March 2022

redwood

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Volume LXIV, No. 5 • March 25, 2022 • Larkspur, CA

Cover by Allie Vasquez and Keely Ganong

Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-in-Chief:

Copy Editors:

Opinion Editors:

Hollis Belger

Casey Braff (Head Copy)

Shyla Lensing

Taylor Elliott

Samantha Elegant (Head Copy)

Declan McDaniels

Kent Goodman

Annie Goldstein (Head Copy)

Chloe Bishop

Alex Coe Art Consultants:

Allie Vasquez

Feature Editors:

Keely Ganong

Bella Piacente

Sam Kimball

Brooke Leslie

Calla McBride

Sydney Liebhauser

Peter Biss

Claire Silva

Stella Bennett

Ella Kharrazi Business Managers:

Gemma Strauss

Lifestyles Editors:

Keegan Williams

Justine Fisch

Charlotte DeForrest

Caitlin Beard

Kate McHugh

Ingrid Houtkooper

Samantha Michaels

Lily Reese

Dani Steinberg

Anna Royal

Maddie Sofnas Nina Geoghegan

Sophie Smallhorn

Multimedia Editor: Natalie Tress

Sports Editors:

Reporters:

Julia Frankus

Alex Fisch

Libby Hughes

Survey Manager:

Ani Svendsen

Hannah Sellers

Chloe Craft

News Editors:

Cole Seifer

Kelly Chuang

Social Media Managers:

Emilie Erickson

Rori Anderson

Caroline Scharf

Kana Kojima

Ava Razavi

Natalie Welch

Matt Benbow

Podcast Editors:

Sabrina Kizer

Review Editors:

Sofia Ruliffson

Sophia Buckholtz

Nathan Ash

Zach King

Dylan Zorn

Gemma Favaloro

Video Editors:

Senior Staff Writers:

Spanish Editor:

Hannah Morgan

Abigail Shewmaker

Gillian Reynolds

Sylvan Gordon-Wagen

Annalise Sandrich Ava Koblik

Development Director:

Web Designer:

Avery Aguero

Arjun Aujla

Sterling Lazarus

Caroline Goodhart Chris Vargelis Will Baker

redwood

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Volume LXIV, No. 5 • March 25, 2022 • Larkspur, CA

Ecuador Trip

8

Stargazing Locations

16

Clothing Swap

21

redwood high school ● 395 doherty dr., larkspur, ca 94939 ● volume LXIV, no. 5 ● march 25, 2022 ● www.redwoodbark.org

SFPD accused of racially profiling 13-year-old Marin boy

By Lily Reese While waiting for his tutor to drive him home to Marin, seventh-grader Michael Coleman was approached by a San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer on Tuesday, March 15. The officer proceeded to ask the boy to put his hands behind his back, claiming Michael matched a description regarding a car burglar that had been seen earlier that day. Michael was leaving Sterne School, a private primary school in downtown San Francisco when he was stopped.

Jeanne Wilten, Michael’s tutor,

witnessed the altercation.

“There was a policeman there running, and he put his arms on Michael and said, ‘Put your hands behind your back.’ And I hopped out of the car immediately, [asking] ‘What are you doing?’ Because he didn’t identify himself,” Wilten said.

“I just couldn’t believe the rationale or the reasoning [of why] this policeman was so [aggressive].”

According to an SFPD written statement given to the Bark, “Officers that responded to the area where the crime occurred located a person that closely matched one of the provided descriptions.

Photo courtesy of Dolores Coleman

MICHAEL COLEMAN WAS approached by the San Francisco Police Department on Tuesday, March 15, on his way home from Sterne School.

Officers quickly determined the person who matched the description, a male juvenile, was not involved in the auto burglary and was immediately released from the scene.”

The Coleman family has accused the SFPD of racially profiling Michael. The SFPD did not have more to comment on the Colemans’ accusations.

Dolores Coleman — Michael’s mother, chef at Marin Primary School and Owner of Dee’s Organics — says the incident has “forever changed” Michael.

“He explained to us [he’s] scared that this will happen again,” Dolores said. “I think now his trust [in law enforcement] has been broken. His innocence has been taken more than a little bit. I think now [he] doesn’t trust [the police] will make a good judgment call.”

Dolores said she is fortunate Michael’s encounter with the SFPD did not escalate further. To her, although Michael’s experience was traumatic, this was not the worst-case scenario.

“I already had a conversation with my son about if he was ever to be stopped by a police officer,” Dolores said. “Thank God I’d [that] conversation with him, because if I didn’t, [the outcome] could have been something totally different.”

Wilten, Dolores and Michael believe an apology is in order due to Michael’s emotional repercussions. According to an article by the National Broadcasting

Company, Michael “is now scared when he hears sirens. He wants the police department to know what happened was hurtful.”

However, according to Wilten, the police officer has yet to formally apologize, only stating Michael and his classmates could have a tour of the SFPD if they would like. Finding this statement absurd, Wilten advocates the lack of a sincere apology only worsens the damage from the incident.

The support the Coleman family received encouraged Michael to return to school on Friday, yet the incident’s consequences are ever-lasting. “[Michael] didn’t [want to] go back to school because he was actually embarrassed about the whole thing. I think [that is] the worst possible thing,” Wilten said.

Dolores continued to comment on the police system as a whole, specifically in regards to youths and people of color.

“I was already a little skeptical [of police], but I’ve only had good personal encounters with police officers, so I already know there are good ones out there … I feel they just need to be trained, honestly,” Dolores said. “I’m tired of our Black children getting profiled like this.

It’s not okay at all.” lreese@redwoodbark.org

Redwood unmasks due to fewer COVID-19 cases Article and Infographic by Anna Royal

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic enforcing school safety restrictions, California lifted the mask mandate for K-12 schools on March 12, 2022. At Redwood, the order ended on Monday, March 14. Due to decreased rates of COVID-19 cases across the state, California health officials feel it is now safe to only “strongly recommend” masks in schools.

Principal David Sondheim is confident in removing the school’s mask mandate but is ensuring Redwood continues to take other precautions, such as keeping doors and windows open. Sondheim also strongly encourages students to wear a mask if exposed to the virus and follow the COVID-19 protocols.

“I want to encourage students and parents to follow the guidelines on public health. If you are experiencing symptoms, follow the guidelines, stay home and test accordingly,” Sondheim said.

Sondheim is hopeful the removal of the mask mandate will pose some benefits for the school community.

“I am excited students and staff will be able to see each others’ faces fully and be able to have the comfort of not having a mask [on] if they choose. It is helpful for our instructional process to be able to see students’ faces and read visual cues, [as to] whether students are engaged or are understanding,” Sondheim said.

Sondheim also recognizes the end of the mask mandate as a transition phase could result in tensions between community members.

“My biggest hope is everybody will treat each other with respect and realize we are in a phase now where people can decide for themselves. If [students] choose to wear a mask, we want to support them, and if they choose not to wear a mask, we want to support them. Hopefully, we can let each person make that decision for themselves given their own situations, which vary tremendously.”

Sophomore Darya Shafaie is optimistic about the lifting of the mask mandate and enjoys seeing Redwood “unmasked” for the first time.

“Since most of the school is vaccinated, I think it is safe enough for people to take off their masks,” Shafaie said. “[It is nice] getting life back to normal.”

According to a March 2022 Bark survey, before

Redwood lifted the mask mandate, 65 percent of students were sure they would remove their mask on March 14.

Mark Reynolds, an Advanced Placement U.S. History and American Literature teacher, views the lifted mask mandate as a benefit to students’ academic and social lives.

“There are negative consequences to wearing masks as far as socializing, relationships and the human connection … that’s why it’s worth at least giving people a choice at this point in time, given where cases are,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds chose to remove his mask due to the educational benefits he believes students get from being able to see his face. He also acknowledges the problems the lifted mask mandate poses for students who are immunocompromised or have high-risk loved ones.

“For a small subset of the population really worried about COVID-19, I worry they are going to feel some anger and frustration about this policy because they do not have a choice to go to school … so their only option is to wear a medical-grade mask,” Reynolds said.

Geometry teacher Allison Kristal shares a similar view to Reynold’s on the mask mandate change’s effect on highrisk students. However, she feels confident the community will remain safe.

“I think our vaccine rates at school are great; most students and most staff are vaccinated,” Kristal said.

“We’re doing all the right things, and we have good air filtration systems in all the classrooms. It feels like this is the right time to do it.”

Kristal, although somewhat nervous, sees a benefit in seeing her students’ faces and sharing her expressions with them in the classroom.

“I feel a little anxious because it’s a new phase, but I am also excited to see people’s faces,” Kristal said. “I think there is so much expressiveness in our faces in how we communicate and in how we relate to each other.”

Kristal added that COVID-19 has caused her to be isolated from her students and vice-versa.

“I think we are starving for that human connection.

Everyone is really looking to go back to normal and be able to socialize and interact in the way we have prior to the last two years,” Kristal said.

To be able to return to normalcy, Sondheim said that empathy and respecting and supporting others’ decisions are key.

“Everybody’s in a slightly different place, so let’s all be understanding and supportive of each other, and hopefully [we can] move forward safely,” Sondheim said. aroyal@redwoodbark.org

bark

Page 2 • News

March 25, 2022

Photo Survey What’s something you wish people were more honest about?

“Their behavior. People will act a way and then lie about it; you should try to be honest with yourself and with others.”

“How they’re doing in their classes. If you do badly on a test, you don’t have to lie about it.”

“Their personality. People always put on a fake face at school, and I wish they would be more honest.”

freshman

Will Copeland sophomore

Henry Lin

Devyn Johnson

junior

“Their mental health. This image of ‘being perfect’ ... creates a really competitive [environment] that I don’t think is healthy.”

Maisie McPeek senior

Ketanji Brown Jackson nominated to Supreme Court

By Kate McHugh

On Feb. 25, 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Justice Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court. Jackson is currently a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals, confirmed by Biden in 2021. If approved, Jackson will be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court and the first Supreme Court justice who comes from a criminal defense background since Thurgood Marshall in 1967.

After graduating from Harvard University and Harvard Law School, Jackson started her career with three different clerkships, one with Justice Stephen Breyer, before joining the appellate court in 2013.

In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), former Federal Public Defender Martin Sabelli argued that justices with criminal defense backgrounds are essential for regulating the power of the national government.

“The Framers of the Constitution created a system in which the judiciary should act as a check and a balance,” Sabelli said. “If the judiciary is monolithic, if it’s made up principally by two slivers — former corporate lawyers and former government lawyers — we have a problem, because we don’t have meaningful diversity.”

President of the Debate Club, senior Miles Barry, believes Jackson’s unique perspective as a criminal defendant will provide for a more diverse court — something that, for Barry, is essential when representing different groups.

“It’s good to have a variety of perspectives on a court as high up as [the Supreme Court.] The court [has] been so prosecutor-heavy in the past. It’s a very different focus legally when you’re trying to defend someone versus prosecute them,” Barry said.

According to Central News Network, Justice Breyer plans to stay on the court until the end of this term. However, President of the Democrat Club, Athena Raskin, argues that appointing a new Justice now is crucial due to the upcoming midterm elections in November. Many of Jackson’s supporters believe that having her on the Court prior to these elections will decrease the likelihood of voter suppression.

“I think that the sooner

Photo courtesy of Newsweek

[Jackson is approved,] the better, especially with the adequate representation, Raskin notes that in some midterms coming up,” Raskin said. “There could be a lot of respects, progress towards equality is being made. challenges to voting rights then and also with other [issues] “I think that [the representation in the Supreme like civil rights, abortion rights and the environment.”

Court] is getting better. [Certain aspects like] religion Although Biden’s plans suggested [are still] not representative the appointment of a Black woman of America, but I think with to the Supreme Court, Jackson’s recent nominations of women nomination is especially noteworthy. and people of color, [equal According to Raskin, given that 57.8 representation] has gotten a percent of Americans identify as nonlot closer,” Raskin said. white, having a racial makeup within While Jackson brings the Supreme Court that is representative more representation to the of the United States’ demographics is court, her qualifications imperative to ensure true democracy. have been closely examined, “It is especially important that the since her appointment. On Supreme Court reflects America’s March 2, Fox News host, [entire demographic,] because for far Tucker Carlson, asked to too long it has only represented a very see Jackson’s LSAT score, small group of people,” Raskin said. a multiple-choice exam “These are the people who are making required to get into most law decisions that affect a lot of people, schools in the U.S. so they should look and act like [the “So is Ketanji Brown people in the U.S.]” Jackson – a name that Rhea Suh, President and CEO of Rhea Suh, even Joe Biden has trouble the Marin Community Foundation, President and CEO of the Marin pronouncing – one of the argues that the Supreme Court should Community Foundation top legal minds in the entire not only protect the American people, country?” Carlson said. “[I]t but also share similar values to them. might be time for Joe Biden “I have always believed that the government of the to let us know what Ketanji Brown Jackson’s LSAT score United States should represent the people of the United was … It would seem like Americans in a democracy have States,” Suh said. “We should see a right to know.” ourselves reflected in our While asking to see a potential Justice’s LSAT score is government — not just as [an legal, Barry was frustrated over the fact that Carlson has entity] that paternalistically never asked to see LSAT scores of other nominees such as takes care of all of us Amy Coney Barrett or Brett Kavanaugh. but as a government “[This situation] feels reminiscent of the Birther that truly represents Movement, that I don’t think would have happened had our needs and [Barack] Obama not been African-American. I think concerns.” there’s no chance that [Jackson’s] qualifications would be While scrutinized by someone like Tucker Carlson if she wasn’t some would an African-American woman,” Barry said. argue that Although other nominees have faced different levels the higher of scrutiny, according to Suh, part of the confirmation courts, process is meant to carefully understand the nominee. such as the “I think she is going to be incredibly scrutinized Supreme because anybody who’s been up for the Supreme Court Court, has been incredibly scrutinized,” Suh said. “The Supreme are still court has become the apex of political warfare and [that is] far from part of the confirmation process.” reaching While Jackson has faced opposition from certain Republicans, she has been able to garner support from some right-leaning Americans. Barry believes that one reason she has been able to gain bipartisan support is because she maintains a more moderate political stance and is willing to make compromises.

“She doesn’t seem to be someone who is blinded by her party ties; she seems to lean liberal, but she’s definitely closer to Breyer — who she’ll be succeeding — in terms of upholding the court’s liberal side.”

Judge Jackson was introduced to the court on Monday, March 21, and continued with two days of questioning on March 22 and March 23. On Thursday, March 23, the committee will hear from outside witnesses and the American Bar Association. It has yet to be announced when the final vote will take place.

We should see ourselves reflected in our government —not just as [an entity] that paternalistically takes care of all of us but as a government that truly represents our needs and concerns.

kmchugh@redwoodbark.org

bark Jewish residents seek refuge with Ukraine under seige Page 3 • News

www.redwoodbark.org

the desire to stay and help the cause at home is inspired by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who Due to the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, over has stood on the front lines since the start of the conflict 250,000 Jewish residents have found themselves seeking and is of Jewish ethnicity. This is a belief held by Rabbi refuge in the last month. Kharkov and Kyiv, two major Paul Steinberg at Kol Shofar Synagogue, a conservative cities in Ukraine, have stood under attack from Russian synagogue in Tiburon. forces, with reports of hundreds of casualties. Ukraine “Part of the reason people have embraced Zelensky is is currently the largest sanctuary for Jewish refugees in [simple] — He doesn’t want a ride out. He’s asking for eastern Europe due to Jewish expulsion during World weapons. He has stayed [in Ukraine] and encouraged War II. As chaos continues to erupt in Ukraine, the Jewish people to take up arms and fight. He has ensured a sense of population has found itself in need of a national pride. This takes tremendous new sanctuary. courage,” Rabbi Steinberg said.

The current siege on Ukraine by The flood of evacuating citizens the Russian Federation is forefronted has led to congestion on Ukraine’s

by President Vladimir Putin, who western border to reach an allbegan invading the country on Feb. 24, time high over the past two weeks.

2022. Previously known as the Soviet This high-density traffic has made Union, Russia was once home to a evacuation impractical for many. large population of Jews, but they were Romania, Ukraine’s southwestern banished during World War II. Jewish bordering country, originally expulsion from Russia was not unique expressed their disinterest in taking to World War II, as Empress Catherine in Jewish refugees, but the Jewish II of Russia banished Jews in 1790 by Federation of Romania successfully establishing the Pale of Settlement, a convinced the Romanian government 472,000-square-mile territory where to allow them passage across the Jews were forced to live. Modern-day Omer Hod, border to reach the Bucharest Airport, Ukraine is a major part of that territory. Israeli Social Worker where they can then seek refuge in The current Jewish community Israel. However, over 10 percent of in Ukraine has become embedded Jewish citizens lack documentation, in its culture. This led to the Jewish making it a difficult process to community assisting Ukrainians in need during these evacuate. hard times. Synagogues across Kharkov serve as shelters According to the New York Times, the Israeli for Jewish citizens, delivering food to the hungry and government is expecting 20,000 Ukrainian Jews to seek helping rescue citizens in unsafe situations. Many believe sanction in Israel. In a New York Times interview, Omer

By Sabrina Kizer

Back then, it was almost a shame to be Jewish. Now, people want to show they are Jewish so that they can be evacuated.

Image courtesy of Business Insider

INSPIRING UKRANIAN CITIZENS, president Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to a crowd.

Hod, an Israeli Social Worker with ancestors from the Moldova-Ukraine region, expressed the irony regarding the current situation and the differences in her generation’s willingness to express their Judaism as opposed to past generations.

“Back then, it was almost a shame to be Jewish,” Hod said. “Now, people want to show they are Jewish so that they can be evacuated.”

While there is a large number of Ukrainian Jews longing to seek refuge in Israel, and more than 2,000 Ukrainian Jews who have already been flown to safety, others are staying to help support those unable to leave, most notably Zelensky.

Zelensky is one of the two Jewish heads of state in the world. Given the history of antisemitism in Ukraine, many see the presence of a Jewish president to be monumental.

History teacher Nickolai Butkevich understands how much it means. “[Eastern European] countries have a lot of history with violence against Jews. I think what this shows is that in the last 30 years, Ukraine has changed for the better,” Butkevich said.

Putin, has justified his invasion of Ukraine as an attempt to “denazify” eastern Europe. Given the history of Jews in the area, and taking into account Zelensky’s ethnicity as a Jew, Butkevich discusses a prominent claim opposing Putin’s ideas. “[Zelensky’s ethnicity] shows how ridiculous [Putin’s claims] are of trying to ‘denazify’ Ukraine. The president is Jewish. He is not a Nazi,” Butkevich said.

