The Mustang June 2012 by The Mustang Newspaper

The Mustang

Issue 7, Volume 16

June 11, 2012

The Mustang

Editor-In-Chief News Editor Lindsey Agnew

June 11, 2012

4 news Exhibition Expedition Mustang writers split up to capture the experiences of various students during the unique SDA event. Among many other activities, students had the chance to tie-dye shirts.

24 steeze graduating with class The seniors of 2012 show off their ready-to-graduate style.

27 Circus animal fun go with the flow With our brains set to melt once summer begins, decision-making is going to be tough. Let our handy flow charts make the decisions for you. 29 sports Spring cif Six of the seven spring sports at SDA 4 made it to CIF playoffs this year. The Mustang recognizes the talented athletes at our school.

32 home base home sweet home Seniors tell us what places in Encinitas they’re going to miss the most next year.

Numbers

4200 gallons of

EATS Editor Kianna Eberle Steeze Editor Tatiana Skomski CAF Editor Eleanore Hendrickson Photo Editor Jocelyn Lee Asst Photo Editor Emily Maxwell cOPY EDITORS Charlotte Ohrbom and Mae Wright Ads Manager Emma Lindley

staff writers Linden Amundsen, Natalya Ballard, Katie Berriochoa, John Deane, Elisa Figueroa, Caroline Glass, Tyler Hagen, Emily Hall, Kyle Hoff, Eric Hsieh, Austin Keillor, Taylor Knudson, Valen Lambert, Lily LeaVesseur, Tacy Manis, Katie McPherson, Olivia Mock, Cassia Pollock, Dustin Sleet, Katy Swanson, Joseph Swit, Bo Templin, Becca Von Zweck, Ryan Walsh, Anna Williams, Edward Wolanin.

water used for water day (margin of error +/- 4000) 12

76 exhibitions on exhibition day

17 minutes for Jamba

juice, pizzacato, and jersey mike’s to sell out on water day

495 attendees at prom 100 students who

20 arts set the stage Concert stages this summer will be young tonight with Fun., rocked and rolled all night by KISS, and played ‘til midnight by M83.

participated in water day (approximately)

18 songs preformed in

the musical “urinetown” 21 eats fire up the fryer Laurel Sorenson throws everything from fruit to a roast beef sandwich into the fryer -- and eats it.

Features Editor Caitlin Hird

Advisor Tim Roberts

16 centerspread Senior moments With graduation and subsequent adulthood looming, seniors tell us where they’ll be 10 years in the future.

19 arts Summer previews In these next sunny months, movie screens are sure to be filled with explosions (and Andrew Garfield of “The Amazing Spider-Man”), and car speakers will vibrate with the sweet sounds of new rock and pop albums. Photo courtesy of theamazingspiderman.com

Opinions Editor Laurel Sorenson

Sports Editors Sarah Kochanek and Austin Kasselmann

10 opinions Reality Check Though reality televesion is thought of as useless trash TV, it serves to remind us that our lives could be worse.

12 FEATURES the places you’ll go Remember that one senior you lusted after all year? Now you can stalk them with our Senior College Map.

managing editor arts editor Angela Zhang

Numbers by Lily LeaVesseur and Katie McPherson

Cover by Maddie Thunder Read about her on page 21. San Dieguito Academy / Room 98 / 800 Santa Fe Drive / Encinitas, CA 92024 The Mustang is the student newspaper of San Dieguito Academy. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the newspaper. The Mustang is an open forum which welcomes letters. Letters can be submitted to room 98, emailed to sdamustang@gmail. com or mailed to the above address.

News

The Mustang 6.11.2012

Clearing the Smoke from

The federal government already

spends million dollars a year on cancer research.

Prop. 29

1 dollar increase

If put into effect, the law is expected to raise

$735 million a year to be donated to cancer

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Voters will decide in June if the tax on cigarettes should be raised. Story by Laurel Sorenson. Infographic by Sammy Ness.

to the current

Proposition 29 was voted on on June 5, deciding whether to raise the tax on tobacco products. The tax on cigarettes will go up $1, to be $1.87 per pack, if Prop. 29 is passed. Those opposed to Prop. 29 argue that it will only create another bureaucracy that can’t be held responsible by the public, while those in favor say it could save lives.

tobacco tax

research and tobacco prevention programs.

Prop. 29 will save the

Prop. 29 will stop

228,700 kids from smoking.

lives of 104,500 smokers in California who quit.

An estimated $5.1 billion saved by the state due to decline in smoking.

20% of money will go

to tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.

$9.14 million spent in California due to tobacco use.

$15 million can be spent on overhead and administrative costs. Prop 29 mandates that $22 million be spent on law enforcement for specific tasks.

Sources: californiansforacure.org voterguide.sos.ca.gov noon29.com

A $450 million bond would allow comprehensive rebuilding across the district. Story by Lindsey Agnew. n November, voters will have the opportunity to pass a $448 million bond enabling extensive renovations of SDUHSD schools, including rebuilding most of SDA. The plans also include building a new middle school in Pacific Highlands Ranch and an additional building for CCA, according to Associate Superintendent Eric Dill. The measure, which has been in the planning since 2008, would raise property taxes for the average homeowner by approximately $150 per year, said Dill. The distribution of the money among the schools was decided upon by a task force comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members. The group evaluated all of the district schools’ individual needs and based their recommended money allocation on them,

Damon Ferreiare, Edgar Rosales, and Desiree Otillio

Maile Greenwell

measure can be altered if it is passed

The board created by Prop 29 will have the ability to spend $110 million a year.

Breaking Down the Bond

15 years before

according to Dill. In addition to meeting earthquake, fire, safety, and disability access standards as required by law, the money will go towards updating technology at the schools. “The focus was on modernizing our aging campuses so that they would be on the cutting edge of twenty-first century learning … and also to create parity between our campuses by providing the same types of facilities at each grade level,” said Dill. According to a recent telephone survey conducted by the district, 64 percent of voters are definitely or probably in favor of the bond, which needs 55 percent of the vote to pass. In the event that the bond does not pass, the district would postpone the renovations and possibly try again to pass it in the 2014 election, according to Dill.

Sarah Kellogg and Kat Wildermuth

Tanner Bracci, Nick Hergesheimer, and Jonathan Boever

Anne Holston and Jenna Asperslag

Bond by the Numbers: $76 million is going towards rebuilding San Dieguito Academy $71 million is going towards building a middle school in Pacific Highlands Ranch $35 million is going towards renovating Canyon Crest Academy

Oliver Martin Sami Sonnich

News

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Exhibition Day

2012

The Mustang staff spread around campus to document different perspectives of Exhibition Day. There was something for everyone on Wednesday, May 23, giving a taste of SDA spirit to those experiencing Exhibition Day for the first time.

Robotics team members display their robot to students during Exhibition Day. Photo by Katie Berriochoa.

A Musical Melting Pot

A Fresh Experience

Three musicians finished arranging their instruments on the amphitheater stage outside the PAC and began warming up for their performance. After playing a few metal riffs, they exploded right into their set, blasting their self-described, “ambient metal” as a small crowd gathered, cheering them on. The audience was mostly comprised of the band members’ friends, eager to watch them perform for the first time. “I know the members, but I’ve never heard them play before,” said sophomore Nick Post. The band, known as Melting Pot of Human Emotions, consists of junior Riley Rowe on electric guitar, sophomore Zach Lighton on bass guitar, and senior Daniel Alguire on drums. The name of the band, according to Rowe, is derived from a redneck talk radio host named Ghost on True Capitalist Radio that responds to people calling him a racist by explaining to them that he is actually “a melting pot of friendship.” As their name suggests, the band’s entirely original instrumental set captured a wide emotional range from an angry, sludge metal-like sound to a calmer, more somber alternative-metal and progressive rock-inspired sounds. Their musical influences include Porcupine Tree, Alice in Chains, and Neil Peart from Rush. The audience members enjoyed the music with occasional cheering, head bobbing, and foot tapping. “They are talented musicians; they play pretty well,” said sophomore Armon Ashtiani-Eisemann.

Freshman Emily Peters started her first Exhibition Day by strolling around Senior Court, checking out all the booths, and enjoying various baked goods. “Look at these, they’re so cute,” she exclaimed as she pointed at a table covered in brightly-colored handmade octopus dolls. She proceeded to the Japanese National Honor Society booth which was selling Japanese goods including ramune, pocky, and mystery for any daring student, ongiri that could contain anything from top ramen to nutella. Peters headed to the petting zoo next. Where else can one see llamas on campus? When it was time for lunch there were plenty of food vendors, such as Jersey Mikes, Pizzacato, and Jamba Juice, but Peters thought the lines were ridiculously long and decided to search for food elsewhere. The culinary arts club saved her from certain starvation by providing the “most delicious pizza ever,” for the cheap price of one dollar a slice. Next, she bought a bowl of ice cream from the Feed Club, and garnished it with M&Ms, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and plenty of chocolate syrup. “There are way too many toppings to choose from, but it’s a good thing,” she said happily. Peters devoured the ice cream while listening to Simple Green play. “They’re really talented,” she said. Last, Peters decided to check out the skate demo, which included students pulling off, or in some cases trying to pull off, stunts on various ramps and railings. The demo was the most popular event she attended, and it was hard to see past the crowd of people watching. “Exhibition Day was really fun, and there was so much to do,” Peters said, “It’s one of those events that make SDA what SDA is. I look forward to next year’s.” linden amundsen

Suki Berry

Brendan Carruthers

About halfway through the band’s performance seniors Mitchell Chivetta and Mitch Lange made their way up onto the stage and began dancing around beside the musicians, who continued to play despite the interruption. Chivetta even decided to join in the performance, picking up a shaker and pelvic thrusting, shaker in hand, to the beat of Alguire’s drums. Shortly after Chivetta and Lange left, the band’s performance came to climatic end. Rowe turned his amp up to 11 and ended the show with an explosion of distortion. After the show, the band members, surrounded by friends, were pleased with their performance and so were their fans. “I love this band so much,” said senor Ben Byerlee. The band started playing about six months ago after they began sharing music with one another in a Facebook group. Before performing at Exhibition Day, they practiced about once a week and then almost daily in the week leading up to their performance. The band members mostly agreed that the goal of the band is to “impress the ladies.” Before the band began clearing their instruments off the stage, they shared their thoughts about participating in Exhibition Day together. “It is a worthwhile experience and everyone should take part in it,” said Alguire. edward wolanin

Enrique Cowen, Will Chu, Jeff Kuo, and Ben Breidenthal

Emily Falkner

Emi Karydes and Charlotte Ohrbom

Jenny Fisher

Logan McGinley

Mary Grethel and Monica Calsbeek

News

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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Savage Art

Fresh Findings

The weather wasn’t quite warm enough to remove clothing, yet during the second session of Exhibition Day, that’s exactly what senior Nick Savage was doing. “I just want everyone to have fun… and not look hideous by the end. But at the same time, it’s senior year,” said Savage, as he stood in front of the library with an air of YOLO. He rolled up his shirt to reveal not just a stomach, but a blank canvas of flesh waiting to be covered in temporary tattoos. His assistant, senior Stan Austin, came running from the bathroom clutching wads of paper towels as he ripped open a package of exotic animal tattoos -- a menagerie of ink and glue. As they waited for customers to apply tattoos to Savage, the two took it upon themselves to make the first marks. Savage pressed a paper towel to his nose, as if treating an injury. Austin peeled back paper to reveal a fresh toucan near Savage’s naval. Soon a crowd gathered. At first students appeared reluctant to apply the tattoos to Savage themselves. “I paid Stan to put a tattoo on him for me. It felt… foreign.” said senior Derrik Marrow. More came to watch, and soon Savage’s bare skin was cluttered with small animals, each a 25 cent profit for the duo. Other students joined the fun by tattooing themselves, bringing total profit to $13. Said Austin as he tenderly dabbed a tattoo onto Savage’s arm, “Beautiful, just beautiful. This right here, this is art.” lily leavesseur

As the metal shop’s hovercraft drifted loudly across the concrete floor, freshman Eric Hendricks set out to enjoy his fourth segment of Exhibition Day. His first stop was at a booth hosted by his second period class: Japanese. He was offered his choice of kanji (Japanese words) tattoos for the words spirit, love, hope, and flower, but chose the flower kanji because “the rest seemed cliché.” After the tattooing, he decided to go “somewhere with food.” He stopped at the Eco Club’s stand, where the members were selling Cup of Dirt, cups of chocolate pudding and gummy worms. Hendricks purchased two pumpkin oatmeal cookies and ate them while observing chalk drawings in senior court. After another few minutes of aimless wandering, Hendricks stumbled across Art Wars, where he caught a few bars of a song that went along the lines of, “I am Ben, I do the nasty. I am Ben, that was a lie. I am Ben, I am cool. I am Ben, I go to school.” The freshman nomad then wandered across campus towards the petting zoo, where he took several glances at the fencing, before walking back down the sizable hill towards the classrooms. The loud noises, delicious food, and great events seemed enough to make anyone’s day. For a freshman like Hendricks, it can be safe to say that his ordinary day turned extraordinary. eric hsieh

Students tie-dye shirts at the screen printing class’s booth. Photo by Katie Berriochoa.

