Cub Bark April 2022

redwood

bark B U C

Volume LXIV, No. 6 • April 29, 2022 • Larkspur, CA

Illustration by Carsen Goltz

redwood

bark .

B U C

Volume LXIV, No. 6 • April 29, 2022 • Larkspur, CA

Homekey Housing

9

Grocery Store Review

13

Revival of Rugby

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redwood high school ● 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 ● volume LXIV, no. 6 ● april 29, 2022 ● www.redwoodbark.org

Kill or be killed: Few are safe from Senior Assassin

By Mayson Weingart Cub Reporter

On Sunday, March 27, Senior Assassin, a game that the majority of seniors have been waiting four years to play, officially began. With roughly 75 teams of three to four members each, the pool of money has reached roughly $3,000. Wendell Laidley, the senior who organized the game, assigns each individual team with an opposing team that they have to “assassinate” before the end of the week. To eliminate a team, participants must attack them using water guns and water balloons, specifically aiming for their team captain. Each team captain is kept secret because if they get eliminated their team is out of the game completely.

To prevent stress, specific location rules limit eliminating players when they are inside their house, attending a sports practice or game, at school or at their job, which allows students peace of mind once within those parameters. With the constant suspense created from the secretive aspect of the game, teams are forced to constantly be on the lookout.

“My fellow classmates asked me to run Assassin.

Originally, I really didn’t know what that entailed, but I love diving head first into a challenge and sort of stuck with it. Over three weeks we formulated a plan to start the game, and were able to get the rules from previous classes. With this, I was able to create a hybrid model of the game,” Laidley said.

Laidley has been committed to developing the game to its peak efficiency through several platforms such as Remind, and has had huge success so far. As he is set to receive a cut of roughly $300 for organizing it and therefore not being able to participate, his hours of work will not be in vain. Moreover, he is very enthusiastic about the benefits of the game to the Redwood senior class, as a community has been created through its high participation.

“The aspect that I most enjoy about [the game] is seeing the joy that it brings to the community, as well as the entertainment seen on our Instagram that speaks volumes about how far people will go to defend their teams and a strong desire to see the results of the game,” Laidley said.

Sharing Laidley’s enthusiasm, senior and current player Greer Diaz also loves the competitive drive of the game.

“I’ve always heard about Assassin from previous senior classes over the years. I think it’s something I’ve always looked forward to and definitely want to succeed in. It’s super entertaining because it feels like when I was a kid wanting to be a spy, like you’re just running around trying to figure out where people are and what people are doing, which makes it overall super thrilling,” Diaz said.

Powered by the drive for success, Diaz and her teammates were willing to go to extreme lengths to accomplish their goals. To make time for their plans to assasinate another team’s player, they made the combined decision to skip a day of soccer practice for the sake of the game.

“Me and my friend stayed in the back of our opponent’s car for two hours, and camped out in the trunk until she came back. We took shifts leaving the car with our heads constantly on a swivel, and then finally she got back into her car and drove to get gas.

The rules say you have to wait for your opponent to be stopped, so we shot her after she got back into the car from filling up her tank of gas,” Diaz said.

Sharing Diaz’s competitive spirit, senior Jacob Smith, who is also a contender, has made plans with his team with an optimistic attitude. Smith has a strong aspiration to win the large pool of money, and has successfully eliminated one of his targets by following him to his house, and then proceeding to shoot him in his driveway. In preparation for the game, Smith and his teammates took a timid

Photo by Mayson Weingart

ARMED WITH WATER guns, teams compete to eliminate their opponents by following them to their houses.

approach in order to remain unknown to those who they were attempting to eliminate.

“My team planned for the game by purchasing large and small water guns, and once we got our assignments for the team we had to kill, we tried to be discreet in uncovering information about them, like their addresses and sports teams, without revealing ourselves too easily,” Smith said.

The game has managed to bring together a large portion of the 2021-2022 Redwood senior class as they reach the final stretch of their high school career. mweingart@redwoodbark.org

The class of 2022’s prom ups the ante

By Aanika Sawhney Cub Reporter

“Oceans 11,” the 2001 blockbuster movie, follows 11 con artists executing a heist on a major Las Vegas casino. This year, members of the senior Leadership class planned their very own Oceans 22 themed prom with juniors and seniors invited to celebrate. On April 16, 2022, doors to San Francisco’s City Hall opened at 7:30 p.m. where Oceans 22 was brought to life at Redwood’s first prom in two years.

Claire McKechnie, Senior Class President, led the brainstorm to find a viable prom theme. Following the Oceans 22 theme decision, the senior leadership class organized decorations and activities to correlate with the casino scene. Casino games including poker tables with Texas hold’em and blackjack along with roulette were set up throughout the City Hall.

Additionally, activities like pool and table tennis were arranged.

“Another highlight was when the clock hit 10:30 and we dropped these huge balloons that were suspended on the ceiling all on the dance floor and everyone rushed to the floor. We were all dancing, having so much fun and playing with the balloons,” McKechnie said.

McKechnie found the extravagance of City Hall to be a special part of the event that connected to their Oceans

22 motif and appreciates the generous gesture. Senior leadership incorporated a karaoke station and 360-degree video camera to fill the spacious venue. The event also included sweet and savory crepes and Dippin’ Dots. Although the class of 2021 was unable to host a prom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had already booked their venue in advance. Later, the class of 2021 decided to pass down the venue for this year’s prom.

Junior Tawny Strotz remembers prom as the perfect night as shown in the movies. She watched her older sister go to prom as a junior, but COVID-19 canceled her older sister’s senior prom.

“I honestly loved that it was combined as juniors and seniors. I didn’t notice that there was a big separation [where] juniors are doing this and seniors are doing that. It was more just everyone together” Strotz said.

Senior Chase Enlowsmith and his friend made lots of plans in the month leading up to the highly anticipated event after missing their junior prom.

He noticed that the senior class got closer through the pandemic and became a more connected group when back in-person, adding to the excitement of their spring dance.

“I wanted to have a little bit of the classic tux look. I matched my shirt to my date’s, and then I also wanted to put

Photo courtesy of Claire McKechnie

CELEBRATING REDWOOD’S FIRST prom since 2019, upperclassmen gather on the steps of San Francisco City Hall.

my own twist on it, so I got a cool bow tie … I decked myself out in some of my favorite jewelry,” Enlowsmith said.

As featured in Enlowsmith’s prom memories and pictures, he found a personalized style for his prom outfit and wore it throughout the night. To create this meaningful experience, McKechnie reflected on the work she and her fellow leadership peers put into organizing it.

“Some of the challenges [when planning the prom] were just how

expensive everything was [as a result of the pandemic]. Luckily this year we actually got the most tickets sold and people [who attended] prom in Redwood history,” McKechnie said.

The class of 2022’s prom was a royal flush with 920 tickets sold, setting the stage for Redwood’s spirit in future events beyond COVID-19.

asawhney@redwoodbark.org

bark

Page 2 • News

April 29, 2022

Photo Survey What’s your favorite weird food combo?

“Sometimes I like to put soy sauce in my eggs for breakfast.”

“Oysters and french fries.”

“French fries with a milkshake, dipped in it.”

Owen Pritchard

Jack Runyan

Stella Cico

freshman

sophomore

“Peanut butter and cottage cheese. I wrote my common [application] essay about it.”

Thayer Schwartz

junior

senior

New fees at local hotspot Marin Headlands

By Kyler Wang Cub Reporter

The National Park Service announced in March that they will begin charging $3 per hour for parking at the northwest commuter lot of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. Parking fees will start sometime in the next couple of years. The park service will also begin charging for evening tours at the recently reopened Point Bonita lighthouse. Prior to its closing, the lighthouse evening tours were free.

Starting in the summer of 2022, tours of the historic lighthouse will cost $16.

The Marin Headlands are part of a National Park called the Golden Gate Recreational area. Julian Espinoza, the Public Affairs Specialist at the National Park Service spoke to the size of this park. “[Golden Gate Recreational Area] is one of the most visited in the country, stretching across 82,000 acres from San Mateo county in the south, to Marin County in the north. Last year more than 13.7 million people visited [Golden Gate Recreational Area],” Espinoza said.

Espinoza noted the high visitor traffic as the reason behind the new fees.

“As a result of heavy visitation during the pandemic, many of our facilities have seen higher use than in the past, requiring increased staff time which will be funded through these fees. These funds will go towards park operations, such as trash collection and custodial services, visitor protection including our ocean rescue program at Ocean Beach and our lifeguard program at Stinson Beach. We are also planning to use fee revenue for specific improvement projects, including the replacement of Stinson Beach lifeguard towers,” Espinoza said.

The new parking charges are the only way to avoid entrance fees at Golden Gate Recreational Area.

“As part of our commitment to be open to all and never charge an entrance fee at any of our sites, we use parking fees as a last resort to fund our operations and services,” Espinoza said.

Photo by Kyler Wang

OVERLOOKING THE BRIDGE, Battery Spencer Overlook will be one of the locations affected by the price hike.

“If visitors have the opportunity to take alternative modes of transportation, they should consider doing so. There are bicycle and pedestrian pathways, and public transportation also operates in close vicinity, offering an affordable alternative to driving,” Espinoza said. Visitors who choose to take these alternative modes of transportation not only reduce their environmental impact, but can save money along the way.

The Marin Headlands is a popular spot among Redwood students. According to a recent Cub Bark survey, 50 percent of Redwood students visit the park at least once a month and 78 percent use cars as their typical mode of transportation. Implementing the parking fees could certainly make the Marin headlands less of a go-to place for hiking and picturesque sunsets.

Junior Lina Ibrahim says she enjoys the pleasing views and scenery at Marin Headlands, exemplifying

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Seth and Kelli Anderson Paul Gehrman Graham Banks The Gersch Family The Beard Family The Ginsburg Family The Belger Family The Glickman Family The Lensing Family Kristin Bennett Marty Goldstein Timi Leslie The Bishop Family The Goldstein Family Jane Maier Leanne Bober Tonia and Dave Golt The Marotto Family Colleen Bourke Kathleen and John Goodhart Jennifer Mazzullo Harrison Barbara Bradley Cindy Goodman The McBride Family Donal and Brenda The Hartung Family Ruth McDaniels The Buckholtz Family The Herbst Family The McHugh Family Lucy Churton Leonard & Dolly Hom The Michaels Family Greta Cifarelli Julie Houtkooper Sally Middleton Sonya and Greg DeForrest Tamara Hull Jacqui Miranda Chanticleer Street Erica Hunt Cindy Morris Nick Desin Sylvia Jones Ann Morton The Elliott Family The Kharrazi Family Sean Nick Naz Erickson The Khaver Family The O’Connor Family Courtney Finnegan Jon and Janie Kimball Denise and Ian Olson The Fisch Family Sarah and Rachel Kimball Dawn Valler and Peter Byck Erin Fish The Kimball Family Hali Croner and Eugene Palmer The Fishburne Family Jennifer Kipp Fran and Bob Piacente Rod and Hannah Fliegel The Koblik Family The Povich Family Cathy Flores Eliza Koeppel The Reese Family The Frankus Family Aimee Lapic Timothy and Lesley Reidy The Ganong Family The Lazarus Family The Ritter Family

the attraction of the area many others enjoy as well.

“We’re really lucky to have places like [Marin Headlands] to visit,” Ibrahim said.

While Ibrahim understands the need for funding at such a popular national park like Marin Headlands, she expresses that it makes Marin Headlands less accessible and convenient for locals as well as Redwood students.

“I understand why [the park service is] doing it but it is inconvenient. I just went last night. I wanted to see the sunset, so I drove through [Marin Headlands].

Having to pay for parking could make it harder. It is not convenient for people who live here,” Ibrahim said.

Despite the new fees being implemented, the visitation to the park is not expected to decrease, according to Espinoza. kwang@redwoodbark.org

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The Zirpoli Family Simon Zornoza

If you would like to support the Redwood Bark, online donations can be made by scanning the QR code above or by visiting www. redwoodbark.org. Payment by check can be made out to The Redwood Bark and mailed to Redwood High School. Thank you for your support!

opinion

Page 3

Reduce, reuse, reimagine Story and Illustration by Charlotte Fishburne Cub Reporter

It’s lunchtime. As students shuffle through the Covered Eating Area (CEA) collecting pizza, apples and Uncrustables in their respective plastic bags, it’s impossible to ignore the line forming at the trash can to throw away this unnecessary waste. CEA meals, vending machines and other school materials have created far too much waste for Redwood’s ineffective trash system to handle. Redwood’s current system of trash disposal is unacceptable and needs to be reinvented in order to reduce the school’s environmental impact.

School recycling is a state requirement. According to CalRecycle, the waste management organization for California, there have been laws in place since 2012 that require public entities to supply recycling or composting options once they meet a certain waste threshold. In July of 2020, California passed another law that stated that recycling containers in schools must be adjacent to the trash can, visible and clearly labeled. California Education Code also requires schools to create recycling programs and provide training and assistance to ensure that students understand how to recycle.

Despite these requirements being state-wide, Redwood is not doing enough to ensure that recycling is being done properly. When looking around the school for recycling options, the most used trash cans on campus in the hallways and along the walking paths do not have recycling bins nearby. This issue often results in students just throwing all trash, recycling and compost in the same bin. The only available recycling bins are located in some classrooms and even then, the trash is not properly sorted by students, which eliminates the benefit of recycling in the first place.

Regardless, even if recycling cans were installed throughout all of Redwood, they would not make a substantial impact without effective education on how to recycle. Clubs such as Recycle for Africa and the Recycling Club do exist on campus to educate their peers.

However, even though they are working towards making a difference, they are making a minimal impact without school-wide education. Redwood has seminars dedicated to anti-racism and suicide prevention to better inform the school, yet there is no formal education on how to keep the campus clean.

