April 2021

redwood

bark.

Volume LXIII, No. 4 • April 2, 2021 • Larkspur, CA

Sports kick off the season Story on p. 15

Photo by Sophia Rocha

Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-in-Chief: Ella Green Sofi Mincy Camille Ray Jack Watson Art Consultants: Kalyn Dawes Keely Ganong Business Managers: Annie Goldstein Samantha Michaels Survey Manager: Emma Lightfoot Social Media Managers: Audrey Lightfoot Charlie Ginsburg Podcast Editors: Nathan Ash Video Editors: Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan Multimedia Editor: Olivia Kharrazi

Copy Editors: Nicole Johnson (Head Copy) Shannon Watridge (Head Copy) Martha Fishburne Kate McHugh Sophie Smallhorn Natalie Tress Maxanne Anderson Samantha Elegant Gemma Strauss Abigail Shewmaker Greta Cifarelli Bella Piacente Alli Runnfeldt Reporters: Avery Aguero Will Baker Julian Belzer Isabel Ames Alex Fisch Clariss Garcia Nina Geoghegan Sydney Liebhauser Loughlin Browne Libby Hughes Patrick Jacobson Mia Kessinger Ava Koblik Brooke Leslie Charlotte DeForest Alyssa McCadden Declan McDaniels Kate McHugh PJ Pfeiffer Caroline Scharf Allie Vasquez Keegan Williams

Opinion Editors: Sol Ladetzky Casey Braff Feature Editors: Kent Goodman Taylor Elliot Lifestyles Editors: Anna Silverman Hollis Belger Sports Editors: Jacob Mandel Christopher Vargelis News Editors: Caroline Goodhart Jackson Epps Review Editors: Sophia Rocha AnnaLise Sandrich Spanish Editor: Hannah Sellers Senior Staff Writers: Mara Farese Katie Parsons

redwood

bark.

Volume LXIII, No. 4 • April 2, 2021 • Larkspur, CA

Español: Learning Language

8

Sports Previews

15

Electrical Engineer Alum

21

redwood high school • 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 • volume LXIII, no. 4 • april 2, 2021 • www.redwoodbark.org

Marin focuses on equity amid quickening vaccine rollout

By Caroline Goodhart Ever since the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout began in December of 2020, Marin’s distribution has been swift and successful. As of March 21, Marin is the fifth leading California county in terms of dispensation and has administered 149,948 doses to roughly 45.5 percent of the population over 16 years of age. So far, the majority of doses distributed by the county have been the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

As stated by public health director Matt Willis, the local inoculation effort will soon be accelerated by the addition of a third, one-dose, vaccine option. According to

Photo by Caroline Goodhart

THE LARKSPUR POD at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal dispenses drive-through vaccinations.

a March 6 statement by Willis, a shipment of 1,000 singledose Johnson & Johnson vaccines will arrive in the next three weeks, along with large quantities of the other two.

Willis hopes that the arrival of the one-dose vaccine will speed up the vaccination process in Marin.

While the rollouts continue, Marin is working to put a special emphasis on making the process fair and helping communities who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Benita McLarin, the director of Marin Health and Human Services (HHS), explains that the county has started an advisory board for distribution, and carved out doses to be distributed in vulnerable communities, such as San Rafael’s Canal District.

“Here in Marin, our number one focus is making sure that we have an equitable response and that we don’t have communities who may normally get left behind, get left behind. We are [constantly] asking ourselves the question, ‘What else can we do to make sure that our most vulnerable communities have access to the vaccine?’” McLarin said.

This equitable response includes the establishment of mobile vaccination centers, and endeavors to open up more sites, run by the government and private companies, around the county. On Feb. 21, Marin opened a drivethrough point of dispensing (POD) site in the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal. Willis, a driving force in the opening, explained in a Marin Country press release issued in mid-February, shortly before the launch of the POD, that the drive-through facet makes it much easier for the county to quickly and safely distribute the vaccine outdoors.

“Providing a vaccination location that is accessible by personal vehicle, paratransit and public transit options is an important factor in removing barriers to the vaccine, ensuring health equity for our most vulnerable residents,” Willis said.

Junior Georgia Larson was recently vaccinated at the Larkspur site. Larson qualified for the vaccine through her food service job at Swirl, a frozen yogurt shop in Fairfax.

Originally, she was unsure about getting vaccinated before middle-aged people who did not have the same qualifications. But, after weighing the risks she takes each day, she booked an appointment.

“I feel like people with autoimmune disorders or preexisting conditions should be getting it before [me]. But I think just because of the place I work in, and [because of the fact] that anyone could be a carrier, the tiers are pretty well set,” Larson said.

The vaccine in Marin is currently available to those in Marin in tier 1A and 1B, groups that include residents of long-term care facilities, healthcare workers, those 65 and older, those 16-64 with severe, high-risk medical conditions or significant, high-risk disabilities and those who work in education and childcare, food service and agriculture, emergency services, congregate living or transportation and logistics.

While directors in Marin, such as McLarin, feel prepared to move onto lower tiers and vaccinate the general public, the process has been held back due to a shortage of vaccines.

“There’s no question that if we had more vaccines, we could give out more vaccines, but we’re not unique.

I think that’s the case throughout the state and throughout the country. There’s just not enough vaccines coming out of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson,” McLarin said.

McLarin and her team at HHS are prepared and excited to continue and complete the distribution process, and urge everyone who is eligible to wait their turn and get the vaccine.

“We’ll work. We’ll do what it takes to get it out there.

If it means going 24 hours a day, we’ll do it,” McLarin said. “We have a lot of committed people who are really willing to do the hard work to make sure that the vaccine gets out as soon as we can.” cgoodhart@redwoodbark.org

TUHSD removes cohort system, announces full in-person learning

By Chris Vargelis On April 13, Redwood students will be able to return to 100 percent inperson learning, according to a March 23 statement from the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD). Students who wish to stay online may continue to join classes through Zoom and will be allowed to switch to in-person whenever they choose. However, once students decide to learn in-person, they will not be allowed to switch back-and-forth between online and on-campus learning, with the exception of a COVID-19 quarantine.

Initially, the district’s plan was to come

back from spring break in two cohorts rather than three, but an email sent out to the community announced that students would be returning with everyone on campus instead. The email followed Marin health officer Matt Willis’ announcement approving schools’ opening.

Senior Dean Rider is enthusiastic about the new schedule, specifically about seeing friends who were previously separated from him.

“The way the system is set up now, with the three cohorts, all three of my close friends are in [different cohorts]. But now that we have this transition, I’ll be able to sit with them at lunch and chat,” Rider said.

Photo by Greta Cifarelli

WALKING BACK FROM a socially distanced lunch, masked students head to their next class.

Many aspects of the new learning plan are working well for Rider. However, he is concerned about the current regulations on Redwood’s music program, which require students to play outside using specialized masks with small openings in them.

“The only thing that I can really recommend improving would be the ability to play musical instruments inside.

I’m a part of the advanced piano class, and it’s been a very frustrating experience playing our instruments outside. … I wish there was a way that we could play inside our band room and have the doors open or something like that,” Rider said.

According to a March 2021 Bark survey, a majority of Redwood students favor in-person learning. Some students, however, will continue with online learning, such as senior Pearl Thompson.

“I feel like [online school] gives me more freedom to go other places. … It’s less restrictive. [With in-person], I have to get up probably an hour and a half earlier than I do now. … It adds so many more aspects of stress to my day,” Thompson said, “High school is an in-person experience, but I feel like I’ve done all that. I’m not having a prom this year or any of the stuff that makes senior year cool. I’m not really in it for the hallway experience.”

With the new schedule, teachers will have to adjust to a much larger in-person classroom size. Advanced Placement U.S. History, government and nonfiction teacher Lisa Kemp is happy to have more kids back on campus.

“I’ve certainly had kids who come to campus to be in a cohort of three kids.

There’s kind of a sweet spot of the certain size of a classroom of kids, and it’s not three [students]. … Maybe some kids enjoy the smallness, but I think for a lot of kids it changes the momentum,” Kemp

Photo by Annie Goldstein

PLAYING A GAME of Simon Says, Melissa Zeiher takes advantage of Redwood’s outdoor space. said.

Kemp sees the shift back to the classroom as an opportunity to implement curriculum that is less digitally focused.

“I hope to get to the point of not using computers in class unless we’re looking at websites,” Kemp said.

Although the new schedule is not a complete return to normal, it marks a significant step in that direction. Moving past the cohort system will help to build back a sense of community and streamline class curriculum. With vaccination rates consistently increasing and COVID-19 cases dropping, “normal” school seems closer than ever. cvargelis@redwoodbark.org

bark

Page 2 • News

April 2, 2021

Photo Survey “What do you appreciate the most about being back on campus?”

“Being able to meet a ton of new people and having full classes again. Seeing people in person is really neat, and I’m excited to be back.”

“I appreciate seeing my teachers and friends. Being in class really helps me learn because I’m not distracted by my phone.”

Zach Baumgarten

Emily Gallegos

freshman

sophomore

“It’s a change of pace as opposed to online school, and I really think it’s easier to learn when you’re faceto-face with your teachers instead of on Zoom.”

“Getting to meet my teachers and forming a relationship with them in person.”

junior

senior

Jake Feehan

Becca Falk

Marin small business fund provides loans and grants

By Greta Cifarelli On Feb. 22, a grant and interest-free loan fund opened applications to Marin County small businesses in an effort to combat the financial hardships caused by COVID-19. Implemented by the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA SF) and Fondo Adelante, organizations that help disadvantaged families in the Bay Area, along with Marin County and Canal Alliance, the application closed on March 22. Applications are now being entered into a lottery. The Marin County Small Business Fund aims to provide $900,000 in financial assistance. They expect to give out 15 grants of about $5,000 to $10,000 each, and 45 business loans of about

Photo by Greta Cifarelli

AIDING SMALL BUSINESSES, a man shops locally at Victoria Bakery & Cafe.

Kristin Abbott Aaron & Randi Agenbroad Seth & Kelli Anderson Susan Anderson Robert and Jean Baker The Baker Family Susan Ellsweig & Gary Barnett Caroline Beard The Belger Family Kathleen Belzer The Bishop Family Fred & Mary Blum The Braff Family Jason Brown Victoria Camelio Monica Canas Lucy Churton Kevin Cifarelli Robyn Cohen Laura Collins Edward Conti Deborah Cook Kelli Cook Hali Croner The Culhane Family Courtney Daly The Dawes Family Regina DeAngelis Sonya DeForrest Sandra Derango Joanne Desin Robby Dinowitz Ira Elegant The Elliot Family Mary Elliott The Elliott Family

$5,000 to $50,000 with an anticipated average loan size of $25,000. However, there is already a higher demand for the support.

Molly Kron, a planner in the housing and federal grants division of the Community Development Agency at the County of Marin, is optimistic that they will receive applications from various businesses.

“We’re hopeful that folks from smaller, self-employed businesses will apply for these funds. In addition, our Latinx community has been really heavily hit by the pandemic disproportionately here in Marin County. [In an effort to] focus dollars on where the pandemic is hitting hardest, we’re hoping that small business owners from our Latinx community will be applying for these funds,” Kron said.

This issue goes beyond Marin as well. According to Forbes, there was a 42 percent decrease in sales across the U.S. for Latinx-owned businesses in March and April of 2020.

Among those affected by the lockdowns are small businesses in the Bon Air Shopping Center, many of which are privately owned. Audrey Shapiro, the director of marketing at Bon Air and Larkspur Chamber of Commerce vice president, emphasized the hard work that business owners had to put in during the pandemic to continue profiting.

Ronald Ellsweig Douglas Epps Joseph Estus Deirdre Evershed Jennifer Fang Kristin Farese Monica Fieber The Fishburne Family Rod & Hannah Fligel Pamela Fong Robert Frankus Paul Gehrman & Norah Frei Allie G The Ganong Family The Ginsburg Family William Gisvold Martin Goldstein The Goldstein Family Cynthia Goodman Ina Gotlieb Jennifer Green Linda Groah Melissa Harms Christopher & Jennifer Hartung Randy Herbst Nancy & Allan Herzog Joan Hornberger The Hughes Family Tamara S Hull Robin Jacobson Carolyn Jensen Wendy Jessen Sylvia Jones William & Rachel Kessinger Jeffrey Klompus Anneke Koblik

Photo by Greta Cifarelli

TAKING A CUSTOMER’S order, senior Zoe Harrison takes COVID-19 precautions to keep Mag’s open.

“We had to really adjust to meet the community’s needs and support the businesses here. When restaurants shifted to takeout only, our restaurants really adapted and stepped up and provided great takeout options. [Our retail stores] amped up their online presence. Some of them did virtual events [and] classes, and they offered more online shopping,” Shapiro said.

While companies adapted to COVID-19 operations, it was not without struggle. Before this fund, there was no official grant program for Marin County businesses. Instead, much of the fundraising was organized by third

Bark Patrons E. Koeppel Zoe Koonce Carl Krawitt Sol & Gil Ladetzky Reshma Lensing The Leonard Family Elizabeth Brown & Janet Lewin Deborah Lightfoot Stephen Lightfoot Louise Lo Burt & Lisa Losee Ellen Lynch Alexandra Maliniak René Mandel Harold & Nancy Mann Dana Marotto Micheal Marrero Kerianne & Christopher McBride Ruth McDaniels Katie & David McGee The McHugh Family The Michaels Family Eileen F. Miles Robert Morgan Cindy Morris Ann Aiko Morton Julie & Brian Muller Camelia Negrea Cecily & James O’Connor Denise Olson Hillary Oppenheim Sharon Parsons

parties like the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce. Julie Cervetto, the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce executive director, led a fundraising program for immediate financial relief that was distributed to local businesses in Larkspur, Greenbrae and Kentfield in June. With help from the city, the County and over 50 donors, they provided 33 businesses with almost $1,500 each.

“I met [the business owners at the Marriott Hotel] and they came and picked up their checks. There were a lot of tears and a lot of gratitude. This is a really rough time for the businesses in this area.

I grew up here. I was born and raised here in Larkspur, and I’ve never seen [such a recession],” Cervetto said.

The recent grant program may ease some of the hardships small businesses have faced during the pandemic, but it does not negate the importance of continuing to shop local, according to Cervetto.

“We have to help our businesses get through [the pandemic]. They’re what make up our community. These small businesses are extremely important. They provide community, they provide their wares, they provide a lot. It’s important that we keep them going and that they survive this,” Cervetto said. gcifarelli@redwoodbark.org

The Parsons Family Cynthia Patrizi The Pfeiffer Family Frances Piacente Michael Piacente Gabriella Piccioni Megan Pirsch The Ray Family Bruce Reed Jennifer Reese Lesley Reidy Kimberly Resnick Timothy Richards The Rocha Family Liliana Royal Jason Ryning D. Sanders The Sandrich Family Wendy Shewmaker Jena Shore Martin & Deidre Silverman The Silverman Family Peter & Lucia Sinatra Veronia Skelton The Smallhorn Family Michael & Victoria Song The Steele Family Seth & Jill Steinberg Paul & Amanda Stephen Catherine Stevenson Robert Stone Irene & Phil Strauss

Kate & Ron Strauss Jennifer Sutter Mary Sylla Richard Thalheimer Maryann Thompson Jean-Ray Tippo Deborah Tirschwell The Towns Wagner Family Andy Tress Christopher & Lisa Tribolet Kimberly Tully-Sutton Lisa Turner Dawn Valler Caroline Wabl Kimberly Wagner Perelandra Wait Diana Wang The Watridge Family The Watson Family The Welch Family Larry Wilson Ryan Wilson Julie Wolfert Sarah Young The Zirpoli Family Constance Zlot Simon Zornoza

If you would like to support the Redwood Bark, donations can be made by check and mailed to Redwood High School. Checks should be made payable to the Redwood Bark. See www. redwoodbark.org/donate for an online payment option.

bark Rally sparks conversations about SFD renaming process Page 3 • News

www.redwoodbark.org

By Avery Aguero On March 9, the San Anselmo Town Council held a meeting via teleconference to further discuss the potential renaming of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard amid concerns about the negative racial connotations of the name. High School 1327 (HS 1327), formerly known as Drake High School, is also set to be renamed on March 31, as of print.

The process began last fall, when county supervisors Katie Rice and Dennis Rodoni formed a committee of representatives from Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo and Fairfax to consider renaming the 43.8 mile long street. After hearing reports from the two San Anselmo councilmembers, the council moved forward and opened up a town forum in early February to collect feedback from San Anselmo residents on the proposed renaming plans.

After almost six months and no changes to the street name, the San Anselmo Town Council is no longer pursuing the proposal. This inaction can be attributed to the petition presented to the council, as the proposal did not follow San Anselmo town resolution 3125A, which requires that two thirds of the residents on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard agree to the change. The vote ended up being three to two against renaming.

Councilwoman Eileen Burke believes the proposal was not passed, in part, due to the significant economic

Photo courtesy of Melissa Auchard

SHOWING SUPPORT, ONE rally participant covered their car with posters, flags and Sir Francis Drake memorabilia opposing the name change.

implications associated with renaming the boulevard. The approximate cost of changing all of the old street signs in San Anselmo would be around $5,000. Residents who live on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard would also have to change the title to their property and the addresses on their passport, drivers license and credit cards which can be a costly process for local homeowners. Additionally, businesses would need to pay for updated advertising and permits such as a liquor license for restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

Last November, Burke was elected to be on the San Anselmo town council and, as a community representative, she believes in strictly following the democratic process.

However, as the parent of twins who attend HS 1327 she believes this democratic process did not take place during the removal and renaming of Drake High School.

“I think [the renaming of Drake High School] is an example of forcing a predetermined outcome on unwilling stakeholders,” Burke said. “[The HS 1327 Site Council] took a poll, but removing the name was not supported by the majority of students, students of color, parents or the community. Instead of one person, one vote where we’re all equal, a cornerstone of democracy, it turned out that a group of only 100 [people], weighted their vote 10 times.”

Redwood alumni and Fairfax resident Diana Perdue made similar observations about the school’s name change. Perdue was one of the participants at the “Save the Name” rally on March 14, where dozens of community members opposing the name changes gathered in front of the school with signs and banners. Like many others at the demonstration, Perdue felt unheard by, in her eyes, the lack of a fair and democratic process when deciding a new name for the high school.

“Democracy has certainly, and intentionally, been disregarded during the entire process, and that is what the rally group was so infuriated by,” Perdue said.

In contrast, former Redwood faculty member Taber Watson, who is now teaching at HS 1327, believes that there are several misconceptions about the Drake Leadership Council (DLC) and their position in the renaming process.

The DLC is an elected body of students, parents, staff and community members who are responsible for gathering public input about the name decision and reporting back to the Tam Union High School District Board (TUHSD).

“At the end of the day, the DLC makes the final

Photo courtesy of Melissa Auchard

RAISING THEIR VOICES, community members try to “Save the Name” of Sir Francis Drake High School and Boulevard. decision,” Watson said. “So, for example, when [the name] ‘San Anselmo High School’ [was] in the top four, but the [DLC] found that it was not a very equitable name for whatever reason, it is within their right to remove it from contention. And people think that their vote is not being counted, but in fact, it’s not really a vote, it’s a survey.”

As of March 10, the DLC moved into the semifinals of the name change process with two student-proposed name choices in the running: Bon Tempe and Olema Trail.

However, the DLC voted to pull the name Olema Trail from the running on Friday, March 26 after a representative for the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria opposed it.

With not knowing how to proceed yet, the DLC made the decision to put the voting on hold until they meet again.

The DLC is scheduled to have another meeting to discuss the next steps on April 1.

Although the rally aimed to protest the high school name change, Perdue believes the main intention was to also express the community’s feelings towards the street name change.

“Passing Drake High, where I had my first swim lesson at age four, driving on familiar streets, seeing Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit and knowing I’m almost home, [they’re] emotional attachments for me and the names should remain as they are,” Perdue said. aaguero@redwoodbark.org

Construction ramps up as Fairfax welcomes skatepark

By Hannah Sellers After months of accumulating community support and scouting for a location, the town of Fairfax will welcome a temporary skatepark in the Fairfax Pavilion parking lot on Bank Street. The community-funded project, led by the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee, surpassed its $30,000 fundraising goal days before beginning construction on Mar. 1. The park is expected to open in early April.

While Marin skaters cannot wait to get their wheels rolling on the new ramps, the passionate volunteers that founded the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee have been advocating to make the skatepark possible

Photo by Hannah Sellers

PRACTICING TRICKS, A local skater is eager to transition from the curbs to actual skateboard ramps.

since December. Vice Mayor of Fairfax and Redwood alumnus Stephanie Hellman first encountered the strong community interest in building a skatepark on her 2020 campaign trail.

“When I was running for office and campaigning door-to-door, six or seven times people said to me, ‘Fairfax needs a skatepark. Are you supportive of this?’”

Hellman said. “I kept hearing this over and over again, and once you hear something like that six or seven times, it becomes a trend.”

Following her election, Hellman returned to the community members who had requested a skatepark and put together a team of volunteers to bring their aspirations to reality. Fairfax local and lifelong skater Steven Teijeiro was eager to get involved. From engaging with community members on numerous social media platforms to presenting at town council meetings, Teijeiro played a major role in gaining approval for the skatepark.

“I have been a leader within the committee,” Teijeiro said. “My leadership style has always been to really listen closely to what our team members are feeling and the thoughts that they are having and strategize with them about the steps we should take and how we plan to get things done.”

For Teijeiro, a new skatepark means more than creating a space for those already involved in the sport. He views skateboarding as an opportunity for youth to challenge themselves and learn to take responsible risks, a vital aspect of childhood development.

“If we can expose kids to a healthy level of risk in a healthy environment where they are really able to choose what it is they want to do and how far they want to push the edge, these kids will be much more prepared for the greater world,” Teijeiro said.

Whether it is on a skateboard, scooter, or roller blades, Teijeiro believes that skateparks encourage youth to be daring

Photo by Hannah Sellers

BUILDING THE PARK, volunteers give their time to their passion project.

and confident in the risks they take, which he views as an unusual opportunity given how safety-oriented much of modern childhood has become.

“It is so beneficial to our community to have self-conscious kids, not in an insecure way, but in a confident way, that know the limits of what it is they want to do and really get into life,” Teijeiro said. “They are really alive out there.”

No longer an after-school activity stereotypically claimed by party animals and druggies, skateboarding has gained popularity in recent years as a professional sport and was set to debut at the canceled Summer 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Class of 2020 Redwood graduate Pato Harris skateboards constantly and is excited to have another spot to practice his sport, especially given the rise in crowds at skateparks he has witnessed since the pandemic began.

“Because of COVID-19, a lot of people started skating, and a lot of people started hanging out at skateparks once they opened again,” Harris said. “A lot of skate parks have been very overcrowded. So for the

people that have been skating before, it’s kind of frustrating.”

While Harris attended several town council meetings and advocated for the skatepark’s approval, the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee worked on fundraising the $30,000 needed to build the park communally. Within a few weeks, the committee exceeded their target dollar amount without receiving a dime from the town of Fairfax and are continuing to see those numbers increase as excited local businesses and restaurants donate proceeds to the park. Hellman attributes their success to the passion in the Fairfax community.

“Fairfax has a very small budget, so I think our fundraising shows that when there’s a will, there’s a way,” Hellman said.

“The town belongs to the community, and this project bubbled up from community demand, and it is so exciting that it is coming to fruition. We are so delighted that both the residents and small businesses are behind it, and we can support the kids in this meaningful way.”

Once the park is open to the public, finding a permanent location is the committee’s top priority. The Parks and Recreation Commission is currently exploring sites and plans to report back to the city council in July. In the meantime, Fairfax residents and Marin’s thriving skateboarding community are excited for the construction to finish, with many even lending a hand to help out with the building.

Advocates for the park, like Teijeiro, are hoping to see the community’s efforts pay off with a popular skatepark in April.

“I want the skatepark to be a thriving, inclusive skateboard community,” Teijeiro said. “The world is changing, people are finding their identities, people are figuring out who they really are, and I want the skatepark to be a place where everyone’s included, and everyone can get together and live a good life.” hsellers@redwoodbark.org

opinion

Page 4

Black History Month is getting away with segregation Story and Illustration by Alli Runnfeldt

White privilege is the ability to get pulled over by a police officer without fear of unfair treatment or worse. It is going to any hair salon without worrying if they will know how to do your hair.

It is not having your intellectual capabilities questioned by strangers.

White privilege is also having the history of your race fully and fairly represented in history class. Every single month of the year is “white history month,” so why is Black History Month pushed into the singular month of February, ready to be forgotten throughout the next 11 months? February should not be the only time of year we celebrate Black lives and accomplishments.

By doing so, we are allowing segregation to continue in the 21st century.

Black History Month was originally created by Carter G. Woodson, a historian and son of formerly enslaved people, when he realized the lack of Black presence in American history textbooks. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which led to the start of Negro History Week in 1926.

However, according to historian John Hope Franklin, Woodson never intended for Negro History Week to be a permanent occasion. He hoped that it would cause a

shift in society where the history of African Americans would become a part of American history. At the time of Woodson’s death in 1950, he was still hoping Negro History Week would “outlive its usefulness.” Clearly, it did not. In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded the week into the whole month of February, as it has remained since.

Black History Month was not created with the intention of causing harm or segregation. President Gerald Ford wanted the public to, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” However, what was meant to start a conversation in all aspects of everyday life, as white history is, has ended up limiting the dialogue to within the confined dates of February. As a result, many important people and events are left out. More often than not, the only names and accomplishments we hear about are from Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. These people are tremendously important and should be discussed, but so should the influences of the Harlem Renaissance, Black inventors of the 1900s, early Black literature and lesser known important activists and leaders.

A 2015 study by the National Museum of African American History and Culture showed that U.S. history classes devote about one or two lessons, or about 8 to 9 percent of total class time, to

Black history. Even more troubling, there are no national history standards, meaning it is all up to the states; as of 2014, 12 states did not even require lessons on the civil rights movement, and less than half covered Jim Crow laws. In order to fully understand American history, we must teach Black history.

It can easily be argued that our country needs Black History Month to remind Americans to pay attention to Black history in general. However, Black History Month is not working; it has become an easy way for lazy allies to pat themselves on the back while not putting in any real work. Many companies and businesses put up signs for Black History Month in February to show the public they support the Black community, but do not do any work outside of that single month. Without caring for the Black communities beyond surface-level sentiments, they attempt to capitalize on opportunity by getting more young consumers purchasing their products. According to a 2019 Do Something report, 58 percent of young consumers say a brands association with popular social causes greatly impacts their choices of purchases. What is supposed to help and support the Black community has become a boost in income for big companies.

The goal should be to no longer need Black History Month by integrating Black history into history year round.

In order for this to happen, education curriculums and the standards for businesses need to change. We need to hold businesses, states and people with platforms accountable for their lack of support for the Black community. The most important and urgent matter is the need for a federal U.S. history curriculum; we cannot make a difference if part of the population is missing widely important history and there is no common ground of knowledge.

I was taught my whole life that Black History Month was an indication of a world where racism no longer existed. As much as many people want to believe the Civil Rights Movement fixed everything, it simply did not. We may have come a long way since then, however, it is impossible to claim these things when we are still segregating Black history into a 28-day month. arunnfeldt@redwoodbark.org

Women are not ‘Out Of The Woods’ with misogyny

By Casey Braff

At 11-years-old during the peak of my Taylor Swift obsession, I went to her 1989 World Tour. A few years later, I entered middle school, where most people disliked Swift and bought into the narrative that her music was “girly.” When she released her albums “reputation” and “Lover,” I didn’t listen to a single song despite once being an avid Swift fan. But when “folklore” came out last summer, I decided to give it a listen and found the album phenomenal.

I decided to listen to the albums I had missed. I became captivated with her music; I know the meaning behind every hidden message in her albums and keep rankings of all her songs in my Notes app. I finally realized it was my own internalized misogyny, not a lack of talent from Swift, that made me dislike her music during middle school.

My experience was not unique; junior Claire McKechnie, a Swift fan since kindergarten, went through the same thing.

“When I got to middle school, I developed a really odd and, in some ways, forced perception of Taylor Swift. A lot of people around me stopped listening to her music and criticized her songs and success by saying, ‘Taylor Swift is only what girls listened to,’”

McKechnie said. “That sexist mindset that everyone else had caused me to discontinue my obsession with her music.

I now realize that none of that would’ve happened to a male artist. There would never be a male artist in a position where people didn’t listen to him because he was a man.”

Some believe that Kanye West “made Swift famous” after he infamously upstaged her at the 2009 Video Music Awards, claiming Beyoncé should have won the award Swift just received. In 2016, after Swift and West had made amends, he called her and asked to use the line “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that b***h famous” in a song he was writing. Swift denied him permission to call her “that b***h”, but Kim Kardashian, West’s wife, released doctored footage making it seem like she did give him permission, leading to mainstream media turning against her.

On The View, female talk show hosts said she was just trying to play the victim to gain

support. Headlines read “Taylor Swift Isn’t Like Other Celebrities, She’s Worse” (Vice) and “How Taylor Swift Played The Victim For A Decade And Made Her Entire Career” (Buzzfeed).

The women publicly saying nasty things about Swift, such as the writer of the Buzzfeed article, just shows how deeply ingrained misogyny is in our society, as women bring each other down for no reason. As Swift once said, “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

Regardless, Swift is an incredibly successful and talented artist. Having sold over 200 million records, Swift is the 14th most streamed artist on Spotify. On March 14th, she won Album of the Year at the Grammys for “folklore,” making history as the first woman to win in that category three times.

Netflix is responsible for the most recent incident of sexism towards Swift. On their show “Ginny and Georgia,” the main character made a sexist joke, saying, “You go through men faster than Taylor Swift.” This showcases a repeated pattern of unwarranted sexism from the media: using Swift’s love life as a punchline.

Illustration by Kalyn Dawes

Swift then tweeted, “Hey Ginny & Georgia, 2010 called, and it wants its lazy, deeply sexist joke back. How about we stop degrading hard-working women by defining this horse s**t as FuNnY...

Happy Women’s History Month, I guess.”

Some believe that Swift warrants these criticisms and comments about her dating life because she writes songs about love. As a celebrity who writes most of her songs about breakups and relationships, criticism is inevitable. Male artists, however, receive minimal backlash for the same type of music, highlighting the misogyny Swift encounters. Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber have not been criticized because they wrote about love or dated many women.

Swift said in an 2015 interview with Maxim, “A man writing about his feelings from a vulnerable place is brave; a woman writing about her feelings from a vulnerable place is oversharing or whining. Misogyny is ingrained in people from the time they are born.”

Many young girls, including myself, have gone through the experience of not liking pink or not wanting to be girly because of internalized misogyny. No matter your gender identity, if you don’t like Taylor Swift, ask yourself why. Is it because she makes bad music or because of your perception of her?

Take it from Taylor, as she sings in “The Man:” “I’m so sick of running as fast I can/Wondering if I’d get there quicker/If I was a man/And I’m so sick of them coming at me again/’Cause if I was a man/Then I’d be the man.”

cbraff@redwoodbark.org

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Principles or politics: the predicament facing the GOP

By Declan McDaniels

Since former President Donald Trump’s election in 2016, “Trumpism,” defined by Dictionary.com as the “nontraditional political philosophy and approach espoused by U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters,” has taken over much of the Republican Party. It has been called the American political variant of the far right, but it has no core philosophy. This trend towards extremism in the values and morals of the Grand Old Party (GOP) as a whole has redefined what it means to be a conservative in today’s politics, and this new image does not resonate with many life-long Republicans. The Republican Party is becoming more polarized with more traditionally conservative views on one side and conspiracy theories, white supremacists and misinformation on the other. Republican leaders must condemn all discrimination, lies, conspiracies and wrongdoings if they want to convince voters that they will not put their political biases over truth and morality. If the GOP fails to move back towards more traditional party values, critical damage will be caused by the extremists within the Republican Party, and white supremacists will remain “the most consistent and lethal threat in the homeland,” as stated in the inaugural threat assessment by the Department of Homeland Security.

This emergence of white supremacy and extremist views in mainstream politics has been on a steady rise in the past decades, but Trump has significantly perpetuated this shift by giving followers of this movement a megaphone and encouraging their beliefs. In 2017, a group of white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Va. protested the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee with violence and racist chants. Trump later said that there were “very fine people on both sides,” despite the protest being planned and led by self-proclaimed white nationalists. However, Trump’s most

overt example of fueling white supremacy immense media attention since it was came at the first presidential debate in revealed that she has supported QAnon 2020 when he responded to a question in recent years. Baseless theories, such about denouncing white supremacists as those of QAnon, being widely present such as the Proud Boys by saying “stand within the Republican party is worrisome, and it proves that change needs to occur. back and stand by.” While Trump later stated that he condemned the Proud Boys and other white supremacists, many believed it was too little, too late; the proTrump extremist group embraced his words, and they even incorporated the quote in their new logo. These instances, among countless others, are prime examples of the way in which Trump The has inflamed white supremacy final straw in the U.S., making these for many people feel like their radical and Republicans dangerous views are representative came on Jan. of the Republican Party.

6, 2021, when This unconventional side of the Trump was directly Republican Party is not only defined associated with the by its white nationalist beliefs, but incitement of the riot also by the growing prevalence of on the U.S. Capitol conspiracy theories such as QAnon. building.

After QAnon is a far-right conspiracy months of claiming theory alleging that a secret group of the election was Democratic politicians and public rigged in favor of figures are Satan-worshipping President Biden, pedophiles and cannibals who run Trump called on a global sex trafficking ring and Illustration by Kalyn Dawes his supporters to plot to undermine former President come to Washington Trump. A September 2020 Daily Kos/ on the day that they were certifying Civiqs poll found that 33 percent of Republicans surveyed believe that the election results to “Stop the Steal.” In QAnon conspiracy is mostly true and an his rally speech directly before the riots additional 23 percent say that some parts started, Trump directed his supporters to the Capitol building, telling them they are true.

These beliefs are not just held by have to “show strength” and “fight like regular working-class Americans; multiple hell” if they want to take their country government officials have also shown back. While storming the Capitol, his their support for the group. Republican supporters chanted “Fight for Trump” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has gained and claimed that they entered the Capitol

bark

at Trump’s “invitation,” meaning they truly believed this is what the president wanted them to do. People close to Trump reported that he was “initially pleased” and “delighted” about the riots, while “walking around the White House confused about why other people on his team weren’t as excited.”

According to The New York Times, 140,000 Republicans in 25 states left the party following the Capitol riots.

Additionally, a large number of former Republican officials recently met to discuss the future of the party postTrump, most of whom believe they should either form a new party or establish a new faction in the party.

Republican Governor from Arkansas Asa Hutchinson says that Trump should not define the future of the Republican Party.

“He has a loud megaphone, but we have to have many different voices and, in my view, we can’t let him define us for the future, because that would just further divide our country and it would hurt our Republican Party,” Hutchinson said at CNN’s State of the Union.

Many people claim that “Trumpism” and the rise of extremism aren’t dangerous, but the Jan. 6 Capitol riots are evidence that these radicals will go to drastic lengths to defend what they have been told to be true. Trump has a major influence on his supporters, and he was able to manipulate them into believing that the election was fraudulent, despite any credible or significant evidence.

Trump’s words and the effect that they can have has proven to be dangerous, and this will not stop anytime soon. Trump said himself that his movement is “only just beginning.” If the Republican party wants to entice voters and re-establish themselves as a legitimate counterpart in our two-party system, its leaders will need to condemn Trump’s destructive influence and prevent him from hijacking their core values. dmcdaniels@redwoodbark.org

Vote ‘no’ on celebrity culture in politics producing content about political drama has become what New York Times journalist, Amanda Hess, refers On Jan. 20, 2021, my family and I crowded around to as “great convergence between politics and culture. ... the TV waiting with anticipation for the presidential This is democracy reimagined as celebrity fandom, and it inauguration ceremony. My social media feed was is now a dominant mode of experiencing politics.” already filled with content about the guests’ outfits and When these forms of political culture become the celebrity appearances at the ceremony. The glitz and widespread, discussions about politics become focused glamour of the day felt strangely like a red carpet event, on irrelevant gossip rather than actual policy. In a with elected officials being announced on television like March Bark survey, 86 percent of students either often movie stars. I realized that this behavior wasn’t unusual or occasionally see news about politicians’ personal lives in our political landscape, as it has started to look akin rather than their political agendas. News about politicians to tabloid magazines or speculative celebrity gossip. that resembles celebrity gossip only distracts people The internet has created a culture where anything in from engaging in discussions of important policies politics can become a meme or trend, which distracts that influence their lives and communities. from political engagement. We need to rid politics of Not only can celebrity culture be irrelevant, but superficial celebrity culture to preserve our democracy it can also become dangerous to political discourse. and hold politicians to their office standards.

For example, the subreddit, r/TheDonald, was The day of the Inauguration, founded in June 2015 to share memes a picture of and clips of Bernie Sanders Donald Trump, sitting snugly but the server with a pair of turned out to homemade have several mittens spread harassment like wildfire claims towards across social people of media, with different ethnic one of and religious the original groups, as well tweets of the photo as a history of spreading garnering 1.1 million conspiracy theories. After likes. The internet allows the subreddit turned from for clips of a politician’s a relatively normal center speech to become easily for sharing content to shared GIFs and rally outward hate speech, Illustration by Kalyn Dawes photos can turn into it was ultimately shut a discussion about a political down on June 29, 2020. figure’s fashion taste. What used to be standard practice Celebrity fandom in politics can also lead to violence, for the fans’ communities for celebrities known as “stan as followers of politicians, like former President Trump, Twitter,” or tabloid magazines, has merged into the realm can use the reach of social media to take their dedication of politics, leading to superficial conversations about our to the extreme. Zignal Labs found that after Trump’s elected officials. This new culture of consuming and rally on Jan. 6, over 140,000 mentions of unrest-related

By Caroline Scharf

terms were found online, which can be traced to the U.S Capitol riots on the same day. While excessive praise and memes may seem normal on the internet, they can swiftly turn into extremism.

Even as celebrity culture changes how we discuss politics, some argue that this form of engagement may ignite an interest in government for people who had previously never paid attention. In some cases, celebrity culture can produce content that engages new voters and brings people into the political arena, leading to increased participation in democracy. According to research by Massey University’s School of Psychology, emotional attachment to candidates “may drive ordinary citizens to engage more politically.”

However, when people participate in the political sphere because of the culture surrounding it, there is a chance they may not want to participate without it.

This political culture format is entertaining, and if the enjoyment is lost then potential political participants may lose interest. It’s better for voters to be absorbed in politics for a short time than to be consumed by a form of political engagement reliant on superficial culture.

Therefore, politics should be focused on the voters who are interested in the agendas of politicians rather than people who are purely interested in the gossip-centric aspects of politics.

To combat celebrity culture in politics, we must start with individual relationships with social media and press coverage. Although many of us may just be witnesses to celebrity culture, we can still actively filter out content that focuses too heavily on politicians’ personal lives in order to engage with politics in good faith. Instead of interacting with Pinterest boards of Alexandra Ocasio Cortez’s outfits or Instagram accounts posting proDonald Trump memes, we should try to block out the gossip and fluff in politics to preserve the sanctity of our democracy and vote “no” on celebrity culture in politics.

cscharf@redwoodbark.org

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Page 6 • Opinion

April 2, 2021

Brandy Melville: one size fits (sm)all

By Martha Fishburne

Global Warning: we don’t want to ‘label it’ Story and Illustration by Anna Silverman “Global Warning” is a column discussing relevant environmental concerns that our planet faces today.

“Organic.” “Non-GMO.” “All-natural.” After years of wandering through the grocery store and seeing these stickers piled up on food products, my curiosity got the best of me. What is the difference between organic and made with organic ingredients? How is cage-free any different from free-range? Does buying items with these labels truly make a difference?

According to Ecolabel Index, a website that provides descriptions of environmental food labels, almost 150 different stickers and certifications are allowed on produce and packaging alone. Few labels serve the same purpose, and their lack of uniformity just confuses everyone.

The moral dilemma that occurs while browsing the egg section in a market is one of the best examples of this. While shoppers hopefully opt for meat and poultry items with either a “cage-free,” “free-range” or “pasture-raised” marker, the specifications behind each can misdirect even the best efforts to be animalfriendly. “Cage-free” ensures that chickens can move around in indoor houses, with access to fresh food and water. Yet this label fails to inform consumers that there is no minimum space requirement or allowance to roam outside of these areas. “Free-range” gives the hens the same conditions as “cage-free” but ensures they have outdoor access, but not necessarily in natural conditions that provide sun exposure. Products labeled “pastureraised” provide the best living conditions for meat — this dictates that the animals must be placed in a pasture environment for at least six hours a day. This information is rarely offered on the egg cartons, creating a lack of transparency that feeds into the economic profit of food corporations as consumers play label roulette.

This hierarchy of animal product labels is mimicked by the sustainability claims on produce and other groceries. From a consumer perspective, “organic” might be a fruit sticker, an elevated price point or even a peak environmental health symbol. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic as a food production method “without the use of synthetic inputs,” including fertilizers, pesticides, and geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs). It also emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices. Few other stamps undergo the same rigorous certification process required for a USDA certification, but they still advertise similar benefits on many of the products we see.

More labels equate to more specifications on a foodstuff item, but the lack of a uniform system brings too many unspecified, sometimes unregulated, thirdparty organizations into the assortment of products.

Recognizable certifications such as the rectangular “Non-GMO Project,” “Rainforest Alliance” and “Fair Trade Certified” all ensure a lack of genetically modified ingredients and some worker protections (which the USDA label does not). However, they all serve specific purposes that do not include regulations on chemicals, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers that cause just as much controversy as the formidable GMO. Without extensive knowledge concerning the multitude of food production labels, consumer confusion often leads to misguided purchases or a disregard for sustainability claims entirely. Having a concrete system that verifies products at their different levels or forms of sustainability under one transparent organization would spark more environmentally-minded purchases.

But until labeling becomes more organized, researching brands and certifications is decisively a better alternative to picking the greenest-looking one.

Look for USDA-approved labels for additivefree products that promote the best environmental treatment and “Food Justice,” “Fair Trade” and “Fair for Life” stickers that protect worker rights. Since many certifications fall into just one of these categories or don’t specify any overlap, check websites like FoodPrint to understand their meanings and impact. It’s time to put a label on our relationship with the environment. asilverman@redwoodbark.org

When I first began shopping at Brandy Melville in middle school, I was entranced. The piles of semi-neatly folded tank tops and well-dressed, intimidating older girls at the cash register signified an era of freedom I yearned for. But beneath the simple clothing designs and affordable jewelry lies a “one size fits all” policy that pushes a cookie cutter body type onto middle and high schoolers.

Take a look at any Brandy Melville tag from an older collection, and you’ll be greeted with the phrase “one size fits all.” Although they eventually removed the tags, the one size fits all sentiment remains prevalent in Brandy Melville stores. This would be a semi-harmless business model if the clothing actually fit a multitude of sizes, but it doesn’t.

For example, a popular pair of jeans on the website, the Feanne Light Wash Jeans, only comes in a size S. These jeans have a 26 inch (66 centimeter) waist, a full 6.6 inches smaller than the national average waist size for teenage girls at 32.6 inches. Furthermore, the only clothes that come in more than one size are items like sweatshirts and t-shirts, which can be bought in an “oversized fit” or “regular fit.” Sure, it’s a halfhearted attempt at offering more than one size; however, calling any clothing item “oversized” if it comes in a size larger than small pours salt in the wound of all girls who don’t fit into the “regular fit” clothes. If Brandy Melville wanted to cater to a more diverse customer base, Illustration by Kalyn Dawes they’d actually carry multiple sizes for different bodies, not just two sizes both made for smaller people.

With this in mind, I have to wonder what body types Brandy Melville executives have in mind when they say their sizes fit everyone.

Except Brandy Melville no longer proclaims to be a “one size fits all” company, which almost makes the sting of its exclusivity worse. The brand doesn’t even try to hide behind well-meaning attempts at body diversity. Rather, their decision to carry clothes in only the XS/S or S/M size was an intentional endeavor. Brandy Melville executives

know their small clothes fit only a specific body type and they feed off of this, putting only tall, skinny and flat models on their website and in their stores as cashiers.

On May 24, 2020, TikTok user calliejeanxo posted a TikTok (the first of many she’d make on this issue) outlining her experience working at Brandy Melville. In the video, Callie said, “A girl that was bigger than the rest of us wasn’t allowed to come back from behind the cashier so no one could see her body.” Callie hasn’t worked at Brandy Melville since 2013, but she acknowledged in part 18 of the series that the store environment is relatively unchanged. Though only one girl’s experience, it seems too similar to Brandy Melville’s sizing policy and social media presence to be just an isolated incident.

One could argue that Brandy Melville is merely being irresponsible rather than calculating. After all, it wouldn’t be fair to blame one company for a culture of fat shaming that has been around since the Renaissance.

And, as an independent company selling clothes in a free country, Brandy Melville is allowed to advertise their clothes however they want. But in an era where, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, 13.2 percent of girls have struggled with some form of eating disorder by the age 20 and, according to a March Bark survey, 76 percent of Redwood students have felt negatively about their bodies, this level of carelessness is unethical. With a customer base of primarily tweens and young adults, the demographic most likely to develop an eating disorder according to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Brandy Melville needs to stop enforcing body standards and instead become part of the solution.

Other companies have already hopped on this body positivity bandwagon; teen clothing brands such as ASOS and Aerie offer a diverse range of sizes and make a point not to retouch photos. However, both companies actually made more money than Brandy Melville in 2018 (the most recent year data is available), with Aerie’s revenue reaching $650 million and ASOS’s hitting $2417.3 million, compared to Brandy Melville’s $300 million. If Aerie and ASOS can make a higher profit while maintaining a body positive marketing plan, Brandy Melville could easily do the same.

Brandy Melville still provides many middle schoolers with their first taste of freedom; their low prices allow clothes to be bought with pocket money or wages from first babysitting jobs, and their one size policy arguably makes shopping simpler. But, this freedom is undermined by the limited nature of their advertising and clothing sizes. With more clothing brands celebrating size inclusivity, it’s time to outgrow this “one size fits all” culture. mfishburne@redwoodbark.org

kdawes@redwoodbark.org

Page 7 • Opinion

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Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-In-Chief Ella Green Sofi Mincy Camille Ray Jack Watson Head Copy Editors Nicole Johnson Shannon Watridge

editorial Don’t let your mothers, sisters, wives and daughters “Calling all fathers, brothers, husbands and sons.”

POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of The Bark staff.

be a part of the 97 percent If you’ve been scrolling through your Instagram feed during the past several weeks, odds are you’ve come across an omnipresent “97 percent” graphic.

Conducted by the United Nations for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, this study found that 97 percent of women ages 18 to 24 in the U.K. have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public spaces. On a local level, a 2017 Bark survey found that 59 percent of students have had experiences at Redwood that constitute sexual harassment by U.S. law.

These statistics have not just been met with disbelief, but have also been disregarded by many who have deemed them impossible. This notion of impossibility is the very root of the sexual harassment plaguing the world, an issue lying in the fact that many are unaware of what falls under the umbrella of harassment.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, sexual harassment is “behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation.” Contrasted to sexual assault, harassment appears a meek issue, but its apparent lack of severity gives way to its ubiquity. Something as simple as a man walking too close to a woman at night can spike the woman’s nerves for the remainder of her evening, whether intentional on the man’s behalf or not. It is true that not all men are bad, but the behaviors of some are enough to make women afraid of all –– this is why simply not sexually harassing anyone isn’t enough.

The recent surge in awareness of sexual harassment has brought to light many injustices and put the true colors of our abuser-sympathetic culture on full display. At the forefront of backlash are baseless defenses. “It’s not ‘all men’ because my friends and I would never do this!” Okay, but Matt Lauer’s friends never would have thought he’d do it. Neither would have Bill Cosby’s. Ostensibly kind people, and some of our biggest role models, can have the darkest underbellies.

Only in the last few weeks, star Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson had 19 lawsuits filed against him for alleged sexual harassment. Social media users flooded TikTok and other platforms with comments like “Innocent until proven guilty,” “Girls always do this to try to get money from people” and “Watson don’t even seem like the type of dude to do something like that.” Whether or not Watson sexually harassed these women is not the point. The initial reaction cannot be to belittle and attack women because safeguarding the characters of seemingly decent men like Watson is not just logically fallacious, but it actively trivializes

A BARK to going back to full in-person learning. Admin wasn’t lying when they said we’d be back after Spring Break.

A BITE to the parking policy returning. By the time they give out parking permits, it’s going to be finals week.

A BARK to teachers. We know hybrid learning is tough, but no, unfortunately we can’t hear the video.

A BITE to watching the 2021 Grammys with our parents.

Megan needs to give us Thee warning next time.

the experiences of their victims. This in turn sets a dubious precedent for all following cases, giving voice to the “not all men” arguments that have set out to invalidate the experiences of most women.

While it would be statistically correct to say that “not all men” are sexually harassing women, all men live under the degrading culture that has given them the power and will to do so for centuries.

Such a culture is also characterized by constant reinforced female inferiority, dominated by locker room jokes about women “belonging in the kitchen” and dubs boys that are decent to women “simps.” It’s a culture where men can privately enjoy portrayals of oversexualized Playboy girls, but turn around and slut-shame any women in their lives that dress in a similar manner. Fear and discomfort from women who are catcalled confers dominance to male perpetrators. This culture enables men to send unsolicited nude photos to women without any indication of the woman’s consent, assuming “she wants it.” We discredit reports of misconduct and layer on fear of retribution for reporting inappropriate behaviors, which is why reported cases of assault and misconduct fall so far behind projections like the U.K. study. So for those attempting to debunk the 97 percent statistic: look inside yourself and think about why you’re so deeply troubled by this study, for even if that number sat at 1 percent, it would still be too many.

To create cultural change, more than not partaking in harassment is necessary. Being empathetic of the universal female experience is where the most palpable change is possible. Denouncing objectifying language and listening to others’ experiences without questioning them are ways to empathize with victims of sexual harassment and assault in order to create a safe environment. Putting an end to “bro culture” where kindness and support towards women is looked down upon as weak is paramount in initiating productive discussions among men in condemning sexual harassment. Our knee-jerk reaction to women coming forward cannot be to defend the man, but rather to listen to the woman. Fathers, brothers, husbands and sons: stand up for all women as if they were your mothers, sisters, wives and daughters.

Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in The Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor.

Letters to The Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org.

A BARK to seniors committing to colleges. Instagram stalking has never been so much fun.

A BITE to Trump claiming the Jan. 6 rioters were “hugging and kissing” police. We know Trump’s definition of kissing is blurred.

A BARK to Ashley Tisdale for having a new baby girl. If only they named her Sharpay.

A BITE to France for having another lockdown. Say au revoir to European spring break plans!

A BARK to the release of the Netflix documentary

“Operation Varsity Blues, the College Admissions Scandal.”

The production time was longer than the parents’ prison sentences.

A BITE to the UC system being even more competitive this year. We’re sure our parents are excited to pay outof-state tuition.

BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.

Copy Editors Maxanne Anderson Greta Cifarelli Samantha Elegant Martha Fishburne Kate McHugh Bella Piacente Alli Runnfeldt Abigail Shewmaker Sophie Smallhorn Gemma Strauss Natalie Tress News Editors Jackson Epps Caroline Goodhart Opinion Editors Casey Braff Sol Ladetzky Feature Editors Taylor Elliott Kent Goodman Sports Editors Jacob Mandel Christopher Vargelis Review Editors Sophia Rocha AnnaLise Sandrich Lifestyles Editors Hollis Belger Anna Silverman Video Editors Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan Spanish Editor Hannah Sellers Podcast Editor Nathan Ash Business Managers Annie Goldstein Samantha Michaels Social media Managers Charlie Ginsburg Audrey Lightfoot Survey Manager Emma Lightfoot Multimedia Manager Olivia Kharrazi Art Consultants Kalyn Dawes Keely Ganong Reporters Avery Aguero Isabel Ames Will Baker Loughlin Browne Charlotte DeForrest Alex Fisch Clariss Garcia Nina Geoghegan Libby Hughes Patrick Jacobson Mia Kessinger Ava Koblik Brooke Leslie Sydney Liebhauser Declan McDaniels PJ Pfeiffer Caroline Scharf Allie Vasquez Keegan Williams Senior Staff Writers Mara Farese Katie Parsons Adviser Erin Schneider

español

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Aprendizaje un idioma en línea frente a la instrucción presencial Cuento por Taylor Elliott Con Enrique Iglesias tocando en los pasillos, la mayoría de los estudiantes de español de Redwood aún pueden recordar cómo eran sus clases de Español antes de que la instrucción en línea comenzara en marzo de 2020. Lo que una vez fue un ambiente animado para que los estudiantes conversaran en una lengua extranjera con sus compañeros y el maestro, la clase en línea se ha convertido en virtualmente silenciosa. Tras casi un año lejos del campus, los estudiantes han vuelto a un modelo híbrido de enseñanza desde el pasado 2 de marzo de 2021, y están listos para probar cuánto Español han aprendido realmente en Zoom.

Melissa Zeiher lleva enseñando español 11 años y instruye los cursos de Español 5-6, Honores 7-8 y curso avanzado (AP) de lengua española en Redwood. Aunque Zeiher admite que las oportunidades para practicar un idioma se han visto comprometidas con la enseñanza en línea, considera que la calidad educativa ha continuado. “[Después de] ver en persona a mis estudiantes y conversar con ellos en el aula por primera vez [durante la primera semana tras el regreso], me he quedado muy impresionada con el nivel en el que se encuentran. Creo que muchos alumnos se han esforzado verdaderamente para mantener un aprendizaje constante el año pasado,” comentó Zeiher.

Según la maestra Zeiher, los estudiantes pueden mantener sus habilidades en español de formal virtual gracias a que las cuatro modalidades de aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera - conversación, comprensión auditiva, lectura y escritura- se pueden enseñar a distancia.

“La adquisición de un segundo idioma es un proceso permanente, y el input comprensible en esa lengua es la herramienta principal que la desarrolla. Se puede lograr por medio de la lectura, la comprensión auditiva, y muchas repeticiones,” apuntó Zeiher.

El estudio “Language Online project,” dirigido por la Universidad Carnegie Mellon, investigó la efectividad que los cursos de idiomas en línea tienen en el resultado del aprendizaje para los estudiantes. Los investigadores compararon cuatro cursos de idiomas en línea, en los niveles básico e intermedio, con sus cursos equivalentes en persona. El estudió involucró la participación de 11 maestros y 354 estudiantes, incluyendo cinco semestres y 34 clases (13 en línea y 21 en persona). La universidad utilizó múltiples mediciones para comparar el aprendizaje de estudiantes en línea y en persona, como la producción oral y escrita, la lectura, la comprensión auditiva, el

conocimiento de la gramática y el vocabulario. Los resultados indican que los cursos de idiomas en línea son razonablemente satisfactorios; de hecho, mas del 80 por ciento de los estudiantes en línea obtuvieron un progreso parecido al de los estudiantes en clases presenciales.

No obstante, Lucas Mandel (senior), un estudiante del curso avanzado de español AP, explica que hay menos oportunidades para la práctica de la lengua en Zoom y una falta de comunicación entre estudiantes.

“Puede ser más fácil [sacar una buena nota en la clase de español] porque no tienes que hablar todo el tiempo necesariamente o involucrarte en la clase al estar en línea. Al mismo tiempo, creo que es una desventaja [la enseñanza en línea] porque para aprender realmente tienes que estar en un entorno de conversación constante con otras personas,” expresó Mandel.

Adicionalmente, un estudio de la Universidad de California, San Diego, analizó el papel de la motivación y la actitud de los estudiantes de segundo año en el marco del aprendizaje de idiomas en cursos en línea. Los resultados revelaron que los estudiantes tendían a tener una mayor ansiedad al principio del semestre, hecho que los investigadores atribuían a su falta de familiaridad con el entorno de enseñanza a distancia. En contraposición, la motivación y la actitud de los estudiantes hacia el aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera eran relativamente positivas y estables a lo largo del curso. Las implicaciones de estas averiguaciones en los estudiantes de Redwood son que, aunque fuera un desafío al principio, el aprendizaje en línea no es una formación inadecuada. A largo plazo, puede significar una experiencia positiva.

De acuerdo con Mandel, las aplicaciones de idiomas pueden convertirse en una parte valiosa del

Arte por Kalyn Dawes

aprendizaje en línea, especialmente para los estudiantes que se preparan para los exámenes de AP. Si bien él usa Quizlet con frecuencia para estudiar, diferentes y variadas aplicaciones pueden complementar el aprendizaje realizado en la escuela.

Steven Toy es el Director de Operaciones de Memrise, una plataforma que utiliza la repetición secuenciada de fichas para impulsar el aprendizaje de idiomas en la web y en el móvil. Toy considera que Memrise, y otros programas como Duolingo o Quizlet, son herramientas excelentes para los estudiantes que quieren una práctica extra del español en este momento.

“Creo que [las aplicaciones] pueden complementar la clase de español de una manera muy efectiva. Hay mucho más que tiene darse [para aprender una lengua] como la repetición y la inmersión, escuchar una palabra en diferentes contextos, procurar decirla y expandir tu vocabulario al incorporar nuevas palabras. Así que, no creo que se reemplace completamente a las clases [en persona], y puedes llegar lejos con solo usar una aplicación,” señaló Toy. Aunque recientes estudios han mostrado resultados prometedores, las diferentes experiencias de estudiantes y maestros hacen que el regreso a las clases con el modelo híbrido beneficie al programa de español de Redwood. “[Tener] fluidez en una segunda lengua es un proceso que se logra en muchos años, y creo que la ralentización momentánea durante esta pandemia no va a ser decisiva en el aprendizaje, en última instancia. Se trata de hacerlo parte de tu vida,” comentó Zeiher. telliott@redwoodbark.org

Documental de Netflix destaca la historia del acoso sexual en España Cuento y Arte por Sophia Rocha Dando vida a la voz de una víctima, la serie documental reciente de Netflix titulada, “Nevenka: Rompiendo el silencio,” busca contar la infame historia de acoso sexual de Nevenka Fernández. La serie de tres partes comienza con una mirada amplia a la situación. En 1999, Fernández comenzó a trabajar como consejera en su ciudad natal, Ponferrada, España, bajo la dirección del alcalde, Ismael Álvarez, un mujeriego severo. Dado que Fernández nunca antes había estado involucrado en política, la razón por la que Álvarez contrató a Fernández no estaba clara al principio.

Las intenciones de Álvarez se hicieron evidentes al año siguiente cuando comenzó a buscar una relación con Fernández y ella aceptó.

Rápidamente, la relación consensuada se disparó y se volvió abusiva, algo que

Fernández no esperaba.

“Sentí un poco de admiración hacia él en ese momento porque me parecía que era una persona que era una buena persona.

Que era una persona que había salido, como siempre decía, de la nada y había conseguido llegar profesionalmente a un lugar importante,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Al incluir tanto clips de los eventos reales en 2000 como los de entrevistas 20 años después, Netflix combina con fluidez el

pasado y el presente.

Aunque la serie no incluye ninguna entrevista con Álvarez debido a su negativa a comentar, las imágenes de sus comunicados de prensa en 2001 que niegan todas las acusaciones mostraron las perspectivas de

ambas partes.

“Creo que la mejor manera de definir la situación es un infierno,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Una de las decisiones creativas más efectivas de la serie documental fue la elección de incluir momentos de las emotivas entrevistas de Fernández. Los espectadores pueden conectarse con su historia en un nivel más personal al ver cómo Fernández todavía está increíblemente afectada por los eventos que enfrentó hace dos décadas. Los aspectos emocionales del documental son increíblemente poderosos, pero en lugar de hacer que el espectador se compadezca de Fernández, los productores usan la emoción para construirla como una mujer valiente.

“Creo que me sentí avergonzado porque también me sentí responsable de lo que me había pasado,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Al pasar de los relatos emocionales del acoso a un enfoque en las audiencias del tribunal penal que comenzaron en 2002, el episodio tres incorpora clips de video del pasado. Un pequeño grupo de mujeres protesta fuera de la sala del tribunal coreando “Ismael, culpable es.” Esto contrasta con el clip de Álvarez presentándose como víctima en

comunicados de prensa. Al combinar el metraje en vivo con los clips de audio de las declaraciones de Álvarez y Fernández, la serie documental crea una mirada holística al juicio.

“No me importaba porque, todo lo que contara finalmente tenía que pelearse contra la verdad. Y la verdad es muy poderosa, ¿no?” Fernández dijo en episodio 3.

Después de un juicio de un mes, Álvarez se convirtió en el primer político español condenado por acoso sexual, grabando la personal historia de Fernández en la historia del país. “Nevenka: Breaking the Silence” saca a la luz la situación en un mundo moderno, instándonos a crecer a partir de nuestros errores y escuchar las voces de otras víctimas de acoso sexual como Nevenka.

“Me gustaría decir que Nevenka fue la víctima, pero no deberíamos tratarla como tal. Esta ha sido una lección para todos nosotros. Que es posible empezar una nueva vida, y hasta diría buena, a pesar de la desgracia de la situación, si somos capaces de afrontarla en lugar de negarla,” Juan José Millas, autor de “Hay Algo que No es Como Me Dicen: El caso de Nevenka Fernández contra la realidad,” dijo en episodio 3. srocha@redwoodbark.org

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Immigrating to new immigration policies under Biden are coming here because they know somebody here. mess. ... So, if we got rid of the 3- and 10-year bars, that There’s a whole immigration theory about how there’s the would be huge,” Levin-Meer said.

In the past month from Feb. 28 to March 20, the first person who comes and then more people follow, so Citizenship U.S. Border Patrol has detained more than 11,000 [it’s very rare for people] to come by themselves.”

The process of obtaining citizenship has become unaccompanied migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico Deportations increasingly difficult over the last few decades, in part due border. Until recently, the shelters’ capacity was reduced Obama, named by critics as “deporter-in-chief,” was to the new requirements Trump created for green cards and by almost 40 percent due to COVID-19, forcing Joe Biden’s administration to reopen Donald Trump-era child notorious for the high rates of deportation during his the asylum restrictions for migrants at the U.S. southern migrant facilities. Simultaneously, Biden has attempted to presidency, deporting nearly three million foreigners over border. Levin-Meer has experienced frustration with the uphold the promise of more humane treatment of migrants his 8-year term — an estimated 1.7 million of them had evolution of immigration law practices in the past two no criminal record. These figures were in large part due decades. compared to Trump.

“When I first started practicing immigration law, it was In recent administrations, issues concerning border to Secure Communities, a program created by the Bush control, deportation and citizenship have taken center administration that used fingerprint identification to detect pretty procedural. If you wanted to get a VISA to come stage. As seen within the past 76 days, the shift of immigrants in local jails. Once identified, undocumented here, you showed [required documents], and you’d get the presidential power has already had a profound effect on the immigrants were taken into custody by Immigration and VISA. There were always outliers and things that went Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and then deported. wrong, but usually, it worked. What I’ve seen in the past U.S. immigration system. Not only are the current policies The expansion of Secure Communities created 20 years is immigration become almost like an adversarial being changed during a pandemic and a surge of migrant opposition that argued too many foreigners were law practice; we fight all the time now,” Levin-Meer said. children, but they are also confronting immigration from being deported for only being accused of minor One of Biden’s goals is paving an 8-year pathway a less deterrent angle. Although the course might seem offenses such as traffic violations. In response, to citizenship for 11 million people living without legal uncharted, Biden may learn from the Obama replaced this program with Priority status. Unlike bills seen in the past three decades, it legislative successes and failures Enforcement, which focused ICE resources only intends to remove family-based immigration made by former Presidents towards the most high- restrictions and expand worker VISAs. Barack Obama and Trump. profile criminal cases. Although Levin-Meer does not To decrease the high know whether or not it is Border patrol rate of deportations, realistic, she supports The Obama administration many cities, counties the idea. asserted control over the U.S.and local agencies “If Biden could Mexico border by expanding limited police aid actually the detention capacity. to ICE by passing p u s h Criticism arose, sanctuary policies. through however, when Still, this widespread something children were detained fear of deportations that would in these facilities for persists and was further help people beyond the 72-hour intensified by Trump’s rhetoric and policies to vett who have been here for that long — some of these people mandate. To balance out the harsher detention policies, Obama invested $750 million in Central the status of immigrant populations. Michelle Levin-Meer, have been here for 20 years — and help them to do American countries to manage the influx of immigrants an immigration lawyer and Redwood parent, points out the something to adjust their status, it would be so good for the country,” said Levin-Meer. at its source. In terms of preventing immigrants from risk non-citizens face.

“In the United States, if you’re arrested, and you Senior Nico O’Neill has several family members entering the U.S., Trump succeeded in sealing off the border. Still, many Americans, including English as a can’t afford an attorney, you can get a public defender to who emigrated from Mexico and became citizens after Second Language (ESL) teacher Deborah McCrea, did not represent you. If you’re detained by ICE for an immigration getting work VISAs and then green cards. Although the violation [where] you didn’t commit a felony or crime, process went smoothly for them, O’Neill says that gaining believe this approach yielded success.

Trump instituted policies that limited the number of that would get you a public defender. There is no right to citizenship can become a challenge if the applicant cannot asylum seekers allowed to enter ports and discouraged an attorney. I think that’s really wrong, so I have thought pass their background check or speak English, not to families from entering. However, the separation of about maybe [transitioning] into some defense of people mention if they entered the U.S. illegally.

“I think that immigration has made the United States families came from a rule after COVID-19 was declared who are just caught up in the system and don’t have a lot as great as it is because [of the] diversity. But, the problem a public health emergency. This rule, Title 42, expelled of options,” Levin-Meer said.

Nonprofits can offer representation for immigrants is finding the balance of how many immigrants the U.S. — or rapidly turned away — all migrants who crossed the border, including unaccompanied children. What was arrested by ICE, but Levin-Meer says their help isn’t can really take because the U.S. can only support so many people; there’s already [10.5] percent of Americans below meant to be a precautionary measure against spreading adequate.

“I’m on a bunch of [electronic mailing lists] for the poverty line,” O’Neill said. “We have to find a good disease caused the displacement of children, as the U.S. sent them to Mexico instead of their home countries. immigration lawyers, and [nonprofits] are always calling balance and also make it easy for people to immigrate Under the program known as Migrant Protection for [lawyers] to go down to the Texas border because there [here] legally so they don’t have to [immigrate] illegally Protocols, informally known as “Wait in Mexico,” 25,000 are tons of people who are arrested right there and they because that can be dangerous and lead to [the] splitting asylum seekers who were forced to wait along the U.S.- need representation. They don’t have enough [lawyers],” up [of families].”

Choosing which battles to fight in such a multi-faceted Mexico border are starting to be gradually processed by Levin-Meer said.

In the 2020 debates, Biden called it a “big mistake” to agenda will be difficult for Biden, but McCrea believes the U.S. government. While living in San Diego in 1989, McCrea protested to demilitarize the border after seeing have deported hundreds of thousands of people without that he must address immigration issues immediately. criminal records during his time serving with the Obama “Now is the time. I don’t think [immigration] should its inhumane conditions.

“I feel so sad for the people who, under Trump, were administration. His proposal of reversing the 3- and 10- be anything less than a huge priority because it affects so placed along the border because I know how dangerous year bars could compensate, though. Currently, anyone in many individuals. ...We look at [immigration] as a policy those places can be, especially for vulnerable the U.S. illegally for 180 days or less is barred for three or as something very abstract, but each decision affects individuals. They’re in this crazy limbo where years from returning and those for more than one year are thousands if not more actual human beings, many of they were told they had to wait in Mexico,” barred for 10 years. Levin-Meer believes Biden should whom live in our orbit. I think it should be a priority said McCrea. “I think [a better remove 3- and 10-year bars, one reason being the policy and as soon as possible while [Biden] has the majority,” McCrea said. solution] is for people to wait exiles individuals who have overstayed their VISAs. “People are married to an American, they’ve had kids for the processes to occur in the U.S. because and they’re just stuck here. They can’t come out of the ssmallhorn@redwoodbark.org most people shadows because if they do, they could be sent back to a country that maybe they’ve never even looked at. It’s a

By Sophie Smallhorn

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

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Page 10 • Feature

April 2, 2021

A dangerous mixer: alcohol and eating disorders

By Camille Ray Overweight. Too skinny. Too curvy.

Flat-chested. The never-ending flood of images online reflecting unrealistic beauty standards has created a detrimental environment where self-hate consumes some teenage girls. Social media posts, pressure from family members and peers and social anxiety are all factors that have contributed to the frequency of eating disorders among high school students.

Constantly skipping meals to squeeze into an outfit, get intoxicated faster or cancel out calories from alcoholic beverages have all become common habits for some of those involved in the party scene. While they may start as conscious decisions, these lifestyle choices are eating disorders nonetheless, and can quickly spiral out of control without professional support.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders are the most prevalent eating disorder conditions among teenagers. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a distorted self-image accompanied by a calorie deficit and dramatic drop in body mass; bulimia is defined as recurring episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting and sometimes extreme exercising; binge eating disorder entails eating without control and in large amounts at one time.

Corinne Dobbas, a Marin Nutrition and Body Image Counselor who has a master’s in nutrition science (MS) and is a registered dietitian (RD), reveals that, despite their traditional portrayal, eating disorders do not always mean that the person appears underweight, which makes them even more challenging to identify and treat.

“You cannot tell someone’s degree of suffering or mental health and the amount of pain that somebody is going through based on the size of their body or just by looking at them. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. They are not contained within one body shape despite our culture’s precedent,” Dobbas said.

Even though around 9 percent of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their life, those struggling often go unnoticed, and the Bay Area is no exception.

According to a 2014 Bark survey, 32.5 percent of Redwood girls consider themselves to have had an eating disorder at some point, and 7.5 percent have been medically diagnosed.

Although the reasons for disordered eating vary, the illness can become particularly fatal when combined with alcohol and partying, a common practice among local teens. According to data from the 2019 California Healthy Kids Survey, almost half of Marin County’s 11th graders and more than a quarter of ninth-graders drink or use drugs. While eating disorders and alcohol abuse are two separate conditions, their common co-occurrence is rooted in both illnesses’ ability to temporarily mask stress, anxiety, fear, trauma or sadness, and together they can be a deadly mix. Because alcohol and restricted eating only diminish the aforementioned mental issues for a limited time, it can sometimes encourage people to continue engaging in destructive habits to replicate the same comfort. Those who struggle with both an eating disorder and a tendency to abuse substances demonstrate worse symptoms and worse outcomes than those with only an eating

disorder, including increased medical complications, longer recovery time and a higher chance of relapse, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Even if someone initially has no intention of eating in a disordered manner, these bad habits, normalized by party culture, are slippery slopes that can induce obsessive eating disorder behaviors, especially considering that teenagers are highly susceptible to addictive behaviors.

The nucleus accumbens is the part of the brain that reacts with happy “reward” chemicals when people eat, sleep or do other things that ensure their survival.

These chemicals can also be artificially produced when people engage in disordered eating habits. By consistently activating this section of the brain, the neurotransmitter solidifies, and a pattern is formed.

Once this habit is established, it is difficult to break, especially because most struggling individuals become reliant on the relief found from artificial stimulation.

Even when presented with the devastating health consequences of eating disorders, it takes renewed effort to break the circuit of a person who is dependent on a false solution, emotional relief, comfort or stability.

In the initial months of struggling through anorexia, senior “Lucy,” who wishes to remain anonymous, used her relationship with food as a means of control over her body; however, as the illness progressed, managing her food became addictive. It was almost impossible to escape her compulsion to restrict.

“Since eating disorders are habitual, they become something you rely on to feel [in] control, to feel comfort [and] to feel

good,” Lucy said. “You have this eating disorder voice in your mind telling you, ‘You can’t eat this. You can’t do that.’ It kind of sets of all these rules for you, and if you break them, it feels like you’ve lost that source of control, which is a scary feeling.”

Along with addiction, the danger behind these practices also lies in the individual not receiving enough calories or nutrients from food to maintain a healthy body. Although alcohol does contain calories, they are considered empty calories that provide no nutritional value. For those consistently depriving their bodies of adequate nutrition, the result is a high risk for dehydration, vitamin depletion and other health issues that lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

In addition to restricted eating, another dangerous party-instigated practice is self-induced vomiting after a night of heavy drinking to expel alcohol, which has been recently coined as “pulling trig.” Although the initial intention is not rooted in disordered eating, normalizing the act of intentionally throwing up can suck people into bulimic habits that follow them outside the party scene and into day-to-day life. According to a research study conducted by Tufts Medical School, purging behaviors can change an individual’s brain chemistry and become addictive if performed frequently. Forcing oneself to throw up on a consistent basis can shift serotonin levels and release endorphins into the brain, resulting in a high that people might strive to recreate following a meal.

Furthermore, intentionally throwing up can prompt extreme health-related consequences.

Constantly vomiting can put someone’s body in a state of electrolyte imbalance, causing symptoms such as an irregular

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

heartbeat, fatigue and seizures. Similar to anorexia, purging can cause an absence of a menstrual cycle, leading to infertility later in life.

Even though these behaviors have been normalized by some partygoers, it is crucial to understand that both alcohol and eating disorders are forms of addiction.

When they occur simultaneously, they can be a catalyst to more severe mental and physical health issues. As someone who struggled through an eating disorder while still going to parties, Lucy affirms that engaging in these behaviors is not worth the risk of developing the illness.

“If I had to use one word to describe an eating disorder, it would probably be ‘addicting,’” Lucy said. “When you start acting on these normalized behaviors, it can be really hard to stop. Eventually, it becomes out of your control. No matter the excuse as to why you’re participating in an eating disorderrelated behavior, it’s still a behavior and can escalate into something severe.”

Not only can the standardization of disordered eating habits manipulate people into developing an illness, but it can also worsen the experience of those presently struggling or recovering from an eating disorder themselves. Having struggled with issues regarding her relationship with food, St. Ignatius College Preparatory (SI) junior Charlotte Glen has experienced firsthand how difficult it is for those recovering to attend parties.

“I think the relationship between partying and eating disorders is a touchy subject for people in recovery because it can be very triggering. They may think, ‘Was I better when I restricted? Should I go back to doing that? Will I look better to people if I follow what they’re doing?’

It makes it easy to question yourself when you’re in a peer pressure situation,” Glen said.

Regardless of how society and popular culture view the ideal body size and appearance, unhealthy eating habits are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal when left untreated. As easy as it is to conform to party culture norms, Glen reiterates that people must continue to engage in behavior that keeps their bodies and minds healthy.

Despite their tendency to isolate people, eating disorders do not have to be fought alone. While party culture can normalize these illnesses, Dobbas emphasizes how important it is to seek professional support to begin the recovery process.

“Eating disorders are often a way people cope with uncomfortable feelings and uncomfortable emotions or maybe a past trauma,” Dobbas said. “Whatever the reason may be, there are people out there dedicated to supporting those who are struggling. Whatever practices that have been normalized because of partying or social media should not keep those who are struggling away from the help they need.”

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any eating disorder signs, contact the 24-hour National Eating Disorders Helpline at +1 (800)-931-2237. The Wellness Center is also available during school hours and can help connect you to local doctors, therapists or psychiatrists that specialize in eating disorder diagnosis and recovery. If you are unsure whether your eating habits qualify you for professional help, the National Eating Disorder Association also has a screening tool that can determine your diagnosis and subsequent treatment options; https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool cray@redwoodbark.org

www.redwoodbark.org

Page 11 • Feature

bark

A hybrid of learning opportunities in American education

By Samantha Elegant and Natalie Tress After a year of awaiting a return to normalcy, students received the long-anticipated announcement that Redwood would switch to 100 percent in-person learning starting April 13, 2021. This message provoked mixed emotions, whether it be excitement to once again walk through the hallways, fear of getting the virus or concern about how the new learning model would operate.

Students are now adjusting from rolling out of their beds and into their desk chairs to pulling into their parking spaces and walking to class. While this is a shocking change to Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) students, many teens across the country are already well-adjusted to in-person learning. Some high schools in Pennsylvania continue to learn remotely, high schools in Texas have a hybrid system in place and students in New York are learning completely inperson.

Pennsylvania The Julia Reynolds Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School is a grade 5-12 public school in the School District of Philadelphia. Philadelphia County has consistently been classified as “very high risk,” with an average of 27 cases per 100,000 people. While there is still no plan for high school students’ return to in-person learning, as of March 1, the district announced a plan to have all students in grades 3-5 and complex needs students High School has offered both online and hybrid learning to in grades 6-8 to begin hybrid learning on April 26th with the general population, while select students with learning high school students still virtual. To ensure a safe return, needs, such as a failing grade, have been able to return to Principal Jessica Brown explains that they had to cater to full in-person learning. Cukierman has opted to continue online instruction due to safety concerns. both the students’ and the teachers’ needs.

“I don’t really think it’s the best idea for [the school] “At this point, there’s a mediator that is talking to the school district and the union around if it’s safe to to be offering fully in-person learning, especially for their teachers. But, I guess it’s not my place to attack go back into school them, even though I did because there was send my superintendent an an agreement that email [explaining my certain [safety concerns],” Cukierman regulations] had to said. be in place,” Brown Cukierman says that said. the administration does not The traditional communicate well with their architecture of the students, especially about school buildings sports protocol, which is is also a concern, continuously changing. according to Brown, Additionally, she says because most of that the COVID-19 the local schools regulations for sports are over Illustrations by Keely Ganong and Samantha Elegant were not heavily enforced 70-yearson her tennis team and even less so old. The lack of funding makes following with contact sports such as basketball.

COVID-19 guidelines challenging. “[The administrators] think [not “There are questions around how all [of] these buildings are safe in terms of ventilation, and whether the enforcing safety regulations] is fine, [CDC’s] guidelines will be able to be implemented in [our] which it’s not, because they’re putting a lot of kids in danger,” Cukierman said. schools with social distancing,” Brown said.

According to Cukierman, teachers Additionally, Brown points out how, with a student population of 1,200, the Masterman School is already over are also put in jeopardy because the the building’s student capacity by 400 students, making it district is forcing them to teach in-person unless they have an existing medical even more difficult to bring students back safely.

“We use the library for two classrooms and the condition. As a result, some quit to avoid cafeteria for two classrooms,” Brown said. “So you can the risk of spreading COVID-19 to family see the concern around the capacity and how we would put members with medical issues.

Cukierman says that Texas, in general, is not all of our guidelines in place.” safe with its guidelines. To her point, on March The School District of 10, Gov. Greg Abbot allowed all businesses to Philadelphia created a policy open at full capacity and ended the mask mandate. and protocol book, including Texas is one of the first states to lift these restrictions.

COVID-19 testing and classroom guidelines. Teachers are eager to return to teaching in New York the classroom safely, according On March 10, Rye High School to Brown. in Westchester County, began “It’s not that educators don’t operating in full in-person learning. want kids inside Westchester County’s COVID-19 the school, but numbers are considered “very the safety of high risk,” with an average of everything that 40 cases per 100,000 people. goes along with it is Even with these large numbers, really a challenge,” superintendent Eric Byrne supports Brown said. “And that’s in-person school with strong safety what we want: safety.” protocols.

“We believe that the research has supported the move to fully reopening school, coupled Texas with the fact that there’s now a much larger data Junior Hannah Cukierman is a student at collection that has shown that there’s very limited Anderson High School in Travis County, Austin. transmission within schools. Our own internal data The school has about 2,200 students and is part of [shows] no transmission within any of our schools the Austin Independent School District. Travis County is considered a “high risk” area with an average of eight since the start of the year,” Byrne said.

While many students choose to learn in the classrooms, daily cases per 100,000 people. Since late fall, Anderson

200 out of the 1,100 students, including junior Alence Zion, opted to stay in virtual learning due to safety concerns.

“There is no way that it can be safe with that many people in the classrooms at once,” Zion said. “I know so many people in my grade see people in large groups outside of school and from other schools, so they could easily get COVID-19.”

Although students like Zion have safety concerns, Byrne believes that as vaccine distribution continues, the worries that virtual students have may be lifted.

“We believe that [vaccine distribution] helped to make our staff feel quite comfortable, and it’s another layer of mitigation strategy that we believe is helpful from a safety perspective,” Byrne said.

Even with the added safety, the administration says they support and listen to students who prefer to stay at home by allowing them the option to remain virtual on any given day.

“I think it’s really important that school systems work collaboratively, with the students, parents and teachers in the community,” Byrne said. “As you’re reopening, you want people to feel comfortable enough and safe enough that you can have [beneficial] learning.”

California Marin County is at “high risk” with 10 cases per 100,000 people. Although this is not many in comparison to Westchester County’s 44 cases per 100,000, those schools have been fully in-person for a while. Yet, Redwood has just announced a switch from hybrid learning to full in-person learning starting on April 13.

Despite varying COVID-19 numbers and levels of efficiency for getting students back into the classroom, the overarching goal in states across the country is to provide inperson learning opportunities within the constraints of county and district rules.

According to The New York Times vaccination rollout map, with 12 percent of people in Texas fully vaccinated, 15 percent in New York, 15 percent in California and 15 percent in Pennsylvania, the U.S. is on the right path towards returning to normal. Four out of the six counties (read about Maryland and Connecticut online) we covered have returned to at least partial in-person instruction meaning that there is hope for a complete return to inperson school before the end of this pandemic.

All COVID-19 statistics are from the New York Times, using John Hopkins University case and death data.

Information last updated on 3/28/2021. bark@redwoodbark.org

evolving learning model school, without switching back and forth.

Even with these protocols in place and the district’s endorsement, not everyone in the TUHSD community feels as comfortable with having the whole student population on campus at once.

Maria Civano is an eight-year Redwood Spanish teacher who, while excited for inperson interaction with her students, fears bringing COVID-19 home to unvaccinated family members. According to the CDC, the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing transmissions is still unknown.

“The satisfaction of my profession is just being with the kids. … So, this is beautiful, being with [the students] and being able to have eye contact and have personal connections,” Civano said. “On the other hand, I think it is dangerous. I know the CDC guidelines allow [for] this kind of return, [but] the dangerous part is that, even though most teachers are vaccinated already, we have dependents at home who are not.”

This apprehension can, in part, be attributed to the school’s updated interactive process guidelines.

For the district’s return in three cohorts, TUHSD took immunocompromised members of a teacher’s household into consideration.

Now, with all teachers fully vaccinated, high-risk family members are not covered. Instead, every faculty member teaching virtually is required to undergo the interactive process again and will be submitting requests until April 12; most will be required to return to the building.

Not every aspect of the district’s full in-person plan has been perfectly executed, though, specifically when it comes to communication. A few teachers suspected TUHSD would return for full inperson learning, but there was no formal announcement until March 22, which made some, including Civano, feel unheard.

While Civano understands that some of the lack of communication between teachers and administration stems from legality issues rather than ill will, she says that the district should have weighed the

teachers’ opinions more heavily.

“I think that’s part of the problem because [teachers] feel we are not being heard,” Civano said. “We’re all adults, [and] we know that we’re not going to get our way in everything that we asked for.

But I felt that [the full in-person return news] was handed down to me without any input [on] my part, and I think, being on the front lines, my input [is] valuable.”

While the physical safety of students and their families is a concern for many, that concern was balanced with a want to prioritize student mental health. According to a Bark survey conducted in March 2021, 24 percent of Redwood students reported having suicidal thoughts.

Taupier explains how a decline in students’ mental health was a driving factor behind full in person learning.

“One of the hardest things for us is [that] we wanted to keep everyone safe, but we also know that there’s been an increasing mental health crisis happening among youth,” Taupier said. “The distance learning and the isolation is having a really negative impact on young people, so part of it is weighing [the options]. We really have been careful — we’ve been getting all the staff vaccinated, and now I think it’s time to make sure we can keep as many students safe as possible.”

For the most part, it appears the district’s goal has paid off. Inperson school is a positive force when it comes to students’ mental

health, an experience senior Elsa Quinton has undergone firsthand.

“It’s good for everyone to socialize even if you aren’t a super social person.

Just having in-person interactions with students and teachers [is beneficial],” Quinton said. “Having that separation from home and school is pretty important, at least for me.”

Despite the importance of social interaction on students’ mental wellbeing, especially after a year of solitude, students themselves are the ones with the power to help Redwood remain in-person with their behavior off-campus, according to Taupier.

“The success of this moving forward really will not be what happens at school, but what happens outside,” Taupier said. “[We need to make] sure that everybody is staying vigilant … so we can open and stay open.”

Between teacher accommodation requests, COVID-19 safety precautions and evolving hybrid learning models, it is clear that the transition from Zoom to the room was a balancing act. Despite the struggle to pull together a quality learning experience for students, Christensen says all of the TUHSD’s work was worth it.

“I do think all of [our] mitigation measures [will] help to ease the transition back,” Christensen said. “Most folks want to come back, and as long as we’re all cautious and thoughtful and methodical about how we move through our day, we’re going to be okay.”

Information last updated on 3/31/21.

bark@redwoodbark.org

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

From Zoom to room: our e

By Martha Fishburne and Sofi Mincy With only three weeks of hybrid learning complete, Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) members were still memorizing classroom numbers, struggling to connect roomers with Zoomers and planning lunch dates with shared-cohort peers. Yet, on March 23, Superintendent Dr. Tara Taupier announced our return to full inperson instruction starting April 13, catching students and staff by surprise. Taupier’s previous “District Update” email, sent just four days prior, notified the community of our shift to two cohorts given recent changes to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines. Mixed emotions of excitement and confusion overcame the community as locals either welcomed or questioned the district’s decision. As the TUHSD continues its pursuit to normalcy, here is a review of the events that led to the district’s return.

Zoom to hybrid The district began planning Redwood’s arrival to campus over the summer of 2020; however, finding a model that was regarded as both safe and equitable for all was a difficult task. According to Taupier, the TUHSD maintained state-mandated safety practices when inside the building by purchasing air purifiers and plastic separators for every classroom, implementing a mask mandate and requiring frequent desk cleanings. For Taupier, reassuring those in the Redwood community of the plan’s safety was just as important to the backto-school process as the guidelines themselves.

“You have to acknowledge that people are uncomfortable and acknowledge that there’s a reason to be uncomfortable, but also assure them that we’re following the science and we’re following the data,” Taupier said.

“To some degree, it’s a matter of just getting used to a new normal. It’s scary at first, but then, after a few days, you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not so bad.’”

According to Taupier, school is made safe by the careful nature of many public health safety protocols, which err on the side of caution.

The administration follows COVID-19 research studies to ensure that all safety protocols are upto-date and that schools

can reopen to the furthest extent possible.

“All of these mitigation factors –– the masking, the distancing, the air-purifying –– they’re built off of the assumption that everyone has COVID-19,” Taupier said.

With a growing number of schools across the country returning to in-person learning, studies have found that some COVID-19 safety protocols do not notably decrease the spread of the virus, and are not necessary. A recent study, published by Oxford University Press on March 10, 2021, revealed that decreasing the physical distancing requirements between people inside a school building can safely occur without increasing COVID-19 transmission.

The experiment deems a three to six foot range as safe, given that everyone is properly masked; the TUHSD used this information as the basis of their choice to return to full in-person school on April 13.

Even with precautions in place and updated guidelines, not all students and staff are comfortable returning to inperson instruction.

While students currently have the choice of attending in-person or virtual school — as long their decision follows the set cohort schedule — TUHSD faculty were not granted the same flexibility.

In fact, over winter break, the administration asked all TUHSD staff to submit a formal request if they did not want to return to in-person learning. This system allowed teachers to specify any COVID-19 related needs or preferences, even giving them the option to opt out of in-person instruction if approved by the administration.

According to TUHSD teacher “Jane,” who wishes to remain anonymous, the appeals were carefully reviewed and discussed in meetings run by the administration. Lars Christensen, the TUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, single-handedly dealt with the process of deciding which teachers could instruct from home and which could either return grudgingly or forgo their jobs for a semester. Jane’s wish to teach from home was rejected; additional details on the

circumstances surrounding Jane’s request remain confidential. Still, Jane appreciated the meeting, as it allowed her to openly discuss her situation. “[The meeting] was really nice because it was a really hard situation, and even though the district wasn’t able to accommodate [me], it was nice to be able to have the conversation,” Jane said.

Staff members who were unable to come back to school but were also denied the ability to teach virtually were required to take a semester-long unpaid leave of absence, with a semi-permanent substitute teacher instructing their classes instead.

According to Christensen, the endeavor, called the “interactive process,” included a mixture of interviews, doctors’ notes and Christensen’s own judgment calls.

Although not required by law, the TUHSD also factored in whether anyone living in the teacher’s household had a preexisting condition, which, for Christensen, proves the district’s commitment to teacher safety.

“It’s one thing to stand up in front of a crowd and say, ‘Hey, we care about our employees,’ but in times of crisis, you really need to show it, not just talk about it,” Christensen said. “So we’ve protected the employee’s family.”

All of the TUHSD’s planning came to a culmination on March 2, when 87 percent of Redwood students –– according to Taupier –– returned in three cohorts as hybrid learning commenced. Now, members of the district work hard to set up classrooms, lesson plans and schedules, preparing for the full return to the building.

Hybrid to full in-person learning While the district’s return to a threecohort learning model took months of vigilant planning, the decision to return 100 percent in-person was a swifter process. Taupier explains how the resolution was backed by Marin’s accelerating vaccination rates and updated Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. “[The decision] was in collaboration with our teachers’ union, and they said, ‘Let’s just come back full time after April break.’ I know it’s a little bit more abrupt, but everyone’s vaccinated, and there’s science behind it being safe,” Taupier said.

Taupier’s confidence in the decision’s safety is supported by the continuation of the daily health screener to aid contact tracing and the requirement of students to choose either online school or in-person

sports

Page 14

Competitive gymnastics persists through the pandemic

By Charlotte DeForrest

“In the last 14 years, I’ve never spent that much time out of the gym, which was crazy for me. My entire life has always been in the gym,” junior Lydia Kallas said.

Kallas is a gymnast training level nine at Marin Elite Gymnastics Academy (MEGA) in San Rafael. When the pandemic began a year ago, MEGA was forced to close and training was moved online. This was especially challenging in a sport that relies on repetition and specialized equipment, such as bars and beams, which cannot be accessed outside of the gym. “[In the beginning], there were two or three months when we were not allowed in the gym at all. We just did hour and a half-long online Zooms every day, which were a little tricky. I’d never had that much time off from the sport,” Kallas said.

Olivia Timpson, a junior and gymnastics coach who works at The Cave, a gymnastics facility in Corte Madera, led several online gymnastics classes throughout the beginning of the pandemic. She is in charge of coaching the pre-team, a group of elementary school aged gymnasts hoping to take their skills to the competitive level. She found it difficult to keep her students engaged while still working on basic skills that would keep them safe.

“I just thought it was really hard. You couldn’t see the girls all the time. A lot of times they wanted to have their cameras off, and some of them didn’t have enough space. It was really difficult to work on skills that were challenging and still [be] safe,” Timpson said.

Now, with restrictions loosening, Kallas and her team have been able to attend both outdoor practices, which are held under a large outdoor tent and only focus on the basics, like walkovers, cartwheels and back handsprings, and indoor practices, which are less frequent and have a limited capacity.

Kallas’ teammate, freshman Maya Mihara, enjoys these outdoor practices because they are a change from traditional training, but she also feels limited by the number of skills she can work on outside.

Most equipment, like the bars, balance beam and vault, cannot be moved outdoors, so Mihara and her teammates spend limited time working on these apparatuses, making it difficult to develop and maintain new skills for these events. “[COVID-19] has definitely been detrimental to my gymnastics [skills].

We’re training a lot less, so we can’t improve as much. I think it really set a lot of people back. I lost a lot of skills, and it was hard to come back afterwards,” Mihara said.

Even now, Kallas only practices an average of 10 hours a week, about half of what she did pre-pandemic. Despite permission to practice in the gym, Kallas and her team are still restricted by cleaning and equipment sharing procedures.

“You take a step on a beam, and you have to clean it. It gets kind of tiring after a while. We have rags, and you spray and wipe your stuff down. I haven’t physically touched anyone in the gym for almost a year now,” Kallas said. “COVID-19 makes it super difficult for my coaches to understand the standards and limitations that they need to follow, but they’ve done a really great job.”

Photo by Charlotte DeForrest

TUMBLING OUTDOORS, GYMNASTS at The Cave practice under limited conditions.

Timpson is now able to coach in-person closed].” by utilizing large outdoor tents and bringing Even though COVID-19 has been mats and small equipment outside. For her, creating new challenges for both coaches the most difficult regulation to follow has and gymnasts, Timpson, Mihara and been the lack of spotting. Spotting is when Kallas feel that having gyms open, even in coaches help to lift or carry a gymnast limited capacities, has been a great outlet through the skill they are working on. for gymnasts to stay connected with their “The hardest challenge was when we friends and create a community. weren’t able to spot, because a lot of times, “Even just having Zooms was in order for [the students] to understand absolutely helpful. I was going crazy what they’re doing, you need to be able to without gymnastics. I don’t know what spot them so that they’re in the right shape would have happened if we didn’t have or so that they understand [the skill] better,” some sort of connection between me and Timpson said. “I have had a lot of students my teammates,” Kallas said. that have come back, and many of them are super disappointed that they aren’t in the same place that they left off [when the gyms cdeforrest@redwoodbark.org

College is full of athletic opportunities; which is for you?

By Mara Farese The swish of a soccer ball catching the back of the goal’s net is all it takes to initiate an explosion of pandemonium. Thundering stands, cheering parents and classmates, teammates jumping on their star player; the scenes of a high school sports game are familiar to every individual. The question for most high school studentathletes arises after they kiss the ground, hit the home run or beat the buzzer: what now?

The college application season raises a different level of stress for many prospective college athletes. Many promising student-athletes involved in Redwood sports are scouted for recruitment each year, and some decide to commit to a college or university under an athletic scholarship or contract, if offered one. Seniors involved in sports can decide whether or not they want to opt for a more competitive and professional environment, such as a college varsity team or an intramural option. Several Redwood alumni have played both varsity and intramural sports during their time after high school in an effort to continue a hobby, get outdoors and be a part of a community.

Redwood alum Justin Neustaetter spent his freshman year playing soccer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison after securing a walk-on offer when he arrived at the school.

However, after receiving a new wave of players the next season, the team let him go. Since then, he has taken a position on his fraternity’s intramural team, but before that, Neustaetter captained the Redwood Boys’ soccer team his senior year.

“I wasn’t exactly one of the best players, so I didn’t get to play on the Division [I] team in terms of games. Being on the intramural team allowed me to enjoy playing games again and having that more competitive aspect. Even though there was a lot of competition on the [Division I] team, there was nothing like a game scenario [for me],” Neustaetter said.

Committing to a varsity sport in college requires extreme dedication, including the devotion of more time, more practices, more games and less scheduling flexibility, making it challenging for student-athletes to balance

them with their able to continue academic and soccer since I’ve social lives. put so much time “I’m studying into it,” Pero said. engineering [at In spite of this the University widespread time of Wisconsinallocation concern Madison], so among student[I had a] pretty athletes, there are good course load many solutions.

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes to start out with.

On a case-by[Varsity] fully case basis, some changes your schedule and how you go about with free athletes struggle with the mental pressures of playing at time and just hanging out with people,” Neustaetter said. such a competitive level. Many students choose to join “It takes a toll on you, physically and mentally, [whereas] a club or intramural sport to continue playing their sport with intramural there’s a lot more enjoyment in terms of while maintaining a more manageable schedule. just playing because you want to play for fun.”

Other students crave the drive, spirit and reward of Though Neustaetter enjoys playing intramurally playing competitively, such as Redwood junior varsity through his fraternity, he hopes to continue playing soccer player Lucy Downing. through a club team in the upcoming season to pursue his “I definitely value the team aspect of it. You get really newfound equilibrium between sports and academics. close with everyone on your team. … I’ve always had “Now I’m able to be involved in student just a passion for soccer, and I love getting out there and organizations. I’ve joined a couple of clubs, and I’m being able to work hard on something and seeing results,” holding a leadership position in another council. Downing said.

Now I have multiple different things that I have to Although team sports play a significant role in the think about, which is a lot more beneficial for me lives of many high school students, the continuation of and my career,” Neustaetter said. a commitment of this sort can detract from social and While some athletes find a certain level of academic experiences. As students’ seasons start up again, stress in committing to a sport, many athletes many will question their futures on the field. at a high school level use their sport as an “[For varsity], you have to really love the sport and outlet to release academic pressure. Current want to be at a really competitive level. Some people will Redwood athletes considering their options make a career out of it, and other people, if they just enjoy for continuing their sport at the collegiate playing the sport, they have to want to be the best they can level have to take into account the university [be] and be able to pursue their goals,” Neustaetter said. life they want to build for themselves.

Every college has various options for student-athletes Junior Sophia Pero, a member of interested in different methods of continuing or starting the girls’ varsity soccer team, raises a sport, whether that is continuing at a fast-paced, her concerns with advancing her highly competitive level or in a way more achievable by commitment to the sport. academically-focused team members. College is where “I think a big part of [my decision] students are able to discover and pursue their passions; would be both my academic rigor and however, it is also the place where people categorize just kind of socially. If it was a helpful factor for meeting sports as a career, a competitive outlet or a mere passpeople and I enjoyed it, I would definitely do [varsity]. But, time, establishing what kind of a role athletics will play [college] varsity is very time-consuming, and I don’t really in the future. think I’m going to make a career out of soccer. I think that club or intramural would be best because I still want to be mfarese@redwoodbark.org

Page 15 • Sports

www.redwoodbark.org

bark

Sports spring back into action after a disappointing fall

By Mia Kessinger and Allie Vasquez

As COVID-19 remains prevalent in Marin, no sports in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) will have playoffs in 2021. Despite this, each team will compete in a number of games or meets and attempt to prove their dominance over other local schools.

Key players, many of whom made MCALs’ first or second team in the past, will be crucial in achieving this success. All sports, regardless of whether they are traditionally practiced in the fall, winter or spring, will begin by mid-April. This preview only includes the sports that started on March 15.

Track and Field/Cross Country After Redwood’s cross country and track and field programs found success in 2019, both came into 2021 as strong competitors in MCAL. The track and field program placed second in MCALs in 2019, and the girls’ cross country team came in first. Additionally, COVID-19 has prevented both cross country and track from competing in their respective state meets and having an MCAL championship in their shortened season. Despite this, the pandemic has allowed the teams to form a tighter bond and improve on their form, according to junior cross country captain Helena Janku, who was on MCAL’s first team in 2019.

“With the restrictions, there has been an opportunity to take down the high stakes [of meets] and focus more on individual running form and on staying healthy by incorporating more nutrition in our diets,” Janku said. “Our team has also gotten a lot closer from [practicing so much], which is going to be beneficial for our success. We are going to carry that momentum going into this season.”

Cross country is scheduled to have seven meets and track and field will have eight. With many standout figures such as sophomore Shyla Lensing, who was on MCAL’s cross country first team in 2019, and freshman Ethan Werner, who received the third fastest time at the team’s first meet, Redwood’s cross country and track and field programs are looking to remain triumphant.

MCAL champion, the girls’ team lost the 2019 championships to Tamalpais High School in a disappointing defeat. With COVID-19 limiting the teams to only practicing in singles prior to entering the Red Tier, improving as a team has been difficult, according to senior Erin Roddy, who was on MCAL’s second team for singles in 2019. “[Before we were in the Red Tier], we weren’t allowed to play doubles, so that was bringing people down and made it harder for the team to establish a bond,” Roddy said. “That being said, I think we are a strong team, and we can definitely get past it, especially because there is not a lot of pressure since there aren’t playoffs this year.”

Taking advantage of the more relaxed environment this season, the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams are expecting to perform well, particularly with fewer restrictions preventing them from practicing together in the Red Tier.

hand drills. Despite this setback, all the players have been working out individually to propel them to the top of the league, according to senior captain Zach Ginsburg.

“We have been apart because of the pandemic, but the guys who are on the team are the ones who have been putting in the work for the past year hoping to be able to play. We have been working extremely hard wit no real assurance that we were even going to have a season, so I think that motivation we have as a team makes our dynamic even stronger because we are all working towards the same goal,” Ginsburg said.

Softball Having not played on the field in over a year, the softball girls are excited to be able to practice and be together again, particularly as a team that thrives off of each Baseball other’s energy in the dugout, After being champions of the according to senior captain 2018 and 2019 MCAL seasons, the Morgan Bello. Specifically, boys on the varsity baseball team are Bello is excited to have her ready to be back on the field. The team final season on the is excited to be together again and give team, after not knowing their seniors a final season. what would happen Varsity coach Mike Firenzi when the season ended is ready to coach the boys again last March. and have the team back together, but is “I’m most excited about spending dissapointed about the removal of playoffs.

“They’ve already determined that there’s not my last year with my friends. Also just being able to going to be an MCAL playoff or NCS or anything be on the field, after not being able to get a junior like that, which is kind of a drag. We’re going to be year last season [will be great]. I think that the girls doing games in [the] county against MCAL teams,” are all just excited to, … hopefully, have an MCAL Firenzi said. “Not to mention, ... There’s a lot of season and maybe win,” Bello said.

With a new team full of excitement for the uncertainty still with the COVID-19 rules that are upcoming season, the girls are expected to do well going to happen.”

Despite the uncertainty of the upcoming season, this year and give their seniors a final season with the team is ready to be back on the field and together as the team.

Water polo a team again, since their last season ended so abruptly.

Because COVID-19 guidelines prevent players from gathering closely, water polo has had difficulty Golf Because golf is inherently COVID-19 safe, the boys’ practicing as well during the pandemic. Teams now and girls’ golf teams have been able to practice normally wear masks while on the sidelines, and players take Lacrosse them off right before throughout the pandemic. For Lacrosse, another high-contact sport, has also been the boys’ team, who were MCAL they jump into the limited due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Both champions in 2019, the most water. Practices are the girls’ and boys’ teams are the defending 2019 important factor in remaining a more socially distanced MCAL champions, which increases the pressure with less contact and top contender is to take as many and excitement surrounding the 2021 meets have reduced the quality swings as possible, season. number of people that according to junior Damian While succeeding in MCALs is certainly can be on the pool deck.

Wabl. a goal for the girls’ team, according Junior Spencer “At this point, all we to junior captain Megan Minturn, Barnes is on the need as a team is to establishing a strong team bond is varsity boys’ team and practice consistently. vital for achieving that. is thrilled to be back Having those “Creating a welcoming in the water with his repetitions that come environment is super teammates, despite from practicing important.

Part of the differences in their multiple days a the reason we were so meets and practices. week is going to be successful two years ago was “The way that we critical,” Wabl said. because of [our tight bond]. practice and compete In the past, the Megan Minturn, As a captain, I think it is really and the cleanliness we girls’ team has junior lacrosse captain important to keep a positive have on the pool deck trained at a range attitude to show the team that if you and in the water [will in the East Bay, miss a ball, it’s okay — it is not be most different]. We making practices the end of the world. We have that are trying to be safe and infrequent. chemistry and have been putting in However, this year they switched to not to get too close and up in each other’s faces so a lot of work outside of preseason, practicing at the Meadow Club in that we don’t spread the virus,” Barnes said. so we are hungry for the payoff,” Despite new guidelines and different ways that Fairfax, which junior Morgan Moseley Minturn said. feels will ultimately help them the practices and meets will go, the boys’ water polo The boys’ team is also looking team is ready to begin their season and compete in improve. to put their dominance of the “[Meadow Club] is a lot more MCALs. league on full display, as stated convenient and a nicer course, which by coach Blake Atkins. means more practice time. It “We want the same will make it a lot easier to progress outcome from [2019] with To view a photo gallery of all spring sports, scan

as a team,” Moseley said. “We are also Photos by Keely Ganong the leadership of our the QR code below. mostly upperclassmen so we are seniors. Since there are no all experienced, and that will official MCAL or North help us have a stronger chance Coast Section (NCS) to do well this year.” championships, we are just going to play to the best of our ability and maintain the standard we Football established,” Atkins said.

As a fall sport, football’s season was considerably delayed by COVID-19. After a successful 2019 season Tennis — when the team won the coveted MCAL championship Both the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams remain and broke a ten-year losing streak to San Marin — at the top of their game entering 2021, led by key expectations to carry that triumph into 2020 were high. players such as junior Georgia Harms and senior However, due to the many restrictions on high-contact bark@redwoodbark.org Polo Cowan. While the boys’ team is the defending sports, the team was prevented from doing any hand-to-

We have that chemistry and have been putting in a lot of work outside of preseason, so we are hungry for the payoff.

bark Page 16 • Sports Junior Hailey Connery runs up the ranks of cross country

April 2, 2021

By Maxanne Anderson After an eight-month preseason full of early morning practices, weekend runs and team bonding, the girls’ cross country team is finally hitting the ground running, having competed in four meets so far. In their most recent meet against San Rafael at the 5 kilometer Indian Valley Campus (IVC) course, junior and co-captain Hailey Connery crossed the finish line in first place, her third such finish of the season.

Despite her impressive times, Connery has not been part of the cross country team for long. During her freshman year, Connery attended Marin Catholic High School while playing volleyball and running track.

Upon transferring to Redwood her sophomore year, she decided to join the cross country team.

“I did club volleyball for probably three years or so, and I enjoyed it, but I didn’t feel like it was for me. I felt like I was just doing it to play a sport,” Connery said. “Once I transferred, I already had the idea that I was going to give up volleyball, and I needed another sport. I had cross country in mind because I was already running track and field, and I was like, ‘Why not?’”

At the beginning of her sophomore season, Connery was far from being the top runner she is today.

Throughout the season, however, she made considerable improvements, going from placing 12th to sixth in races. When the pandemic hit in March, Connery found herself with a lot of time on her hands, so she ran nearly every day, continuing to grow faster.

“I realized the importance of mobility work, weight training and stretching,” Connery said. “I improved a lot through [these techniques]. Even though I wasn’t racing, I felt in a lot better shape than I was beforehand.”

However, once the team’s preseason started in July, she discovered that solo training could only get her so far.

“I realized that working with my team is so important because I was definitely in better shape, but I don’t know how my mental headspace was when I was running on my own,” Connery said. “It’s so important to work off of your teammates and to run with each other.

That’s the only way you can really get faster.”

Most of the time, Connery runs with her co-captain and close friend, junior Helena Janku. Janku is blown away by the improvement Connery has made in the past year.

“To watch her just absolutely kill it for the past few months and watching [her] determination and love for running grow, it’s been really cool,” Janku said.

“Sometimes I catch myself [saying], ‘Oh my God, Hailey is so bad a**.’”

Cross country coach Nicole Graydon is also impressed with Connery’s recent performances, citing the 2:40 improvement she made at IVC over the course of last season.

STARTING THEIR LONG-ANTICIPATED first race of the teammates competed at Indian Valley Campus.

“Her improvement going from somebody who was barely on the radar to somebody who is now one of the top runners [is important],” Graydon said. “There’s no ego, there’s no boasting. It’s all ‘Okay, now how can we work harder?’”

In the first race of the season against High School 1327, Connery finished first with a time of 18 minutes and 29 seconds. Janku, who placed second, spent most of the event neck-to-neck with her.

“When you’re running next to someone, you try and figure out ... ‘Am I going to be able to beat [them]?’ I for sure thought I had it in me this time. I was gunning for her. I was like, ‘I’m going to get Hailey.’ And she just completely blew past me in the last hundred meters,” Janku said. “I wouldn’t say [people] underestimate her, but it’s easy to look past that extra kind of ‘oomph’ she has. She’ll totally rip you to shreds in the last second when you’re not expecting it.”

Connery’s determination is contrasted by her lighthearted personality. According to Janku, she is a funny and encouraging teammate, qualities made clear

Photo by Keely Ganong

2020-2021 school year, Connery (middle) and her through her leadership. To keep the team’s spirits up, they hold themed practice days, where the entire team arrives dressed in silly running outfits such as onesies or dresses. Graydon has noticed the positive effect that Connery’s goofy attitude has on all the girls. “[Connery] shows up to practice with her shoes half on and her hair is everywhere and she’s kind of a mess, [but] by the time we get to the workout, she is in it 100 percent,” Graydon said.

Recently, Connery started looking into running at the collegiate level, talking to coaches and former teammates about the recruitment process. In the meantime, she is focusing on continuing to grow herself and her team.

“Every single race is a learning experience, and [it is important to] make sure you aren’t hard on yourself,” Connery said. “It’s not necessarily about what place you get. It’s more about how you felt and what you want to improve on next time.” manderson@redwoodbark

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Page 17

Show yourself some love with these self-care activities

By Ava Koblik

As today’s high school students navigate their busy schedules both online and in person, simple self-care acts are often overlooked, despite their significance to health and overall well-being. Incorporating these practices into your everyday schedule will give your body and mind time to relax, reset and rejuvenate. Taking care of yourself can also improve self-compassion and help you realize your own goals and values.

Most importantly, it is about understanding your worth and doing what makes you feel good. Here are five self-care suggestions to help you ease stress and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

activities that you enjoy doing but usually don’t have time for during the school week. Incorporate these activities into your lifestyle, as they will not only help calm and clear your mind but will also relieve tension and give you the energy to accomplish your goals for the day. Additionally, these methods improve academic performance, as studies have shown that students who reported practicing mindful habits performed better on tests and had higher grades.

Catch up with friends and family Your well-being is dependent on your relationships with others. FaceTiming an old friend or family member and hearing about their life updates can help you feel more connected. Especially if you are going through a difficult time, loved ones can provide companionship and support.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, talking to friends and family can boost your happiness and help you feel grounded.

Build a support system of people who lift you up and want the best for you. Providing comfort to people closest to you is equally important, as it will give you a sense of purpose.

Sleep As simple as it sounds, getting a good night’s rest is one of the best ways to improve both your physical and mental health. With looming tests, homework and the demands of after-school activities, it can be challenging for teenagers to get the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Dedicating a routine time to go to sleep will help you maintain a healthy sleep schedule and strengthen your mind to improve concentration and productivity. Furthermore, g e t t i n g quality sleep is just as significant as getting enough hours of sleep. Ensure you are in the right environment for sleeping with the lights off and electronics put away or silenced. With the increased exposure to blue light due to online school, putting away your devices will guarantee proper rest, leaving you feeling more energized the following day.

Relax Relaxation looks different for everyone. Whether it is lighting a candle, reading a good book, going for a walk in nature, settling down in front of the TV or engaging in your favorite creative hobbies, it is essential to find time to unwind and destress. Focus on

Exercise Exercise is essential to maintaining your overall health. Physical activity releases endorphins throughout the body, which boosts your overall mood and self-esteem.

Additionally, physical activity delivers more oxygen to the brain, which promotes better concentration and clear thinking. While working out can feel like a chore to some, there are countless ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Even if it is simply doing some yoga or going for a 15-minute walk in your neighborhood during lunch, take time to get out and move your body.

Prioritize mental health Although mental health is often stigmatized, taking care of yourself is not selfish. If you struggle with mental illness, getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and a willingness to commit to your health. To confront this stigma, talk openly about mental health and show compassion to others going through the same thing. Most importantly, be patient with yourself if you are struggling. It is important to learn how to care for yourself, so that you may do so for others. If you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, that is a sign to take time to rest. The pandemic has caused personal stress and anxiety for many, and grounding yourself with healthy habits is a way to stay positive and proactive.

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

akoblik@redwoodbark.org

Belieb in Justin Bieber’s new project ‘Justice’

half “MLK Interlude.” Bieber attempts to convey a message that is lost on listeners, In 2015, Justin Bieber was unstoppable. simply because the messaging is absent Bieber was 2016’s second most streamed everywhere else on the album. What most artist and hits from his late-2015 album likely started out as a sincere attempt “Purpose” like “Sorry” and “Love to draw a young audience towards the Yourself” were inescapable on the radio. many issues surrounding racial injustice, A brief solo music hiatus followed, but instead falls flat. “Justice” focuses almost Bieber kept fans’ attention with features on exclusively on the ups and downs of some of the biggest hits of the decade (see Bieber’s relationship with wife Hailey Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” and DJ Khaled’s Bieber.

“I’m The One”). 2020’s “Changes” was Attention grabbing title and falsea disappointing return to the mainstream messaging aside, “Justice” is a great for Bieber; lead single “Yummy” was a minimal pop album. Album highlight and laughing stock and the album failed to lead single “Lonely” with Benny Blanco gives listeners a closer look into the real Justin Bieber — the person behind the number one hits and Ferrari drag races.

“Justice” standout track “Peaches” is the album’s high point. Bieber enlists Daniel Caesar and Giveon for the perfect summer track. As good as the song is, Bieber’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert is that much better. The song’s infectious groove is still there, just reimagined into something slower and smoother. Here, Bieber’s vocals are positioned as the focal point instead of merely delivering a catchy hook.

The introspective lyrical themes present on “Justice” are summed up succinctly on “As I Am.” Bieber’s anxiety about not being good enough in his relationship because of his mistakes are woven into the instrumental. “As I Am” is half EDM, half piano ballad, coinciding perfectly with the song’s duality: hopeful for the future and Image courtesy of NPR regretful about the past. Bieber is filled PERFORMING “HOLY” FOR NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, Bieber sings live with self-doubt about his relationship, his mistakes plaguing his ability to accept the renditions of his new songs.

By Jackson Epps

gain traction outside of core Bieber fans.

Although 2021’s “Justice” may not quite reach the heights that “Purpose” did, it already feels like a return to form for Bieber.

Released on Friday, March 18, “Justice” is sonically laid-back, presenting mainly soft, computer-generated piano chords and sparsely produced tracks.

Lyrically, however, the album is ridden with inconsistencies. Attempting to make a political and artistic statement, or at least grab headlines, “Justice” mentions justice exactly twice: on the intro for album opener “2 Much” and on the minute and a

Image courtesy of Stereogum

CROUCHING IN DOWNTOWN Los Angeles’s 2nd Street Tunnel, Bieber poses for his album cover. current version of himself, “Sometimes, I don’t know why you love me/Sometimes, I don’t know why you care.”

“Holy” with Chance the Rapper introduces the religious themes present on many of the tracks as well. Its infectious hook took the song to peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and arguably features the best Chance the Rapper verse since Bieber and Chance’s first collaboration, the aforementioned “I’m The One.” Fans of Bieber will undoubtedly love “Justice.” However, the album fails to take on a new sound and is unlikely to attract those who are not already Beliebers. Album highlights like third and final single “Hold On” and fan favorite “Peaches” speak to Bieber’s potential, though “Justice” fails to consistently live up to its standout tracks.

Performative activism aside, “Justice” is a worthwhile listen for fans of Bieber. jepps@redwoodbark.org

April 2, 2021 bark Page 18 • Review Marvel makes a marvelous return with two Disney+ original shows is a major plotline leading to a phallic joke. Marvel has successfully subverted After an almost two-year hiatus due to fan expectations in the past with comic COVID-19, Marvel Studios has returned book characters and story lines being to expand their established universe significantly different in their movies. with the release of their first two shows However, with so many people and “WandaVision” and “The Falcon and the plotlines being built up over the course of Winter Soldier” on Disney+. With the the show, it’s a shame most of them don’t incredible popularity of Marvel’s previous have a satisfying conclusion to their story. blockbusters and building excitement However, with the scale of the from Marvel’s time off, it is no surprise Marvel universe, it is admirable that the that WandaVision was January’s most director, Matt Shakman, chose to tell viewed title across all streaming platforms, a self-contained story without opting according to Variety. However, are these to bring in big characters from other shows worth the wait, and do they take Marvel properties just as fan service. The steps in the right direction for the future of emotional core of the show, exemplified Marvel media?

by Wanda and Vision’s relationship, is what makes this show most enjoyable.

WandaVision Olsen and Bettany are great in their roles “WandaVision” is an enjoyable, if and both provide engaging performances, slightly unsatisfying story about grief and managing to carry a similar feel to their love. It focuses on two characters who are characters throughout different time finally given a chance to shine after floating periods. The chemistry between them around previous Marvel movies without a and the situations they find themselves in story of their own. “WandaVision” follows range from gleefully endearing to deeply Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) moving to heart-wrenching. It is and Vision (Paul Bettany) as they also commendable that Shakman build a life for themselves in the opted to have Wanda and Vision suburbs, but not everything is as overcome their obstacles it seems. The show attempts to by using more than their parody sitcoms by placing its superpowers, as opposed titular characters in situations to most other superhero relevant to the style of movies. However, as good sitcom from the time period, as the main duo is, the side which changes every characters leave much episode and starts in the to be desired. While 1950s. “WandaVision” no other previously is intentionally very established different from the superheroes are rest of the Marvel included, most Cinematic Universe of the side (MCU), opting for characters are a more grounded simply pulled and personal look at from the its heroes, as opposed background to the usual bombastic, of previous action-packed movie fare.

M a r v e l The concept of movies, and “WandaVision” is one of they fail to match its best elements, but also Olsen and Bettany’s one the show doesn’t performances.

Not manage to explore to only that, many of All images courtesy of Disney+ its fullest potential. The their side stories lead show begins with Wanda and Vision to an unsatisfying conclusion or feel like arriving in Westview, N.J. in the 1950s, to they shouldn’t have been included at all. raise a family and build a life of their own, The technical aspects of the while attempting to keep their powers show, including music, lighting and hidden from the townsfolk. However, cinematography, are passable. Most of the this is immediately strange considering cinematography mimics the time period the events of the MCU take place in the of the episode and this works well. But, modern age, and Vision was killed in a when the show moves to current times, previous movie. the cinematography doesn’t do anything The show builds a sense of mystery special. The special effects are okay, but from the very beginning and leaves the slightly underwhelming considering the audience with a multitude of questions: $25 million per episode budget. perhaps most importantly among them, Overall, “WandaVision” tells a strong what is going on? As the show progresses, story about grief and its place in the human the audience learns many of the answers psyche. The sitcom elements are nostalgic to their questions but gain more along the and enjoyable, though lack comedic way. While the main mystery of the show flair. The show has some truly stand out is solved by the finale, many plotlines moments, but for most of the runtime, it are left with unsatisfactory conclusions leaves you feeling entertained with a touch or just end altogether, the worst of which of exasperation.

By Sterling Lazarus

Image courtesy of Disney+

VISION (PAUL BETTANY) and Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) watch as the time period changes around them.

Image courtesy of Disney+

FALCON (ANTHONY MACKIE) and Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) eye each other after a disagreement during a mission.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier While only two episodes of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” are currently available to watch on Disney+, it still proves itself to be vastly different from “WandaVision,” but it continues the same trend of character focused drama.

While “WandaVision” steered clear of huge action sequences, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” opens with one, which initially seemed like a return to the normal Marvel fare. However, the rest of the 50 minute episode follows the show’s titular characters, Sam Wilson aka the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and James “Bucky” Barnes aka the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), as they deal with intensely personal problems. The second episode has more action, but relies mostly on its characters to carry its 50 minute runtime.

Like “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” takes two characters who previously only played background roles in the MCU and attempts to give them stories of their own. But, while “WandaVision” uses a sitcom framework to examine its characters, the first episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” feels more like a buddy cop movie: two characters who don’t particularly like each other, but are forced to begrudgingly work together against a bigger threat.

Themes of identity permeate the first two episodes, with every character looking for a new place in the world after the cataclysmic events of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” where half the world’s population disappeared and then reappeared five years later. The central identity crisis is focused on Captain America. After Steve Rogers, the man who held that title previously, retired at the end of “Avengers: Endgame,” he passed it onto Wilson.

However, Wilson opted to give it up at the start of this show because he felt like it belonged only to Rogers.

With three characters in the first episode who have taken the identity of Captain America in the Marvel comics, including Barnes who was arguably Roger’s best friend, it still remains unclear who will take it in the MCU. The second episode

continues this trend, introducing yet another character with strong connections to Captain America and his origins. It also builds the conflict between John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the government’s replacement for Captain America, and Wilson and Barnes, who feel no one can replace Steve Rogers, because they both had personal connections to him.

The side characters in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” are fortunately much more entertaining than the ones in “WandaVision.” Walker is an especially interesting character due to his desire to live up to Steve Roger’s legacy. This show keeps its side characters to a minimum, opting to focus on a set few.

The new ones include Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), an early African American test subject for the super serum that gave Steve Rogers his strength, and Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), a member of the anarchist group Flag Smashers.

So far, they prove engaging characters that address issues of government power and race in a way that hasn’t been done before in Marvel movies.

The show’s quick pace and character focused story tends to lead to plot events happening a little too conveniently. This often comes off as unnatural and pulls the audience out of the story, if just for a second. The writing also sometimes feels slightly inconsistent, with characters acting differently then they have previously. Fortunately, the show moves quickly enough that these inconsistencies aren’t nearly enough to detract significantly from the quality of the show.

While the first two episodes merely move the main players around to build the main conflicts of the series, the show is off to a strong start. Mackie and Stan don’t interact in the first episode, but their reunion in the second is more than enough to make up for it. They have proven in the past, both on and off the screen, to have good chemistry with each other.

Despite some minor story and writing issues, the first two episodes of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” are highly enjoyable and are a strong start to the second Marvel show of 2021.

slazarus@redwoodbark.org

Page 19 • Review

www.redwoodbark.org

A helping hand in your search for hand sanitizer

By Olivia Kharrazi At the start of the pandemic, faced with a shortage of hand sanitizers, many of us were inclined to grab any and all available bottles from the shelf in fear that it would be a long time before stumbling upon such a coveted item again. During these hasty purchases, our sole criteria were antibacterial properties, so it is safe to say we have all used our fair share of unpleasant hand sanitizers, whether it be strong scents, sticky residues or staining spills. Now, as hand sanitizer is again an accessible product, we have the luxury of being picky with what we use to disinfect our hands. Especially considering our anticipated full return to in-person learning, having a disinfectant on hand at all times will become an increasingly essential addition to our backpacks. After scouring the shelves of a local Target to find a wide array of sanitizers, the findings have been ranked from worst to best. This guide will be based on medium, effectiveness, convenience and comfort to help you decide which 2 fluid ounce, pocket-sized hand sanitizer to seek out and which to steer clear of next time you are at the store.

bark

Honest

ingredients. The cap made it difficult to Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day hand sanitizers, spill and the $2.99 bottle is easy to fit in knowing which product to stock up on on a pocket. The gel itself felt moisturizing, your next trip to the store won’t be difficult.

The Honest sanitizer is not sticky, though it did take longer to absorb and felt taking less than a few seconds to rub in. as though there was the slightest sticky film Coming in a tall spray bottle, there is after use, making it just short of five stars. little chance of spillage due to its secure cap covering the nozzle. The company Hand in Hand also advertises that the sanitizer is “made without synthetic fragrances, parabens, triclosan or benzalkonium chloride,” Hand in Hand’s sanitizer’s clean, placing it slightly higher than the last grapefruit scent has no trace of alcohol sanitizer in the overall ranking. However, while managing not to smell artificial or the potent, artificial “Coastal Surf” scent overly perfumed. Containing aloe, the gel that still smells somewhat like alcohol feels moisturizing, and though a thicker makes the Honest hand sanitizer slightly consistency, it rubs in and absorbs with headache-inducing. At a pricey $4.49, the ease. The sanitizer is “vegan, cruelty-free unpleasant scent is not worth it, so either and dye-free.” Though the cap is relatively avoid this hand sanitizer altogether or opt secure, the bottle itself is rounder and for a different fragrance. therefore harder to put in a pocket. At a reasonable price of $3.69, be sure to snatch Purell this sanitizer off the shelves at your local store.

The classic hand sanitizer Purell is everything you want and expect in a hand sanitizer, no less, no more. The gel does not dry out your hands and its quick absorption leaves no sticky residue. There was very little fragrance besides a clean, Safeguard though slightly alcohol-infused, scent.

However, the flimsy cap that results in a slight spillage when opening ranks it as a Popping open Safeguard’s hand middle-ground option. sanitizer, your nostrils are met with a stench of alcohol strong enough to make Raw Sugar eyes water. Though the gel absorbs quickly into the skin, a sticky film remains, one that is reminiscent of syrupy food residue Raw Sugar’s “Peppermint + Sea Salt” as opposed to a moisturizing lotion. The sanitizer smells incredible: refreshing design of the flimsy flip-top cap can cause without coming off as artificial or it to accidentally spill in your pocket overpowering. The company advertised its or pouch. Though priced at $2.49, it is ingredient health on the bottle, claiming the relatively cheap, there are more effective sanitizer is free of sulfates and parabens, alternatives for a similar or better price. is vegan and contains plant-derived

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day’s refreshing, lavender-scented spray rubs in quickly and without leaving a tacky residue. According to the bottle, the aloe vera extract and glycerin in the sanitizer prevent it from drying out hands, and the spray was “made without parabens, phthalates or artificial colors.” Though it is packaged in a taller bottle, the secure spray bottle is slim enough to slide into a pocket. At $4.29, this sanitizer is worth every penny of its costly price, so definitely look for it on your next hunt for a hand sanitizer.

As Marin opens back up and we spend more and more time at school, our need for a reliable hand sanitizer becomes everimportant. Between Hand in Hand and

Illustration by Kalyn Dawes

okharrazi@redwoodbark.org

You can’t go raw-ng with these Marin Poke spots shell after being tossed in spicy mayo and accompanied by sliced cabbage and avocado. Although the fish is topWant to bring Hawaii home? Poke, meaning “to cut or notch, the tacos could use more flavor as the spicy mayo to slice” in Hawaiian, takes marinated chunks of raw fish, doesn’t do the dish justice. The hard shells also break apart typically ahi tuna, and incorporates them into different easily, causing the toppings to fall out and your stomach dishes such as bowls, wraps, tacos and more. The bright to feel empty. For three tacos, the price is quite reasonable red fish along with colorful vegetables and rice makes for at only $11.99. a delicious and nutritious meal.

World Wrapps Restaurants from around Marin have taken different Only a 10-minute walk from Redwood, World Wrapps spins on poke and added their own flair. Whether it’s the traditional bowl at ALOH-O or a taco twist from Hook is known for its variety of wraps, bowls and boba. Their Fish Co, one can’t go wrong with a poke bowl! This list Hawaiian poke comes in a nori wrap or a bowl, packed with ahi poke, sushi rice, avocado, rainbow slaw and ranks Marin’s poke restaurants from worst to best. peanuts. The sesame-soy vinaigrette gives the poke a salty edge, which the additional toppings complement.

Gott’s Roadside Gott’s Roadside in Bon Air shopping center has However, the bowl is packed with rice and lacks enough perfected its burgers and fries, but not quite its poke. poke. This made the meal less enjoyable as after only a The sushi-grade tuna is packed into a wonton-like taco few bites, all that was left was rice and vegetables.

By Katie Parsons

Photo by Katie Parsons

ALOH-O ALLOWS CUSTOMERS to customize their bowls with a variety of bases, sauces and toppings.

ALOH-O Unlike the other reviewed locations, ALOH-O, located near Northgate Mall, allows you to customize your own poke bowl. With a range of different poke meat, bases, sauces and toppings, you can choose whether you want to go sweet or spicy. There was a perfect balance of rice to poke, with a generous amount of each topping. Every bite was bursting with different flavors, whether it was the sweet mango or unique seaweed salad taste. Although it didn’t taste as fresh as other places, overall the bowl was spectacular.

Photo by Katie Parsons

Hook Fish Co. Hook Fish Co. definitely knows how to make its fish tacos, as it has the best poke in Marin. Located near Proof Lab in Mill Valley, Hook Fish Co. takes a twist on conventional rice bowls and meshes poke with tacos.

Their poke was thoroughly seasoned with spicy mayo and topped with a generous amount of cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, avocado and spicy aioli. Despite only serving two tacos, each one was packed to the brim with poke, resulting in a messy face and plate. But how could I complain? The only thing that left feeling unsatisfied was my debit card balance, as $14 for two tacos is pricey, but, in the end, was worth it.

SERVED ON A bed of rice, World Wrapps’ Hawaiian poke bowl is accompanied by avocado, rainbow slaw, macadamia nuts and more. kparsons@redwoodbark.org

April 2, 2021 bark Page 20 • Review A taste of the healthiest lunches perfect for in-person learning

By Mia Kessinger During the morning rush to finish last-minute homework, eat breakfast and gather your backpack, it is easy to dread the question, “What am I going to pack for lunch today?” To avoid this, here are a few recipes that are both healthy and easy to make amidst the morning chaos or the evening before. Because coming up with simple, nutritious and appetizing foods to bring to school can be a difficult task, these four lunches offer ideas that can be altered depending on your preferences.

One of the first things that came to mind when posing the quintessential lunch question was the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As a treat many grew up with, a PB and J sandwich is always enjoyable. The balance between the sugar in the jelly and the peanut butter’s salty taste is satisfying and easy to whip up when in a rush. If you are looking to spice up the recipe, you can also toast the bread, replace the peanut butter with almond butter, cut raspberries in half as a substitute for jelly, use sweet cinnamon bread or drizzle some honey on top.

Knowing PB and J can get boring, it is also critical to have another sandwich option at hand. With more protein and vegetables, a turkey sandwich is a classic savory option.

Compared to the PB and J’s cost of $9.24, the total cost for the turkey’s ingredients from Walmart (with which you can make multiple sandwiches) was more pricey at $20.29. Although more expensive, the fresh additions of tomato, onion, avocado and lettuce make it worthwhile.

Both of these tasty sandwich recipes are straightforward and can be topped off by adding a side of pretzels and fruit, specifically strawberries and blueberries. Also, keep in mind that both sandwiches can be easily squashed in your backpack, so the best way to transport this meal is to put it in a container rather than in a plastic bag.

A cheese quesadilla with a side of tortilla chips and homemade guacamole is another uncomplicated dish to prepare. You can also add chicken or steak to the quesadilla for some protein. This meal did not disappoint with the guacamole’s lively flavors to offset the salty chips and quesadilla’s cheesy texture. However, the quesadilla does not stay warm if brought to school unless brought in a thermos. Despite this, it was still appetizing because of the fresh guacamole, and it was not too pricey, costing $8.97 for the ingredients from Woodlands Market. While the cooking time was longer than for the sandwiches, the quesadilla and guacamole did not take more than 20 minutes to make. It was ultimately well worth the effort, mainly because the quesadilla and guacamole could easily be packed using separate metal containers. Consider including pineapple as a side for some added sweetness.

Hummus with pita bread, red peppers, celery and carrots is the most practical meal, as it has a total price of $8.63 from Whole Foods and is simple to make and

Photo by Mia Kessinger

ADDING A BIT of a kick, the spicy hummus compliments the vegetables’ taste well and was delicious — especially after a long morning of classes. pack: the ingredients can be thrown in a bag and ready to go in a couple of minutes. To add a subtle kick to this recipe, substitute normal hummus for spicy hummus, which complements the vegetables and pita bread’s mild taste. The only drawback was that this meal was not quite filling enough, so include a side of crackers, such as Wheat Thins, and blackberries to finish it off.

Lastly, as a healthier version of Lunchables, a combination of salami, crackers, cucumbers and cheddar cheese create a hearty meal. Similar to the hummus, this lunch is relatively cheap (with a total cost of $10.26 from Whole Foods) and simple to make and transport. The salami, cucumber and cheddar cheese can be stacked on the crackers to pack, or they can be brought as separate ingredients that are put together at lunch. This meal is also not as filling as a sandwich, so add some strawberries, blueberries and popcorn for an extra snack. Although uncomplicated, this lunch is still enjoyable after a long morning of stressful classes.

Each of these recipes offers a delicious option while keeping your lunch on the healthy side. If you are in the mood for a lighter yet satisfactory meal, the makeshift Lunchables and hummus plate are great options. That being said, even though it takes the longest to prepare, the quesadilla with the side of guacamole and pineapple is my favorite because of its flavors. Nevertheless, you will not be disappointed with any of these meals.

Turkey Sandwich ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Two slices of whole wheat or white bread Two tablespoons of mayonnaise Two leaves of romaine lettuce Four to six ounces of turkey lunch meat Half of a tomato, sliced A thinly sliced red onion Half of an avocado, sliced

Cheese quesadilla (with chips and guacamole) Quesadilla: ● Two flour tortillas ● Grated cheddar cheese Guacamole: ● Two avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed ● One lime, juiced ● One teaspoon of salt ● One-half cup of diced onions ● Two Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced ● One teaspoon of minced garlic ● Optional: three tablespoons chopped cilantro mkessinger@redwoodbark.org

From Nickelodeon to Netflix: our old favorites are back

By Samantha Michaels

After completing the dreaded timed multiplication tables in math class and chasing our friends around the playground in a lighthearted game of tag, the best way to wind down from our hectic elementary school days was to turn on our favorite childhood TV shows. As we waited in anticipation for the newest episodes to begin, the TV sang the alluring phrase “Nickelodeon,” which instantly lit up our faces with smiles from ear to ear. Although we cannot go back to the primary school playground, we can still revisit some of our fondest childhood memories through our favorite throwback shows that are now streaming on Netflix. To avoid the unnecessarily cheesy lines and cringeworthy mishaps of our old favorites, let’s Image courtesy of Getty Images look at which shows should still remain on ATTEMPTING TO THROW a surprise party for her father, Carly and the rest of the our must-watch list. gang are shocked to find former first lady Michelle Obama came to their rescue. iCarly Victorious First airing back in 2007, this beloved the show features surprising humor that Back when the world was in need of Nickelodeon classic sparked an ecstatic may have gone over our heads as younger response from its former fans when it was viewers. Whether the characters are taking some binge worthy throwbacks in October released on Netflix on Feb. 8, 2021. This a stab at Freddie’s unrequited love for 2020, “Victorious” answered the call (or goofy sitcom highlights the lives of best Carly or acknowledging the sarcastic should I say Pear-phone) and was the friends Sam and Carly as they navigate their sayings of Sam, older viewers are still first Nickelodeon show to make its reearly-teens and newfound internet fame as in for an unexpected treat. With current appearance on Netflix. After accidentally a result of an unexpected viral-video of social media platforms such as TikTok stumbling into an audition for an exclusive the duo. With the help of their friend and and Instagram receiving such positive performing arts academy, protagonist Tori tech wiz, Freddie, they expand their online feedback for it’s access to hilarious videos Vega is accepted into her dream school with presence by creating a live videoshow and lighthearted sketches from various hopes to “make it shine” in an environment called “iCarly.” Although the technology types of creators, it is no wonder that our full of other multi-talented artists. While and some of the social situations in the plot generation is still excited to watch Carly the abnormality of certain characters and the proportion of her after-school activities are dated, a good laugh is still in store as and Sam’s silly antics on the show.

may be a little far fetched at times, the show does a decent job of portraying the life of a high school teenager. From cramming for school deadlines to working through messy break-ups, many common stressors are covered and worked through in the plot. Top that off with catchy musical performances and original hit songs that still ring a bell, and “Victorious” is still sure to have you feeling: entertained.

Big Time Rush Last but certainly not least is the newest addition to our Nickelodeon favorites on Netflix, “Big Time Rush.” Recently added to the collection on March 26, the four-season show follows the chaotic adjustment of former Minnesota hockey players Kendall, Carlos, James and Logan as they turn into the next Hollywood boy band sensation. Under their stage name “Big Time Rush” with the help of hothead producer Gustavo Rocque, the four navigate their way to “worldwide” stardom while continuing to preserve their smalltown flair through youthful trouble. While it is nice to re-watch who many considered to be their first celebrity crushes, the appeal is not as compelling as it used to be due to the fact that many of us have left the notorious lovestruck boyband stage of our childhoods. Nonetheless, the combination of each member’s distinctive personalities continues to create electric entertainment and still has us deciding which one of the boys we want to be our “boyfriend.” smichaels@redwoodbark.org

lifestyles

Page 21

From GED to PhD alumni pursue their scientific careers

By Annie Goldstein “When will I ever use this again?”

This is a quintessential question many high schoolers ask while sitting in a lecture, wondering how their current high school education will contribute to their future careers.

Despite this doubt, some Redwood alumni from the class of 2013 have found that their high school education has served as an introduction to their current aspirations.

Alexander Ehrenberg Alexander Ehrenberg was first exposed to neuroscience during a summer internship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). As a high school junior, this unique experience stemmed from Ehrenberg’s interest in Redwood’s physiology and honors biomedical science (biomed) classes, leading him to shadow a biostatistician, a type of biologist who applies mathematics, statistics and data to inform their research. For Ehrenberg, the exposure both inside and outside of these science classes gave him an uncommon experience.

“Having a class like biomed is such a privilege,” Ehrenberg said. “You’re using technology that most people don’t have exposure to until the end of their undergraduate [education]. You’re learning not just how to use tools, but you go beyond that and learn the underlying biology and chemistry for them.”

Now actively practicing these skills, Ehrenberg is a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley in pursuit of his Ph.D. In addition, he is continuing his work at UCSF where he is in his eighth year working at the Memory and Aging Center. His high school internship paired with his current pursuit working at the neuropathology lab helped Ehrenberg foster an interest in studying Alzheimer’s disease.

“I choose [Alzheimer’s disease] because it is a disease that we really can’t do much about. There’s a really good sense of purpose with it,” Ehrenberg said. “As I progressed with it, I realized that the best way to approach [the disease] is to draw upon every single skill set you have. For me, I approach things from the lens of evolutionary biology and thinking about the way that the human brain is built leaves us to be vulnerable to disease.”

In addition to his science classes, Ehrenberg has taken inspiration from Redwood’s art department, specifically its music program. Music teacher John Mattern has made a significant impact on Ehrenberg and his scientific work. “[Mattern] was amazing at pushing you to narrow in on that niche. A lot of qualities that apply to work, I got from him, as well as the creative process that science [brings]. When you’re setting up experiments, you have to think creatively, but you [also] have to be able to execute it,” Ehrenberg said. “I can’t imagine that I would [have a creative mindset] if I didn’t have a really good arts education, and for me, that came from music.”

Photo courtesy of Katie Davis

WHILE EXPLORING THE Marine Protected Area (MPA) underwater, Brittany Tholan has witnessed areas rich in marine life and those overfished. This has led her to focus on creating more sustainable practices for fisheries.

Daniel Matteo In his sophomore year, Daniel Matteo completed a book report on “Relativity” by Albert Einstein for his integrated science class, sparking his interest in physics.

Matteo is now in his fourth year in the Ph.D. program at the University of California, Los Angeles in the electrical engineering department. Matteo attributes his scientific success to the courses and teachers at Redwood.

“I think if I wasn’t taught by such good teachers, [if my work] wasn’t laid out and [I wasn’t] given the support or opportunity to take these classes, I probably would not be where I am today,” Matteo said.

While Matteo was not interested in biomed, the class gave Matteo hands-on experience that cultivated many of the skills he utilizes to this day as an experimental physicist. In his current research, Matteo works in a laser lab. He uses high-power carbon dioxide lasers to look at nonlinear optical properties of all different forms of matter.

Nonlinear optics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light as well as its interaction with forms of matter.

“My work as [an] experimental physicist, more or less, is very hands-on. When I’m in the lab, I have a screwdriver in pocket, tons of electrical connections, weighting, cable, etc,” Matteo said. “The payoff is just immense. When you get the program that you’re writing or your coding to work, or when you spent a month setting up an experiment and you get the first piece of data, it feels so good.”

Brittany Tholan Similar to Ehrenberg and Matteo’s experience in honors biomed, Brittany Tholan discovered her interests in marine biology and environmental sciences after taking both Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science and Biology at Redwood.

“AP Environmental Science was very influential [for me]. I liked the opportunity to be outside as well as [to] learn about these crazy, global environmental issues that everyone is now facing,” Tholan said. “That class got me thinking about how I can be a part of the solution.”

As an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Tholan majored in aquatic biology. Her experience working as a research technician at the Marine Sciences Institute and passion for diving led her to witness environmental changes from the water.

“Being so close to those systems and diving them every day, I knew them like the back of my hand. Just learning any kind of outdoor environment [in] that way, where you really get to know it and you start to detect change is really valuable and was a good lesson for me,” Tholan said.

One of the observable changes Tholan noticed was the phase shift within the water as the warm and cold water ecosystems started to mix. The El Niño, which warmed the waters around Santa Barbara from 2014 to 2016, greatly impacted this change, which is similarly happening all over the world due to global warming.

Furthermore, diving near the Channel Islands as a scientific diver at UCSB exposed Tholan to areas both rich in marine life and overfished. This cultivated her interest in fishery management. Now, in her graduate program at Duke University, Tholan is completing her master’s in environmental management, concentrating specifically on the coasts.

As these three alumni continue with their pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees, they have stressed the importance of diversifying their skill set throughout high school and college, even if these classes are not required in one’s standard curriculum.

“Specifically in college, I think the best thing you can do is learn as much as you can and push yourself to take as many classes that will [give you a variety] of experiences,” Ehrenberg said.

Photo courtesy of Ben Ailes

ALEXANDER EHRENBERG, A graduate student at University of California, Berkeley, prepares brain tissues for an experiment as part of his Ph.D. dissertation.

agoldstein@redwoodbark.org

Page 22 • Lifestyles

www.redwoodbark.org

Junior Scott Van Hooser has a zest for volunteering

By Sol Ladetzky With over one-third of Americans currently growing produce in their yards, home gardens have become an increasingly popular activity. Marin neighborhoods are filled with lemon trees, blackberry bushes and tomato plants; however, according to Ample Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing trash by connecting Americans with food pantries, 11.5 billion pounds of garden produce become waste every year. Inspired to find a way to donate this extra food, junior Scott Van Hooser and his two siblings founded Share the Bounty, a nonprofit that harvests fruit and vegetables from Marin residents’ yards and delivers it to the SF-Marin Food Bank in San Rafael, who then distributes it to locals in need of food.

In 2016, Scott’s older brother, Jack Van Hooser, started the organization as a social issues class project.

It quickly grew into more than the 10-hour community service requirement as his siblings joined him. Over the past five years, Share the Bounty has donated six tons of fruits and vegetables and started a fundraiser to donate money to the SF-Marin Food Bank.

Scott is a major

contributor to Share the Bounty’s success and plays a large role in all aspects of the organization, including scheduling, harvesting and delivering produce to food banks, as well as managing the website. “[Scott’s] good at learning new skills quickly so he can help out as much as possible. He does anything whenever we need it,” Jack said. “Now that I’ve graduated, Scott’s taken on a lot more responsibility.”

On average, Share the Bounty completes one harvest every other week.

After being contacted, Scott and his team come to the house with the necessary tools — pickers, clippers and boxes — and leave with as much fruit as possible.

The organization also offers contactless bag pickups. Later, Scott drops the food off at the San Rafael SF-Marin Food Bank. One of Scott’s favorite parts of Share the Bounty is the delivery process, where he sees his hard work pay off.

“Once we collect all the produce, we drive it to the food bank where we drop it off. While we’re [at the food bank], we can see some people who are already taking [what we picked] to the food pantries where members of

Photo by Taylor Elliott

PICKING FRUIT DURING a local Tiburon harvest, Scott searches for ripe lemons to donate to the SF-Marin Food Bank. my community who need it can get food,” and I thought donating them and joining [the club] was a good idea,” Barnes said.

Scott said.

Scott’s passion for helping the “I really admire Scott and how much he community extends beyond his work with wants to help people who are in need.

Share the Bounty. He also volunteers with He’s inspired me to get more involved Marin County Search and Rescue (SAR) in my own community and be a better as a Cadet. Through biweekly meetings, samaritan by joining Share the Bounty.”

Although only started recently, monthly trainings and searches, Scott has volunteered over 400 hours with SAR the Share the Bounty club already has since 2019. While they are two different 13 active members who meet every other week organizations, SAR and Share on Tuesday the Bounty both allow Scott to over Zoom give back in various ways and and attend make a noticeable difference. local harvests. “[Volunteering] makes Scott hopes me feel helpful, like I’m a to expand bigger part of the community. his team to With both [organizations], members I’m able to impact my beyond his community directly. I’m family and seeing [the effect of] the Marin what I’m doing: community. seeing how it’s “I want changed people’s to make sure lives, how it’s that anyone saved people’s Scott Van Hooser, who wants to lives, how it’s junior can volunteer improved their [with Share the lives.

That’s Bounty] and why I enjoy community service so help harvest or donate [produce]. I hope to help more people and make [Share the much,” Scott said.

In February, Scott took Bounty] more known, so there is less another step in expanding the waste from everybody’s backyards,” organization by starting a Share Scott said.

If you are interested in donating fruit the Bounty club at Redwood to mitigate food waste. Junior or joining the Share the Bounty club, Spencer Barnes, the club’s vice contact sharethebountymarin@gmail. president, is grateful that Scott com. founded it, as it has provided him with a platform to make his own impact.

“In my backyard, we have a lot of lemons growing that we’d always waste, sladetzky@redwoodbark.org

[Volunteering] makes me feel helpful, like I’m a bigger part of the community.

Photo by Taylor Elliott

bark

bark

Page 23 • Lifestyles

April 2, 2021

Guest teacher scores Grammy nomination

By Loughlin Browne and Patrick Jacobson

Heart-to-art: Senior Lake Garsten breaks fashion boundaries

By Bella Piacente and Gemma Strauss There are not many circumstances where Marin is deemed conservative. With 84 percent of the county voting for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Marin is arguably one of the most liberal places in the country.

Despite this, there is one area where Marin is pointedly more reserved: fashion. This is where senior Lake Garsten wants to elicit change. Lake does not conform to fashion’s typical boundaries; he challenges them with his non-conformative approach to style.

According to his mom, Teri Garsten, Lake had an eye for beauty long before developing a love for fashion. “[Lake is] extremely intuitive and aware of his surroundings. [He has always been] in touch [with] all of those things. He looks at the world in a creative way. [He’s an] observer; he’ll sit back and really see the world,” Teri said.

Natalie Pemberton, Lake’s friend, provides another pillar of support for his art. Pemberton has been consistently impressed by Lake’s talent, whether it be painting, photography or fashion.

“Seeing the wheels turning in his brain and seeing him make [art] is really magical for me,” Pemberton said. “Him being able to translate his thoughts and emotions into a photograph or onto an art piece is really special and rare.”

As his passion for art grew, so did Garsten’s confidence in his clothing style. He followed the example of fashion connoisseurs such as David Bowie and Harry Styles.

While he cultivated his fashion identity from unique style icons, Lake’s initial interest in fashion came from his mom. He began to play with his mom’s wardrobe last year, experimenting with different clothing articles and breaking through traditional gender stereotypes.

“Of the clothes that I go out in, I would say 75 percent [are my mom’s]. She [has] collected tons of amazing skirts, pants, bags and [other pieces],” Lake said.

With Teri and Pemberton’s support, Lake has been able to portray his most authentic self through his outfits. Pemberton believes the way he carries himself is an inspiration to others around him, prompting them to have more confidence as well.

“Because the way he presents himself is so confident and so unapologetic, I think he touches other people,” Pemberton said.

Although art and fashion are currently a significant part of Lake’s life, nothing has been set in stone for his future regarding college or an art career. But even with an undetermined future, Lake knows that he wants to continue pursuing art in any way he can. Others around him, including Pemberton, not only see art as his lifelong passion but as his identity.

“I wouldn’t say that his everyday life is art. I would say that he is art himself,” Pemberton said.

Photo courtesy of Lake Garsten

bark@redwoodbark.org

With a return to in-person school, campus is once again filled with the sound of aspiring young musicians practicing in the 500s wing. These students fine-tune their musical skills with the help of Jeff Massanari, a guest teacher who assists music director John Mattern in teaching the performance workshop and jazz classes.

This year, Massanari was featured as a guitar player on Kenny Washington’s “What’s The Hurry,” an album nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album in the 63rd Grammy Awards. It was Massanari’s first time working on a Grammy nominated project.

“It was a complete surprise. I got a really cool phone call from the producer, and he was tearful about how excited he was about it. We didn’t end up [winning], but that’s really secondary to me,” Massanari said.

Massanari has enjoyed an extensive music career leading up to the album’s nomination. He has played guitar since age 13 and knew at 15 that he wanted to be a professional musician.

“It just became really clear early on that [music] was what I wanted [and] had to do,” Massanari said. “I grew up in a family where music was important, but it was mostly classical music. I got into blues, jazz and rock on my own.

This was in the 1970s, and everybody wanted to play guitar. A couple of friends and I formed a blues band and played at parties.”

Constant playing and practicing throughout high school brought Massanari to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and after college he moved to the Bay Area to start his professional career at age 24. Since then, he has released five albums and performed at acclaimed venues such as Davies Symphony Hall. He has also played internationally in China, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Guam and Italy.

“I just immersed myself in the music scene. I’d go to jam sessions, … restaurants and clubs and just get gigs.

And then I started teaching,” Massanari said.

Massanari currently teaches at multiple colleges, including the University of California, Berkeley and the

California Jazz Conservatory. His 15-year teaching stint at Redwood began after he met Mattern at a performance.

“We played a gig together first, and then I realized he was such a fine musician and guitarist,” Mattern said. “He doesn’t have an axe to grind or an ego, and that’s really cool. Some musicians do have this ego and they want to show you [what] they can do, and then when you bring them in to teach, it isn’t their forte. For Jeff, it is.”

Within Redwood’s music department, Massanari educates students on music theory and helps to develop their guitar and bass skills. Senior Ryan Barcy has been taught by Massanari for all of his four years at Redwood and credits his strong foundation in jazz to him.

“Jeff has more of an interactive teaching style where he makes sure that everyone’s involved in what we’re doing,” Barcy said. “He also has a lot of patience when it comes to teaching jazz. … He’s really good at making the students comfortable with learning how to play such a complicated genre.” bark@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Jeff Massanari

PLAYING AT A venue, Jeff Massanari successfully balances a teaching and performing career.

New club starts on a positive ‘note’

By AnnaLise Sandrich “[Playing the piano] reduces my stress levels and allows me to escape from everything. I feel like music has really profound effects on people. My goal for the [Pianos for Hope] club is to [lift the spirits of] people who are down and not doing great,” Geloso said.

The new Pianos for Hope club, founded by sophomore Michael Geloso, is organizing fundraisers to raise money to purchase pianos and keyboards, which will then be donated to nursing homes and hospitals. These instruments would give patients and residents a creative outlet and allow those visiting hospitals and nursing homes a chance to play for their loved ones. With the donations, the club would also provide resources for music therapy programs, the therapeutic use of music to accomplish non-musical goals such as emotional, cognitive and physical recovery.

Geloso was inspired to start the club when he first witnessed the impacts of music therapy on 94-year-old Rosalie Courreges, a family friend who used to play piano but stopped due to her arthritis. Although Courreges is healthy, according to Geloso, she does not have many close family members left. Whenever Geloso visits her, he plays a few songs for her on the piano, which seem to make her happier.

“We always notice that her mood really changes [when I play her songs]. She becomes a different person. She becomes so much more positive and upbeat,” Geloso said.

Photo courtesy of Michael Geloso

“I think it takes away some of her loneliness and her worries.”

Like Geloso, club Vice President and Co-founder Sam Andre and Secretary Isabella Kraus both play piano and have observed its emotional effects. After Geloso came to him with the idea, Andre was enthusiastic about starting the club because he relates to feeling his mood improve after playing piano.

“I sometimes play piano when I’m feeling down. If I were in the hospital, I’d like to have that option,” Andre said. “If you’re staying in a hospital, you’re going through a really tough time. We just want to make their lives a little less tough.”

Kraus also feels very close to the cause, as she has played the piano for relatives in nursing homes and seen the effects of music firsthand. “[Piano] brings so much hope. It really lifts the mood and spirits of the people there. Providing that hope is a really good feeling and I love seeing those smiles on people’s faces,” Kraus said.

The Pianos for Hope club is currently communicating with the music therapy department of University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Children’s Benioff Hospital to coordinate the specifics of donating electric keyboards to their program.

Brianna Negrete, a professional music therapist at the UCSF Children’s Benioff Hospital, has seen a wide range of music therapy’s beneficial effects. According to Negrete, music can help normalize an otherwise scary and abnormal hospital setting, ease pain and provide patients with a creative outlet.

Pianos for Hope is currently brainstorming and planning methods of raising money to purchase pianos and keyboards, including a GoFundMe and a sociallydistanced bake sale during which members would drop baked goods off at customers’ houses. The club is also considering organizing virtual piano recitals where musicians would perform in Zoom meetings that audience members would pay to attend.

Geloso, Andre and Kraus are excited to make an impact with music and create real change with their fundraising efforts. “[Donations] will help our program in an immeasurable way because we’re able to provide keyboards to patients that maybe wouldn’t be able to ever have something like this before. That’s huge, especially if it’s also something they can take home and utilize in their own environment,” Negrete said. “Using that creative outlet of expression and coping mechanism at home is really important.” asandrich@redwoodbark.org

Savannah Pritchett models worldwide

By Audrey Lightfoot

“I’ve lived [in Marin] most of my life, so it was hard to move [to Australia] and adjust. I love it here, it’s beautiful, and I’m so grateful to be somewhere where COVID-19 is not as extreme. I’m safe and I’m with family, but I think the U.S. will always be another home to me. I think [I] mostly miss my friends,” Pritchett said.

Pritchett’s close friend and senior Ali Durkin has missed Pritchett’s presence this past year.

“I miss having one of my best friends [around]. It was hard when she first moved because we would spend so much time together and she was always there for me. I definitely miss having someone to talk to that understands everything,” Durkin said.

Although there are difficulties academically and socially, moving to Australia opened many modeling doors for Pritchett as she signed with another agency, The Australian-based agency, Chic Model Management (Chic), last July which has increased her opportunities. Since being signed with Chic, Pritchett has worked with a New Zealand shoe brand, Beau Coops. She is featured on Beau Coops’ website and their social media platforms.

Even though Pritchett loves modeling for its fashion aspect, her modeling is much more than just posing in front of a camera. She relates the sensation of modeling to when she performed as a competitive dancer with Just Dance Academy.

“I love how you can express yourself in so many different ways.

I feel [as if] it’s kind of like p e r for m i ng.

I’ve been a dancer for most of my life, and so i t ’s

What started as a fun photoshoot for senior Savannah Pritchett’s birthday quickly became an interest and now a lifestyle. After receiving a private photoshoot as a gift from her mother on her 15th birthday, Pritchett immediately fell in love with the idea of modeling. After the shoot, the photographer sent the photos to local modeling agencies.

Pritchett was not expecting to hear back from the agencies as the photoshoot was for fun, but to her surprise, she received positive feedback.

Pritchett met with three agencies and eventually signed with one located in San Francisco called Scout Model & Talent Agency (Scout). There, she started developing her portfolio and was enamored with the entire process. Her experience shooting with Scout helped her realize modeling was something she wanted to pursue.

“I loved the way [modeling] felt. I loved the feeling of having people do [my] hair and [my] makeup and all the fancy clothes.

I felt like it was a really good thing for me, and I enjoyed it all the way through,” Pritchett said.

Although Pritchett has only been working with Scout for two years, she is already extremely successful. She has been featured in multiple magazines including Vogue Italia, Nuts for Fashion Magazine and Moevir Magazine. Pritchett also enjoys the behind-the-scenes moments of photoshoots with the production team.

“I think one of my favorite moments [was] when I went to a [photoshoot] and the photographer was shooting for a little while, and then he stopped and he [said], ‘Oh, you’re going to go really far,’” Pritchett said.

Despite growing up in Marin for most of her life, Pritchett moved across the world this past year to Sydney, Australia. The move was a result of COVID-19, as Pritchett has severe asthma and feared getting sick from the high COVID-19 rates in the U.S. She also has family in Sydney, which further encouraged the change.

Despite the incetive to move, living in Australia meant Pritchett would be doing her senior year virtually and 19 hours ahead of California time. Though the timing was hard to adjust to at the beginning of the year, Pritchett rearranged her schedule in a way that worked better for the time difference. Along with the complications of virtual school, Pritchett misses her friends in Marin.

Photo courtesy of Shayben Moussa

kind of similar to getting on the stage and performing. I feel like it’s a freedom type of thing,” Pritchett said.

However, being a model is also challenging, as it is a demanding and harsh industry. Pritchett is no exception to feeling the pressures of being a model and dealing with the constant comparisons that lie within the industry.

“It’s pretty easy to compare yourself to other people. I think I’ve done a good job with not comparing myself too much, but there’s always going to be someone who’s better than you and will get more work than you,” Pritchett said. “I think the hardest part is just staying strong to who you are and not changing for [an] agency or anyone else.”

Pritchett’s mother Robyn Murphy had many reservations about her daughter pursuing modeling at first. However, she was reassured by several of her friends who were once models and supported Pritchett’s career. “[Modeling] would not be what I would choose for my daughter. I think the difference [between letting her model and not model] was [that] I have three good friends who have modeled their entire lives and have learned to balance it. They were there for [Pritchett] completely, and they made it clear she needed to stay in [contact] with them. That made me feel like, ‘Okay, who am I to stop somebody’s dream?’” Murphy said.

Despite her initial worries, Murphy is now immensely proud of Pritchett and her modeling.

She is thrilled to see Pritchett so passionate.

“I am very proud of her. She is very creative and [has] always as a little girl been interested in fashion,” Murphy said. “When I see her in front of the cameras she is so relaxed, at home and loving it,” Regardless of Pritchett’s modeling success, she wants to continue her education in the future. Pritchett plans to attend a university in Australia after high school and hopes to continue modeling while in school if her schedule allows it. To follow Pritchett’s modeling check out her profiles on chicmanagement.com.au, scouttm.com and her Instagram, @savannah.pritchett_.

alightfoot@redwoodbark.org

Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-in-Chief: Ella Green Sofi Mincy Camille Ray Jack Watson Art Consultants: Kalyn Dawes Keely Ganong Business Managers: Annie Goldstein Samantha Michaels Survey Manager: Emma Lightfoot Social Media Managers: Audrey Lightfoot Charlie Ginsburg Podcast Editors: Nathan Ash Video Editors: Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan Multimedia Editor: Olivia Kharrazi

Copy Editors: Nicole Johnson (Head Copy) Shannon Watridge (Head Copy) Martha Fishburne Kate McHugh Sophie Smallhorn Natalie Tress Maxanne Anderson Samantha Elegant Gemma Strauss Abigail Shewmaker Greta Cifarelli Bella Piacente Alli Runnfeldt Reporters: Avery Aguero Will Baker Julian Belzer Isabel Ames Alex Fisch Clariss Garcia Nina Geoghegan Sydney Liebhauser Loughlin Browne Libby Hughes Patrick Jacobson Mia Kessinger Ava Koblik Brooke Leslie Charlotte DeForest Alyssa McCadden Declan McDaniels Kate McHugh PJ Pfeiffer Caroline Scharf Allie Vasquez Keegan Williams

Opinion Editors: Sol Ladetzky Casey Braff Feature Editors: Kent Goodman Taylor Elliot Lifestyles Editors: Anna Silverman Hollis Belger Sports Editors: Jacob Mandel Christopher Vargelis News Editors: Caroline Goodhart Jackson Epps Review Editors: Sophia Rocha AnnaLise Sandrich Spanish Editor: Hannah Sellers Senior Staff Writers: Mara Farese Katie Parsons

bark

Page 2 • News

April 2, 2021

Photo Survey “What do you appreciate the most about being back on campus?”

“Being able to meet a ton of new people and having full classes again. Seeing people in person is really neat, and I’m excited to be back.”

“I appreciate seeing my teachers and friends. Being in class really helps me learn because I’m not distracted by my phone.”

Zach Baumgarten

Emily Gallegos

freshman

sophomore

“It’s a change of pace as opposed to online school, and I really think it’s easier to learn when you’re faceto-face with your teachers instead of on Zoom.”

“Getting to meet my teachers and forming a relationship with them in person.”

junior

senior

Jake Feehan

Becca Falk

Marin small business fund provides loans and grants

By Greta Cifarelli On Feb. 22, a grant and interest-free loan fund opened applications to Marin County small businesses in an effort to combat the financial hardships caused by COVID-19. Implemented by the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA SF) and Fondo Adelante, organizations that help disadvantaged families in the Bay Area, along with Marin County and Canal Alliance, the application closed on March 22. Applications are now being entered into a lottery. The Marin County Small Business Fund aims to provide $900,000 in financial assistance. They expect to give out 15 grants of about $5,000 to $10,000 each, and 45 business loans of about

Photo by Greta Cifarelli

AIDING SMALL BUSINESSES, a man shops locally at Victoria Bakery & Cafe.

Kristin Abbott Aaron & Randi Agenbroad Seth & Kelli Anderson Susan Anderson Robert and Jean Baker The Baker Family Susan Ellsweig & Gary Barnett Caroline Beard The Belger Family Kathleen Belzer The Bishop Family Fred & Mary Blum The Braff Family Jason Brown Victoria Camelio Monica Canas Lucy Churton Kevin Cifarelli Robyn Cohen Laura Collins Edward Conti Deborah Cook Kelli Cook Hali Croner The Culhane Family Courtney Daly The Dawes Family Regina DeAngelis Sonya DeForrest Sandra Derango Joanne Desin Robby Dinowitz Ira Elegant The Elliot Family Mary Elliott The Elliott Family

$5,000 to $50,000 with an anticipated average loan size of $25,000. However, there is already a higher demand for the support.

Molly Kron, a planner in the housing and federal grants division of the Community Development Agency at the County of Marin, is optimistic that they will receive applications from various businesses.

“We’re hopeful that folks from smaller, self-employed businesses will apply for these funds. In addition, our Latinx community has been really heavily hit by the pandemic disproportionately here in Marin County. [In an effort to] focus dollars on where the pandemic is hitting hardest, we’re hoping that small business owners from our Latinx community will be applying for these funds,” Kron said.

This issue goes beyond Marin as well. According to Forbes, there was a 42 percent decrease in sales across the U.S. for Latinx-owned businesses in March and April of 2020.

Among those affected by the lockdowns are small businesses in the Bon Air Shopping Center, many of which are privately owned. Audrey Shapiro, the director of marketing at Bon Air and Larkspur Chamber of Commerce vice president, emphasized the hard work that business owners had to put in during the pandemic to continue profiting.

Ronald Ellsweig Douglas Epps Joseph Estus Deirdre Evershed Jennifer Fang Kristin Farese Monica Fieber The Fishburne Family Rod & Hannah Fligel Pamela Fong Robert Frankus Paul Gehrman & Norah Frei Allie G The Ganong Family The Ginsburg Family William Gisvold Martin Goldstein The Goldstein Family Cynthia Goodman Ina Gotlieb Jennifer Green Linda Groah Melissa Harms Christopher & Jennifer Hartung Randy Herbst Nancy & Allan Herzog Joan Hornberger The Hughes Family Tamara S Hull Robin Jacobson Carolyn Jensen Wendy Jessen Sylvia Jones William & Rachel Kessinger Jeffrey Klompus Anneke Koblik

Photo by Greta Cifarelli

TAKING A CUSTOMER’S order, senior Zoe Harrison takes COVID-19 precautions to keep Mag’s open.

“We had to really adjust to meet the community’s needs and support the businesses here. When restaurants shifted to takeout only, our restaurants really adapted and stepped up and provided great takeout options. [Our retail stores] amped up their online presence. Some of them did virtual events [and] classes, and they offered more online shopping,” Shapiro said.

While companies adapted to COVID-19 operations, it was not without struggle. Before this fund, there was no official grant program for Marin County businesses. Instead, much of the fundraising was organized by third

Bark Patrons E. Koeppel Zoe Koonce Carl Krawitt Sol & Gil Ladetzky Reshma Lensing The Leonard Family Elizabeth Brown & Janet Lewin Deborah Lightfoot Stephen Lightfoot Louise Lo Burt & Lisa Losee Ellen Lynch Alexandra Maliniak René Mandel Harold & Nancy Mann Dana Marotto Micheal Marrero Kerianne & Christopher McBride Ruth McDaniels Katie & David McGee The McHugh Family The Michaels Family Eileen F. Miles Robert Morgan Cindy Morris Ann Aiko Morton Julie & Brian Muller Camelia Negrea Cecily & James O’Connor Denise Olson Hillary Oppenheim Sharon Parsons

parties like the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce. Julie Cervetto, the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce executive director, led a fundraising program for immediate financial relief that was distributed to local businesses in Larkspur, Greenbrae and Kentfield in June. With help from the city, the County and over 50 donors, they provided 33 businesses with almost $1,500 each.

“I met [the business owners at the Marriott Hotel] and they came and picked up their checks. There were a lot of tears and a lot of gratitude. This is a really rough time for the businesses in this area.

I grew up here. I was born and raised here in Larkspur, and I’ve never seen [such a recession],” Cervetto said.

The recent grant program may ease some of the hardships small businesses have faced during the pandemic, but it does not negate the importance of continuing to shop local, according to Cervetto.

“We have to help our businesses get through [the pandemic]. They’re what make up our community. These small businesses are extremely important. They provide community, they provide their wares, they provide a lot. It’s important that we keep them going and that they survive this,” Cervetto said. gcifarelli@redwoodbark.org

The Parsons Family Cynthia Patrizi The Pfeiffer Family Frances Piacente Michael Piacente Gabriella Piccioni Megan Pirsch The Ray Family Bruce Reed Jennifer Reese Lesley Reidy Kimberly Resnick Timothy Richards The Rocha Family Liliana Royal Jason Ryning D. Sanders The Sandrich Family Wendy Shewmaker Jena Shore Martin & Deidre Silverman The Silverman Family Peter & Lucia Sinatra Veronia Skelton The Smallhorn Family Michael & Victoria Song The Steele Family Seth & Jill Steinberg Paul & Amanda Stephen Catherine Stevenson Robert Stone Irene & Phil Strauss

Kate & Ron Strauss Jennifer Sutter Mary Sylla Richard Thalheimer Maryann Thompson Jean-Ray Tippo Deborah Tirschwell The Towns Wagner Family Andy Tress Christopher & Lisa Tribolet Kimberly Tully-Sutton Lisa Turner Dawn Valler Caroline Wabl Kimberly Wagner Perelandra Wait Diana Wang The Watridge Family The Watson Family The Welch Family Larry Wilson Ryan Wilson Julie Wolfert Sarah Young The Zirpoli Family Constance Zlot Simon Zornoza

If you would like to support the Redwood Bark, donations can be made by check and mailed to Redwood High School. Checks should be made payable to the Redwood Bark. See www. redwoodbark.org/donate for an online payment option.

bark Rally sparks conversations about SFD renaming process Page 3 • News

www.redwoodbark.org

By Avery Aguero On March 9, the San Anselmo Town Council held a meeting via teleconference to further discuss the potential renaming of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard amid concerns about the negative racial connotations of the name. High School 1327 (HS 1327), formerly known as Drake High School, is also set to be renamed on March 31, as of print.

The process began last fall, when county supervisors Katie Rice and Dennis Rodoni formed a committee of representatives from Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo and Fairfax to consider renaming the 43.8 mile long street. After hearing reports from the two San Anselmo councilmembers, the council moved forward and opened up a town forum in early February to collect feedback from San Anselmo residents on the proposed renaming plans.

After almost six months and no changes to the street name, the San Anselmo Town Council is no longer pursuing the proposal. This inaction can be attributed to the petition presented to the council, as the proposal did not follow San Anselmo town resolution 3125A, which requires that two thirds of the residents on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard agree to the change. The vote ended up being three to two against renaming.

Councilwoman Eileen Burke believes the proposal was not passed, in part, due to the significant economic

Photo courtesy of Melissa Auchard

SHOWING SUPPORT, ONE rally participant covered their car with posters, flags and Sir Francis Drake memorabilia opposing the name change.

implications associated with renaming the boulevard. The approximate cost of changing all of the old street signs in San Anselmo would be around $5,000. Residents who live on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard would also have to change the title to their property and the addresses on their passport, drivers license and credit cards which can be a costly process for local homeowners. Additionally, businesses would need to pay for updated advertising and permits such as a liquor license for restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

Last November, Burke was elected to be on the San Anselmo town council and, as a community representative, she believes in strictly following the democratic process.

However, as the parent of twins who attend HS 1327 she believes this democratic process did not take place during the removal and renaming of Drake High School.

“I think [the renaming of Drake High School] is an example of forcing a predetermined outcome on unwilling stakeholders,” Burke said. “[The HS 1327 Site Council] took a poll, but removing the name was not supported by the majority of students, students of color, parents or the community. Instead of one person, one vote where we’re all equal, a cornerstone of democracy, it turned out that a group of only 100 [people], weighted their vote 10 times.”

Redwood alumni and Fairfax resident Diana Perdue made similar observations about the school’s name change. Perdue was one of the participants at the “Save the Name” rally on March 14, where dozens of community members opposing the name changes gathered in front of the school with signs and banners. Like many others at the demonstration, Perdue felt unheard by, in her eyes, the lack of a fair and democratic process when deciding a new name for the high school.

“Democracy has certainly, and intentionally, been disregarded during the entire process, and that is what the rally group was so infuriated by,” Perdue said.

In contrast, former Redwood faculty member Taber Watson, who is now teaching at HS 1327, believes that there are several misconceptions about the Drake Leadership Council (DLC) and their position in the renaming process.

The DLC is an elected body of students, parents, staff and community members who are responsible for gathering public input about the name decision and reporting back to the Tam Union High School District Board (TUHSD).

“At the end of the day, the DLC makes the final

Photo courtesy of Melissa Auchard

RAISING THEIR VOICES, community members try to “Save the Name” of Sir Francis Drake High School and Boulevard. decision,” Watson said. “So, for example, when [the name] ‘San Anselmo High School’ [was] in the top four, but the [DLC] found that it was not a very equitable name for whatever reason, it is within their right to remove it from contention. And people think that their vote is not being counted, but in fact, it’s not really a vote, it’s a survey.”

As of March 10, the DLC moved into the semifinals of the name change process with two student-proposed name choices in the running: Bon Tempe and Olema Trail.

However, the DLC voted to pull the name Olema Trail from the running on Friday, March 26 after a representative for the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria opposed it.

With not knowing how to proceed yet, the DLC made the decision to put the voting on hold until they meet again.

The DLC is scheduled to have another meeting to discuss the next steps on April 1.

Although the rally aimed to protest the high school name change, Perdue believes the main intention was to also express the community’s feelings towards the street name change.

“Passing Drake High, where I had my first swim lesson at age four, driving on familiar streets, seeing Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit and knowing I’m almost home, [they’re] emotional attachments for me and the names should remain as they are,” Perdue said. aaguero@redwoodbark.org

Construction ramps up as Fairfax welcomes skatepark

By Hannah Sellers After months of accumulating community support and scouting for a location, the town of Fairfax will welcome a temporary skatepark in the Fairfax Pavilion parking lot on Bank Street. The community-funded project, led by the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee, surpassed its $30,000 fundraising goal days before beginning construction on Mar. 1. The park is expected to open in early April.

While Marin skaters cannot wait to get their wheels rolling on the new ramps, the passionate volunteers that founded the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee have been advocating to make the skatepark possible

Photo by Hannah Sellers

PRACTICING TRICKS, A local skater is eager to transition from the curbs to actual skateboard ramps.

since December. Vice Mayor of Fairfax and Redwood alumnus Stephanie Hellman first encountered the strong community interest in building a skatepark on her 2020 campaign trail.

“When I was running for office and campaigning door-to-door, six or seven times people said to me, ‘Fairfax needs a skatepark. Are you supportive of this?’”

Hellman said. “I kept hearing this over and over again, and once you hear something like that six or seven times, it becomes a trend.”

Following her election, Hellman returned to the community members who had requested a skatepark and put together a team of volunteers to bring their aspirations to reality. Fairfax local and lifelong skater Steven Teijeiro was eager to get involved. From engaging with community members on numerous social media platforms to presenting at town council meetings, Teijeiro played a major role in gaining approval for the skatepark.

“I have been a leader within the committee,” Teijeiro said. “My leadership style has always been to really listen closely to what our team members are feeling and the thoughts that they are having and strategize with them about the steps we should take and how we plan to get things done.”

For Teijeiro, a new skatepark means more than creating a space for those already involved in the sport. He views skateboarding as an opportunity for youth to challenge themselves and learn to take responsible risks, a vital aspect of childhood development.

“If we can expose kids to a healthy level of risk in a healthy environment where they are really able to choose what it is they want to do and how far they want to push the edge, these kids will be much more prepared for the greater world,” Teijeiro said.

Whether it is on a skateboard, scooter, or roller blades, Teijeiro believes that skateparks encourage youth to be daring

Photo by Hannah Sellers

BUILDING THE PARK, volunteers give their time to their passion project.

and confident in the risks they take, which he views as an unusual opportunity given how safety-oriented much of modern childhood has become.

“It is so beneficial to our community to have self-conscious kids, not in an insecure way, but in a confident way, that know the limits of what it is they want to do and really get into life,” Teijeiro said. “They are really alive out there.”

No longer an after-school activity stereotypically claimed by party animals and druggies, skateboarding has gained popularity in recent years as a professional sport and was set to debut at the canceled Summer 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Class of 2020 Redwood graduate Pato Harris skateboards constantly and is excited to have another spot to practice his sport, especially given the rise in crowds at skateparks he has witnessed since the pandemic began.

“Because of COVID-19, a lot of people started skating, and a lot of people started hanging out at skateparks once they opened again,” Harris said. “A lot of skate parks have been very overcrowded. So for the

people that have been skating before, it’s kind of frustrating.”

While Harris attended several town council meetings and advocated for the skatepark’s approval, the Skatepark 4 Fairfax committee worked on fundraising the $30,000 needed to build the park communally. Within a few weeks, the committee exceeded their target dollar amount without receiving a dime from the town of Fairfax and are continuing to see those numbers increase as excited local businesses and restaurants donate proceeds to the park. Hellman attributes their success to the passion in the Fairfax community.

“Fairfax has a very small budget, so I think our fundraising shows that when there’s a will, there’s a way,” Hellman said.

“The town belongs to the community, and this project bubbled up from community demand, and it is so exciting that it is coming to fruition. We are so delighted that both the residents and small businesses are behind it, and we can support the kids in this meaningful way.”

Once the park is open to the public, finding a permanent location is the committee’s top priority. The Parks and Recreation Commission is currently exploring sites and plans to report back to the city council in July. In the meantime, Fairfax residents and Marin’s thriving skateboarding community are excited for the construction to finish, with many even lending a hand to help out with the building.

Advocates for the park, like Teijeiro, are hoping to see the community’s efforts pay off with a popular skatepark in April.

“I want the skatepark to be a thriving, inclusive skateboard community,” Teijeiro said. “The world is changing, people are finding their identities, people are figuring out who they really are, and I want the skatepark to be a place where everyone’s included, and everyone can get together and live a good life.” hsellers@redwoodbark.org

opinion

Page 4

Black History Month is getting away with segregation Story and Illustration by Alli Runnfeldt

White privilege is the ability to get pulled over by a police officer without fear of unfair treatment or worse. It is going to any hair salon without worrying if they will know how to do your hair.

It is not having your intellectual capabilities questioned by strangers.

White privilege is also having the history of your race fully and fairly represented in history class. Every single month of the year is “white history month,” so why is Black History Month pushed into the singular month of February, ready to be forgotten throughout the next 11 months? February should not be the only time of year we celebrate Black lives and accomplishments.

By doing so, we are allowing segregation to continue in the 21st century.

Black History Month was originally created by Carter G. Woodson, a historian and son of formerly enslaved people, when he realized the lack of Black presence in American history textbooks. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which led to the start of Negro History Week in 1926.

However, according to historian John Hope Franklin, Woodson never intended for Negro History Week to be a permanent occasion. He hoped that it would cause a

shift in society where the history of African Americans would become a part of American history. At the time of Woodson’s death in 1950, he was still hoping Negro History Week would “outlive its usefulness.” Clearly, it did not. In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded the week into the whole month of February, as it has remained since.

Black History Month was not created with the intention of causing harm or segregation. President Gerald Ford wanted the public to, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” However, what was meant to start a conversation in all aspects of everyday life, as white history is, has ended up limiting the dialogue to within the confined dates of February. As a result, many important people and events are left out. More often than not, the only names and accomplishments we hear about are from Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. These people are tremendously important and should be discussed, but so should the influences of the Harlem Renaissance, Black inventors of the 1900s, early Black literature and lesser known important activists and leaders.

A 2015 study by the National Museum of African American History and Culture showed that U.S. history classes devote about one or two lessons, or about 8 to 9 percent of total class time, to

Black history. Even more troubling, there are no national history standards, meaning it is all up to the states; as of 2014, 12 states did not even require lessons on the civil rights movement, and less than half covered Jim Crow laws. In order to fully understand American history, we must teach Black history.

It can easily be argued that our country needs Black History Month to remind Americans to pay attention to Black history in general. However, Black History Month is not working; it has become an easy way for lazy allies to pat themselves on the back while not putting in any real work. Many companies and businesses put up signs for Black History Month in February to show the public they support the Black community, but do not do any work outside of that single month. Without caring for the Black communities beyond surface-level sentiments, they attempt to capitalize on opportunity by getting more young consumers purchasing their products. According to a 2019 Do Something report, 58 percent of young consumers say a brands association with popular social causes greatly impacts their choices of purchases. What is supposed to help and support the Black community has become a boost in income for big companies.

The goal should be to no longer need Black History Month by integrating Black history into history year round.

In order for this to happen, education curriculums and the standards for businesses need to change. We need to hold businesses, states and people with platforms accountable for their lack of support for the Black community. The most important and urgent matter is the need for a federal U.S. history curriculum; we cannot make a difference if part of the population is missing widely important history and there is no common ground of knowledge.

I was taught my whole life that Black History Month was an indication of a world where racism no longer existed. As much as many people want to believe the Civil Rights Movement fixed everything, it simply did not. We may have come a long way since then, however, it is impossible to claim these things when we are still segregating Black history into a 28-day month. arunnfeldt@redwoodbark.org

Women are not ‘Out Of The Woods’ with misogyny

By Casey Braff

At 11-years-old during the peak of my Taylor Swift obsession, I went to her 1989 World Tour. A few years later, I entered middle school, where most people disliked Swift and bought into the narrative that her music was “girly.” When she released her albums “reputation” and “Lover,” I didn’t listen to a single song despite once being an avid Swift fan. But when “folklore” came out last summer, I decided to give it a listen and found the album phenomenal.

I decided to listen to the albums I had missed. I became captivated with her music; I know the meaning behind every hidden message in her albums and keep rankings of all her songs in my Notes app. I finally realized it was my own internalized misogyny, not a lack of talent from Swift, that made me dislike her music during middle school.

My experience was not unique; junior Claire McKechnie, a Swift fan since kindergarten, went through the same thing.

“When I got to middle school, I developed a really odd and, in some ways, forced perception of Taylor Swift. A lot of people around me stopped listening to her music and criticized her songs and success by saying, ‘Taylor Swift is only what girls listened to,’”

McKechnie said. “That sexist mindset that everyone else had caused me to discontinue my obsession with her music.

I now realize that none of that would’ve happened to a male artist. There would never be a male artist in a position where people didn’t listen to him because he was a man.”

Some believe that Kanye West “made Swift famous” after he infamously upstaged her at the 2009 Video Music Awards, claiming Beyoncé should have won the award Swift just received. In 2016, after Swift and West had made amends, he called her and asked to use the line “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that b***h famous” in a song he was writing. Swift denied him permission to call her “that b***h”, but Kim Kardashian, West’s wife, released doctored footage making it seem like she did give him permission, leading to mainstream media turning against her.

On The View, female talk show hosts said she was just trying to play the victim to gain

support. Headlines read “Taylor Swift Isn’t Like Other Celebrities, She’s Worse” (Vice) and “How Taylor Swift Played The Victim For A Decade And Made Her Entire Career” (Buzzfeed).

The women publicly saying nasty things about Swift, such as the writer of the Buzzfeed article, just shows how deeply ingrained misogyny is in our society, as women bring each other down for no reason. As Swift once said, “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

Regardless, Swift is an incredibly successful and talented artist. Having sold over 200 million records, Swift is the 14th most streamed artist on Spotify. On March 14th, she won Album of the Year at the Grammys for “folklore,” making history as the first woman to win in that category three times.

Netflix is responsible for the most recent incident of sexism towards Swift. On their show “Ginny and Georgia,” the main character made a sexist joke, saying, “You go through men faster than Taylor Swift.” This showcases a repeated pattern of unwarranted sexism from the media: using Swift’s love life as a punchline.

Illustration by Kalyn Dawes

Swift then tweeted, “Hey Ginny & Georgia, 2010 called, and it wants its lazy, deeply sexist joke back. How about we stop degrading hard-working women by defining this horse s**t as FuNnY...

Happy Women’s History Month, I guess.”

Some believe that Swift warrants these criticisms and comments about her dating life because she writes songs about love. As a celebrity who writes most of her songs about breakups and relationships, criticism is inevitable. Male artists, however, receive minimal backlash for the same type of music, highlighting the misogyny Swift encounters. Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber have not been criticized because they wrote about love or dated many women.

Swift said in an 2015 interview with Maxim, “A man writing about his feelings from a vulnerable place is brave; a woman writing about her feelings from a vulnerable place is oversharing or whining. Misogyny is ingrained in people from the time they are born.”

Many young girls, including myself, have gone through the experience of not liking pink or not wanting to be girly because of internalized misogyny. No matter your gender identity, if you don’t like Taylor Swift, ask yourself why. Is it because she makes bad music or because of your perception of her?

Take it from Taylor, as she sings in “The Man:” “I’m so sick of running as fast I can/Wondering if I’d get there quicker/If I was a man/And I’m so sick of them coming at me again/’Cause if I was a man/Then I’d be the man.”

cbraff@redwoodbark.org

Page 5 • Opinion

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Principles or politics: the predicament facing the GOP

By Declan McDaniels

Since former President Donald Trump’s election in 2016, “Trumpism,” defined by Dictionary.com as the “nontraditional political philosophy and approach espoused by U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters,” has taken over much of the Republican Party. It has been called the American political variant of the far right, but it has no core philosophy. This trend towards extremism in the values and morals of the Grand Old Party (GOP) as a whole has redefined what it means to be a conservative in today’s politics, and this new image does not resonate with many life-long Republicans. The Republican Party is becoming more polarized with more traditionally conservative views on one side and conspiracy theories, white supremacists and misinformation on the other. Republican leaders must condemn all discrimination, lies, conspiracies and wrongdoings if they want to convince voters that they will not put their political biases over truth and morality. If the GOP fails to move back towards more traditional party values, critical damage will be caused by the extremists within the Republican Party, and white supremacists will remain “the most consistent and lethal threat in the homeland,” as stated in the inaugural threat assessment by the Department of Homeland Security.

This emergence of white supremacy and extremist views in mainstream politics has been on a steady rise in the past decades, but Trump has significantly perpetuated this shift by giving followers of this movement a megaphone and encouraging their beliefs. In 2017, a group of white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Va. protested the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee with violence and racist chants. Trump later said that there were “very fine people on both sides,” despite the protest being planned and led by self-proclaimed white nationalists. However, Trump’s most

overt example of fueling white supremacy immense media attention since it was came at the first presidential debate in revealed that she has supported QAnon 2020 when he responded to a question in recent years. Baseless theories, such about denouncing white supremacists as those of QAnon, being widely present such as the Proud Boys by saying “stand within the Republican party is worrisome, and it proves that change needs to occur. back and stand by.” While Trump later stated that he condemned the Proud Boys and other white supremacists, many believed it was too little, too late; the proTrump extremist group embraced his words, and they even incorporated the quote in their new logo. These instances, among countless others, are prime examples of the way in which Trump The has inflamed white supremacy final straw in the U.S., making these for many people feel like their radical and Republicans dangerous views are representative came on Jan. of the Republican Party.

6, 2021, when This unconventional side of the Trump was directly Republican Party is not only defined associated with the by its white nationalist beliefs, but incitement of the riot also by the growing prevalence of on the U.S. Capitol conspiracy theories such as QAnon. building.

After QAnon is a far-right conspiracy months of claiming theory alleging that a secret group of the election was Democratic politicians and public rigged in favor of figures are Satan-worshipping President Biden, pedophiles and cannibals who run Trump called on a global sex trafficking ring and Illustration by Kalyn Dawes his supporters to plot to undermine former President come to Washington Trump. A September 2020 Daily Kos/ on the day that they were certifying Civiqs poll found that 33 percent of Republicans surveyed believe that the election results to “Stop the Steal.” In QAnon conspiracy is mostly true and an his rally speech directly before the riots additional 23 percent say that some parts started, Trump directed his supporters to the Capitol building, telling them they are true.

These beliefs are not just held by have to “show strength” and “fight like regular working-class Americans; multiple hell” if they want to take their country government officials have also shown back. While storming the Capitol, his their support for the group. Republican supporters chanted “Fight for Trump” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has gained and claimed that they entered the Capitol

bark

at Trump’s “invitation,” meaning they truly believed this is what the president wanted them to do. People close to Trump reported that he was “initially pleased” and “delighted” about the riots, while “walking around the White House confused about why other people on his team weren’t as excited.”

According to The New York Times, 140,000 Republicans in 25 states left the party following the Capitol riots.

Additionally, a large number of former Republican officials recently met to discuss the future of the party postTrump, most of whom believe they should either form a new party or establish a new faction in the party.

Republican Governor from Arkansas Asa Hutchinson says that Trump should not define the future of the Republican Party.

“He has a loud megaphone, but we have to have many different voices and, in my view, we can’t let him define us for the future, because that would just further divide our country and it would hurt our Republican Party,” Hutchinson said at CNN’s State of the Union.

Many people claim that “Trumpism” and the rise of extremism aren’t dangerous, but the Jan. 6 Capitol riots are evidence that these radicals will go to drastic lengths to defend what they have been told to be true. Trump has a major influence on his supporters, and he was able to manipulate them into believing that the election was fraudulent, despite any credible or significant evidence.

Trump’s words and the effect that they can have has proven to be dangerous, and this will not stop anytime soon. Trump said himself that his movement is “only just beginning.” If the Republican party wants to entice voters and re-establish themselves as a legitimate counterpart in our two-party system, its leaders will need to condemn Trump’s destructive influence and prevent him from hijacking their core values. dmcdaniels@redwoodbark.org

Vote ‘no’ on celebrity culture in politics producing content about political drama has become what New York Times journalist, Amanda Hess, refers On Jan. 20, 2021, my family and I crowded around to as “great convergence between politics and culture. ... the TV waiting with anticipation for the presidential This is democracy reimagined as celebrity fandom, and it inauguration ceremony. My social media feed was is now a dominant mode of experiencing politics.” already filled with content about the guests’ outfits and When these forms of political culture become the celebrity appearances at the ceremony. The glitz and widespread, discussions about politics become focused glamour of the day felt strangely like a red carpet event, on irrelevant gossip rather than actual policy. In a with elected officials being announced on television like March Bark survey, 86 percent of students either often movie stars. I realized that this behavior wasn’t unusual or occasionally see news about politicians’ personal lives in our political landscape, as it has started to look akin rather than their political agendas. News about politicians to tabloid magazines or speculative celebrity gossip. that resembles celebrity gossip only distracts people The internet has created a culture where anything in from engaging in discussions of important policies politics can become a meme or trend, which distracts that influence their lives and communities. from political engagement. We need to rid politics of Not only can celebrity culture be irrelevant, but superficial celebrity culture to preserve our democracy it can also become dangerous to political discourse. and hold politicians to their office standards.

For example, the subreddit, r/TheDonald, was The day of the Inauguration, founded in June 2015 to share memes a picture of and clips of Bernie Sanders Donald Trump, sitting snugly but the server with a pair of turned out to homemade have several mittens spread harassment like wildfire claims towards across social people of media, with different ethnic one of and religious the original groups, as well tweets of the photo as a history of spreading garnering 1.1 million conspiracy theories. After likes. The internet allows the subreddit turned from for clips of a politician’s a relatively normal center speech to become easily for sharing content to shared GIFs and rally outward hate speech, Illustration by Kalyn Dawes photos can turn into it was ultimately shut a discussion about a political down on June 29, 2020. figure’s fashion taste. What used to be standard practice Celebrity fandom in politics can also lead to violence, for the fans’ communities for celebrities known as “stan as followers of politicians, like former President Trump, Twitter,” or tabloid magazines, has merged into the realm can use the reach of social media to take their dedication of politics, leading to superficial conversations about our to the extreme. Zignal Labs found that after Trump’s elected officials. This new culture of consuming and rally on Jan. 6, over 140,000 mentions of unrest-related

By Caroline Scharf

terms were found online, which can be traced to the U.S Capitol riots on the same day. While excessive praise and memes may seem normal on the internet, they can swiftly turn into extremism.

Even as celebrity culture changes how we discuss politics, some argue that this form of engagement may ignite an interest in government for people who had previously never paid attention. In some cases, celebrity culture can produce content that engages new voters and brings people into the political arena, leading to increased participation in democracy. According to research by Massey University’s School of Psychology, emotional attachment to candidates “may drive ordinary citizens to engage more politically.”

However, when people participate in the political sphere because of the culture surrounding it, there is a chance they may not want to participate without it.

This political culture format is entertaining, and if the enjoyment is lost then potential political participants may lose interest. It’s better for voters to be absorbed in politics for a short time than to be consumed by a form of political engagement reliant on superficial culture.

Therefore, politics should be focused on the voters who are interested in the agendas of politicians rather than people who are purely interested in the gossip-centric aspects of politics.

To combat celebrity culture in politics, we must start with individual relationships with social media and press coverage. Although many of us may just be witnesses to celebrity culture, we can still actively filter out content that focuses too heavily on politicians’ personal lives in order to engage with politics in good faith. Instead of interacting with Pinterest boards of Alexandra Ocasio Cortez’s outfits or Instagram accounts posting proDonald Trump memes, we should try to block out the gossip and fluff in politics to preserve the sanctity of our democracy and vote “no” on celebrity culture in politics.

cscharf@redwoodbark.org

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Page 6 • Opinion

April 2, 2021

Brandy Melville: one size fits (sm)all

By Martha Fishburne

Global Warning: we don’t want to ‘label it’ Story and Illustration by Anna Silverman “Global Warning” is a column discussing relevant environmental concerns that our planet faces today.

“Organic.” “Non-GMO.” “All-natural.” After years of wandering through the grocery store and seeing these stickers piled up on food products, my curiosity got the best of me. What is the difference between organic and made with organic ingredients? How is cage-free any different from free-range? Does buying items with these labels truly make a difference?

According to Ecolabel Index, a website that provides descriptions of environmental food labels, almost 150 different stickers and certifications are allowed on produce and packaging alone. Few labels serve the same purpose, and their lack of uniformity just confuses everyone.

The moral dilemma that occurs while browsing the egg section in a market is one of the best examples of this. While shoppers hopefully opt for meat and poultry items with either a “cage-free,” “free-range” or “pasture-raised” marker, the specifications behind each can misdirect even the best efforts to be animalfriendly. “Cage-free” ensures that chickens can move around in indoor houses, with access to fresh food and water. Yet this label fails to inform consumers that there is no minimum space requirement or allowance to roam outside of these areas. “Free-range” gives the hens the same conditions as “cage-free” but ensures they have outdoor access, but not necessarily in natural conditions that provide sun exposure. Products labeled “pastureraised” provide the best living conditions for meat — this dictates that the animals must be placed in a pasture environment for at least six hours a day. This information is rarely offered on the egg cartons, creating a lack of transparency that feeds into the economic profit of food corporations as consumers play label roulette.

This hierarchy of animal product labels is mimicked by the sustainability claims on produce and other groceries. From a consumer perspective, “organic” might be a fruit sticker, an elevated price point or even a peak environmental health symbol. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic as a food production method “without the use of synthetic inputs,” including fertilizers, pesticides, and geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs). It also emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices. Few other stamps undergo the same rigorous certification process required for a USDA certification, but they still advertise similar benefits on many of the products we see.

More labels equate to more specifications on a foodstuff item, but the lack of a uniform system brings too many unspecified, sometimes unregulated, thirdparty organizations into the assortment of products.

Recognizable certifications such as the rectangular “Non-GMO Project,” “Rainforest Alliance” and “Fair Trade Certified” all ensure a lack of genetically modified ingredients and some worker protections (which the USDA label does not). However, they all serve specific purposes that do not include regulations on chemicals, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers that cause just as much controversy as the formidable GMO. Without extensive knowledge concerning the multitude of food production labels, consumer confusion often leads to misguided purchases or a disregard for sustainability claims entirely. Having a concrete system that verifies products at their different levels or forms of sustainability under one transparent organization would spark more environmentally-minded purchases.

But until labeling becomes more organized, researching brands and certifications is decisively a better alternative to picking the greenest-looking one.

Look for USDA-approved labels for additivefree products that promote the best environmental treatment and “Food Justice,” “Fair Trade” and “Fair for Life” stickers that protect worker rights. Since many certifications fall into just one of these categories or don’t specify any overlap, check websites like FoodPrint to understand their meanings and impact. It’s time to put a label on our relationship with the environment. asilverman@redwoodbark.org

When I first began shopping at Brandy Melville in middle school, I was entranced. The piles of semi-neatly folded tank tops and well-dressed, intimidating older girls at the cash register signified an era of freedom I yearned for. But beneath the simple clothing designs and affordable jewelry lies a “one size fits all” policy that pushes a cookie cutter body type onto middle and high schoolers.

Take a look at any Brandy Melville tag from an older collection, and you’ll be greeted with the phrase “one size fits all.” Although they eventually removed the tags, the one size fits all sentiment remains prevalent in Brandy Melville stores. This would be a semi-harmless business model if the clothing actually fit a multitude of sizes, but it doesn’t.

For example, a popular pair of jeans on the website, the Feanne Light Wash Jeans, only comes in a size S. These jeans have a 26 inch (66 centimeter) waist, a full 6.6 inches smaller than the national average waist size for teenage girls at 32.6 inches. Furthermore, the only clothes that come in more than one size are items like sweatshirts and t-shirts, which can be bought in an “oversized fit” or “regular fit.” Sure, it’s a halfhearted attempt at offering more than one size; however, calling any clothing item “oversized” if it comes in a size larger than small pours salt in the wound of all girls who don’t fit into the “regular fit” clothes. If Brandy Melville wanted to cater to a more diverse customer base, Illustration by Kalyn Dawes they’d actually carry multiple sizes for different bodies, not just two sizes both made for smaller people.

With this in mind, I have to wonder what body types Brandy Melville executives have in mind when they say their sizes fit everyone.

Except Brandy Melville no longer proclaims to be a “one size fits all” company, which almost makes the sting of its exclusivity worse. The brand doesn’t even try to hide behind well-meaning attempts at body diversity. Rather, their decision to carry clothes in only the XS/S or S/M size was an intentional endeavor. Brandy Melville executives

know their small clothes fit only a specific body type and they feed off of this, putting only tall, skinny and flat models on their website and in their stores as cashiers.

On May 24, 2020, TikTok user calliejeanxo posted a TikTok (the first of many she’d make on this issue) outlining her experience working at Brandy Melville. In the video, Callie said, “A girl that was bigger than the rest of us wasn’t allowed to come back from behind the cashier so no one could see her body.” Callie hasn’t worked at Brandy Melville since 2013, but she acknowledged in part 18 of the series that the store environment is relatively unchanged. Though only one girl’s experience, it seems too similar to Brandy Melville’s sizing policy and social media presence to be just an isolated incident.

One could argue that Brandy Melville is merely being irresponsible rather than calculating. After all, it wouldn’t be fair to blame one company for a culture of fat shaming that has been around since the Renaissance.

And, as an independent company selling clothes in a free country, Brandy Melville is allowed to advertise their clothes however they want. But in an era where, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, 13.2 percent of girls have struggled with some form of eating disorder by the age 20 and, according to a March Bark survey, 76 percent of Redwood students have felt negatively about their bodies, this level of carelessness is unethical. With a customer base of primarily tweens and young adults, the demographic most likely to develop an eating disorder according to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Brandy Melville needs to stop enforcing body standards and instead become part of the solution.

Other companies have already hopped on this body positivity bandwagon; teen clothing brands such as ASOS and Aerie offer a diverse range of sizes and make a point not to retouch photos. However, both companies actually made more money than Brandy Melville in 2018 (the most recent year data is available), with Aerie’s revenue reaching $650 million and ASOS’s hitting $2417.3 million, compared to Brandy Melville’s $300 million. If Aerie and ASOS can make a higher profit while maintaining a body positive marketing plan, Brandy Melville could easily do the same.

Brandy Melville still provides many middle schoolers with their first taste of freedom; their low prices allow clothes to be bought with pocket money or wages from first babysitting jobs, and their one size policy arguably makes shopping simpler. But, this freedom is undermined by the limited nature of their advertising and clothing sizes. With more clothing brands celebrating size inclusivity, it’s time to outgrow this “one size fits all” culture. mfishburne@redwoodbark.org

kdawes@redwoodbark.org

Page 7 • Opinion

www.redwoodbark.org

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Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-In-Chief Ella Green Sofi Mincy Camille Ray Jack Watson Head Copy Editors Nicole Johnson Shannon Watridge

editorial Don’t let your mothers, sisters, wives and daughters “Calling all fathers, brothers, husbands and sons.”

POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of The Bark staff.

be a part of the 97 percent If you’ve been scrolling through your Instagram feed during the past several weeks, odds are you’ve come across an omnipresent “97 percent” graphic.

Conducted by the United Nations for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, this study found that 97 percent of women ages 18 to 24 in the U.K. have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public spaces. On a local level, a 2017 Bark survey found that 59 percent of students have had experiences at Redwood that constitute sexual harassment by U.S. law.

These statistics have not just been met with disbelief, but have also been disregarded by many who have deemed them impossible. This notion of impossibility is the very root of the sexual harassment plaguing the world, an issue lying in the fact that many are unaware of what falls under the umbrella of harassment.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, sexual harassment is “behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation.” Contrasted to sexual assault, harassment appears a meek issue, but its apparent lack of severity gives way to its ubiquity. Something as simple as a man walking too close to a woman at night can spike the woman’s nerves for the remainder of her evening, whether intentional on the man’s behalf or not. It is true that not all men are bad, but the behaviors of some are enough to make women afraid of all –– this is why simply not sexually harassing anyone isn’t enough.

The recent surge in awareness of sexual harassment has brought to light many injustices and put the true colors of our abuser-sympathetic culture on full display. At the forefront of backlash are baseless defenses. “It’s not ‘all men’ because my friends and I would never do this!” Okay, but Matt Lauer’s friends never would have thought he’d do it. Neither would have Bill Cosby’s. Ostensibly kind people, and some of our biggest role models, can have the darkest underbellies.

Only in the last few weeks, star Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson had 19 lawsuits filed against him for alleged sexual harassment. Social media users flooded TikTok and other platforms with comments like “Innocent until proven guilty,” “Girls always do this to try to get money from people” and “Watson don’t even seem like the type of dude to do something like that.” Whether or not Watson sexually harassed these women is not the point. The initial reaction cannot be to belittle and attack women because safeguarding the characters of seemingly decent men like Watson is not just logically fallacious, but it actively trivializes

A BARK to going back to full in-person learning. Admin wasn’t lying when they said we’d be back after Spring Break.

A BITE to the parking policy returning. By the time they give out parking permits, it’s going to be finals week.

A BARK to teachers. We know hybrid learning is tough, but no, unfortunately we can’t hear the video.

A BITE to watching the 2021 Grammys with our parents.

Megan needs to give us Thee warning next time.

the experiences of their victims. This in turn sets a dubious precedent for all following cases, giving voice to the “not all men” arguments that have set out to invalidate the experiences of most women.

While it would be statistically correct to say that “not all men” are sexually harassing women, all men live under the degrading culture that has given them the power and will to do so for centuries.

Such a culture is also characterized by constant reinforced female inferiority, dominated by locker room jokes about women “belonging in the kitchen” and dubs boys that are decent to women “simps.” It’s a culture where men can privately enjoy portrayals of oversexualized Playboy girls, but turn around and slut-shame any women in their lives that dress in a similar manner. Fear and discomfort from women who are catcalled confers dominance to male perpetrators. This culture enables men to send unsolicited nude photos to women without any indication of the woman’s consent, assuming “she wants it.” We discredit reports of misconduct and layer on fear of retribution for reporting inappropriate behaviors, which is why reported cases of assault and misconduct fall so far behind projections like the U.K. study. So for those attempting to debunk the 97 percent statistic: look inside yourself and think about why you’re so deeply troubled by this study, for even if that number sat at 1 percent, it would still be too many.

To create cultural change, more than not partaking in harassment is necessary. Being empathetic of the universal female experience is where the most palpable change is possible. Denouncing objectifying language and listening to others’ experiences without questioning them are ways to empathize with victims of sexual harassment and assault in order to create a safe environment. Putting an end to “bro culture” where kindness and support towards women is looked down upon as weak is paramount in initiating productive discussions among men in condemning sexual harassment. Our knee-jerk reaction to women coming forward cannot be to defend the man, but rather to listen to the woman. Fathers, brothers, husbands and sons: stand up for all women as if they were your mothers, sisters, wives and daughters.

Have an opinion regarding anything that appears in The Bark or in general? We encourage our readers to submit letters to the editor.

Letters to The Bark should be 500 words or fewer, typed if possible and signed. They must be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org.

A BARK to seniors committing to colleges. Instagram stalking has never been so much fun.

A BITE to Trump claiming the Jan. 6 rioters were “hugging and kissing” police. We know Trump’s definition of kissing is blurred.

A BARK to Ashley Tisdale for having a new baby girl. If only they named her Sharpay.

A BITE to France for having another lockdown. Say au revoir to European spring break plans!

A BARK to the release of the Netflix documentary

“Operation Varsity Blues, the College Admissions Scandal.”

The production time was longer than the parents’ prison sentences.

A BITE to the UC system being even more competitive this year. We’re sure our parents are excited to pay outof-state tuition.

BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.

Copy Editors Maxanne Anderson Greta Cifarelli Samantha Elegant Martha Fishburne Kate McHugh Bella Piacente Alli Runnfeldt Abigail Shewmaker Sophie Smallhorn Gemma Strauss Natalie Tress News Editors Jackson Epps Caroline Goodhart Opinion Editors Casey Braff Sol Ladetzky Feature Editors Taylor Elliott Kent Goodman Sports Editors Jacob Mandel Christopher Vargelis Review Editors Sophia Rocha AnnaLise Sandrich Lifestyles Editors Hollis Belger Anna Silverman Video Editors Sterling Lazarus Hannah Morgan Spanish Editor Hannah Sellers Podcast Editor Nathan Ash Business Managers Annie Goldstein Samantha Michaels Social media Managers Charlie Ginsburg Audrey Lightfoot Survey Manager Emma Lightfoot Multimedia Manager Olivia Kharrazi Art Consultants Kalyn Dawes Keely Ganong Reporters Avery Aguero Isabel Ames Will Baker Loughlin Browne Charlotte DeForrest Alex Fisch Clariss Garcia Nina Geoghegan Libby Hughes Patrick Jacobson Mia Kessinger Ava Koblik Brooke Leslie Sydney Liebhauser Declan McDaniels PJ Pfeiffer Caroline Scharf Allie Vasquez Keegan Williams Senior Staff Writers Mara Farese Katie Parsons Adviser Erin Schneider

español

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Aprendizaje un idioma en línea frente a la instrucción presencial Cuento por Taylor Elliott Con Enrique Iglesias tocando en los pasillos, la mayoría de los estudiantes de español de Redwood aún pueden recordar cómo eran sus clases de Español antes de que la instrucción en línea comenzara en marzo de 2020. Lo que una vez fue un ambiente animado para que los estudiantes conversaran en una lengua extranjera con sus compañeros y el maestro, la clase en línea se ha convertido en virtualmente silenciosa. Tras casi un año lejos del campus, los estudiantes han vuelto a un modelo híbrido de enseñanza desde el pasado 2 de marzo de 2021, y están listos para probar cuánto Español han aprendido realmente en Zoom.

Melissa Zeiher lleva enseñando español 11 años y instruye los cursos de Español 5-6, Honores 7-8 y curso avanzado (AP) de lengua española en Redwood. Aunque Zeiher admite que las oportunidades para practicar un idioma se han visto comprometidas con la enseñanza en línea, considera que la calidad educativa ha continuado. “[Después de] ver en persona a mis estudiantes y conversar con ellos en el aula por primera vez [durante la primera semana tras el regreso], me he quedado muy impresionada con el nivel en el que se encuentran. Creo que muchos alumnos se han esforzado verdaderamente para mantener un aprendizaje constante el año pasado,” comentó Zeiher.

Según la maestra Zeiher, los estudiantes pueden mantener sus habilidades en español de formal virtual gracias a que las cuatro modalidades de aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera - conversación, comprensión auditiva, lectura y escritura- se pueden enseñar a distancia.

“La adquisición de un segundo idioma es un proceso permanente, y el input comprensible en esa lengua es la herramienta principal que la desarrolla. Se puede lograr por medio de la lectura, la comprensión auditiva, y muchas repeticiones,” apuntó Zeiher.

El estudio “Language Online project,” dirigido por la Universidad Carnegie Mellon, investigó la efectividad que los cursos de idiomas en línea tienen en el resultado del aprendizaje para los estudiantes. Los investigadores compararon cuatro cursos de idiomas en línea, en los niveles básico e intermedio, con sus cursos equivalentes en persona. El estudió involucró la participación de 11 maestros y 354 estudiantes, incluyendo cinco semestres y 34 clases (13 en línea y 21 en persona). La universidad utilizó múltiples mediciones para comparar el aprendizaje de estudiantes en línea y en persona, como la producción oral y escrita, la lectura, la comprensión auditiva, el

conocimiento de la gramática y el vocabulario. Los resultados indican que los cursos de idiomas en línea son razonablemente satisfactorios; de hecho, mas del 80 por ciento de los estudiantes en línea obtuvieron un progreso parecido al de los estudiantes en clases presenciales.

No obstante, Lucas Mandel (senior), un estudiante del curso avanzado de español AP, explica que hay menos oportunidades para la práctica de la lengua en Zoom y una falta de comunicación entre estudiantes.

“Puede ser más fácil [sacar una buena nota en la clase de español] porque no tienes que hablar todo el tiempo necesariamente o involucrarte en la clase al estar en línea. Al mismo tiempo, creo que es una desventaja [la enseñanza en línea] porque para aprender realmente tienes que estar en un entorno de conversación constante con otras personas,” expresó Mandel.

Adicionalmente, un estudio de la Universidad de California, San Diego, analizó el papel de la motivación y la actitud de los estudiantes de segundo año en el marco del aprendizaje de idiomas en cursos en línea. Los resultados revelaron que los estudiantes tendían a tener una mayor ansiedad al principio del semestre, hecho que los investigadores atribuían a su falta de familiaridad con el entorno de enseñanza a distancia. En contraposición, la motivación y la actitud de los estudiantes hacia el aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera eran relativamente positivas y estables a lo largo del curso. Las implicaciones de estas averiguaciones en los estudiantes de Redwood son que, aunque fuera un desafío al principio, el aprendizaje en línea no es una formación inadecuada. A largo plazo, puede significar una experiencia positiva.

De acuerdo con Mandel, las aplicaciones de idiomas pueden convertirse en una parte valiosa del

Arte por Kalyn Dawes

aprendizaje en línea, especialmente para los estudiantes que se preparan para los exámenes de AP. Si bien él usa Quizlet con frecuencia para estudiar, diferentes y variadas aplicaciones pueden complementar el aprendizaje realizado en la escuela.

Steven Toy es el Director de Operaciones de Memrise, una plataforma que utiliza la repetición secuenciada de fichas para impulsar el aprendizaje de idiomas en la web y en el móvil. Toy considera que Memrise, y otros programas como Duolingo o Quizlet, son herramientas excelentes para los estudiantes que quieren una práctica extra del español en este momento.

“Creo que [las aplicaciones] pueden complementar la clase de español de una manera muy efectiva. Hay mucho más que tiene darse [para aprender una lengua] como la repetición y la inmersión, escuchar una palabra en diferentes contextos, procurar decirla y expandir tu vocabulario al incorporar nuevas palabras. Así que, no creo que se reemplace completamente a las clases [en persona], y puedes llegar lejos con solo usar una aplicación,” señaló Toy. Aunque recientes estudios han mostrado resultados prometedores, las diferentes experiencias de estudiantes y maestros hacen que el regreso a las clases con el modelo híbrido beneficie al programa de español de Redwood. “[Tener] fluidez en una segunda lengua es un proceso que se logra en muchos años, y creo que la ralentización momentánea durante esta pandemia no va a ser decisiva en el aprendizaje, en última instancia. Se trata de hacerlo parte de tu vida,” comentó Zeiher. telliott@redwoodbark.org

Documental de Netflix destaca la historia del acoso sexual en España Cuento y Arte por Sophia Rocha Dando vida a la voz de una víctima, la serie documental reciente de Netflix titulada, “Nevenka: Rompiendo el silencio,” busca contar la infame historia de acoso sexual de Nevenka Fernández. La serie de tres partes comienza con una mirada amplia a la situación. En 1999, Fernández comenzó a trabajar como consejera en su ciudad natal, Ponferrada, España, bajo la dirección del alcalde, Ismael Álvarez, un mujeriego severo. Dado que Fernández nunca antes había estado involucrado en política, la razón por la que Álvarez contrató a Fernández no estaba clara al principio.

Las intenciones de Álvarez se hicieron evidentes al año siguiente cuando comenzó a buscar una relación con Fernández y ella aceptó.

Rápidamente, la relación consensuada se disparó y se volvió abusiva, algo que

Fernández no esperaba.

“Sentí un poco de admiración hacia él en ese momento porque me parecía que era una persona que era una buena persona.

Que era una persona que había salido, como siempre decía, de la nada y había conseguido llegar profesionalmente a un lugar importante,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Al incluir tanto clips de los eventos reales en 2000 como los de entrevistas 20 años después, Netflix combina con fluidez el

pasado y el presente.

Aunque la serie no incluye ninguna entrevista con Álvarez debido a su negativa a comentar, las imágenes de sus comunicados de prensa en 2001 que niegan todas las acusaciones mostraron las perspectivas de

ambas partes.

“Creo que la mejor manera de definir la situación es un infierno,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Una de las decisiones creativas más efectivas de la serie documental fue la elección de incluir momentos de las emotivas entrevistas de Fernández. Los espectadores pueden conectarse con su historia en un nivel más personal al ver cómo Fernández todavía está increíblemente afectada por los eventos que enfrentó hace dos décadas. Los aspectos emocionales del documental son increíblemente poderosos, pero en lugar de hacer que el espectador se compadezca de Fernández, los productores usan la emoción para construirla como una mujer valiente.

“Creo que me sentí avergonzado porque también me sentí responsable de lo que me había pasado,” Fernández dijo en episodio 1.

Al pasar de los relatos emocionales del acoso a un enfoque en las audiencias del tribunal penal que comenzaron en 2002, el episodio tres incorpora clips de video del pasado. Un pequeño grupo de mujeres protesta fuera de la sala del tribunal coreando “Ismael, culpable es.” Esto contrasta con el clip de Álvarez presentándose como víctima en

comunicados de prensa. Al combinar el metraje en vivo con los clips de audio de las declaraciones de Álvarez y Fernández, la serie documental crea una mirada holística al juicio.

“No me importaba porque, todo lo que contara finalmente tenía que pelearse contra la verdad. Y la verdad es muy poderosa, ¿no?” Fernández dijo en episodio 3.

Después de un juicio de un mes, Álvarez se convirtió en el primer político español condenado por acoso sexual, grabando la personal historia de Fernández en la historia del país. “Nevenka: Breaking the Silence” saca a la luz la situación en un mundo moderno, instándonos a crecer a partir de nuestros errores y escuchar las voces de otras víctimas de acoso sexual como Nevenka.

“Me gustaría decir que Nevenka fue la víctima, pero no deberíamos tratarla como tal. Esta ha sido una lección para todos nosotros. Que es posible empezar una nueva vida, y hasta diría buena, a pesar de la desgracia de la situación, si somos capaces de afrontarla en lugar de negarla,” Juan José Millas, autor de “Hay Algo que No es Como Me Dicen: El caso de Nevenka Fernández contra la realidad,” dijo en episodio 3. srocha@redwoodbark.org

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Immigrating to new immigration policies under Biden are coming here because they know somebody here. mess. ... So, if we got rid of the 3- and 10-year bars, that There’s a whole immigration theory about how there’s the would be huge,” Levin-Meer said.

In the past month from Feb. 28 to March 20, the first person who comes and then more people follow, so Citizenship U.S. Border Patrol has detained more than 11,000 [it’s very rare for people] to come by themselves.”

The process of obtaining citizenship has become unaccompanied migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico Deportations increasingly difficult over the last few decades, in part due border. Until recently, the shelters’ capacity was reduced Obama, named by critics as “deporter-in-chief,” was to the new requirements Trump created for green cards and by almost 40 percent due to COVID-19, forcing Joe Biden’s administration to reopen Donald Trump-era child notorious for the high rates of deportation during his the asylum restrictions for migrants at the U.S. southern migrant facilities. Simultaneously, Biden has attempted to presidency, deporting nearly three million foreigners over border. Levin-Meer has experienced frustration with the uphold the promise of more humane treatment of migrants his 8-year term — an estimated 1.7 million of them had evolution of immigration law practices in the past two no criminal record. These figures were in large part due decades. compared to Trump.

“When I first started practicing immigration law, it was In recent administrations, issues concerning border to Secure Communities, a program created by the Bush control, deportation and citizenship have taken center administration that used fingerprint identification to detect pretty procedural. If you wanted to get a VISA to come stage. As seen within the past 76 days, the shift of immigrants in local jails. Once identified, undocumented here, you showed [required documents], and you’d get the presidential power has already had a profound effect on the immigrants were taken into custody by Immigration and VISA. There were always outliers and things that went Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and then deported. wrong, but usually, it worked. What I’ve seen in the past U.S. immigration system. Not only are the current policies The expansion of Secure Communities created 20 years is immigration become almost like an adversarial being changed during a pandemic and a surge of migrant opposition that argued too many foreigners were law practice; we fight all the time now,” Levin-Meer said. children, but they are also confronting immigration from being deported for only being accused of minor One of Biden’s goals is paving an 8-year pathway a less deterrent angle. Although the course might seem offenses such as traffic violations. In response, to citizenship for 11 million people living without legal uncharted, Biden may learn from the Obama replaced this program with Priority status. Unlike bills seen in the past three decades, it legislative successes and failures Enforcement, which focused ICE resources only intends to remove family-based immigration made by former Presidents towards the most high- restrictions and expand worker VISAs. Barack Obama and Trump. profile criminal cases. Although Levin-Meer does not To decrease the high know whether or not it is Border patrol rate of deportations, realistic, she supports The Obama administration many cities, counties the idea. asserted control over the U.S.and local agencies “If Biden could Mexico border by expanding limited police aid actually the detention capacity. to ICE by passing p u s h Criticism arose, sanctuary policies. through however, when Still, this widespread something children were detained fear of deportations that would in these facilities for persists and was further help people beyond the 72-hour intensified by Trump’s rhetoric and policies to vett who have been here for that long — some of these people mandate. To balance out the harsher detention policies, Obama invested $750 million in Central the status of immigrant populations. Michelle Levin-Meer, have been here for 20 years — and help them to do American countries to manage the influx of immigrants an immigration lawyer and Redwood parent, points out the something to adjust their status, it would be so good for the country,” said Levin-Meer. at its source. In terms of preventing immigrants from risk non-citizens face.

“In the United States, if you’re arrested, and you Senior Nico O’Neill has several family members entering the U.S., Trump succeeded in sealing off the border. Still, many Americans, including English as a can’t afford an attorney, you can get a public defender to who emigrated from Mexico and became citizens after Second Language (ESL) teacher Deborah McCrea, did not represent you. If you’re detained by ICE for an immigration getting work VISAs and then green cards. Although the violation [where] you didn’t commit a felony or crime, process went smoothly for them, O’Neill says that gaining believe this approach yielded success.

Trump instituted policies that limited the number of that would get you a public defender. There is no right to citizenship can become a challenge if the applicant cannot asylum seekers allowed to enter ports and discouraged an attorney. I think that’s really wrong, so I have thought pass their background check or speak English, not to families from entering. However, the separation of about maybe [transitioning] into some defense of people mention if they entered the U.S. illegally.

“I think that immigration has made the United States families came from a rule after COVID-19 was declared who are just caught up in the system and don’t have a lot as great as it is because [of the] diversity. But, the problem a public health emergency. This rule, Title 42, expelled of options,” Levin-Meer said.

Nonprofits can offer representation for immigrants is finding the balance of how many immigrants the U.S. — or rapidly turned away — all migrants who crossed the border, including unaccompanied children. What was arrested by ICE, but Levin-Meer says their help isn’t can really take because the U.S. can only support so many people; there’s already [10.5] percent of Americans below meant to be a precautionary measure against spreading adequate.

“I’m on a bunch of [electronic mailing lists] for the poverty line,” O’Neill said. “We have to find a good disease caused the displacement of children, as the U.S. sent them to Mexico instead of their home countries. immigration lawyers, and [nonprofits] are always calling balance and also make it easy for people to immigrate Under the program known as Migrant Protection for [lawyers] to go down to the Texas border because there [here] legally so they don’t have to [immigrate] illegally Protocols, informally known as “Wait in Mexico,” 25,000 are tons of people who are arrested right there and they because that can be dangerous and lead to [the] splitting asylum seekers who were forced to wait along the U.S.- need representation. They don’t have enough [lawyers],” up [of families].”

Choosing which battles to fight in such a multi-faceted Mexico border are starting to be gradually processed by Levin-Meer said.

In the 2020 debates, Biden called it a “big mistake” to agenda will be difficult for Biden, but McCrea believes the U.S. government. While living in San Diego in 1989, McCrea protested to demilitarize the border after seeing have deported hundreds of thousands of people without that he must address immigration issues immediately. criminal records during his time serving with the Obama “Now is the time. I don’t think [immigration] should its inhumane conditions.

“I feel so sad for the people who, under Trump, were administration. His proposal of reversing the 3- and 10- be anything less than a huge priority because it affects so placed along the border because I know how dangerous year bars could compensate, though. Currently, anyone in many individuals. ...We look at [immigration] as a policy those places can be, especially for vulnerable the U.S. illegally for 180 days or less is barred for three or as something very abstract, but each decision affects individuals. They’re in this crazy limbo where years from returning and those for more than one year are thousands if not more actual human beings, many of they were told they had to wait in Mexico,” barred for 10 years. Levin-Meer believes Biden should whom live in our orbit. I think it should be a priority said McCrea. “I think [a better remove 3- and 10-year bars, one reason being the policy and as soon as possible while [Biden] has the majority,” McCrea said. solution] is for people to wait exiles individuals who have overstayed their VISAs. “People are married to an American, they’ve had kids for the processes to occur in the U.S. because and they’re just stuck here. They can’t come out of the ssmallhorn@redwoodbark.org most people shadows because if they do, they could be sent back to a country that maybe they’ve never even looked at. It’s a

By Sophie Smallhorn

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

bark

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April 2, 2021

A dangerous mixer: alcohol and eating disorders

By Camille Ray Overweight. Too skinny. Too curvy.

Flat-chested. The never-ending flood of images online reflecting unrealistic beauty standards has created a detrimental environment where self-hate consumes some teenage girls. Social media posts, pressure from family members and peers and social anxiety are all factors that have contributed to the frequency of eating disorders among high school students.

Constantly skipping meals to squeeze into an outfit, get intoxicated faster or cancel out calories from alcoholic beverages have all become common habits for some of those involved in the party scene. While they may start as conscious decisions, these lifestyle choices are eating disorders nonetheless, and can quickly spiral out of control without professional support.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders are the most prevalent eating disorder conditions among teenagers. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a distorted self-image accompanied by a calorie deficit and dramatic drop in body mass; bulimia is defined as recurring episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting and sometimes extreme exercising; binge eating disorder entails eating without control and in large amounts at one time.

Corinne Dobbas, a Marin Nutrition and Body Image Counselor who has a master’s in nutrition science (MS) and is a registered dietitian (RD), reveals that, despite their traditional portrayal, eating disorders do not always mean that the person appears underweight, which makes them even more challenging to identify and treat.

“You cannot tell someone’s degree of suffering or mental health and the amount of pain that somebody is going through based on the size of their body or just by looking at them. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. They are not contained within one body shape despite our culture’s precedent,” Dobbas said.

Even though around 9 percent of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their life, those struggling often go unnoticed, and the Bay Area is no exception.

According to a 2014 Bark survey, 32.5 percent of Redwood girls consider themselves to have had an eating disorder at some point, and 7.5 percent have been medically diagnosed.

Although the reasons for disordered eating vary, the illness can become particularly fatal when combined with alcohol and partying, a common practice among local teens. According to data from the 2019 California Healthy Kids Survey, almost half of Marin County’s 11th graders and more than a quarter of ninth-graders drink or use drugs. While eating disorders and alcohol abuse are two separate conditions, their common co-occurrence is rooted in both illnesses’ ability to temporarily mask stress, anxiety, fear, trauma or sadness, and together they can be a deadly mix. Because alcohol and restricted eating only diminish the aforementioned mental issues for a limited time, it can sometimes encourage people to continue engaging in destructive habits to replicate the same comfort. Those who struggle with both an eating disorder and a tendency to abuse substances demonstrate worse symptoms and worse outcomes than those with only an eating

disorder, including increased medical complications, longer recovery time and a higher chance of relapse, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Even if someone initially has no intention of eating in a disordered manner, these bad habits, normalized by party culture, are slippery slopes that can induce obsessive eating disorder behaviors, especially considering that teenagers are highly susceptible to addictive behaviors.

The nucleus accumbens is the part of the brain that reacts with happy “reward” chemicals when people eat, sleep or do other things that ensure their survival.

These chemicals can also be artificially produced when people engage in disordered eating habits. By consistently activating this section of the brain, the neurotransmitter solidifies, and a pattern is formed.

Once this habit is established, it is difficult to break, especially because most struggling individuals become reliant on the relief found from artificial stimulation.

Even when presented with the devastating health consequences of eating disorders, it takes renewed effort to break the circuit of a person who is dependent on a false solution, emotional relief, comfort or stability.

In the initial months of struggling through anorexia, senior “Lucy,” who wishes to remain anonymous, used her relationship with food as a means of control over her body; however, as the illness progressed, managing her food became addictive. It was almost impossible to escape her compulsion to restrict.

“Since eating disorders are habitual, they become something you rely on to feel [in] control, to feel comfort [and] to feel

good,” Lucy said. “You have this eating disorder voice in your mind telling you, ‘You can’t eat this. You can’t do that.’ It kind of sets of all these rules for you, and if you break them, it feels like you’ve lost that source of control, which is a scary feeling.”

Along with addiction, the danger behind these practices also lies in the individual not receiving enough calories or nutrients from food to maintain a healthy body. Although alcohol does contain calories, they are considered empty calories that provide no nutritional value. For those consistently depriving their bodies of adequate nutrition, the result is a high risk for dehydration, vitamin depletion and other health issues that lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

In addition to restricted eating, another dangerous party-instigated practice is self-induced vomiting after a night of heavy drinking to expel alcohol, which has been recently coined as “pulling trig.” Although the initial intention is not rooted in disordered eating, normalizing the act of intentionally throwing up can suck people into bulimic habits that follow them outside the party scene and into day-to-day life. According to a research study conducted by Tufts Medical School, purging behaviors can change an individual’s brain chemistry and become addictive if performed frequently. Forcing oneself to throw up on a consistent basis can shift serotonin levels and release endorphins into the brain, resulting in a high that people might strive to recreate following a meal.

Furthermore, intentionally throwing up can prompt extreme health-related consequences.

Constantly vomiting can put someone’s body in a state of electrolyte imbalance, causing symptoms such as an irregular

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

heartbeat, fatigue and seizures. Similar to anorexia, purging can cause an absence of a menstrual cycle, leading to infertility later in life.

Even though these behaviors have been normalized by some partygoers, it is crucial to understand that both alcohol and eating disorders are forms of addiction.

When they occur simultaneously, they can be a catalyst to more severe mental and physical health issues. As someone who struggled through an eating disorder while still going to parties, Lucy affirms that engaging in these behaviors is not worth the risk of developing the illness.

“If I had to use one word to describe an eating disorder, it would probably be ‘addicting,’” Lucy said. “When you start acting on these normalized behaviors, it can be really hard to stop. Eventually, it becomes out of your control. No matter the excuse as to why you’re participating in an eating disorderrelated behavior, it’s still a behavior and can escalate into something severe.”

Not only can the standardization of disordered eating habits manipulate people into developing an illness, but it can also worsen the experience of those presently struggling or recovering from an eating disorder themselves. Having struggled with issues regarding her relationship with food, St. Ignatius College Preparatory (SI) junior Charlotte Glen has experienced firsthand how difficult it is for those recovering to attend parties.

“I think the relationship between partying and eating disorders is a touchy subject for people in recovery because it can be very triggering. They may think, ‘Was I better when I restricted? Should I go back to doing that? Will I look better to people if I follow what they’re doing?’

It makes it easy to question yourself when you’re in a peer pressure situation,” Glen said.

Regardless of how society and popular culture view the ideal body size and appearance, unhealthy eating habits are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal when left untreated. As easy as it is to conform to party culture norms, Glen reiterates that people must continue to engage in behavior that keeps their bodies and minds healthy.

Despite their tendency to isolate people, eating disorders do not have to be fought alone. While party culture can normalize these illnesses, Dobbas emphasizes how important it is to seek professional support to begin the recovery process.

“Eating disorders are often a way people cope with uncomfortable feelings and uncomfortable emotions or maybe a past trauma,” Dobbas said. “Whatever the reason may be, there are people out there dedicated to supporting those who are struggling. Whatever practices that have been normalized because of partying or social media should not keep those who are struggling away from the help they need.”

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any eating disorder signs, contact the 24-hour National Eating Disorders Helpline at +1 (800)-931-2237. The Wellness Center is also available during school hours and can help connect you to local doctors, therapists or psychiatrists that specialize in eating disorder diagnosis and recovery. If you are unsure whether your eating habits qualify you for professional help, the National Eating Disorder Association also has a screening tool that can determine your diagnosis and subsequent treatment options; https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool cray@redwoodbark.org

www.redwoodbark.org

Page 11 • Feature

bark

A hybrid of learning opportunities in American education

By Samantha Elegant and Natalie Tress After a year of awaiting a return to normalcy, students received the long-anticipated announcement that Redwood would switch to 100 percent in-person learning starting April 13, 2021. This message provoked mixed emotions, whether it be excitement to once again walk through the hallways, fear of getting the virus or concern about how the new learning model would operate.

Students are now adjusting from rolling out of their beds and into their desk chairs to pulling into their parking spaces and walking to class. While this is a shocking change to Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) students, many teens across the country are already well-adjusted to in-person learning. Some high schools in Pennsylvania continue to learn remotely, high schools in Texas have a hybrid system in place and students in New York are learning completely inperson.

Pennsylvania The Julia Reynolds Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School is a grade 5-12 public school in the School District of Philadelphia. Philadelphia County has consistently been classified as “very high risk,” with an average of 27 cases per 100,000 people. While there is still no plan for high school students’ return to in-person learning, as of March 1, the district announced a plan to have all students in grades 3-5 and complex needs students High School has offered both online and hybrid learning to in grades 6-8 to begin hybrid learning on April 26th with the general population, while select students with learning high school students still virtual. To ensure a safe return, needs, such as a failing grade, have been able to return to Principal Jessica Brown explains that they had to cater to full in-person learning. Cukierman has opted to continue online instruction due to safety concerns. both the students’ and the teachers’ needs.

“I don’t really think it’s the best idea for [the school] “At this point, there’s a mediator that is talking to the school district and the union around if it’s safe to to be offering fully in-person learning, especially for their teachers. But, I guess it’s not my place to attack go back into school them, even though I did because there was send my superintendent an an agreement that email [explaining my certain [safety concerns],” Cukierman regulations] had to said. be in place,” Brown Cukierman says that said. the administration does not The traditional communicate well with their architecture of the students, especially about school buildings sports protocol, which is is also a concern, continuously changing. according to Brown, Additionally, she says because most of that the COVID-19 the local schools regulations for sports are over Illustrations by Keely Ganong and Samantha Elegant were not heavily enforced 70-yearson her tennis team and even less so old. The lack of funding makes following with contact sports such as basketball.

COVID-19 guidelines challenging. “[The administrators] think [not “There are questions around how all [of] these buildings are safe in terms of ventilation, and whether the enforcing safety regulations] is fine, [CDC’s] guidelines will be able to be implemented in [our] which it’s not, because they’re putting a lot of kids in danger,” Cukierman said. schools with social distancing,” Brown said.

According to Cukierman, teachers Additionally, Brown points out how, with a student population of 1,200, the Masterman School is already over are also put in jeopardy because the the building’s student capacity by 400 students, making it district is forcing them to teach in-person unless they have an existing medical even more difficult to bring students back safely.

“We use the library for two classrooms and the condition. As a result, some quit to avoid cafeteria for two classrooms,” Brown said. “So you can the risk of spreading COVID-19 to family see the concern around the capacity and how we would put members with medical issues.

Cukierman says that Texas, in general, is not all of our guidelines in place.” safe with its guidelines. To her point, on March The School District of 10, Gov. Greg Abbot allowed all businesses to Philadelphia created a policy open at full capacity and ended the mask mandate. and protocol book, including Texas is one of the first states to lift these restrictions.

COVID-19 testing and classroom guidelines. Teachers are eager to return to teaching in New York the classroom safely, according On March 10, Rye High School to Brown. in Westchester County, began “It’s not that educators don’t operating in full in-person learning. want kids inside Westchester County’s COVID-19 the school, but numbers are considered “very the safety of high risk,” with an average of everything that 40 cases per 100,000 people. goes along with it is Even with these large numbers, really a challenge,” superintendent Eric Byrne supports Brown said. “And that’s in-person school with strong safety what we want: safety.” protocols.

“We believe that the research has supported the move to fully reopening school, coupled Texas with the fact that there’s now a much larger data Junior Hannah Cukierman is a student at collection that has shown that there’s very limited Anderson High School in Travis County, Austin. transmission within schools. Our own internal data The school has about 2,200 students and is part of [shows] no transmission within any of our schools the Austin Independent School District. Travis County is considered a “high risk” area with an average of eight since the start of the year,” Byrne said.

While many students choose to learn in the classrooms, daily cases per 100,000 people. Since late fall, Anderson

200 out of the 1,100 students, including junior Alence Zion, opted to stay in virtual learning due to safety concerns.

“There is no way that it can be safe with that many people in the classrooms at once,” Zion said. “I know so many people in my grade see people in large groups outside of school and from other schools, so they could easily get COVID-19.”

Although students like Zion have safety concerns, Byrne believes that as vaccine distribution continues, the worries that virtual students have may be lifted.

“We believe that [vaccine distribution] helped to make our staff feel quite comfortable, and it’s another layer of mitigation strategy that we believe is helpful from a safety perspective,” Byrne said.

Even with the added safety, the administration says they support and listen to students who prefer to stay at home by allowing them the option to remain virtual on any given day.

“I think it’s really important that school systems work collaboratively, with the students, parents and teachers in the community,” Byrne said. “As you’re reopening, you want people to feel comfortable enough and safe enough that you can have [beneficial] learning.”

