Laguna Blanca School - 4125 Paloma Drive - Santa Barbara - California - 93110- thefourthestate@lagunablanca.org
Volume XVI
October 2009
Issue 1
Darfur: Still In Need
A follow-up interview with Rebecca Tinsley, a journalist and human rights activist who spoke at Laguna Blanca in 2008 about her organization Waging Peace. By ERIN STONE
Across the waters of the Atlantic, beside the Red Sea, in the arid expanse of western Sudan, violence and murder have reigned for the past twenty years. It all began, in 1989, with an ambitious colonel of the Sudanese Army who dreamt of power and lived by the word of the Koran. In a military coup, Omar Bashir, an extreme Islamic fundamentalist, led a group of army officers to overthrow the former Sudanese government of Prime Minister Sadiq alMahdi. Bashir was a harsh leader, banning free speech and torturing and killing his opponents. Then, in 2003, Darfurian rebels, mostly consisting of African farmers, flared against Khartoum, screaming of neglect. The Janjaweed, poor nomads became the main enemy of the rebel groups because, according to documentary evidence from Human Rights Watch, the Khartoum regime armed and paid the Janjaweed to kill the black African farmers in Darfur. “The Janjaweed has
had mild territorial disputes with the farmers in Darfur for centuries, but Khartoum exploited this by using the Janjaweed as their proxies. The Janjaweed are poor nomads, and so their motivation is purely financial because they are intermarried [with the black African farmers],” said Rebecca Tinsley, a journalist and human rights activist who spoke at Laguna Blanca in 2008 about her organization Waging Peace (a non-governmental organization that campaigns against genocide and human rights abuses in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic). Khartoum’s motivation, however, comes from Islamist ideology. While the Darfurian people are moderate Muslims, the Khartoum regime is extremist, and thus rejects a separated government, and strives to control all aspects of a citizen’s life. “There are also centuries of Arab racism towards black Africans, whom some believe were only put on earth by Allah to be the slaves of the Arabs (so it says in the Koran),” Ms. Tinsley adds. Continued on page 3
Photo: Elliot Serbin
Gym Construction Nears Completion
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By JEFF NELSON
he construction process of renovating the Merovich Gymnasium is reaching its final months. The process started earlier this year, and is projected to be finished in January. The additions will ultimately provide three things: first, they will give more space for athletic teams to change, shower, store equipment, train in the weight room, have team meetings, get help from the trainer, and have access to coaches’ offices. Next, improvements will provide safer parking and improved traffic flow which will allow for easier pick up and drop off, and open more parking. The process of students trying to leave at the end of the day creates a daily challenge. Although lately things have improved, the new drop-off section will create a worryfree environment. Teacher and mom, Ms. Ashley Tidey said, “Since Ms. Paradis reviewed the do’s and don’ts of the ‘students-leaving-theparking-lot-at-lowerschool-bus-arival-timesituation’, it seems like things are going better.” Finally, it will open up room for three new
classrooms where the existing locker rooms are. The expansion of the gym is the third part of the newly approved Campus Improvement Plan. The first two projects were the Emmons Art Center and the Advanced Water Treatment System (recycles water from the gym for irrigation). Another improvement will be a new parking lot with 156 available spaces. Director of Finance & Operations Ms. Sue Smith said, “Ultimately parking capacity will sufficiently increase to allow the spine of parking between the MS and the US to be eliminated, creating more green space for the students.” The Development Department has been raising funds to help pay for the gym, parking expansion, and the previous projects. Ms. Smith said, “Our hopes are to have the majority of the costs of the gym covered by contributions from families who feel that athletics and teams are an important part of Laguna’s culture. Should the funds come in over multiple years (as capital pledges often do), we have a backup line of credit that will be utilized.”
Photos: Kathleen Winter Hurley
Headmaster Paul Slocombe addresses the entire Laguna Blanca community at the annual Jogathon Opening Ceremony. Senior Angelina Romasanta gets a lift from fellow seniors Jessie Ditmore and Dawson Ingersoll. In October, students laced up their running shoes for an afternoon of sun, fun, and music at the Annual K-12 Jogathon & Family BBQ. This spirited all-school tradition benefits the School’s athletic programs. The event was paid for by the generous contributions of LBS sponsors and began with a welcome address from Headmaster Mr. Paul Slocombe, which was followed by an impressive performance of the National Anthem by sixth graders Gabby Campbell,
Jogathon 2009 By ZOE SERBIN and Marissa and Serena Bonn. Runners of all ages sported decorated tshirts as they jogged around the track with encouragement from parents, teachers, and emcees Mr. Mike Biermann and Mr. Paul Chiment. Making laps with the students was the 2009 Featured Runner, new Upper School Dean of Students Mr. Tyler
Hodges. The event was punctuated with a barbecue dinner by Country Catering, music from the Upper School Jazz Band, and game booths which were run by Upper School student clubs raising money and awareness for various charities. Student Council ran the popcorn machine and the Art Club painted faces, while the Interact Club, Soc-
cer Club, CureFinders, Amnesty International, and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation amused attendees with traditional carnival games and prizes. The most coveted prize for the children was the goldfish in a bag. “It was a great community building event. I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Mr. Slocombe. He continues, “I thought everyone got engaged really well and I thought it was a really fun afternoon. I’m already looking forward to next year!”
To Live or not to Live: The Healthcare Debate By DEVIN NIGRO We have a crisis. According to the United States Census Bureau, about 46 million Americans are uninsured. The question is whether or not universal healthcare is economically feasible. According to the World Health Organization, the present system is the most expensive on earth, costing more per person than in any other nation. It was even estimated by Senator Dick Durbin that the average family pays an extra $1,000 per year in insurance premiums to cover the uninsured. President Obama’s initiatives have evoked a great deal of public opinion not only on the political issue of healthcare, but also on the philosophical issue of whether or not healthcare is a right. Both sides bring up valid arguments. Some argue universal healthcare will decrease the profit motive, and therefore the rate of medical innovation. On the other hand, proponents of universal healthcare argue otherwise. For instance, Sabin Russell argues that “removing profit as a motive will increase the rate of medical innovation,” citing the reduction of research into developing new antibiotics by pharmaceutical companies for profitoriented reasons. Sides also differ based on the issue of whether or not universal healthcare would be more cost-effective. For instance, according to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons,
universal healthcare causes the government to “greatly increase taxes as costs rise year over year.” Conversely, according to Physicians for a National Health Program, about 60 percent of the health system is already paid for by taxes, and that the total cost per individual would decrease with universal healthcare. At Laguna, the healthcare debate is firing up people’s emotions as well. Art instructor Mr. Dug Uyesaka said he “agrees with the main points of the plan.” Senior Cooper Thomas said, “I like most of the plan, but I think the Democrats are trying too hard to appease the Republicans by compromising too much.” On the other end of the spectrum, senior Ben Abrams argued that “with the present economic condition, it would be too risky to make these changes,” and that “Obama’s plan promotes harmful ideals that lean toward a state of planned economy and could contribute to further economic ruin.” Others expressed more skepticism in stating an opinion, when asked, Mr. Peter Angeloff said, “I don’t know his plan.” No matter what one’s opinion is on the subject, however, the healthcare debate has arguably engaged more Americans in a topic than we have seen in many years. The debate will obviously continue.
Teen Job Opportunities Are Going Down the Drain By ARABELLA WATTERS The recession, which has been hurting the economy While in the past part time and summer jobs have for nearly a year, is having a huge impact on American been virtually ubiquitous, as the unemployment unemployment statistics. rate sky rockets, and increasingly more adults who The national employment rate is now at 9.7 percent, have been fired from their careers search for lowing and is expected to rise to 10 percent by the end of paying jobs, the slots open for teenagers in the work next year. Although the unemployment rate was at a place are dwindling. sixteen-year record high in August, Although she herself does not at 10.3 percent, it has fortunately work, Julia Kent, junior talks dipped back down. When he went in to about her brother’s experience Hopes for the statistic’s return to submit his resume, job-hunting. “My brother applied its 5 percent low, will not be fulfilled there was a huge line of to tons and tons of different places. until 2014. people. There are just so When he went in to submit his Hugh corporate cutbacks in many people competing resume, there was a huge line of companies such as General Motors, for jobs. people. There are so many people Chrysler, and Ford have eliminated competing for jobs.” thousands of jobs, leaving countless With the large influx of people Americans steady income. searching for work, there is barely enough space for In the past year, the U.S. job force has lost over teenagers to get a foot into the door of the career 5.8 million workers in the auto industry, as well as arena. Flavia Costea, junior, however was successful lower paying jobs such as landscapers, carpenters, in finding a job after a long search; she now works maids, clerks, and cooks. While the quick loss of jobs part time at Pinkberry, a frozen yogurt chain in is daunting for millions of adults in the work force, downtown Santa Barbara. “It was hard for me to find it also affects many high school students across the job because most places are only hiring people the country. Laguna Blanca students are generally sixteen and older. But I am paid a fair amount. It is affluent, many are still affected by the recession. enough for me to pay for things.”
Graphic by Izzy Greer and Seth Judson
Letter From the Editor Hello everyone! Welcome to the 2009-2010 year of The Fourth Estate and to its sixteen year of publication. Over the summer, my fellow editors and I worked hard to really change the face of The Fourth Estate. We have elongated the paper to 11” x 22,” changed the paper type, and upgraded to full color on the front, double, and back page. Unfortunately, all this improvement costs a lot more. So, we’re going to be raising money as a staff by increasing our ad sales and subscriptions. It’ll take a lot of work, but it will be worth it. Of course, you, our readers, will be the final judge of that! We have many goals for the paper this year, but, first and foremost, we want The Fourth Estate to be considered a highly interesting and informative, intelligently written, and aesthetically pleasing newspaper. We’re going to be trying a lot of new ideas this year, and we hope our readers will be pleased with the result. The success of The Fourth Estate not only depends on good writing and innovative layouts, but also on the teamwork of our staff. Building a paper is a team effort and every writer, photographer, and editor adds to the style of The Fourth Estate. I’m very excited about the talented staff we have this year! I hope you all enjoy this first issue and look forward to the others! Sincerely,
Erin Stone Editor in Chief
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he Fourth Estate is a public forum for student expression. It is written and produced solely by the journalism students. The Fourth Estate welcomes guest articles and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and be no longer than 300 words. Drop letters off in the main office or e-mail them to thefourthestate@ lagunablanca.org. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate accepts advertising. Contact Trish McHale, MJE. at thefourthestate@lagunablanca.org for more information. Subscriptions are also available.
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El Nino pg. Impacts Coming Months Swine Flu: pg. The End May Not be Near Krysta pg. Brown: The Talk of the Town Silent Segregation: From the Slums pg. of South Africa to the Streets of Santa Barbara
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Looking Fine in pg. Fall ‘09 Interview with pg. Versa Emerge Laguna Students Around pg. the Globe
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Fall Sports Preview
An Exploration Flash of the pg. Forward:An New Update On the War Windows 7
Editor-in-Chief Erin Stone News & Health Editor Jordan Shannon Op/Ed Editor Arabella Watters Feature Editor Lillie Hodges Style Editor Carolina Beltran Arts & Entertainment Editor Abby Reutzel Photo Editor Elliot Serbin Graphics Editor Bryson Alef
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Copy Editors Erin Stone Lillie Hodges Arabella Watters Business Manager Devin Nigro Artists Jessie Ditmore Izzy Greer Staff Brandon Bickett, Olivia Berci, Patrick Ferroni, Ashlyn Kaufman, Jeffrey Nelson, Troy Ritter, Zoe Serbin, Fletcher Sipple, Faculty Advisor Patricia McHale, MJE
El Niño Impacts Coming Months By OLIVIA BERCI At 2:05 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2005 the slope behind the La Conchita housing development killed 10 people, buried 13 homes and damaged 18 homes. The slope cascaded down the hill bringing 400,000 tons of debris with it, and spilling over into the 101 highway. The landslides of La Conchita were caused by the damaging storms which were seen throughout the winter of 2005. The storms caused floods, mud slides, and blocked roads with fallen debris. During a recent poll seven out of every The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that we should expect another record-breaking year in rainfall.
ten students said they were either affected in some way or know someone who was affected by the La Conchita landslide in 2005. “We have family friends whose house was destroyed in the landslide. They were devastated,” says freshman Caitlin Connor. Sophomore Eva Davis, who participated in La Conchita aid community service work, shares her first hand experience, “I went with a group of people and brought canned food and old clothes for people who had lost all their stuff, and then all the guys did clean up crew... It was really sad. People were crying all over the place.” 2005 was the last occurrence of El Niño, during which Santa Barbara County saw significant
rain fall. 2009-2010 is predicted to be another El Niño year. Although El Niño is occurring, it is classified by the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center as “weak.” Forecasts predict El Niño to strengthen in coming months. As the trade winds blow west across the tropical Pacific, warm surface water builds up in the west Pacific. El Niño is the result of a change in the trade winds’ patterns which causes a periodic warming of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This leads to a shift in the world’s climate which occurs every two to seven years and lasts about twelve months. El Niño causes an immense increase in rainfall across the United States, generating destructive flooding. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) data, during an El Niño year, Southern California received 19 inches of rain in the month of June, a huge change in comparison to a normal year in which we receive 13 inches of rain in the month of June. The NOAA weather association predicts that we should expect another record-breaking year in rainfall. At the moment, this is quite a contrast to the warm weather we are experiencing. According to the NOAA El Niño’s ramifications, which will affect us, are looming ahead in the coming months. Will there be another La Conchita? Is there anything we can do? What ever the answers to these questions may be, El Niño will have an impact.
