FOURTH the
estate
LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL
VOL 24
ISSUE 1
NOVEMBER 2018
The Staff JACK STEIN ‘19 Editor-in-Chief
BEAU GLAZIER ‘20 Creative Director
PHOEBE STEIN ‘21 Arts and Entertainment and Opinion Editor
DAISY FINEFROCK ‘21 News and Feature Editor
MACY CHRISTAL ‘20 Sports Editor
ZANE ZEMECKIS ‘21 Web Director
EMMA RAITH ‘20 Staff
NAFISAH FATIMA ‘21 Staff
FRANCES CARLSON ‘22 Staff
LAUREN MILLS ‘22 Staff
AMARA MURPHY ‘22 Staff
MADELEINE NICKS ‘22 Staff
CATIE FRISTOE ‘22 Staff
WESLEY SHULTZ ‘20 Staff
ZOE KING ‘22 Staff
AVA RICE ‘22 Staff
MAGGIE NEWELL ‘19 Staff
CHRISTIAN BRANCH ‘20 Staff
ESTELLE MURRAY ‘19 Staff
MADDIE WALKER ‘19 Staff
RUTH BECKMEN ‘19 Staff
HANNA MASRI ‘19 Staff
JULIANNA SEYMOUR ‘22 Staff
VIOLET ZHOU ‘21 Staff
TRISH MCHALE, MJE Faculty Adviser
Independent Staff
AVA MOROUSE ‘19, BONING ZHANG ‘19, IAN BROWN ‘20, PATRICK OTTE ‘20, ELIZABETH BISNO ‘21, AUDREY MURPHY ‘20, NATALIE MCCAFFERY ‘20
2 • The Fourth Estate
thefourthestate.net
theme
In This Issue arts and
entertainmet
feature
opinion
news
sports
Letter from the Editor
A
s a freshman at Laguna, I entered a tight-knit community as an outsider. Journalism was where I first found a home, and it was through the power of journalism that I found my Laguna Blanca family. Surrounded by supportive peers in the larger school was one thing, but on the staff of this magazine I was surrounded by the love and respect of people whose interests and values were rooted in the same pur-
suit of truth and justice as my own. It has been three unforgettable years on the magazine, but each one was surrounded by dreams of the day when I would have the opportunity to make the magazine my own. This issue of The Fourth Estate represents both an end and a beginning. At the close of last year, I had to say goodbye to the mentors and close friends I had in last year’s editors-in-chief. While it tore me to pieces to see them go, it also gave me a new responsibility. The magazine I’ve come to love is now in my hands, and that is an honor that I do not take lightly. That said, this issue is somewhat out of the ordinary. While many of our themes involve issues or problems afflicting students, this one highlights the opposite: Laguna Blanca. As a student body, we all love our school for vastly different reasons, and in this issue we wanted to reflect on that love and on the history behind this campus. Laguna has become a home for many of us, and, on its 85th birthday, we want to reflect on exactly what has made it this way. It’s been a trying few months. Between rigorous schoolwork and college applications, along with the rocky transition of introducing an almost entirely new staff to the journalism process, working on this magazine has been more taxing than ever. But it is a labor of love, and I am pleased to say that I am incredibly proud of my staff and the work that they have put in to get this magazine to the state it is in today. I can’t express how excited I am for the year that lies ahead of us. Thank you for your support. This magazine is the product of mistakes, failures, long nights and rough weeks behind computer screens. But such is journalism: it’s never as straight a path as it first seems, and nothing is ever entirely simple. I hope you enjoy our issue. I look forward to sharing more stories with you soon.
- Jack Stein, Editor-in-Chief
• MISSION STATEMENT The Fourth Estate is an open forum created for and by journalism students of Laguna Blanca Upper School. We hope to use this space to cover events, interviews and topics of interest in greater depth. Our staff seeks to be a platform for creative expression and to report on events and ideas of importance to our readers and to focus on topics of significance and interest to inform and entertain the school community. • LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The Fourth Estate welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and must be no longer than 400 words. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate reserves the right to reject advertising. Opinions expressed in this publication reflect the perspectives of the staff whose goal is to inform our readers with reliable information from which to base decisions and opinions. Editorials represent the voice of the staff and are voted on by the entire staff. Columns and commentaries are labeled as such and represent the opinion of the author. The Fourth Estate publishes four issues per year with a senior insert in the last issue. • BYLINE POLICY When two or three people work on a story, all names will be listed. If an editor rewrites a majority of a story, the editor’s name will be listed. • CORRECTION POLICY The staff strives for accuracy. When factual errors occur, mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff, corrections will be printed in a corrections box in the next issue. • COLOPHON This is the first issue and 24th volume (published in November) of the Laguna Blanca School, 4125 Paloma Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93110, magazine, The Fourth Estate. Contacts are available at tmchale@lagunablanca.org, (805) 687-2461 x317 or www.thefourthestate.net. Laguna Blanca School has an EK through 12th grade student population of approximately 400, with 100 in the Lower School, 110 in the Middle School and 182 in the Upper School, and a faculty of approximately 60. The Fourth Estate is an 8.5 by 11 general magazine, created on Apple computers on Adobe InDesign CC2019, using Avenir and Abril font families and printed on glossy paper free for students and $40 for an annual subscription. The magazine is distributed to all Upper School students through the school’s advisory program and sent by mail to subscribers, with 400 copies printed per issue. We are associated with NSPA, CSPA and JEA.
Spirit of Laguna Homecoming Week 2018
TEDxLAGUNABLANCASCHOOL
PRESENTS
UNCHARTED 1 | 29 | 19
TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool Last
w i n t e r, L a gu n a Blan c a’s TEDx c lass p ro d uced a n e v e n t b e yo n d e x p e c t at io n s. W it h n e w visions in v o l v i ng sp e ak e r s, st ag e d e sig n an d ga l leries, T E Dx Lag u n aB lan c aS c h o o l 2 0 1 9 p ro mises to r aise t h e b ar ag ain . The TEDx program at Laguna Blanca began in September of 2017. A team of 21 high school students were tasked with designing, producing, and hosting a professional level, day-long conference where intellectual “ideas spread.” On Jan. 31, 2018, the inaugural event explored the theme of EVOLVE, questioning how we transfor m ourselves, our community and our planet for the better.
UNCHARTED 1 | 29 | 19
The upcoming TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool, set for Jan. 29, 2019, will address the theme of U N C H A R T E D, where speakers and perfor mers will dive into unknown and undiscovered territories across art, culture, science, space and time.
Students plan to revolutionize every aspect from the previous event — attendee s can look forward to an entirely reimagined experience.
EVOLVE 1 | 31 | 18
For more infor mation regarding the conference, visit the website: www. tedxlagunablancaschool.com
tedxlagunablancaschool tedxlagunablancaschool
ted xlbs chool
t edx @lagunablancascho o l.co m W O R D S A ND A R T BY EMMA RAITH
“This space is ideal for creativity and creation because of the lab ‘feel’. You can get your hands dirty and build instead of being in a classroom where you have to be neat and tidy.” - John Pagano
In stark contrast to surrounding rooms, the new STEM lab offers a technological step into the future. With soldering setups, 3D printers, a touch-screen TV and a laser cutter the classroom provides an interactive environment for students and teachers. When faced with the dilemma of a missing name tag on Back-to-School night, middle and upper school robotics teacher, John Pagano, became inspired. So what did he do? He used the STEM classes’ new laser cutter to create one. Early December of last year, a decision was made to expand this innovative, experiential subject. Science teacher Zack Moore said that Laguna’s decision to build the new lab, “came out of student interest. More people were signing up for STEM electives, and we needed
to make a space to accommodate the courses.” Starting last spring, Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architecture, teamed up with the Laguna Blanca science department to design a new STEM lab. KBZ architecture firm that helped in the process of creating the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, Santa Barbara High School’s MAD Academy, and other science-related spaces in Santa Barbara. The architects designed a cost efficient fully-functional space with plenty of storage that is modern and fulfills the needs of a hands-on teaching envi-
8 • The Fourth Estate
Eighth graders Scott Self and Zea Boyle work on an engineering project in the STEM Lab. WORDS BY CATIE FRISTOE
& LAUREN MILLS
ART BY EMMA RAITH & HANNA MASRI
ronment. Re-purposing the former eighth grade English classroom, the STEM Lab includes technology such as 3D printers, soldering equipment, individualized white-board cubbies and a new laser cutter. Although the space is already dramatically transformed, industrial rubber floors and new ventilation systems will be installed in the near future. “This will be a nice test run for making a whole new biology and chemistry area in the next couple of years,” Hereford said.
