup for this year is strong, the team lost many of its best players to graduation, including leading scorer Daniel Rosenbaum and

AVI VARGHESE ANISHA DESAI Staff Writers

The Teen Health Van that visits Los Altos one Thursday each month can often be a daunting proposition for a new patient. The enormous, deep-blue van sits in the student

parking lot from 10 to 4 o’clock and provides free healthcare to a variety of patients between the ages of 10 and 25 around the Bay Area. The effort is made possible by funding from the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the Children’s Health Fund.

“It’s almost all gift and grant funded,”

Holiday Jazz Concert December 9 @ 7 p.m.

Concert Band & String Orchestra Winter Concert December 16-18

First Semester Finals

2 5 6

“Basketball” continues on page 19

Health Van brings needed services

December 4 @ 7 p.m.

News Editorial Opinions

starting center Patrick McColl.

“We graduated six seniors last year, each one of them being a major contributor to the team,” small forward junior Adam Rosenbaum said. “We have a lot of young guys, eager to work hard and learn, and [new players] are now starting to step up as leaders. We are such a new team that in many ways it’s tough to compare us to last year’s team.”

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Parade of Lights

Features 9, 12 In-Depth 10 Entertainment 14 Sports 18

STUDENT FEATURE

Senior pursues passion for medicine Staff Writer

LinkedIn wrestles with transportation issues as it constructs a building complex in the North Bayshore area. News, 3

Read Tino Tugwete’s opinion on the importance of understanding the Asian-American student body at the school.

Opinions, 7

“Math” continues on page 3

ALEXIS MALGESINI

LinkedIn continues North Bayshore project

Student feedback beneficial to developing homework policy

be Geometry or Algebra II.” The LCCR filed its complaint with the United States Department of Education on August 24, claiming the MVLA District was racially discriminating against minority groups when determining whether or not students were eligible for standard ninth-grade-level math classes, most commonly geometry.

FRANCESCA FALLOW

The Teen Health Van parks by the side of a road. The van, which parks at the school one Thursday each month, is a valuable resource, providing free health care to students who lack insurance coverage.

Dr. Seth Ammerman, who heads the van’s operations, said. “I work with them to write grants to help support it. Fortunately there are a lot of generous philanthropic individuals and foundations that help support the program.”

In addition to Ammerman, the van is populated by physician’s assistant Rosa Maldonado, nurse practitioner Lisa Lestishock, registration worker John Donovan, registered dietician and fitness instructor Melinda Mount and social worker Patricia Soto-Minder, who counsels students on mental health and psychosocial issues. The variety of services is conducive to what Ammerman calls “comprehensive care”: health care that provides for the full spectrum of adolescent needs. The van’s small ecosystem is especially effective because the staff members can refer patients to their colleagues and address issues that require more than one type of expertise.

“Van” continues on page 12

After completing a couple of medical emergency classes at Foothill College, volunteer experience in the field and CPR and Basic Life Support certifications, senior Marshall Scott is on his way to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and working toward his passion: helping others. Marshall is currently a volunteer Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). The next level of certification is an EMT, followed by an Advanced Emergency Technician and finally, a paramedic.

Since September, when an organization called Rock Medicine approved his application to work as an EMR, Marshall has volunteered to work at seven events through Rock Medicine, including a recent Zac Brown Band concert and a Bridge School Benefit concert. Rock Medicine is a nonprofit group that provides medical care at local events such as concerts, festivals and sporting events. Among the medical staff are doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and volunteers.

“Medicine” continues on page 13

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Everything you need to know about the presidential candidates and process In-Depth P. 10

2

The Talon November 17, 2015

Get daily LAHS updates and read the news archives at lahstalon.org/news

Los Altos voters reject Hillview bond measure Board of Trustees member Sangeeth Peruri and three other Los Altos residents. Representative of On Tuesday, November 3, Los all those in favor of the measure, Altos residents voted down on those who signed off on this secthe Los Altos Hillview Commu- tion argued that as a community, nity Center Bond Issue, most Los Altos residents must do their commonly known as Measure best to make changes that would A. At the end of the voting pe- benefit future generations just as riod, 7,726 votes were accounted much as they would benefit them.

If passed, the improvements for, of which 71.86 percent were against Measure A. If passed by a made to the Hillview Community Center would two-thirds vote, the have met the stanmeasure would have dards that many of ratified the city’s these residents have decision to dedicate [Measure A] deemed necessary to up to $65 million speaks to the make Los Altos the t0 the replacement larger issue of best possible comand improvement munity for its resiof several different unbridled develdents. Those in favor areas of the Hillview opment... lack of Measure A argued Community Center. of financial and that, in addition to Among the list urban planning these renovations, of renovations that the time was right would have been in cities... and to make changes in made to the Com- the continued the Community Cenmunity Center is the pressure on taxter because of the construction of an payers to fund record-low construcentirely new facility tion costs the city that would work to it all.

— Los Altos would face. meet current safety Neighbors Group Within the section codes. The project dedicated to the opwould have been financed primarily through an an- position of Measure A, which is signed by five people, the main nual tax on Los Altos residents.

In Los Altos, the city mailed argument revolved around the Voter Information Pamphlets issue of funding for the project. to residents in the hopes that The annual tax that would have it would accurately report key been enacted if Measure A passed components of the measure and would not have been fixed, meanwould facilitate the residents to ing that it would not exempt semake well-informed decisions on niors or residents living on fixed incomes from having to pay. how to vote for the measure.

Those against the Measure also The pamphlet included a section in favor of Measure A signed argued that the plans to reconby Los Altos Mayor Jan Pepper, struct and renovate the Communi-

PAOLA CAMPOS Staff Writer

MEILIN TSAO

A lawn sign on a Los Altos home urges voters to reject the Measure A bond measure, which failed by a wide margin in the November 3 election. If passed it would have funded upgrades and renovations for the Hillview Community center, including the construction of a new pool facility. ty Center were too vague and gave far too little detail as to where their money would have been put to use.

In addition, they argued that the money being used to renovate the Community Center was being prioritized over much more important community services, including the library, public safety, Downtown connections and more.

Catherine Nunes, Chip Lion and Maria Murphy Lonergan, who are members of the Los Altos

Neighbors, a group of community members opposed to Measure A, stated that their main reasons for their opposition was that the project is too expensive, too large, poorly planned and vague.

“Many communities are facing similar special election issues,” the group said in an article published by the San Jose Mercury News. “It speaks to the larger issue of unbridled development of civic structures, lack of financial

and urban planning in cities, slickly marketed special elections and local bond measures, and the continued pressure on taxpayers to fund it all — for years to come.”

Though the community vote against Measure A was not the result she wanted, Pepper found benefits to the experience.

“If there is a positive to take from this, it’s that it did get the community energized and talking about issues,” Pepper said.

Board considers student suspensions policy ANISHA DESAI Staff Writer

During its October 12 meeting, the MVLA Board of Trustees discussed a new policy that would allow seniors to expunge school suspension records. The policy would only apply to students with one minor behavioral infraction.

The board will vote at a meeting on Monday, November 23 to de-

cide whether to pass the policy.

MVLA Superintendent Jeff Harding wanted to introduce this policy to the board because it was implemented in other districts he has worked in and provided benefits to affected students. Typically, universities require counselors to respond to a question inquiring about student suspensions which could sway their decision to accept a student.

“As a result of this university requirement, school administrators sometimes feel conflicted about suspending students because the suspension could negatively impact the student’s college admissions,” an excerpt from the policy proposal said. “This issue weighs on administrators, particularly in discipline matters involving freshman students.”

Students would be allowed to

VANESSA MARK

apply during their senior year bery or extortion, [...] and comfor only one suspension to be mitting or attempting to commit expunged. The superintendent a sexual assault,” an excerpt from would then decide whether to the policy proposal said. accept or deny the request and This policy only allows for stuwould be responsible for notify- dents to apply for one suspension ing students and their families to be expunged. A student with within 30 days. Upon multiple suspensions graduation, the disis not allowed to aptrict would destroy ply to have one of records of the suspen- [Multiple susthem removed either. pensions show] sion. “[Multiple sus“There’s an ad- that they have pensions show] that vantage in having a pattern. They they have a pattern,” a single person reHarding said. “They viewing and acting got suspended got suspended once, upon decisions like once, and then and then they went this, in the inter- they went and and got suspended est of consistency, got suspended again, which sugrather than havgests a pattern of again, which ing multiple people ignoring policy or make that deci- suggests a patmisbehaving.” sion,” Harding said. tern.

Without the policy, “My obligation is — MVLA Superintendent if younger students to confer with the are suspended, their Jeff Harding principal, to look at past mistakes stay on the student’s record their record for collegand to apply the same, consistent es to see even if they have matured standards.” and changed in the years after.

Only discretionary infractions “If the student just made a are eligible to be expunged. The stupid mistake, and sometimes list of mandatory suspensions freshmen do that, [the policy] that cannot be erased from a gives them a freebie, like a getstudent’s record include, among out-of-jail-free card,” Harding others: “possession of a firearm, said. “If you make a mistake as causing serious physical injury a freshman or as a sophomore, to another person (except in self- and it’s not that serious, havdefense), [...] unlawful sale of ing it clean before you graduate any controlled substance, rob- takes a burden off.”

The Talon November 17, 2015

3

LinkedIn pushes on with North Bayshore Project KEVIN YEN

Senior Writer

In October, professional-networking site LinkedIn unveiled details on plans to develop a tract of North Bayshore land near Shoreline Amphitheater, which it acquired rights to earlier this year. The project, called Shoreline Commons, aims to expand LinkedIn’s presence in Mountain View and to establish the company as a fixture in Silicon Valley.

The Mountain View City Council approved the project in May, granting LinkedIn 1.5 million square feet of office space or roughly three quarters of the entire North Bayshore parcel.

However, the council voted 4-3 against a concurrent proposal for expansion from Google, awarding the company 500,000 square feet to build one of its four originally planned buildings.

Mountain View City Councilmember and former Mountain View mayor Michael Kasperzak, Jr., attributes Google’s dominating presence in Mountain View as a factor in the council’s decision to branch out.

“It’s important to the city to have more than one company,” Kasperzak said. “And even though [LinkedIn is] far, far smaller than Google, having economic diversity is really important.”

LinkedIn currently rents about 400,000 square feet of office space in North Bayshore. With plans for the first 1 million square feet of office space slated for completion by 2020 and the rest by 2023, LinkedIn expects to be able to accommodate an additional 7,500 workers by the time all of its offices are finished.

As part of the proposal,

Math

CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE Under MVLA’s open access policy, all students can enroll or switch into any level course, even if they were placed into a different level.

The LCCR requested data from the district regarding the courses students were enrolled in for eighth and ninth grade and what their CST scores and grades were.

However, the district administration alleges that the group did not interpret the data correctly.

“We did them due diligence in finding the information they asked for,” Associate Superintendent Brigitte Sarraf said. “The problem was they never wanted any explanations of the data so they… formed their own conclusions.”

Before the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) exam based on the Common Core was introduced, the district utilized seventh grade CST scores as the main criterion for assessing a student’s preparation for future math classes. For the past two years, SBAC tests have replaced the CST. However those scores cannot be retrieved before the school year begins.

“In the absence of the CST scores, we included teacher recommendations and this particular group [LCCR] is very much opposed to the use of teacher recommendations,” Sarraf said.

In response, the School Board decided to adopt a new policy, rec-

COURTESY HEATHERWICK STUDIO AND BJARKE INGELS GROUP

A digital rendering of the proposed Google development in the North Bayshore area shows how the proposed buildings and public spaces would have looked. LinkedIn recently won out over Google for the rights to most of the area and is currently making plans to pursue further development.

LinkedIn will address a variety of problems in anticipation of its increased workforce presence in Mountain View.

One of these issues is housing — according to the San Jose Mercury News, average monthly rents in Mountain View have increased by 53 percent in the last four years largely because builders have been unable to meet supply demands. In discussions with the Mountain View City Council, LinkedIn offered to pay developer MidPen Housing $40 million to construct 400 units

in Mountain View, a figure significantly less than the five to ten thousand units that Kasperzak believes are needed to make an impact on housing prices.

“The whole Bay Area is in a housing crisis, not just Mountain View,” Kasperzak said. “People say that to have an impact on the rents, people would have to build five to ten thousand units in Mountain View to have a significant enough impact on the supply side to have any impact on pricing.”

LinkedIn must also address increased traffic and transportation

ommended by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, an organization that sponsors the LCCR. The new policy states that math placement will depend only on objective measures, not subjective data such as teacher recommendations. Students who receive a passing grade or higher in their math class and on a standardized test should be promoted to the next course in ninth grade.

Without SBAC or CST scores, the district has found an alternative called the Math Diagnostic Testing Project.

It was administered four years ago at LAHS and will be administered in April at feeder middle schools.

Grades from both seventh and eighth grade math classes will continue to be used as objective factors in determining placement. However, there are exceptions when objective data is not enough to advance students.

If students feel they are mis-

placed in a certain math class, they can transfer to the correct class. The district will look at factors including their previous courses, their grades and the class they were placed in.

“Every year we collect data from the middle schools, and if we feel there is a mismatch [we’ll] have a conversation with you and your parents and have you moved to the next level,” Sarraf said.

The math placement policy, having been approved by the governing board, will continue to be refined and the LCCR has officially withdrawn their complaint.

“We were looking for a way to make sure that there was…. some oversight for how students are placed,” LCCR attorney Dana Isaac said. “Everyone has the same goal which is to make sure students have all opportunities available to them possible… it’s a good start.”

MICHAEL SIEFFERT

Students work in math teacher Laraine Ignacio’s fifth period Algebra I Enhanced class. The school board recently passed a policy that revises the process for placing students into freshman math classes.

issues as a result of the expansion. In order to reduce car traffic in the North Bayshore area, the city hopes to obtain more than $96 million from companies such as Google and LinkedIn for transportation upgrades, including new bike and pedestrian paths.

So far, LinkedIn has committed to building a new bike and pedestrian bridge over Highway 101 that would connect the community living south of the highway to North Bayshore. In addition, LinkedIn has pledged roadway improvements to Shoreline Bou-

levard, although the impact of both projects on traffic is unclear.

However, several issues have impeded cooperation between Google and LinkedIn on issues of transportation infrastructure.

“There have been some letters back and forth that say, ‘Well we don’t plan to develop this, or we’re not going to do this according to LinkedIn’s plan,’” Kasperzak said.

For example, LinkedIn’s plans to develop new roadways have met with resistance from Google, who owns part of the property that the roads are on.

“There’s been posturing between the players out there,” Kasperzak said. “But it is in everybody’s interest to accommodate, to do what they need to do to reduce the traffic, or nobody gets to do what they want to do.

Ultimately the city’s going to say, ‘If you guys don’t figure this out, we’re not issuing any building permits, so figure it out.’”

All parties are also discussing congestion on Shoreline Boulevard and Highway 101. The city expects that development in North Bayshore will cause 10,000 vehicle trips over the daily limit on the roads, which could halt any new building permits, including those of LinkedIn’s and Google’s, from being issued. As such, cooperation between the two companies is necessary if any future progress is to be made.

“This is not something that’s going to be accomplished by either just LinkedIn doing it or just Google doing it,” LinkedIn’s vice president of global workplace services Jim Morgensen said. “Or anyone else for that matter. This is something we’re going to have to come together and make a solution to, together.”

Local cities consider minimum wage hikes KEITH BOHRER Staff Writer

On October 27, in a 5-2 vote, the city council of Mountain View agreed to increase its minimum wage to $15 by the end of 2018. Mountain View will implement the raise in phases, starting at its current minimum wage of $10.30 an hour.

The first phase will occur on January 1, raising the minimum wage to $11. From there, the city will increase the wage by $2 on the first day of each year until a minimum wage of $15 is reached.

“There are many factors that a policy maker has to consider when making these decisions,” Mountain View City Council member Ken Rosenberg said. “Even though an issue may be ‘simple’ on the surface, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find all kinds of consequences to decisions.”

The state minimum wage is $10. As part of a larger Bay Area municipal movement, Mountain View chose to exceed California’s base-rate minimum wage levels. The decision to raise minimum wage comes with positive intentions from the City Council. “[The goal of raising minimum wage] is to boost wages of lowest-paid workers and

help offset the high cost of living,” Mountain View City Council member John Inks said.

Despite the good intentions, there has been significant resistance on increasing minimum wage. Local businesses, customers and the California Restaurant Association are weary of rising labor and product costs. “[For example, if you raise minimum wage from] $9 to $10, it is an 11 percent increase in labor cost,” Inks said. “Many small businesses operate on very thin profit margins, say 4-5 percent. Higher overall costs impose enormous pressure on small businesses, especially restaurants and services.”