Upper School Welcomes New Students to All Grades By ABBY REUTZEL
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
Class of 2010: Elizabeth Hartmann. Class of 2011: Connor Lynch, Monica Duran, Maddy Stephens, Hilary Williamson, Katie Schuster. Class of 2012: Tucker Atterbury and Estelle Lewis.
Class of 2013: Dalton Smith, Julia DePaoli, Cassidy Shevitz, Clarissa Coburn, Bryana Schantz, Zoe Hunter, Isabella Taron, Sarah Kiefer, Jessica Dusebout, Monica Watson, Daria Etezadi, Kyle Van de Kamer, Brian Miguel.
Several Factors Affect Freshman Class Enrollment By JEFF NELSON The current freshman class has fewer students compared to previous years. The class of 2013 has 36 students, whereas the class of 2012 had 53. According to Ms. Joyce Balak, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, there are many reasons for this. The first reason is the current status of the economy. Parents know they only have four years left until their children enter college, which requires a larger fund, so they are
often skeptical about sending their kids to a tuition charging school. Many of these families counted on their home equity to help fund their child’s education, but with the drop in housing value, this is no longer an option. Also, there has been an elimination of the Cal Grants, a system that grants funds to qualified California residents attending California colleges/universities, and college endowment portfolios have decreased in value. This, in turn, impacts
scholarships. Additionally, the government may have less funding for student aid. Another reason for the drop in enrollment is simply that many of Laguna’s rising eighth grade students didn’t plan to stay through high school. Nine students, who came as a group from Montecito Union School, only planned to stay at LBS for two years. It is common for students to seek to explore larger communities. In this case, a large number of students left together,
which was unexpected for Laguna. “There’s a sense, that general desire to explore a large school... Is it peers? Is it sports? It’s probably a combination,” said Ms. Balak. She believes that one way to improve this situation is to introduce the Upper School to the Middle School students by showing them that it is not just “a move across the driveway.” To do this, she believes the students should be encouraged to shadow. “Students are the best ambassadors.”
Darfur Crisis Continues, and the World Stands By By ERIN STONE Continued from page 1 Both Sudan and Chad accuse the other of supporting rebel movements in each other’s countries. Though both signed a non-aggression pact in 2008, violence has already spilled over Sudan’s borders, and into Chad’s. This violence has snowballed into other surrounding countries according to Ms. Tinsley, who says, “The Khartoum regime is paying and arming a group of fundamentalists called the Lord’s Resistance Army who are rampaging through Uganda, southern Sudan, Congo, and the Central African Republic—all neighboring Darfur—killing people and abducting child soldiers as they go. You won’t read about it in the press because no one seems interested in this appalling development.” The United States government has tightened sanctions against Sudan because of the tragedies in Darfur. When asked whether she believes the U.S. is doing enough, Ms. Tinsley said, “I believe the US has done exactly the right thing by applying sanctions against the Khartoum regime. The
people who run Sudan do not care about the welfare of their citizens. Therefore the only way to make them abide by their promises under international law is to make the pressure personal. These are called ‘smart sanctions’ because they target the people with the power, rather than the broad mass of citizens.” Unfortunately, Sudan expelled a number of large aid agencies in Darfur after President Bashir was issued an arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2008. Bashir ordered the removal of these agencies in retaliation against the accusation of being the mastermind behind the Darfur genocide. The removal has caused even more devastation among the internally displaced Darfurians. Ms. Tinsley’s own humanitarian volunteer group has had to cancel their November trip this year due to the escalating violence. Ms. Tinsley, however, says that this hindrance of aid work is not so recent, “The Khartoum government has made the daily lives of aid workers very difficult, putting as many bureaucratic obstacles in
our way as they can. They also threaten aid workers if they speak the truth about what they see happening in Darfur. Unfortunately, the UN has chosen not to put pressure on Khartoum to hold by their international commitments. “ Even though violence continues in Sudan to this day, the media has been reporting that the war is over. Ms. Tinsley, whose group is in touch with civilians in Sudan, says otherwise, “Just last week the war flared up again in a place called Korma, where more than 100 civilians died and about 40,000 people were made homeless by the violence. The Sudanese government continues to kill its own citizens, but because the aid workers are too scared to talk, the rest of the world does not know what is really happening in Darfur.” Martha Elliott, Laguna Blanca history instructor, is likewise critical of the media’s treatment of the situation in Darfur. She says, “It’s like saying, ‘Guantanamo’s not a prison—it’s a military base.’ It’s ridiculous. How can you distinguish violence from war?” The war has certainly not ended, and the Khar-
Photo: dreamstime toum regime capitalizes on the apparent indifference of the international community and the fallacious ignorance of the media. “We do not need to send an army of American or European soldiers into Darfur to sort out the problems. The solution lies in getting the big players in the international community and the UN to speak and act with one voice. Every time the world community has taken concerted action against the regime, Khartoum has backed down immediately. With potential for a second civil war at boiling point and with the genocide in Darfur continu-
ing, a solution in the near future seems a mere fairy tale. And if the fighting were to end, Ms. Tinsley brings up further likely problems, “When the fighting stops, how can the refugees be expected to return home? Why should they trust the Sudanese government? How can there be peace without justice for the people responsible for the deaths of possibly 300,000 innocent civilians?” History has shown that extremism breeds slaughter. Since Noah’s Ark braved the roiling waters of god, drowning all the bad apples of the world, since Nathan Bedford Forrest first pulled on that white mask and robe,
preaching the end of the African American man, since Stalin feared lost power, incited the Great Purge and fed the Gulag, since Hitler, since Tojo, Saddam Hussein, and countless others, genocide has never stopped. It is a recurring theme throughout the pages of our world’s story. The situation in Darfur is a tremendously complex problem that has to be dealt with step by step. And, as Ms. Tinsley says, it begins with the international community taking a united stand against the current government. You Can Make a Difference: To find out more about Waging Peace and Network 4 Africa visit www.Network4Africa.org
Swine Flu: The End May Not Be Near By JORDAN SHANNON Since the first outbreak of swine flu that occurred in Mexico, the H1N1 virus was declared a global pandemic on June 11, in the first designation by the World Health Organization of a worldwide pandemic in 41 years. When this new strain of H1N1 influenza emerged last spring, experts feared that it might follow the pattern of the 1918 flu, the world’s deadliest epidemic. A main difference between swine flu and seasonal flu is that people over 60 appear to have some immunity to swine flu, while younger people seem not to. Because children and young adults are more likely to gather in groups -- at school and colleges -- they are more vulnerable to catching all types of flu. So while the disease does not appear to be more severe than seasonal flu, a disproportionate number of young people will probably get it. As with seasonal flu, some people will get very sick and some of them will die according to the World Health Organization. Federal health officials also report that at least 36 children in the United States have died of swine flu. Luckily, Laguna Blanca’s administration monitors information updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as state and local authorities to inform the school community of the most current information, and are doing any thing they can in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Laguna has also created a Pandemic Working Plan for dealing with H1N1 on the Montecito and Hope Ranch campuses. Included in the plan are action steps for parents to protect their children and family from the flu this school year and procedures to carry out if suspected of being infected. History department chair Mrs. Alethea Paradis said, “This recent epidemic should now be taken lightly. We, as a school, need to spread awareness and keep each other safe and focus on staying healthy. Stay home when you have a fever, wash your hands frequently. If people do these things, it will decrease the spread in our community.” The H1N1 flu virus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 flu. Like seasonal flu, novel H1N1 flu in humans can vary severity from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death is possible with novel H1N1 flu infection.
U.S. Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Virus: According to the most recent figures released by the CDC, 10,082 people have been hospitalized with swine flu in the United States so far, with 936 deaths from the virus, including 36 children.
Although it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, and the pandemic looks as if it is here to stay; recent reports have confirmed that a vaccine for this particular strain of flu has been developed. The federal government has ordered 195 million doses of vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it especially for children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years. While there will be enough vaccine to cover recommended groups, the timing will vary. The World Health Organization states that vaccine is undergoing clinical trials, and the first 40 million doses or so should be available by Oct. 15. So how safe are we from this pandemic? Although we cannot stop the spread of the virus, there are precautionary actions to take in order to prevent being infected. For now, avoid people who are coughing or sick.
The CDC also recommends hand washing to reduce the risk of flu. Though frequent hand washing hasn’t specifically been proved to protect against swine flu, it does reduce the risk of respiratory infections generally. Because Flu virus in general are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people infected with influenza, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention requires people to wash their hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and avoid being in close contact with people who are ill. Because of the severity and rapid growth rate of this epidemic, time will only tell before the virus will begin to affect our community. All we can do is make sure that we will remain safe and healthy but actions must be made, because being prepared is the best way to keep students, faculty, and staff safe.
What’s Really in Your Can of Soda? As reported by the Nutrition Research Center drinking one can of soda a day increases your risk of developing type two diabetes by 85 percent. Drinking soda increases your risk of cancer and Parkinson’s disease. The ever-increasing consumption of soda is one of the leading causes in America’s current obesity epidemic. Drinking one can of soda a day can increase your weight by 15 pounds over the course of one year. Soda negatively affects bone density, and is directly related to tooth decay. Specific ingredients in most sodas are proven to significantly increase the risk of brain tumors, birth defects, emotional disorders, epilepsy and seizures. On average, a Laguna Blanca student consumes 30 fluid ounces of soda per week. According to “What Happens to Your Body If You Drink a Coke Right Now?” by Liz Lewis, a health professional, published by “Health Bolt” on Blisstree.com, within the first ten minutes of drinking 12 fluid ounces (one can) of soda, sugar infiltrates your body systems. One reason why your body does not react by immediately vomiting is due to the presence of phosphoric acid present in the soda. Phosphoric acid subsides the impact of the sugar. Although, it also restricts your body’s ability to use calcium
By OLIVIA BERCI
Photo: Elliot Serbin
leading to osteoporosis, heart disease, weight gain which is the decrease in and premature aging. bone, and tooth density. One can of soda generIn the next twenty min- ally contains more than a utes, your blood sugar hundred percent of your heightens daily s i g n i f i - Forty minutes after sugar cantly. intake In re- consuming the soda, recoms p o n s e your body has absorbed m e n d your liver ed by turns the the 30 to 55 milligrams t h e s e v e r e of caffeine. USDA. amount Forty of inm i n sulin just released into utes after consuming your body into fat. the soda, your body has An increase in insulin absorbed the 30 to 55 levels leads to more than milligrams of caffeine. 100 negative effects on Due to this, your pupils your health including dilate, your liver discards high cholesterol, high additional sugar into blood pressure, diabetes, your blood stream, and
consequently your blood pressure also increases. Caffeine leads to insomnia, irregular heart beat, vitamin and mineral depletion, birth defects, and conceivably specific forms of cancer. With in the next five minutes, now 45 minuets after the soda intake, your body increases its production of dopamine, which stimulates the same physical response to that of heroin. An hour after consuming 12 fluid ounces of soda, your body will crash from the sugar intake. Another ingredient present in soda that is a detriment to your health is sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate, or benzene, is a preservative found in silver polish, and cough medicine. The federal limit for benzene in drinking water is five parts per billion. Research has shown that benzene levels up to 79 parts per billion are apparent in most sodas. Professor Piper of the University of Sheffield has shown that benzene can damage inactive, yet vital, parts of DNA. In addition, research published in 2007 proved that when combined with certain artificial color, benzene leads to hyperactivity. A rise in the consumption of soda is being seen, particularly in adolescence, leading to a rise in fatal disease and health disservices. This is understandable, considering that sugar is more addictive than cocaine.