“[I like] the soldering stations and the new tables and stools. They just make things more convenient.” - Conley Ball thefourthestate.net
NEWS
New Owls The 2018-19 school-year welcomes 20 new upper school students and two new teachers
Jennifer Sawyers Pardue
Robert Moreno
Subject: Pre-Calculus and Algebra 1B
Subject: Music
Before Pardue came to Laguna, she worked at East Surry High School in North Carolina and Cary High School.
Before Moreno came to Laguna, he worked at Monroe Elementary School.
“I absolutely love Laguna! It is the most beautiful place with the most wonderful people. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to teach!”
“My Laguna experience is going well, everyone here is happy.” - Robert Moreno
Our New Owls Freshmen: Winston Al-Atraqchi, Jason Douglas, Alice Howting, Catherine (Mike) Janey, Zoë Lozano, Hanna Masri, Charlotte Musch, Henry Otte, Rymer Popovich, Benjamin Rodgers, Julianna Seymour, Foster Smith, Adriana Swaka, Diego Velazquez Jimenez, Rhys Zemeckis Sophomores: Nils Lenke Kayla Stern Ziqian Zhou Junior: Brooke Harvey Senior: Alexandra Van Zutphen WORDS BY HANNA MASRI ART BY HANNA MASRI
Midterms 2018 Understanding your Santa Barbara ballot
I
WORDS AND ART BY JACK STEIN
t has been referred to as the most important election of our era, with candidates on both the left and the right struggling for control of our government. Among older students, parents and teachers, a significant portion of the Laguna Blanca community got out to vote for the Nov. 6 midterm elections. While candidates on both sides emphasized the vital importance of voter turnout, regardless of political view, it can be difficult to decipher both the voter ballot and the election results once they come in. While some positions may be less well known than others, each holds importance in the functionality of our government. Here are some of the most important races on the ballot, and what exactly the candidates stand for.
Governor The governor serves a swath of roles within the running of the state. This position involves serving as Commander-in-Chief of the state’s military forces, assessing legislative bills for approval and calling our state’s special elections in the case of abnormal absences in office, such as abrupt dismissal.
vs.
Gavin Newsom is the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. An advocate for LGBTQ and reproductive rights and an ardent supporter of reducing the wage gap, Newsom has a platform based in progressive equality in California.
10 • The Fourth Estate
Coming in from the right is older candidate: John Cox. Cox posits himself as a “man of the people,” attacking California’s “political class” and aiming to “clean out the barn.” Cox supports privatized healthcare and lower taxes. thefourthestate.net
U.S. House Member Two candidates squared off for the right to represent California’s 24th Congressional District. Republican Justin Fareed and Democrat and current seatholder Salud Carbajal both represent radically different backgrounds and platforms in what they plan to bring to Santa Barbara.
vs. Justin Fareed, unlike many candidates for political office, is listed as a “Small Businessman/Rancher” on the ballot. The 30-year-old’s job title reflects his platform, which holds a strong emphasis on supporting small businesses and promoting “entrepreneurial spirit.”
Salud Carbajal, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran and strong advocate for veteran care, currently holds the seat. He strives to preserve the middle class and aid the environment, while examining and heightening gun control laws.
United States Senator Unlike many of the bipartisan races in today’s politics, California saw a single party race for its Senate seat. Dianne Feinstein and Kevin de León, both members of the Democratic Party, share stances on clean energy and LGBTQ rights, but are distinguished by key differences.
vs. Kevin de León is challenging Feinstein’s moderate liberalism with a stance that has been compared to radical Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. He emphasizes free universal healthcare, free education and strict gun control. thefourthestate.net
The energetic progressiveness of de León is tempered by the more experienced Diane Feinstein. As a member of the Senate, Feinstein takes a measured approach to Democratic advancements, and preaches tax reforms, agricultural support and affordable education.
The Fourth Estate
• 11
Young Entrepreneurs Get insights into a growing market with three of Laguna’s enterprising students Avery Hughes ‘19 Q: How did you get into the resale industry? A: My friend encouraged me to buy the Supreme Peach Box Logo Hoodie on eBay while not doing any research. Obviously, it was fake, and I was out $200. So my first experience was not a good one. Q: What do you think will change in the resale industry in the next few years? A: I think other brands will follow Louis Vuitton. I think that streetwear mixed with luxury is growing, and I think we will see more collaborations with streetwear brands and luxury brands in the future. Q: Anything else you’d like to say? A: It’s very rewarding getting into the resale industry and being able to look in your closet and know that most of the things in there you paid for yourself.
Ryan Purkait ‘21 Q: How would someone who knew nothing about the resale industry get into it? A: Reselling is not something you jump into for some quick cash. You actually have to invest time and money. First you need to know what sells, usually streetwear brands with very limited releases. Second, you need a bot. Bots can purchase items much faster than a human can, so having a good one can increase your chances of getting something. But bots can sometimes be as limited as the products themselves. Q: What is one thing you would like people to know about the industry? A: The pricing on resold items mostly depends on the ‘Hypebeasts’ who will pay for limited items. These items don’t have to look good, they just need to be flashy and limited to be used as status symbols.
John Henry Schulz ‘20 Q: Are there any dangers associated with the industry? A: Yes, because there is so much money involved in the industry, it attracts a lot of shady people. People I’ve known have had all their information stolen such as credit cards and addresses, or have been swatted (calling in a fake threat to someone’s house to get a swat team to arrive). Q: What is a memorable experience you’ve had in the resale industry? A: Probably when I made $6,000. I had just bought a bot (web robot) for $300 and was able to get 22 pairs of a very limited shoe. I sold each shoe for around $500 profit and the bot I was using shot up in price to around $3,000, so I was very happy.
WORDS BY WESLEY SCHULZ ART BY BEAU GLAZIER
12 • The Fourth Estate
thefourthestate.net
t
“I
’m a bit surprised that I’m even still alive. Mixing uppers and downers, practically suicide.” With the recent death of the well-known and beloved artist Mac Miller, the devastating repercussions of opioid abuse are hard to dismiss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids, a drug responsible for 115 deaths per day (2017), is a medication that is typically prescribed for pain relief. Opioids relieve chronic pain by activating the reward region of the brain to evoke intense feelings of pleasure. The result of this euphoric high contributes to its mass illicit consumption. Obtaining the drug is made easier by the growing unmonitored market for synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl online. In 2017, an investigation started by congressional staffers demonstrated just how little authority the government has towards overseeing illegal drug purchases and shipments across the U.S.. Consequently, restrictions for the U.S. Postal Service were put in place to keep these shipments under control, something that private carriers have been doing for some time. However, this is not an unprecedented issue. Opioids have been a constant struggle in society, not only reflected in pop culture, but also in minority communities. The fact that such a significant amount of attention is being given to the epidemic right now can perhaps indicate something about the prejudice present in modern American culture. On this matter, math teacher Erik Faust said, “Addiction to opioids has been a problem for a long time particularly in poor urban areas, minority neighborhoods, and homosexual communities — but those places were always seen as morally impure and outside of the concerns of the average middle class white Protestant voter.”