Petting Zoo Exhibition Day, with its shortened classes and food for sale, was a highly anticipated day for many students. A petting zoo had even been set up on the softball field by the 4H club. Animals, including a horse and a llama, stood calmly as students pet them from behind low fences and a goat, dog and lamb were led around on leashes. There were also rabbits being cuddled and small birds that would perch on a finger. Economics teacher Stephen Fisher even walked up the hill in his suit to pet the llama. The animals were calm and well-cared for by the 4H club. “The 4H club is a nationwide organization through which kids learn leadership through raising animals and other projects,” said junior Olivia Dalager. “I love learning about good leadership and about animals then teaching it to others.” After seeing and petting the animals, freshman Sophia Rucireta decided to look into joining the 4H club. “I like helping animals and being around them, so it would be fun,” Rucireta said. Senior Emily Huang shared a similar sentiment. “I really liked holding the bunny. Now I want one,” said Huang. becca von zweck

Senior Suki Berry draws on the chalk mandala during Exhibition Day. Photo by Katie Berriochoa.

Zackery Zounes

Maia Rosengarten

Michelle Xu and Maximo Prescott

Mitch Lange

Naomi Maisel

Julie Lai Fatt, Maddie Overlock, and Kara Gorman

Silvia Ramirez

News

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Water Day Makes a Splash

Students slide through Water Day enjoying bright weather, slippery obstacle courses, and food vendors. Story by Katie McPherson.

tudents flying down giant inflatable water slides, egging each other on to endure the frigid water was a common occurrence on Water Day, Wednesday, May 29. Other attractions included slip-and-slides, food vendors from Pizzacotta, Jamba Juice, Jersey Mike’s, Chronic Tacos, and a daring group of boys from the water polo team wearing their speedo uniforms. Students, dripping wet, embraced their dry friends who cringed at the threat of getting wet and cold, but overall, Water Day was a day of fun and sun. “I didn’t participate last year so I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s a lot of fun,” said sophomore Cassidy Mayeda. Although Water Day is an enjoyable tradition at SDA, many students thought it would not live up to expectations due to the ban on wearing speedos. Junior Nicole Eng-

lish said, “I wasn’t as motivated to do it this year because no boys were going to be wearing speedos, but I decided to participate anyways because it looked like so much fun.” Sure enough, a few minutes later a group of boys, dressed in only their water polo speedos, made their way to the puddle-filled field in front of the PAC. Although the majority of their skin was exposed, they seemed to be the only people not shivering. “You get used to the cold,” said sophomore and water polo team member Matias Marquez. Water Day was originally scheduled to happen in October, but was postponed for the majority of the school year due to poor weather conditions. Although this frustrated many, it didn’t stop people from enjoying themselves on Wednesday.

Senior Amber Michaelis splashes in a slip-and-slide during Water Day. Photo by Katie Berriochoa.

Hunger Games Soak SDA

“Tributes” attempt to splash their opponents in the first SDA Homeroom Olympics Hunger Games. Story by Taylor Knudson. Junior Arin Mallin squirts water at freshman Johnny Menhennet during the Hunger Games competition. Photo by Katie Berriochoa.

lliances were broken and water balloons were thrown as students battled to the “death” during the first annual Homeroom Olympics Hunger Games competition. The games were held outside of the Mosaic on Thursday, May 31. Two students were chosen as tributes from each participating homeroom and thrown into the “Hunger Games.” However, instead of knives and swords, tributes were armed with water balloons and water guns. These were used in order to dampen the paper signs that each participant wore around their neck. Once their signs were dampened, tributes were required to leave the game. The last male and female tributes standing won. “I accidentally shot one of my own teammates with a water gun,

not the best idea,” said Kira Gaby, sophomore. Many students tried to take cover, hiding their signs with their hands and ducking behind other tributes as streams of water flew through the air like arrows. However, science teacher Michael Santos had a more creative approach to staying dry, seeking refuge in a cardboard box referred to as the “cornucopia.” “I took up the entire cornucopia because I’m a fat cow and needed the whole box to stay dry,” said Santos, dripping in water after the activity. Apparently the box wasn’t particularly effective. Despite rather wet conditions, many dressed up to show pride in their homeroom. “I wore a Greek god uniform and rode in on a make-shift chariot

because it seemed appropriate,” said Johnny Menhennet, freshman. Menhennet and sophomore Cassidy Mayeda won points for their original costumes. A competitor from Tsuboi’s homeroom sported a Pikachu costume, while ones from Siers’s homeroom wore “Urinetown” t-shirts to advertise their new play and face shields to block water. Senior Suki Berry was dressed in a big, brightcolored hat and wore pale make-up to channel her inner “Effy” from the “Hunger Games” movie. “I saw a girl walking around dressed like Katniss Everdeen. It was very festive,” said Elise Titcomb, sophomore. The winners of the Hunger Games competition will be announced during homeroom on Tuesday, June 12.

Opinions

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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In Retrospect

The seniors of the Mustang Staff pass on the wisdom they have aquired in their four years at SDA in letters to their wee freshmen selves, full of information they wish they could have known back then. Continued on pages 8 and 9.

Dear Freshman Angela, Remove the rainbow Coach-emblemized sneakers, and step away! Just because it’s Juicy Couture, doesn’t make it okay at all to wear a pink hoodie. Go vegetarian. Quit wasting your time and start ballet now. Read more, sleep more, before it’s too late. Stop straightening your hair all the time. Don’t worry so much. All the bad things people have talked about are not really as bad as they seem, and you’ll do a fine job as long as you are honest to yourself. That last math question on the SAT: DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ANSWER! Pink Floyd and The Velvet Underground are really worth listening to. Admit that you like math now, instead of pretending you don’t for the next three years. You are not the cold weather buff you thought you were; when you get to Chicago (even just in April in a mild-winter year) you will realize that you’ve been taking everything for granted about San Diego that you won’t understand until you get a car and have freedom and become an Encinitan to truly appreciate—Swami’s beach at night, Justin burritos, acai bowls, driving lazily around town with friends on (gasp) school days! In short, little Angela, things will perk up. Your platonic lifestyle will suddenly seem to have purpose somewhere near the end of your junior year in high school. Hold out ‘til then, little guy. Warm regards, Senior Angela

Alex Goldstein

Alex Van Valkenberg

Dear Freshman Lindsey, Hi! (Wow this is like time travel!) If I could tell you only one thing, I would tell you to become better at writing letters of advice to your younger self. However, I have a bunch of other stuff to say too. SDA is a really unique school, so make the most out of every minute of it. Other kids hate their high schools, and can’t wait to graduate. The sadness that I feel at moving on from SDA is a testament to how special the school is. Don’t worry so much, Little Lindsey, about what others think about you. I know this is cliché for SDA, but really try to enjoy the school’s accepting atmosphere. Try outs – be it for sports or clubs – are scary, but not so bad as you think. If you don’t make the team, people aren’t going to make fun of you (to your face at least). If you do make the team, congrats! You’ll make so many great friends and have so much fun that all of the hard work you put into it won’t be a bother. Don’t trust the orthodontist. Don’t do it! Stay as far away as possible from that place. They say you’ll only have braces for a year or two, but it is a vicious lie. THEY ALL LIE. A few final thoughts – a “B” in Chemistry will not ruin your life. Clubs and school activities are fun! Always be prepared for a spur of the moment trip to the beach. Staying on campus for hour lunch isn’t lame, but relaxing. Parking lots are scary. Oh, and by the way, enjoy high school. See you in four years! Senior Lindsey

Claire Li and Dakota Danya Schulman Speas

Dear Freshman Caitlin, Here are just a few pieces of advice to get you through high school: 1)Call ahead to Noodles & Co. if you’re going to go there during lunch. No amount of pesto cavatappi is worth a half an hour wait. 2)Try to avoid that phase where you wear too much makeup. It’s better to look natural then to look like a member of KISS. 3)Appreciate the time you have with your brother. It’s really going to suck when he goes to Berkeley, but it’s a blast to visit him. 4)On that note, appreciate the time you have with mom and dad. As it turns out, they’re pretty damn great. 5)Turns out , none of your AP credits are going to count for college credit. Don’t stress about them. 6)I know that right now you laugh when Dad says you’re going to be a lawyer when you grow up. Well, this is sort of awkward…but maybe start reading some government books because you’re going to eventually wind up being a public policy major headed for law school. 7)Have some fun once in a while; not everything has to be work. Climb a tree or something. 8)Bangs are a bad idea. Seriously. 9)Pay more attention in math. Turns out that stuff matters a lot. 10)Do what makes you happy. Trust me, it all works out in the end. Love, Senior Caitlin

Eddie Tan

Kyle Kintner

Dear Freshman Mae, First of all, do not look into the gratings around campus. Scary things will be revealed. Pay attention in math class because every single year you are going to forget everything you learned the year before and every teacher you have will say, “Maeee. Didn’t you learn this last year?” and you’ll say, “Yeaah but that was a year ago!” and then a lot of sighing will happen. This sighing scenario is called aspirations; don’t try to make a pun about that in your college essays later on. As far as English class goes, don’t feel bad about not understanding Romeo and Juliet; you’ll get your comeuppance senior year with Hamlet (which is cooler than a love story anyway). Take advantage of your parents offer to drive you anywhere you want; next year, they will get sick of it and you won’t be getting out as much anyway. Even though you suck at clarinet, keep at it. Next year you will improve greatly, only to plateau and then drastically peter out during junior year. Don’t worry because your dream of joining a symphony on viola will be fulfilled senior year. Even though you think it is incredibly clever to hide secret messages in library books, there are better uses of your time. Write a novel or something, although good job with that 102 page play you wrote in a night; with that, put fewer unicorns in your plays. You are going to go through a phase where you think symbolism is the greatest literary insight that the world has ever known: it’s not that important. Also, making up symbolism is not a great way to write an essay. Also, stop moping around science classes. Sure, they will never make sense to you, but at least laugh about it. Science. Heh heh, funny. Sincerely, Señior Mae

Eric Nieman

Dear Freshman Kianna, Loosen up a bit. Don't get too stuck in your ways. You're going to grow. Don't be afraid to let go of the things you might at one moment allow to define you. Those things are shaping you. Even when they leave you, you've still always got yourself, covered in the marks they made. Do things outside of school that you think you might be interested in. All those art classes and cool places to volunteer that you find? GO. You've got a pretty strong intuition, and the places you find will end up being full of wonderful lessons and people. Just do it. You're still young and have time to learn, no matter how much you believe otherwise. Even when you get scared, just know; you're not getting any younger, and it'll only get scarier the longer you wait to dive in. This might be a spoiler, but I’ll tell you anyways: By the end of this you're going to find that writing's what you're good at, art is what makes it all seem worth it, and food is your truest passion. Don't waste so much time on the computer. Try long walks, laying in the sun, reading a book. You'll feel relaxed, recharged, and beautifully productive. You're going to pack so much living and learning and growing up into this time. It'll be the craziest feeling when you're nearly done, able to look back on the special conversations, moments, and people like snapshots in your mind . You won't feel nearly as old or powerful as you thought you would. It's better that way. Humble wisdom is a warm, fuzzy feeling. Leaving this place might make you want to cry, but just know that you're heading to even more great places, where you more or less get to do it all over again. Love yourself, Kianna

Jackson Schulz

Oliver Martin

Sami Sonnich

Opinions

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

In Retrospect (continued from page 7)

Pigeons use their incredible intellect to engage in a top secret meeting. Photo courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pigeons.JPG

Love of Pigeons

They can perform incredible feats and attain a level of understanding unparalleled by other birds, and should be treated as more than underappreciated and fowl. Story By Mae Wright.

any people consider pigeons to be pests on par with rats and cockroaches. In reality, they are symbols of intelligence, love, passion, and perseverance. Pigeons deserve our respect and camaraderie, not our shouts of “Shoo!” and brandished brooms of persecution. Doves are basically albino pigeons, as no distinct difference separates the two on a general basis (though there are many specific sub-breeds). The pigeons that we commonly see around town (grey feathers with an iridescent coating) were officially re-classified in 2004 as Rock Doves. “Pigeon” simply comes from the Latin word “pipio” meaning “young bird.” A variety of studies have revealed that pigeons are one of the smartest birds, and animals, in the world. They recognize recordings of themselves and their reflections, as only six other species can do, the rest of which are mammals. Tests reveal that pigeons recognize all 26 letters of the English alphabet, and have the ability to conceptualize. They are able to dis-

Karen Oviedo

criminate among the works of certain painters, such as telling a Van Gogh apart from a Chagall, which many humans cannot do. If you still aren’t feeling friendly toward pigeons, consider this: pigeons are able to recognize people and remember their faces. They are also responsive to violence against them, and will remember kindly feeders versus unfriendly ones. While they won’t attack people, as crows are prone to do, they do have the capacity to respond to our actions. And they have a romantic side. Not only do pigeons mate for life, but their exceptional navigation abilities mean that pigeon couples are always able to find another. They rear their young for far longer than most birds, which is why you probably haven’t seen a baby pigeon before. There is so much more to pigeons than most people dare to dream of, and the list does not end here. So next time you sight a treasured, feathered friend, do not hesitate to offer your crumbs in love and friendship.