Photo: CAROLINA BELTRAN
October’s Featured Recipe: By: CAROLINA BELTRAN
No Oil, Flour, or Sugar Cookies
Ingredients: 3 large, ripe bananas, well mashed (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup of no-fat Greek yogurt 2 cups rolled oats or oatmeal packages 2/3 cup almond or flax meal 1/3 cup slivered roasted almonds 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 6-7 ounces chocolate chips Cooking Instructions: In a large bowl combine the bananas, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Set aside. In another bowl whisk together the oats, almond meal, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and silvered almonds. (The dough is a bit looser than standard cookie dough, don’t worry about it) Drop the dollops of the dough, each about 2 teaspoons in size, an inch apart, onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
Photos: Elliot Serbin
By FLETCHER SIPPLE
Mr. Tyler Hodges What brought you back to Laguna ? I’ve always loved Laguna’s size and sense of community. This is where my wife and I always dreamed of raising our two girls and sending them to school. Laguna is one of the top academic schools in the West, maybe even in the country so the students are top notch. Plus who wouldn’t want to live in SB? And alright, let’s be honest. I also came back so I could surf every day if I wanted to. What does your job here include, what are your responsibilities. What will you be doing this year? I work with everything that deals with student life. My chief responsibilities involve discipline, advising class trips, working on the emergency preparedness plan, and expanding student leadership activities at Laguna. I also teach a class on Leadership. What are your goals for the year? To help rebuild Laguna into the place I remember seven years ago. Hopefully, we can get everyone on the same page and regain the strong sense of community and purpose that makes Laguna so unique. If you have that everything else will fall back into place. What was your favorite subject in school? History or Biology What piece of advice would you give to a high school student? Study hard and enjoy each and every moment. What did you take from your high school experience? That everyone deserves a chance to excel and feel smart. I went to a big public school in North Carolina and not everyone was given the same advantages and encouragement that I received.
Mr. Karl Revells
Mr. Paul Slocombe
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting his/her college process? Starting early on the process helps students and their parents to keep the anxiety level down to manageable levels. Being realistic about one’s level of ability and performance also helps students to select schools that make for a better fit academically as well as socially. Too often, students focus on name brand schools without keeping this vital information in mind. Finally, no two students are complete alike. It behooves them therefore to ask themselves some honest questions about their distinct likes and dislikes, etc. before selecting their colleges. For example, it is unlikely that a student who requires frequent help from his/her teachers or enjoys a small school community environment should consider attending a large university where these conditions might not exist. ‘Know thyself’ should be the foremost priority on the mind of any Upper School student as he/she prepares to search for colleges. Did you enjoy your high school experience and what did you take away from it? I did enjoy my high school experience but not always for the ‘right’ reasons. I have always enjoyed learning things on an individual basis; I grew up during the mid-to late 60’s so I was in heaven from that perspective. What I did not fully realize at the time, possibly because I was too arrogant, was the value of fundamental knowledge which I tried my best to bypass. It was only later and with increased maturity that I was able to appreciate the difficulties involved in trying to learn new and complex things without those building blocks in place. I have done my level best to catch up ever since…
What were some of your first impressions about Laguna? Have they changed since you have been here? Since school has only been in operation for 3 weeks, I am only just getting to know the school and the environment, so I don’t wish to jump to conclusions. However, my first impressions are that we have a really nice community, everybody has welcomed me with incredible grace and the students have impressed me with their friendly, open attitude and courteous behavior. What 5 things do you most like about Laguna? The view from the Upper School campus. The beautiful Lower School campus. The opportunity to work with great teachers, and the students and families that make Laguna such a special place. Working with my office staff, who are first class. Working with the maintenance and grounds crew who are extremely dedicated to keeping Laguna beautiful. What 5 things would you like to see changed about Laguna? A greater sense of student belonging and support of activities. Improvement of facilities in the years to come. More competitive admission numbers. Create greater alumni relations. Overall, create stronger support for the school. What has stood out to you the most in your time here so far? I am impressed by how hard the faculty and staff work, and the great relationships that seem to exist between many of the students and the faculty and staff.
Krysta Brown: The Talk of the Town By ASHLYN KAUFMAN “I never thought I would have to overcome my fear of public speaking by suddenly having to give a speech in front of a thousand people,” said Krysta Brown. Being vice president of the Junior Girls Unit 11087 District 5 associated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization (VFW), Krysta has been helping veterans and their families for over nine years. When a scholarship opportunity opened up through the VFW organization, Krysta was not hesitant to begin the challenge. The task was to write an essay which included her community service with the Junior Girls, and a tribute to the veterans in her family. Brown explained that she focused most of her paper on her grandfather who served in World War II, and her father who was in the Marine Corps.
Krysta’s essay was read by the board of directors of the VFW organization, including president Dixie Hild. Her essay won out of all the essays submitted in California, and her winning paper was submitted to the national competition. One paper from every state was submitted into the competition and Brown is the first winner from California in 96 years, but even more notable is that she is the first African American to ever accomplish such an achievement. For her remarkable essay, Brown received a ten thousand dollar college scholarship along with the honor of speaking at the tenth Annual VFW Convention. Brown explained her thoughts after she received the acceptance letter, “It didn’t hit me at first, but once I read to the end of the letter I realized how big of an achievement it was, and I filled with excitement.”
The organization paid for her flight to Arizona, to speak in front of a thousand people. When asked if she was nervous she said, “I was nervous when I found out I had to give the speech. When I arrived in Arizona and waited for my speech to start, I filled with anticipation. However, once I got up behind the podium it felt right, and all my nerves went away.” At the same convention, President Obama spoke just a few hours before Krysta. Luckily, she was able to listen to Obama speak, and was even able to shake his hand. “It was so amazing to be able to shake the hand of such an accomplished man.” Receiving a plaque, recognition, and a scholarship for her achievements, this will truly be an unforgettable experience. When asked about her goals she said, “In the future, I would like to attend medical school; preferably Harvard University.”
Dojo Fighting Mania By Brandon Bickett
What is it Like to Live Like a Sensei?
G
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
etting a black belt in karate is like climbing Mt. Everest for a mountaineer. For sophomore Patrick Gainey, a black belt in martial arts was a dream come true. Since his parents inspired him to take karate as a child, it has been his lifel o n g dream to master the art. “I’ve been taking karate
since I was 8 years old, and once I started, I never wanted to quit,” said Gainey. Unlike many young adults, Gainey had the strength and will-power to kick and punch his way through the different levels of karate in order to earn his black belt. It all started in a small dojo in Five Point’s Mall, Santa Barbara. Some people might know this dojo as “the place next to Blenders.” However, no matter the location, the United Studios of Self Defense facility is home to some of the best karate students in Santa Barbara, including Gainey. The studio is one of the only dojos in California that offers a trip to China, not only for students of the highest caliber to earn their black belt, but also for families to take a scenic tour of the country. For Gainey, going to China to get a black belt was almost a reward of training for 8 long
years in Santa Barbara. Gainey has been waiting for this moment practically his entire life. From the moment he stepped on the airplane, he doubted that he could even receive his prestigious belt. “About a week before the test, I was very nervous and stressed out…I almost had doubt in myself.” After thirteen and a half hours of flying, Gainey finally reached China. The directors of the trip said that the temple in which he would be earning his black belt was located in a small village. However, this “small” village was home to over a half million people. “The air quality in China was really bad. I expected the town to actually be a village, but it had basically a half a million people,” Gainey said. Apart from the gloomy air quality and setting, the Shaolin Temple was exactly the opposite. Beautiful ancient Chinese
architecture and tall, long red columns are trademarks of this remarkable temple. The Shaolin monastery is over 23 acres in size. To put that into perspective, the temple grounds are just slightly bigger than our own Laguna Blanca School. Once inside the dojo, the training began. For Gainey, in order to earn a black belt he had to memorize over 13 different forms, each varying from 1-2 minutes. During his testing, Gainey sparred against 3 different people, all of whom were older. He won two out of the three fights. After his test was over and he received his black belt, he returned home from China. Feeling emotions of excitement, happiness, and anxiety, Gainey was glad that his long hard work had paid off. “It was probably the climax of my life. I guess I can consider this the greatest accomplishment I’ve done.”
Silent Segregation: From the Constant Connection Slums of South Africa to the a Texting Addiction? Streets of Santa Barbara By CAROLINA BELTRAN
A
Photo: ARABELLA WATTERS
Hours waiting in the sun: South Africans line up by the side of the road in Soweto, Johanessburg. Although many are searching for work, others will wait for hours for taxis and buses because of the poor quality of the South African public transportation system. By ARABELLA WATTERS Although over 15 years have passed since the apartheid era officially ended and the African National Congress or the ANC took over the South African government, things between the white Africans population of South Africa, and the black population numbering over 37 million are still extremely tense. Throughout the summer, violent riots raged through the rural country side of South Africa, as millions of native black South Africans set fire to cars, picketed businesses and stores, and created chaos throughout the Eastern Cape. Thousands of Africans are furious with the horrible treatment they have been receiving from newly elected controversial president Jacob Zuma, and are rioting to ask for better basic living conditions. It is ridiculous and appalling that nearly two decades after apartheid ended, black Africans are still fighting for simple services such as running water, in house electricity, and equal pay. While visiting Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg which was a dangerous slum for black Africans during the apartheid era, one would not know 15 years have passed. The town is run down and poorly kept up: paint chips from the walls, the windows are smashed from break ins and bullet holes, and the sound of sirens wails in the distance. Soweto is essentially exactly the same as it was during the apartheid era, impoverished and plagued with crime and conflicts. Not only have living conditions not improved, but Soweto is also home to a majority of the black Africans of Johannesburg, blatantly segregating them from the more wealthy and affluent neighborhoods of the city. Although Freedom Square in the center of Soweto boasts the Freedom Charter, a constitutional list stating rights such as “There Shall Be Peace and Friendship.” Freedom is definitely the last thing that the black African population of Soweto has. The majority of black Africans both in Johannesburg and in the rural areas of South Africa work as servants
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
A growing population: A man walks solitarily along Milpas Street. In a US Census in 2008, Santa Barbara’s population was 39.5% Mexican and Latino descent. or in low impact jobs families. The street is lined with such as maids, cleaners, small convenient stores cooks, and gardeners. This is completely and Mexican restaurants; insulting. For a country families walking hand in boasting equal rights, hand, pushing strollers the ANC has barely lived of children. The side streets are up to the promises it so arrogantly made in 1994. littered with children The prospects which playing soccer in their are available to the black small yards. Across the population are limited, street, young men in and the small window oversized clothes and of opportunity closes tattoos walk menacingly incredibly quickly to down the block. In some homes built black South Africans searching for education, for three or four, more than fifteen people will careers, and families. For millions, their lives squeeze in, with people on floors, will be spent struggling sleeping below the poverty line in couches, and essentially Soweto, fighting against anywhere there is space. Mexican immigrants segregation and racism which has been neatly who come to America tucked away by the are automatically boxed government and ignored into a small standard of by the white population working for everything and living on nearly for over a decade. California is a world nothing. Not only are these away from South Africa, but segregation is standards oppressive for adults in the work force, virtually ubiquitous. Every year millions but they also cause many of both illegal and young Mexican American legal immigrants from teenagers to join street countries such as Mexico, gangs, posing a threat Guatemala, Honduras, to the rest of the Santa and other impoverished Barbara community. Mexican street gangs third world countries travel over the border to are a menace to Santa California searching for Barbara, a black splotch on our nearly perfect work. California is the beacon utopian existence. And although we of hope for millions of people; a light in the fear them, our fear is darkness for those who hypocritical, because we have no money, no are part of the mechanism prospects, and no future. creating these violent Although Santa groups. Without the never Barbara seems like paradise, in truth, it has ending circle of oppressive its racial tendencies and work standards and barriers, much like the racial judgments, there ones present in South would be no reason for Africa. The entire west the Mexican youth of side of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara to take including its main street refuge in violence. However, we make no Milpas, is predominantly Mexican American moves to try and improve immigrants and their life for the Mexican
community. Of course, the No Child Left Behind Act implemented by the Bush Administration in 2001 was a small start which yielded minimal results. While the standardized test scores of Mexican Americans have improved, so have those of white American students, keeping the gap between the two still gaping. Excuses are thrown around: they are under educated, the only work they can do is in the fields, but Mexican people are no less capable than the typical white American. Although the language barrier may cause an impediment for many Mexican immigrants, it is extremely easy to find a place to learn English in Santa Barbara. So why, are Mexican immigrants treated almost as social pariahs, used only for small domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning? Is the color of their skin? The way they speak? Has America not moved far enough forward to disregard stereotypes of race and color and give each person crosses over the border equal opportunity? Have we not yet been able to distinguish that there is not a difference between the races, besides the giant yellow line we paint between ourselves. Whether submerged deep in tension of a country full of complicated racial history, or at home in Santa Barbara, the issue of underlying segregation is hard to avoid. It is all around, ingrained in the minds and hearts of those who live through it. From the slums of Soweto to the streets of the west side, the black South Africans and Mexican immigrants are living virtually parallel lives. Racism is the dirty underbelly of society, the pain and suffering which is hidden by layers of affluence and government policies. Unfortunately, until society comes to term with this problem, our prosperous and wealthy world will have a shadow hung over its head, constantly reminding us the less fortunate ones living below the poverty line, only miles from where we sleep.