14 The Fourth Estate
As Faust argued, this is not the first time that minority communities have been marginalized by society concerning this particular issue. The 1986 ‘100-to-1 disparity’ instigated similar questioning towards the bipartisan nature of the justice system. It stated that the same level of punishment would be given to those who were dealing with 100 grams of powdered cocaine — typically associated with the upper class — as someone dealing with 1 gram of crack cocaine — more commonly located in impoverished communities. This controversial sentence, established under the Clinton presidency, was transparent in its openly racial discriminatory methods of con-
“... minority neighborhoods... were always seen as morally impure and outside of the concerns of the average middle class white Protestant voter.” -Eric Faust trolling the crack epidemic that was sweeping the nation. While the U.S. Sentencing Commission once attempted to eliminate the law, it was not dissolved until 2010. An indication as to why the white population in America has only recently been severely affected by this crisis can be due to the heightened physician access or insurance. According to an article published by the US National Library of Medicine titled “Is the Prescription Opioid Epidemic a White Problem,” authors Helena Hansen and Julie Netherland explain how opioids have been disproportionately prescribed to white
patients over other minorities. Concern about the death of white opioid users has opened up the conversation about drug policies and actions that can be taken for the health of the overall public. Faust adds, “Now that drug abuse is hitting the heart of white middle class America, maybe we’ll actually begin to see addicts as humans and not as caricatures to be reviled and ostracized.” Drug abuse has been an innate part of youth culture since anyone can remember. Senior Sam Stegall says that it is “part of the escapist culture that a lot of music and television shows are about these days.” Throughout generations, artists such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, and, more recently, Mac Miller, have used the medium of music to discuss issues underrepresented in mainstream media. Drug use remains a theme associated with their lyrics, relating to that escapist fulfillment people tend to seek while listening to music. At times, this can endorse the habits that the artists themselves are trying to break away from. On this issue, Mac Miller said in an interview with Complex in 2013, “I was so f-ked up all the time it was
“... maybe we’ll actually begin to see addicts as humans and not as caricatures to be reviled and ostracized.” -Eric Faust bad. My friends couldn’t even look at me the same. I was lost.” The question remains: is this a part of youth culture that will never subside? Comparative Religion teacher Al Silva said that this new norm is
thefourthestate.net
“just the nature of the beast. Can we change the beast? I don’t know. How do you change a cultural mindset when it’s easily dismissed, like ‘Oh my gosh that will never happen to me.’ That’s the problem.” The opioid epidemic has become a rapidly growing public crisis with devastating consequences for all members of society. In response to this crisis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have focused on five ways to prevent future overdoses. By improving access to treatment and recovery sites, promoting overdose reversal drugs, educating the public, researching pain and addiction, and using pain relief alternatives. The future for opioid alleviation looks optimistic. Instead of rappers glorifying the ‘drug habit[s] like Philip Hoffman [that] will probably put [them] in coffin[s],’ the discussion of these issues will hopefully dissuade people from undergoing the same suffering as their beloved artists who succumbed to their dependence on opioids.
WORDS AND ART BY MADDIE
WALKER AND MAGGIE NEWELL
SUMMER STORIES WORDS BY FRANCES CARLSON AND MADELEINE NICKS ART BY JACK STEIN
1
Rose Steeber, Latin Camp Over the summer, high school Latin instructor Rose Steeber attended a week-long Latin immersion camp, hosted by an organization called Salvi, in West Virginia. Salvi’s mission is to help students and teachers learn to speak Latin. One way the organization carries this goal out is through these camps. Steeber said that throughout her week at camp, “Participants are supposed to just speak Latin, even in their dorm rooms.” Daily activities ranged from practicing speaking or teaching Latin to various other recreational camp games like color wars or dance parties. An overall positive experience, Steeber said, “It proved to me that you really have to be in an immersion program to learn how to speak anything. You can study it, you can get the basics in class, but unless you are forced to just do it, you are really not going to be fluent.”
Nic Richmond, Backpacking Over the summer, sophomore Nic Richmond and his family went backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California. He and his family went in a large group, many of whom had never been on an adventure like this one so it was a learning experience for everyone. When asked about the best moment of the trip, Nic replied, “going down into a ravine, and then fishing and catching a lot of fish.” He went on to recount many more incredible moments of his trip and even a few hilarious misadventures. In the end, Nic’s overall takeaway is to “just to do it. The entire experience is something that you have to do at least once, even if it’s just for one night. Because it’s amazing.” You’re away from civilization, you get to just see the mountains.”
3
2
Sophie Henderson, Europe Over the summer, senior Sophie Henderson went on a whirlwind Europe trip that included four different countries. She traveled to Florence, Italy, Savia, Spain, Paris, France, and Casares, Spain. When asked about how she gets comfortable traveling, Sophie said, “I bring my blanket, wear a sweatshirt, and sleep the whole time.” Jet lag is also a tricky thing to navigate. Sophie said that arriving earlier in the day is always helpful, “So you can just go through your day and stick it out.” Although the journey getting to Europe is lengthy and tiring, the unmatched experience makes up for it. For Sophie, the best experience of her trip was a wedding in Casares, Spain. She said, “It was amazing. There were around 300 people there. Half the people were from Lebanon, and half the people were from California.” And if you don’t have a special event to attend? “Immerse yourself in the culture!” Sophie personally suggests “going to museums and seeing all the art.”
Why Advertise in The Fourth Estate Laguna Blanca’s student magazine?
1. EXCELLENCE
The Fourth Estate has been recognized by Columbia two years in a row with the prestigious Crown Award!
4.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Our target audience is small enough for you to offer special coupons or discounts. Our students and their families live and work in this town and word of mouth can attract more business for you.
For information about placing an ad, contact Trish McHale @tmchale@ lagunablanca.org or 805-687-2461 x0319
2. GOOD BUSINESS
Our magazine goes to over 300 Laguna families. The magazine is published on its website. Our rates are inexpensive while our audience is perfect for your business. 27% of teens spend $100 or more of their own or other people’s money on a weekly basis. High school students spend money. On average teens spend $98 per week.
3.
VISIT OUR VINEYARD & WINERY Certified Biodynamic since 2009.
BUILDS COMMUNITY
Advertising in our magazine reaches our community-your customers.
Advertising with us sends a message that your business is part of the community.
Your advertising shows that you support local schools and activities.
5. QUALITY
Our magazines are all color and printed on #80 high gloss paper.
Older teens (15-17) spend more than $110.
Tasting Room Open Daily 11am - 5pm | 805-688-8664 2670 Ontiveros Rd., Los Olivos | www.beckmenvineyards.com
WORDS AND ART BY MADDIE WALKER & MAGGIE NEWELL
1933
Edward Selden Spaulding founded Laguna Blanca School at Hope Ranch and opened the school for the first time on September 21, 1933.
1941
1942
In 1941, due to WWII, drills were incorporated as part of the school days, followed by rifle practice on the School’s newly erected rifle range.
On September 24, female students were introduced to the campus for
Notable Events in Laguna Blanca School History Since 1933
1962
The Alumni Association was founded to strengthen the connection between the alumni and the school
1970 Committees were formed to conduct student polls
70s, 80s, 90s Great Growth in All Areas (an expanding student body and in both numbers and diversity, both
4,
r
s
s
the first time in its history. Transportation problems due to the war were among the reasons the School was opened to girls.
1951 Laguna’s Student Council was formed
1953
Mr. Spaulding (1891~1982) announced his retirement. His successor as headmaster was J. Samuel Rugg.