As for students of the school, these hikes may persuade them to work in a city other than Los Altos. “[I think most people would] be more inclined to work in Mountain View rather than Los Altos because of pay differences,” said senior Katie Ho, who works at a restaurant in Mountain View.

“But in the end, I [work] to gain experience and the money is just a perk.”

Looking toward the future, Mountain View will look to push their minimum wage even higher. “[While the goal is] to more accurately align wages with the high cost of living in our area, $15 per hour by 2018 will likely be insufficient to do that,” Rosenberg said.

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The Talon November 17, 2015

New college application system unveiled AKHIL JAKATDAR Staff Writer

On September 29, over 80 colleges and universities announced The College Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success (CCAAS). CCAAS aims to provide an alternative to the Common Application, which the Coalition believes does not provide a holistic-enough approach to the college application process.

Beginning in April 2016, the new coalition will release an initial application, with its partner CollegeNET, a company that provides software help and technology for universities around the nation. This date was pushed back from January to address original software malfunctions and to fix some minor issues with the interface.

According to Inside Higher Ed, the new application system is called a virtual college locker. It will have portfolios of students’ best work from all four years of their high school experience, using Google Drive or Dropbox to as the main interface for documents. Its purpose is to have a simple interface to better organize students’ resumes before they send them to colleges.

The Common Application was created in 1975 to give high school seniors an easy way to organize their college applications before sending them to universities. Since then, it has become the dominant system for college applications.

“In some ways the Common App started like [the CCAAS],” head counselor Ryan Carter said. “The original idea was to make the application process simpler and make more colleges accessible to more

ANNE SCHILL

students. It had a much smaller membership 10-15 years ago and now has over 600 member colleges.

Again, we’ll have to wait and see how students respond to this new application format.”

In 2007, the Universal College Application (UCA) was created with much newer technology to create a modern interface for students to have more freedom with when creating their college applications.

However, according to the Los Altos Town Crier, the UCA did not gain

the media attention it was expected to because very few colleges adopted the application. The new Coalition is attempting to expand its coalition at a faster rate to avoid making the same mistakes as the failed UCA. “I do believe that more colleges will enter the Coalition,” college and career coordinator Andrea Gorman said. “Many of these colleges were the first to join the Common Application when it was introduced. Since Stanford, Harvard and many of the most selec-

tive colleges in the United States are partners, I feel that more colleges will join the Coalition.”

The Coalition requires that colleges must give students who seek financial aid a low-cost and affordable education and have a 70 percent graduation rate or higher. Public schools that join the Coalition are required to grant lower tuition for all residents from their state.

This new coalition is intended to impact low-income students in many high schools across the

nation. Because of how new it is, LAHS will still need some time to assess the platform before deciding whether or not to integrate it into the curriculum.

“It will be interesting to see if the new information and tools on the Coalition application are helpful or if they create more stress around college at an earlier age,” Carter said. “Because there are so few details available yet, it is premature to offer an opinion.”

Although it is relatively new, Gorman and the counselors will look to educate students, so that the majority of students at the school who are looking to apply for college this year will have a chance to learn about it.

“We will discuss and share the information with all of our students, but in the short term, it looks like it will only necessarily impact students who are interested in applying to the colleges that are members of the Coalition,” Carter said. “If the resources on the new application prove to be useful, we may encourage more students to access them.”

If the system proves effective, LAHS could integrate the new system within a couple of years, potentially revolutionizing the process for seniors applying for colleges in years to come.

“The effect of this coalition will be that the discussion about college will start earlier in high school,” Gorman said. “I hope we can present this to students in a way that relieves pressure instead of adding to it... We are watching history take place. I hope it helps students feel more in control and prepared for the college application process.”

Los Altos protests increase in airplane noise NextGen. According to an article in the San Jose Mercury News, the San Francisco International AirLast month, the Los Altos City port’s Aircraft Noise Abatement Council adopted Resolution No. Office reported that within the 2015-35, which supports resident county, Los Gatos especially has efforts to urge the Federal Aviation seen a notable increase to 5,448 Administration (FAA) to imme- complaints this year. diately address increased aircraft The County Board of Supervisors noise caused by the Next Genera- also addressed the conflict with the tion Air Transportation System, or adoption of a resolution on TuesNextGen, program. The resolution day, August 25. According to an is the city’s initial step in working August 26 press release, superviwith the Santa Clara County Board sors Joe Simitian and Dave Cortese of Supervisors to call FAA to action. led the effort to pass the resolution.

“I think the next step is to work “If it does nothing else, my hope more closely with our neighboring is that this resolution strengthens communities that are also being af- the hand of our Congressional fected by this increase in airplane representatives in dealing with the noise,” Los Altos MayFAA,” Simitian said in or Jan Pepper said. the press release.

“If we work together, Many other city our collective voice is If it does nothcouncils in the county more likely to bring ing else, my have also passed resoabout change.” hope is that lutions to combat the Designed to make this resolution issue that has plagued flight paths more diresidents for the past strengthens rect, the NextGen year and a half. In program allows planes the hand of our addition, Congresstraveling to and from Congressional woman Anna Eshoo SFO and SJC to fly low representatives released a survey in over local residential in dealing with July she planned to areas like Los Altos. use in meetings with For the past few years, the FAA. the FAA to find a sothe program, run by — County Supervisor lution for the aircraft Joe Simitian in a the FAA, has been usnoise problem. press release ing new technology to This survey provides improve safety and effor all of District 18, ficiency in multiple runway opera- and conjured over 2,000 responses tions and other priorities and sim- as of August 2015. Many residents, plifying flight arrival and departure including Palo Alto Sky Posse’s Jenpaths in airports nationwide. nifer Landesmann, think the efforts The county has seen a signifi- made by officials at various levels cant increase in resident com- are going in the right direction. plaints about aircraft noise due to “We’re delighted with the resolu-

CLAIRE BAI

Copy / Content Editor

SKYLER MAESO

tions recently passed by the County of Santa Clara and the City of Palo Alto,” Landesmann said in the press release. “We favor rerouting much of the air traffic over the Bay at higher altitudes. We look forward to collaborating with our neighbors

to formulate a solution that is fair, safe, healthy, efficient, and quiet.”

The Los Altos City Council hopes to continue to improve upon the resolution and expand efforts across communities.

“The City has not yet been work-

ing closely with the County Board of Supervisors,” Pepper said. “We are planning to talk to Palo Alto and other surrounding cities that are feeling the impact, and we can also bring in the SCC Board of Supervisors into these discussions.”

The Talon November 17, 2015

5

Please send letters to the editor to lahstalon.eic@gmail.com Los Altos High School

Math placement policy highlights larger issue of achievement gap

I

n response to a complaint from the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR) on racial bias in ninth grade math placement, the MVLA school board passed an official general policy in October, satisfying the LCCR enough to cause a withdrawal of its complaint. In passing the policy, the board also met requirements of a new California law mandating all school districts pass written math placement policies.

Improving the math placement process is part of a larger district effort to reduce the achievement gap. But the reasons that cause students to underperform are vastly PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SIEFFERT complex. Students, teachers, staff Above: Algebra I Enhanced teacher Laraine Ignacio helps a student with a math problem. Below: Students and administrators should discov- in an Algebra I Enhanced class work on their laptops. The school district recently passed a math placement er non-traditional ways to address policy as part of its larger effort to reduce the achievement gap among students. parts of the gap and help all types of students achieve. ing certain concepts from eighth The previous policy looked at a grade. Others took pre-algebra in variety of placement factors, in- eighth grade and are learning allcluding middle school grades and new material. As a result, some some teacher recommendations. students feel like the class is too The new, recently passed policy dis- slow, while others learn slowly for regards teacher recommendations lack of motivation, forcing the in an effort to eliminate subjective teacher to slow the pace to accomplacement decisions. However, this modate everyone. changes little ― recommendations Many of these students also did not significantly affect the ma- lack a strong connection to the jority of placement decisions be- campus. They lack the trust or cause they often aligned with the confidence to approach teachers conclusions drawn from objective or peers for help. In fact, when data, such as grades and test scores. they begin as freshmen, students While the updated policy may have often have a lack of trust in teachaddressed the California law and ers and school in general.

LCCR’s complaint, it will not signif“My dad always told me teachers icantly affect the intended targets. won’t help me and will only give But the policy is another step in me trouble and homework, but addressing the achievement gap now [after taking Skills classes] at our school. The I know that the disproportionate teacher is there to number of minorhelp,” a Skills stuity students who All students on dent said. are placed into campus should take Part of establower-level math lishing trust is the first step and ask classes need more building on exist- the rest of their classes and gives places. All students on campus attention than where help is needed, ing connections. them a newfound sense of confi- should take the first step and ask higher math class then think outside the A new Leadership dence. They are inspired to show where help is needed, then think placement. There box for unique solucourse this year, other struggling peers how to be outside the box for new solutions, are larger issues, tions, activities and piloted by a Skills confident and how to value op- activities and collaborations.

One example is peer-to-peer cosuch as varying teacher, attempts portunities to succeed. This is middle school collaborations. to increase former exactly what underperforming operation. As shown by the Leadclass environfreshmen Skills students at our school need: a ership students’ collaborations ments and socioeconomic factors, students’ connectivity on campus positive cycle of motivation, in- with LUCHA and ASB, these partthat set them up to struggle in high and boost confidence. So far, the spiration and life-skill building nerships increase underperformschool math classes. These stu- 12 sophomores and juniors in the transferrable to their peers who ing students’ involvement.

Once students and staff find efdents often enter our school with class have already helped host sev- are not necessarily in the course.

Underperforming students need fective and unique solutions, the a weak foundation in the subject eral major events, such as Family and as a result, underperform.

Skills Night with the help of La- different ways to succeed. No mat- district will be better able to see Another issue is that students tinos Unidos Caminando Hacia ter how many Skills, AVID and which programs need extra rein the same support classes may Afuera (LUCHA) and Spirit Week supervised study classes, tuto- sources and help in specific ways. rial centers or college and career If this school wants to be successenter with many different levels of with ASB. experience. For example, in AlgeThe students in the class say centers our school has, there will ful at closing the achievement gap, bra I, some students are repeating that working on these events always be students who don’t find everyone should be on board to the course, while still reinforc- helps them perform better in support in traditional academic make this campus a better place.

201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA November 17, 2015 Volume XXXI, Issue 3 Editor-In-Chief Sofia Guo Managing Editors Alice Dai (Print) Katherine Yen (Print) James Sun (Web) News Editor Spencer Dembner Opinions Editor Hanna Khosravi Features Editor Emily Aoki In-Depth Editor Olivia Jerram Entertainment Editor Jessica King Sports Editor Josh Kirshenbaum Media Editor Carl Faust Copy/Content Editors Claire Bai, Teddy Chmyz, Cole Hanson, William Jow Business Manager Eric Thiem Senior Writers Chris Dadok, David Lisbonne, Emily Terada, Kevin Yen Staff Writers Keith Bohrer, Paola Campos, Eli Colbert, Anisha Desai, Savita Govind, Jim Hollingworth, Akhil Jakatdar, Miranda Li, Rachel Lu, Alexis Malgesini, Booker Martin, Julia Santos, Tino Tugwete, Avi Varghese, Alex Wong, Ben Zaeske Photographers Francesca Fallow, Katie Klein, Rachel Lu, Allegra Maeso, Kunal Pandit, Michael Sieffert, Kimia Shahidi, Meilin Tsao Graphic Artists Jim Hollingworth, Miranda Li, Skylar Maeso, Vanessa Mark, Anne Schill Videographers Bobak Afshari, Matt Carpenter, Britt de Visser, Danny Nguyen, Eitan Weiner, Andrew Young Adviser Michael Moul

POLICIES Los Altos High School’s Compositional Journalism class is solely responsible for The Talon, which is published eight times a year. The Talon also updates its website, www.lahstalon.org, with full-time coverage.

The Editorial Board sets the policies of The Talon and crafts its editorials and thumbs. Its members are Eli Colbert, Alice Dai, Spencer Dembner, Jim Hollingworth, Olivia Jerram, Josh Kirshenbaum and Katherine Yen.

ADVERTISE & SUBSCRIBE Send advertisement and subscription inquiries to Eric Thiem at talon.lahs@ gmail.com.

Talon Supporters Honorary Pulitzers

THUMBS UP to the school administration for tackling the homework policy Thumbs up to the school administration for addressing the homework policy. At its June 15 meeting, the School Board passed a general policy intended to deal with the issue of student stress caused by homework load. The policy committed the district to finding a balance between homework and leisure time, but did not endorse any specific policy changes for the time being.

Starting in October, administrators at both Los Altos and Mountain View have held leadership meetings at all levels to discuss proposed rules for how much homework teachers can assign, prior to submitting their proposals to the board. It remains to be seen which specific proposals the district will adopt.

For one set of homework policy proposals, turn to writer Ben Zaeske’s opinion on page 6.

Sanjay Desai, Corrie Dunn and Rick Jow, Fallow Family, Elizabeth Faust, Haiyan Gao, Lisa Giannini and Simon Patience, Emily Goto, Tabitha Hanson, Gary Herbert, Su-Jane Hsieh, Susan Slater, Lillian Terada, Tracy Weatherby, Wendy Yang and Yusheng Bai, Danny and Tracy Young

Silver Supporters Gaylord Family, Martin Family, Zeyu Li, Puneet Pandit, Pradeep Parmar, Taya Perry, Ruth Slater, Tony Sun

6

The Talon November 17, 2015

Read more opinions articles at lahstalon.org/opinions

Student feedback beneficial to developing homework policy BEN ZAESKE Staff Writer

Defining a homework policy can be a touchy subject, especially when most students will jump to the initial response of “we want no homework.”

However, taking a more objective look at what a school’s homework policy should be is a good idea and hearing the voices of students who will be affected by it throughout the year is even better. By embracing student opinion and feedback, the district will find a more comprehensive policy that, while reasonable, will cater more to the needs of students and the business of their schedules.

On Monday, June 15, 2015, the school board revised its general policy which mandates that schools create and implement a homework policy.

The board’s policy spoke very generally and was intended to allow the administrators of each school to create and modify their own respective homework policies. The proposition included guidelines for what types of homework should be assigned, when homework should be assigned and expectations for students, teachers and parents regarding the assigning and completion of homework.

The school’s leadership team, consisting of administrators, department coordinators, selected teachers and other staff members at the school, met on Thursday, October 29 to discuss what they thought would be an appropriate policy. Similarly, The Talon held

a pizza lunch on Monday, November 9 to hear the views of students around campus and discuss and reach a consensus on what we thought the homework policy should include. The topics discussed included limits on homework in both college prep and AP/ Honors courses, weekend homework, homework over breaks and holidays, school projects and work over summer.

As far as non-AP or Honors courses go, students generally thought that around two hours per week per course was a reasonable amount. This totals to about 30 minutes a night per course when you take into account block days. College prep courses shouldn’t take a significant amount of student’s homework time, and 30 minutes a night is a reasonable balance between too much and too little.

The situation gets slightly more

complicated when considering AP courses because the amount of AP courses taken can vary significantly between students. One student might be completely swamped with six AP classes, while others may only have one, two or none. Generally speaking, students thought that AP classes should be allowed to have more homework than regular college prep classes, which is reasonable because they are at a higher level of academic rigour.

However, the key word here is “allowed.” Just because a class is labeled as AP doesn’t mean that it should always assign a huge amount of homework and homework assigned should still be reflective of what was done in class. Teachers should not be assigning busy work under the pretext that AP classes should keep students busy. Perhaps a solution could be reached in which home-

VANESSA MARK

work is assigned based on how long forefront of discussion. These projthe actual lessons are. This would re- ects can present problems to certain sult in a range of homework requir- students due to their sometimes ing from 45 minutes to an hour and crazy and full schedules. Because a half, and would ensure homework of this, it was agreed unanimously remained a productive across student discususe of student time. sions that teachers In terms of weekshould be required to end homework, many Teachers give students time in students proposed to should not be class to work on group limit it to one nororiented projects. assigning busy mal weekday’s worth.

Group projects should Oftentimes weekend work under the be a constructive, alterhomework can block pretext that AP native way of learning out an entire day, and classes should in the classroom that teachers across dedo not further complikeep students partments tend to ascate student’s already sign more homework busy. busy lives. on weekends than Teachers should also they do on weekdays. have check-ins to make Weekends are there for a reason, sure students stay on top of their and it’s not so that students can project work and don’t fall behind, as feel completely overwhelmed with to prevent some potentially stresswork on one of their two days off. ful Sunday nights. As far as sumAlso, some students have family mer work for specific subjects goes, responsibilities, jobs or other ex- only rigorous AP or Honors courses tracurricular activities that take up should be allowed to assign it, like their weekend time. summer reading assignments from While many students had many AP English classes. opinions on homework over breaks, A homework policy based on the best solution would be to limit student feedback could considthe homework overall. Holidays and erably help to improve the stressbreaks should allow students to re- ful lives of students. Homework lax and get a handle on their stressful should be productive and make academic lives. One solution could students feel like they are learnbe only allowing one night’s worth of ing something, not signing their homework for the entire break, simi- lives away to endless math problar to the proposed weekend policy, lems and computer screens full or limiting work over breaks to long- of text. It will be interesting to term projects that are not due prompt- see what the administration ly when students return. comes up with in regards to a Projects, and specifically group specific homework policy in the projects, were also brought to the near future.

