VOLUME 103 ISSUE III NOVEMBER 8, 2016
IN THE NEWS
SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030
Tiger
TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM
WALKING SHIELD
COFFEE AND POETRY
TELESCOPE NIGHT
FBLA and SkillsUSA are filling backpacks with clothing for Native American children through November 28.
Tunnel Magazine is hosting an Open Mic event on Friday, November 18 at Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea.
The Astronomy Club hopes to view Saturn’s rings and the moon at their Telescope Night this Thursday.
IN A CHANGE OF PACE, Senior Owen Keith makes SPHS history as the first winner of the Homecoming Court crown who is not a woman. Keith was crowned during halftime of the football game, as part of the outer space-themed ceremony.
Homecoming promotes school spirit Homecoming 2016 breaks and upholds tradition STORY RACHEL LU PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ The annual Homecoming celebration at South Pasadena High School involved students in a series of spiritcentered activities on Friday, November 4th. The day featured an assembly, picnic, and dance, all centered around the Royal Tiger Court and the student body. The festivities culminated with the announcement of the 2016 Royal Tiger during the football game halftime show. The activities began with an assembly to introduce the 2016 Royal Tiger Court. ASB videos highlighted the Court’s interests and promoted the outer space theme. Each member of this year’s gender-inclusive court was then escorted to the stage, where they were asked informal questions about their personal tastes and preferences.
After classes, students attended the Homecoming Picnic, which featured over 50 different booths along Diamond Ave manned by clubs and other campus organizations. Students purchased food and items ranging from InN-Out burgers to mini succulent plant pots. Additional activities included a bungee run and an escape room from the Gaming Club and Cross Country team, respectively. “I went for a food festival type of location, which really paid off [since] people enjoyed the variety of food choices and the new carnival games,” Commissioner of Clubs Danielle Lee said. Later that night, the football game halftime show showcased the SPHS Marching Band and Color Guard
as well as members of the Advanced Dance team. Each Court member was escorted onto the field by family as part of the ceremony. 2015 Homecoming Queen and SPHS alumna Sheridan Nansen then announced this year’s Homecoming Royal Tiger, senior Owen Keith. “A few months ago, I would not have imagined myself as part of the court,” Keith said, reflecting on the day’s events. “I’ll really cherish this as an incredible high school memory.” Festivities continued after the game with the “Dancing with the Stars” Homecoming Dance, which included a photo booth, laser tag, and a DJ from KIIS FM. The dance marked the end of the Homecoming day celebration.
SENIOR PRINCESS
SENIOR PRINCESS
AMELIA DeYOUNG
SOPHIA LOPEZ
DeYoung would like to become an oncology nurse and enjoys dancing and playing soccer.
Lopez loves spending time with her family and aspires to teach English to Hispanic immigrants.
DISREGARDING ACTIVISM
AN EXPECTED TREASURE
FOOTBALL LOSES ON HOMECOMING
Tiger Staff analyzes the major impacts of trivializing small-scale social injustices and everyday activism
Read Dashiel Bove’s opinions on Doctor Strange, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Tigers fell 46-16 to Monrovia but will face Aquinas in CIF on Friday, November 11th
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NEWS
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
SPHS students meet with State Board of Education
Decathlon aims for third straight county championship
STORY RILEY SEGAL South Pasadena students presented proposals on education reform to the California State Board of Education through the Student Advisory Board on Education (SABE) in Sacramento on November 2. Over fifty student delegates from across California attended the four-day long conference, including the eight from South Pasadena, as well as two from China. Through SABE, students came together to identify issues in the public K-12 education system and drafted proposals for reforms in specific areas of the system. Such suggested amendments were primarily focused on students as the main stakeholders in their education. The State Board of Education makes recommendations to local school boards across the state, and forms committees and task forces that aid in overseeing educational issues locally, like the implementation of Common Core curriculum and the appropriate use of technology. The proposals that students present are taken into consideration by the board and often pursued; this year, one group recommended the creation of an ongoing committee to oversee the use of technology in schools, emphasizing the importance of having student members serve on the committee. During the presentation, the board verbally committed to implementing that recommendation. The board will consider and respond to other proposals throughout the year. The delegates at SABE also elect three finalists for the position of Student Board Member on the State Board of Education. This is an important part of the conference, as the elected student serves year-round as the representative to the board of all public school students in California. “SABE shows how students themselves can create the change they want to see in the world,” senior Anthony Chen, who staffed the Student Advisory Board as a Research Team member, said. “I think so often youth feel disenfranchised and powerless, but SABE turns the table and meaningfully involves youth in reform.”
THE TEAM PREPARES for the upcoming competition at one of their daily 7th period meetings. STORY SAMMY PARK PHOTOGRAPH THOMAS FORMAN The Academic Decathlon team is gearing up for its first county competition of the season on Saturday, November 12th. So far, the team has participated in scrimmages across Los Angeles County in preparation for the upcoming events. Academic Decathlon has shown its strength in previous competitions. At John Marshall High School, they placed third out of nine scrimmaging schools and continued their success with another third place finish at SPHS.
history, economics, music, and English. The tests each contain 50 questions, except for math, which contains 45. The subjective portion includes an interview, an essay, and a speech. For many students, the extensive content can seem daunting. “It’s important to stay calm before each event,” junior Dexter Hawes said, “but because our team is well-prepared, stress is not a huge factor.”
The team has opted for a rigorous study retreat leading up to the competition. This three-day study session is held in Westminster, California, and the students dedicate the entire retreat to preparing for the county event.
The theme for this year’s competition is World War II. The first day of the event will be dedicated to the speech, interview, and essay. The second day is reserved for the seven multiple choice tests.
Each competition is split into two categories: objective and subjective. The objective events consist of seven multiple choice tests, which cover math, science, history, art
Last year, the team took first place in all of Los Angeles county, and another win would mark their third consecutive county victory.
City welcomes new dog park The project reached completion in mid-October, nearly a year after its projected opening date STORY NATE RUDMAN PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA The brand new “South Paws-adena” dog park opened its gates on Saturday, November 5 with its “leash-cutting” ceremony. The park is at 650 Stone Street, near the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, and covers 23,000 square feet of land for dogs to play on. Dog parks have been created in Los Angeles and Pasadena, but South Paws-adena is the first park to allow dogs offleash in the city. When the park was approved, its completion date was set for late 2015, but construction was not finished until this October. The project’s total cost was $236,000, $232,000 of which was paid for by a grant from LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. The original maximum estimate for the park was half a million dollars.
KIDS AND CANINES alike enjoy the new South Pawsadena Dog Park, which was officially opened to the public on Saturday, November 5.
The park was tailored specifically to canine needs. It features play structures like the “Canine Castle”, a miniature castle for dogs to climb through, and places to sit, such as the “Biscuit Bench”. The park also sports a two tiered water fountain usable by humans and by dogs. In addition, it accommodates for different dog sizes with separated sections for both small and
large dogs. The park’s surface is made of compacted decomposed granite. Original blueprints planned for crushed granite, but concerns arose over the threat that crushed granite poses to dog’s paws. The decomposed option, however, is made of smaller pieces of rock, and is gentler on paws. “There was a lot of excitement, both from the dogs and their owners. It was really cool to see how much this meant to so many people,” junior Ashley Rusch said of the opening. “I think having a dog park in South Pas is so exciting because it encourages people to go out and interact with other dogs and their owners in a really welcoming, friendly environment.”
“I think having a dog park in South Pas is so exciting because it encourages people to go out and interact with other dogs and their owners in a really welcoming, friendly environment.”