Cameron Koob

Dear Freshman Cassia, Live your life free of shame. Training yourself to be shy and slouchy just so you won’t intimidate people is not worth it. Hold your head high girl. It’s better to laugh loudly and talk proudly of all the silly things your imagination gathers. Don’t be a germaphobe. People who hug their friends are healthier than people who spray them with cans of disinfectant. If someone makes a weird face at you, make a weirder face back. Don’t worry so much about transportation and money. It doesn’t matter where you go, and you can basically wear a burlap sack with armholes cut out of it. If you’re meant to have a good time, then you will. Just breathe. Remember, whatever will be, will be. Whatever won’t, won’t. When ninety-eight percent of your friends go to LCC, don’t try so hard to make new friends. The best ones find you. When you’re sitting under the freshmen hill tree alone in a crowd, or slacking off in geometry, they will sporadically appear. When you’re scared of something, ask yourself if I do this will I still be alive and healthy five years later? And if the answer is yes, just do it. Because in the end, as Franklin D. Roosevelt said, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. XOXO Senior Cassia

Elio Hollenbeck, Alex Carucci, and Connor Wilson

Sam Shrader

Jody Sallee, Emily Huang, and Katie Clinton

Or’el Anbar

Lindsey Valenzuela and Rachel Murphey

Opinions

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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In Retrospect (continued from page 7)

Underclassmen will mourn the loss of their senior friends as they move on to the great beyond. Illustration by Tacy Manis.

On to Greener Pastures As the seniors prepare for their new lives, those who are left behind will mourn their departure. Story by Tacy Manis

ith the number of school days decreasing, student excitement has been rapidly increasing. Everyone’s looking forward to summer: waking up as late as you want, spending entire days at the beachwithout worrying about homework, and watching all-day movie marathons with your friends. However, not everything about the end of the school year brings summer cheer. This is the time where the Senior Class of 2012 will leave all of us who have yet to finish our high school education. People, mainly saps, like to compare graduating seniors to “birds leaving the nest” or “butterflies emerging from their cocoon.” All these promises of the seniors moving on with their “new lives” remind me eerily of things people say to you when your beloved pet ferret

dies: “They’re in a better place now”. It seems almost silly. You know that you’ll still have the summer together. There’s always Facebook and Skype. Yet, those last few days of school still manage to get you. You’ll be sitting in class after all the seniors have checked out and that One Kid will make yet another stupid comment. You’ll turn to roll your eyes with your friend, and you’ll realize that they’re graduating. You’re not going to be able to sigh at dim-witted statements with them anymore. It’s the little things like this that’ll make you miss them most. Things are beginning to change. There are going to be new seniors next year and they have all the responsibility. Things like warning you about Those Teachers, driving the underclassmen off campus for

Casey Carlson and Hannah Erin Rosenberg Lafond

Huamin Bai, Elija Wu, and Grifen Buck

hour lunch, and keeping the stories alive (bomb shelter, anyone?) will all lie on their shoulders. What if they mess up? What if this year’s excellent juniors suck at being seniors? Then, after them it’ll be my turn to carry out my senior duties. It’s like that scene from “Toy Story 3” where Andy gives his toys to that little girl so she can take care of them. I can’t handle that kind of responsibility. Yet, as much as I want to hate the seniors for leaving me terrified of growing up, I can’t. Just writing this has made me sentimental and tearyeyed. I’ve met some great people and made some even better friends. So, to the graduating class of 2012, thank you for a wonderful year and don’t worry about next year. After all, you’re going to a better place.

Connor Crafts

Lena Ohlson

Dear Freshman Emma, Please refer to the following instructions: It’s okay to dye your hair, but just remember that purple fades to grey and blue fades to green and takes a very long time to fade out completely. Calm down a little. You don’t have to do your homework as soon as you get home. You can do it later. Talk to your teachers more, because they are actually nice people and are funny sometimes. Keep your options open and listen to your mother. Just because you don’t want to go away to college in the fall of your senior year doesn’t mean you won’t want to in the spring. Do your college applications. Bring money on Exhibition Day so you can buy lots of random stuff. Spend lots of time with friends, especially the ones who have pools. If you want people to like you, smile a lot and be happy. This will also help you get a job. Don’t be hesitant to join random clubs and groups that you don’t think you will enjoy, because you might find an unexpected place that works out very well for you. Best REEgards, Emma Lindley

Teran Rao and Jesus Gonzalez Nolasco

Dear Freshman Charlotte, Relax. I mean, seriously, chill the flip down. In hindsight, every single thing that you worry about isn’t that big a deal. I know that you have big dreams. I still do. I would much rather be drinking un café dans une bistrot à Paris, and that will happen, I promise. You will get to your goals, but learn to take the little steps. You will change. You will grow and mature into a different person. Don’t label yourself or others because high school is a place of transition and figuring out who you are. People who were awful to you in freshman year might actually end up being kind people, so give people the chance to realize the error of their ways. It might actually take all four years. All in all, I want you to know that things take time. Things will happen, but usually not instantly. Patience is a virtue. So is trust. And kindness. Be nice, trust that people will do what they promised, and don’t expect the unrealistic. But, then again, dream. You can achieve the unrealistic if you work for it. A little sweat and elbow grease never hurt anyone, let alone a teenager. Good luck in the future, Senior Charlotte P.S. Every single embarrassing thing that will happen to you will not be remembered by you or anyone else. Don’t lose sleep over it.

Amanda Gill

Lindsey Agnew and Kiley Dalrymple

Opinions

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Why I Watch Reality TV While reality TV is frowned upon, it actually has hidden benifits for the middle class viewer. Story by Charlotte Ohrbom.

am afraid to watch reality television in my home or discuss an episode of “Kholé & Lamar.” Each time I mention such a show, I am chastised by those around me for encouraging such fame whoring. And I agree. Yes, each and every reality television show is a desperate plea for attention from those who are talentless, yet TV executives seem to think they have some. Normally, I wouldn’t give two flying birds about the wives of rich men or knocked up teenagers, but after my first taste of reality TV, I found that by watching these people parade across the TV screen, I feel much more down-to-earth and realistic. I watch shows that are meant to show the day–to-day lives of people or families who I would normally know nothing about; for instance, New Jersey young adults on summer vacation or families with more than 18 children. I compare my life to theirs and often come to the conclusion that my priorities are straight and that I have a modern view of the world and birth control. I mean, come on. Yes, I respect that you don’t believe in birth control and that it’s against your religion,

but maybe consider the fact that the world is viciously over populated and a 45-year-old woman might not give birth to a very healthy child. By watching these shows, I suppose I am encouraging the continuation of their airtime. I guess that my viewership seems to fool those on these shows into thinking that people actually care about their lives and I guess I sort of do. I become somewhat invested in their petty problems. But, the concern and care I feel for these people is as real and consequential as Snooki’s tan. These shows make me OK with the fact that I am middle class. I see tweens going on welfare to feed their infants after their parents kick them out of the house and I am content that if, in fact, I do get knocked up, my parents would help me out. I see parents dropping $1 million plus on their child’s 16th birthday party and I know that I am not so spoiled that I cry if not all 500 of my friends could come. These shows convey to me that being in the middle class, being an average American isn’t so bad. I am content with the medium.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, pictured above, are the proud parents of 19 children and stars of the TLC reality show “19 Kids & Counting,” formerly “18 Kids & Counting,” formerly “17 Kids & Counting.” Their resolve is something to be desired. Photo courtesy of Jim Bob Duggar.

These people are shameless, yes. But, normally, these facts don’t make up for the fact that I often feel classier in general. I’m not 16 & pregnant, I’m not a mama’s boy from the Bronx, I don’t have a strange addiction or a crazy obses-

sion, the lottery didn’t change my life, I know no toddlers in tiaras, and I know what to wear. I always thought I was an odd duck, not always part of the crowd, but after watching these people, I always feel a little bit more normal.

All I know is that this summer, I will get my fill of reality TV. I am content with my life as I observe people buying dresses, getting married, buying things with large amounts of coupons, then hoarding said items until an intervention is needed.

HOUSE AD

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The Mustang 6.11.2012

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Mr. Cooper Saves The World

As his last year of teaching comes to a close, English teacher Ed Cooper talks with The Mustang about dreams, books and tea. Story by Emily Maxwell, Emma Lindley, and Charlotte Ohrbom.

or those of you who don’t know, Ed Cooper is an English teacher here at SDA who is to retire at the end of this year. The Mustang sent three reporters to learn about this living legend before he leaves SDA and departs on grand adventures. Other important things to note about Cooper: he inhales decaf tea. His American accent sounds like, according to him, “a constipated John Wayne.” He advises future students to worship at the altar of James Joyce. He is awesome. Cooper lunched on a chopped house salad with chicken, red cabbage, feta cheese, green olives, and a champagne vinaigrette during the interview. He told us a bit about his background. Cooper was raised in Solihull, a small Birmingham suburb, in central England. After teaching in the West Indies, he moved to America and stayed for the weather. Despite his natural talent for teaching English, Cooper did not always want to be a teacher. He

Cooper munches his salad pensively during his interview with The Mustang. Photo by Emily Maxwell.

wanted to save the world. “I wanted to travel and work overseas and makes some sort of contribution to global society,” Cooper told The Mustang. “And after a lifetime of avoiding my destiny, I’m finally going to confront it.”

He will volunteer overseas, “presumably in some sort of teaching situation,” he said. “I hope it’s in some area where I have minimal competence at least.” During his time at SDA, Cooper has gained a reputation as a

sassy Englishman full of moxie. His accent amounts to an urban myth for those who haven’t had him as a teacher. (Many of the staff writers here at The Mustang fought over the recording of this interview, wanting a chance to hear his glorious accent., though it contained many long silences during which Cooper thought of an answer.) He has been fouled for inappropriate comments in every Comedy Sportz game he has played in. During this year’s Senior Awards, none of the students he had selected for recognition were there, so he disposed of their certificates by tossing them over his shoulder and strolling away from the podium. He told reporters that his favorite memory of working at SDA was when one of his students invited him to her flute recital. He says his infamous sass, in so many words, is how he creates an environment for students to be creative and bright, challenging the students to be their best. He told The Mustang: “I derive fulfill-

ment from teaching, from well, not just from teaching, but from working with creative teenagers and I try to be bright and creative myself and it produces, I hope, a - is this sentence going anywhere? I hope it creates an environment of pleasure and creativity and fulfillment.” As a man of class, Cooper is a fine arts connoisseur. He admitted that his favorite book is the one he is currently teaching, whether it be “The Handmaid’s Tale,” or “Macbeth.” He holds authors José Saramago, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Cormac McCarthy in high regard and often recommends their work to students. He pokes fun at Thomas Kinkade by collecting his memorabilia from his students, which he seems to enjoy despite his lack of enthusiasm for the painter. Cooper is a pillar of wisdom and insight here at SDA. The subpar reporting of these Mustang reporters will never do justice to Cooper; his sass, his vast knowledge, and his entrancing accent will surely be missed by all here at SDA.

I got mail

a couple of days ago – two pieces actually – one from Immigration Quebec with my visa for college next term, and the other, an envelope with the return and recipient addresses the same. Not sure of the implications of this unusual piece of mail, I paused before opening the envelope. Hungry, I trounced across the kitchen to get some ice cream, passing by a time capsule from kindergarten laying on the counter, waiting to be opened on graduation day. Thinking about the time capsule and the memories it contains, I harkened back to those early times and remembered my fifth grade assignment, ‘Letter to your Senior Self’. Ice cream still in hand and now realizing the contents of the envelope, I opened the letter and read (if you look closely, you might be able to see a chocolate chocolate chip smear).