Netflix streaming helps define modern media culture ALEXIS MALGESINI

ternet streaming provides consumers with an extensive array of content for only eight to ten dollars per month. Although cable television includes a widNetf lix and other streaming er range of programs, includcompanies, such as Hulu Plus ing live news, sports and award and Amazon Instant Video, are shows, many consumers no lontaking over and crushing the ger think the price is worth the popularity of classic extra channels. cable television. AcIn recent years, cording to The Huffcable companies ington Post, 40 per- Consumers have seen a decent of all American benefit overall crease in their households with a from this change number of subtelevision or Internet scribers because in TV culture. use one of the previmany American ously mentioned in- Of course, no households are stant-video services. one is forced switching over to We live in a world to give up their Internet streamwhere TV shows and cable service, but ing completely. movies are readily Since streaming available to us on our rather a new and services are now computers, tablets, more convenient available through smartphones and option has been low-cost options, more. This raises the added to the consumers need question: What kind to weigh the costs world of enterof effect does instant and benefits of Internet streaming tainment. subscribing to have on consumers? cable TV, Internet Students? Families? streaming or both.

While some view instantly-acThose who view the new TV cessible TV shows and movies as culture as a negative change a negative change in cinematic point out that Internet-accessientertainment culture, the shift ble movies and shows add to the simply provides consumers list of distractions that students with an overall greater level of face while doing homework. convenience.

However, this addition to Beside for the costs of Wi-Fi potential distractors is insigand an electronic device, in- nificant relative to the entirety

Staff Writer

of other distractors, which includes social media, texting, doodling and staring blankly at a wall. Students who are easily distracted from schoolwork will lose focus whether Netf lix creates an easily-accessible option.

Opponents of the change in TV culture also argue that because kids can access TV on their devices, they resort to watching movies on a bright computer screen in their bedrooms, which creates distance within a family.

When a TV was the only source of cinematic entertainment in a household, siblings and families were generally pulled together in front of the TV when they wanted to watch.

This is no longer the case.

Streaming services provide individuals with the option of watching movies and shows by themselves in any location.

While this is a valid concern, teenagers who sit in their bedrooms distant from their families need the space and quiet and will get it with or without online streaming services.

Fast-paced, busy lives make pressing the record button ahead of time a harder task than it may seem to be. Internet streaming may be especially convenient for the busiest of consumers since they do not need to worry about finding programs through the

INTERESTED IN GUEST-WRITING FOR TALON?

SKYLER MAESO

seemingly infinite channels of cable, and they may not always be in the comfort of their living rooms when they find time to watch. When busy people can find a bit of time to finally catch up on a show they love, they could be anywhere: in line for the bus, waiting to pick up their child or in the back of a boring class.

Aside from pure convenience, streaming services like Netf lix have come out with numerous original programs which keep us involved in current TV culture.

Netf lix-available programs provide consumers with the latest shows to obsess over and talk

about. These programs make up the new culture of television, and it is difficult not to be a part of it.

Besides several concerns about the accessibility of Internet streaming services, the fact is that consumers benefit overall from this change in TV culture. Of course, no one is forced to give up their cable service, but rather a new and more convenient option has been added to the world of entertainment. Internet streaming allows consumers to watch on any device, in any location and at any time, which so far is as convenient as it gets.

If you would like to write about your stance on an issue that’s affecting students at our school, email Opinions Editor Hanna Khosravi at opinions.lahstalon@gmail.com with a summary of your idea.

The Talon November 17, 2015

7

Pushing past the Asian-American stereotype

ture for their children, just like any other immigrants. Hard work is embedded in their culture, both as a common value deeply rooted in Asian traditions tracing all the way back At our school, the highly aca- to ancient Confucian principles demic environment and race to and as a survival skill honed enter selective, elite colleges has through thousands of years of made the Asian-American ste- strife. An immigrant who does reotype more and more relevant. not work hard doesn’t survive The Asian-American population in a new land; in the same at our school is an way, Asians who integral part of what have come to the defines the campus, United States have and it is important [For Asianmade success their to understand that American goal and theremany preconceived students, the fore, have emphastereotypes about sized hard work in Asian-American suc- stereotype] unorder to achieve this cess stem from a com- dermines how idea of the “Ameriplex range of factors, much work you can Dream.” not just strict parent put into things The competior inherent intellitive atmosphere you do, and it’s gence. The root of the bred by this idea stereotype has grown especially harm- that Asians, espefrom the idea that in ful if you don’t cially immigrants, the United States, ev- fit the particular should be high eryone has the oppor- stereotype. achievers, academtunity to achieve their ically and in life, —sophomore An Huynh ultimate goal with pushes some to enough hard work. thrive and step up To fully underto the challenge. It stand the stereotype of Asian- is typical human nature to want American success and academic to go with the flow directed by achievement, it is essential to one’s environment and culture. first make a distinction between This is more so true if one is a families that are Asian-Ameri- first-generation American in can and those who are first-gen- their family. eration immigrants. “[The stereotype] has ben“I know for sure from my ex- efited me,” sophomore Hannah perience that families that come Pang said. “I’ve been pushed to America want [children] to at- into doing a little bit better that tain the American dream, which way and seeing others do that is essentially to have a lot of makes me want to be more sucmoney, to be successful and to cessful. I mean obviously, when have a big house, so they push you’re younger, it’s not the greattheir kids a lot,” sophomore An est. Everyone thinks you’re super Huynh said. smart, but I’m not. [However], as Asian-Americans began as you grow up and people get more immigrants — they came to mature, that goes away.”

America to seek a better life for While this self-competition themselves and a brighter fu- and community influence push-

TINO TUGWETE Staff Writer

es some to adopt new habits, leading to success, others experience an alternative reality and gravitate toward the opposite end of the spectrum. It is easy to resent such a stereotype, especially one in which only academic perfection seems adequate.

It’s also common knowledge that everyone is different and that those who do not fit into the classic stereotype of loving or pursuing math, science or other STEM fields tend to suffer as a result of the stereotype.

Even if all Asian families were to push and advocate that education and hardwork are the only ways to success, it’s the children’s choice to carry this burden, and often these decisions can carry negative effects for the students and individuals who are aff licted with them. The equally hard work that an Asian-American does sometimes doesn’t receive the

praise it might receive when accomplished by a person of another ethnicity.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing,” An said. “It’s kind of like a double-edged knife, where you’re always given the benefit of the doubt that you work hard and you’re smart, but then at the same time there’s the whole ‘She’s Asian, she’s smart’ thing.

It undermines how much work you put into the things you do, and it’s especially harmful to people who don’t fit the particular stereotype.”

Overall, the ideals adopted by individuals who can be categorized as stereotypical AsianAmericans don’t come from the idea of natural intelligence.

They are bred by the inf luence of a hardworking heritage ingrained in hundreds of years of history and growth through the support of education and family success. It’s about the

inf luence and habits these students develop from their familial traditions that help define who they will later become.

The idea that Asian-American students’ focus on education and academics is catalysed by family values is true for some, but it’s just a small scope of a fuller picture. Often students pour themselves into heavy workloads to support or meet expectations set by family as well as to satisfy their own expectations.

The environment in which an individual may grow up and the inf luence of the AsianAmerican stereotype do have an effect, but only in introducing the idea of success and education being a top priority.

For any students’ performance rates to actually increase, they must identify with the idea of hard work and make active efforts in pursuing this ideal of success based on education.

MIRANDA LI

El Niño adds water to reservoirs but will not save us from drought MIRANDA LI

past. Either way, as dutiful Cali- necessary to cushion the uncerfornians, we should be concerned, tainty of water gain and retenat the very least aware, about the tion, particularly the ambivalent issue, but we should not become reports on rainfall in the Sierra intoxicated with the extremes.

Nevada and Rocky Mountains.

Contrary to popular belief, El The general consensus is that a El Niño has received its fair Niño is not analogous to children wet and rainy El Niño winter will share of media coverage, too. in any manner aside improve the condi- NASA has reported that it is scrufrom its nominal ties tions but likely not tinizing the detailed effects and to the Spanish lansolve the drought. A projections of El Niño, and other guage. A paramount It is necessary one year storm is sim- meteorological outlets such as influence on weather to seek the balply not large enough the National Oceanic and Atand ocean condito reverse a four-year mospheric Association have also tions, El Niño re- ance between drought, but if the been keeping tabs on the storm. fers to the unusually superfluosly rain falls heavily in Major news outlets such as ABC7 warm fluctuation of over-preparing areas such as North- and CNN have assumed full covwater temperature in and being ern California, where erage of the issue, broadcasting the equatorial Pacific there are plenty of warnings and predictions alike. entirely unprethat occurs every two reservoirs to collect In parallel to the vacillating, parto seven years and is pared in case it, rather than in titioned nature of the issue, the predicted to strike disaster strikes.

Southern California, advice given on the matter is amthe Bay Area this where the land may bivalent: some sources preach the winter. The ocean’s be too necessity of flood surface releases heat and causes desiccate for abinsurance while drastic disruptions of wind di- sorption, we can others scoff at the rection and weather patterns; expect a signifi- A one-year storm reliability of such this has historically implied wet- cantly smaller debt far-reaching meis simply not large ter weather for California and in water for the upteorological projecenough to reverse a tions. Preparation South America. coming summer.

In 199, the last El Niño proved Despite the pre- four year drought. is necessary, but catastrophic, causing flood- dicted wave of rain the extent to which ing, ice storms, tornadoes and 17 and wet weather, one should be constorm-related deaths. the drought restrictions Califor- cerned depends primarily upon Predictions on the scope of this nia has placed upon its citizens their individual situation; it is necyear’s El Niño are inconsistent; have yet to be revoked. Though essary to seek the balance between some believe that it will not be rainfall may rise above average, superfluously over-preparing able to trump the strength of the so will temperature; this could and being entirely unprepared in 1997 storm, while others postulate prove water conservation to be case disaster strikes. For example, that this year’s storm will commo- more difficult than expected. homes near rivers or lakes are pardiously surpass the fervor of the Conservation efforts are still ticularly susceptible to flash floods, Staff Writer

so flood insurance is a viable option, whereas homes far from water have less urgent necessity for expensive insurance.

Overall, we should be aware that this winter will be a wet one, and that the drought will likely not be cured. Depending

on the context, we should take adequate but not excessive precautions. El Niño is real, and so are the risks that come with it.

A real situation obligates a realistic response, so we must act realistically in the face of the upcoming storm.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS USERS SANANDROS AND JON SULLIVAN

Top: El Niño waves crash on California shores. Above: President Barack Obama discusses the California drought with farmers in 2014.

Although El Niño is expected to hit California soon, drought restrictions have not yet been revoked.

8

The Talon November 17, 2015

Bernie Sanders appeals to the youth vote EMILY TERADA Senior Writer

From the land of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, an unlikely candidate comes to rise. Hailing from Vermont, Senator Bernie Sanders is turning heads and firing up the storms of the hashtag extravaganza. Some people may be wondering why young people all across the nation are optimistic about a politician who is as old as their grandparents and comes from a state where the population is smaller than San Jose. With his quirky and free-spirited attitude, Sanders is connecting to younger voters on many issues, including education and climate change.

And maybe that’s what America needs. This country needs a candidate whose ideals are vastly different from the usual politicians.

Sanders’ honesty throughout his 40-plus years as a politician proves that if elected he will keep Americans informed and not left out of the larger picture.

Sanders is a democratic socialist.

He plans on creating a government that models itself on countries such as Sweden and Denmark, which emphasizes an equal opportunity in higher education and longer maternity leaves for expecting mothers. This is part of what draws younger crowds toward Sanders. Many young people who grew up while America hit a recession during 2008 are most likely to be more wary with the government because the idea that ‘things will get better’ has yet to actually come to fruition.

At debates, it is evident that Sanders differs greatly from other

candidates. Contrary to his constituents, Sanders is not interested in grilling competing candidates in hopes of improving political standing. His conscious decision in being genuine with supporters and competitors makes him more relatable in comparison to the sometimes scripted and overtly calculated candidates.

“He excites students and young people because he is a candidate of values, principles and ideas, which is what politics should be about,” Brent Budowsky wrote in an article for “The Hill.” “Sanders offers what young people — and most Americans — want in political leaders. He offers authenticity and ideas; a politics of conviction and values that soars above the petty cash of political propaganda and political spin.”

Sander’s extensive political background ranges from city mayor to U.S. senator, and his experience of

seeing issues on all levels will be ex- why Sanders’s message is resonattremely crucial if elected. He may ing,” reporter John Wagner wrote in his article on be seen as an underdog The Washington to other candidates, but Post. “Only 25 many Americans feel they percent of voters needs someone who they [Bernie Sandages 18 to 29 exfeel can understand them ers] excites pressed trust in in a totally new way. students and the federal gov“He understands the ernment. The poll youth,” senior Paul Du- young people also made clear villier said. “He has that because he is that Sanders is liveliness and I think a candidate of trying to engage a that’s what’s going to get values princigeneration generyounger people. He’s not ally wary of polimainstream; he’s a little ples and ideas, ticians. Six in ten more flexible with every- which is what said they think thing. He’s not… stuck on politics should elected officials one idea and is going to be about. are motivated by stick on that idea for the — writer Brent Budowky selfish reasons, rest of his life. He’s going from “The Hill” and fewer than with the flow.” three in ten said Recent polls also show that the 74-year-old candidate still they felt like they have a say in remains relevant and is seen as a vi- what the government does.”

He relates to students and young able option for presidency.

“Public polling helps explain people because he is willing to give his brutally honest opinion. Bernie’s eclectic political style is one of many personalities that have created more excitement around the election and politics in general, and voices that would normally not be heard in government are being heard now. The very idea that a government can change with the influence of its people is a powerful and uniquely American attribute.

In the upcoming election, the uncertainty of our country’s future lies in the hands of a wide variety of candidates.

For many first-time voters, the large array of candidates means that their voices may finally be heard in the oval office. Bernie’s popularity with young people proves that even the unprecedented candidate can make the difference.

ANNE SCHILL

Children of Bethlehem: moralizing “digital nativity” tify air or water. It’s difficult to pinpoint something which is Staff Writer fluid and which we are always surrounded by. So, in what exactly are we swimming? “[A digital native] is a subset In her 1968 essay, Joan Didion of the Millennial generation who likened the acidheads of San have grown up immersed in a Francisco’s Haight Street to a networked world, with access to Yeats line: “slouching towards ubiquitous digital technologies Bethlehem.” “The center was not and the ability to learn and use holding,” she takes from Yeats as them in fluent and sophisticated well. “Turning and turning in the ways,” researchers Shahper Vowidening gyre/The falcon cannot danovich, David Sundaram and hear the falconer,” the poem con- Michael Myers said in their 2010 tinues. ConfrontResearch Commentary: ed with econom“Digital Natives and ic turbulence, Ubiquitous Information spiked crime rates The need to be Systems.” and ostensible gratified inWe are native to a ubiqcities of missing stantly is not a uitous informations syschildren, Didion drawback. It’s tem (UIS). UIS, broadly, and her contemis a conduit of content, poraries could an adaptation communication and innot help but fore- to an environformation through which see a massive so- ment which has we manage our personal cial hemorrhage. the capabiland professional lives.

Participants in The introduction and ity to gratify us that counterculadoption of mobile devictural movement instantly. es, personal laptops and conceived and other smart technologies wanted a united have come to govern society, an arterial system of feel- the way we do business, make ing and communication: a social friends and are entertained: network. Their intentions were the way we function. not so dissimilar from ours. We What is the effect of technologifound out that you could do it cal ubiquity on digital natives? with a little piece of silicon.

Clinicians theorize that nearWhat does digital nativity con- constant exposure to images and stitute? What is a digital native? access to synchronous communiIn a world inundated by termi- cation may mold digital natives as nology, it’s important to define impulsive and requiring instant ourselves. One is reminded of gratification. The fluidity by which the bird or fish that cannot iden- digital natives share and disclose

ELI COLBERT

VANESSA MARK

information may make them less wary of online hazards. This piece will not deliver the same inane soliloquy, which is dispensed by technophobes across the nation.