NEWS
2017 Grad Bash to be held at Six Flags Magic Mountain G17 committee finalizes location following a senior survey STORY OONA FOLEY PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA The location of the first SPHS Grad Bash was announced on Monday. After several logistical complications, Six Flags Magic Mountain was reserved to host the event. Seniors on the Grad Night Committee responded to past years’ low turnouts with the decision to hold this year’s celebration at a popular amusement park. The seniors created proposals to hold the event at either Six Flags Magic Mountain or Universal Studios Hollywood, as were suggested by the Class of 2017 through a survey. However, the PTSA declined the proposals, as neither location was available to host an event on the night of graduation, as was required. Apart from the PTSA, the school district was concerned about liability issues, as students would still be enrolled in SPHS at the time of the event if it preceded graduation. “[The PTSA Board] suggested that since they could not support the proposal, that the committee plan a ‘Non-Sponsored’ event,” Helga Kuhn said. Kuhn is the former chair of the PTSA Grad Night Committee and current Chair of the G17 committee. The seniors who created the proposals took the advice and formed the G17, an event-coordinating committee separate from the PTSA. The G17’s event will be called the “Grad Bash,” to clarify its independence from the PTSA’s annual Grad Night. The group formed to plan a separate event at an amusement park selected by the senior class from a survey. Without the PTSA’s sponsorship or official approval, the G17 will conduct their own fundraising and are limited to social media to advertise the event. Seniors interested in volunteering for the G17 are welcome to contact them at 1helgasview@gmail.com, and may also visit the SPHS Grad Bash 2017 website for more information or donate online on the G17’s GoFundMe page.
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
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A NEW DIRECTION Members of the G17 committee have cut ties with the PTSA in order to host Grad Bash.
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TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
TAKING ON A HEALTHIER CANNABIS CULTURE
recreational marijuana use will soon become legal, but fear-mongering remains the only method used to educate the public about the widespread substance. PAGE ASHTON CARLESS & TRUMAN LESAK STORY BRANDON YUNG ILLUSTRATIONS ASHTON CARLESS
tudents at South Pasadena High School are caught in one of the largest cultural shifts in recent memory. A narcotic that, for decades, has been seen as a major threat to American well-being is now on the California ballot for legalization. Proposition 64, if passed, will make the recreational consumption of marijuana legal for citizens 21 and over. Most of the opposition to legalization, however, lies in the concern for minors and whether legalization will increase marijuana use in teenagers.
Past opponents to marijuana legalization in California concede to that the proposition will pass, and most polls indicate public support for legalization. The biggest argument against 64 is that teen use will rise if marijuana becomes more socially acceptable. The impacts on teenagers is not an ‘if’, but a ‘how’. Speculation and stigma surrounding the subject of marijuana still clouds understandings of how teens really see the drug. The actual impacts of legalization hinges on the relationship teenagers already have with the drug—a relationship defined through mainstream culture, adolescent curiosity, and cafeteria chatter. SPHS students are caught between the many tides and influences of Los Angeles. The pressures to succeed in a high performing school district are contrasted with the presence of an already existing marijuana culture, which has been helped by medicinal legalization in 1996.
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I honestly feel like [Marijuana] just makes things more fun, But when I’m not high, it doesn’t make me feel sad about the world.
Lucy* consumes marijuana recreationally. She is part of the demographic that makes up most high school users: balancing responsibility with the occasional escapism of a high. “I honestly feel like [marijuana] just makes things more fun,” Lucy said. “But when I’m not high it doesn’t make me feel sad about the world.” Lucy is well aware of the attitudes surrounding marijuana, and the possible negative long-term impacts it may have on the adolescent brain. She argues that, having already seen the impacts of recreational legalization, she is wellinformed and knows what she’s getting into. Having lived somewhere where recreational marijuana is legal before she moved to South Pasadena, she notes that the two locations already have very similar attitudes toward the drug. From her experience, recreational legalization has actually had discouraging effects on high schoolers. “Kids try to be cool. When you see a 50-year-old man it makes it seem less cool and less wild,” Lucy said. She notes that the medicinal availability of the drug has already put California on the same playing field as the state where she last lived. She recounted that a friend of her’s went to attain a medical marijuana card. Before giving a reason for the prescription, the licensed medical marijuana evaluator had already started writing the prescription. The biggest change that will occur, according to Lucy, won’t be a large rise in recreational use, but rather a new tax revenue for California. Part of the one billion dollar tax revenue that is projected
be generated by recreational sales will go toward marijuana education and abuse prevention programs. A large portion will also go toward combatting and preventing intoxicated driving, an unexplored frontier of possible regulations and guidelines. Because of the nature of marijuana, a driver’s blood could test positive for the psychoactive compound, but the driver could be entirely sober. Many consider marijuana less inhibiting than alcohol. A possible uptick in high drivers is a cause for worry, especially since there isn’t currently any way to tell if someone is inebriated, as well as the fact that marijuana serves as a medicine for many Californians. “I’ve probably driven faded five or six times,” said John*, a junior, while sitting on the Tiger Patio. John maintains a 4.0 GPA, and consumes recreational cannabis roughly five times a month. He belongs to the demographic that most concerns opponents of proposition: teenage drivers. “The statistics of driving while under the influence of alcohol they have a greater fatality rate, and you never hear about, oh, he was driving under the influence of weed and he died; it’s never like that big of a deal.”
The lack of information surrounding the drug has led teenagers to have to find out for themselves, encouraging the tendency of adolescent experimentation. While his decision about driving while high has the possibility of being very dangerous, John’s statement about statistics is true. There is a dire lack of research-based information about marijuana and how it affects people. More than anything else, teen marijuana use will be shaped by culture: everything from music videos to counseling office pamphlets. Current high schoolers have grown up witnessing an overwhelmingly successful cultural push against the harms of tobacco. The percent of teenagers who smoke cigarettes is at the lowest point it has been in 22 years. This is due, in large part, to the fact that anti-smoking campaigns used facts to make their case. With marijuana, public campaigns to ward off teen use have relied upon scare tactics and cultural stigma. Often, these tactics can have the opposite intended effect: imagery of drug addiction and poverty that has been assigned to marijuana becomes the fodder for teen curiosity. The lack of information surrounding the drug has led teenagers to have to find out for themselves, encouraging the tendency of adolescent experimentation. As the legalization of marijuana approaches realization in the coming months, a realistic approach to illicit adolescent use must be taken. Against the stereotype, it is shown that teenagers listen to facts. It’s time to do away with the smoke and mirrors that make up our cultural understanding of marijuana, and push for research, legislation, and campaigns that inform instead of scare. Proposition 64 will not increase teen use; instead, legalization has the opportunity to create a healthier marijuana culture. * Student names have been changed to protect their anonymity.
OPINION
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
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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 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. 3 DISTRIBUTED ON NOV 8, 2016. 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
The big effects of small-scale activism How belittling everyday activism prevents progress, reinforces outdated ideas, and excuses harmful language and policy The rapidly growing Free the Nipple Movement has brought together an army of topless protesters, sporting pink bandit masks and marching with signs in hand. United by the battle to decriminalize the female nipple, the campaign’s supporters receive constant criticism for supporting what is perceived as a “trivial” cause. But the movement is a part of a fight against larger social constructs: the oversexualization of the female body, victim blaming, and gender inequality. While restricting the freedom of the female nipple may not be as directly threatening as these constructs, it is a small part of the big picture—and any active opposition to these concepts is essential to greater progress. This domino-style strategy challenges oppressive ideology one step at a time. Recognizing the importance of the “little things” does not prevent one from addressing greater issues. It does not make any sense to let sexist microaggressions slide just because there are women in other countries who suffer more than most women in America. Faulting activists for taking action on issues that are tangible to them is unreasonable. It is only natural for people to take up causes that affect them or those around them. The push for political correctness is met with a similar resistance. Each person has the ability to choose their words with consideration to other people. Giving thought to the impact of everyday language does not mean that uninformed vocabulary is the most important issue facing the world today. This simply promotes being socially aware in the most basic form possible: communication.
SIGNED ARTICLES APPEARING IN TIGER REPRESENT THE WRITER’S OPINIONS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF, STUDENT BODY, FACULTY OR ADMINISTRATION OF SPHS.
TIGER’S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE NEWS OUTLET FOR SPHS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THROUGH A VARIETY OF COVERAGE, TIGER EMPOWERS/ENABLES STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, SOLVE PROBLEMS, SET AND REACH GOALS, AND WORK COOPERATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS. TIGER IS A FORUM FOR STUDENT FREE SPEECH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ED CODE 48907.