m I a victim of cell phone addiction? Or rather, texting addiction? To my peers, my cell phone could easily be confused as a second skin on my right hand. The typical American teenager sends and receives an average of 2,272 texts per month, or about 80 texts per day. That’s a lot of texts, a lot of money, and, surprisingly enough, a huge portion of time spent typing away the day. We’re also all bound to get really bad arthritis in our thumbs. Yes, cell phones are great. The ability to be in contact with just about any one in the world in a matter of seconds is beneficial, and easy. But there are some problems. As much as I obediently smile and nod to the routine, “Put your phone away at dinner.” and “Don’t text in class.” We’ve all heard the same things, and know the same tricks. I, personally, can send a text with my left hand in my pocket, without taking my eyes off a dinner plate or notebook, and be taking notes or scooping up forkfuls of string beans with my right hand. It’s funny, and sort of sick. As my mom always says, “What could possibly be so important to say that it can’t wait ten minutes?” And, although sometimes that is the case, it really is important, many times, it’s not. There have been countless occasions where I’ve found myself in an incredible location simply enjoying myself and doing incredible things, yet still having the need to be texting someone else. How is it that when your at dinner with your boyfriend, or Les Tuileries in Paris with your family, or at a concert with your best friend, is seems logical, even necessary, to send a text to someone completely off your radar, saying nothing more than the standard, “Watsup?” or “Heyy!”
I can honestly say, I don’t know if I’m always that interested in whatever’s “up” with whoever it is I’m texting, especially because often enough, the response is just about as ground breaking as, “watching American Idol. U?” But I still do it, knowing this! Is it bad habit? Or simply the need to be texting, or worse, the need to be seen texting— most likely a mixture of the three. Sometimes when teens are in an uncomfortable or awkward circumstance they turn to their phone as almost a comfort blanket. Because you don’t have someone to talk, to or are embarrassed, or selfconscious; you want to look like you have someone to talk to, or something more important going on. You’ll never properly learn how to handle those situations. You might not realize how to jump into a conversation with new people or ease the tension when you’re in an uncomfortable environment because you are used to being able to stand in the corner of a room, looking perfectly preoccupied by whomever it may be you’re texting. Another concern is that as a generation who has grown up in this environment, where we can communicate with people quickly, and without actual face-to-face contact, we aren’t able to converse with others as easily. For those people are used to being able to say whatever they want through a text or email or IM, when it comes to communicating with others, in person, we lack a sense of confidence in actual conversation, especially with adults. People wonder why the standard interview, or just having a serious discussion with an adult makes us nervous, but we are so used to the distant, impersonal language of text that it can be difficult to execute the real thing.
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
Thumbs like lightning: Over 1 billion cell phones are in use in the entire world. China leads with 710 million, India next with 456 million, and the United States in 3rd place with 271 million.
Is the new plan really good for our health? By LILLIE HODGES In Obama’s recent address to Congress and the nation, he spoke about his plan to substantially increase access to affordable and adequate coverage for those with the highest healthcare needs, including people suffering from chronic illnesses, and to significantly increase the affordability of care for low-income individuals. The US Census Bureau reported that 46.8 million Americans were uninsured in September. The US is one of a small number of developed countries that doesn’t offer universal health coverage. The US has one of the two highest infant mortality rates among the developed nations, and it was ranked 24 in life expectancy at birth in 2006. The cost of health care has become increasingly unaffordable for many working families during the past year’s economic downturn. Employers have been forced to deal with the increasing healthcare cost by cutting back on their business expenses. In a market suffering from inflation and instability this is a change for the worse. Healthcare should be an American right, not merely a privilege for families affluent enough to afford the inflated costs. Universal healthcare is healthcare coverage for all qualified residents of a political region and generally pays for
medical, dental, and mental healthcare. This program would be primarily governmentally funded, requiring an increase in taxes nationwide. Common healthcare will decrease costs for individuals overall because people would be able to have preventative treatments. The cost for medical coverage is much higher for people who are already sick before they consult a health insurance agency. In today’s economy, the working class often struggles to afford medical attention outside of that which is offered in hospital emergency rooms across the nations. On average, the uninsured are 9 to 10 times more likely to forgo medical care because of cost and twice as likely
to have medical debt. Most Americans have health insurance through their employers, yet employment is no longer a guarantee of health insurance coverage. Due to rising health insurance premiums, many small employers cannot afford to offer health benefits. Companies that do offer health insurance, often require employees to contribute a larger share toward their coverage. As a result, an increasing number of Americans have opted not to take advantage of job-based health insurance because they cannot afford it. Health insurance premiums are rising at extraordinary rates. The average annual increase in inflation has been 2.5 percent, while health insurance
premiums for small businesses have escalated an average of 12 percent annually. This growing demand for hospitals puts a strain on hospital’s budgets when patients are unable to pay their medical bills. Consequently, emergency rooms and trauma centers nationwide have been forced to shut down because off the lack in payment. Not only would universal healthcare help prevent sickness; it would also encourage entrepreneurship, which will decrease the unemployment rate. Currently, people are afraid to change jobs for fear of losing the health insurance provided at their existing employment. Americans spend more on healthcare than on housing or food. If the cost of health continues to rise, the Congressional Budget Office argues that by 2025, one out of every four dollars in our national economy will be spent on the healthcare system. This mounting burden will limit the money available for other ventures that should be considered priorities in the mission to rebuild our economy. Rising health care costs also affect our economic competitiveness in the global economy. As Americans companies compete against companies in other companies in other countries that have dramatically lowered their health care costs, the American companies are at a loss.
The Solar Illumination: Brightening Our Future By ERIN STONE Roughly 93 million miles away from planet Earth, suspended in the center of the galaxy, resides our burning life source, the sun. The sun is a beautiful thing. It unites us, its energy touches every part of our world, and it just might be the resource that could save us. No form of energy is more abundant than the sun. It is an ideal fuel; an everpresent resource of limitless energy and, no less importantly, it is a clean resource. There are two ways to harness the power of the sun. The first is to produce steam through fields of troughs or computer-guided mirrors that focus sunlight on a receiver on the top of a “power-tower.” The second is to convert sunlight directly into electricity by using photovoltaic panels made of semiconductors such as silicon. Both ways have their advantages and disadvantages. Steam generation is more efficient right now, but it requires acres and acres of open land. Photovoltaic panels, however, can be placed on rooftops at the precise point where the energy is needed. But the major drawback of both energy sources is this: they fade when the weather is cloudy and vanish completely at night. Fortunately, scientists are close to finding ways to contain the captured energy so that it may be used in the darker hours of our days. Surely it makes sense to get away from our reliance on coal, oil, and gas-resources—resources that are so limited, so cruel to the natural world, and so unequally distributed throughout the globe. By tapping into the sun, we could harvest enough energy to supply dozens of times our demand for electricity. The only problem, as always, is the cost. Building the necessary facilities for switching to solar would cost much more at current prices than continuing to burn fossil fuels. Still, without a big boost from the government, solar energy will continue supplying us with only a fraction of
a percent of our needs. Even with President Barack Obama’s “renewable portfolio standard,” which requires utilities to generate a quarter of their electricity from renewables by 2025, coal would still be the main supplier of electricity with solar energy being a minor contributor. We can no longer dabble our fingers in the endless potential of the sun. We need to dive in, ready to swim in it. Our government needs to more strongly encourage the use of this crucial resource. Countries like Spain and Germany have used “feed-in-tariff” laws to stimulate solar energy use. These tariffs (which require electric utilities to pay solarp r o d u c e r s whether they be commercial power plants or private homes that pump energy into a grid) have made Germany and Spain leaders in solar energy, creating a market that helps drive down prices. With the solar costs currently steadily declining (not to mention with much more government help), we would have the potential to power the entire United States. An engineer named Roland Hulstrom calculated that, to do this, all we would need is a single 100-by-100-mile square of photovoltaic panels. And this square could be made up of panels covering rooftops and parking lots across the country, thus avoiding paving the Mojave Desert with silicon. Solar power generation certainly has its trade-offs just as fossil fuel power generation does and we still have a long way to go to reach solar power’s full capability. Yet the sun’s potential is almost impossible to comprehend. Every hour, it showers the earth with energy equal to 21 billion tons of coal. Our future is currently tied to an unpredictable resource—the dangers of which we were reminded of last year when oil prices spiked to over $140 a barrel, then plummeted along with our economy. Our world is being torn apart around us by fossil fuels. We kill each other
Brightening Our Future With Light
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
Soaking up the sun: Solar panels are very energy efficient and can be very helpful in cutting down home electricity costs and fossil fuel consumption. However, the only con remains their extremely expensive installation cost. by obtaining them and we kill our environment by using them. Thus, I lay my hope in the sun and my faith in our nation. We met the challenges of the Great Depression of the 1930s with organizations like the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Rural Electrification Administration. These organizations brought hydroelectric power into the Southeast and strung electric power
lines into the rural heartland of America. Then, just like now, we were in an economic catastrophe, yet we managed to transform the nation’s energy prospects with sufficient government help. Sitting here at my desk, decades later, I can’t help but think that, with the coming sunrise and the right support from the government, the future is certainly brightening.