Many Redwood students agree that the waste management at school is unacceptable. Out of 147 students, 50 percent said that they thought Redwood could

be doing more when it comes to recycling and reducing Redwood is pointless when it is likely not going to make a waste on campus, and only 27 percent thought the school difference. Furthermore, students are welcome to educate is doing enough. If students on campus can identify the themselves on how to properly recycle their waste and lack of effort in keeping our campus clean, there needs seek out the recycling bins themselves. There are ways to be some action on an administrative level, along with students can take personal responsibility in order to fix this personal accountability. problem, but the only way that our school will be able to Even if Redwood could learn how to properly recycle combat this issue is to reduce. Despite the fact that only a and sort waste, the effort wouldn’t make up for the fact small percentage of our recycling can actually be recycled, that the school is too wasteful in the first place. Especially anything is better than ignoring the issue entirely. due to COVID-19, the CEA has shifted to individually Redwood has around two thousand students on this packaged foods wrapped in single-use plastics. According campus daily, and it is frustrating to think that all of the trash to Lisa Herberg, the Tam District Student Nutrition produced by that many people is being thrown away in the Director, this form of packaging decreases the risk of food trash can — even when it’s recyclable. Redwood should contamination, keeping students safe. California is still in use the first smart period of every month to reintroduce a state of emergency and until the cafeteria goes back to a new reminders to recycle. We have Redwood TV and lunch line with cash registers, they will continue to serve leadership representation in every class, which is an even the food in plastic. If those in charge of the CEA were to better reason to prioritize this issue. With better education find alternative packaging, it would make the lunch system and systems for reducing consumption, we could clean up much less wasteful. the campus and minimize our environmental footprint.

Although it might help, recycling is not the solution to this problem. According to National Geographic, only nine percent of recycling actually gets recycled once taken to a recycling plant. This statement means that putting time, effort and money into a solid recycling system at cfishburne@redwoodbark.org

Minding the gap The benefits of a gap year

By Maya Winger Cub Reporter Languages, traditions, food, religion and art. These are all aspects of every culture, but many people never get the chance to explore other cultures outside of their own. Gap years are a valuable opportunity for high school graduates to gain life experience, but many students don’t even know that it’s an option. A gap year is when a student who recently graduated high school takes a year-long break from school before college. There are a variety of ways a student can spend their gap year such as, moving to a new country, getting a job or attending a yearlong program to learn about new cultures.

After high school, there are many people that are unsure of what they want to do for the rest of their lives, and moving directly from high school to college may not be the right decision for them. However, many people overlook the option of a gap year because of the stigma surrounding the costs and the fact that they will not receive a conventional education.

A common mindset that many students and parents share is that taking a gap year can mean “losing a year” or slowing down one’s education, but this is not true. This is subjective, but one year can help people learn more about themselves and what they want for their future. In an interview with Your Teen Magazine, Daisy Shepherd, a member of the class of 2017 from Seattle, said taking a gap year after graduating helped her feel like part of a larger, global

community. Shepherd also mentioned how a gap year can be the first year that a student can truly be responsible for themselves and get to make their own decisions, a freedom that most young adults don’t experience until after high school. Shepherd traveled around India for several months and then continued her studies at college after her gap year, demonstrating that taking a gap year may not necessarily result in a loss of academic momentum. A Forbes article stated that 90 percent of students who take a gap year attend college the following year. Attending college is a decision that

every student must make, and taking a gap year may change someone’s interests or hobbies, but that doesn’t mean that it will alter their education pathway.

One significant deterrent to taking a gap year is the cost. Depending on where and what a student chooses to do during a gap year, it can be expensive. Yet, the price doesn’t even compare to the cost of college today. According to Forbes, the average cost of one year of college is approximately $28,775, and many private colleges cost even more. GoAbroad states that the average gap year program costs around

Illustration by Maya Winger and Will Parsons

$10,000-12,000, and some programs can even be free. Comparing these costs, a gap year is clearly a reasonable financial endeavor.

A study conducted by the American Gap Association reported that most students that took a gap year had a memorable and enjoyable time. Students reported having a positive experience managing their own money, forming a relationship with peers, being in a new environment and traveling with a group of people. These are skills that will help individuals outside of school and in their careers as well. According to the same study, 98 percent of students reported that taking a gap year allowed them time for personal reflection and helped them develop as people. All of these elements can help prepare young adults for the rest of their lives, whether they continue with their education or not.

Overall, taking a gap year doesn’t have to mean the end of a person’s education, and while it may not appeal to everyone, it is a unique opportunity that more students should consider taking advantage of. Many students will continue their education all the way into college, and others may not go to college at all. However, it’s important to remember that taking time off to focus on things other than school can be very beneficial, and a gap year is the perfect way to do that.

mwinger@redwoodbark.org

bark Page 4 • Opinion The dirty truth about lawns Story and Illustration by Sydney Johnson Cub Reporter The lawns of America demonstrate man’s attempt to harness the uncontrollable forces of nature. Furthermore, Americans pour effort, money and fertilizer into their useless vegetation, attempting to climb their community’s suburbian hierarchy. Grass, a plant purely for aesthetic purposes, has become a status symbol, one that perpetuates false ideals of self-worth and success. Clearly, grass is ineffective, incapable of producing anything worthy.

Water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from grass should be analyzed in a step towards replacing this outdated and impractical greenery.

Where did this insane idea for growing grass even come from?

English royalty. In England, rain is constant, meaning grass won’t demand the same amount of the drinking water supply. After World War II, soldiers returning home to increasing industrialization found money and used it for lawns, a constant reminder of leaving their agricultural careers behind for modern sophistication. But why grass? When we look back to the “roots” of these lawns, curiosity

just grows.

According to the EPA, “Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly nine billion gallons per day.” This extreme use of water is unbelievable, especially when California residents continue to feed their thirsty lawns despite the continous

April 29, 2022

drought. Do these lawns really provide Americans with enough happiness to make up for all the effort poured into the maintenance?

Furthermore, the upkeep of lawns causes extreme amounts of unnecessary carbon emissions. According to Only Natural Energy, emissions from grass fertilizers create 25 million tons of carbon dioxide each year in the US. Americans feed billions of dollars every year into sustaining these lawns, as well as the excessive amount of maintenance they require. It turns out that your gas mower is creating tons of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere. As the Utah Department of Environmental Quality shares, “The emissions from one four-stroke lawnmower operating for an hour are equivalent to an average vehicle traveling 500 miles.” Additionally, rainwater runoff from lawns can transport pesticides and fertilizers into oceans or local water sources, harming animals, humans and contaminating seafood and water sources.

Every aspect of the American lawn: the fertilizers, pesticides, mowing and cutting all work together to destroy the environment.

Though many Americans think they are providing their own carbon sink in their front yard, evidence shows that grass does much more harm than good to combat the threat of global warming. Evidently, grass soaks up some carbon from the air, as it carries out photosynthesis but mowing lawns with gas powered machines along with manufacturing and overusing fertilizers and pesticides reverse those potentially beneficial effects. According to Only Natural Energy, “Standard lawns emit about five or six times more carbon dioxide than what is absorbed during photosynthesis.” Finding alternatives to lawns is simple; grow gardens with fresh, edible foods, reducing grocery money and supplying natural foods into the American diet. Rather than tending to an inedible plant, why not grow fruits and vegetables and replace the hours spent mowing the lawn with a rewarding hobby of gardening?

Another evident alternative would be fake turf grass. Despite being more expensive upfront, it will save you in the long run, as real grass consumes money in its need for water, fertilizer, mowing and more. Even if you love your lawn and the devotion it requires, at least replace your gas-guzzling and carbon releasing mower with an electric one!

The absurdity of lawns and the odd traditions behind them is clear. While the existence of lawns is rarely criticized, it should be.

sjohnson@redwoodbark.org

Who is really winning with generational wealth?

Story and Illustration by Gabriella Rouas Cub Reporter Generational wealth is defined as the passing down of assets through the family tree, and these assets in question carry significant value within them. Copious amounts of money passed through trust funds allow the wealthy elite to live a life vastly different from the average American.

Children who reap the benefits of generational wealth have access to resources that the average American does not have, like an easier job that provides more opportunities, good connections and exposure to the successful moguls of society, which aids them in building their wealth. Is it fair that children who don’t work for the large amounts of money they receive become the most successful people in society? Collecting wealth from a trust fund is not affected by your IQ or work ethic. All that matters is the family you are born into.

Today’s wealth inequality is rooted in historical racism, income instability and government policies that aid the uber-rich. This wealth gap issue plagues our society because all the power is unequally distributed among the population. Historically, these affluent families have seen their wealth increase from the start of the Great Depression with the average net worth of the wealthiest 20 percent rising by 13 percent, and the net worth of families in lower classes decreasing by 20 percent. This

statistic demonstrates how when the majority of the population’s net worth is negatively affected, the wealth gap between families in lower and higher tiers continues to grow, making the next generations look vastly different from each other. This massive wealth inequality we see in America today is partially the reason why the wealth between the executive rich and the average American can look so different. The wealth gap established decades ago paved the way for generational wealth to flourish today.

In turn, the government should not be creating policies that favor generational wealth and increase the wealth gap.

President Donald Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubled estate tax exemptions and gift tax exemptions. The estate tax is a tax on money passed down after the trustor’s death, differing from gift tax which occurs when the trustor is still living. Individuals are able to transfer 11 million (for married couples, 22 million dollars) in assets before being taxed, according to Forbes business magazine. The estate tax can range between 18 percent to 40 percent on assets higher than 12.06 million. This leaves more money for families to pass down through generations, aiding the spread of generational wealth. There should be a greater tax on estates and less wiggle room for gift tax exemption in order to cut down on the wealth that can be distributed to future generations. Arguments have been made that raising the estate tax encourages overconsumption, prevents economic growth and destroys small businesses

when this is not the case. Estate tax only contributes at most 2 percent to the federal budget. Due to the unequal distribution of wealth, only a small amount of estates are actually paying the tax. According to the IRS, just .02 percent of US adults who have died in recent years owed estate tax.

In order to find out the truth behind generational wealth, we must ask ourselves an important question: has multi-generational white wealth been built on black blood?

When African Americans moved into industrial cities during and after World War I, they faced higher rent than a white person would. As years passed, African Americans could not get home loans and found themselves redlined, unable to receive credit. Housing equality makes up twothirds of household wealth, so excluding minorities from establishing this wealth caused extreme wealth disparities that have carried into today. The playing field is not fair.

These prosperous white families were able to establish their wealth when minorities were unable to build up their opulence due to racist policies.

Some may believe that successful parents pass down their work ethic to their observing children who know how to manage it, when in fact these children have no idea how to deal with huge amounts of money. 70 percent of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation. This loss is not the earner’s fault, however, the blame lies in the hands of the young adults who receive it. The fault has to do with these heirs not understanding the true value of money. When money is not an issue, financial knowledge is not taught, therefore not important. The generation that earns the wealth is hardworking and understands the value of the money they earn. However, that message can be lost through generations as that sacrifice and discipline becomes forgotten. Families that maintain their multigenerational wealth are able to do so by conveying to their children the significance of money and ways to manage that money when the time comes.

How can children simply collect money they have not earned? Billionaire Warren Buffet commented on the amount of money he was willing to give his children and said, “Just enough so that they would feel that they could do anything, but not so much that they would feel like doing nothing.” Even though there are major issues that lie within inherited wealth like racism, biased government policy and irresponsibility, I believe this could be an equitable way to pass down wealth to the next generation as you still support your children, but don’t alienate them from the rest of the population. grouas@redwoodbark.org

Page 5 • Opinion

www.redwoodbark.org

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Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-In-Chief Mia Ginsburg Lilian Hakimi Matthew Marotto Cameryn Smith Head Copy Editors Ella Erwig Maya Winger Copy Editors Sawyer Barta Ben Choucroun Charlotte Fishburne Hannah Herbst Mayson Weingart

editorial Parental binge drinking affects us all

The grapes don’t fall far from the vine

POLICY: All editorials are unsigned and have been approved by the majority of the Nonfiction program, the pre-requisite to the Bark.

Most people are well aware of the significance of turning 21; specifically, being able to legally consume alcohol. Many adults take advantage of the opportunity to drink, as it is a globally accepted practice. However, the normalization of drinking in the adult world fosters various opportunities for alcoholism and binge drinking among teens.

According to The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2019, 25.8 percent of people ages 18 and older reported that they’ve engaged in binge drinking in the past month. This statistic holds true in Marin, where the Marin County Civil Grand Jury states that Marin adults consume about 50 percent more alcohol than the rest of California. While it may not be clear from an outside perspective, parents in Marin consume high amounts of alcohol, and it has affected Redwood students by creating a new generation of binge drinkers.

In 2012, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury declared youth binge drinking a public health crisis.

However, minimal action has been taken since. When trying to mitigate the severity of the situation, it’s important to address the root of the problem.

Prior to starting a class discussion about alcoholism and its effects, Dr. Allan Gold, a psychologist at Del Mar Middle School, asked students about their most significant influences in their daily lives.

“When [students] were asked who their biggest influences were, they said their friends and their parents,” Gold said.

Due to the fact that parents are so influential in their children’s decision-making, it’s crucial that they demonstrate drinking in moderation.

According to the Marin County Civil Jury, adults in Marin binge drink three times more than the national average. As a result of this, many Marin teens have grown up seeing excessive drinking as a completely normal practice. This overwhelming presence of alcohol has surrounded Marin teenagers with their parents’ addiction.

Sophomore Layne Colombo is a teen who has recognized Marin’s alcohol crisis. She remembered multiple accounts of seeing community parents

A BARK to those celebrating Mother’s Day. You da-mom!

A BITE to AP testing. The College Board needs to APologize for this extra stress.

A BARK to our new principal. Hopefully you’ll ease the Payne of high school.

A BITE to bathroom smokers. Let’s be blunt, 4/20 got a bit out of hand.

A BARK to the Outside Lands lineup. It’ll give you

drunk in places where drinking was extremely inappropriate.