The soliloquy of “I have seen the coming of the apocalypse and it hath wings made of keyboards. It eats children and speaks in emojis,” that rant which ends with the anecdote where the speaker sees someone collide with a telephone pole while transfixed by their cell phone.

It’s true that the inception of ubiquitous technology poses problems. I would posit that any new governing force in society will have side effects. But, the need to be gratified instantly is not a drawback. It’s an adaption to an

environment which has the capability to gratify us instantly.

I have probably stood for too long in the camp of curmudgeonism. Now, when I see a student unwilling to be without their smartphone, I don’t see something necessarily selfish. I see a deeply-ingrained instinct to be connected, to collaborate and to have fun. If I may be obnoxious: Attention! Students creating art depicting families at dinner tables, separated by their cell phones: don’t, we’ve already seen it. Teachers inclined to launch into a speech directed at young people, in legion, in which use of technology is described as an addiction: don’t, it is not. It is how we hear the falconer.

Jim Goes to College

By Jim Hollingworth

Bride Marriage is so weird. You meet someone at a café and after a few years, decide that you’re ready to spend the rest of your life together.

The rest of your life? All of it?

How can you make that kind of commitment after only a few years?

How do you know you’re with the right person? What if there’s a better fit for you on the other side of the world?

I found you on the internet, o’ college o’ mine. I know you only through vague rumors, saturated photos on your website and one page of description in the Fiske guide. Maybe I’ve spent a few hours, days in your company, examining your sweet exterior with the help of a tour guide. We hit it off, but it’s still early — we’ve barely been on our first date.

But now I’m supposed to propose to you. Don’t you feel like we’re moving too fast here?

It’s true that college doesn’t last as long as marriage; with any luck, I won’t be taking midterms and guzzling instant ramen when I’m eighty-five. But the years it does concern are some of the most influential, career-defining ones of our lives, and it’s important to take this decision seriously.

The other day I submitted my first diamond ring to a local university. I can’t name a single professor at the school. I’ve never talked to an actual alumni; I’ve only driven by the campus. Yet I’m willing to part with four years and thousands of dollars on the abstract assumption that I’ll be happy there.

These shallow student-college relationships are born out of necessity. We’re not submitting wholehearted applications to one dream school; we’re applying to 10, 15, even 20. There’s no way to really know the ins and outs of so many schools, so we settle for a paragraph from Wikipedia, a mailed brochure and maybe a smiley presentation in the college and career center.

These are generalizations, of course, and obviously it’s not practical to visit every campus across the country. But I have an activity that helped me.

If you’re feeling swamped with a pile of vague supplement essays to send across the country, try this: get your phone, and time yourself for 45 seconds. On a piece of blank paper, without consulting your Common App account, write a list of all the colleges you’re applying to.

I bet you can’t name them all.

That’s the point.

Any college you forgot shouldn’t be on your account.

Why are you writing love essays to someone you don’t really care about? I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from applying to colleges, nor from marriage — at some point, in both cases, you’ve got to be willing to take a risk. But if you can’t even remember your bride’s name, well, maybe that’s not the risk to take.

The Talon November 17, 2015

9

Read more features articles at lahstalon.org/features

Tips from The Talon: Ergonomics in tech that arise from ergonomic errors.

“The definition of ergonomics is Staff Writers to take a work space and make it As high schoolers, we often fit with the person,” Kuwano said. find ourselves on our sides in “The person and the work area bed, watching Netf lix with our need to mesh together.”

Since the school implemented computers sideways. We are often guilty of slouching in our the Bring Your Own Device prochairs, slinking downward and gram the fall of 2014, students have spent prolonged perifolding our spinal ods of time sitting in cords into ergonomfront of a computer. If ically lousy origami ergonomic principles because hey, it’s just Your desks at are not followed, we easier. Submerged school [are not could fall victim to in the bright light such antagonists as reof our screens with ergonomic], so petitive stress injuries, schoolwork and so- I would say try carpal tunnel syncializing, we are not and vary your drome and bursitis. always as concerned position as ofAccording to Kuabout ergonomics ten as possible. wano, the most freas we should be. quent error that ocErgonomics is the Drop your arms curs when people use science of arranging down when you technology is not typthings for efficient, have nothing to ing properly. Touch safe and comfortable do... try to [altyping, the most comuse. No matter what, mon method, is the the idea behind er- ways] vary the correct way to type. gonomics is to make position.

On the other hand, people comfortable, —Dr. Sachi Kuwano many people make whether that be in the error of using the a car, on a construction site or in front of a computer. “hunt-and-peck” style, in which However, the importance of ergo- only one finger on each hand is nomics transcends simply comfort used to press the keys. Not know— a poor ergonomic workspace ing how to type properly can cause physical ailments; soreness of the can lead to serious health issues.

Dr. Sachi Kuwano is a certified wrists may be the precursor to the Ergonomics Assessment Specialist more serious carpal tunnel.

“It is kind of a catch-22 when and Ergonomic Clinical Specialist with Kaiser Permanente, where I get someone who cannot type she has worked for 15 years. She very well,” Kuwano said. “I have deals with the myriad of issues to let them know that until you

MIRANDA LI RACHEL LU

learn to type, you are going to have some sort of soreness whether it be your neck or your arms or a combination of both.”

The most common repetitive injury she sees in computer users is wrist pain, wrist-hand aches pain and neck pain. Back pain can also be caused if they are not sitting properly.

An ergonomically correct posture is sitting up tall posture wise, keeping one’s arm at the sides.

“If I told you to take an orange and tuck it to your side and kind of pinch it to your side, that is the best position for your body to be in because then your arms are at your side, your shoulders are pulled back, your head and neck are nice and tall,” Kuwano said.

To try and find a correct ergonomic position while at school is more challenging.

“Your desks at school do not allow you to [sit in an ergonomic position], so I would say to try and vary your position as often as possible,” Kuwano said. “Drop your arms down when you… have [nothing] to do when your teacher is talking, and [when] you are not taking notes, draw pictures with a piece of paper and then come back to your computer. Try to [always] vary the position.”

Kuwano says that determining how to improve our own ergonomic structure is a bit more complex.

Even though there is ergonomic equipment such as keyboards and chairs that can help certain people

with their posture, she says it is different for everyone.

“It is not a black and white process,” Kuwano said. “It is a very gray project where you are having to really think about making changes and people have to be able to hear their body to be able to make changes. They have got to feel it, and you do not want to wait until the last minute to feel it.”

Overall, being aware of ergonomics is useful for a high school student because of the prolonged time periods spent sitting at a desk in front of a

MIRANDA LI

screen, at home and at school. “[Ergonomics] is a large problem; maybe half of [technology users] have some sort of discomfort,” Kuwano said. “It may not be a pain that would require medical treatment, but I am sure that you guys would have some sort of fatigue or discomfort from using your laptops for an extended period of time. And that is where it starts.”

Sit up straight, keep your elbows at 90 degrees, and relax; that is where comfort and good health start.

Community welcomes new School Resource Officer MICHAEL SIEFFERT Staff Writer

For many students, it is not too uncommon to see a police officer walking throughout the campus, nor is it too uncommon to wonder why we even have law enforcement personnel at our school.

But rest easy — the officers at our school aren’t here because of some unknown security threat. Rather, they serve as a resource for the entire school body.

In September 2015, Police Agent Ryan Langone was appointed the School Resource Officer by the Los Altos Police Department (LAPD) after the previous officer, Agent Katie Krauss, left. School Resource Officer is his full time position at the LAPD, and Langone spends his workdays visiting local schools and responding to

MICHAEL SIEFFERT

various calls from people in the area. It is his job to keep an eye on all of the local schools and answer any needs they might have with the police department.

“I typically like trying to be there, be present if people want to come up and talk to me and just try to get to know everybody,” Langone said. “[I] just to try to be involved, to get to know the parents, to get to know the kids and that is my take on it and that is what I like to do.”

Apart from responding to calls and mingling with the community, Langone also teaches classes to elementary and preschool students on safety and other typical police duties. Starting January 2016, he will lead the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, which educates students about illegal substances at the private schools in the area, where he also works as the the resource officer.

“The Los Altos Police Department teaches DARE to the private schools in Los Altos,” Langone said. “That is why I also absorb those schools as well because I teach them the 10-12 week program of DARE.” Before being named our Resource Officer, Langone spent nearly a decade serving for the LAPD. His experiences in the police force range from running the graveyard shift on the night patrol, to being a general Public Relations person for the department to even being assigned on the SWAT team for the Mountain

COURTESY RYAN LANGONE

Above: School Resource Officer Ryan Langone (right) is promoted to Agent status and shakes hands with Los Altos Police Chief Tuck Younis (left). Below: Langone poses for a photo. In September, Langone was appointed to the School Resource Officer position.

View-Los Altos area. Langone’s wanted for murder.” time on the force has Becoming a police given him an experiofficer was never a enced perspective on I like to be pres- goal for Langone, it law enforcement. ended up a happy co“I was the union ent if people incidence. As a teenpresident for a por- want to come ager, he lived in San tion [of the time] that up and talk to Jose and attended I have been here,” me. I just to try Leland High School.

Langone said. “I’ve From there he became also been assigned to to be involved, a political science mathe county auto theft to get to know jor at UC San Diego. task force, where I the parents, to “I didn’t want to was a plain clothed get to know the go to law school and detective, driving an a lot of my friends kids. unmarked car in east were becoming po— School Resource side San Jose arrestlice officers,” LanOfficer Ryan Langone ing parolees, jumping gone said. “They fences, getting a lot were like, ‘Why of guns, arresting people who are don’t you apply, why don’t you

apply?’ I actually applied to some police departments just to get some more experience with oral board interviews and actually got hired.”

After getting accepted and becoming an officer, Langone found that he really enjoyed the profession. Nine years later, he still protects and serves and believes there is nothing he would rather do.

Langone wants to let any students interested in law enforcement that they can simply talk to him.

“Talk to me,” Langone said.

“You know, I am around. Or even come to the police department.

Law enforcement [is] a very interesting profession. You do a lot of different things every day.”

The Talon November 17, 2015

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

WRITTEN BY: COLE HANSON, COPY/CONTENT EDITOR | ERIC THIEM, BUSINESS MANAGER | DAVID LISBONNE, SENIOR WRITER | AKHIL JAKATDAR, STAFF WRITER | BOOKER MARTIN, STAFF WRITER | JULIA SANTOS, STAFF WRITER | KEITH BOHRER, STAFF WRITER GRAPHICS BY: VANESSA MARK, GRAPHIC ARTIST | JIM HOLLINGWORTH, GRAPHIC ARTIST | MIRANDA LI, GRAPHIC ARTIST

T

he 2016 Presidential Election is ripe with vibrant characters all contending to be your next United States President. With a few months until the Democratic and Republican primaries, the 2016 presidential race is heating up, and candidates are gaining widespread media attention as they each try to leave good impressions on the American public. In this spread, The Talon looks at who we believe to be the front-runners and discusses the impact the media has on the public’s opinions of them.

IMMIGRATION

THE TALON’S PICKS: TOP 4 MOST LIKELY TO BE PRESIDENT

HILLARY CLINTON (D)

BERNIE SANDERS (D)

If anyone is familiar with the presidential election process, it is Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton. Clinton, the former 67th Secretary of State, not only was the first lady to the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, but she also ran for president in the 2008 election. This time Clinton strives to become the first female president and prove that America is “Ready for Hillary.”

At 74 years old, Bernie Sanders is the oldest presidential candidate in this election. In fact, if elected, Sanders would be the oldest president in the history of the United States. Yet, it is Sanders who is captivating the young minds of America. While the term “old dogs can’t learn new tricks” might cause people to second-guess Sanders, they should be aware that Sanders has a large, young fanbase who say “Feel the Bern.”

Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants who came to the United States in 1959. When Rubio was 28 years old, he became the youngest-ever Speaker of the Florida House in 2006. Later in 2010, Rubio earned a spot on the United States Senate. In January of 2015 Rubio wrote his autobiography American Dreams, where he explores the idea of the American dream.

In addition to being the former HewlettPackard CEO, Carly Fiorina now heads the philanthropy group Good360, whose goal is to facilitate the donation of used merchandise from companies instead of throwing it out. In the current presidential race, Fiorina sits in seventh place in the Republican polls with 3 percent of the votes, according to a NBC News online poll conducted between October 27-29.

Wants to offer immigrants a path to citizenship and strives to end detention centers

Holds a similar position to Barack Obama

Supports citizenship of the existing illegal immigrants in the US

Wants increased border security between the U.S. and Mexico

Wants to expand on the current immigration reform

Wants to increase the size of the border patrol and stop the flow of illegal immigrants

Wants to monitor immigrant work visas so non-citizens don’t overstay them

Wants to implement a new idea where private investors would pay for a student’s tuition, ensuring they would receive a part of the student’s future earnings

Wants to offer community college for free

Supports DREAMers (development, relief, and education for alien minors) system

ENDORSEMENTS

FUNDING

EDUCATION

Wants to maintain immigration enforcement and promote public safety Believes there should an in increase in oversight of for-profit colleges Is Pro Common Core

Plans to use his executive action to give deportation relief

Wants to give students from the lowand middle-class the opportunity to attend public universities for free

MARCO RUBIO (R)

CARLY FIORINA (R)

Wants to maintain birthright citizenship

Believes every child deserves a chance to educate themselves and to fulfill their full potential

Is gainst vouchers for private schools

Will tax the stock market and generate around 300 billion dollars to pay for students’ educations

Total raised: $97.7 million

Total raised: $41.5 million

Total raised: $47.7 million

Total raised: $12 million

Total Spent: $64.8 million

Total Spent: $14.3 million

Total Spent: $8.5 million

Spent: $2.9 million

National Organization of Women

National Education Association

Good360

Senate Conservative Fund

Andrew Cuomo - NY Governor

Keith Ellison - MN Representative

Cory Gardner - CO Senator

Lynn Jenkins - KS Representative

Ellen Degeneres

Will Ferrell

Paul Singer

Larry Ellison

Reintroduced the 2014 bill: “Investing in Student Success Act”

The Talon November 17, 2015

OPINIONS: BAD PRESS AND... PUBLIC SUPPORT? HOW THE MEDIA HAS BOOSTED STUDENTS’ OPINIONS OF TRUMP

“ “ “

1) He says the truth how it is and doesn’t care what people think of him, 2) He has addressed a very large problem in our country that needs to be solved very quickly: immigration.”

He’s funny.”

“ “ “

P

Donald Trump has the willingness to take decisive action where others are not. He doesn’t let things like diplomacy or caution get in his way, which is both good and bad.”

He isn’t afraid to say what he believes.”

HOW THE MEDIA HAS DIMINISHED STUDENTS’ OPINIONS OF TRUMP

Although it was funny to see him running at first, he’s just become annoying now. It’s a shame that people are actually considering a celebrity who constantly makes racist and sexist remarks for the leader of this country.”

“

I view him as a threat to my race even though I was born here.”

COLE HANSON AND BOOKER MARTIN

Even though I think all the stuff he says is funny, he is really really dumb when it comes to politics or anything besides how to make money.

“

I simply do not agree with his views. I do not think building a huge wall would be economical.”

QUOTES TAKEN FROM ANONYMOUS POLLS

DO YOU FOLLOW POLITICS?

op culture and social media control the views of voters more than ever. Instead of useful information about candidates’ important political ideas, the media focuses on superficial reputation wars and the latest scandals. And it’s easiest, especially for young people, to just accept all the news as it is.

But we must dig deeper if we want to elect someone truly capable for the position of the United States President.

This election race has created some unique relationships between the media and the nominees. In the cases of Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton and one Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, the press has had alternate effects, despite both individuals receiving their fair share of disrepute.

In both cases, coverage of unrelated and superficial aspects of each person has wrongly affected their campaigns.

Hillary initially found herself at the center of gender-based controversy.

Some critics claim she is playing the “gender card” to gain an advantage, while Fox News suggested that her gender may harm her ability to be president. The focus on Hillary being a woman is absurd; the next president should be elected based on qualifications, not gender.

The argument over Hillary’s reputation pales in comparison to the national outrage Trump has caused. Trump spread false claims that President Barack Obama is not a legal citizen and insulted millions of minority members.

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,”

Trump said in June at his presidential tered with the same kind of superficampaign announcement speech. cial coverage. The intended reason is“They’re sending people that have lots ferences in each candidate’s plans for of problems… they’re bringing drugs, the future. Instead, in recent Repubthey’re bringing crime. They’re rap- lican debates, such as the one held in ists.”

Boulder, Colorado, candidates spent Instead of ignoring these outland- valuable air-time trying to smear each ish statements, the media snaps up other’s surface reputations. Even the the sound bites to generate hype party’s own member Ted Cruz higharound Trump, which ultimately lighted this issue through his mockgives him the support he needed as ery of the debate mediator. a “bold” candidate.