Alec Correia and Sam Hagerty

Letters From a Fifth Grade Self John Deane

The first thing that caught my eye was the Comic Sans typeset, which I recently wrote about in the last issue of this paper. Wading through the grammatical and spelling mistakes, I read about my fifth grade aspirations for my twelfth grade self. I’ve had my license, as well as a job for a couple of years. In terms of new gadgets available now, a little thing called spel chek goes a long way. There’s a certain bitter-sweet-

Brenda Song and Ashley Beltran

Brenton Scher

ness about the juxtaposition between my past and my future manifested in those two letters. Weighing a letter from the past in one hand, and a letter about the future in the other, I was straddling a crossroads of my life. From this contemplative vantage point, I guess I turned out alright. To borrow a line from my fifth grade self, as only a twelfth grader, I’m sure that I will have lots of exciting times in front of me.

Cameron Hanlon

Carly Feldman and Conner Thiede Angela Paddy

Danny McNeela

Jake Plasse

Mitch Fierro

Features

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

And Away We Go. The Class of 2012’s choices for higher education span from our backdoor to across the globe. Art Institute of San Diego Annalise Brolaski Art Institute of San Francisco Alexandra Sievwright Biola University Elijah Wu Cal Poly Pomona Lexie Marty Jackson Schulz Cal Poly SLO Karen Altick Dominica Berman Casey Carlson Carolina Diaz Daniel Fugett Logan McGinley Sammay Ness Sam Shrader Anna Williams California Institute of Technology Tatiana Roy California State University, Channel Islands Dane Barry California State University, Fullerton Rachel Huddleston Mitch Lange Mik Lopez California State University, Humboldt Niko Gilligan Whitney Manasjan California State University, San Marcos Adrian Apolinar Korina Castrejon Alyssa Espinoza Daniel Hernandez Galeana Skyler Hunt Monica Ibarra Melissa Morales Karen Oviedo Karlie Watters Chapman University Elisa Figueroa Chico State University Katie Berriochoa Mitchell Fierro Kacey Harrah Nolan Pupping Cuesta College Maile Greenwell Grossmont College Daniel Alguire Laguna College of Art and Design Shelby Hidalgo

Loyola Marymount University Tanner Bracci Walker Chuppe Eric Rumble Sami Sonnich MiraCosta Julianna Aliberti John Argus Ariana Bandera Jonathan Boever Jacob Bordage Ben Breidenthal Sage Brittain Savannah Broderick Mich’elle Bullington Ben Byerlee Steve Camacho Alex Carucci Skyler Castle Eduardo Castro Garcia Greg Cody Jr. Alec Correia Connor Crafts Stacy Cruz Kyle Dever Evan Eichenberg Quincy Fell Lauren Fidel Emily Floyd Keven Fourment Amanda Gill Mikey Gould Jesus Gonzalez Nolasco Mary Grethel Taylor Hoff Jeff Horine Kolten Horner Ben Johnson Jared Kahlenberg Nicole Kalwick Rachel Johnston Kyle Kitner Tanya Koralton Larissa Lambrou Carlos Lopez Patrick Mattioli Isidro Mijangos Jonathan Morales Alberto Morga Rachel Murphey Megan Noonan Dylan Payne Elizabeth Perez Raul Ramirez Silvia Ramirez Argenis Ramos Raphael Rivard Kyle Robers Josh Robles Lonnie Safarik Jody Sallee Daniela Sanchez Evan Santacroce Cole Schmidt Collin Smith Brooke Spangenberg Tiffany Suarez-Barrett Nestor Tadeo Connor Thiede Sofy Turley Lindsey Valenzuela Kenton Wallace Justin Waters Connor Wilson Alicia Wolfe Eric Zoquiapa

Palomar College Suki Berry Carly Feldman Jessie Fendler Brian Fogarty Jonathan Garcia Shayan Ghahani Bridey Hicks Elizabeth Jacobson Teesa Lhota Chase McQuiston Racheal Medellin Esmerelda Mentado Mitchell Mildbrandt Stephanie Morales Richie O’Reilly Desiree Otillio Rory Parham Shyanne Rizzo Alex Root Eddy Salgado Nick Savage Opal Theodossi Ryleigh Wright Randy Zubieta Pitzer College Nolan Gallagher

Humbolt State

Chico State

Sonoma State St. Mary’s UC Davis USF, SFSU A.I. of SF

UC Berkeley

Stanford

Santa Clara

UC Merced

UCSC

Point Loma Nazarene University Hannah Lafond San Diego State University Patrick Arsenault Jake Echeverria Maddie Overlock Samantha Santos San Francisco State University Danielle Dougan Olivia Goldstein Isaac Le Ruth Michael Meier Julia Morales Charlotte Ohrbom Thomas Peterson Max Pruitt Nick Ryan Stephan Schweitzer Brett White Mycah Williams Santa Barbara City College Cody Cassidy Wesley Chapman Sam Hagerty Ryan Peterson Santa Clara Universty Brendan Haggerty DJ Swan Sam Varney Sonoma State University Rebecca Johnston Rachel Leonard Cole Miller Bianca Rice Kendall Running Katy Swanson

Cal Poly SLO, Cuesta Whittier

UC Santa Barbara, SBCC

Caltech

CSU Channel Islands UCLA

St. Mary’s College, Moraga Kaela Kinnare Stanford University Caitlin Hird University of Redlands Jordan Hardman Brandon Reiter Mae Wright University of San Francisco Paige Kutilek Caitlin McKinley Erin Rosenberg Kendra Scruggs Austin Stubbs University of Southern California Louis Peiser Brenton Sher University of California, Berkeley Lindsey Agnew

Marisa Blanke Brendan Carruthers Nathan Chong Will Chu Jack Connor Kira Harland Eleanore Hendrickson Steven Lee Emma Lindley Danny McNeela Max Pazevic Anthony Pollereno Maia Rosengarten Ernest Templin University of California, Davis Ana Coen Colin Noble Sabrina Ruediger Anna Smith University of California, Irvine Valentina Calmo Mitch Chivetta Riley DeGhionno Sarah Kellogg Angela Paddy

CSU Pomona USC, LMU

Biola, Pitzer College

UC Irvine, Laguna, Chapman, CSU Fullerton

UC Riverside, Redlands SDSU, UC San Diego, Point Loma Nazerene USD, A.I. of SD, Grossmont College,

MiraCosta CSU San Marcos, Palomar

Raveena Patel University of California, Los Angeles Huamin Bai Andrew Calman Katherine Hee Jeff Kuo Eddie Tan University of California, Merced Jordan Manzanares University of California, Riverside Elio Hollenbeck Claire Li University of California, San Diego Natalya Ballard Grifen Buck Katie Clinton Emily Karydes Julie Lai Fatt Jenai Machhi Ritwick Patnaik Cassia Pollock

Maximo Prescott Dakota Speas University of California, Santa Barbara Ilya Feinstein Avery Gallagher Alex Goldstein Kara Gorman Anne Holston Katherine Ozorio Edgar Rosales University of California, Santa Cruz Monica Calsbeek Dane Crimmins Sonja Gerber Eddie Reynoso Margo Taylor University of San Diego Jordan Golden Whittier College Pablo Gomez

Features

The Mustang 6.11.2012 Western Washington

Reed, Lewis & Clark, Linfield, Portland State

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13 Clark University Amherst, Western Mass. Bennington Wells

Gozanga Puget Sound, UW University of Oregon

Boise State University

Lawrence

UChicago

Utah State BYU

Colorado State, Boulder Denver University Colorado Mesa University

Carnegie Mellon Oberlin Purdue Earlham

ASU, CRAS University of Arizona

University of Oklahoma, Norman

Barnard, NYU, Pratt Franklin & Marshall, Penn State Georgetown George Mason

Colorado Springs

Northern Arizona

Berklee, BU, Bunker Hill, Emerson, Harvard, Northeastern Wesleyan

Emory

UNC School of the Arts

Texas Christian University SMU

University of Hawaii Hawaii Pacific

Amherst College (Massachusetts) Enrique Cowen

Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (Arizona) Natalie Woodward

Arizona State University (Arizona) Emily Falkner

Denver University (Colorado) Chase Brokaw

Barnard College (New York) Perri Callaway

Earlham College (Indiana) Erin Stone

Bennington College (Vermont) Kiley Dalrymple

Emerson College (Massachusetts) Jocelyn Lee

Berklee College of Music (Massachusetts) Beau Davis

Emory University (Georgia) Naomi Maisel Michaela Whatnall

Boise State University (Idaho) Eric Nieman

Franklin & Marshall College (Pennsylvania) Cameron Koob

Boston University (Massachusetts) Emily Maxwell Brigham Young University (Utah) Ashley Beltran Blair Crickmore Harper Crickmore Brenda Salinas Marie Santore Bunker Hill College (Massachusetts) Xana Young Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) Jenna Asperslag Clark University (Massachusetts) Stan Austin Colorado Mesa University Colorado) Erica Haynes Colorado State University (Colorado) Samantha Bannock Elise Foote

George Mason University (Virginia) Derrik Marow Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) Michelle Xu Gonzaga University (Washington) Julia Rein Harvard University (Massachusetts) Aram Mahmoudzadeh Hawaii Pacific University (Hawaii) Christy English Lawrence University (Wisconsin) Loraina Stinson Lewis & Clark College (Oregon) Cameron Hanlon Linfield College (Oregon) Aaron Stiles

Oberlin College (Ohio) Kianna Eberle

University of Arizona (Arizona) Jake Taylor

New York University (New York) Max Gordon Nick Hergesheimer Emily Huang

University of Chicago (Illinois) Angela Zhang

Northeastern University (Massachusetts) Joey Kobara Northern Arizona University (Arizona) Damon Ferreirae Sydney Goodman Nate Knorek Garrett Vrevich

University of Colorado, Boulder (Colorado) Jenny Fisher Robert Hylton University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (Colorado) Ashley Altenbern University of Hawaii (Hawaii) Lena Ohlson

Pennsylvania State University (Pennsylvania) Grace Collins

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (North Carolina) Alison Ryall

Portland State University (Oregon) Violeta Nicolas

University of Oklahoma, Norman (Oklahoma) Zack Zounes

Pratt Institute (New York) Tim Liedtke

University of Oregon (Oregon) Leah Hennes Hannah Minton Tatiana Skomski Austin Scott Luke Strom Rachel Weinfield

University of Puget Sound (Washington) Kaitlin Spooner Kylie Sprague Purdue University (Indiana) Andrew Sher Annie Tarabini Reed College (Oregon) Nikki Cohen Southern Methodist University (Texas) Megan Hatfield John Wilson Texas Christian University (Texas) Kyle Fincher Paeten Tencer

University of Washington (Washington) Dominique Etzel Mariko Kobayashi

Western Washington University (Washington) Amber Michaelis Andra Nordin Maddy Thunder Kat Wildermuth Other Plans Sophie Bandstra Gregory Baumann Danielle Bilodeau Nicholas Canceco Renner Courtney Cox Brian Dominguez Nicholas Junge Mary Lyons Cory Mettling Danya Schulman Olivia Stumpf Elsie Voigt Amanda Zomerdyke Undecided Evan Armstrong Sarah Cruz Alex Obenshain Kent Oman Jake Plasse Alex Van Valkenberg McGill University (Canada) John Deane Brian Kim Richmond, the American International University (England) Oliver Martin

Utah State University (Utah) Alex Rothenberg

University of British Columbia (Canada) Maddie Holcomb

Wells College (New York) Kylie Nishioka

University of Poitiers (France) Orâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;el Anbar