Laguna Blanca School, Hope Ranch, 1933
1999
academic and athletic achievements, a broader curriculum, new constructions, new faculty, etc)
The Lower School campus was bought on San Ysidro Rd in Montecito
2018 Laguna Blanca’s 85th anniversary
Stance of the Staff
A
STAFF EDITORAL • WORDS BY MADELEINE NICKS • ART BY JACK STEIN
fter celebrating Laguna Blanca’s 85th birthday, we at the Fourth Estate decided to examine the many aspects of our school that make it what it is. Finding one defining characteristic out of the many we love can be a difficult question, but we ultimately decided that our school revolves around its size. Perhaps outsiders would scoff at our scale. They may think we are miniature compared to large public schools, and that our size translates to inferiority. What our school lacks in quantity, however, it makes up
for in quality. Having 50-60 kids per grade allows students to get to know their classmates on a more personal level. At our school, everybody knows everyone else’s name. We are gifted with the opportunity to not only obtain strong relationships within our class but can develop friendships at different grade levels. The combination of size and camaraderie within the school makes us a genuine, honest community. When it comes down to it, our educational experience is defined by our classes. School revolves around the subjects and the classes we take, and those are orchestrated by our amazing teachers. The size of the school and classes allow each student to develop personal and meaningful relationships with their teachers. Larger schools can’t match this one-on-one experience. Instead of lecturing to a sea of people, teachers at Laguna can have an honest and significant discussion. Our teachers’ dedication shines through students’ work ethic and willingness to learn and grow, which grows stronger with each passing year. At our recent Laguna-birthday pep rally, each grade gathered in the gym to cheer, chant and reminisce in the spirit of Laguna. Every member of the student body, as well of the faculty and staff, was present. Looking around, I saw a sea of smiling, happy faces. We got to hear about the very first graduating class of Laguna from a student who was present on Laguna’s opening day — Sept. 21, 1933. Alumnus Arthur “Bam” Spaulding (class of 1943), nephew of the School’s founder Edward Selden Spaulding shared touching memories from his time at Laguna, bringing an air of joyful nostalgia. He reminded us of how far we have come, and how much farther we have yet to go. We, as a journalism staff, love the size of our school. What some would call “smallness” gives us a meaningful, personal experience that transforms our academic journeys. At Laguna, anyone can do anything. The joy and passion that radiates through the Laguna community opens doors to endless possibilities for every student. We strive to push each other, to achieve our goals. Within our two campuses, we are given the resources and relationships to dream big. Go Owls!
We live in a rapidly changing world. It is only natural that the magazine industry is evolving with it, paving a path for magazines and fashion to become more accepting, diverse and bold than ever before. If you think about a class magazine, the first image that will pop into your head is dozens of bound, glossy, bright pages filled with celebrities, fashion, politics and graphics. That classic magazine could be changing forever. The first magazine was published in 1741, and since the beginning, it was considered a touchstone for culture. People would look to a magazine to decide how to cut their hair, what clothes to wear and how to be stylish and modern. Ordinary women referred to magazines to find their idea of the “perfect woman.” They would put themselves through intensive beauty routines and workouts to achieve the same figure, face, or hair as the models they would see smiling back at them. For hundreds of years, magazines
That classic magazine could be changing forever.
24 • The Fourth Estate
were the primary source for tips, tricks, advice, recommendations, advertisements, fashion, beauty and everything in between. In recent years, there has been a splurge in body positivity. Women have been rightfully demanding that everyone should be appreciated, represented and celebrated in media. Magazines have taken this to heart, and have diversified the models they include, changing how people look at the pinnacle of beauty. Outdated ideas have been replaced with attributes such as courage, bravery and confidence. The effects of body positivity and feminism have changed the magazine and fashion industry for the better. The digital age has, perhaps, brought about the biggest change in magazines. Having a computer and a phone is now a basic necessity. Therefore, instead of doing everything with paper, you can do it all, and more, on a computer. With these advances, the pillars of the magazine industry are shifting. It is unpredictable. Magazine retail sales have dropped by twenty-eight million in four years. So why would anyone buy a paper copy when you can just as easily find what you’re looking for online? A magazine can’t just be a maga-
zine anymore. It must be intriguing and important enough for someone to read it, to buy it. When someone does buy it, it has to immediately capture their interest, and keep that interest through 20 or more pages. One of the most significant signs of change comes in the form of Vogue’s September issue, which features Beyoncé in the main editorial. There was celebratory uproar surrounding the magazine, for the cover was entirely Beyonce’s creative vision.
A magazine can’t be just a magazine anymore.
She picked the photographer, Tyler Mitchell, a 23-year-old from Atlanta who happens to be the first African-American ever to shoot the cover for a September issue. Furthermore, Anna Wintour is, famously, a powerhouse in the magazine industry. She personally looks at every sinthefourthestate.net
gle inch of her magazine — nothing can be published without her approval. That’s why, when I first heard that she gave up creative control of her cover, I was shocked and immensely interested. It was a change. Once I read Wintour’s editor’s letter, though, I was comforted. Her letter was a celebration of the culture and innovation in the pages ahead.
It is all completely, entirely and “radically” different.
In Wintour’s words, Beyoncé focuses on “drawing our attention to society’s imbalances and injustices.” As I mentioned above, body positivity has had a profound effect on women as a whole, and has rippled out to affect fashion. Beyoncé, after an emotional tribute to the hardships of giving birth and how she is recovering, goes on to say that she recovered by giving herself “self-love and self-care, and I embraced being curvier. I accepted what my body wanted to be.” Her honest and powerful words give encouragement and comfort to the thousands of women and moms experiencing the same thing she is. Whether they are recovering, or purely seeking confidence in their natural body. Beyoncé is a force of nature, and she proves that by ending her para-
graph on freedom with the words, “I’m not happy if I’m not improving, evolving, moving forward, inspiring, teaching and learning.” Through this issue, and through magazines as a whole, we are learning about the change in our world. We are learning how to effect meaningful change. And we are learning that, in Wintour’s words, “To effect meaningful change these days, it’s crucial to work together.” Such words were never more true in an industry that has never been more different. • • •
WORDS AND ART BY MADELEINE NICKS
Wintour doesn’t ignore the modifications, she addresses them. She said, “In all my time editing Vogue, this period is like no other I’ve experienced before, and for good reason: If fashion is radically different, it is because our world is so radically different.” After reading that, I just had to take a minute to absorb it and think. She titled her editor’s letter Eyes Wide Open, and rightfully so. Her letter opened my eyes to the change in the fashion world, journalism, and the magazine industry. It is all completely, entirely and “radically different.” Each article explores new forms of innovation. And who better to close out the whole shebang then the one and only: Beyoncé. Beyoncé’s personally written essay explores the many aspects of her hectic and marvelous life, as well as her opinions on humanity. thefourthestate.net
The Fourth Estate • 25
Let’s Be Honest, We All Lie Do social media posts from Facebook or Instagram depress you? Do you ever feel that your life simply does not measure up compared to the people that you follow? Trust me, you are not alone.
T
here are numerous studies that demonstrate that most people lie on social media platforms. The financial site Learnvest published a survey in 2017 that revealed that 60 percent of millennial respondents lied or exaggerated in a social media post. This is confirmed by the website Custard which recently published results of a survey arguing that 65 percent of users “embellish, exaggerate or outright lie when documenting events of social media” in order to make their lives seem more interesting. One of the reasons cited is that they are actually trying to make their friends and followers envious of their lives. These lies can be simple and benign like altered or edited photos, or even fake photos. People lie about their weight, the places they eat, their exercise routine, the car they drive and more. I know for a fact that I have participated in at least one of these little white lies, have you? Be honest. However, the lies or exaggerated posts can also be masking the real truth. People post lies to cover up how they are really feeling. They want to be perceived as living happy, fulfilled lives. Last year, this became personal when a friend who looked perfectly happy on the outside really wasn’t. Social media provided an outlet for this friend. It was a place where he could show the version of himself he wanted us to see rather than the person who was struggling so profoundly. A quick glance at his Instagram profile or Snapchat story would reveal a funny, confident young man, but that wasn’t him and I wish I had known that sooner.