“John Casey, will you The fact that Trump is insult two people over one of the Republican here, Marco Rubio, why frontrunners is simply Popular media don’t you resign, Jeb scary. His supporters often reflects the Bush, why have your must ask themselves numbers fallen,” Cruz interests of its auif he is truly the persaid. “How about talking son they want run- dience and it might about the substantive isning our country and just be that the sues people care about?” if so, look further for public doesn’t care Of course, there are his practical policies for the substantial two sides to this coin. on key issues.

Popular media often reThe impact of poltitical aspects flects the interests of its Trump’s bad press of choosing a canaudience and it might contrasts greatly with didate. just be that the public that of Clinton. Those doesn’t care for the subsupporting Clinton stantial political aspects have high expectaof choosing a candidate. tions, which even her slightest of misWhile the excitement will probtakes can undermine. Those backing ably fade as the election progressTrump understand he is more of a co- es, this initial phase indicates that medic act; his remarks can only build voters are easily swayed and sideupwards from his past reputation as a tracked by the media. It’s okay to show-biz mogul. laugh at the occasional Donald Ultimately, media has spawned a Trump meme in your Facebook disconnect between voter and nomi- feed, but we must also be aware of nee. Rooted in the media’s tendency the distorting effect of the media to highlight past flaws rather than fu- on both truly serious and joke canture plans and causes, candidates fo- didates. Because the media won’t, cus less on the rationale behind their only we can dig deeper into the platforms and more on the degrada- truth about candidates and take tion of their opponents. the time to figure out how qualiPresidential debates are also lit- fied each candidate really is.

WHAT PARTY DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH?

50 STUDENTS POLLED

275 STUDENTS POLLED

275 STUDENTS POLLED

OF ALL THE REPUBLICAN MEMBERS, DO YOU SUPPORT TRUMP?

THE CAMPAIGN AND ELECTION PROCESS January 2012

The presidential race began as early as after Barack Obama took office for his second term in 2012. As the first presidential election in eight years without an incumbent, the 2016 field allowed those with shorter political resumes to generate hope for a successful campaign.

March 2013

Potential candidates set up fundraising events before officially announcing their bids for presidency. Once they have decided to run and have raised at least $5000 in funds, candidates file an application with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which authorizes a campaign committee to raise and spend funds on their behalf.

April 2013

After announcing their bid, each candidate begins campaigning in the states which hold their primary elections first. Campaigning often includes hosting events where candidates give speeches about their political views and attending other large events for maximum media exposure.

August 2015

July 2016

There are many nationally televised political party debates, starting in August, which the candidates must attend. On March 1, the final debate for both parties will be held, and this day signals the start of the primaries for both parties. The primary elections are popular votes in which party members at the district level elect delegates who support one particular candidate to attend the party’s national convention in the summer. At the national conventions, delegates submit their votes and the Republican and Democratic nominees are announced.

Following this process, there will only be one Democratic candidate and one Republican candidate left.

These candidates continue to campaign and focus their energy on convincing the “swing states,” states that have been historically known to frequently swing Democrat or Republican. The electoral votes in these states are often the key to winning the general election.

September 2016

There are two national debates between each candidate held in September and October, which lead up to Election Day on November 8, 2016.

By December of the same year, the electoral votes will be cast, and an announcement of the electoral results will be given on Tuesday, January 5.

The new United States president will be inaugurated on January 20, 2017.

12

The Talon November 17, 2015

Haiti Solidarity Club expands to Middle College FRANCESCA FALLOW Staff Writer

Haiti Solidarity has long been a part of the school’s culture and is now an important part of another community: Foothill Middle College. Two former LAHS Haiti club members, Middle College seniors Marie DeShetler and Lia Whitney, are taking their inspiration from Los Altos to their new club at Middle College. As the seniors began attending Foothill College they realized that they wanted to bring the club’s values of helping others, spreading kindness and educating the community about Haiti to the campus.

“We knew this year would be the perfect year to start up again, because we really never forgot about it,” Lia said. “It was always something we knew we were going to keep pursuing, we just had to find the right time to start.”

They currently have about

15 members and meet every Supported Agriculture packages. ” Fundraising is a large part of how Thursday from for one hour their club is able to on the Foothill help Haiti. The club Campus. As for the began with a rumcommunity, they mage sale on Saturday, are trying to get A lot of it is everyone involved about educating November 7, which will be followed by by educating them people about a garage sale on Saton Haiti’s situation what is going urday, November 28. and bringing them on in Haiti just The rummage sale is to action by involvparticularly imporing them in differ- so [the people] are aware. Even tant, as it exemplifies ent activities. the ideals of their club “A lot of it is about if they don’t because everyone is educating people want to donate able to benefit from about what is going it. Their goal is to raise on in Haiti just so money we’re $20,000, and the rumthe people are aware,” offering differmage sale brought Marie said. “And even ent ways to get them closer to their if they don’t [want to] involved. goal with $840. donate money we’re — senior Marie “The students who offering different DeShetler are getting involved ways to get involved. are being able to take We have the solidarity farms, so we’re [going] to be on leadership roles,” Marie said. selling seasonal vegetables [and] “[They] gain awareness of what’s people can sign up for Community going on locally while also working to help other students who are benefiting. So everyone kind of wins in the rummage sale, you are paying a few bucks for something that would be so much more expensive.”

If they would be able to make a trip to Haiti this year, they would go in March-April during break. They plan to do some construction, work at medical clinics and teach SOPUDEP students. Despite the possibility of not having the trip, they still remember it from their days at LAHS as a memorable and life-changing event, one

PHOTOS COURTESY MARIE DESHETLER

Above: A boy riding his bike around Camp ACRA, a tent city within Petion-ville, Haiti, stops for a photo. Bottom left: Women bring water home to their families in Petion-ville. Both photos were taken by senior Marie DeShetler while she was in Haiti in 2013. Marie and senior Lia Whitney are now expanding the Haiti Solidarity Club to include a Middle College branch. with so many moments that they will never forget, and that powers their motivation for the club today. Marie recalls one specific moment at a medical clinic while visiting in Haiti.

“There [were] so many pa-

tients that came in that haven’t eaten in days or were sick with things that were very terrible,” Marie said. “For me to see that and connect with them on such a human to human level, all you want to do is help.”

Van

continue servicing the school.

The increased patient volume will “The attendance was low because likely prove temporary, because withthere were new students who didn’t out sports physicals to boost traffic the know about it, and also new staff that volume of patient visits has dropped CONTINUED FROM THE weren’t familiar with it, including again. The school’s decision to move FRONT PAGE teachers,” Ammerman the van to the student said. “Two weeks ago, parking lot has only enthere was this Teacher hanced this effect.

[It’s] most sat“You may come in initially for a Day… where all the staff “We were more visimedical thing, say, your asthma,” Am- and teachers were here. isfying [to help] ble [at the drop-off cirmerman said. “But then it turns out We actually talked with kids who othercle] because the kids in you actually have some kind of men- them in a big group and wise wouldn’t the quad could see that tal health thing going on or a psycho- I think that’s helped we were there,” Maldoget care. It social issue. So then you may end up because actually [in nado said. “Here, at actually talking with our social worker late October] we’re really makes a the side… if you don’t and then getting help for that.” busy again. But there difference. drive, or if you leave In recent months, low patient num- was also — and I think through the front of —Dr. Seth Ammerman bers at LAHS forced Ammerman to this is important — the school, you’re not consider halting the van’s monthly there was also a lack of going to see us.” visits to the school altogether. clarity about who is eligible to come.”

Maldonado noted that many stuBut increased communication The resurgence in patient numbers dents fear the stigma of visiting a with teachers and school staff has has not been entirely ideal; Maldo- van often thought to be dedicated enabled the van to rekindle student nado noted that the vast majority of to STDs and unplanned pregnaninterest and bring in new patients, patient visits at the van’s most recent cies, an effect which may turn them temporarily ensuring its ability to Los Altos stop were sports physicals. away from using the van. But Ammerman stressed the fact that reADVERTISEMENT turning patients do not share that concern because a large percentage of them do not consult for those types of issues at all.

“Because we do everything, the fact that you come to the van could be for anything,” Ammerman said. “Let’s say we were an STD van, and those are out there, I can see how that might be a stigma cause you’re coming to the STD van, and if your fellow students know that you’re coming they may make fun of you or give you a hard time. But if you’re coming to this van, it can be for anything from sports physicals to mental health.”

The van is not restricted to our campus; it regularly travels to locations such as Alta Vista, the San Jose Conservation Corporation, Peninsula High School, San Jose’s LGBTQ Youth Space, the Mission College Health Fair, and East Palo Alto High to provide care that many teenagers would otherwise be unable to afford or commute to, often creating a rapport with the patients they visit.

FRANCESCA FALLOW

One of the rooms within the Teen Health Van. The van visits Bay Area high schools regularly to provide free health care to teens and is at the school one Thursday each month.

Ammerman and his team generally focus on servicing adolescents without insurance or who cannot afford services that are covered within their insurance policies. But any students who are not legal adults may also visit to receive confidential consultation and care for what the state designates as “sensitive services:” reproductive health, mental health, and substance use issues. While parent permission is required for mental health-related medications, Ammerman and his colleagues counsel with students and help them work on solutions to all three types of sensitive issues without needing to inform their parent or guardian.

“Even if you have health insurance… and say you have a regular doctor and you’re insured, you’re not underinsured, and you have regular care… we will see students for sensitive services,” Ammerman said.

The true potential of the van’s system becomes clear in its interactions with homeless teenagers, who make up 40 percent of its patients. In a month, the van stops at locations like the LGBTQ Youth Space and the Health Fair where the staff can meet and coordinate with various organizations which help tighten the net

of support organizations available to homeless and disadvantaged teens.

“We’re not providing housing, we’re providing healthcare, but we work with community agencies who help provide housing,” Ammerman said.

“It’s very much a collaborative model with other folks who work with the kids that we work with, but to provide them with other services. We’re not providing education, the school is, but by working together they can identify students who are having difficulties. If your health is a problem, you’re going to do worse in school, whether it’s medical, mental health, psychosocial, nutritional, all of it, so it’s a very nice way of working together to provide the best outcomes.”

The van attends to every aspect of doubt students feel prior to a visit, from privacy and financial concerns to stigmatization. It proves to be a vital tool for the school’s community, going above and beyond to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

“What’s most satisfying is that I see that we can really help kids who otherwise wouldn’t get that care,” Ammerman said. “It really makes a difference, and they can turn their lives around.”

The Talon November 17, 2015

Choose Your Own Poetry Adventure!

Stories from Silicon Valley startups CHRIS DADOK Senior Writer

By Eli Colbert

Vol. 2: Dialogue Said Louise Gluck in her poem, “Anniversary”: “Look what you did—/you made the cat move”.

The way we talk to each other, to the grocer, to family, to strangers: these things can be musical in their own right. Poetry should be in your language, and that might occasionally involve scribbling down something you hear, or that you imagine you could hear.

Untitled

Matthew Garcia

Drink a drop of water to hydrate yourself.

Your laughter and spit sucked you dry.

Look at everyone and see what they do.

Please laugh at them, they’re hilarious.

Spit on me again, it amuses you.

Stop laughing, it’s annoying.

You keep choking.

Drink some lemonade.

No. Stop laughing.

Everyone’s watching.

You’re laughing too much.

Stop please.

Don’t spit on me please.

Your child has been out for too long.

It’s time to shelter him.

He doesn’t want to go home yet?

Teach him to behave.

He has no manners, no control over his actions.

He needs help.

Astronaut

Eli Colbert

Drunk by memory, Fixed by time and alone in space, Winged bourbon dreams bite with galloped mandibles, Sees the earth: Sees mangrove swamps raped by wind and by the tsunamic breath of drunk farm boys: “Come on, baby.”

Sees ring-wormed opossums coming out of the earth, Sees baseballs immolated in place of cow dung, melting from their starry skins, Sees mothers dragged from porches, sees flexing wheat fields.

Lips swollen from kissing, Astronaut wonders if the curvature of his member will be too much for future lovers, of which there will be undoubtedly many.

“A mountain’s math is not itself; men know only math,” said my father. “It’s not heaven I hate, but heaven on earth. Any way you can get to the house.”

We draw lines from star to star, we make them horses and men, because men die and horses carry men.

13

Silicon Valley is known around the world for its startups and its ability to create new and inspirational ideas.

Many startups do not make it off the ground, and those that succeed are often snapped up by larger companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook. Many of the people employed by these companies are computer scientists who code virtually all the time. Whether they are fixing bugs or creating a new product, these coders are the face of Silicon Valley.

In order to work or intern for these companies it is not necessary to have a computer science degree, or any degree, for that matter. In order to get a position at a startup company it is necessary to understand the intricacies of coding and be able to autonomously function as an advanced coder. In some cases, students who take advanced coding classes at school can become proficient enough to work at these startup companies.

Junior Andrew Lee, who took AP Computer Science last year, worked

as an intern over the summer at a company called Math Chat, a startup that is building an app to help kids collaborate with each other and ask people online for help with their math homework. Andrew has an interest in STEM, especially math, and he avidly pursued a job that incorporated that in an everyday setting. After tutoring math to kids during the year, Andrew talked to Math Chat’s Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) about expanding his possibilities at the company. Due to Andrew’s previous experience in coding in AP Computer Science, the CTA was quite impressed with his approach to solving the problems that his company encountered on a daily basis.

Andrew was immediately offered a full-time job as a coder working around 40 hours per week.

“One of the coolest things I did was that I came up with a new algorithm for calculating the amount of time a user was ‘active’ on the app,” Andrew said.

“It was really awesome when the cofounders told me that my way of doing it was actually, in some ways, better than the method they were currently using.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KUNAL PANDIT

COURTESY AKHIL JAKATDAR

KUNAL PANDIT

Left: A photo of Vuclip CEO Nickhil Jakatdar. Right: Junior Andrew Lee, who worked as an intern at a startup called Math Chat over the summer. Both Jakatdar and Andrew experienced the world of STEM startups in Silicon Valley from different perspectives.

A more seasoned member of Silicon Valley is Nickhil Jakatdar, the CEO of Vuclip, a video sharing platform. One of Vuclip’s main objectives was to give smartphone users a better video experience on cheaper phones.

Video platforms such as Youtube may work great on an iPhone, but on a broader variety of phones the experience was not up to par. Vuclip changed that when they designed a video streaming platform that was designed for different phones and allows them to get a high quality video.

Jakatdar never thought he would start his own company, but as he witnessed the dot-com boom beginning while he was a graduate at the University of California, Berkeley, he immediately became interested.

“I was amazed by all the excitement as fellow graduate students and professors were converting their research work into practical technologies that greatly impacted society in a variety of fields like semiconductors, communication networks, web search and the beginnings of e-commerce,” Jakatdar said. “Surrounded by all that energy, my colleague and friend from my research group and I were

inspired to try our hand at it.”

Since then he has been at the head of multiple successful companies, his latest venture being Vuclip. However with success comes risk, and as we know not all companies in Silicon Valley become successful, and the failure rate is extremely high. Having worked in Silicon Valley for well over a decade, Jakadar has been in some intense moments when his company has been on the line.

“I have had quite a few scary moments across the four companies I have been involved with,” Jakatdar said. “There were a couple of times we were only a couple of days away from running out of money and with the hundreds of employees I was responsible for, I had to figure out a way to get the funding done in time. Luckily, it all worked out.”

These individuals come from two sides of the spectrum, one beginning to enter the famous Silicon Valley and the other a veteran who has experienced much of what it can offer.

Andrew and Jakatdar are just two examples of the diverse blend of experiences and spirit that make the iconic Silicon Valley what it is.

Medicine

and interesting perspectives. This experience and others like it have shown Marshall the negative effects of substance abuse. They have also CONTINUED FROM THE shown him first hand that some FRONT PAGE people are unwilling to get medical help because of the fear of getting in trouble for what they have done.

Volunteering at shows takes a “At [these events] I am part of the medical staff,” Marshall said. “We huge amount of time and commitget a variety of calls from people ment for Marshall, as the medical who just need Advil to people who staff arrives early to prepare supplies and medical booths and does not are having a heart attack.”

At an October concert at the Bill leave until the last patient leaves.

Marshall’s longest day Graham Civic Center, began at 2:30 p.m. and Marshall played one lasted until 1:30 a.m. of his largest roles yet “I thought [volunas an EMR. Saving someteering] would reHis team was staged a one’s life, once ally help me get inside level above the audience knowledge that you seats when he heard the I’m on the job, can’t [get] from textfrantic shouts of a man would just be books about different in the audience for help a regular day things you see in the for his girlfriend. for me. But for field,” Marshall said.