Wesleyan College (Connecticut) Erin McGrath

University of Toronto (Canada) Sabine Sinclair

Western Massachusetts University (Massachusetts) Bryan Jung

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Daytrip Temecula

Features

6.11.2012 The

Mustang

Featured for: This hidden Fourth Street Antiques daytrip mecca is located in With Temecula’s reputaarid, desert climate and is tion for being an antique not only known for its famed hot spot, Fourth Street wineries, but is also adored contains an extensive for its natural scenery, smallcollection of well-kept Story and photos by Anna Williams town feel, and historical settreasures, from traditionting with its Old Town district al silver and turquoise being a prominent travel site. jewelry and vintage A little history: Before its hand-beaded clutches, lively expansion in the early to glitzier items, such 1900’s, Temecula Valley was as a gold, French-styled originally home of the native telephone with a circle Pechanga band of Luiseno dial. 41975 4th Street Indians who believed that the earth’s life began in Temecula Valley. Why go now: Rather than dally until the summer season is in full swing, drop in soon to enjoy the desert warmth and refreshing breezes. The look: An eclectic mix of historical buildings among renovated Temecula Olive Oil Company modern architecture with a Jars upon jars of varied olive oils and olive products line the sandy, adobe-tinted mounshelves in the company’s rustic interior. Featuring an Olive tain backdrop. Oil Tasting Bar, visitors can experience the depth of savory olive oils, and take shots of hand-crafted balsamic vinegar. Highlight flavors to try: Fresh Blood Orange, or a more peppery late stage Rotturemore olive oil. Or, try a drizzle of fresh vanilla and fig balsamic. 28653 Old Town Front Street Old Town Root beer Company After a day of venturing through the historical walk, cool down from a selection of hundreds Incr-Edible Cupcakes of old-fashioned glass soda bottled drinks. Drinks can be enjoyed on the front deck. Inside Owner Diana Colletti opened her is a bottle cap collection, numbering several million bottle caps, which will be counted by custom cupcake shop on Friday, the Guinness Book of World Records in the near future. Highlight drink to try: Natural Hawaiian Waialua Mango soda. 28500 Old Town Front Street May 25, after being featured in

March on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” Highlight flavor to try: Vanilla Bean (pictured) Spiked Hot Cocoa (blend of chocolate and espresso) 42072 5th Street #105 Café Daniel One of the first eateries you’ll wander upon, while striding on the town’s main road. A charming European bistro, this café’s specialty, are paninis and crepes, the latter can be seen being hand-flipped and made. Highlight crepe to try: Spinach and feta with fresh tomato sauce (as pictured). 28601 Old Town Front Street- Suite F

Tim Cash & Band The acoustics and tinny, harmonica vibrations of Tim Cash’s blues rock trio can be enjoyed from the street. Tucked away on the courtyard/patio, Cash, center, the main vocalist performs each Sunday afternoon with his band mates. Temecula Valley Cheese Company 42072 5th Street

Getting there Driving distance from Encinitas to Temecula: Taking the I-5 north, you can count on being there within an hour and twenty minutes.

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The Mustang 6.11.2012

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Alternative Educations Not everyone agrees that typical university is right for their education--at least not yet. Some seniors, like Sophie Bandstra, Danielle Bilideau, Olivia Stumpf, and Or’el Anbar are taking a different route next year. Story by Caitlin Hird.

hough it seems most seniors are planning to head off to a four-year university or community college next year, some have different plans. From cosmetology school to traveling, each student has their own specific path, but overall about 10 SDA seniors this year decided that a standard education is just not for them. “I chose against going to a traditional four-year to ultimately beat the bureaucracy of college. I didn’t want to have to take all those G.E. classes. I wanted to get right into the world of preventive care as soon as possible,” said senior Olivia Stumpf, who is planning to attend the International Professional School of Bodywork in San Diego to study holistic healing. Others just didn’t feel traditional schooling was right for them. “I always knew I would go to school but never a four-year university. Honestly, at this point I don’t know what I would do other than cosmetology,” said senior Danielle Bilideau, who will be attending the Paul Mitchell school of cosmetology in downtown San Diego.

Some, like senior Or’el Anbar, are planning to attend a traditional university but are postponing it for a year: “I have always wanted to take a gap year. I’m still planning on going to a traditional college, just not yet.” Or’el is going to the University of Poitiers in France next year for a French culture and language immersion program with his best friend, La Costa Canyon senior Jorge Bouras. When he is not studying at the University, he will be working on a vineyard and living “as nomadic a life as possible.” Though these students are taking a non-traditional path, they are met with support. “I just told my parents ‘Mom, Dad, I’m going to France.’ Once I heard that it would only be $1,000 per semester I just said to Jorge ‘Let’s do it,’” said Anbar. “My mom was the one who pointed out to me how I really like dying and cutting hair. It was then that I had the realization of how much I notice these things in myself and other people,” said Bilideau. Some are worried about missing out on the social aspect of a tra-

ditional college, but are looking to friends to help fill that void. “The only thing I feel like I’m really missing out on with the whole college life is the dorms and the whole campus atmosphere. I decided that I could room with some friends when I eventually do move out and so I think I’ll get a taste of that anyway,” said senior Sophie Bandstra, who is planning to work before heading to a cosmetology school to become a makeup artist. “I plan on visiting my friends in college and getting all those experiences then,” said Stumpf. Each person has their own career path that their particular plan will help them achieve. “I not only want to be a really good hairstylist, but I hope to have the opportunity to work for someone important in the cosmetology business and eventually relocate to San Francisco,” said Bilideau. “I hope to do something along the lines of freelance massage at first then hopefully be able to work my way up. Also, I plan on finding an additional skill within holistic healing aside of massage to be able to

Senior Sopie Bandstra practices her cosmetology skills on senior Kristen Perkins for an SDA theater production. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

offer to my clients and I hope to discover that skill at the International Professional School of Bodywork,” said Stumpf. “I think that any kind of foreign experience is going to be beneficial in my future career. The skill of being bilingual will also help greatly, especially if I decided to enter a hospitality-oriented career,” said Anbar.

Regardless of what their plans are, the seniors taking the nontraditional path are all looking forward to everything that’s in store for them. “I know that I will enjoy the path I’m taking much more because it suits me. I’m looking forward to it because I’m not really sure where this path will take me, and I’m excited to see what happens,” said Bandstra.

Centerspread

The Mustang6.11.2012

In Ten Years... PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOCELYN LEE AND EMILY MAXWELL

ARGENIS RAMOS I can see myself playing professional soccer for the MLS. I always have being a cop as a backup. I would like to be living in LA or in Chicago because the weather there is awesome.

“

ELIZABETH JACOBSON I’ll have an awesome husband with some kids and a kickass job. Hopefully I won’t be a soccer mom, and I’ll still be a little crazy.

MARIE SANTORE In 10 years, I will either still be an incredibly single nomad traveling the world via horse or bicycle, or I will be married with five children living in Canada with a vacation home in the south of France, New Zealand, and here of course.

”

We asked seniors what they think they’ll be doing in 10 years. Here are some of their thoughts.

ANDRA NORDIN Making bank being Andra Nordin. Watch, I’m gonna get an Oscar. I’ll also be excavating the leftover ruins in Egypt, fending off cobras, and eating Shawarma.

ANDREW SHER I will most likely be a civil engineer designing and planning roads and transportation for the future and performing in plays and musicals on the side.

29% of seniors have siblings that go to SDA

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17 15% of seniors don’t have driver’s licenses

51% of seniors were on a SDA sports team

BRANDON REITER I plan to hike across the most idyllic landscapes on the planet in South New Zealand and befriend some of the rarest and most mysterious animals to have ever walked this earth.

NATE KNOREK I’ll be on the moon, building spaceships to go everywhere and do everything. I’ll train a fleet of space dogs to fly my spaceship and establish an empire.

MELISSA MORALES I see myself living the good life and reminiscing the college life that was left behind. But most importantly, I see myself like the happiest person on Earth with many years in front of me.

ANNA SMITH I will be traveling the world, discovering new cultures and helping to save the environment. I will be super happy.

ELISE FOOTE I will be living the rich life by enjoying the services of a butler and taking many family vacations to the different properties I will own and relaxing on my yacht.

NICKY CANCECO RENNER I am going to become a certified EMT. Then I’m going to take courses to become a firefighter. I see myself fighting fires in a blaze of glory.

KAITLIN SPOONER I see myself in Spain or in the Peace Corps. Or if I get poor, I’ll live at home. If my mom lets me. But she probably won’t, so I’ll stick with the Spain goal.

“

DANIEL ALGUIRE I will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of you asking me this question. Also, I will no doubt be enoying my life living in my moon mansion with my moon wife, Jane Jetson. If not that, I will probably be a successful actor, waiting on tables.

WALKER CHUPPE I’ll probably be eating ramen noodles in LA. Working maybe as a starving film/TV actor. The next time you see me, my aura of light will be a different color.

”

CAROLINA DIAZ I think I will be somewhere in Europe doing business and also going to Africa and helping children get the right education, and inspiring kids to go to school and get an education.

19 seniors own pet chickens

ALEX OBESHAIN In ten years, I see myself at the prestigious institution known as the San Dieguito Academy educating the youth about the wonders of biology and mastering the art of saxophone playing.

ALYSSA ESPINOSA I want to be working in the health business as a personal trainer on the Biggest Loser.

ANA COEN I want to be making a difference in the medical field. I also want to travel the world; specifcally, visit Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Great Britain.

STAN AUSTIN I want to go to Japan and teach English to all the Japanese country bumpkins and eat a lot of sushi. I will also have 100 tomodatchis.

EVAN EICHENBERG I will be doing work in law enforcement, probably in the federal government, keeping the peace in America.

STEVEN LEE In ten years, I will be Asian, around 5’10” and I will have a bowl cut.

Arts

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Passion Pit members cozy up to some freshly dried garments. How charming are these lads? Photo courtesy of www.passionpitmusic.com.

SUMMER PREVIEWS: MUSIC With a smattering of new albums, summer 2012 is ready with a delectable smorgasboard of musical genres sure to please your sophisticated palate. You connoisseur, you.

“Overexposed” Maroon 5

“Believe” Justin Bieber

“Life is Good” Nas

“Spark Seeker” Matisyahu

“Gossamer” Passion Pit

June 19

July 17

July 24

SDA’s own English teacher Justin Conn had a particularly interesting story to share regarding Maroon 5’s tattooed lead singer, Adam Levine. “I went to a Guster concert with my wife in the early 2000s. Maroon 5 was opening. The band was fairly unknown at this point; they were giving out free CDs and people didn’t even want them. “My wife and I were in the very front row listening to their opening act when Adam [Levine] started basically dancing all over the microphone stand. He was winking and making suggestive gestures to someone right behind me. I turned around to see my wife standing there with her arms crossed, absolutely hating it. So I’m not exactly a big fan. “I don’t care [about the new album]. As long as no thrusting is involved,” said Conn. According to the “thrusting” performer, the new album will be their “poppiest” one yet. This is proven by the newly-released single, “Payphone,” featuring Wiz Khalifa. The music video to this ironically upbeat lamentation of love contains lots of expensive-looking explosions, car chases, and gunfights. - Sarah Kochanek

Bieber’s new album “Believe” is due out this month, and the ghost of music’s past is rolling over in its golden grave. Something about him is so ridiculous; he’s not only a talentless buffoon, but a perplexing one. His electro-rapified version of “Little Drummer Boy” off his “Under the Mistletoe” Christmas album featured a rap interlude by hit star Busta Rhymes (“Come to realize my homie Bieber hit me on the Twitter/Then I hit him up despite I had some food up on my finger/Sippin’ eggnog with a little sprinkle of vanilla”). Yet his sentimental “Turn to You” was released early off the upcoming album as a Mother’s Day tribute and celebrated his mother being “so brave” despite having been “just my age when you had me.” Can one who puts a synth beat behind a Christmas classic while thanking his mother really be taken seriously? In an odd way, I am looking forward to hearing “Believe” to find out. - Angela Zhang

Usually I don’t respect rappers because they come across as egotistical baboons, but you how can you not respect someone with a stage name like Nasty Nas and who refers to himself as The Don, or the head of an organization? What makes him an interesting character, besides the fact that he is someone I would be scared to meet in person, that is poetic with a intimidating persona. His swag is old school, dirty-explicit (not dubstep good), but unmistakably there. You know it must be true when you write a song about your daughter that irritates her baby momma. Then proceeds to producea music video witrh her name in it. That earns props. Nas isn’t young and reckless in “Life is Good,” but rather a wiseman willing to spill his knowledge. It is a little creepy that he is old enough to be any of our parents, but it’s supposed to be all about the music, right? If you want to stop listening to the drama about wanting to be a boyfriend, come join the Nas bandwagon. Saggy pants not included. - Kyle Hoff

With a beard that makes Mr. Huntley look youthful, Matisyahu will release his first studio album in three years this July. A down-toearth dude, he is all about “expressing the emotion or the idea” that invokes him. Not your average bear drops out of high school to become a musician and has a religious midlife crisis. He produces a very pure and calming reggae. On his 13-track album, Matsi gets his work produced by a series of accomplished artists in Kool Kojak (Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker, Ke$ha). Expect his new album to be an uplifting piece of work that will bring you out of the dark on a brisk day. He blogged: “Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth.” As for those who panicked over the loss of his massive bear(d) last December (probably not too many of us), he assured: “For those concerned with my naked face, don’t worry…you haven’t seen the last of my facial hair.” If you want a sneak preview beyond the realm of the internet, go and see him live at the Del Mar Fair July 3. - Kyle Hoff

When listening to Passion Pit, I can’t help but feel as if rainbows are exploding in my ears. Every time they end up in my music shuffle, a glob of gummy electro pop harmonies sticks in my head for hours. The lyrics are rather bedazzled with the high-pitched voice of lead singer Michael Angelakos, deafening listeners with an electric feel that makes the words rather ambiguous. In one of the songs from their previous EP “Chunk of Change,” fans still argue in the comments section of YouTube (where all great debates happen) over whether the opening lyrics of their song “Sleepyhead” say “Peas in your corn” or “Please unicorn.” But the band seems to be taking on a more serious subject with their lyrics on the upcoming “Gossamer.” The first single, “Take a Walk,” was recently released, and Angelakos said in an interview with the Huffington Post that it explores the theme of financial struggle and fortune through the eyes of an immigrant who works “to bring [his] family stateside.” The topic matter on “Gossamer” definitely differs from that of the band’s “Please unicorn,” days. - Taylor Knudson

Arts

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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PREVIEWS: MOVIES

This summer is coming out with the usual blockbusters. You know, explosions, superheroes, and a vampire-hunting Abraham Lincoln.

