Tiger Newspaper February 2017 by Tiger Newspaper

VOLUME 103 ISSUE V FEBRUARY 10, 2017

IN THE NEWS

SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

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THE MUSIC MAN JR.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

TEMPORARY RESIDENCES

SPEF presents its annual musical featuring fifth grade students this weekend at the SPHS auditorium.

The SPHS National Honor Society is collecting school supplies for Lebanon and Jordan-based Syrian refugees.

The City Council passed an ordinance on Wednesday, prohibiting temporary car residences on public property.

JUNIOR COLE CAHILL leaves a voicemail for a Republican senator, hoping to persuade them against confirming Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education. Principal Janet Anderson also writes letters to senators voicing her concern over DeVos’ pro-school choice position.

Students protest Trump’s education pick Before DeVos’ confirmation, students voiced their concerns. STORY & PHOTOGRAPH BRANDON YUNG The busy clamor of students talking on their phones added a tone of urgency to the already tense environment in the SAC Room. Around 40 students read off of scripts while talking on the phone, some wrote emails, and others researched the contact information of U.S. senators to display on the whiteboard. SPHS students were gathered to protest President Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos to the position of Secretary of Education. A group of seniors organized a call-in after school on Monday, January 30, urging students to help sway the votes of moderate Republican senators away from confirming DeVos. Students from all grades at SPHS gathered to advocate their voices on national issues, namely ones that impact them. Support for the call-in came from administrators and outsiders. Principal Janet Anderson contributed to efforts

within her personal capacity and wrote letters to senators urging against DeVos’ confirmation. English teachers Mark Zavidow and Mark Afram assisted students who were new to political advocacy, instructing them on what to say over the phone. Casey Cep and Kathryn Schulz, two New York journalists, found out about the event online and donated pizza. The call-in ended after 5 pm, as most Senator voicemail boxes had filled up. Commissioner of Internal Affairs Anthony Chen began planning the student call-in after watching DeVos’ confirmation speech, which garnered notoriety online. DeVos’ pro-school choice position favors the use of public funds to support alternatives to traditional public schools, such as private and charter schools. Despite student efforts and widespread opposition (from conservatives as well as liberals), DeVos was confirmed on Tuesday. Although South Pasadena is not likely to be heavily impacted by changes made by DeVos in the future, Chen emphasized the importance of student advocacy for public schooling. “South Pasadena won’t be affected much as those who are

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a lot less privileged than we are,” Chen said. “But we still need to be concerned.” Superintendent of SPUSD Dr. Geoff Yantz also remained confident in the authority of California’s governing authority over its schools. However, Yantz warily explained the possible effects on SPUSD from the federal level. “The current education system is highly interdependent in all aspects. Interference in this system can cause great disruption,” Yantz said. DeVos’ proposed policies aim to reallocate public funds to assist students who wish to attend private or charter schools. One of the proposals DeVos advocated for during her initiation is the redistribution of Title I funds—which provide money to schools with families in need—as voucher initiatives for nonpublic school tuition. She plans to do the same with federal funds allocated for assisting students with disabilities. South Pasadena High School currently benefits from both of these programs. As the new Secretary of Education prepares to change how schools are funded, the school braces for the possible impact.

GIRLS’ SOCCER DEFEATS SAN MARINO The Tigers made a comeback in the final minute of the match against the Titans

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NEWS

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Pomp and party on the high seas at Winter Formal

Decathletes are first to earn a perfect score STORY SAMMY PARK Academic Decathlon broke a Los Angeles County record this Saturday, February 4th, at El Rancho High School. The team, led by Mr. Oliver Valcorza, achieved a perfect score on the Super Quiza––previously unaccomplished feat in the history of the competition. “Out of the 35 year history of Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon competitions, we were the first school to get a perfect score on the Super Quiz. I was definitely pleasantly surprised, but not shocked, because I knew that this was a strong team,” Valcorza said. The Super Quiz had three rounds: varsity, scholastic, and honors. Each division sent three students to compete. The main event, the Super Quiz, had 72 questions in all.

DANCE ATTENDEES converse and enjoy the view of the Port of Long Beach on the ship's deck. STORY RILEY SEGAL PHOTGRAPH KEVIN HUANG

break from dancing. The deck provided an escape from the crowded dance floor and lively space inside.

Over three hundred students from South Pasadena High School made the 26 mile trek to the Queen Mary in Long Beach for the “Haunted High Seas” themed Winter Formal on Saturday, February 4. Attendees danced, conversed, and attempted to solve a murder mystery throughout the night on the historic ship.

“The best part of Winter Formal was hanging out on the deck outside; the games and location were enjoyable, too,” junior Cate Latting said. “The bay was so beautiful with all the lights and it was nice to look out at.”

“I would say that of the activities planned, the murder mystery and riddles drew much participation,” senior Commissioner of Academics Kendrick Shen said. “I think that the venue itself was an exciting place to be, with the view on the deck and the general ‘haunted’ vibe.” Tables were scattered throughout the main room, with a variety of board games for those that wanted to take a

Overall, the ASB Commission was satisfied with the turnout of the event, which sold 379 tickets and was considered a financial success. The planning committee also received positive feedback from students that attended. “I think students enjoyed it a lot,” senior Commissioner of Activities Taylor Holmes said. “I was really unsure of people’s reactions at first, but so many people informed me that they had a great time and some said that it was the best dance they had been to in all of high school.”

Sophomore Thomas Myers, juniors Dawson Galuzzi, Thomas Sawano, and Adam Hamden, as well as seniors Nadine Hamden, Anthony Chen, Maggie Wu, Josie Friesen, and Tim An were all sent to compete. “I'm definitely pleased that we got a perfect, which we've never done before. In addition, this represents a substantial lead over our competitors, including last year's national champion,” Chen said. The team experienced a rough start this year, as they went without both a summer school class and an additional class to help them prepare. However, they overcame these shortcomings by working many hours after school and on weekends. “As a team we spend about 20 to 35 hours per week just studying and working for Academic Decathlon. During the Super Quiz, we only have about ten seconds [per] question. Despite this, we were still able to get a perfect score,” Hamden said.

Budget cuts cause concern SPUSD will be experiencing a $900,000 cut to its budget due to changes in state funding STORY ELIZABETH BOCK ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) is expected to make $900,000 worth of budget cuts for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, following the release of a new state budget proposal. Though the district receives roughly $30 million from the state, this reduction will still be a “double or triple whammy,” in the words of School Board member Julie Giulioni. This trimmed budget will force the city council to re-evaluate what is truly essential to the students and staff, and what is extraneous. “In light of the state funding proposal, we need to start thinking less about establishing new programs and more about maintaining, operating and creating success within existing initiatives,” Superintendent Geoff Yantz said. “Unfortunately, we also must consider reducing or modifyi ng programs and services to balance the budget.” The cuts will have to be distributed among the rest of the city’s budget. As a result, this reduction is expected to slow the progress of street repairs, although anything official is yet to be decided. Recently, the street and sidewalk repair budget increased by around

$2 million per year in order to compensate for years of postponed renovations. However, with this new budget, South Pasadena may need to continue to postpone these projects in order to accommodate the schools. “District administrators and staff are working to determine how best to respond to this unexpected decline in funding from the State. What we know right now is that we won’t be in a position to add new programs or services; rather, we’ll need to focus on optimizing what we currently have in place,” Giulioni said. Though this situation is considered serious, it would be far worse if not for the parcel tax, SPEF, the PTA, and the Booster club, which provide for 12% of the district’s budget. These generous community contributors put South Pasadena in a better position than other districts undergoing similar reductions. To rectify this potential difference, SPUSD will be joining forces with other cities who will also be affected. The City Council plans to meet several times over the next few months to discuss the cuts and choose what steps to take next.

"We need to start thinking less about establishing new programs and more about maintaining, operating and creating success within existing initiatives, and unfortunately, reducing or modifying programs and services to balance the budget."

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

NEWS

Local protest responds to Trump’s executive order STORY AMELIA ANTHONY PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ “Refugees and immigrants are welcome here,” emblazoned several signs held up on the corner of Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. This was the central message of South Pasadena Progressive Folks’ protest last Saturday, February 4. The demonstration was in reaction to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and drew upwards of 25 participants only fifteen minutes after it started.

as the vagueness of the order left U.S. residents, veterans, green-card holders, and others detained in airports. Activist groups like South Pasadena Progressive Folks staged protests, and opposition reached the federal level from Democrats and civil rights groups. On Friday, James Robart, a Seattle federal judge, issued an injunction on the order. This ruling voided the entire executive order nationwide.

The event followed a similar one that took place the previous Saturday in the same place. Organizer David Beadle spoke into a megaphone as cars travelling down Fair Oaks honked to show support. Passengers rolled down their windows to look closer at the signs, or to yell words of support or dissident, further encouraging the protesters.

“We’re encouraged by the federal judge for claiming an injunction yesterday,” said participant and South Pasadena resident Tanya Parker. “This is just the beginning of our community’s fight to stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

“It’s about the same [turnout] as last week,” Beadle said. “But different people. It’s good to see students here. We have several Muslims here today as well. We didn’t realize it would turn out to this—we’re organic now.”

At one point during the protest, Beadle stopped a runner on the street to engage in conversation. The man explained that he had applied for a green card ten years ago but was still awaiting a verdict. This interaction, however benign, showcased a more personal element to Beadle’s activism.

The previous protest was also in response to President Trump’s executive order, issued on January 27. The order temporarily banned entry from seven majority-Muslim countries, and suspended Syrian refugee entry indefinitely. It was met with widespread confusion and panic,

South Pasadena Progressive Folks plans to continue hosting demonstrations into the foreseeable future, as protesters hoisted signs reading “Keep fighting against bigotry.” Beadle plans for the next event to be this Saturday, at the same place.

SOUTH PASADENA RESIDENTS rally against the Trump administration’s policies on immigration.

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TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PAGE ASHTON CARLESS & TRUMAN LESAK ILLUSTRATIONS ASHTON CARLESS

In honor of Black History month, Tiger will be recognizing black students at SPHS. These profiles aim to highlight largely unrecognized black achievement in the community. See tigernewspaper.com for weekly online content throughout February that parallels this coverage.

AMANI MBUGUA

From dance to photography— finding a new passion

STORY SANDY GROSSMAN

assion can be a fickle thing. Some stumble upon theirs before they have learned to walk, while others take years to find theirs. Senior Amani Mbugua discovered that she is the latter when a Junior year photography class unearthed her unexplored love of the camera. She has practiced the craft ever since and, despite her relatively short time spent behind the lens, it has become very important to her.

“To me, [photography] is about helping others see the beauty in themselves, rather than expressing myself through it,” Mbugua said. Prior to this discovery, however, Mbugua trained in classical ballet and modern dance. While she is still taking classes, as she has done for seven years, she plans to attend art school after graduation and pursue her photographic career.

“I loved dance as a kid because I was obsessed with the idea of dancing on a stage and everyone clapping. But at some point the stress from my classes outweighed the joy of that moment,” Mbugua said. Black History Month is important to Mbugua and her family. She firmly believes in the importance and relevance of the event, especially in today’s political climate. “It’s a time for black people to remember where we’ve been and what we have overcome, as well as an opportunity to feel empowered and be reminded how strong we are despite any doubts some may have,” Mbugua said.

ADIANNA PAUL

Defying the odds by overcoming circumstances STORY OLIVIA NOURIANI

dianna Paul has faced and overcome circumstances that most South Pasadenians can’t comprehend, but by her timid demeanor, most wouldn’t guess it. Paul entered the Foster system ten years ago, and is at her fourth high school in four years. Now, she’s living in a nearby group home. She doesn’t feel she fits in there, but she hasn’t felt “at home” in a home since she entered the system.

While her drive is largely founded on wanting to prove people wrong, it’s also attributed to those who have inspired her.

“But no matter what was going on at home, I was always ready to have a positive attitude at school,” she added. “School is like my home… this is where I feel like I fit in.”

Last year, when Paul was unable to pay for her AP Tests, a teacher paid for them out of pocket.

For Paul, education has always been her path to a better future. As a black woman and a foster child, the odds have been stacked against her; she’s determined to defy them through education. “There’s nothing better than when a person underestimates you and you prove them wrong. Being a female, being African American, being a foster kid, people don’t want to see me succeed, but that’s what keeps me moving forward.”

“I’m lucky because I’ve always had teachers who were really supportive,” she said. “I’ve always had someone who’s had my back.”

“If you’re not receiving that [encouragement] at home or from your parents, having it [from a teacher] is so important,” she said. Paul wants to be a teacher so that she can pay that impact forward. “To be black is to be powerful, to have strength,” she said. “I want to be the inspiration to those other women, those other foster kids, those other African Americans. It’s all about defying the odds.”

DEFINING MYSELF, AS OPPOSED TO BEING DEFINED BY OTHERS, IS ONE OF “THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGES I FACE. ” —Carol Moseley-Braun, politician and lawyer

OPINION

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

THEESTABLISHED TIGER 1913 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2005 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2006 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2009 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2010 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2011 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OLIVIA NOURIANI MANAGING EDITORS FAYE WITHERALL, Print TUCKER JUDKINS, Online NEWS NICK MICHAEL, Editor BRANDON YUNG, Associate OPINION ISABEL BARBERA, Editor COLE CAHILL & OONA FOLEY, Associates FEATURE DECLAN CHIN, Editor MAYA WILLIAMSON, Associate SPORTS NOAH MIYAMAE, Editor RILEY SEGAL & MATT WAKUMOTO, Associates DESIGN SANDRA MOORE, Editor MICHAEL STUKAN, Editor ASHTON CARLESS & TRUMAN LESAK, Associates PHOTOGRAPHY MATT SCHOLTZ, Editor THOMAS FORMAN & LUKE QUEZADA, Associates COPY SANDY GROSSMAN, Editor NATE RUDMAN, Editor SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER HANA TYSZKA STAFF WRITERS AMELIA ANTHONY, ELIZABETH BOCK, DASHIEL BOVE, RACHEL LU, RYAN NAKAMURA, SAMMY PARK, DAVID SEO, ISABELLA TSAI PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HUANG ILLUSTRATORS ISABELLA FRESCURA, ANGELICA NAVARRO MANAGERS ALINA MEHDI, Ads LAUREN TAN, Business WEBMASTER OLIVER CHANG FACULTY ADVISOR MIKE HOGAN VOL. 103 NO. 5 DISTRIBUTED ON FEB 10, 2017. DISTRIBUTION: 1479 STUDENTS; 70 COMMUNITY. 1600 COPIES PRINTED. DISTRIBUTED BY TIGER STAFF FREE OF CHARGE.

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ST A F F ED IT O R I A L

South Pasadena’s suburban spectre: urbanization Why “preserving” South Pasadena is not as noble nor as important as much of our community makes it out to be Our humble hamlet of South Pasadena is known for, above all else, its “quaintness”. From the nostalgic facade of Fair Oaks Pharmacy to the quintessential two story craftsman houses on Milan, South Pas is the antithesis of the big city hustle and bustle that characterizes the metropolis immediately to our west. Protests against the 710 expansion, the Mission View development, and other such proposed urbanization projects have shown time and time again just how passionate South Pasadenians are about preserving this idyllic version of the city. But in the effort to maintain our much lauded small town culture, we have overlooked the fact that “quaint” carries with it some disturbing implications.

for lower income families who want their kids to attend the revered South Pasadena School District. And yet, the proposal is despised as nothing more than an attempt by an evil corporation to destroy our “small town charm.”

We have forgotten that developments can open up South Pasadena to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and give more people the opportunity to take advantage of the many benefits our town offers. Urbanization, and anything that is deemed incompatible with our quaint image, is demonized despite the good it can bring to our town and the surrounding areas. But a “quaint” image is not the ideal for which we should be striving. “Quaint” connotes a town whose population is largely homogenous when it comes to race and socioeconomic status. The word, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, is synonymous with “white” or “upper middle class” and in resisting the evolution away from this culture of exclusivity we are resisting the coming of a more diverse and inclusive South Pasadena.

South Pasadena has kept many of us insulated during our formative years and, while growing up here has supplied many happy memories, we must be aware that our little bubble cannot and should not continue to exist. We must become a town for people from all walks of life, not just white people who earn above a certain amount, even if that means sacrificing part of what makes this town so “charming”.

The long threatened Mission View apartment complex is one such hotly contested step towards a more urban South Pasadena. The development would open up housing options

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But this charm should not be so vehemently defended, as it comes at the expense of racial and economic diversity. According to the most recent census data, nearly 55 percent of South Pasadena residents are white. Our insistence on keeping South Pas quaint has made it impossible for historically economically disadvantaged minorities to find a place in our town.

“‘Quaint’ connotes a town whose population is largely homogenous when it comes to race and socioeconomic status. The word, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, is synonymous with ‘white’ or ‘upper middle class’.”

Boos & Bravos

Tiger ’s cheers and jeers for the month of February. BOOS

BRAVOS

BOO to the dead fish in the urinal for listening to Gill. Not all drains lead to the ocean.

BRAVO to Club Penguin for all the memories, we’ll miss you. Just further proof that climate change is real.

BOO to teachers that refused to round us up. He was .1% away, Ms. Huynh. BOO to all the students who asked for their grades to be rounded. Don’t you know we need to learn valuable lessons about the REAL WORLD? BOO to San Marino and shout out to the SPHS Twitter warriors. You show us what it means to have inTIGERty.

BRAVO to all the people who are single handedly saving the world by switching to Lyft. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ETHICAL CONSUMPTION UNDER CAPITALISM... but actually. BRAVO to Betsy Devos for spreading the lord’s word… and on the seventh day, God smited the schoolchildren with school choice.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

OPINION

Pro/Con:

PROTESTING

The people, united + STORY OONA FOLEY ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS In the wake of a divisive election, Americans are scrambling to regain whatever unity they once had. The liberal minded have been shaken out of their false sense of collective understanding, realizing that Trump was not the direct cause of this newfound schism, but the catalyst who made a preexisting fault line more apparent. Amid this scramble, Americans are looking to one another for answers. In a state of disarray, people are bound to organize whether it be to find comfort in their communities, or to affect actual change. When organized strategically and with purpose, protests can spark a more immediate movement higher up in the ranks of the government. In a democracy, politicians are easily intimidated by the will of the united people. For example, in Fall of last year, women across Poland participated in a day of protest against legislation criminalizing abortions. Within days, legislators switched sides and voted against the bill.

Protests foster a more politically active society, affecting long term change. Though a person’s civic engagement should not end at protesting. Organization is the starting point for many people. Even if a single protest is ineffective in causing any direct change, just one event can inspire people to get involved and unite communities for future action. Regardless of the result, protesting is never a waste of time. It is a broad scale implementation of grassroots campaign tactics. Unifying the like-minded empowers people to become advocates for themselves and their communities. Organizing allows people to experience the total mass of their potential. Attending a protest solely in the interest of personal gain is still productive as it can completely alter a person’s perspective. If not for this kind of low level exposure to political activism, future leaders would have no way of beginning their journeys. No matter what the motivation is to organize, protesting brings power to the people.

– A war on too many fronts As demonstrations flooded the streets of American cities after the election of Donald Trump, so did feelings of rage and injustice among protesters. Despite good intentions, this leads to a self-defeating class of civil disobedience characterized by massive bursts of shortlived interest: the flash flood protest. Flash flood protests decrease political momentum and draw attention away from movementsthatare more specific intheir purpose. Smaller protests often don’t have the universal appeal and famous guest speakers associated with high profile demonstrations, but their efficacy is far greater. Focused and dedicated activism creates the momentum needed to push progressive agendas. The hundreds of masked rioters in Washington D.C. after the inauguration were not conducive to that type of momentum. Belligerent protesters simply exacerbate the issue. Their rowdiness fed into the indignation of President Trump’s supporters and therefore their power. Instead, careful and passionate action is needed to maintain the policy of obstructionism established six years ago by the Republican controlled Congress.

STORY NATE RUDMAN ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS The recent call-in at SPHS against the confirmation of Betsy DeVos is exactly the type of action needed. The call-in was organized for a specific purpose, it empowered individuals, and it came from a population directly affected by the confirmation of Betsy DeVos. Protests and movements committed to a single issue have a long history of success. The March on Washington aided in the passage of the Civil Rights Act. The entirety of the Woman’s Suffrage Movement was focused around the passage of the 19th Amendment. However, protests with unrealistic or unidentified goals simply don’t have that same effect. The Women’s Marches set out to address women’s rights as well as LGBT+ rights, civil rights, worker’s rights and more. Because they tried to focus on too many issues at once the marches were consigned to be a talking point rather than a tipping point for action. Giving in to the frustrating illusion of impotence spreads the power of the public too thin. Progress will be cultivated through singular determination on each issue, one after another, until there are no more left to conquer.

THE ROAD LESS FRAZZLED | OLIVIA NOURIANI

Hope in the Nouriani household My mother and I both cry often. Some of my earliest memories are of me crying with her, sad or hurt for different reasons that we both understood. The other day I told someone I love very much that terrible things happen everywhere, every day, and most of the time there is little we can do about them. It was a moment of exasperation; hope for the future seems distinctly low these days, and I was feeling particularly powerless. My mother, though, remains a beacon. She has refused to buckle under weights that would be too much for most of us. She is flawed, authentic, a single mother, a doctor, proud, funny, and anything but hopeless. So I find hope in everyday moments that would lack it without her. When my

sister offers an apology that feels sincere, or my brother does his homework without putting up a fight, or I can cry in front of someone and feel distinctly understood––those are moments that, when I’m in them, feel like miracles. A taste of hope for my family is far-removed from hope for the state of the world, but in those moments I feel both. It is then that I am reminded that, though a refusal to wake up your daughter so she can do a homework assignment in the middle of the night may feel like an act of betrayal to me, it is rather an act of love. I am reminded that my mother has fought circumstance for family, and that everyone has something they are willing to fight for. As long as that is true, everything, no matter how dismal, warrants hope.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

OPINION

Women in the weight room STORY AMELIA ANTHONY ILLUSTRATION ANGELICA NAVARRO On rainy days, the softball team shuffles into the weight room. We squat the bar, attempt pull ups, and do ab exercises on the floor. I sigh with frustration as I struggle to bench press my thirty-pound weight as David Hughey’s 250 pound record glares at me from the Tiger Leaderload. Realistically, I will never be able to lift 250 pounds. The lighter weight bar, dubbed the “girl bar,” reinforces that. The football team has been on off-season since October; softball is on preseason as our first game closes in on us. Yet my coaches still have to fight for us to squeeze into the weight room when we get rained out. Conditioning and strength exercises are valuable training for all sports, so each team should have ample and equal time to use the weight room. Still, I feel like like an intruder as the entire football team stops what they’re doing when we walk in. As in most exercise spaces, “bro” culture flourishes. The routine emphasis on masculinity prohibits many feminine athletes from feeling comfortable in the weight room, and can even prevent them from wanting to work out there. The environment is one of aggression - whether it be perceived or legitimate. The competitive atmosphere of school breeds the pressure, however unsaid, to outperform records on the Tiger Leaderboard. This mimics the stereotype portrayed in movies: men spend their lives trying to get “swole.” I harbor no resentment towards athletic achievements—the men working out in there are completing undoubtedly impressive feats—but the gym remains a man’s world. It is a sacred space to which men go to worship muscles and masculinity and a space where the spectrums of gender and sexuality are not typically recognized. Even strength training itself is stigmatized for women; toned female bodies are often deemed gross and unattractive. The gym “bro” could never be feminine. Making the weight room—and gym culture—more accessible to all genders is simple. It begins with encouraging everyone to break personal records while working out, or by calling the lighter bar for what it is. People of all genders are capable of great athletic achievement, so it is vital to create an environment to foster that.