“When we got to him them it will “It also just allows me the woman was on the to help out people who floor grabbing seats mean everyneed it.” and shouting, ‘Help thing.

As for the textbook me!’ while gasping for —senior Marshall Scott learning, Marshall has air,” Marshall said. completed HLTH 5: Marshall was in charge of responding. He alerted his Emergency Response at Foothill team, and once they helped her up College, which teaches the skills to a quieter, lighted place, they be- necessary to help sustain life and reduce pain before advanced medical gan to question the couple.

“He denied they took any [drugs] care arrives. He is currently enrolled until I took him aside and told him in EMT 304: EMT- Basic Part A, that her condition was deteriorat- which includes all skills necessary ing,” Marshall said. “He then said for one to provide emergency medithat she took a drug called, ‘Red cal care at a basic, life support-level.

Press,’ which no one on our medical These are the first two of the three staff knew. Her body temperature EMT classes offered at Foothill. He reached 101.3 degrees fahrenheit, so plans to begin the third and final we covered her in ice packs to help class in January to earn all the credits for his EMT certification. her body temperature cool.”

Marshall initially took these Marshall’s experience provides him with meaningful takeaways classes because he knew that he

COURTESY MARSHALL SCOTT

Senior Marshall Scott practices chest compressions on a mannequin during his EMT class at Foothill College. Marshall will begin his final class in January to earn credits for his EMT certification. wanted to help people. His classes and volunteer experience has encouraged him to pursue this passion. He plans to attend business school to learn business management. He then hopes to use everything he has learned to create a business that incorporates medical

assistance on a larger scale.

“Saving someone’s life, once I’m on the job, would just be a regular day for me,” Marshall said. “But for them it will mean everything because [the fact that] they could have died is a life experience that no one ever forgets.”

14

The Talon November 17, 2015

Catch reviews of new movies, music and more, plus read the entertainment archives at lahstalon.org/entertainment

Cupertino makes way for local developments EMILY AOKI

Features Editor

The city of Cupertino is no stranger to change. It has been Apple’s home since the company’s inception and expanded and developed along with the company. Since 2000, Cupertino’s population increased 6.97 percent. To put that in perspective, since 2000, Los Altos has had a population growth by 3.9 percent, and San Francisco has had a growth of 3.99 percent. Along with the major increase in population, Cupertino is now getting ready for two more major changes: the construction of the Apple Campus 2 and the renovations of the Vallco Shopping Mall, which may help to create a solid center for the city.

The new Apple campus The Apple Campus 2 project was approved by the Cupertino City Council on October 15, 2013; however, delays caused the start of construction to be pushed to 2014. The 175-acre plot was previously owned

by Hewlett-Packard (HP), but following the project’s approval, the

2.65 million square feet of HP office, research and development buildings were demolished to make way for 2.8 million square feet of Apple office, research and development buildings. The project also includes the construction of a 1,000 seat corporate auditorium, a fitness center, a central utility plant and associated parking.

Apple released a promotion video

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via the Saintel Daily on April 22, 2014.

The footage includes a miniature model of the new campus, computer-generated imagery of the completed campus and other shots of the surrounding area. The campus, shaped like a large ring with a green park inside, could easily be compared to a spaceship. This structure prompted an interesting comment at a 2011 city council meeting: “Definitely, the mothership has landed here in Cupertino.” The audio consists primarily of comments from a variety of people involved in the project, such as architects Norman Foster and Stefan Behling. Other voices include Senior Arborist David Muffly and Vice President of Environmental Initiatives Lisa Jackson.

A main focus of the new campus is its environmentally friendly construction. Project coordinators aim for the facility to run entirely on renewable energy from solar power.

Ideally, the facility would have zero greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the landscaping is going to include native species in order to, in the words of Muffly, “bring California back to Cupertino.”

Construction on the campus is set to be completed by late 2016 or early 2017.

The Hills at Vallco Vallco Shopping Mall is currently owned by the Sand Hill Property Company, which is proposing a plan to renovate it into a new walkable neighborhood with a 30-acre green roof, the largest in the world.

Rafael Viñoly Architects, founded

by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, and OLIN Landscape Architects, an urban design company, have been selected as the chief designers for the project.

The company launched a website, thehillsatvallco.com, for all details related to the renovations.

Within it are detailed descriptions of the potential renovations, news, a photo gallery and links to become involved or follow the progress of the project. Aside from the main shopping center area, the renovations will encompass

800 square feet of apartments, a farmers market, a variety of stores and 2 million square feet of offices within the 30-acre park with running trails, vineyards, orchards and gardens. Furthermore, all of the landscaping will include droughttolerant plants watered with recycled water, and the green roof will assist in keeping the neighborhood at a low temperature.

As for transportation, the design is proposed to connect with the surrounding community with a private shuttle, sidewalks and bike paths for the prioritization of pedestrians and bicyclists.

The project is approximated to cost $3 billion, and the proposal will likely go up for review by the city council by the summer or fall of 2016.

COURTESY SAND HILL PROPERTY COMPANY

“Gilmore Girls” returns to delight of fans HANNA KHOSRAVI Opinions Editor

Imagine a charming, cozy town where wintry wonders speckle every corner, where each resident exudes a sense of small-town ease and the breeze gives off the effervescent scent of apple cider and cinnamon.

One such town is Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the fictional villagelike town where the renowned and highly adored seasons of fan-favorite TV show “Gilmore Girls” played out for seven years. To viewers all over the world, Stars Hollow was and is, to this day, a second home full of memories, nostalgia and warmth. So, when news broke that “Gilmore Girls” would be creating a reunion series, something fans have begged for since the show ended its seventh and final season in 2007, devotees indulged themselves in full-fledged hysteria.

Although no confirmed date has been set for the reunion to stream on Netflix, viewers can expect that the crew will begin production sometime in the next year. Most of the show’s

prior actors have not yet officially stated their participation, but have expressed interest in a potential reunion. Original writers and producers Amy and Dan Sherman-Palladino have already signed off on production. In addition, Milo Ventimiglia, who portrayed fan-favorite character Jess Mariano in seasons 2 and 3, confirmed his return via Facebook on Friday, October 30.

The stars seem to be thoroughly interested in a reunion, many having publicly addressed this sentiment since the show has been off the air.

Although there are many possible options for the time frame of the new episodes, there is speculation that they will take place in the present rather than pick up where the last season left off, due to the amount of time that has passed. The reboot will air on Netflix in a series of four 90-minute episodes.

Murmurs of a reunion were first kindled when the cast of “Gilmore Girls” joined together at the Austin TV festival earlier this year. Seeing all the characters together again led fans

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The ATX Television Festival, held in Austin, Texas, is where the cast of “Gilmore Girls” reunited in June. Seeing the cast all together once again led fans to hope that “Gilmore Girls” could possibly reboot in the near future.

to hope that a reboot of sorts might be in the works. At the panel, Palladino noted her dissatisfaction with the final season, which she did not produce or write due to contract disputes, at the panel.

“It’s always a bummer when you don’t get to end it,” Palladino said. “I had hoped maybe that there would have been a call, ‘Hey, it’s the last episode, do you want to come back?’ And there wasn’t. But that’s OK, that’s not the way it works in Hollywood where there are rules.”

When “Gilmore Girls” came to Netflix in 2014, it reminded fans of their longtime adoration for the show, which often flew under the radar and was mostly repudiated from award shows and high viewership. However, at the end of its final season, it was awarded with placement on Time magazine’s “All-TIME 100 TV Shows” list.

The premise of “Gilmore Girls” is a very simple one, and the uncomplicated but cherished plotline is the magic behind the show’s success.

The show follows the adventures and mishaps of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her teenage daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel), who are, in essence, the epitome of a perfect mother-daughter relationship. Lorelai and Rory are best friends; their chemistry is vivid and brilliant, and their fasttalking banter is a trademark of the show. In fact, one of the most notable aspects of “Gilmore Girls” is the sheer immensity of the dialogue, which is spoken quickly, always with gusto and peppered with pop-culture references and subtle allusions to prominent books.

For seven seasons, fans followed the show, triumphantly debating over the best of Rory and Lorelai’s love interests and wishing that they themselves could live within the

THE CW

Left: Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) talks to Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia). Right: Rory and her mother, Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) peek through a doorway. The popular show “Gilmore Girls” is possibly returning for a short reunion. magic that is Stars Hollow. Amy Sherman-Palladino was commended for her work on the show and served as its true champion throughout the first six seasons.

The show took a different turn following her departure, with many fans blaming the new producer David S. Rosenthal for what they saw as the worst season in the show’s history.

While much of the program’s plotline prior to the last season followed Rory and Lorelai’s meandering love stories, neither one ended up with the expected counterpart, a twist that upset audiences. Palladino has also stated that she had the last four words of “Gilmore Girls” written down with an ending in mind, but was never able to put them on the air due to the fact that she was not able to participate in the writing of the final season.

Now that the news of a reboot has been, for the most part, confirmed, fans have already begun ranking what

they want to see most in the new episodes, mostly including a romantic reunion between Lorelai and her love interest Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) as well as the return of all of Rory’s boyfriends throughout the show, only one of whom, Ventimiglia, has confirmed participation.

Many fans beg for their favorite show to recreated in some sort of way, or reminisce on the enthusiasm they felt about shows they loved, but for “Gilmore Girls,” it seems like a particular necessity. Not only was the show pulled off the air prematurely, there is too much left to say, too many loose ends and unread but dogeared pages. The stories of Rory, Lorelai, and the cast of characters that continuously made the series great deserve an honorable ending — maybe we will even get to hear those final four words that have always been destined for Rory and Lorelai.

The Talon November 17, 2015

Avi(ew) on Music

15

Despite excitement, Pokémon GO! offers little promise lation, which leaves hesitant followers of the series to point out the potential problems with the game.

The main issue with “GO” is On Thursday, September 10, Nintendo officially announced its lack of reasonable goal. In the “Pokémon GO,” one of the com- main series, there is the definitive, pany’s first titles aimed for the achievable objective of defeating mobile market. The augmented the elite trainers within the game. reality (AR) game features the Catching, battling and trading are basic mechanics of the Pokémon simply means to that end. The ingames ― catching, battling and centive to partake in these activitrading ― and adds a layer of im- ties stems from a desire to finish to mersion on top of them by staging plot of the game.

In a game without any of these the game in real-world geographical locations instead of a pre- objectives, catching and trading programmed region. Ex-Google Pokémon mean little; they do not startup Niantic, Inc. is currently bring the player any closer to fuloverseeing development of the filling a need, because there essengame, which is slated for release as tially is none. Some may make the a free download sometime in 2016. argument that the purpose is then As part of the press release in to catch all the Pokémon there are, Tokyo, The Pokémon Company but this goal is already present and unveiled a three-minute trailer typically ignored in the main sethat showcases the concept of ries. For many, taking the time to “Pokémon GO.” The trailer follows obtain all 721 different Pokémon will be a chore, and different people and the games have hishow they can intertorically not rewarded act with computerplayers much for doing generated imagery The novelty of so anyway. The novelty (CGI) of Pokémon catching Pokeof catching Pokémon creatures anywhere on a phone will likely they go; early scenes mon on a phone fail to change anything include people catch- will likely fail to for players, who will ing them on a hike or change anycontinue to not “catch battling them with thing for play‘em all.” friends at a park. It This leaves the only is important to note ers, who will other point of the that everything the continue to not game: battling other trailer shows is pure “catch ‘em all.” players. This seems CGI; the only footage to be the main appeal of the actual game is toward the end of the trailer, of the games outside of the interwhich merely shows two Pokémon nal storyline; a whole competitive against a digital backdrop as a community exists to fuel it. However, attempting to meet the complayer attempts to catch them.

While loyal fans of the franchise petitive community’s expectations might find it easy to get excited will be a difficult task.

The basic functions of battling, over the footage and the idea of Pokémon “in the real world,” as the such as attacking or switching trailer says, doubtful fans will find Pokémon and weather, can easthe absence of gameplay footage ily be implemented. But the more concerning. Essentially all aspects nuanced mechanics of the game, of the gameplay are open to specu- such as effort values, will be a bit

WILLIAM JOW

Copy/Content Editor

By Avi Varghese

Speaking the Language “You have to be able to appreciate it.” In any medium of art, that is a statement bound to cause some level of controversy. Some people believe others are unable to appreciate certain art, some suspect it of themselves and some believe it’s all a load of bull and that if it doesn’t appeal to the majority, it is pure pretentiousness.

I have never been able to relate to classical or jazz, and I firmly believe it is because I do not understand them. I certainly grew up with the opposite notion — that if music did not appeal to me on first listen, it probably had no worth to me. When my cousin described her music theory training to me, I thought the idea of playing by the rules of “assonance” and “fifths” was ridiculous. But she grabbed my attention when she said, “Classical music gets really interesting when you learn the rules — and then break them.” I began to hear that idea everywhere: “She’s revered in jazz circles for working and bending the rules of the jazz tradition…” I had assumed for so long that musicians just made sound, and that if that sound was immediately catchy or appealing, then that was good music. But it occurred to me now that maybe Mozart and Bach were trying to speak to me… and I just wasn’t listening.

Until I reached seventh grade, I assumed that hip-hop was dedicated to drugs and the denigration of women. (I was also a philistine who liked Skrillex.) But one day I heard a track I liked and proceeded to drop everything and immerse myself in rap. As I explored the genre, I noticed that I was adding and dropping artists from my rotation extremely quickly — a rapper might be on and off my iPod in a fortnight.

In retrospect, though, I see it as a procedure of enjoyment and refinement; a winding path through goofy radio to punchline rappers and on to the artists who could weave together everything that made rap excellent — delivery, mic presence, content with subtlety and flow. Where I once made a beeline for Ab-Soul’s wordy, political tracks, I came to understand that a coke dealer might have more to say. And where I thought that listening to Soul’s brain-bending punchlines would my favorite part of rap, I realized that flow — an idea unique to rap, and one which originally seemed superficial — was the meat and potatoes of the genre.

This is a feeling that may only come after a hundred hours of deep listening — but when I felt it, it was as if I had only just begun to pay attention. As with any other medium, a musical artist is always carrying out a conversation with their listener. Sometimes you just have to speak their language.

MIRANDA LI

of a challenge. Every time a Pokémon wins a battle, it gains a certain number of effort values to prompt more growth in particular stats, depending on which type of Pokémon it defeated. These stats in turn determine how strong and viable the Pokémon is when battling. Effort values are an integral part of training competitive Pokémon, and the AR premise of “Pokémon GO” hinders players’ ability to fully take advantage of them.

The main series contains numerous areas conducive to effort-value training; Pokémon in these areas all give effort values for the same stat.

By specifically training in these areas, players gain a high degree of control over the stats of their Pokémon. Such areas will not be readily available in “GO” without making them so abundant to the point that there is no variety when catching Pokémon. There simply isn’t

enough accessible space in real life.

Unlike in the main games, people cannot realistically fly anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds just to train their Pokémon against certain targets.

Thus, the process of raising Pokémon to a competitive level will prove quite tedious and frankly not worth the time when there are existing free battling simulators such as “Pokémon Showdown” that allow players to make their teams in minutes and battle others worldwide. Without the battling aspect of the game, the appeal of “Pokémon GO” goes back to nil.

Even with all these concerns, the possibility that The Pokémon Company and Niantic, Inc. will address them and develop a captivating game is still there. Unfortunately, the probability that the game will be subpar or quickly lose its charm just seems greater.

“Star Wars” sequel earns massive hype BOOKER MARTIN Staff Writer

Released on May 25, 1977, “Star Wars: A New Hope” was the unlikely start to a series that would become revered as one of the greatest franchises of all time. Thirty-eight years and five additions later, the series once thought to have concluded is gaining a sequel: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The film is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Bad Robot Productions and Lucasfilm, which was acquired by Disney in 2012. It hits theaters on December 18.

The movie takes place approximately 30 years after “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” The plot revolves around two factions: The First Order, the reincarnation of the Galactic Empire, and the Resistance, the successor to the Rebel Alliance.

Although many characters return, there are new protagonists as well. The rest of the details are left to fans’ speculations, which has spawned numerous blogs spouting predictions and portraying fans’ impressive dedication to the series.

The worldwide box office total for the franchise is close to $4.5 billion, the fifth highest in history, and the upcoming film will bring the series to greater

heights. Since the trailer was released in late 2014, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has gained so much hype, it may surpass the current box-office revenue record of $2.78 billion, held by “Avatar.”

If you are planning on getting tickets, you should act soon; they are selling out quickly.

Only a day after tickets became available on October 19, the film broke the IMAX early ticket sales record with over $6.5 million for U.S. showings. The initial rush

of fans ordering tickets online crashed several sales websites, including Fandango.