Furukawa Family’s Gone Solar in Hope Ranch By ERIN STONE When the Furukawa family moved to California and built a new home, they figured they might as well try a new energy source as well. The finishing touches to their latest residence consisted of 36 photovoltaic solar panels placed on top of the slanted roof of their garage and on the lowlands of their property, tilted towards the sun. The Furukawa’s first experience with solar energy has proven to be a good one. “We’re helping the environment by using less energy overall and we don’t even have to do anything besides
pay! Also, the state gives a 20 percent credit to anyone willing to convert to solar-powered energy,” junior Kelly said. The Furukawa’s solar panels fully power their house, pool, and hot tub, while the extra energy they generate streaks south, through the valley, away from the sea, to Southern California Edison, a company that provides electric service to central, coastal, and southern California. The energy that Kelly’s house generates not only powers her own house, but also helps Southern California Edison provide clean energy
for over 13 million people in 180 cities stretching from the dry expanse of San Bernardino County to the mountains and lakes of Mono County. On cloudy days and at night, the Furukawas draw energy right back from Southern California Edison: “Basically, we use the solar power when it’s available, and then revert back to regular power when the solar energy is lacking or unavailable.” However, the Furukawas, too, have noticed the high price of the sun’s power. Kelly said, “Even with credits from the state of California, it is
estimated that it will take around 13 years for the solar panels to pay for themselves.” But in sunny states like the one we live in, the Furukawas believe solar energy is worth it. “Solar energy is a wonderful way to help the environment with little effort. If you have the means to convert to solar energy and you live in a place as consistently sunny as Santa Barbara, take a step in the right direction and harness [your hometown’s] natural advantages. Power your lives with solar energy.”
Declaration of War
On March 19, 2003, past President George W. Bush declared war on Iraq to disarm the country of nuclear weapons and rid the country of terrorism. President Bush states, “every effort would be made to spare the lives o f innocent civilians.”
9/11 Terrorist Attacks On September 11, 2001, two commercial airliners piloted by members of the Al-Qaeda terrorism sect, based in Afghanistan crashed into the World Trade Centers in New York City. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, and the towers burned to the ground.
Iraqi Government Turned Over
Mosque Bombing
On June 28, 2004, the Iraqi government was given freedom for the first time since Coalition Provisional Authority’s occupation in 2003. The Iraqi government
On February 22, 2006 the Shiite Golden Mosque in Samarra was destroyed nearly completely by rebels trying to stir the Sunnis and the Shiites into civil war.
plans elections of the Iraqi National Assembly for January 2005.
Saddam Hussein is Captured
On December 14, 2003 Saddam Hussein, the former tyrannical dictator of Iraq, is captured in a cellar of a farmhouse in Adwar, a small village in Iraq. Hussein is taken to Baghdad where he is held until his trial and eventual execution in December 2007.
Iraqi Democratic
On 2005 demo occu choo for of The majo elect boyc
Flash Forward: An U Afghanista Operation Iraqi Freedom: US Casualty Total
Operation Enduring Freedom: US Casualty Total
Graphics: icasualties.org
Osama Bin Laden
Key Players
Saddam Huss
One of the founders of the terrorist organization Al Quaeda
Former President of Iraq
Al Quaeda is responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States World Trade Centers
After 9/11, George W. Bush American public that Hussei and was hiding weapons of ma
Bin Laden is on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation’s list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives
In 2004, Hussein stood trial for humanity and other offences was found guilty and sentenc hanging.
Petraeus Promotion
Violent Bombings
On April 23, 2008 General David Petraeus is chosen to lead the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars. Petraeus was chosen for his innovative plans to combat the Taliban rebels.
On December 1, 2008 thirtythree people were killed in car bombings in the Baghdad and Mosul. Both bombings were suicide attacks and were the most violent and fatal attacks since November when twenty-eight people were killed in a market bombing.
Elections
Iraqi Sovereignty
On January 1, 2009, US Forces turn over control of the Iraqi Airspace and Green Zone to the Iraqi government
Surge of Troops to Iraq
December 15, 5 the first Iraqi ocratic elections urred in order to ose representatives the Iraqi Council Representatives. Shiites won a ority, and the tions were largely cotted by the Sunnis.
US Withdrawal of Troops On June 29, 2009 US troops start to withdraw from Baghdad and urban areas under the jurisdiction of new president Barack Obama.
O n January 5, 2007, President Bush announces a plan to deploy over 20,000 troops to Iraq and double the amount of soldiers on duty in Baghdad.
Update on the Wars in an and Iraq Truth or Lies? The Misconceptions and Deceptions of the Wars By JORDAN SHANNON Since the war in Iraq began, there have been many misconceptions circling around how and why the war started. One major debate is whether the September 11 attacks were connected to Iraq. A dispute continues to rage over whether, and to what extent, Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq is connected to Al Qaeda. Experts disagree about the evidence of such a connection. However, according to officials, several of the specific instances cited by US and British officials as evidence for such a link have apparently not held up to close scrutiny, though the matter remains unresolved. No evidence has been presented by any source to suggest that Saddam had any involvement whatsoever with the September 11 hijackers. Many also believe that some of the September 11 hijackers were Iraqis. In fact, none of them were. Most are believed to have been Saudi citizens; Mohammed Atta, the alleged leader of the
sein
group, was Egyptian. Another major misconception about the war in Iraq is if Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), were found. The answer, according to CNN, is that although several hundred chemical weapons were found, no weapons of mass destruction were uncovered and Saddam had all his WMD scientists and technicians ready. There have also been speculations about the U.S. invasion. At the time of the invasion, all intelligence agencies, world-wide, believed Saddam still had a functioning WMD program. Saddam had shut them down because of the cost, but created the illusion that the program was still operating in order to fool the Iranians. Another argument about the war, is that it was intended to capture Iraq’s petroleum resources. While there is no way to assess to what extent these resources are a strategic factor in Bush’s calculations, those who
assert a simple link between oil and the war almost always fail to deal with a number of inconvenient facts. First, if the US wanted its oil companies to have access to the Iraqi market, it could have simply pressed the United Nations to drop sanctions against Iraq. Since Iraq has been allowed to sell oil in order to purchase food and other key commodities, it is already contributing to the world supply of oil and thereby lowering the price Americans pay. Finally, according to the New York Times, Iraq has only three percent of world production capacity, and to double that could take more than a decade. In the meantime, growth elsewhere would limit Iraq’s eventual share to perhaps five percent, significant but still in the second tier of oil nations. There are also misconceptions about the War in Afghanistan. For one, many people believe that the U.S. is trying to liberate the people of Afghanistan
Helpful or Hurtful: Although the occupation is to help the Iraqi government regain its footing after Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, many innocent civilians have been harmed in the process. from Taliban tyranny. But, the reality is that the U.S., Russia, and Iran have been aiding a rough coalition of armed groups called the Northern Alliance. The Northern Alliance’s fighters are drawn mainly from ethnic minority groups in Afghanistan who have been persecuted by the Taliban. But their record is also a bloody one. Groups like the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), which have been fighting against fundamentalism and for democracy in
George W. Bush
Afghanistan for years, have publicly stated that the fundamentalist gangsters of the Northern Alliance are not an acceptable alternative to the fundamentalist gangsters of the Tali ban. The last myth about the war is whether or not It’s possible to win a war against terrorism. The reality is that terrorism is a tactic, not a political or social force in and of itself. Anyone can use it, and the idea that you can wage a “war” against it is as dishonest as the idea behind the “War on Drugs.” The use of food
as a political weapon, indiscriminate aerial bombardment, and the arming of groups of religious fanatics all count as “terrorism” by any reasonable definition of the word, and the United States has long employed all of them -- and more. This war just really seems to be circled around low material interests and power, and in defense of these interests the U.S. is prepared to shift the label “terrorist” as it sees fit, and to apply to all manner of dissident political movements.
General McChrystal
43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009
Current commander of the International Security Assistance force and the U.S. Forces Afghanistan
h convinced the in was a threat ass destruction
Waged the “War on Terrorism,” by invading Afghanistan and Iraq after the September 11 attacks.
r crimes against s. In 2006, he ced to death by
He concluded his terms leaving America in its longest post-World War II recession.
When he was Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, he was credited with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al Quaeda in Iraq In 2009, he requested between 30,000 and 40,000 more troops in Afghanistan
RAG & BONE
BCBG
A navy cowl neck coat with gray leggins and pumps.
A black wrap dress with metallic leggings.
DIANE VON FURSTENBURG
BALMAIN
A grey wool jacket and turtleneck with matching skirt
A striped sparkle tee with cropped black pants and a structured belt
Looking Fine In Fall ’09 By JORDAN SHANNON
The leaves are starting to turn, which is a sign for many of us that it’s time to churn the clothes in our closets. As the summer rays start to fade, away go the sundresses and shorts, and out come the tights, sweaters and coats. Fall traditionally evokes a sense of freshness and new beginnings and allows designers to break out from their summer daze. Naturally, when it comes to fall fashion it is the time of year to really break out the trends. Fall is about creating a new look. Many have a new job, are starting school, and basically just want a fresh start. While last year’s wardrobe will be perfectly serviceable, almost everyone desires to incorporate a few new pieces into their wardrobe to liven things up. Although the recession is still a major topic, designers offer plenty of distractions on the fall runways, from innovative little black dresses to the season’s must-have essential—the biker jacket. And for the shopper who has her eye
on her wallet, there are classic pieces that are smart investments such as classic white button downs, leather boots, and skinny jeans. This fall, look for a resurgence of colors from the ‘80s — the brighter the better. Models blazed down the runway in a rainbow of neon shades at Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, but it’s the pinkhighlighter hue that works on all skin tones. If you don’t want to splurge on a hot-pink coat or dress, one or two acidbright accessories work just fine. With color this vibrant, just a little dab will do. For the anti-bright, earth tones in oranges, nature-inspired greens and browns are sticking around. Military-inspired garments also abound, especially in outerwear. Look for embellishments like studs on jackets and vests. Plaid is also hot, as are the omnipresent animal prints (without going overboard!) Leather also is a major trend for fall, shown in the forms of jackets, leggings, tops, and skirts. But, a slick, simple
jacket is the coolest option and can be paired with just about anything- the ultimate staple for fall. Day time sparkle is also a major trend being shown on the runways this fall. Forget everything you know about metallics and sequins being just for the night. Designers are breaking them out for the daytime and bringing some much needed sparkle to gloomy fall and winter weather. Pair them with casual pants under a blazer or with jeans. Or use a sparkly scarf or belt to dramatically accent a monochromatic look. A little sparkle goes a long way. If you’re a little more conservative and not up to sporting vibrant colors or neons, then you’ll have no problem finding plenty of stylish monochromatic options to sport come fall. Who knows if it’s due to the recession or not, but there were plenty of neutrals like grey and black on the runways. Of course, mixing and matching neutrals with some of fall’s other hot trends, such as sparkles and hot pink
also make for a great look. Going back to basics is another trend seen for fall. You can’t go wrong with crisp, long-sleeve white shirt, which makes an outfit look instantly chic and serves as the building block for your fall wardrobe. The varieties are endless -- cotton with stretch, fitted silhouettes, cuff and sleeve details, collar variations -- and they all work under everything from cardigans to jackets or on their own with wide-leg trousers or skinny jeans. Knee-high boots are also classic which make great sense for fall because they let you get more wear out of everything from skinny jeans to skirts. Tuck in slim pants or layer on opaque tights with a skirt or dress to keep out the chill. As the fall season nears, don’t be caught without these essentials. Now’s the time to experiment with new trends and break free from your traditional standards, and you’ll be sure to take the fall season on by storm! Photos: STYLE.COM
The Hush on Blush
Style Profile:
A RESTAURANT REVIEW By ARABELLA WATTERS Although Santa Barbara is far from the urban jungles of New York City, the cosmopolitan food mecca of the world, Blush Restaurant and Lounge, with it’s hip decor and sharp fusion food seems as if it would belong better between the trendy eateries of New York’s Soho or Greenwich Village instead of on Santa Barbara’s main drag, State Street. Blush, located at 630 State St., right next to popular night club, Tonic, is both a lounge, restaurant, and live music venue on weekends. With both interior and exterior seating, including a large fire pit outside, Blush can easily accommodate large or private parties. Walking into Blush, one gets the feeling of standing in a fashionable planetarium. Small white lights hang scattered from the ceiling, while the exposed brick walls offer a warmer, homey feel. Overall, the decor of the restaurant is both hip and timely, catering to the younger crowds of Santa Barbararians, and also giving the potential to become a downtown hot spot. While waiting for the food to be served, the staff is friendly and genial, and provide suggestions and favorites on the menu. The majority of the menu is a unique blend between American classics and nouveau cuisine, such as the mini grilled cheese and tomato basil soup appetizer, or goat cheese salad with asparagus wrapped in mushroom cannoli. There is also a variation of open faced sandwiches and large entrees, like the crispy potato wrapped tofu with white bean ratatouille and pesto sauce, but the menu is most innovative with its large selection of starters and appetizers. Some standout’s on the menu are the lobster mac-n-cheese appetizer with crisp pancetta, fresh chives, and a hint of tarragon, and the pan-seared salmon entree, with herbed farro,
Lea Hamilton With this issue, The Fourth Estate introduces the Style Profile. Each issue a new “Laguna fashionista” will be spotted and selected as our style star of the month. Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
By: ASHLYN KAUFMAN and CAROLINA BELTRAN
grilled white asparagus, and smoked tomato vinaigrette. Try the “Summer Salad” as an appetizer and the “mini grilled cheese with tomato basil soup” as an entree. The salad comes laden with juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh mint, and ripe water melon. It’s new, fresh, and deliciously nostalgic of summer days. However, the salad is on the small side, and couldn’t suffice as a main course. The soup and sandwich entree arrive piping hot from the kitchen, arranged beautifully and mouth-watering on the plate. The soups is rich and flavorful, a perfect combination of sweet and savory. But the real highlight is the grilled cheese; smothered in butter, grilled to a crisp, and spilling over with oozing sharp cheddar cheese. Dip it into the soup and take a bite, this is one of the restaurants best combinations. Because the portions are on the smaller side, you’ll be entirely satisfied without feeling too full. Leaving Blush, with it’s hip decor, live music, and delicious menu selections, one feels undeniably chic. While Blush may be ahead of it’s time, it is sure to become a Santa Barbara classic.