Rock of Ages June 15

Get ready for night clubs, scandals, and, of course, rock-and-roll. The movie adaptation of the musical “Rock of Ages,” one of Broadway’s longest running shows, will open on the last day of school. The five-time Tony Award-nominated musical has the potential to be an on-screen success with the collaboration of Adam Shankman, who directed the movie musical “Hairpray,” and Criss D’Arienzo, who wrote the book for Broadway’s “Rock of Ages.” The movie will draw audiences with names like Catherine ZetaJones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, and interestingly enough, Tom Cruise. The “Mission Impossible” star will be sporting long hair, piercings, tats, and will be portraying one of the many shirtless rock sensations of the late 80’s. And, yes, he will be singing. “Rock of Ages” will feature music from Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, and Twisted Sister. - Elisa Figueroa

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter June 22

If there are three things Americans love more than fast food, they are Abraham Lincoln, vampires, and a good old-fashioned horror movie. “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” combines all three. Apparently, Hollywood is out of ideas. The movie is supposed to follow Lincoln as he seeks revenge on vampires and their slave-owning helpers after a supernatural creature kills his mother. A glimpse of hope shines in this film despite the promise of bloody gore and axe-wielding 16th presidents. The king of creepy movies, Tim Burton, is producing the film alongside director Timur Bekmambetov. - Taylor Knudson

Brave

June 22 Last year, “Cars 2” was the first Pixar film to not receive any nominations at the Academy Awards. This year, with its 13th movie, Pixar seems to be stepping it up by introducing its first film with a strong female lead in its first non-sequel since the release of “Up” in 2009. “Brave” is set in the Scottish

Highlands and follows the story of Princess Merida who, after defying a sacred tradition and causing chaos in her kingdom, seeks help from a witch who grants her an unfortunate wish. To undo the curse, Merida is sent on adventure to battle beasts and discover the true meaning of bravery. So far, the movie sounds a lot like “How to Train Your Dragon” minus the dragons and plus the feminism. With the voice talents of great actors and actresses such as Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters (better known as Hagrid and Mrs. Weasley), this movie is looking like it could put Pixar back in the running for an Oscar this year. - Tacy Manis

The Dark Knight Rises June 29

It has been eight years since Batman brought justice to the streets of Gotham after being blamed for the crimes committed by Harvey Dent (Two-Face). With Batman gone, criminals are able to thrive once again, and the evil mastermind Bane has brought terror to the citizens of Gotham. Now as a villain in the eyes of Gotham, Batman must protect and avenge the once great city, using advanced weaponry and his superior fighting abilities. Christian Bale (“Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight”), Anne Hathaway (“Get Smart”), and Liam Neeson (“Taken”) complete the beloved series this summer. - Bo Templin

from the evil clutches of Zartan. If you can get past the hundred plot twists, what you have is the quintessential action film, chock full of gruesome deaths and girls running around in tight clothes. - Caroline Glass

The Amazing Spider-Man July 3

Do you like people that can shoot string out of their hands? Do you like looking at Andrew Garfield or Emma Stone? Do you like watching people climb on buildings? If you just gave a little shrug and a nod and thought “Yeah, that girl’s got me pegged,” you should make the new Spiderman movie your go-to film this summer. The classic Spiderman series is getting a makeover with Garfield as the new Spidey (replacing Toby Maguire) and Stone as his main squeeze (replacing Kirsten Dunst). An interesting aspect of the new arachnid-dude film is director Marc Webb, who directed the romantic comedy “500 Days of Summer.” The trailer promises the movie will be dramatically different than the quirky, romantic jaunt that is “500 Days” though. Packed with at least twice as many special effects as the original Spidey series and a good dose of action, the reboot seems to be aimed towards actionseeking (or Andrew Garfield seeking) audiences. If the rest of the movie holds true to the trailer, the film looks pretty swanky indeed. - Emily Hall

Bourne Legacy

GI Joe: Retaliation

August 3

In case you didn’t get enough guns, explosions, and people falling off of buildings in “The Avengers” or “Battleship,” you won’t have to wait too long for the next three-hour continuous action shot: the highly anticipated G.I. Joe sequel, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” is coming. Bringing back sudden-superstar Channing Tatum as top Joe Duke and introducing the fathers of action Bruce Willis and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the film is sure to be just as explosion-filled (or even more) than the original. Since they have massacred most of the Joes, Duke and the original G.I. Joe (Willis) must form a secret revolution to take back the world

The Bourne Legacy returns to the screen with a controversial twist. Jeremy Renner (“The Town”) plays Aaron Cross and takes on jeopardizing situations caused by former events of Jason Bourne. The thriller is a sequel and introduces a group of new members. If you haven’t seen the Bourne series starring Matt Damon, producers encourage fans to watch the first movies, knowing that this will be an unconventional new sequel. Fans will have to see if Renner can step into Damon’s role. Producers have not released much detail about the plotline, but it should be filled with the same nail-biting sequences of the first. -Austin Keillor

June 29

Perhaps the most anticipated film this summer, “The Dark Knight Rises” will conclude the cult-followed and beloved Batman series. Photo courtesy of thedarkknightrises.com.

The Expendables 2 August 17

Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) calls up The Expendables for a seemingly easy job, but when one of their own is viciously killed by the enemy, it turns into a mission for payback. The Expendables are forced into a hostile territory where the odds are against them, but nothing can stop them from getting revenge on the villains that killed their brother. While on their raging quest for revenge, though, they stumble upon six pounds of weapon grade plutonium, enough gun power to upset the balance of the entire world. Instantly, this mission shifts from just revenge to saving the world. - Tyler Hagen

Premium Rush August 24

When taking a trip to the movies this summer you will see violence, guns, explosions, superheroes, high speed chases, and, oh yeah, more superheroes. But there is only one movie this summer about a bike

messenger, yep, a bike messenger. But we’re not talking about any old bike messenger here, we’re talking about Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And big surprise here, the film will include: chase scenes, violence, guns, dirty cops, romance, and you guessed it, more violence. The only thing that’s missing here from the summer movie formula is a superhero. Unless you consider Gordon-Levitt to be a superhero, is an entirely personal preference. But besides the usual summer movie clichés, “Premium Rush” does feature Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon as a corrupt cop out to hunt down Gordon-Levitt’s character, Wilee, and retrieve a mysterious envelope he is carrying. So when summer rolls around and you are weighing whether to follow the bike messenger or spider-man as they are being chased by various bad-guys through New York City, just remember the bike messenger isn’t the one in a skin-tight red and blue suit swinging from buildings. - Joseph Swit

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Arts

6.11.2012

SUMMER

CONCERTS

Design by Caitlin Hird

The Mustang

The Mustang 6.11.2012

Arts

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Thunderstruck Senior cover artist Maddy Thunder reflects on her recent exhibit and talks about her transition from the Academy to college. Interview by Angela Zhang.

Your show, “Separation,” was on exhibit in the SDA Art Gallery this May. How was it? I was really happy with how it ended up. It was more work than anticipated, but I was really pleased with the end result…it came with a distinct feeling of accomplishment. How long, in hours, do you think the entire exhibit took to put together? Oh, God…Okay, working on the gallery was probably at least ten hours. Setting it up, I worked every day in class for a week and went in after school a bunch. The art, I want to say around 50 hours; actually, it was more than that. Each of the 12 pieces took an average of about six hours. So 80 hours total. That’s crazy. [Laughs]. It was spread out, though. What does the future look like? I declared an art major. I’m really excited; I got accepted into the college of fine arts at Western Washington University. What’s your message? I get so overwhelmed sometimes with stress, emotion, frustration. Rather than talking to someone (though I guess that’d probably be healthy), I just like to do art about it instead and that releases a lot of tension. That’s how I “talk” about it, I guess. If you had all the money, all the resources, all the time—to do a crazy art project. What would you do? Honestly, what my goal in life is, is to somehow make a ton of money, and then get a glass house next to a beach and just be able to do art all the time. Have a really well-lit studio with fancy lighting. And just do art where I have a nice view, do whatever I want so I don’t have to cater to what people want to buy. It seems like Encinitas has had a big influence on your artwork. Definitely; namely just using bright colors or anything. Which is why I’m kind of sad I’ll be going to Washington next year (laughs). I’ll be painting in all black and white soon. Anything else? I heart SDA. Actually, what I really want to say is that I’ll miss all the artistic inspiration from the kids that go here. They’ve been so creative and open-minded, and it’s been really cool working with them. I will honestly miss it. Clockwise from top: Thunder in a pixelated promise land (photo editing by Kyle Hoff); black and white portrait of senior Perri Callaway on wood; the severed portrait poster image for Thunder’s exhibit, “Separation.”

Maddie Thunder and Nolan Gallagher

Kent Oman, Jack Conner, Kylie Jocelyn Lee, Caitlin Hird, and Emma Lindley Sprague, and Brooke Spangenberg

Nathan Chong

Raina Stinson and Sam Varney

Josh Robles, Danielle Bilodeau, Michelle Bullington, and Kenton Wallace

Sydney Goodman

Eats

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Dining on Döners In search of a close-to-home lunch joint that serves up authentic, affordable goods, the ethnic foods crew tries out a new Turkish restaurant located here in Encinitas, The Kebab Shop. Story by Kianna Eberle.

estled in the multicultural oasis that is Encinitas’ stretch of El Camino Real lies The Kebab Shop, surrounded by a pizza shop, a French bakery, a taco shop, and an Asian restaurant. Talk about food availability. The Kebab Shop was our ethnic destination this time, rumored to be the source of some of the finest Turkish food in the area and close enough to venture to on a meager Thursday lunch. Despite its modern and chain restaurant-esque appearance, its offerings are extremely authentic and true to the Turkish kebab tradition. The interior was sleek and chic and huge hunks of meat spun behind the counter where one orders. Upon entering, I immediately gushed over the cold case full of salads to my right. These weren’t your typical limp and uninspired lettuce-tomatopackaged dressing salads you might find at other lunch joints. These looked flavorful, inventive, and lovingly made. There was your basic Greek salad, beautifully arranged and complete with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and huge chunks of fresh feta. Beyond that, however, there were heartier options like bebe caprese, cucumber dill, Algerian eggplant, hummus, tabouli, minted orzo zucchini, Andalucía carrots, macaroni salad, and green lentils with walnuts. I was nearly overwhelmed by all of the fresh choices they had available for gluten-intolerant vegetarians like myself, despite the reputation the restaurant had for the most tender lamb in town. Their signature item is the döner kebab, a.k.a. the gyro, tender vertically grilled meat wrapped in flatbread with all of the Turkish fixings. They also have shawarma, shish kebabs, Iskender kebabs, döner boxes, fries, and saffron rice. The man on duty told us that by far the most authentic item on the menu is the Iskender kebab. It consists of sliced lamb over pita bread drizzled with browned butter and tomato sauce and served with yogurt sauce and fresh herbs. It’s a signature dish in Turkey, aptly named after Alexander the Great. However, his favorite item was the traditional Döner kebab with an addition of french fries inside, which senior DJ Swan enthusiastically ordered. I went for the chopped Greek salad, a simple option, yet delicious if done right. I had faith in The Kebab Shop and their mastery of the classics.

Allyssa Baldini, Danielle Dougan, Christy English, and Sabrina Ruediger

Max Gordon

Margo Taylor and Perri Callaway

Smiling employees greet customers at the counter in The Kebab Shop. Photo by Kianna Eberle.