It’s not surprising to see so many people excited for the film; the newest “Star Wars” is bolstered by the impressive legacy of the franchise. The original trilogy, consisting of episodes four through six, featured groundbreaking effects and a memorable story that enraptured many fans. Decades later, these veteran fans are eager to continue the adventure and see

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The classic “Star Wars” logo is modified to present the upcoming addition to the “Star Wars” series: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The newest “Star Wars” film has gotten so much hype from both fans and its trailer, pre-sale tickets have already sold out online.

where their favorite characters are now. However, “Star Wars” also appeals to the younger generation. The original three films along with the more recent prequel trilogy have remained popular, and even in recent years many kids have fallen in love with the “Star Wars” universe. Also, “Star Wars” TV shows have further secured the loyalty of children. The movies have a wide fan base of all ages, giving “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” an edge that most films do not have.

As if the film is not anticipated enough, “Star Wars” buffs will likely be attracted by the large cast of returning characters. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will return as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo, respectively. On top of this, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker will continue voicing Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2, respectively. This cast made the original trilogy so unforgettable and their return is both impressive and welcome.

We can be certain the ticket sales for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will continue rising rapidly. At their current rate, they will climb past our atmosphere and toward a galaxy far, far away.

16

THROWBACK F 1969 The Talon November 17, 2015

multaneous pursuit of happiness and escape from the law. Paul Newman plays Butch Cassidy, the leader of a notorious gang of thieves, and Robert Redford is the Sundance Kid, the sharpshooting right-hand man.

The chemistry between these two characters is the heart and soul of this movie. The actors expertly switch from light-hearted comedy to pulse-pounding drama in an instant, frequently interspersing tight action sequences with witty one-liners. What’s said is often as important as what’s not, and the meaning these two actors convey in every glance, nod and word displays the depth of brotherhood and comradery that exists between the duo. They squabble, laugh and love together, and both characters are so kind-spirited and charming that it’s impossible not to root for their impossible dream.

In contrast to many of today’s movies, most of the movie is without a background soundtrack. Anxiety is cultivated in this constant silence, interrupted only by the clattering of hooves, a panicked quip or a lonely rifle shot. The pin-prick atmosphere is also broken once or twice by ominously cheerful songs, juggling the mood of the movie between carefree and fearful, constantly intriguing the viewer.

The film’s excellent visuals capture the sprawling western backdrop without losing focus on the tension and plot that builds in extended chase scenes. Long-distance shots of horseback pursuit highlight the untamed, lonely existence of the west, and creative angles display its natural beauty.

Dry dust lingers in every scene, sweat builds on the characters, fingers twitch over the handle of a holstered pistol — the cinematic experience is absolutely engrossing.

This movie wasn’t exactly made for IMAX 3D, but the superb direction is enough to make the viewer feel like they’re part of the action.

The picture is old enough to retain an air of dignified culture, but not old enough to discourage anyone; the sound and quality are modern enough to be unnoticeable.

It’s rare to encounter a plot that demands such emotional investment, a movie that makes you laugh at every hopeful piece of humor, that elicits jitters and shakes

difficult to place. Initially nosediving at the box office, its belated commercial success is owed to Iggy Pop’s feverish, bass-driven score which became a minor hit. The specifics of the film’s creation have long been beclouded by mythology. What’s sure, though, is the effect of “Repo Man” has yet to be replicated.

Otto, a young punk played by Emilio Estevez, is adrift. Flitting from job to job, resentful of authority, he fills his nights with the staples of delinquency: drinking, sex and crime.

Otto finds mooring in his new employment under Bud, played by Harry Dean Stanton, as a car repossessor.

Bud’s dynamism and colorful irreverence attracts Otto.

“I don’t want no commies in my car,” he says. “No Christians either.”

Here, we loop back to our radioactive Chevy Malibu which Otto and Bud are obligated by trade, to find.

As it happens, a covert government agency also seeks the Malibu and its cargo, which we discover is extraterrestrial. The movie builds towards this eventual convergence of the Malibu, Bud and Otto, and the omnipresent, suited, government agency.

The effects and set-pieces of “Repo Man” are delightfully lo-fi. An iconic

still from the movie blueprints the demise of the highway patrolman as well as a few other disposable characters.

The Malibu’s trunk opens, there is a flash of light and the formerly fleshhung physiognomy of our victim is suddenly skeletal.

This homemade, do-it-yourself quality is a significant part of the movie’s charm, affirmed by the frenetic twang of Iggy Pop’s score, the aesthetic of which seems equal parts western and punk, ferrying protagonists to the sought-after Chevy.

These rough edges do not extend to the cast. Assured performances by newcomer Estevez and veteran Stanton help make its homespun badge easier to chew. This is lucky, considering that much of the movie is about types of characters. Otto’s role is that of the viaduct between the hokey, spirituality of his toking parents, the banal rigidity of his workplace and the superficiality of his own community, where his contemporaries boast, “Let’s go get sushi, and not pay!”

Even Bud’s outlook, which Otto comes to admire, is not entirely healthy, with one foot in a washed-up chivalry and the other in a cocainefueled misanthropy, glaring at whom he terms “ordinary people.”

“An ordinary person spends his life avoiding tense situations,” he says. “A repo man spends his life getting into tense situations.”

“Repo Man” is a relic of the punk subculture’s second act in the mid1980s. LA hardcore band, Circle

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID JIM HOLLINGWORTH Staff Writer

“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” Sep. 23 1969 (PG)

Directed by George Roy Hill Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford

★★★★★

“M

ost of what follows is true.”

This is a western for people who don’t like westerns, a comedy for people who don’t like comedies, a romance for those who favor action, an action movie for the romantics, a tragic drama for everyone with a heart and the cinematic masterpiece of a generation.

Based on a true story, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) centers around two bank robbers on their never-ending, si-

1984

REPO MAN ELI COLBERT Staff Writer

“Repo Man”

Mar. 2 1984 (R)

Directed by Alex Cox Starring Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton

★★★★★

W

e fade in on a 1964 Chevy Malibu weaving down a highway somewhere in Nevada. A highway patrolman who stops the glowing car, is advised by its sweating, apparently irradiated, MUFON-subscribed driver to stay away from the trunk. Upon opening said trunk, the patrolman is vaporized and his rubber boots are left smoldering, fused to the asphalt. So begins the convoluted but massively fun narrative of “Repo Man.” 1984’s “Repo Man” is a paradigm of disorder. It is a multi-headed beast, straddling pop-cultural poles: bastard of spaghetti western, punksploitation and sci-fi, opposing both consumerism and anarchy. The movie is

THE TALON’S PICKS

MORE NOTABLE FILMS OF THE LATE 1900s

1972

20TH CENTURY FOX

in high-pitch moments, that brings tears in misfortune and pain.

“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” elicits every fragment of your soulful attention and more.

It was the highest-grossing film of its year, scooping up Oscars and awards from all corners of the industry. The famous Sundance Film

Festival is named for the lead character, and the movie was chosen

by Congress to be preserved for its aesthetic significance. The impact it’s had on both its viewers and cinema in general is immeasurable; it’s a beautiful film, it’s a beautiful film, it’s a beautiful film and there’s no other way to say it.

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Jerks, is even thrown in, through a cameo in a bar scene. In some ways, the untested Cox writes a love letter to lost things: identity, time, youth.

His movie chronicles groups and cultures now extinct. Via this funereal study of buried subculture, the movie imbues itself with a forlornness.

“Repo Man” is fun. Its screen-

“The Godfather” Mar. 24, 1972 (R) Directed by Francis Ford Coppola Starring Al Pacino

play hums with a raw energy. Only with its exact combination of components, only at its exact time of release could it have produced a feeling so electrifying. It’s strange then, that a movie so rooted in the proverbial “moment” has achieved an effect which can only be described as timeless.

1976

“Taxi Driver” Feb. 8, 1976 (R) Directed by Martin Scorsese Starring Robert De Niro

ILM REVIEWS 1986

The Talon November 17, 2015

PRETTY IN PINK PAOLA CAMPOS Staff Writer

“Pretty in Pink”

Feb. 28 1986 (PG-13)

Directed by Howard Deutch Starring Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer

★★★★☆

T

here are bows, some ribbons and, admittedly, there is even a pink dress somewhere along the storyline, but if you get past the fringed title, “Pretty in Pink” is an ‘80s classic love story that can’t be missed, no matter what your favorite color may be.

At the time of its release in 1986, “Pretty in Pink” was a modern-day Cinderella story.

Set in the heart of Chicago, the story follows Andie, an outcast at her high school who struggles with a father who perpetu-

ally finds himself out of a job, and an overly-enthusiastic best friend, Duckie, who is not so subtle when he constantly hints at wanting something more from their relationship. When the school heartthrob, Blane, develops an interest in Andie and asks her out, the two take a chance at a relationship they discover might not be so easy to keep together.

In a decade of films that seemed almost entirely scripted by John Hughes, this romantic coming-of-age story relies on exceptional performances from the cast, and they didn’t disappoint. Though timid and shaky by nature of the script, the on-screen relationship between Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy was exceptional. Having already starred in two of Hughes’ previous films, “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club”, Ringwald’s career as the it-girl of the ‘80s was set in stone.

1997

GOOD WILL HUNTING BEN ZAESKE Staff Writer

“Good Will Hunting” Dec. 5 1997 (R)

Directed by Gus Van Sant Starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams

★★★★☆

W

e open with a scene of a young man reading a book.

Only, he’s turning the pages way too fast. The movie’s protagonist, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), is a 20-year-old blue-collar from South Boston, who as it turns out, is also a self-taught genius with a photographic memory. Able to understand complex math problems in an instant, and read books in just minutes, Will Hunting is just one of the many quirks that make the movie “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece.

Directed by Gus Van Sant, “Good Will Hunting” was a financial success when it was released in 1997, making over $10 million in its wide-release

opening weekend. Its popularity secured Van Sant, who had previously worked primarily on small art-house films, mainstream acknowledgment and allowed him the opportunity to remake the classic horror movie Psycho. Aside from Van Sant’s success, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who wrote the film, won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, which helped them to become recognized as talented actors and jumpstarted their respective Hollywood careers. In addition, the movie was also nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture, and Robin Williams won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Sean Maguire.

Will and his friends, including his best friend Chuckie (Ben Affleck), are a rough and tumble group who work low-paying labor intensive jobs. In the beginning of the movie, Will is stuck working as a janitor at MIT until he anonymously solves an extremely complex math problem posted outside of Professor Gerald Lambeau’s classroom. The professor is able to track him down and is

1978

“Grease” Jun. 1, 1978 (PG-13) Directed by Randal Kleiser Starring John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John

Directed by Howard Deutch, the film, though lacking any form of innovative, unique filmmaking techniques, was delivered with quieter tone filled with innocence and intimacy.

The theme of an uncertain first love was depicted in the simplicity of the film’s shots, which neither made too much of nor took away from the film’s story.

It struck a nearly perfect balance of pace in developing the young love story.

Despite these exceptional qualities to the film, perhaps its most impressive aspect was the musical score-turnedsoundtrack. The music within this film served to set the tone for the individual scenes, a task that could easily be ignored in the grand scheme of filmmaking. A great soundtrack makes for a great film that allows audiences to get lost in the scene, unaware of when and how the music might have started but in complete agreement that it added the necessary elements to the scene. “Pretty in Pink” did just that.

In the midst of all the timid first-time romances, it’s easy to get caught between rooting for Cinderella to stay with her prince and rooting for the hopeless romantic to finally get the girl. The story moves with the surprised to find a genius, undiscovered and deep in poverty. Unfortunately, Will has violent tendencies, and soon after being found by Professor Lambeau, he is arrested for assaulting a police officer. Facing a lengthy term in jail, he is released under the condition that he will see a therapist and work weekly with Professor Lambeau.

Thus the “real” movie begins, as, with the help of his therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Will reevaluates his life and relationships and comes to terms with his future. The powerful performances of the individual actors Matt Damon, Robin Williams and Minnie Driver, who plays Will’s girlfriend, are what make the movie so moving. Damon brings the perfect cocky attitude to his character, Will Hunting. His witty insults and nonchalant attitude give the movie a lighter feel even during some very tense moments.

All of this is complimented by Minnie Driver’s excellent portrayal of the bubbly and fun personality of Skylar, Will’s girlfriend.

The complexity of the relationship between Will and Sean is one of the most captivating aspects of the film, only made possible because of Damon and Williams’ outstanding acting. Sean comes from a similar background as Will Hunting, having also grown up in South Boston, and as a result he is the only therapist who is able to successfully reach out to Will. Williams does an amazing job portraying this

1988

17

WIKIMEDIA USER QUENTIN X

heartache and confusion of a girl who wants it all but doesn’t know whether she deserves it.

Though almost three decades later, the emotions Andie undergoes in the midst of her conflict are both realistic and relevant in today’s high school experi-

ence. Though not everyone finds themselves in certain love triangle scenarios, the uncertainty and confliction of being at a crossroads at such a young, vulnerable age is still there, and for some more than others, the emotions hit home.

WIKIMEDIA USER INFAMOUSPRINCE

character and the movie is filled with his ad-libbed lines, something which Williams is known for, and powerful speeches.

The cinematography of “Good Will Hunting” is an art of its own, helping to successfully convey the perfect mood in each scene, whether it’s Will poking fun at an MIT student or Sean giving the lesson of a lifetime. The scenes flow smoothly, expanding the perceived area of the

“Cinema Paradiso” Sep. 29 1988 (R) Directed by Giuseppe Tonatore Starring Philippe Noiret

setting and adding a deeper sense of reality to a more artistic film.

Overall a successful and poetic movie, “Good Will Hunting” combines all the aspects of a successful drama, and the powerful individual performances of each of the actors makes it that much better. From witty jokes, powerful lines and emotional monologues, “Good Will Hunting” will have you laughing, crying, and thinking all at the same time.

1995

“Toy Story” Nov. 22 1995 (G) Directed by John Lasseter Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

PICTURES ON TIMELINE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): PARAMOUNT PICTURES, RSO RECORDS, RAI 3 , PIXAR

18

The Talon November 17, 2015

Get daily updates on Eagle athletics and read the sports archives at lahstalon.org/sports

Girls soccer brings on two new coaches OLIVIA JERRAM In-Depth Editor

Abby Bachanas: JV Head Coach

PHOTOS BY KATIE KLEIN

S

occer coach Abby Bachanas is a vivacious and gregarious new addition to our school’s winter sports staff. While she does dip her toes into coaching other sports, Bachanas vigorously asserts that her biggest passion is soccer.

“My dad grew up playing soccer, and he taught and coached me and my brother growing up, so it was a sport that we always

kind of played and that I always really enjoyed,” Bachanas said.

When she’s not on the soccer field, Bachanas is a morning preschool teacher throughout the year and coaches water polo and swimming during the winter and spring seasons at Archbishop Mitty High School. However, she reaffirms soccer as her favorite and cites the tightly-knit community around playing soccer as the reason for her perpetuated affinity for the sport.

“I loved the team togetherness and being a part of something that most kids who don’t do sports find a way to be a part of through clubs or other extra-curriculars,” Bachanas said. “I loved finding my niche and always having something to do after school.

And I didn’t have to worry about trying to stay in shape because soccer was right there for me, constantly making me exercise.”

Toward the end of her high school years, however, Bachanas had to quit playing soccer.

“I hurt my knee really, really badly, so I couldn’t play soccer in college,” Bachanas said. “But I [realized] that I knew a lot about the game, I had a lot of knowledge, so you know as they say, ‘If you can’t do, you teach.’”

Soaring Eagle: GRADE: SENIOR

Bachanas took her first coaching job for a high school soccer team at the early age of 18, just barely after graduating high school herself. Very soon after that, Bachanas decided her passion for coaching soccer was deep enough and she pursued it as a career option.

“I love the ‘aha’ moment where [I] work on something [with my players] all season and [they] finally get it, like the execution of a play [we’ve] been working on all season during a game,” Bachanas said. “They do it and you’re like, ‘Yay!’” For Bachanas, improving the team’s soccer skills this year is not all she hopes to accomplish. Her goals for the new team stretch far back to the appreciation she discovered for the sport when she first started playing.

“I hope to achieve team unity and bring the team together,” Bachanas said. “[The players all come] from different clubs and different backgrounds and different parts of the community and I want to try to make a home community [for the players]. I want them to just to have fun, and hopefully I can also teach them something they haven’t learned before.”

ric Madrigal is the new varsity girls soccer coach, a returning LAHS alumnus and one heck of a soccer aficionado.

“I fully commit my time and effort into youth development in soccer,” Madrigal said. “I have worked and continue to work with several soccer clubs in the Bay Area including teams at MVLA, Palo Alto, Stanford SC and Juventus.”