As the conflict progresses, it is predicted that Russian forces will continue to become increasingly violent, which may change the narrative. It is unclear whether Jewish citizens will continue to stay and support the country or if they will inevitably be forced to flee. To support, you can donate to the Ukraine Jewish relief fund.

Image courtesy of New York Times

A TRANSFORMED SYNAGOGUE in Ukraine is set up with dozens of cots for citizens to seek shelter from the Russian bombing and soliders.

Bark Patrons

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

skizer@redwoodbark.org

The Royal Family The Sellers Family Christopher and Corinne Seton The Shewmaker Family Jena Shore The Smallhorn Family Daniel and Teresa Solomon The Song Family The Steinberg Family Corey Stodolnic The Strotz Family Christy Swildens Kimberly Tully-Sutton The Tupper Family Eliza Turner The Vargelis Family Caroline Wabl Tonya and Jeff Way The Weir Family Holly and Mike Welch Barry and Barbara Wenglin The Wolfers Family The Wolfert Family

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!

Page 4

Holy guacamole!

The shocking truth about avocados

By Lily Reese

On Feb. 11, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) banned the importation of avocados from Mexico. The ban occurred after U.S. health authority officials received threats involving routine avocado inspection of the top producer of avocados: Michoacán Organics. Threats within the avocado industry are not uncommon and, in years prior, have also resulted in temporary bans on avocados from Mexico for the safety of their USDA officials. As the Guardian reported in a recent article, “The US Agricultural Department has… warned after an incident in 2019, in which a team of U.S. inspectors was reportedly robbed by a gang at gunpoint, that further threats would prompt an immediate cessation of ‘program activities.’” The USDA did not follow through and gang violence still holds a clutch on the industry.

Due to the high consumption of avocados in the U.S., the 2022 ban was lifted 11 days after its announcement.

However, the recent ban peels back the surface of a darker side to the avocado industry, beyond just the dangerous environments U.S. workers can be subjected to.

Time and time again, the high demand for avocados has outweighed the importance of safe and environmentally friendly practices. With these practices, the avocado industry now symbolizes the rise of cartels and dangerous work environments.

Around 20 years ago, the high-profit margins of the avocado trade attracted the interest of crime cartels, especially those in Michoacán, Mexico. These cartels have ignited violence and unsafe working conditions for food inspectors and workers themselves.

According to BBC News, in 2019, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel killed nine people in the hub of avocado distribution, leaving their bodies hanging from an overpass. After countless investigations and similar tragedies, authorities drew parallels between the murders and the growing cartel influence in the avocado industry.

The imbalance of power between cartels and their workers creates unsafe work environments that are continuously fueled by the purchase of avocados.

By purchasing avocados imported from companies like Michoacán Organics, Americans, California residents and even Redwood students are contributing to cartel power over avocados. Redwood students need to be more conscious of their food choices. Whether that means shopping locally or growing your own avocados, there are various preventive methods to avoid supporting this problematic industry.

While violence plagues the industry, it isn’t the only

rotten aspect of avocados. Environmentally, avocados this fruit altogether can be difficult. How can Redwood are one of the most harmful fruits to the environment. students change their food choices without giving up the Americans consume three times the average amount of fruit completely? avocados, making America responsible for a large amount The best option for Redwood students is to of carbon emissions as well as the buy more locally grown avocados. Locally grown environmental damage it takes avocados hold the benefits of not being to produce and transport connected to cartels and have smaller avocados.

California carbon footprints because they being one of the top are not shipped thousands of states to buy into miles to reach the stands. these fruits poses the The farmer’s markets that question of how our surround Marin County own community’s offer such opportunities. lack of consciousness Some local markets include is directly affecting the ones at Marin Country others.

Mart and the San Rafael According to a Civic Center, both March 2022 Bark survey, open on Sundays.

76 percent of the Redwood California-grown student population likes to eat avocados can avocados, of which the majority also be found in are likely supplied from Michoacán. grocery stores According to Orange County Register, under the Hass Michoacán supplies about 80 percent of variety (they the 60 million pounds of avocados eaten are a smaller in the U.S. in a given week. This huge type of avocado amount of avocado consumption leaves that look more Americans partially responsible for any purple than green, damage done by the fruit. but carry the same That environmental damage taste). These Californiastems from the fact that avocados grown avocados still are responsible for land erosion and may carry the weight of the that the industry emphasizes the use of environmental issues, however, environmentally unfriendly practices to they ultimately hold a smaller keep up with this demand. One of these carbon emission and don’t contribute to practices is deforestation. In order to keep up the abuse that occurs in the industry abroad. with demand for the product, clearing out Avocados have bolstered the economy land and habitats is required. Deforestation Illustration by Brooke Leslie in Michoacán for the last decade and is the main way for these industries to their practices have continuously proven rapidly overuse valued land which also detrimental. However, something needs to removes viable oxygen in a habitat, harming other change in the environment as well as in our society. We organisms. need a solution and we need to act soon. An escape from Furthermore, avocados require a large amount of major environmental damage can be limited and gang water during the production process. According to the violence can be thwarted, starting with a choice of a smaller World Forum, avocado farming uses around 9.5 billion avocado or one without blood money involved. Your liters of water daily to produce avocados – equivalent decision makes a difference, so make sure you are making to 3,800 Olympic pools. Although choosing fruits and the “ripe” decision to buy your avocados sustainably. vegetables over meat products will always be the better choice, it is still important to acknowledge the impact our food choices have on the environment. But giving up lreese@redwoodbark.org

bleslie@redwoodbark.org

March 25, 2022 bark Page 5 • Opinion Embracing Ethics Why Redwood needs to rethink its service requirements

By Hollis Belger Since I was nine, I’ve embraced the opportunity to engage in service and forge impact. Whether obsessively juggling a soccer ball to raise funds for kids with cancer or speaking at schools nationwide about the benefits of youth in philanthropy, I’ve become convinced of my capacity for societal contribution. Through these efforts, I’ve been exposed to the best elements of collaboration and social partnership. I’ve witnessed how families and communities support their own when they face unthinkable challenges.

Although this exposure is not a universal experience for all students, I believe it can be.

It is time for our public education system to include required coursework on ethical development and exploration of personal values, creating a foundation for meaningful philanthropic and civic engagement and, in turn, a sense of purpose for teens like me. William Damon, a professor of education at Stanford University, defines purpose as “a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is meaningful to the self and of consequence to the world beyond the self.” He and his colleagues have found extensive benefits to adolescents of cultivating purpose and exploring values — enabling them to foster meaningful contributions to their world.

Developing a values-driven approach to civic engagement and societal contribution within our Redwood community would be a path for students to discover their roles in the world and begin the process of long-term contribution.

Like all too many high schools, we have a service requirement for graduation: completing of at least 10 hours of community service during freshman year Social Issues classes. Typical efforts include face-painting at a local event for kids or cleaning up Stinson beach for an afternoon. While these are great ways to spend some time, how meaningful, really, are such efforts? Do they require any self-reflection, understanding of personal values, negotiating ethical dilemmas, research, problem-solving, interpersonal engagement or sustained effort of any kind? As it turns out, the impact of mandatory service hours on sustained fundraising efforts is questionable. According to a study on the effects of compulsory service requirements conducted by the Psychology Department at the University of Northern Colorado, extrinsic service-motivators, such as a graduation requirement, result in students having fewer intentions of volunteering in the future. In contrast, students with an intrinsic drive for service and purpose, based on their internal moral compass, which education can be foster, will create sustained commitments to giving back for the right reasons.

Our curriculum should include substantial coursework on ethics and self-discovery of one’s values and desired purpose. The educational goals would include: cultivating necessary skills to engage in the world in meaningful ways, providing accessibility to adult mentorship and encouraging connections between teens and their community and nonprofit organizations. This coursework would involve discussions about issues students wish to address in their community and beyond, reflection on the pros and cons of various political or social movements and evaluation of the effectiveness of current policies and organizations combatting societal problems. Teachers could also invite guest speakers and ultimately develop a capstone project for students to apply their knowledge and forge change.

As a society, we emphasize on finding meaning and purpose after high school, which is a worthy pursuit. But why wait for adulthood? Damon and his colleagues have found that adolescents who are encouraged to seek purpose through explicit education or other modes of guidance are happier, more motivated and more emotionally grounded than those without a sense of purpose. Further, according to an article in the Hechinger Report, a platform covering equity and innovation in education, teens with a sense of purpose reported lower levels of depression, lower rates of binge drinking and drug use and overall healthier habits, including regular exercise and a strong commitment to academics. The benefits of seeking purpose through ethical reflection are evident, and Redwood has the opportunity to

Illustration by Keely Ganong

hbelger@redwoodbark.org

Aim to avoid COVID-19, not to contract it

Story and Illustration by Claire Silva When Czech folk singer Hana Horka intentionally contracted COVID-19 in January of 2022, she expected to endure a few days of discomfort in exchange for immunity. Instead, she became extremely sick, passing away two days after testing positive. Horka’s experience demonstrates a dangerous and potentially deadly reaction to COVID-19.

The past two years have been lifealtering for everyone, resulting in a common mentality of getting COVID-19 “over with.” Expectedly, nobody has enjoyed wearing masks or distancing from friends. And, as we continue to hear stories from those who test positive despite the seemingly endless mandates, it seems to some that infection is inevitable. While most do not intend to take action on the statement as Horka did, the idea has tempted many. Over the last months, the same question has resurfaced over and over again: “If we are all going to get COVID-19 eventually, why wait?”

While this idea may be appealing, it is incredibly flawed. Dealing with COVID-19 is not as easy as we imagine.

The idea of “getting COVID-19 over with” is dangerous and insensitive to those vulnerable to the disease.

Contracting COVID-19 takes a larger toll on one’s health than they might assume, especially with the arrival of new variants. Similar to our mandates, COVID-19 is evolving. As additional variants emerge, such as Alpha, Delta and most recently, Omicron, antibodies have to fight off more complex versions of the virus. After receiving a vaccine or being infected, antibodies substantially increase and provide temporary immunity. So yes, being infected may give you temporary immunity. But, according to Yale biology and biostatistics professor Jeffrey Townsend, this protection only lasts for a few months.

As antibodies wane, it becomes increasingly difficult to defend your body, and rates of immunity decrease.

Townshend found that post-infection immunity allows for only three months of protection.

Therefore, by contracting COVID-19, you are not “getting it over with.”

Instead, you are getting

facilitate this sort of personal development through its curriculum.

Patrick Cook-Degan, Founder of Project Wayfinder, an organization engaging adolescents in purposeful educational paths, spoke with thousands of high school students about their educational experiences regarding service. He discussed the importance of internal motivators.

“Students who show a sense of purpose have a deeply developed intrinsic motivation to achieve a goal or take part in an activity. This means they are not motivated to achieve something simply because they can … or because they get rewarded or recognized for it. Rather, they do it because they have a deep internal interest in pursuing it — and derive pleasure from the process,” Cook-Degan said.

This critical intrinsic motivation is typically not developed in a vacuum; students need to be guided along a path of exploration and education in philanthropy and ethics, much like they are guided to study mathematics or history. Theoretically, mandated community service hours are a decent place to start. But, we should shift to a more sustainable, ethics-driven approach, encouraging students to explore the changes they want to see in the world. Our Social Issues classes could easily implement this ethics-based curriculum.

Rather than simply requiring service hours, we can dig deeper and engage in meaningful conversations with our peers regarding real-world problems and discuss the many ways students can use their passions for the greater good.

High school is the perfect time to capture students’ interests and help them develop ethical drivers for engagement with causes outside of themselves.

Community service is more than just a superficial bonus on your college applications. It’s time for parents and educators to embrace uncharted paths to purpose as much as achievement outcomes. We need to shift our educational culture from the idea that pursuit of meaning and school success are mutually exclusive and acknowledge that the former is as essential to scaffold as the latter. It’s time we all appreciate how much we, as teens, have to offer. Even while we pursue high-Grade Point Averages and standardized test scores, we need encouragement to inquire, explore and develop our own passions, interests and purpose.

infected for a mere 90 days of protection, a trade-off that can prove to be fatal, as in Horka’s case.

While the Omicron variant has proven to have less severe symptoms, mild coldlike reactions are not guaranteed. Even if hospitalization is not as frequent as previous variants, it’s common to spend multiple days relatively sick with Omicron.

Additionally, the risk of “long COVID-19” is still present. Long COVID-19 occurs when symptoms appear weeks or months after infection and can present as blood clots, kidney issues, fatigue and anxiety. According to the World Health Organization, “One in 10 people still experience persistent ill-health 12 weeks after having COVID-19.”

Scientists and public health officials are still unsure of Omicron’s relation to long COVID-19. Bob Wachter, the chair of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, stated, “After two years, we don’t understand much about long COVID-19 and don’t know its prevalence with Omicron after vaccination… [Long COVID-19 is] a lingering concern for me as I think about the prospect of getting even a ‘mild’ case of Omicron.” There is still so much to learn about COVID-19, specifically the Omicron variant and its lasting effects.

The idea of getting COVID-19 over with is appealing to many because the stakes seem so low. Being surrounded by people that are not immunocompromised or high-risk makes COVID-19 appear as a minimal threat to one’s health. The lack of risk results in support for natural herd

immunity. Herd immunity has been framed as an attainable goal regarding COVID-19.

However, natural herd immunity is unlikely and dangerous. In addition to the probable risk of reinfection, a large percentage of the population would have to healthily recover to reach herd immunity in a natural manner.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 70 percent of the population would have to recover to stop the pandemic. This enormous number of infections, nearly 200 million, would lead to countless health complications and deaths. Therefore, the best method of herd immunity is vaccination, as it provides longer-lasting protection without the risk of enduring sickness.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen frequent changes in mandates; it feels like every month there is a new guideline. And because these guidelines are so frustrating for all, it’s easy to forget their purpose. While those who are uncomfortable with the new Redwood mandate can wear their own mask, they can’t make others do the same. As Bill Miller, an epidemiologist at Ohio State University explains, “You might have made a conscious decision to allow yourself to be exposed and infected, those people have not made that same choice.” The idea of “getting COVID-19 over with,” therefore, is self-interested.

The most proactive and responsible steps you can take to avoid the difficulties of COVID-19 are to get vaccinated and avoid suffering the fate of Hana Horka. csilva@redwoodbark.org

bark Page 6 • Opinion Live and let die Redefining dignity through medical aid in dying

By Ava Razavi When every day is spent in unbearable pain, death may symbolize peace and comfort, not fear. Currently, 130 million people are living with painful chronic illnesses.

Out of these 130 million, 70 million possess the right and access to medical aid in dying (MAiD). This law has been enacted in nine states, including California, and declares that a person living with a terminal illness and a prognosis of fewer than six months of life may choose to receive MAiD. Oftentimes, MAiD is used interchangeably with the term euthanasia, yet they are entirely different. MAiD occurs when a medical professional gives a patient a prescription to take which would end their natural life; euthanasia is when a doctor directly administers said medication to a terminal patient. To many, this difference seems minute, yet, the U.S. government declared the act of euthanasia illegal. This is because it could be seen as assisted suicide. By definition, that makes it a crime as one person is abetting another in their death. For those who choose to end their life, however, it signifies an end to pain and a reclaim of physical autonomy. Because of this, the personal judgment around medical aid in dying should be repealed and one should recognize the courage it takes to make such a choice.

It’s safe to say that now, more than ever, death is on our minds — mine at least. Seeing the New York Times’s COVID-19 death count rise by dozens every day constantly reminds me of others dying slowly from illnesses. In the past year, 918,000 people have died from COVID-19 alone. Thus, 72 percent of Americans know someone who has either died or been hospitalized due to COVID-19. For those who have a terminal disease or whose loved ones have a terminal illness, death is not something that can be pushed out of sight or out of mind. When we see death, we see a struggle, fighting to resist entrance to nirvana and hoping to survive for another day. Rarely do we think of those who no longer see their lifestyle as high-quality, those who submit to death, not by force, but by choice.

Robert Klitzman, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Masters of Bioethics Program at Columbia University, shared his perspective in an article for CNN,

March 25, 2022

stating, “I came to realize that, at a certain point, sadly, are terminally ill and set on death will pursue it one way life may not be worth the immeasurable suffering of an or another—where and how is the question. It should be unalterable disease.” For the majority of those facing a priority that those who have lived their lives to their terminal illnesses, the only thing that medical professionals fullest biological extent and those who hold no hope can do is prescribe pain relief medication; yet, the balance for recovery in the future end their lives in a safe between relieving pain and retaining a strong quality of manner. life is difficult and often unmanageable.

Life is indescribably valuable, filled with Asking to end this pain is not joy and love and sadness and cowardly, but rather noble. sorrow; life is the only thing Purposeful death isn’t we have ever known and murder—not always. the only thing we will ever Victor Escobar, a know. To throw it away Colombian man who is a shame and a waste suffered from chronic when there is more to lung disease, had been be reaped of it. But, for walking the trail of those who choose pain for many MAiD, there is years before little to be gained he opted for the from life, and detour, to be what is left to be euthanized. In his experienced will final moments, he never outweigh the justified his choice, torture of continuing “If we ask for a their existence in dignified death it is immeasurable pain. because we are tired Those who seek MAiD of all the illnesses that deserve the option to leave overcome us … For us, life this existence peacefully ended a long time ago.” and with dignity, thus their Dignity, defined as a sense choice should be respected. of pride in oneself, is often lost We will never know the in chronic or terminal illness, horrors of terminal illness in between not being able nor what it feels like to Illustration by to dress or clean or live see death as the only Keely Ganong individually. Eighty-eight viable option unless we percent of patients admitted experience it. Hopefully, to the hospital for incurable illnesses report feeling we never will. Nonetheless, the judgment and the negative undignified. connotations must leave our minds when we hear that I understand the fear of allowing the unknown to someone has chosen death over a substandard life. become normal, but MAiD is a misunderstood concept.

The legalization nationwide would not result in millions of people hiding behind the law to fulfill their suicidal beliefs, but instead, it would protect people. Those who arazavi@redwoodbark.org

The votes are in … and women are still being excluded

By Justine Fisch As the 94th annual Academy Awards, better known as the “Oscars,” approach, movie fanatics around the world anticipate the results of their favorite nominees.

However, behind the extravagant red carpet looks and luminescent gold statues lies the prevalent sexism and discrimination against women underlying the film industry. This year, women make up only 28 percent of Oscar nominees.

With the lowest rate in three years, the failure to properly acknowledge women at the Oscars continuously echoes a trend in award shows and Hollywood itself.