Age: 17 What She’s Wearing: “I’m wearing a dress from Forever 21, shoes from LF, and a necklace my mom gave me.” Bargain Hunter: “I don’t splurge when I’m shopping, but if I’m at a store and I like something I’ll usually get it. I put all of my outfits together, and I don’t really have on inspiration but just choose little things I like and can afford from different stores.” Hot Spots: “I like LF and Wendy Foster but they’re pretty expensive, so I like to shop at little stores where I can buy cute things for cheaper, like Angle or Forever 21. I usually buy random things at random times, and part of my style is mix matching a lot of my outfits and accessories.” Blue Jean Baby: “I just bought a great pair of Paige jeans, they were my most recent splurge.” Online Inspiration: “I love to look at all the different runway shows on Style.com. It sounds funny, but it’s fun to look at all the different designs, I think it’s interesting.” Boho Chic: “I love Kate Hudson’s style, if I had to choose she would be my ‘fashion icon.’” Back to Basics: “I think my winter staple this season will be pea coats. They always look cute in the cold, J. Crew has great ones, that’s where mine is from.” Biker Chic: “My favorite piece of clothing I own is my fake leather jacket. I think it goes well over a lot of different outfits and sort of elevates them.” Gold Rush: “I have is this long gold necklace with a clock on it that my mom gave to me (pictures above), I wear it with almost everything. I love it and it’s my favorite accessory.”
It’s Always Sunny in Hollywood
Photo: ABBY REUTZEL
The cast of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” performing “The Nightman Cometh” musical on stage. From left to right: Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Rob McElhenney. By ABBY REUTZEL
Photo: ABBY REUTZEL
Throughout the past seventy years there have been television shows that have influenced pop culture and all of their viewers. Since “Seinfeld” went off the air in 1998, and “Friends” in 2004, there hasn’t been a television series in America that has had such a great impact. In 2005, Rob McElhenney and his friend Glenn Howerton signed a contract with the television network FX, and within the next couple of months, the now hit TV series, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” premiered. What makes this television show so unique is just how far the writers have been willing to take it. With episodes entitled, “Charlie Wants an Abortion” and “The Gang Solves the North Korea Situation,” the show has been able to tackle current controversial issues with a comic styling that has been described as “‘Seinfeld’ on crack.” Now in its fifth season, the show still has its homemade charm and trademark comedic timing. The gang ended their fourth season with a bang, thanks to the episode entitled, “The Nightman Cometh” which centered around character Charlie Kelly’s mission to write and perform a musical with help from the gang. The season finale was a wild success and the songs from it continued to be hummed and sung by all of the loyal fans who had been tuning in for the past four years. Thanks to the season finale’s success the cast and the show’s production crew decided to take the episode on tour, performing it live in six different cities throughout the summer of 2009 in order to promote the show and its upcoming fifth season. On Sept. 25, the show came to Los Angeles at the Hollywood Palladium. Fans came out in droves, some dressed in costume, other’s sporting their Paddy’s Pub t-shirts proudly. The at-
mosphere was one of excitement and VersaEmerge on stage at Warped Tour: Lead guitarist Blake Harnage and lead anticipation. singer Sierra Kusterbeck rocking out. The show started out with an opening band called DZ. After the second song the crowd was already getting impatient, and it didn’t help that the band was actually very bad. By ABBY REUTZEL They were soon greeted by boos and people yelling things like, “Get off the stage.” However, that didn’t stop them The Band VersaEmerge is one of the in bands. from finishing their set, which felt like few bands signed to Fueled By Ramen it was at least an hour long. that has a talented female lead singer. Have you guys gone out of the Once DZ finally got off the stage the At this year’s last date of Warped Tour, country to tour? writer of the musical’s music came I got the privilege of sitting down with Anthony: Yeah, we did Canada, the UK, on stage and introduced a clip from Anthony Martone, the now former Scotland, Wales, and Belgium. the upcoming special “A Very Sunny drummer of the band, and Devin In- Devin: We did Wales? Christmas” which was received with gelido, the bassist. Anthony: Yeah, we did Wales. We’ve uproarious laughter and applause from been to a few countries outside of the the audience. United States. It’s pretty cool to see When did Versa form? Then the crowd was treated to an en- Anthony: We had a guy singer about people in other countries who know tire episode from the upcoming season two years ago and then that went kind your music. that included frat boys, skinny jeans, of crazy and he’s not in the band anygames of flip cup, and public urina- more. Now we have Sierra. We’ve had Would you be able to pick a favortion. her for about a year and a half now and ite out of the countries that you When all of the promos for the we’ve been touring ever since. toured? show were done, the moment the entire crowd had been waiting for finally Where are you guys from? Anthony: I really loved Toronto and came: The gang appeared on stage, and Anthony: We’re from South Florida. Montreal. Canada is totally sweet. the musical began. Sierra’s from St. Petersburg, Florida. Devin: Canada is the second sweetest The show was very much like the epi- I’m from Port St Lucie. We’re all kind country to America, no offense to anysode, albeit with a couple of new songs of spread out across Florida. We’re all one else. and some added curse words here and mostly from Port St. Lucie though. Anthony: Yeah. there. Devin: They’ve always been really cool Fan favorites like Artemis came and How many albums or EPs do you to us every time we’ve gone there. so did The Waitress. The gang did not guys have out? disappoint giving an astounding per- Anthony: We have three VersaEmerge So, do you guys have any plans formance. The crowd was just as into EPs. Our debut full length album will for the rest of the year? it as the cast, with lots of shouts and come out early next year probably. Anthony: Yeah, we’re going to write a interaction. record, record the record. Then in the The show ended too soon, and the How would you guys describe fall we’re going on tour with Boys Like grand finale of Charlie’s proposal to your sound? Girls, The Maine, Cobra Starship, and The Waitress was very bittersweet Anthony: I’d say that our sound is kind A Rocket to the Moon. So that should since the crowd all yelled for her to say of like, think alternative rock, film be pretty fun. yes, even though we all knew she would score, with a girl. A little weird, experisay no. Do you guys know what you’re mental, I don’t know. The cast was outstanding, the crowd doing in 2010? was enthralled, and the atmosphere And you guys are signed to Fueled Devin: We’re going to keep it on the felt like a bunch of friends just hanging by Ramen? down low. A little bit secret. But maybe out watching their favorite TV series Anthony: Yes. you might see us at Warped Tour again together. next year, maybe we might be doing some other really cool stuff. But the alHow did that come about? Anthony: Well we had a lot of differ- bum will be out next year. ent label attention after we released Anthony: Yeah it will. our second EP which was the first one Devin: It’ll be a big year because we’ll with Sierra. It was called “Perceptions” be dropping the album. and we just got a lot of label interest. Anthony: Yeah, we’ll be doing some seThen we met with the owner of Fueled rious growing. By Ramen and we just clicked and felt like it would work really well and it has And this is your first year on Warped? been. It’s been amazing. Anthony: Yeah it was our first time. It’s Who has been your favorite band been awesome, a great first experience. We’ve done the whole entire thing and that you guys have toured with? Anthony: I really don’t know, we’ve it’s the last day. toured with so many bands now since Devin: Yeah we’ve been on it since day Warped Tour. But even before this we one and it’s been crazy. toured with a lot of bands. We have good friends in a lot of bands. I can Okay I think that’s it, have anygive some shout outs. Eye Alaska, The thing else to say? Photo: ABBY REUTZEL Arrival, we became really good friends Anthony: Yeah. with Breathe Carolina, The Maine, Devin: That we love you. The cast on stage, in character. From left to right: Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, bands like that. We have a lot of friends and Glenn Howerton. though. All of my friends are in bands. I Aw, I love you too. don’t really have any friends that aren’t
Interview with VersaEmerge
Long Live the King: The Legacy of Michael Jackson By DEVIN NIGRO
I
“
am Peter Pan,” stated the king himself in a 2003 interview with Martin Bashir. This fundamental philosophy would prove to be both Jackson’s source of inspiration as well as the center of controversy in his life. During his fifty years with us, Michael Jackson went from being a precocious child to a childlike adult, all while managing to become arguably the greatest entertainer of all time. Since his death on June 25, there have been numerous controversies and an overall sense of mystery surrounding his death. Questions surrounding his court case after being accused of sexual abuse by multiple young boys are still unanswered. Senior Liza Fletcher said, “People misunderstood and took advantage of his eccentricities,” referring to the sexual abuse accusations against him. Questions surrounding what will happen to his three young children continue to be asked. Prince Michael, Paris Michael
Katherine, and Prince Michael II (aka Blanket) have been living with Michael’s mother, Katherine Esther Jackson since she was granted temporary custody. The top question on everyone’s mind, however, is how will t h e
Graphic: IZZY GREER
king of pop be remembered? Clearly, his musical talents seem to stick in everyone’s mind. Laguna senior Alina Wattenberg said, “Thriller was one of my all-time favorite songs. His passion and energy were unparalleled.” Many are concerned that Jackson’s legacy will be skewed by people’s opinions of his personal life. In an effort to stop that from happening a final tribute to Michael’s musical legacy will be released on Oct. 28 of this year. Most got a first peek at the movie when the official full length movie trailer premiered during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 13. The movie, entitled “This Is It” in reference to what would have been his final and most magnificent tour ever, will have a limited two week engagement. A worry many have about the movie is that this will just be another way for people who took advantage of Michael in
his life to continue taking advantage of him even in death. Alina went on to say, “Instead of taking for granted his musical talents and obsessing on his personal life, we should remember him for his incredible abilities. Not only was he the king of pop, but he was the king of dance as well.” In fact, Liza Fletcher said, “The only actor competent enough to play Michael Jackson in a movie would be Robert Downey Jr.” No matter what people think about the controversies surrounding Jackson’s lifestyle, the general consensus at Laguna is that his talents and unique style of song and dance are what will define his life. This same feeling has been echoed around the world by many tributes and events dedicated to the memory of this iconic musical genius. Although we may not truly see what will become of Jackson’s legacy for another twenty or thirty years, it is clear that many already remember him as a pop culture icon who changed the music industry.