“I remember seeing some parents even being drunk at their kid’s sports games, which has always been really weird to me,” Colombo said.

Children in Marin have grown up being surrounded by alcohol, even if their parents aren’t the ones drinking. This is why the organization Raising the Bar has started to gain popularity in Marin. Raising the Bar is an organization dedicated to prevent drinking at children’s events such as sports games, swim meets and even the Marin County Fair.

While parents are accustomed to drinking at these types of events, Raising the Bar is a significant step in preventing drinking from negatively influencing children.

Some might argue that drinking is just one of the luxuries of becoming an adult, which it is. However, once parents start patterns of becoming sloppily drunk in front of their children, it becomes unacceptable.

Demonstrating drinking in a healthy manner can actually be extremely beneficial for young children and teens. Acquainting youth with social norms for regular consumption of alcoholic beverages teaches them how to handle alcohol in a controlled way.

The only way to stop this problem is for parents to acknowledge their faults and seek healthier habits or sobriety before it affects their children. Teaching about the effects of alcoholism isn’t cutting it anymore. In order to prevent teenage binge drinking parents need to lead by example.

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 submitted to room 177 or in the Bark mailbox in the facility. They may also be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org.

something to Post about.

A BITE to the Kardashians’ new Hulu show. We’re tired of keeping up with you.

A BARK to Harry Styles.

Our playlists were boring “As It Was.” A BITE to the end of AP Euro. We’re going to lose our heads!

A BARK to the Dippin’ Dots at Prom. You really dipped back into our childhood memories.

A BITE to the boring outfits at Coachella this year.

People were rather clothesminded.

A BARK to Britney Spears.

She’s having a “Baby One More Time!”

A BITE to Russian McDonald’s closing. What can we Putin our bellies now?

BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the Nonfiction program concerning relevant issues.

BARKS are in praise of accomplishments, while BITES criticize decisions or events.

News Editors Grace Gehrman Bowen Rivera Opinion Editors Lauren Poulin Isabella Wagner Feature Editors Erica Block Aanika Sawhney Sports Editors Colette Boyden Gil Ladetzky Review Editors Andie Johnston Sydney Johnson Lifestyles Editors Emily Block Katherine DeForrest Spanish Editor Alejandro Zayas-Ramos Business Manager Wyatt Turkington Survey Manager Audrey MacLean Art Consultants Carsen Goltz William Parsons Multimedia Editor Issac Trumbull Reporters Aaron Addis Gavin Blum Aidan Carney-Skytt Mateo Cubillos Pasha Fooman Fin Geiger Pearse Gero Oliver Harwood Jordan Kimball Harrison Lapic Xander Maher Samuel Marsh Nathan Olsan Dominic Orlando Gabriella Rouas Michael Seaton Jermaine Slaughter Daniel Smith Brian Sternberger Samuel Sumski Kyler Wang Nonfiction Teacher Megan Holguin Advisor Erin Schneider

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Página 6

Opinión: Comida Latinx traducido a Marín Por Alejandro Zayas-Ramos Cub Reporter

No es un secreto que la comida tiene mucha importancia en las culturas Latinx. Los procesos de cocinarlas requieren métodos o ingredientes que quizás no se reproducen aquí. Los resultados son las variedades de las mismas comidas en diferentes sitios. Un ejemplo serían las tortillas de maíz que se hacen aquí y las que se hacen en México, el país de origen.

La primera variación podría ser el tipo de maíz que se usa para cocinar estas tortillas. Según Panoramas, una plataforma de historias sobre el mundo Latinx, en California, la mayoría del maíz que se usa para hacer tortillas es amarillo, y la especie de maíz que se usa en México es blanco. Los diferentes niveles de dulzura entre los tipos de maíz que se usan es otra razón por lo que los sabores son diferentes entre tortillas hechas aquí y las de México.

Estas variaciones no deberían de ser algo que nos divida, sino que deberían ser una forma de celebrar el crecimiento de la cultura. Los ingredientes representan las circunstancias y el entorno del cocinero, y la comida que se hace aquí podría tener su propio giro como resultado de esto.

Otro ejemplo sería el mofongo, un plato que viene de Puerto Rico, hecho con muchas salsas, especias, carne, y lo más importante, plátanos. El Mofongo es una comida que viene de Puerto Rico, hecha con platanutres, ajo, y muchos diferentes tipos de carne y especias. Los tipos de ingredientes, menos los platanutres, se pueden intercambiar para crear versiones únicas de un plato tradicional. La versión tradicional está hecha de una mezcla de platanutres, ajo, y cerdo, pero la carne se puede cambiar con otros tipos o con sustitutos. Existen también infinitas formas de recetas tradicionales con carne que se cambia para ser comestible para los veganos.

Aunque la individualidad es algo importante, la mezcla de procesos estadounidenses y recetas latinx a veces no le da propio reconocimiento a las culturas de donde se provienen. Las tortillas se ven como secas o sin sabor, o el bistec sin las especias correctas. Un

apegarse a la tradición sin tomar en cuenta el valor de compartir con otros. Nuestras diferencias pueden traer nuevas oportunidades para conectar con otras culturas y crear híbridos nuevos. azayasramos@redwoodbark.org

problema en nuestro día es la pelea entre lo que se cuenta como comida “auténtica” y la comida americanizada. Mis familiares me han dicho sobre Sol Food que la comida no es realmente caribeña. Sin embargo, la creadora de Sol Food, Marisol Hernandez, es parte puertorriqueña, y vivió en la isla por mucho tiempo, de acuerdo al San Francisco Chronicle. Ella aprendió sus recetas de su novio que vivía en la isla. La autenticidad de la comida o de un restaurante no es una idea concreta. Y si ella no tenía ninguna conexión con Puerto Rico, todavía está honrando la isla cuando aprende las recetas. Las recetas deberían de tener espacio para añadir y sacar las cosas, para crear algo nuevo y celebrar la cultura.

Las diferentes culturas de los países latinoamericanos tienen un potencial para compartir con los demás en una forma de expresión que se debe a muchas libertades artísticas. Deberíamos estar cómodos con los cambios a platos tradicionales, porque en la mayoría de los casos viene de una apreciación del cocinero a la cultura de donde viene. En el mundo donde vivimos es más difícil y peligroso

Arte por Julia Frankus y Carsen Goltz

Página 7 • Español

www.redwoodbark.org

bark

Un reseño de burritos alrededor de la bahía Por Harrison Lapic Cub Reporter La comida de México es muy popular, pero con muchas opciones de restaurantes, es difícil elegir los mejores lugares para comer comida de México. Los Burritos son una comida con diferentes opciones de forma, tamaño y puedes elegir lo que quieras. Puedes pedir uno chiquito si solo quieres una merienda rápida, o puedes elegir uno de gran tamaño si tienes mucha hambre. También puedes elegir qué carne va adentro, ya que la mayoría de los restaurantes sirven burritos con pollo, bistec e incluso cerdo. Aquí hay tres restaurantes que son buenas opciones para tus antojos de burrito. Voy a informarles sobre los burritos de Taquería Mi Familia, Taquería El Torogoz y Taquería El Farolito.

Taquería Mi Familia Hay dos restaurantes de Taquería Mi Familia en Marín, uno en San Anselmo y otro en San Rafael. Fui al de San Rafael y sirvieron opciones variadas en comida mexicana, como tacos y quesadillas. Yo pedí el burrito de bistec normal que es más pequeño que el grande pero más grande que el mini, por $8.75. Junto con el bistec vinieron frijoles, arroz y salsa. Personalmente, creo que cocinaron demasiado el bistec, pero en general estuvo realmente bueno y fue el más barato de los tres, lo cual es una ventaja adicional.

Taquería El Torogoz

AL LLEGAR A Taquería El Torogoz, yo ordené un burrito de bistec y tamaño regular. los burritos de Taquería El Torogoz.

Taquería El Farolito

A solo diez minutos caminando de Redwood en Larkspur, la Taquería El Torogoz es conocida por sus burritos, tazones y tacos. Aunque es la más cara de los tres, compensa fácilmente el costo adicional porque tiene más bistec. El burrito que contiene bistec, arroz, frijoles y queso me llenó más debido al bistec añadido.

En comparación con los otros restaurantes, este tenía una cantidad notable de bistec en un solo burrito. Si buscas más proteínas o simplemente más carne, deberías probar

Este restaurante es el más alejado de Redwood, hay tres restaurantes Taquería El Farolito ubicados en San Francisco. Visité el de 24th and Bart y fue increíble.

A diferencia de los otros dos restaurantes aquí, puedes personalizar tu burrito a tu gusto. Puedes elegir cualquier tipo de tortilla, arroz, frijoles y queso que quieras. Yo pedí un burrito de bistec de tamaño regular con arroz blanco, frijoles enteros y queso jack por $10.35. A pesar de que se llamaba un burrito de tamaño “regular”, este burrito era

Foto por Harrison Lapic

más grande que los demás. El único punto desfavorable sería la cola larga y por lo que he escuchado e investigado, eso es bastante común. Sin embargo, no dejes que esto te impida ir y conseguir tu propio burrito; yo diría que ciertamente vale la pena esperar.

Cada uno de estos restaurantes es único a su manera y cada restaurante tiene sus ventajas y desventajas.

Sin embargo, en general, recomendaría todos estos restaurantes y probablemente regresaré a cada uno de ellos en un futuro cercano. hlapic@redwoodbark.org

El impulso para diversificar la industria del cine con Encanto Por Alexander Maher Cub Reporter

En Nov 24, 2021, la película Encanto salió en cines y un mes después en Disney Plus. Disney recientemente trabajó para diversificar la industria cinematográfica.

Disney ha sido generalmente conocido por sus películas para jóvenes que enseñan un mensaje de triunfo, superación de obstáculos y positividad a pesar de muchos desafíos. Encanto está centrado en la familia Madrigal en Colombia que tiene una historia mágica en la familia. Una vela mágica da un regalo especial a cada persona de la familia que les da a todos ellos la capacidad de destacarse entre la multitud y ayudar a otros a mejorar su aldea y comunidad. Por ejemplo, el

personaje Bruno puede ver el futuro y hablar con animales. Otro personaje tiene súper fuerza. Todos las personas en la familia usan sus habilidades para hacer una diferencia en su comunidad. Pero su hija Mirabel no ha recibido su magia, y ella se siente muy insegura por no ser como su familia. En una situación muy importante en la película, Mirabel pone la seguridad de su familia antes de ella y Mirabel revive la magia que antes estaba arraigada en la familia Madrigal.

En el pasado no había mucho reconocimiento y representación de comunidades Latinx en películas de Disney. Muchas películas de princesas son de princesas con piel blanca como Rapunzel, Cenicienta, Bella y Ariel. Con

tantos personajes con piel blanco en las películas de Disney, las personas que tienen un color de piel diferente sienten que no están incluidas por no tener modelos a seguir que se parecen a ellos.

El trabajo de Disney por una mayor diversidad es reconocido y ha mejorado enormemente. Hay tantos jóvenes en el mundo que están inspirados por estos personajes en películas de Disney. Pero cuando no hay mucha reperesenetación de personas de color, jóvenes se sienten que no estan incluidos. Hemos visto más diversidad en una de las películas más famosas, Coco. Se trata del Día de los Muertos en México y fue lanzado en 2017.

Coco y Encanto son dos ejemplos del trabajo que Disney está haciendo para tener

más diversidad e incluir a más personas.

No hay mejor lugar para buscar el cambio que comenzar con las industrias cinematográficas que creen la capacidad de influir en las generaciones más jóvenes e impulsar el cambio. Las voces de las generaciones más jóvenes importan más que nunca para superar un pasado histórico de discriminación. Ver a Disney y a la industria de Hollywood continuar cambiando arroja luz sobre un Estados Unidos mejor y un mundo mejor.

amaher@redwoodbark.org

Imagen cortesía de Disney

Imagen cortesía de Disney

ENCANTO ES UNA historia sobre una familia Colombiana aprendiendo que una persona no se define por sus habilidades o sus inabilidades.

TODOS LOS MIEMBROS de la familia Madrigal tienen poderes menos Mirabel, que le hace sentir menor debido a la manera en que los del pueblo le tratan.

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Page 8

News platforms evolve as world digitalizes

By Aanika Sawhney Cub Reporter A paperboy’s bike wheels rotate on the road through his neighborhood to deliver the Sunday paper. The freshly printed and rolled newspaper hits the driveway pavement with a “thump.” In a modern day parallel, the repetitive “ding” notification and a pop-up headline links readers to digital news conveniently from a mobile device.

The internet allows for an abundance of ideas, knowledge and communication worldwide. Major news outlets have built extensive online pages and social media presences reaching an audience of millions.

Even with the act of opening a single browser tab, hundreds of live updated articles and other media are available to users with a single click. The Bark itself produces several printed newspaper editions along with uploading online articles, video and podcast episodes to a centralized website. Digital news is a revolutionized symbol of the 21st century and the online connection of society. However, the implementation of electronic news impacts our world in a range of positive and negative ways through its connection to people of all generations.

Junior Jack Haubold finds social media and online articles to be his primary source of news and a common part of his daily routine. Haubold’s phone notifications alert him to the latest headlines and messages from reporters he follows on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. To support Haubold’s comprehension of recent and historical text, he has taken courses like Honors American Government online and is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition at Redwood. Honors American Government focuses on the First Amendment and the role of news in a democracy. AP English Language and Composition emphasizes ways to find accurate material through understanding sourcing, which has taught Haubold the importance of reading credible news and learning from fact-based sources.

“Now news sites are really geared towards clickbait headlines and getting the most site visits

and clicks that they can. I think the shift to online news social media. Additionally, she personally sees design has definitely made it less credible and less as a significant part of news factual and more focused on raising public found on social media and emotion,” Haubold said. describes Instagram graphics Haubold sees a difference in the way as a novel way her generation information is relayed through generations. consumes news.