Today, 80 percent of films do not have female representation at the highest production and directorial levels. Although this statistic is not particularly surprising, considering Hollywood’s traditionally male-dominated industry and biases, the absence of female figures demonstrates the need for more diverse representation.

Gender balance needs to be guaranteed in film in order to ensure that women’s voices and perspectives are involved in the strategic decision-making processes of filmmaking. Additionally, women’s experiences need to be accurately portrayed through film to promote relatable content to female audiences.

Increasing gender equality in film ultimately begins with women in more prominent leadership roles. When women are actively involved behind the scenes and in production, most of the female representation takes place on screen.

Although women make up 51 percent of movie watchers, their stories are consistently inaccurately portrayed or simplified. Both directorially and in screenwriting, women’s experiences need to be more accurately portrayed as relatable female narratives.

Unfortunately, the common perception in modern entertainment is

that white men, who dominate the film industry, are the only ones who succeed at the box offices. Additionally, it is believed that they are the only professionals that actually produce in terms of sales.

However, whether they’re actors, directors or screenwriters, these male figures are not the only ones who increase revenue.

Assuming that no one will watch more accurate portrayals neglects the work of talented females within the film industry.

Considering that women, who make up over half of moviegoers, statistically turn out for more female-centric movies, this perception is very misleading. Many also claim that there are male directors and producers who can still make great movies with female leads. Although there are men in directorial positions that strive to accurately showcase women’s experiences, the representation will not be recognizable until there are more women

Illustration by Keely Ganong

incorporated into all aspects of moviemaking. Directors tell stories from their point of view, and if they are primarily men, women and girls will never see an accurate portrayal of their female experience.

Ultimately, women need to be provided more opportunities in the industry, as more is at stake than just ticket sales.

According to a 2015 Forbes article, the issue of female inequity in Hollywood was so abundant that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called for an investigation into discrimination against female directors, specifically during the hiring process. This inequity translates to female stereotypes and inaccurate portrayal on-screen in which women are cast as damsels in distress across many films. In fact, over 40 percent of movies today still don’t pass the Bechdel Test, including movies like “The Avengers” and “Toy Story.” Created to measure female

stereotypes and representation in the film industry, the Bechdel Test requires that two named women talk to each other and discuss something other than a man. Although seemingly simple, a large proportion of those films that do not pass the test, statistically have a male-dominant production teams and casts.

Along with the lack of diversity behind the camera, the ​​ faces that we see on our screen are disproportionately white males. According to a 2017 New York Times article and University of Southern California (USC) study, when films employ female writers, the number of female characters in the movie is 50 percent higher, highlighting the importance of greater representation.

The 2022 Oscars, set for March 27, will be the 94th ceremony, nearing 100 years of the award show’s existence. Yet, in total, there have only ever been seven women nominated for best director, and even more upsettingly, only two have won.

This year, only one woman was nominated for the category: Jane Campion for her film “Power of the Dog.” Campion is the first woman to receive two best director nominations, and although this demonstrates a step in the right direction, in most co-ed categories, women still only make up about one of the five nominees.

The proportion of female to male nominees at award shows further perpetuates biases and harmful stereotypes present in modern films. Personally, I am tired of seeing women being portrayed as background figures or objects in a man’s story. Younger girls and teens need to see themselves accurately represented in the entertainment industry in order to combat the stereotypes and misconceptions that often make it past the final cuts. jfisch@redwoodbark.org

Page 7 • Opinion

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Redwood High School 395 Doherty Drive Larkspur, CA 94939 www.redwoodbark.org Editors-In-Chief Hollis Belger Taylor Elliott Kent Goodman Head Copy Editors Casey Braff Samantha Elegant Annie Goldstein

editorial Unmasking our experiences “Facing the future with reflections from the past.”

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

On Friday, March 13, 2020, Redwood High School shut down as a result of COVID-19. Now, two years later, regulations regarding the pandemic have evolved, and students are finally allowed to choose to unmask. While it would be nice to stop talking about COVID-19, a topic which we have dwelled on for the past two years, we feel that it is necessary to take this moment of transition to reflect on this time and document our key takeaways. COVID-19 has been a period of isolation and restriction, snubbing parts of our teenage years. However, we have adapted, persevered and grown in a myriad of ways. It is important to use this time of adjustment to acknowledge what can be left behind and to recognize what positives we can take forward with us into the next stages of our lives.

As students, one of the first major shifts we experienced due to COVID-19 was not being able to attend in-person school. Virtual learning caused many of us to fall out of our routines and slip into habits that would not serve us well in the future. While we no longer have an excuse that our WiFi is not working when we are 10 minutes late, many of us are guilty of showing up to class long after the bell has rung. With students now bringing their personal computers to school, their attention is directed to texting, shopping for prom dresses or checking their March Madness Brackets.

This level of distraction in school became extremely prevalent in the midst of the pandemic.

According to a Washington Post survey recorded in June 2021, about half of teenagers ages 14 to 18 said the pandemic negatively impacted their academics.

Through many rocky shifts and changes, we lost our sense of structure and a daily routine. While the flexible schedule of waking up later and deciding when to do your homework might have worked in the beginning, the world has changed. As our lives become busier, it is important to move past the instability we felt and take steps to rebuild that previously-lost school structure.

In another Washington Post survey, school districts in the Bay Area have recorded that the percentage of students with more than one failing grade has jumped from 19.7 percent in 2019 to 30.7 percent in 2020.

This furthers the claim that online school has caused a deficit in learning. With the world finally starting to return to normalcy, it is time to leave those bad habits and deficiencies in our learning in the past.

With the negatives being left behind, we must now take the positive lessons we have learned with us as we move to the future.

To begin, COVID-19 may have physically isolated us from one another, but students found other unique ways to connect. While a major part of high school is small talk in class and meeting new

people, friendships can become interchangeable very quickly. Many of us began to miss the people that we passed in the hallways, even if it’s just a small acquaintance, but we also learned that the friendships that carried through COVID-19 were the ones that truly mattered.

Human connection was not the only thing we grew to appreciate. Every bite at a restaurant, every sunset, even every movie scene at a theater became that much more special. Now that we do not have as many restrictions, we do not want to lose the significance of those common moments.

For many, COVID-19 was also a place for individual growth. Thinking outside of the box during such a restrictive time is something we hope to bring with us into the future. Through new hobbies, individuals were able to create new versions of themselves. In reminiscence of this, we hope curiosity and desire to adventure do not fade away and that we can continue to thrive in our new passions.

Further, we learned to take care of ourselves and others in unique circumstances. COVID-19 caused an increase in awareness about anxiety and depression, as the stress of the pandemic was very mentally taxing. According to a World Health Organization scientific brief, “within the first year of COVID-19, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25 percent.” But as mental illness cases increased, we saw mental health problems being de-stigmatized. This opened up a long-overdue discussion. Moving forward, let’s continue to create safe and open spaces for people of any age to come forward about their mental health struggles and continue to offer resources to help those that are struggling.

While the experiences above might be what the majority have gone through, not everyone can relate to them. As we are waiting for the pandemic to be over, we encourage everyone to reflect on their own personal positive and negative takeaways from the pandemic. No matter who you are, COVID-19 has changed your life and it is important to look into the positive ways we have all grown. This pandemic has taken more than it has given, but that does not mean it hasn’t given us anything at all.

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 at school. They may also be emailed to bark@redwoodbark.org.

Copy Editors Alex Coe Justine Fisch Nina Geoghegan Ella Kharrazi Calla McBride Kate McHugh Bella Piacente Lily Reese Claire Silva Maddie Sofnas Gemma Strauss Allie Vasquez News Editors Rori Anderson Kelly Chuang Ava Razavi Opinion Editors Chloe Bishop Shyla Lensing Declan McDaniels Feature Editors Stella Bennett Sam Kimball Natalie Tress Sports Editors Julia Frankus Libby Hughes Sophie Smallhorn Review Editors Sophia Buckholtz Gemma Favaloro Chris Vargelis Lifestyles Editors Charlotte DeForrest Ingrid Houtkooper Dani Steinberg Video Editors Sylvan Gordon-Wagen Hannah Morgan Spanish Editor Gillian Reynolds Podcast Editors Nathan Ash Dylan Zorn Business Managers Caitlin Beard Samantha Michaels Anna Royal Keegan Williams Survey Manager Hannah Sellers Art Consultants Peter Biss Keely Ganong Brooke Leslie Social Media Managers Caroline Scharf Natalie Welch Multimedia Editor Sydney Liebhauser Web Develper Sterling Lazarus

A BARK to the Playboi Carti concert in the second floor boys’ bathroom. Since the Christmas trees got taken down, we “Miss the Rage” in there.

A BITE to the CEA’s frozen milk! Yes... quite literally a bite.

A BARK to soccer for piling up the banners. If only Redwood was that good at American Football.

A BITE to early promposers.

We sure hope your fling can last until spring!

A BARK to the freshman who recited over 300 digits of Pi in the school-wide Pi Competition. We’re struggling to remember our own phone numbers.

A BITE to threatening seniors that they won’t walk at graduation due to absences.

That’s inexcusable.

A BARK to no masks! We didn’t know you could go fishing at Redwood.

A BITE to toilet paper shrinkflation. These price hikes are really on a roll.

A BARK to the U.S. Senate approving a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Hour we going to adjust?

A BITE to CAASPP testing.

What a pain in the AAS.

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

Development Director Arjun Aujla Senior Staff Writers Avery Aguero Will Baker Caroline Goodhart Ava Koblik Annalise Sandrich Abby Shewmaker Reporters Matt Benbow Chloe Craft Emilie Erickson Alex Fisch Sarah Goody Sabrina Kizer Sofia Ruliffson Cole Seifer Ani Svendsen Adviser Erin Schneider

Página 8

Un aplauso para estos routines de comedia en español Por Hannah Morgan

Independiente del país, la cultura, o el idioma, la comedia puede conectar a la gente con la risa, experiencias compartidas y otras cosas relacionales.

Los programas de comedia especializados sirven para enfocar que los cómicos tienen un lugar para compartir sus chistes y perspectivas con el mundo. Aquí hay tres de los mejores programas de comedia para mirar en Netflix.

Una y No Más del comediante español Joaquín Reyes comienza con una explosión: una canción y un número de baile para prologar su rendimiento de humor observacional, anécdotas alegres y otros estallidos espontáneos musicales. Reyes es una buena comedia principalmente debido a su carisma, junto con su escritura cómica. La capacidad de Reyes para hacer imitaciones realistas de personas en su vida se suma a la calidad del acto, creando una sensación de encanto que hace que su actuación sea más teatral que una simple palabra hablada.

Con el uso de secuencias de tópicas y chistes diversos - como presentar a la Familia Real y jugando a “Trivial Pursuit”, Reyes tiene la capacidad de combinar temas dispares fácilmente y con humor, creando un sentido de continuidad en lugar de chistes aleatorios.

En general, Una y No Más es una buena aportación al mundo de la comedia en vivo, con observaciones con las que uno se puede identificar y perspectivas nuevas.

“Estupidez compleja” de Malena Pichot En el especial de Netflix de la comediante argentina Malena Pichot “Estupidez Compleja”, explora las complejidades de ser una mujer moderna a través de chistes sobre temas como el aborto, el consentimiento y el feminismo. Pichot abre su programa preguntando abiertamente quién se identifica como feminista,

Imagen cortesía de Netflix

miedo a un “planeta vacío”. Pichot pone fin fácilmente a estos temores al enfatizar con humor la culpa que la gente impone a las mujeres por ambos problemas, en lugar de asumir la responsabilidad personal. La capacidad de Pichot para hablar de temas delicados y crear chistes que expresan sus ideas de manera humorística, al mismo tiempo que mantiene un carácter dramático, es lo que hace que su actuación pase de simplemente buena a excelente.Odio de Dani Rovira “Odio” de Dani Rovira en Netflix explora el “odio” que las personas tienen entre sí a través del uso de chistes inteligentes. “Odio” es una comedia en vivo única: tiene un uso inventivo de la iluminación, un diseño maduro del escenario, junto con el humor de Rovira. Inmediatamente, Rovira habla de los dos últimos años de su vida: además de haber pasado un confinamiento normal, él también luchó contra el cáncer, sufrió infecciones de oído mientras estaba en Grecia y pasó sus últimos cumpleaños solo en cuarentena. Él habla de sus dificultades con la audiencia para expresar que el público tiene que ser capaz de tolerar chistes ofensivos.

El tema del “odio” que está presente en todo el programa, siempre con la intención de ser cómico, se ve reforzado cuando Rovira crea referencias a las temas sociales como la cultura de la cancelación ( “cancel culture”), el periodismo sensacionalista y las redes sociales, todo lo cual crea amargura y odio en la sociedad. El equilibrio que Rovira es capaz de emplear al dar mensajes importantes sobre la ridiculez del odio junto con la comedia real es esencial para crear un espectáculo que es entretenido pero también significativo. El “Odio” en el programa de Rovira se percibe como más real que en otros programas de comedia porque combina problemas reales con buena comedia humorística.

CON SU ALEGRE presencia escénica, Joaquín Reyes cuenta otra anécdota ingeniosa en “Una y No Más.” prepara con éxito el escenario para un espectáculo lleno de chistes explícitos que comentan en las dificultades de ser una mujer y navegar en las citas, las relaciones y simplemente vivir en el mundo moderno mientras se mantienen los ideales feministas.

Lo que diferencia la rutina de Pichot de las otras es su interactividad con el público y la forma en que utiliza el escenario. En un momento de su programa Pichot comenta y critica “tweets” que hablan sobre la ética del aborto e incluso utiliza la pantalla para presentar dos argumentos principales en contra del del aborto: el miedo a no nacer y el hmorgan@redwoodbark.org

Un resumen del viaje a Ecuador y la sostenibilidad Por Gillian Reynolds

En la semana de Febrero de vacaciones, un grupo de estudiantes emprendieron un viaje a Ecuador para aprender sobre sostenibilidad y una nueva cultura. Durante nueve días trabajaron en una finca plantando plantas y aprendiendo sobre cómo vivir una vida totalmente sostenible. Este fue un viaje que Redwood nunca había hecho antes y una oportunidad para los estudiantes de vivir en un país diferente con un modo de vida muy distinto de la vida aquí en Marin.

Llegaron a Quito, la capital de Ecuador, y se quedaron en un albergue. Se levantaron a las 7:00 am y manejaron a la finca The Regeneration Field Institute. El principal líder del viaje fue Lucas Ocean, con algunos maestros de Redwood que vinieron como supervisores. Pasaron cuatro días trabajando en la finca en el medio de la jungla. Días después regresaron a Quito y trabajaron en la ciudad. En la ciudad plantaron árboles pero también pudieron hablar con personas de Ecuador. El último día fueron a la playa en La Bahía. Cada día se despertaban a las 7:00 de la mañana y trabajaban hasta las 6:00pm de la tarde.

Julie Joy Olivera, estudiante del curso 11 en Redwood, fue al viaje. Olivera habla portugués y empezó a aprender español en secundaria. Ella no tenía mucho interés en el viaje al principio.

“No tenía mucho interés en el medioambiente pero cuando vi este póster en la escuela, vi una oportunidad para hacer una cosa nueva…y conocer a personas nuevas.”

Pero para Olivera el viaje fue una experiencia muy interesante y especial. En la finca los estudiantes trabajaron muchas horas, pero también eso significaba que pudieron conocer a más personas y hacer

nuevos amigos con esta experiencia. “...Fue una experiencia de conexión porque tuvimos que trabajar con mucha fuerza y fue muy difícil hacer cosas nuevas pero con otros estudiantes es más fácil. Aprendimos muchas cosas sobre la ciencias medioambientales y cómo se relaciona con la economía.”

La finca estaba en una zona rural y todo allí era sostenible. Las casas estaban construidas de bambú y toda la comida que comían era de la finca y del huerto. Plantaron muchas plantas como árboles de mango y plantas de yuca. Uno de los proyectos que llevaron a cabo fue construir un baño de bambú que era completamente sostenible. Para Julie fue una experiencia muy natural donde para cada comida o actividad se les habló de cómo era sostenible.

La estudiante Emma Orrick, tuvo una experiencia similar a la de Olivera. Emma empezó a aprender español en la escuela primaria. Orrick decidió ir a Ecuador porque su hermana fue años atrás a Ecuador cuando ella estaba en la secundaria y se lo recomendó a Orrick. Con días de mucho trabajo, Orrick aprendió mucho.

“Aprendí que hay otros lugares en el mundo fuera de Marin y la cultura de Ecuador es muy diferente y muy bonita.

Muchas de las personas que conocimos fueron muy amables y acogedoras.”

Una parte importante del viaje para Orrick fue el enfoque en sostenibilidad y medioambiente. Ella aprendió como se puede llevar la agricultura sostenible a Marin y Orrick aprendió que es nuestra generación la que importa mucho para el futuro de nuestro planeta.

nuevo lugar y conocer a más estudiantes.

Gracias a esta experiencia de ir a Ecuador aprendí mucho sobre la sostenibilidad.

Una de las prioridades del viaje fue construir estructuras de bambú. Gran parte de mantener la sostenibilidad fue el uso de bambú para construir. También aprendimos cómo practicar agricultura sostenible y trabajamos en la finca llamada Regeneration Field Institute, en la cual plantamos verdever, una tipo de planta, recolectamos cultivos, y limpiamos la tierra de maleza. En cada actividad que hicimos aprendimos sobre la historia de por qué hacíamos ese trabajo. Tuvimos muchas conversaciones sobre sostenibilidad y cómo podemos traer ideas de sostenibilidad a Marin después de nuestro viaje.

La principal conclusión a la que llegué después de nuestras lecciones y trabajo en sustentabilidad fue cómo continuar con este trabajo en Marín.

Muchos países Latinoamericanos ya

están utilizando prácticas sostenibles.

Antes de mi viaje a Ecuador, fui a la República Dominicana para participar en un proyecto de servicio ambiental.