Senior Alison Ryall decided on the döner box, which includes your choice of meat or falafel, fries or saffron rice, and all of the veggies and fixings found in the wrap, simply packed into a takeout box rather than wrapped in flatbread. Arriving about 5 minutes after we had ordered, the kebabs were triple the size of your typical gyro and encased in foil, a thoroughly Middle Eastern take on the burrito specimen that we all know so well. This kebab was an Angelo’s gyro on steroids, transformed into an immensely flavorful, filling torpedo of a wrap. “It’s all delicious,” said DJ Swan, “and even better – all of the words are so fun to say!” He proceeded to repeat shwarma and döner slowly, rolling every syllable he could, as we all began to eat our lunch. DJ unwrapped his döner and proceeded to smother it with the complimentary Labneh, a creamy white yogurt sauce served with just about everything on the menu. I dove into my Greek salad, happy to find crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes. The shining star of the salad, however, was the feta. Huge creamy, salty chunks were generously scattered throughout, and tasted fresh out of the goat’s udder. Really, it was some of the best feta I’ve ever tasted. We all helped ourselves to a cleverly named “after döner mint” and walked out to the car, satisfied and happy to have found such authentic, delicious food so close to home. The ride back to school was full of reminiscing about how tasty it all was, as well as as many inappropriate döner jokes that our obnoxious teenage minds could invent. “The size of the döner is a little overwhelming to eat all at once,” said senior Andra Nordin, who had wrapped up half of her döner to snack on in Blaze’s class. However, I figure that anyone seeking such a thick, savory, carnivorous meal is looking for the most meat for their money. Under this criteria, The Kebab Shop does not disappoint.

The Kebab Shop 127 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

Nikki Cohen

(760) 634-9822 www.thekebabshop.com Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm Sun 12 pm - 9 pm

Katie Guinn, Marie Santore, Opal Theodossi, and Bianca Rice

Michael Meier and Elsie Voigt

Niko Gilligan

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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Foray into the Fryer Frying everything from fruit to marshmallows to a roast beef sandwich, both gooey disaster and gastronomical delight befall my culinary pursuit as I satisfy the innate craving for golden-fried goodies. Story by Laurel Sorenson.

s I contemplated the coming fair season, my taste buds yearned for the grease-filled crunch of foods that under normal circumstances would never be fried. Cheesecake, butter, and Kool-Aid are fine, but my hunger was strong. I wasn’t in the mood for any summertime lark. Oh no. I wanted a fried meal. Gathering the foods I would normally be compelled to eat on any given day, I embarked on a culinary adventure the likes of which my digestive system had never seen. As peanut oil heated in the fryer, I assembled a wholesome spread consisting of cold pizza, strawberries, bananas, thin mints, Oreos, mini-snickers, marshmallows, and a roast beef sandwich. I started with what seemed to be the easy stuff: the mini-snickers. After multiple failed attempts with the batter refusing to leave its cozy home in the fryer, I realized one must roll things in flour first, then batter, then flour once more. Fried snickers were a tasty treat, but any more than two mini-bars resulted in almost immediate nausea. The results were less delicious with the marshmallows, thin mints, and especially the banana. Marshmallows melt. I probably should’ve seen that one coming. Anything that has the capability of being truly mushy should be frozen solid and kept in the freezer until its intended frying time. Otherwise they will create a disgusting battered goo that isn’t worthy of being tasted. Also, there’s just nothing tasty about a warm thin mint. Serve room temperature or cold, always. Though I had become uncomfortably full from eating my other experiments, I pushed on. The deep fried roast beef sandwich was surprisingly delightful but slightly difficult to keep it together long enough to fry. It’s golden outside added crunch to what would’ve been an ordinary sandwich. This was satisfying, but the real reward came with deep fried pizza. It was fried to perfection as well as being easy to flip. Get it crispy and light brown and it will make your heart sing. Deep fried strawberries also tend to be successful. With a sprinkle of powdered sugar they’re like little strawberry shortcakes. Ingredients • • •

2 tbsp white vinegar 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 bottle of peanut oil

• • •

1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 1 cup milk

1. Set aside one cup of flour to dry out your treats before frying them. 2. Fill a deep fryer with peanut oil and heat it as high as it can go.

3. Mix everything else together. 4. Take food, and roll it in flour, coat completely in batter, roll it in the flour again, and put it into the fryer. Watch out kids, oil splashes.

5. Cook food until it’s golden brown, turning if it is not completely submerged in oil.

6. Remove the food from the fryer and place on a paper towel on a plate. Let it cool and enjoy. Illustrations By Emily Hall

Steeze

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ultimate steeze

6.11.2012

The Mustang

Seniors Sofy Turley and Ryan Peterson show off their class of 2012 ultimate senior steeze. For the last time, story by Tatiana Skomski. glasses: the closet $16

hat: surfride $25

shirt: brandy melville $21

shirt: insight sample sale $8

bag: ross $15

skirt: street fair $11 pants: urban outfitters $60 shoes: forever 21 $28 Photo by Tatiana Skomski

Photo by Emily Maxwell

shoes: surfride $45

The Mustang 6.11.2012

Steeze

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Summer 2012: Trends

Spend the summer in style with two of the most popular trends of the summer of 2012 season: bold colors and sheer fabrics. Story by Tatiana Skomski and art by Anna Williams.

Bright Colors

Sheer Fabrics

Summer fashion for 2012 is all about bright colors and bold prints. So, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the right time to ditch the dark and heavy winter clothes and go for something colorful and trendy. For summer 2012, trends are featuring dazzling prints and eye-popping colors such as playful pinks, striking oranges, and robust reds. A popular way to wear this trend is with a style known as color blocking. This is when multiple bright colored fabrics are worn together in one outfit. Also extremely popular for the summer season are bright colored jeans. Colors such as red and turquoise are among the most common. Along with bold colors, neon shades have been showing up all over for this summer. No matter how you wear this trend, you will be sure to make a splash this summer in popping, bold colors.

Show off a little skin this summer with sheer fabrics. This trend has been popping up all over the spring runways this year and will be sure to be a popular choice this summer. Sheer blouses with bras worn underneath and sheer maxi skirt bottoms are two of the most popular styles for this trend. Whether you choose to be more or less conservative with what you wear underneath, sheer fabric is a great way to stay cool in the heat of the summer. The most popular colors of this trend are neutrals such as black, white, and crĂ¨me. This look is all about balance so you want to make sure when wearing this trend you remember to incorporate it into your wardrobe subtly. A little goes a long way when it comes to this trend.

Circus Animal Fun

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CULT OF COLTS ENGAGES IN HORSEPLAY Courtesy of Wikimedia

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SEASONED CHEF STARTS SPICE COMPANY Courtesy of Wikimedia

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PEANUTS GET ASSAULTED Couresy of Wikimedia

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San Dieguito Sentinel SWINDLED AGAIN!

Mustang Newspaper Implements New News Format:‘The News that You Choose’

The news format/penguin dance/violent crime scene was considered a great idea/ fun Saturday evening/horrible example of the ills of humanity. Photo by Wikimedia.

By Mae Wright

The Mustang newspaper is implementing a new format for publishing news. Rather than the old system of reporting news that actually happened, The Mustang will utilize an interactive style in which readers will be able to “choose their own news,” said editor-inchief Eddy Torr. “With our new prompt system, readers can choose amongst Actual News, Soft

News, and Crime News. Since the news is generated by people’s imaginations, we save on the cost of ink,” said Torr. “I’m tired of people complaining that our news does not apply to them or fulfill their random niche interest,” said Torr. “Starting right away, we will be offering a new and improved style.” “And when I say right away, I mean [immediately/it sure was a cute penguin/it was the most grisly scene officers saw in

years].” The most noticeable change will be the lack of real facts in news articles. “This is a relief for the news staff here at The Mustang. We are always having trouble coming up with good ideas for news because it is so [boring at San Dieguito Academy/hard to take your eyes off those penguins once they start their dance routine/ difficult to find fingerprints when there is so much blood],” said [Torr/penguin choreographer Dan Cerr/Officer Gore]. “I’m telling you [whatever you want to hear/that for hipless creatures, those penguins sure can shake it/ it was the broccoli that killed those people]!” said [Sample Quote One/penguin dance spectator/the man responsible for the bloodbath]. Will people enjoy [this new style/the grand penguin ball/ watching the reenactment on “48 Hours Mystery”]? Only [time/ticket sales/the Nielson reports] will tell.”

Teacher Spots Student Outside of School, Hides By Eleanore Hendrickson

English teacher Em Barassed was unsure of what to do after spying one of her students in the aisles of Target last Thursday. Weighing her options of smiling awkwardly, initiating a conversation, or simply fleeing and hiding, Barassed ultimately chose the latter. “I really didn’t have much of a choice there. I mean, I barely know this kid. He sleeps in a lot of my classes,” said Barassed, wringing her hands in anxiety. “I just really hope he doesn’t see me hiding from him. That would be the worst.” Abandoning her shopping cart, Barassed sprinted away

from the student and took refuge in the adjacent aisle, which was stocked with feminine care products. “This aisle is good. I’m pretty sure boys are afraid of tampons,” breathed a relieved Barassed. Her eyes then widened with horror. “But what if he walks by and thinks I’m buying a pregnancy test? Or worse,” she said, clasping her hands to her mouth, “he’s buying one himself!” After fleeing the feminine hygiene aisle, the teacher of five years attempted to camouflage herself using various store products. According to reports, Barassed first buried her body underneath bags of candy

before posing as a large slab of meat in the freezer aisle. As a last resort, Barassed donned a red shirt in an attempt to be mistaken for a Target employee. “I think this one might work,” said a gleeful Barassed. “I’m hiding in plain sight!” Pleased with her final tactic, Barassed made a break for the exit, only to set off the store’s shoplifting alarm. “Is that Ms. Barassed being patted down by store security?” asked the student, who passed by the disgraced teacher after purchasing a video game. “Maybe I’ll go and say hi. Actually, she looks a little busy right now.”

210¢

New ‘Football Jargon’ Class Created

Only 12 SDA students were able to correctly identify this photo as “football.” Other answers included “helmet fun” and “a picture of some guy.” Photo by Wikimedia.

By Cassia Pollock

After the counseling office received a multitude of written complaints last Thursday, they have persuaded the board of education to implement football jargon classes, starting immediately next year. They will be part of the general course requirements for freshmen, combined with the health/physical education classes. “SDA has unfortunately failed to prepare me for college social life, where an understanding of how to communicate with football fans is a mandatory skill for survival,” wrote one Berkeley undergraduate, who complained she spent her freshman year hiding from bears in trash cans and recycling bins when she heard the shrill cry, “Go! Bears! Go!” Many students previously applied for Peer Assisted Listeners who could explain different football terms to them, so they could communicate with coworkers and friends who invite them to LCC games. The pressure placed on the PAL organization should be

relieved by these new classes. An anonymous junior said, “My boss recently asked me what I thought about the Super Bowl and I told him I didn’t like soup. I’m starting to feel very depressed.” The course will cover vocab words such as “flanker,” “kicker,” “wide-left,” “tackle,” “fumble,” and “huddle.” Coach Buck Uppa said, “The main curriculum of the football jargon classes will be on the proper football etiquette and mannerisms—how to react to certain grunts and jeers. The purpose is not to teach them how to play it but how to react to those that do play it.” The Football Jargon classes will be graded on a pass/fail basis. “It cannot be denied that a huge part of our society revolves around this sport, and I’m excited to see how this new class will affect our student’s futures,” said counselor Penny Sive. Other people have responded less than enthusiastically to the new classes. Janitor Kent Tankerous said, “I got a job at this school because I wanted to get away from all those pom-pom waving, ball kicking twerps.”

Circus Animal Fun

The Mustang 6.11.2012

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San Dieguito Sentinel presents:

Flow Charts

Doesn’t it suck to make decisions, what with all the deciding and choicing and whatnot? Fear not, because we’ve devised these handy flow charts to solve your most important problems for you! Just follow the arrows, and your life will be great! Mostly.

“Am I a Terrible Person?”

“How Do I Pick Up a Guy?”

By Caitlin Hird

By Kyle Hoff, Tacy Manis, and Charlotte Ohrbom

“The ‘Flow’ Chart: Am I Menstruating?”

“Make a Flowchart?”

By Lily LeaVeasseur and Mae Wright

By Eleanore Hendrickson

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Sports

6.11.2012

The Mustang

Sports CIF Coverage

The Mustang 6.11.2012

Track

The following students were in the CIF finals for track and field events: Evan Armstrong, senior, got fifth place in the 800 meter. Ryan Carroll, junior, placed fifth in the 1600 meter and seventh in the 3200 meter race. Samantha Fierro, sophomore, placed fourth in the 800 meter. Finally, Sophia Hernandez, freshman, placed eighth in the 300 meter hurdle event. Coach Quote: “The League Finals meet was very memorable because of the stand-out performances our team had. So many of our student athletes improved on their previous best marks/times. That is why we are able to take a number of athletes. I love the smell of Valley Center in the evening,” said varsity coach Justin Conn. Student Quote: “The most memorable moment for me this year was when I won league finals in the two mile. When I won, it felt really good because I was kind of the underdog in that race. I prepared for CIF by taking the day off two days before the race, but other than that it was pretty much a normal week. I think the deciding factor that pushed me into CIF was that I worked really hard all year to get there and it paid off,” said junior Ryan Carroll.

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Senior Marie Santore takes the ball down the field in one of the last games of the season. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

Girls Lacrosse Record: 7-11 SDA lost 10-11 to Serra in the first round of CIF. Player Quote: “We made an AMAZING comeback at the end of the season. My favorite moment was beating San Marcos on their senior night in overtime. I’m proud of our team having really close games against Torrey Pines and Cathedral,” said senior Maddy Thunder.

Boys Lacrosse

Senior Riley Wright hitting the ball in a softball game at SDA. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

Softball Record: 12-14 League: 6-4 SDA lost 8-1 to Our Lady of Peace in the first round of CIF. Player Quotes: “We worked really hard and we have some great players with a lot of talent but I am sad to say we didn’t make it past the first round. The most memorable moment of the season would be my senior game because it was the last game I got to play at SDA as a senior and that meant the world to me. It showed how far I had come in four years and the progress I made to be able to earn recognition from CIF and to play in college. It also reminded me of how much dedication I put into being a Lady Mustang and how close I have gotten with my fellow seniors and how amazing softball has been for all of us,” said senior Kylie Nishioka. She will be attending Wells College in New York next year. “We started to act and play like a team. The most memorable moment of the season was the whole game we played against LCC. It has been a great year, and I’ll miss the game,” said senior Kat Wildermuth.

Record: 6-14 The Mustangs lost 7-9 to St. Augustine in the first round of CIF. Coach Quote: “The most memorable moment was when we took on Fallbrook and came back from a three-goal deficit in the third quarter. I really enjoyed being a part of this year’s squad. Although their record doesn’t reflect it, they really pushed themselves and worked hard to rise above the challenges of the season,” said varsity coach Nick Borden. Player Quotes: “We had to play against number one and two in the state this year. I believe the deciding factor that brought us into the playoffs was that the other teams in our league weren’t as good as us and we pushed our way through. The most competitive team was LCC in my opinion, but my most memorable moment was the CIF game [against St. Augustine] because the other team was led out of the locker rooms by a lady playing bagpipes. It was ridiculous,” said freshman Kevin Gallagher.

Senior Kyle Kintner hitting the ball, with teammates Nick Brown, sophomore, and Joey Kobara, senior, standing by. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

Boys Tennis

Boys Volleyball

Record: 19-3 The following students played in CIF playoffs: sophomore Viraf Machhi, senior Steven Lee, and freshman Lucas Kerr. Player Quote: “I think the most memorable moment for me was the time I won league. I was seen as the underdog. . . after losing the first set, I could see defeat in my future. Luckily, I had the help of my two amazing coaches who helped me in my second and third set. I was the first boy in San Dieguito history to win the league singles,” said sophomore Viraf Machhi.

Record: 4-9 League: 3-6 SDA boys volleyball didn’t make it to CIF this year. Player quotes: “It was a really quick and fun season. We learned a lot even though it went by faster than I thought. I will probably keep playing volleyball over the summer and for fun later on,” said senior Kolten Horner. “We had a good season this year. We didn’t win too many games, but we still had fun,” said senior Tim Liedtke.

Mitchell Mildbrandt and Evan Santacroce

Robert Hylton

Shelby Hidalgo

Eric Rumble, Patrick Mattioli, Katy Swanson, and Joey Kobara

Erica Haynes

Eddie Tan

Natalie Woodward

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Sports

Senior Luke Strom positions himself at home plate during the first round CIF game versus Santana. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

Baseball Record: 21-11 League: 14-1 The Mustangs beat Santana 4-1 at home in first round of CIF. Senior Luke Strom hit a walkoff home run to win the game for the Mustangs. SDA lost to El Capitan and West Hills, eliminating them from CIF. However, this year’s team set an SDA record, winning 20 games in one season. Coach Quotes: “We won a school record of 20 games [this season]. Our pitching overall is ridiculously good, but our offense kicked it into gear in the tournament prior to league and have picked us up when needed it,” said varsity coach Jack McDowell. Player Quotes: “We have worked very hard this whole season, practicing for hours every day and we won our league. Del Norte was the toughest competition and once we knew we could beat them we were feeling good,” said senior Sam Haggerty. “The game against Santana was the first CIF playoff game that the SDA baseball team has ever won. It was a very close game for awhile, but we finally ended up winning in extra innings. I’m just glad that I got to end my last ever game at SDA so well. It was a great game to be a part of,” said senior Luke Strom. “The best part of CIF was winning SDA’s first baseball playoff game with a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the tenth inning. The celebration was priceless,” said junior Mark Vela.

Junior Noah Huggins throws a pitch during the CIF game on May 22. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

Junior Dominic Anguiano rounds first base in the game versus Santana. Photo by Jocelyn Lee.

6.11.2012

The Mustang

Sports

The Mustang 6.11.2012

PAGE

Surfer vs. Skater

Senior surfer champ Kolten Horner and junior skater extraordinaire Mario Rodriguez duke it out in another witty battle for... glory? Riches? Self-esteem? Well, they’re winning something, for sure. Story by Lily LeaVesseur and Eleanore Hendrickson. If a turtle does not have a shell, is he homeless or naked? Surfer: He’s both. It’s also illegal for him to be naked, so he’ll go to jail. He’ll get a new home soon anyway. Skater: He’s confused. Surfer, I definitely think that the police’s main concern is not to prevent crimes, but to send animals to jail for public nudity. I mean, what is that dog thinking, exposing itself in public? And by god, don’t those birds know that there are people below them? They might enjoy the feeling of the wind against their naked birdie parts, but I sure don’t appreciate the sight. There needs to be a change! Surfer, thanks for helping me realize my destiny of writing legislation against public nudity of animals. Minus however many points is the equivalent of the money my parents will have to spend on getting me a proper education and credentials. Let’s just say 10 points. Skater, you didn’t really answer the question but you took it to the next level and delved into the psychological effects of the shell-less-ness on the turtle instead. I’ll just assume that you’re right. Plus 23 points! How far east can you go before you’re heading west? Surfer: You’re always heading

east. You’ll end up in the west, but you’re heading east. Skater: East is just a myth. Do the north/east/south/west mnemonics “Never Eat Shredded Wheat” mean anything to either of you? What about “Never Eat Soggy Waffles”? When I first heard these from my first grade teacher, I resented her attempts to change my eating lifestyle. Not that I’d ever eat soggy waffles or shredded wheat unless forced, but who is she to tell me what to do? Well, It turned out that she could make me do whatever she wanted to as long as my parents didn’t complain. Whatever. The point is that east is a real direction! This is no conspiracy (and neither is Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s love. That’s truer than true). Otherwise, there would be no “eat” in either of those nice acronyms and no one would be able to use maps and everyone would just run around without purpose, similar to this article. Minus 20 points for both of you for making me question the meaning of everything. Do you wake up or open your eyes first? Surfer: Well, I would wake up from my dream within a dream, and then I’ll open my eyes and wake up. Skater: I eat first. That’s interesting, Skater. So af-

ter those few hours of slumber you have to eat up a hearty breakfast before you can even lift those delicate eyelids and hope to carry on with the rest of your day. But what happens if, when you’re lying there blindly scooping cereal into your mouth, you start choking? Or even worse, you drop your whole omelet on the floor, pick it up again, then eat it without looking, only to realize as you swallow how many undesirable things you’ve consumed as well. No one wants to start off their day like that. I bet you’re lying to me. Minus 15 points for all the lint you didn’t swallow when you ate your breakfast bright-eyed and beaming yesterday. Surfer, I envy your ability to dream like “Inception,” but I’ll see through the green and give you eight points. Why are toy hippos always blue when real hippos are brown? Surfer: Blue hippos are cooler and kids want what’s cooler. Nobody wants to smell a dirty brown hippo. Skater: There’s a hipster in every species. Surfer, I was following your logic up until the smelling part. Since when does the color brown automatically make something smelly? I think there might be some sort of psychological play here, where the

You may not be able to tell, but skater Mario Rodriguez (left) and surfer Kolten Horner (right) are very angry in this picture. Photo by Eleanore Hendrickson.

association of brown with mucky dirt is making you think you’re smelling gross stuff. Just like how Shamrock Shakes aren’t actually mint flavored – they’re just dyed green! Did I just blow your mind, or what? Plus 12 points for giving me the opportunity to enlighten. Skater, I think you just want an excuse to make fun of hipsters. And while “hipster hippo” is indeed fun to say (alliteration!), I’m not going to jump aboard this hipster-hatin’ bandwag-

on. However, I will climb on over to the hippo-hatin’ wagon. You think they’re cuddly, but they kill more people annually than crocodiles do. Also, their mouths can open up to three feet. I hate them. So much! >:( See that? Angry. Minus eight points, skater, for filling me with angry angry hippo rage. Surfer: -10 Skater: -20 Yay, Surfer! You win nothing.

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6.11.2012

The Mustang

Here’s Looking

at You, Encinitas

Moonlight Beach

Berry Happy

Cottonwood Creek Park

Flashbacks

We asked seniors what they would miss the most about their hometown when they went away to college. From thrift stores and beaches to parks and froyo shops, everyone has that one place they’ll never forget. Photos by Emily Maxwell. Swami’s Café

DINING ON DONERS

the

news

Mustang 10.05.2012

In search of a close-to-home lunch joint that serves up authentic, affordable goods, the ethnic foods crew tries out a new

estled in the multicultural oasis that is Encinitas’ stretch of El Camino Real lies The Kebab Shop, surrounded by a pizza shop, a French bakery, a taco shop, and an Asian restaurant. Talk about food availability. The Kebab Shop was our ethnic destination this time, rumored to be the source of some of the finest Turkish food in the area and close enough to venture to on a meager Thursday lunch. Despite its modern and chain restaurant-esque appearance, its offerings are extremely authentic and true to the Turkish kebab tradition. The interior was sleek and chic and huge hunks of meat spun behind the counter where one orders. Upon entering, I immediately gushed over the cold case full of salads to my right. These weren’t your typical limp and uninspired lettuce-tomato-packaged dressing salads you might find at other lunch joints. These looked flavorful, inventive, and lovingly made. There was your basic Greek salad, beautifully arranged and complete with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and huge chunks of fresh feta. Beyond that, however, there were heartier options like bebe caprese, cucumber dill, Algerian eggplant, hummus, tabouli, minted orzo zucchini, Andalucía carrots, macaroni salad, and green lentils with walnuts. I was nearly overwhelmed by all of the fresh choices they had available for gluten-intolerant vegetarians like myself, despite the reputation the restaurant had for the most tender lamb in town. Their signature item is the döner kebab, a.k.a. the gyro, tender vertically grilled meat wrapped in flatbread with all of the Turkish fixings. They also have shawarma, shish kebabs, Iskender kebabs, döner boxes, fries, and saffron rice. The man on duty told us that by far the most authentic item on the menu is the Iskender kebab. It consists of sliced lamb over pita bread drizzled with browned butter and tomato sauce and served with yogurt sauce and fresh herbs. It’s a signature dish in Turkey, aptly named after Alexander the Great. However, his favorite item was the traditional Döner kebab with an addition of french fries inside, which senior DJ Swan enthusiastically ordered. I went for the chopped Greek salad, a simple option, yet delicious if done right. I had faith in The Kebab Shop and their mastery of the classics.

Allyssa Baldini, Danielle Dougan, Christy English, and Sabrina Ruediger

Max Gordon

Margo Taylor and Perri Callaway

The Kebab Shop 127 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 634-9822 www.thekebabshop.com Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm Sun 12 pm - 9 pm

Smiling employees greet customers at the counter in The Kebab Shop. Photo by Kianna Eberle.

Nikki Cohen

Katie Guinn, Marie Santore, Opal Theodossi, and Bianca Rice

Michael Meier and Elsie Voigt

Niko Gilligan