He recalls his grandparents receiving paper “The news I am first to print copies of major news organizations click on is the most visually including The New York Times and The appealing and the ones that Wall Street Journal, yet also mentions that seem the easiest to digest. his grandparents now visit online sites of Some people criticize news significant publications as he does. through social media but as Ted Brown has been teaching at long as it is real and credible, I Redwood for over 25 years and currently do not see the harm in it,” Puri facilitates the classes United States History said. and AP European History. Brown teaches While embracing the document-based questions with positive availability of historical context, which often​​ information via the internet, incorporates primary Puri warns against exclusively sources found online. using the internet as a source “While I of news due to the increased welcome on one spread of misinformation. Puri hand the instant often discusses worldly events massive data with her family and friends Ted Brown, that we all to fact-check her information History Teacher have access to, I and broaden her perspective. think you have to be In general, she highlights the careful and patient, and take your opportunities digital news time looking at [online news],” Brown said. offers through its wide platform and the positive impact Brown feels the internet offers significant of increased educational outreach from traditional insight into individuals’ direct experiences during forms of news. global crises. He compares the vast available While Haubold and Brown interact with media public information of current global events online differently than Puri, Haubold from the perspective of to the limited pre-internet boom news. Brown a student utilizing social media, Brown as a teacher most frequently uses online articles to receive who is a knowledgable consumer of online articles, and his news and encourages his students Puri as a digital news creator herself, all three believe a to learn from credible benefit of digital media is the access to information and publications on the internet the virtual community where people can sympathize as well. with others through direct documentation amid societal According to the April 2022 Cub Bark Survey, events.

30 percent of Redwood students utilize online “[The internet] connects people and makes the articles and 66 percent of students events happening in the world real, even from hundreds get their news from social media. of miles away,” Puri said.

Although online news seems asawhney@redwoodbark.org to be a popular form of outreach to all age groups, social media has especially become a primary source for many people in the younger generations.

Sarani Puri, a sophomore, is well-versed in social media such as Instagram and Tik Tok in her daily habits and professional experiences. Puri is a social media manager for several nonprofits, overseeing the Marin County Instagram and organizing multiple accounts for her own Redwood-based clubs. For her, brand association and audience demographic are key components in managing Illustrations by Aanika Sawhney and Carsen Goltz

While I welcome the instant massive data that we all have access to, you have to be careful and patient, and take your time looking at [online news].

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Addressing homelessness in Marin Larkspur’s Project Homekey aims to dilute housing crisis

By Matthew Marotto Cub Reporter

By Ava Razavi

Along the Corte Madera Creek and a designated Safe Route, a roadway that encourages children to safely walk and bicycle to school, 1251 South Eliseo Drive sits vacant amongst medical buildings and residences.

However, on Feb. 15, 2022, the Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted $15,497,200 in awarded state funds to purchase the lot and renovate its existing structure to be a housing center. This followed public outcry, with threats of electoral recall and protests, in response to the county’s push for the South Eliseo extension of the statewide initiative, Project Homekey.

Designed to provide long-term support for the state’s 51,785 chronically homeless individuals, disabled persons who are houseless, Project Homekey is now set to expand into Larkspur.

With a maximum occupancy of 50 residents and a 55-year-long operating period, this project is expected to have lasting implications. The type of implications, however, is a point of heated contention between the project’s proponents and its community-led opposition.

Katie Rice, the President of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the representative for District Two, including the Project Homekey site, has been heavily involved in the planning of the Larkspur housing center. “[Governor Newsom] said to communities, cities and counties there’s grant money specifically to create permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals,” Rice stated. “In 2021, [1251 South Eliseo] was a site that we wanted to get one of those grants [for].”

The area was not only seen as the ideal site by local officials and the State who approved funding for the County’s proposal, but also by various community members. Chuck Finnie, a member of the Citizen Advisory Panel to the Larkspur Project Homekey planning, lives in close proximity to the Homekey site and supports the initiative. “[Project Homekey] is the morally right thing to do. Local governments and the residents of Marin have a responsibility to address homelessness,” Finnie said. “[Additionally,] people who have been living on the streets [and are] finally getting the opportunity to live in [South Eliseo’s] pastoral setting are going to be very moved by this opportunity.”

Behind much of the support for Project Homekey are studies, including one by the University of California San Francisco in 2020. It found that 86 percent of chronically houseless individuals who were place into permanent housing remained successfully housed for several years after. Looking at the research, Rice believes that supportive housing is the best path forward in addressing homelessness.

“There’s enough data that shows if you bring someone into housing, they’re more likely to accept services and then stay to continue on receiving those services. [Thus,] we shifted from screening people out of housing, to this

Photo by Ava Razavi

THOSE WHO OPPOSE the expansion of Project Homekey cite the potential dangers of having formerly houseless individuals living in an area frequented by children. model where we take in the most vulnerable,” Rice said.

As a member of the Citizen Advisory Panel, Finnie was able to experience firsthand the work being done by the facility managing partner of this project, Episcopal Community Services (ECS), in San Francisco. Having also worked in the City as a reporter and editor for the San Francisco Chronicle, Finnie shares Rice’s belief that the “housing first” approach of Project Homekey is the most effective method of combating homelessness.

“The principle of permanent supportive housing is that you have to get people into a safe setting before you help them in addressing other issues that may have resulted in them losing their home. Creating a well-managed community with wraparound services from nutrition to employment, to alcohol and drug counseling, [and] mental health services makes sense to me,” Finnie said. “I’ve seen what [ECS does] and I watched what worked in San Francisco through the eyes of the reporters who covered it and what didn’t work. The people who are living in these residences that are conducive to being able to put their lives back together are showing success. We have the opportunity in Marin to do it.”

Even with the proposed benefits of Project Homekey, there is strong opposition due to its proximity to schools — with eight in a one-mile radius of the site. The Kentfield School District Board, headed by President David Riedel, oversees two schools within walking distance of South Eliseo and has expressed its concerns.

“While [the District] recognizes the need for housing, we think the profile of the South Eliseo location is problematic because it’s on one of our designated Safe Routes [that has] paths for students to walk or ride to school,” Riedel said. “[The Homekey program] has no screening for sex offender status, [and] does not require

Photo by Ava Razavi

NESTLED BETWEEN MEDICAL offices, residencies and bike paths, Project Homekey is set to provide longterm housing for chronically houseless individuals.

sobriety or [its residents to be] working. We feel that is a population that could cause issues with the safety of kids.”

The District’s stance on Larkspur’s Project Homekey is shared by many community members. However, Chris Rankin-Williams, a resident of Kentfield and rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ross, supports the extension even though his children attended the Kentfield School District.

“I feel like a lot of the opposition is based on an assumption that if someone is unsheltered, they pose a risk or they’re dangerous, and I don’t think that’s true,” Rankin-Williams said. “In my work with the homeless in Marin, I’ve met people who went to Redwood, Marin Catholic and Branson. [From] almost all the schools in the Ross Valley, I’ve met homeless people who grew up going to them, so these are our neighbors; these are our kids.”

Although a recent Bark survey found that 76 percent of students support the Larkspur Project Homekey, Rankin-Williams’ message has not resonated with everyone. Community skepticism is overwhelmingly present in public comment sessions.

“Many people are opposed not to the idea of the project and housing for the homeless, but opposed to the location due to the proximity to schools, children and families and their safety; specifically about the [potential] drug paraphernalia and the lack of sobriety requirements,” said one participant.

Many are also upset by the absence of checkpoints for residents who can range from sex offenders to convicts whose histories of incarceration are largely disregarded in vetting. Another public commenter witnessed firsthand how these factors manifest themselves in a housing center.

“I used to manage a property in Marin where we had chronically homeless people … I saw everything from overdoses, sheriff [dispatches] and drug dealers,” said the commenter.

As of 2020, there were an estimated 1,034 unhoused people in Marin, and, statewide, there were approximately 160,000. To Rankin-Williams, the lives behind California’s and Marin’s unhoused populations speak volumes more than the numbers do, and lead him to support Project Homekey.

“If my kid [was unhoused], I would want them to get housing and get the treatment they need. I wouldn’t want people [saying,] ‘Not in my backyard.’ [Instead, I would say], ‘Yes, absolutely, in my backyard,’” RankinWilliams said.

Larkspur Project Homekey, as per a state-mandated timeline, will likely break ground for on-site renovation by 2023. A recent community effort to delay construction through litigation is currently underway, as are efforts to secure funding for supportive operations such as rehabilitative and mental health services. Despite the heavy opposition and threats of recall from the greater community, Rice and the County of Marin stand by their decision to approve the expansion of Project Homekey with the goal of reducing homelessness in Marin. bark@redwoodbark.org

Marin County is home t of food insecure individ families under a facade

By Erica Block and Lilian Hakimi Cub Reporters Bags full of potatoes, yams, celery, bread, yogurt and milk make their way into the hands of hundreds of people, hoping that they will have enough food to feed themselves and their families for the week. Receiving weekly groceries from the Canal in San Rafael, Marin residents are temporarily relieved from the burden of food insecurity.

Over the past three years, food insecurity rates soared globally, having been worsened by the pandemic, during which world hunger rates rose by 18 percent.

This issue of hunger worldwide can be singled down to our very own Marin County.

Marin is home to more than 48,000 people who worry about where their next meal will come from.

CalFresh, California’s state Supplemental Nutrition Program, estimates one in five people in Marin face food insecurity – including 11,753 children. Many of these young adults facing hunger are within the Redwood community.

With the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, who are two of the world’s largest food producers, millions more are expected to face food insecurity this year. A United Nations statement from March estimated that the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food market could potentially cause an additional 7.6 to 13.1 million people to go hungry.

David M. Beasley, the executive director at the World Food Program, a United Nations agency responsible for feeding 125 million people per day, recognizes that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is fueling the global hunger crisis.

“Ukraine has only compounded a catastrophe on top of a catastrophe. There is no precedent even close to this since World War II,” Beasley said. “The United States has already experienced a rise in grocery prices with an increase of 8.6 percent in February, making it the largest inflation of food prices in the last 40 years. The war will only cause those prices to rise even more, which endangers those already living on the verge of food insecurity.”

Marin is no stranger to fancy restaurants and high end stores.

Although it is true that Marin is a wealthy community, with the average annual income at $110,843 compared to the United States average annual United Nations

The impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food market could potentially cause an additional 7.6 to 13.1 million people to go hungry.

income of $65,712, 7.23 percent of the population lives in poverty. Thus, deeming Marin as an affluent place does not fully encompass the socio-economic variety of neighborhoods and families that call Marin their home.

Because of the facade of wealth that Marin obtains, people often overlook the struggles that some community members face. Michael Watenpaugh, superintendent of San Rafael City Schools, puts it perfectly: “The first impression is that Marin is a wealthy community,” Watenpaugh said.

“But if you dig in, you find a significant population of poor families here. And there is a very big need to address them.”

Research suggests that hunger also influences students’ performance in school.

Roaring stomachs can cause students to be distracted, hyperactive and aggressive.

These behavioral issues can lead to developmental delays and disabilities.

Research from Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, demonstrates that children from families who worry about where their next meal will come from are more likely to score lower on tests or even repeat a grade level.

Lisa Herberg, the Tamalpais District Student Nutrition Director, dissected the impact of adequate amounts of food on a student’s learning experience.

“Generally, when you have less money for food, whatever you can afford has poor nutrition. Especially among younger children, they don’t have the proper nutrients to support their developing brain. It affects their cognitive ability for learning. They have less energy and less focus in the classroom and in school,” Herberg said.

Herberg estimates that anywhere from 80 to 100 students receive free breakfast from the CEA and around 450 to 500 students get their lunches from there as well.

“We were at 600 [students] earlier on in the pandemic but it has eased up. Prior to the pandemic, six percent of our students qualified for low income, so we are assuming we are about the same because we don’t collect applications,” Herberg said.

Following the shutdown at the beginning of the pandemic, many people’s jobs were jeopardized, affecting their ability to afford food.

Herberg volunteered at pop up food banks

during the height of COVID-19 and witnessed Marin’s food insecurity issue.

“Specifically, what I saw when I was volunteering at the food bank was families with little children and seniors.

A lot of the seniors are on a fixed income who have social security and possibly not pension,” Herberg said. “For families that have young children, childcare is expensive and it takes away from the food that you can put on the table. If you can’t work because you have more children then it would cost to pay for childcare, then you don’t have that job to pay for food.”

There are many Redwood students who have been inspired by the distress of COVID-19 and recent worldwide conflicts to take Olivia Villanova, action against local sophomore hunger hardships.

Sophomores Olivia Villanova, who organized a canned food drive last year, and Lauren Ball, frequent volunteer at Marin Food Bank, both stress the importance of community members joining them in mitigating the effects of hunger in Marin.

“When you get the opportunity to be face-to-face with people, you are helping and see them smile, it makes supporting your community feel more real,” Ball said.

Villanova organized a canned food drive at Redwood last year after being inspired by visiting the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Villanova was able to schedule the food drive through St.Vincent de Paul in Novato, a non-profit organization working to combat hunger. While arranging this event, Villanova reflected on her gratitude towards having a stable supply of food at home.

“Some people don’t [know] when their next meal is going to be or what it is going to be. I’m lucky enough to know I’m going to go home to a house full of food at night,” Villanova said.

Villanova believes the stigma surrounding food insecurity in Marin makes the issue not only more difficult to talk about, but also makes it harder for people

Most people view Marin as a wealthy place, so the idea that some people in Marin are facing hunger daily doesn’t cross our minds often. We need to make it a more normalized issue.

to hundreds duals and e of wealth facing food insecurity to reach out for help.

“Most people view Marin as a wealthy place, so the idea that some people in Marin are facing hunger daily doesn’t cross our minds often. We need to make it a more normalized issue,” Villanova said. “Even though we live in a wealthy community, there are still people struggling who need help.”