Nosotros también construimos estructuras sostenibles. La prueba vista por mis propios ojos del impacto y beneficio del uso de prácticas sostenibles en el medio ambiente, es algo que debe practicarse en Marin. Aunque muchas personas en Marin son conscientes de la actual crisis climática, no se está haciendo lo suficiente para revertir sus efectos. Comprar ropa “sostenible ‘’ o productos ``Go Green ‘’ no es suficiente. Necesitamos llevar la agricultura sostenible, la construcción y otras prácticas también a Marin. Al seguir a otros países como Ecuador y la República Dominicana con sus prácticas sostenibles, podemos ir en el camino correcto por nuestro planeta. bark@redwoodbark.org

Por Bella Piacente Yo fui una de las estudiantes que viajó a Ecuador. Mi intención era ir a un

Imagen cortesía de Mariano Williams

MAKENA CORSIGLIA, ESTUDIANTE de curso doce, se enfoca en perfeccionar su talla de bambú “fish mouth.”

bark El Alianza de Canal: Creando crecimiento generacional Página 9 • Español

www.redwoodbark.org

Por Peter Biss and Miguel Cruz Al Lado de carretera 101 y San Quentin Cresta, la zona del Canal de San Rafael alberga la más gran población de latinoamericanos e inmigrantes en Marin. Con más de 41, 713 residentes, COVID-19 tuvo un gran impacto en la comunidad y fue uno de los lugares con más casos de COVID-19. Pero en este oscuro momento bancos de comida se abrieron, las pruebas de COVID-19 eran gratis y se ofrecía ayuda para encontrar trabajo, donaciones de dinero y asistencia para pagar el alquiler, un éxito que se puede atribuir en gran medida al Alianza del Canal.

Creado en 1982 y actualmente bajo el liderazgo de Oficial Ejecutivo Omar Carrera, la Alianza del Canal es una organización activista y política que trabaja para romper el ciclo de pobreza en inmigrantes Latinos y sus familias.

Además de su trabajo en respuesta a COVID-19 el programa tiene servicios para apoyar a residentes además de ayudar con viviendas asequibles.

“No puedo resolver las problemas del mundo pero puedo tratar de resolver las problemas en mi barrio o mi condado. [Y] eso es que [la Alianza de Canal] esta tratando de hacer.”

La cosa diferente de la Alianza del Canal respecto a otros programas es que como se dice en la declaración de objetivos, su objetivo es ayudar con el crecimiento a largo plazo y aliviar a corto plazo. Para Carrera el crecimiento a largo plazo es la educación.

“Families todavía tenían que pagar el alquiler y alimentar a sus niños, entonces nosotros tenemos programas diferentes que levantan las barreras hacia eso éxito … pero, lo que [El Alianza de Canal] cree como instituciones y como individuals, es que la educación es la manera mejor para conectar personas con oportunidades y trabajos de alta calidad [sostenibles],” Para unos la educación significa adquirir habilidades lingüísticas. Para otros y especialmente ciudadanos Latinoamericanos de los EE.UU. que ya aprendieron inglés, la educación puede significar ir a una Universidad durante cuatro años. En esos casos, el Alianza de Canal tiene programas para después de terminar la escuela, programas Omar Carrera de escuela y salud mental, y oficial Ejecutivo también dinero para becas para asegurar que todos tengan buenas oportunidades. Pero según Carrera, apoyar la educación no solo significa hacer una pasantía, sinó la oportunidad de obtener un trabajo o futuro sostenible.

“La economia ha cambiado. Todo ha cambiado con la automatización del trabajo que ocurre a un ritmo más rápido…duante la pandemia. Esto va a tener un impacto

VOLENTARIOS DE LA Alianza del Canal se alinean para un día de trabajo. directo en los trabajadores de bajos ingresos. Debemos enseñar a las personas que va a desaparecer en cinco años a partir de ahora?

No… necesitamos tener conversaciones para crear mas trabajos de alta calidad para garantizar que todos tengan la oportunidad de recuperarse de la pandemia.

Necesitamos identificar las habilidades necesarias para trabajar y tener éxito en la economía posterior a la pandemia, y garantizar que estos nuevos empleos ofrezcan a los trabajadores beneficios, salarios dignos y la oportunidad de crecer.”

Este pensamiento metodológico es algo que la Alianza del Canal ha empleado en todos los niveles de su programación. Además de ayuda educativa y laboral, la Alianza del Canal también ha invertido en investigación sobre vivienda asequible para proporcionar viviendas de calidad y combatir la gentrificación. En su charla, Carrera dijo lo siguiente: “La crisis de vivienda no es única a Marin County,

La crisis de vivienda no es única a Marin County.

Nosotros necesitamos reaccionar localmente... nosotros necesitamos proveer vivienda afortable.

Imagen cortesía del Alianza de Canal LOS RESIDENTES SE alinean fuera de la alianza del canal, que proporciona varios servicios útiles a los miembros de la comunidad.

Imagen cortesía del Alianza de Canal

extende a través de el estado de california. Entonces la pregunta es que papel podemos nosotros tener en esto gran problema? Yo no pienso que debemos dejar la responsabilidad de resolver esto problema solo al gobernador o el presidente. Nosotros necesitamos reaccionar localmente … nosotros necesitamos proveer vivienda afortable donde personas pueden vivir con dignidad.”

Una iniciativa clave que Carrera destacó durante su discusión de la crisis de la vivienda es la necesidad de acción a nivel local.

Como organización no es sostenible que sigamos alquilando más espacio y contratando más empleados para responder a la alta demanda de servicios. Es por eso que también tenemos que trabajar en cambiar el sistema que está contribuyendo o creando el problema en primer lugar,” Carrera dijo, “Históricamente todas las políticas de vivienda que tenemos en nuestra ciudad y en este país son para segregar a las comunidades. La comunidad blanca ha tenido mucho éxito en segregarse con políticas de vivienda que impiden el desarrollo de complejos multifamiliares y protegen las viviendas unifamiliares.

Esto ha contribuido directamente a la actual crisis de vivienda y la falta de diversidad en nuestras comunidades y escuelas en Marín.”

Carrera siguió enfocándose en las razones por las cuales el Canal fue tan afectado por el COVID-19 y fue porque el condado de Marin n estaba dispuesto a proporcionar viviendas asequibles en todo el condado.

Esta idea fue reiterada por la Coordinadora de Extensión Legal Ilana Goldberg del departamento legal de la Alianza del Canal. Goldberg insta a la próxima generación de votantes a reevaluar y educarse sobre el legado de Marín y votar más allá de las elecciones estatales y nacionales.

“Si tienes casi dieciocho años, piensa en las elecciones y en quiénes son sus funcionarios electos, porque no puede cambiar la política federal a nivel local, pero ciertamente puede cambiar la política de aplicación de la ley [o las políticas de vivienda] a nivel local”, dijo Goldberg.

Hablando de la necesidad de trabajar en las políticas y la votación, tanto Carrera como Goldberg, argumentaron que los funcionarios electos a nivel local deben tener más atención.

“Cuando se piensa en el problema sistémico, realmente se remonta a tres cosas, ¿verdad? Políticos, políticas y personas que votan…Yo me convertí en ciudadano estadounidense en 2007 y he aprendido mucho sobre la historia de América. Para mi era muy interesante ver cuán desconectadas están las personas de las elecciones locales.

Nadie conoce al alcalde, nadie conoce a los miembros del consejo de la ciudad, nadie conoce al fideicomisario de la junta escolar, o incluso a este supervisor del condado, porque siempre estamos pensando en las elecciones estatales y nacionales.” pbiss@redwoodbark.org

Page 10

‘A new beginning, a new life’ Refugees escape trauma in search for a new home “When I received my green card in 2014, I was very successful in Brazil, so I was thinking, Since 2002, California has resettled 108,600 ‘I have my life in Brazil and will go back.’ But individuals suffering in other countries, including then something else happened, and Brazil was numerous refugees from countries such as Iran, Iraq, no longer a safe place for me,” Soares said. “I Ukraine, Laos and Afghanistan. While a small number had to start all over from scratch in the U.S. of refugees and asylum seekers live in Marin County, the which was very difficult, and I struggled refugee population continues to grow throughout the Bay a lot. At first, I was working five jobs all Area, impacting the beginning stages of organizations at once. I was a barista at Starbucks; I formed to assist those in need. Over the years, these worked at Ross as well as other jobs in organizations have become increasingly crucial to the the restaurant industry. Altogether, this well-being of these refugees. was just to pay the bills and to restart Claudia Soares is the volunteer and partnership again.” program lead of Upwardly Global, a national nonprofit Kathryn Winogura, the organization based in the Bay Area that supports Community Engagement and immigrants and refugees returning into their job fields. Development Director for the She has seen firsthand the misconceptions of refugees Center for Empowering Refugees versus immigrants, sharing the obstacles that these two and Immigrants (CERI), a mental groups and large populations might experience. health social service agency based in the “The big difference between refugees and immigrants East Bay, has worked in this field for 30 is the situations that they are dealing with. [Those years. She has also focused on helping to settle situations] are the hardest things that I have even seen,” and assist refugees as they flee their countries.

Soares said. “Refugees can’t go back to their family “I personally love welcoming people here since members and to their home country while immigrants the United States is the place for opportunity, respite have that ability. Immigrants go through struggle and and safety. It is our responsibility to help those who are trauma, but refugees have to deal with it on a whole struggling and welcome them into our community,” different level.”

Winogura said. “It is According to the about empowerment. It is American Psychiatric about helping [refugees] Association, during the first empower themselves. year of refugees’ transitions We help open doors so to their new homes, about that people can become 80 percent face severe successful on their own.” trauma or mental health While Upwardly challenges including Global focuses on finding symptoms of anxiety, jobs for refugees and depression and postimmigrants, CERI’s traumatic stress disorder. mission is centered around ​​“When refugees come helping those with mental to the U.S., they have to health challenges, offering handle a new beginning, a Claudia Soares, social and emotional new life,” Soares said. “The programs to those who Volunteer and Partnership Program Lead at language barrier acts as a could benefit from the large obstacle as well as Upwardly Global support. In addition, just a lack of understanding CERI’s services are of experiences, specifically offered to a diverse range economically.” of refugees.

Growing up in Brazil “Our organization is so before immigrating to beneficial, as such a large the U.S. in 2015, Soares understands the struggles of and diverse population is included. We work with many moving to a new country and uses her current job as Cambodian refugees who are survivors of the Khmer an opportunity to make a difference. Soares, who was Rouge genocide, Burmese refugees who have been under assisted by Upwardly Global upon her arrival to the U.S., military rule since 1962 as well as Vietnamese refugees is proud to work for a company that truly cares about who have fled following the Vietnam War,” Winogura others. Since the organization was founded in 2000, over said. “In the past months, we have seen an influx in Afghan 8,000 immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers have been refugees and will most likely see Ukrainian refugees in a placed in their respective career fields, being provided couple of years.” mentorships, mock interviews and networking resources As the Ukraine and Russia conflict is the most recent

by Upwardly Global to be successful in the future. foreign act of violence, many fear for loved ones who are

By Sam Kimball

We must put ourselves in others’ shoes in order to understand how we can better support [refugees].”

Illustrations by Julia Frankus

affected.

Fleeing a country due to difficult circumstances can take a significant toll, and make experiences become graphic.

Senior Nicole Hoelzle, a citizen of both the U.S. and Germany, worries about the safety of her cousins in Frankfurt, Germany.

Although not current refugees, her family is affected by the tension formed.

“My cousins currently live in Frankfurt, Germany and might be severely affected by the war,” Hoelzle said.

“Due to the mass violence, Germany could implement the draft again which would be shocking and really unfortunate [for my cousin] who falls right into the age range of who could be drafted … I can’t even imagine what he must be thinking.”

In addition to her cousins, Hoelze feels a personal connection to the war from her great-great-greatgrandfather who lived in Ukraine many years ago.

“Considering the fact that on my mom’s side of the family, [my great-great-great grandfather] lived at the place of the war and did not approve of the Russian government, it is very alarming to see one country invade a [peaceful] country,” Hoelzle said.

Even when mass violence is not occurring within our society, Soares, Winogura and Hoelzle believe it is important to help those around us and to reflect on ourselves.

“Think of yourself moving to another country,” Soares said. “Imagine the barriers you would face and the changes that would be in front of you. We must put ourselves in others’ shoes in order to understand how we can better support [refugees]. It is up to us since others need [our help] and they need it now.”

skimball@redwoodbark.org skimball@redwoodbark.org

Illustrations by Julia Frankus

FOLLOWING THE TALIBAN takeover in Afghanistan, Afghan refugees flee the surrounding areas to seek a safer home.

Photo courtesy of Gettyimages

bark Stuck between two worlds: Racial ambiguity in Marin Page 11 • Feature

www.redwoodbark.org

By Gemma Favaloro

The concept of racial ambiguity is relatively new to the understanding of race in modern times. Writer Ariane Resnick defines racial ambiguity as a person whose racial background is not easily identifiable, or when one does not appear to be monoracial, meaning they are of one race. According to the Pew Research Center, due to the 15.1 percent increase in interracial marriages as well as immigration over the past 50 years in the U.S., over 6.9 percent of the nation’s adult population is multiracial. Multiracial Americans are often perceived as racially ambiguous due to their differing physical and cultural features that stem from various races and backgrounds. Many have reported that racial ambiguity may put pressure on both multiracial people as well as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to assimilate into a predominantly white society. Stated in a 2018 research article from Princeton University, “racially ambiguous or mixed race individuals [can] change or choose the racial identity group with whom they align with ... They can assimilate to mainstream, white culture, they can assimilate to the culture of their minority identity or they can create a new identity that is distinct from both white culture and their minority identity.”

Internal identity conflicts can worsen when a BIPOC lives in a predominantly white area like Marin County. According to a March 2022 Bark survey, 16 percent of students feel the need to racially assimilate into the white standard to experience a sense of belonging. Racial assimilation can range from more aggressive forms, such as cultural conversion, to microforms, like a multiracial student shying away from sharing cultural experiences outside of their home.

Junior Izzy Gonzales identifies as both Latina and white and has experienced the effects of racial ambiguity while also struggling with the pressure to fit into the white stereotypes of Marin.

“In Marin, it’s a lot easier to identify more with the white side, especially because my mom is white and because [most people in Marin] are white. Living here made me have to seek out my cultural identity on my own; it wasn’t [something] embraced in schools,” Gonzales said. “It’s especially hard when most students are white, and you end up having more white friends — it causes you to assimilate. That’s the easiest way to get through [life].”

According to Mental Health America, among the BIPOC that took a mental health screening, people who identified as multiracial were more likely to screen positive or at-risk for alcohol and substance use, anxiety, depression, eating disorders as well as psychosis.

Multiracial individuals also face more

behavioral health problems than their monoracial peers. Mental Health America stated in 2020 that “[multiracial people] face unique stressors and often find that it is difficult to connect with others. Even among multiracial people, their experiences are so unique that talking with other multiracial people can feel disjointed, and there can be a failure to connect.” This lack of connection and personal identity is also known as imposter syndrome, which can force individuals to doubt their achievements and intentions regarding racial identity.

While sophomore Sarani Puri is not multiracial, identifying solely as Indian, she still has a feeling of imposter syndrome while living in Marin. Puri struggles with the stereotypes placed on Asian Americans, typically labeled as smart and overachieving students.

“Teachers kind of expect the Indian or Asian students to be raising their hand at every question and to get an A on every test. Whether they say it or not, it’s a known thing. You can feel it,” Puri said.

These specific stereotypes placed on Asians, known as the model minority myth, depict Asian Americans as more socioeconomically successful than the rest of the population. According to a 2017 National Public Radio article, “Many white people have used Asian Americans and their perceived collective success as a racial wedge. Minimizing the role racism plays in the persistent struggles of other racial or ethnic minority groups —

Photo by Gemma Favaloro

PURI AND OH have grown up experiencing the struggle of racial assimilation, being two of the few racial minorities within Marin’s homogenous community.

Illustration by Julia Frankus

especially Black Americans.”

This perception heavily impacts Puri’s relationship with her schoolwork and academic achievements. She has even felt pressured not to pursue an interest because it was too stereotypical.

“When I do well on a test, it’s expected; it’s not because I studied hard.

It’s biological: because I’m Indian, I’m inherently smarter. It sometimes takes away from my accomplishments,” Puri said. “Not trying to be the super loud, super-smart Indian that’s a geek and nerd [limits me from performing] to my full educational potential.”

Puri has always lived in a white community. Before moving to Marin, she grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood in New Jersey. Being one of the few minorities within white spaces has only elevated Puri’s external and internal pressure to conform. “[I feel the pressure to assimilate] in everything I do, even in the clothes I pick out to wear every day … or how often I speak in a class. I’m always subconsciously thinking about not standing out more than I have to,” Puri said.

Both Gonzales and Puri feel that assimilation can become a double-edged sword when a BIPOC is stuck between their two identities and simultaneously submits to the standard of whiteness. Some POC may face backlash from their community and family for being “whitewashed.”

Senior Natalie Oh, who identifies as Korean American, has felt this struggle

throughout her life. Oh has tried to find where she fits between her two identities, choosing between being herself while still trying to avoid stereotypes.

“When you’re a child of immigrants, you have a part of yourself that wants to be more Asian when you are with your family,” Oh said. “It’s interesting thinking about feeling too Asian or too white depending on who I’m around. At school, I used to feel too Asian, and at home, I would feel too white. I’ve learned to just be fine with who I am now and find things I like in both worlds.”

While Oh was able to find confidence in her racial identity through self-reflection and acceptance, this level of growth and maturity is not easy for everyone.

Redwood, having a homogenous student body, with 73.6 percent of students being white, causes students like Oh to feel the need to acclimate due to the lack of diversity.

Gonzales recognizes this problem among herself and her peers within different school clubs and organizations.

She believes the solution to these issues is to promote more multiracialrepresentation.

“We need more students of color as leaders because it’s a very weird situation when you have a lot of white students as leaders for students of color [in classes like SLAM]. Affinity groups, [groups formed around a shared interest or common goal,] are really important because that’s where you can find people who actually relate to what you’re saying,” Gonzales said. “One of the biggest [problems within Redwood is not having] faculty of color. With this opportunity to get a new principal, I think getting a principal of color would be really beneficial for the students of color at Redwood.”

Gonzales believes that the solutions that she and others rally for are important in making the BIPOC within our community feel more welcome and safe. She echoed that raising awareness of racial assimilation and the issues that follow is crucial to constructing a better environment for BIPOC in the future. gfavaloro@redwoodbark.org

By Natalie Tress and Samantha Elegant Rip off the wax. Zap the laser. Pluck the hair. Glide the razor. Pull the thread. Over 99 percent of women choose to remove their body hair. This includes everyone from Kim Kardashian, whose “entire body is hairless,” to Chrissy Teigen who shaves every day, claiming “it’s exhausting,” to Vanessa Hudgens and Victoria Beckham who remove their hair by laser. It is clear that hairlessness is the societal standard for women.