Madrigal says that his passion for soccer grew during high school and college, when he experienced

HOBBIES: MARATHON RUNNING & CYCLING

dorphins flowing.” tip-top shape for the marathon.

As he progressed through At school, Andreas has each year, Andreas found received the “All-League himself reaching new Sportsmanship Award” from For the past four years, senior heights and achieving new his cross-country team for Andreas Godderis has not only goals each season. the past two seasons. This been a member of the school’s “I usually like to run a lot of achievement could be atcross country team, but has, in ‘base miles’ tributed to many ways, been a consistent instead of Andreas’ leader. Over the years, Andreas workouts,” role on the has become one of the topANDREAS’ A n d r e a s team as both scoring runners at Los Altos PERSONAL BESTS said.

“I a peer and High School.

Golden Gate Park: 15:44 typically do leader.

As “I fell in love with the sport about 60 an upperand the team, decided to run Crystal Springs: 15:47 miles per classman, cross country during my freshToro Park: 16:20 week, and Andreas has man year and stuck with it, I peaked at worked on because I realized I was pretty 71 miles a the team good,” Andreas said. week this not only as His evolving passion for the season. This is something I’ve a runner himself, but also as sport first stemmed out of a dedbeen doing since freshman a coach of sorts, especially to ication to a different one: soccer, year and it’s worked out for the younger students on the which he finds to be a unique asme as I’ve never had a running team. He prides himself on pect of his running experience. related injury which is a small his ability to connect with the “It’s definitely an unconvenmiracle by itself. I’m fortunate runners as a fellow athlete, tional start to my running cathat my body can giving them advice on techreer,” Andreas said. handle the high nique and tips on how to bet“Most of the guys mileage and allow ter their performance.

I compete against I’m fortunate me to train this “If I see someone who has have been running way because long maybe got [some] issues with competitively since that my body distance is really their running form or [is] runcan handle the elementary school.” what I love.” ning a little bit slower than Although Andreas high mileage...

In addition to they usually do, I’ll ask them finds the sport to be because long running for the what’s up and maybe ask extremely demanddistance is reschool, Andreas them if they got enough sleep ing physically, he will be particior what they ate during the depends on running ally what I love. pating in the San day, and then give them tips for relaxation.

— senior Francisco Maraon what I would do if I was in “The underlying Andreas Godderis thon next sumtheir position,” Andreas said. reason [I love to run] mer.

Through “And a lot of times when that’s is the relaxation,” school training for cross councoming from a fellow athlete, Andreas said. “Being out on the try and track, he hopes to be in they listen more than if it’s road or on a trail gets your enOpinions Editor

E

the classic team and community aspect of the sport that draws so many players.

“I played at Los Altos High and did a small stint in college at USF San Francisco,” Madrigal said. “High school was a lot of fun, playing with friends and classmates.”

However, Madrigal cites several role models as his reasons for turning from playing to coaching soccer.

“My major influences [for becoming a coach] were my mentors, father, older brothers and past coaches,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal’s love for soccer would not have been possible without the guiding influence and passion of his past high school coaches.

In turn, Madrigal now aims to impart his own flourishing passion onto the varsity players he will coach here at the school.

“Coaching is a passion for me and when the opportunity came up to coach at my old high school, I couldn’t resist,” Madrigal said.

“I plan to form a cohesive group of girls that are willing to play for one another regardless of the outcome. The impact a coach has on a player’s life is vast, and my goal is to leave a positive imprint on all the players I coach.”

ANDREAS GODDERIS

SPORT: BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

HANNA KHOSRAVI

Eric Madrigal: Varsity Head Coach

coming from a coach, who is kind of an outsider.”

During the summers, Andreas’ conditioning work has led to him finding ardent diversion in cycling as well as running. Cycling started out as a way to supplement training for cross country, but soon, Andreas found himself participating in cycling competitively as a hobby completely unrelated to the athletic work he completes in school.

“I like to switch up my training a little bit and work on strengthening different muscle groups while still maintaining fitness,” Andreas said.

“Being on a bike is really nice because you can go so much further, to the coast for example, and the scenery is always nice.”

Andreas is always pushing himself to be better, work harder, and, no pun intended, put in the extra mile. He loves the sport not for the accolade or the attention, but rather the feeling he is able to secure from it.

“When you go out for a run ... you get what’s called a ‘runner’s high,’ and you literally feel invincible,” Andreas said. “You can just power up any hill. You pay the consequences later, but at the time it’s better than any other feeling.”

COURTESY TRACY YOUNG

The Talon November 17, 2015

19

Boys soccer kicks off with new roster ALEX WONG Staff Writer

After finishing with a 3-7-2 record and being relegated to the El Camino League last year, the varsity boys soccer team faces new competition in the upcoming season. Twelve seniors graduated last year, including team captain Matt Schonher, as well as two of three goalies and key midfield players. With a fresh lineup, the team hopes to climb back up to the De Anza League.

The lineup will have many returning senior players, including seniors Matt Carroll and Nicky McConnell.

“I hope we have a lot of seniors on the team, since they’re bigger, and going on other teams they

usually match better,” Nicky said.

“There are also a couple of sophomores from last year that I’m hoping will be on the team who could have played, but they stayed on JV to get more playing time.”

The team commends coach Vava Marques, who has coached the Eagles since 1999, for his continual optimism and energy, even during the team’s rough patches.

“I think [Marques] is a great coach,” Nicky said. “He brings a lot of energy to the team. Last year we didn’t do too great, but he’s always encouraging us to do better. I think that’s awesome, because you always need to have someone who’s pushing you.”

The team attributes many of last year’s losses to a lack of team chemistry, with many strong

TALON FILE PHOTO

Basketball CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE The team’s strength this year is the stamina of its players, who will try to outrun and exhaust their opponents.

“We are a really good fast break team,” Tommy said. “We want to run teams hard and get them tired because we know we have the depth on our bench to keep up the high pace all game.”

To exploit the players’ stamina, the team will continue to employ good ball movement as a key part of its strategy.

“We want to get everyone involved,” Tommy said. “If we can really get our ball movement down

and continue to improve our defense I think we will be formidable.”

However, the team will work most to strengthen its defense as the season gets under way.

“We are an exceptionally hard working team with a ton of really talented shooters,” Adam said. “Right now I think [our] biggest weakness might be our defense, but it’s so early in the season, we have time to shore [it] up.”

While no one can guarantee a repeat, the Eagles still look forward to an exciting and successful season.

“Last year was a great year [but] we are a far different team this year,” Adam said. “We have a lot to learn, but from where I see things, a second title is certainly within our ability as a team.”

TALON FILE PHOTO

Last season’s captains Sami Nassif and Daniel Roesnbaum ‘15 celebrate after winning the CCS championship

players that did not play cohesively on the field. These problems stemmed from a divide between upperclassmen and lowerclassmen, one that Matt wants to bridge this year.

“The seniors [had] a little joke, [to have] underclassmen go get the goals out and set everything up,” Matt said. “They would kind of pick on us, in a sense. Our goal this year is to not make the underclassmen do everything and … just to include everyone.”

On the field, this divide became the habit of certain players prioritizing individual play over team goals; the team suffered from some players sacrificing key opportunities to pass for attempts to score by themselves.

“There was a lot of selfish play, where people were trying to take on multiple defenders by themselves just to score on their own,” junior Albin Mollerstedt said. “[This year] we’ll be focusing on moving the ball around to all the players on the team.”

Last year the team often lacked overall commitment. In turn, practices suffered from low morale without serious mindsets for improvement.

“The seniors [last year] weren’t as committed to playing soccer,” Nicky said. “They’d mess around a lot, and it didn’t seem like a huge deal to them.

This year, a lot of the seniors

MICHAEL SIEFFERT

Top: Senior goalkeeper Raphael Chevallier gathers the ball during tryouts. Bottom: Senior Joe Kull dribbles with the ball. With a new squad, the boys soccer team is excited for the upcoming season. on the team are more committed to soccer, and they’ll take it more seriously.”

For team cohesion, the preseason is an important time for practice, allowing new and returning members to become comfortable with the rest of their team before the season starts. “[Preseason games are] important because they build on team chemistry before you start, so you know how the team works,” Nicky said. “It’s nice to work together before, to see how we work and see how we play, and see how people fit into their positions. That’s really important before the season.”

With 12 open spots on the

roster to be filled, the Eagles are confident in their abilities to win their way back to the De Anza league. To reach the upper league, Los Altos needs to be one of the top two El Camino league teams out of eight. Preseason games and conditioning last until the end of December, and league games stretch from the beginning of January to the end of February.

“We have a pretty good chance,” Matt said. “We have a pretty good team this year, [and] I’d say our worst case hopes would be to win half our games, but I think we have a pretty good shot at getting promoted back to the top league.”

Girls basketball ready for new season EMILY TERADA Senior Writer

After the varsity girls basketball team was promoted to the De Anza division at the beginning of last year, the Eagles are ready improve their game within the league. Last season ended with a 3-9 record, prompting the Eagles to strive for more wins this year.

“A lot of our games were really close, but we ended up finishing more on the bottom,” co-captain senior Katie Munro said. “Those losses, more than our successes, really shaped us to be more hungry this year for more wins and realize that we weren’t satisfied with where we finished last year. We really want to get to a place where we are happy.”

For the past 12 weeks, the team has been preparing for the season through weight training and early morning practices, giving players a chance to brush up on skills and improve their game play.

“We’ve just been putting in a lot of work,” Katie said. “We do open gyms three times a week.

It’s just been a lot of work physically and mentally having to wake up that early. In terms of what we are physically doing, we got a new shooting machine, so we have been shooting non-stop and really working to get as many shots up as much as possible.”

In addition to morning conditioning, evening practices primarily focus on skill development and provide opportunity to scrimmage with each other.

“We come at night [and] we are here for two hours,” Katie said. “We work on shots on the move [and] just shots in general. [We do] dribbling exercises [and] a lot of scrimmaging in the pre-season, as well as running. We do a 30-minute running workout that [Coach Jaclyn Brode] found from the University of Kentucky.”

The team also looks toward the guidance of experienced players, namely Meg Enthoven, Rachel Glein, Allegra Maeso and Katie Munro, the team’s four seniors.

Since last year’s team only consisted of two seniors, upperclassmen experience was harder to harness, which in turn led to the team having a more junior-heavy leadership.

“We have a pretty strong group of seniors,” Katie said. “We’ve had the really strong presence and a couple of us were captains last year, so I think that will really carry on into this upcoming year. We have one new freshman, Mahika Gupta, who is really good. I think she’ll really help to drive competition. And since she’s good, she’ll make everyone else want to compete for their spot. And then also it will just motivate everyone.”

Along with upperclassmen

TALON FILE PHOTOS

Top: Senior Katie Munro takes a free throw. Bottom: Senior Meg Enthoven drives to the basket.

The girls basketball team is primed for a successful season. leadership, the team will also incorporate lessons picked up from past players.

“I definitely think being more vocal and I think another thing is confidence,” senior Meg Enthoven said. “I think that a lot of our graduating players and seniors especially have a lot more confidence on the court and who they are as a basketball player, whereas some of the other underclassmen don’t. I think that we’ve learned that. I’ve learned that especially. As a player, just to have confidence in myself whenever I have the ball.”

The Talon November 17, 2015

Eagles swoop into CCS TEDDY CHMYZ, COPY/CONTENT EDITOR | JULIA SANTOS, STAFF WRITER | JIM HOLLINGWORTH, STAFF WRITER

As of press deadline, November 12, four fall sports teams had qualified for CCS and three teams are still competing.

For game recaps and analysis, go to www.lahstalon.org

Girls Water Polo First place in the De Anza division.

Over a hundred goals scored. Only one league loss. The varsity girls water polo team is dominating.

As of press deadline, the girls had recently made it to the SCVAL championship match, falling to Los Gatos to tie them for first place in the De Anza league.

Despite the loss, their record gave them a high seed in CCS, which awarded them a bye for the first round. Their first game was against rival Mountain View, and while the team wasn’t going to overlook the Spartans, their goals were much high-

FRANCESCA FALLOW

Junior Claire Bourquin carries the ball.

The girls water polo team has high expectations for CCS.

Girls Volleyball

er than a single game.

“Our goal is to be in the CCS championship match,” senior co-captain Christina Pao said. “Every girl on this team has the heart to do it. We just know that we have to take each game as it comes.”

The team attributes the majority of their success in the pool to the players’ unified efforts.

“I think our biggest advantage is how well we work together,” junior Kayleigh Peterson said. “All of us know where a teammate wants the ball, [and] when they’re ready for the ball.”

Sophomore co-captain Julia Santos is leading the team in goals scored, but the spread is fairly equal. The nature of the team is balanced; movement and inclusive offense take priority over one-sided, “give it to the star player” plays.

“The team is on the smaller side, which gives us the ability to move faster on offense, drive more, and post up without having a [definite] set player,” Kayleigh said.

This success is the result of continual practice. Now, in the final homestretch of their season, the girls are benefiting from all of that hard work and team bonding.

“We’ve become more cohesive as a team,” Christina said. “Everybody knows each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

The varsity girls volleyball team is looking to make a strong run at CCS after facing a tough loss in the finals last year. This season, the Eagles moved up to the Division I bracket, where they will no longer encounter their usual opponents like powerhouse Archbishop Mitty, but rather teams they are yet to play or have only seen during tournaments not league-related.

With a league play record of 11-1, the Los Altos varsity girls volleyball team claimed the league championship after beating second place Los Gatos. During leagues, the Eagles suffered a sinlge loss, to rival Mountain View High School. The team will enter the CCS tournament as the top seed.

As well as having an arsenal of talent on their side, the Eagles play off of a strong love and excitement for the game.

“Our team is really good at being enthusiastic in cheering, we’re definitely the loudest and most obnoxious team of all the teams, and it helps so much…,” Kate said. “We call Sarah Tritschler our bench captain. She is in charge of cheering from the bench and leads our cheers and does a fantastic job at it.”

Right now, the team’s biggest challenge is overcoming slow starts at the beginning of their games.

“We usually start pretty slow, so we struggle to get our energy going at the very beginning of the game [and] we lose

Cross Country As of the press deadline the varsity cross country teams are approaching CCS finals hoping to qualify for the State Championships. The CCS finals will take place on Saturday, November 14, at the Crystal Springs course. Both girls and boys teams will be competing in CCS, with girls competing in Division I and boys in Division II. “We [the girls team] have a chance to make it to States this year, but it won’t be easy,” senior co-captain Lauren Jacob said. “I absolutely think we can make it, and we are doing everything we can to make sure we are physically

KUNAL PANDIT

Senior Lulu Kishton jumps to spike the ball. The girl volleyball team is one of the top teams in CCS and looks to go far in the playoffs. a bunch of points in the beginning, and then we struggle to make it up,” Kate said.

With leagues finished, the Eagles are focusing on improving upon their weaknesses before the first CCS game. The team must work hard toward becoming a more cohesive team to ensure a good run at CCS. “I hope to end the season on a good note,” junior Katherine Mumm said. “For our seniors, this is their last season of [high school] volleyball, and so I want us to go out with a bang.”

Boys Water Polo

and mentally prepared.”

If either of the teams do not qualify for the State finals, they will still likely be represented by individual runners moving on to the next round. Lauren and senior co-captain Ben Zaeske both qualified last year, and could be joined this year by other runners, notably senior Andreas Godderis and junior Katie Klein.

“In terms of qualifying individually, I think I have a very strong shot,” Ben said. “Andreas [also] has a chance of making it to state individually if he has a very fast race.”

The varsity boys water polo team saw its season end on Thursday, November 12, losing 5-14 to Los Gatos in the second round of the Division I CCS tournament. The loss concluded what had been a turnaround year for the Eagles.

After failing to make it to CCS last year, the team’s biggest goal for the 2015 season was to place at least fourth in leagues which would ensure them a run at CCS, yet the Eagles did just that and more. The Eagles went into the league tournament standing at fifth place, but ended second overall. After

their league performance, the Eagles secured the eighth seed in CCS. The Eagles achieved their season long goal because of their team chemistry. Going to away tournaments offered the team quality bonding time which is clearly visible in the pool.

“We have been playing with each other for so long that we know [how everyone performs] in the pool,” junior Nick Rodriguez said. “We know how [each teammates] want the passes or if someone is driving, we know where to go, so it really helps us come together.”

COURTESY TRACY YOUNG

KUNAL PANDIT

Junior Viktor Niemec runs in a meet at Baylands park. Both the girls and boys cross country teams are hopeful for success in the CIF State Championships.

Junior Scott Cairns winds up to shoot. With a late-season push, the boys water polo team made it into the CCS playoffs before losing their second-round game.

UPCOMING

HOME GAMES

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL

*scrimmage

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER