the broadview

the broadview

October 30, 2009

Convent of the Sacred Heart High School | San Francisco, California

Volume 14, Issue 2

Year-long project celebrates Darwin Zoë Newcomb News Editor Students will participate in breakout sessions and listen to expert panels during a coed event on Nov. 12 focusing on the different facets of evolution.

Five scientists and theologians will facilitate the day-long Darwin Project: Exploring Faith and Science, addressing the way evolution manifests itself in everything from science to art.

“The various topics will give students a rich opportunity to address aspects of evolution that they haven’t tackled in the past,” said Head of School Andrea Shurley. “The Darwin Project is a vision that allows students the opportunity to focus on the various contemporary issues of evolution.”

Scheduled speakers include Nobel Prize in Medicine winner Dr. Stanley Prusiner and former Vatican Observatory director Rev. George Coyne, S.J. Faculty are tying many aspects of school curriculum to the Darwin Project. Along with studying evolution in English, science, and art classes, the fall play is Inherit the Wind — a story based on the Scopes “Monkey” Trial.

English Department Chair Karen Randall spearheaded the project after

seeing the Broadway version of Inherit the Wind.

“Karen [Randall] approached the faculty with an idea that she was really excited about,” said theology teacher Julia Arce. “It grew into this huge projec that allows us to explore whether science and theology can coexist.”

The Darwin Project will be followed up a week later by the CSH/ SHHS production of Inherit the Wind.

Throughout the rest of the year, students will continue to study evolution and Darwin in classes.

“I think its really cool that Convent is doing this project, especially because we are a Catholic school,” said sophomore Annie De Lancie. “Traditionally evolution and religion haven’t been connected but now they go together.”

Breakout sessions will include interactive activities like Genes in a Bottle where students will extract their own DNA. The Darwin Project will also be a learning experience for faculty, who plan to use the event as a model of how future coed events could work.

“People are surprised that we are undertaking something this large,” said Arce. “I’m excited for what not only the students can learn, but what my colleagues and I can learn as well.”

MAGGIE CUMMINGS | the broadview

Senior Noel McCann (left) rehearses a scene from Inherit the Wind with junior Christian Gehrke and sophomore Maddie Kelley. Based on the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, the play celebrates the 200th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 19–21 in the Syufy Theatre.

Increased need stresses SF Food Bank Jovel Quierolo Managing Editor

2 UC, CSU

budgets knifed

6-7 Smoking

makes you ugly

12

Museum has ‘Wild’ show

Requests for assistance from the San Francisco Food Bank are up 20 percent this year, and although it is responding with more products and produce than ever, with 192 pantries citywide and a warehouse bustling daily, food is still not being distributed fast enough in large enough quantities to meet steadily climbing demand.

“The need is attributed to unemployment and underemployment,” said Paul Ash, the Food Bank’s executive director. “Even if people have steady jobs or several part-time jobs, people’s hours are being cut back, and they don’t have enough to pay for food.”

Ash, who has been with the organization for 20 years, oversees a large core of volunteers and cubicles filled with program coordinators. He works with donors to ensure that the city’s pantries stay stocked with nourishing food for clients who cannot afford to buy it on their own.

“You have parents skipping meals so their kids can eat,” said Ash. “That

added pressure of having to provide food can add huge stress on a lot of families.”

Only two to three percent of the Food Bank’s aid goes to the homeless, and the rest goes to seemingly-normal families with adults who have jobs and children to feed.

“We see them every day,” said Ash. “But their hunger is invisible. They are just scraping by and they can come to our pantries all around the city to get something to eat.”

The Food Bank itself houses and sells food at large discounts to people who can provide proof of need.

“We get food for the church and distribute it among parishioners and people who come to our door,” said the Rev. Andrey Kovalev of Saint Nicholas Church, a Russian Orthodox community on Diamond Heights Boulevard.

“Money can be abused, but by giving them something to eat, we’re helping them so they don’t starve.”

Kovalev packs his cart with mostly packaged goods for easy distribution, but 60 percent of the food provided by the Food Bank is fresh produce.

While produce donations are up, manufactured foods and protein like meats, peanut butter, and fish have been harder to get.

“We used to get more cereal,” said Ash, glancing out his office window at a giant tower of cereal boxes. “It was really great for families with kids to give them a healthy breakfast before heading off to school in the morning.”

The Food Bank itself is a large warehouse that channels food to local pantries, but seeks to solve hunger at its source — hiring people to work on public policy and advocacy, addressing problem of hunger on all levels.

“In the cube next to us, a co-worker of mine is working on a grant,” said executive assistant Elizabeth Shapiro.

“So we try to address the problem of hunger on lots of different levels. There’s no simple solution. But our work also affects people directly. On a given day, we can take fruit to a school to give to kids as a snack. The bottom line is people need to eat.”

On most days, the Food Bank hosts a group of volunteers to help package ▶ see SF FOOD BANK p. 2

San Francisco Food Bank by the numbers

1

dollar donated can supply $9 of food.

27

million pounds of food distributed in 2008.

57

thousand meals provided each day.

500

programs supported.

Source: SF Food Bank

SF Ballet Performs Nicole Ciapponi, 16, and Bryn Gilbert, 17, perform a classical dance alongside Koto Ishihara, 19, (left to right) during the San Francisco Ballet Trainee Program performance in Syufy Theatre on Oct.23. Ten members of the Trainee Program performed for students during Principal’s Meeting and then again at a 7 p.m. The program trains pre-professional ballet dancers for a career in a professional dance company.

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED the broadview Convent of the Sacred Heart HS Schools of the Sacred Heart 2222 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94115

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #9313 San Francisco , CA

2news

October 30, 2009

UC and CSU in fiscal crisis Meghan Helms Asst. A & E Editor The state’s current financial crisis is increasing tuition while cutting admission and course options in California’s public colleges and universities, making graduation in four years more difficult to achieve.

“Admission to a UC or a CSU will be more selective because there will be an increase in students and decrease in enrollment,” said Rebecca Wandro, College counseling Director.

The University of California system has raised tuition by 9.3 percent to cover a $450 million budget shortfall, raising tuition by $662 for resident undergraduates.

UC Berkeley is cutting library hours, buying less expensive food for the cafeteria, reducing housing and increasing class size, according Marisa Conroy (’09) who attends school there.

“I love going to the library, and I can’t believe they’re doing this to us,” said Conroy. “Students shouldn’t be paying the price for the state’s mistakes.”

UC’s are going to admit hundreds of out-of state students, starting next year, to make up for budget cuts with the higher tuitions that out-of-state students pay. UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego are the main schools that will be affected.

CSUs have increased tuition by 10 percent due to a $584 million decrease in state funding from last year. Students and faculty members are required to take two days off a month to decrease salary and facility costs.

“We talk about the budget cuts literally every single day in class,” said Mollie Davis (’09), who currently attends San Francisco State University “It’s something that the students as well as teachers on campus are extremely passionate about. There are protests and walk outs [almost] once a week.”

Some class sizes at CSUs have increased drastically and some UC class waitlists are longer. Over 300 students are enrolled in Davis’s astronomy class and a physiology class at her school has over 700 students.

“In my Intro to Ethnic Studies class I had to sit on the stairs during class for the first couple weeks because in addition to the class being over-enrolled, the students

trying to add the class took the seats from those who were already enrolled,” said Jessica Zablah (’09), also at SFSU. Most private colleges, which usually cost more than public institutions, make it easier to fulfill major requirements in the standard four years. The overall cost of four years of private school is close to the cost of five years or public school, according to Wandro.

“If I remain at State to get a degree, at the rate of classes being filled and what not, I am fully aware that it will probably take me five years, as opposed to the typical four, to fulfill my studio art major,” said Zablah.

Because of the intense competition to get into a UC or CSU,

UC Budet Cuts THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview

community college is becoming better option for some high school students since some guarantee students a transfer spot at a UC or CSU. “Students need to apply broadly to the UC and CSU system to keep their options open,” said Wandro.

Despite the budget cuts, UCs are still offering financial aid totaling almost $2 billion in 2008. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which is also not being affected by budget cuts, covers students from low-income California families.

Students should focus on taking a challenging course load that is appropriate for them during high school to put themselves in a good position for getting into any college regardless of the current financial situation, according to Wandro.

“I really would encourage students not to let this [financial situation] dampen their prospects because they are in a good position here at Convent as colleges are always impressed with our students,” said Wandro.

SF aims to reduce waste can be recycled.

“Some things aren’t recyclable yet because there is not the technology to recycle, or it is not economically feasible,” said Teresa Bui policy associate at the Sacramento nonprofit, Californians Against Waste. “It takes too much energy to recycle them.”

HediSays Shoes on Fillmore Street recycles 75 percent of its refuse because it makes a conscious effort to recycle, according to manager Susanna Taylor. Some waste is beyond the store’s control. “ Un f o r t u n a t e l y, some of the designers don’t make it a priority [to recycle],” said Taylor. “They stuff the shoeboxes with plastic and then we have to throw it away. Until they change, we can’t do anything about it.”

The store’s only trash is soft plastic, which

Ina Herlihy Editor-in-Chief

Recycling and composting has become a bigger focus on campus just as San Francisco has implemented a new zero waste goal by 2020, requiring all garbage to be recycled or composted.

The Eco Council, made up of Heads of School, faculty and students, has put trays in every classroom for reusable paper, placed signs above compost bins explaining what is compostable and has put more compost and recycling bins around campus to make it easier to recycle and compost.

“I think people try to recycle when it is easy,” said junior Erin Minuth, a member of the Eco Council last year, “but they are lazy and would rather put their trash in whatever bin is closer.”

Recyclable materials are often thrown in trash bin, according to Facilities Manager Geoff Smith. “[Recycling ] is filling up the trash bins, which means we have to have more trash bins, which cost more money,” said Smith. “If we eliminated one [dumpster] it could eliminate $500 to $600 a photo illustration | MAGGIE CUMMINGS month in our garbage Senior Susie Lee throws a soda can into the recycling bill.”

The Broadway bin in the Center. Other compost and recycling bins are campus recycles and located in the locker rooms and the bathrooms. composts 54 yards of also includes plastic bags and candy material a month, equivalent to about wrappers. half a football field, according to Smith. “[Recycling and composting ] However, the campus cannot eliminate requires the consumer to not buy those all the trash bins because not all refuse

Recycling by the numbers

45

▶ An anonymous donation of $10,000 to Invisible Children was announced at the International Aid Club-sponsored screening of two documentaries showing the reality of children soldiers living in Uganda on Oct. 21 in the Syufy Theatre.

Together We’re Free and The Rescue were produced by Invisible Children, an organization that rescues children, as well as working to end the 23 year war.

percent of enery is saved by recycling newsprint every year

packets, and hopefully buy products that are made from recyclable content,” said Hilary Near, Commercial Zero Waste Associate at the San Francisco Department of the Environment.

Hedisays Shoes is also trying to cut waste that leaves the store.

“When we switched from paper to cloth bags, a lot of people assumed that it would be more expensive,” said Taylor.

“But really if you are smart about it and search for products and deals, it really doesn’t hurt your wallet that much to help save the environment. We finally found a vendor that [sells as the same price] as paper bags. It was a win-win for everyone.”

San Francisco is the first California city with a goal of producing zero waste by 2020.

As of Oct. 21, San Francisco residents and small businesses who do not participate in the zero waste program can be fined up to $100, with fines up to $500 for large businesses. Although single-family houses are now affected, multiple tenant buildings will not be fined until 2011.

Some citizens, including Peter Gomez, El Potrillo Taqueria owner, whose Bayshore Boulevard taqueria recycles and composts 93 percent of its refuse, think it will be difficult for San Francisco to achieve the zero waste goal.

“It would be pretty hard to [recycle and compost] 100 percent,” said Gomez. “A can could go in the food section. Mistakes are made.”

San Francisco has reduced its trash going into landfills by 72 percent from 1996 levels.

“We are well on the way [to diverting 100 percent],” said Near.

Near visits San Francisco schools to teach students about recycling and composting. Education is essential for the city to reach the goal, according to Near.

“The younger students are, the more likely they are to incorporate the behavior of composting and recycling in their minds as a daily habit,” said Near.

1.5

“We were honored to have them come to our school,” said International Aid Club co-head Katherine Armstrong. “Thanks to Zoë [Newcomb, junior] we had a screening that allowed students to learn about this issue.

Invisible Children CEO Ben Keesey attended the event, giving a brief background to the organization.

Invisible Children is currently on a national tour, screening films at schools, buisnesses, and churches to try and get the word out about the conflict.

High school is the perfect place to expose human rights issues because

pounds of material recycled by people daily

students often want to have the opportunity to change the world according to International Aid moderator Theresa Padden.

The Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has kidnapped children, and attacked people in Uganada and surrounding countries. The LRA has evaded international authorities for years.

“We put on the event not to make people sad or scared but to to help the invisible children who are being taken from their homes and are never heard from again,” said Armstrong.

— Emily Bloch

SF Food Bank does not meet demand for city’s need from INCREASED NEED on p. 1

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Volunteers Doris Greene (left) and Pamela Newman help package food. The SF Food Bank distributes food to over 600 community programs.

the Food Bank has focused on outreach through newer technology to volunteers and the individual donors from which 50 percent of funding comes.

“We’re now on Facebook, Twitter, and other networking sites,” said volunteer leader George Lazaneo while slitting open a bag of cayenne peppers for a group to package for a pantry in Chinatown. “Outreach is becoming really important. People see the donation barrels out, but if they could see or hear about the pantries and the bank itself then people would really see

what we do.”

There is a real sense of cause and

Money can be abused, but by giving them something to eat, we’re helping them so they don’t starve.

— Rev. Andrey Kovalev of

Saint Nicholas Church

effect in the improvement of lives through providing food, according to Lazaneo. It is important that the city

and its residents support a program that feeds the hungry — people who need help that could be neighbors or friends.

“The Food Bank is a great place for us to get food because you get a lot for a little,” said Frankie White, a case manager from an organization that offers services for former convicts. “We feed and take care of people who just got out of jail. I mean, I used to be one of them and I know it’s nice to have some place to stay and something to eat.

I can’t think of going anywhere else to get food, we’re grateful for what we get here.”

sacred heart

the broadview

3

Schools celebrate Feast of Mater Sacred Heart Schools throughout the world celebrated the Feast of Mater on Oct. 20 and throughout the week. A fresco of Mary painted by Sister Pauline Perdau, a Religious of the Sacred Heart novice, resulted in a variety of traditions celebrated by Sacred Heart schools .

The story of the fresco tells of an inexperienced Perdau who painted a portrait of Mary as a young woman dressed in bright pink, a departure from her tradition blue garb. The nuns called

the painting ugly due to the garish colors Perdau used and covered the wall with a tapestry. When Pope Pius IX visited and asked what was behind the tapestry, the nuns revealed the fresco.

“Mater Admarablis! (Mother Most Admirable)” to pope is reported to have said, and declared Perdau’s fresco no longer be hidden. Today copies of the fresco or statues based on it decorate the halls of Sacred Heart Schools around the world.

— Claire Fahy

CSH traditions include reflection, pink popcorn CSH celebrates the Feast of Mater on Oct. 20. Students have been participating in the Feast of Mater since the school was founded in 1887.

The community celebrates with Mass followed by a mother-daughter brunch and a fashion show put on by the Freshman Class.

Throughout the week Mater was recognized with a presence on the plasma screen in the Center. Last Monday’s Espacio was also a Mater reflection.

Students are also treated to pink Gouté, a pink treat.

This year students munched on pink popcorn and cupcakes with neon-pink frosting.

— Liz Smith

Sacred Heart Schools vary traditions in United States, throughout world Duschene Academy — Omaha, Nebraska • In late October, sophomores select a woman in their lives who reminds them of Mary.

• Students write letters to the women and honor them with a Mass in Duschene Academy’s chapel.

The girls see a connection “between everything Mater represents.”

— Sheila Haggas

Head of School

Convent of the Sacred Heart High School Greenwich, Connecticut

• Students participate in a mother-daughter liturgy for the feast as readers and Eucharistic ministers. Girls and mothers exchange letters on their importance to each other.

• After the liturgy, the girls paint and write poetry in honor of Mater in the 110 acres of woods on campus.

[These traditions] carry “lasting impressions of a sense of family and responsibility.”

— Pamela Hayes

Headmistress

Convent of the Sacred Heart Foundation

St. Julian’s, Malta

• Students gather for the celebration of the Feast of Mater Admirabilis. Students participate in a Mass, and the students sing the Hymn to Mater.

• The community listens to the story of the painting.

celebrations help “ourThese students feel a part of a larger community of Sacred Heart schools — they give our schools our identity.”

— Carmen Vella

Headmistress

Mount Anville Secondary School — Dublin, Ireland • Mount Anville’s community holds an assembly celebrating Mater.

• On the day of the assembly, students bring in shoeboxes containing toys for certain age groups that are then distributed in various European orphanages.

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

The original fresco of Mater Admirabilis is located in a chapel at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Rome. A replica of the painting hangs in Sacred Heart schools around the world.

contribute [to “theStudents celebration with] their actions.”

— Elizabeth Boland

Deputy Headmistress

— compiled by Liz Smith and Claire Fahy

NATALIE GARNETT | the broadview

Breakfast Club evolves Jovel Quierolo Managing Editor

B

reakfast Club has evolved from a planned period of coed activities into less structured time for CSH students to spend with the boys from SHHS. “Breakfast Club has changed so much,” said senior Kat Armstrong. “My freshmen year we were all divided into groups. Mine played cards and once attempted to make crêpes. I’ve also been involved with the instrumental music group.”

Students are meeting new people and enjoying the loose social time. Student Council is providing food on some mornings, an example being the Sophomore Class’s pancake breakfast.

“We stand around and talk,” said freshman Lotti Crawford. “I’ve met some guys, but I wouldn’t consider them really good friends. I like it because it’s a relaxed and comfortable environment.”

Juniors and seniors are not required to attend Breakfast Club, a new adjustment this year, but they are strongly encouraged. Freshmen and sophomores have noticed a decrease in attendance by the upperclassmen and are adjusting to the new set up, according to sophomore Kendall Scullion.

“I think there is potential,” said Scullion. “The

administration needs to be more creative. They need to think like a teenager, and organize something that would be fun.”

Breakfast Club is changing for the needs of students, according to junior Farah Fouladi. She says making it optional for upperclassmen gives them a chance to catch up on work, while still leaving the choice of taking time to relax before class begins.

“Breakfast Club is great because it is so accommodating,” said Foudali. “It might be new but it gives the underclassmen to really interact with each other and gives us upperclassmen time to study up or just utilize that extra hour of sleep.”

The administration sees Breakfast Club a flexible time for socializing and relaxation according to Head of School Andrea Shurley.

“Some of the classes are meeting and there are a few specific groups like orchestra and choir, but for the most part it’s a time for building community with food and music,” said Shurley.

Even with the recent changes, Student Council is working to make Breakfast Club as appealing as possible, according to Student Body President Kelsey Vickery.

“It’s a time to hang out and meet guys,” said Vickery. “We’re always experimenting with new ways to make it work.”

MAGGIE CUMMINGS | the broadview

Nate Tom, SHHS Student Body President, chats with sophomore Kendall Scullion at Breakfast Club last Thursday morning. Students from both schools gathered in the Main Hall exchanging hugs and quick greetings before faculty herded them up the Marble Stairs to the Center where a few boys sold donuts and students chatted and listened to music.

4 op-ed staff

editorial

October 30, 2009

Concerts should not have age limit

M

usic is there for teens at times when their worlds are collapsing and changing as they grow — those times when they begin to ask, in the words of Tegan and Sarah, “Where does the good go?”

In brooding over a first crush or a bad grade or a fight with parents, an emotionally unstable adolescent can simply switch on the radio or an iPod and listen to her favorite artists sing about her own troubles mirrored in the lyrics.

And concerts, those often massive gatherings of fans and music-lovers coming together in the name of dancing and singing at the top of their lungs with a performance of favorite songs

played at ear-splitting decibels, are musical experiences that fill listeners with adrenaline and provide an escape from the trials of growing up.

But some fans are being cut off from seeing their favorite bands live.

California law states if a venue serves liquor and no food, then it can only be open to ages 21 and older.

Age should not be the deciding factor as to who gets to see a performance.

That barrier is unfair to teens who

Cutting to the chase

appreciate the messages and artistry in listen in concert. their favorite styles of music.

San Francisco’s teens are unable to Mu s i c i s experience Age should not be the iconic entertainc u lture o f ment. And the deciding factor some enterthe city they tainment, like live in. San as to who gets to see Francisco’s m o vi e s a n d a performance. The past is intertelevision, is twined with regulated with barrier is unfair to the history a g e re stri c teens who appreciate of music. It tions. There is no age limit on the messages in their is hard to bands. There imagine this favorite styles of c i t y wi this no age limit out clubs on what music music. people listen like Bottom of the Hill, to. If people already listen to the kinds of music Slim’s, Café du Nord and the Great American Music Hall that have shaped they love, they should be allowed to

the San Francisco music scene.

It would be difficult to find someone who did not enjoy any type of any music played by any artist ever. Live music has been around since humankind has had free time. Clubs should respect music’s universal appeal, and should keep music accessible to all age groups.

Locking teens out is not the only answer to preventing underage drinking. A few clubs have wristband systems requiring all customers to provide identification. This provides a compromise for both teenagers and adults alike.

Teens looking to have fun with friends on a Saturday night should not be kept from getting their albums signed by famous bands or dancing to good music simply because there is alcohol in the room.

Even in San Francisco …

Ina Herlihy

Women’s success gains recognition

I

couldn’t help but feel excited with the announcement of women being awarded Nobel Prizes a few weeks ago, which got me reflecting on women’s accomplishments.

Elinor Ostrom, who shared the Nobel Prize in Economics, the first woman to receive this recognition, is helping to end the stereotype that men are better than women in this discipline. Other female Nobel laureates this year include Herta Müller for literature, Carol W. Greider and Elizabeth H. Blackburn for medicine and Ada E. Yonath for chemistry.

Since the founding of the Nobel Prizes in 1901, just 40 out of the 723 laureates have been women — which parallels with only 38 Fortune 500 companies having women CFOs. Since the rise of the women’s movement in the 1960s, only 7.6 percent of women are CFOs. In 50 years, there should be more women CFOs by now.

Fortunately Nobel laureates aren’t the only women finally receiving recognition for their work. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had the first reasonable chance for a woman to be elected as president in 2009 as a leading Democratic candidate. Clinton has made it easier for women to enter the male-dominated profession — and hopefully soon America will elect a woman President. Whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent, Hillary Clinton’s achievement for women should be recognized as having more to do than just with politics — but also about helping to achieve gender equality.

Clinton follows in Madeleine Albright’s high heels, as Albright was the first female Secretary of State.

The pattern of three of the past four Secretaries of State as women caused

Albright’s 7-year-old granddaughter to ask in response to the fuss over her grandmother was, “Aren’t all Secretaries of State girls?” Younger generations of Americans may not be aware there is still a gap in the levels of achievement between women and men.

When Nancy Pelosi was elected as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives in January 2007, she was proof to young women that they can achieve their ambitions. Since the Speaker of the House of Representatives is third in line for the presidency, Pelosi joins the ranks of women leaders in high places.

But women in politics still have a long way to go. Four of nine Canadian Supreme Court justices are women, including the chief justice. Yet, only two of the nine U.S. justices are women, and only three have served on the Court.

America seems to be the land of opportunity only for men. If you are a woman, you have to work extra hard to be recognized.

American women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man is paid for the same work, according to a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau report. Although many young women assume they have equal rights, America hasn’t achieved equality between the genders quite yet. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women and men should receive equal pay for the same work. It has been 46 years, and this law still isn’t always being upheld.

Because not all women are receiving recognition for their work, this should be a call to action for young women to make a bigger issue of this situation.

If this is the land of opportunity, we should be equal by now. We are only limited by what we decide to be.

the broadview invites letters the broadview invites comments, additions or corrections of stories in the paper or online. Letters to the editor should be 400 words or fewer and must include the writer’s name, and a method of verification. Submissions should be e-mailed to broadview@sacredsf.org and are subject to editing for clarity and space.

Intolerance THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview

1. Fraudulent elections in Afghanistan will be reheld Nov. 7.

2. H1N1 vaccine is now available for target age groups.

3. Alex Smith named QB for the 49ers.

4. Michael Jackson’s This Is It Concert movie was released Wednesday.

5. Halloween is tomorrow.

the broadview

Convent of the Sacred Heart High School 2222 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94115 broadview@sacredsf.org http:// broadview.sacredsf.org Ina Herlihy Editor-in-Chief Jovel Queirolo Managing Editor Sara Kloepfer A & E Editor Zoë Newcomb News Editor Anjali shrestha Feature Editor Sophie Gilchrist Sports Editor

1. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei makes the calls anyway.

2. The virus is already spreading through SF high schools.

3. Can he improve their losing record?

4. This is the closest you will ever get of the tour he was rehearsing.

5. College applications are due Sunday.

Reporters Sara Blaza | Emily Bloch | Claire Fahy Katie Ghotbi | Katy Hallowell | Caroline Hearst Aggie Kruse | Ava Martinez Ta’lynn Mitchell Isabelle Pinard | Elizabeth Smith Colleen Scullion Theresa Granucci Cartoonist Michaela Wilton | Natalie Garnett Graphics Maggie Cummings Photographer Tracy Anne Sena, CJE Adviser

Meghan Helms Asst. A & E Editor Emma Herlihy Asst. News Editor Unsigned pieces are the opinion of the editorial board. Reviews and personal columns are the opinions of the author. Letters to the broadview should be 400 words or less and are subject to editing for clarity and space.

op-ed

the broadview

5

Straying from the cause Supporters of ‘trendy’ charities lose credibility Zoë Newcomb News Editor

C

harities and causes have become like teeny, shivering purse dogs. They’re fascinating but they all look exactly the same.

It’s not unusual to hear about classmates who are involved in five or 10 clubs; one to feed the homeless, one to help children with cancer, another that rescues stray cats. In the past, people supported causes that they believed in and were important to them. Nowadays, doing good is just another accessory — much like those tiny purse dogs or an armful of bangles.

Supporting causes has lost the

integrity it once had. Flip through a magazine and find a new charity to join. Turn on the TV and see celebrities promoting new political candidates.

Adolescents are constantly bombarded with something new they should care about. Joining a cause used to be about pouring heart and soul into something that is personally important. Now it’s just about lending your name to another petition or buying the eco-friendly clothes to make yourself feel good.

In the last presidential election, Barack Obama garnered the support of young people across the country, many of whom were not even of voting age.

“Obama” was branded, commercialized, and placed on t-shirts of middle schoolers everywhere. But it’s not likely that

those 13-year-olds understood Obama’s politics, let alone even know what he supported.

Following the crowd is easy, especially for kids who are still finding themselves, but it defeats the purpose of advocating the rights of others and showing compassion on those who need help. True community service is stepping out to those in need, whether or not friends are involved.

This is not to say that it’s bad for a large group of people to stand behind an issue, but sometimes when people who are not fully dedicated get involved, the spirit of the cause is lost.

Many people call themselves environmentalists or try to be eco-friendly.

Just walk down the street and see the

people sporting shirts that say “Go Green” and tote bags that claim “I’m 100% Recyclable.” Stores have shelves of eco-friendly goods from tank tops to makeup. Being eco-friendly is about re-using more, so it seems ironic that the cause can now be equated with mass consumerism.

Choosing to support only the things that are important is a hard thing to do, but giving is much more effective when a people are dedicated to what they are involved in.

Trends come and go, but helping something you believe in never goes out of fashion.

THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview

Obama deserves Nobel honors Caroline Hearst Reporter

A

lthough President Obama’s efforts to end conflict and encourage diplomacy and nonviolence are in their early stages, his notable advances on a peace agenda merit the Nobel Peace Prize.

THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview

Publicly remarking on the award on October 9, Obama said, “I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize,” conceding the improvements he has made in the vein of peace are small compared to those of former recipients like Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter.

Although his efforts to address the nuclear arms industry in several nations, slow global warming internationally,

Colleges may learn from sports experts

P

rofessional hockey players skate with a constant fear of losing their edge and their contracts.

Every year the tough guys are asked to stay on their teams, get traded or get cut. Walking to HP Pavilion with my dad for a game, I was curious as to where my favorite Sharks players landed between seasons.

“Well, Mike Grier and Jonathan Cheechoo both got traded for some pretty good goal-scorers,” my dad admitted.

“Wait, so they got rid of the black guy and the Native-American?” I asked about the now allwhite team. I couldn’t believe what had just come out of my mouth. It just rolled off my tongue.

“But hey,” he said, “when it comes to winning the Stanley Cup, none of that stuff matters.”

When coaches pick athletes, affirmative action doesn’t exist.

So if in the world of sports, the best of the best athletes are chosen for elite competition, then brightest of the bright in the world of academics shouldn’t have to fear a color disadvantage. But college applications still have that little row of boxes you check off for race. Representatives boast about their campus diversity.

resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reconcile the United States and the Muslim world may not surpass the concrete changes instigated by past winners, this does not disqualify him from receiving the award.

Obama correctly noted, “Throughout history, the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.” The purpose of this award, in this specific instance, is not so much to say, “Job well done” to Obama and his administration as, “Keep up the good work.”

Obama is a young president in the first year of his first term—he’s barely started to make the impact that will define his legacy. But his efforts, which already signify a new era in American politics, hold promise unmatched by any of the other Nobel nominees.

With all due respect

When it comes to the greatest minds in the world, skin color doesn’t really matter. Everybody’s brain is the same color. Students should be selected for what’s inside their skulls.

Affirmative action isn’t what is used to be. But there are still lots of arguments floating around for discrimination, reverse discrimination and diversity representing versatility of backgrounds.

If only academic achievement were as easily measured as athletic genius.

If only academic achievement were as easily measured as athletic genius.

Maybe it is. Coaches pick players for the sake of strategy the same way academic institutions pick students to fill in different niches of their communities.

But professional athletes worry less about the color of their skin when looking back at their seasons. They think about how well they performed as athletes.

I miss Grier and Cheechoo, but not because they looked different.

Jovel Quierolo

Both excellent players were traded, but they seem to be doing well with their new teams. They play for the National Hockey League because they rock at what they do.

So as the college application season grows closer, I hope my college picks me for the student I am. Being black or Latina should not increase chances of getting into college. Sometimes, my family jokes around.

“Hey, your name sounds Hispanic. Maybe you should just check that box ’cause it’ll help you get into college.”

I’m going to fill in the EuropeanCaucasian box and the Asian box.

I’m going to be honest. But I wish those boxes didn’t matter. I want my college to accept me for the student that I am.

And when academics come into play with colleges whose acceptance rates are lower than 20 percent, I want to be accepted because those colleges see that I am fit to play at their level.

Regardless of diversity or unique character traits, at the end of four college years at a top institution it’s about whether or not a mind was ready to think on the highest level of scholarship with the greatest brains in the world.

According to the five-person Norwegian Nobel Committee that selects the prize winner, Obama deserves the honor, “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

Judging by his record, which includes the enactment of a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, an address to the University of Cairo on relations between the United States and Islamic peoples, the creation of a Special Envoy for Sudan to address the Darfur genocide and an unprecedented trilateral meeting between the United States, Israel and Palestine, Obama has taken substantial steps to reconcile the United States and foreign countries and open dialogue on contentious topics.

Obama articulated his foreign policy philosophy most eloquently at his address to the University of Cairo.

Q:

“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.”

What’s important is that Obama keep up the momentum and not allow this prestigious prize to distract from his peacekeeping ambitions. It is assuring that he called the prize in his remarks, “a call to action.”

Obama’s reaction to the award is reminiscent of the words of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”

World peace is not yet achieved, and may never be completely realized, but as long as people are struggling toward that most universal of dreams, they deserve recognition.

Is evolution a good topic for Convent to focus on this year?

“It’s a controversial subject since Convent is Catholic, but that makes it even more of a good surprise. It’ll make things a lot more interesting.”

—Bianka Quintanilla-Whye, freshman

“I’m excited about it. I’m really looking forward to what we can do at the workshops with the DNA necklaces.”

—Emily O’Reilly, sophomore

“They haven’t introduced it very much, but I still think it’s an interesting topic so I’m still really looking forward to it.”

—Christina Perkins, junior

“It’s a good topic because we’re a Catholic school and we’re getting to see both sides to the topic.”

—Taylor Booth , senior — Compiled by Katy Hallowell

6

features

October 30, 2009

Risky Business

Alcoholism rooted in teenage drinking Ina Herlihy Editor-in-Chief

K

athy Lord spiked the punch bowl in eighth grade and attended the football afterparties serving alcohol sophomore year with her friends.

“It was cool to be in with the in crowd,” said Lord.

Forty percent of high school sophomores have admitted to drinking within the past month, according to American Academy of Pediatrics.

“I graduated [high school] at 17,” said Lord who is a recovering alcoholic. “In November of my senior year I had enough credits to graduate, but my mother said I was too young.

I only had three classes my whole senior year, so I had a lot of free time.

I started meeting friends that were a lot older than me.”

Contrary to the myth teenage alcohol abuse is more common in the cities, Lord, a Pleasanton native, had access to as much as she wanted.

“Alcohol and drugs have no barriers,” said Lord. “If you want it, you are going to get it. We had to ride our bikes for miles, but we still got what we wanted.”

Lord said she realized she needed to stop drinking when she was taken to the hospital after poisoning herself with alcohol and a priest was called to administer “last rites.”

“I had been throwing up blood for 24 hours and could not stop,” said Lord. “The doctor said if I had not been brought in within one hour I would have been dead.” Lord had several transfusions to replace her blood levels.

Lord’s first step to recovery was finding a different group of friends.

“You can’t go back to the same friends, because those were the friends you used to drink with,” said Lord. “I had to change my friends that I had known for 30 years. I could not see them anymore because it was not healthy for me, even though I still loved them.”

Women cannot handle the same amount of alcohol as men because women’s bodies store less water, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health. Women have a higher concentration of alcohol in their bodies when they drink the same amount as men.

“I couldn’t tolerate it, but I could not just recognize the fact,” said Lord. “If your friends can see it, a real friend would have said stop.”

In Lord’s case, no one intervened in her alcoholism.

“Had I been talked to as a teenager, I wouldn’t

have made the same mistakes at 40 as if they caught me at 20, or 19, or 18, or 17, or 16,” said Lord.

“Those are when I had the red flags, and no one said anything. I was coming home past curfew, and I started telling stories that weren’t true to hang out longer with my friends.”

The consequences of Lord’s 35 years of drinking included totaling five cars, receiving two DUIs, losing her job, house, health and losing custody of her son.

“I was just very blessed that I never hurt anybody, but my chances of hurting someone were one in one every time I went out,” said Lord. “God is on my side that I never hurt anyone but myself.”

Lord admits she inherently hurt her family, because they witnessed her deterioration. “[My son] had to go through all the turmoil of me trying to get sober,” said Lord. “It affected his learning, his self esteem and how he felt about himself.”

Children of alcoholics have a higher probability of failing school, anxiety, depression, abuse and negligence due to the parent’s drinking, according to the LORD National Association for Children of Alcoholics.

“Now that I am sober [my son] can see that when you make a mistake you can rebuild your life.

You don’t have to stay broken, you can rebuild your life and make things better.”

Lord’s advice comes from reconstructing her life.

“I have gained my self-respect back, which is the most important,” said Lord. “When you can have self-respect, it doesn’t matter what other people think.”

How alcohol affects the body Alcohol causes problems with coordination, reflexes and balance because it affects the brain’s cerebellum. It also affects the cerebrum, the part of the brain controlling recognition, vision, logic and emotion. Because of this alcohol impairs vision, speech and movement.

The medulla is the part of the brain that controls crucial functions like breathing and heartbeat.

When a point of intoxication has hit, it affects the medulla and weakens the brains ability to control respiration and heart rate.

Alcohol causes the membranous characterizations that cover and line the heart to become cartilaginous or calcareous

Alcohol affects the lungs causing the vessels to relax as they are exposed to heat and cold. Rapid changes in atmospheric temperature cause the lungs to get congested.

The liver is the most affected by alcohol. Because of dilatation of its vessels, and thickening tissue the liver becomes enlarged. The membrane of a cell then contracts and this causes the cellular parts of the organ to shrink

In her first job after becoming sober, Lord was awarded Paratransit Driver of the Year 2003 from Muni.

“It was quite the honor after getting my license revoked and showing that I could gain my way back,” said Lord. “These are all fixable errors.”

Lord says she refrains from all types of temptation to avoid relapsing, including avoiding the alcohol aisles at the grocery store.

Kidneys lose attenuation power and flexibility.

“I forget eggs and milk because the eggs are right next to the beer isle, and the milk is right next to the cheese and wine,” said Lord.

Lord has been working as an administrative assistant at Walden House, a non-profit substance abuse center, for over a year.

“I hope that my experience can help others to ask for help, to recognize when someone needs help and where you can get help,” said a Lord. “It helps keep me healthy, and it reminds me of where I used to be. It’s okay if you make mistake. It can be fixed, and then you can start over.”

The stomach becomes unable to produce a sufficient amount the natural digestive liquid, Therefore prohibits the stomach from digesting food correctly.

12 oz. of beer has the same percentage of alcohol of one shot and one glass of wine

12 oz.

1.5 oz.

Sources: http://teens.drugbuse.gov, http://soberrecovery.com

5 oz.

Effects of intoxic • Reactions slow down • Become slow and clumsy

• Interf • Lowe

• Think and see differently • Depresses central nervous system • Unable to control emotions

• Memo

NATALIE GARNETT | the broadview

• Depre

• Supp

features

the broadview

7

Bad teenage habits can lead to alcohol and tobacco addictions Nicotine, marijuana cause addiction, internal harm Sara Kloepfer A & E Editor

W

How smoking affects the body Nicotine increases the levels of dopamine, the pleasure molecule, the same neurotransmitter that plays a role in addiction.

Nicotine changes heart rate and increases blood pressure.

hen a joint is passed around at a party, Audrey has no hesitation in taking a hit.

“I don’t smoke [marijuana] to be cool, I smoke because I like how it makes me feel,” said Audrey. “It’s a drug so obviously I know it’s not good for me, but everything in moderation, right?”

Whether Audrey is ignoring the facts or is ignorant of them, most teenagers who light up seem unaware of the health risk involved.

“I think it’s okay to smoke weed sometimes,” said Grace. “It’s not an everyday habit so I’m not worried about my lungs. I exercise regularly so I know I’m staying healthy even though I smoke.

Research shows me that cigarettes are more damaging to your lungs and more addicting than weed. I’ve learned a lot about the effects of nicotine and I don’t want that to happen to my body.”

Despite the higher levels of nicotine in cigarettes, marijuana smoke contains respiratory irritants and carcinogens, or substances that increase risk of cancer. Marijuana smokers have similar breathing problems to tobacco smokers — chest colds, coughs, and bronchitis.

In addition, marijuana users tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer, causing more smoke to enter the lungs.

“Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is known to be addictive,” said Andrea C. Sello, MD. “Marijuana is also addictive. The younger one starts using these substances the more severe the cumulative effect of long-term use, and the harder it is to break the habit.”

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United

States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“As you know, ‘Cigarette smoking is bad for your health’ because it causes lung cancer and emphysema — which is a chronic progressive lung disease which causes difficulty breathing and the need for oxygen — and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Sello.

“There are many other cancers associated with tobacco use — smoking or chewing as well — which include cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus. There is also some link to breast cancer.”

Twenty percent of high school students nationwide were smoking cigarettes in 2007 according to the American Cancer Society.

“I don’t smoke cigarettes or drugs because as an athlete it compromises your lung capacity and I believe that it has no positive outcomes,” said junior Tiana Abdulmassih.

Cigarettes are not the only tobacco product teenagers are using and abusing.

“I smoked a clove cigarette at a party once with my friends because I thought they didn’t have as much tobacco as regular cigarettes, but I looked it up later and I was shocked at how unhealthy they are,” said Marissa. “Even though they are sweet and don’t have a strong tobacco taste, they’re equally as dangerous if not more.”

Djarum Black clove cigarettes have 10– 12 mg tar and 1 mg nicotine, levels comparable to most regular cigarettes. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, legalized in June, bans the use of flavors in tobacco other than menthol, effectively outlawing clove cigarettes in the United States.

Smoking hookah, which uses a water pipe and flavored smoke, is another flavored option for teenagers.

“I’ve shared hookah with my family before

so I don’t consider it that harmful,” said Grace.

“I’ve heard it’s mostly water vapor, so it can’t be as bad as actually smoking.”

Assumptions like this could prove risky, because even after passing through water, hookah smoke still contains high levels of toxins and significant levels of nicotine. The daunting health effects of any sort of smoking are often ignored in favor of the seemingly beneficial side effects.

“Smoking doesn’t affect you as strongly as drinking does,” said Danielle. “There’s no throwing up and no hangover the next day.

I’ve seen friends get completely out of control when they’re drunk, but when you’re high you just feel relaxed. It’s a social thing, like drinking at parties.”

However, marijuana has significant shirtterm effects, including problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty thinking and solving problems, impaired coordination, and increased heart rate.

The social aspect of smoking has its own consequences as well.

“Not only is smoking of any sort bad for the smokers’ health, but it is also bad for those around them which is known as exposure to ‘second hand smoke,’” said Sello. “The toxins in the smoke that is exhaled affects the innocent bystander, infant, child, teen or adult, as they breathe the smoke filled air. This is a real public health issue, as ‘second hand smoke’ causes the same diseases as smoking.”

Even the teenagers at the party who choose not to smoke can inhale the same toxins as the smoker. Therefore smokers, unknowingly or not, risk more than their own health.

All students not identified by their last names asked not to use their real names. They all attend various San Francisco private schools.

The lungs absorb nicotine and moving into the bloodstream where it eventually circulates to the brain.

G

IN RN

WAow S ’ AL g N ous

R n ri NEmokies Sealth E G S c e

NATALIE GARNETT | the broadview

— Compiled by Emma Herlihy

cation

feres with communication between nerve cells ers the senses and increases vulnerability of pain

ory loss and exaggerated sense of emotion

esses inhibiton causing confidence

presses excitatory nerve pathway activity Sources: http://pbs.org, http://www.bloodalcohol.info

SU

R

ONittingReduour H E G u ly Y Q eat s to Gr Risk

• Smoking lowers hormone levels, decreases taste and smell and causes acne, wrinkles and stains teeth • Nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine • Smokers get 3 times as many cavities as non-smokers • Cigarettes contain 4,000 chemicals • Some of the chemicals include nioctine, a deadly poison; arsenic, a chemical used in rat poison; carbon monoxide, a chemical in car exhaust; hydrogen cyanide, a chemical in gas chambers and methane, a component of rocket fuel — Compiled by Anjali Shrestha

Sources: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org, http://www.smokefree.gov

8

features

October 30, 2009

LGBTQQ teens struggle to find acceptance from communities and seek tolerance from society Jovel Quierolo Managing Editor

W

hen Rory Baldwin was 9 years old, she was physically beaten up for being

a lesbian.

“I tried kissing a girl I thought was pretty, and she told all the guys that I was a freak,” said Baldwin, who asked not to use her real name, “so they banded together and beat me up at recess. The teachers didn’t see it, and no one bothered to stop the fight. All the other kids just watched.”

With a broken nose and no friends, she begged her parents to move her to a different school.

“They just beat me up and left me, and I remember lying there on the pavement, crying,” said Baldwin, who now attends a large public school in San Francisco. “I didn’t understand what I’d done that was so wrong.

Finally a teacher picked me up and carried me in his arms to the office. I was broken inside. I didn’t understand.

I wanted what every kid wants. Acceptance.”

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) teens face societal pressures on top of the anxiety of growing up. Two-thirds of LGBTQQ students reported being harassed and nearly half of them said they had experienced repeated harassment, according to the California Safe

LGBTQQ support in San Francisco

Schools Coalition.

LGBTQQ teens are more than twice as likely to be depressed, consider or make a plan for suicide, have low grades, use drugs or alcohol or to be victims of violence.

“Homophobia seems to be more acceptable than racism or sexism, and there are religious undertones that offer respectability,” said Theresa Hausser, who for five years was a resident minister at dorms at the University of San Francisco where issues of sexuality came up. “All of the normal sensitivity of adolescence gets heightened.

Parents freak out. Friends freak out.

There might not always be a safe space available for people to talk about their fears and hopes.”

Piper Cothram, a student at a small private school in San Francisco, says she knew she was bisexual when she was in middle school. She considered what it would be like to kiss a girl, but she never told anyone, and thought the interest was natural.

Cothram, who asked not to use her name, is semi-out of the closet. She says she has told her parents and a few close friends who respect her choice. Cothram says the pressures have not been too difficult because she has a healthy support group. But Baldwin has kept her sexuality a secret.

“I’m still in the closet, as is my girlfriend,” said Baldwin. “We just can’t tell anyone now. If we stay together, then we’ll probably come out together, but LYRIC 127 Collingwood St. 415.703.6153 www.lyric.org

I still have nightmares. Sometimes I feel like I want to kill myself. I mean, it’s hard enough as it is to be exploring relationships with people, but I can’t talk to anyone about my feelings. I’m trapped.”

LBGTQQ teens have to gauge whether or not they come out depending on their own personal safety. But even harder than young people trying to figure out how to come out or realizing their sexual identity can be people denying that truth about themselves, according to Hausser.

“People turn to substances, promiscuity – anything to try to be straight,” said Hausser. “That can put folks in a really dangerous situation physically, but also becomes damaging spiritually and psychologically in terms of knowing who they are. At the college, we tried to be a safe place for folks. They could explore or choose not to explore those issues. The primary concern was for people to be honest with themselves about who they were.”

There are not simple solutions, according to Hausser, but one approach is for everyone to develop some sense of empathy. Anyone can relate to how it would feel if there was something that someone could not change about themselves that made them unacceptable to society.

“People hear and remember and are affected by things that you say,” said Hausser. “For teens in the closet with nowhere to turn, it’s hard to keep The Center 1800 Market St. 415.865.5555 www.sfcenter.org

NATALIE GARNETT | the broadview

LGBTQQ teens with nowhere to turn can find help from a number of support centers around the city. Centers welcome walk-in visits and respect the privacy of their clients. The centers offer help such as counseling, medical treatment, and a safe place for people to express their sexuality.

parts of yourself hidden. Hiding stifles so much creative energy and spontaneity. It’s like watching the color part of Wizard of Oz in black and white.”

The 2000 U.S. Census shows an increase in same-sex couples that correlates with a rise in interest concerning LGBTQQ rights. Gay teenagers are coming out earlier than ever and GayStraight Alliance Clubs are increasing in high schools country-wide. But intolerance still plagues many LGBTQQ teens — even in San Francisco.

The month of October is LGBT history month, modeled after black and women’s history months, honoring the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian,

bisexual or transgender icons. Even with a slight increase in interest in the LGBT movement, the fight for acceptance continues at a slow pace, according to Baldwin.

“People don’t have to think about homosexuality in terms of right or wrong ,” said Baldwin. “People shouldn’t be treated differently for what they believe in or how they feel.

I have a few really close friends and adults that my girlfriend and I can talk to, but it’s hard. My parents don’t know. It’s really hard being gay, but it’s who I am and I hope to God things get better.”

Gay-Straight Alliance Network 1550 Bryant St., Suite 800 415.552.4229 www.gsanetwork.org

Student Support Services 555 Franklin St., 3rd Floor 415.241.6121 www.healthiersf.org

‘Friend’ requests from fake FB profiles have students feeling exposed, scared Zoë Newcomb News Editor

T

Facebook users can report and block anyone who is incorrectly listed as attending a school. Anyone can join the Convent network without verification.

Facebook: Be Safe • Control how your personal information is being shared through privacy and application settings.

• Any videos or photos posted on Facebook can be used by people around the world.

wo months ago senior Katherine Mibelli accepted a friend request on Facebook from a person who was friends with 18 other CSH students and claimed to be transferring into the Senior Class. A month later, Mibelli realized during a conversation with a classmate that the girl wasn’t actually real.

“I found it weird that somebody would only be friends with random people and lie about who they are,” said Mibelli. “I don’t understand how people have that much free time, but most of all it just scares me that a stranger can get my information so easily.

Occurrences of predators creating fake profiles and adding students as friends are much more common and widespread than most students say they would expect.

Mibelli said she added the girl to be polite and welcome her to the school, but now she regrets her decision.

“I thought I was safe on Facebook until I discovered that one of my friends was not who she said she was,” said Mibelli. “I was so creeped out, and even now I don’t feel safe because I’ve seen

how easy it is to get information.”

“Remember that people are not always who they say they are,” the privacy section of Facebook reads. “You should always be careful when sending friend requests to, or accepting friend requests from people you do not know in the real world.”

The Web site, while it does have an excess of suggestions for staying safe, offers little concrete protection against online predators.

Unlike many other schools across the country, the Convent of the Sacred Heart Facebook network does not require a school e-mail, allowing anyone to join. Students from other high schools don’t face the same problems because they are protected by the network set up by their school.

Junior Monica Rodriguez says “weird people” constantly pop up in her People You May Know box.

“I always get friend requests from creepy people who are friends with lots of my friends but look like creepers and definitely don’t go to my school,” said Rodriguez. “It sort of scares me but I don’t think it matters that much. People can’t get me through the Internet.”

“I don’t accept strangers or give out personal information online,” said Ro-

driguez. “Its just basic common sense.

Just like you wouldn’t talk to strangers on the street, you wouldn’t talk to people online.”

While Rodriguez says that most teens know how to protect themselves online, information like phone numbers that are readily available on Facebook pages can make students a target. Teenagers, who are oftentimes less protective of their information than adults, are prime targets for online predators.

“I didn’t know that students were having so many encounters with fake people online,” said Dean of Students Celine Curran. “I’ve heard of isolated incidents, and I’ve spoken to students to remind them to stay safe. The best advice I can give is don’t trust what people say online.”

Suspicious Facebook accounts can be reported using the Report Link, and the account may be removed or suspended within 72 hours. User privacy settings can be put at the highest level to protect information, and blocking a user can stop any inappropriate communication.

“I try and be much safer online now,” said Mibelli. “I want to be polite, but protecting myself online is the most important thing I can do.”

a&e

the broadview

9

Exhibit explores artist’s ‘Wild Things’ Meghan Helms Asst. A & E Editor

M

a u r i c e S e n d a k ’s W i l d T h i n g s and other creatures are having a “wild rumpus” in San Francisco with an exhibit and a movie premiere.

The exhibit, “There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak,” showing at the Contemporary Jewish Museum until Jan. 9, features water colors, sketches, drawings and videos of Sendak and his art. The film,“ Where The Wild Things Are,”opened in Bay Area theaters on Oct.16.

The exhibit focuses on Sendak’s life and the deeper meanings of his stories, pictures and influences that led to his creations.

Born in 1928 to Polish immigrants, Sendak’s work reflects his upbringing in Brooklyn, N.Y., his Polish culture and Jewish heritage.

Images of poverty, allusions to kidnapping and references to the Holocaust are remnants from Sendak’s childhood and are part of the “other story” that lies beneath each of the words and pictures in his works.

Sendak uses colors and lines, linking style to the mood of his drawings and characters to create a deeper meaning in all of his pictures and stories.

An avid movie-goer and reader as a child, Sendak draws inspiration for his pictures and stories from popular childhood movie characters such as Laurel and Hardy, Mickey Mouse and King Kong, along with influences by artists Lewis Carroll and van Gogh.

On the day of his bar mitzvah, Sendak learned of his grandfather’s death in the Holocaust, the first of many Holocaust-related deaths in his extended family still residing in Europe.

Sendak’s sense of a child’s vulnerabilities and emotional struggles, which are featured in some of his most popular characters, are part of the reason for Sendak’s widespread success.

Some of Sendak’s other works are based on family members and childhood experiences. The notorious, yet beloved, Wild Things are based on family members who visited when he was a child and ate all the food in the house.

Sendak’s theme of eating books and food throughout his works reflect his understanding of children, his youth and his love for the written word. As a child, he tells of biting into a shiny new book that his sister bought him.

A movie adaptation of the book, “Where The Wild Things Are,” is directed and written by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers with help from Sendak.

The film features Max Records as the mischievous and imaginative boy who turns his room in to a forest filled with Wild Things that Max rules as king.

For over 60 years Sendak has scandalized parents with his blunt and sometimes heavy stories, inspired children with his otherworldly and fantastic pictures and narratives while teaching kids how to count with a counting rhyme broadcast on Sesame Street.

Now 81 years old, Sendak’s work has been a part of America’s childhood since the publication of his first illustrated book in 1951.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum is located on 736 Mission Street and is open daily except Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The movie is playing at theaters such as the AMC Van Ness 14 on Van Ness, the CineArts at Sequia in Mill Valley and the Century 20 in Daly City.

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM | with permision

The final pen, ink and watercolor illustration for Where The Wild Things Are is on display at the Contemporary Jewish Museum (top) along with the final pen and ink drawing from Hector Protector, and As I Went Over the Water (above, left) and the color drawing for In the Night Kitchen.

Glass art brightens SF windows Meghan Helms Asst. A & E Editor

T

he shop fronts of 24th in Noe Valley display colorful good from clothing to greeting cards but none rival in the color and splendor of the stained glass in the windows of Cradle of the Sun. Dan Gamaldi, owner and artist at Cradle of the Sun opened the little store filled with different types of glass and glass works in 1977 after falling in love with the material at a class in the Sharon Arts Studio in Golden Gate Park and working with a glass master in Pennsylvania.

The colorful stained glass pieces

adorning the windows of the shop are from all over the country along with the other glass pieces set up inside. Gamaldi only makes commissions working on a couple at a time, taking him 10-50 hours to create.

“It’s a fascinating material and it changes,” said Gamaldi. “A finished piece will change depending on the time of day.”

Gamaldi grew up all over the country never going to the same school for more than two years.

At age 17, thinking that he wanted to be an FBI agent when he grew up, Gamaldi won a contest and met FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. A picture of this encounter is taped up back in the

PULSE

work area part of the shop.

Sadly, according to Gamaldi, FBI agents are required to have 20-20 vision which he does not have.

Gamaldi offers glass classes teaching on a need to know basis for students age 16 and up.

“What ever they need to know I teach them,” said Gamaldi. “Plus they like the music so they stick around to listen to that.”

Creating things has always been apart of Gamaldi’s life. Wednesdays used to be craft night when friends would come over to create things such as macramé and leather purses now everyday he creates beautiful stained glass pieces.

ANJALI SHRESTHA | the broadview

Gamaldi perpares to cut glass for future customers at the workshop in the back of his store while a costomer looks around in the front. Glass cutting requires tools that scratch the glass and apply pressure on the scratches to cut it.

General admission

what’s pumping in the halls

Sara Kloepfer

leather jackets

SF’s unique festivals bring out city love

O

2

1

Cooler weather brings leather jackets to the halls 1 - Blue leather jacket, $100 (Boutique in Europe) 2 - Black leather jacket, $475 (Nordstom) 3

3 - Brown leather jacket, $348 (Levi’s)

nly in San Francisco would riding the bus with a man dressed in neon hot pants and body glitter be part of a normal Saturday in October. My fellow passenger and I were on our way to LoveFest, renamed this year to LovEvolution.

LovEvolution, San Francisco’s sixth annual celebration of love, transformed the normally calm workplace of Civic Center into a crowded rave where revelers danced, hula-hooped, and hugged down Market Street.

The all-ages event perfectly represented the melting pot of San Francisco residents and the bridge-and-tunnel crowd who flocked to San Francisco for the celebration. Teenage girls dressed in tutus and sparkly tube tops danced alongside groups of men with gay pride flags painted on their chests. Occasionally an old man wandered by wearing nothing at all.

Advertised as an event where “25+ floats become stages for an all day celebration of community, tolerance, peace, and yes, love,” LovEvolution began with a parade of elaborately themed floats making their way to Civic

Center, before parking and blasting dance music from monstrous speakers.

Watching the antics of the crowd alone was worth the newly-established $10 entrance fee, a portion of which went to non-profit organizations such as NextAid and AIDS Housing Alliance. Many people seemed intent on climbing any available surface; street signs, parked trucks and floats with loose security quickly became covered with dancing people.

LovEvolution brought out my love for my city even more than the love shared with others.

Being able to party in the streets besides total strangers in crazy costumes is an experience unique to teenagers growing up in San Francisco. There was a feeling of community in a day worthy of double takes.

LovEvolution’s Web site describes it most eloquently: “We do not dance in the streets to escape the reality of our times — we dance to face them as a community, pointing the direction to a better way, set to beats and the full color of our expression.”

10 health & fitness

October 30, 2009

Chocolate, in moderation, may have benefits Anjali Shrestha Feature Editor

T

he consumption of dark chocolate and its affects on the heart may prove to be a sweet salvation for chocolate lovers.

“Eating chocolate as part of a varied diet where intake is balanced with regular exercise is probably healthy for the heart,” said registered dietician Carol Duncan.

Chocolate — accused of causing obesity, acne and mood swings — can actually be healthy in small doses.

Chocolate has a reputation for being unhealthy because it often has high amounts of sugar and fat, but the antioxidants in the cocoa can be beneficial.

“As a child I was told not to eat chocolate because it was unhealthy but hearing now that it can help in moderation is exciting,” said sophomore Lily Kaplan. “The fact that I can get antioxidants from something other than fruit and vitamins is a pleasant surprise.”

Chocolate can be beneficial for blood vessel function and helping the cardiovascular system.

“The compounds in chocolate help blood to flow freely and the blood vessels that carry the blood to expand and contract as the heart pumps blood throughout the circulatory system,” said Duncan. “The immediate benefit to the heart is to maintain blood pressure so that the heart is not overworked.”

The antioxidants in chocolate can protect DNA and preserve cell membranes and even ward off cardiovascular problems.