26 • The Fourth Estate
He was depressed and social media made his peers blind to it. He took his own life on Oct. 15, 2016. I fell for the trap of social media. I let social media platforms dictate the versions of people I knew, judged or even wanted to be myself. Social media is pervasive, and here to stay. It has the incredible power to connect us with friends and families. It has the ability to unite a group around an important movement or to support a cause in order to effect necessary changes. It sadly has the near equal power to divide and destroy. We all must become smarter social media users and realize that most everyone is lying or exaggerating at one time or another. I challenge each of you to put your phones away today for a bit and to make a real connection. Talk to the people across the table at lunch, or waiting in line at Starbucks or Chipotle or Backyard Bowls or to a classmate while you are walking between classes. These real connections are vital to the human experience. You may never know how much it means to them. You might make someone’s day — or even save someone’s life. • • •
WORDS AND PHOTO BY ESTELLE MURRAY thefourthestate.net
#yourfallinstagrams TOP POSTS
ART BY RUTH BECKMEN
Locked Up
Is there such a thing as a humane zoo For me, the thought of being cooped up in a cage, far from my home, apart from my family and being used as entertainment for most of my waking hours, doesn’t sound precisely like paradise.
I
grew up going to zoos and aquariums. Both teach children about animals and provide an experience you can’t find in books or television. That’s why I found it so odd when I saw movies like “Blackfish” or “The Cove” coming out. I didn’t understand why people would boycott such wonderful places: don’t they care about the animals? When I got older, I figured it out: they made those films because they care about animals. And I do too, but at the time I was simply too uninformed to see what was right in front of my eyes. I’ve debated for a long time about whether I should write about the Santa Barbara Zoo, considering that it’s a touchy subject. Opened in 1963, the Zoo is one of our small city’s best features. With the ocean nearby, mountains towering above and the beautiful animals on display, the Zoo is hard not to love. As I got older and more involved in the well-being of animals, I became vegan and started advocating for their rights. I took a nostalgic trip to the Zoo with my young cousins, ready to show them the happy animals and relish in the smiling faces the kids would soon have. When I arrived, it couldn’t have been more different.
28 • The Fourth Estate
When people are younger, they look at everything through a filter of innocent perfection. I strolled past the inadequate cages and the stifling perimeters set up to contain these animals, and I grew unhappy. I watched as the lions paced, the gorillas ate their feces, the snow leopards shielded themselves behind rocks to avoid the relentless staring and the elephants swayed all day long. I couldn’t cower any longer–– telling my friends and family about my hatred towards zoos but not making any change. For the first time in years, I headed back to the Santa Barbara Zoo to get a fresh perspective of the animals in captivity. When people ask me why I hate zoos so much, the first thing that comes to mind is the animals’ well being. Although our local zoo is far better for the animals than some others, that doesn’t excuse it from being a zoo. It is like saying one prison is nicer than another. It is still a prison, no matter how nice it is. If you browse the Zoo’s website, you may notice how they like to boast about their expansive 30 acres and the 500 animals on site. While this sounds impressive, I thought it seemed a little too good.
I delved into what they actually mean by 30 acres. This includes the vast parking lot, retail stores and food places. I watched kids sledding down grassy hills, getting their faces painted, riding a mini train around the park and eating ice cream. To me, this doesn’t sound like you’re describing a “conservation” center: it seems like a commercialized amusement park. Not to mention the many play structures for the kids. For a major tourist and resident destination like this, it is understandable that they would need a parking lot that size, but it came at the cost of enough room for the animals. On their website, the Zoo claims that the animals “are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats,” which I found laughable because of how small and unstimulating their environments are. What seems “open” about an enclosed cage? How can a concrete enclosure be natural? I don’t see the slightest logical reasoning behind this. The snow leopards belong in the frozen Himalayan mountains, hence the name. That’s why, when I spotted the leopard resting in the far corner of the enclosure in sunny Santa Barbara. I felt an aching pity for these animals who were once wild and free and have now been subdued and thefourthestate.net
degraded to serve as eye candy for the Zoo equivalent of window shoppers. A snow leopard in California? The Zoo’s website states that, “On the rare occasions that the temperature rises above 85 degrees, they run the sprinklers, freeze the cats’ food, and provide special icy treats.” No matter whether the animals can withstand a temperature, I want them to be where they are most comfortable: their natural habitat. The mammals are often seen pacing, plucking hairs, regurgitating and ingesting. It is not a rare occurrence, in fact, it is so common there is an official word for it; zoochosis, psychosis caused by confinement. These behaviors almost never occur in the wild because of how active and stimulated they naturally are.
videos of the animals “having fun” and doing their splatter painting on a canvas while the crowd applauds. It is obviously not in an animal’s instinct to make a spectacle of themselves in such an unnatural environment. So why do so many of us support these programs that keep animals and train them to think their sole purpose in life is to be on show for humans? That nothing other than that will define them? The Zoo, when describing the African Lion on their website, said, “He willingly comes over to the training wall to work with the keepers.” When you think of a wild predatory mammal in the vast plains of Africa, standing at the beck and call of a bunch of humans in need for entertainment likely doesn’t come to mind. Humans and wild creatures don’t usually interact, and when they do, it doesn’t go well. Antony Marchiando, a multimedia editor for the Santa Barbara Channels, wrote an opinion column about the inhumane zoos that, “If the habitats are a good size for the animals, they are going to go where they are more comfortable and frankly that is away from people.” The CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo, Richard Block, responded to the column, “It is not clear if the writer actually visited our zoo. If they had, they may have noticed that the animals appear to be very comfortable in close proximity to people.” I cringed when I read that last line. Was that meant to be positive? Animals desiring to stay close to humans? Because, to me, this signifies that these lions and tigers and bears are no longer true animals. As Block tries to defend his institution, he digs himself into a deeper hole, saying an complete oxymoron, that animals are most comfortable when they are with their predators, humans.
“There is no getting around the fact that zoos are cruel and the idea of a humane zoo is an oxymoron because it simply cannot exist.” Being well fed, sheltered from predators, the weather, and provided places to sleep, there is nothing for them to strive for. Nothing that fuels them with the spirited will to survive. It takes away their very nature. As well as boasting about their acreage, the Zoo boasts about their enrichment programs. Zookeepers make many of the animals go through this under the notion that it “provides them with activity.” Trainers have the Asian elephants paint canvases for their daily dose of artificial stimulation. However, in many Asian countries, specifically Thailand in Elephant Trekking camps, elephants are tortured, beaten and trained to paint pictures for entertainment. Knowing this, I recoil when I watch thefourthestate.net
As I starting leaving the zoo that day, I saw it as my solemn duty to complete the “full experience,” and I went to see the main attraction. This was what I dreaded the most –– the captive elephants. I watched with sorrow as they were fed greens. A young boy, eight at most, was admiring the elephants. With an ice cream in hand, he leaned over the railing and asked his dad, “Why does such a big elephant have such a small home?” I saw as the dad struggled to answer the question and ultimately ignore it, distracting his son by talking about how cute the elephants looked. I was shocked. A five-year-old boy knew something was off. He didn’t know what was so horrible about what he was looking at, but I could tell he didn’t like it. I realized then that within our young generation in this equally young century, we will have the power to change what past generations have called the norm: captive animals. I can say with certainty that there will be a time in the future when zoos will be extinct. It may not be soon, but I believe that we will find a way to respect our fellow animals and let animals and humans coexist in harmony.