Encouraging people to think about the nuanced social constructs that they see in practice everyday, such as gender roles, leads to universal change in societal perception, and pointing out offensive language has merit. Acknowledging the implications behind language and policy is not oversensitive. These are the necessary first steps to making progress. Trivializing small scale social consciousness because there are “more dangerous things happening in the world” is simply a technique that helps people to feel justified in using hurtful words and enforcing oppressive policy.
“It does not make any sense to let sexist microaggressions slide just because there are women in other countries who suffer more than most women in America. Faulting activists for taking action on issues that are tangible to them is unreasonable. It is only natural for people to take up causes that affect them or those around them.”
Boos & Bravos
ORIGINAL STORIES WILL CARRY BYLINES, ALTHOUGH STORIES REWRITTEN BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL WRITER WILL NOT RECEIVE A BYLINE. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE BYLINES. CONTACT THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE AT (626) 441-5820 EXT. 2615 BETWEEN 8:00 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M. FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS. TIGER WELCOMES ARTICLES, LETTERS OR REBUTTALS FOR PUBLICATION IN THE PRINT AND ONLINE EDITIONS. ALL LETTERS MUST BE SIGNED AND VERIFIABLE, BUT NAMES WILL BE WITHHELD UPON REQUEST.
Words have weight and can carry hundreds of years of historical context with them. Labeling this consideration as being “oversensitive” disregards the pain that powerful words can inflict. Using harmful words often perpetuates the outdated ideas behind them, limiting progressive thought.
Tiger ’s cheers and jeers for the month of November. BOOS
BRAVOS
BOO to the presidential election. If it hasn’t given you a heart attack yet, at least Gary Johnson can pretend to have one for you.
BRAVO to the San Marino pep squad for helping promote an actress of color. We can bash your diction choices and sportsmanship, but we can never question your dedication to diversity.
“BOO” –Ghosts BOO to the Monterey Road construction. If only the sign saying “School Ahead, Go Slow” meant you could be late to class... BOO to the student body for blatantly ignoring Homecoming dressup week. Way to stick it to the man!
BRAVO to the band and color guard. The halftime show was great. Seriously. BRAVO to the DJ at the Homecoming dance. It was great to experience a commentary track of Top 40 songs from 2012.
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TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
OPINION
Pro/Con: MEASURE SP Measure SP is a citywide bond measure to renovate and upgrade South Pasadena Unified School District facilities. The tax will add $60 for every $100,000 to homeowners’ income taxes. The bond dedicates funding to replacing deteriorated roofs, removing asbestos and lead paint, and improving technology and visual/performing arts resources.
+ Strengthening schools STORY COLE CAHILL ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS The fact that the number of yard signs supporting Bond Measure SP rivals those for presidential candidates shows how important the issue is to South Pasadena residents. And for good reason: its passage secures the means for South Pasadena Unified School District to be a highly ranked school district with adequate structures and ample student resources. Local bond measures like Measure SP are absolutely necessary for the district to remain well-funded. As a high performing school district, SPUSD is ineligible for a grant from The State of California, so the city of South Pasadena must raise local taxes to fund important projects. At surface level, our schools may seem physically adequate, but many buildings and resources are far from sufficient and in serious need of improvement. A district commissioned study by an independent architectural firm determined a need to replace roofs, rusted plumbing, and faulty electrical and air conditioning systems. The physical safety of schools was also found to be inadequate: hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint must be removed from some older school buildings, and others need to be retrofitted so
– Pushing out “SP” residents South Pasadena residents are privileged to have access to excellent public schools. Yet for many families, staying in town for great schools can cost too much. The higher taxes Measure SP imposes on the residents of South Pasadena is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the finances of the many lower income families. The priority of South Pasadena schools should be to improve academics, not aesthetic appearance. For many residents, this additional tax in an already expensive area may push cost of living past a feasible level. South Pasadena has an economically diverse population, with approximately 53% of residents renting their homes, according to the 2010 United States Census. Many students can only afford to attend schools within the South Pasadena Unified School District because of lower rent housing options. The suggested tax will eventually raise the rent for tenants and force many families to leave. This excessive tax from Measure SP calls for an unnecessary amount of money. South Pasadena already has a staggering amount of taxes going towards schools. A similar act, Measure M, was passed in 2002 to total $29 million by 2032. Millions were spent from this budget to beautify the middle school’s campus and add a completely new gym. Now
the question must be asked: where will the money from a comparable measure really be going? Measure SP uses the pretense of upgrading facilities “to support student achievement” or to make the appearance of buildings fit school academics. But the money from Measure SP will go directly towards South Pasadena schools to fix historic buildings, improve already ample technology, and even install better wifi. South Pasadena high school doesn’t need “science labs to match the curriculum,” we need a better curriculum. Our schools need updated textbooks and programs that can advance the learning process for students. The obstacles that South Pas faces are truly a deficit in program material and promotion rather than a lack of facilities. The availability of more affordable housing is what sets South Pasadena schools apart from more homogenous high performing districts. The higher taxation resulting from Measure SP could raise the already high cost of living in our city. Improving upon already sufficient buildings is not worth driving out struggling residents, especially when the emphasis needs to be placed on bettering education, rather than surfacelevel beautification.
they are earthquake safe. When imposing an additional tax, it is important to recognize that not all South Pasadena residents are as affluent as the city’s reputation might suggest: 20% of SPHS students are classified as financially disadvantaged. The worry that this parcel tax could raise an already high cost of living is a legitimate one. However, Measure SP will have little effect on the vast majority of South Pasadena residents. The tax will add $60 per $100,000 to annual income tax for homeowners with the potential to lower over time. It is in the best interest of South Pasadena homeowners to invest slightly more in their schools to raise property values and ensure a high quality education for their children. The funding improvements Measure SP proposes are crucial for the livelihood of our schools. SPEF alone cannot raise the necessary $98 million while still providing their normal services, and the State of California cannot give SPUSD a grant. Measure SP is an efficient, responsible method to provide our schools with the basic improvements students and teachers deserve.
STORY ELIZABETH BOCK ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
OPINION
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HUMAN ASPECT, Letter to the Editor: THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED SUBMITTED BY SHANE YOUNG ILLUSTRATION ANGELICA NAVARRO Journalists are, in the simplest terms, story hunters. But when a journalist pursues a story, should there be a thought to how the story will affect all parties involved? The May 3, 2016 issue of Tiger Newspaper covered a lawsuit against the school district. The lawsuit concerned a former coach touching a student athlete inappropriately and how the administration did not protect its students. In the issue of the newspaper there was a large center spread with the coach and administrators broadcasted to the student body. Tiger did not only open old wounds for the plaintiffs but the community is small, only 3.5 miles, so the chances of the coach having family in the school is high. Putting the coach, who was already accused and tried in Tiger with information, albeit wrong, can affect not only the
plaintiff but also the accused’s family. The family of the accused opened the paper to find the picture of the coach in his work uniform and “facts” of the coach. The accused coach was said to be in the Navy when he did not serve. The information previously had come from a blog made as a joke by some former athletes. News today does not take into account the human aspect of every story. Stories always have two sides, and to be a good journalist, one has to hunt down the facts and cross reference to be sure of the truth. After all the research, they must make a moral judgement on how to continue with the story. The journalist should think of all the people to be affected by the story, but many do not and wave it off as a part of the job to put out information.
The issue is not the fact that Tiger published information about the coach or the administration; it is one thing journalists must consider: the collateral damage. Every story has two sides and most often times more than one victim. One untruth can affect another person’s life. Words are important to how the reader receives the facts.
Tiger accepts and publishes letters to the editor critiquing, supporting, or responding to articles from previous issues. Letters can be submitted in Room 615 or at contact@tigernewspaper.com.
Supportive groups serve everyone STORY ISABEL BARBERA ILLUSTRATION ISABELLA FRESCURA Every Friday the Peer Mediators hold an open community circle in the library projection room. A group of 10-20 students usually show up, and for an hour during seventh period the space is transformed into a small, friendly community of potential strangers. They pass a talking piece around the circle and answer questions about their weeks, values, struggles, and successes. Sometimes somebody cries, and almost always everyone laughs. Most Fridays I, like most students, leave campus as quickly as possible. The end of the week signals freedom and the opportunity to focus on something other than academics for a few days. But two Fridays ago I strayed from my routine and on a whim decided to attend that week’s community circle. This was a big deal for me, because I’ve always had a pretty strong aversion to most of what the Peer Mediators do. That’s not to say I condemn their organization in the slightest; in fact, as someone who frequently comments on the dire need for mental health recognition, I am all for their existence. I can objectively recognize how important and cool their programs and practices are—for other people.
I don’t think I’m alone in this mindset. While the Mediators have had significant turnouts at events, much of the student body is still averse to participation. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding seeking mental health help has yet to dissipate, and can even affect those who are hyper-aware of the problem, like myself. This issue is heightened in the context of school, and at the prospect of talking about anything remotely personal in front of one’s peers. To make matters worse, there is still something distinctly “uncool” about spending an hour after school on a Friday discussing what’s going on in your head. But at the end of the day, the Peer Mediators are a resource for every SPHS student, and taking advantage of something we’re so lucky to have is not only smart, but easy. While I don’t have experience with many other Peer Mediator events, the community circle I participated in was not only incredibly cathartic, but also not intimidating in the least. It may still be “uncool” and initially uncomfortable, but the Peer Mediators offer our community something that most lack: accessible relief for the stress that all high schoolers face, and a group of people who genuinely want to hear what you have to say.
THE ROAD LESS FRAZZLED | OLIVIA NOURIANI
Dissecting the makings of a Good Person A fundamental part of the human experience is navigating how to be a good person and how not to be a bad one. In my experience with existential crises, it is the first thing that crosses my mind—how not good enough I am. In this exploration of what makes a Good Person, we tend to think of people who put others first. We think of people who make sacrifices, who put lots of time and energy into making the world a better place. And, usually, we think of people who think of themselves rarely. All of this we have built into an abstract concept of selflessness. Our measure of selflessness is where we find satisfaction; some of us get it from validation, or money, or good grades, or watching other people find joy. None of this is selflessness in it’s rawest form; we have just assigned value to people based on how selfless their selfishness is. Given that there is no such thing as real selflessness—we all are just doing what fulfills us—what makes you “good” is how far away you can remove your happiness
from yourself. This concept is everywhere—people aren’t supposed to think about themselves, care about themselves, love themselves. The “best people” are humble and sacrificial—often to the point of self-loathing and self-sabotage. And this makes sense. Helping others, helping our local and global communities, is positive—that is how we make a positive impact. That is what legacy is; the mark we make. But the logic that the less we care about ourselves the better we are is flawed. The most sustainable global impact can only be made by a group of healthy, happy individuals. A world of martyrs doesn’t do anyone any good. So maybe we don’t have to fight every fight, maybe we don’t have to give everything up for the greater good. If you can’t prioritize yourself and still be a good person, then maybe being a good person isn’t that important.
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TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
SPHS STUDENTS ON POLITICS
hy do you like Hillary Clinton as a presidential candidate?
I think she’s continuously proved herself in the political sphere for a very long time. She’s been in the public eye for over 40 years, and she’s the most experienced and qualified candidate there’s possibly ever been in the history of America. Presidents will usually serve one term as senator, or be in academia, and then become president [without having] held as many positions as she has. She has an incredible amount of experience.
also play a big part in the next eight years, because there are a lot of issues in the Middle East and Russia right now. We have to have someone who is steady and proven.
How do you feel about Hillary Clinton’s email controversy? You have to remember that there was no law [against private servers] before she used her private email server for her communication as Secretary of State. As it says in the Constitution, you cannot make a law after an event and try to punish someone for it. There was actually precedent for people in her own position and other people in the government using a private email server, like Dick Cheney and the previous three Secretaries of State who used a private email server, so she was really following in their footsteps in that position. With the FBI investigation, what came out was that the emails were not necessarily sent from Clinton, but from the people who worked for her. There may have been sensitive information within the chain of emails, and it did not necessarily say “confidential” in the subject line. It may have been careless on her staff’s part, but they’re not necessarily from Hillary herself.
How did you feel about Hillary Clinton vs. Bernie Sanders? I think Bernie’s run was really good, because it pushed Hillary to be more specific in her primary policies, [which] is good for people who maybe weren’t clear on her policies. The primary election was very policy driven. I never thought Bernie had a chance and I was never a supporter of his, but I think his noise was important.
What do you dislike about Donald Trump? I dislike his entire being. He’s a disgusting person in general, and if you look at his policies they just don’t make sense. When he speaks about them he just says “I’m right, I will put the best people that we have in charge of these things and everything will be great.” His economic plan will collapse the economy; you can’t tax everyone 15% and enact more government programs. He hasn’t released his tax returns, and back in the 90s he claimed an 18 million dollar [sic] that would allow him to not pay taxes for the next twenty or so years. I assume he didn’t release his tax returns because he didn’t pay taxes. You can’t be against the government and try to become the president.
You can’t be against the government and “have try to become the president. . . we have to someone who is steady and proven. ”
How do you feel about allegations that Hillary Clinton is corrupt, has inside interests, or is not transparent? Whenever you talk to someone about their political beliefs, one of the first things they say is “I can’t support her; she’s so corrupt.” The trick is to ask them why—why do they think that? And generally, they won’t have a response. People’s general assumption that she’s corrupt usually is not based in fact, it’s just from what they’ve heard. People generally don’t have a backup; they don’t know why they think that, they just think that.
What would you say to an undecided voter?
What do you foresee in a Clinton presidency?
I think her presidency will be a continuation of where Obama has been trying to go, but has been limited by a republican congress. Hopefully one of the houses will flip and she’ll be able to continue what he’s trying to do with health care and expanding rights for all Americans. Foreign policy will
First, I’d ask about their social beliefs. A big part of this election is where this country is going to go—so where they think transgender rights should be going, or where they think immigration should be going. After that, think about if they could really vote for someone who said this and that about women, this and that about veterans, who is generally hated by many of his billionaire colleagues. I’d hone in on why they think they can’t vote for Hillary, and it’s probably something along the lines of “I just don’t like her,” and they might realize that they’re wrong.
Tiger spoke with two anonymous SPHS students on their views on the major presidential candidates—one who supports Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and another who supports Republican nominee Donald Trump. Both have been vocal in their support for their respective candidate, but neither are of voting age. We asked the students about candidates policies, actions, and predictions of their presidencies.
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hy do you support Donald Trump?
has already gone into detail a couple times about how he is going to renegotiate NAFTA, which is a plan that is bringing down our economy. Additionally, illegal immigrants are burning up $100 billion tax dollars in the house already, and Trump will change that. If we cut the benefits for illegal immigrants, cut foreign aid, renegotiate NAFTA, and lower the tax rate for the middle class and small businesses, America will be great, and our economy will be stronger.
Donald Trump’s campaign was self-funded. He doesn’t owe anyone political favors, whereas about 90% of Hillary Clinton’s political campaign was funded by super PACs, Wall Street, and the top 1%. Let’s not look at Donald Trump, but his opponent––a candidate who is under investigation by the FBI, is potentially a criminal, and puts our national security at risk. If she is elected as the President., America will be in trouble. We will not have a secure border, illegal immigrants will pour into our country, and the economy will be destroyed. She will not just encourage an increase in illegal immigrants who don’t pay taxes, but will encourage Wall Street to not pay their taxes. She has failed as Secretary of State; when she was in office, her department lost $6 billion. Although Trump declared bankruptcy six times, today he oversees very successful real estate agencies throughout the United States. Beyond that, I support some of his ideas, such as deporting illegal immigrants. A wall, to me, sounds a bit unrealistic, but it’s good that he is going to secure our border.
Trump has taken a strong stance on political correctness. How do you feel about political correctness? My parents immigrated to the U.S. I stayed in China for 9 years. I lived in a country filled with big government and political correctness. The same has been true here under the Obama administration. Political correctness might work in countries like Canada and European countries. We are the United States, we have different cultures and backgrounds, so political correctness doesn’t really work for us.
A lot of what you just described was more antiHillary than pro-Trump. How do you feel about third party candidates like Gary Johnson?
How do you feel about the sexual assault allegations and tapes released? Donald Trump is a businessman, and even two years ago he probably didn’t know he’d be running for president. Those tapes were recorded 11 years ago. Are people going to focus on what Trump said 11 years ago and choose to ignore Hillary Clinton’s actions? Besides, Hillary has said some really nasty things in her emails. One of her staff members called Christians and Catholics the backwards force of this country. Those are very demeaning words. Trump may have said something not nice 11 years ago, but that wouldn’t affect my vote for him. [Regarding the assault allegations,] I don’t think there is enough proof that these women were assaulted by Trump. Why would they come out two years after they were sexually assaulted, during the election year? That is concerning to me.
I don’t agree with most of Gary Johnson’s plans for America, and I think [he] lacks the ideas and the true details about how to make this country great. Also, if you are voting for a third party candidate, you are essentially throwing your vote away. Johnson has been predicted to earn only 5% of the votes, so even if you do vote for him, what’s the point?
we cut benefits for illegal immigrants, “ Iflower cut foreign aid, renegotiate NAFTA, and the tax rate for the middle class
and small businesses, America will be great, and our economy will be stronger.
”
What would you tell an undecided voter? Look at America today. We can’t afford a third Obama presidency. I believe Hillary Clinton is a hypocrite. In her own foundation, where she controls everything, she pays men 28% more than women. If you decide to vote third party, you are throwing away your vote. Why not try something new? I can’t be sure what Trump will do as president, but I am sure that America can’t afford a third Obama presidency.
You said that Johnson’s plan lacks details. What specific details of Trump’s plans do you like? Donald Trump explains how he will strengthen our economy by lowering taxes on the middle class, strengthening the core of this country. He
Tiger Newspaper administered a 2016 election poll to all SPHS students during fourth period classes last week. Students were asked to select their favorite presidential candidate, their choices being Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Jill Stein, and Gary Johnson. The many abstentions and write-in responses Tiger received were not tallied or included in the results. Responses from 1059 students COMPRISED these results.
66.0%
11.1%
HILLARY CLINTON
DONALD TRUMP
12.5%
JILL STEIN
GARY JOHNSON
10.4%
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FEATURE
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
SANFORD’S OVERTLY ORDINARY DINNER PARTY SANDY GROSSMAN
Over The Garden Wall: a wonderfully terrifying journey
BEHIND THE SCENES of the Fall play, senior Matias Geiberger and junior Morgan Bevard run lines and blocking in preparation for the show.
SPHS drama department presents Our Town CAST OF OUR TOWN Anders Keith..............................Stage Manager Alana Carmona/Rachel Lu.............Emily Webb
Andres Oyaga.....................................Mr. Webb Miles Mendoza...............................Wally Webb Morgan Bevard.................................Mrs. Gibbs
Jackson Monical............................George Gibbs
Matias Geiberger................................Mr. Gibbs
Lindsay Calva....................................Mrs. Webb
Lucy Eller....................................Rebecca Gibbs
STORY LUKE QUEZADA PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA In the small town of Grover’s Corners, a group of teenagers learn about life, love and death in this fall’s production of Thornton Wilder’s classic play Our Town. Our Town focuses on a group of teenagers living in New Hampshire in 1938. The play tells the story of George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose love story spans throughout the play. Told throughout the course of several years, the story showcases key moments from their first encounters to their marriage and the rest of their lives together. However, Our Town is more than just a love story, it serves to explore the themes of life, love and death while showcasing a unique narrative style. George Gibbs will be portrayed by freshman Jackson Monical and the role of his love interest, Emily Webb, has been double cast, meaning that sophomore Rachel Lu and senior Alana Carmona will both be starring as Emily on separate nights. Junior Anders Keith will play the stage manager. The manager stages a play put on by the characters inside
Out & About: EVENTS Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will be speaking at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena on November 29. Sanders will be discussing his book, Our Revolution. The event, hosted by Vroman’s bookstore, is already sold out, but fans of the politician can head to Pasadena for a glimpse of Sanders.
the play. Throughout the story, the manager serves as the narrator. Guiding the audience through the story, he frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly. The costumes will reflect the setting, displaying styles curated by senior Paloma Strong that reflect the aesthetic of the 1930s. In addition, the play’s limited sets and basic props serve to cultivate the messages that it contains. Our Town traditionally uses a very minimalistic style, heavily drawing on pantomimes and the imagination of the audience to fill in blanks in the background. This style will be capitalized on by senior stage manager Cynthia Warren. “It’s a universal story about life, love and death. It should be able to be told with any set,” director Mr. Daniel Enright said. Tickets will be on sale for $12 in November and the show will run on the weekends of December 2-4 and December 9-10. Until then, the cast will continue to diligently prepare. Rehearsals are being held from 3:00 to 4:30 every day which will continue until the performance.
Over the Garden Wall is the best hour and a half of television I have ever watched. And that is quite impressive, as I have watched a lot of television. I am, of course, not alone in my adoration for this show. The animated 10 episode miniseries, which aired on Cartoon Network in September of 2013, was well-received by critics and audiences at the time, garnering nearly universal acclaim for its moody autumnal color palette and incredible artwork, despite the fact it was geared largely to kids. But the show’s visual merit is not, to me, what sets it apart. It is the horror in Over the Garden Wall that truly makes it such a wholly unique children’s program. The show chronicles the adventures of two young boys, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a mysterious wood dubbed the Unknown. On their journey home, they stumble upon odd and often unsettling sights, many of which scared even me, a newly anointed adult. That is a commendable quality, for at its heart, the series is about facing the things that go bump in the night, the monsters that lurk amongst the trees, and emerging victorious. As the name of the setting suggests, the protagonist’s journey is about coming to terms with the often horrifying unknown. The show’s ability and willingness to strike fear into the hearts of its audience is what makes this central theme so compelling. The audience is scared of the unknown in the same way the heroes are so, when the Wirt and Greg finally come to terms with it, we feel the relief right along with them. This may seem obvious, as a similar building and release of dread is what drives so many horror stories, but it can not be forgotten that Over the Garden Wall is aimed primarily at the Saturday morning cartoon watcher. Today, it seems that horror is marketed exclusively to thrill seekers or curious teenagers and, more often than not, it is assumed that kids shows will be tame, inoffensive affairs, completely devoid of it. However, having recently completed childhood myself, I will confirm that children want to be scared. I know I certainly did. And yes, while taking a nine-year old to a showing of the latest Saw movie may not be the wisest idea, a more mild encounter with the horrific things that are usually reserved for older audiences is appreciated, as children’s’ shows so often coddle their audience. And Over the Garden Wall provides just that: a terrifying journey anyone can enjoy.
Tiger’s take on local eats and activities. Take one of our suggestions for a weekend adventure. STORY FAYE WITHERALL
EATS Nicole’s Gourmet Market & Cafe, tucked behind Bistro de la Gare on Meridian, features fancy French food and great desserts. Order a rich sandwich and then grab a decadent Crème Brûlée to go.
GOOD TUNES Glass Animals’ debut album, Zaba, features a blend of electronic and soft indie elements to create a stellar album. Their most popular song, “Gooey,” propels Zaba, creating a multifaceted listen.
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
FEATURE
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Personality Profiles:
From analysts to artists, Tiger showcases an array of SPHS’s finest
ISAAC CHEONG Perfectly balancing music and mathematics STORY AMELIA ANTHONY PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA
Senior Isaac Cheong spent countless hours this past summer pouring over math problems and crafting practice tests and quizzes. Once a week, he met with half a dozen students who were all entering the notorious AP Calculus BC class. His personal summer course was rigorously paced, but he continuously offered encouragement to his pupils, who looked forward to his “cookie problems” in which the first person to solve the equation was rewarded with a cookie. Cheong began helping a small group of students in biology during his freshman year. Now, he has refined his talent and passion for helping others to near-perfection. Mrs. Moonesinghe explains how he is keen at diagnosing mistakes, a skill vital to and apparent within his work teaching students. Cheong can be consistently spotted in Mrs. Moonesinghe’s room during lunch and after school, helping kids from Math I+ to Calc BC. Cheong’s ability to spark enthusiasm for math within other students reveals his deep-set passion for the subject. He insists that his classmates are much better at math than he is—however no one has quite the finesse for selecting and solving hard problems like Cheong. He regularly seeks out problems from Korean textbooks, which sometimes offer a different, more challenging way of applying calculus. Cheong favors and excels in biology, chemistry, and math. Ever since grade school in Korea, Cheong has been less fond of the humanities. This distaste intensified with the difficult transition to South Pasadena in May 2010 as an ELD student. He spoke little English and naturally gravitated towards STEM, subjects with a “universal language” and concrete answers. A perhaps lesser-known side of Cheong is his endearing aptitude for song and performance. He is currently in his fourth year of choir at SPHS, with 5 performances, including the national anthem at the homecoming assembly, under his belt. Cheong’s favorite choir song is “Baba Yetu,” a Swahili version of the Lord’s Prayer. “There are two things that refuel me,” Cheong said. “Singing and calculus. Those are my hobbies. I like singing because I get to show myself to others and it really gets rid of my stress. [In Calculus BC,] I learned that failure is not a big deal. Who cares about grades? School is learning, experiences, and challenges. My life changed from totally academic to more focused on experiences.”
MASTERFUL VOCALS grace the SPHS auditorium as senior Isaac Cheong performs the National Anthem at the Homecoming Assembly.
In the future, Cheong looks towards college and expanding his depth of knowledge, likely in the STEM field.
MADDIE CORDON STORY FAYE WITHERALL PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA Senior Maddie Cordon’s eclectic outfits, some handmade, all thrifted, represent her personality: they’re multifaceted and trendy. Cordon treats her fashion like an art form, often hunting for and tailoring Goodwill finds to match a specific image in her mind. She dons these outfits at music festivals, under the Tiger mascot costume, or at her part-time nanny job, expressing her individuality. “I’m not sure if I have a fashion sense,” Cordon said. “I tend to lean towards darker hues, but I also love throwing in some red and some sparkles. I like to make my own outfits—I’ve made some cute pieces from old skirts. I stumble across these pieces a lot just randomly, and I like to create a full outfit out of them.” The self-dubbed “social butterfly” finds beauty in unifying disparate parts. Whether she’s piecing together a skirt, top, and choker combination, or developing friendships with strangers at music festivals, Cordon strives for connectedness. “I really love festivals; it’s a place where everyone is connected because we’re all listening to the exact same music,” Cordon said. “It’s somewhere I really feel comfortable and safe, in a sense. I go with my friends, and I end up making so many new ones. It’s the best experience.” Cordon’s room is decorated with the evidence of those connections. She has wrist bands taped to her door from every concert she’s attended. Framed on the adjacent wall are her drawings
of delicate lines that blend to form figures. The spaces between these are filled with pictures of her friends. “I really like taking pictures. I mostly just take them for myself; I don’t really show a lot of people my photographs,” Cordon said. “But I love capturing people in moments that they wouldn’t expect, it turns out so beautifully. When you take a picture of a moment, you’re memorializing the whole experience.” Outside of her art, Cordon also participates in cheer. She has been a member of South Pasadena High School’s pep squad since ninth grade. Starting off in Victory Cheer, Cordon has mastered every position—from flier to base. This year, Cordon dons the Tiger mascot uniform, adding another position to her repertoire. When looking to her future, Cordon is unsure of what she’d like to pursue. But she is certain that her life will be filled with many Goodwill runs, music festivals, and moments waiting to be commemorated on her wall.
“Festivals are a place where everyone is connected because we’re all listening to the exact same music. It’s somewhere I really feel comfortable and safe, in a sense.”
A TRUE PERFORMER Senior Maddie Cordon is comfortable in front of the camera and cheering on stage.
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TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
FEATURE
Doctor Strange enchants Marvel DOCTOR STRANGE drector
Scott Derrickson
genre
Action/Adventure
rating
PG-13
run time
1 hr 55 mins
Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson, is yet another example of the excellence which we have come to expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a visually captivating and witty film that demands to be watched in a theater, whether you’re a fan of the comics or the movies. The film tells the story of Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant but egotistical neurosurgeon whose life collapses after he is involved in a near fatal car crash that destroys the tendons in his hands. After a series of failed experimental surgeries, Strange resorts to a more spiritual alternative, and uses the remainder of his money to fly to Nepal in search of a place of mystic healing known as Kamar-Taj. After being inducted into the temple as a sorcerer, Strange must stop a potentially world-ending catastrophe initiated by the corrupted magician Kaecillius. Doctor Strange forgoes a complex plot in favor of a more character-centric story. With a cast lineup featuring such heavyweight actors as Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, and Chiwetel
STORY DASHIEL BOVE ILLUSTRATION ASHTON CARLESS
Ejiofor, the film’s excellent script and characters easily carry the piece. The best among them is Cumberbatch, who portrays Doctor Strange in a way that is both entertaining to the viewer and faithful to the comic original, embracing the smugness and intelligence that make him unique among Marvel heroes. Doctor Strange also manages to conjure up some of the most unique fight sequences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with an entire battle taking place in an Inception-esque mirror world that is constantly folding in and around itself. The fight scenes are further assisted by excellent computer and practical effects, adding even more layers to the combat. While this film mimics its Marvel brethren with great writing and characters, it is plagued by the same pervasive issues as its cohorts. The flaws of Doctor Strange lie with its villain: the evil sorcerer Kaecillius (Mads Mikkelsen). This character should be intimidating and threatening, but is instead generic and uninteresting. What is perhaps most painful about the lack of an intriguing villain is that Kaecillius had the potential to be an engaging antagonist. He has brief flashes of character development, implying that he was driven to villainy by his former master, but nothing beyond that. Despite this, Doctor Strange is an excellent movie that serves as a great example of what makes superhero movies great. With snappy and funny writing and characters, Doctor Strange is certainly a must see for any fan of Marvel movies or action movies in general.
Two Kids Coffee is a product of passion STORY RACHEL LU PHOTOGRAPH LUKE QUEZADA Mission Street is home to many of the core shops in South Pasadena which lend the city its picturesque small-town charm. The newly opened Two Kids Coffee is a complementary addition to the scene with a modern twist, and is sure to become a new neighborhood favorite. The shop features a simple menu of espresso-based drinks like macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Pour-over coffee drinks are freshly brewed with beans from LA/Brooklynbased micro roasters, and are topped with just the right ratio of espresso to milk and
sweetness. The menu also includes other coffee shop staples such as cold brew and chai. Despite a classic menu, Two Kids Coffee goes beyond the ambience of the conventional coffee shop. Customers walking in are immediately invited into a minimalistic and artistically designed space which also functions as the Laurie Hendricks Gallery. The drinks are made and served along a sleek coffee bar against a wall-covering mural. The overall layout allows visitors to enjoy the eye-catching backdrop as well as gallery artworks while waiting for their order. Two Kids Coffee’s functional setting and overall contemporary feel are the result of professional insight and passion. Owners Ryan Ramirez and Danah Mangahis met seven years ago at the USC School of Architecture. They soon discovered their families had grown up in the same neighborhood of the Philippines and a mutual love of coffee, company, and community. “We’re [all] about creating environments for people to enjoy, and we value the craft that goes into making it all happen, from making coffee to the conversations it instigates,” Ramirez and Mangahis mentioned on the Two Kids website. Ramirez and Mangahis started their idea for the home-inspired coffee shop as a campaign on Kickstarter. They created a video explaining their goal to create a comfortable environment for conversations over coffee. Since then, over 100 people have backed the campaign’s original goal of $28,000, making Two Kids Coffee a reality in South Pasadena as of late August. “The great thing about moving into South Pasadena specifically is that businesses on our block are all about welcoming each other into it and giving the [area] itself an identity,” Mangahis said. “That support from our neighbors has been part of the smalltown environment we wanted to plug into.”