The Past Administration (FDA) approved the first laser This is not a new phenomenon. Removing body treatment for permanent hair reduction. By 1999, hair dates back to 3000 B.C.E., when it was viewed as laser hair removal was the third most popular uncivilized in ancient Egypt and India, so copper razors cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. and a method similar to sugaring, using a sugar paste to remove hair from the root, were common. In Ancient Rome, The Present tweezers, depilatories and abrasive pumice stones were Currently, hair removal can be done through used to meet the relevant beauty standard, and Renaissance multiple methods: threading, waxing, women considered hairlessness to be a sign of class. laser hair removal, electrolysis, sugaring In America, body hair was not considered until the and shaving. According to a March 1800s when it gained a negative connotation from Darwin’s Bark survey, 73 percent of females 1871 novel, “The Descent of Man.” Body hair became at Redwood choose to remove their associated with the selection of the fittest considering that body hair regularly, and another 19 homo sapiens had less body hair than their predecessors. percent do so sometimes. As a result, According to a 2017 article in The Atlantic, these women will spend more “Darwin’s evolutionary theory transformed body than $10,000 over their lifetime hair into a question of competitive selection — so to purchase shaving products. much so that hairiness was deeply pathologized.”

Many women find Shortly following the satisfaction in removing their publication of Darwin’s body hair. At Eden Day Spa in novel, middle-class American San Anselmo, employee and women used hair removal to esthetician Lailee Kerachi affirm their upper-class status, notices this sentiment as Rebecca Herzig explained first hand. Kerachi says in her 2015 novel “Plucked: that everyone should do A History of Hair Removal.” what feels right for them “Hair removal, at its core, with their body hair, and is a form of gendered social she takes pleasure in control. It’s not a coincidence that assisting them to achieve the pressure for women to modify their desired results. their body hair has risen in tandem “I really enjoy when with their liberties,” Herzig wrote. people come out [of the Additionally, in the next decades, spa,] and they’re so happy with whatever as the hemlines of skirts and dresses treatment that they received … My goal is shortened, extreme for everyone to come out body hair removal feeling relaxed, feeling efforts grew. This included comfortable, feeling using sandpaper, shoe good, looking in the wax, pumice stones and mirror and liking what cream made from rat they see,” Kerachi said. poison (thallium acetate), While some women which caused permanent claim that removing body disabilities and harmful hair is their personal choice, it X-ray hair removal. is rooted in a societal standard.

Products such as Gillette’s Junior Poppy Lasher claims that the 1915 first female razor, Poppy Lasher, need to remove body hair is ingrained the Milady Decollete, were junior in girls starting at a young age. specifically marketed towards “My mom told me to women as hairlessness became start shaving [when I equivalent to desired femininity. was around 11-yearsThen, during World War II, there was a shortage in old]. She said it was the thing that you’re thick stockings that women used to cover up their leg supposed to do … So I started shaving hair, thus shaving increased in popularity. By 1964, and I kind of liked it [at first] because it 98 percent of women were regularly shaving their legs. made me feel grown-up,” Lasher said.

Beyond shaving, in 1997 the Food and Drug However, as shaving became more

It’s no secret that [female body hair is a] pretty patriarchal concept.

Illustrations by Brooke Leslie

of a chore and less of an exciting, new experience, Lasher began to see the faults of such beauty standards.

“It’s no secret that [the standard of female body hair removal is a] pretty patriarchal concept. I think a lot of beauty standards for women boil down to [women] looking like children,

being hairless, submissive and looking young,” to such a thing that women are often subjected to.”

Lasher said. “We’re definitely taught to be disgusted Garsten and Lasher, both in the same friend group, by our [natural] bodies.” find that their peers are accepting and Senior Will Fitzgerald states that supportive of their decisions not to while he does not have a problem shave, especially since not removing with body hair on women, he notices body hair is common in their group. that males generally favor female “A lot of us [in my friend group] hairlessness, despite not feeling are queer. I would say in the queer the need to be hairless themselves. community, it’s more common to see “Guys tend to have an aversion to [the destigmatization of body hair], body hair on women,” Fitzgerald said. especially on women or non-binary “It’s overall a double standard rooted people,” Garsten said. “Freshman year, in toxic beauty standards that stem when I was a rower, I was around athletes from the infantilization of the ‘ideal’ and straight girls, [but with my current woman, as well as cosmetic industries friend group], it’s a very different type finding different ways to target of atmosphere to be around. I don’t feel women and promote their products by judged at all [for having body hair].” marketing specific idealistic features.”

Many people today may associate While hairlessness in women women having body hair with political is common now, as both Lasher movements of the past. In 1972, when and Fitzgerald discussed, the the Equal Rights Amendment was destigmatization of body hair passed in Congress, body hair became a is a developing concept. badge of feminism for women fighting for gender equality as it represented Laura Schubert, The Future female empowerment and a break from “We are on a mission to co-founder of Fur Oil traditional standards. However, Lasher remaster how people feel about notes that her choice was a personal body hair and to remove the one, having nothing to do with politics. shame many people have “I feel like people frame these around their bodies,” co-founder of Fur Oil, Laura things, like not wearing makeup and not shaving, Schubert, said in an as a political choice. [But] it was never like that interview with for me. And I don’t think it is for a lot of people. makeup.com For me, it was kind of just laziness,” Lasher said.

by L’Oréal.

While there is growing exposure to natural F u r body hair, which may lead to more support, Oil is a Lasher speaks of a noticeable lack of acceptance c o m p a n y from her family as body hair is masculinized. that creates “The only people that care [about my choice in p r o d u c t s shaving] are my mom and my sister. [My mom says], designed for the ‘you need to shave. That’s disgusting.’ … like it’s more health of body hair by unsanitary on me than it is on my brother,” Lasher said. preventing ingrown hairs, With women beginning to break away from the smoothing the surrounding double standards surrounding body hair removal skin, softening the hair and and the need to conform, the definition of beauty cultivating hair growth; the company is is moving beyond what has been traditionally an excellent example of a company creating a accepted, according to the co-founder of Fur Oil. product meant to support body hair, instead of one “Beauty to me is more of a feeling rather than one supporting the removal of body hair. Along with the aesthetic or look. I feel the most beautiful when I’m being founders of Fur Oil, other women are beginning to embrace thoughtful about taking care of myself or the people their natural body hair. This includes junior Sienna Garsten I love, and when I take a moment to think about the whose views have shifted in the past couple of years. things in my life that I feel grateful for,” Schubert said.

“My thoughts [on shaving] really changed during quarantine because obviously, we were all alone,” Garsten said. “It was honestly kind of freeing. I know that sounds cheesy, but it was just nice to not be conforming bark@redwoodbark.org

Beauty to me is more of a feeling rather than one aesthetic or look.

I feel the most beautiful when I’m being thoughtful about taking care of myself or the people I love.

bark Page 14 • Feature A world of glass shards The future of women’s history and education

By Kelly Chuang and Shyla Lensing “Whenever I was designing my [history] curriculum, I was always looking for the untold story,” Assistant Principal Lisa Kemp said. “And unfortunately, the women’s side of American history is still that untold story.”

Kemp’s former experience as an Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH) teacher exposed her to this inequitable representation, something so significant it warranted March’s alternative moniker: Women’s History Month (WHM). The U.S. recognizes March as a time for “commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history,” according to its Women’s History website.

WHM was first established in Sonoma County, Calif., when a group of women developed the first Women’s History Week celebration in 1978 and eventually gained national recognition. A decade later, this one-week celebration expanded to encompass the entire month, with every president after 1995 recognizing WHM. Today, the government’s website continues to celebrate women, offering an abundance of online exhibits. The exhibits include events with female historians and other resources on female trailblazers, ranging from Hetty Green, the “Witch of Wall Street,” to a feature on the songs of Native American women.

Oftentimes, these small — but crucial — glimpses of women’s history during March are not included in mainstream curricula. When they are, a recurring cast of female leaders is generally emphasized: white women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Eleanor Roosevelt, according to a 2017 report by the National Women’s History Museum.

Ann Jaime, APUSH, U.S. history teacher as well as women’s issues historian, echoed this sentiment in her own experience with mainstream lessons. She highlighted Jane Addams, a leader of the Progressive Era’s settlement movement, as a prime example.

“Let’s face it: Most of the time we end up learning about Jane Addams and the Hull House. ‘Why?’ Because she succeeded on men’s terms. She started an enterprise.

She led it — she did all the ‘dude’ things,” Jaime said.

“But the fact of the matter is, at any time in American history, there’s a whole half of the population doing everything they can to support what’s going on [with the current movements]. And they’re doing it every single day.”

Jaime’s commentary provides a direct explanation for WHM’s existence: to celebrate underrepresented stories and contributions of women. However, as a women’s issues historian, colleagues often email her requesting guidance on how exactly to acknowledge WHM. For her, the sudden, 31-day interest is performative. “[When teachers say], ‘I’m going to do a women’s history thing in the middle of March that’s not tethered to anything we’re actually studying,’ that feels kind of nuts to me,” Jaime said. “I teach when and where it’s relevant.”

Illustrations by Julia Frankus

For educators outside the liberal arts, acknowledging relevant women’s history beyond March requires actively integrating women’s challenges into the classroom. Amy Mastromonaco, an Advanced Placement Biology and Living Earth teacher, strives to include lessons about female leadership, despite her rigid science syllabi. “​​ To be able to build [more perspectives] into the curriculum, I have to be aware of [those perspectives] too,” Mastromonaco said. “[Recently], we were writing about [causes of] cancer and [one of them is] DDT, a pesticide. The person who brought that to light was a woman named Rachel Carson. [This was an] awesome opportunity to bring her into the fold, even if it’s just a five minute, ‘Here’s why she’s a big deal; let’s talk about it.’”

Outside the curriculum, other educators have found ways to incorporate contemporary women’s history, acknowledging the trends of misogyny that continue today.

Kemp made these parallels when she taught APUSH and English.

“In my classes, when we talked about feminism, [other women’s issues] or safety, I just asked the girls to share their experiences [today]. Most of the guys had no clue for most of us who do identify as female that it’s [still] different when we go out at night. It’s different when we’re walking home alone or if we’re walking in the city by ourselves,” Kemp said. “It is just different and that needs to bc clear.”

Acknowledging women’s history both in and outside of March, as Kemp alludes, goes beyond the integration of women in underrepresented curricula; it requires contemporary empowerment that can foster ambition for women to write their own history.

Local organizations on campus, such as Like A Girl and Daraja Club, have answered this call for contemporary empowerment. Senior Haley Rothbart is the co-president of Like A Girl, a club encouraging girls to step into their power through facilitating different events.

“My main passion in terms of starting Like a Girl was body positivity … and providing a space where girls can learn that, at a young age, there’s so much opportunity for them to make their own path without worrying about what society is influencing them to do,” Rothbart said.

Among other avenues, this space became an Athleta store back in March of 2019, where the club facilitated local workout classes to promote body positivity. Rothbart continues to create and seek out this space for herself, taking encouragement and empowerment from surrounding communities of women.

“It’s so cool to work with

March 25, 2022

other girls and see what they’re up to, what impact they want to make on the world and to learn from them,” Rothbart said. “And I just think empowering [women] to know the capacity they have on their own — but also through the community of female empowerment — is something no one else can understand unless you’re a girl yourself.”

Senior Arianna Ayaz shares Rothbart’s philosophy of learning via empowerment. Growing up with an immigrant parent from Afghanistan, Ayaz was raised with the importance of education in life, a perspective that became nuanced with the intersection of gender. Ayaz is the co-president of Redwood’s Daraja Club, a club that raises money and awareness for a girls’ academy in Kenya.

“The focus of Daraja Academy is around girls’ empowerment, especially because a lot of girls who come to Daraja Academy face child marriage and poverty,” Ayaz said. “[Daraja Academy] wants these girls to have a sense of identity, purpose [and] empowerment through their education [so] they can make a change and become community leaders.”

At large, WHM has also pushed for this type of empowerment.

Specifically in one of the National Museum of American History’s exhibitions titled, “Girlhood (it’s complicated),” expresses how, with encouragement, women have shaped the modern world; a theme Ayaz and Rothbart emphasize in their work.

Thus, as March comes to a close — and WHM is shelved for another year — the legacy of women continues on. This legacy is not just endured through curriculum, but inherently through the work, empowerment and leadership of the women around us.

As Rothbart champions, women have a special power that cannot be represented in a mere 31 days.

“The importance of empowering other women is that really, as women, we’re a family,” Rothbart said. “We’re all similar in so many ways, and that’s such a powerful thing I love. There are so many different people all over the world, but being a girl is something I think every girl should pride themselves on because we have so much opportunity in this world.” bark@redwoodbark.org

Page 15

Syrup, sugar, waffles, oh my!

How to celebrate National Waffle Day

By Dani Steinberg

With National Waffle Day right around the corner on March 25, it is necessary to try some of Marin’s best belgian waffles.

This review can serve as a guide for those wanting a sweet treat on the 25 or any day after. I tried waffles from a sit-down restaurant, a to-go store and a grocery store freezer section to see which ones have the best consistency and sweetness.

Half Day Cafe I arrived at Half Day Cafe around noon on a Sunday, and, despite the crowded restaurant, I was seated immediately. On the menu, there are two waffle options

to choose from. You can either order the Whole Wheat-Sunflower Seed Waffle or the more traditional belgian affle. I went with the $11 belgian waffle, and I suggest you do the same. However, I will admit that I was slightly underwhelmed when the waiter placed the plate in front of me.

The singular waffle came with very little powdered sugar alongside Half Day’s traditional orange butter. Although the presentation was not anything special, the waffle itself was delicious. Cooked slightly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, the first bite and every bite following left me craving more. Their signature orange butter is an essential

Photo by Dani Steinberg

THE HALF DAY cafe plates its traditional Belgian waffle with its signature orange butter.

part of the Half Day Cafe but I believe experience. At first glance, the waffle on Illu stra the orange butter looks like its own would tion just regular butter with tiny pieces by Juli have done the job. a Fr ank of orange mixed in, but I was pleasantly While this waffle was us surprised by the taste when added to my tasty and an effortless already mouth-watering waffle. The butter option, I don’t think I will be repurchasing perfectly complemented the sweetness it. Three dollars for one waffle that’s fluffy of the waffle by adding some tanginess consistency is interrupted by irritating bites but not overpowering my taste buds with of sugar is not worth it to me. orange. Lastly, I added some syrup on top Trader Joe’s of a lightly buttered piece. While this did Making Trader Joe’s authentic belgian slightly dilute the flavor of the butter, the waffles was perfect for a quick breakfast. syrup nicely enhanced the waffle’s fluffy The box of four frozen waffles cost $1.99 dough and added some extra sweetness. and had clear, simple instructions of Overall, I would recommend this to those preheating the toaster to 400 degrees and who have time to sit down. This is a tasty cooking for four to six minutes. After belgian waffle that is not overwhelmingly baking for six minutes, the waffle felt sweet. light and airy and was beautifully crisp Jamba Juice outside while still moist and fluffy on There’s a happy medium between the inside. My first impression was that overly sweet and not sweet enough, and it was similar to Jamba Juice’s, lacking the Jamba Juice to-go warmed belgian sweetness. The waffle was missing that waffle for $2.99 was not sweet enough for mouth-watering flavor that the Half Day me. The waffle almost felt plain. It needed Cafe belgian waffle presented. But do not powdered sugar or syrup to add additional abandon the Trader Joe’s freezer waffle flavor, but since this was a grab-and-go yet. Once I added syrup, it ultimately saved option, I could not add any extra toppings. the waffle. Newly added sweetness paired Don’t be mistaken, though. While the great with the Belgian breakfast. I would waffle could have been sweeter, it was not also recommend adding other toppings bad. I did taste a sugary sweetness on my such as chocolate chips or strawberries. If first bite but would have appreciated even you look at the box, Trader Joe’s displays more sweetness in the following bites. the waffles with strawberries and whipped Additionally, every few bites, there were cream which would be perfect for you. unusual crunches of sugar. While I knew Otherwise, I would suggest pairing the that these crunches were nothing to be waffles with fried chicken for dinner or ice concerned about, it was still unsettling and cream for dessert. reminded me of my unhealthy food choice.

I hope you have a delicious National Despite the lack of flavor, the waffle was Waffle Day! perfectly cooked inside, making the bites where the crunches of sugar were absent very pleasing. I tried this waffle as an after-school snack along with a coffee, dsteinberg@redwoodbark.org

Breaking down the best starting word to ensure a win Story and Illustration by Calla McBride Chances are, if you have been on any social media platform, listened to any conversation in the hallways of Redwood or seen anyone meticulously typing words on a Safari browser in the past few months, you have heard about Wordle. The popular word guessing game created by Josh Wardle in October of 2021 displays a puzzle allowing players six guesses to configure a new five-letter word every day. Once a player enters a word, a gray, yellow or green letter will appear.

A gray letter means the letter is not in the word, a yellow letter means the letter is in the word but in the wrong place and a green letter means the letter is in the word and is correctly placed. The game took the nation by storm, quickly gaining popularity with over two and a half million players daily as of Feb. 2. As the game went viral, many different strategies emerged, each detailing different ways to find the word in the least number of guesses. Most notably, players argue over the best possible word to start with. Some players prefer a vowelheavy word such as “irate” or “adieu.” Others, however, prefer to start with words that have a mix of common consonants and vowels such as “heist” or “tears.” Despite people’s various likings, the perfect starting word is more than a preference. Since the game’s rise to popularity, there have been many studies proving which word is scientifically the best to start with. So whether you are an avid Wordle player or have never tried the trendy game, I am here to break down the best starting word to ensure you get the daily Wordle with minimal frustration.

How common is each letter?

Many players swear that the best technique is to

begin with a vowel-heavy word. This technique is based on the frequency of each letter in the English language.

For example, a 2018 study conducted by Springer found that the most common letter was “e,” which appears in 46 percent of words in English. The same study found that the next most common letters were “a” (appearing in 39 percent of words), “r” (appearing in 34 percent of words), “o” (appearing in 29 percent of words) and lastly, “i” and “s” (both appearing in 28 percent of words). Based on this study, science concludes the most effective starting word is “arose,” featuring five of these six letters. In comparison, guessing “whump” as your first word would be the least effective, featuring many of the least common letters. Letter frequency, however, is not the only important factor in choosing your first word. Letter placement also plays a crucial role.

What is the best letter placement?

While “arose” may earn you the most correct letters, it does not ensure they will be in the right place. Springer’s study found that the most common first letter in five-letter words is “s,” the most common second letter is “a,” the most common third letter is also“a,” the most common fourth letter is “e” and the most common fifth letter is “y.” Therefore, the best possible starting words based on letter frequency are “samey,” “saint” or “soare.” However, when the two factors of letter placement and letter frequency are combined, the best starting word seems to be “Soare,” an obsolete definition for a young hawk.