“The artery can get clogged with a cholesterol called low density lipoproteins (LDL),” said Patrick Hanley, R.N. “LDL, with oxidation, start to stick to artery walls and this is called artery sclerosis, hardening of arteries.

Antioxidants keep arteries from hardening and keep LDLs from laying fatty materials on the wall.

Flavonoids, found in foods such as chocolate and brussel sprouts, and cause the production of antioxidants.

“The body causes antioxidant activity to try to expel flavonoids,” said Hanley. “By ingesting flavonoids the

body chemistry is changed by trying to expel them and this is what makes antioxidants.”

Flavonoids, the metabolites that can be found in cocoa and help the blood vessels dilate and expand.

The antioxidants in the cocoa can classify chocolate as a helpful treat, but they cannot take the place of the basic food groups that also give antioxidants.

“You should be eating seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day to get these antioxidants,” said Hanley.

“Chocolate has the flavonoids which cause the body to produce antioxidants, but the cocoa cannot be eaten in place of Vitamin C and E.”

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Lindt chocolate with 90 percent cocoa and little sugar (above) is a healthier choice than the cookies sold by seniors in the Center (below). Highly-sugared buttery chocolate and fatty cookies negate any possible health benefits from chocolate.

Mochi: A tasty Heavy backpacks may cause future problems for students Japanese treat Ava Martinez Reporter

Becky Lee Reporter

C

olorful boxes of mochi sit in the frozen food section of Nijiya Market in Japantown.

“What is this?” junior Kelsey Green remembers asking when she first experienced eating mochi.

“All I taste is dough but then the ice cream flows together in a chocolaty Snack goodness.”

Mochi in grocer y stores often contains ice cream, but original mochi has a red or white bean filling. The mochi used in Japanese ceremonies such as New Year’s does not contain a centet, instead two stacked mochi balls with a small mandarin orange on top.

“There are now more non-traditional fillings like chocolate and

strawberry,” said Robert Okamura, general partner of Benkyodo Company, a store that sells its own handmade mochi in Japantown.

“Mochi is made by pounding steamed mochi rice, sugar and water — all done by hand,” said Okamura.

The dessert, dusted with fine rice flour to prevent sticking, smells faintly of sweet rice. Biting into the soft fluffy ball reveals a contrast of the soft white outer layer Attack to its dark red bean filling. The mochi is chewy — the mouth fills with the texture of the smooth bean and sticky rice.

“The first time I had mochi was in fourth grade,” said sophomore Natalie Sullivan. “At first I didn’t really like the red bean kind but I liked the type with the whole strawberry in it. I started to like the original kind more when I went to Japan.”

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Mochi, a red bean Japanese cake culture, is available at Mayflower Market on Fillmore Street as well as Trader Joe’s and in Japantown shops.

N

early every student carries a backpack to school for convenience and organization, however many students are carrying so much weight that can cause serious back problems in the future.

“On Mondays when we have all of our classes, my backpack is more uncomfortable because I am lugging around all of my books,” said junior Farah Fouladi.

While carrying a heavy backpack is uncomfortable for Fouladi, she does not currently experience any problems more severe than discomfort.

But backpacks can cause more than just sore shoulders. Junior Juliet Charnas said her preexisting scoliosis is made worse by carrying her backpack.

“I have a lot of back problems to start off that cause me a lot of pain,” said Charnas. “When I add a heavy backpack onto that, it can make my back pain almost unbearable.”

The majority of students carry a disproportionate weight, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

Backpacks should only be 10 percent of a student’s body weight, but most carry closer to 20 percent. Heavier weight can lead to poor posture and spine misalignment in the future.

The American Chiropractic Association warns weight should be evenly distributed on both shoulders. Single shoulder bags, or even heavy purses, can lead to neck and muscle spasms as well as lower back pain.

“It is definitely better to carry a backpack than putting everything in a purse,” said Charnas. “I used to carry a [large] purse, but my doctor told me I had to switch to a backpack or I would

make my scoliosis worse.”

One solution from back pain from backpacks is to carry only what is absolutely necessary.

“If you are having trouble with back pain, I would suggest that you try and use your locker as much as possible and only carry books you need,” said Fouladi.

Even if a student needs to have access to certain textbooks at all times, there are still ways to avoid carrying too much.

“I buy two copies of some of my textbooks so I don’t have to carry them back and forth to school every day,” said Charnas. “The easiest solution is to carry less weight.”

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Junior Briana Davis stuffs a history book into her already heavy backpack before the bell rings, which can cause back strain when carrying it up and down flights of stairs (above). Senior Grazia Benedetti rushes through the locker room to pick up some books. On regular schedule Mondays, students often carry all their books rather than visiting their lockers.

11

sports

the broadview

Sports Center Tennis

W

MAGGIE CUMMINGS | the broadview

Sophomore Emily O’Reilly sets the ball in the against M.A. O’Reilly plays club volleyball for SF Juniors.

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Freshman Jane Stephens, center, leads the group of runners during the BCL Challenge on Oct. 6 at Lindley Medows in Golden Gate Park. Three freshman on the team placed in the top 30 of 80 runners during the meet with Stephens leading the trio in 12th place.

On the sideline Sophie Gilchrist

Arrest sparks calls for new skateboard laws

S

an Francisco city law has prohibited skateboarding any place other than in a skate park since 1999, but this law was not well known until recently.

In late September a video was released on YouTube of a group of teens who were fined for skateboarding in the city. One of the teens, Zack Stow, was arrested after he called an officer a string of profanities. Since its release, the video has had over 160,000 views.

According to San Francisco law (Article 7.2.13) it is illegal for non-motorized user-propelled vehicles to ride any sidewalks or streets in any business district within the city.

San Francisco District Supervisor John Avalos said a week after the incident that he is calling for a legislative analyst survey regarding San Francisco’s skateboard laws to see what changes can be made.

“My children, perhaps, are maybe breaking the law,” said Avalos in a press conference.

“I think it’s important for us as a city [to] understand what our laws mean towards skateboarding in terms of skateboarders’ ability to move freely about the city and to get to the places where they can skateboard, such as skateboard parks.”

San Francisco’s first permanent skate park first opened in July 2001. Skateboarders were not legally allowed to skate anywhere in the city for two years.

Skateboarding is a healthful way for youths

to spend recreational time in an expensive city.

For many riders, their boards serve as a means for easy and free transportation.

This law discriminates against skateboarders who as a group have a reputation of being reckless, but this generalization is not entirely true as not all skaters fit the mold of carelessness and rudeness.

Skateboarding in San Francisco should be legal as long as the rider is acting wisely and safe, wearing protective equipment and should not be able to skateboard on private places where skating can destroy property.

Driving around skateboarders on the street during work hours can be dangerous. Skateboarders should be restricted to residential neighborhoods and business districts on the weekends.

Not all California city laws completely prohibit skateboarding. Los Angeles County allows riding a skateboard on a country road, street, highway, lane or alley as long as the grade is lower than 3 percent and the skateboarder is riding slower than 10 miles per hour.

While the 3 percent grade is unrealistic in many parts of hilly San Francisco, Los Angeles’ skateboarding laws still restrict the rider, but it as least does not make it illegal.

Hopefully the city can address these complaints and come to a compromise where skateboarders and citizens can agree.

‘Mom’ inspires teammates Emily Bloch Reporter

V

olleyball captain Katharine Noakes practices year-round with club volleyball in the offseason and open gyms in the summer, where her team conditions and practices two times a week for two hours with their coach Kelly Patterson.

“I played volleyball in elementary school and enNOAKES joyed it, but when I got to high school and played on varsity as a freshman, I realized how complicated and highly strategic the game can be,” said Noakes.

Noakes says she is working on unifying the team and motivating them to keep progressing and improving because they have so much potential.

“She is the most positive person on the court at all times,” said sophomore Jayni Webster. “We all call her “mom” because she brings the team together and is the head of our team.”

The volleyball team practices two hours a day, five times a week.

“She makes sure that everyone is safe, healthy and prepared for the game and during the game she is the core of our support system,” said co-captain Caitie Sullivan. “She is always clapping and assuring us that we are making great plays even if they aren’t that amazing. She definitely pumps up the team when we are loosing and motivate us to start a comeback half way through the match.”

Volleyball

T

he volleyball season has been disappointing for the players, making the win against University High School is the highlight of the season.

“We push each other more, we make each other stronger, not only as individuals but as a team,” said captain Katherine Noakes.

The team has undergone changes with Kelly Patterson being appointed new head coach. The 5-day-a-week practices focus more on conditioning and defense.

“Our practice regimens are different, we’re perfecting our techniques,” said junior Kelsey Green.

The team is using its larger 14-player team to its advantage, finding the skills of specific players and the best position for each of them.

“Even if a player gets tired there’s time to jump on the bench and catch your breath,” said senior Caitie Sullivan.

Despite the season’s record, players say they work much better in general as a team this year.

“This year we’re more unified and better as a team because of it,” said Noakes.

Despite the teams recent loss to Lick Wilmerding (2-3), the team continues to focus on each player’s strong suits and how to use them to benefit the team.

“They’re one of our biggest competitors, but we’re pushing ourselves,” said Green.

The Volleyball playoffs take place on Nov. 4 at a location to be determined.

“All this hard-work is finally going to pay off,” said Wetmore.

—Katy Hallowell

Cross Country

T

hree freshman runners dominate the cross-country team, having placed well in recent meets.

Jane Stephens came in 12th out of 80 runners at 22:20 in the Bay Counties League Challenge on Oct. 6 at Lindley Meadows. Claire Fahy came in next for the Cubs at 23:55, securing the 27th ranking. Mary Katherine Michels placed in the top 30 for the previous meet, the College Prep Invitational.

“This year our freshmen trio has really stepped up to the plate,” said coach Susan Kang.

“They’re competing at the varsity level. In the context of who they’re running against, they’re doing really well.”

Although the freshmen are leading the Cubs, Kang says she notices progress being made in the entire team.