The model minority myth STORY BRANDON YUNG ILLUSTRATION ISABELLA FRESCURA Asian-Americans are, without question, the most successful and fastest growing racial group in the U.S. The Pew Research Center finds that Asian-Americans have the highest income households, the best educations, and are the most devoted to the American dream. The term ‘model minority’ has been coined to describe the generally successful status of Asian-Americans, and is often used to disparage other minorities who haven’t found the same success in the American meritocracy. It is a stereotype that is not only harmful to Asians and other marginalized peoples, but also completely unfounded. Conservatives often hail the model minority as proof that anyone can succeed in America (despite race, socioeconomic status, etc); but, the success of Asian-Americans arguably has more to do with circumstance of citizenship than it does work ethic. Those who hold the concept of a model minority as an example for other groups to follow do not take into consideration the difference between minority groups who came to America voluntarily and those who had no choice. The passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 replaced the era’s Asian immigration system with one that favored highly skilled applicants. With the influx of self-selected Asian immigrants, who were often much more successful than their cultural counterparts who did not come to America, Asian-American ethnic

Roads to inequality STORY COLE CAHILL ILLUSTRATION ISABELLA FRESCURA Los Angeles life is dominated by the freeway. If you live here, chances are you’re commuting on one, living next to one, or preventing one from being built through your home. Angelenos’ complaints about traffic on the 405 have become grossly cliché, but freeways cause more problems than congestion, noise, and air pollution; they have contributed to the destruction of urban communities of color and enabled the further segregation of neighborhoods. Freeways must be removed from urban areas to create more livable and equitable cities for all. In 1956, the Federal Highway Act outlined the funding and design of America’s interstate highway system. The plan was mostly developed by automobile industry executives, whose main priority was maximizing profits. So while the legislation did effectively link American cities with efficient roads (its original intended purpose), it also conveniently established highways as the main means of transportation within major cities. The building of this infrastructure meant the demolition of thousands of homes, isolation of neighborhoods, and accumulation of massive profits for automobile corporations. This destructive power in the hands of policymakers provided a convenient excuse for leveling minority communities. Under the guise of “urban renewal,”

vibrant neighborhoods of color became empty land. This trend extends to Los Angeles: four major freeways converge in primarily Latinx Boyle Heights, and the city’s original Chinatown was completely razed for road development. By contrast, South Pasadena has been able to successfully halt the construction of the 710 and demolition of the city thanks to citizens with the economic means to organize and protest. The rise of freeways also enabled the popularization of “bedroom communities:” white-majority suburbs where middle class professionals commute back and forth from urban workplaces. This phenomenon, also known as white flight, exploded after World War II and contributed to the racial segregation of neighborhoods that plagues cities today. The oppression and displacement of minority communities is an ongoing issue in the US, and the conversion of freeways into parks and boulevards is part of the solution. While this task may sound daunting, freeway removal projects are already happening around the world, and with high rates of success. Highways should serve their original purpose: connecting major cities. Giant roadways have no place in historic city centers or dense residential neighborhoods. Instead, efforts should be focused towards urban transportation by train, bus, bike, and foot—methods that are more sustainable, accessible, and don’t rob cities of their identity.

enclaves transformed from safe-havens to places of opportunity. Compare this to minority groups who, for the most part, credit their residence in the US to wartime displacement, slavery, or other historical oppression and the model minority concept holds no water. Not all minority groups start off on the same foot, so it only makes sense that some tend to do better than others. The model minority label is not only harmful to minority groups who are shamed by their inability to meet the standards of their successful Asian-immigrant counterpart, but also to Asians themselves. Yes, an expectation of success may be beneficial in some aspects (students are often inclined to fulfill the expectations projected onto them) but the concept also portrays Asians as submissive, insular, uncreative, and culturally foreign. Despite their perceived success, Asians are still discriminated against because of this stereotype. To get into top colleges, Asians have to earn an average of 140 points higher on the SAT than whites, according to a 2009 Princeton study found. Something as casual as, “Why can’t you do as well as that hard working Asian kid?” directed at a struggling minority student can be as harmful as not letting that same Asian kid into college because their propensity for achievement is dismissed as their default ability. Stereotypes, especially ones as subversive and pervasive as the model minority, need to be addressed.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

PILLOW TALK

WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW

more than consent I remember sitting in Health the summer before my freshman year, looking at a worksheet planted in front of me. Sex, according to this sheet of paper, was very neat. Stay away from STDs. Be an adult, preferably married. Above all, the sex should be consensual. That final bullet point was bolded.

Diana* began seeking sexual knowledge as early as age seven. “Other girls always came to me with questions,” she said. “I sex-edded myself.” Still, when the time came for sexual activity, she found herself unexpectedly lost. “I had knowledge about a dozen forms of contraception, thanks to Health and the internet,” she said. “But the pill is expensive, for an IUD or the implant you need a doctor, and I didn’t have any of those things.”

Health taught me that I could stop any sexual encounter if I was uncomfortable. That class portrayed the villain assailant as a stranger at a loud party, conniving and threatening. But I never learned that I could still say “no” to the cute boy who complimented me endlessly and volunteered at the humane society.

She resolved to rely on condoms, but found herself sexually unprepared in other ways. “The first time my boyfriend and I had sex, it hurt. I wish I had known that it didn’t have to be that way. Lube is your best friend; I wish someone had told me that.”

I felt awful. And that didn’t make sense to me. I felt bad all the time, and we never even talked after that, let alone have sex again.

But Health told me it was how sex should be: he wore a condom, and when we did start having sex, I didn’t stop anything. But I wasn’t happy.

About six months into their relationship, they were finally having comfortable, safe, enjoyable sex. But according to Diana, “there’s a point where comfort becomes risky.” She didn’t expect it to be so easy to fall into having unprotected sex. “Condoms, especially comfortable ones, are expensive,” she reported. “Eventually, we had a mishap, and I turned to Plan B.” Emergency contraception, when used correctly, is 88% effective. At costs as high as $60 a dose, that number is surprisingly low. “I dropped most of my cash, was in intense pain for two days, only to find out three weeks later that I was pregnant.”

It was five months later that I learned what sex actually should be. I met a new boy and instead of spending our time together drinking and hazy, we watched Tarzan. And then Lilo and Stitch. And then Up. We walked our dogs and baked cookies and he asked me about my day.

She turned to ineffective and high-risk attempts to terminate the pregnancy. “I tried to overdose on Vitamin C,” she said. “Then I downed what was in my parents’ liquor cabinet. I just wanted it to go away.”

We had sex after two weeks. It was his first time, and I do consider it, albeit Health doesn’t, my first time, too. We were both nervous, and he stopped a lot of times to ask me if I was ok. I appreciated him a lot in those moments.

Finally, she turned to Planned Parenthood, and discovered she was covered through California’s Family PACT program. She took the abortion pill for free and was given her choice of free long-term birth control. She had a contraceptive arm implant put in at a follow-up appointment a week later.

The first time wasn’t very successful, but we made it our goal to figure everything out together. We tried a lot of different things, stumbling in a bunch of positions that ended in overstretched hamstrings and naked laughing sessions. I was comfortable, I was happy.

“I am lucky to live in California, to have a Planned Parenthood a mile away,” she said. “But it takes some aggressive Googling to find information on the Family PACT, and no teacher told me how to secure birth control, let alone to have pleasurable sex.”

That’s something you never learn in a classroom. No teacher told me that sex isn’t just physical, that sex affected me in ways that a PowerPoint and outdated movies never explained. Looking back on Health, I feel like an idiot. I meticulously took endless notes on how to put a condom on a banana, on why abstinence was the best form of birth control. I learned about consent, how to spot a bad situation.

“I am thankful, and I am healthy now. But in many ways, I still feel failed.”

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page by michael stukan text by OONA FOLEY, sandra moore, olivia nouriani & faye witherall GRAPHICS by TRUMAN LESAK

pillow talk

The California Healthy Youth Act went into effect in January of 2016, mandating more comprehensive, inclusive, and accurate sex education in public schools. A year later, Tiger surveyed over 600 students about their experiences with sex and sex ed in order to explore the success of sex education reform. The survey found that while 83% of students feel well-informed about sex, 38% of sexually active students feel that Health class prepared them well or very well for sexual activity. One group that expressed feeling particularly let down by Health was the LGBQA+ community, which makes 15% of the students surveyed. Of those who consider themselves sexually active and identify as a part of this community, just 18% said they felt that SPHS Health prepared them well or very well for sexual activity.

But I never learned how to be comfortable or happy. I never learned anything that wasn’t technical or clinical or strictly by the book. I wish I had, I really wish I knew that sex wasn’t something to fear, it wasn’t something dirty or wrong or bad. It’s fun, it makes me happy, and it makes me feel close to the person I love.

{students examine sex}

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*Names have been changed to protect anonymity

“There’s no strong information provided in health regarding bisexuality or safe sex for LGBQT––no real ‘things to watch for’ or explicit [information on] how to ensure you are safe”

–ANONYMOUS SURVEY RESPONSE

According to the survey, students rely most heavily on their friends, parents, and the internet for information about sex outside of Health. To supplement this survey, Tiger interviewed four anonymous students with varying experiences of sex and sexual health, all of whom feel that they have not been adequately prepared by their sex education. Each interview was guided by one question: what do you wish you had learned in Health class?

A rude awakening

A GAP LEFT UNFILLED

I didn’t know what a penis was until I was almost finished with 6th grade. Actually, I had no idea that it existed. Having no brothers to accidentally expose me to that fact, I believed that all people were in possession of vaginas. The dreaded fifth grade “Just Around the Corner” video, with its catchy jingle that heralded the most awkward hour of any fifth grader’s life, merely glossed over the anatomy of a female body and didn’t go into any detail about male genitalia. And so I went on in this naïve bubble.

The moment Johnny’s* parents found out he was gay, they all sat down and prayed. Raised in a particularly religious home, Johnny’s sex education had been limited to abstinence-only rhetoric from his parents and one unit of biology-focused SPMS curriculum. Ironically, his first sexual partner was a boy from his church. Together they had two religious households and little comprehensive education on same-sex intercourse. Johnny describes his first sexual experience as painful and substantially jarring.

This ignorance could have gone on longer was it not for a neighbor dropping by with a heap of books for me to sift through before they went to Goodwill. Out of the stack, I chose a cheery yellow book with a palm tree on it, not expecting the risqué adult romance story I’d get—something of a rude awakening. The book is still rotting somewhere in my backyard, where I buried it in sheer embarrassment lest my parents find it and read the explicit contents, because I was convinced that I would get into trouble.

“I am never going to do this again,” thought Johnny as he mulled over the encounter. Eventually, both Johnny and his partner became more comfortable with themselves, but not without the aid of numerous online forums for same-sex partners and a “learn by doing” attitude. Johnny’s sexuality limited the sex education he received on many fronts. First off, his parents were both unwilling and incapable of providing Johnny with any useful information. Even after they found out he was gay, they only ever advised him not to get anyone pregnant.

My parents both grew up in a socially rigid society that shamed women who dated more than one man, and where couples remained virgins until marriage. Most children go through the ritual of having an embarrassing talk with their parents about sex, but mine never taught me anything about sex, and neither did I ever expect them to. The majority of my sex education was self-taught, learned through the internet. I found myself doing extensive research to cover the gaps in my knowledge.

Where school should have picked up the slack from an inadequate home education, Johnny felt that the middle school-level curriculum gave no clear answers on how to have pleasurable gay sex.

In high school, Johnny has avoided taking Health in hopes that older classmates will offer a more mature environment TO ASK questions about same-sex intercourse.

By eighth grade, I knew more than many of my friends: about consent and about protection from STDs. For me, the more I researched, the more I was confused about why it was such a taboo topic. Why didn’t my parents talk to me about it? The fact that I went eleven years without even realizing that men had different genitalia than woman spoke to the amount society avoided speaking about sex than actually giving students necessary knowledge

Even popular culture, and its severe lack of representation of male gay sex, neglected to serve as any kind of a last resort. Johnny has become painfully aware of how heteronormativity in mainstream media fails to normalize homosexual sex.

The school did give me information about sex during the summer Health course, but I found it lacking and more reliant on scare tactics to keep teens abstinent. Personally, I think my own sex education worked out well for me in the end. Where the school and my family failed me, I had to step in myself, and for me, that turned out fine. But I wouldn’t wish that upon other children, or my own. I think I deserved a real education, not one kickstarted by badly-written erotica, and others do too.

Tiger Newspaper administered AN anonymous survey to 5th period students and collected 629 responses. Non-responses were not tallied or included in the results shown ABOVE.

Johnny wishes that what little formal sex education he had would have answered his inquiries on “how” rather than “what” questions. He believes that all people should be well informed about same-sex intercourse in an open and inclusive environment. This, he believes, would allow more people to be empowered about all aspects of their identity and allow for a more accepting society. In Johnny’s eye’s, debunking myths about homosexual sex is the solution to de-stigmatizing same-sex partnerships and making sex healthier for everyone.

FEATURE

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

SANFORD’S OVERTLY ORDINARY DINNER PARTY SANDY GROSSMAN

The Crown and “strong” female characters

RUSS CAMPBELL shows off only a small fraction of his vast collection of spectacles. Old Focals first location opened in Old Town Pasadena, expanding to South Pasadena in 2014.

South Pas native’s dream realized with Old Focals South Pas shop helps Hollywood stars see roles through a new lens STORY & PHOTOGRAPH MAYA WILLIAMSON Russ Campbell opened Old Focals’ South Pasadena location in 2014, but his obsession with vintage glasses began over 30 years ago. Like many great journeys, it all started with a dream.

J. Edgar as well as television shows including Mad Men, Blackish, and Grey’s Anatomy. Actors like Johnny Depp, and Rainn Wilson can constantly be seen sporting Old Focals’ eyewear on-screen and off.

“I saw this man bouncing a baby on his knee, and he was wearing really cool sunglasses and then he put them on the baby, and then I thought ‘Oh wow,’” Campbell said.

Campbell is always looking for ways to expand their reach in the fashion industry but would still like to keep the perks of having a small business. Their operation currently includes only Campbell and four employees to run two display shops and an online store. In addition, Campbell is constantly in and out of film studios and meeting with celebrities for fittings, meaning he works around the clock to satisfy clients from around the world. Even when he spoke to Tiger, Campbell was working, putting matte finishes on a few pairs of glasses that had to be sent out to Florida that day.

At the time, Campbell had been waking up at 2:00 every morning to document his dreams; he remembers asking the old man, “Hey, can I see those old focals?” The very next day he bought a box of old glasses and started turning them into sunglasses in his parents’ South Pas garage. Campbell’s passion quickly flourished. He began buying out entire collections from flea markets, thrift stores, and old optical shops to expand his collection. Currently, Russ owns several warehouses and two walk-in locations to store thousands of glasses, some dating all the way back to the 1940s. Old Focals’ impressive collection of New Old Stock, glasses that were made in 1940-1960 but have never been worn, have caught the attention of many of Hollywood’s prop masters for film and television sets. Since supplying all of the glasses for Jeff Bridge’s film, Tucker: A Man and His Dream in 1988, Campbell’s glasses can be seen all over the entertainment business. Some of the most notable projects they have worked on include high-profile films such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and

Out & About

Despite his busy schedule, however, Campbell still dedicates himself to being a salesman at his Mission Street store. “I love interaction,” he said. “I love framing the face, and then bringing out a person’s personality or another side of them” Though the style and authenticity of his glasses are what attract so many to Old Focals, its Campbell’s expertise and enthusiasm for vintage eyewear that make the sale. Old Focals 1110 Mission St. South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 799-7073

Some time ago, the collective consciousness of informed television viewers picked up on the distinct lack of good female characters among the throng of interesting and nuanced male characters starring in their mainstream programming. Writers started taking steps to combat this problem by creating more three-dimensional women for their shows. However, it seems the vast majority of writers began operating under the mistaken assumption that “good female character” is synonymous with “strong female character.” Greater writers than I have gone more in depth on this idea, but the Cliffnotes version reads as follows: female characters can only be high achieving, hyper-competent bada**es in order to be considered good characters. This may be because writers in this male-dominated industry are more comfortable, and better at, writing this type of woman, or perhaps because they were attempting to make up for the decades of portraying women as docile props for male protagonists. While there is nothing wrong with the idea of a strong female character, it should not come at the expense of seeing other types of women represented on television. And Netflix’s absurdly wonderful show The Crown stands as testament to the fact that “good” does not have to mean “strong.” The series, which depicts the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, portrays the monarch as a woman who is anything but hypercompetent. She is insecure. She is pushed around by her family and her political advisors. She does not want to change the world nor make any of the monumental decisions she is forced to make. She is a “weak” character. And she is likable and flawed and well-rounded and, above all, incredibly human. She does not fit the typical idea of a strong character, as she is not especially determined or incredibly skillful. But she is still a good character. That is important. Because “weak” female characters are important and necessary. While unwaveringly strong female characters are welcomed some of the time, they should not be the only kind of woman represented on TV. There should also be the kind who are unsure when faced with huge choices or find it hard to stand resolute in the face of the impossible. The kind like Elizabeth II.

Tiger’s take on local eats and activities. Take one of our suggestions for a Valentine’s Day adventure.

STORY RACHEL LU

EVENTS Valentine’s Weekend at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a festival of sweets, sights, and exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy a selection of Tea Room truffles and pastries and even buy a vibrant camellia bloom this Saturday and Sunday.

FOOD Treat your sweetheart to a delicious and affordable meal at the local South Pasadena favorite, Union Bakery on Fair Oaks. A selection of house-made sandwiches paired with coffee and fresh-baked pastries make for a picturesque Valentine’s Day lunch.

GIFT SHOPS Tucked away on a Mission Street corner is Hotbox Vintage, a charmingly cozy boutique filled with racks of retro finds. The Hotbox Vintage shop does its name justice with a variety of quality clothing and eclectic jewelry, perfect gifts for the upcoming holiday.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

THE OSCARS

be st pictu re

be s t c i n e mat o g r ap h y

With a record-tying 14 Oscar nominations and a deluge of rave reviews, La La Land is the film of the season. Director Damien Chazelle recreates the time-honored Old Hollywood musical with a contemporary flair while paying homage to the film’s setting: Los Angeles. The stars of the film, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, play off each others’ performances in colorful dance sequences and jazz numbers that showcase their unmistakable chemistry. Stunning visuals and larger-than-life special effects are shot in Cinemascope, creating a vibrant movie-going experience. Even with deeply sentimental films such as Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea as competition, La La Land is a stand-alone triumph due to its stellar soundtrack and extraordinary fusion of modern and classic.

Moonlight is a visually stunning movie. Thanks to the use of high contrast and selective lighting, James Laxton’s cinematographic vision pops as a perfect companion to the emotional struggles of the film’s main cast. This style of camerawork and editing creates a powerful visual tension that illustrates the inherent natural beauty of the world that surrounds the dirty and unforgiving life of a lower class boy in the slums of modern Miami. The manipulation of color grade emphasises every shade, from the characters’ skin to the streets, graffiti, walls, and trees. This use of bright colors makes the nightmarish beauty of Miami come to life, highlighting every painful detail. Laxton is running up against career cinematographer and previous Oscar nominee Rodrigo Prieto for his gorgeous portrayal of coastal Japan in Silence, but the uniquely potent employment of contrast, color, and lighting assure Laxton victory.

‘moonlight’

‘la la land’

oscars the

With the summation of the Golden Globes, Oscar season is in full swing. Tiger shares their predictions for the six main categories of the 89th Academy Awards. page by Michael Stukan text by Dashiel Bove & Rachel Lu illustrations by Angelica Navarro

best su pportin g act o r

be s t s u p p or t i n g ac t r e s s

Mahershala Ali drives the first third of the heart-wrenching Moonlight, with a performance that is both poignant and deeply impactful. Ali portrays Juan, a drug dealer desiring to help a young boy with his mother’s addiction. Ali’s performance is overflowing with a touching compassion that breaths life into a man trying to both make a living in a cruel business and be a good person. Ali is competing against veteran actor Michael Shannon, whose performance as a detective in Nocturnal Animals carries the actor’s trademark intensity and presence, as well as actor Dev Patel, with a potent performance in Lion as a young Indian man whose separation from his biological mother has tortured him since childhood. However, Ali’s passion and humanity will ultimately earn him the little golden statue.

Six years after receiving a Tony for her portrayal of Rose in Fences, Viola Davis has returned to the role with a cinematic depiction of the character. The ’50s set drama explores one family’s life in a predominantly black, lower-class Pittsburgh neighborhood as well as the legacy that a father leaves for his son. However, with a Pulitzer prize, the film’s real star is its sensationally timeless writing which Davis brings to life. Her heart-wrenching deliverance of monologues is made even more shattering by the outpouring of tears and immense emotion, truly defining her character’s struggle. Through Davis’ powerful performance, the audience is presented with more than memorable acting; they witness is an actress who understands the lines absolutely.

mahershala ali

be st ac t o r

casey affleck

Manchester by the Sea is a devastatingly emotional journey built around an array of phenomenal performances. At the center of the film is Casey Affleck’s brooding Lee Chandler. Chandler suddenly becomes the guardian of his nephew after losing his brother to a heart attack. Affleck creates a complex character in his navigation through grief and connection with his 16-year-old nephew. His emergence into the spotlight is well-deserved following a Best Supporting Actor nomination in 2008 for The Assassination of James Jesse by the Coward Robert Ford. Denzel Washington is a close second with his powerful performance in Fences, but Affleck’s complete embodiment of the character in Manchester by the Sea will earn him the Oscar.

viola davis

be s t ac t r e s s

natalie portman

Natalie Portman’s heartfelt portrayal of Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy, one of America’s most beloved First Ladies, in Pablo Larrain’s Jackie is intensely emotional and deeply touching. Portman captures the essence of a woman caught in the political fallout of her husband’s sudden and violent assassination while simultaneously dealing with the grief of two stillborn children. This isn’t to say that Portman is the only great actress of 2016; she is fighting against Ruth Negga who turned in a near perfect performance as a black woman dealing with the deep seeded prejudices following her marriage to a white man. While Negga and Portman both turn in powerful performances, Portman’s chances at the Oscar gold are greater thanks to the historical importance of her character.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

FEATURE

Couple Profiles:

Tiger’s Valentine’s Month take on two of the cutest couples at SPHS Robert Steele and Bailey Wu seemed to be destined to be together. They first crossed paths at the tender ages of two and three at cross country alumni camp, as both of their parents had taken part in the South Pas program during their time in high school. It would be another twelve years until their paths crossed again, coming back full circle, meeting again in cross country.

ROBERT STEELE & BAILEY WU

What makes this duo such a unique couple is their striking resemblance, personality-wise. People say that opposites attract, but this isn’t the case with Bailey and Robert. They share the same awkwardness that made the weeks leading up to their inevitable togetherness slightly uncomfortable. They courted each other for an entire year before admitting their mutual attraction, took yet another two weeks to start dating, avoiding the subject because they were unsure of what was to come. Bailey and Robert’s relationship could be accurately summarized by their first kiss: taking a whole day to debate whether they wanted to risk their friendship for something more, before Bailey finally broke the doubt by kissing Robert at the end of the day.

STORY DAVID SEO PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA

After the two clicked, they quickly became an inseparable pair. They fit seamlessly into each other’s families and lives: traveling, cooking, running, and essentially spending every free minute with each other. Perhaps the most quintessential Bailey and Robert scene is them napping together post-practice with their dogs, enjoying even the silent moments—content in each other’s presence. “Of course, I’m happy just being around Robby—he’s such a dork in the best way,” Bailey said. “But it’s also nice to have someone to try out new things with, and Robby’s endless curiosity means I’m never bored.” Their common desire to explore is embodied by a bucket list they created even before their relationship began. Beginning with a smattering of anime movies and shows they wanted to watch, the list expanded to include exciting and increasingly bigger prospects. This directory of fun has taken them tandem biking in San Diego, skiing in Mammoth, and swing dancing and exploring the food venues throughout Los Angeles.

THE INSEPARABLE PAIR has been together for over a year, often found spending hours on end talking and taking naps.

As the two reached their one-year anniversary this past January, they continue to appreciate both the small and big moments together. Although their futures are unclear as Robert goes into college, they plan on making the most of the world—running hand in hand.

EMILY GILBOW & JOHN HEATH STORY SANDRA MOORE PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA The beginning of their relationship, like all middle school relationships, was bumbling and awkward. It sparked under the watchful eyes of the many Mickey Mouse figurines in Mr. Buhler’s classroom and solidified in the ever-romantic War Memorial building during the 8th grade Winter Formal, all the way back in 2013. Four years is a length of time not many high school relationships can boast, but is a trophy that seniors Emily Gilbow and John Heath claim proudly. Students may know them from their first place Winter Formal proposal video, in which John tasked Emily with completing a scavenger hunt of their most memorable moments. In many ways, they are polar opposites. Emily is of the humanities persuasion, landing a job at Vroman’s when her daily visits finally spurred the manager to offer her a job. Her love for French transcends the traditional classroom setting to the point where her phone’s default language is French, much to the consternation of others attempting to use her device. Where Emily prefers language and literature, John prefers music and science, playing the guitar in SPHS’s very own Frozen Gummies and is currently interning at Caltech. However, the couple acknowledge that it is their differences that make their relationship as strong as it is. “We actually liked different people when we started our relationship,” Emily said. “But we were best friends, and we thought it’d be nice to have a date to Winter Formal. And then we decided it would be nice to date each other even though we liked other people. And then we stopped liking different people. We skipped

that awkward phase where we tiptoed around each other’s flaws, because if we broke up, it wasn’t serious anyway. From the beginning, we were our real selves. We were so different, and we thought it wouldn’t work out.” Inevitably, having such clashing personalities led to arguments. The first six months especially were fraught with fights as they struggled to balance their differing dispositions and form a healthy relationship. “Our relationship is partly so strong because of a trust we have developed over the years,” John said. “We learned to deal with issues head first, instead of letting them simmer. These experiences taught us that we need to take it day by day, and we can’t assume everything will turn out fine.” It’s not uncommon to find them in their spare time watching Norwegian show Skam or baking cookies—or, more truthfully, John baking while Emily steadily eats them. He may get bored when she rambles about YA novels, and she may doze off a little when he plucks at the guitar endlessly, but four years later, the magic’s still there.

“We were so different, and we thought it wouldn’t work out... [But] we learned to deal with issues head first, instead of letting them simmer.”

THE LAST WINTER FORMAL of seniors Emily Gilbow and John Heath took place on the Queen Mary.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

FEATURE

TAAGLAA: The Great Wall of LA TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

STORY MAYA WILLIAMSON PHOTOGRAPH THOMAS FORMAN For centuries Los Angeles’s ethnic and racial diversity has defined the city as a vessel for history and culture. So, in a time when the President has continuously made promises to build walls to divide us, Ashton Carless, Thomas Foreman and I set out to one of Los Angeles’ most remarkable cultural landmarks, the Great Wall of LA This mural, in contrast to Trump’s wall, celebrates diversity, dedicating its entire half-mile length to recognizing the struggles and contributions of immigrants, women, and ethnic peoples. The Great Wall of LA was the Social and Public Art Resource Center’s (SPARC) first public art project in 1974. Its vision was to beautify the Tujunga Flood Control Channel of the San Fernando Valley with a mural and accompanying mini park and bike path. The project’s mural was painted by over 400 of Los Angeles’ youth and work towards expanding it continues today.

The Great Wall is hard to miss. Though the mural is painted below ground level on the side of the cement covered flood channel, the bold paints can still be seen from the road. After climbing out of the car we soon realized we had parked on the wrong end of the mural. We considered driving down to Burbank Blvd. where the mural begins, but instead decided to walk the length of the mural from the end to beginning, viewing the history of California in reverse sequence. Beginning with the image of a young runner carrying a torch to represent the athletes who overcame tremendous obstacles to win at the 1964 Olympic games, we slowly walked along the chain link fence, quietly immersing ourselves further back in time. The beautifully painted wall features important historical events like the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, and Japanese

internment camps. It also shed light onto lesser-known parts of California’s history not commonly depicted in our history books. Afterwards we decided to have lunch at Marv’s Deli, a nearby restaurant and catering business, family owned since 1954. Though Marv’s was suspiciously empty for the prime lunch time rush, the food certainly did not disappoint. Each of us ordered classic sandwiches, crafted with the help of Herman, the friendly owner who kept us entertained throughout our meal with witty banter. Going into the trip, I was worried that our group dynamic would be weird considering my unfamiliarity with both boys. However, we found that the historical outing sparked conversations about our own cultural origins and allowed us to bond over our shared love of LA.

After weeks of gray skies and a stressful week of finals, our trip was blessed with warm sunny weather, perfect for our scenic outing. We didn’t talk much on the 30 minute ride to Valley Glen, instead choosing to utilize Thomas’ superior sound system to blast Ashton’s fantastic Spotify playlist.

HISTORY IS DOCUMENTED on the Great Wall of LA. The section of the wall shown above depicts the internment of Japanese Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II.

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Wishes All South Pasadena High School Students a

…and don’t forget to always smile bigger! 1414 FAIR OAKS AVE. SUITE #7, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030 www.SMILEHAUSORTHO.COM

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

SPORTS

Boys’ basketball falls to San Marino on the road STORY MATT WAKUMOTO PHOTOGRAPH TUCKER JUDKINS After being eliminated from CIF contention, the boys’ basketball team continued to stumble down the league rankings with a 45-38 loss to the rival San Marino Titans on Tuesday, February 7. Despite being down for a significant portion of the game, the resilient Tigers continued to fight using their physicality in the paint and clutch outside shooting. South Pasadena players expended much of their energy while struggling to compensate for their lack of height in the first half. Senior captains Matt Scholtz and Lucas Fox accounted for all of South Pas’ 16 points in the first eight minutes of regulation. Strong ball movement gave Scholtz lanes to dominate and Fox space to work beyond the arc. The duo used heightened strength to command their will upon staggering San Marino players and create a sense of power amongst South Pas players.

SENIOR MATT SCHOLTZ drives on the San Marino defense in the paint.

Overall however, the team’s effort was foiled by bad shot selection and sloppy turnovers as the Tigers ventured into the second quarter. The Titans pummeled South Pas

with well-executed plays and excellent penetration down court. By the time junior Danny Rios was able to respond with a three, San Marino had extended their lead to ten points. The Tigers clawed back behind a big performance from Scholtz. They displayed their will to compete, while playing scrappy basketball in the paint and wearing down the Titans’ coverage. The captain finished an alley oop, and defied his typical style of play in order to hit an open three in a following run. The Tigers attempts’ to cut the lead were usually fruitless, resulting in jarred balls and choppy possessions. South Pas’ offense revolved around the combination of Fox and Scholtz, who silenced a stirring Titan audience with clutch threes. As time faded, South Pas’ stabs at the Titans became more sloppy, with dangerous gambles producing mixed results. While the team did manage to reduce the lead to three points, they could not perform against the Titans’ press and overpowering physicality. For coverage on the most recent game against La Cañada on Thursday, February 9, visit tigernewspaper.com.

Wrestling concludes undermanned season at 0-4 STORY ELIZABETH BOCK PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA The Tigers put up an admirable effort during their month-long season, competing in four league meets and five tournaments. The team performed spectacularly at several tournaments, sending juniors Sebastian Chinen (152 lb) and Irvin Perez (120 lb), along with senior Brayan Quintana (195 lb) to place at every tournament. Furthermore, Chinen and Perez qualified for the San Fernando Tournament finals, finishing in second and fourth place, respectively. The Tigers’ 0-4 record against La Canada, Hoover,

San Marino, and Monrovia was due largely to a lack of bodies. During the 2014-15 season, the team had 39 competitors, but as more members graduated, the number of players gradually dwindled down to 20. With almost half the team size, the Tigers were forced to forfeit, on average, six different weight categories. South Pas especially struggled in the 113, 140, 160, 170, 182, and heavyweight classes. The Tigers may have lost all four league matches, but they were still able to send four varsity members to CIF. Chinen, Perez, and Quintana placed first in league while sophomore Seung Ham (106 lb) followed in third. Finals took place on Wednesday, February 8, hosted by Monrovia High School.

SENIOR BRAYAN QUINTANA locks his opponent’s head with brute strength as he goes for the pin.

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

SPORTS

Girls’ soccer secures win over rival San Marino SOPHOMORE ALYSSA BONK anticipates the ball as the Tigers vie to take the lead. This matchup was a major morale booster for the team as the season comes to a close.

STORY DAVID SEO PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ GRAPHICS TRUMAN LESAK The girls’ varsity soccer team completed a narrow 2-1 victory at home over San Marino on Tuesday, February 7. Both Titans and Tigers alike fought tooth and nail to beat the other out, but South Pas’ outstanding defense and assertive offense would secure the win, putting its overall season record at 7-5-3 and its league record at 3-3-1. The Tigers swiftly captured control, thanks to sophomore midfielders Uma Hornish and Rainey Tilley and freshman midfielder Corey Segal. Each of them demonstrated their effortless expertise, weaving and passing through the Titan defense and setting up multiple goal shots. Although they could not muster a goal in the first half, the unwavering South Pas guard lead by senior defenders Amelia De Young and Sara Jaime prevented San Marino from producing any opportunities. In fact, De Young would thwart almost every Titan endeavor sent her way, catapulting herself up to meet each ball. If emotions were intense in the first half, then they multiplied tenfold as the girls dove into the following period. The Tigers fumbled a bit towards the beginning, but quickly found their footing and struck back. Fifteen minutes in, junior defender Riley Segal took advantage of a free kick and launched the ball in a flawless arc into the goal. However, their joy was short lived, as the Titans used their anger to begin a ruthless attack. The Tiger defense and goalkeeper Noemi Howland were able to block two consecutive goal shots from San Marino but could not find composure during a successive Titan corner, which was headed cleanly into the net. With only three minutes left, hopes of winning seemed to be lost. But, in a breakthrough moment, C. Segal capitalized on the Titan

overconfidence and brought the ball across the field to the San Marino net. Totally open, C. Segal let loose a powerful kick and nabbed the Tigers the last minute win. “Words cannot describe how happy and pleased with my team I am. We were able to pass and connect the ball, we were communicating well, and everything seemed to be flowing right today,” co-captain De Young said. For coverage on the CIF determining match against La Cañada on Thursday, February 9, visit tigernewspaper.com.

Player Profiles:

Outstanding SPHS Athletes exemplify the best of South Pas

SEBASTIAN CHINEN STORY BRANDON YUNG PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA

THE DETERMINED ATHLETE learns from every wrestling experience while improving his technique.

Junior Sebastian Chinen usually ends his wrestling matches with an early pin. This season, Chinen has gone undefeated in league duels for his 152 lb weight class. His success in the sport comes from his capacity for perseverance — the most principal discipline required in the rigorous competition that is wrestling.

held together, and his back almost touching the mat. Sebastian explained how, at that moment, he noticed the lights of the gym become distant, and he remembered advice from his coach.

A week ago, Sebastian pulled out his phone and showed me a video of his last match at Morro Bay, a tournament featuring some of the best wrestlers in California. The match was the second day of the tournament at the quarter finals. The high caliber of contention between Chinen and his opponent was apparent; the match went back and forth for the entirety of the first period. Chinen was finally caught in a cradle, his head and legs

Although the final match was ultimately lost, it was a victory in a sense for Chinen, having been able to learn from the best in the state. He now takes that lesson to the mat back in South Pasadena, practicing for league finals. Chinen is setting his scope on the Master’s tournament, a competition one tier below the final state wrestling tournament. He is currently honing his mind and body for the competition ahead.

“Getting pinned is a state of mind,” Chinen recalled. “So I got out.”

JALYNNE LI Li is a four-time varsity basketball athlete STORY RILEY SEGAL PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ Senior Jalynne Li played her first basketball game as a first grader in a parks and recreation league. Since then, she has gone on to compete for the San Gabriel Valley and JAO Mustangs basketball clubs. Upon arriving at SPHS, Li quickly became an integral part of the varsity basketball team. Li’s dedication and passion earned her a spot on varsity as a freshman, and she was named captain as a junior, carrying that title to her senior year. With natural leadership and playmaking abilities, Li is easily recognizable as a dominant player on the court. The Commissioner of Athletics is

one of South Pas’ strongest scorers and fastest ball-handlers. This prowess has earned Li multiple Rio Hondo accolades, such as Honorable Mention as a freshman and junior, and Second Team her sophomore year. Li is the calming factor of the team, always knowing what to say when players succumb to pressure. Her easy-going, intelligent demeanor builds confidence in her teammates. Her perky personality shines through, whether Li is presenting pre-game poems or acting as a friendly mediator. “We all look up to her so much, not only as a captain and teammate, but as a friend who we can go to for anything,” teammate junior Tiffany Holmes said. “It is important to build relationships on and off the court, and that is what Jae has done for all her teammates by being so supportive.”

THE TWO-YEAR CAPTAIN leads the team as a skilled ballhandler and morale booster in her final basketball season.

SPORTS

TIGER FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Boys’ soccer beats Titans for fifth straight Win STORY RYAN NAKAMURA PHOTOGRAPH KEVIN HUANG

IN THE MIDST OF A TIE GAME Junior Hank Rainey bodies a striker in an attempt to steal the ball.

JV Sports:

A review of junior varsity athletic feats

BOYS’ BASKETBALL JV boys’ basketball fell to the San Marino Titans on Tuesday, February 7. The 41-36 loss featured marquee performances from sophomores Ryan Chuang and Addison Hsiao, who scored eleven and eight points, respectively. The game was their second to last of the season, leaving their record at 1-7 prior to the La Cañada matchup.

BOYS’ SOCCER Boys’ JV soccer notched up another win against school rival San Marino after routing the Titans with a final score of 10-0 last Tuesday, February 7. “It always feels great beating our rival in the way we did it,” freshman Tianhao Wei said. The team improved their record to 3-2-3 with one final matchup against La Cañada on Thursday, February 9.

The boys’ varsity soccer team claimed its seventh league victory with a 3-1 win over San Marino on Wednesday, February 7. This triumph cinched the Tigers’ second place standing in league, securing a position in CIF playoffs with a 7-2 league record behind the first place La Cañada Spartans. The boys struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, and the Titans kept the majority of play on South Pas’ side. Senior goalkeeper Kevin Foster deftly blocked a majority of the rapid-fire shots on goal,

until a San Marino striker finally lofted the ball into the net midway through the half. South Pas came back into the second half with a sense of urgency, being down 1-0. After only three minutes of play, junior Jack Renken finally put the Tigers on the board with a breakaway goal. A few minutes later, Renken would score another goal off of a free kick to give South Pas the lead at 2-1. Renken would complete the hat trick late in the game with a final insurance goal to solidify a 3-1 score.

“Against San Marino, we relaxed a little too much in the first half, and when we did that we left areas open on the field where the other team scored from,” Head Coach Juan Zurita said. “The good thing about our team is that we have players on the bench as well as the starters who can help change the shape of the game.” For coverage of the team’s most recent game on the road against the La Cañada Spartans on Thursday, February 9, head over to tigernewspaper.com.

Girls’ basketball battles back to defeat San Marino STORY RILEY SEGAL INFOGRAPH TRUMAN LESAK

and fending off Titan attacks, the Tigers were victorious 43-34.

The girls’ varsity basketball team defeated rival San Marino 43-34 on Tuesday, February 7. This win secures the girls’ second place standing in Rio Hondo with an 8-1 league record and 14-8 overall record.

“We want to make it as far as we can in CIF,” Lin said. “We moved up a division but I think we have it in us to go far.”

The Tigers were slow to start, and San Marino grabbed an early lead. South Pas battled back from an eight point deficit in the second quarter to tie the game. Both teams remained even until the end of the first half, though the Titans drained a final three pointer to put the score at 23-20, with the Tigers trailing.

Check tigernewspaper.com for coverage on the team’s most recent matchup against La Ca Cañada on Thursday, February 9. Following this final league game, the Tigers will look to make a deep CIF run.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL The girls’ junior varsity basketball team held a 6-1 season record going into its game against La Cañada, on Thursday, February 9, where they competed for the co-league champion title. The Tigers boast aggressive offense and solid defense. “Our team strengths include our hard work and our ability to play really well together,” freshman Emily Newhall said.

GIRLS’ SOCCER The junior varsity girls’ soccer team has a 2-4-1 record in league. The girls played their final league game against La Cañada on Thursday, February 9. “I’m so proud of everyone on our team. We really played our hardest at all our games, and we really became a strong family unit,” junior Ashley Rusch said.

GIRLS’ WATER POLO The girls’ junior varsity water polo team ended the season with a win against La Cañada, bringing their overall record to 5-4. The team was made up of new and experienced athletes, including talent from the swim team. Their success can be attributed to a strong team dynamic through early practices and ‘dryland’ workouts.

WRESTLING The JV wrestling team fared similarly to varsity and ended the season with an 0-4 record. The squad was made up of primarily underclassmen, with an occasional member moving up to wrestle at the varsity level. The team hopes to bring more members up and successfully replace graduating seniors next season.

The girls quickly recovered their lost momentum at the beginning of the third quarter. Sophomore Flannery Clark made a drive to the basket and garnered two additional points off of free throws soon after. Senior captains Jalynne Li and Jade Lin provided strong defense for South Pas, with several blocks and steals each. Offensively, senior captain Juliana Tom was the Tigers’ dominant force, muscling through defenders on her way to the hoop. After two quarters of fighting back

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