Graphic by LILLIE HODGES
Laguna Makes a Mark On the World This past summer Laguna students made their mark in over twenty-five countries, traveling for reasons ranging from leisure or work, education or volunteering. By LILLIE HODGES A typical Laguna high school student has traveled outside the U.S. at least once. While this fact alone may be unusual, this past summer students, ages 14 to 18, broke through the Santa Barbara bubble and explored every corner of the earth. Hordes of Laguna teens traveled to the East Coast, not only to bask on the beaches or to roam the city streets, but also to explore the next step in the journey to adulthood: college. Within this country, students traveled with parents and siblings, or with college tour groups, and wandered the empty campuses. Other than college tours, students competed in sports, participated in academic programs, volunteered, and one even followed his father on a nation-wide rock & roll tour. Carly Shevitz, senior, competed in sailing competitions in Connecticut, Virginia, New Jersey, and even Italy. Mandy Longstreth, senior, attended an acting program in New York City. Olivia Liebman, junior, traveled to Alabama with her temple and the Santa Bar-
bara United Methodist Church to rebuild churches that had been destroyed by radical racists. Julian Messina, junior, traveled with his father on tour all around the U.S. with his band Loggins and Messina. Outside the country, students explored Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. In Africa, Austin Rusack, junior, traveled with his family to Botswana and South Africa for safaris. Other students traveled to Africa for work or sport competitions. Arabella Weston-Smith and Arabella Watters, juniors, spent the month of June filming a documentary in South Africa about the medical aid train called Phelophepa. They shot, directed, and edited the piece, and it was shown to the school in a recent assembly. They hope to apply to film festivals later this year. Tommy Mullaney, senior, spent two weeks training for squash in Cairo Stadium in Egypt under the Egyptian National Squash Team coach. In Asia, Natalie Nomura and Julia Kent, juniors, volunteered through the program Rustic Pathways in
Udon Thani, Thailand. Kirsten Macfadyen, senior, also went to Thailand for community service with Rustic Pathways. She also traveled to Vietnam and helped plant rice in the rural areas. Asian international students, Jessie Zhen and Mandy Lu went home to visit their families. Jessie took SAT preparatory classes and Mandy Lu volunteered as an English teacher in the Sichuan province, where a tragic earthquake hit last year. In South America, Meghan Graham, senior, went to Peru to work in an orphanage in Cusco. Sarah Goldmuntz, senior, pursued her love of marine biology in the Turks and Caicos Islands helping researchers retrieve data. Sean Henderson, senior, volunteered in Armenia. Courtney O’Donnell also competed internationally in Vienna, Austria with the People to People Sports Program. Fellow athlete, Parker Lilly, junior, joined a People to People Sports Program going around Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
R.S.V.P. in Santa Barbara By CAROLINA BELTRAN
West Beach Music Festival
Benefit Cosmetics at Sephora
September 18-20th
September 24th
Hundred of reggae loving Santa Barbara locals flooded West Beach to enjoy a line up of great musicians.
Sephora hosted a Benefit cosmetics event teaching customers tricks of the trade for this season’s must have make up products.
The lineup ranged from Shwayze to Rebelution. Kids sipping lemonade, teens dancing to Bassnectar in The Oasis, and parents swaying to Steel Pulse in the sand were among the all-ages crowd. Concert go’ers browsed jewelry and snack booths, enjoying the beautiful Santa Barbara weather and beachy vibes. Life’s a Beach: Pepper’s lead singer Kaleo Wassman at West Beach. Photo: SB LOCALS NIGHT
Their new fall looks, “Hello Flawless,” “One Hot Minute,” and “Crescent Row,” were demonstrated by Benefit artists free of charge. Clientele received a free consultation with Sephora make up experts and received a special gift courtesy of Benefit.
It’s in the Bag: “Tokens of appreciation” received with purchase. Photo: CAROLINA BELTRAN
Nautical Nonsense: The Dance
Santa Barbara Aids Walk
September 26th
October 3rd
Laguna Blanca students donned navy and white stripes and sailor caps for the year’s first school dance.
Leadbetter Beach was crowded with people from all over Santa Barbara county, in order to support this years’ annual Aid’s Walk.
The 10$ dollar admission fee, 7$ if dressed in costume, goes directly to the student council. Juniors, Julian Messina and Matthew Puzder of Monark DJ’ed and student council adorned the gym with strobe lights and streamers. Techno beats from Bob Sinclair, MSTRKRFT, and Justice pumped up the pulsating, streamer filled room and dancing students. It’s in the Bag: Marshall Alex’s sign advertising the Nautical Nonsense Dance to Laguna Students. Photo: MARSHALL ALEX
The 6.2 mile walk started at 10:00 AM along beach. LBS Amnesty International Club members attended and walked on among hundreds of other teams to raise awareness and donations for the cause. Walkers warmed up with aerobic exercises, and received free beverages and stickers. Walking for a Cure: Student’s, families, and more come together for to fight the disease. Photo: JESSIE DITMORE
A Tale of Woe: Saturday in SB With Only Ten Dollars Imagine this scenario: It’s Saturday, your friends are calling you to hang out and you’re ready for a day that will take your mind off school and let you breathe for the first time since you’ve been assigned all of that homework. Your mother walks into your room and drops a $10 dollar bill on the desk in front of you. She explains that is all the money you will get for the day and to spend it wisely, then she leaves for a meeting. You have no car, and you’re craving breakfast, but the kitchen is empty. Your friends are already downtown. It gets worse. It’s raining, so you can’t ride your bike or walk, plus, being in Montecito, why would you want to walk? So what do you? Your first objective is to get downtown, checking the bus schedule would be a good start. According to the MTD Santa Barbara web site, children ride free, unless you are 45 inches or shorter, you’ll be paying the regular $1.75 to get to Milpas. Milpas is a great place to get a cheap and not so healthy breakfast thanks to establishments like, McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, Carl’s Jr., or Taco Bell. McDonald’s will be the closest and cheapest and it would be wise not to walk any farther than you have to since you don’t want to waste any of your energy due to the limited amount of calories you will be able to consume today because of your budget. For 99 cents, you can order a McDonald sausage and egg McMuffin. Thirsty? Save some money for later and ask for free water. It’s about time to meet up with your friends so you board the C line which takes you straight to Olive Street, another $1.75. You’re only five blocks away from State Street. Let’s calculate, so far you’ve spent $3.50 getting downtown and 99 cents on breakfast, a total of $4.49. You’re soaked from walking five blocks in the rain as you arrive at Peet’s Coffee to meet your friends. You will not be getting any coffee because you only have $5.51. Luckily, the rain stopped and you walk around with your friends visiting shops watching them make purchases. They suggest going to see a movie, “Inglorious Bastards” a matinee which is only $6.75, but you must
By PATRICK FERRONI decline. If you feel you’ve done a really good job at saving your money and deserve to splurge, then walk down to Wahoo’s Fish Tacos at 511 Sate Street and on the a la carte menu for $2.35 get a soft taco. You can even choose your own fillings. Charbroiled fish and carnitas amounting to 442 calories are the best options for fillings to give you that extra boost to walk home because there’s a good chance you will not have the money to bus it. Apart from the bad breakfast, walking in the rain, having to hang out by yourself while your friends watch a movie, you’ve had a pretty good day. It’s about to get better, a 99 cent ice-cream is in your budget at Rite Aid pharmacy, so you text your friends and meet them there. Sure you might not be able to get three flavors and add hot fudge with sprinkles on top, but it’s better than nothing. Are you familiar with the phrase, “quality not quantity”? Look on the bright side, you still have $2.13 remaining.
Now that you’re in the mood for some entertainment, you walk over to Border’s since they frequently provide live music performances. Your other option is to catch up on the latest copy of your favorite book series. They don’t put those comfy armchairs downstairs for nothing. Thankfully, your day is coming to an end; tired from being so economically conscious and even more tired at the prospect of having to walk back to Montecito, you say goodbye to your friends and head for Milpas, where you still might be able to catch the last bus. By the time you get to Milpas it’s already 6:00 p.m., and the last bus was at 5:55. You’re tired and hot. Santa Barbara is quick to climate change; dressed in your rain boots and heavy jacket you’re sweating, hot, and thirsty from walking in the sun. You’re also angry and irritable from missing the bus. You lash out and kick the curb. Wincing with pain, you sit down and take off your rain boots. Blood stains on your socks evidently caused by the blistering from having to walk so many blocks in rubber rain boots. It hurts to walk, so with the little energy you have left, you limp over to the nearest store on Milpas and pick up a box of band aids and spend about half of the money you have left. With only $1.14 in your pocket and carrying heavy layers of clothing, you hobble through block after block in the beating sun until you arrive at Old Coast Highway. Cars pass you at about 40 m.p.h. and with no barrier, you try to stay as far away from the road as possible. However, that whole stretch of highway is under construction forcing you to walk next to the zooming cars. You’re finally almost home, with the last $1.14 get some cold, soft served ice-cream at Giovanni’s. As you step down from the curb you land right on your wounds, which cause you to recoil in pain. You drop your absolutely perfect frozen ice cream that you haven’t even licked yet. Tears are in order. Tired, bruised, dehydrated, hungry, sore, and with tears running down your face, you hobble home. Look on the bright side, you have an extra 14 cents for tomorrow.
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Laguna Welcomes New Coaches By ZOE SERBIN This September, the Laguna Blanca community welcomed the arrival of new cross country coaches Miguel Galindo and Stephanie Sharp, and new tennis coaches Brian Antecki and Josh Luetkehans. Cross country’s head coach, Miguel Galindo, is no stranger to the world of coaching the sport. Having coached cross country at Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Channel Islands High School, Durham High School, Gridley High School, and Biggs High School, he is very happy with the turnout for Laguna, but feels that the commitment is not quite there in comparison to other teams. He says that he enjoys coaching very much, and is aiming for both the girl’s and boy’s teams to make it to CIF, and hopefully at least one of them to make it to State.
Photo Courtesy: LBS Athletics
A legacy lives on. The 1999 football team front row Coach Ray Robotaille, John Allen, Anthony Mai, Ryan Shuken, Zak Pruitt, Eric Geeb, back row Sarah Jrobowski, Andy Nelson, Jed Dearborn, Chris Barrey, Daniel Whited, Cody Swift, Jared Young, Coach Deon Richardson, and Coach Yang.
A Look Back into What Made Laguna Football What It Is Today By TROY RITTER
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN Cross country coaches Sharp and Galindo cool off in the wind during the cross country meet at Midland School.
Coach Stephanie Sharp, the assistant cross country coach, is new to the Santa Barbara community, having moved here only five months ago. She began running at a young age, and competed in the Junior Olympics during high school. Stephanie won all-gold first place in the 100, 200, and 4x100 meter relay her junior and senior year of high school, and still holds records in Nebraska to this day. “I would like all of the athletes to lower their time each meet. I would like the athletes to discover their potential and strengthen and develop these areas in each individual as well as accepting their weakness. I would really like to take some athletes to state! “But most importantly, I want the athletes to enjoy the experience of being part of the cross country team, build friendships, set their own personal goals, be happy and healthy, and, of course have fun while practicing and competing!” Sharp also works as a yoga instructor at Santa Barbara Yoga Center as well as a physical education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School. Varsity tennis coach Brian Antecki previously worked at Cate School, La Costa Resort, and Frank Giampalol/ Vic Braden Tennis Academy. Growing up and spending most of his time in a tennis club in Michigan sparked an early love for tennis, which he has been playing for thirty-six years. He began coaching at the age of fifteen while also showing an interest in many other sports. His goals for the season are to win the Condor League and make it to the three rounds in CIF. He is very happy with the turnout for women’s tennis, saying that this is the first time Laguna has been able to support a junior varsity team. Junior varsity tennis coach Josh Luetkehans is in his senior year at Westmont College, working on his Communications Major. He is also director of intramural sports. He has been playing competitive tennis his entire life, and made the top 32 at the state tournament in high school. “I always entertained the idea. I love tennis and remember my coaches from all my different sports growing up and really respect them. I hope to teach and mentor like those before me,” said Luetkehans when asked if he ever thought he would be a coach himself.