What approach do Redwood students take?

While science may tell us one thing about which words are the best to start your daily Wordle with, many

individuals have words they like to use simply based on social media suggestions or past luck. This is true for many Redwood students who choose to play the daily game. A March Bark survey found that 76 percent of Redwood students play Wordle. Moreover, the survey found that 19 percent of Redwood students start with the word “adieu,” seven percent start with “irate,” 4 percent start with “tears” and three percent start with “stale.” Another 42 percent of students choose a word not included in the ones listed. Some of the most common words were “audio,” “steal,” “dream,” “bread,” “reads” and “arise.”

So whether you take the scientific approach, start with a word you have had past luck with or simply type whichever word comes to mind that day, this should provide a good insight into which word will offer the best chance of impressing your friends and family with your Wordle score. Hopefully, these tips won’t leave you “irate” on your last guess. cmcbride@redwoodbark.org

Photo courtesy of Forbes

bark Page 16 • Review ‘Who Cares?’ is ‘Worth It’

By Ella Kharrazi Releasing his fourth album on March 11, 2022, Alex O’Connor, more commonly known as Rex Orange County (ROC), presents a new, positive side of himself as he follows the album title’s theme, “Who Cares?” Despite references to normal young adult hardships sprinkled into the lyrics of the 11 tracks on the album, the overall tone

Photo courtesy of Tidal

RELEASED ON MARCH 11, Rex Orange County’s new album encapsulates the feeling of summer with his easy, flowing sound and simple lyrics.

March 25, 2022

is hopeful, contrasting previous albums in which songs called “Stressed Out” and “Never Enough” were featured.

The English singer and songwriter spoke about the album with New Musical Express (NME) magazine, saying, “I want the music to sound and feel free because I feel free in a sense … I’m not worrying about what I’m saying and how it’s being construed by people.” His carefree spirit is clearly depicted in “Who Cares?”

Opening with a calming melody of string instruments, ROC sets the tone for the album in the first song, “Keep It Up.” He enters an upbeat tune early in the song, reflecting on telling himself to “keep it up and go on” when feeling “stressed and depressed,” a message young listeners often need to hear. His “Who Cares?” mentality is effectively conveyed in the song. ROC sings about “no longer owing the strangers,” portraying his discovery that he can pursue his desires rather than worrying about the judgment of others. The simple yet relatable lyrics resonate with an audience of teenagers and young adults, providing the ideal album to listen to when seeking relaxation.

The second song on the album, “Open a Window,” features Grammy-nominated artist Tyler, the Creator. The pair previously collaborated on Tyler, the Creator’s album “Flower Boy,” with ROC contributing to two songs. As Tyler, the Creator raps a verse in “Open a Window,” a unique blend of rap and indie music allows this song to be enjoyed by various music tastes. The soothing violin mixed with a variety of percussion instruments also forms an irresistible sound, reminiscent of summer days spent basking in the sun. Following the style of most of his other songs, the blatant, easy-to-follow lyrics transport you to a time when your mind was not bombarded with Shakespeare’s complicated iambs, and analyzing essays for Advanced Placement Language and Composition was not a constant source of anxiety.

ROC finishes the album with the title song, “Who Cares?” In an effortless humming melody at the beginning of the song, the artist brings the listener into his untroubled state early on. Although he concedes he holds self-doubts, ROC repeats the phrase “Who cares?” throughout the song. “There’s really no point in living in fear,” he sings,

Photo courtesy of New Musical Express

“I WANT THE music to sound and feel free because I feel free,” said Rex Orange County on his new album, “Who Cares?” urging his listeners to join him in his carefree approach to life.

“I cared for a long, long time about what people would think about me, and I found it a bit difficult to know who I was,” ROC told NME. “I’m definitely more comfortable with who I am now and it just took time and growing up.”

ROC’s growth is reflected throughout the album. With a positive message and summer-like feel, “Who Cares?” will no doubt put you in a happy, easy-going state of mind. Limited lyrics and extended instrumental sections in several of the songs of the album also create a mellow atmosphere if looking for a melody to play as background music. Whether embarking on your own journey of selfdiscovery or simply seeking a laid-back album, you can find ROC's “Who Cares?” on Spotify or Apple Music.

ekharrazi@redwoodbark.org

Don’t miss secret surfing in new film ‘Havana Libre’

By Ani Svendsen

Before his death in 2016, the communist ruler of Cuba Fidel Castro outlawed any forms of water transportation and activities in order to prevent residents from attempting to flee his regime. While Castro’s rule may have ended, the lasting effects of his communist ideals have stuck, including a ban on water activities.

Capturing the rarity of water sports, filmmaker Corey Mclean found the few Cuban residents who rebelliously choose to partake in surfing, one of the illegal sports.

“Havana Libre,” which premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, tells the story of the few in Cuba who have a passion for surfing—those who live and breathe for it.

A few years ago, these surfers acquired the only surfing CD’s attainable in Cuba.

Nobody knew anything about the sport and nobody knew the potential Cuba held to be a world class surfing destination. After watching the videos, they began making boards out of recycled materials in hidden sheds as well as secretly practicing their passion whenever they had the chance— whether it was at dawn or sunset. Fast forward to 2022, these surfers are still determined to complete their mission of legalizing the sport despite the opposition from the government.

The film begins with an introduction of Frank, one of the few Cuban residents who is an adamant surfer. Frank believes that it is “brave to live in Cuba, but even braver to practice the art of surfing.” Just as their rules are outdated, so is the development

of the country. Frank is filmed walking on local streets past old crumbling buildings and cobblestone streets. The quality of the film is so clear that it makes the viewer feel as if they are experiencing local Cuban culture. There is an abundance of life on the streets of Cuba, but their freedom is limited. However, the country’s tyranny doesn’t seem to scare Frank. The only threat to him is not being able to surf.

This documentary’s use of videography is unique because it tells the untold story of multiple peoples struggles, each solving their problem in their own manner. It lets the viewer feel the frustration of the surfers as they barely make progress within their country, as well as the joy once success has been accomplished. An intense interview with Frank shows the first time he ever saw someone surfing in a magazine that a tourist left behind. It was quite overwhelming for Frank, but he was taken over with an ecstatic feeling. As Frank delicately sands his board and dedicates it to his newborn daughter, you can see the smile light up on his face. He hopes one day his daughter can express that same joy openly in Cuba.

Yaya, the second surfer featured in the film, takes her passion for surfing to an activist stance—attempting to legalize surfing as a sport in Cuba. The film shows her many frustrating attempts to talk with the head of government who controls sports, the National Institute of Sports and Recreation ( INDER), but she has no luck getting through. Yaya even tries to speak with them in person, but her requests are ignored. Still, this failure doesn’t stop her

Photo courtesy of Makewild Films

ADMIRING HIS LOVE for the ocean, Frank overlooks the sea with his board.

Photo courtesy of Makewild Films

EMERGING FROM CUBAN waters on his surfboard, Frank practices his passion despite the risks he could face. and Frank from showing the Cuban people and everything that he loves. Despite the that there is legitimate surfing in Cuba, and risk involved, he defies the oppression of his country and accomplishes something it needs to be recognized.

To combat the government’s resistance extraordinary. In the end, Frank is able towards permitting surfing, Yaya decides to return safely home. Meanwhile, Yaya that the only way for the government to opens up her own surfing competition understand the role surfing plays in many and camp with children, passing on the citizens’ lives is to film the surfers. As she knowledge and passion of surfing to makes her short film (seperate from the the young. Video footage shows these documentary), they travel up and down young surfers using shaped wooden the Cuban coast hitting the hidden surf plates as temporary boards, but not spots such as Manati, Camalote and even even that stops these aspiring kids from following their dreams.

Guantanamo Bay. What struck me most when watching As Yaya and Frank continue up the coast, the beauty of Cuba comes alive with this film is how following your passion drone shots of the bright blue waters and in Cuba becomes a political issue. perfect waves. The way the shots are filmed Something as simple as riding a wave varies, some in the car, some from a drone created national discord and formed and others from the beach, all capturing unity over a fight for civilian rights. I the physical and emotional beauty of their would recommend this documentary if interested in the ties between politics journey.

Towards the end, the Cuban surfers and passion and make sure to watch this reach small victories, but those victories movie on Havanalibre.film. come with a price. Frank is invited to participate in an Olympic qualifying event in Peru, however, the government makes it clear that if he goes he will be risking his citizenship to his country, which means being separated from his wife, daughter asvendsen@redwoodbark.org

March 25, 2022 bark Page 17 • Review ‘The Dropout’ takes a riveting story from trial to TV

By Annie Goldstein By 2015, Theranos, the medical startup company valued at $9 billion, had reached its peak. With claims of technology that could use a single pinprick of blood to determine the results of over 240 tests, from measuring glucose levels to producing genetic analysis, the company was set on achieving breakthroughs that would change the face of medicine. Founder Elizabeth Holmes grasped the world’s attention with her pioneering efforts at the forefront of diagnostics and her budding success as the youngest and wealthiest self-made female billionaire. A year later, Holmes and her prized company would come crashing down after being exposed for using technology that failed to provide the results promised. Hulu’s new series, “The Dropout,” serves as a medium for us to attempt to understand the ambitions of the Stanford dropout and mastermind behind it all.

Starring Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Laurie Metcalf and other Hollywood stars, the cast fits perfectly into their roles, bringing the riveting story to life. The real star of the show, without a doubt, is Seyfried. She has an impeccable ability to embody even Holmes’ slightest of social cues and mannerisms. From nailing Holmes’ deep baritone voice to playing into her moments of awkwardness and inability to connect with others, her prowess is worthy of great praise.

The first episode begins in a courtroom where Holmes gives testimony for her trial. Director Michael Showalter uses the Holmes trial as an aid in telling the mesmerizing story while intertwining the past with the present. Set in 1995, the first clip of the past is a young Holmes striding painfully slow down an empty track, her teammates and opponents standing on the sidelines in disbelief of her perseverance to finish the race. What initially seems like a somewhat cheesy way to capture Holmes’ childhood struggle in combination with her ambition and drive turns into a perfectly constructed visual of Holmes in every aspect of her life — unbreakable by hardship and challenge but too consumed by her desire for success that

Photo courtesy of Hulu

STARRING AMANDA SEYFRIED as Elizabeth Holmes, “The Dropout” tells the story of the faulty diagnostic company Theranos. she is unable to comprehend the lessons failure brings. storyline and the inner workings of Elizabeth Holmes. With A catchy soundtrack accompanies Holmes from an easy-to-follow, chronologically sequenced plotline, the her days at Stanford University to the earliest stages of viewer is enveloped by an immersive look into the life of business, adding humanizing touches to a very grim Holmes as she progresses through her late childhood into story. More specifically, the song “I’m in a Hurry (and adulthood. Grabbing the attention of viewers from tech Don’t Know Why)” by Alabama plays gleefully in the startups in Silicon Valley to the followers of the Holmes background during many pivotal scenes. Its lines, “I’m in trial, “The Dropout” is a must-watch series available only a hurry to get things done” and “Oh, I rush and rush until on Hulu. Be sure to stay tuned for new episodes releasing life’s no fun,” come to fruition as Holmes embarks on her every Thursday. journey to becoming a billionaire.

In just the first three episodes that launched with the show’s premiere, the audience is enthralled with the agoldstein@redwoodbark.org

These spots in Marin will leave you starstruck

By Charlotte DeForrest

From Mount Tamalpias to Stinson Beach, the Bay Area is known for its spectacular landscapes. Residents and tourists frequently flock to overlooks like the Marin Headlands to watch the sunset, take a hike or have a picnic. But once the light is gone and most viewers have left, a new beauty emerges: the glittering night sky. Depending on the Earth’s rotation, between 2,500 and 5,000 stars are visible to the naked eye on most nights in the Bay Area. On top of that, Marin’s location and high vista points create the perfect locations to view all these stars at once.

For the best results, avoid days when the moon is full or almost full to eliminate light pollution. Using apps such as StarView Lite and Sky Guide is also a great way for you to identify stars, planets and constellations and learn about the night sky in real time.

Photo by Charlotte DeForrest

GLEAMING FROM ABOVE, thousands of stars are visible in Point Reyes and light up the sky.

Photo courtesy of SkyView Lite

LIGHTING UP THE night sky, the constellation of Orion is visible from all stargazing locations in the Bay Area from January to April.

Point Reyes Point Reyes is considered one of the best stargazing locations in California due to its low light pollution. Recently, Point Reyes applied to become an official “international dark sky reserve,” a title currently held by less than 24 places on Earth which are considered to have optimally low light pollution and spectacular stars. While it may take up to two years for Point Reyes to be designated as an official sky reserve spot, there is no denying the quality of the stargazing there.

As you continue past the town of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay, simply finding a shoulder to pull off of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard allows you a glimpse of an infinite number of colorful, shining stars.

The closer you are to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, the better the view. Even though the drive from Southern Marin is far and especially tricky in the dark, the view is well worth it. The stillness of driving the open roads in the dark is calming and makes you feel at peace as you are surrounded by the sky. Familiar constellations like Orion’s belt, the Big Dipper and Taurus are easily identified due to their luminosity. Point Reyes and the surrounding areas are surely

the best places for new stargazers to visit because even without being able to identify different constellations and planets; the view is simply like none other.

Muir Beach Overlook Located right off Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach Overlook is a scenic viewpoint and picnic spot. This empty parking lot provides the perfect accessible location to witness a panoramic view of the sky framed by towering Redwood trees.

The drive to Muir Beach Overlook from Redwood or the Larkspur area is much shorter than Point Reyes, and while the view may not compare to West Marin, thousands of stars, as well as planets and common constellations, are visible. The elevation and unobstructed views are big pros as well. Overall, Muir Beach Overlook is the perfect place for those who want to experience a sky free of major light pollution without traveling too far.

The Marin Headlands The Golden Gate Bridge overlook in the Marin Headlands is the closest of the three locations to Redwood, and although the drive is easy and convenient,

the abundance of stars simply does not compare with Point Reyes. Light pollution from the Golden Gate Bridge, passing cars and the city skyscrapers makes it hard to pick out the clusters of stars that are visible at Point Reyes. The bridge acts as a distraction from the sky and takes away the peaceful ambience that should be apparent when stargazing.

Additionally, fog frequently hinders the view, and parking can be challenging, making it hard to “camp out” and spend time with the stars. Although this location is not the best for stargazing, it is a great place to admire the lights of the bridge and the city line of San Francisco over the Bay. No matter which location you pick, stargazing is a one of a kind experience you don’t want to miss. So grab your layers, a folding chair and binoculars and get ready to take in the night sky!

cdeforrest@redwoodbark.org

bark Page 18 • Review Lavigne returns to her roots with ‘Love Sux’

By Gemma Strauss I hope you brought your black eyeliner and “f*ck you” attitude because Avril Lavigne’s new album “Love Sux” will take you straight back to the early 2000’s punk-rock craze. This energy-infused album is packed with 12 anthemic songs with hooks that were written for you to scream to in your car.

The project is classic Lavigne, meaning it is chock full of aggressive drumming and skilled riffs. Produced by punk-rock legend and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, “Love Sux” is a predictable but much appreciated album for all the rebels (and rebels at heart).

Starting the tracklist off with a bang, “Cannonball” is a throwback to Lavigne’s 2002 debut album “Let Go.” The song sets the tone for the album with a shredding riff and the shouted “mother f*ckers let’s go!” at the beginning. Maintaining the momentum from “Cannonball,” Lavigne slams listeners with her highly anticipated duet with hip-hop and rock icon, Machine Gun Kelly, on “Bois Lie.” This song is simple in structure but nevertheless catchy due to its conversational nature, as it eventually morphs into a heated conversation between Lavigne and Kelly singing as fictional exes. The conflict is about who wronged the other more with Kelly singing “okay, I’m losing all my patience” and Lavigne replying with “God, you make me anxious.” The song solidifies the punk sound of the album, but is only an opening act for the lead single “Bite Me.” “Bite Me” starts with a more

complex, hearty chord progression, and despite the uncanny resemblance to Lavigne’s 2007 hit “Girlfriend,” can stand on its own. The hook is especially catchy with Lavigne singing “and we’ll be together never, so baby, you can bite me” in an extra bratty tone. Contrary to the album’s order, I would argue that “Bite Me” is the “taste test” song on the album. If you’re not a fan of its intensity and lyrical style, you probably won’t enjoy the rest of the album. After “Bite Me,” we get the 2nd out of the three features on the album, this time with blackbear, who is most known for his hit 2020 song “hot girl bummer.” “I Love It When You Hate Me,” showcases blackbear’s influence on the track, as it features a modern trap beat that accompanies Lavigne’s consistent rock sound.

The next few songs on the album, “Déjà vu,” “F.U.” and “All I Wanted (feat. Mark Hopkins)” are not memorable and sound relatively the same. The title track, “Love Sux” is another repetitive and whiny song about the pain of heartbreak. However, after 20 minutes of the aforementioned punk sound, listeners get a refreshing glimpse of her softer side with “Dare To Love Me.” This track is the most stylistically different track that we have gotten from Lavigne in a while. The song starts out very quiet and slow, but eventually crescendos into yet another punk anthem, though better than the repetition seen in prior songs.

Lavigne has been burning the punk persona at both ends for two decades, but as she has gotten older, her music has sounded the same, which is strangely impressive, yet unrelieved. The last song on the album is just that; good but nothing

March 25, 2022

Photo courtesy of Stereogum

MARKING TWO DECADES of her pop-punk sound, Avril Lavigne released her new pop-punk album “Love Sux,” on Feb. 25. special. “Break Of A Heartache,” resolves the hatred and rage that Lavigne felt throughout the rest of the album. Spitting “so I’m gonna walk away, I’ll walk away, at least I’ve got the balls to say I don’t wanna cry like that,” Lavigne realizes that no matter how great this relationship could be, it’s ultimately not going to be worth the inevitable hurt. The song rounds out the

break-up album with a bang, but as with the album itself, nothing spectacular.

Despite the tiresome sound of the album, if the punk-rock heartache sound is your jam, “Love Sux” is available on all streaming platforms. gstrauss@redwoodbark.org

The Oscars’ 2022 Best Foreign Feature Film nominees

By Sofia Ruliffson Every year, families across the country gather in front of their television to watch the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, which rates the best movies released over the past year. The Oscars are known as the most honorable awards in the entertainment industry, with nominations ranging from Best Actor and Best Director, to Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Another popular nomination is Best International Feature, highlighting the top foreign films released each year.