A CONTEMPORARY TAKE on the traditional coffee shop can be found at the newest addition to the Mission Street scene: Two Kids Coffee.
Currently, Two Kids is open everyday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding Wednesdays. And though the physical shop has been open a little over two months time, Two Kids Coffee has reached many aspects of its original goal.
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
FEATURE
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TAAGLAA: Neon Retro Arcade TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA A BYGONE ERA is recaptured at this quaint Old Town establishment.
STORY ISABELLA TSAI PHOTOGRAPHS KEVIN HUANG GRAPHIC TRUMAN LESAK After years of hearing about her dad’s glory days as a champion Q*bert player, Elizabeth Bock was determined to continue his videogaming legacy. So when she heard about the Neon Retro Arcade, she immediately recruited me to help beat her father’s highscores. We were excited to see what the 1980’s hype was about and experience the glory of a bygone decade. At first glance, the arcade’s exterior blends in with the modern buildings of Old Town, making it fairly unnoticeable except for a lone neon sign hanging in the window. As soon as we entered, however, the rows of old school video games were an instant blast to the past. We felt like we were in Back to the Future as we walked among the enormous machines, synths blaring in the background. The facility brought a modern touch by displaying ductwork and an exposed brick wall. The dimmed room was only illuminated by neon lights that cast rainbow shades across the floor.
A friendly ticketmaster greeted us with a smile and we proceeded to buy tickets: ten dollars for an hour of unlimited access to games. The pricing was reasonable and there was no hassle with coins. We were given stickers with our exit time and were free to try any one of the 50+ games that lined the walls. We had both heard about the amazing retro games of the 80’s from our parents. They lamented the fall of Frogger, Dig Dug, Tempest, and other popular arcade games, all of which we knew nothing about. The only names we recognized were those featured in Wreck-It Ralph. Feeling lost in the rows of brightly lit arcade game monitors, I headed for the first game I saw: Tapper. At first, I had a hard time keeping up with the steady flow of digital customers waiting to be served root beer. But with practice, my reflexes got faster and I began a slow ascent up the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Elizabeth struggled with the joystick of Q*bert, desperately trying not to jump off the digital game board. She reached level three before giving up and joining me in Area 51 Maximum Force. Our arms ached as we continuously shot zombies and aliens chasing and throwing hazardous waste at us.
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U S SI TO G M N N S A M C EB U G A ST LA O SS DG M ES & ET CR SH CH YS A I N TA L D G O W BO XE S
GAMERS OF ALL AGES take advantage of vintage pinball machines and cabinets at the Neon Retro Arcade.
WWW .FOOTHILLTROPHY. COM
We visited the arcade on a Tuesday after school, and were surprised by the number and variety of patrons crowding around the machines. At times we were intimidated by some of the others, watching in awe as the more serious gamers set high scores. However, the arcade still welcomed us newbies and provided an entertaining introduction to video games in their oldest form.
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TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
SPORTS
Girls’ golf finishes season undefeated STORY LUKE QUEZADA The girls’ golf team had a historic run this year as the squad was able to break the program’s all-time stroke record on several occasions. The season officially concluded on Monday, October 24, following the end of co-captain senior Caitlyn Yamashita’s CIF run into the third round. Yamashita’s success was expected due to the team’s season-long winning streak. The girls finished their run with a perfect 13-0 record; a combination of diligent practice and determination kept the team on track throughout their season. In the Tigers’ September 13 game against Rowland High School, the girls squeezed out a close victory, beating the Raiders by only one stroke in a 248-249 finish. At that point, the Tigers displayed the depth of their team, pulling off a victory even in the absence of two key members of the squad: freshman Lindsay Biggar and Yamashita. When the Tigers once again faced off against the Raiders they dominated, breaking their all-time stroke record with a 192-214 victory. The remainder of the season was uneventful with repeated victories at each match. The girls never lost control of a game, breezing past opponents with large margins. By the end of the season, South Pas had exceeded its previous stroke record three times, claiming six victories with a 50 plus shot deficit. In prelims, the Tigers were just as impressive, with Yamashita claiming first in the Montview League and earning the title of league MVP. Freshman Victoria Tsyviti was close behind, earning another first team selection and placing in the top seven. Junior Nicole Srisutham and co-captain senior Emily Swanson also played remarkably, with Srisutham placing eighth overall and Swanson placing ninth. “I am happy to be the Most Valuable Player in the Montview League, but I was hoping to advance further into the individual championship,” Yamashita said. “However, this year was definitely memorable because I also had the once in a lifetime opportunity to play in a Pro-Am tournament. Overall, I really enjoyed my final season of high school golf.”
SENIOR JALEN ROSS eyes a hole in the Monrovia defense to garner a first down.
Football to play in CIF despite loss to Monrovia STORY RYAN NAKAMURA PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ The football team capped off a turbulent season with a 3-2 record in a loss to Monrovia High School. The Tigers fell 46-16 on Friday, November 4 in the team’s Homecoming game. Despite the loss, South Pas was able to tie for second place in league play, which was enough to earn a CIF berth.
half. Quirk reached the 18 yard line and Ross ran short at the three yard line, resulting in a field goal. The Wildcats continued to hammer away at the South Pas defense throughout the night, scoring an additional four touchdowns before the half ended at a score of 39-3.
The Wildcats took over the field in their first possession of the ball, scoring with a combined running and passing game in less than ten plays. Monrovia continued to wreak havoc on the Tigers’ defense, scoring another touchdown in the next possession with more quality play execution.
Heading into the second half, the Tigers answered back early in the quarter when senior quarterback Adam Arellano connected with Ross for a 30 yard touchdown to get South Pas into the end zone. The Tigers’ second touchdown of the night came from junior receiver Sidney Luna-Long, who threw a pass that was received by Ross. This would be South Pas’ final significant offensive run, with the game ending at a score of 46-16.
Although powerhouse seniors Ben Quirk and Jalen Ross helped funnel the Tigers’ offense down the field, neither could reach the end zone in the first
South Pas will advance to round one of CIF on Friday, November 11, away, against the Aquinas Falcons, in the team’s second consecutive playoff debut.
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
SPORTS
Player Profiles: COBY PINEDA
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Outstanding SPHS athletes exemplify the best of South Pasadena
STORY RYAN NAKAMURA PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ
The silent backbone of the Tiger offensive line At first glance, football co-captain senior Coby Pineda seems like a quiet, soft-spoken student. His reserved demeanor, however, belies an intensity for the sport. “[Coby] is very humble and always does what he has to do,” senior co-captain Adam Arellano said. “He’s the captain and the backbone of the offensive line and he’s probably my favorite lineman out there.” The 5’8” captain began playing football as a freshman after his friends convinced him to try out. Now a twoyear starting center for the Tigers, Pineda helped South Pas achieve last year’s playoff berth, their first in over a decade, and received a First Team All League Honor in the process. The 8-3 record the team had last season was its best in over a decade and yet again, Pineda has spearheaded the Tigers’ efforts to make it to the playoffs for the second year in a row.
“I think football is a really interesting sport because it has helped me meet a bunch of new people and have new experiences I wouldn’t have anywhere else,” Pineda said. “Everyone always has your back no matter what happens on or off the field.” Pineda has also participated in various other sports around campus, playing badminton and throwing shot put in spring track. While he is constantly busy with some physical activity, Pineda still finds time to admire other athletes. On Sundays, the lineman can be found watching his favorite player, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Pineda has spent the past four years on the field. Now, he hopes to carry over his love for sports to his dream school, the University of Southern California, and learn more about the field of sports medicine.
SENIOR COBY PINEDA spends his Friday nights taking hits for the quarterback as a crucial lineman.
RACHELLE JIN
JUNIOR RACHELLE JIN can be seen at all assemblies, performing for students as the captain of the Pep Flags team.
STORY DAVID SEO PHOTOGRAPH KEVIN HUANG
year, Jin has continued to uphold the pristine image of a beloved tradition.
There is a certain star quality that radiates from Pep Flags captain junior Rachelle Jin. With flags twirling to and fro, the squad performs intricate routines to upbeat music at student rallies. Even with the countless activities she juggles everyday, the junior never fails to apply her best effort to her sport.
“Rachelle is such an inspiration to me. I am always amazed by how much she does and how great she is at everything,” Flags teammate junior Isabella Alvarez said.
Originally, Jin joined Pep because she was drawn by the confidence and poise emanating from the team. As a freshman, she was on JV Pep, learning the basics of cheer performance. Within a rigorous environment consisting of daily morning practices, Jin honed her skills as a proficient cheerleader. When she learned that the Pep Flags program was to be cut before sophomore year, Jin was ready to step up to the task, saving a crucial cheer program. Having been a key member of Flags during its unsteady
Boys’water polo finishes at .500 STORY MATT WAKUMOTO PHOTOGRAPH THOMAS FORMAN
Her demanding work ethic is reflected inside and outside of training. Even after hours upon hours of intense practice, Jin can be found watching other team’s performances, always looking to perfect what she and her squad does. That same drive is applied to her multiple extracurriculars, including Virtual Business and Copa de Oro editorship. “I’ve learned how to be a true performer,” Jin said. “Despite the stigma and negativity surrounding ‘cheer’, I have learned how to pursue what I love without letting anything hinder my team or myself.”
ANALYZING THE FIELD Sophomore Phillip Lee prepares a shot on goal against Rio Hondo League rival, La Cañada.
Boys’ water polo concluded its season on Thursday, November 3, with a 12-3 win over Blair. While the season did not bear the League Championship that players and coaches had hoped for, it did provide a sense of closure for South Pas’ graduating players. They tied together their efforts to produce a 5-5 record and enjoyed one final season as a water polo family. The year centered around South Pas’ top tier offensive athletes and their search for retribution against San Marino. Despite showing glimpses of dominance, the team’s issues executing and maintaining effort ruined any chances of defending their 2015 league championship title. With more than half of the varsity team graduating, South Pasadena will have to rebuild the foundation of their team around younger players in 2017. Although the team had a 1-3 start to the season, South Pas’ 17-3 defeat of Blair gave the boys a renewed sense of confidence heading into their second match against San Marino. When the team entered San Marino’s pool a week later, it came with a strong passion to defeat its rival. Although the Tigers’ effort initially manifested as physical coverage and scrappy offense, it developed into a polished fast break and strong defense as the game progressed. The victory was perhaps South Pas’ most significant win of the season and served as long-awaited revenge for the team. While the team displayed an ability to compete in their
game against the Titans, it was not able to maintain that quality of play. After losing to both Temple City and La Cañada, the Tigers finished the season with another victory over Blair.
“My water polo team has been my family for the past six years,” senior Leo Sonner said. “We always stick up for each other in and out of the water, and I know that I can always talk to my team when things are down.”
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SPORTS
TIGER NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Cross Country defends league championship STORY MAYA WILLIAMSON PHOTOGRAPH HANA TYSZKA The cross country team dominated at the Rio Hondo League Finals last Thursday, November 3. The teams found prominent success, finishing first and second in their divisions. Varsity boys continued their winning streak with all of their runners placing in the top ten. Consistent leader senior Kieran Press-Reynolds became the league champion for the second year in a row as the only competitor to run the three-mile course in under 16 minutes. Junior Oliver Chang and senior Jaehyung Choi followed in second and third place, respectively.
THE LOYAL CORE rallies together in an attempt to shift the momentum away from Sage Hill and back to the Tigers. South Pasadena fell in three sets despite close play in the first two.
Girls’ volleyball falls in second round of CIF
Varsity girls placed second overall behind La Cañada after a tiebreaker with San Marino put them in the lead. The girls were led by junior Bailey Wu, who placed individually at seventh. She was soon followed by junior Maddy Engelsman in eighth and sophomore Elizabeth Bock in 11th. Sophomore Sarah Uriarte unfortunately dropped out mid-race due to an ailment. As league champions, the Tigers will move on to the CIF Preliminaries where they will compete against teams across Southern California on Saturday, November 12.
STORY RILEY SEGAL PHOTOGRAPH MATT SCHOLTZ An away defeat to Sage Hill in the second round of CIF marked the end of the girls’ volleyball team’s season. The Tigers won second place in Rio Hondo with a league record of 7-3 and overall record of 14-11, meeting the high expectations set following years of previous success. After a rough start to preseason, South Pas was able grow and connect as a team to find more consistency in its season. In the Tigers’ most recent loss, they fell to the Lightning in three sets with scores of 19-25, 23-25, and 17-25. While South Pas gave a tremendous effort and kept the first two sets even, the team began to struggle in the third. Seniors Molly Feldmeth and Kate Kutzer were the Tigers’ most powerful offensive assets, while senior Maddy Hirano was the South Pas backbone on defense. Juniors Harper Fox and Maddie Saito also had strong plays throughout the game. Before competing at Sage Hill, the Tigers bested Poly in the first round of CIF. The win was largely aided by the return of Kutzer to the front row, as she had primarily been setting and playing defensively after coming back from an injury. South Pas had previously fallen to the Panthers in three sets during preseason.
“I’m sad about the loss, but overall it was exciting to play such a challenging team and to see us rise to their level and finish out the season fighting our hardest,” Feldmeth said. At the beginning of the season, the Tigers struggled to play as a team and suffered several losses. Despite the rocky start, South Pas began to find its rhythm during league. The squad fell only to Monrovia and San Marino, though they did beat the Titans in the two teams’ first matchup. Feldmeth was easily recognizable as South Pas’ top offensive force throughout the season, consistently gathering a majority of the Tigers’ points. Saito also proved to be effective on offense, while Hirano was the key defensive player. Once Kutzer returned to the front row in CIF play, she also asserted herself as a dominant player as she had in previous seasons. Next year will be more challenging for South Pas, as the loss of four-year varsity members Feldmeth, Hirano, and Kutzer will force other players to fill their roles. “Our season has had its ups and downs, but overall I couldn’t have asked for a better senior year,” Hirano said.
SOPHOMORE ELIZABETH BOCK placed 11th to add to the team’s overall score and second place finish.
NOAH KNOWS | NOAH MIYAMAE
The Little Moments Most of my freshman year of baseball was not memorable. Specific stats like my batting average, strikeouts, and the team’s overall record have all faded from my mind over the past three years. While these tangible indicators of a successful season seemed to be the most important part of the experience at the time, the only lasting keepsake is the memories I made outside of games and competition. Looking back, it is apparent that victories are not the most important gauge of a meaningful season. I have a few distinct memories that hold a much bigger place in my head than the singular outcome of
any game. Some of my most vivid callbacks are of the days spent off from practice, fundraising door to door throughout South Pas and getting rejected 90 percent of the time. Even the grueling 6 a.m. workouts in the weight room and exhausting water tower runs are now fond memories. These awkward and exhausting experiences brought the team together and made me realize that the camaraderie between teammates is what truly makes the season worthwhile. These are some of my favorite memories from a less than perfect season. We had our fair share of wins and losses, but I can’t even recall something as
simple as our overall record. And yes, my stories are just a bunch of nonsense to many, but I am sure any athlete has their fair share of inside jokes and hilarious moments that will also end up eclipsing their actual record, good or bad. So maybe the bitter taste of an unsuccessful season will leave you with only bad memories. But I am an optimist, and if there is anything I have learned from being on a program that celebrates every win as though it was the clincher for the World Series, it is that sometimes the true joy of the season can be found in the little moments shared off the field.
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