This sentiment is shared with junior Jack Callaghan who has discovered the importance of citizens’ involvement in the community through his volunteer work at the Canal Food Distribution Center. Callaghan helps at the Canal Distribution Center every other week where he sets up food stations passing out food to residents in need.

He also noticed the lack of discussion surrounding hunger in Marin.

“For a lot of families here, it is a given that food is on the table. To have to bring up the conversation where it is not can be very difficult for some people,” Callaghan said.

Following Callaghan’s work at the center to fulfill volunteer requirements during his freshman year, he continued to come back. Callaghan’s experiences exhibit how students can use their actions by taking initiative in order to make a difference.

Villanova expresses how many students have created a sense of shame around eating food from the Covered Eating Area (CEA).

“A lot of people complain about the CEA food, but for some kids that food is all they eat,” Villanova said.

Herberg also highlights the importance of not alienating the students who eat from the CEA. Throughout her 30 plus years in the school nutrition industry, in which she has worked with grades K-12, Herberg recognizes that there is never a stigma around receiving free meals among elementary school students. However, once students reach middle and high school age, this mindset changes.

“In middle school and

high school, the students who qualify for free meals won’t come to eat. They will choose to go hungry because of the stigma. They will wait until they get home. What has changed [with free meals] is that it has reduced the shame around receiving school lunches,” Herberg said. “Just today, I saw students coming out of the CEA with food and smiles on their faces. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, it is just okay to come and eat.”

bark@redwoodbark.org

Illustrations by Lilian Hakimi and Carsen Goltz

review

Page 12

These options aren’t ruff: Rating dog parks in Marin

By Hannah Herbst Cub Reporter In Marin, we are lucky to have many different dog parks to explore and to spend time with our fluffy friends in! Finding the best and most convenient place for some quality time with your dog can be challenging for a busy high school student, which is why my dog, Camper, and I rarely get to spend quality time together. But, I found that by visiting these parks, we were able to easily enjoy each other’s company. So, I set out on a mission with Camper to find the best of the best!

Dog Run, Mill Valley Parking for the Dog Run is located at Mill Valley Middle School, and you have to walk along a bike path to get there. Note that the park itself is not very clearly marked, which makes it hard to find. Nonetheless, upon arriving and letting Camper off leash, it was evident that this park is worth the trek. This park is by far the biggest space on this list, giving the dogs ample room to run around. However, it is not entirely fenced, so be sure to keep an eye on your pet! There were not many other dogs, but there was a unique play structure with a tire swing and a few obstacle course structures that kept Camper busy. There are also plenty of water bowls around the park. Camper and I both had a very pleasant time at Dog Run, though after we left, Camper was covered in burrs from the grass.

Ruffview: 3/5 paws. A nice park with some great features, but not conveniently located.

Town Park, Corte Madera This park is conveniently located close to Redwood, but this attribution was probably the park’s most redeeming quality, as the rest was pretty mediocre. This park is very small in size, and not quite as exciting as the other options on this list. There were only a few other dogs and I would recommend bringing a toy to entertain your dog with. Moreover, there was only one communal water bowl, and there was not much shade either. Both of these disappointments made for an unpleasant experience on the hot and sunny day I visited. Ruffview: 2.5/5 paws.

Close in proximity to Redwood, but not particularly exciting.

Piper Park, Larkspur The closest option to Redwood, this park offers a good mixture of pleasant amenities and convenience for you and your pup! It has two gated areas: one for large and one for small dogs. There were by far the most dogs here than at any other park, and Camper enjoyed playing with all of them. There is a small spigot for water which Camper appreciated after all the running around. Additionally, there are plenty of trees and shade, along with a nice breeze and a nearby creek, which was refreshing during our hot and dry visit .

Ruffview: 5/5 paws. Convenient location with many nice amenities.

Field of Dogs, San Rafael Though this park is not quite as close to Redwood as the other options, it offers many rewards! It is quite large and it contains a mix of grass and gravel ground,

which is good for avoiding the burr issue Camper and I had previously encountered. There is some debris in the grassy areas, so be sure to keep an eye on your dog. There are lots of picnic tables and benches, as well as one tent.

Similar to Piper Park, an area for smaller-sized dogs is available, however, it was weedy and overgrown. This park had a large stash of tennis balls for the dogs at the entrance, which was great! The Field of Dogs park is well fenced, but it is in close proximity to a busy road.

Ruffview: 4/5 paws. Great park, but not a very convenient location and had a few flaws.

No matter what you and your dog are looking for, the dog parks of Marin have something for everyone! They’re a great way to spend quality time with ‘man’s best friend.’ hherbst@redwoodbark.org

Photo by Hannah Herbst

EMBRACING THE SHADE, Camper rests under a tree in Piper Park.

Gift ideas for a mom-ent of appreciation for mothers

By Isabella Wagner Cub Reporter Mother’s day is just around the corner, which also means the hassle of finding a meaningful gift is near. While it can be difficult to take the time to search for a thoughtful present, it’s important to put in an effort in order to show appreciation for the sacrifices and hard work put in by mothers to raise their children. This list of ideas will help you in your search for a gift like no m-other!

Painted Flower Pot A creative way to express your gratitude towards your mother is by taking the time to paint something meaningful. Instead of a basic canvas, decorating a flower pot is more unique! For this gift, head to a local flower shop and purchase the clay flower pot of your choice. Sloat Garden Center, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware are all great options to find blank flower pots.

With some acrylic paints and brushes, use your talent to paint a special illustration onto the pot. Then, let it dry and either

Photo by Isabella Wagner

SELECTING FLOWERS TO include in your gift basket is a colorful addition.

keep it empty for your mother to plant something she chooses, or surprise her with her favorite flower! This is a simple, but thoughtful gift to make your mom recognize your kindness, and get excited to receive some new personalized decor.

Gift Basket Still unsure of what to get your mother because you have too many ideas? Try creating a gift basket filled with various goodies that will be a treat to open. This way, you can compile all the items you want to give into one present. First, find a large basket and decorate it with a ribbon.

Inside, combine anything you think your mother would enjoy. For example, include chocolate, soap, flowers, jewelry, books and more, until the basket’s almost overflowing! The perk of this gift is that you can give a collection of smaller presents, while still making the whole appear like a big bundle, abundant with little surprises.

Your mother will be feeling overjoyed with an abundance of cute presents, the best way to make her feel special.

Picture Collage Looking for a more memorable gift?

A picture collage is the way to go! Print out your most nostalgic pictures of you and your mother, and paste them onto a poster board, or even create a mini paper book with a collection of the photos! If printing out photos is too complicated, then even a slideshow with music in the background

also works. Going out of your way to assemble this gift is a perfect opportunity to convey the love you have for your mother. Most mom’s love seeing the effort put into their gift, and the combination with old photos is a great way to recall fun memories. Plus, you might get a laugh out of it, too.There’s nothing better than a trip down memory lane!

Nail Salon Certificate Even if you have limited time to pull together a present in time for Mother’s Day, purchasing a gift certificate for your mom to get her nails done is a nice treat!

While it is more expensive, it provides your mother with a relaxing outing that won’t disappoint. You could also think about getting a manicure or pedicure with your mom, some nice bonding time could get you some extra brownie points! The benefit about this gift is that it’s flexible for your mom’s schedule and she can use it whenever she pleases.

All things considered the best kinds of gifts are ones that demonstrate a connection between the giver and the receiver. Specifically for mother’s day, gifts that show your love will win your mother over. Whether it’s hand made, or includes spending quality time with your mom, a special present is guaranteed to make your mother happy. iwagner@redwoodbark.org

www.redwoodbark.org

These bagels will make you feel hole

By Mateo Cubillos Cub Reporter

Bagels are a food staple for many people all over the world. Their soft inside and crispy outer shell make them an easy, convenient and delicious breakfast food.

But which bagel shop in Marin has the best bagel? To answer this question, I traveled to three of the best bagel places in Marin to find out which one truly has the best bagel.

I started my journey with a bagel place just a short 5-minute drive from Redwood, Noah’s New York Bagels. I begun by ordering two bagels from Noah’s, a classic bagel with cream cheese and the lox bagel.

Presentation-wise, the bagels were quite disappointing.

They were assembled in a very rushed manner, and it was not even cut in half. After taking a bite of the original, I was relieved. The bagel was warm and crispy on the outside with a soft inside. However, the ‘shmear’ was a little bit thick, making each bite harder to eat.

After eating the original, I tried the lox bagel. I was not disappointed by the taste of the lox, the saltiness of the capers was cut perfectly by the tomatoes and cucumbers, giving the lox a sweet but salty taste. After eating both bagels, I would give my overall rating of the original bagel a 6/10 and the lox bagel an 8.5/10, giving Noah’s Bagels an overall rating of 7.25/10. Next, I traveled to New York Bagels in Strawberry. Feeling ready to try some more bagels, I walked in and ordered another Lox and original bagel. The schmear on the original was creamy and flavorful, and in combination with the bagel, it tasted amazing. The bagel was soft and crunchy, and even though it was thin, the sweetness in the dough and the cream cheese made for a perfect taste. Next, I tried the lox bagel, and it did not have the same effect on me as the original. The lack of ingredients in the bagel made it taste incredibly fishy, making it hard to eat. Overall, I would give the original a 9.5/10 and the lox a 6/10. This gives New York Bagels an overall rating of 7.75/10.

Finally, I traveled to Barton’s Bagels in San Anselmo. Barton’s is located in the center of the town and the large bagel hanging in front of the store makes it hard to miss. The presentation was spectacular on these bagels, with the lox bagel having its own packaging which helped you get the perfect bite of the bagel.

The original bagel had a more savory than sweet taste, with a cream cheese that had a little bit of tang to it.

However, the lox bagel was by far the best that I had tried. Barton’s uses lettuce as its special ingredient and it worked out great. For all of the other bagel places, it was hard to counter the taste of the fishiness of the lox bagel, but Barton’s did this well by adding extra tomato and lettuce to counter the taste. The overall rating I would give the original bagel at Barton’s is 8/10 and I would give the lox bagel a 10/10. This gives Barton’s the best rating of 9/10.

In conclusion, after visiting so many great bagel places, it is hard to give just one place the title of “Best Bagels In Marin.” On the whole, Barton’s Bagels had the best bagels and sandwiches, but places like Noah’s and New York Bagels still have tasty bagels that are must tries. mcubillos@redwoodbark.org

Photo by Mateo Cubillos

WINNING THE BAGEL championship, Barton’s lox bagel was packed with lettuce and tomatoes.

bark Crispy and juicy: Biggest bird in town Page 13 • Review

By Will Parsons Cub Reporter

The rising trend of fried chicken sandwiches has created a culinary demand so powerful that chicken restaurants seem to be popping up all over Marin. With the addition of the new Starbird in Corte Madera and the recently opened Flybird in Tiburon, I set off to compare these new establishments to the Marin standard in chicken sandwich excellence, Chick-fil-A, to see how these new sandwiches would stack up.

Starbird Chicken’s chain has made a splashy entrance into Corte Madera’s Town Center, giving restaurants like Chick fil-A a run for its money. Starbird’s infamous Big Star Chicken Sandwich is layered with sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, dill pickles and their original “star sauce”.

Although the bread wasn’t perfectly cut, the presentation was decent; the chicken looked pleasurable and crispy, and the veggies looked fresh. From the first bite, I could tell the chicken was perfectly seasoned, however, it wasn’t served very hot. The bun added to the deliciousness, not too sweet with a soft texture. The dill pickles gave the sandwich a tangy flavor, but the tomato didn’t end up benefiting the taste at all. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised, although the service was disappointing, giving the Starbird sandwich a respectable 7.25/10.

My taste buds then traveled to the one and only Chick-fil-A. The original chicken sandwich is topped with only one thing, pickles. At Chick-fil-A, they don’t add a lot of ingredients to overpower the chicken flavor.

The presentation was simple and deliciously tempting.

The crispy chicken pieces popping out of the sides of the hamburger-style bun begged to be eaten. The first bite was not far from my idea of the perfect chicken sandwich.

The bun was soft and sweet, complementing the chicken perfectly. The chicken was crisp and juicy, and the hint of their signature pickle brine marinade was a welcome twist to the overall experience. By the time I reached the middle of the sandwich, I got a taste of the pickles themselves.

Unfortunately, they were not spread evenly throughout the sandwich which would have made it even better. One

Photo courtesy of Jake Rodgers

TOWERING OVER CHICKEN, Flybird’s buns are loaded. advantage Chick fil-A has over other establishments is their iconic honey mustard sauce. It is hands down the best condiment created in the 21st century. The addition of this sauce to any food item makes it hard for others to compete.

In this case, the sweet honey mustard definitely levels up this sandwich from the rest. The presentation, taste, and service give this sandwich an overall 9/10!

My last stop was Marin’s new fried chicken frenzy, Flybird, located in Tiburon’s Cove Shopping Center.

This brand new restaurant was aesthetically pleasing but wasn’t cheap. The Classic Sandwich cost a whopping $14!

From the first bite, I could tell there was something wrong with it; its proportions. While the taste of the bread was phenomenal, there was just too much of it and although the chicken was great, there was not enough to appropriately complement the bread. For me, it was a non-starter.

Although this sandwich was topped differently with cabbage and carrot slaw, house ranch and butter pickles, the condiments did not make up for the ratio fail between bread and meat. Overall, the service was great, and the people were lovely, but The Classic did not remotely compare to Starbird or Chick-fil-A, giving it a mediocre score of 6.75/10.

While it’s great that we have two new chicken-centric restaurants in town, the clear favorite for chicken sandwich extraordinaire remains Chick-fil-A. wparsons@redwoodbark.org

Star Review: Your grocery guide

By Sam Sumski Cub Reporter Marin County is lucky to have a plethora of local grocery stores that offer many great options for food.

Many of the local grocery stores across Marin have much better options than nationwide grocery store chains. I ranked each grocery store on a scale out of ten based on prices, the locally sourced foods, the hot premade food, and the ambiance of the store.

Nugget Markets: I showed up at Nugget Markets off of Paradise Drive on a hot sunny Friday afternoon where I was pleasantly greeted with a lovely outside patio, with various fresh fruits and seating for people who had just shopped. I walked in with the cold blast of air and saw the convenient checkout lines near the entrance. Although I arrived in the early afternoon, the aisles were not crowded, and locally and nationally sourced products adorned the shelves although the nationally sourced products were more commonly available for purchase. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in Nugget Markets’ hot and premade food. They had a small hot bar that lacked great options as they only had five or six things to choose from. There was a small, but appetizing salad bar, a place to order sandwiches, juices, coffee bar and ice cream bar. The prices here were not all that expensive compared to their competitors. As a basis, I used ground beef to see the difference in prices across all of the grocery stores. They had grass-fed ground beef with 15% fat for $9.99 lb and regular ground beef for $6.99 lb. Overall, this showed that they can compete with their competitors, and it is not a bad option if you are in the area.

Good Earth: I arrived at Good Earth at around noon on a hot and sunny Thursday where I took in the incredible outdoor patio for shoppers to enjoy their lunch. When I walked in the entrance, I was struck by the incredible assortment of produce. This was the most pleasing presentation and the best assortment of produce across all of the stores.

When I took a look around the store, I quickly learned that I went in through the back entrance as I saw the incredible options for hot food. I was flabbergasted by the options, everything from wok bowls to tacos and pizza. These were all made to order as you could customize everything.

There is around a 15 minute wait for this food, but you

are meant to shop whilst it is being made. Not to mention, Good Earth provided a very good-looking deli on top of that. Along with that, they had a gelato bar, smoothies, juice, various coffee options, a large salad bar with a lot of choices and even had a section with vegetarian options.

Not only were the hot food options great, but they also did an incredible job of having locally sourced products and items that were from farms and places generally close to Marin. Almost everything in Good Earth was organic and local, making the prices generally the most expensive. To compensate for all of the great local and fresh products across the store, it was decently priced but definitely worth the price. They had three choices for ground beef with the cheapest being 80% grass-fed at $9.49 lb.

Mollie Stone’s: I entered Mollie Stone’s on a Sunday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. and it was jam-packed. Although the checkout lines were very busy and the rest of the store was bustling, it still felt spacious at the same time. Mollie Stone’s accomplished a very open shopping system where many shoppers can be present at one time. The energy inside of the store was bright and vibrant. During my walk around the store, I was taken by the smell of freshly made pizza and chocolate cookies at the same time. I was truly impressed by the woodfired pizza oven, not to mention the best hot food bar with a large number of options that all looked really good. They have a very modern and freshlooking sushi bar combined with teriyaki bowls. Mollie Stone’s had a modern salad bar with a very large deli case.

Additionally, there is a Starbucks at the front entrance of the store so shoppers can enjoy their shopping experience with a drink as well.

ssumski@redwoodbark.org

Photo by Sam Sumski

STOCKED UP, NUGGET Market displays a myriad of colorful produce.

April 29, 2022 bark Page 14 • Review ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ is not quite spellbinding

By Mia Ginsburg Cub Reporter “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” is the third installment in the Fantastic Beasts series- which itself is a spinoff of the Harry Potter series is full of beautiful cinematography, yet has a mediocre script and plot.

Although the movie series is not based on her books, they are written and produced by the author of Harry Potter, JK Rowling. Rowling herself is a controversial figure due to her history of insensitive Tweets, and unlike in the past two movies, she got help from filmmaker Steve Kloves in writing the screenplay for “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” which made the movie feel more like a movie and less like a book. The previous two Fantastic Beasts movies struggled to find a cohesive plot, juggling too many storylines at once. In stark contrast, “Secrets of Dumbledore” only has one

or two storylines of any importance, which makes it a tad boring. This is a welcome change of pace and gives the movie time to add nostalgic scenes, such as the return to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, which admittedly did make me quite happy to see, regardless of whether or not it added to the plot.

The acting and casting were high points of the movie, as there was ample diversity among the star-studded cast.

Actors Eddie Redmayne and Callum Turner play brothers Newt and Theseus Scamander. They both executed their roles perfectly by portraying a nuanced and complex brotherly relationship that had been strained in prior movies. While I was a little concerned about Grindelwald being played by anyone other than Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen expertly played a colder, more ruthless Grindelwald-- a scary character in its own right. That being said, the writers seemed to think that they had to prove to the audience that Mikkelsen could

Image courtesy of Warner Brothers

CASTING A SPELL, Grindelwald, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is a fearsome villain.

be a fierce and cruel Grindelwald, and might have overcompensated, considering the last film was called “Crimes of Grindelwald.”

In one scene, Grindelwald was shown to slice the throat of a cute, newborn deerlike animal called a Qilin that he had just stolen from its mother, and although this bore some relevance to the plot, there was no reason it had to be done close up, or on-screen at all. He then bewhiches the poor animal’s corpse so that he can try and steal a wizarding election, which Qilins are involved in. It was extremely graphic and the degree of violence was gratuitous.

Another scene, which takes place in a wizarding prison, depicts a giant scorpionlike beast eating prisoners, then spitting out their bloody, extremely mutilated body parts. In both of these instances, the gore was unnecessary and did not add to the story.

Young Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law, becomes the first main character in the Harry Potter universe to be openly gay, as he confirms he was in a relationship with Grindelwald when they were both in their teens. This is monumental, and a huge step forward for the series. Unfortunately, the scene is being cut in countries with a more homophobic audience such as China, which underscores the studio’s hypocrisy in the name of making a quick buck. The budding romance between Tina Goldstein and Newt Scamander was arguably the only good part of the previous movies, and it was disappointing to see that Tina was relegated to an extremely minor role in this film, only making a singular appearance towards the end.

“The Secrets of Dumbledore” ultimately failed to execute the balancing act of trying to appeal to older fans by

Image courtesy of AllMovie

“THE SECRETS OF Dumbledore” premiered on April 15, 2022. sticking to established characters. The movie struggled to decide who its target audience is because, unfortunately, the whole series feels like a shameless cash grab. Aside from this, the movie itself does not stand on its own without being related to Harry Potter, as the plot was still forgettable and drab. Why make a good movie when you could make a bad one that will make tons of money regardless? If you are a Harry Potter fan, there are enough scenes that will remind you of the warm feeling you get when you think about the original series to satisfy you. However, if you are not a fan, this movie is not worth your time. mginsburg@redwoodbark.org

Study up on the best homework spots in Marin

By Pasha Fooman Cub Reporter For most students, studying is inevitable. The experience of finally cracking open the dusty textbook and flipping through the slightly torn pages after hours of procrastination is near-universal at this point.

There are a lot of factors that play a role in studying successfully and among the most important is the study location. After all, if you’re going to spend so much time doing something, it might as well be in a place that you like. For many, this place is just their room. For some, however, they would be more productive studying on the side of the highway than they would be at home. For

those who can’t focus at home, there may still be hope.

Using this list, they will be able to find the best spots to get some work done. Each study spot will be rated based on comfort and amenities, the atmosphere, and quietness to ensure only the best of the best study spots are chosen.

also has all the technological amenities you could ask for, including printers, copy machines and open public computers. For the final touch, the library is open until 8:00 p.m every day of the week except for Sunday, allowing for late-night studying.

Corte Madera Library: 5/5 When it comes to finding a nice, quiet place to study, few places can top the Corte Madera Library. The library has it all. It has a mix of both secluded and open spaces with comfortable seating. For those that enjoy the sunlight and fresh air, the Corte Madera Library also boasts a tranquil outdoor space completed by a garden. The library

Barnes and Noble: 4.5/5 Barnes and Noble has been a staple of local studying spots for some time now. It is one of the more popular study spots and for good reason. It’s very spacious and has a cafe for good measure. It is a little busier and louder than a library, putting it just below the Corte Madera Library. However, any distractions are usually negligible. Like the Corte Madera Library, there is a perfect mix of secluded and open areas. The icing on the cake is the location of Barnes and Noble, however. Being in Town Center, it is close to both Redwood and a variety of stores and restaurants in case a snack is needed.

Philz Coffee: 4/5 For those that prefer studying with friends, coffee shops are always reliable. Now, there are plenty of those in Marin, but some serve as better study spots than others. Among the better locations in Marin is Philz Coffee. Like Barnes and Noble, it is also conveniently located in Corte Madera Town Center. It has all the perks of being a coffee shop, including very comfortable seating. Studying in Philz will likely have to be restricted to the early morning, however, as Philz is only open until 4:00 p.m. Still, Philz serves as a contender for one of the better coffee shops to study in.

Drawing By Andie Johnston

WITH COMFORTABLE SEATING and a cozy envirorment these three study spots can make for a get place to open a book.

Thanks to their comfort, atmosphere and amenities, you’d be hard pressed to find better study spots in Marin than the aforementioned three. With the Corte Madera Library, Barnes and Noble and Philz, you can never go wrong when looking for a spot to study at. Still, the Corte Madera Library takes the crown out of the three, and it’s where I’d be most likely to study. pfooman@redwoodbark.org

sports

Page 15

Opinion: A chance for students to compete in intramural sports

By Gil Ladetzky Cub Reporter For many students, the memories they make playing high school sports will stay with them for a lifetime.

From losing tough games to winning championships, the relationships and experiences derived from being part of a team are long-lasting. Redwood’s athletic program consistently performs at a high level, as its teams are known to compete for Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) championships across sports. This past winter, both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams, as well as the boys varsity basketball team, won their respective MCAL championships.

According to athletic director Jessica Peisch, a total of 1,182 athletes compete on 17 varsity and junior varsity teams this 2021-2022 school year. Sounds like a lot? Not when compared to Redwood’s current student body of 1,935 students. In other words, 45 percent of the student body does not participate in any high school sports. While many students do not play a sport simply because they do not want to or because Redwood does not provide the sport they like, others can’t play because they do not make the cut.

Peisch acknowledges that this competitive environment can deter students from athletic participation.

“We are a very competitive school, the skill set is pretty high. It’s hard to come out for a sport if you have never played before,” Peisch said.

However, adding an intramural sports league at Redwood would allow for any student to participate in a broader range of sports outside of the current, highly selective program. In addition, this league would help participants stay in shape and enjoy the benefits of being a teammate.

While sophomore Jake Werner has earned his place on both the junior varsity lacrosse and football teams, he would enjoy a chance to compete with his friends in a semi-competitive league.

“I love sports, but sometimes the competitive energy gets too much for me, and I start to lose the love for the game. I would love an opportunity to play with my friends and have

fun like you’re supposed to do while playing sports,” Werner said.

This past winter, a 5v5 basketball league was held at Tamalpais High School (Tam) on Sundays, attracting students from all grades at Redwood who couldn’t play this season for high school.

“The games were always so fun, no matter the final score. Just being out there with my friends and having a blast was a joy in itself,” said varsity basketball player and junior Gavin Edelen, who competed in this informal league.

Similarly, last fall, a Wiffle ball league was held at nearby Joe Wagner field. A group of students were inspired to bring the team spirit to Redwood following this winter league.

“The league was a highlight of this school calendar year. Being able to play with my friends is always fun. We want to try and bring that same energy to Redwood and play a small or big-league here,” sophomore Will Copeland, the winner of

Illustration by Sawyer Barta

Wiffle ball championship, said.

Currently at Redwood, the Link Crew team has put on a dodgeball tournament during lunch, drawing an extensive range of students to participate and compete in an informal sporting event. The tournament was a great way to get some cardio in and stay in shape for nonathletes.

“When I first found out about the league I was ecstatic.

I loved playing in middle and elementary school, so I signed up right away. It has been a great way to stay in shape and have fun,” said Connor Weasler, who competed in the championship.

An intramural sports league has attracted interest and popularity from many students. In a recent Bark survey, 55 percent of respondents said they would participate in an intramural league.

The proposed intramural sports league would be a lunchtime activity. As an extension of the current dodgeball tournament with other sports, all students can participate without having to make it past the cuts for the after school teams. This league would be inclusive to all, providing a co-ed experience that would attract students and friends to compete with one another. Each month, the sport will change. For example, the first month could be a Wiffle ball tournament, and the second could be a Spikeball tournament. Every month new teams can enter or leave the league, and the teams will vote on the game being played. At the end of the month, the team that won the last round will get an advantage in the next month’s tournament.

Engaging students in a school-wide event is essential for not only the student body, but also for the school’s community. Providing an intramural sports league would allow all students the opportunity to represent their school in a fun, positive way.

Additionally, a semi-competitive league is just the thing students need to stay in shape.

“There isn’t a better way to stay active and maintain good health than sports,” Werner said. “You can have fun and be with your friends. What else could you ask for?” gladetzky@redwoodbark.org

Beach volleyball is set up for success

By Elsa Block Cub Reporter Five years ago, Redwood’s assortment of sports teams grew by adding one noteworthy team — beach volleyball. For several years, many Marin students have played indoor club volleyball outside of school. In recent years, a few of these athletes began playing beach volleyball.

Due to California’s warm weather and the potential appeal of playing a sport in a pretty location, beach volleyball has gained more popularity throughout communities within the state.

The Redwood team was initially a junior varsity team started by coach Chris Glave. Glave was thrilled to finally get a group together, but had concerns regarding

the number of players he would have.

“When we first started, we wanted to have at least 12 players. We were unsure of what kind of abilities we’d have and how much teaching we’d have to do. We contacted many members that played indoor volleyball, and then we formed our first season. Soon after, [the sport] gained lots of popularity by word of mouth,” Glave said.

Many of the players currently on the team have been playing indoor and beach volleyball for many seasons. Junior Katelyn McKnew has been a member of the team for several seasons and has loved getting the opportunity to play beach volleyball at Redwood.