•••
WORDS BY DAISY FINEFROCK ART BY BEAU GLAZIER
The Fourth Estate •
29
FEATURE
The Hate U Give Follow one girl’s harrowing journey to overcome the hate society gives her, and the effect her story has on the world in the groundbreaking novel and film, “The Hate U Give.”
I
n a world that insists to be so forward-looking, we continue to look past the person, and only see where they come from. In inner cities, youth are exposed to the hate and hostility that shapes their future, the future of their communities and the future of our world. Freshmen were assigned Angie Thomas’ best-selling book “The Hate U Give” for summer reading. Throughout the book, students were exposed to the reality of life for young adults growing up in low-income neighborhoods. Learning about these realities changed the perspectives of readers. English teacher Ashley Tidey said, “I think it will shape the way kids see the world — the news, their past, their present.”
“The Hate U Give” focuses on a modern day 16-year-old African American girl, Starr Carter, growing up in a black, low-income neighborhood. After witnessing the shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil Harris, Starr has to cope with a turbulent, conflicting atmosphere while constantly balancing school and changing relationships and learning to use her voice in the media as a weapon against the hate that is directed towards the black community. “The Hate U Give” earned awards such as the Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Novel, the Audie Award for Young Adults, the Goodreads Awards Best Debut Novel and the Audie Award for Best female Narrator. Before the book was published
in 2017, film rights to “The Hate U Give” were optioned in 2015 by Fox 2000, Temple Hill Productions and State Street Productions. Thanks to Laguna parent Elizabeth Gabler, President of Fox 2000, freshmen and sophomore students were invited to a special viewing of the film in the Paseo Nuevo theater on September 28, three weeks before its release. While the film has been an enormous success, it left out some crucial details from the book. Freshman Nicole Khodabandelou said, “I didn’t like that they didn’t include DeVante in the movie –– he represented his community in a way that others were not able to. However, I still liked the movie and found it very moving.” Sophomore Bea Lujan, who had not read the book, found the movie “touching.” Not only did this movie deliver emotional impact, but it also touched on issues facing black communities and people throughout the United States that are extremely important to realize and understand.
•••
WORDS BY AMARA MURPHY AND FRANCES CARLSON ART BY AMARA MURPHY
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Whooodunit? “The Game’s Afoot”
Owls to take to the stage in a murder mystery thriller comedy!
T
he Laguna crew are busy transforming the Spaulding stage into a mansion to set the scene for a “whodunit” murder mystery called “The Game’s Afoot” by Ken Ludwig. “The Game’s Afoot” was turned into a play by Samuel French, Inc. in 2012 and won the Edgar Award for Best Play. William Gillette, portrayed by Caetano Perez-Merchant ‘20, is an acclaimed actor most notoriously known for playing Sherlock Holmes. He invites his friends and fellow cast members to his castle in Connecticut for a weekend of fun and ends up having to solve his friends’ murder. To get the inside scoop on what to expect, we spoke with Drama Director Dana Caldwell. Q: This play is known for its murder mystery thriller elements, but how is it considered a comedy, too? A: “It has some very comedic moments even though some dark things are happening and that it’s a murder mystery. There is some death and some violence but it is [primarily] a farce, so there are some wonderful slapstick comedic moments. The overly theatrical characters themselves are [based on the] actors who are notoriously dramatic. So the characters themselves have great comedic moments because of their eccentric characters. They’re constantly quoting Shakespeare thefourthestate.net
and other playwrights throughout. It’s [actually] a lovely homage to actors in the [world of theatre]. There’s certainly the dark mysterious moments that come with [...] the Sherlock Holmes stories and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And there’s mystery to be solved but it’s definitely a light romp.” Q: How do you motivate students to participate in productions as either cast or crew? A: “The most exciting thing happening particularly for our crew and for people interested in the technical theater is that we are partnering with Ensemble Theater Company, [Santa Barbara’s only professional equity theater,] again this year. Last year was sort of our pilot program, this will be our second year where we are their designers, their designers are coming in and working with us — so not only are they designing our show, costume designing, scenic design, lighting and sound design — we’re working with their production manager. They’re training us in this space and on our equipment, but we’re also working with them in their space and doing tours and talkbacks with their directors and designers. And getting a chance to be trained in their professional theater as well and see the inner workings of that, so it’s a very exciting time to join tech at Laguna. This is really a new, really exciting program that we have going on.” Q: Has a play similar to this been done before at Laguna?
And Agatha Christie, and the works. So I absolutely wanted to do a murder mystery this year with our students. And who doesn’t love Sherlock? Our cast is going to be amazing and our stage manager, Charlie Jacobs, and our assistant stage manager Sydney Hlavaty — they’re both doing an awesome job. I’m really excited for everyone to see the show.” • • • Cast & Crew: Caetano Perez-Merchant ‘20 as William Gillette Beau Glazier ‘20 as Martha Gillette Jack Stein ‘19 as Felix Geisel Ava Morouse ‘19 as Madge Geisel Simon Lea ‘20 as Simon Bright Mia Humberd-Hilf ‘20 as Aggie Wheeler Athena Boyle ‘19 as Inspector Harriet Goring Juliana Slater ‘20 as Daria Chase Charlie Jacobs ‘20 Stage Manager Sydney Hlavaty ‘20 Assistant Stage Manager WHEN: Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m. Friday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Saturday, January 19 at 2 p.m. WHERE: Spaulding Auditorium COST: $8 for students $12 General Admission LBS Faculty & Staff Free Tickets an be purchased at www.lagunablanca.org or at the door. WORDS BY NAFISAH FATHIMA ART BY BEAU GLAZIER
A: “This is the first time we’re doing a true murder mystery, which is part of my decision for doing it. I like to explore different genres and subject matters from year to year and give our students a lot of writing experience. I personally love British murder mysteries. So Sherlock Holmes, in particular, has a special place in my heart. The Fourth Estate • 31
Madeleine’s Recommendations Tips, Tricks and Trends for a Radiant Self
Everybody’s skin goes through up and downs. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, your skin is just perfect. Then it becomes red, and then small pimples start to appear. Sometimes this catapults into acne, but sometimes you are left with only a few big, obvious pimples on your faces. Those are the worst. Any concealer in the world couldn’t fix those, and your standard acne treatment just doesn’t combat those things as fast as you would like. Then, I found Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. It comes in a little glass bottle. It is a light pink paste that sits on the bottom of a clear, pungent-smelling liquid. You dip in with a Q-tip and then dot the ointment on your pimple. After a few minutes, it will dry and turn into a delicate crust. I usually keep it on overnight. Let me tell you, this works. If you were going to buy one thing on this list, buy this. Within three days, those big, stubborn pimples are practically gone. Available at Nordstrom’s or browsing on Amazon.
2
32 •
1
Mascara is a tricky business. You want something that accents and darkens your eyelashes, but doesn’t make it look too visible you are wearing mascara by leaving big, sticky clumps. Also, you need something to won’t rub off during your busy day, and could withstand a vigorous exercise. In this mascara, I have found it all. It is wonderfully resistant to water and contact, and stays on throughout the entire day. All it takes is one swipe to cover your eyelashes fully. I would recommend running a clean spool over them for a few seconds. What you are left with are full, dark eyelashes without making it evident that you’re even wearing mascara.