California Marin County is at “high risk” with 10 cases per 100,000 people. Although this is not many in comparison to Westchester County’s 44 cases per 100,000, those schools have been fully in-person for a while. Yet, Redwood has just announced a switch from hybrid learning to full in-person learning starting on April 13.

Despite varying COVID-19 numbers and levels of efficiency for getting students back into the classroom, the overarching goal in states across the country is to provide inperson learning opportunities within the constraints of county and district rules.

According to The New York Times vaccination rollout map, with 12 percent of people in Texas fully vaccinated, 15 percent in New York, 15 percent in California and 15 percent in Pennsylvania, the U.S. is on the right path towards returning to normal. Four out of the six counties (read about Maryland and Connecticut online) we covered have returned to at least partial in-person instruction meaning that there is hope for a complete return to inperson school before the end of this pandemic.

All COVID-19 statistics are from the New York Times, using John Hopkins University case and death data.

Information last updated on 3/28/2021. bark@redwoodbark.org

From Zoom to room: our e

By Martha Fishburne and Sofi Mincy With only three weeks of hybrid learning complete, Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) members were still memorizing classroom numbers, struggling to connect roomers with Zoomers and planning lunch dates with shared-cohort peers. Yet, on March 23, Superintendent Dr. Tara Taupier announced our return to full inperson instruction starting April 13, catching students and staff by surprise. Taupier’s previous “District Update” email, sent just four days prior, notified the community of our shift to two cohorts given recent changes to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines. Mixed emotions of excitement and confusion overcame the community as locals either welcomed or questioned the district’s decision. As the TUHSD continues its pursuit to normalcy, here is a review of the events that led to the district’s return.

Zoom to hybrid The district began planning Redwood’s arrival to campus over the summer of 2020; however, finding a model that was regarded as both safe and equitable for all was a difficult task. According to Taupier, the TUHSD maintained state-mandated safety practices when inside the building by purchasing air purifiers and plastic separators for every classroom, implementing a mask mandate and requiring frequent desk cleanings. For Taupier, reassuring those in the Redwood community of the plan’s safety was just as important to the backto-school process as the guidelines themselves.

“You have to acknowledge that people are uncomfortable and acknowledge that there’s a reason to be uncomfortable, but also assure them that we’re following the science and we’re following the data,” Taupier said.

“To some degree, it’s a matter of just getting used to a new normal. It’s scary at first, but then, after a few days, you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not so bad.’”

According to Taupier, school is made safe by the careful nature of many public health safety protocols, which err on the side of caution.

The administration follows COVID-19 research studies to ensure that all safety protocols are upto-date and that schools

can reopen to the furthest extent possible.

“All of these mitigation factors –– the masking, the distancing, the air-purifying –– they’re built off of the assumption that everyone has COVID-19,” Taupier said.

With a growing number of schools across the country returning to in-person learning, studies have found that some COVID-19 safety protocols do not notably decrease the spread of the virus, and are not necessary. A recent study, published by Oxford University Press on March 10, 2021, revealed that decreasing the physical distancing requirements between people inside a school building can safely occur without increasing COVID-19 transmission.

The experiment deems a three to six foot range as safe, given that everyone is properly masked; the TUHSD used this information as the basis of their choice to return to full in-person school on April 13.

Even with precautions in place and updated guidelines, not all students and staff are comfortable returning to inperson instruction.

While students currently have the choice of attending in-person or virtual school — as long their decision follows the set cohort schedule — TUHSD faculty were not granted the same flexibility.

In fact, over winter break, the administration asked all TUHSD staff to submit a formal request if they did not want to return to in-person learning. This system allowed teachers to specify any COVID-19 related needs or preferences, even giving them the option to opt out of in-person instruction if approved by the administration.

According to TUHSD teacher “Jane,” who wishes to remain anonymous, the appeals were carefully reviewed and discussed in meetings run by the administration. Lars Christensen, the TUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, single-handedly dealt with the process of deciding which teachers could instruct from home and which could either return grudgingly or forgo their jobs for a semester. Jane’s wish to teach from home was rejected; additional details on the

circumstances surrounding Jane’s request remain confidential. Still, Jane appreciated the meeting, as it allowed her to openly discuss her situation. “[The meeting] was really nice because it was a really hard situation, and even though the district wasn’t able to accommodate [me], it was nice to be able to have the conversation,” Jane said.

Staff members who were unable to come back to school but were also denied the ability to teach virtually were required to take a semester-long unpaid leave of absence, with a semi-permanent substitute teacher instructing their classes instead.

According to Christensen, the endeavor, called the “interactive process,” included a mixture of interviews, doctors’ notes and Christensen’s own judgment calls.

Although not required by law, the TUHSD also factored in whether anyone living in the teacher’s household had a preexisting condition, which, for Christensen, proves the district’s commitment to teacher safety.

“It’s one thing to stand up in front of a crowd and say, ‘Hey, we care about our employees,’ but in times of crisis, you really need to show it, not just talk about it,” Christensen said. “So we’ve protected the employee’s family.”

All of the TUHSD’s planning came to a culmination on March 2, when 87 percent of Redwood students –– according to Taupier –– returned in three cohorts as hybrid learning commenced. Now, members of the district work hard to set up classrooms, lesson plans and schedules, preparing for the full return to the building.

Hybrid to full in-person learning While the district’s return to a threecohort learning model took months of vigilant planning, the decision to return 100 percent in-person was a swifter process. Taupier explains how the resolution was backed by Marin’s accelerating vaccination rates and updated Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. “[The decision] was in collaboration with our teachers’ union, and they said, ‘Let’s just come back full time after April break.’ I know it’s a little bit more abrupt, but everyone’s vaccinated, and there’s science behind it being safe,” Taupier said.

Taupier’s confidence in the decision’s safety is supported by the continuation of the daily health screener to aid contact tracing and the requirement of students to choose either online school or in-person

evolving learning model school, without switching back and forth.

Even with these protocols in place and the district’s endorsement, not everyone in the TUHSD community feels as comfortable with having the whole student population on campus at once.

Maria Civano is an eight-year Redwood Spanish teacher who, while excited for inperson interaction with her students, fears bringing COVID-19 home to unvaccinated family members. According to the CDC, the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing transmissions is still unknown.

“The satisfaction of my profession is just being with the kids. … So, this is beautiful, being with [the students] and being able to have eye contact and have personal connections,” Civano said. “On the other hand, I think it is dangerous. I know the CDC guidelines allow [for] this kind of return, [but] the dangerous part is that, even though most teachers are vaccinated already, we have dependents at home who are not.”

This apprehension can, in part, be attributed to the school’s updated interactive process guidelines.

For the district’s return in three cohorts, TUHSD took immunocompromised members of a teacher’s household into consideration.

Now, with all teachers fully vaccinated, high-risk family members are not covered. Instead, every faculty member teaching virtually is required to undergo the interactive process again and will be submitting requests until April 12; most will be required to return to the building.

Not every aspect of the district’s full in-person plan has been perfectly executed, though, specifically when it comes to communication. A few teachers suspected TUHSD would return for full inperson learning, but there was no formal announcement until March 22, which made some, including Civano, feel unheard.

While Civano understands that some of the lack of communication between teachers and administration stems from legality issues rather than ill will, she says that the district should have weighed the

teachers’ opinions more heavily.

“I think that’s part of the problem because [teachers] feel we are not being heard,” Civano said. “We’re all adults, [and] we know that we’re not going to get our way in everything that we asked for.

But I felt that [the full in-person return news] was handed down to me without any input [on] my part, and I think, being on the front lines, my input [is] valuable.”

While the physical safety of students and their families is a concern for many, that concern was balanced with a want to prioritize student mental health. According to a Bark survey conducted in March 2021, 24 percent of Redwood students reported having suicidal thoughts.

Taupier explains how a decline in students’ mental health was a driving factor behind full in person learning.

“One of the hardest things for us is [that] we wanted to keep everyone safe, but we also know that there’s been an increasing mental health crisis happening among youth,” Taupier said. “The distance learning and the isolation is having a really negative impact on young people, so part of it is weighing [the options]. We really have been careful — we’ve been getting all the staff vaccinated, and now I think it’s time to make sure we can keep as many students safe as possible.”

For the most part, it appears the district’s goal has paid off. Inperson school is a positive force when it comes to students’ mental

health, an experience senior Elsa Quinton has undergone firsthand.

“It’s good for everyone to socialize even if you aren’t a super social person.

Just having in-person interactions with students and teachers [is beneficial],” Quinton said. “Having that separation from home and school is pretty important, at least for me.”

Despite the importance of social interaction on students’ mental wellbeing, especially after a year of solitude, students themselves are the ones with the power to help Redwood remain in-person with their behavior off-campus, according to Taupier.

“The success of this moving forward really will not be what happens at school, but what happens outside,” Taupier said. “[We need to make] sure that everybody is staying vigilant … so we can open and stay open.”

Between teacher accommodation requests, COVID-19 safety precautions and evolving hybrid learning models, it is clear that the transition from Zoom to the room was a balancing act. Despite the struggle to pull together a quality learning experience for students, Christensen says all of the TUHSD’s work was worth it.

“I do think all of [our] mitigation measures [will] help to ease the transition back,” Christensen said. “Most folks want to come back, and as long as we’re all cautious and thoughtful and methodical about how we move through our day, we’re going to be okay.”

Information last updated on 3/31/21.

bark@redwoodbark.org

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

sports

Page 14

Competitive gymnastics persists through the pandemic

By Charlotte DeForrest

“In the last 14 years, I’ve never spent that much time out of the gym, which was crazy for me. My entire life has always been in the gym,” junior Lydia Kallas said.

Kallas is a gymnast training level nine at Marin Elite Gymnastics Academy (MEGA) in San Rafael. When the pandemic began a year ago, MEGA was forced to close and training was moved online. This was especially challenging in a sport that relies on repetition and specialized equipment, such as bars and beams, which cannot be accessed outside of the gym. “[In the beginning], there were two or three months when we were not allowed in the gym at all. We just did hour and a half-long online Zooms every day, which were a little tricky. I’d never had that much time off from the sport,” Kallas said.

Olivia Timpson, a junior and gymnastics coach who works at The Cave, a gymnastics facility in Corte Madera, led several online gymnastics classes throughout the beginning of the pandemic. She is in charge of coaching the pre-team, a group of elementary school aged gymnasts hoping to take their skills to the competitive level. She found it difficult to keep her students engaged while still working on basic skills that would keep them safe.

“I just thought it was really hard. You couldn’t see the girls all the time. A lot of times they wanted to have their cameras off, and some of them didn’t have enough space. It was really difficult to work on skills that were challenging and still [be] safe,” Timpson said.

Now, with restrictions loosening, Kallas and her team have been able to attend both outdoor practices, which are held under a large outdoor tent and only focus on the basics, like walkovers, cartwheels and back handsprings, and indoor practices, which are less frequent and have a limited capacity.

Kallas’ teammate, freshman Maya Mihara, enjoys these outdoor practices because they are a change from traditional training, but she also feels limited by the number of skills she can work on outside.

Most equipment, like the bars, balance beam and vault, cannot be moved outdoors, so Mihara and her teammates spend limited time working on these apparatuses, making it difficult to develop and maintain new skills for these events. “[COVID-19] has definitely been detrimental to my gymnastics [skills].

We’re training a lot less, so we can’t improve as much. I think it really set a lot of people back. I lost a lot of skills, and it was hard to come back afterwards,” Mihara said.

Even now, Kallas only practices an average of 10 hours a week, about half of what she did pre-pandemic. Despite permission to practice in the gym, Kallas and her team are still restricted by cleaning and equipment sharing procedures.

“You take a step on a beam, and you have to clean it. It gets kind of tiring after a while. We have rags, and you spray and wipe your stuff down. I haven’t physically touched anyone in the gym for almost a year now,” Kallas said. “COVID-19 makes it super difficult for my coaches to understand the standards and limitations that they need to follow, but they’ve done a really great job.”

Photo by Charlotte DeForrest

TUMBLING OUTDOORS, GYMNASTS at The Cave practice under limited conditions.

Timpson is now able to coach in-person closed].” by utilizing large outdoor tents and bringing Even though COVID-19 has been mats and small equipment outside. For her, creating new challenges for both coaches the most difficult regulation to follow has and gymnasts, Timpson, Mihara and been the lack of spotting. Spotting is when Kallas feel that having gyms open, even in coaches help to lift or carry a gymnast limited capacities, has been a great outlet through the skill they are working on. for gymnasts to stay connected with their “The hardest challenge was when we friends and create a community. weren’t able to spot, because a lot of times, “Even just having Zooms was in order for [the students] to understand absolutely helpful. I was going crazy what they’re doing, you need to be able to without gymnastics. I don’t know what spot them so that they’re in the right shape would have happened if we didn’t have or so that they understand [the skill] better,” some sort of connection between me and Timpson said. “I have had a lot of students my teammates,” Kallas said. that have come back, and many of them are super disappointed that they aren’t in the same place that they left off [when the gyms cdeforrest@redwoodbark.org

College is full of athletic opportunities; which is for you?

By Mara Farese The swish of a soccer ball catching the back of the goal’s net is all it takes to initiate an explosion of pandemonium. Thundering stands, cheering parents and classmates, teammates jumping on their star player; the scenes of a high school sports game are familiar to every individual. The question for most high school studentathletes arises after they kiss the ground, hit the home run or beat the buzzer: what now?

The college application season raises a different level of stress for many prospective college athletes. Many promising student-athletes involved in Redwood sports are scouted for recruitment each year, and some decide to commit to a college or university under an athletic scholarship or contract, if offered one. Seniors involved in sports can decide whether or not they want to opt for a more competitive and professional environment, such as a college varsity team or an intramural option. Several Redwood alumni have played both varsity and intramural sports during their time after high school in an effort to continue a hobby, get outdoors and be a part of a community.

Redwood alum Justin Neustaetter spent his freshman year playing soccer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison after securing a walk-on offer when he arrived at the school.

However, after receiving a new wave of players the next season, the team let him go. Since then, he has taken a position on his fraternity’s intramural team, but before that, Neustaetter captained the Redwood Boys’ soccer team his senior year.

“I wasn’t exactly one of the best players, so I didn’t get to play on the Division [I] team in terms of games. Being on the intramural team allowed me to enjoy playing games again and having that more competitive aspect. Even though there was a lot of competition on the [Division I] team, there was nothing like a game scenario [for me],” Neustaetter said.

Committing to a varsity sport in college requires extreme dedication, including the devotion of more time, more practices, more games and less scheduling flexibility, making it challenging for student-athletes to balance

them with their able to continue academic and soccer since I’ve social lives. put so much time “I’m studying into it,” Pero said. engineering [at In spite of this the University widespread time of Wisconsinallocation concern Madison], so among student[I had a] pretty athletes, there are good course load many solutions.

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes to start out with.

On a case-by[Varsity] fully case basis, some changes your schedule and how you go about with free athletes struggle with the mental pressures of playing at time and just hanging out with people,” Neustaetter said. such a competitive level. Many students choose to join “It takes a toll on you, physically and mentally, [whereas] a club or intramural sport to continue playing their sport with intramural there’s a lot more enjoyment in terms of while maintaining a more manageable schedule. just playing because you want to play for fun.”

Other students crave the drive, spirit and reward of Though Neustaetter enjoys playing intramurally playing competitively, such as Redwood junior varsity through his fraternity, he hopes to continue playing soccer player Lucy Downing. through a club team in the upcoming season to pursue his “I definitely value the team aspect of it. You get really newfound equilibrium between sports and academics. close with everyone on your team. … I’ve always had “Now I’m able to be involved in student just a passion for soccer, and I love getting out there and organizations. I’ve joined a couple of clubs, and I’m being able to work hard on something and seeing results,” holding a leadership position in another council. Downing said.

Now I have multiple different things that I have to Although team sports play a significant role in the think about, which is a lot more beneficial for me lives of many high school students, the continuation of and my career,” Neustaetter said. a commitment of this sort can detract from social and While some athletes find a certain level of academic experiences. As students’ seasons start up again, stress in committing to a sport, many athletes many will question their futures on the field. at a high school level use their sport as an “[For varsity], you have to really love the sport and outlet to release academic pressure. Current want to be at a really competitive level. Some people will Redwood athletes considering their options make a career out of it, and other people, if they just enjoy for continuing their sport at the collegiate playing the sport, they have to want to be the best they can level have to take into account the university [be] and be able to pursue their goals,” Neustaetter said. life they want to build for themselves.

Every college has various options for student-athletes Junior Sophia Pero, a member of interested in different methods of continuing or starting the girls’ varsity soccer team, raises a sport, whether that is continuing at a fast-paced, her concerns with advancing her highly competitive level or in a way more achievable by commitment to the sport. academically-focused team members. College is where “I think a big part of [my decision] students are able to discover and pursue their passions; would be both my academic rigor and however, it is also the place where people categorize just kind of socially. If it was a helpful factor for meeting sports as a career, a competitive outlet or a mere passpeople and I enjoyed it, I would definitely do [varsity]. But, time, establishing what kind of a role athletics will play [college] varsity is very time-consuming, and I don’t really in the future. think I’m going to make a career out of soccer. I think that club or intramural would be best because I still want to be mfarese@redwoodbark.org

Page 15 • Sports

www.redwoodbark.org

bark

Sports spring back into action after a disappointing fall

By Mia Kessinger and Allie Vasquez

As COVID-19 remains prevalent in Marin, no sports in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) will have playoffs in 2021. Despite this, each team will compete in a number of games or meets and attempt to prove their dominance over other local schools.

Key players, many of whom made MCALs’ first or second team in the past, will be crucial in achieving this success. All sports, regardless of whether they are traditionally practiced in the fall, winter or spring, will begin by mid-April. This preview only includes the sports that started on March 15.

Track and Field/Cross Country After Redwood’s cross country and track and field programs found success in 2019, both came into 2021 as strong competitors in MCAL. The track and field program placed second in MCALs in 2019, and the girls’ cross country team came in first. Additionally, COVID-19 has prevented both cross country and track from competing in their respective state meets and having an MCAL championship in their shortened season. Despite this, the pandemic has allowed the teams to form a tighter bond and improve on their form, according to junior cross country captain Helena Janku, who was on MCAL’s first team in 2019.

“With the restrictions, there has been an opportunity to take down the high stakes [of meets] and focus more on individual running form and on staying healthy by incorporating more nutrition in our diets,” Janku said. “Our team has also gotten a lot closer from [practicing so much], which is going to be beneficial for our success. We are going to carry that momentum going into this season.”

Cross country is scheduled to have seven meets and track and field will have eight. With many standout figures such as sophomore Shyla Lensing, who was on MCAL’s cross country first team in 2019, and freshman Ethan Werner, who received the third fastest time at the team’s first meet, Redwood’s cross country and track and field programs are looking to remain triumphant.

MCAL champion, the girls’ team lost the 2019 championships to Tamalpais High School in a disappointing defeat. With COVID-19 limiting the teams to only practicing in singles prior to entering the Red Tier, improving as a team has been difficult, according to senior Erin Roddy, who was on MCAL’s second team for singles in 2019. “[Before we were in the Red Tier], we weren’t allowed to play doubles, so that was bringing people down and made it harder for the team to establish a bond,” Roddy said. “That being said, I think we are a strong team, and we can definitely get past it, especially because there is not a lot of pressure since there aren’t playoffs this year.”

Taking advantage of the more relaxed environment this season, the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams are expecting to perform well, particularly with fewer restrictions preventing them from practicing together in the Red Tier.

hand drills. Despite this setback, all the players have been working out individually to propel them to the top of the league, according to senior captain Zach Ginsburg.

“We have been apart because of the pandemic, but the guys who are on the team are the ones who have been putting in the work for the past year hoping to be able to play. We have been working extremely hard wit no real assurance that we were even going to have a season, so I think that motivation we have as a team makes our dynamic even stronger because we are all working towards the same goal,” Ginsburg said.

Softball Having not played on the field in over a year, the softball girls are excited to be able to practice and be together again, particularly as a team that thrives off of each Baseball other’s energy in the dugout, After being champions of the according to senior captain 2018 and 2019 MCAL seasons, the Morgan Bello. Specifically, boys on the varsity baseball team are Bello is excited to have her ready to be back on the field. The team final season on the is excited to be together again and give team, after not knowing their seniors a final season. what would happen Varsity coach Mike Firenzi when the season ended is ready to coach the boys again last March. and have the team back together, but is “I’m most excited about spending dissapointed about the removal of playoffs.

“They’ve already determined that there’s not my last year with my friends. Also just being able to going to be an MCAL playoff or NCS or anything be on the field, after not being able to get a junior like that, which is kind of a drag. We’re going to be year last season [will be great]. I think that the girls doing games in [the] county against MCAL teams,” are all just excited to, … hopefully, have an MCAL Firenzi said. “Not to mention, ... There’s a lot of season and maybe win,” Bello said.

With a new team full of excitement for the uncertainty still with the COVID-19 rules that are upcoming season, the girls are expected to do well going to happen.”

Despite the uncertainty of the upcoming season, this year and give their seniors a final season with the team is ready to be back on the field and together as the team.

Water polo a team again, since their last season ended so abruptly.

Because COVID-19 guidelines prevent players from gathering closely, water polo has had difficulty Golf Because golf is inherently COVID-19 safe, the boys’ practicing as well during the pandemic. Teams now and girls’ golf teams have been able to practice normally wear masks while on the sidelines, and players take Lacrosse them off right before throughout the pandemic. For Lacrosse, another high-contact sport, has also been the boys’ team, who were MCAL they jump into the limited due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Both champions in 2019, the most water. Practices are the girls’ and boys’ teams are the defending 2019 important factor in remaining a more socially distanced MCAL champions, which increases the pressure with less contact and top contender is to take as many and excitement surrounding the 2021 meets have reduced the quality swings as possible, season. number of people that according to junior Damian While succeeding in MCALs is certainly can be on the pool deck.

Wabl. a goal for the girls’ team, according Junior Spencer “At this point, all we to junior captain Megan Minturn, Barnes is on the need as a team is to establishing a strong team bond is varsity boys’ team and practice consistently. vital for achieving that. is thrilled to be back Having those “Creating a welcoming in the water with his repetitions that come environment is super teammates, despite from practicing important.

Part of the differences in their multiple days a the reason we were so meets and practices. week is going to be successful two years ago was “The way that we critical,” Wabl said. because of [our tight bond]. practice and compete In the past, the Megan Minturn, As a captain, I think it is really and the cleanliness we girls’ team has junior lacrosse captain important to keep a positive have on the pool deck trained at a range attitude to show the team that if you and in the water [will in the East Bay, miss a ball, it’s okay — it is not be most different]. We making practices the end of the world. We have that are trying to be safe and infrequent. chemistry and have been putting in However, this year they switched to not to get too close and up in each other’s faces so a lot of work outside of preseason, practicing at the Meadow Club in that we don’t spread the virus,” Barnes said. so we are hungry for the payoff,” Despite new guidelines and different ways that Fairfax, which junior Morgan Moseley Minturn said. feels will ultimately help them the practices and meets will go, the boys’ water polo The boys’ team is also looking team is ready to begin their season and compete in improve. to put their dominance of the “[Meadow Club] is a lot more MCALs. league on full display, as stated convenient and a nicer course, which by coach Blake Atkins. means more practice time. It “We want the same will make it a lot easier to progress outcome from [2019] with To view a photo gallery of all spring sports, scan

as a team,” Moseley said. “We are also Photos by Keely Ganong the leadership of our the QR code below. mostly upperclassmen so we are seniors. Since there are no all experienced, and that will official MCAL or North help us have a stronger chance Coast Section (NCS) to do well this year.” championships, we are just going to play to the best of our ability and maintain the standard we Football established,” Atkins said.

As a fall sport, football’s season was considerably delayed by COVID-19. After a successful 2019 season Tennis — when the team won the coveted MCAL championship Both the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams remain and broke a ten-year losing streak to San Marin — at the top of their game entering 2021, led by key expectations to carry that triumph into 2020 were high. players such as junior Georgia Harms and senior However, due to the many restrictions on high-contact bark@redwoodbark.org Polo Cowan. While the boys’ team is the defending sports, the team was prevented from doing any hand-to-

We have that chemistry and have been putting in a lot of work outside of preseason, so we are hungry for the payoff.

bark Page 16 • Sports Junior Hailey Connery runs up the ranks of cross country

April 2, 2021

By Maxanne Anderson After an eight-month preseason full of early morning practices, weekend runs and team bonding, the girls’ cross country team is finally hitting the ground running, having competed in four meets so far. In their most recent meet against San Rafael at the 5 kilometer Indian Valley Campus (IVC) course, junior and co-captain Hailey Connery crossed the finish line in first place, her third such finish of the season.

Despite her impressive times, Connery has not been part of the cross country team for long. During her freshman year, Connery attended Marin Catholic High School while playing volleyball and running track.

Upon transferring to Redwood her sophomore year, she decided to join the cross country team.

“I did club volleyball for probably three years or so, and I enjoyed it, but I didn’t feel like it was for me. I felt like I was just doing it to play a sport,” Connery said. “Once I transferred, I already had the idea that I was going to give up volleyball, and I needed another sport. I had cross country in mind because I was already running track and field, and I was like, ‘Why not?’”

At the beginning of her sophomore season, Connery was far from being the top runner she is today.

Throughout the season, however, she made considerable improvements, going from placing 12th to sixth in races. When the pandemic hit in March, Connery found herself with a lot of time on her hands, so she ran nearly every day, continuing to grow faster.

“I realized the importance of mobility work, weight training and stretching,” Connery said. “I improved a lot through [these techniques]. Even though I wasn’t racing, I felt in a lot better shape than I was beforehand.”

However, once the team’s preseason started in July, she discovered that solo training could only get her so far.

“I realized that working with my team is so important because I was definitely in better shape, but I don’t know how my mental headspace was when I was running on my own,” Connery said. “It’s so important to work off of your teammates and to run with each other.

That’s the only way you can really get faster.”

Most of the time, Connery runs with her co-captain and close friend, junior Helena Janku. Janku is blown away by the improvement Connery has made in the past year.

“To watch her just absolutely kill it for the past few months and watching [her] determination and love for running grow, it’s been really cool,” Janku said.

“Sometimes I catch myself [saying], ‘Oh my God, Hailey is so bad a**.’”

Cross country coach Nicole Graydon is also impressed with Connery’s recent performances, citing the 2:40 improvement she made at IVC over the course of last season.

STARTING THEIR LONG-ANTICIPATED first race of the teammates competed at Indian Valley Campus.

“Her improvement going from somebody who was barely on the radar to somebody who is now one of the top runners [is important],” Graydon said. “There’s no ego, there’s no boasting. It’s all ‘Okay, now how can we work harder?’”

In the first race of the season against High School 1327, Connery finished first with a time of 18 minutes and 29 seconds. Janku, who placed second, spent most of the event neck-to-neck with her.

“When you’re running next to someone, you try and figure out ... ‘Am I going to be able to beat [them]?’ I for sure thought I had it in me this time. I was gunning for her. I was like, ‘I’m going to get Hailey.’ And she just completely blew past me in the last hundred meters,” Janku said. “I wouldn’t say [people] underestimate her, but it’s easy to look past that extra kind of ‘oomph’ she has. She’ll totally rip you to shreds in the last second when you’re not expecting it.”

Connery’s determination is contrasted by her lighthearted personality. According to Janku, she is a funny and encouraging teammate, qualities made clear

Photo by Keely Ganong

2020-2021 school year, Connery (middle) and her through her leadership. To keep the team’s spirits up, they hold themed practice days, where the entire team arrives dressed in silly running outfits such as onesies or dresses. Graydon has noticed the positive effect that Connery’s goofy attitude has on all the girls. “[Connery] shows up to practice with her shoes half on and her hair is everywhere and she’s kind of a mess, [but] by the time we get to the workout, she is in it 100 percent,” Graydon said.

Recently, Connery started looking into running at the collegiate level, talking to coaches and former teammates about the recruitment process. In the meantime, she is focusing on continuing to grow herself and her team.

“Every single race is a learning experience, and [it is important to] make sure you aren’t hard on yourself,” Connery said. “It’s not necessarily about what place you get. It’s more about how you felt and what you want to improve on next time.” manderson@redwoodbark

review

Page 17

Show yourself some love with these self-care activities

By Ava Koblik

As today’s high school students navigate their busy schedules both online and in person, simple self-care acts are often overlooked, despite their significance to health and overall well-being. Incorporating these practices into your everyday schedule will give your body and mind time to relax, reset and rejuvenate. Taking care of yourself can also improve self-compassion and help you realize your own goals and values.

Most importantly, it is about understanding your worth and doing what makes you feel good. Here are five self-care suggestions to help you ease stress and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

activities that you enjoy doing but usually don’t have time for during the school week. Incorporate these activities into your lifestyle, as they will not only help calm and clear your mind but will also relieve tension and give you the energy to accomplish your goals for the day. Additionally, these methods improve academic performance, as studies have shown that students who reported practicing mindful habits performed better on tests and had higher grades.

Catch up with friends and family Your well-being is dependent on your relationships with others. FaceTiming an old friend or family member and hearing about their life updates can help you feel more connected. Especially if you are going through a difficult time, loved ones can provide companionship and support.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, talking to friends and family can boost your happiness and help you feel grounded.

Build a support system of people who lift you up and want the best for you. Providing comfort to people closest to you is equally important, as it will give you a sense of purpose.

Sleep As simple as it sounds, getting a good night’s rest is one of the best ways to improve both your physical and mental health. With looming tests, homework and the demands of after-school activities, it can be challenging for teenagers to get the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Dedicating a routine time to go to sleep will help you maintain a healthy sleep schedule and strengthen your mind to improve concentration and productivity. Furthermore, g e t t i n g quality sleep is just as significant as getting enough hours of sleep. Ensure you are in the right environment for sleeping with the lights off and electronics put away or silenced. With the increased exposure to blue light due to online school, putting away your devices will guarantee proper rest, leaving you feeling more energized the following day.

Relax Relaxation looks different for everyone. Whether it is lighting a candle, reading a good book, going for a walk in nature, settling down in front of the TV or engaging in your favorite creative hobbies, it is essential to find time to unwind and destress. Focus on

Exercise Exercise is essential to maintaining your overall health. Physical activity releases endorphins throughout the body, which boosts your overall mood and self-esteem.

Additionally, physical activity delivers more oxygen to the brain, which promotes better concentration and clear thinking. While working out can feel like a chore to some, there are countless ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Even if it is simply doing some yoga or going for a 15-minute walk in your neighborhood during lunch, take time to get out and move your body.

Prioritize mental health Although mental health is often stigmatized, taking care of yourself is not selfish. If you struggle with mental illness, getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and a willingness to commit to your health. To confront this stigma, talk openly about mental health and show compassion to others going through the same thing. Most importantly, be patient with yourself if you are struggling. It is important to learn how to care for yourself, so that you may do so for others. If you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, that is a sign to take time to rest. The pandemic has caused personal stress and anxiety for many, and grounding yourself with healthy habits is a way to stay positive and proactive.

Illustrations by Kalyn Dawes

akoblik@redwoodbark.org

Belieb in Justin Bieber’s new project ‘Justice’

half “MLK Interlude.” Bieber attempts to convey a message that is lost on listeners, In 2015, Justin Bieber was unstoppable. simply because the messaging is absent Bieber was 2016’s second most streamed everywhere else on the album. What most artist and hits from his late-2015 album likely started out as a sincere attempt “Purpose” like “Sorry” and “Love to draw a young audience towards the Yourself” were inescapable on the radio. many issues surrounding racial injustice, A brief solo music hiatus followed, but instead falls flat. “Justice” focuses almost Bieber kept fans’ attention with features on exclusively on the ups and downs of some of the biggest hits of the decade (see Bieber’s relationship with wife Hailey Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” and DJ Khaled’s Bieber.

“I’m The One”). 2020’s “Changes” was Attention grabbing title and falsea disappointing return to the mainstream messaging aside, “Justice” is a great for Bieber; lead single “Yummy” was a minimal pop album. Album highlight and laughing stock and the album failed to lead single “Lonely” with Benny Blanco gives listeners a closer look into the real Justin Bieber — the person behind the number one hits and Ferrari drag races.

“Justice” standout track “Peaches” is the album’s high point. Bieber enlists Daniel Caesar and Giveon for the perfect summer track. As good as the song is, Bieber’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert is that much better. The song’s infectious groove is still there, just reimagined into something slower and smoother. Here, Bieber’s vocals are positioned as the focal point instead of merely delivering a catchy hook.

The introspective lyrical themes present on “Justice” are summed up succinctly on “As I Am.” Bieber’s anxiety about not being good enough in his relationship because of his mistakes are woven into the instrumental. “As I Am” is half EDM, half piano ballad, coinciding perfectly with the song’s duality: hopeful for the future and Image courtesy of NPR regretful about the past. Bieber is filled PERFORMING “HOLY” FOR NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, Bieber sings live with self-doubt about his relationship, his mistakes plaguing his ability to accept the renditions of his new songs.

By Jackson Epps

gain traction outside of core Bieber fans.

Although 2021’s “Justice” may not quite reach the heights that “Purpose” did, it already feels like a return to form for Bieber.

Released on Friday, March 18, “Justice” is sonically laid-back, presenting mainly soft, computer-generated piano chords and sparsely produced tracks.

Lyrically, however, the album is ridden with inconsistencies. Attempting to make a political and artistic statement, or at least grab headlines, “Justice” mentions justice exactly twice: on the intro for album opener “2 Much” and on the minute and a

Image courtesy of Stereogum

CROUCHING IN DOWNTOWN Los Angeles’s 2nd Street Tunnel, Bieber poses for his album cover. current version of himself, “Sometimes, I don’t know why you love me/Sometimes, I don’t know why you care.”

“Holy” with Chance the Rapper introduces the religious themes present on many of the tracks as well. Its infectious hook took the song to peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and arguably features the best Chance the Rapper verse since Bieber and Chance’s first collaboration, the aforementioned “I’m The One.” Fans of Bieber will undoubtedly love “Justice.” However, the album fails to take on a new sound and is unlikely to attract those who are not already Beliebers. Album highlights like third and final single “Hold On” and fan favorite “Peaches” speak to Bieber’s potential, though “Justice” fails to consistently live up to its standout tracks.

Performative activism aside, “Justice” is a worthwhile listen for fans of Bieber. jepps@redwoodbark.org

April 2, 2021 bark Page 18 • Review Marvel makes a marvelous return with two Disney+ original shows is a major plotline leading to a phallic joke. Marvel has successfully subverted After an almost two-year hiatus due to fan expectations in the past with comic COVID-19, Marvel Studios has returned book characters and story lines being to expand their established universe significantly different in their movies. with the release of their first two shows However, with so many people and “WandaVision” and “The Falcon and the plotlines being built up over the course of Winter Soldier” on Disney+. With the the show, it’s a shame most of them don’t incredible popularity of Marvel’s previous have a satisfying conclusion to their story. blockbusters and building excitement However, with the scale of the from Marvel’s time off, it is no surprise Marvel universe, it is admirable that the that WandaVision was January’s most director, Matt Shakman, chose to tell viewed title across all streaming platforms, a self-contained story without opting according to Variety. However, are these to bring in big characters from other shows worth the wait, and do they take Marvel properties just as fan service. The steps in the right direction for the future of emotional core of the show, exemplified Marvel media?

by Wanda and Vision’s relationship, is what makes this show most enjoyable.

WandaVision Olsen and Bettany are great in their roles “WandaVision” is an enjoyable, if and both provide engaging performances, slightly unsatisfying story about grief and managing to carry a similar feel to their love. It focuses on two characters who are characters throughout different time finally given a chance to shine after floating periods. The chemistry between them around previous Marvel movies without a and the situations they find themselves in story of their own. “WandaVision” follows range from gleefully endearing to deeply Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) moving to heart-wrenching. It is and Vision (Paul Bettany) as they also commendable that Shakman build a life for themselves in the opted to have Wanda and Vision suburbs, but not everything is as overcome their obstacles it seems. The show attempts to by using more than their parody sitcoms by placing its superpowers, as opposed titular characters in situations to most other superhero relevant to the style of movies. However, as good sitcom from the time period, as the main duo is, the side which changes every characters leave much episode and starts in the to be desired. While 1950s. “WandaVision” no other previously is intentionally very established different from the superheroes are rest of the Marvel included, most Cinematic Universe of the side (MCU), opting for characters are a more grounded simply pulled and personal look at from the its heroes, as opposed background to the usual bombastic, of previous action-packed movie fare.

M a r v e l The concept of movies, and “WandaVision” is one of they fail to match its best elements, but also Olsen and Bettany’s one the show doesn’t performances.

Not manage to explore to only that, many of All images courtesy of Disney+ its fullest potential. The their side stories lead show begins with Wanda and Vision to an unsatisfying conclusion or feel like arriving in Westview, N.J. in the 1950s, to they shouldn’t have been included at all. raise a family and build a life of their own, The technical aspects of the while attempting to keep their powers show, including music, lighting and hidden from the townsfolk. However, cinematography, are passable. Most of the this is immediately strange considering cinematography mimics the time period the events of the MCU take place in the of the episode and this works well. But, modern age, and Vision was killed in a when the show moves to current times, previous movie. the cinematography doesn’t do anything The show builds a sense of mystery special. The special effects are okay, but from the very beginning and leaves the slightly underwhelming considering the audience with a multitude of questions: $25 million per episode budget. perhaps most importantly among them, Overall, “WandaVision” tells a strong what is going on? As the show progresses, story about grief and its place in the human the audience learns many of the answers psyche. The sitcom elements are nostalgic to their questions but gain more along the and enjoyable, though lack comedic way. While the main mystery of the show flair. The show has some truly stand out is solved by the finale, many plotlines moments, but for most of the runtime, it are left with unsatisfactory conclusions leaves you feeling entertained with a touch or just end altogether, the worst of which of exasperation.

By Sterling Lazarus

Image courtesy of Disney+

VISION (PAUL BETTANY) and Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) watch as the time period changes around them.

Image courtesy of Disney+

FALCON (ANTHONY MACKIE) and Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) eye each other after a disagreement during a mission.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier While only two episodes of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” are currently available to watch on Disney+, it still proves itself to be vastly different from “WandaVision,” but it continues the same trend of character focused drama.

While “WandaVision” steered clear of huge action sequences, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” opens with one, which initially seemed like a return to the normal Marvel fare. However, the rest of the 50 minute episode follows the show’s titular characters, Sam Wilson aka the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and James “Bucky” Barnes aka the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), as they deal with intensely personal problems. The second episode has more action, but relies mostly on its characters to carry its 50 minute runtime.

Like “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” takes two characters who previously only played background roles in the MCU and attempts to give them stories of their own. But, while “WandaVision” uses a sitcom framework to examine its characters, the first episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” feels more like a buddy cop movie: two characters who don’t particularly like each other, but are forced to begrudgingly work together against a bigger threat.

Themes of identity permeate the first two episodes, with every character looking for a new place in the world after the cataclysmic events of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” where half the world’s population disappeared and then reappeared five years later. The central identity crisis is focused on Captain America. After Steve Rogers, the man who held that title previously, retired at the end of “Avengers: Endgame,” he passed it onto Wilson.

However, Wilson opted to give it up at the start of this show because he felt like it belonged only to Rogers.

With three characters in the first episode who have taken the identity of Captain America in the Marvel comics, including Barnes who was arguably Roger’s best friend, it still remains unclear who will take it in the MCU. The second episode

continues this trend, introducing yet another character with strong connections to Captain America and his origins. It also builds the conflict between John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the government’s replacement for Captain America, and Wilson and Barnes, who feel no one can replace Steve Rogers, because they both had personal connections to him.

The side characters in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” are fortunately much more entertaining than the ones in “WandaVision.” Walker is an especially interesting character due to his desire to live up to Steve Roger’s legacy. This show keeps its side characters to a minimum, opting to focus on a set few.

The new ones include Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), an early African American test subject for the super serum that gave Steve Rogers his strength, and Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), a member of the anarchist group Flag Smashers.

So far, they prove engaging characters that address issues of government power and race in a way that hasn’t been done before in Marvel movies.

The show’s quick pace and character focused story tends to lead to plot events happening a little too conveniently. This often comes off as unnatural and pulls the audience out of the story, if just for a second. The writing also sometimes feels slightly inconsistent, with characters acting differently then they have previously. Fortunately, the show moves quickly enough that these inconsistencies aren’t nearly enough to detract significantly from the quality of the show.

While the first two episodes merely move the main players around to build the main conflicts of the series, the show is off to a strong start. Mackie and Stan don’t interact in the first episode, but their reunion in the second is more than enough to make up for it. They have proven in the past, both on and off the screen, to have good chemistry with each other.

Despite some minor story and writing issues, the first two episodes of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” are highly enjoyable and are a strong start to the second Marvel show of 2021.

slazarus@redwoodbark.org

Page 19 • Review

www.redwoodbark.org

A helping hand in your search for hand sanitizer

By Olivia Kharrazi At the start of the pandemic, faced with a shortage of hand sanitizers, many of us were inclined to grab any and all available bottles from the shelf in fear that it would be a long time before stumbling upon such a coveted item again. During these hasty purchases, our sole criteria were antibacterial properties, so it is safe to say we have all used our fair share of unpleasant hand sanitizers, whether it be strong scents, sticky residues or staining spills. Now, as hand sanitizer is again an accessible product, we have the luxury of being picky with what we use to disinfect our hands. Especially considering our anticipated full return to in-person learning, having a disinfectant on hand at all times will become an increasingly essential addition to our backpacks. After scouring the shelves of a local Target to find a wide array of sanitizers, the findings have been ranked from worst to best. This guide will be based on medium, effectiveness, convenience and comfort to help you decide which 2 fluid ounce, pocket-sized hand sanitizer to seek out and which to steer clear of next time you are at the store.

bark

Honest

ingredients. The cap made it difficult to Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day hand sanitizers, spill and the $2.99 bottle is easy to fit in knowing which product to stock up on on a pocket. The gel itself felt moisturizing, your next trip to the store won’t be difficult.

The Honest sanitizer is not sticky, though it did take longer to absorb and felt taking less than a few seconds to rub in. as though there was the slightest sticky film Coming in a tall spray bottle, there is after use, making it just short of five stars. little chance of spillage due to its secure cap covering the nozzle. The company Hand in Hand also advertises that the sanitizer is “made without synthetic fragrances, parabens, triclosan or benzalkonium chloride,” Hand in Hand’s sanitizer’s clean, placing it slightly higher than the last grapefruit scent has no trace of alcohol sanitizer in the overall ranking. However, while managing not to smell artificial or the potent, artificial “Coastal Surf” scent overly perfumed. Containing aloe, the gel that still smells somewhat like alcohol feels moisturizing, and though a thicker makes the Honest hand sanitizer slightly consistency, it rubs in and absorbs with headache-inducing. At a pricey $4.49, the ease. The sanitizer is “vegan, cruelty-free unpleasant scent is not worth it, so either and dye-free.” Though the cap is relatively avoid this hand sanitizer altogether or opt secure, the bottle itself is rounder and for a different fragrance. therefore harder to put in a pocket. At a reasonable price of $3.69, be sure to snatch Purell this sanitizer off the shelves at your local store.

The classic hand sanitizer Purell is everything you want and expect in a hand sanitizer, no less, no more. The gel does not dry out your hands and its quick absorption leaves no sticky residue. There was very little fragrance besides a clean, Safeguard though slightly alcohol-infused, scent.

However, the flimsy cap that results in a slight spillage when opening ranks it as a Popping open Safeguard’s hand middle-ground option. sanitizer, your nostrils are met with a stench of alcohol strong enough to make Raw Sugar eyes water. Though the gel absorbs quickly into the skin, a sticky film remains, one that is reminiscent of syrupy food residue Raw Sugar’s “Peppermint + Sea Salt” as opposed to a moisturizing lotion. The sanitizer smells incredible: refreshing design of the flimsy flip-top cap can cause without coming off as artificial or it to accidentally spill in your pocket overpowering. The company advertised its or pouch. Though priced at $2.49, it is ingredient health on the bottle, claiming the relatively cheap, there are more effective sanitizer is free of sulfates and parabens, alternatives for a similar or better price. is vegan and contains plant-derived

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day’s refreshing, lavender-scented spray rubs in quickly and without leaving a tacky residue. According to the bottle, the aloe vera extract and glycerin in the sanitizer prevent it from drying out hands, and the spray was “made without parabens, phthalates or artificial colors.” Though it is packaged in a taller bottle, the secure spray bottle is slim enough to slide into a pocket. At $4.29, this sanitizer is worth every penny of its costly price, so definitely look for it on your next hunt for a hand sanitizer.

As Marin opens back up and we spend more and more time at school, our need for a reliable hand sanitizer becomes everimportant. Between Hand in Hand and

Illustration by Kalyn Dawes

okharrazi@redwoodbark.org

You can’t go raw-ng with these Marin Poke spots shell after being tossed in spicy mayo and accompanied by sliced cabbage and avocado. Although the fish is topWant to bring Hawaii home? Poke, meaning “to cut or notch, the tacos could use more flavor as the spicy mayo to slice” in Hawaiian, takes marinated chunks of raw fish, doesn’t do the dish justice. The hard shells also break apart typically ahi tuna, and incorporates them into different easily, causing the toppings to fall out and your stomach dishes such as bowls, wraps, tacos and more. The bright to feel empty. For three tacos, the price is quite reasonable red fish along with colorful vegetables and rice makes for at only $11.99. a delicious and nutritious meal.

World Wrapps Restaurants from around Marin have taken different Only a 10-minute walk from Redwood, World Wrapps spins on poke and added their own flair. Whether it’s the traditional bowl at ALOH-O or a taco twist from Hook is known for its variety of wraps, bowls and boba. Their Fish Co, one can’t go wrong with a poke bowl! This list Hawaiian poke comes in a nori wrap or a bowl, packed with ahi poke, sushi rice, avocado, rainbow slaw and ranks Marin’s poke restaurants from worst to best. peanuts. The sesame-soy vinaigrette gives the poke a salty edge, which the additional toppings complement.

Gott’s Roadside Gott’s Roadside in Bon Air shopping center has However, the bowl is packed with rice and lacks enough perfected its burgers and fries, but not quite its poke. poke. This made the meal less enjoyable as after only a The sushi-grade tuna is packed into a wonton-like taco few bites, all that was left was rice and vegetables.

By Katie Parsons

Photo by Katie Parsons

ALOH-O ALLOWS CUSTOMERS to customize their bowls with a variety of bases, sauces and toppings.

ALOH-O Unlike the other reviewed locations, ALOH-O, located near Northgate Mall, allows you to customize your own poke bowl. With a range of different poke meat, bases, sauces and toppings, you can choose whether you want to go sweet or spicy. There was a perfect balance of rice to poke, with a generous amount of each topping. Every bite was bursting with different flavors, whether it was the sweet mango or unique seaweed salad taste. Although it didn’t taste as fresh as other places, overall the bowl was spectacular.

Photo by Katie Parsons

Hook Fish Co. Hook Fish Co. definitely knows how to make its fish tacos, as it has the best poke in Marin. Located near Proof Lab in Mill Valley, Hook Fish Co. takes a twist on conventional rice bowls and meshes poke with tacos.

Their poke was thoroughly seasoned with spicy mayo and topped with a generous amount of cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, avocado and spicy aioli. Despite only serving two tacos, each one was packed to the brim with poke, resulting in a messy face and plate. But how could I complain? The only thing that left feeling unsatisfied was my debit card balance, as $14 for two tacos is pricey, but, in the end, was worth it.

SERVED ON A bed of rice, World Wrapps’ Hawaiian poke bowl is accompanied by avocado, rainbow slaw, macadamia nuts and more. kparsons@redwoodbark.org

April 2, 2021 bark Page 20 • Review A taste of the healthiest lunches perfect for in-person learning

By Mia Kessinger During the morning rush to finish last-minute homework, eat breakfast and gather your backpack, it is easy to dread the question, “What am I going to pack for lunch today?” To avoid this, here are a few recipes that are both healthy and easy to make amidst the morning chaos or the evening before. Because coming up with simple, nutritious and appetizing foods to bring to school can be a difficult task, these four lunches offer ideas that can be altered depending on your preferences.

One of the first things that came to mind when posing the quintessential lunch question was the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As a treat many grew up with, a PB and J sandwich is always enjoyable. The balance between the sugar in the jelly and the peanut butter’s salty taste is satisfying and easy to whip up when in a rush. If you are looking to spice up the recipe, you can also toast the bread, replace the peanut butter with almond butter, cut raspberries in half as a substitute for jelly, use sweet cinnamon bread or drizzle some honey on top.

Knowing PB and J can get boring, it is also critical to have another sandwich option at hand. With more protein and vegetables, a turkey sandwich is a classic savory option.

Compared to the PB and J’s cost of $9.24, the total cost for the turkey’s ingredients from Walmart (with which you can make multiple sandwiches) was more pricey at $20.29. Although more expensive, the fresh additions of tomato, onion, avocado and lettuce make it worthwhile.

Both of these tasty sandwich recipes are straightforward and can be topped off by adding a side of pretzels and fruit, specifically strawberries and blueberries. Also, keep in mind that both sandwiches can be easily squashed in your backpack, so the best way to transport this meal is to put it in a container rather than in a plastic bag.

A cheese quesadilla with a side of tortilla chips and homemade guacamole is another uncomplicated dish to prepare. You can also add chicken or steak to the quesadilla for some protein. This meal did not disappoint with the guacamole’s lively flavors to offset the salty chips and quesadilla’s cheesy texture. However, the quesadilla does not stay warm if brought to school unless brought in a thermos. Despite this, it was still appetizing because of the fresh guacamole, and it was not too pricey, costing $8.97 for the ingredients from Woodlands Market. While the cooking time was longer than for the sandwiches, the quesadilla and guacamole did not take more than 20 minutes to make. It was ultimately well worth the effort, mainly because the quesadilla and guacamole could easily be packed using separate metal containers. Consider including pineapple as a side for some added sweetness.

Hummus with pita bread, red peppers, celery and carrots is the most practical meal, as it has a total price of $8.63 from Whole Foods and is simple to make and

Photo by Mia Kessinger

ADDING A BIT of a kick, the spicy hummus compliments the vegetables’ taste well and was delicious — especially after a long morning of classes. pack: the ingredients can be thrown in a bag and ready to go in a couple of minutes. To add a subtle kick to this recipe, substitute normal hummus for spicy hummus, which complements the vegetables and pita bread’s mild taste. The only drawback was that this meal was not quite filling enough, so include a side of crackers, such as Wheat Thins, and blackberries to finish it off.

Lastly, as a healthier version of Lunchables, a combination of salami, crackers, cucumbers and cheddar cheese create a hearty meal. Similar to the hummus, this lunch is relatively cheap (with a total cost of $10.26 from Whole Foods) and simple to make and transport. The salami, cucumber and cheddar cheese can be stacked on the crackers to pack, or they can be brought as separate ingredients that are put together at lunch. This meal is also not as filling as a sandwich, so add some strawberries, blueberries and popcorn for an extra snack. Although uncomplicated, this lunch is still enjoyable after a long morning of stressful classes.

Each of these recipes offers a delicious option while keeping your lunch on the healthy side. If you are in the mood for a lighter yet satisfactory meal, the makeshift Lunchables and hummus plate are great options. That being said, even though it takes the longest to prepare, the quesadilla with the side of guacamole and pineapple is my favorite because of its flavors. Nevertheless, you will not be disappointed with any of these meals.

Turkey Sandwich ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Two slices of whole wheat or white bread Two tablespoons of mayonnaise Two leaves of romaine lettuce Four to six ounces of turkey lunch meat Half of a tomato, sliced A thinly sliced red onion Half of an avocado, sliced

Cheese quesadilla (with chips and guacamole) Quesadilla: ● Two flour tortillas ● Grated cheddar cheese Guacamole: ● Two avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed ● One lime, juiced ● One teaspoon of salt ● One-half cup of diced onions ● Two Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced ● One teaspoon of minced garlic ● Optional: three tablespoons chopped cilantro mkessinger@redwoodbark.org

From Nickelodeon to Netflix: our old favorites are back

By Samantha Michaels

After completing the dreaded timed multiplication tables in math class and chasing our friends around the playground in a lighthearted game of tag, the best way to wind down from our hectic elementary school days was to turn on our favorite childhood TV shows. As we waited in anticipation for the newest episodes to begin, the TV sang the alluring phrase “Nickelodeon,” which instantly lit up our faces with smiles from ear to ear. Although we cannot go back to the primary school playground, we can still revisit some of our fondest childhood memories through our favorite throwback shows that are now streaming on Netflix. To avoid the unnecessarily cheesy lines and cringeworthy mishaps of our old favorites, let’s Image courtesy of Getty Images look at which shows should still remain on ATTEMPTING TO THROW a surprise party for her father, Carly and the rest of the our must-watch list. gang are shocked to find former first lady Michelle Obama came to their rescue. iCarly Victorious First airing back in 2007, this beloved the show features surprising humor that Back when the world was in need of Nickelodeon classic sparked an ecstatic may have gone over our heads as younger response from its former fans when it was viewers. Whether the characters are taking some binge worthy throwbacks in October released on Netflix on Feb. 8, 2021. This a stab at Freddie’s unrequited love for 2020, “Victorious” answered the call (or goofy sitcom highlights the lives of best Carly or acknowledging the sarcastic should I say Pear-phone) and was the friends Sam and Carly as they navigate their sayings of Sam, older viewers are still first Nickelodeon show to make its reearly-teens and newfound internet fame as in for an unexpected treat. With current appearance on Netflix. After accidentally a result of an unexpected viral-video of social media platforms such as TikTok stumbling into an audition for an exclusive the duo. With the help of their friend and and Instagram receiving such positive performing arts academy, protagonist Tori tech wiz, Freddie, they expand their online feedback for it’s access to hilarious videos Vega is accepted into her dream school with presence by creating a live videoshow and lighthearted sketches from various hopes to “make it shine” in an environment called “iCarly.” Although the technology types of creators, it is no wonder that our full of other multi-talented artists. While and some of the social situations in the plot generation is still excited to watch Carly the abnormality of certain characters and the proportion of her after-school activities are dated, a good laugh is still in store as and Sam’s silly antics on the show.

may be a little far fetched at times, the show does a decent job of portraying the life of a high school teenager. From cramming for school deadlines to working through messy break-ups, many common stressors are covered and worked through in the plot. Top that off with catchy musical performances and original hit songs that still ring a bell, and “Victorious” is still sure to have you feeling: entertained.

Big Time Rush Last but certainly not least is the newest addition to our Nickelodeon favorites on Netflix, “Big Time Rush.” Recently added to the collection on March 26, the four-season show follows the chaotic adjustment of former Minnesota hockey players Kendall, Carlos, James and Logan as they turn into the next Hollywood boy band sensation. Under their stage name “Big Time Rush” with the help of hothead producer Gustavo Rocque, the four navigate their way to “worldwide” stardom while continuing to preserve their smalltown flair through youthful trouble. While it is nice to re-watch who many considered to be their first celebrity crushes, the appeal is not as compelling as it used to be due to the fact that many of us have left the notorious lovestruck boyband stage of our childhoods. Nonetheless, the combination of each member’s distinctive personalities continues to create electric entertainment and still has us deciding which one of the boys we want to be our “boyfriend.” smichaels@redwoodbark.org

lifestyles

Page 21

From GED to PhD alumni pursue their scientific careers

By Annie Goldstein “When will I ever use this again?”

This is a quintessential question many high schoolers ask while sitting in a lecture, wondering how their current high school education will contribute to their future careers.

Despite this doubt, some Redwood alumni from the class of 2013 have found that their high school education has served as an introduction to their current aspirations.

Alexander Ehrenberg Alexander Ehrenberg was first exposed to neuroscience during a summer internship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). As a high school junior, this unique experience stemmed from Ehrenberg’s interest in Redwood’s physiology and honors biomedical science (biomed) classes, leading him to shadow a biostatistician, a type of biologist who applies mathematics, statistics and data to inform their research. For Ehrenberg, the exposure both inside and outside of these science classes gave him an uncommon experience.

“Having a class like biomed is such a privilege,” Ehrenberg said. “You’re using technology that most people don’t have exposure to until the end of their undergraduate [education]. You’re learning not just how to use tools, but you go beyond that and learn the underlying biology and chemistry for them.”

Now actively practicing these skills, Ehrenberg is a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley in pursuit of his Ph.D. In addition, he is continuing his work at UCSF where he is in his eighth year working at the Memory and Aging Center. His high school internship paired with his current pursuit working at the neuropathology lab helped Ehrenberg foster an interest in studying Alzheimer’s disease.

“I choose [Alzheimer’s disease] because it is a disease that we really can’t do much about. There’s a really good sense of purpose with it,” Ehrenberg said. “As I progressed with it, I realized that the best way to approach [the disease] is to draw upon every single skill set you have. For me, I approach things from the lens of evolutionary biology and thinking about the way that the human brain is built leaves us to be vulnerable to disease.”

In addition to his science classes, Ehrenberg has taken inspiration from Redwood’s art department, specifically its music program. Music teacher John Mattern has made a significant impact on Ehrenberg and his scientific work. “[Mattern] was amazing at pushing you to narrow in on that niche. A lot of qualities that apply to work, I got from him, as well as the creative process that science [brings]. When you’re setting up experiments, you have to think creatively, but you [also] have to be able to execute it,” Ehrenberg said. “I can’t imagine that I would [have a creative mindset] if I didn’t have a really good arts education, and for me, that came from music.”

Photo courtesy of Katie Davis

WHILE EXPLORING THE Marine Protected Area (MPA) underwater, Brittany Tholan has witnessed areas rich in marine life and those overfished. This has led her to focus on creating more sustainable practices for fisheries.

Daniel Matteo In his sophomore year, Daniel Matteo completed a book report on “Relativity” by Albert Einstein for his integrated science class, sparking his interest in physics.

Matteo is now in his fourth year in the Ph.D. program at the University of California, Los Angeles in the electrical engineering department. Matteo attributes his scientific success to the courses and teachers at Redwood.

“I think if I wasn’t taught by such good teachers, [if my work] wasn’t laid out and [I wasn’t] given the support or opportunity to take these classes, I probably would not be where I am today,” Matteo said.

While Matteo was not interested in biomed, the class gave Matteo hands-on experience that cultivated many of the skills he utilizes to this day as an experimental physicist. In his current research, Matteo works in a laser lab. He uses high-power carbon dioxide lasers to look at nonlinear optical properties of all different forms of matter.

Nonlinear optics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light as well as its interaction with forms of matter.

“My work as [an] experimental physicist, more or less, is very hands-on. When I’m in the lab, I have a screwdriver in pocket, tons of electrical connections, weighting, cable, etc,” Matteo said. “The payoff is just immense. When you get the program that you’re writing or your coding to work, or when you spent a month setting up an experiment and you get the first piece of data, it feels so good.”

Brittany Tholan Similar to Ehrenberg and Matteo’s experience in honors biomed, Brittany Tholan discovered her interests in marine biology and environmental sciences after taking both Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science and Biology at Redwood.

“AP Environmental Science was very influential [for me]. I liked the opportunity to be outside as well as [to] learn about these crazy, global environmental issues that everyone is now facing,” Tholan said. “That class got me thinking about how I can be a part of the solution.”

As an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Tholan majored in aquatic biology. Her experience working as a research technician at the Marine Sciences Institute and passion for diving led her to witness environmental changes from the water.

“Being so close to those systems and diving them every day, I knew them like the back of my hand. Just learning any kind of outdoor environment [in] that way, where you really get to know it and you start to detect change is really valuable and was a good lesson for me,” Tholan said.

One of the observable changes Tholan noticed was the phase shift within the water as the warm and cold water ecosystems started to mix. The El Niño, which warmed the waters around Santa Barbara from 2014 to 2016, greatly impacted this change, which is similarly happening all over the world due to global warming.

Furthermore, diving near the Channel Islands as a scientific diver at UCSB exposed Tholan to areas both rich in marine life and overfished. This cultivated her interest in fishery management. Now, in her graduate program at Duke University, Tholan is completing her master’s in environmental management, concentrating specifically on the coasts.

As these three alumni continue with their pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees, they have stressed the importance of diversifying their skill set throughout high school and college, even if these classes are not required in one’s standard curriculum.

“Specifically in college, I think the best thing you can do is learn as much as you can and push yourself to take as many classes that will [give you a variety] of experiences,” Ehrenberg said.

Photo courtesy of Ben Ailes

ALEXANDER EHRENBERG, A graduate student at University of California, Berkeley, prepares brain tissues for an experiment as part of his Ph.D. dissertation.

agoldstein@redwoodbark.org

Page 22 • Lifestyles

www.redwoodbark.org

Junior Scott Van Hooser has a zest for volunteering

By Sol Ladetzky With over one-third of Americans currently growing produce in their yards, home gardens have become an increasingly popular activity. Marin neighborhoods are filled with lemon trees, blackberry bushes and tomato plants; however, according to Ample Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing trash by connecting Americans with food pantries, 11.5 billion pounds of garden produce become waste every year. Inspired to find a way to donate this extra food, junior Scott Van Hooser and his two siblings founded Share the Bounty, a nonprofit that harvests fruit and vegetables from Marin residents’ yards and delivers it to the SF-Marin Food Bank in San Rafael, who then distributes it to locals in need of food.

In 2016, Scott’s older brother, Jack Van Hooser, started the organization as a social issues class project.

It quickly grew into more than the 10-hour community service requirement as his siblings joined him. Over the past five years, Share the Bounty has donated six tons of fruits and vegetables and started a fundraiser to donate money to the SF-Marin Food Bank.

Scott is a major

contributor to Share the Bounty’s success and plays a large role in all aspects of the organization, including scheduling, harvesting and delivering produce to food banks, as well as managing the website. “[Scott’s] good at learning new skills quickly so he can help out as much as possible. He does anything whenever we need it,” Jack said. “Now that I’ve graduated, Scott’s taken on a lot more responsibility.”

On average, Share the Bounty completes one harvest every other week.

After being contacted, Scott and his team come to the house with the necessary tools — pickers, clippers and boxes — and leave with as much fruit as possible.

The organization also offers contactless bag pickups. Later, Scott drops the food off at the San Rafael SF-Marin Food Bank. One of Scott’s favorite parts of Share the Bounty is the delivery process, where he sees his hard work pay off.

“Once we collect all the produce, we drive it to the food bank where we drop it off. While we’re [at the food bank], we can see some people who are already taking [what we picked] to the food pantries where members of

Photo by Taylor Elliott

PICKING FRUIT DURING a local Tiburon harvest, Scott searches for ripe lemons to donate to the SF-Marin Food Bank. my community who need it can get food,” and I thought donating them and joining [the club] was a good idea,” Barnes said.

Scott said.

Scott’s passion for helping the “I really admire Scott and how much he community extends beyond his work with wants to help people who are in need.

Share the Bounty. He also volunteers with He’s inspired me to get more involved Marin County Search and Rescue (SAR) in my own community and be a better as a Cadet. Through biweekly meetings, samaritan by joining Share the Bounty.”

Although only started recently, monthly trainings and searches, Scott has volunteered over 400 hours with SAR the Share the Bounty club already has since 2019. While they are two different 13 active members who meet every other week organizations, SAR and Share on Tuesday the Bounty both allow Scott to over Zoom give back in various ways and and attend make a noticeable difference. local harvests. “[Volunteering] makes Scott hopes me feel helpful, like I’m a to expand bigger part of the community. his team to With both [organizations], members I’m able to impact my beyond his community directly. I’m family and seeing [the effect of] the Marin what I’m doing: community. seeing how it’s “I want changed people’s to make sure lives, how it’s that anyone saved people’s Scott Van Hooser, who wants to lives, how it’s junior can volunteer improved their [with Share the lives.

That’s Bounty] and why I enjoy community service so help harvest or donate [produce]. I hope to help more people and make [Share the much,” Scott said.

In February, Scott took Bounty] more known, so there is less another step in expanding the waste from everybody’s backyards,” organization by starting a Share Scott said.

If you are interested in donating fruit the Bounty club at Redwood to mitigate food waste. Junior or joining the Share the Bounty club, Spencer Barnes, the club’s vice contact sharethebountymarin@gmail. president, is grateful that Scott com. founded it, as it has provided him with a platform to make his own impact.

“In my backyard, we have a lot of lemons growing that we’d always waste, sladetzky@redwoodbark.org

[Volunteering] makes me feel helpful, like I’m a bigger part of the community.

Photo by Taylor Elliott

bark

bark

Page 23 • Lifestyles

April 2, 2021

Guest teacher scores Grammy nomination

By Loughlin Browne and Patrick Jacobson

Heart-to-art: Senior Lake Garsten breaks fashion boundaries

By Bella Piacente and Gemma Strauss There are not many circumstances where Marin is deemed conservative. With 84 percent of the county voting for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Marin is arguably one of the most liberal places in the country.

Despite this, there is one area where Marin is pointedly more reserved: fashion. This is where senior Lake Garsten wants to elicit change. Lake does not conform to fashion’s typical boundaries; he challenges them with his non-conformative approach to style.

According to his mom, Teri Garsten, Lake had an eye for beauty long before developing a love for fashion. “[Lake is] extremely intuitive and aware of his surroundings. [He has always been] in touch [with] all of those things. He looks at the world in a creative way. [He’s an] observer; he’ll sit back and really see the world,” Teri said.

Natalie Pemberton, Lake’s friend, provides another pillar of support for his art. Pemberton has been consistently impressed by Lake’s talent, whether it be painting, photography or fashion.

“Seeing the wheels turning in his brain and seeing him make [art] is really magical for me,” Pemberton said. “Him being able to translate his thoughts and emotions into a photograph or onto an art piece is really special and rare.”

As his passion for art grew, so did Garsten’s confidence in his clothing style. He followed the example of fashion connoisseurs such as David Bowie and Harry Styles.

While he cultivated his fashion identity from unique style icons, Lake’s initial interest in fashion came from his mom. He began to play with his mom’s wardrobe last year, experimenting with different clothing articles and breaking through traditional gender stereotypes.

“Of the clothes that I go out in, I would say 75 percent [are my mom’s]. She [has] collected tons of amazing skirts, pants, bags and [other pieces],” Lake said.

With Teri and Pemberton’s support, Lake has been able to portray his most authentic self through his outfits. Pemberton believes the way he carries himself is an inspiration to others around him, prompting them to have more confidence as well.

“Because the way he presents himself is so confident and so unapologetic, I think he touches other people,” Pemberton said.

Although art and fashion are currently a significant part of Lake’s life, nothing has been set in stone for his future regarding college or an art career. But even with an undetermined future, Lake knows that he wants to continue pursuing art in any way he can. Others around him, including Pemberton, not only see art as his lifelong passion but as his identity.

“I wouldn’t say that his everyday life is art. I would say that he is art himself,” Pemberton said.

Photo courtesy of Lake Garsten

bark@redwoodbark.org

With a return to in-person school, campus is once again filled with the sound of aspiring young musicians practicing in the 500s wing. These students fine-tune their musical skills with the help of Jeff Massanari, a guest teacher who assists music director John Mattern in teaching the performance workshop and jazz classes.

This year, Massanari was featured as a guitar player on Kenny Washington’s “What’s The Hurry,” an album nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album in the 63rd Grammy Awards. It was Massanari’s first time working on a Grammy nominated project.

“It was a complete surprise. I got a really cool phone call from the producer, and he was tearful about how excited he was about it. We didn’t end up [winning], but that’s really secondary to me,” Massanari said.

Massanari has enjoyed an extensive music career leading up to the album’s nomination. He has played guitar since age 13 and knew at 15 that he wanted to be a professional musician.

“It just became really clear early on that [music] was what I wanted [and] had to do,” Massanari said. “I grew up in a family where music was important, but it was mostly classical music. I got into blues, jazz and rock on my own.

This was in the 1970s, and everybody wanted to play guitar. A couple of friends and I formed a blues band and played at parties.”

Constant playing and practicing throughout high school brought Massanari to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and after college he moved to the Bay Area to start his professional career at age 24. Since then, he has released five albums and performed at acclaimed venues such as Davies Symphony Hall. He has also played internationally in China, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Guam and Italy.

“I just immersed myself in the music scene. I’d go to jam sessions, … restaurants and clubs and just get gigs.

And then I started teaching,” Massanari said.

Massanari currently teaches at multiple colleges, including the University of California, Berkeley and the

California Jazz Conservatory. His 15-year teaching stint at Redwood began after he met Mattern at a performance.

“We played a gig together first, and then I realized he was such a fine musician and guitarist,” Mattern said. “He doesn’t have an axe to grind or an ego, and that’s really cool. Some musicians do have this ego and they want to show you [what] they can do, and then when you bring them in to teach, it isn’t their forte. For Jeff, it is.”

Within Redwood’s music department, Massanari educates students on music theory and helps to develop their guitar and bass skills. Senior Ryan Barcy has been taught by Massanari for all of his four years at Redwood and credits his strong foundation in jazz to him.

“Jeff has more of an interactive teaching style where he makes sure that everyone’s involved in what we’re doing,” Barcy said. “He also has a lot of patience when it comes to teaching jazz. … He’s really good at making the students comfortable with learning how to play such a complicated genre.” bark@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Jeff Massanari

PLAYING AT A venue, Jeff Massanari successfully balances a teaching and performing career.

New club starts on a positive ‘note’

By AnnaLise Sandrich “[Playing the piano] reduces my stress levels and allows me to escape from everything. I feel like music has really profound effects on people. My goal for the [Pianos for Hope] club is to [lift the spirits of] people who are down and not doing great,” Geloso said.

The new Pianos for Hope club, founded by sophomore Michael Geloso, is organizing fundraisers to raise money to purchase pianos and keyboards, which will then be donated to nursing homes and hospitals. These instruments would give patients and residents a creative outlet and allow those visiting hospitals and nursing homes a chance to play for their loved ones. With the donations, the club would also provide resources for music therapy programs, the therapeutic use of music to accomplish non-musical goals such as emotional, cognitive and physical recovery.

Geloso was inspired to start the club when he first witnessed the impacts of music therapy on 94-year-old Rosalie Courreges, a family friend who used to play piano but stopped due to her arthritis. Although Courreges is healthy, according to Geloso, she does not have many close family members left. Whenever Geloso visits her, he plays a few songs for her on the piano, which seem to make her happier.

“We always notice that her mood really changes [when I play her songs]. She becomes a different person. She becomes so much more positive and upbeat,” Geloso said.

Photo courtesy of Michael Geloso

“I think it takes away some of her loneliness and her worries.”

Like Geloso, club Vice President and Co-founder Sam Andre and Secretary Isabella Kraus both play piano and have observed its emotional effects. After Geloso came to him with the idea, Andre was enthusiastic about starting the club because he relates to feeling his mood improve after playing piano.

“I sometimes play piano when I’m feeling down. If I were in the hospital, I’d like to have that option,” Andre said. “If you’re staying in a hospital, you’re going through a really tough time. We just want to make their lives a little less tough.”

Kraus also feels very close to the cause, as she has played the piano for relatives in nursing homes and seen the effects of music firsthand. “[Piano] brings so much hope. It really lifts the mood and spirits of the people there. Providing that hope is a really good feeling and I love seeing those smiles on people’s faces,” Kraus said.

The Pianos for Hope club is currently communicating with the music therapy department of University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Children’s Benioff Hospital to coordinate the specifics of donating electric keyboards to their program.

Brianna Negrete, a professional music therapist at the UCSF Children’s Benioff Hospital, has seen a wide range of music therapy’s beneficial effects. According to Negrete, music can help normalize an otherwise scary and abnormal hospital setting, ease pain and provide patients with a creative outlet.

Pianos for Hope is currently brainstorming and planning methods of raising money to purchase pianos and keyboards, including a GoFundMe and a sociallydistanced bake sale during which members would drop baked goods off at customers’ houses. The club is also considering organizing virtual piano recitals where musicians would perform in Zoom meetings that audience members would pay to attend.

Geloso, Andre and Kraus are excited to make an impact with music and create real change with their fundraising efforts. “[Donations] will help our program in an immeasurable way because we’re able to provide keyboards to patients that maybe wouldn’t be able to ever have something like this before. That’s huge, especially if it’s also something they can take home and utilize in their own environment,” Negrete said. “Using that creative outlet of expression and coping mechanism at home is really important.” asandrich@redwoodbark.org

Savannah Pritchett models worldwide

By Audrey Lightfoot

“I’ve lived [in Marin] most of my life, so it was hard to move [to Australia] and adjust. I love it here, it’s beautiful, and I’m so grateful to be somewhere where COVID-19 is not as extreme. I’m safe and I’m with family, but I think the U.S. will always be another home to me. I think [I] mostly miss my friends,” Pritchett said.

Pritchett’s close friend and senior Ali Durkin has missed Pritchett’s presence this past year.

“I miss having one of my best friends [around]. It was hard when she first moved because we would spend so much time together and she was always there for me. I definitely miss having someone to talk to that understands everything,” Durkin said.

Although there are difficulties academically and socially, moving to Australia opened many modeling doors for Pritchett as she signed with another agency, The Australian-based agency, Chic Model Management (Chic), last July which has increased her opportunities. Since being signed with Chic, Pritchett has worked with a New Zealand shoe brand, Beau Coops. She is featured on Beau Coops’ website and their social media platforms.

Even though Pritchett loves modeling for its fashion aspect, her modeling is much more than just posing in front of a camera. She relates the sensation of modeling to when she performed as a competitive dancer with Just Dance Academy.

“I love how you can express yourself in so many different ways.

I feel [as if] it’s kind of like p e r for m i ng.

I’ve been a dancer for most of my life, and so i t ’s

What started as a fun photoshoot for senior Savannah Pritchett’s birthday quickly became an interest and now a lifestyle. After receiving a private photoshoot as a gift from her mother on her 15th birthday, Pritchett immediately fell in love with the idea of modeling. After the shoot, the photographer sent the photos to local modeling agencies.

Pritchett was not expecting to hear back from the agencies as the photoshoot was for fun, but to her surprise, she received positive feedback.

Pritchett met with three agencies and eventually signed with one located in San Francisco called Scout Model & Talent Agency (Scout). There, she started developing her portfolio and was enamored with the entire process. Her experience shooting with Scout helped her realize modeling was something she wanted to pursue.

“I loved the way [modeling] felt. I loved the feeling of having people do [my] hair and [my] makeup and all the fancy clothes.

I felt like it was a really good thing for me, and I enjoyed it all the way through,” Pritchett said.

Although Pritchett has only been working with Scout for two years, she is already extremely successful. She has been featured in multiple magazines including Vogue Italia, Nuts for Fashion Magazine and Moevir Magazine. Pritchett also enjoys the behind-the-scenes moments of photoshoots with the production team.

“I think one of my favorite moments [was] when I went to a [photoshoot] and the photographer was shooting for a little while, and then he stopped and he [said], ‘Oh, you’re going to go really far,’” Pritchett said.

Despite growing up in Marin for most of her life, Pritchett moved across the world this past year to Sydney, Australia. The move was a result of COVID-19, as Pritchett has severe asthma and feared getting sick from the high COVID-19 rates in the U.S. She also has family in Sydney, which further encouraged the change.

Despite the incetive to move, living in Australia meant Pritchett would be doing her senior year virtually and 19 hours ahead of California time. Though the timing was hard to adjust to at the beginning of the year, Pritchett rearranged her schedule in a way that worked better for the time difference. Along with the complications of virtual school, Pritchett misses her friends in Marin.

Photo courtesy of Shayben Moussa

kind of similar to getting on the stage and performing. I feel like it’s a freedom type of thing,” Pritchett said.

However, being a model is also challenging, as it is a demanding and harsh industry. Pritchett is no exception to feeling the pressures of being a model and dealing with the constant comparisons that lie within the industry.

“It’s pretty easy to compare yourself to other people. I think I’ve done a good job with not comparing myself too much, but there’s always going to be someone who’s better than you and will get more work than you,” Pritchett said. “I think the hardest part is just staying strong to who you are and not changing for [an] agency or anyone else.”

Pritchett’s mother Robyn Murphy had many reservations about her daughter pursuing modeling at first. However, she was reassured by several of her friends who were once models and supported Pritchett’s career. “[Modeling] would not be what I would choose for my daughter. I think the difference [between letting her model and not model] was [that] I have three good friends who have modeled their entire lives and have learned to balance it. They were there for [Pritchett] completely, and they made it clear she needed to stay in [contact] with them. That made me feel like, ‘Okay, who am I to stop somebody’s dream?’” Murphy said.

Despite her initial worries, Murphy is now immensely proud of Pritchett and her modeling.

She is thrilled to see Pritchett so passionate.

“I am very proud of her. She is very creative and [has] always as a little girl been interested in fashion,” Murphy said. “When I see her in front of the cameras she is so relaxed, at home and loving it,” Regardless of Pritchett’s modeling success, she wants to continue her education in the future. Pritchett plans to attend a university in Australia after high school and hopes to continue modeling while in school if her schedule allows it. To follow Pritchett’s modeling check out her profiles on chicmanagement.com.au, scouttm.com and her Instagram, @savannah.pritchett_.

alightfoot@redwoodbark.org

redwood

bark.

Volume LXIII, No. 4 • April 2, 2021 • Larkspur, CA

Sports kick off the season Story on p. 15

Photo by Sophia Rocha