“When playing beach volleyball, you are always in very beautiful places. I love

getting to be outdoors often. The people in the beach volleyball community are very laid back, friendly and welcoming. It’s a great place to be,” McKnew said.

Glave also has taken notice of how special the bond of this team is. Glave loves how close everyone is and cherishes the positive environment.

“Everybody just loves being out on the sand. Whenever you talk with anybody who’s played [beach] volleyball, [no matter what level], people always come away with a smile. Being outdoors and a part of the Redwood athletics program creates a great bond and most importantly, [it forms bonds between] those who are freshmen [and] those who are seniors,” Glave said.

Logan Jackson, another junior on the team, has been playing beach volleyball

Image courtesy of PNGWing

for four years. She shares McKnew’s appreciation for the team and for the sport at large.

“The environment the team has is so special. You can just tell that [all the players] love the sport, and truly want to be there playing,” Jackson said.

The sport has also gained popularity at other Bay Area high schools. Many local high schools, such as Archie Williams, Tamalpais, Terra Linda and Branson, have beach volleyball teams.

“As a coach, it’s fun to see how much more interest there is now to play. This year, we had around 40 girls come to tryouts. In years past, we never had more than 20. We actually had to make cuts this season, which is sad for me as a coach,” Glave said.

Due to the desire to play, the team bond is strengthened. The athletes support each other, and are very understanding.

There is less of an emphasis on winning, and more of an emphasis on getting to do something enjoyable with a positive team.

“Everyone is super inclusive.

Everyone’s so understanding, there are no mean words exchanged if someone were to make a mistake,”Jackson said, “Everyone is supportive, [which] makes the team so much more special.”

Photo courtesy of the @redwoodbeachvball instagram

FINISHING THE DAY strong, the beach volleyball team comes together for a team picture.

elsablock@redwoodbark.org

April 29, 2022 bark Page 16 • Sports Hitting far from home: Jerry Omara’s baseball journey

By Jordan Kimball Cub Reporter Jerry Omara, one of Redwood’s newest students and athletes, has made quite the journey to California. Omara is currently a junior and spent the first half of his life growing up in Uganda, a country in eastern Africa. He thrives on enjoying life and appreciating every moment, and has carried that attitude into his love for baseball. Back in Uganda, he would spend most of his days hanging out with friends, playing baseball, and of course, going to school. After living in Uganda for 15 years, he moved to Marin to start a new life, leaving behind his life long friends while carrying with him the many talents he has developed.

“Baseball is not very popular in Uganda; everyone plays soccer,” Omara said. “I started playing with a friend in the community, and soon enough more people started playing baseball. It was fun, but it wasn’t competitive like it is here. That is the big difference between Uganda and California. People are more competitive here.”

While Omara continued to develop his baseball skills in Uganda, he learned more about the game and eventually moved to California. He attended Jim Elliot Christian High School his freshman year, Lincoln High School his sophomore year, and now Redwood for his junior year. Through these past years moving around schools, Omara has become extremely capable on and off the field.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Omara

REPRESENTING HIS COUNTRY, Jerry Omara (right) enjoys playing baseball on the national Uganda team.

“Life can be way easier here and people take things for granted. No one took things for granted in Africa, but here, people do,” Omara said. “People appreciate what they have in Uganda, while people don’t always value what they have here.”

Omara’s teammates appreciate that he has joined the team, admiring him as a player, teammate, and person.

Tyler Blair, one of Omara’s teammates and a star pitcher, especially appreciates the energy and friendship he has brought to the team.

“He is really flexible and easygoing. He deals with whatever life throws at him. He was timid when he joined, but we have been able to see the real Jerry and how he is just another player. He has matched so well with us,” Blair said.

Nick Scott, another teammate and friend of Omara’s, also appreciates the additions that Omara offers to the team as a whole.

“People worry about how others will think of them, but Jerry doesn’t. He doesn’t worry about others’ thoughts, and he has a great sense of humor. He laughs and likes to have fun.”

Omara has been greatly respected by his fellow teammates and coach since the start of the season, which has begun to make him feel comfortable in the team environment. Ben Resnick, another teammate and one of Jerry’s catchers, feels this way as well.

“He hasn’t only contributed as a ballplayer, but also with his ability to interact with everybody. He always has a smile on his face, and he’s able to bring positive energy and make practices and games more fun and enjoyable,” Resnick said.

As for Omara, he has felt the love and appreciation of his team in abundance.

“Everyone wants me to feel welcome. My teammates and classmates have done a great job of making me feel comfortable,” Omara said.

With Redwood’s baseball season rapidly moving forward, Omara has demonstrated a big role on the field.

He is one of the main pitchers and has contributed on the diamond in many ways.

“Jerry pitched great against a tough Foothill team,” Blair said. “He has really helped out the rotation, and we have been able to give each other tips. He has made the

Photo courtesy of Jerry Omara

WATCHING THE BALL after a swing in batting practice, Jerry Omara gets ready for his game against Casa Grande. whole team better ballplayers.”

Omara has been an asset to the team since joining as he holds the team’s third lowest batting average against opponents and he has recored a save against Archie Williams. With MCAL play coming to an end, Omara continues to play an important role on the field, as the team makes a playoff push.

“Jerry will be a huge part of the team as we go for a championship [ because ] he is a great teammate. We are just simply grateful to have him. There is no other way to put it,” Scott said.

jkimball@redwoodbark.org

Page 17 • Sports

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Opinion: Revival of Redwood rugby

By Pearse Gero Cub Reporter

Rugby is one of the ten most popular sports globally, with a fan base totaling over 475 million followers.

Redwood does not have an official interscholastic rugby team despite its worldwide popularity in high school, collegiate and professional leagues.

Redwood previously fielded an extremely successful rugby team, founded in 1979. Three years later, in 1982, the Redwood rugby team won the first-ever national title, and former Redwood students, Gordon Wright, Pat Farley and Rob Lopez were among those on the team. All three men want their sons to follow in their footsteps and play rugby as well. Unfortunately for their sons, by the time they were Redwood students, the rugby program had been shut down entirely. They decided to take matters into their own hands and began recruiting to form a nonschool affiliated frosh-soph rugby team. This makeshift team consisting of only 14 players has now blossomed into a nationally competitive program known as the Marin Highlanders Rugby Club.

The Marin Highlanders have multiple teams of boys and girls ages 8-18. The majority of the players who make up the frosh-soph and varsity team are Redwood students.

One of them is sophomore Carlos Moura Neto, who spoke on the potential Redwood rugby program.

“I would love to play for the school. I think it would be sick to get to play against my rugby friends at other schools,” Moura Neto said.

Moura Neto’s excitement to represent Redwood on the rugby pitch is shared by many other players on the Highlanders team. Van Hampton, another sophomore and member of the Highlander frosh-soph team gave his remarks on the prospect of a Redwood rugby team.

“Rugby is my favorite sport and I would take any chance I can get to play. I think it would be a ton of fun if [Redwood] made a team because I would get to play for my school,” Hampton said.

There are even students at Redwood that despite never playing rugby before, said they would be excited at the opportunity to play for a Redwood affiliated team.

Junior Andy Sunderland spoke on reviving the Redwood rugby program.

“The only reason I haven’t played rugby before is because I don’t want to have to pay to join a club team.

Rugby seems super cool and I would definitely join [the team] if Redwood was to create one,” Sunderland said.

Another potential benefit of creating a rugby team here at Redwood is that it could make the school money. Rugby requires no expensive equipment, unlike football, and can be played with only cleats and a ball. It does not require a high cost to be played. Rugby is also a fastpaced, violent, and thrilling game to watch. There is a reason it is one of the most popular sports globally.

Creating a rugby team at Redwood would help the school financially by selling tickets because the games typically bring in large crowds.

All in all, there is a large population of students at Redwood who are eager to play rugby for their school. Restarting a program that proved itself capable of competing on a national level would also generate excitement, spirit and revenue for the school.

pgero@redwoodbark.org

Illustration by Carson Goltz

Numbers spike in boys’ volleyball

By Dominic Orlando and Wyatt Turkington Cub Reporters

Over the past few years, boys’ volleyball has been relatively unknown compared to other sports, especially girls’ volleyball. However, more recently, boys’ volleyball has been gaining popularity in many high schools in Marin.

At Redwood, the social media presence of the volleyball team, their success this season and an increase of fans being entertained by the sport, has led to a rise in the sport’s popularity.

New players have been joining the boys’ volleyball team at Redwood. The team has also brought in a new coach for this season, Ben Wang, who has been helping the new and returning players elevate their level of play throughout the season. Wang is a former Division I athlete for the Men's Volleyball team at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). While at UCLA, he helped the team win two national championships. Coach Wang has taken what he has learned in high school and at the collegiate level to try and help the Redwood team. Junior Brody Guerro, who joined the team this year, is someone who has personally received helpful advice and guidance from Wang. Guerro joined the team this year and has quickly become a starter.

“He got us in shape… He got us to understand the game. He made it like a

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whole other class to take [by] giving us homework assignments and testing us on what to do,” said Guerro.

Another junior on the team, Ford Dresser, also began his volleyball career this year and views Wang as a mentor for the sport.

“Two-thirds of our team have never played [volleyball] before and Coach Wang has taught us a lot by being very easy to follow, ” said Dresser.

With many new players this season, returning players were unsure about what was to come of the season. New players came to tryouts with an exciting attitude about learning the game, striving to become better.

“As we started playing, we got better so fast and people started showing u p . W e ’ v e definitely seen so many more people become more interested in it,” Guerro said.

Pablo de Leon is a first-year player that has also seen an increase in fans over the season.

“I for sure have seen it gain

popularity around school, and I have definitely noticed more fans show up to our games as the season has progressed,” de Leon said.

With more fans coming to games, the boys’ volleyball team has continued to grow.

“We have had kids come to us wanting to play next year and are really looking forward to it.” said Guerro.

The few returning players have started to see changes in how the program runs.

Junior Graham Gumm, a co-captain on the team, is only in his second season, but is one of the veteran players.

“We have been going to tournaments… outside of [the Marin County Athletic League or] MCAL,” said Gumm. “[We have been] practicing hard and learning about other teams.”

The Redwood varsity boys’ volleyball team is currently in fourth place in the Marin County Athletic League and has a record of eight wins and six losses.

Additionally, the team won the MCAL championship in 2016, 2017 and 2019 and are going for it again this year.

The sport is gaining popularity because it is fast-paced and exciting. The average serve speed of a boys’ volleyball player ranges from 40-50 miles per hour. The players are constantly moving and it is necessary for them to work as a team.

Junior and first-year volleyball player, Wyatt Marshall, was drawn to the sport and its fast play. With many new players such as Marshall, the team has needed to bond and adjust to achieve success.

“This year, we have gotten close [as a team]. We are all different people, but we all build off that to go on runs, and build team chemistry as we go,” Marshall stated.

Another reason why the sport has increased in popularity is because of social media platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok. The varsity boys’ volleyball team has an Instagram page with just under 100 followers. They frequently post game reminders and team updates.

“On the Instagram page, many people come across our posts and show up to our games,” de Leon said.

On a national level, social media is increasing the sport’s popularity and it looks like it will not be stopping anytime soon. Tune into the team’s upcoming playoff games to see the new players and fans.

Photo by Wyatt Turkington

bark@redwoodbark.org

lifestyles

Page 18

Diving deep into the pasts of Redwood teachers

By Emily Block Cub Reporter

For many students at Redwood, teachers’ lives outside of the classroom remain a mystery. However, every teacher has a unique path before arriving at Redwood, and their stories can offer compelling insights into the unpredictability of life and the various directions in which careers can unfold. In fact, it is important to recognize that with their diverse backgrounds, teachers bring valuable life lessons and advice into the classroom.

Mrs. Kniesche After discovering her love for science in a high school Advanced Placement (AP) Biology course, Living Earth teacher Kelsey Kniesche decided she wanted to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathmatics (STEM). Later, she was a student athlete at the University of Denver, playing DI lacrosse while also on the premedical track.

One of Kniesche’s professors advised her to look into public health programs, which led to her attending The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to get a masters in Public Health, Environmental Health Science and Epidemiology. There, Kniesche did research in neuroscience, but found herself questioning her career choices.

“I hit a wall in science. I thought about it a little bit longer, did some interviews with doctors, and it just didn’t sound like a path I wanted to pursue anymore, even though I had been set on it for so long. I had this moment of asking myself what I wanted to do with my life,” Kniesche said.

Kniesche had always been interested in fashion and found that this was a passion she wanted to pursue. She started working at a Nordstrom and for a personal stylist as a freelance consultant. But after a while, Kniesche decided she wanted to work in a corporate office and moved from Texas all the way to San Francisco. There, Kniesche worked at Athleta as a merchandiser and enjoyed the creative aspects of the career.

“It was great getting to work with people who were innovative and liked to learn about customers, look at trends and analyze numbers. It was an always changing, very reflective, but also forward thinking industry,” Kniesche said.

Once Kniesche started a family, she made a pivot in her career and decided to pursue education. Kniesche enrolled at Dominican University and got her teaching credentials. After graduating, Kniesche worked as a science teacher at Kent Middle School before making her way to Redwood.

Kniesche advises her students to not overthink their future careers or life decisions, but rather utilize more opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Kniesche

PRIOR TO HER career teaching science, Mrs. Kniesche worked in fashion.

Photo courtesy of Fiona Allan

HAPPILY POSING WITH her daughter, Dr. Allan traveled to new places during her career at Redwood.

“I think for some people they just know forever what they want to do and for other people it’s a very scary realization that maybe life is going to be very different from what you planned, but it turns out okay in the end,” Kniesche said. “It never hurts in life to have a diverse set of skills. I think it’s important to be open to new options and experiences and utilize any opportunity you have to learn about what somebody does.”