In 1998, a young man named John Nelson came to then, headmaster Mr. Steve Repsher, with an idea that would change the face of Laguna forever. This idea was simple; to start a football team. However, at the time, the high school was only supported by a mere 100 students with 25 students per class, making the idea of fielding of a football team seemingly impossible. But at that moment, when it had appeared that all hope had been lost, the headmaster had a brilliant idea. Since it seemed highly unlikely that the school could support an eleven man football team, the headmaster decided that they might be able to support an eight man team, but only if the school was behind the program. Nelson set out to make his aspiration a dream. He took a poll to see who would be interested in playing football but couldn’t get enough students to enlist. The following year, Nelson returned to the headmaster’s office with a petition to start a football team with 15 players signed up. Next came the need for two things: a coach and the necessary equipment. Naturally the school turned to Mr. Ray Robitaille to take the role as head coach, and purchased the equipment through a generous donation. And just like that, this young man made history. In the fall of 1999, the first eight man football squad set out,
with 15 players, only two of which had any football experience. The team was composed of mostly sophomores and freshmen. That year, the team won four games, and lost five, with John Nelson scoring the first touchdown. In 2000, the team returned, this year with 18 players. This year would be the first time Laguna had a homecoming. It was the inaugural appearance of the Owl mascot as well. In 2002, the team was down to nine players due to injuries. Another Nelson, Tim, stepped in and took charge, making sure to keep the legacy alive. The team played with nine players. Although they lacked the experience and knowledge of the game, they played for each other, and for the school and community. In 2005, the program had a team of eight experienced players. Playing both ways on offense and defense, these eight players won the league and went 12 and 1, loosing in the semi-finals to Faith Baptist, a team whose numbers exceeded 100 players. After those players graduated, the program was faced with the difficult task of rebuilding. This year, history repeated itself, as the team was faced the daunting task of rebuilding, after loosing a total of nine seniors. But the future
Featured Athletes By BRANDON BICKETT
looked bright with seven returning seniors stepping up to lead the team. However, a lack of numbers and experience eventually led the school to consider not having a football team. With the fate of the program on their shoulders, the nine remaining team members decided this was something worth fighting for, and decided to fight to keep the team alive, realizing that it was their turn to keep the legacy active. Coach Ray Robitaille said, “We’ve been in this same position before in the past, so this is nothing new to us. We went win-less in 2003, but came back the next year and won a few games, and then won the league in 2005.” Football isn’t just a sport of tackling and hitting, but a bridge to school community and a way of getting to know others. Robitaille went on, “This is what it’s all about at Laguna and other small schools like ours. It (football) is ingrained in us as a culture, and brings all areas of the school together.” So where is the football program now? Back in the same place it was in 1999, with 10 players without a lot of experience, but who play with their hearts, for the school, and above all, each other. So this year team rebuilds, fighting through the challenges, playing with next year’s season in mind, and keeping the legacy that has been passed down to them alive and well for the next generation.
Fall 2009 Athletic Calendar Girls Varsity Volleyball Home Games: Friday October 16: Thacher Wednesday October 28: Dunn
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
Austin Rusack
Jessie Ditmore
Grade: Junior Sports: Football Proudest Sports Moment: Rushing 200 yards in the last game. Biggest Role Model: Darren Sproles, a small, lightning fast running back for the San Diego Chargers Post High School Plans: To play football in college. Favorite Moment in Sports: Doing a back flip on the field in football pads. Hobbies: Sun bathing, playing pingpong Advice: “It doesn’t matter how big you are to be successful in sports.” Team Camaraderie: “I think it was better than last year. We were forced to be closer because we have fewer people on our team than ever before.”
Grade: Senior Sports: Volleyball Proudest Sports Moment: Winning the LBS invitational this year. Biggest Influence: Jackie Harvey Post High School Plans: To go to a college on the East Coast and play for a Division 3 school. Favorite Moment in Sports: When the coach swears, especially if we are doing badly. Hobbies: Eating, studying, going to the beach, and volleyball Advice: Don’t ever have a bad attitude because it brings everyone down and makes us play worse. Team Camaraderie: “It is a very important thing because we all hang out outside of school and it helps us play better as a team.
Girls Varsity Tennis Home Games: Wednesday October 28: Dunn Saturday October 31: Thacher Boys Varsity Football Home Games: Saturday October 17: Ojai Valley Saturday October 31: Cate Coed Cross Country Meets: Saturday October 17: Santa Clarita Invitational Saturday October 23: Mt. Sac Invitational Friday October 30: SB County Invitational
Fall Sports Preview
By TROY RITTER
Girls Volleyball
Cross Country
Team Captains - Senior trifecta Jessie Ditmore, Jackie Harvey, and Heidi van den Oever. Coaches - Jim Alzina and Jordan Druary.
Team Captains - Seniors Elliott Cheresh, Izzy Greer, and Junior Parker Lilly
MVP - Senior Jackie Harvey, who is a force to be reckoned with from the outside hitters position, has been on varsity since her freshman year and is hoping to lead the Owls into another great season.
Coaches - Miguel Galindo and Stephanie Sharp
First League Game - The Owls first league game will be on October 14 at home, against Cate at 6:00p.m.
Workout - The team runs four to five miles around Hope Ranch and finishes with some core strengthening, push ups, and deep stretching to ensure maximum flexibility.
Rival Teams - Calvary Chapel Murrieta, Cate, and Dunn Quotable - “Not only is our defense much stronger than last year but sophomore Amanda Harvey has grown as a setter for us on offense and we now have Amanda Schulenberg playing outside hitter as well.” - Co-captain Jessie Ditmore.
First League Meet - Junior Parker Lilly placed second overall and Patrick Gainey followed close behind, placing eleventh in Laguna’s first league meet at Midland High School. On the girls’ side, Cecily Sanchez placed twentysix overall.
This year, the Owls have some rebuilding to do as five of the teams key seniors graduated, forcing several key players from junior varsity to step up to varsity and fill the big shoes that have been left behind.
Secret Weapon - The iron lungs and speedy legs of returning junior star Parker Lilly, who placed twentyninth in last year’s men’s race at state. Quotable - “This year we’re hoping to rebuild with some younger people, mostly freshmen, and hopefully set up for next year,” Co-captain Parker Lilly.
Goal - To win CIF!
The Owls will try to be a big factor competitively this year with the help of a new coach. Despite their recent loss of several key athletes, including last year’s seniors Kevin Lunn and Sarah O’Connor, both runners who placed highly in last year’s state meet, the Owls new coach Brian Miguel will be looking to improve upon last year’s success.
Pictured: Fiona Jessup & Amanda Harvey Photo: CROSBY HARBISON
Girls Tennis Team Captains - Seniors Kelsey Chesterfield, Liza Fletcher, and Julia Grienitz. Coach- Brian Antecki
Goal - The team hopes to compete hard and get some individuals into the state meet.
Secret Weapon - The doubles pairing of Caitlin Connor’s vicious topspin and Olivia Liebman’s consistency from the baseline have proven dangerous to other teams.
Pictured Parker Lilly Photo: ELLIOT SERBIN
MVP - Junior sensation Arabella Watter’s fight to the finish mentality has deemed her a key player on the Owls girls tennis team.
Boys Football Team Captains - Senior Hans Steenstrup and juniors Jeff Nelson and Chase McAdams Coaches - Ray Robitaille and John Rosencrance MVP - Junior running back Austin Rusack, who in the Owls first pre-season game, rushed for a total of more than 200 yards. First League Game - The Owls first league game will be on Sat., Oct.17 at home, against Ojai Valley. Kick-off will be at 3:00 p.m.
Pictured Caitlin Connor Photo: LEA HAMILTON
Quotable - “ We’re not going to be very deep this year. But we’ve got a lot of talent.” - Coach Robitaille. It’s a whole new ball game for this year’s Owl football team, as the team not only graduated nine of last year’s seniors, but they also lost six of this year’s seniors as well. The team will play this year’s sea- son with a roster of 12 players. Goal - The Owls hope to gain a lot of experience for they’re young roster, which is made up of mostly sophomores and juniors, with next season in mind.
Pictured: Troy Ritter Photo: WARD RITTER
The Owls start this year’s season with a new coach and the same competitive mentality that led three of their players into the CIF playoffs last season. The team is joined by two new freshmen Helena Davila and Caitlin Connor who stepped up to replace the three seniors that graduated.
Goals - The entire team hopes to take the whole team to CIF and beat Cate. “We have a very good chance in doing so.” - Co-captain Kelsey Chesterfield.
What We’ve Been Waiting For By BRYSON ALEF Set to release October 22 of this year, Windows 7 has raised many questions regarding whether it can in fact dig Microsoft out of the seemingly bottomless pit they previously created with Vista. As it turns out, Windows 7 is not in any way the buggy, glitch-ridden operating system that Vista turned out to be. Even before its final release, Windows 7 has proven to be fast, stable, and exactly what Microsoft’s consumers
have been looking for. A good clue to the improved stability of Windows 7 over Vista is that the system requirements for installation are the same, excluding the fact that Windows 7 requires considerably less hard drive space than Vista. This means more streamlined, and therefore faster, operating system than before. There have even been reports of people successfully using Windows 7 on computers that do not meet the system requirements, although this is not recommended. The first thing one notices after booting Windows 7 for the first time and starting to click around (besides the heartwarming absence of the aggravatingly useless Windows Sidebar) is the increased speed over Vista. No longer do poor Vista users have to sit and wait while “My Documents” struggles to load just because Microsoft Word happens to be open at the same time. In fact, Windows 7 either tied or beat Windows XP in many speed tests run
New Features
by various reviewers. By the way, the Sidebar gadgets still exist, they just get placed on the desktop rather than an actual “Sidebar.” All in all, Windows 7 has shown promise in areas where Vista has resounded failure (excluding the price).
Despite the high price, 7 is definitely an operating system that is worth it. Finally making up for their giant slipup, Microsoft has at last produced an upgrade to Windows XP that is slick, fast, and, above all, an upgrade that really works.
Pricing **The 3 Basic Products--Microsoft still has not taken a leaf out of Apple’s book and is releasing 6 different, rather expensive versions of Windows 7**
HOME PREMIUM
$119.99
$199.99
PRO
$199.99
$299.99
ULTIMATE
$219.99
$319.99
The Desktop
The desktop of Windows 7 is Vista on steroids. The taskbar is thicker but the icons depicting running programs aren’t as wide (while still being taller) and also lack text. The visuals have also changed: Windows users, like Mac users, now have the option to have a slide show as their background. Also, when mousing over the tiny rectangle next to the date on the very bottom-right of the screen (“Show desktop”), it activates Aero-peek so you can see your desktop without minimizing all of your windows. Clicking the rectangle will minimize all of the open windows.
Snap and Other Aero Features
One of the more widely applauded new features in Windows 7 is the Aero Snap. By dragging a window to the right or left side of the screen it “snap”s itself to the side, making it easy to set windows for side-by-side viewing. Windows can also be maximized by dragging and “snap”ping it to the top of the screen. An Aeropeek line helps show the user what he or she is doing. Another fun feature is when dealing with a crowded desktop, clicking on and shaking a window will minimize all other windows except for the window being held.
The Start Menu
The Windows 7 start menu is almost the same as Vista but it holds a few slight improvements. On a happy note, the search is much faster. The Start Menu also has a new method of accessing your “recently used” files. When mousing over certain programs that record recently used files or pages (such as Paint, Word, and Internet Explorer), the right half of the start menu mutates into a list of all the recent documents on that particular program.
The Taskbar
The taskbar is the biggest change in all of Windows 7. Completely redesigned, all the open windows of a certain program are “stacked” within their respective icons. By hovering over the “stacked” icon, the taskbar reveals the various open windows. By moving the mouse up and hovering over a window selection, it activates Aero-peek and turns all the other windows see-through except for the selected item (as shown above). Clicking the selection brings that window to the front. Right clicking or holding down left click on an item in the taskbar brings up a different menu with a variety of options, including “pinning” the item to the taskbar which leaves the program icon on the taskbar even after quitting the particular program.
WordPad
The new WordPad, although not as breathtakingly new and exciting as the new Aero features, is worth mentioning. Microsoft has upgraded many of the capabilities of WordPad and made it a much more versatile text editor than it was before while giving it a very Microsoft Word-ish appearance. Paint has also been visually upgraded, but still lacks any other, Photoshop-esque features.