Acne is an umbrella under which many different skin problems fall. There are the stubborn, scarring blemishes which are impossible to pop, the wide-spread, inflamed whiteheads, and then general red and bumpiness. It is hard to find a product to combat all the problems that your skin endures. Therefore, when I came across this product, I was surprised at how versatile it was. It not only calmed my pimples but fought the general redness. You need to use an amount about the size of an olive, and then you work in the frothy pink scrub into your face for a few minutes. It works best right after you’ve taken a shower. Make sure your face is generously wet before you apply. This moisturizer helps to activate the soapy quality of the wash and gives you the ability to spread it around your face. I soak a cloth in warm water and then methodically wipe it off my face. I love this product, and it’s a perfect thing to keep in your cabinet and pull out when you feel you need just a small skin help. Plus, the grapefruit scent is fantastic. The Fourth Estate
3 thefourthestate.net
This recommendation is not a product; it is a plant: lavender. The scent is familiar and loved, but it does so much more than just smell good. Lavender oils help to make your hair more healthy and fuller, while also purifying your skin. But my main love for lavender stems from the fact that it promotes calmness. It relieves you of stress and even can be useful if you are experiencing insomnia. That is why I encourage you to use one lavender product every Friday. Take a bath with a few drops of lavender oil, spray some in your room and pick a lavender-scented face mask next time you are strolling through Sephora. A perfect way to shed the stress of the week is by using lavender. This under-appreciated flower and scent a does world of good for my stress relief, and I am sure it can help you too.
5
4
Nails are a very neglected part of most people’s beauty routine. They were a very overlooked part of my own beauty routine until I bought Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. It lives entirely up to its name, with it’s creamy, buttery texture and calming lemon scent. I suggest thoroughly scrubbing before applying the cream. Take a little bit out of the container and divide it equally amongst your fingers. You only need a small amount, so this should last several months. Take a few minutes to relax and treat your cuticle to a little care. The longer you massage it in, the more effective it is. Preferably, you would do this while watching the Office. I recommend doing this at least once a week to combat the strange dry cold then hot weather we’ve been experiencing lately. Your nails will look healthier than ever with this genius product.
I guarantee that everyone owns at least one obscure lip balm, or perhaps several. I know that I do. Every so often, one will turn up in a purse or pocket. But in truth, none of them truly work. I put them on to give my lips brief moisturization or light color and a fun scent. But with our warmer, drier weather in Santa Barbara, there are times when my lips are chapped. When this happens, the only thing I use is Aquaphor Lip Treatment. I apply a generous but thin coat to my lips before I go to bed. It not only provides instant relief but heals my lips very quickly. If you keep up this routine for three nights, your lips will be left feeling moisturized and full.
6
WORDS AND ART BY MADELEINE NICKS thefourthestate.net
The Fourth Estate • 33
A World Without Elephants Follow the eye-opening journey of the documentary “Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story” and the effect it has had on the world by exposing people to the secret cruelty of the trekking and logging industries.
I
n the last three years, the general elephant population has decreased by 50 percent worldwide, but the species facing the greatest threat is the Asian elephant. Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants, have no tusks and grow small patches of hair on their heads. Their smaller and less aggressive appearance is what puts the Asian elephant in such great danger. They are categorized as less aggressive and even tame, which is why they are predominantly sold into the trafficking and logging industries where they work in gruesome conditions for the rest of their lives. The one thing that Asian elephants have in common with other elephants is the desire and need to live in a wild habitat. Asian elephants sold into trekking and logging industries undergo the same horrific process that forces them into submission — the crush box. The crush box, or “the crush,” is the practice of binding elephants and forcing them into a small box. Once secured in the box they are beaten for a 24-four hour period to break the bond between the elephant and their mother. If the process is not successful the first time, it is repeated until the elephant surrenders by following the human instead of its herd. Once they have passed the crush, elephants will begin training where they endure the punishment of bull hooks and knives anytime they act out of line. These creatures are subjected to not only inhumane treatment but live in environments where they might not move more than five feet
34 •
The Fourth Estate
per day. The cruelty of these industries is something world-renowned elephant activist Lek Chailert has fought hard to end. Chailert's desire to help elephants began when she was just a young girl growing up in Thailand, a country with no animal rights. As a young girl, Chailert worked with a missionary group in the forest of Thailand. She witnessed logging sites that use elephants to tow lumber and the brutality experienced by elephants in the industry. According to Chailert, hearing “the screams” of an elephant being beaten followed her — she had to act. She got a job at a bowling alley, saving the money she earned and returned to the lumber site with medicine to help the wounded elephants. Chailert was not afraid to use her voice, publicly speaking out about the abuse elephants were enduring. She became an enemy of the state and was disowned by her family, leaving her with nothing but a growing passion for helping elephants. Chailert started a sanctuary named The Elephant Park, where she works to rescue and rehabilitate elephants that had been in the trekking or logging industries. She was recognized by Time Magazine for her work and soon became well known in the elephant activist community. After meeting Chailert and hearing about her incredible work, actress Ashley Bell produced a documentary, "Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story," which follows the rescue of a partially blind, sick, 70-year-old Asian elephant on a 500-mile transport.
The documentary gained significant footing not only in the US but Thailand as well. The movie spread awareness of the secret cruelty of the industries with its greater goal to discourage people from visiting circuses or establishments where elephants are held in captivity for human enjoyment. Laguna parent and founder of "The Elephant Project," Kristina McKean made it possible to have both Bell and Chailert come to Santa Barbara for an interview at Laguna Blanca School and a showing of the documentary at the Marjorie Luke Theater to help raise awareness in our community. • • •
WORDS BY AMARA MURPHY AND JULIANNA SEYMOUR GRAPHICS BY AMARA MURPHY thefourthestate.net
ATHLETES Where do you go to college? University of Southern California What sport do you play for USC? Beach Volleyball What does a day in your life look like? 7:00/7:30 a.m. : wake up 8:00/8:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. : morning class 11:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. : lift and/or beach volleyball practice 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. : homework/rest time 6:20 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. : night classes (times vary) How is managing both your volleyball and academic schedule? The volleyball schedule is a lot now that we have started going 6 days a week. I’m almost always tired so I’m not really in the mood for class and homework. But it’s been fine and there’s a lot of support! How was your transition to college? I think it was definitely an easier transition for me because I had the team. I immediately had a group of really good friends which made it easier to meet new people too! What is something that was not familiar to you prior to USC? It was really interesting/hard having to use a syllabus instead of having teacher posting assignments weekly. They just expect you to know what you need to do in the class and it’s kind of been a struggle.
Where do you go to college? Claremont McKenna College What sport do you play for Claremont McKenna? Soccer How was your transition to college, was it what you expected? The transition has been very smooth so far and honestly pretty nice. It’s weird being away from your parents. You don’t really realize how much you take all the little things for granted when you’re back home. Being independent and making my own decisions in everyday life has been awesome because your in full control and you get to see what you’re really capable of. Is there any specific skill from Laguna that has been beneficial to your transition into college? I’d say Paul Chiment’s AP Econ class is what I’ve cherished most so far. Most people have no idea what the teacher is lecturing about in Econ 50 but, because of that class, I’ve understood every concept so far and it has given me a huge advantage. How is it playing soccer collegiately? It’s been amazing so far! I really could not have asked for a better group of guys. It seems kind of cheesy but they really have become my brothers, and it makes it easier working my hardest every day because I’m not grinding for myself, I’m grinding for the other 29 guys out on the field with me. I’ve luckily been getting lots of playing time, and the team’s had a huge turn around from our season last year, and we’ve started on a 7-0 run. We’re now ranked nationally in the top 20 when at the beginning of the season we weren’t even ranked, and with 7 straight shutouts, I think we’re looking solid. There’s still a lot of season left, and we have a lot of tough matches coming up so I just hope we can keep the standard of play high and the W’s keep coming! WORDS AND ART BY ESTELLE MURRAY
thefourthestate.net
The Fourth Estate
• 35
1.