Mr. Ryan Right out of high school, English teacher Jeff Ryan’s earliest job was as a landscape gardener. Shortly afterwards, he moved to California and worked in a variety of technical jobs for many years, such as a job in a mailroom, an operations manager and a technical recruiter.

After experiencing a wide range of careers, Ryan then went to Dominican University to get his teaching credentials while working at Trader Joe’s. After receiving his credentials, he was hired at Redwood and has been teaching English for 20 years.

“I like to talk about books and writing. I think I am a fairly good communicator and an empathetic person. I think that combination of skills lends itself to this type of job,” Ryan said.

Ryan believes that his diverse career path has been an asset to his teaching career, as it has provided him with interpersonal skills that have taught him how to deal with people of all backgrounds and states of mind.

“I learned to not get too hung up on ego because teenagers can sometimes present [themselves] in a certain way in the moment when they are feeling defensive or vulnerable. I think having been through a whole bunch of different personalities with all those types of jobs, I don’t get too thrown by how students act,” Ryan said.

Dr. Allan From a young age, Fiona Allan’s love for traveling led her to explore global opportunities, from traveling to London and falling in love with writing, to crafting a bid for volunteers at Australia’s Olympic games.

Allan first discovered her interest in traveling after a service trip to Ecuador through the Amigos de las Americas program following high school. This program allowed her to meet a new community of volunteers and experience a culture different from her own. With each place she visited, Allan gained greater appreciation for her life.

“My favorite part of traveling is meeting new people.

I have met some of my best friends from traveling,” Allan said. “Here in Marin people get really disappointed about certain things, but when you go and live somewhere else, you see the hardship or lack of resources. You realize that sometimes some of the disappointments we have here are really less significant than we think they are in a worldly environment.”

Allan gained this perspective after completing graduate work in Scotland. She wrote for a travel guide out of Scotland and then San Francisco. Eventually, she wanted to pursue her career in teaching and instill some of those worldly values in her students.

“When I’m selecting texts to teach I try to make sure all the protagonists are bringing a new perspective to the students, and that the book takes us to a different place in the world,” Allan said.

The transformative paths that these teachers have followed illustrate the lessons and experiences that come out of curiosity and spontaneity. The route that one follows is distinctive to each individual, but ultimately it is those steps that lead a person to their passion.

emilyblock@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Jeff Ryan

BEFORE COMING TO Redwood, Mr. Ryan worked in a variety of technical jobs.

Page 19 • Lifestyles

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Peer(ing) into Sarani Puri’s tutoring program

By Elsa Block Cub Reporter In Marin County, there is a significant division in classrooms between students who speak English as a first language and students who don’t. 21 percent of Marin County residents speak English as their second language, according to the US Census Bureau. Many of these residents are school-age children taught by native English speakers. Sometimes, these students begin to fall behind and have less of an understanding of the materials due to the language barrier.

To combat this issue, Redwood sophomore Sarani Puri began a free peer tutoring program run by students every Saturday afternoon at the Corte Madera Library. The program mainly focuses on helping students who do not have English as a first language. Tutors try to help the students feel more confident in what they are learning at school. Puri’s goal is to help these students fully understand what they are being taught.

“When you are being taught at school in English but you don’t primarily listen to English at home, [the learning] gets so difficult for many students. These kids are super capable of learning math, science and other topics, but the language barrier causes them to fall behind,” Puri said.

The program is run by students who volunteer to help support Puri’s goal.

Sophomore Olivia Koeppel has been working with the tutoring program since March. Koeppel is proud of how much the students have accomplished and enjoys helping kids learn.

“There have been kids coming in that I’ve helped with multiplication. At first, one little boy did not understand what we were learning, but eventually, I saw the light bulb go off in his head and he began to understand the topic eventually. It’s a great feeling watching these kids learn,”

Koeppel said.

Additionally, due to the language barrier parents experience, this program provides students with neccessary help.

“When [these] kids go home to their parents, it can be hard for them to get the help that they need on schoolwork because their parents don’t fully understand it.

When I was younger, my parents helped me a lot, but these kids don’t always have that resource,” Puri said.

The program has also helped many kids excel at their schools. Puri helped one student get accepted into their middle school’s accelerated math program, and recently they were accepted into Branson High School. Now, Puri is helping her study for class placement tests.

“I’ve been working with her since she was in about fifth grade after she first got into the Kent Middle School accelerated math program. That felt like the biggest win in the world. Accelerated math is difficult enough, so I’m very proud of her,” Puri said. “Now, I’m helping her study for a placement test for her math classes at Branson. Someone who had struggled is now going to one of the best schools in Marin County.”

When the program originally began, it was very slow. The program has gained traction since the initial start-up date, and is becoming popular. In the future, Puri hopes to grow the program, so that more students can learn to their full potential.

“At the start of the program, nobody would show up. For the week after spring break, we [had] seven kids signed up to come. It was definitely a work in progress and we are still working out the kinks, but it’s going great. We even want to have some programs over the summer to help kids get a feel for what they are learning, so they don’t dive in head first,” Puri said.

Overall, working with this program has provided feelings of great satisfaction for the tutors. The tutors end each session with

a feeling of accomplishment. Sophomore Maisie Pipitone has had many positive interactions with the students.

“At the [most recent] session I was at, I was helping a little boy. It was also my mom’s birthday that day, which I told the boy. At the end of our session, the boy asked if he could make my mom a birthday card, which I thought was the cutest thing ever,” Pipitone said.

When the students finally grasp the concept of what they are learning, there is a feeling of satisfaction for both the student

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and the tutor. This sense of accomplishment is truly rewarding for all who are involved.

“When I have trouble with something, it’s [relieving] to finally understand the topic. I want other kids to experience that feeling, and it’s nice to see kids finally understand what they are learning,” Koeppel said.

elsablock@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Sarani Puri

TUTORING IN HER free time, Sarani Puri makes a big difference for students in her community.

Whitney Violette designs awareness for dyslexia

By Katherine DeForrest Cub Reporter “I like my logo, VRW, and my tagline, ‘apparel with a cause.’ That’s what’s going to be on [the clothing], representing the people that buy it. [I like that] the people who buy [my designs] will know it has a cause behind it.

It is more than just a hoodie or a regular t-shirt,” Redwood junior Whitney Violette said.

On April 19, Whitney launched her own clothing line, VRW Designs. Violette was inspired by her dyslexia for her designs and her brand is dedicated to raising awareness about the learning disability.

“It was starting with the idea [that] I knew I wanted to sell something… I talked to my dad about it and he had the idea of doing it with my dyslexia, to empower the disability,” Whitney said.

The cause behind Whitney’s brand is very important to her, and she has found that it has made a profound impact on her life. While she was first unsure about what to sell, Whitney was later inspired by her schoolwork and learning about Gavin Newsom’s experience with dyslexia.

“I wrote an essay for my [Advanced Placement

Photo courtesy of Whitney Violette

WHITNEY’S LOGO, VRW Design, symbolizes her dyslexia by placing her initials backwards.

Language and Composition] class about my dyslexia, my perspective, and how it can be considered a blessing or a curse because you do have to overcome some challenges, but in the end it just makes you stronger,” Whitney said.

To launch her business, Whitney first began designing her merchandise on platforms such as Wix and Printify, which she found to be one of the most entertaining parts of the process. While she enjoys the artistic parts of her business, the logistical aspects, like getting a small business license, were more of a challenge. “[The hardest part of launching my clothing was] making sure I was taking all of the right steps to go through the design process and making sure that it was an approved business,” Whitney said.

Whitney’s dad, Philippe Violette, helped her launch her clothing brand. He has also created multiple small businesses in the past and hopes that she will learn from this experience.

“I hope [Whitney] is able to learn that starting a company is not that hard. It seems very complicated and daunting, but it’s actually not that difficult. If she decides to do something else in the future, it will be less intimidating [than starting her own business],” Philippe said.

Academic Workshop teacher Andrew Schroeder is confident that Whitney will be successful in her business.

He finds that her determination and persistence have allowed her to excel in her activities, including designing her apparel.

“Whitney is a total go-getter. She has a lot of perseverance. If she sees something that she wants to do, if she sees a challenge in front of her, she will not give up.

She’s really dedicated,” Schroeder said.

Whitney’s logo, VRW, stands for her initials backwards, symbolizing her dyslexia. She finds that in addition to allowing her to advocate for people with dyslexia, her disability has helped her to assist others with similar challenges.

“My dyslexia has helped me be more empathetic towards people who have disabilities. My disability is minor, it’s not affecting my whole being, my whole personality, so [it has allowed me to] understand those with other challenges as well,” Whitney said.

To help spread her message, 15 percent of the profits from Whitney’s business go to the International Dyslexia Association, a nonprofit formed to help those with dyslexia

Photo courtesy of Whitney Violette

SPENDING HER FREE time designing her apparel, Whitney started her buisness, VRW designs, this April. and gain support for the disability. Schroeder believes that Whitney’s company will impact the community by spreading awareness about dyslexia and other disabilities.

“I think that people with dyslexia are not as recognized in the disabled community. I think [raising] awareness for any disability that we can is important… I think what Whitney is doing could lead to something really positive,” Schroeder said.

Philippe also hopes that Whitney will help inspire others. While he was never diagnosed with dyslexia, he believes that he has the disorder and hopes that VRW designs will help others with dyslexia feel less different.

“I hope she’s able to make a difference for a few people who either have dyslexia or some other challenge and either help them or make them feel like it’s not that big of a deal,” Phillipe said.

In the future, Whitney wants to continue to grow her business. However, she ultimately hopes that her business will have an impact on the community.

“I hope that more people will be able to understand dyslexia because of [my clothing brand], and understand that challenges are what make us who we are,” Whitney said. kdeforrest@redwoodbark.org

Jimmy is ‘Phelan’ good about his future

By Coco Boyden Cub Reporter

entirety of Jimmy’s tuition, for him it is about more than just the money.

“The ROTC program pays for college, but more importantly, I will learn how to become an officer [and] train to become a second lieutenant when I get commissioned. It’s eight years in the military, which include three or four years in the reserves and four in active duty,” Jimmy said.

On Dec. 15, 2021, Jimmy found out he had been accepted into the class of 2026 and joyously celebrated with close friends and family.

“Brown was my number one choice mainly because of its open curriculum. I think it’s cool that they emphasize holistic learning which is unlike any other school where you can take whatever combination of classes you want to take,” Jimmy said.

In 2017, the summer before eighth grade, Jimmy moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Marin County, where he attended Hall Middle School. He soon realized Hall was not the best fit for advancing his mathematical skills, and was able to get a sneak peak into the life of a Redwood student through their math programs. Taking advantage of the opportunity to excel in school, he and a few other Hall

As April comes to a close, the senior class is one step closer to graduating high school. This time of the year is full of nerves and excitement as the class of 2022 decides where they will spend the next four years of their life. For senior James (Jimmy) Phelan, he knows exactly which path he will follow.

Phelan will be attending Brown University in Providence, R.I. in the fall of 2022 where he will further his athletic and academic careers. In addition to his acceptance into an Ivy League school, Phelan also received the Reserves Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship. ROTC is a college leadership program sponsored by the U.S. military and awards students full-tuition scholarships. Receiving this scholarship means that Phelan’s journey does not stop after his four years at Brown.

ROTC students become commissioned officers upon graduation and fulfill an eightyear service obligation in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Phelan’s interest in joining the military was sparked after visiting the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a military college located in West Point, N.Y. “Serving is something that I thought about last summer while visiting West Point, and I loved the idea ever since. Serving is something that’s worthwhile and a cool use of my abilities as a leader, a student and of my characteristics,” Phelan said.

Jackie Phelan, Jimmy’s mom, has watched Jimmy throughout the years develop into the person he is today.

His decision to be a part of ROTC is something she is very proud of. However, like any mother, she has her concerns.

“I was proud of Jimmy when I found out he got into Brown. The fact that he wants to serve his country, well, it’s really hard. I am beyond proud of him for that, but as a mom, that’s very hard.

But of course, I am really excited for him, and the curriculum at Brown is diverse and interesting, and he is the kind of kid that will really thrive in that environment,” Jackie said.

Although the ROTC Photo courtesy of Jimmy Phelan scholarship pays for the

students walked to Redwood for Geometry class.

Jackie was grateful that her son had the opportunity to challenge himself on a higher level.

“To be honest, that was the best thing that ever happened to him because Hall was not a good fit for him, and he didn’t understand the culture,” Jackie said.

During his freshman year at Redwood, Jimmy enrolled in Spanish 1/2 with teacher Todd Van Peursem (VP). Ever since then, their relationship flourished. For Jimmy, VP has been someone he views as more than just a teacher, but as a friend and confidant. From the first day of freshman year, VP knew that Jimmy was not like any other student with his strong opinions, great attitude and intelligence.

“I had him as a student but it was more than that from the very beginning. He became one of those kids right away that was one of my favorite kids on campus and he did that at the age of 14,” VP said.

Growing up, sports have been a huge part of Jimmy’s life which contributes to his competitive personality. At Redwood, he played football all four years and joined the varsity soccer team his senior year. Outside of school, he played for the Highlanders, a local rugby team, which ended up playing a huge role in his admission into Brown.

“One of the things that helped me a lot with getting into Brown was rugby. I’ve been playing rugby since I was 13. It’s a huge part of who I am today. I talked with the rugby coach at Brown and was recruited to play for their club team,” Jimmy said.

Redwood has helped Jimmy achieve new heights. After moving from the Midwest to Marin, Jimmy was able to explore new activities and subjects that pushed him to create his own path.

“Growing up, my two older brothers and I would always do the same thing,” Jimmy said. “Coming to Redwood from Cincinnati has been an entirely different experience and has given me a whole new perspective.

I don’t have to do the things that my brothers do. When I moved, I started playing football and rugby and doing my own things. Getting this scholarship and getting into Brown has shown me that there are other options for me; there is another grain of life that I can fall on, a path that I can choose for myself.” cboyden@redwoodbark.org