The 2022 Oscars nominations for Best International Feature include “Drive My Car,” “Flee,” “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” “The Hand of God” and “The Worst Person in the World.” These nominations meet the criteria for the Best International Feature films, as they dive into culturally diverse waters with plot twists, heavy emotions and jaw dropping moments that will leave you in awe.

Photo courtesy of IMDb

FOLLOW JULIE’S LIFE-CHANGING decisions as she attempts to not be “The Worst Person in the World.”

Nomination #1 - Drive My Car If you are into more dramatic, mysterious and soulstirring movies, then the original Japanese film, “Drive My Car,” is the movie for you. Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, the film takes place in Hiroshima Japan.

The movie is inspired by a short story with an emotional start two years after the main character, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), loses his wife to an unexpected death. As the movie progresses, Kafuku receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya at a theater festival in Hiroshima. He meets Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), a young woman assigned by the festival to show him around, revealing the tensions that begin to grow amongst the cast and crew of the film, which remain absent among Kafuku and Koji Takatsuki (Masaki Okada). Viewers watch Yusuke forcefully confront painful truths that arise from his past, and encounter the haunting mysteries his wife left behind with the help of his driver. Drive My Car is a haunting, intense and breath-taking movie traveling a path of loss, love, peace and acceptance. This film takes its time defining its characters and building its narrative, along with the calmness to appreciate its morality.

Nomination #2 - The Worst Person in the World The last nomination for the Best International Feature nomination is “Worst Person in the World,” a modern dramedy about the quest for love and meaning set in Oslo, Norway. It covers four years in the life of Julie, a young woman who strives to discover her career path and explores the rollercoaster of her love life, prompting her to take a realistic look at who she really is. Watchers get a deeper insight of Julie’s daily struggles, allowing them to understand how it feels to second guess the best moments of your life. At times, viewers may become frustrated by Julie’s indecisiveness. However, they will surely get drawn into the movie while they ponder what will happen next.

While the movie is a little slow-paced, a layer of beauty shines throughout the film as you absorb the characters’ stories and experiences moving alongside Julie’s life.

Nomination #3 - Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, is a 2019 Bhutanese drama film about a school teacher, Ugyen (Sherab Dorji), in his final year of training. As the movie progresses, Ugyen is sent to the remote town of Lunana where he works as a teacher at the worlds’ smallest school. This touching story will give you a new level of respect for people living in more remote and low-income areas. The director did an excellent job creating an eye-opening experience for the viewers by

highlighting the gap in development between countries around the world. To complement this beautiful story, the movie incorporates several scenes with the wondrous Himalayas keeping audiences engaged with a fantastic plot that warms their hearts. “Laguna: A Yak in the Classroom,” is a film that is humorous, romantic and sincere, ready to leave its watchers filled with sympathy and warmth.

Nomination #4 - The Hand of God “The Hand of God,” by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, is a coming-of-age drama that will leave viewers filled with compassion and tenderness. The film combines the horrifying and amusing, scandalous and real, sad and victorious aspects of the Fabietto family.

The plot revolves around young Fabietto, living in Naples with his family and extended relatives. As the slow and sorrowful film begins, viewers are stabbed in the heart with the tragic loss of Fabietto’s parents. Hopeless and miserable, Fabietto continues his life, constantly feeling as if it has been shattered. Follow Fabietto’s adventure as he travels to Rome to pursue his dream of making movies. Viewers will be taken on a tour through different paths of life that are filled with loneliness and suffering.

Nomination #5 - Flee Portraying the refugee experience through an evocative Danish animation, “Flee” goes beyond the boundaries of documentary filmmaking to create a touching memoir of self-discovery. The animation director, Jonas Poher Rasmussen, depicts his remarkable journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan. Viewers receive the nail-biting opportunity to follow the story of the main character, Amin Nawabi, as he encounters a painful secret he has kept hidden for 20 years. The movie forces watchers to lean towards the edge of their seats as they discover that the life he has built for himself and his soon-to-be husband, will quickly be sabotaged by the mysterious threats that arise throughout the film.

“Flee” is not your usual family-friendly animated movie that the Oscars tend to favor, and is definitely a film that stands out in the best international feature film category.

The Best International Feature nominations of 2022 were an excellent pick, providing watchers with an opportunity to gain a new taste on different cultures around the world and make it worth the watch!

sruliffson@redwoodbark.org

Page 19

Sadie Leonard strikes out the competition model for everyone, no matter her age,” Connors said.

“She works super hard and is always determined to do her “[Softball] is a game of failure. No one hits every best. She is one of the most positive people on the field, time. No one only throws strikes. No one never gets out. I always talking, cheering people on or cheering people up think this leads to a culture of picking each other up when if they are having a hard time.”

To pass on her love for softball, Sadie began coaching something does not go the right way because something younger kids ages six to twelve, taking on the role of a will always not go the right way,” senior Sadie leader and mentor to aspiring athletes.

Leonard said.

“I had a lot of older pitchers mentor me Drawn to the game of softball to when I was younger, and it was really cool to socialize, play outdoors and wear get their wisdom, to learn the mechanics of colorful uniforms, Sadie began pitching and to have them as role models,” playing when she was 5-years-old Sadie said. “I have always loved working and has continued as a pitcher for with kids. I want to be a teacher when I am the past 12 years. This dedication has older, so it is [always] really rewarding paid off as, according to West Coast to watch kids learn and develop [while] Preps, Sadie is currently ranked being able to support them through that the fourth-best high school softball process.” player in the Bay Area.

After playing on the girls’ varsity Additionally, Sadie has been softball team for four years, Sadie looks involved in many other sports and forward to her next journey: playing activities throughout her life, like for Williams College, a Division basketball and theater. However, with her III (DIII) liberal arts school increasing talent for softball, she decided to in Massachusetts, this drop many of these extracurriculars. upcoming fall.

“I wanted to do everything, [but] as Sadie’s mom, I got older I had to stop doing some Naomi Leonard, [activities,] so I could continue coached her for pursuing [softball] at a high five years, which intensity,” Sadie said. “Softball was allowed them to just something that I [had to] have spend more time in my life.” together and helped Between softball practices, spur her longSadie began the recruitment process. time passion for While she started talking to coaches the sport. Now, freshman year, she faced challenges Naomi will see with COVID-19, which halted her daughter her games and limited in-person off to college, meetings. Yet, she also learned entering a to value softball more than ever program she during this time. believes will “During the be an excellent pandemic, when I fit for Sadie. was forced to take “Sadie settled on time away from wanting a DIII program. She softball, I realized wanted to be able to compete at a how much I loved high level, but she also wanted it and how important a more balanced college [softball was] in my life,” experience and a strong Sadie said. “Because I academic program,” Naomi formed relationships [with said. “For me, when I saw college coaches] online [Williams College] on paper, [due to COVID-19,] I was like, ‘That seems so coaches were able to perfect for her,’” Naomi said. see whether or not I While college may be in the would be a good fit innear future, Sadie is busy with person pretty quickly the beginning of Redwood’s 2022 [once restrictions spring softball season. So far, Sadie lightened.]” has led the team as a co-captain in Sadie’s coaches a seven-win, three-loss season and and teammates alike believes the team has great potential. notice her positive outlook. Katie “We have a really strong program and Connors, a close teammate and fellow work really well together. I think there is senior, praises Sadie for her optimistic a lot of good competition this year, but I am encouragement and uplifting attitude.

“Sadie has always been a positive role Photo courtesy of Andy Pineda really excited, and I think we definitely have

By Stella Bennett

Photo courtesy of Andy Pineda

LEADING THE TEAM huddle, Leonard rallies her teammates with encouragement during a game.

the skill to do well,” Sadie said.

12 years into playing softball, Sadie still has a whole future ahead of her in this game. Sports are often a way for students to make friends or get in some necessary exercise; however, Naomi reflects upon Sadie’s experience as not solely about the sport but also a learning experience.

“I think of this whole thing as a journey for [Sadie,] and not one that’s leading her toward some endpoint,” Naomi said. “The learning she is getting along the way [which requires responsibility and leadership] is so beneficial to her, both the success and the failures are going to help her in life.”

sbennett@redwoodbark.org

March 25, 2022 bark Page 20 • Sports Surf’s up and she’s up! Katie Slevin shreds at dawn

By Sophie Smallhorn At 7:12 a.m. on a Monday, freshman Katie Slevin heads toward the surf wearing slippers and a wetsuit. Beyond their pillowy foam, the waves of Fort Cronkhite could not be more different from the soft sheets where many students lie asleep. Most weekday mornings, Katie opts for the beach instead of extra time in her bed so she can chase her dream of becoming a professional surfer.

“I’ve always been a really competitive person; I’ve done sports all my life. My dream was to compete in surfing, and [competing in] high school has helped with that. Every time I’m out in the water competing, I have this rush of adrenaline,” Katie said.

Inspired by watching surfing videos online, Katie signed u p for her first surf camp in Pacifica, just south of San Francisco, when she was seven years old. Now, she surfs with the Marin Surf Team and regularly attends competitions in Santa Cruz. “[Surfing] didn’t really come naturally [to me.] It was fun, but my mom couldn’t bring me out all the time, so it was a rare occasion,” Katie said. “Even though I wasn’t that good at first, being out in the ocean [and] being with family and friends made me really happy.”

Noticing improvement, Katie and her older sister Kylie Slevin then took on the more challenging swells of Fort Cronkhite and Ocean Beach. But as life has become busier due to fewer pandemic restrictions, surfing as frequently has become increasingly difficult for Katie, especially since her sister moved away to college. Regardless, she has remained committed.

“I’m definitely a very motivated surfer. I am always asking to go surfing.

Photo by Sophie Smallhorn

KATIE SLEVIN CATCHES a left wave at Fort Cronkhite as she looks down the line.

That’s the main topic [of discussion] with sacrificing nights out for even just a threemy parents, ‘when I can get out in the hour surf session. Driving to the beach and water?’” Katie said. changing their schedules has forced Katie’s Katie’s family is considering moving family to decide whether her passion down to Santa Cruz next year to be should consume so much of their energy. closer in proximity to her surf trainer as Kim had this realization about five years well as the vast surf community. Since ago once she saw the lengths it took to go December, Katie has been driving down surfing with a surf camp instructor. to Santa Cruz every weekend to improve “I saw her putting on a freezing cold her technique and learn tricks with a wetsuit. It was probably 30 degrees. Then private trainer. In one or two sessions per she [went] out in windy, crazy conditions day, she skateboards, surfs or both. Many [with] sheets of rain. It was slamming out surfers, including Katie, cross-train by there. That’s when I knew that she was skateboarding to replicate the movement dedicated to surfing. Nobody does that of making turns on a wave. Katie’s coach unless they love it,” Kim said. only teaches private lessons to those he If the Slevin’s move down to Santa sees potential in, proving to Katie’s mom, Cruz, Katie will likely attend Soquel High Kim Slevin, that her daughter’s hard work School, taking classes half online and half is paying off. Kim and Kylie see Katie’s in-person to focus on surfing. The hybrid success stem from her easygoing yet program strays from that of a typical high dedicated personality. school student, but Katie is familiar with “Most of the time, she’s this goofy, taking her own academic path, having laid-back person, but she’s super devoted grown up with dyslexia. to the things she cares about,” Kylie said.

“Having a child with the inability to Time and time again, Katie has fit into the regular school curriculum and demonstrated her desire to improve by then seeing that they excel in another one,

as a parent. I’ve made a choice to really embrace and honor what she excels at and what her passion is,” Kim said. “Thank you, dyslexia, for allowing surfing into [her] life and letting [her] go towards that.”

Like progression in any sport, surfing requires consistency, but wave conditions vary and can limit opportunities for Katie to practice. Even though she stays physically fit, Katie notices a psychological difference from taking even a five-day break.

“When you’re really, really passionate about surfing, there’s always a sense of anxiety when you’re potentially not going to be in the water that day. It really got to her, and it still does when she feels trapped at home,” Kylie said. “Sitting in your room is not where you want to be when you can be out on the waves getting better at something that you care about.”

Although the competitions in Santa Cruz just ended for the year, Katie will continue training at the same intensity.

Her determination speaks to her character and inspires her family every day.

“Her passion, devotion, intuition and empathy; [I thought] those had nothing to do with surfing. Then all of a sudden, she’s surfing, and I see them intertwined.

So, it makes my morning wake-ups and driving a lot easier,” Kim said. ssmallhorn@redwoodbark.org

Scan the QR code to watch Katie surf.

Lucy Ginis has ice skating figured out

By Casey Braff

“When I was little, I had this book about a figure skater. I remember that she broke her ankle and everyone [said], ‘you'll never skate again.’ But then she did, and she won a bunch of [competitions]. I found it really inspirational [and I told myself,] ‘I'm going to be like her when I grow up,’” junior Lucy Ginis said.

Lucy has been ice skating since kindergarten and competing with her team, known as the Tremors, since the fifth grade. Tremors is regulated by U.S. Figure Skating, the national governing body for figure skating in the U.S., and competes around the country in tournaments. Lucy’s team, composed of 12-20 girls from around the Bay Area, has been skating together for the past few years and practices at Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco and Snoopy’s Ice Rink in Santa Rosa. Lucy is drawn to synchronized skating for both the team aspect and its unique art form.

“What I like specifically about synchronized skating is [that] it's less about the specific movements done strategically and more about how they all flow together. [Skating is] more of a dance. Plus, having teammates is [like having] built-in friends,” Lucy said.

For Lucy, one of her favorite parts of the Tremors program and ice skating in general is the community and family aspect of the team. “[Our team has] become a really tight-knit community. We're always talking with each other and working with each other. [Synchronized skating] has taught me a lot about teamwork and trust because I am physically holding onto [my teammates], and I am depending on them not to fall,” Lucy said.

The affection Lucy has for her teammates goes both ways. Vinia Ng, a senior at Burlingame High School and one of Lucy’s teammates for the past five years, recognizes the closeness

Photo courtesy of Lucy Ginis

LUCY (FAR LEFT) competes with her team at championships across the U.S.

Lucy’s positivity brings to the team. “[Lucy is] definitely the glue and brings everyone together … She's very welcoming and easy to talk to. She’s encouraging and she's always positive [which is] super refreshing,” Ng said.

According to Lucy’s older sister, Marnie Ginis, Lucy’s team worked incredibly hard to win first place at the Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Championships, and Lucy’s drive is what brought the team there. “[Lucy] started out on [a] lower [level] team and worked her way up.

[Her team] won sectionals two years ago. It's really impressive,” Marnie said.

For Lucy, winning sectionals was one of the most memorable moments in her figure skating career thus far. All of the early morning wake-ups, countless hours practicing and dedication paid off at their competition in Kansas.

“We did not expect to win,” Lucy said.

“After they announced third, [we gave up] and [thought,] ‘oh yeah, whatever, we tried,’ [but] then [the announcers said] ‘In first place, Tremors,’ and we just freaked out. It felt really great,” Lucy said.

The win was a surprise to the team because they did not see the other teams compete. Her teammate Ng shared the same sentiment about the unexpected victory that the team had.

“Honestly even our coaches didn't put too much pressure on us because the competition at sectionals is very intense. We went there hoping to have fun and just do our best, as cliche as that sounds, and we just happened to win. So it was insane,” Ng said.

Competing alone can bring on performance anxiety for Lucy, but competing with her team is very different for her. Not only does Lucy’s team look to her for support, but they are her support system when competing.

“I really can't take the pressure of [competing alone], but when I'm in a team, it's not a problem at all. My brain just leaves, and it's completely muscle memory. I'll get

Photo courtesy of Lucy Ginis

LUCY RECEIVES THE medal for her team’s win in the Midwestern and Pacific Coast Championships. off the ice and [think,] ‘[did those last] five minutes actually happen?’ And I just don't feel any pressure at all,” Lucy said.

Lucy’s effortless skills on the ice and all that she accomplished come from her unwavering determination and work ethic. Marnie recognizes the amount of dedication and hard work Lucy puts into skating, especially considering that she wakes up at five a.m. in order to have her parents drive her to San Francisco and Santa Rosa to skate before school.

“She has to [say] ‘I want [to skate] enough that I'm going to ask [my parents] to make the sacrifices [to drive me there],’” Marnie said. “No one else is pushing her. She has to not only push herself but [she] also [must] show our parents that she's really committed.

All of the persistence is [from] her.”

cbraff@redwoodbark.org

bark Track and field triumphs in the first meet of the season Page 21 • Sports

www.redwoodbark.org

By Declan McDaniels With the sun scorching above and batons in hand, track athletes flooded the Doug “Flash” Basham track in anticipation of their first race of the season on Thursday, March 17. Redwood was feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day, as both the girls’ and boys’ varsity teams beat Marin Catholic and Terra Linda by a considerable amount. This year’s track team is the biggest it has ever been, with just under 200 students participating daily. The team is heavy with underclassmen, but there are standout competitors across the board.

Given these sizable numbers, senior Valentino Starbird spoke on the importance of staying focused and motivated during practices. “[Track] is a lot of discipline because we have to stay true to doing strength days and actually practicing when our coach is not looking,” Starbird said. “Because it is such a big team, a lot of the captains have to step up and help run the practices. I think everybody wants to improve which is why we’re all getting better.”

At track meets, the winner is determined by which

Photo by Declan McDaniels

SPRINTING AHEAD OF the competition, junior Baden Bunch finishes the last leg of the boys varsity 4x100meter relay race to solidify the win.

team has the most points at the end of the meet, and points are accumulated by individual athletes when they do well in their events. First place earns five points, second place earns three points and third place earns one point. Junior Conor Weasler outlined that the scoring in track makes the sport even more interesting.

“Your individual performance is all based on yourself, but you’re still a part of a team. Everyone has to do well individually for the team to win,” Weasler said. “Although you can control how you do in your event, a team win still takes a team effort.”

While most track events involve individual performances, relay races are composed of four sprinters that are working together to beat out their opponent.

This year’s boys varsity 4x100 relay team is consistently outperforming the opposition, and they are one of the top teams in the state. Junior Jack Putney, a sprinter on the team, talked about their advantage over other less experienced teams.

“We’ve been practicing as a group a lot. It’s been a consistent relay team throughout the time we’ve all been doing track, so the team chemistry is there compared to other teams that got put together last second,” Putney said.

Senior Alexander Maher and juniors Miles Grossman and Baden Bunch are also members of the boys varsity 4x100 relay team. As a unit, the four sprinters have steadily decreased their time with consistent training and commitment. Putney reflected on the team’s improvement over the past few weeks, displaying immense confidence in their capability.

“We were at 45.1 seconds, and then we dropped down to 44.15 last week. Then, we dropped to a 43.8 in this meet, which is just a big improvement considering those were three consecutive meets, and we got better each time by a sizable amount,” Putney said.