“In the beginning it was a little slow,” said Kang. “Once [the team] made the commitment, it seemed like everyone wanted to improve from last year. Each meet gets better and better.”

Working to refine the team’s techniques, Kang has introduced pace and figure exercises into practices, and the runners have increased their average speed per mile from the last meet. “[The new exercises] have definitely improved my form and time,” said Stephens.

“They’re kind of hard, but if they weren’t hard, we wouldn’t get any better.”

The next BCL meet is Friday, Nov. 6, in Golden Gate Park.

— Aggie Kruse

ith two weeks left in the tennis season, the team has changed the focus and goals from winning at any cost to being a more cohesive squad.

“Going into the season we were focused on winning as many games as possible, but we soon realized that we needed to be more focused on each other and supporting one another as a team, ” said junior Maya Scrip.

The team is 2-4 this season.

“Despite our record, we judge success by improvements between matches, ” said coach Christy Cinti “Each of the players on the team has improved substantially over the course of the season.”

The team’s win over The Bay School of San Francisco was a turning point in the season. Players say they became rejuvenated and focused, whereas the rain and other personal activities previously distracted them.

“We had our first win Oct. 8th and it motivated the team dramatically to be ready to win the finals, ” said junior Sophie De Lancie “We realize how important it is to be a team. We are excited for the semi-finals as well as the BCL team finals.”

— Ta Lynn Mitchell

MAGGIE CUMMINGS | the broadview

Tennis co-captain Charlotte Kiaie practices her forehand and foot positioning. This is Kiaie’s second year on varsity.

Golf

T

he golf team saw improvement and increased teamwork, even with only four matches this season.

“Our team is significantly bigger and more competitive because of our practices on a real course,” said co-captain Kennedy. “We did not practice on a course at all last year.”

Moving from the driving range to the course has allowed the team to prepare better for tournaments because they are able to practice in situations similar to a competition. Practice from the driving range is paying off with more accuracy in placing the ball.

“We have a few very talented freshmen and some new juniors this season,” said co-captain Solana Boboschi. “Having more players makes the team stronger because having a larger team is always an advantage and it is fun to play with more people.”

The freshmen have found the season to be a learning experience. “The captains are great leaders,” said freshman Katie Stableford. “I have improved a lot under their leadership because I am on an organized team for the first time.”

The captains are pleased overall with the way the season has progressed.

“We feel like more of a team then we did earlier this season,” said Boboschi. “Everybody has been helping each other out more, which has been good for the team.”

Both Kennedy and Boboschi say they enjoy having the opportunity to be leaders this year and help out the newer players.

“I feel like I am much more experienced this year,” said Kennedy. “I have enjoyed being captain because now I can be a leader rather than just a team member.”

The golf team had its last tournament of the season on Oct. 26 at Lincoln Park. Results were not available at press time.

— Ava Martinez

12 city life

October 30, 2009

Treasure Island brings musical mayhem Sara Kloepfer A & E Editor

N

o buried treasure was found, but fans discovered a musical gem at the third annual Treasure Island Music Festival. The two-day lineup divided artists of electronicbased sound and those with a more traditional rock and roll bent.

The first day of the festival, Saturday, Oct. 17, showcased electronic and DJ-oriented music, fitting the upbeat atmosphere and sunny skies.

Crowd favorite Passion Pit’s afternoon performance was just a teaser for the nighttime pandemonium surrounding heavyweights MSTRKRFT, Girl Talk, and MGMT.

SARA KLOEPFER | the broadview

The annual 60 foot Ferris wheel lights up as the sky darkens. By nightfall it was an hour-long wait to ride.

Passion Pit’s enthusiastic energy transferred easily to the crowd, causing fans all the way to the back to get up and dance to the synth-heavy hit “Sleepyhead.”

Four hours separated Passion Pit from the final big names, but the festival offered a variety of activities to keep concertgoers busy while waiting between performers. The Treasure Chest hosted an eclectic selection of crafts, posters, clothes, food, and art.

New addition the Galley of Good presented several eco-awareness exhibits and non-profit partners. Some of the unique attractions included haircuts and styling compliments of Madu Salon and a 30-foot live mural wall presented

by Pacific Art Collective featuring Bay Area graffiti artists.

As the sun set over the city, fans jockeyed for position to see Canadian DJ-duo MSTRKRFT spin bassthumping dance tracks such as their hit “Bounce” and a remix of Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.” Girl Talk followed on the opposite stage, where DJ Gregg Gillis led a 45 minute dance party from the moment he cued up his laptop. His set of mashups literally ended with a bang as dazzling fireworks lit up the night.

MGMT came on to thunderous applause, proceeding to play its entire album while the crowd sang along.

Singer Andrew VanWyngarden put down his guitar to approach the audience while singing “Kids,” causing the frenzied crowd to jump in unison.

Following the finale, fans began the mass exodus to the line for shuttles taking concertgoers back to AT&T Park. An hour-and-a-half long wait was an exhausting end to

SARA KLOEPFER | the broadview

Beirut frontman Zach Condon (center) sings alongside accordion player Perrin Cloutier (left) and keyboard player Paul Collins (right) at Treasure Island Music Festival on Sunday, Oct. 18. Taking the Bridge stage just before sundown, Beirut performed with a trumpet, an accordion, sousaphone and other atypical rock instruments.

an over 10-hour event.

Bauer’s zero-emission buses were part of the festival’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint. Treasure Island organizers Noise Pop and Another Planet Entertainment also utilized biodiesel generators, a Refillable Water Program, compost and recycling bins, and compostable plates and utensils at all concessions.

On Sunday, despite chilly winds, attendees bundled up and huddled together to listen to the indie rock tunes of Beirut, The Decemberists, and The Flaming Lips. Both days sold out, but while dancing dominated Saturday,

Sunday was characterized by the large spread of fans lounging on blankets.

Beirut’s Zach Condon announced it was the group’s last show of the year in the United States, and he made it count.

The eclectic folk sound of his brass band combined with a tuba solo resulted in an unlikely wave of dancing.

From the moment The Decemberists lay down the first chord of its latest album, “The Hazards of Love,” it provided the perfect soundtrack to the chilly and chilled out afternoon.

The group balanced guitars, accordions and upright basses throughout the hour-long rock-opera, accompanied

by frontman Colin Meloy’s famously nasal tone.

As the sun dipped lower into the bay, the line for the 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel grew proportionately with fans eager to view the expansive skyline of the city.

The Flaming Lips, famous for elaborate stage sets, did not disappoint as frontman Wayne Coyne rolled out in his trademark giant plastic bubble, followed by a stage-diving man in a bunny suit. When he returned to the stage the band launched into “Race For the Prize,” igniting a wave of frenzied excitement that lasted the entire set.

What was your favorite moment of Treasure Island Music Festival?

When MGMT came on stage I almost died!”

— Emma Shepler, freshman

My favorite moment was when MSTRKRFT played Bohemian Rhapsody. It was awesome.”

— Caitie Sullivan, senior

The fireworks and Girl Talk were the best parts by far.”

— Shannon McInerney, junior — Compiled by Katie Ghotbi

Graffiti’s popularity grows as art form

E

Isabelle Pinard Reporter

mpty metal cans lie on the damp gravel sidewalk with the lingering smell of spray paint in the air, and a trail of large blocked lettering and mural illustrations dance along the sides of grimy buildings.

Many areas in San Francisco, like the Mission, are getting makeovers by commissioned street graffiti artists, more commonly known as “taggers,” who want to get noticed by advertising their work throughout the city.

“It’s mind blowing to see artwork on the sides of apartments that are at least 10 stories high,” said junior Kelsey Green “And walking through areas like the Mission and the Tenderloin is incredible because there are some parts that look just like an art gallery.”

Graffiti was a political vocalist movement for minorities, in the late 1960s becoming a way to express creativity, which spread as “gesamtkunstwerk,” German for “total art work,” to the graffiti painters.

“Mural graffiti tells stories that project messages and tributes to viewers,” said studio arts teacher Rachel McIntire. “They give thanks for people who have passed away, and for those who have made a difference in their

community.”

Graffiti artists have gone past the blank pages of a sketchbook to the urban spaces as their canvas, but it is often difficult to find a location where they can blast out their work legally.

Graffiti artists have gone past the blank pages of a sketchbook to the urban spaces as their canvas...

Graffiti artists have found a way to create projects and avoid trouble with the law by obtaining permission from storeowners who use the mural for business, or don’t mind the art style.

Graffiti painters also work with Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center in the Mission district, where volunteers can participate in ongoing mural projects year round in the Bay area.

“It’s interesting to see how the opinion on graffiti is changing,” said McIntire. “Storeowners and businesses usually do not appreciate graffiti artists tagging or spraying on their property, but when they look at new styles that catch their eye, they end up using

the artist’s talent and hire them for projects.”

Graffiti’s popularity is growing from the shows and conventions that allow people to recognize the talents of young and experienced artists.

A mural book launch at the De Young Museum on Nov. 6 will showcase the work of photographers, writers and Mission District Artists, in the new mural book, Street Art San Francisco: Mission Muralismo.

Clarion Alley, a large alleyway in the Mission, is covered in burners and wildstyle graffiti. Burners are a well-done, brightly colored graffiti pieces that seems to “burn” off the wall, and are usually in design called wildstyle. Wildstyle graffiti is a complication of interlocking letters, and is considered one of the hardest styles to master according to The Graffiti Glossary.

The scatter of painted footprints along the walls and streets of San Francisco leave behind roads of graffiti styles that show expressions of the artists, which reach out to the viewers.

“Art has many forms, and is a major way for people to express themselves,” said sophomore Brianna Wilvert.

“Graffiti art represents one of those art forms, giving a voice to the people who need it.”

MAGGIE CUMMINGS | the broadview

Vibrant graffiti art covers walls in Clarion Alley in the Mission District. Artists create pieces that reflect the cultural diversity of the neighborhood.