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated (“good”) fat which allows the body to absorb vitamins and nutrients. Avocados are rich in fiber, and contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.
2.
Eggs are loaded with high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and good fats. Eggs are also rich in amino acids, which are essential to healthy muscle growth.
3.
Blueberries help improve muscle recovery in athletes. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and carbohydrates.
O
in
5.
4.
Sea vegetables contain a vitamins and minerals that are necessary for exercise performance. They’re a good source of iron, a nutrient that if deficient can cause problems for athletes such as low energy, frequent illness and decreasing endurance.
WORDS BY MACY CHRISTAL ART BY BEAU GLAZIER
Nuts are a powerful combination of healthy saturated fats and protein which makes them excellent staple foods in an athlete’s diet. Nuts are easy to digest, plus, when paired with carbohydrates, can help balance your blood sugar, making nuts the perfect on-the-go snack!
tim th m ar fa en re
te ke
th gr ha
al le — Th co
Lo M
6.
Broccoli, spinach, kale and other dark, leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of iron, and, because these foods are all rich with vitamin C. They provide a healthy dose of antioxidants which help you stay strong and healthy, which can also have a positive effect on your energy levels.
7.
By using body fat energy, green tea can boost metabolism and fat loss. Green tea is an inexpensive and healthy way to promote and enhance athletic performance and fitness goals. The high antioxidant content in green tea contributes to an endurance and metabolism boost.
36 • The Fourth Estate, November 2018
8.
Yogurt is a great food for athletes because it’s high in protein for workout recovery, calcium for bone strength, and vitamin D for calcium absorption. It also contains probiotics (live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits) which aid digestion and promote gut health.
thefourthestate.net
ta th in w
w “W bi
th
SPORTS
Meet Mike With a new season, new seniors and a new group of coaches, Mike Walker provides an inside scoop on the team — LBS football just got a little more interesting.
O
ver the years, Coach Shane Lopes has been busy building the LBS Owls into something incredible — a team that wins. Although eight-man football is sometimes looked at with a negative stigma, thought to be less challenging than 11man, the Owls’ Friday afternoon games are always a scene of filled with excited fans cheering for our energetic and talented players. That talent doesn’t just reflect the players. It takes a lot of work to create a team like Laguna’s, and one of the key aspects is a good coach. Coach Lopes always looks out for the team, allowing it to strive towards greatness. But this year, the team had to look out for him. While the news of a new baby along the way is always exciting, it left the team with a bit of a challenge — who’s going to fill the coach’s shoes? That job fell to the team’s two assistant coaches. Coach Ramirez took over many of Lopes’ duties as did assistant coach Mike Walker. This is Walker’s first year as an assistant football coach, jumping into the job this summer during preseason and pulling the team through a roller-coaster of wins and losses. When asked how the team changed with Coach Lopes’ absence, he said, “We all just kind of expanded our roles a bit and were able to pick up little pieces
thefourthestate.net
of each other’s jobs.” Another question posed to Coach Walker was whether the team suffered from the change in coaching staff, and if it was hard to jump into the season with such a dramatic shift in leadership. “Coach Lopes has done an excellent job of creating a culture, both within the coaching staff and the team with what the expectations are — how we act, how we practice — and that foundation has
to be assistant coach for the Owls and, as it turns out, this entire story started with a simple conversation. “I was talking to [Athletic Director] Jason Donnelly about [Finn] potentially playing, and I had a bit of free time and a history of playing football both in high school and a little bit in college, so Jason asked if I had some free time, if I could help out… I began in August helping out on a fulltime basis.” Of course, there is another side to the story — how Finn feels about working under his dad. When asked how it felt when he was named as a backup quarterback, Finn mentioned that despite the challenge, there was a silver-lining: “It’s nice to get coaching both on and off the field.” Walker clearly enjoys coaching at Laguna, and loves being a part of the school. “It has been really fantastic to be a part of the community... wonderful people, high-caliber students, high-caliber coaches. I’m really enjoying myself and impressed by what Laguna’s putting out there on the sports field,” Walker said. As a final thought, Walker added, “I feel more a part of everything that’s going on, it’s really been a blast to see everyone and be a part of the day-to-day.”
“We all just kind of expanded our roles a bit and were able to pick up little pieces of each other’s jobs.” Mike Walker enabled everything to continue really smoothly despite his absence.” Walker’s relative newness to Laguna’s coaching staff isn’t the only thing that makes his story so fascinating, though. Not only is he part of Laguna’s community, but his son, sophomore Finnegan Walker, is on the football team. “It’s a joy to coach Finn, it’s a tremendous honor to coach him, his friends and teammates. I just incredibly respect the kids on the team, [they’re] such high-caliber group of kids and individuals,” he said. We asked Coach Walker how he came
WORDS AND ART BY PHOEBE STEIN
The Fourth Estate • 37
Fall Sports Recap
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MACY CHRISTAL AND CHRISTIAN BRANCH
Football
Losing more than half of the team due to senior graduates did not stop this group. This year, with the addition of four seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen, the Owls bounced back and shattered any doubts surrounding them. Many first-time players stepped up into various important roles where they received veteran leadership from captains Sam Stegall, Ty Trosky and Josh Baron. The Owls accomplished a 3-4 record on the season, just missing playoffs. The team’s determination for success has only grown, which they will carry with them going into next year.
Josh Baron, Sam Stegall and Ty Trosky
“Football means so much to this school. After last year’s success and this year’s season, I have had the great opportunity to play with younger players and close friends. We have overcome many obstacles and created a great team and football environment.” - Ty Trosky
Girls Volleyball
Cross Country
Girls Tennis
Beginning their hard work in August, the girls volleyball team showed their determination for success early. Behind the senior leadership of Maddie Walker and Margaux Murphy, the team was able to beat local schools such as Bishop Diego, Providence and Cate. Hungry for more, the team traveled to compete in tournaments at Cate School and at Viewpoint in Calabasas. With more experience gained at these competitions, the girls continued on with their season, finishing with a 7-18 record. “The girls are ready for more success next year,” said Walker.
Whether it be new freshmen runners, or moving to a new league consisting of Bishop Diego, Thacher and Cate, the Owls’ cross country team this year has embraced big change. Even with so many underclassmen additions, experienced runners still take the charge when it comes to speed and cardio. Juniors Pisci Abrego and Kai Nakamura being the fastest female and male runners on the team, respectively. Returning runner junior Ian Brown said, “I’m very happy to see the team grow and improve.”
Having lost 11 starting seniors last year, Laguna Blanca’s girls tennis team is improving daily. In the seniors’ place, this year’s freshman ladies have stepped up and taken on a large responsibility in the team’s goals. Through a 5-7-1 record, it is evident that the girls have formed a tight chemistry under the leadership of their coaches. They having been giving their all on the court since early August. Freshman Madeleine Nicks said, “We are looking to build on the progress we’ve made this year and have a breakthrough year in 2019.”
Fall Captains
Margaux Murphy and Maddie Walker
“Being a part of the volleyball program is the greatest; I am genuinely excited every day to get down to the gym for practice or a game. The girls on the team are all such hard workers, and you can see how much they care. Playing volleyball for Laguna is very rewarding, and I will miss it.” - Margaux Murphy
38 • The Fourth Estate
Pisci Abrego and Kai Nakamura
“Although we’re in a new league facing a lot more competition this year, we have significantly improved compared to the previous year. We want to continuously keep pushing our limits of running for our last meet even when we feel that we are ready to give up.” - Kai Nakamura
Sophie Henderson and Katherine Monroy
“I got hooked onto playing tennis because it’s a major stress reliever. This sport is special because you make so many good friends, when you compete with one another that bond becomes even stronger. This season has been great, and we are looking forward to next year.” - Katherine Monroy thefourthestate.net