The group is 0.7 seconds away from the Redwood 4x100 relay record, but Putney emphasized that the team still has a lot to work on in terms of technique. Starbird also mentioned the significance of technique in a sport like track, explaining what it takes to be in the top ranks.

“Technique is 90 percent of the actual event because you can be talented and naturally fast, but if you’re really slow out of the blocks or you don’t have good form while you’re running, that’s going to waste your time,” Starbird said. “It is really the epitome of ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’”

Along with the boys varsity 4x100 relay team, there were many other standouts in the meet that led to Redwood’s success. Sophomore Tatum McPeek won the

Photo by Declan McDaniels

SETTING HIS HANDS behind the starting line, junior Miles Grossman gets ready to explode out of his stance in the 400-meter race around the track. girls varsity 400-meter race with a 102.21-second sprint, Starbird received first place in high jump, discus and shotput and Bunch blew away his competition in the boys varsity 100-meter and 200-meter races. Weasler describes the environment of the track meet as very welcoming and lively, as opponents are extremely encouraging.

“It is a really friendly environment,” Weasler said, “I’d say that some sports get a little toxic. With the environment of a track meet, everyone is competing, but they’re also pushing others to do better rather than trying to take them down.”

As the track team continues throughout the season, the young prospects will continue to improve, and the seasoned veterans will continue to lead. This was just the first meet of the season, giving immense potential for growth in all events. According to Weasler, there is one specific event that should be watched closely by the Redwood community in the coming weeks.

“Watch out for the boys 4x100 meter record,” Weasler said. “It will probably get beaten soon.”

dmcdaniels@redwoodbark.org

Opinion: The IOC and Russia need to be held accountable Valieva is not to blame Story and Illustration by Libby Hughes

In February 2014, Russia concluded the Olympics in their host city, Sochi, after racking up an astounding 33 medals, surpassing all other countries in the winter games. Less than two years later, in November 2015, the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) accused Russia of running a systematic, state-sponsored doping program. This alleged program included destroying and faking urine samples by passing them through a hole drilled into the wall of the anti-doping lab.

According to the former head of Russia’s Anti-Doping Center, Grigory Rodchenkov, at least 15 medalists from Sochi were part of the doping program. In the midst of this doping investigation against Russia, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) then allowed Russia to compete in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games, stating “individual sporting federations can make their own decisions regarding sanctions.” Russia ended up winning 19 medals that summer, which was unfair to the other countries that competed cleanly. It also shows that the IOC needed to reform their policies surrounding drug policies and ethics as an international organization.

Even after Olympic officials and Russian intelligence were found to be part of the Sochi widespread doping, individual Russian athletes were still allowed to

compete in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games. Under orders from the IOC, Russia’s flag and anthem were absent from the games as a penalty for doping. Instead of taking the opportunity to completely ban Russia for a full Olympic cycle (one winter game and summer game), the IOC permitted Russia to participate, completely belittling other athletes who had competed clean.

In the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Russia was involved in another doping scandal, yet, this time no one was surprised.

After leading Russia to victory in the 2022 European figure skating championships, 15-year-old star figure skater Kamila Valieva was found with trace amounts of trimetazidine in her system, a banned stimulant that is used in heart medicine, right after becoming the first woman to land a quad at the Olympics.

Even though Valieva produced her test in late December, the laboratory did not send and test them to Stockholm at the WADA lab until Feb. 7, in the midst of her competing in Beijing.

Despite figure skating being the premier event in

the Olympics, the IOC and WADA failed to expedite the results which, for some inexplicable reason, were not reported until after Valieva had completed.

After her test results became public, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) provisionally suspended Valieva. However, a day later, the suspension was canceled by the Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee and the Court of Arbitration of Sport, which facilitates the settlement of sport related disputes, allowing Valieva to continue competition. The IOC then announced that if Valieva, who was favored to win gold, placed the highest overall, they would cancel the medal ceremony. Canceling this event for all athletes would completely detract from their accomplishments.

However, it is important not to blame Valieva, but rather the system that allows this: Russia and the IOC. The IOC has continually let Russia get away with doping and the fact that they were surprised when yet another incident occured is completely nonsensical.

The IOC should also seriously reassess its stance on recreational drugs. After Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games when submitting a positive marijuana test, many questioned why a

practically harmless and non-performance enhancing drug is on a list with masking agents and anabolic steroids. The IOC should consider amending their banned substance list because there is no evidence that marijuana is performance enhancing and it seems unfair to punish athletes based on a test that is irrelevant to athletic ability.

After years of putting athletes second to politicization and greed, it is no doubt that the Olympics needs to implement serious improvements. IOC members have even been convicted of accepting bribes in the form of cash, gifts, entertainment, business favors and subsidized travel costs.

Most of the blame has been put on IOC President Thomas Bach, and rightfully so.

Bach has continually put the revenues from TV broadcasts and corporate sponsorships above the safety and integrity of the athletes. Bach has also openly disregarded the Russian state-sponsored doping scandal and publicly failed to condemn the numerous human rights violations by multiple countries, including China towards the Uyghur Muslim population.

Instead, he awarded China as the 2022 Winter Games host.

Valieva is an extremely talented skater, but letting her compete creates a double standard between countries regarding the involvement of recreational and performance enhancement drugs.

Additionally, this brings to light the outdated and irrelevant drug rules enforced by the IOC and WADA, demonstrating the alarming extent to which these groups continue to undervalue the integrity of athletes. lhughes@redwoodbark.org

Page 22

Face to Face: Will you be masked or mask-less at school?

Story and Photos by Caroline Scharf

how you communicate.

Face-to-Face is a feature that allows two members of the Redwood community to debate with each other, argue or simply converse about a relevant issue or event.

We provide the topic, and they do the rest. This month’s participants are junior Addie Stoterau and senior Grace Minturn, discussing the topic of continuing to wear a mask at school.

AS: I'm wearing a mask to school still. At least for the whole month of March and then the week following spring break, and then [I’ll] see from there. I'm going to keep wearing [it] for multiple reasons. One, because I think it's dumb that we're removing it, and two, because I'm an immunocompromised person. I don't feel comfortable not wearing [masks] at all yet.

Do you think Redwood lifting the mask mandate was the right decision?

Grace Minturn: I do think it was about time that we lifted the mass mandate, especially as these variants are getting weaker and the symptoms are getting less and less severe.

Do you think the majority of students will take their masks off and why?

GM: I think most kids will take their mask off just because a lot of people don't like wearing masks… but I definitely think there will be a small population of [the] school that will be keeping [masks] on just to keep themselves safe or family members safe.

Addie Stoterau: I don't [agree], mostly because I feel it's still so early. [Different states] have … lifted mask mandates across the country so many times now, and then within two weeks, [they’ve] put them back on because there's been spikes in cases or maybe a new variant. I feel [that lifting the mask mandate] only at the beginning of March seems so early.

Will you still be wearing a mask to school and why?

GM: I will not be wearing a mask, mainly because it's been so long that we have been wearing mask[s]. As a community where we're mostly vaccinated, I feel pretty safe taking my mask off. I also haven't seen the faces of many [of my] peers in a very long time.

I'm super excited to be able to connect one-on-one with someone, without having something covering a big part of

AS: I think a majority of students will be taking them off just because I've been in school [and] I've seen people walking down the hallway and not wearing [them]…we've

reached the point where it's just connected to the ears and strapped underneath their chin and not even trying to look like they're wearing their mask anymore…it'll be 75 percent not wearing them at least.

Do you think school will remain safe from COVID-19 if students aren’t wearing masks?

GM: I want to think that we'll stay safe and that people will be responsible and say, “Oh, I'm not feeling well. I'm not going to go to school today” and try to reduce the spread … hopefully … case[s] will stay low and people will recognize if they're not feeling well and they'll stay at home.

AS: I think it's hard to say right now, just because… people are not really wearing them anyways. I just think that for me personally, I'll feel better by still wearing them. Provided that people didn't lie, most of our school is vaccinated, teachers and students, so I feel like it'll be okay. Not great, but it'll be okay.

Do you have concerns surrounding the lifted mask mandate? If so, what are they?

GM: I don't really have any concerns. I think it's just been long enough of wearing mask[s] and covering up. And so while I do get kind of scared about other people getting sick, I feel the consequences [of taking off masks] won't be that extreme.

Grace Minturn VS Addie Stoterau

AS: My main concern is just are we going to have a big freak out moment like the country did when we've lifted [mask mandates] before where we've had to shut things down again and put the mandate back up? Because I really don't want to do that. cscharf@redwoodbark.org

bark Tamalpais students SWAP out how teenagers share clothes www.redwoodbark.org

Page 23 • Lifestyles

By Ingrid Houtkooper Flare leggings. High-waisted jeans. Matching pajama sets. All fashionable trends in 2022. Another fashionable trend? Sharing clothes with your friends.

Swapping clothes is something teenagers have been doing for years and something that inspired two teens from Mill Valley to start their own business, KK Swaps.

Kate Rosegard and Kirsi Harris are juniors at Tamalpais High School who started their own alternative thrift and consignment business after being inspired by how often their friends swapped clothes.

“We were constantly trading clothes with our friends, but we weren’t charging people for it. So [we thought,] ‘What if we made this into a big social event and people would come buy [clothes] and trade permanently?’” Harris said.

Every month the girls host clothing sales in Rosegard’s driveway in Mill Valley. What might seem like simply setting up a yard sale and pricing clothes is much more intricate than many would imagine.

Anyone who wants to sell clothes can message the girls on Instagram at @kk.swaps and drop off the clothes at Rosegard’s house, where Rosegard and Harris go through and tag the items. People who drop off clothes get to price their own clothing and once a purchase is made, they receive 70 percent of the profit. The remaining 30 percent goes to Rosegard and Harris.

Having run swaps since February 2021, the girls agree they are finally starting to get the hang of it.

Despite not making much revenue in the beginning, the first year was vital in getting the business up and running.

“It feels like we needed a full year for it to take off.

[We spent] the whole year purchasing clothing racks, tables and tags and trying to get people to come. I feel like now we’ve got it set,” Rosegard said.

Although KK Swaps was at first a small idea, it quickly transformed into something much bigger than either of the girls imagined.

“With every sale, its grown exponentially.

The amount of people that have been coming, the amount of clothes we’ve sold and the inventory we’ve gotten has grown a lot,” Harris said.

The sales are typically packed for the first two hours and consistently have lines of customers waiting down the street.

Behind the scenes of these sales are hours of preparation spent getting ready for the swaps, such as organizing and modeling the clothes for their Instagram and spreading

Photo courtesy of Kirsi Harris

PRESENTING AT PARK Elementary School, Harris and Rosegard teach students about entrepreneurship and second hand shopping.

the word about the swaps. thrifted clothes in my garage from all the sales, so they “The hardest part is the tedious tagging of the must have so much. I think that’s really awesome that clothes. We get such a large range of clothes that it’s very [Rosegard and Harris] are doing that,” Hackett said. overwhelming to deal with it. We spend at least three to Rosegard also has plenty of bags piling up in her four hours a week tagging the clothes, and [before] the garage from past sales and for future ones. Although sale we are [at Rosegard’s house] every single day after the majority of clothes filling Rosegard’s garage get school tagging,” Harris said. sold, some of them don’t. In this case, people are The more successful the business becomes, the allowed to come and pick up their clothes. Otherwise, more people are interested in learning about the the girls donate them. girls’ process. Schools such as Del Mar Middle “At the end of last summer, we donated all of the School and Park Elementary old clothes. We like to start School have reached out to each school year with fresh the girls to talk with classes inventory because there are about entrepreneurship and some items that don’t sell the importance of sustainable time after time. We donated shopping. The longer the girls them to a family in Guatemala have run the business, the more last time, and at the end of aware and educated they have this year we are looking to become on the impacts of fast donate our jeans to Habitat for fashion. Having this knowledge has Humanity,” Harris said. helped them to promote shopping at Habitat for Humanity is a KK Swaps, since it is considerably denim recycling project that more sustainable than many big takes jeans, which KK Swaps brands. has plenty of, and turns them “You’re second-hand shopping. into housing insulation for It’s very sustainable because communities in need. you’re repurposing clothes As long as people keep that you would originally participating in KK Swaps, donate and would just end Kate Rosegard, Rosegard and Harris are up in the landfill,” Rosegard KK Swaps founder excited to continue hosting said. sales, and eventually pass the Although the idea was business on to Harris’ younger initially formed as a simple sisters. Beyond the enjoyment way to share clothes you no longer want with of running the sales, both Harris and Rosegard are friends, Rosegard and Harris quickly saw the pleased with how much they have learned from the sustainability behind the sales, along with the process, including organization, money management, positive impact it has on the environment. marketing and public speaking. Both are excited to “It’s shocking because in Marin, continue educating others about the importance of everyone has so many clothes. Trends are sustainable shopping and possibly pursuing similar constantly changing and fast fashion is paths in the future. all about making cheap clothes at a mass production rate. Through KK Swaps, we’ve had people drop off so many clothes that are brand new with [the] tags on. It’s ihoutkooper@redwoodbark.org nice being able to give it another life and see it as something that you might not want for yourself, but that someone else could cherish and love,” Rosegard said.

Catherine Hackett, a senior at Redwood and co-leader of Redwood’s Thrift for Hope Club agrees that sustainable shopping is a beneficial way to expand your closet. “[Thrifting is] such a fun way to find a unique style because I feel like everyone has the same clothes. It’s fun to try something new and also be more sustainable at the same time,” Hackett said.

Hackett’s club puts on thrift sales, similar to KK Swaps, whenever they can. However, Hackett emphasized that the club has not put one on in a while, partially because they take a lot of work to set up.

Photo courtesy of Kirsi Harris “I admire that they’re able to [have sales] more often than we are. It’s a lot of work to put together SETTING UP THEIR sale, Harris and Rosegard have Photo courtesy of Kirsi Harris and to keep all the clothes. I have bags and bags of been holding clothing swaps for over a year.

It’s very sustainable because you’re repurposing clothes that you would originally donate and would just end up in the landfill.

In remembrance of Scotty Lapp

By Chloe Bishop

he would go sideways [or] put his hand on drop plans to hang out. If I called him upset, he’d come over with no questions,” the ground,” Amy said.

“I never knew a big teenager could be But Scotty’s creativity was also apparent Atherton said. cool and nice at the same time,” Amy Lapp Martin and Atherton both attended off the mountain and in all aspects of his life. said while reading a note from a young “Scotty loved photography and putting and helped plan Scotty’s recent memorial neighbor of Scotty Lapp as they reflected on together edits of his friends when they were service in Paradise Cay. Gathering to paint Scotty’s impact during his lifetime. skiing, [skateboarding,] wakeboarding or rocks and listen to speakers reflect on their Scotty grew up in rock climbing, [which] are all time with Scotty, the celebration of his Tiburon, attending Reed sports he loved. And he was a life had over 200 people in attendance. and Bel Aire Elementary good poet … Creativity just According to Martin, around 1,000 people Schools, before attending showed up to grieve and support each other oozed out of him,” Amy said.

Saint Hilary’s for middle However, Scotty’s most at the following service in Tahoe. school. He began high Both the Marin and Tahoe communities admirable traits were his school at Redwood and kindness, optimistic attitude have come together to raise money for then transitioned to living the “Scotty Lapp Memorial Skate Park” and love for others. full-time in Tahoe in “[During] the last through GoFundMe. August 2021 to pursue his “Scotty had a vision of trying to get competition run that Scotty did passion for skiing, where the morning before he died, a skatepark built in Tahoe City because he attended North Tahoe he came off a jump and didn’t there’s nowhere for the kids to go to High School. Scotty land [it.] His ski fell off, and it [skate],” Amy said. “We decided after ski passed away in a skiing was stuck at a 45-degree angle season was over that we would get to work accident on the afternoon in the snow. Where most kids on that. Obviously, he passed away before of Sunday, Feb. 13. would be really upset, he stuck that could happen, and the day that he died, After only one year his arm up in the air and was so in that evening, I said to myself, ‘We’re at Redwood, Scotty pumped,” Amy said. “What’s building a skate park, and it’s going to have managed to touch his amazing [is that] we’ve had one his name on it.’” academic community, To read more visit Redwoodbark.org competition since then, and I’ve including his Academic Beth deCarion, seen a real change in the kids’ Workshop teacher Beth Academic Workshop attitudes when they wipe out or deCarion. cbishop@redwoodbark.org. don’t stick a landing.”

“From the very Teacher Since Scotty’s death, it’s moment that I met Scotty clear kids have embraced his and his family, they were like a dream,” optimism as they cheer on each other, just deCarion said. “You knew Scotty, and you as Scotty always did. Not only was he a loved him. There was nothing not to like skilled athlete, but he was also a supportive about him. He was a special, special human.” community member and friendly face.

Scotty’s courageousness and outgoing “I’m getting letters from [his] high personality left deCarion in awe. school in Tahoe saying how he touched “He was in the Humanitas program with them,” Amy said. “I read a [letter from a] Ms. Flores and Mr. Hart [and] it was a very kid from [Scotty’s] school that said, ‘No one rigorous class for students, in a great way,” ever knew my first name. And you knew deCarion said. “In my experience, that class my first name. And you always said hello often made students nervous, [but] he never to me. You’ll never know how much that got nervous … He lived his life in a fearless meant.’” way.”

Redwood sophomore Ashley The confidence that Scotty brought to Martin met Scotty in 2020, and she Redwood followed him to Tahoe and was immediately saw something special expressed through a sense of creativity, in him. unique only to him. Egan McInerney, a best “Every time you talked to him, friend of Scotty’s since second grade and a he talked to you as if you guys had ski teammate, was always inspired by his been best friends for 40 years. He distinct style. talked to you as if he knew every little “What he wore, the way he skied, [it] thing about you. I don’t know a lot of wasn’t like what anyone else did. He made people who [would] treat me like that,” his own path and did what he wanted, [he] Martin said. didn’t care what anyone else thought was Eme Atherton, another sophomore, cool or not,” McInerney said. “I think his has known the Lapp family since she mind worked differently than anyone else’s. was little but bonded more with Scotty You couldn’t mimic what he was doing.” throughout the pandemic because they Scotty’s mother, Amy, felt similarly as were neighbors. Atherton recalled Scotty’s she reflected on his life. kindness.

Photos courtesy of Tahoe Freeride “[When] most kids were doing backflips, and Squaw Peak by Tom “If I didn’t want to go out … he would

You knew Scotty and you loved him.

There was nothing not to like about him. He was a special, special human.